- Jony Ive and Sam Altman are pursuing funding for a new AI hardware company.
- The venture aims to produce a unique “artificial intelligence-powered personal device” distinct from smartphones.
- They seek to secure at least $1 billion in funding.
- Potential investors include Thrive Capital and Emerson Collective.
- SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son has also shown interest.
- Personal connections, such as with Laurene Powell Jobs, could play a significant role.
- The device’s specifics remain undisclosed, but it may challenge Apple’s AI initiatives.
- Altman’s involvement adds further intrigue, although OpenAI’s role is not yet clear.
Main AI News:
Former Apple design guru Jony Ive and current OpenAI Chief Executive Sam Altman are on the hunt for investors to back their latest venture: an innovative “artificial intelligence-powered personal device.” Sources familiar with their plans, as reported by The Information, revealed that Ive and Altman are gearing up to launch a groundbreaking product that defies the conventional smartphone design.
Despite initial speculation emerging in fall 2023, recent reports confirm that discussions are advancing swiftly to kickstart the company. Ive and Altman aim to secure a substantial $1 billion in funding to fuel their vision. While the complete roster of potential backers remains undisclosed, insiders suggest that conversations have been underway with prominent investors like Thrive Capital, a frequent supporter of OpenAI, and Emerson Collective, led by venture capitalist Laurene Powell Jobs.
Notably, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son has also engaged in discussions with Altman and Ive regarding the venture. Son, known for his astute investments, previously expressed interest in involving Arm, a company he backs, in the project, as per Financial Times reports.
These industry titans’ involvement underscores the project’s significance and potential. Leveraging personal connections, such as Jobs’ friendship with Ive and Altman, could prove pivotal, albeit potentially intimidating smaller investors due to the heavyweight backing driving up initial investment costs.
While specifics about the device remain elusive, it’s evident that Ive may find himself in direct competition with his former employer, Apple. Reports elsewhere hint at Apple’s endeavors to integrate robust AI capabilities into forthcoming iOS updates, setting the stage for a potential showdown.
Meanwhile, Altman’s track record in AI ventures beyond OpenAI adds further intrigue to the endeavor. However, there’s no indication yet of OpenAI’s direct involvement in the hardware venture, according to The Information. As Ive and Altman forge ahead with their ambitious plans, all eyes are on how this collaboration will reshape the landscape of AI-powered technology.
Conclusion:
The collaboration between Jony Ive and Sam Altman in their pursuit of funding for an innovative AI hardware venture signifies a significant development in the tech market. Their ambition to create a unique AI-powered device, backed by heavyweight investors and industry titans, could potentially disrupt the landscape and pose a challenge to established players like Apple. The success of this venture may depend on their ability to leverage personal connections and deliver a product that meets market demands for advanced AI technology.
