The AI Industry Is Becoming Like Professional Sports

In this episode of the Odd Lots podcast, co-hosts Joe Weisenthal and Tracy Alloway explore the escalating talent war in the AI industry with guests John Coogan and Jordi Hays, co-hosts of TBPN. They discuss the "sportsification" of tech, where individual AI researchers are receiving massive compensation packages akin to superstar athletes. The conversation covers the metrics for evaluating AI talent, the economics driving high salaries, and the phenomenon of "zombie acquihires," where companies are acquired primarily for their talent. They also touch on the potential for IP fungibility and future trends in venture capital and media, including the rise of AI talent agents and the increasing leverage of individuals in various professional fields.