Seven Trillion DollarsPhoto by Andrew Neel

Seven Trillion Dollars– Imagine a staggering $7 trillion, 7% of the entire global economy, poured into a single entity: OpenAI. This proposed investment promises the advancement of artificial intelligence, potentially unlocking human-level intelligence and its limitless possibilities.

Seven Trillion Dollars

OpenAI is aiming big with its AI chip project! Sam Altman has been known for his ambitious visions in the AI field, so it’s not entirely surprising. Developing AI-specific hardware is crucial for advancing the capabilities of artificial intelligence systems. If they manage to secure such a substantial investment, it could potentially accelerate progress in AI research and development. Yet, a different path beckons: $1 trillion invested in FinTech, the realm of financial technology, with the potential to touch and improve the lives of 6 billion people. At the heart of this choice lies a profound question: how should we invest in shaping the future?


The Wall Street Journal reported that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is seeking trillions of dollars in investment to revolutionize the global semiconductor industry. Altman believes that AI chip limitations are constraining OpenAI’s growth, and he is currently in discussions with investors, including the government of the United Arab Emirates, to increase chip-building capacity worldwide. According to the Journal, Altman may need to raise between $5 trillion and $7 trillion for this ambitious project, although CNBC has not been able to verify this figure.


Staggering Investment – Outlook

On the one hand, OpenAI’s proposed investment is audacious, promising a leap into the unknown. ChatGPT, its flagship language model, currently reaches 2 billion users, a glimpse into the potential scale of OpenAI’s impact. However, with such scale comes the weight of responsibility.

  • Concerns over AI misuse, societal disruption, and ethical implications raise doubts about justifying a monumental investment with uncertain returns and potentially risky outcomes.
  • FinTech offers a more tangible vision with a projected $1 trillion investment aiming to empower 6 billion lives, providing financial inclusion, efficiency, and new economic opportunities.
  • The impact of FinTech is real, measurable, and aligned with present needs, with a track record showing tangible returns; however, ethical concerns persist regarding data privacy, algorithmic bias, and potential exclusion.
  • These paths are not mutually exclusive; there’s potential for convergence, where advancements in AI bolster FinTech solutions, enabling greater financial inclusion and economic growth.
  • Responsible AI development fueled by FinTech resources could unlock a future where both technology and its benefits are distributed equitably, addressing concerns over AI misuse and ethical implications.

Ultimately, the choice requires prioritizing our values and desired outcomes. Are we seeking moonshot potential with uncertain risks, or a more immediate impact on people’s lives? Do we prioritize grand visions of the future or the pressing needs of the present?

Back in November 2022, when OpenAI’s ChatGPT was first launched, it feels like it was just yesterday. At that time, the company was grappling with limited GPUs and capacity. I vividly recall reminiscing about those early days. OpenAI’s COO, Brad Lightcap, poured his heart out, recounting how the company primarily saw itself as a provider of tools for developers and businesses. But oh, when it was time to introduce the now-famous ChatGPT bot, the memories flood back. I remember Altman’s fervent encouragement to “just try it,” driven by his belief in the profound and deeply personal impact of text-based interactions with the models. Those moments were truly something special.

Responsible Tech – Inclusive Discussions, Humanity

There are no easy answers. Open and inclusive discussions are crucial, involving diverse stakeholders from all walks of life. Technology can be a powerful tool for good, but only if we guide its development and deployment responsibly. Only then can we ensure that investments, whether audacious or pragmatic, truly serve the betterment of humanity.

Key Considerations:

  • Scale and Impact: OpenAI offers wider potential impact, but FinTech focuses on immediate needs of a larger population.
  • Return on Investment: OpenAI’s returns are speculative, while FinTech has a proven track record.
  • Ethical Concerns: Both options raise ethical considerations, requiring careful governance and responsible development.
  • Complementary Approaches: Both AI and FinTech can be leveraged synergistically for maximum impact.
  • Prioritization: Limited resources demand prioritizing investments based on clear goals and demonstrable outcomes.

The decision is not about choosing one path over the other, but about navigating a complex landscape with clear eyes and open minds. Let us choose wisely, for the stakes are high: the future we build depends on it.

Practical Pointers

Investing $7 trillion in AI chip technology could potentially impact up to 25% of the global population over the next decade, considering cautious estimates and current trends. This investment would represent approximately 7% of the world economy, propelling the valuation of the invested company to the highest globally.

Conversely, allocating $1 trillion to fintech, constituting 1% of the global economy and 86% less than the AI chip investment, could positively influence or transform the lives of approximately 75% of the world’s 8 billion people. Fintech holds promise in lifting individuals above the poverty line and granting them access to fundamental financial services, alongside essentials such as clean sanitation, education, and healthcare. It’s crucial to approach our dreams and visions with wisdom, recognizing the potential impact of various investment choices on global well-being.

Scale and Impact:

  • OpenAI: The investment size is monumental, representing 7% of the global economy. However, ChatGPT’s estimated reach of 2 billion people raises questions about the broader impact compared to the investment scale.
  • FinTech: With a $1 trillion investment projection and aiming to impact 6 billion lives, FinTech appears to offer a wider reach and more direct impact on people’s everyday lives.

