Billionaire Bromance: Zuckerberg and Huang’s Shared Vision for AI

Mark Zuckerberg and Jensen Huang: The Silicon Valley Bromance
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On the 19th (local time), Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, appeared on a broadcast with renowned podcaster Robert Nixon, where they discussed Meta’s recently launched Llama 3 and overall business strategy for about 24 minutes.

However, what caught the most attention was Zuckerberg’s close friendship with Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia. Zuckerberg revealed a behind-the-scenes moment where he and Huang swapped jackets for a photo. He also mentioned that Huang enjoys cooking and that they cooked and ate cheesesteaks together at Huang’s house.

This story led to speculation that the two are forming a new bromance in Silicon Valley. Some even suggested that the two companies might collaborate, as Meta revealed its artificial intelligence (AI) services through the new Llama 3.

Nixon asked Zuckerberg about a photo he posted on Instagram on the 27th of last month (March) in which the two were wearing each other’s signature jackets. “What did you two discuss?” Nixon asked.

Zuckerberg responded, “We had a comprehensive conversation.” He added, “Huang loves to cook and is very good at it. He invited me over for a meal. When he suggested grilling some meat, I agreed,” explaining the story again.

Furthermore, Zuckerberg shared that the two discussed what they have learned and experienced while running their respective companies.

Zuckerberg emphasized, “Huang and I are the longest-serving founders in the big tech market as of 2024.” Zuckerberg founded Facebook at Harvard in February 2004, and Huang established Nvidia in 1993. Both companies have a history of over 20 years and have significantly impacted various industries.

Business Insider states, “The friendship between the two big tech leaders is being seen as Silicon Valley’s latest bromance. They have a lot in common. Both run massive tech companies worth trillions of dollars, wear their signature jackets, and now, through cheese steaks, they are forming a more comfortable and personal bond.”

Zuckerberg showed his close relationship with Huang by personally writing a tribute for him when Huang was selected for Time’s 100 Most Influential People in April. Zuckerberg praised Huang as “a person with determination and tenacity to stick to his vision for a new future.”

Zuckerberg added, “He has invested his time to help other entrepreneurs, including myself, when we were in difficult situations. I deeply appreciate everything he has done and continues to do for the AI industry.”

According to Bloomberg, Zuckerberg’s assets reached $178 billion due to the recent rise in Meta’s stock price, surpassing Elon Musk, Tesla CEO, and making Zuckerberg the third richest person in the world.

Huang’s assets are valued at $74.6 billion, ranking him in the top 20, but Nvidia holds the third-largest market capitalization in the world, following Microsoft and Apple.

They lead the third richest person and the third most valuable company in the world, forming another commonality: the number 3.

During the podcast interview, Zuckerberg introduced Llama 3 as “the most advanced AI that can be freely utilized.” He also boasted about Meta’s technical prowess, explaining that they integrated real-time search results from Bing and Google into WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram.

Meanwhile, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, is famously known for his comment on Meta’s Llama 3, saying, “It’s not bad.” Considering the strained relationship between the two, including a verbal spat last year (2023) that led to a proposed cage fight in Las Vegas, Musk’s praise is highly unusual and shocking.

When discussing AI regulatory measures with U.S. lawmakers last September, they both agreed on the need for regulation. They voiced that the government should take the lead.

Musk said, “There needs to be an authority to regulate companies to ensure they develop technologies that are safe and beneficial to the public.” In addition, Zuckerberg stated, “I hope that Congress will directly intervene in the issue of AI to support innovation and safety.” Both presented similar arguments.