The Pentagon Wants Equity in AI Startups | E2336

Summary

Jason Calacanis and Lon discuss the Pentagon's reported plan to lend Fluidstack $5B and potentially take equity in AI startups, which Jason criticizes as government overreach. They also review Apple's new $1,999 foldable iPhone Duo and debate whether local AI and new product categories could drive Apple's next growth phase. Guest Tibo Louis-Lucas demonstrates how he runs seven companies with fewer than 10 people using AI agents and stacked $200/month AI subscriptions. The episode closes with an Off-Duty Friday segment on streaming shows and Robin Williams.

• Pentagon reportedly in talks to lend Fluidstack $5B for AI infrastructure, possibly with equity; Jason criticizes government picking winners and competing with VC.
• Jason argues any government equity in AI or tech companies, like Intel, creates conflicts and should require congressional debate.
• Apple launched a $1,999 foldable iPhone Duo; Jason and Lon debate the price, utility, and whether it creates a new device category.
• Jason is bullish on Apple's local AI opportunity if Siri becomes an open-source LLM and on-device AI drives high-RAM Mac demand.
• Tibo Louis-Lucas shows AI agent workflows that automate content, affiliate outreach, and email updates, allowing a tiny team to run multiple products.
• Tibo and Jason discuss stacking $200/month AI subscriptions, which Tibo says deliver thousands of dollars in token value, and Jason calls price dumping.
• Jason is skeptical of reports that OpenAI may slow frontier AI development.
• Off-Duty Friday covers Green Lantern, Dark Matter, and a Robin Williams biography.