Bill Gates says he’d start Microsoft again as an AI-centric firm to rival OpenAI and Google: “Today, somebody could raise billions of dollars for a new AI company [that’s just] a few sketch ideas”

Bill Gates says he'd start Microsoft again as an AI-centric firm to rival OpenAI and Google: "Today, somebody could raise billions of dollars for a new AI company [that’s just] a few sketch ideas"

What you need to know

  • In a recent interview with CNBC, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates indicated he’d start the company again as an AI-centric firm to rival OpenAI, Google, and more.
  • Gates admits it’s difficult to succeed in the AI landscape compared to software, making it paramount to identify a niche with little competition.
  • He also critiqued AI startups and their operations — “Oh, the way those things work is so stupid.”

As someone who has witnessed the rise and fall of many tech giants over the years, it is fascinating to see Bill Gates expressing his desire to start Microsoft again, focusing on AI. His insight into identifying a unique niche for AI applications and his criticism of current startup operations are not surprising coming from a man who revolutionized the software industry with his innovative ideas.


Reflecting on my past, it’s been quite a while since I, as Bill Gates, stepped away from the daily operations of Microsoft to devote myself to philanthropy. Yet, recent news suggests that I remain deeply entwined in the company’s decision-making processes, with my counsel being held in high regard, almost reverentially so. In an interview with CNBC this week, I offered some intriguing perspectives on how I would rebuild Microsoft from the ground up if given a second chance in the corporate world.

According to Bill Gates:

Today, someone might secure billions of dollars in funding for a fresh AI company, even though it only has a handful of preliminary concepts.

As a tech enthusiast, if I were given the chance to start Microsoft all over again, I’d leap at the opportunity to establish it as an AI-focused startup, aiming to challenge the leading players in the AI sector like OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic, among others. In essence, my goal would be to create a formidable competitor that could shake up the existing AI landscape. If I were fortunate enough to secure sufficient capital, I’d be ready to take on these key players and make them work hard for their dominance in the AI game.

Instead of many new AI companies focusing solely on emerging, the billionaire plans to find specific areas where AI can prove beneficial. This approach could offer unlimited growth potential for the company with minimal competition. Similarly, Bill Gates expresses comparable ideas in his upcoming Netflix docuseries What’s Next? The Future With Bill Gates, premiering on September 18.

“To really stand out “as a small company, you have to pick something you’re going to do uniquely.”

Remarkably, the billionaire acknowledges that replicating Microsoft’s achievements with his hypothetical company in that specific field would be unattainable. Yet, he posits that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be transformative enough for up-and-coming tech startups to navigate the sector and find their unique market space.

Gates capitalized on the occasion to reveal his remarkable achievements during his tenure at Microsoft, even as he took the reins. He openly acknowledges his relentless drive to put a computer in every household and his knack for inspiring engineers to develop software, both of which played significant roles in Microsoft’s triumph.

As a researcher, I find myself reflecting on the pivotal role my faith in software played in Microsoft’s triumphant dominance of the desktop market, particularly with Windows leading the pack. However, when it comes to AI, I recognize that merely believing isn’t enough; I must cultivate a distinct perspective on designing AI systems. A viewpoint that sets me apart and resonates with others, something not yet fully grasped by many in this field.

Ultimately, Gates acknowledges that mapping out a definitive route to success in AI can be challenging. He suggested if given the chance to revisit his entrepreneurial days in his early twenties, he would aim to identify patterns in how AI startups function, and perhaps remark, “The way these businesses operate is just absurd.

According to Gates, if he were a young entrepreneur once more, he admits that it would be challenging. He suggests that his “youthful mind” might spot the foolishness in how other companies handle AI and think, “Wow, the way they operate is so senseless.” Gates urges the youth to persist in exploring this fresh, unexplored territory he refers to as the frontier.

A clear path to success in AI is blurry at best

Bill Gates says he'd start Microsoft again as an AI-centric firm to rival OpenAI and Google: "Today, somebody could raise billions of dollars for a new AI company [that’s just] a few sketch ideas"

Over the last few months, significant changes have taken place in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Notably, NVIDIA’s CEO, Jensen Huang, suggests that we are on the brink of a new era in AI, with robotics and autonomous vehicles playing leading roles.

Lately, Microsoft has faced criticism from investors following their earnings call. They have raised concerns about Microsoft’s excessive investment in AI projects without visible results. Moreover, they argue that it is challenging to discern a viable route toward achieving success with these investments.

Simultaneously, it’s being said that OpenAI could potentially face bankruptcy within a year, with projected losses amounting to around $5 billion. However, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and Apple are rumored to invest further in OpenAI’s funding round, aiming to save the ChatGPT creator from financial ruin. This potential investment is expected to boost OpenAI’s market value significantly, surpassing the $150 billion mark.

This happens amid reports that 30% of AI projects will be abandoned by 2025 after proof of concept.

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2024-09-17 13:09