Related Links
10a16z, Anish Acharya: Is SaaS Dead? Do Margins Still Matter? Why We Are Not in an AI Bubble?
In a discussion hosted by a16z, Anish Acharya explores whether SaaS (Software as a Service) is declining in relevance, the importance of profit margins for startups, and if the current AI boom represents an unsustainable bubble. The conversation examines current trends and future prospects within the technology industry.
Perplexity’s Retreat From Ads Signals a Bigger Strategic Shift
AI search startup Perplexity is shifting its business strategy away from advertising, once predicted to be a core revenue stream. The company is now focusing on building a smaller, more engaged user base willing to pay for premium features and subscriptions.
Is YC for Cowards?
The *Stanford Review* article questions whether participating in Y Combinator (YC) indicates a lack of entrepreneurial courage, arguing that it might be a safer, less ambitious path compared to forging one's own way in the startup world. It suggests that the allure of YC's structure and resources could stifle true innovation and risk-taking.
matt shumer
Matt Shumer is the CEO of OthersideAI (HyperWrite) and an active angel investor focused on AI infrastructure and developer tools. He is characterized as a fast-shipping builder who openly shares his learnings and assists startups in their initial stages.
Decagon’s $250 million commitment to the AI concierge future
Decagon secured $250 million in new funding led by Coatue Management and Index Ventures. The company is focused on developing an AI concierge.
Runway’s $5.3B valuation fuels world models
Runway, a video AI firm, secured a $315 million Series C funding round, resulting in a $5.3 billion valuation. This investment underscores the growing importance of AI models that extend beyond text-based applications.
Harvey Hits $11 Billion Valuation With $200 Million Fundraise
Legal AI startup Harvey is reportedly raising $200 million in funding, increasing its valuation to $1.1 billion. This follows a previous valuation of $8 billion just two months prior, highlighting rapid growth in the AI legal tech space.
Accelerating our global growth: Waymo raises $16 billion investment round
Waymo has raised a $16 billion investment round, valuing the company at $126 billion post-money. The funding was led by Dragoneer Investment Group, DST Global, and Sequoia Capital, with significant investments from Andreessen Horowitz and Mubadala Capital, indicating confidence in autonomous mobility.
An Interview with Benedict Evans About AI and Software
Ben Thompson interviews Benedict Evans about the future of software in the age of AI. Evans posits that AI will be a new platform for software development, but not necessarily a replacement for traditional software.
Meet CoreWeave, the AI industry’s ticking time bomb
CoreWeave, a data center company specializing in AI infrastructure, has rapidly grown due to the AI boom. The company has taken on significant debt to fund its expansion, raising concerns about its long-term financial viability.