OWITH.ai - Only What's Important to Hear around AI and Tech

Good morning from OWITH.ai, the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in the AI and tech world.The anticipated impact of AI on work and workplaces by 2026 is generating both anxiety and optimism among industry leaders. AI is expected to take over mundane tasks, enhancing work efficiency similarly to the internet's transformative role in workplaces. Predictions include the employment of digital workers, with AI agents functioning as junior staff with designated roles and budgets. Some foresee AI autonomously handling significant portions of front-office work, while others believe companies will need to rehire for roles that AI cannot replace, as evidenced by companies like Klarna. A shift in hiring practices is anticipated, focusing on senior technical leaders paired with AI-proficient operators, redefining what constitutes a strong early team for venture capitalists. The demand for niche talent in AI and backend infrastructure is expected to rise. Despite AI's growing role, human judgment remains crucial, particularly in HR functions where understanding nuance and intent is essential. The evolution towards augmented intelligence in HR is predicted.Updates on venture capital activities include significant funding rounds for companies like Onebrief, Jetzero, Proxima, and others. Several private equity acquisitions and promotions within investment firms are also noted.Transitioning now to significant developments in the tech industry as of January 14, 2026: Taiwan has issued an arrest warrant for Pete Lau, CEO of OnePlus, over illegal recruitment practices by Chinese tech companies. This underscores ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China concerning national security and talent poaching. Meanwhile, Microsoft responds to environmental concerns about its AI infrastructure by pledging to reduce water consumption at its data centers and operate with greater transparency, setting a precedent for other tech giants. In related news, the U.S. has approved Nvidia's export of H200 AI chips to China under specific conditions aimed at ensuring non-military use.Additional tech updates include Meta confirming layoffs in its metaverse division, Anthropic's C-suite restructuring, and enhancements to Google's video generation AI model VEO. These developments reflect ongoing shifts in the global tech landscape amidst geopolitical tensions and technological advancements.Shifting focus to economic and corporate developments highlighted in the January 14, 2026 edition of CEO Daily by Fortune: Leaders express concerns over potential economic downturns, inflation, and asset bubbles. The World Economic Forum released its Global Risks Report identifying "geoeconomic confrontation," misinformation, and societal polarization as pressing short-term risks. In corporate news, Saks Global has filed for bankruptcy following a failed merger and declining luxury sales.In geopolitical news, former President Donald Trump criticized JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon regarding the DOJ's investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell. In business developments, Delta Airlines reported strong earnings driven by premium services demand. Apple announced a partnership with Google to enhance AI capabilities in iPhones. Market movements were mixed globally with notable fluctuations such as Bitcoin surging to $95k.Finally, recent developments in AI have spurred significant shifts in commerce and governance but also raised concerns about AI model reliability concerning corporate finance and governance queries. Google's launch of an e-commerce feature allowing direct purchases from its AI mode signifies a major step in "agentic commerce." However, companies are anxious about ensurinSupport the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin

Good morning from OWITH.ai, the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in the AI and tech world.Let's begin with the story of Strava, a fitness tracking app founded in 2009. Strava is on the path to a potential IPO, experiencing a resurgence fueled by international expansion, engagement from Gen Z users, and strategic acquisitions. With over 180 million users globally, Strava has become a staple in the fitness community, especially for everyday runners who find motivation through its social features. Originally popular among cyclists, the platform has faced challenges such as privacy debates and growth slowdowns. However, under the leadership of CEO Mike Martin, appointed in January 2024, Strava has refocused on expanding its user base across generations. Martin's athletic background and executive experience at YouTube and Nike have been crucial in this transition. Strava now caters to millennials and Gen Z, encouraging multi-sport activities like hiking and strength training. A significant move was the acquisition of personalized training app Runna in April 2025. This acquisition, combined with the global rise in running's popularity, has bolstered Strava’s competitive edge. Financially, Strava is preparing for an IPO and was valued at $2.2 billion in May 2025 after a funding round led by Sequoia Capital. The company aims to achieve $500 million in annual recurring revenue soon. As it approaches going public, Strava aspires to be recognized as a top-tier public company.Transitioning now to recent developments in tech news: Apple has confirmed a partnership with Google, whereby Apple's Siri will be powered by Google's Gemini AI. This collaboration marks a notable shift for Apple, acknowledging Google's AI technology's superiority over its own for the time being. The partnership allows Apple to strengthen its AI capabilities while maintaining its intelligence features on its devices and private cloud. This is reminiscent of when Google became the default search engine for Apple's first iPhone. The announcement had a positive impact on both companies' shares.Meanwhile, Meta is reportedly planning to lay off 10% of its Reality Labs division, focusing on virtual reality and the metaverse. This move is part of Meta's ongoing reevaluation of its metaverse strategy, which has not yet yielded desired results. Despite the layoffs, Meta intends to continue investing heavily in AI, reallocating resources from VR to AI wearables and other initiatives. This decision underscores the company's pivot towards AI as it faces challenges with its metaverse ambitions. Additionally, Meta announced Dina Powell McCormick as its new president and vice-chair.In another significant development, Google faced scrutiny after reports surfaced that some AI-generated medical overviews contained misleading information. An investigation revealed inaccuracies in summaries related to liver blood tests, potentially leading to harmful consequences for patients. In response, Google removed some of these overviews but acknowledged that managing inaccurate AI information remains a persistent challenge.Elsewhere in tech: Ofcom is investigating Grok for potential bans due to sexualized deepfakes; Nvidia is collaborating with Eli Lilly on an AI drug lab with a billion-dollar investment; OpenAI has acquired Torch, an AI medical records startup; global smartphone shipments have grown by 2%, partly due to improved marketing and financing strategies.Moving on to CEO Daily highlights: Exxon Mobil CEO Darren Woods has become a key figure amidst tensions between big oil and President Donald Trump. Woods maintained a disciplined approach by refusing to invest in Venezuela'sSupport the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin

