Summary:
Meta failed to acquire Safe Superintelligence (SSI), a $32B startup co-founded by Ilya Sutskever
Instead, Meta hired Daniel Gross (SSI co-founder) and Nat Friedman (ex-GitHub CEO) to bolster its AI talent
SSI, with no public product, has raised $2B at a $32B valuation, backed by Google, Nvidia, and top VCs
Meta's move underscores the intense competition and high stakes in the AGI race
SSI aims to develop safe and aligned superintelligent AI, contrasting with OpenAI's commercial focus
In the high-stakes world of artificial general intelligence (AGI), Meta's recent maneuvers have turned heads. After a failed attempt to acquire Safe Superintelligence (SSI), a $32 billion startup co-founded by Ilya Sutskever, Meta has shifted its strategy to poaching top talent instead.
The Failed Acquisition
Meta's bid for SSI was a bold move in the AI arms race, but Sutskever's rejection underscored the startup's commitment to independence. SSI, despite being just a year old and with no public product, has garnered $2 billion in funding at a staggering $32 billion valuation.
The Talent Grab
Undeterred, Meta has successfully hired Daniel Gross, SSI's co-founder and former Apple AI lead, and Nat Friedman, ex-GitHub CEO. Both will report to Alexandr Wang, founder of Scale AI, which Meta recently acquired a 49% stake in for $14.3 billion.
Why It Matters
This aggressive recruitment highlights Meta's determination to lead in superintelligence. With backing from Google, Nvidia, and top VCs, SSI represents a rare convergence of chip giants and venture capital, making Meta's pivot to talent acquisition a strategic masterstroke.
The Bigger Picture
SSI's mission to develop safe and aligned superintelligent AI contrasts sharply with OpenAI's commercial trajectory. Meta's failed bid and subsequent talent grab reveal the fierce competition and high stakes in the race for AGI dominance.
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