OWITH.ai - Only What's Important to Hear around AI and Tech

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OWITH.ai is a short, AI-generated, human-supervised briefing on what actually matters in AI and tech. Each episode distills the most relevant news and signals into a few minutes of audio, so you can stay informed without drowning in feeds. Produced by OWITH.ai, a boutique AI & data studio. https://owith.ai

  1. 4H AGO

    SpaceX $1.75T IPO Set to Break Records | OWITH Daily

    Good morning from OWITH.ai: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in the AI and tech world. The AI boom is significantly reshaping European startups, with many accelerating their move to the U.S. due to high demand for AI-native products among American enterprises. Carl Fritjofsson from Creandum observes an unprecedented pace in the relocation timeline for European founders, driven by a surge in venture capital targeting AI firms. By 2025, AI firms secured 61% of global venture capital, which climbed to over 80% by early 2026, with most demand coming from American enterprises. Swedish startup Lovable exemplifies this trend, achieving $400 million in ARR without a traditional U.S. expansion, highlighting a shift towards digital and borderless growth models. However, for enterprise-focused startups, entering the U.S. market still often requires physical presence due to complex visa regulations. Despite increased fees for H-1B visas, the O-1 visa remains a viable alternative for founders. A deregulatory environment in the U.S. seems to counterbalance immigration challenges, fostering an AI-friendly business climate that attracts global talent and capital. In Q1 2026 alone, U.S. companies captured 83% of global venture capital. European countries face structural challenges beyond visa policies, losing significant AI talent to the U.S., even though Europe has more AI talent per capita. Recent venture deals include Dust from France raising $40 million led by Abstract and Sequoia; Equipifi from the U.S. securing $34 million led by Left Lane Capital; and Wirestock from the U.S. raising $23 million led by Nava Ventures. Exits include H.I.G. Capital acquiring International Aerospace Coatings and NTT Data acquiring WinWire Holdings. Additionally, Erock, a Texas-based energy firm, filed for an IPO on the NYSE. On May 18, 2026, Fortune's editor-in-chief Alyson Shontell interviewed President Donald Trump about various tech-related topics. Trump expressed his thoughts on different tech leaders and highlighted the importance of American AI companies in the ongoing technology race with China, emphasizing the need for significant energy resources to maintain a competitive edge. Meanwhile, SpaceX is preparing for what could be the largest IPO in history. The company plans to go public on June 11 with an expected valuation of $1.75 trillion, surpassing Saudi Aramco's previous record. Samsung faces a potential crisis as nearly 45,000 unionized workers plan an 18-day strike at its memory chip plants starting May 21. This strike could severely impact the global semiconductor industry, particularly affecting AI supply chains. Despite advancements in AI technology, U.S. companies continue to hire offshore labor. Apollo's chief economist Torsten Slok noted a rise in call center employment in the Philippines, now leading as the largest call center employer globally. In other tech updates: Apple's potential launch of a new Siri assistant in beta; Chinese AI labs surpassing U.S. counterparts in video generation; and NRG's CEO proposing virtual power plants to support AI growth. In an exclusive interview with Fortune, President Donald Trump shared his unique approach to economic leadership and national issues. He discussed his strategy of taking stakes in U.S. companies as a patriotic move despite criticism and expressed regret over not securing more ownership stakes during negotiations with corporate leaders. Additionally, NRG CEO Robert Gaudette discussed efforts to transform the U.S. power grid into a smarter system aiming for rapid growth and efficiency to address rising utility costs. Market updates revealed mixed global performance amid ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting oil markets. JPMorgan warned of operational stress levels in commercial oil inventories by June. Overall, these developments underscore ongoing shifts in technology and labor markets amid rapid innovation and geopolitical factors. Thank you for tuning into OWITH.ai: your trusted source for important updates in AI and tech!Support the show Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin

