Mark Zuckerberg draws a crowd, Adam Neumann issues refunds, and a founding CEO refuses to step downn

StrictlyVC Daily Briefing - September 12, 2024 Top Themes: AI Advancements & Concerns: OpenAI's potential fundraising at a $150 billion valuation signals continued investor confidence in AI's future. However, Meta's admission of using Australian user data to train its AI raises privacy concerns. Leadership & Rebranding: Mark Zuckerberg's shift from apologetic tech CEO to a more assertive figure sporting "learning through suffering" apparel marks a significant rebranding effort. This contrasts with Adam Neumann refunding investors in his failing crypto startup, Flowcarbon. Funding Landscape: Venture capital remains active with significant funding rounds across various sectors including healthtech, AI, and fintech. Noteworthy investments include SpectraWave's $50 million Series B and Spoon Labs' $89.3 million round. Key Highlights: OpenAI's Potential Mega-Round: The AI research firm is reportedly in talks to raise $6.5 billion at a $150 billion valuation, alongside a $5 billion credit line. This move emphasizes the continued investor appetite for all things AI. (Source: Bloomberg) Meta's Data Harvesting Admission: Meta has confessed to using all available data from its Australian users for AI training purposes, raising serious privacy concerns and potential regulatory backlash. (Source: ABC News) Zuckerberg's No More Apologies Tour: In a packed event at San Francisco's Chase Center, Mark Zuckerberg signaled a departure from past apologies, emphasizing a bolder and unapologetic persona. This rebranding effort is further reflected in his attire, including a T-shirt with the phrase "learning through suffering" in Greek. (Source: Maxwell Zeff) Adam Neumann's Flowcarbon Fizzle: The WeWork founder is issuing refunds to investors in his struggling crypto startup, Flowcarbon, indicating its likely demise. OpenWeb's Leadership Dispute: The appointment of a new CEO at OpenWeb is facing resistance from co-founder and long-time CEO Nadav Shoval, who refuses to step down. Other Notable Developments: Layoffs at PricewaterhouseCoopers: The firm is laying off 1,800 workers in its U.S. division, citing slowing demand for certain advisory services. Grant Contest Controversy: An Atlanta-based venture capital fund has canceled a grant program specifically for Black female-owned businesses following a lawsuit alleging discrimination. Essential Reads: NASA at a Crossroads: A panel of aerospace experts warns that NASA is facing critical decisions about its future direction. (Source: The Washington Post) Google's Webpage Time Machine: Google partners with The Internet Archive to allow users to view historical versions of webpages. (Source: 9to5Google) AI Enters Journalism: A Hawaiian newspaper has employed AI avatars to deliver news reports, raising questions about the evolving role of AI in media. (Source: Wired) Quote of the Day: "Zuckerberg joked that he might need to schedule his next appearance in order to apologize for whatever he was about to say." - Maxwell Zeff, describing Zuckerberg's appearance at the Acquired podcast event.