A new scale emerges to decode AI labs’ real ambitions

[AIcash]

As more AI companies race to build their own foundation models, it’s becoming harder to tell which labs are trying to build businesses — and which are simply doing research with little concern for monetization.

A growing wave of AI startups is being founded by former Big Tech veterans and legendary researchers, many of whom can raise massive funding without presenting a clear commercial roadmap. To make sense of the landscape, some observers now describe AI labs using a five-level “ambition scale,” ranging from companies already making millions daily to projects focused purely on scientific curiosity.

The confusion matters. Much of today’s AI industry tension stems from mismatches between perceived and actual ambition, especially when labs quietly move from research-first to profit-driven models.

[kevin1]

feels like half these ai labs are just vibes and powerpoint decks right now