    4 min

  2. 1D AGO

    Cerebras IPO Surges 70%: AI Market Confidence Soars | OWITH Daily

    Good morning from OWITH.ai, the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in the AI and tech world. This week's Stratechery insights delve into the dynamic world of computing, focusing on the evolution of AI computing. A key distinction is made between "answer inference" and the emergent "agentic inference," which functions autonomously. This development is poised to reshape computing architecture, potentially benefiting sectors like China and space industries, while posing a challenge to Nvidia's current supremacy. Elon Musk's business ventures are also under the spotlight. His company xAI has secured a deal with Anthropic for computational resources, highlighting market efficiencies but also raising strategic questions about SpaceX's role in future space-based data centers. Meanwhile, his legal tussles with OpenAI are analyzed as both tedious yet effective in achieving his objectives. Geopolitical currents are examined through the lens of a US presidential visit to Beijing, marking the first such journey in nearly a decade. While the outcomes were modest, the visit underscores ongoing strategic dynamics between America and China. The narrative delves into China's evolving global stance since the 1990s, challenging oversimplified narratives regarding dominance. Additionally, discussions emerge around AI deployment strategies by OpenAI and other labs. There's also commentary on Apple's collaboration with Intel for economic reasons, as well as insights from Ben Thompson on how compute shortages impact Aggregation Theory and consumer AI. Cerebras Systems has made a significant splash in the public markets with an IPO that saw its shares surge by 70% at market close. After initial hesitations, Cerebras capitalized on soaring demand for AI technologies. Partnerships with OpenAI have been pivotal to its growth despite past investor worries over customer concentration and CEO Andrew Feldman's legal history. The company's strategic positioning was further solidified through a multi-billion dollar alliance with G42. The future trajectory of Cerebras remains uncertain; it could continue thriving or follow other overhyped companies that decline post-IPO. Nonetheless, its debut was noteworthy, reflecting investor confidence in AI-driven markets. OpenAI is reportedly considering legal action against Apple due to unmet expectations from integrating ChatGPT into Siri. This potential conflict arises amidst broader public resistance to AI data centers in local communities, driven by environmental and economic concerns. Security vulnerabilities have been exposed as researchers exploited Apple's macOS using Anthropic's Mythos AI model. This incident emphasizes ongoing challenges in addressing AI-driven cybersecurity threats. Ford's stock saw an upturn with the launch of a new subsidiary focused on battery storage for AI data centers. Additionally, philanthropic efforts by Jensen Huang's foundation led to a donation of $108 million worth of AI computing time to educational and nonprofit institutions. Elsewhere, Motorola's Razr Fold received lukewarm reviews for its AI features, North Korean cybercriminal activities raised alarms, and River AI was launched by XAI co-founder Igor Babuschkin. State Farm is undergoing a transformation under CEO Jon Farney, aiming to become a next-generation insurer through AI integration. Despite recent financial success, challenges persist in California due to regulatory scrutiny over wildfire claims. Farney highlights climate change and state regulations as hurdles while advocating for competitive market pricing models. The company's "Next Gen Good Neighbor" initiative leverages AI tools for streamlined claim filing. State Farm is partnering with OpenAI to enhance claims processing efficiency through a blend of skilled personnel and advanced technology. In policy developments, the U.S. government now mandates that AI models undergo national security risk evaluations before release, marking a proactive shift in managing emerging threats from AI technologies. OpenAI has launched updated speech-to-speech models offering configurable reasoning levels for developers. These advancements aim to improve real-time conversational interactions but face latency challenges. China's intervention in Meta's acquisition of Manus underscores its control over strategic technology sectors, complicating international investment strategies. Google's AI system for breast cancer detection shows promise by identifying cancers more efficiently than human assessments, although trust-building among healthcare professionals remains crucial. This week's developments highlight ongoing challenges and opportunities within the rapidly evolving AI landscape, emphasizing regulatory changes, technological advancements, and international dynamics shaping innovation and deployment.Support the show Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin

    5 min

  3. 3D AGO

    2026-05-16 Saturday Special

    Each Saturday we take the headlines of daily podcast and ask ChatGPT to create a Sci-Fi story inspired by the news. The outcome for this week is this short story.Support the show Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin

