This Week in Startups

BREAKING: Sam Altman fired from OpenAI, chaos ensues! | E1851

Nov 18, 2023

59:43

Snipd AI

In this emergency podcast, the hosts discuss the firing of Sam Altman from OpenAI and the resignation of a co-founder from the board. They speculate on the reasons behind the firing and the future of Altman. The chapter also explores the influence of machine type, attack frequency, and ownership structure on company security. Security concerns, leaked information, and the relationship between OpenAI and Microsoft are also discussed. The podcast concludes with speculations on conflicts of interest, security breaches, and the progress towards artificial general intelligence.

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Quick takeaways

Sam Altman's firing from OpenAI has created uncertainty and potential opportunities for rival companies in the race towards artificial general intelligence.

Conflicts of interest and misalignment between profit and nonprofit objectives may have played a role in Altman's removal from OpenAI.

The change in leadership at OpenAI could impact the future of the partnership with Microsoft and create opportunities for increased control and alignment with their enterprise offerings.

Deep dives

Sam Altman fired from OpenAI

Sam Altman has been fired from OpenAI, causing shockwaves in the industry. The $90 billion company has had a significant impact on the technology landscape and the world. The reasons behind the firing are still unclear, but speculation suggests conflicts of interest and misalignment between profit and nonprofit objectives may have played a role.

Deal Making and Networking in Silicon Valley

01:26

The impact of founder-led vs non-founder-led companies in Silicon Valley

01:17

The Impact of OpenAI's Lead on the Race to Artificial General Intelligence

01:43

Microsoft's Possible Coup and Acquisition Strategy

01:42

Introduction

3min

Firing of Sam Altman and Resignation of Co-founder from OpenAI's Board

7min

Factors Affecting Company Security and Speculation on Deal-Making

5min

Conflicts and Governance at OpenAI

13min

Conflict in the search war and speculations on firing

4min

API Credits and Founder Loss

5min

Speculating on a Deal and Discussing Cloud Computing and Equinix

2min

Speculations and Questions on Recent Happenings at OpenAI

21min

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Today’s show:

Sunny Madra joins Jason for an emergency podcast! They break down the business implications of Altman leaving OpenAI (1:23), speculation around why he was fired (10:27), ongoing developments like Greg Brockman quitting, and more! (23:24)

Time stamps:

(0:00) Sunny Madra goes live with Jason for an emergency Pod!

(1:23) Sam Altman ousted from OpenAI and Greg Brockman quits!

(6:44) The board’s accusations against Sam Altman

(10:27) Speculating “no conflict, no interest”

(12:16) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at ⁠https://vanta.com/twist(13:22)⁠ Sam's extraordinary deal-making, lack of OpenAI shares, and the possible impact from Humane launch

(23:24) The OpenAI and Microsoft relationship

(29:40) ⁠Lemon.io⁠ - Get $2000 off your first hire at ⁠http://lemon.io/hire⁠

(30:49) More speculation and anonymous theories

(34:29) The impact of founder-led switching to not founder-led

(37:10) Equinix - Join the Equinix Startup Program for up to $100K in credits and much more at https://deploy.equinix.com/startups/⁠

(38:30) Questions from live audience

(56:12) Final thoughts

Follow Sunny: ⁠https://twitter.com/sundeep⁠

Great 2023 interviews: ⁠Steve Huffman⁠, ⁠Brian Chesky⁠, ⁠Aaron Levie⁠, ⁠Sophia Amoruso⁠, ⁠Reid Hoffman⁠, ⁠Frank Slootman⁠, ⁠Billy McFarland⁠

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: ⁠https://substack.com/@calacanis⁠

Follow Jason:

Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/jason⁠