Ark AI Investment Perspective: Predicting next year's development trends of three AI startups including Open AI

Catherine Wood, also known as 'Wood Sister', leads Ark Investment's venture capital portfolio, and provides investment perspective analysis specifically for several AI startups. This article estimates next year's possible development trends in AI from Ark's perspective. The author selects three companies for introduction.

Open AI

ChatGPT integrates generative AI into workflows, providing AI products tailored for enterprises. GPT utilizes the OpenAI artificial intelligence ecosystem to cultivate a developer community to expand its impact.

ARK continues to monitor all disruptive technologies, especially in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. OpenAI stands out among competitors but must actively develop models and new products.

Google and Apple are launching consumer-facing AI features, while OpenAI's partner Microsoft is preparing to compete in this space. Considering the threat from competitors, OpenAI must retain top talent and demonstrate excellent management capabilities, even in the event of leadership turnover, to continue to outperform other competitors.

According to the company's report in June 2024, OpenAI's annualized valuation has approximately doubled to $3.4 billion. If this trend continues, OpenAI's pre-money equity value will be $150 billion, indicating that if the business value continues to grow, revenue could increase significantly and be positioned between Nvidia and Microsoft.

Shield AI

Shield AI is developing an artificial intelligence pilot software called Hivemind for aircraft piloting. The ultimate goal is to enable even untrained personnel or soldiers to operate the system. Shield AI has started providing services to the government and sells the indoor drone Nova 2 and its vertical takeoff and landing VTOL aircraft V-BAT, both of which use the Hivemind software.

Shield AI was co-founded by brothers Ryan Tseng and Brandon Tseng. Brandon served in the Navy SEALs for seven years, and Ryan has also successfully founded multiple startups, including WiPower, a wireless charging company acquired by Qualcomm.

Shield AI's technology outperforms industry products in open competition. In simulated tests, Shield AI won the AlphaDogfight test of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), where a manned F-16 engaged in combat with a team of 8 AI pilots. Recently, Shield AI partnered with Kratos Defense & Security Solutions to integrate Hivemind software into Kratos' XQ-58 Valkyrie jet drone, providing Shield AI with a first-mover advantage.

Ark believes that autonomous vehicles like Shield's Hivemind can help reduce casualties and improve mission accuracy. The United States and its allies may increase their budget for such products to counter threats from China, Russia, or other countries.

Sortium AI

Sortium AI is a conversational AI platform designed specifically for gaming and virtual production companies. Its core product is an AI assistant in the workspace, supported by advanced large-scale language models like LLM and generative AI. Sortium AI comes pre-equipped with popular tool manuals such as Blender and NVIDIA's Generative 3D and CAD, making it easy for users to get started. It analyzes the user's workspace based on the database, promotes rapid development in programming, and facilitates the development of related tools and APIs.

Sortium CEO Marc Seal previously served as the head of The Topps Company's Web3 division, leading negotiations with major IPs such as Disney, MLB, and Star Wars for intellectual property rights.

3D generation tools are ubiquitous in the entire gaming industry because they accelerate the application scenarios of games and game developers. Ark believes that Sortium's 3D generation AI tools are unique and can gain a competitive advantage. Sortium has a deep gaming background, which will enable them to develop excellent 3D generation AI tools designed specifically for game development.

The AI industry continues to break through, with innovators leading the future.

By analyzing Ark's views on OpenAI, Shield AI, and Sortium AI, we can clearly see the potential and challenges of the AI field. Whether it is the diverse applications of generative AI, breakthroughs in military artificial intelligence technology, or tool platforms focused on games and virtual production, these companies demonstrate their respective market positioning and innovation capabilities.

However, the future of AI depends not only on technological iterations, but also on how to stand out in competition, attract investors, and gain market share. OpenAI, for example, faces pressure in leadership stability and market competition, while Shield AI continues to explore the depth of military applications. Sortium AI is also committed to the diversified development of the gaming industry. These cases not only reflect the boom in the AI industry, but also demonstrate the importance of achieving a balance between technology and commercialization.

This article, Ark AI investment perspective: predicting the development trend of three AI startups including Open AI next year, first appeared on Chain News ABMedia.