Current State of Play from Silicon Valley
In this episode of AI Tsunami, we continue our journey through the dynamic landscape of artificial intelligence by exploring the rapid pace of change and the substantial investments fueling GenAI with guest Evan Epstein of UC Law San Francisco.
We’ll be taking a deep dive into the heart of Silicon Valley, the epicenter of technological innovation. Evan will lead us in unraveling the intricacies of the ever-accelerating pace of change in the AI landscape, exploring how emerging technologies are reshaping industries at an unprecedented speed in the valley.
Discover the financial dynamics behind GenAI as Evan navigates through the labyrinth of investors fueling this technological revolution. Gain exclusive insights into who the major players are in Silicon Valley, and understand the pivotal role they play in driving innovation and shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
Come with us to explore the current landscape of GenAI from the heart of Silicon Valley and tune in, as Evan shares his expertise while providing valuable insights that will shape your understanding of the rapid changes and significant investments driving the future of artificial intelligence.
Speaker Highlights
Open AI Fiasco
Sam Altman's firing and the ensuing events that unfolded at OpenAI.
Power Loop
In Silicon Valley and venture capital, the "power law" is crucial: a few companies generate the majority of returns.
Exhibit 1, OpenAI
The most significant example of innovative corporate structuring is OpenAI, the pioneer behind generative AI technologies like ChatGPT.
Evan Epstein
Evan Epstein is the founding Executive Director of the UC Center for Business Law San Francisco, and Adjunct Professor at UC Law SF.
Professor Epstein has advised founders, executives, directors and investors for over 17 years in Silicon Valley and internationally. He has been retained as an expert in corporate governance litigation both in the U.S. and abroad, particularly involving fiduciary duties of corporate directors. In 2023, Mr. Epstein was named one of the most influential leaders in corporate governance by the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) as part of the 2023 NACD Directorship 100™, an annual list of leading corporate directors and governance advocates. He was included among the top 50 governance professionals “who exemplify the knowledge, leadership, and excellence that our organization promotes.”
Evan is also the founder and managing partner of Pacifica Global, a corporate governance advisory firm based in San Francisco, California. He is the host of the Boardroom Governance Podcast (ranked #1 in its category) and the author of the Boardroom Governance Newsletter (on Substack). Prior, Evan was the Executive Director of the Arthur and Toni Rembe Rock Center for Corporate Governance, a joint initiative between Stanford Law School and the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Evan holds a JD (equivalent) from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and an LL.M. (Master of Laws) in Corporate Governance and Practice from Stanford Law School. In addition, he was part of the exchange program “Cycle du Diplôme” at Sciences-Po in Paris, France.
Our Hosts
Nick Darveau-Garneau
Nick is renowned for his instrumental role in accelerating digital transformations for hundreds of Fortune 500 companies as a board director and technology executive. He is the former Chief Evangelist of Google.
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David R. Beatty, C.M., O.B.E., F.ICD, CFA
One of the world’s most experienced corporate directors and educators, David has served as a Director on 40 boards in Canada, America, Mexico, Australia and England. He has been chair of 11 companies, nine public and two private.
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