AI causing problems? Fix it with AI

Top News

• Nvidia tackles AI-related issues using AI: Nvidia thinks its AI-RAN platform could be the key to solving the network strain that AI itself is causing. By teaming up with T-Mobile, Nokia, and Ericsson, Nvidia plans to use AI to make networks smarter, finding optimal network adjustments and predicting capacity needs. This technology could also help telcos offer AI-as-a-Service for things like robotics and autonomous driving, paving the way for the next generation of networks, including 6G. If anyone can take on an ambitious AI project like this, it’ll be Nvidia.

• Indian EdTech unicorn lands another round: Physics Wallah, an Indian EdTech startup, has raised $210 million in Series B funding, led by Hornbill Capital, valuing the company at $2.8 billion. Despite the challenging environment for EdTech in India, Physics Wallah continues to thrive with over 46 million students, $96.2 million in revenue, and 2.5x revenue growth from March 2023-2024. With this much momentum, a fruitful exit (or potentially an IPO) seems increasingly likely in the near future.

• Qualcomm starts talks to buy Intel: Qualcomm has reportedly approached Intel about a potential takeover, though no deal is confirmed. This comes at a challenging time for Intel, which has struggled with financial losses, workforce downsizing, and manufacturing issues. Meanwhile, its rivals, including Qualcomm, have gained ground in areas like AI, mobile processors, and gaming. A successful acquisition would mark a major shift in the semiconductor industry, strengthening Qualcomm's position in the desktop processor market.

Top Investors Pass on OpenAI

One of our latest additions to the TWiST500 has constantly been in the news, and for good reason. With 200 million weekly active users and an annualized revenue of $3.4 billion, OpenAI is on track to be the world’s most valuable AI company. That’s why its latest fundraising round has attracted so much interest (and mystery). Investors are betting big on OpenAI as it finalizes a $6 billion-plus round, valuing the company at $150 billion.

While major players like Apple, Nvidia, and Microsoft are eyeing the round, Andreessen Horowitz and Sequoia Capital are sitting this out, according to sources close to the matter. While it may seem unthinkable not to throw money at an AI giant like OpenAI, some investors may not want to throw all their eggs in one basket. To get a substantial return on investment at this scale, OpenAI would need to be worth at least $1.5 trillion. And it has its fair share of challenges ahead, too. Fierce competition from the likes of Google and Meta and a substantial burn rate of $5 billion a year may be leading some investors to take a more conservative approach. There’s no doubt that this round will continue to make waves until it closes, so we’ll be sure to update you when there’s news. — Erika

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This Week in Startups

Startup Legal Basics: Wilson Sonsini partner Becki DeGraw covers the challenges faced by distressed companies, including VCs stepping down from boards and the complexities of insider-led down rounds and pay-to-play scenarios. She highlights the legal actions and stockholder lawsuits involved in successful turnarounds, the importance of conducting market checks during financing, and ethical issues in the startup ecosystem.

E2011: Comma’s Harald Schäfer chats with Jason about their approach to self-driving technology, including cost, installation, and open-source contributions. Harald compares strategies between Comma, Waymo, and Tesla FSD, discusses Lidar vs. camera-based systems, and explores the global adoption of self-driving technology. They also cover future predictions, developments in China, and the role of AI in robotics.

E2010: Sankari Nair, Cofounder of Recall, joins Jason to walk us through the features of their platform, including automatic taxonomy creation, augmented browsing, and indexing of web content. They explore B2B applications, multiplayer collaboration, AI summarization costs, and personalized learning options. They finish it off with topics like LinkedIn integration, the concept of "luxury software," and investment opportunities in Recall's startup journey.

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Founder University

Applications are open for Founder University Cohort 9, a 12-week remote pre-accelerator program tailored towards navigating early-startup practices, building an MVP, and growing traction. Submit your application at Founder University — Cohort 9 begins on October 25th!

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