A Week in Tech: Newsom’s AI Bill Veto and the Future of Aeronautics
Another whirlwind week in the tech world has come and gone! Let’s dive into some significant developments, starting with California Governor Gavin Newsom’s veto of the contentious SB 1047. This bill aimed to preempt potential real-world disasters stemming from artificial intelligence systems. While it hit a snag this time around, the bill’s author isn’t throwing in the towel, with plans to bring back a revised version next year. It’s a move that signals ongoing debates around AI governance are far from over.
Sky High Investments
Shifting our gaze upward, let’s talk about Joby Aviation, which recently secured a staggering $500 million investment from Toyota. While this move might seem like a leap towards realizing the air taxi dream, skepticism lingers among industry insiders. Our resident expert, Margaux, points out that competing aeronautics startup Salient Motion is gaining traction, despite attempts from tech mogul Palmer Luckey to dampen its efforts. The startup is navigating bumpy skies but is determined to keep its flight plan intact.
AI Drama and New Ventures
On the AI front, Devin highlighted a blockbuster funding round for Poolside, alongside some intriguing developments around PearAI—a company backed by Y Combinator that’s stirring up chatter in the open-source community. It seems the push for AI innovation is ramping up, bringing both excitement and some drama along for the ride.
In a lovely twist, the Parisian startup scene is blooming with positivity, thanks to Motier Ventures’ announcement of its new initiative—La Maison. This startup hub is sure to inject fresh energy into the French tech landscape, fostering creative collaborations and innovative solutions.
Join the Dialogue
As always, we invite you to hit play and immerse yourself in the lively discussions on our podcast. The Equity team will be back next week, offering fresh insights and analysis on the ever-evolving tech landscape.
Equity is TechCrunch’s flagship podcast, produced by Theresa Loconsolo and available every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, or wherever you tune in. You can find us on X and Threads at @EquityPod, and if you prefer reading, check out our full episode transcripts on Simplecast.
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