Return on Investment:

  • OpenAI: The potential return on investment in OpenAI is largely speculative. While breakthroughs in AI could have immense societal benefits, the timeline and specific outcomes are uncertain.
  • FinTech: FinTech has a more established track record of generating tangible returns through financial inclusion, improved efficiency, and new economic opportunities.

Ethical Considerations:

  • OpenAI: Concerns exist about the potential misuse of advanced AI and potential societal disruptions. Responsible development and governance are crucial.
  • FinTech: FinTech also raises ethical considerations, such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and financial inclusion gaps. Careful regulation and responsible practices are needed.

Alternative Perspectives:

  • Complementary approaches: Instead of an either/or view, both FinTech and advanced AI could be seen as complementary, where AI advancements could enhance FinTech solutions and FinTech could provide resources for responsible AI development.
  • Prioritization: Considering limited resources, prioritizing investments based on clear goals and demonstrable impact might be crucial.

Ultimately, the decision of where to invest depends on individual values, risk tolerance, and desired outcomes. Both OpenAI and FinTech offer significant potential, but their risks and potential returns differ considerably. A careful evaluation of priorities and potential impact should guide decision-making.

Additional Notes:

  • It’s important to remember that these are complex issues with various perspectives.
  • Further research and analysis are needed to fully understand the potential impact of each investment.
  • Open and inclusive discussions involving diverse stakeholders are crucial for responsible investment and technology development.


Investing in both AI chip technology and fintech presents an opportunity to balance transformative advancements across different sectors. While AI chips can drive innovation in areas like healthcare and transportation, fintech innovations can democratize financial access and uplift economically marginalized populations.

A balanced approach to investment could entail considering the short-term and long-term impacts of both sectors. This approach ensures that resources are allocated efficiently to address diverse aspects of human well-being, fostering a more equitable and sustainable global development trajectory.

Ultimately, wise decision-making involves weighing the potential benefits and risks of various investment options, aiming for holistic progress that uplifts communities worldwide.

I hope this provides a balanced perspective on the complexities of this investment decision.

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By V Sharma

A seasoned technology specialist with over 22 years of experience, I specialise in fintech and possess extensive expertise in integrating fintech with trust (blockchain), technology (AI and ML), and data (data science). My expertise includes advanced analytics, machine learning, and blockchain (including trust assessment, tokenization, and digital assets). I have a proven track record of delivering innovative solutions in mobile financial services (such as cross-border remittances, mobile money, mobile banking, and payments), IT service management, software engineering, and mobile telecom (including mobile data, billing, and prepaid charging services). With a successful history of launching start-ups and business units on a global scale, I offer hands-on experience in both engineering and business strategy. In my leisure time, I'm a blogger, a passionate physics enthusiast, and a self-proclaimed photography aficionado.

6 thoughts on “Seven Trillion Dollars and a World Divided: Should AI or FinTech Win the Investment Race?”
  1. Hayden Field says:

    OpenAI’s pursuit of trillions in semiconductor industry investments, as per The Wall Street Journal, raises concerns. The reported scarcity of AI chips hindering OpenAI’s growth prompts Altman’s push to expand chip-building capacity globally, engaging investors, including the UAE government.

    The staggering $5-7 trillion funding requirement, though unverified, raises eyebrows. Altman’s emphasis on expanded AI infrastructure for economic competitiveness seems ambitious. Past controversies surrounding Altman’s chip ventures add skepticism. Nvidia’s dominant market position and OpenAI’s COO’s recollection of ChatGPT’s inception suggest a mixed narrative, despite its apparent success with 100 million weekly users.

  2. Louis Thompsett says:

    Of Evident’s top 10, it is notable that six of these banks are based in North America. Indeed, of the 15 US banks covered in Evident’s study, eight rank in the top 20. What’s more, four Canadian banks make up the top 20, demonstrating Canada’s strength alongside the US.

  3. […] Fueled by a burgeoning demand for artificial intelligence, estimated to reach $7 trillion by 2030 ac…manufacturers are relentlessly innovating in the realm of AI chips. These specialized hardware accelerators boast increased processing power, improved efficiency, and specialized functionalities, catering to the diverse needs of various AI applications. For instance, some chips specifically designed for deep learning tasks leverage tensor cores and high-bandwidth memory (HBM) to accelerate training and inference processes, further amplifying the potential of AI across various industries. […]

  4. Your blog post offered a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between AI and FinTech. The article delves into the implications of investment decisions on global economies, sparking crucial discussions about the future of finance and technology. Usually,

    I do not read articles on blogs however I would like to say that this writeup very compelled me to take a look at and do so Your writing taste has amazed me Thanks for quite nice post

  5. Fantastic site Lots of helpful information here I am sending it to some friends ans additionally sharing in delicious And of course thanks for your effort

  6. you are in reality a just right webmaster. The OpenAI chief executive officer is in talks with investors including the United Arab Emirates government to raise funds for a wildly ambitious tech initiative that would boost the world’s chip-building capacity, expand its ability to power AI, among other things, and cost several trillion dollars, according to people familiar with the matter. The project could require raising as much as $5 trillion to $7 trillion, one of the people said.

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