Somi's 360: Navigating Frontier Technology & Capital

Dear readers,

Welcome to another insightful edition of SOMI'S 360, your source for navigating through the intricate world of frontier tech and capital. 

In this issue, we explore the multifaceted universe of artificial intelligence, from its innovative applications in various sectors to the substantial investments fuelling its growth. We'll delve into the burgeoning realm of AI co-pilots, the strategic moves in AI security by the NSA, and the intriguing dynamics of the venture capital landscape amidst a tech and startup market downturn. 

As AI continues to weave its way into various sectors, we explore its multifaceted impact, the capital manoeuvres around it, and the ethical and strategic considerations it beckons. Let’s embark on this enlightening journey together!

Let’s dive in!

Spotlight Topic

AI Co-Pilots Taking Flight

AI co-pilots are emerging as a pivotal force in the tech arena, with startups in this domain securing substantial venture capital. These AI systems, designed to work alongside humans, are not only enhancing productivity but also reshaping the work landscape. 

Startups like OpenAI and Anthropic are making waves with their substantial funding rounds, propelling them to the forefront of the AI co-pilot sphere. The integration of AI in assisting and augmenting human capabilities is not merely a technological advancement; it's a paradigm shift, heralding a new era where human and machine collaboration becomes a normative part of our digital interactions. 

The surge in venture capital towards AI co-pilot startups, such as OpenAI, which is reportedly raising funds at a valuation of $80 billion to $90 billion, underscores the burgeoning interest and faith in the potential of AI to redefine our digital and physical worlds.

Investment Corner

A Glimpse into Funding Dynamics

The investment landscape is witnessing a fascinating interplay of funding rounds and valuations. OpenAI is reportedly in talks to elevate its valuation to a staggering $80 billion to $90 billion, a significant leap from its previous $29 billion. 

Meanwhile, Anthropic and Sierra Space have secured their spots in the biggest funding rounds for AI startups, reflecting a robust investor appetite for AI-driven ventures. On the flip side, the tech and startup market is experiencing a downturn, with secondary investors like Industry Ventures navigating through the complexities of the venture secondary market and valuation of private shares amidst the pullback. 

The dynamics of these investments, amidst the current market conditions, offer a riveting glimpse into the strategic moves and considerations of investors and startups alike.

Quick Takes 

1. Meta's AI Training: Meta Platforms utilized public Facebook and Instagram posts to train its new Meta AI virtual assistant, ensuring that private posts and chats were excluded to respect user privacy. The assistant, developed using a custom model based on the Llama 2 large language model and a new model called Emu, can generate text, audio, and imagery and will have access to real-time information via a partnership with Microsoft's Bing search engine.

1. NSA's AI Security Center: The National Security Agency (NSA) has initiated an AI security center, focusing on safeguarding the U.S. against AI threats, particularly from adversaries like China and Russia. The center aims to develop defensive and offensive AI capabilities, ensuring that the nation stays ahead in the global AI security race.

1. AI and Education: Teachers are increasingly leveraging generative AI, utilizing tools like ChatGPT to create engaging educational content. From generating writing prompts to assisting with lesson planning, AI is becoming an invaluable co-pilot in educational settings, providing creative and administrative support to educators.

1. ChatGPT Can Now Surf The Web: ChatGPT now possesses the capability to surf the web, offering you the most recent and credible data, accompanied by direct source links, transcending its previous limitation of information up to September 2021. This feature is presently available to Plus and Enterprise users, but will soon be accessible to all users. To activate, select Browse with Bing in the selector under GPT-4.

Culture & Impact

The integration of AI into various sectors, from education to national security, is not only reshaping operational dynamics but also influencing cultural, policy, and societal paradigms. The use of generative AI in education, for instance, is not merely a technological enhancement but a cultural shift towards embracing digital co-pilots in creative and administrative processes. Similarly, the NSA’s move to establish an AI security center underscores the profound impact of AI on national security policies and international relations. As we navigate through these advancements, the ethical, strategic, and societal implications of AI continue to unfold, prompting vital discussions on privacy, security, and the evolving relationship between humans and technology.

This brings this issue to a close. Your insights and feedback are invaluable to me. 

Let’s continue this fascinating journey through the world of frontier tech and capital together in the next issue of SOMI'S 360.

Thank you for reading & see you next week with more!