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A new test for AI labs: Are you even trying to make money?
AI companies are at a crossroads, with many labs focused on foundational models but unclear on monetization strategies. A proposed five-level scale measures labs based on their ambition, not their current revenue. While some labs like OpenAI and Anthropic are at Level 5, newcomers like Humans& and Thinking Machines Lab vary in their commercialization clarity, reflecting a broader industry trend of balancing research with business goals.
Key points
- AI companies vary in ambition and monetization strategies amidst a growing industry.
- Proposed five-level scale: Level 5 indicates high revenue; Level 1 denotes a focus on self-love rather than profit.
- Established labs like OpenAI are at Level 5, while newer entrants like Humans& and TML have ambiguous commercial intentions.
- TML's stability is questioned after leadership changes, indicating a possible downgrade from Level 4.
- World Labs shows potential for high ambition with successful product launches, nearing Level 4.
- Safe Superintelligence, founded by Ilya Sutskever, focuses on scientific research at Level 1, avoiding commercialization.
Why it matters
- The rise of AI foundation models mirrors historical tech booms, like software in the 1990s.
- In 2025, AI is seen as ubiquitous across industries, highlighting the importance of balancing innovation and profitability.
- The initial focus on research vs. commercialization reflects a broader trend in startups adjusting to market demands.
As the AI landscape evolves, companies must navigate the balance between ambitious research and the drive for profitability, indicating a crucial phase in the industry’s development.