SoftBank and OpenAI introduced a brand new 50-50 three way partnership this week to promote enterprise AI instruments in Japan underneath the model “Crystal Intelligence.” On paper, it’s a simple worldwide enlargement deal. However SoftBank’s position as a significant investor in OpenAI is elevating questions on whether or not AI’s greatest offers are creating actual financial worth or simply transferring cash in circles.
On TechCrunch’s Fairness podcast, Kirsten Korosec, Anthony Ha, and AI editor Russell Brandom break down why this deal has folks skeptical, and what it indicators concerning the sustainability of AI’s present funding mannequin.
Hearken to the total episode to listen to about:
- What Field CEO Aaron Levie needed to say about whether or not we’re in an AI bubble at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, and why the shift from coaching to inference would possibly really be reassuring
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