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Feature Story
Exclusive: Ex-Twitch CEO Emmett Shear is founding an AI startup backed by a16z
Dec 19, 2024 · techcrunch.com
In November 2023, Shear briefly served as interim CEO of OpenAI after the board ousted Sam Altman. Shear, who has a history with Altman through Y Combinator, threatened to resign if the board couldn't justify Altman's removal. He played a role in facilitating Altman's return, stepping down after Altman was reinstated. Shear's short tenure at OpenAI earned him approximately $3,720.
Key takeaways
- Emmett Shear, former CEO of Twitch, is launching a new AI startup called Stem AI, which is currently in stealth mode and aims to develop AI that aligns with human behavior and ethics.
- Stem AI has secured investment from Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) and lists Adam Goldstein, founder of Hipmunk, as a co-founder.
- Shear has expressed concerns about AI regulation and the potential dangers of AI superintelligence, advocating for international collaboration on AI safety.
- In November 2023, Shear briefly served as interim CEO of OpenAI during a leadership crisis, playing a role in reinstating Sam Altman as CEO.