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AI Valley: Microsoft, Google, and the Trillion-Dollar Race to Cash In on Artificial Intelligence – A Definitive Insider Chronicle of the Breakthroughs Redefining Our World
A veteran Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist shadows the top thinkers in the field of Artificial Intelligence, introducing the breakthroughs and developments that will change the way we live and work.
Artificial Intelligence has been “just around the corner” for decades, continually disappointing those who long believed in its potential. But now, with the emergence and growing use of ChatGPT, Gemini, and a rapidly multiplying number of other AI tools, many are Has AI’s moment finally arrived?
In AI Valley, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Rivlin brings us deep into the world of AI development in Silicon Valley. Over the course of more than a year, Rivlin closely follows founders and venture capitalists trying to capitalize on this AI moment. That includes LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman, the legendary investor whom the Wall Street Journal once called, “the most connected person in Silicon Valley.”
Through Hoffman, Rivlin is granted access to a number of companies on the cutting-edge of AI research, such as Inflection AI, the company Hoffman cofounded in 2022, and OpenAI, the San Francisco-based startup that sparked it all with its release at the end of that year of ChatGPT. In addition to Hoffman, Rivlin introduces us to other AI experts, including OpenAI cofounder Sam Altman and Mustafa Suleyman, the co-founder of DeepMind, an early AI startup that Google bought for $650 million in 2014. Rivlin also brings readers inside Microsoft, Meta, Google and other tech giants scrambling to keep pace.
On this vast frontier, no one knows which of these companies will hit it big–or which will flame out spectacularly. In this riveting narrative marbled with familiar names such as Musk, Zuckerberg, and Gates, Rivlin chronicles breakthroughs as they happen, giving us a deep understanding of what’s around the corner in AI development. An adventure story full of drama and unforgettable personalities, AI Valley promises to be the definitive story for anyone seeking to understand the latest phase of world-changing discoveries and the minds behind them.
Artificial Intelligence has been “just around the corner” for decades, continually disappointing those who long believed in its potential. But now, with the emergence and growing use of ChatGPT, Gemini, and a rapidly multiplying number of other AI tools, many are Has AI’s moment finally arrived?
In AI Valley, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Rivlin brings us deep into the world of AI development in Silicon Valley. Over the course of more than a year, Rivlin closely follows founders and venture capitalists trying to capitalize on this AI moment. That includes LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman, the legendary investor whom the Wall Street Journal once called, “the most connected person in Silicon Valley.”
Through Hoffman, Rivlin is granted access to a number of companies on the cutting-edge of AI research, such as Inflection AI, the company Hoffman cofounded in 2022, and OpenAI, the San Francisco-based startup that sparked it all with its release at the end of that year of ChatGPT. In addition to Hoffman, Rivlin introduces us to other AI experts, including OpenAI cofounder Sam Altman and Mustafa Suleyman, the co-founder of DeepMind, an early AI startup that Google bought for $650 million in 2014. Rivlin also brings readers inside Microsoft, Meta, Google and other tech giants scrambling to keep pace.
On this vast frontier, no one knows which of these companies will hit it big–or which will flame out spectacularly. In this riveting narrative marbled with familiar names such as Musk, Zuckerberg, and Gates, Rivlin chronicles breakthroughs as they happen, giving us a deep understanding of what’s around the corner in AI development. An adventure story full of drama and unforgettable personalities, AI Valley promises to be the definitive story for anyone seeking to understand the latest phase of world-changing discoveries and the minds behind them.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2025
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May 28, 2025In "AI Valley: The Mad Dash to Cash In on Artificial Intelligence", Gary Rivlin explores the explosive rise of artificial intelligence and the fierce competition among tech giants and startups to dominate the future of this transformative technology. The book reveals how a combination of vision, innovation, and massive resources reshaped Silicon Valley’s landscape, ultimately favoring deep-pocketed incumbents over nimble newcomers. With the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022, AI moved from a theoretical promise to a powerful tool with immediate, mainstream impact. This sudden leap reset the tech industry, forcing every major player to either adapt or risk becoming obsolete.
The modern AI era began not in California, but unexpectedly in London. Mustafa Suleyman, a philosophy student turned conflict mediator, joined Demis Hassabis and Shane Legg to found DeepMind in 2010. Their vision was to build systems that mimicked human intelligence, learning through experience rather than following preset rules. Despite launching during an 'AI winter' when the field was considered a dead end, they secured funding from bold investors like Peter Thiel and Elon Musk. Their breakthrough – a system that could learn to master video games from scratch – impressed Google’s Larry Page, leading to DeepMind’s $650 million acquisition in 2014. The startup insisted on remaining in London, keeping their research non-military, and operating under an ethics board – a move that Facebook, despite offering more money, refused. DeepMind's success set the stage for a new wave of ambitious AI ventures, including OpenAI and later, Inflection AI.
Mustafa Suleyman, after leaving Google, envisioned a more emotionally intelligent AI – one that could build relationships, not just answer queries. Teaming up with Reid Hoffman of LinkedIn fame, he founded Inflection AI, aiming to create an AI that would act as a lifelong companion. Rather than relying on users adapting to the technology, Suleyman’s dream was for AI to adapt to people – learning their preferences, emotions, and habits over time. This vision caught the attention of top-tier investors, including Bill Gates and Ashton Kutcher. With over $200 million raised in its early stages, Inflection positioned itself not just as a product company, but a public benefit corporation committed to social responsibility alongside profits.
Meanwhile, OpenAI quietly launched ChatGPT with little fanfare. A simple blog post and a tweet from CEO Sam Altman introduced the world to what would soon become the fastest-growing consumer app in history. Despite modest internal expectations, ChatGPT surpassed one million users in days and hit 100 million in under three months. Its intuitive interface, creative capabilities, and humanlike dialogue shocked even its creators. Although critics raised valid concerns about ethical risks, hallucinations, and the model’s lack of understanding, the public’s fascination was overwhelming. The AI arms race had truly begun, and no company could afford to ignore it.
Microsoft capitalized swiftly. In January 2023, it invested $10 billion in OpenAI and integrated ChatGPT into Bing, offering a new hybrid interface that combined search results with conversational responses. For once, Microsoft outmaneuvered Google, traditionally seen as the leader in AI research. Google’s rushed attempt to match Microsoft with Bard backfired when its demo included a factual error that erased $100 billion from its market value. This moment symbolized the shift in AI power dynamics: while Google had pioneered foundational AI technologies like the Transformer architecture, Microsoft’s strategic partnership allowed it to leap ahead.
While tech giants fought over market share, Inflection quietly developed Pi, its emotionally intelligent chatbot. Instead of mimicking ChatGPT’s functional prowess, Pi was designed to feel like a friend. It didn’t offer flashy search capabilities or complex coding outputs. Instead, it focused on building trust, empathy, and continuity in conversations. The design was minimalist, its voice options soothing, and its tone deeply supportive. Behind the scenes, Inflection employed a diverse team to teach Pi how to speak with kindness and nuance, even in response to controversial or emotionally charged questions. They even collaborated with therapists, psychologists, and creative professionals to ensure Pi was more than just a text generator – it was an AI meant for meaningful dialogue.
However, even the best-designed product can falter without scale. Inflection’s challenges weren’t technical alone – they were economic. Running powerful AI models requires vast computing power, particularly high-end GPUs, and that level of infrastructure is prohibitively expensive. Inflection’s $1.3 billion in funding, while impressive, was a drop in the ocean compared to what was needed to compete with firms like Microsoft or Google. The company built what it claimed was the world’s largest AI cluster and employed sophisticated management techniques to speed up development. Still, Pi’s limitations were clear: it couldn’t remember past conversations, which frustrated users hoping for a long-term relationship with their AI companion.
By late 2023, Pi’s market share was a mere 2%, while ChatGPT commanded over half of the consumer AI landscape. Suleyman and his team had outlined a three-phase roadmap, starting with emotional intelligence, then moving to cognitive abilities, and finally aiming for complex task execution. But even the first phase was proving difficult to monetize. The startup’s future now hinged on its ability to move beyond companionship and into practical utility, something ChatGPT had already begun to master.
Then came the November 2023 shakeup at OpenAI, when CEO Sam Altman was abruptly fired by the board over opaque accusations of misconduct. Microsoft, caught off guard, contemplated absorbing OpenAI’s top talent directly. Almost the entire OpenAI staff threatened to quit unless Altman was reinstated, leading to a rapid reversal and a reshuffled board. The episode revealed just how fragile even the most powerful AI organizations could be.
This instability at OpenAI served as a harbinger for Inflection. Realizing that they needed at least $6 to $8 billion more to stay competitive, Suleyman and Hoffman faced a hard truth: survival meant surrendering independence. In early 2024, Suleyman announced his move to Microsoft to head its consumer AI division. Rather than acquire Inflection outright, Microsoft structured a 'talent acquisition,' paying $620 million to license its technology while absorbing the team. It was the same model used when Amazon hired the team behind Adept, another ambitious AI startup.
Microsoft emerged as the undisputed leader of the AI race, having invested wisely, moved strategically, and absorbed cutting-edge talent. By early 2024, it was the world’s most valuable company, reaching a $3 trillion valuation. The story of Inflection, once hailed as a visionary alternative to conventional AI, had become a cautionary tale of startup idealism crashing into financial reality.
Ultimately, "AI Valley" paints a sobering picture. While brilliant minds and bold ideas fuel AI innovation, the field’s current economics heavily favor the already powerful. Running foundation models requires capital, data, infrastructure, and distribution that few can rival. Startups can build dazzling demos and thoughtful products, but scaling those to global impact is a different game entirely. The AI boom is far from over, but its early winners are clear – and they’re the companies that were already on top.
The core message of Rivlin’s book is both clear and unsettling: in the world of artificial intelligence, innovation alone is not enough. The dreamers and visionaries can spark revolutions, but only the tech giants, with their boundless resources and entrenched platforms, can truly dominate. Yet the story is not entirely one of loss for startups. As general-purpose AI consolidates under giants, there remains opportunity in specialized niches, unexplored domains, and ethical leadership. For those willing to adapt and specialize, there’s still room to shape the future – even in the shadow of trillion-dollar titans.
The modern AI era began not in California, but unexpectedly in London. Mustafa Suleyman, a philosophy student turned conflict mediator, joined Demis Hassabis and Shane Legg to found DeepMind in 2010. Their vision was to build systems that mimicked human intelligence, learning through experience rather than following preset rules. Despite launching during an 'AI winter' when the field was considered a dead end, they secured funding from bold investors like Peter Thiel and Elon Musk. Their breakthrough – a system that could learn to master video games from scratch – impressed Google’s Larry Page, leading to DeepMind’s $650 million acquisition in 2014. The startup insisted on remaining in London, keeping their research non-military, and operating under an ethics board – a move that Facebook, despite offering more money, refused. DeepMind's success set the stage for a new wave of ambitious AI ventures, including OpenAI and later, Inflection AI.
Mustafa Suleyman, after leaving Google, envisioned a more emotionally intelligent AI – one that could build relationships, not just answer queries. Teaming up with Reid Hoffman of LinkedIn fame, he founded Inflection AI, aiming to create an AI that would act as a lifelong companion. Rather than relying on users adapting to the technology, Suleyman’s dream was for AI to adapt to people – learning their preferences, emotions, and habits over time. This vision caught the attention of top-tier investors, including Bill Gates and Ashton Kutcher. With over $200 million raised in its early stages, Inflection positioned itself not just as a product company, but a public benefit corporation committed to social responsibility alongside profits.
Meanwhile, OpenAI quietly launched ChatGPT with little fanfare. A simple blog post and a tweet from CEO Sam Altman introduced the world to what would soon become the fastest-growing consumer app in history. Despite modest internal expectations, ChatGPT surpassed one million users in days and hit 100 million in under three months. Its intuitive interface, creative capabilities, and humanlike dialogue shocked even its creators. Although critics raised valid concerns about ethical risks, hallucinations, and the model’s lack of understanding, the public’s fascination was overwhelming. The AI arms race had truly begun, and no company could afford to ignore it.
Microsoft capitalized swiftly. In January 2023, it invested $10 billion in OpenAI and integrated ChatGPT into Bing, offering a new hybrid interface that combined search results with conversational responses. For once, Microsoft outmaneuvered Google, traditionally seen as the leader in AI research. Google’s rushed attempt to match Microsoft with Bard backfired when its demo included a factual error that erased $100 billion from its market value. This moment symbolized the shift in AI power dynamics: while Google had pioneered foundational AI technologies like the Transformer architecture, Microsoft’s strategic partnership allowed it to leap ahead.
While tech giants fought over market share, Inflection quietly developed Pi, its emotionally intelligent chatbot. Instead of mimicking ChatGPT’s functional prowess, Pi was designed to feel like a friend. It didn’t offer flashy search capabilities or complex coding outputs. Instead, it focused on building trust, empathy, and continuity in conversations. The design was minimalist, its voice options soothing, and its tone deeply supportive. Behind the scenes, Inflection employed a diverse team to teach Pi how to speak with kindness and nuance, even in response to controversial or emotionally charged questions. They even collaborated with therapists, psychologists, and creative professionals to ensure Pi was more than just a text generator – it was an AI meant for meaningful dialogue.
However, even the best-designed product can falter without scale. Inflection’s challenges weren’t technical alone – they were economic. Running powerful AI models requires vast computing power, particularly high-end GPUs, and that level of infrastructure is prohibitively expensive. Inflection’s $1.3 billion in funding, while impressive, was a drop in the ocean compared to what was needed to compete with firms like Microsoft or Google. The company built what it claimed was the world’s largest AI cluster and employed sophisticated management techniques to speed up development. Still, Pi’s limitations were clear: it couldn’t remember past conversations, which frustrated users hoping for a long-term relationship with their AI companion.
By late 2023, Pi’s market share was a mere 2%, while ChatGPT commanded over half of the consumer AI landscape. Suleyman and his team had outlined a three-phase roadmap, starting with emotional intelligence, then moving to cognitive abilities, and finally aiming for complex task execution. But even the first phase was proving difficult to monetize. The startup’s future now hinged on its ability to move beyond companionship and into practical utility, something ChatGPT had already begun to master.
Then came the November 2023 shakeup at OpenAI, when CEO Sam Altman was abruptly fired by the board over opaque accusations of misconduct. Microsoft, caught off guard, contemplated absorbing OpenAI’s top talent directly. Almost the entire OpenAI staff threatened to quit unless Altman was reinstated, leading to a rapid reversal and a reshuffled board. The episode revealed just how fragile even the most powerful AI organizations could be.
This instability at OpenAI served as a harbinger for Inflection. Realizing that they needed at least $6 to $8 billion more to stay competitive, Suleyman and Hoffman faced a hard truth: survival meant surrendering independence. In early 2024, Suleyman announced his move to Microsoft to head its consumer AI division. Rather than acquire Inflection outright, Microsoft structured a 'talent acquisition,' paying $620 million to license its technology while absorbing the team. It was the same model used when Amazon hired the team behind Adept, another ambitious AI startup.
Microsoft emerged as the undisputed leader of the AI race, having invested wisely, moved strategically, and absorbed cutting-edge talent. By early 2024, it was the world’s most valuable company, reaching a $3 trillion valuation. The story of Inflection, once hailed as a visionary alternative to conventional AI, had become a cautionary tale of startup idealism crashing into financial reality.
Ultimately, "AI Valley" paints a sobering picture. While brilliant minds and bold ideas fuel AI innovation, the field’s current economics heavily favor the already powerful. Running foundation models requires capital, data, infrastructure, and distribution that few can rival. Startups can build dazzling demos and thoughtful products, but scaling those to global impact is a different game entirely. The AI boom is far from over, but its early winners are clear – and they’re the companies that were already on top.
The core message of Rivlin’s book is both clear and unsettling: in the world of artificial intelligence, innovation alone is not enough. The dreamers and visionaries can spark revolutions, but only the tech giants, with their boundless resources and entrenched platforms, can truly dominate. Yet the story is not entirely one of loss for startups. As general-purpose AI consolidates under giants, there remains opportunity in specialized niches, unexplored domains, and ethical leadership. For those willing to adapt and specialize, there’s still room to shape the future – even in the shadow of trillion-dollar titans.
January 22, 2025
An excellent book. Incredibly engaging and clear about what's happening with AI at the moment.
July 10, 2025
I was looking for a neutral stance on the AI boom and this was the perfect book to scratch that itch. I know a lot more than I did before and I’m now more aware of what is going on with AI today.
August 25, 2025
I personally keep up with the artificial intelligence race almost daily, but after finishing this book, I think it's absolutely crazy how heavily all of the big technology companies are investing into this gimmick and how none of it has generated any profits for them so far.
I believe the whole thing is a giant bubble, and that's the safe side of the thought process spectrum. If these companies do succeed in the creation of true artificial intelligence we're all screwed anyway, because the first thing it will get rid of is us.
I enjoyed the book and definitely recommend it.
There were some grammatical errors that I happened to catch in the physical hardcover edition, which I will now point out. Hopefully these corrective suggestions will make their way back to the author so that he may correct them:
Page 185:
"transport hundreds of passages"
Page 238:
"maybe they could employee a team"
I believe the whole thing is a giant bubble, and that's the safe side of the thought process spectrum. If these companies do succeed in the creation of true artificial intelligence we're all screwed anyway, because the first thing it will get rid of is us.
I enjoyed the book and definitely recommend it.
There were some grammatical errors that I happened to catch in the physical hardcover edition, which I will now point out. Hopefully these corrective suggestions will make their way back to the author so that he may correct them:
Page 185:
"transport hundreds of passages"
Page 238:
"maybe they could employee a team"
April 6, 2025
AI Valley has some really compelling moments. There are fascinating behind-the-scenes stories about the big names in tech, and it does a decent job showing how deeply AI is woven into the fabric of Silicon Valley life. If you’re curious about where the industry is headed or how some of these decisions are getting made, there’s a lot to take in.
That said, it’s kind of a mixed bag. Some chapters dig in and feel really engaging, while others are a bit scattered or don’t go as deep as I hoped. It felt like the book wasn’t always sure if it wanted to be investigative, analytical, or anecdotal—and it ends up trying to do a little of everything.
Still, I’m glad I read it. It sparked some good thinking and gave me a few “wow, really?” moments. Just don’t expect a super tight or polished narrative.
That said, it’s kind of a mixed bag. Some chapters dig in and feel really engaging, while others are a bit scattered or don’t go as deep as I hoped. It felt like the book wasn’t always sure if it wanted to be investigative, analytical, or anecdotal—and it ends up trying to do a little of everything.
Still, I’m glad I read it. It sparked some good thinking and gave me a few “wow, really?” moments. Just don’t expect a super tight or polished narrative.
December 15, 2024
This is an Advanced Review. The publisher provided a free electronic copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
Introduction
In "AI Valley: Microsoft, Google, and the Trillion-Dollar Race to Cash In on Artificial Intelligence," Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Rivlin dives into the heart of Silicon Valley's latest gold rush. This book explores the intense competition among tech giants to harness the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), a technology that has been on the cusp of revolutionizing our lives for decades. Rivlin, with his seasoned investigative skills, offers an in-depth look at the personalities, companies, and breakthroughs shaping this new frontier.
Summary
The Narrative:
Rivlin's narrative begins with the premise that AI has been perpetually "just around the corner," often disappointing those who anticipated its transformative impact. However, with tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and a myriad of AI applications gaining traction, the narrative shifts to question whether AI's moment has truly arrived.
Key Players:
Reid Hoffman: As a legendary investor and LinkedIn founder, Hoffman provides Rivlin access to the elite of AI research. His involvement with Inflection AI and insights into the AI ecosystem offer readers a glimpse into the strategic maneuvers of Silicon Valley's elite.
Sam Altman and Mustafa Suleyman: Through their roles at OpenAI and DeepMind respectively, Rivlin introduces us to the visionaries attempting to steer AI towards groundbreaking applications. Their stories are interwoven with the broader narrative of tech giants like Microsoft, Meta, and Google, who are all in a race to not just keep up but to lead in AI development.
The Race for AI Dominance:
Rivlin chronicles the high-stakes environment where billions are invested on the bet that AI will yield unprecedented returns. The book details the massive infrastructure projects, like data centers, and the financial commitments that companies are making, suggesting a leap of faith into AI's potential to solve complex problems or create new economic sectors.
Critical Analysis:
Rivlin doesn't shy away from the skepticism surrounding these investments. He discusses the financial doubts expressed by analysts at institutions like Goldman Sachs, Sequoia Capital, and Moody's, who question whether this colossal expenditure will translate into profit. The narrative also touches on the societal implications, ethical considerations, and the potential for both success and spectacular failure in this new tech paradigm.
Style and Accessibility:
Rivlin's writing is both engaging and educational, making complex AI concepts accessible. His style is investigative yet narrative-driven, peppered with anecdotes and real-time insights from interviews and observations over more than a year, creating a story that is both informative and riveting.
Conclusion
"AI Valley" by Gary Rivlin is a compelling read for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, business, and innovation. It's an adventure through the minds and strategies behind AI's development, a narrative filled with drama, potential, and the human element behind the tech. Rivlin successfully captures the essence of a moment in tech history where the future seems both incredibly bright and uncertainly speculative. Whether AI will deliver on its vast promises or not remains to be seen, but Rivlin's book provides a comprehensive, critical, and engaging perspective on the journey so far. This book stands out as a definitive account for those seeking to understand the latest phase of AI's evolution, the minds behind it, and the monumental stakes involved.
Introduction
In "AI Valley: Microsoft, Google, and the Trillion-Dollar Race to Cash In on Artificial Intelligence," Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Rivlin dives into the heart of Silicon Valley's latest gold rush. This book explores the intense competition among tech giants to harness the potential of artificial intelligence (AI), a technology that has been on the cusp of revolutionizing our lives for decades. Rivlin, with his seasoned investigative skills, offers an in-depth look at the personalities, companies, and breakthroughs shaping this new frontier.
Summary
The Narrative:
Rivlin's narrative begins with the premise that AI has been perpetually "just around the corner," often disappointing those who anticipated its transformative impact. However, with tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and a myriad of AI applications gaining traction, the narrative shifts to question whether AI's moment has truly arrived.
Key Players:
Reid Hoffman: As a legendary investor and LinkedIn founder, Hoffman provides Rivlin access to the elite of AI research. His involvement with Inflection AI and insights into the AI ecosystem offer readers a glimpse into the strategic maneuvers of Silicon Valley's elite.
Sam Altman and Mustafa Suleyman: Through their roles at OpenAI and DeepMind respectively, Rivlin introduces us to the visionaries attempting to steer AI towards groundbreaking applications. Their stories are interwoven with the broader narrative of tech giants like Microsoft, Meta, and Google, who are all in a race to not just keep up but to lead in AI development.
The Race for AI Dominance:
Rivlin chronicles the high-stakes environment where billions are invested on the bet that AI will yield unprecedented returns. The book details the massive infrastructure projects, like data centers, and the financial commitments that companies are making, suggesting a leap of faith into AI's potential to solve complex problems or create new economic sectors.
Critical Analysis:
Rivlin doesn't shy away from the skepticism surrounding these investments. He discusses the financial doubts expressed by analysts at institutions like Goldman Sachs, Sequoia Capital, and Moody's, who question whether this colossal expenditure will translate into profit. The narrative also touches on the societal implications, ethical considerations, and the potential for both success and spectacular failure in this new tech paradigm.
Style and Accessibility:
Rivlin's writing is both engaging and educational, making complex AI concepts accessible. His style is investigative yet narrative-driven, peppered with anecdotes and real-time insights from interviews and observations over more than a year, creating a story that is both informative and riveting.
Conclusion
"AI Valley" by Gary Rivlin is a compelling read for anyone interested in the intersection of technology, business, and innovation. It's an adventure through the minds and strategies behind AI's development, a narrative filled with drama, potential, and the human element behind the tech. Rivlin successfully captures the essence of a moment in tech history where the future seems both incredibly bright and uncertainly speculative. Whether AI will deliver on its vast promises or not remains to be seen, but Rivlin's book provides a comprehensive, critical, and engaging perspective on the journey so far. This book stands out as a definitive account for those seeking to understand the latest phase of AI's evolution, the minds behind it, and the monumental stakes involved.
October 28, 2025
For a while now, I have wanted to read a book that does an excellent job of explaining what AI is, how it works, and what impacts it is likely to have in the years ahead. Well, this is not that book. (If anyone can suggest one, please leave me a note.) This is more of a gossipy read, a book-length magazine article about Silicon Valley business and how it relates to the growing AI business. Having said that, it is an enjoyable read with some interesting information and characters, and a lot of discussion of who is in, who is out, who is growing, what tech company is gobbling up what other tech company, and so on. There are some humorous moments as well, which add to the book's readablity.
The book begins with a brief section on the early days of AI, some of its founding fathers, and how it shifted from a rules-based approach (which on the surface makes more sense) to a machine learning approach, in which the AI program takes in as much information as it can and begins to, in effect, teach itself. Then we jump ahead to the 2010s and the arrival of NVidia's powerful GPUs, which enabled the growth of these massive AIs and their LLM chatbots. A couple of characters appear then, and continue to come up throughout the book: investor and all-around Silicon Valley presence Reid Hoffman, one of the founders of Linked In, and Mustafa Suleyman, a leading British tech entrepreneur. We learn about their lives and their projects, and how the field began to grow.
It is hard to compare the AI boom to anything else. Many billions of dollars have been invested in its growth, despite the uncertainty around its practical applications - but many believe that it is only a matter of time until they do. The book gives us some insight into key players in the tech venture capital game, like Greylock Partners. Most of the VC's bets lose money, but when they win, they can win very, very big, and a lot of people want to get in on the next Google or Apple.
Rivlin takes a look at the growth and the travails of the company that Suleyman is trying to build (Inflection AI), and we follow along with the developments taking place with its competitors, such as Meta's Llama, Google's Brain and Deep Mind projects, and Open AI (the biggest success story of the group, so far at least). A lot of time is spent on discussing how these companies are faring in the media and in the public's perception, which have not been without problems. For example, many people surely can recall the bizarre statements made by Microsoft's Sydney chatbot to a New York Times columnist in 2023. Unfortunately Suleyman and Hoffman were having trouble raising the billions needed to continue training their chatbot, and ended up selling out to Microsoft, where Suleyman now works in an executive role.
The reader gets a quick look at the career of Sam Altman (who was not interviewed for the book) and Open AI's Chat GPT program, which is at the time of this writing the undisputed leader in the field. There is a clear portrayal of the notorious attempt by do-gooders on the company's board to depose Altman, which backfired badly. Microsoft's CEO Satya Nadella offered to step in and give Altman and his cohorts a place in his company, and Open AI's staff made it clear they were with Altman and the promise of big profits that he represented, and the worriers were sent on their way.
This incident points to one of the biggest issues in AI. It is widely believed to be a super-powerful technology that is still in its early days, and that its potential to do harm is very great, enough so that many in the field have gone public with dire warnings about the need to control it and imbue it with good ethics. There was even a famous "pause letter" signed by many leaders in the field, urging developers to slow down. These efforts have for the most part ended in failure, and the desire to make money and build power has come out far ahead.
The future of AI is wide open, and other countries, China in particular, are getting into the game. In this book, Rivlin does not spend much time prognosticating. Many smart people have tried to forecast how things will go, and their predictions are all over the map. This is part of why I find it fascinating (althou I must admit that using these chatbots and the like does not interest me much. I wonder what percentage of people feel that way?) AI could turn out to be another over-hyped technology, or it could end up taking over the world and enslaving us all. One thing is for sure: AI programs are showing the ability to do a lot of jobs, both low and mid-level, that are currently done by human beings. That could be its greatest impact, in the short-term anyway: the elimination of good jobs that once provided livelihoods for millions of people.
The book begins with a brief section on the early days of AI, some of its founding fathers, and how it shifted from a rules-based approach (which on the surface makes more sense) to a machine learning approach, in which the AI program takes in as much information as it can and begins to, in effect, teach itself. Then we jump ahead to the 2010s and the arrival of NVidia's powerful GPUs, which enabled the growth of these massive AIs and their LLM chatbots. A couple of characters appear then, and continue to come up throughout the book: investor and all-around Silicon Valley presence Reid Hoffman, one of the founders of Linked In, and Mustafa Suleyman, a leading British tech entrepreneur. We learn about their lives and their projects, and how the field began to grow.
It is hard to compare the AI boom to anything else. Many billions of dollars have been invested in its growth, despite the uncertainty around its practical applications - but many believe that it is only a matter of time until they do. The book gives us some insight into key players in the tech venture capital game, like Greylock Partners. Most of the VC's bets lose money, but when they win, they can win very, very big, and a lot of people want to get in on the next Google or Apple.
Rivlin takes a look at the growth and the travails of the company that Suleyman is trying to build (Inflection AI), and we follow along with the developments taking place with its competitors, such as Meta's Llama, Google's Brain and Deep Mind projects, and Open AI (the biggest success story of the group, so far at least). A lot of time is spent on discussing how these companies are faring in the media and in the public's perception, which have not been without problems. For example, many people surely can recall the bizarre statements made by Microsoft's Sydney chatbot to a New York Times columnist in 2023. Unfortunately Suleyman and Hoffman were having trouble raising the billions needed to continue training their chatbot, and ended up selling out to Microsoft, where Suleyman now works in an executive role.
The reader gets a quick look at the career of Sam Altman (who was not interviewed for the book) and Open AI's Chat GPT program, which is at the time of this writing the undisputed leader in the field. There is a clear portrayal of the notorious attempt by do-gooders on the company's board to depose Altman, which backfired badly. Microsoft's CEO Satya Nadella offered to step in and give Altman and his cohorts a place in his company, and Open AI's staff made it clear they were with Altman and the promise of big profits that he represented, and the worriers were sent on their way.
This incident points to one of the biggest issues in AI. It is widely believed to be a super-powerful technology that is still in its early days, and that its potential to do harm is very great, enough so that many in the field have gone public with dire warnings about the need to control it and imbue it with good ethics. There was even a famous "pause letter" signed by many leaders in the field, urging developers to slow down. These efforts have for the most part ended in failure, and the desire to make money and build power has come out far ahead.
The future of AI is wide open, and other countries, China in particular, are getting into the game. In this book, Rivlin does not spend much time prognosticating. Many smart people have tried to forecast how things will go, and their predictions are all over the map. This is part of why I find it fascinating (althou I must admit that using these chatbots and the like does not interest me much. I wonder what percentage of people feel that way?) AI could turn out to be another over-hyped technology, or it could end up taking over the world and enslaving us all. One thing is for sure: AI programs are showing the ability to do a lot of jobs, both low and mid-level, that are currently done by human beings. That could be its greatest impact, in the short-term anyway: the elimination of good jobs that once provided livelihoods for millions of people.
December 20, 2024
Gary Rivlin’s AI Valley provides a fascinating exploration of the rise and fall of Inflection AI, a company with a pedigree that seemed destined to dominate the artificial intelligence industry. Despite boasting leading innovators like Reid Hoffman and the founder of DeepMind, Mustafa Suleyman, Inflection AI faded from the competitive AI race, and Rivlin does a fine job of unpacking how such a promising venture faltered and ended up as part of Microsoft.
For industry followers, much of the story is familiar—many already know the timeline and the technical missteps that were in the news these last few years. However, what sets AI Valley apart is Rivlin’s deep access to leadership, particularly his candid insights into Hoffman’s role. These glimpses into the decision-making process and leadership dynamics offer intriguing background on how this company with plenty of backing still couldn’t deliver on the personality-based model they wanted to bring to the world. The old school spending and fancy setups leftover from past Silicon Valley eras was not going to cut it in the Age of AI.
Rivlin expresses skepticism surrounding massive investments in AI, backing that up with similar observations from institutions like Goldman Sachs and Sequoia Capital. His investigative approach extends to exploring the societal and ethical dimensions of AI, balancing the hype with a grounded look at potential risks and rewards. Clearly, Inflection AI had a noble goal that should have distinguished it from other LLMs. But in the costly, breakneck speed of the race for AI dominance, a good idea with powerful leadership wasn’t enough.
The book’s style is engaging and accessible, making most AI concepts approachable for readers outside the tech industry. Rivlin’s anecdotes and real-time observations over more than a year of research enrich the storytelling, creating a vivid portrayal of the high-stakes drama that surrounds so much of Silicon Valley’s battles for market dominance.
In the end, AI Valley is a must-read for anyone interested in the business of AI. The book captures a pivotal moment in AI’s evolution—one filled with promise, uncertainty, and the complex realities of turning visionary ideas into success that must be massive or it’s not like a victory at all.
For industry followers, much of the story is familiar—many already know the timeline and the technical missteps that were in the news these last few years. However, what sets AI Valley apart is Rivlin’s deep access to leadership, particularly his candid insights into Hoffman’s role. These glimpses into the decision-making process and leadership dynamics offer intriguing background on how this company with plenty of backing still couldn’t deliver on the personality-based model they wanted to bring to the world. The old school spending and fancy setups leftover from past Silicon Valley eras was not going to cut it in the Age of AI.
Rivlin expresses skepticism surrounding massive investments in AI, backing that up with similar observations from institutions like Goldman Sachs and Sequoia Capital. His investigative approach extends to exploring the societal and ethical dimensions of AI, balancing the hype with a grounded look at potential risks and rewards. Clearly, Inflection AI had a noble goal that should have distinguished it from other LLMs. But in the costly, breakneck speed of the race for AI dominance, a good idea with powerful leadership wasn’t enough.
The book’s style is engaging and accessible, making most AI concepts approachable for readers outside the tech industry. Rivlin’s anecdotes and real-time observations over more than a year of research enrich the storytelling, creating a vivid portrayal of the high-stakes drama that surrounds so much of Silicon Valley’s battles for market dominance.
In the end, AI Valley is a must-read for anyone interested in the business of AI. The book captures a pivotal moment in AI’s evolution—one filled with promise, uncertainty, and the complex realities of turning visionary ideas into success that must be massive or it’s not like a victory at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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August 12, 2025Ba tháng chưa đọc thêm được quyển gì vì phải dọt cho xong quyển này. Thực tế thời gian dọt cũng không quá dài, nhưng do công việc chính của mình ngốn quá nhiều thời gian nên hở ra lúc nào là mình lại phải lao vào cuốn này cho kịp tiến độ. Chắc mình sẽ gác kiếm một thời gian để đọc thêm, và cũng để đi ra ngoài chạm cỏ nhiều hơn, chứ mắt và lưng có vấn đề rồi.
