OpenAI just scored a $200 million deal with the U.S. Department of Defense. This move is raising eyebrows about its already shaky relationship with Microsoft, its biggest backer. The two have reportedly been clashing, especially as they compete for enterprise contracts.
The deal highlights Silicon Valley’s growing ties with the military and feeds calls for an AI “arms race.” This hot topic caught attention on TechCrunch’s Equity podcast, hosted by Anthony Ha and Max Zeff.
On TechCrunch’s Equity podcast, hosts Anthony Ha and Max Zeff discussed how the OpenAI/DoD deal reflects Silicon Valley’s increasingly cozy relationship with the military and why industry leaders are calling for an AI “arms race.”
The latest episode also covered:
- Vice President JD Vance joining Bluesky and getting briefly suspended
- Wix buying a six-month-old “vibe coding” startup for $80 million (Anthony Ha isn’t a fan of the phrase “vibe coding”)
- A panel with investor Ali Partovi and Cognition President Russell Kaplan on what technical talent means in the age of AI
Equity drops every Wednesday and Friday. Stay tuned for more updates.
Subscribe to Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, or follow on X and Threads at @EquityPod.