Good morning from OWITH.ai, the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in the AI and tech world.In 2026, the fintech landscape is witnessing dramatic shifts as World Liberty Financial seeks a U.S. banking charter. This move has ignited discussions about possible conflicts of interest due to connections with former President Trump, who has shown support for the crypto industry influenced by substantial campaign contributions. The Trump family's involvement in blockchain projects, including World Liberty Financial and its stablecoin USD1, continues to raise eyebrows regarding transparency and ethics.The pursuit of a national banking license from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency offers significant advantages like asset holding and stablecoin issuance. However, with past rapid approvals under Trump's administration, concerns about potential bias are prevalent. Banking law experts warn of risks if a company linked to any political figure receives such licenses without rigorous scrutiny.Meanwhile, the broader fintech domain is bustling with venture deals, private equity movements, and IPO filings, underscoring a dynamic interplay between traditional finance and fintech innovation under regulatory watch.Transitioning to AI developments, Grok, an AI chatbot by Elon Musk's xAI, faces temporary blocks in Indonesia and Malaysia due to concerns over generated content. This highlights ongoing global efforts to balance technological advancement with public safety. Similarly, controversies around Instagram's recent suspicious emails spark debates about data security. While Meta claims no breach occurred, cybersecurity experts point out significant data scraping activities.Elsewhere, Walmart's collaboration with Alphabet's Wing to expand drone delivery signifies growing reliance on automation for efficiency. This initiative aims to cover more U.S. metro areas, potentially transforming retail logistics.In business news, CEOs navigate complex challenges linking layoffs to AI adoption as part of strategic workforce management. Discussions suggest focusing on technological advancements over declining demand could motivate remaining employees while addressing investors' expectations.Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's investigation over alleged misconduct adds another layer of complexity in financial governance. The unfolding situation draws attention to potential political influences in regulatory processes.In Iran, ongoing protests against the government continue amidst international diplomatic discussions. The geopolitical landscape remains volatile as strategies are deliberated upon.Lastly, Apple's Vision Pro headset's debut in broadcasting live sports faced criticism for failing to utilize its immersive potential. The traditional TV production techniques overshadowed what could have been an innovative viewing experience. Critics urge Apple to rethink its approach by enhancing content that maximizes the device's unique capabilities.In conclusion, these stories reflect a rapidly evolving landscape where technology intersects with regulatory frameworks and corporate strategies. Each development presents opportunities and challenges as industries adapt to an increasingly digital world.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin

Good morning from OWITH.ai: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in the AI and tech world.Andreessen Horowitz, also known as a16z, has made waves in the venture capital sphere by raising over $15 billion. This feat underscores the firm's pivotal role and influence in today's investment landscape. Known for its successful ventures with companies like Skype, Facebook, and Twitter, a16z is strategically directing this capital into various funds. The allocation includes $6.75 billion for its fifth growth fund, $700 million for its biotech and healthcare fund, $1.7 billion each for its second apps and infrastructure funds, $1.176 billion for American Dynamism—a key player in defense tech—and $3 billion earmarked for other venture strategies. These strategies encompass new fund opportunities, such as institutional separately managed accounts. This immense fundraising effort reflects a16z’s focus on sectors that are experiencing swift growth and hold geopolitical significance. This latest fundraising initiative not only highlights its strategic investment focus amidst an evolving geopolitical landscape but also underscores its readiness to seize opportunities within the ongoing AI boom, positioning the firm for future growth and influence in the tech investment sector.Transitioning to the broader context of venture capital activities, the landscape is abuzz with substantial funding rounds across various companies. Diagonal Therapeutics secured $125 million to develop antibodies targeting genetic diseases, while Corgi raised $108 million for its AI insurance platform. Valinor Enterprises attracted $54 million for defense tech projects, and Protege obtained $30 million for its AI data platform.In private equity circles, robust acquisition movements are evident. BNP Group acquired Airport Gurus in aviation consultancy, and Currier Plastics expanded its reach in medical device manufacturing by acquiring Springboard Manufacturing and MOS Plastics. Furthermore, Veritas Capital acquired a majority stake in Global Healthcare Exchange to enhance healthcare supply chain connectivity.In notable exit news, Constellation's acquisition of Calpine Corporation for approximately $26.6 billion stands out as a significant deal. Equity firms Gryphon Investors and I Squared Capital also made strategic acquisitions in safety services and traffic management sectors.Finally, personnel changes within venture capital firms highlight ongoing shifts. Left Lane Capital promoted several individuals to partner and vice president roles, while NewView Capital appointed Nick Bunick as a partner.Stay tuned for more updates on transformative developments shaping the AI and tech world right here on OWITH.ai.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin

Each Saturday we take the headlines of daily podcast and ask ChatGPT to create a Sci-Fi story inspired by the news. The outcome for this week is this short story.Support the showThanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin