Why AI researchers are getting paid like NBA All-Stars

This is Alex Heath, your Thursday episode guest host and deputy editor at The Verge. Today I'm joined by Hayden Field, The Verge’s new senior AI reporter to talk about the AI talent wars and why some researchers are suddenly getting traded like their NBA superstars.

Both Hayden and I have been reporting on this for the past several weeks to get a sense of much these companies are paying for top talent, why Big Tech firms like Google are opting to hire instead of acquire, and what it means that some of the most sought-after AI experts in the world are no longer motivated by money alone.

Links:

OpenAI’s Windsurf deal is off — and Windsurf’s CEO is going to Google | Verge

Mark Zuckerberg promises you can trust him with superintelligent AI | Verge

Meta is trying to win the AI race with money — but not everyone can be bought | Verge

Meta says it’s winning the talent war with OpenAI | Command Line

Google gets its swag back | Command Line

The AI talent wars are just getting started | Command Line

Meta tried to buy Safe Superintelligence, hired its CEO instead | CNBC

Apple loses top AI models executive to Meta’s hiring spree | Bloomberg

Meta’s AI recruiting campaign finds a new target | Wired

Anthropic hires back two AI leaders from Anysphere | The Information

Credits:

Decoder is a production of The Verge and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

Our producers are Kate Cox and Nick Statt. Our editor is Ursa Wright.

The Decoder music is by Breakmaster Cylinder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices