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Meta launches program to encourage startups to use its Llama AI models | TechCrunch

May 21, 2025 - techcrunch.com
Meta has launched "Llama for Startups," a program designed to encourage U.S.-based startups to adopt its Llama AI models. Eligible companies can receive direct support from Meta’s Llama team and, in some cases, funding of up to $6,000 per month for six months to aid in developing generative AI applications. This initiative is part of Meta's strategy to strengthen its position in the competitive open model space, where it faces challenges from rivals like DeepSeek, Google, and Alibaba’s Qwen. Despite setbacks, such as delays in the rollout of Llama 4 Behemoth and allegations of manipulating AI benchmarks, Meta remains committed to expanding its generative AI portfolio, with ambitious revenue projections and significant investments in infrastructure.

Meta's broader AI strategy includes revenue-sharing agreements, an API for customizing Llama releases, and potential monetization of its AI assistant, Meta AI. The company anticipates spending over $1 billion on its generative AI efforts this year, excluding infrastructure costs, and plans to allocate $60 billion to $80 billion for capital expenditures in 2025, primarily for new data centers. These efforts underscore Meta's commitment to establishing a robust AI ecosystem, despite the challenges and costs involved.

Key takeaways:

  • Meta is launching the "Llama for Startups" program to incentivize U.S.-based startups to adopt its Llama AI models, offering direct support and potential funding.
  • Eligible startups can receive up to $6,000 per month for up to six months to offset costs, with Meta's experts assisting in exploring advanced use cases of Llama.
  • Meta faces competition from rivals like DeepSeek, Google, and Alibaba's Qwen, and has encountered setbacks, including delays in the rollout of its Llama 4 Behemoth model.
  • Meta plans significant investments in its generative AI portfolio, with a GenAI budget potentially exceeding $1 billion in 2024 and capital expenditures of $60 billion to $80 billion in 2025 for new data centers.
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