Google bets big on nuclear-powered AI

Top News

• We’re going to need more power: Not to be outdone by Amazon and Microsoft, each of which have their own nuclear-energy plans, Google announced plans to work with Kairos Power to purchase power from “reactors to be built by nuclear-energy startup Kairos Power,” according to the Wall Street Journal. Put another way, AI-induced demand for low-carbon power generation is driving a nuclear power renaissance in the United States.

• Our cybersecurity mess: TechCrunch’s cybersecurity team reports a databroker that “lost hundreds of millions of Social Security numbers” is filing for bankruptcy. Those impacted may not even get help with credit monitoring. The databroker mess is one of a slew of breaches this year that led to more than one billion records being leaked.

• Nvidia does it again: Today, shares of American chip company Nvidia raced towards a record close, pushing its worth to just under $3.4 trillion. For reference, you could fit nearly 22 OpenAI valuations of $157 billion into Nvidia’s market cap today. Or nearly 403 Dropbox valuations. Or, for fun, 8,856 Groupons. Nvidia is currently the second most valuable corporation in the world.

TWiST500

Today, Jason and I spent a few minutes discussing solar power on a live taping of This Week in Startups. By now I trust you are aware that the cost of solar power generation has dramatically fallen in recent years. As a result, solar power generation is skyrocketing around the world.

You can measure that on a national, regional, or even global basis.

We’re watching stories like solar generation sending power prices negative in some markets; and, as noted in the news section today, acute power demands are cropping up around the world thanks to our species’ current datacenter buildout race.

So, we know that power demands are up, and solar cells are cheap. Where do startups fit into the picture? That’s what I want to know. [email protected] if you are building with solar, or want to share what impacts energy from our star is bringing to your community. Tune in Wednesday live for more! — Alex

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This Week in Startups

E2024: Alex breaks down the TWiST500 by covering topics like AI development tools (Qodo, Poolside), AI infrastructure (CoreWeave), and AI data management (Tollbit, Scale). He also covers robotics (Figure, Dusty Robotics), fintech (Circle, Altruist), cybersecurity (Huntress, Wiz), and crypto (Farcaster). We end with a special announcement that Angel University is set to start on November 6th.

Startup Finance Basics: Scott Orn, Kruze COO, and Jason go through the distinct characteristics of the current AI boom, emphasizing differences in revenue, costs, and growth rates between AI startups and traditional SaaS. They highlight how AI tools are improving productivity and labor efficiency, while also noting the unique accounting and operational challenges AI startups face.

E2023: M.G. Siegler joins Jason and Alex to discuss his transition from journalism to venture capital, comparing the two fields and sharing insights on media transparency. He dives into the current state of venture capital, focusing on challenges like high valuations, market downturns, and opportunities for early-stage returns. They cover tech industry dynamics, including AI competition among tech giants, regulatory impacts on mergers and acquisitions, and the implications of the DOJ’s antitrust case against Google.

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