The MAD Podcast with Matt Turck Intelligence Isn’t Enough: Why Energy & Compute Decide the AGI Race – Eiso Kant
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Nov 6, 2025 
Eiso Kant, Co-CEO and co-founder of Poolside, discusses groundbreaking advancements in AI infrastructure at Project Horizon, a massive initiative in West Texas. He emphasizes the importance of owning energy and compute resources over relying on hyperscalers. Eiso also explains his pioneering work on Reinforcement Learning to Learn (RL2L), which aims to decode web behaviors, and how continuous learning can enhance AI capabilities. Additionally, he outlines Poolside’s unique hiring strategy and its commitment to community impact through sustainable practices.
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Hire The Right Tail Of Experts
- Hire domain outliers by interviewing broadly and recruiting top tail experts.
- Empower those hires with autonomy and hire for low ego, curiosity, and direct communication.
Hybrid Modular Build For Speed
- Hybrid modular data centers (2.5MW skids) speed delivery and reduce onsite workforce.
- Incremental 2.5MW bring-up shortens lead times and reduces construction risk in remote sites.
Stagger Build To Match Demand
- Stagger construction: first compute arrives Q4 then finalize 250MW by Q1 2027.
- Plan repeated 250MW phases so capacity comes online multiple times per year.