Scaling DevTools
The startup behind ChatGPT voice - Russ d'Sa from LiveKit
Apr 10, 2025
Russ D’Sa, founder of LiveKit, shares insights from his journey in building a real-time audio and video tool that powers voice chat for ChatGPT. He discusses the science behind lightning and how it parallels startup challenges. Russ reveals his bold decision to turn down a $20M acquisition offer and explains the ups and downs of partnering with OpenAI. The conversation delves into the intricacies of scaling a startup, navigating streaming tech challenges, and the evolving role of AI in human-computer interaction.
53:52
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Quick takeaways
- LiveKit's real-time audio and video technology is pivotal for enhancing user interactions in AI applications like ChatGPT and Character AI.
- Despite receiving a $20 million acquisition offer, Russ D'Sa chose to prioritize LiveKit's development and adaptability in a rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Deep dives
Understanding Lightning Formation
Lightning is formed through the separation of charges within a thunderstorm cloud. Inside the cloud, colliding ice particles create a charge difference where the top becomes positively charged and the bottom negatively charged. This difference leads to a buildup of energy that results in lightning as the negative charge seeks a positive charge on the ground, often striking tall objects. The process involves electrons being pushed deeper into the earth, creating a positive charge on the surface, which ultimately initiates the lightning discharge to balance the charges.
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