DEI? More like 'common decency' — and Silicon Valley is saying 'no thanks'
The tech industry's allergy to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has reached a new low. Scale AI's Alexandr Wang has decided that DEI is no longer needed, replacing it with his new acronym MEI: merit, excellence, and intelligence. This change is met with enthusiasm from tech giants like Elon Musk, while others are left rolling their eyes in disbelief.
Critics argue that Wang's post oversimplifies complex social dynamics, ignoring systemic barriers and promoting a naive idea of meritocratic purity. Meanwhile, annotators in economically depressed regions toil away for minimal pay. It's ironic that the conversation around "objective" hiring practices is happening in an industry where fairness and inclusion are often disregarded.
Most interesting startup stories from the week
Vinod Khosla, co-founder of Sun Microsystems and Khosla Ventures, shared his concerns about AI's future, regulation woes, and why Europe's tech scene might be lagging behind. His candid chat revealed his thoughts on what keeps him up at night, and it's not his investment portfolio or packed schedule.
A robot with living skin that can stretch and be manipulated has been developed, making it a nightmare come true. Scientists are pushing the boundaries of what's possible, but at what cost?
In a surprising move, Telegram's founder Pavel Durov revealed that the messaging giant operates with just 30 engineers and no dedicated product managers. Security experts are calling this a major red flag for user safety.
Boeing's Starliner capsule finally made it to space, but its return is taking longer than expected. Originally scheduled to return on June 14, the two-person crew will now extend their space vacation until June 26 due to technical issues.
Most interesting fundraises this week
Volkswagen is investing up to $5 billion in Rivian's software development, starting with an initial $1 billion infusion. This partnership could be a win-win for both companies: Rivian gets the financial boost it needs to move forward, and VW finally has a chance to improve its software skills.
Two 18-year-olds convinced seasoned investors to back their AI-powered API startup with $500,000. Instead of spending their summer break relaxing, they're negotiating with VCs.
Zepto just raised $665 million to ensure you never have to wait more than 10 minutes for your groceries or electronic gadgets. Investors are eager to get in on the action, but is this really the future we want?
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