    6 min

  4. 4D AGO

    Cerebras Systems IPO Soars Amid SoftBank Interest | OWITH Daily

    Good morning from OWITH.ai, the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in the AI and tech world. In the latest edition of "Eye on AI," there's a spotlight on sustainability within the AI sector, brought to the forefront by researchers Sasha Luccioni and Boris Gamazaychikov. They have initiated the Sustainable AI Group, aiming to reintroduce environmental consciousness into AI practices. While the AI industry often focuses on computing power and geopolitical dynamics, Luccioni and Gamazaychikov emphasize practical solutions for reducing AI's environmental footprint. Their group offers tools and guidance for organizations wishing to decarbonize their operations, highlighting how different AI models and data center choices can impact sustainability. A common misconception exists that large, general-purpose models are necessary for all applications. However, many tasks can be efficiently completed with smaller, task-specific models that are more energy-efficient and privacy-conscious. This approach not only aids in reducing energy consumption but also helps organizations meet regulatory requirements in a cost-effective manner. Transitioning to other news within the field, Cerebras Systems recently launched a successful IPO. Meanwhile, SoftBank's interest in acquiring Cerebras did not culminate in a deal, although SoftBank remains active in investing across the AI market. Anthropic introduced a new offering aimed at small businesses, and Sam Altman's financial interests in companies tied to OpenAI were disclosed. Despite ongoing legal challenges, Altman maintains that his business conduct was appropriate. Additionally, a report by Harness highlights an intriguing "AI productivity paradox," where engineers find their productivity enhanced by AI tools but also feel pressured to maintain unsustainably fast work paces. Moving on to defense technology, Furientis, a startup founded by Brody Franzen and Aris Simsarian, is working on transforming interceptor missile production. By using automotive-style materials and assembly processes, Furientis aims to make these missiles more affordable. This effort addresses the geopolitical challenge of using expensive interceptors against low-cost threats. Their production strategy could potentially manufacture missiles at significantly reduced costs compared to traditional methods. The company sets itself apart with rapid design cycles and in-house production of solid rocket motors, aiming for significant demonstrations later this year. In corporate news, Cisco Systems reported strong third-quarter earnings, leading to a substantial rise in its stock price. The company is undergoing a strategic shift towards AI-driven priorities and has already secured substantial orders for its AI infrastructure. Elsewhere in tech news, LinkedIn might see workforce reductions as it adapts to market demands. TikTok has introduced a "Go" feature for booking services within its app, while Microsoft explores acquiring AI developer Inception. Instagram has rolled out "Instants," an ephemeral photo feature available both within the app and as a standalone option. Switching gears to international trade, Boeing stands to gain from President Donald Trump's visit to China with potential deals for selling aircraft. However, U.S.-China trade relations continue to be strained amidst tariff wars. Both countries face economic hurdles: the U.S. grapples with significant national debt while China contends with high debt-to-GDP ratios. China continues to make strides in AI development but still trails behind Western firms' advanced models. The global race for AI dominance will depend on more than just technological prowesSupport the show Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin

