Good morning from OWITH.ai: the podcast that gives you only what's important to hear in the AI and tech world.The recent Slush event in Helsinki, a major startup gathering in Europe, attracted over 13,000 attendees, including 3,500 investors and 6,000 startups and scaleups. Despite Europe's stringent regulatory environment concerning AI, optimism is growing among European founders and investors. This is largely due to the region's burgeoning talent pool. Staffan Helgesson of Creandum noted that Europe's talent advantage is bolstered by reduced immigration in the U.S., redirecting skilled individuals to Europe. The cost of talent in Europe is lower compared to the U.S., and visa difficulties across the Atlantic have made Europe more attractive for students and professionals, according to Ryan Luke Johns of Gravis Robotics. Former DeepMind engineer Laurent Sifre emphasized Europe's untapped AI talent as a key differentiator from Silicon Valley. Anton Osika of Swedish AI unicorn Lovable observed that Europe's less frenetic AI market has allowed companies to attract U.S. talent. In response to concerns about stifling regulations, the EU is considering scaling back some privacy and AI laws to enhance competitiveness. Despite some resistance, this indicates an effort to balance regulation with innovation. The sentiment at Slush was optimistic about Europe's tech future, encapsulated by a banner at the event stating, "Still doubting Europe? Go to hel!" This confidence is reflected in recent venture deals and private equity moves in the tech sector.Speculation surrounds Waymo's robotaxis in Los Angeles—while they offer convenience, they might not significantly alleviate traffic or pollution. The predictability of automated driving contrasts with human drivers' unpredictability. Shifting focus, DOGE, a government efficiency initiative led by Elon Musk aimed at cutting federal spending, reportedly disbanded without fulfilling its mandate. The Office of Personnel Management has absorbed many functions as members transition elsewhere. Meanwhile, Apple is preparing for iOS 27's release in September 2026, focusing on software quality rather than new features—a nod to the "Snow Leopard" update for Mac OS X in 2009. This update will also enhance Siri and integrate AI into more apps. In another vein, Meta reportedly halted internal research highlighting negative mental health effects related to Facebook usage. Users who deactivated their accounts reported lower depression and anxiety levels—findings Meta did not publicly share.A comprehensive overview of global developments as of November 24, 2025, highlights Formula 1 Racing's transformation under Liberty Media. Figures like McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown have democratized the sport through Netflix series and partnerships with brands like Apple. Politically, cautious optimism surrounds a U.S.-drafted peace plan to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Despite initial resistance over perceived pro-Kremlin biases, progress has been made. Economically, shifts in employment trends show college graduates accounting for a significant portion of unemployment at 2.8% in September—a reflection of slowing white-collar job opportunities. In media, the creation of a new right-leaning media giant is underway as the owner of the Daily Mail acquires The Telegraph for £500 million. Retail dynamics are shifting as Shein opens its first physical store in Paris. Concerns arise among lawmakers and competitors about its low pricing strategy threatening traditional retailers. In technology, major companies like OpenAI and Nvidia collaborate on the Stargate AI Project to enhance U.S. AI infrastructure with concerns about potentia

Support the show

Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin