M&A activity returns
Big tech is writing checks again. Meta dropped $14.3B for a 49% stake in Scale AI. Why the unconventional investment? Almost certainly an attempt to avoid antitrust allegations. With the (almost) acquisition, Meta also gets CEO Alexandr Wang, who’s often praised for his vast network and ability to connect with people. Stripe's been aggressive too, acquiring crypto infra Privy after already spending $1.1 billion on Bridge. Exit opportunities are back?
Scale became a $29 billion target by addressing clear and obvious demand. That’s the story with most successful companies, but I think AI is creating these silver-platter opportunities where it’s not necessary to redefine PMF - just build better solutions.
AI fluency becomes non-negotiable
Zuck is panicking. After already throwing billions at the Llama team, word is that Zuckerberg is throwing around crazy offers to top AI researchers and staff. Friends in AI labs are sharing stories of personal DMs from Zuck with big-time money attached.
It's true. The Meta offers for the "superintelligence" team are actually insane. If you work at the big AI labs, Zuck is personally negotiating $10M+/yr in cold hard liquid money. I’ve never seen anything like it.
I think the craziest part of this story is that it’ll probably work out. Despite being behind in the AI race, Meta’s prestige is permanent. Even a small slice of potential AI returns would likely have real impact on Meta’s bottom line.
Canva adopted a new standard, and I’m surprised it’s taken this long. Canva now requires (not just allows) AI tool usage in developer interviews. We’re past AI-friendly. Companies are realizing AI-native workflows will separate winners from losers. I’m sure Canva is not the first to do this, but I love the approach. Instead of denying the inevitability of tool usage, embrace it. Every other industry - college apps? - should expect the same.
Other commentary
The tech job market feels so contradictory. The demand for AI-related jobs has skyrocketed, but everyone wants an AI-related job.
We're watching real-time skill obsolescence.