Trở lại cuốn sách này thì mình mong chờ nhiều hơn về nội dung technical nhưng không có nhiều, vì tác giả là nhà báo chứ đâu phải IT nhỉ :)) và nói thật là mình không thích nội dung về đầu tư, tính mình thế, thật sự mình không quan tâm thằng nào vung triệu đô, tỉ đô đi đâu làm gì cho ai, nhất là khi chúng nó đội lên tham vọng, thậm chí dục vọng cá nhân các mỹ từ như sứ mệnh cứu thế, trách nhiệm khai sáng, đem đến điều tốt cho nhân loại. Không có mje gì hết, chỉ có tốt cho bản thân chúng nó thôi.
Thứ hai là quyển này sắp xếp nội dung khá lộn xộn về mặt thời gian, trong các chương và đặc biệt là trong từng chương. Đọc một hồi là không biết cái gì trước cái gì sau.
Thứ ba là mình thấy cứ thiếu thiếu các câu chuyện về các AI nghe tên vui vui khác như Grok, Claude hay Perplexity mà lại quá nhiều Hoffman và Suleyman, thậm chí nên đổi tựa sách thành AI Valley và sự thất bại của Suleyman cùng Hoffman cũng được.
Chương 19, cũng là chương cuối là chương đáng đọc nhất, lột tả sự thật phũ phàng của thế giới này và gần như chẳng có cách nào kháng cự. There are places in the world where rules are less important than kindness nhưng, there are going to be no places in the world where money is less important than kindness.
Điểm cộng bù lại là tác giả viết nonfic nhưng không khô, dễ đọc như fic vậy. Hehe.
Trở lại cuốn sách này thì mình mong chờ nhiều hơn về nội dung technical nhưng không có nhiều, vì tác giả là nhà báo chứ đâu phải IT nhỉ :)) và nói thật là mình không thích nội dung về đầu tư, tính mình thế, thật sự mình không quan tâm thằng nào vung triệu đô, tỉ đô đi đâu làm gì cho ai, nhất là khi chúng nó đội lên tham vọng, thậm chí dục vọng cá nhân các mỹ từ như sứ mệnh cứu thế, trách nhiệm khai sáng, đem đến điều tốt cho nhân loại. Không có mje gì hết, chỉ có tốt cho bản thân chúng nó thôi.
Thứ hai là quyển này sắp xếp nội dung khá lộn xộn về mặt thời gian, trong các chương và đặc biệt là trong từng chương. Đọc một hồi là không biết cái gì trước cái gì sau.
Thứ ba là mình thấy cứ thiếu thiếu các câu chuyện về các AI nghe tên vui vui khác như Grok, Claude hay Perplexity mà lại quá nhiều Hoffman và Suleyman, thậm chí nên đổi tựa sách thành AI Valley và sự thất bại của Suleyman cùng Hoffman cũng được.
Chương 19, cũng là chương cuối là chương đáng đọc nhất, lột tả sự thật phũ phàng của thế giới này và gần như chẳng có cách nào kháng cự. There are places in the world where rules are less important than kindness nhưng, there are going to be no places in the world where money is less important than kindness.
Điểm cộng bù lại là tác giả viết nonfic nhưng không khô, dễ đọc như fic vậy. Hehe.
October 4, 2025
AI Valley works best as a political and historical autopsy of the early LLM boom in Silicon Valley. The title fits: this is a valley story, equal parts money, hype, and power.
What stood out is how the book connects dots across tech, finance, and policy. Meta’s stock crash? Explained. Why stock options and RSUs (restricted stock units) are king over cash bonuses? Explained. Suddenly the insider incentives make sense—the weird gravity pulling people to chase valuation, not product.
The sections on competition and regulation hit hardest. Sam Altman lobbying for AI regulation once he’s already ahead? That’s corporate genius disguised as public service. You see the game more clearly once it’s spelled out.
Where the book loses me is in its Microsoft worship. It paints Microsoft’s AI takeover as sleek and dominant, when in reality…Copilot sucks. Microsoft still nails the OS (Windows is smoother than Linux for everyday use), but their other products? Meh. The book’s tone there feels uncritical, bordering on marketing copy.
Still, the historical sweep, the political context, and the peek into boardroom incentives make it worth the read. Not flawless, not timeless, but absolutely illuminating.
Score: 81%.
What stood out is how the book connects dots across tech, finance, and policy. Meta’s stock crash? Explained. Why stock options and RSUs (restricted stock units) are king over cash bonuses? Explained. Suddenly the insider incentives make sense—the weird gravity pulling people to chase valuation, not product.
The sections on competition and regulation hit hardest. Sam Altman lobbying for AI regulation once he’s already ahead? That’s corporate genius disguised as public service. You see the game more clearly once it’s spelled out.
Where the book loses me is in its Microsoft worship. It paints Microsoft’s AI takeover as sleek and dominant, when in reality…Copilot sucks. Microsoft still nails the OS (Windows is smoother than Linux for everyday use), but their other products? Meh. The book’s tone there feels uncritical, bordering on marketing copy.
Still, the historical sweep, the political context, and the peek into boardroom incentives make it worth the read. Not flawless, not timeless, but absolutely illuminating.
Score: 81%.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2025
A behind the scenes look at how the technology of AI evolved and the big players in this market maneuvered. Pretty amazing and very interesting.
I thought that I would learn a bit more about how AI actually works and about potential future applications. But with every internet search/purchasing interaction on line, you realize that AI is here and here to stay.
Right now I call my mom twice a day to make sure she has taken her medicine and help with finances. I don't have kids. I can envision a personal assistant assisting me to do these things.