    4 min

  5. 5D AGO

    Anduril Raises $5B, Googlebook vs. MacBook Neo | OWITH Daily

    Good morning from OWITH.ai, the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in the AI and tech world. In a remarkable display of the growing impact of artificial intelligence, Isomorphic Labs and Anduril have secured substantial investments in their latest funding rounds. Isomorphic Labs, an AI-driven drug discovery company, raised $2.1 billion in a Series B round, while defense technology company Anduril announced a $5 billion Series H round. Both rounds were led by Thrive Capital. These achievements underscore the transformative potential of AI across diverse sectors. Isomorphic Labs focuses on outcomes in drug discovery, highlighting that the results in this field are more critical than the algorithms used. Meanwhile, Anduril emphasizes its capability to deploy advanced technologies effectively in defense scenarios, which is crucial in today's global context. Transitioning to developments in venture capital and acquisitions, Exaforce has raised $125 million for cybersecurity innovations, and Rosebank Industries acquired CPM Holdings for $2.1 billion. The acquisition of AI document processing platform Rossum by Coupa further demonstrates the ongoing interest in AI solutions across various industries. Additionally, A Star has announced a $450 million fund for seed-stage tech investments. The tech landscape is witnessing significant changes as institutions and companies adapt to new challenges. Princeton University has made a historic decision to require proctors for in-person exams starting July 1st due to concerns about AI-assisted cheating. This marks a major shift in its honor system since 1893, reflecting the challenges posed by AI chatbots in maintaining academic integrity. On the hardware front, Google has unveiled its new line of laptops, "Googlebook," set to compete with Apple's MacBook Neo. These laptops will integrate Google's Android and ChromeOS into a unified operating system, optimizing Google's AI suite, "Gemini Intelligence." The launch comes amidst a global memory shortage and trade tensions that could influence pricing strategies. In legal news, the ongoing Altman v. Musk trial has revealed Elon Musk's past ambitions for control over OpenAI's proposed for-profit arm. This trial examines whether OpenAI deviated from its charitable mission by restructuring into a public-benefit corporation. Meanwhile, Anthropic is reportedly fundraising at a staggering $950 billion valuation, emphasizing the intense competition and investment within the AI sector. Additional updates include Waymo recalling robotaxis due to software issues and Samsung facing potential labor strikes over pay disputes. Foxconn recently dealt with a cyberattack at its North American facilities. Turning to international relations, President Donald Trump's visit to Beijing with 17 CEOs marks a significant diplomatic engagement between the U.S. and China. Although substantial policy breakthroughs are not anticipated, the visit aims to deescalate tensions and normalize trade relations between these two economic giants. Among the CEOs accompanying Trump are Elon Musk of Tesla and Tim Cook of Apple. While major trade policy changes are unlikely, discussions are expected to focus on securing trade deals in non-strategic sectors like commodities and aircraft transactions. The existing one-year trade truce from October 2025 is likely to continue or be extended. In this context, artificial intelligence emerges as a central issue in U.S.-China relations, shifting the focus from trade to tech rivalry. Both nations are employing export controls—advanced semiconductors for the U.S., rare earths for China—as economic tools. Global markets reflect optimSupport the show Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin

    4 min

  6. 6D AGO

    Meta Lawsuit Over Scam Ads & Amazon's AI Pressure | OWITH Daily

    Good morning from OWITH.ai, the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in the AI and tech world. Our first story today delves into a growing phenomenon where AI chatbots are being utilized for emotional support and mental health assistance, particularly by younger individuals. A study from mpathic, founded by clinical psychologists, has raised concerns about the current capabilities of these chatbots. Although they can recognize explicit crisis statements, they often struggle with indirect signs of distress. This is concerning as many people turn to AI due to the stigmatization and inaccessibility of traditional mental health services. Research suggests that while chatbots offer an anonymous solution, their tendency to validate feelings may reinforce harmful beliefs or encourage delaying professional help. Transitioning to another corner of the tech world, Amazon faces internal challenges as developers are pressured to incorporate AI into their work. This has led to the automation of trivial tasks using tools like Meshclaw, stirring unintended consequences. Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions surface as China attempts to access advanced American AI systems, highlighting international cybersecurity dynamics. Moreover, AI's dual-use nature is exemplified as Google successfully countered a cyberattack facilitated by AI on May 12, 2026. This incident underscores the emerging trend of AI being used for sophisticated cyberattacks. Legal battles also make headlines with Meta facing a lawsuit in Santa Clara County over scam advertisements on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief for users deceived by fraudulent ads. In another legal spotlight, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella testified in the Musk v. Altman trial regarding OpenAI's shift towards profit generation following substantial investments from Microsoft. Nadella defended the partnership as beneficial despite Musk's accusations. Continuing on our news journey, Cindy McCain, leading the United Nations World Food Programme, emphasizes the global food crisis's impact on business stability and geopolitical dynamics. Under her leadership, WFP faces funding challenges due to budget cuts and increased demands from climate change and conflicts. McCain advocates for private sector involvement in tackling food security issues. Switching focus to cybersecurity advancements, deepfake calls and cloned voices are ushering in a new era for cybersecurity arms races. Frame Security is at the forefront with "human risk security," emphasizing realistic simulations tailored to organizational threats. The startup aims to address the weakest link in security chains: employees. In tech industry updates from May 11, 2026, Apple is enhancing its "liquid glass" user interface ahead of macOS 27 release to improve readability. Simultaneously, Nvidia invests heavily in AI infrastructure companies to bolster its chip business despite criticisms of "circular financing." Cerebras Systems plans an IPO price range adjustment due to high demand for its unique AI chips. The landscape of AI computation is rapidly evolving with implications for semiconductor companies like Cerebras Systems. The demand for AI chips is shifting towards architectures optimized for agentic inference rather than traditional GPU-centric approaches. Finally, the evolving role of CEOs in managing AI agents is under scrutiny as their leadership is increasingly judged on effectively overseeing these autonomous software programs. Ethical and legal implications arise concerning digital identities when employees leave companies. This concludes today's episode of OWITH.ai. Join us next time for more insiSupport the show Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin

