OpenAI’s Exodus, the Rise of Palantir, and the Longshoremen’s Strike
Sep 30, 2024
50:17
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Scott, a tech valuation expert, shares his thoughts on the overhyped status of Palantir while advising its employees on stock options. Ed joins to discuss urgent matters like the DOJ's antitrust lawsuit against Visa and OpenAI's executive shakeup. The duo also highlights the potential fallout from the Longshoremen's strike, revealing how it could impact the U.S. economy. Their insights blend corporate dynamics with humor and urgency, tackling the evolving tech landscape and its economic ramifications.
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Quick takeaways
The DOJ's antitrust lawsuit against Visa signifies a critical shift towards greater corporate accountability in the financial services sector.
Palantir's significant stock surge amid AI demand raises concerns over its high valuation despite its strong positioning as a government contractor.
Deep dives
Innovative Sleep Technology
The introduction of the Pod4 Ultra from 8Sleep highlights advancements in sleep technology, allowing individuals to customize their sleeping environment. It can cool each side of the bed by 20 degrees Fahrenheit below room temperature, addressing the discomfort many face during hot nights. Users simply integrate the Pod with their current mattress, making it accessible without the need for a complete bedding overhaul. This innovation illustrates the growing trend of utilizing technology to enhance sleep quality and overall health.
Visa's Antitrust Allegations
Recent legal actions by the Justice Department against Visa underscore concerns about monopolistic practices in the debit card market. The lawsuit alleges that Visa utilized anti-competitive tactics, including financial incentives to deter competition and maintain its dominant share of 60% in debit transactions. This case represents a significant move by the Biden administration in addressing antitrust issues within the financial services sector, potentially reshaping how payment processing companies operate moving forward. The developments indicate a larger push for accountability in corporate practices affecting consumers and businesses alike.
Meta's New AR Glasses
Meta's unveiling of the new Orion augmented reality glasses aims to redefine how users interact with technology. Priced at $250, they are significantly cheaper than previous mixed reality offerings while boasting features like eye tracking for app navigation. Mark Zuckerberg emphasizes that these glasses offer a glimpse into the future of technology, signaling Meta's commitment to lead in the augmented reality space. The initiative reflects a strategic effort to establish direct consumer engagement and control over the distribution of innovative technologies.
Palantir's Market Performance
Palantir has experienced remarkable growth, with its stock rising 125% year-to-date, fueled by the surge in demand for AI-driven data analytics. The company is uniquely positioned as a government contractor, providing essential services that account for over half of its revenue. However, concerns about its valuation arise as the stock trades at a significantly higher price-to-earnings ratio than competitors, raising questions about sustainable growth. The leadership of CEO Alex Karp has been instrumental in crafting a compelling narrative around the company, attracting retail investors and transforming it into a notable player in the tech market.
Scott and Ed open the show by discussing the DOJ’s antitrust lawsuit against Visa, Meta’s new AR glasses and the recent executive resignations at OpenAI. Then Scott explains why Palantir is one of the most overvalued companies in tech, and why he thinks the brand has resonated with retail consumers. He also advises current Palantir employees on what he thinks they should do with their stock options. Finally, Scott and Ed break down the Longshoremen’s demands and discuss the impact a potential strike could have on the economy.