Welcome to Daily Zaps, your regularly-scheduled dose of AI news ⚡️ 

Here’s what we got for ya today:

• 🤖 185 real-world gen AI use cases

• 🚪 Three more execs out at OpenAI

• 💰 Altman may get $10B stake in 'for-profit' transition

• 🥸 Will AI be a bust?

Let’s get right into it!

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BIG TECH

185 real-world gen AI use cases

Initially known for fun interactions, AI is now being used for practical applications, particularly with AI agents that can take actions to achieve specific goals, like improving customer service or automating tasks. Google Cloud’s event showcased 185 use cases where companies are leveraging generative AI in areas such as customer service, employee empowerment, data analysis, cybersecurity, and creative production. These AI-driven solutions are helping organizations boost productivity and modernize experiences, yielding tangible returns.

STARTUPS

Three more execs out at OpenAI

OpenAI is facing a leadership shakeup as three top executives, including Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati, Chief Research Officer Bob McGrew, and VP of Research Barret Zoph, announced their departures. Murati, who played a key role in developing ChatGPT and Dall-E, cited the need for personal exploration in her decision to leave.

These exits follow other notable departures in recent months, leaving CEO Sam Altman without much of his original leadership team as OpenAI undergoes a restructuring. Altman acknowledged the departures and announced new leadership appointments, including Mark Chen as SVP of Research.

STARTUPS

OpenAI considers granting Altman $10B stake in 'for-profit' transition

OpenAI is planning to restructure its core business into a for-profit benefit corporation, giving Sam Altman a 7% equity stake, shifting control away from its non-profit board, making the company more appealing to investors. The non-profit will still exist and hold a minority stake, while CEO Sam Altman will receive equity for the first time, potentially valuing the company at $150 billion.

OPINION

Will AI be a bust?

The head of stock research at Goldman Sachs, has emerged as a leading skeptic of the AI boom, raising concerns about whether businesses will see sufficient returns on what could amount to $1 trillion in AI spending. His skepticism has sparked debates within Goldman, with some, like George Lee, advocating for AI's potential to improve productivity.

Covello argues that AI's high costs may outweigh its benefits, and predicts the AI boom could slow as companies cut spending if profits dip. Despite his doubts, Covello remains vigilant, reassessing his stance on AI's potential impact daily.