Jason Warner, co-founder and CEO of Poolside, didn’t hold back when he addressed a key question in today’s AI race: Should most companies be building foundation AI models or simply creating applications on top of existing platforms? At the HumanX AI conference in Las Vegas on Monday, Warner delivered a bold message that only businesses who see intelligence as a new kind of “electricity” should risk developing their own massive foundational systems.
Warner emphasized that those fully dedicated to this vision will either print money like never before or completely redefine the future of humanity. He believes that intelligence is the most vital resource we have right now, drawing parallels to a game-changing invention akin to the printing press but for pure AI capabilities.
Going All-In on AGI
According to Warner, Poolside is “literally” chasing artificial general intelligence (AGI) through its software platform. For companies that view foundational AI models as little more than a neat trick to impress potential investors, Warner strongly advises building on someone else’s proven framework instead. In other words, don’t reinvent the wheel if you’re not prepared to revolutionize the entire automobile industry.
Still, Warner warned that even businesses committed to developing their own foundation AI models can’t rely solely on that model as a marketable product. As competition in this sector intensifies, it becomes crucial to integrate these advanced models seamlessly into comprehensive offerings. Simply having a cutting-edge system won’t be enough unless it’s part of a larger, value-driven product suite.
Targeting the Toughest Challenges
Warner explained his philosophy with clarity: if you’re planning to tackle the monumental task of building foundation AI models, you have to attack the toughest environments head-on. He argued that it’s impossible to “go simple” in one area while pursuing the most ambitious goals in another. If you’re aiming high, you need to commit fully.
This mindset is why Poolside is taking on complex fields such as defense and collaborating with government agencies. These sectors require rigorous testing, higher stakes for security, and unique data challenges. However, Warner also revealed that the company plans to release a consumer-facing app, providing a balance between sophisticated development projects and accessible, user-friendly solutions.
The Poolside Backstory
Founded in 2023, Poolside is the brainchild of Jason Warner—previously GitHub’s CTO—and serial founder Eiso Kant. Based in San Francisco, the startup has already secured over $620 million in venture funding, pushing its valuation to an impressive $3 billion. Warner also served as a managing director at Redpoint, giving him deep insights into the venture capital landscape.
Poolside’s platform focuses on AI-powered software development, aiming to streamline the way developers build, test, and deploy applications. By pursuing both high-level AGI ambitions and real-world applications, the company aspires to set a new standard in the industry—bridging cutting-edge theoretical models with practical, revenue-generating products.
Why Applications Often Matter More
From Warner’s perspective, only those with unwavering belief in the transformative power of foundation AI models should attempt to construct these massive infrastructures. Everyone else might find it far more profitable—and considerably less daunting—to use existing AI frameworks as a launchpad.
Moreover, Warner insisted that the foundation AI model alone isn’t enough to stand out in a market that’s rapidly filling with new competitors. Instead, it should serve as a key component of a greater ecosystem, ensuring customers get more than just raw computational prowess. After all, successful AI ventures often combine strong innovation with tangible benefits, making it easier for non-technical stakeholders to see the value.
The Road Ahead for Foundation AI Models
As AI continues to evolve, the industry will likely split into a handful of major players building the large-scale scaffolding (like the current internet giants or extremely well-funded startups) and thousands of companies leveraging those models in creative ways. Poolside is staking its claim on both ends: it wants to help shape the core structure of AI while also delivering customer-facing tools that bring these models to life.
Warner’s core message is straightforward yet ambitious: if a business truly believes intelligence stands alongside electricity as a pillar of modern society, then building foundation AI models is a gamble worth taking. If not, then harness what already exists, move quickly, and focus on offering unique solutions in an increasingly competitive field. No matter which path companies choose, AI’s impact on technology, culture, and the global economy will be profound—setting the stage for a new era of innovation.
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