Equity Could OpenAI fill Microsoft’s shoes?
19 snips
Jun 20, 2025 
Ali Partovi, an investor and startup incubator founder, and Russell Kaplan, president of Cognition, dive into the complexities of OpenAI's recent $200 million deal with the Defense Department, raising questions about its impact on their partnership with Microsoft. They discuss the evolving tech landscape where AI's influence shapes job roles and mentorship dynamics. The conversation also highlights the emergence of tools like Devon, which redefine software engineering, emphasizing how these advancements might transform workflows and the future of tech talent.
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OpenAI's Shift to Military Work
- OpenAI's $200 million DoD contract marks a shift toward military collaboration. - This deal signals OpenAI's evolution into a conventional company beyond a nonprofit mission.
OpenAI vs Microsoft in Defense
- Microsoft faces competition from OpenAI in big enterprise contracts despite being a major DoD provider. - OpenAI's growth challenges the previous non-competitive boundaries with Microsoft.
AI Arms Race Rhetoric Concerns
- AI arms race rhetoric with China may stifle skepticism and criticism of AI. - Government investment is vital but equating AI criticism with unpatriotic views is problematic.