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In focus
- Destination SEA for companies in need of compute
- How to build an AI analyst for your VC fund, no code required
- A look back at our profile of freshly funded firm Allium
Hello reader,
If data is the new oil, then graphics processing units (GPUs) are the new, new oil. And right now, the wells are running dry.
We are not running low on AI companies, tools, and products by any stretch of the imagination, but as today’s first featured story shows, there’s a very real shortage that goes to the heart of the AI sector. The piece, written by my colleague Scott, explores the industry’s struggle with a lack of chips.
That shortage is hitting small and medium-sized AI firms the hardest as they are squeezed out by bigger players who can lock in multi-year contracts.
As companies from across the world seek chips, the hunt is increasingly pointing toward Southeast Asia’s data center industry. Scott breaks down who’s shopping, what they’re paying, and why the region’s data center boom may end up benefiting from this global problem.
Also today, we have an Insights article from Binh Tran, co-founder of early-stage VC firm AVV, that explores how he automated some of the firm’s back office operations. Spoiler alert: More GPUs were needed to do it than engineers.
Peter Cowan, engagement editor
Top Stories
1️⃣ The global hunt for AI compute targets SEA
Image credit: Ulla
With hoarding, export controls, Nvidia’s dominance, and government policies converging with huge demand for AI chips, the industry faces a perfect storm to drive a shortage.
It’s gotten so acute that Compute Exchange, a marketplace where businesses hunt down available GPU capacity, can’t fulfill half the requests it receives, which is what’s brought it to Southeast Asia.
2️⃣ How I built an AI analyst for my firm, no engineers needed
Singapore’s fintech benchmark is rising.
From our archives
Helping startups build for global demand
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