Poolside CEO on Building Foundation AI Models: Focus on Applications Instead
A New Perspective on AI Development
Poolside co-founder and CEO Jason Warner believes that most companies looking to build foundation AI models should instead focus on building applications. Warner, a former CTO of GitHub and managing director at Redpoint, made this statement at the HumanX AI conference in Las Vegas on Monday.
Intelligence as the Most Important Commodity
Warner emphasized that intelligence is the most important commodity in the world, on par with electricity. He believes that anyone who doesn’t share this view should not be building a foundation model. "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," Warner said. "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. And I believe that to be true."
Building Foundation Models: A Nice-to-Have or a Game-Changer?
Warner believes that building foundation models can be a "nice to have" for some companies, allowing them to raise venture capital. However, he thinks that this approach is not enough to make a significant impact. Instead, he suggests that companies build a wrapper on an existing foundation model, rather than focusing solely on building the model itself.
AGI through Software Development
Warner emphasized that Poolside is "literally" going after AGI through software development. He believes that building a foundation model should be part of a company’s product, especially as the landscape becomes more competitive.
The Importance of Going After the Hardest Environments
Warner noted that companies building foundation models cannot have a simple approach on one side and a hard approach on the other. "You can’t do simple on one side and hard on the other. It doesn’t really make sense, because if you’re going to go for everything, go for everything," he said. This is why Poolside is focusing on tough fields like defense and working with the government. However, the company also plans to launch a consumer application at some point.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Warner’s vision for AI development is one that prioritizes building applications over foundation models. He believes that intelligence is the most important commodity in the world and that companies should focus on building a wrapper on an existing foundation model rather than building the model itself. By going after the hardest environments, companies can make a significant impact and change the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Poolside’s approach to building foundation AI models?
A: Poolside is building a wrapper on an existing foundation model, rather than focusing solely on building the model itself.
Q: What is Poolside’s view on the importance of intelligence?
A: Intelligence is the most important commodity in the world, on par with electricity.
Q: What is Poolside’s plan for the future?
A: The company plans to launch a consumer application at some point, in addition to its work in tough fields like defense and with the government.