    4 min

  7. MAY 11

    Apple's New AirPods with Cameras: AI Wearable Revolution | OWITH Daily

    Good morning from OWITH.ai, the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in the AI and tech world. This week's content delved into significant topics such as Big Tech's first-quarter earnings, insights from tech writer Joanna Stern, and an analysis of the Boston Celtics' future. In the realm of Big Tech, companies like Apple, Amazon, Meta, Google, and Microsoft showcased their financial results, underscoring a substantial investment in AI technologies. This massive capital expenditure parallels historical projects like the Manhattan Project. The responses from the market varied; Google was praised for effectively monetizing its investments, while Meta's core business did not receive as favorable a response. Amazon's strategic infrastructure investments are positioning it well in the AI inference era. Discussions also touched upon Microsoft's innovative agentic business model and Apple's challenges with memory and chip shortages. The conversation with Joanna Stern provided valuable insights into writing about the dynamic tech landscape and AI's influence on careers and medicine. Stern shed light on the potential and limitations of Large Language Models, offering a unique perspective on AI advancements. As for the Boston Celtics, they faced an unexpected early exit in the NBA playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers, contrary to predictions of reaching the NBA Finals. The "Greatest of All Talk" podcast recapped this surprising outcome and explored Boston's challenges moving forward. Transitioning to another fascinating development, Brian Schimpf, CEO and co-founder of Anduril, has been instrumental since its inception. Anduril started with autonomous surveillance towers known as Sentry Towers in California and has grown significantly under Schimpf's leadership, now valued at $30.5 billion with increasing Pentagon traction. Schimpf’s journey began as Director of Engineering at Palantir before co-founding Anduril. His engineering expertise has been pivotal in addressing complex engineering challenges. As Anduril evolves, it faces heightened expectations to produce results in both testing environments and combat situations. The geopolitical climate underscores the importance of innovative defense technologies like Anduril's. In other tech news, Apple is reportedly finalizing new AirPods with cameras that transform them into AI-equipped wearables. These features may enable visual analysis and video calls, with a potential release slated for this fall. Meanwhile, Cloudflare is adopting an "agentic AI-first" model resulting in significant workforce reductions despite increased Q1 revenue. This aligns with a broader industry trend where companies such as Amazon and Coinbase are reducing workforce amidst rising AI adoption. Additionally, Google has introduced Fitbit Air—a new wearable device aimed at health tech markets—and CoreWeave's shares fell despite exceeding Q1 revenue estimates due to lighter-than-expected forecasts. Looking at broader economic impacts, State Street's CEO Ron O'Hanley discussed global issues at the Milken Institute Global Conference. Concerns were raised about a potential global fertilizer crisis due to ongoing conflicts affecting capital flows significantly. O'Hanley highlighted AI's transformative impact on tasks without eliminating jobs entirely and emphasized digital asset tokenization over cryptocurrencies for market transformation. Global investment opportunities were considered, particularly Europe's fiscal shift toward defense affecting its role in capital markets while emerging markets present new investment avenues. In summary, these discussions encompass major technological advancements and Support the show Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin

    4 min

  8. MAY 9

    2026-05-09 Saturday Special

    Each Saturday we take the headlines of daily podcast and ask ChatGPT to create a Sci-Fi story inspired by the news. The outcome for this week is this short story.Support the show Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin

    5 min
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About

OWITH.ai is a short, AI-generated, human-supervised briefing on what actually matters in AI and tech. Each episode distills the most relevant news and signals into a few minutes of audio, so you can stay informed without drowning in feeds. Produced by OWITH.ai, a boutique AI & data studio. https://owith.ai

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