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How Do Chinese Open Models Spread Chinese Chips? · Prof G Markets

Prof G Markets

The American Startup Taking On China’s AI Models

Ed Elson sits down with Misha Laskin, co-founder and CEO of Reflection, to discuss what drew him to AI, what inspired him to start the company, and the key differences between open and closed-source models. They also explore how Reflection plans to build a sustainable business, why he sees open-source models as a gift regardless of where they come from…

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Notes

  1. Why Did Misha Laskin Get Into Physics? at 2:29

    Misha Laskin got interested in physics after he moved to the United States as a kid. Full answer

  2. Why Did Misha Laskin Start Reflection? at 5:51

    Misha Laskin started Reflection in 2024 because the models then were good at chat and not at work someone could leave them to finish. Full answer

  3. Why Does America Need Its Own Open AI Models? at 8:56

    Misha Laskin says America needs its own open AI models because open technology is what other countries adopt, and the country that ships it brings its… Full answer

  4. What Is the Difference Between an Open and a Closed AI Model? at 10:57

    Misha Laskin says a closed AI model is something you can only rent, and an open model is something you can own. Full answer

  5. How Does Reflection Make Money From an Open Model? at 16:11

    Misha Laskin says Reflection makes money from Beam, its open model, by charging enterprises and the public sector for the systems around it: serving… Full answer

  6. Why Should AI Intelligence Get Cheaper? at 29:24

    Misha Laskin says the amount of intelligence available per watt will keep increasing, so the cost of intelligence should be driven down as far as possible in… Full answer

  7. Why Are Open AI Model Builders Six Months Ahead? at 35:54

    Misha Laskin says an open model builder stays six months ahead because building the model also builds a state-of-the-art stack for serving it, for agents… Full answer

  8. Are Chinese Open AI Models a Gift to American Startups? at 41:48

    Misha Laskin says Chinese open models are a gift to American startups, and he rejects the idea that the releases are simply bad for Western markets. Full answer

  9. How Do Chinese Open Models Spread Chinese Chips? at 46:19

    Misha Laskin says Chinese open models threaten American national security because countries that adopt them also get locked into Chinese chips and data centers. Full answer

  10. What Is Reflection Building? at 54:42

    Misha Laskin says Reflection is building a generational company around open models, and he wants it to be a leader rather than the only American lab in the… Full answer

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