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Demis Hassabis on Google DeepMind's startup-like approach to accelerate progress
Hassabis cofounded DeepMind in 2010, and it was acquired by Google in 2014
A reorganisation transformed Google DeepMind into the lab it has evolved into today.
During a "20VC" podcast episode, Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis elaborated on how his AI laboratory has managed to keep up with its competitors over the past two to three years.
Hassabis detailed that Google consolidated its full suite of resources, including computational power, a significant limiting factor for AI research.
"We've essentially pooled together all the expertise from across the organization, steering in a unified direction," he explained.
This strategy enabled Google to craft the most extensive models, as opposed to having multiple versions within the same company.
"Much of it involved merging all the elements we previously owned and then propelling forward with a determined focus and tempo," he added. "Functioning nearly like a startup, in truth, to wade through to the forefront and excel in numerous aspects."
Hassabis cofounded DeepMind in 2010, and it was acquired by Google in 2014. It unified with Google Brain in 2023 to establish Google DeepMind, the entity behind innovations like Gemini and Nano Banana.
"I would estimate that around 90% of the leaps that form the backbone of today's AI sector were achieved by either Google Brain, Google Research, or DeepMind," remarked Hassabis.
The division faces competition from pioneering labs such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and Microsoft AI.
Technology executives have long praised their companies' ability to operate with the spirit of a startup, adhering to a nimble, rapid-movement mindset.
In a communication to shareholders the previous year, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy expressed his desire for the tech behemoth to function as the "world's largest startup."
"Speed is disproportionately crucial for all businesses, across every sector, at any point," penned Jassy. "It's a mistaken dichotomy to suggest that you can either act swiftly or maintain high standards."
Apple co-founder Steve Jobs famously commented that the company was organised akin to a startup, with various teams collectively working on mutual goals.
