1. Garry Tan supports necessary regulation for artificial intelligence but is wary of certain bills moving through California and San Francisco legislatures.
2. Tan believes in maintaining responsibility in funding startups, with Y Combinator choosing not to fund companies that are not deemed beneficial to society.
3. Tan envisions a future where there is a diverse range of AI models and opportunities for founders to create impactful products, rather than a monopolistic market dominated by a few models.
During a speech at The Economic Club of Washington, D.C., Garry Tan, the president and CEO of Y Combinator, emphasized the need for regulation in artificial intelligence. He expressed support for initiatives that promote responsible AI use, such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s risk mitigation framework. However, Tan and other Valley VCs are cautious about certain regulatory efforts, including proposed bills in California. Tan also highlighted the importance of ethical considerations in AI development and funding.
While Y Combinator supports responsible AI startups, recent events have raised concerns about the ethics and accountability of AI leaders. OpenAI faced backlash for removing its AI responsibility team and using a voice without consent. Meanwhile, Meta’s AI advisory council lacked diversity, sparking criticism. Despite these challenges, Tan sees opportunities for new innovative AI startups but stresses the importance of ethical and responsible AI development in the future.
Looking ahead, Tan believes San Francisco is a hub for AI innovation, with success stories like Anthropic and OpenAI. He acknowledges the risks associated with AI, such as bioterror and cyber attacks, and advocates for a measured approach to technology development. Tan envisions a future where there is a diverse range of AI models and consumer choice, rather than concentration in a few monopolistic models. Ultimately, Tan’s goal is to foster innovation and support startups that positively impact society while avoiding negative consequences of unchecked AI development.