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20VC: Sam Altman on The Trajectory of Model Capability Improvements: Will Scaling Laws Continue | Semi-Conductor Supply Chains | What Startups Will be Steamrolled by OpenAI and Where is Opportunity

Nov 4, 2024

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI and former president of Y Combinator, discusses the future of AI model capabilities and whether current scaling laws will persist. He shares insights on the implications of semiconductor supply chains and tensions that could impact tech growth. Altman weighs in on startup opportunities, warning of areas where OpenAI may 'steamroll' emerging ventures. He reflects on his leadership challenges, the role of youth in startup culture, and shares his vision of what he would create with today's AI technologies.

39:53

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Sam Altman

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Quick takeaways

Continuous advancements in AI model capabilities are expected, fostering optimism for innovative applications in science and programming.

The development of no-code tools aims to democratize AI, enabling non-technical users to create impactful applications while lowering entry barriers.

Deep dives

Vision for Future AI Models

OpenAI emphasizes a strong commitment to enhancing their AI models with continuous improvements expected in future versions. The focus is particularly on reasoning capabilities, which are anticipated to unlock new possibilities in fields such as science and complex programming. The organization's goal is to address current model shortcomings through iterative advancements, fostering a belief that better performance will emerge naturally over time. Founders are encouraged to align their business strategies with the expectation that models will continue to evolve, reducing the significance of temporary gaps.

The Future of SaaS Pricing in AI-Driven Enterprises

01:59

Intro

4min

The Future of AI: Reasoning and Innovation

15min

Leadership in Hyper-Growth

5min

Navigating the AI Landscape

5min

Navigating the AI Development Landscape

8min

Gratitude and Growth: Introducing Valuable Resources for Startups

3min

Sam Altman is the CEO of OpenAI, one of the most important companies in history. OpenAI is on a mission to ensure that artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity. Prior to OpenAI, Sam was the President of Y Combinator and an angel investor in Stripe, Airbnb, Reddit and Instacart.

15 Questions with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman:

1. Will the trajectory of model capability improvement keep going at the same rate as it has been?

2. When did Sam doubt the continuance of scaling laws most? What has been the hardest technical research challenge OpenAI have overcome?

3. How worried is Sam about semiconductor supply chains and international tensions around them?

4. What is Sam’s biggest worry today? How has it changed over the last 12 months and 5 years?

5. In what ways does Sam feel he was and is unprepared for the role of CEO of OpenAI?

6. Was Masa Son right to suggest that $9TRN of value will be created every year by AI?

7. Why does Sam disagree with Larry Ellison’s statement that it will cost $100BN to enter the foundation model race?

8. Was Keith Rabois right that the best way to build companies is to hire under 30s?

9. What unmade decision weighs on Sam’s mind most often?

10. What is Sam most grateful to Y Combinator for?

11. What would Sam build if he were a 23 year old starting today with the foundational AI technology that is already in place?

12. What should startups not try and build as OpenAI will steamroll them? What should they try and build where OpenAI will not go?

13. What does Sam believe is the most exciting use of agents that he has not seen created yet?

14. How does Sam believe that human potential is most wasted today?

15. Who does Sam most respect in the world of AI today? Why them?

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