Equity AI’s talent arms race is starting to look like pro sports
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Jul 23, 2025 Didi Das, a Principal at Menlo Ventures and former engineer at Google and Facebook, discusses the escalating competition for AI talent that mirrors the high stakes of professional sports. He delves into how companies like Meta are spending billions on talent, the impact of lucrative compensation packages on startup dynamics, and the motivations driving top researchers to leave secure positions. Das also addresses the challenges investors face regarding key-person risk and the broader implications of wealth disparity in the AI industry.
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AI Talent as Star Athletes
- AI talent is now as critical and scarce as star athletes in sports, commanding massive salaries.
- Companies like Meta pay huge amounts because the right researcher can significantly impact success.
AI Contracts Differ from Sports
- AI engineering contracts often include sign-on bonuses, base salary, and significant equity.
- Unlike athletes, these researchers have at-will employment without lock-in periods.
High AI Talent Mobility
- AI researchers often move freely between companies without strict legal restrictions.
- Mobility and churn are common as contracts rarely prevent jumping ship for better offers.