Equity

Humanoid robotics company Figure is making waves by distancing itself from OpenAI to create proprietary AI models, sparking interest in their upcoming breakthrough. Recent research shows promising alternatives to OpenAI's costly models. The discussion also highlights controversial leadership changes in venture capital and a partnership between two space startups for telescope innovation. As Silicon Valley thrives, the chaotic political landscape in D.C. raises questions about efficiency over experience in tech roles.

In this engaging discussion, Jan Stoica, a Professor at UC Berkeley and co-founder of Databricks, dives into the emergence of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI lab making waves in the tech world. He argues that the future of AI hinges on open-source collaboration. The conversation touches on Microsoft's Azure hosting DeepSeek, the controversial use of OpenAI's models, and how cost efficiency in chip manufacturing is reshaping AI demand. Stoica also emphasizes the geopolitical stakes, urging the U.S. to enhance innovation through openness and investment.

The podcast dissects the uproar caused by the Chinese AI lab DeepSeek, which takes the spotlight from ChatGPT. There's buzz about Tesla's bold step towards a driverless ride-hailing service, sparking financial concerns amidst declining vehicle sales. Genetic testing tech raises ethical dilemmas, with discussions on the eugenics implications. Meanwhile, the geopolitical chess game unfolds as Silicon Valley reacts to China's AI advancements, highlighting urgent questions about the future of technology.

Ed Zitron, CEO of EZPR and author of 'Why Everything Stopped Working,' discusses the decline of tech services and the need for a 'customer mode' approach. He argues that startups can find success by prioritizing customer satisfaction over growth-at-all-costs. Zitron critiques the shortcomings of AI-driven customer support, highlighting the importance of human interaction in business. The conversation also delves into how consumer expectations are shifting, urging founders to value quality and meaningful relationships with users.

The hosts discuss TikTok's rocky return amid legal challenges and a major $500 billion data center project called Stargate. They delve into the tricky acquisition of Divi Homes, revealing shareholder pitfalls and the implications for the PropTech sector. The conversation shifts to the intersection of politics and innovation, as founders navigate the changing startup landscape influenced by the new administration. Finally, they explore the IPO market for 2025, highlighting the strategies companies are considering in their fundraising efforts.

Gené Teare, Senior Data Editor at Crunchbase News, discusses the recent $100 billion surge in AI venture capital and its implications for startups. She highlights the investment challenges facing early-stage companies, especially in Series A funding. The conversation delves into AI washing and the importance of distinguishing genuine innovations from superficial claims. Teare also addresses regional funding disparities and anticipates trends for IPOs in 2025, emphasizing the potential resurgence of healthcare and biotech sectors.

The looming TikTok ban sparks tales of influencers migrating to new platforms like RedNote. Meanwhile, Colossal Biosciences stirs excitement by reviving woolly mammoths, balancing humor with ethical concerns. Innovative funding models challenge traditional venture capital, paving paths for mid-size firms. Finally, the emotional bonds humans are forming with AI raise questions about companionship versus manipulation, spotlighting the complexities of these digital relationships.

Eugen Rochko, CEO of Mastodon, a decentralized social networking platform, discusses the implications of Meta's recent content moderation changes. He emphasizes the importance of transitioning to a non-profit model to enhance community involvement. Rochko advocates for protocols over platforms to foster healthier online discourse. The conversation also delves into the challenges of user transition from mainstream platforms and highlights the need for interoperability among decentralized social media networks, including emerging alternatives like Pixelfed.

Explore how Meta’s decision to halt third-party fact-checking impacts misinformation and user trust. Whatnot's impressive $265M funding is set against the backdrop of its growing competition in livestream shopping. Delve into the intriguing profile of defense tech innovator Peterson Conway and its implications. The hosts share highlights from CES 2025, featuring quirky innovations like AIs for spice dispensing and robots that clean floors. Discover NVIDIA's Project Digit and its potential to revolutionize AI research and startup opportunities.

Today on Equity, we're taking you on stage at TechCrunch Disrupt for Kirsten Korosec's conversation with Zoox co-founder and CEO Jesse Levinson. The pair discuss building custom robotaxis, how Zoox's approach compares to that of Tesla, and the 'current and future landscape' of AI on wheels. It's also worth noting that Amazon-owned Zoox recently scooped up some of Tesla’s top talent, bringing on Zheng Gao late last month to lead hardware engineering.Equity will be back on Friday with a full CES recap, so don't miss it!Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify and all the casts. You also can follow Equity on X and Threads, at @EquityPod. For the full episode transcript, for those who prefer reading over listening, check out our full archive of episodes here.Credits: Equity is produced by Theresa Loconsolo with editing by Kell. We'd also like to thank our illustrator, Bryce Durbin, and the TechCrunch audience development team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices