Down Round Scam Altman
Apr 8, 2026
Two friends roast OpenAI's surprise podcast buy and question sky-high tech valuations. They pivot to SpaceX and Starlink skepticism, then dissect shifting priorities like ditching Sora. Tension over acquisition price, leadership drama around Sam Altman, and whether big bets threaten an IPO hustle through the conversation.
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OpenAI's Podcast Purchase Contradicts 'No More Side Quests'
- OpenAI bought the Technology Business (Programming) Network for a reported low hundreds of millions, a move that clashes with their stated 'no more side quests' pivot.
- James JR Hennessy and Raph Dixon call the purchase baffling given TBPN's ESPN-style tech show format and modest ~70k episode views across platforms.
Value May Be In Audience And Equity Not Cash
- The hosts question the reported price and structure of the deal, suggesting it may include stock/options or be inflated by OpenAI's vast fundraising.
- They note TBPN founders have VC ties and a targeted tech-investor audience that could be the real strategic value.
Acquisition Likely A Mindshare Play For VCs And Devs
- Hosts propose strategic rationales: influence over venture-capital and developer audiences or mindshare among engaged AI users.
- They remain skeptical that editorial independence will be honored and doubt the acquisition aligns with OpenAI's enterprise focus.