SSI AI makes a billion-dollar bet

SSI AI, a new startup founded by former OpenAI chief scientist Ilya Sutskever, has raised a staggering $1 billion in its first round of funding. With many investors pulling out of AI startups due to concerns about profitability, SSI AI’s mission to create secure superintelligence has officially been sent to its former company, OpenAI. Focused on developing AI systems that exceed human capabilities, the startup has already assembled a core team of researchers and engineers split between California and Israel.

Why SSI AI matters right now

At the heart of SSI AI’s vision is a commitment to creating systems that are secure and capable of overcoming the limitations of current AI. Sutskever, who was instrumental in shaping OpenAI‘s research, is now focused on building what his team describes as “secure superintelligence.” Still in its early stages, the company has received backing from venture capital giants such as Andreessen Horowitz and Sequoia Capital. Despite keeping a low profile on its overall valuation, SSI AI is said to be worth around $5 billion.

Superintelligence is within reach.

Building safe superintelligence (SSI) is the most important technical problem of our​​ time.

We've started the world’s first straight-shot SSI lab, with one goal and one product: a safe superintelligence.

It’s called Safe Superintelligence…

— SSI Inc. (@ssi) June 19, 2024

The new company’s mission is very familiar. It is a not-for-profit company, just like OpenAI’s mission before it shook hands with Microsoft. For those who don’t know, OpenAI had this phrase in its mission statement before it agreed with Microsoft. And Sutskever’s departure was influenced by not carrying this phrase to the rumors.

According to Reuters, This funding was a clear demonstration of the willingness of some investors to back highly specialized AI research, even in an environment of industry skepticism. Unlike other tech startups, SSI AI’s uniqueness lies in its focus on safety, which has become an increasingly prominent concern in the AI debate. The team’s emphasis on preventing AI from posing potential risks to society has attracted both attention and discussion, especially in light of recent regulatory debates in California.

A new kind of AI research

Although still a small business, SSI AI aims to grow rapidly. The funds raised will allow the company to expand its computing resources and hire top talent. With plans to partner with major cloud and chip providers for infrastructure, SSI AI is poised to become a serious competitor in the AI space. However, the company has yet to announce which providers it will collaborate with and is currently in a vacuum on how it will secure the vast computing power necessary for its ambitious projects.

SSI is building a straight shot to safe superintelligence.

We’ve raised $1B from NFDG, a16z, Sequoia, DST Global, and SV Angel.

We’re hiring: https://t.co/DmFWnrc1Kr

— SSI Inc. (@ssi) September 4, 2024

What sets SSI AI apart is its approach to scaling AI. Sutskever’s previous work at OpenAI was largely focused on the scaling hypothesis – the idea that AI performance increases significantly with access to more computing power. But his new initiative aims to approach scaling differently, avoiding making a direct copy of his previous efforts.

SSI AI’s hiring process is thorough and evaluates not just skills but also the cultural fit of potential employees with the company’s values. Daniel Gross, CEO of SSI AI, emphasizes the importance of thoroughly evaluating candidates for their skills and integrity to maintain a dependable and purpose-driven team. Hopefully, they will maintain this mission if they grow into a large company in the future.

With headquarters spanning two continents, will SSI AI be able to lay the foundations for what could be one of the most talked about AI startups soon? (Image credit) What lies ahead for SSI AI

SSI AI’s journey is just beginning, but the company’s large initial funding and the reputation of its leadership suggest that it is on track to make a major impact. While the startup has not announced concrete plans for its first products or services, the company is expected to focus on basic AI research and spend several years on research and development before bringing anything to market.

With headquarters spanning two continents, will SSI AI be able to lay the foundations for what could be one of the most talked about AI startups soon? As concerns about the potential risks of AI continue to grow, everyone will be watching closely to see how the company plans to address the issue of AI safety.

Sutskever’s departure from OpenAI earlier this year has added to the intrigue surrounding SSI AI. Having played a key role in shaping OpenAI’s work, Sutskever’s new venture represents both a continuation and a departure from his previous work.

Featured image credit: Furkan Demirkaya / Dall-E