At the HumanX AI conference in Las Vegas, Poolside co-founder and CEO Jason Warner challenged the prevailing AI industry trend, arguing that most companies should focus on AI applications rather than building foundational models. Poolside, an AI-powered software development platform, is taking a unique approach by aiming to develop Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) through software.
Warner asserted that intelligence is as crucial a commodity as electricity, emphasizing that companies serious about AI should not treat foundational models as a mere funding strategy. “You’re either printing cash or reshaping humanity,” he remarked, stressing the need for companies to make a definitive choice in their AI pursuits.
Warner believes that building foundation models alone isn’t a sustainable business strategy. Instead, companies must integrate them within a broader product framework, particularly as competition in AI intensifies. He pointed out that pursuing both intelligence and computational power requires embracing complexity.
“You can’t do simple on one side and hard on the other. If you’re going after everything, go for everything,” he stated.
This principle is reflected in Poolside’s focus on high-stakes sectors like defense and government partnerships, alongside plans for a consumer-facing application in the near future.
Poolside’s AI Market Position and Growth Strategy
Founded in 2023, San Francisco-based Poolside was co-founded by Jason Warner (former GitHub CTO and Redpoint managing director) and Eiso Kant, a serial entrepreneur. Since its inception, Poolside has attracted significant investor interest, securing over $620 million in venture funding and reaching a $3 billion valuation.
Warner’s strategy—balancing AGI aspirations with real-world applications—positions Poolside as a major force in AI development. By targeting both government and consumer markets, the company aims to expand the practical use of AI while advancing AGI capabilities.
As competition in AI accelerates, Poolside is doubling down on its unique approach:
- Expanding into defense and government contracts to leverage AI in critical fields.
- Developing a consumer-focused AI product to diversify its applications.
- Pursuing AGI through advanced software methodologies, rather than purely computational scaling.
With Jason Warner’s vision driving the company forward, Poolside is setting itself apart in an increasingly crowded AI landscape.
