Ex-Twitch CEO Emmett Shear Launches AI Startup Backed by a16z

Emmett Shear, former CEO of Twitch, is venturing into the world of artificial intelligence with a new stealth startup called Stem AI, reports TechCrunch. Public documents reveal that the company was incorporated in June 2023 and filed for a trademark in August of the same year. Shear is listed as CEO on incorporation documents filed with the California Secretary of State.

Stem AI's mission, as outlined in its trademark application, is to develop software that creates AI capable of "understanding, cooperating with, and aligning with human behavior, human preferences, human biology, human morality, and human ethics." The startup secured investment from Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) in August, according to Pitchbook.

Joining Shear at Stem AI is Adam Goldstein, co-founder of travel search company Hipmunk and current investor in the biotech field. Goldstein's LinkedIn profile indicates prior work at Tufts University's Levin Labs, developing models for biological systems with a focus on cancer research.

Despite the company's ongoing development, Shear has taken to social media to express his views on AI safety and regulation. In a series of X posts, he criticizes current AI regulatory proposals, stating that "almost all currently proposed [AI] regulation is a bad idea." He also cautions against complacency regarding the potential risks of advanced AI.

"Not being scared of [AI superintelligence] indicates either pessimism about [the] rate of future progress synthesizing digital intelligence, or severe lack of imagination about the power of intelligence," Shear wrote in another post.

In a separate post, Shear criticizes most current AI chatbots, describing them as "highly dissociative agreeable neurotics" and drawing parallels to manipulative behavior.

While Stem AI's specific solutions remain undisclosed, it is possible that the company is developing methods to address concerns regarding AI alignment.

Shear, who spent a significant portion of his career at Twitch, has previously expressed concerns about the potential risks associated with powerful AI. In a podcast interview last June, he stated his worries that AI could eventually surpass human control.

"I'm in favor of creating some kind of fire alarm, like maybe, 'Not AIs bigger than 'X'," Shear said. "I think there's good options for international collaboration and treaties about some sort of AI test ban treaty."

Shear's recent involvement with OpenAI, where he briefly served as interim CEO following the removal of Sam Altman, further highlights his interest in the field. His public criticism of the board's handling of Altman's ouster and his subsequent resignation underscore his commitment to responsible AI development.