TLDR:
Former Apple designer Jony Ive and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman are seeking $1 billion in funding from top VCs for their AI device startup. The company is in talks with Emerson Collective and Thrive Capital, with potential involvement from OpenAI. The device is said to differ from a typical phone and could face challenges in securing funding due to its high valuation and unproven nature.
Former Apple designer Jony Ive and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman have teamed up to launch an AI-powered personal device. The startup is currently in talks with major venture capitalists, including Emerson Collective and Thrive Capital, with a goal of raising $1 billion in funding. OpenAI, known for its conversational AI technology, may have a stake in the venture.
The proposed AI device is expected to look different from traditional smartphones and could potentially leverage OpenAI’s technology for its features. However, the high initial valuation and unproven product category may be obstacles for securing investment. In addition, the involvement of key players like Emerson Collective and Thrive Capital could shape the future of AI-powered personal devices.
Entrepreneurs are increasingly focusing on AI integration in hardware products to provide users with access to chatbots and other applications without the need for screens. The emergence of large language models being developed by companies like OpenAI could pave the way for voice-enabled AI assistants capable of performing diverse tasks on personal devices.
As Ive and Altman’s startup continues to seek funding, potential collaboration with major players in the industry could drive innovation in the AI device market and influence the future of personalized technology.
