Part 10/14:
A critical insight from industry analysis is the importance of vertical integration — controlling the entire AI stack from hardware to applications. Elon Musk’s approach stands out, as Tesla manages its own hardware, chips (like TPUs), and software, giving it the flexibility and agility other big companies lack due to reliance on partner ecosystems.
In contrast, companies like OpenAI and Anthropic depend heavily on external partners for data, chips, or distribution channels, exposing them to risks if partnerships dissolve or partners shift priorities. The book AI Rising, authored by industry experts including Brian and others, emphasizes that owning and controlling the entire stack is the key to ultimate success in the race toward AGI.