Upside Upside #26 - Operator operates, AI workforces launch, More runways = what? Trumps first days and Stargate.
This week Dan, Lomax, and Ferdinand discuss European startup investing, focusing on the impact of AI, job cuts at Meta and what that really means, commercial changes at the head of the UK competition regulator, airport expansions mean what and for whom exactly, plus a meaningful M&A uplift in activity.
How can we not talk about Trump's first few days and knock on policies for our European landscape, the implications of Doge and the Trump Coin grift. They discuss the Stargate AI project which is just massive - if it comes off, and the innovative healthcare startup Neko.
On the show...
OpenAI Launches 'Operator'
Operator: First full-control AI agent. The Browser within the browser with full 'agent' control. Accessible only via Pro plan ($200/month). Initially US-based; European launch delayed per OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Potential to redefine AI agents—parallels drawn with Apple’s strategic moves.
Meta Cuts 5% Workforce (3,600 Jobs)
Debate: Necessary efficiency or signs of struggle in boom times? Looks like just an AI push. Or hiding DEI and sustainability push out? The implications for AI-driven workforce restructuring are happening right now.
UK’s CMA Leadership Shakeup
New Chair: Doug Gurr (ex-Amazon). Shift from consumer protection to economic growth focus. Goal: Accelerating UK commerce. Red tape cut? Let's see.
Heathrow Expansion Resurfaces
Ministers endorse a third runway proposal. Estimated economic boost: £47bn–£143bn by 2060, with 27k new jobs. Controversies around environmental and regional impact.
European M&A Activity Rebounds
H1 2024 deal value up 31% YoY (€439 billion). Venture capital-backed M&A sees 46% growth in Q4 2024. Future outlook tied to IPO resurgence and eased regulations.
Trump’s First Days
Executive Orders galore, Biden’s rescinded. Threats of tariffs, and owning Canada. Tax breaks for US-built goods. What are the global implications and for the UK and EU economies.
DOGE(Y)
Looks bipartisan and who doesn't want more efficiency in govt? Targets $2 trillion savings by 2036 — ambitious or unachievable? And where's Vivek?
Stargate AI Project
$500 billion US investment in AI infrastructure/data centres (Texas). Partnering with Microsoft, Nvidia, Oracle, SoftBank, Arm. But exclusively serving OpenAI? No wonder Elon is fizzing.
Company of the Week: Neko the health scanning startup from Daniel Ek.
Series B closed another $260mn. Dan thinks the future of healthcare.
00:00 Introduction to European Startup Investing
02:54 Exploring AI Agents and Their Impact
05:59 Meta's Job Cuts and AI Efficiency
08:56 UK Competition Regulator Changes
11:56 Airport Expansion and Economic Growth
14:59 M&A Activity in Europe
18:11 The Influence of Trump's Policies on Europe
29:51 Bipartisan Efforts and Government Efficiency
31:39 Geopolitical Context and Market Confidence
33:42 Doge and Economic Implications
36:16 The Rise of Trump Coin
40:11 Stargate AI Project: A New Era
47:55 Neko's Series B and the Future of Healthcare