Personally, I'd like to read more about Reid Hoffman.
Highly recommended if you are looking for the inside scoop about AI. Non fiction.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Business for the opportunity to read the advance read copy of AI: Microsoft, Google, and the Trillion Dollar Race to Cash In on Artificial Intelligence. Approx 320 pages, publication date is March 25, 2025.
The race to incorporate AI is moving at such lightning speed, I'm guessing that this book has evolved since the copy that I read. Still glad I read AI Valley.
I thought that I would learn a bit more about how AI actually works and about potential future applications. But with every internet search/purchasing interaction on line, you realize that AI is here and here to stay.
Right now I call my mom twice a day to make sure she has taken her medicine and help with finances. I don't have kids. I can envision a personal assistant assisting me to do these things.
Personally, I'd like to read more about Reid Hoffman.
Highly recommended if you are looking for the inside scoop about AI. Non fiction.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Business for the opportunity to read the advance read copy of AI: Microsoft, Google, and the Trillion Dollar Race to Cash In on Artificial Intelligence. Approx 320 pages, publication date is March 25, 2025.
The race to incorporate AI is moving at such lightning speed, I'm guessing that this book has evolved since the copy that I read. Still glad I read AI Valley.
May 28, 2025
“despite the innovation and vision of AI startups like DeepMind and Inflection, the economics of artificial intelligence heavily favor established tech giants. Creating and operating foundation models requires billions in funding, massive computing resources, and exceptional talent – advantages that companies like Microsoft and Google inherently possess. While startups may pioneer breakthroughs, they ultimately face impossible odds competing against companies with near-unlimited resources and billions of users. Yet this pattern creates opportunities too – both for entrepreneurs who can find specialized AI niches beyond foundation models, and for professionals who understand how these powerful technologies are reshaping our digital landscape and can position themselves accordingly.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2025
There was a dearth of technical details. The author included irrelevant details and would briefly discuss a topic before dropping it completely. I'm not sure why he didn't wait longer for more events to happen in this rapidly changing area before publishing this book. That said, he did provide a good and easy-to-read history of the AI field and the current explosion of interest and investment. Unfortunately, despite Hoffman and Suleyman's best efforts, the current tech giants are the businesses likely to benefit the most and dominate the field.
December 25, 2025
This was a good, clear and easy to read book that gave me the basics of AI (in a non computer science-y way) and all the players. It leaves me scared about AI and disgusted with the amount of money changing hands and the lack of care by those creating this new tech.
I would read Gary Rivlin’a writing on just about anything. I’m glad he focused on this topic. (Great book by him is Fire on the Prairie about Harold Washington).
I would read Gary Rivlin’a writing on just about anything. I’m glad he focused on this topic. (Great book by him is Fire on the Prairie about Harold Washington).
December 26, 2025
AI Valley is well-reported and highly readable, offering a clear synthesis of how the current AI race took shape. Rivlin lays out the players and pressures demonstrating his access to the players and making complex dynamics easy to follow.
If you already follow AI closely, much of this will feel familiar, and the analysis stays largely within established narratives. Still, it is a useful, well-structured account that brings the story together in one place.
If you already follow AI closely, much of this will feel familiar, and the analysis stays largely within established narratives. Still, it is a useful, well-structured account that brings the story together in one place.
April 6, 2025
I'm glad this book launched when it did. This got me caught up on much of the current race without having to wait until decades after it was all played out. My only gripe was that in audiobook form it was often difficult to track where quotes ended, leading to confusion about who pronouns referenced.
May 11, 2025
This book is an excellent recap of the efforts of computer program designers to create Artificial Intelligence. It is a massive project, and Mr. Rivkin does an excellent job of giving a scorecard with the major players, companies, difficulties, and economics involved. He does so in a way that makes clear the accomplishments and difficulties of the process. It is enlightening.
May 14, 2025
Overall I'm afraid I felt the book mostly meandered. I liked the "half-decade-in-review" it contained, but midway through I wasn't exactly sure what I was learning. The last chapter and epilogue were well done and provided some good analysis of the OpenAI kerfuffle and of the policy landscape we now find ourselves in. I'm glad I read it, but it wasn't really a novel take on the space.
May 18, 2025
Good overview of the history of the major players and events in AI over the last few years, but nothing you would not have known if you stay on top of the industry via podcasts, newsletters and articles.
August 21, 2025
great drama and I learned a lot of tech history. kinda good at balancing the politics within the story. not really sure what the final takeaway should be... that there's more to come? that everything starts and ends with big corp?
November 19, 2025
There’s a danger that this book was too forgiving to its subjects since Rivlin owes Reid Hoffman, Mustafa Suleyman, and others for the access they provided him, but this was still a highly readable and interesting peek inside the people and milestones within the AI industry.
April 30, 2025
A great history on how AI was developed, key stakeholders and investors.
April 30, 2025
a good brief history of AI and the tech entrepreneurs
May 2, 2025
A fun book that covers personal stories from AI's key figures that is delivered in an easy to follow story-telling style...
May 22, 2025
Rivlin makes a difficult subject read like a novel. Enjoyed this book. Learned a lot.
June 16, 2025
A decent overview of the history of AI with an inordinate focus on 2 individuals.
The subtitle should be changed to "How Reid Hoffman and Mustafa Suleyman lost the AI race".
The subtitle should be changed to "How Reid Hoffman and Mustafa Suleyman lost the AI race".
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August 24, 2025Audiobook. Narrator: Joe Knezevich.
September 10, 2025
Great book!!!
Insightful, fun, full of new information and behind the scenes anecdotes.
Loved reading it.
AI is transforming our society faster than ever.
Insightful, fun, full of new information and behind the scenes anecdotes.
Loved reading it.
AI is transforming our society faster than ever.
October 11, 2025
Some good points, worth the read. I would add that there was no mention of Grok which seems to be a dominant startup player worth mention.
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