## AI Hardware Venture by Jony Ive and Sam Altman
Reports reveal that Jony Ive, ex-design head at Apple, and Sam Altman, the current CEO of OpenAI, are actively seeking for fundings for their new startup. This enterprise aims to develop a distinct “AI-driven personalized gadget.” Though the particulars about the gadget are still secret, it is affirmed that it won’t resemble a smartphone.
The enterprise initially came to the public’s knowledge in autumn 2023, and updates suggest that measures are being taken to make the company operational.
Pursuing a Billion-Dollar Capital
Ive and Altman aim to gather minimum $1 billion for their enterprise. While the exhaustive list of probable investors they have reached out to is undisclosed, it is rumored that they are negotiating with recurring OpenAI investor Thrive Capital and Emerson Collective, a venture capital business created by Laurene Powell Jobs.
Moreover, reputed investor and SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son have also reportedly discussed the business with Altman and Ive. Son previously expressed his willingness to involve Arm, another company he has supported, in this project.
The Significance of Personal Relationships
Prominent and respected figures in the tech sector are involved in this enterprise. Personal acquaintances could help secure funding. For example, Jobs is known to have friendly relations with both Ive and Altman. This could be critical as the prominence of the individuals involved may daunt smaller investors due to a potentially high investment cost.
Possible Rivalry with Apple
Despite scant details about the gadget, it is probable that Ive’s new project could lead him to compete directly with his previous employer, Apple. Reports hint at Apple’s efforts to embed advanced new AI functions into iOS 18 and future versions of the application for iPhones, iPads and other devices.
Altman, meanwhile, is already participating in multiple AI projects besides OpenAI. However, there is yet no signal that OpenAI would be directly engaged in the new hardware firm.
Conclusion
The new project of Jony Ive and Sam Altman is anticipated to offer a novel approach to AI-driven devices. While particulars about the gadget and the company’s probable investors are unknown, the engagement of notable figures in the tech industry points towards this enterprise being revolutionary.
Questions and Answers
Q1: Could you introduce Jony Ive and Sam Altman?
A1: Jony Ive previously led design at Apple, and Sam Altman is currently heading OpenAI.
Q2: What does the new project involve?
A2: The project plans to develop a personal device powered by artificial intelligence.
Q3: What is the funding goal for this project?
A3: The goal is to raise at least $1 billion for their startup.
Q4: Who are they possibly negotiating with for investments?
A4: Conversations are reportedly happening with Thrive Capital, Emerson Collective, and potentially SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son.
Q5: How could this project influence Apple?
A5: The project might result in direct competition for Ive’s ex-employer, Apple, due to its own efforts in integrating robust new AI capabilities across its devices.
