Why the Poolside CEO Warns Against Foundation Models for Most Companies
In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence, Jason Warner, co-founder and CEO of Poolside, believes that companies should prioritize building applications over foundational AI models. At the recent HumanX AI conference in Las Vegas, he emphasized the significance of intelligence as a commodity, likening its importance to that of electricity.
Jason Warner’s Insights on AI Development
During his keynote speech, Warner made a compelling case for why businesses should focus on practical applications of AI. He stated:
“If you’re one of those people, if you want to take one side of the fence, you’re a printing press for cash unlike anything we’ve ever seen in the world. Or if the other side of the fence, you’re basically changing and bending the arc of humanity in a way that we’ve not done before.”
The Pursuit of AGI Through Software
Warner revealed that Poolside is actively pursuing Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) through innovative software solutions. He cautioned that companies viewing foundational models merely as tools for raising venture capital might be better off developing an application that builds on existing models.
He emphasized the need for companies to integrate foundational models into their products rather than relying on them as standalone offerings. As the competitive landscape intensifies, this strategy becomes increasingly vital.
Strategic Focus Areas for Poolside
Warner elaborated on Poolside’s strategic focus:
- Challenging Environments: Targeting complex sectors like defense and government.
- Consumer Applications: Plans to launch consumer-facing products in the future.
He articulated his philosophy: “In my view, if I’m going to go build this type of business, I’m building on one side, going after intelligence on compute; I need to go after the hardest environment.” This approach underscores the belief that true innovation requires tackling the toughest challenges.
About Poolside
Founded in 2023 in San Francisco, Poolside is the brainchild of Jason Warner, a former CTO of GitHub, and Eiso Kant, a serial entrepreneur. The company has successfully raised over $620 million in venture funding and boasts a current valuation of $3 billion.
For more information about Poolside and its mission in the AI space, visit their official website at Poolside.
As AI continues to shape our future, the insights from industry leaders like Jason Warner will be crucial in guiding the direction of technology and its applications.
