Should you join an AI Startup?

If the rewards of a startup are only going to the founders and AI researchers, then what incentives are there for all the other roles? Has AI broken the startup model?

SHOW: 942

SHOW TRANSCRIPT: The Cloudcast #942 Transcript

SHOW VIDEO: https://youtube.com/@TheCloudcastNET

CLOUD NEWS OF THE WEEK: http://bit.ly/cloudcast-cnotw

CHECK OUT OUR NEW PODCAST: "CLOUDCAST BASICS"

SHOW SPONSORS:

• [FCTR] Try FCTR.io (that's F-C-T-R dot io) free for 60 days. Modern security demands modern solutions. Check out Fctr's Tako AI, the first AI agent for Okta, on their website
• [VASION] Vasion Print eliminates the need for print servers by enabling secure, cloud-based printing from any device, anywhere. Get a custom demo to see the difference for yourself.
• [DoIT] Visit doit.com (that’s d-o-i-t.com) to unlock intent-aware FinOps at scale with DoiT Cloud Intelligence.

SHOW NOTES:

• Google and Windsurf, Stinky Deals, Chesterton’s Fence and the Silicon Valley Ecosystem
• Andreessen Horowitz’s Casado Plays Talent Broker for Cursor
• Cognition acquires Windsurf after CEO and Researchers go to Google
• Are AI Acquihires Screwing Up the Startup Space?
• How ‘Acquihires’ Are Reshaping Silicon Valley’s AI Investments

WHY WOULD ANYBODY JOIN AN AI STARTUP?

• Windsurf, ScaleAI, Inflection and several other AI companies are getting acquihired.
• The US DOJ and FTC are scrutinizing acquisitions by large tech companies
• Large tech companies are able to acquihire without paying for non-founders
• Not every company will be ChatGPT and grew without massive sales and marketing
• What would anyone join an AI Startup if you’re not the Founder or AI Researcher?

FEEDBACK?

• Email: show at the cloudcast dot net
• Twitter/X: @cloudcastpod
• BlueSky: @cloudcastpod.bsky.social
• Instagram: @cloudcastpod
• TikTok: @cloudcastpod

FEEDBACK?

• Email: show @ reasoning dot show
• Bluesky: @reasoningshow.bsky.social
• Twitter/X: @ReasoningShow
• Instagram: @reasoningshow
• TikTok: @reasoningshow