AI News: Google DeepMind Experts Plan Breakout for New Venture in Paris
Amidst the increasing popularity and adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), two scientists from Google DeepMind are considering breaking out to create their own AI firm. These Alphabet Inc. technology experts are currently engaging investors to discuss their plans and the logistics of establishing an AI firm in Paris. Their goal is to raise up to $220 million in funding for this ambitious project. Laurent Sifre, a French mathematician, and DeepMind scientist Karl Tuyls are the masterminds behind this venture.
While the name of the new AI firm is still speculative, insiders familiar with the discussion reveal that it may be called Holistic. The focus of this upcoming AI enterprise is believed to be the design of a new Large Language model (LLM). In light of their decision to explore independent ventures, Sifre and Tuyls have submitted their resignation notices to Google DeepMind. Sifre, in particular, has been with Google DeepMind for almost eight years and was a co-author of the notable 2016 DeepMind research on Go.
Tuyls, on the other hand, is an accomplished researcher in game theory and multi-agent reinforcement learning. His expertise lies in understanding the dynamics between autonomous actors, often through the framework of video games. Both Sifre and Tuyls are highly respected authorities in their respective fields.
The choice of France as the base for their startup comes as no surprise, considering the country’s strong support for technology. The region boasts venture capitalists and investment angels who are eager to invest in innovative technologies. This is evident in the funding that Parisian universities and Silicon Valley AI hubs have received for their startup initiatives.
It is worth noting that this development follows the leadership conflict at OpenAI, resulting in the exit of its CEO, Sam Altman, and several senior researchers. However, the reasons for Sifre and Tuyls’ departure from Google DeepMind have not been officially disclosed, other than their desire to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions.