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What's Going on At OpenAI?
Simplifying emerging technology trends with Shira Lazar. Learn what matters in web3 and AI in under 3 minutes per week.
Shira Lazar
November 20, 2023
This Week in Web3...
This Week in Web3...
Disney (DIS) has teamed up with Dapper Labs to launch Disney Pinnacle, a new Non-Fungible Token (NFT) platform, which will feature digitized versions of iconic characters from Disney, Pixar, and the Star Wars universe. Set to debut later this year, the platform aims to offer fans the ability to collect and trade digital pins on mobile devices and the web. Built on Dapper Labs' Flow blockchain, Disney Pinnacle will be accessible via iOS, Android, and web platforms. This move into the NFT market, following the recent shutdown of its metaverse division for cost-cutting, marks a strategic pivot for Disney, potentially boosting its revenue growth in the future.
Animoca Brands, Amazon Web Services, and Polygon Labs launched the MoonRealm Express Accelerator on November 16, 2023, to boost Web3 development, focusing on Animoca's Mocaverse. This global initiative supports emerging areas like decentralized identity and GameFi, offering resources such as masterclasses, hackathons, and startup incubation.
AWS pledges $1.1M for 500 startups, while Polygon Labs contributes workshops and hackathon support, combining efforts to advance Web3, AI, and blockchain technologies.
The cryptocurrency market is exhibiting signs of recovery from its extended downturn. Key digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum have surged by 30% and 28% respectively over the past month, as per CoinMarketCap. This upswing has also been reflected in the overall crypto market capitalization, which has risen by approximately 31% to $1.41 trillion.
In parallel, the Non-Fungible Token (NFT) sector is rebounding, with a notable 64% increase in total sales in the last 30 days, according to CryptoSlam. Ethereum, Bitcoin, and Solana, the leading blockchains in NFT sales, have experienced significant growth in this period. Additionally, there's a renewed interest in crypto venture capital, breaking a trend of six quarters of declining investment in web3 companies, signaling a potential shift in investor confidence despite the recent market challenges.
Meta Queens and Prohibition are showcasing a generative art collection by LGBTQ+ artists globally. This collection offers a chance to purchase unique art with benefits like discounts on Phluid Project merchandise, Veefriends trading cards, and a mentorship session with Gmoney, a recognized tech innovator. Additionally, sales support LGBTQIA+ charities, making each purchase part of a larger movement for inclusivity and diversity.
‼️ META QUEENS ARE HERE ‼️
Live on @ProhibitionArt 🎉
Mint & help support a GREAT cause 🫱🏼🫲🏽
50% of proceeds go to @TransTechSocial & @OutrightIntl 🌈
MINT LINK 👇🏼
— Meta Queens (@QueensMeta)
5:04 PM • Nov 16, 2023
Quick Headlines
AI Corner
OpenAI recently experienced a major shake-up when co-founder Sam Altman was removed as CEO by the board for purported communication issues on November 17th. Mira Murati temporarily filled the CEO role following his exit. Despite initial reports from The Verge of a potential reinstatement, talks fell through by the weekend. Adding to the developments, former Twitch CEO Emmett Shear has taken over as the interim CEO.
This Week We’re Bullish On
Mira Murati
Mira Murati was temporarily placed as the interim CEO of OpenAI After Sam Altman was ousted from the company on November 17th. Although now former Twitch CEO, Emmett Shear, has taken over as interim CEO of the company.
Regardless we wanted to highlight Murati and give a bit more background on her experience and overall perspective in tech and AI.
Positive Affirmation for This Week
"Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.”
- Maya Angelou
Hope you enjoyed this week's edition of the Alpha newsletter!
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Remember, I'm Bullish on you!
With gratitude,
