Safe Superintelligence (SSI), a rapidly emerging AI startup co-founded by former OpenAI chief scientist Ilya Sutskever, has raised $1 billion in its latest funding round, valuing the company at $5 billion. Founded just three months ago, SSI is making headlines with its mission to develop artificial intelligence that not only surpasses human capabilities but also emphasizes safety and ethics.
Major Investors and Funding Goals
SSI’s funding round attracted major venture capital firms, including Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia Capital, DST Global, and SV Angel. Additionally, NFDG, an investment partnership co-led by Nat Friedman and SSI’s CEO Daniel Gross, participated in the funding. The capital will be used to acquire advanced computing power, recruit top talent, and conduct extensive R&D before bringing its AI products to market.
“Our investors are aligned with our mission to pursue safe superintelligence,” said Daniel Gross, CEO of SSI. The startup, currently operating with a small team of 10 employees spread across Palo Alto, California, and Tel Aviv, Israel, aims to establish a highly trusted group of researchers dedicated to pushing AI boundaries responsibly.
A New Approach to AI Scaling
Sutskever, who was instrumental in advocating the scaling hypothesis at OpenAI, is rethinking the approach at SSI. Rather than blindly pursuing larger AI models, he is questioning the fundamental goals of scaling. “Everyone talks about the scaling hypothesis, but no one asks what exactly we are scaling,” Sutskever remarked, highlighting a more thoughtful approach to the development of superintelligent AI systems.
Leadership Focused on Safety and Ethics
The leadership team at SSI is deeply committed to ensuring AI alignment with human values, setting it apart in an increasingly crowded field. Alongside Sutskever and Gross, Daniel Levy, a former OpenAI researcher, plays a key role in guiding SSI’s efforts toward ethical AI development. Gross emphasized that SSI is dedicated to developing AI that aligns with societal needs rather than succumbing to market pressures and hype.
Rising Amidst AI Safety Debates
SSI’s formation comes at a pivotal moment when AI safety is at the forefront of industry debates. A proposed California bill seeks to impose safety regulations on AI companies, drawing a divide among tech giants. Companies like OpenAI and Google oppose the bill, while others, such as Anthropic and Elon Musk’s xAI, have voiced their support. SSI’s emphasis on ethical considerations places it in a unique position within this regulatory landscape.
Sutskever’s Departure from OpenAI
Sutskever’s move to co-found SSI follows a tumultuous exit from OpenAI, where he played a key role in shaping the organization’s direction. Internal conflicts, including a controversial decision to oust then-CEO Sam Altman, led to Sutskever’s departure earlier this year. After leaving OpenAI, Sutskever disbanded his “Superalignment” team, which was focused on ensuring AI systems remain aligned with human values. This experience has further fueled his commitment to a more measured and safe approach at SSI.
Building a Culture of Innovation and Integrity
SSI is actively recruiting talent, with a focus on individuals who exhibit a genuine passion for advancing AI technology beyond the industry’s hype. Gross noted that SSI spends significant time assessing the character of potential hires, favoring those with a deep interest in the work over credentials alone. “We look for extraordinary capabilities, not just experience,” Gross said.
Strategic Partnerships and Future Plans
SSI plans to partner with cloud providers and chip companies to meet its computational needs, although specific partners have not yet been announced. In an industry where startups frequently collaborate with giants like Microsoft and NVIDIA, SSI’s choices will be closely watched.
Takeaway
With a bold vision and a robust funding base, SSI is positioning itself as a leader in the pursuit of safe superintelligent AI. The company’s emphasis on ethical AI development and thoughtful scaling differentiates it from competitors, making it a key player to watch as debates over AI safety and regulation intensify.
As SSI continues to build its team and refine its technology, the startup’s commitment to ethical AI development could set new standards in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
