Over the last year, governments have started securing GPUs and building critical infrastructure as they grapple with AI’s role as a foundational, general-purpose technology.
In this episode, Anjney Midha, General Partner at a16z, explores the concept of infrastructure independence and sovereign AI—how nations are navigating decisions to build, buy, or collaborate on AI capabilities. From compute deserts to hypercenters, Anjney examines how factors like energy, data, and regulation shape sovereignty, drawing parallels to historical technological adoption and highlighting the rise of technical founders solving complex, global infrastructure challenges.
Timecodes:
00:00: The Concept of Infrastructure Independence
00:16: Historical Context of General Purpose Technologies
01:15: Build or Buy: The Key Decision
01:53: Small Nations and Joint Ventures
03:31: Cultural Values in AI Models
05:33: Hyper Centers and Compute Deserts
06:28: Key Ingredients for AI Infrastructure
12:04: Challenges and Risks in AI Development
15:39: Global Perspective and Future Outlook
Stay Updated:
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Find a16z on Twitter:
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Find a16z on LinkedIn:
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Subscribe on your favorite podcast app: https://a16z.simplecast.com/
Follow our host: / stephsmithio
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.
In this episode, Anjney Midha, General Partner at a16z, explores the concept of infrastructure independence and sovereign AI—how nations are navigating decisions to build, buy, or collaborate on AI capabilities. From compute deserts to hypercenters, Anjney examines how factors like energy, data, and regulation shape sovereignty, drawing parallels to historical technological adoption and highlighting the rise of technical founders solving complex, global infrastructure challenges.
Timecodes:
00:00: The Concept of Infrastructure Independence
00:16: Historical Context of General Purpose Technologies
01:15: Build or Buy: The Key Decision
01:53: Small Nations and Joint Ventures
03:31: Cultural Values in AI Models
05:33: Hyper Centers and Compute Deserts
06:28: Key Ingredients for AI Infrastructure
12:04: Challenges and Risks in AI Development
15:39: Global Perspective and Future Outlook
Stay Updated:
Let us know what you think: https://ratethispodcast.com/a16z
Find a16z on Twitter:
/ a16z Find a16z on LinkedIn:
/ a16z Subscribe on your favorite podcast app: https://a16z.simplecast.com/
Follow our host:
/ stephsmithio Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.
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Francisco Gimeno - BC Analyst Just listened an eye-opening A16z podcast about how AI is transforming into a worldwide strategic battleground. It's Not Just Silicon Valley Anymore! AI isn't just a tech race - it's a national priority for many countries: Small nations are forming AI "dream teams" through strategic partnerships and countries are now choosing to Build their own AI or buy from others? One important aspect which is becoming very urgent in AI is that cultural context matters more than ever in AI development, and that is why the race is so hard now. Let’s remember that the winner of the AI race can use it fr many purposes, not only good for everyone around the globe. More and more organisations, institutions are using AI in a way or another, and with AI agents coming this is going to be a real change. Countries or world’s areas which want to matter here have to work on computer power, energy infrastructure, more local data ecosystems and smart regulatory frameworks which help to facilitate AI. And what about us? One way of looking at it is to remember that we have no option but to deal with AI, from not just a local narrow point of view, but also from a global perspective. Curious to hear your perspectives on this global AI transformation! 🤖🌐