Despite these concerns, Y Combinator continues to support a large number of AI startups. Tan highlighted the opportunities new technologies present for creating successful businesses. He also discussed the future of AI, stating the need for a smart approach to the technology given potential risks, but advocating for a more measured approach. He expressed his hope for a diverse range of AI models, rather than a monopolistic situation, and his fear is not of rogue AIs, but a scarcity of AI options.
Key takeaways:
- Garry Tan, CEO of Y Combinator, supports regulation for artificial intelligence and is overall supportive of the National Institute of Standards and Technology's attempt to construct a GenAI risk mitigation framework.
- Tan expressed concerns about certain regulatory efforts, particularly bills related to AI that are moving through the California and San Francisco legislatures.
- Y Combinator has been producing a significant number of AI startups, with the Winter 2024 cohort having 86 AI startups, nearly double the number from the Winter 2023 batch.
- Tan believes that the future of AI should not be a 'winner take all' model, but rather a diverse range of options, and his biggest fear is a monopolistic situation with a concentration in just a few models.