AI Veterans Launch Stealth Startup with BigAmbitions
Three former members of Google’s NotebookLM team, including its leader and designer, have announced their departure to launch a new, enigmatic venture. The trio, Raiza Martin, Jason Spielman, and Stephen Hughes, are keeping their cards close to the chest, unveiling only a bare-bones website that hints at something transformative brewing.
On LinkedIn, Martin revealed that she and her co-founders, “couldn’t shake the feeling that there’s a massive opportunity to build something transformative in this space.” While they remain tight-lipped about specifics, the team’s pedigree suggests a strong focus on AI. NotebookLM, a Google AI project, garnered attention for its innovative work with AI-generated podcasts and AI-assisted note-taking.
For now, the startup’s website, werebuilding.ai, offers no clues about their product or even their name. It’s unclear if they will build on the concepts explored at NotebookLM or embark on a completely different path.
A User-First Approach
In recent comments, Martin hinted that the startup will prioritize consumer needs, aiming to leverage the latest AI models to create something truly beneficial for everyday users.
“As the frontier models and their capabilities continue to grow, thoughtful products are required to make the benefits of this technology accessible, useful, and obvious to everyday people — so our team is going to be focused on building a user-first AI product,” she said.
Martin emphasized that the startup is in its earliest stages and has not yet announced any funding. However, she expressed enthusiasm about the overwhelming support they’ve received from the tech community. “Support outside of Google (from fellow founders, investors, academics, people who want to join) has been tremendous and it’s been really encouraging for our small team,” she shared.
* What type of new technology or products could the former NotebookLM team develop?
## AI Veterans Go Solo: What’s Next for NotebookLM Alums?
Welcome back to the show. Today we’re talking about a hot new development in the AI world: the departure of three key figures from Google’s NotebookLM team to launch their own venture. Joining us to discuss this is [Guest Name], a leading tech analyst.
**Host:** Thanks for being here, [Guest Name]. So, Raiza Martin, Jason Spielman, and Stephen Hughes – all heavy hitters in the AI scene, especially after their work with NotebookLM. What makes their move so interesting?
**Guest:** Absolutely. These aren’t just any engineers; they were at the heart of NotebookLM’s development, which was a significant project for Google. Their decision to strike out on their own signals a few things. First, it speaks to the confidence they have in their own abilities to create something truly impactful. Second, it shows a certain entrepreneurial spirit, a desire to build something entirely their own rather than working within a large corporation like Google.
**Host:** We know very little about their new project. They’ve only revealed a bare-bones website hinting at something “transformative.” Any guesses based on their background and experience?
**Guest:** Given their expertise in NotebookLM, which focused on interactive AI-powered notebooks, I wouldn’t be surprised if they continue to explore that space. They could be building a new platform or tools aimed at making AI more accessible and user-friendly. Perhaps focusing on specific niches or industries. Remember, their experience with Google gives them a unique perspective on both the potential and the limitations of existing AI tools.
**Host:** It’s certainly a space to watch. This reminds me of the buzz surrounding another new AI startup, Mistral AI, which we’ve been following gains traction. [[1](https://www.fool.com/investing/stock-market/market-sectors/information-technology/ai-stocks/ai-startups/)]Any similarities you see between the two?
**Guest:** There are definitely parallels. Both are founded by individuals with impressive backgrounds at major tech companies. Both are shrouded in secrecy, generating excitement and speculation. It speaks to the current climate in the AI industry, where innovative startups are attracting significant attention and investment.
**Host:**
Well, we’ll definitely be keeping a close eye on these developments. Thanks for sharing your insights, [Guest Name].
**Guest:** My pleasure.