[creesch]

> Unlike the US, Europe has no California-level VCs.

Some would consider that a good thing. There is a lot to be said for VC in recent years not being beneficial for the economy, certainly on an individual level, other than "number go up".

[stared]

Sure.

At the same time, it made in many cases EU dependent on the US. A lot of governments are basically dependent on MS Office or Google Cloud.

With AI, it is even more strategic.

[layer8]

My impression is that in Europe much fewer people are convinced that AI-maxxing is necessary or even a net benefit.

[c7b]

And if you ask a bit more, you'll find that those same people are very likely to daily-drive AI models, desktop and phone operating systems and various other software critical to their professional and personal lives from US companies. And buy tons of Chinese products over Chinese or US e-commerce platforms.

What people say matters much less than what they do.

[WarmWash]

Much fewer people in Europe are convinced maxxing anything besides work/life/life balance and generous social support are a benefit.

All the stuff that doesn't help an economy grow or pay for the future.

[holistio]

I have rather deep concerns about our future with AI.

Yet, I'm still sending hundreds of dollars to US companies providing it. I'd much rather send it to EU companies.

[jeroenhd]

Americans are also far less into AI than a startup forum like HN will make you believe.

In real life, there are a few AI maniacs that make their entire identity about how they use AI, but it's hardly the sensation that the internet will make you believe. I don't believe there is any difference between the USA and Europe, although the lack of employee protection does mean that it's a lot easier for Americans to lose their jobs when their managers get lured in by AI companies.

After all, the entire AI bubble is all about VCs and startups hyping each other up until profits magically appear.

[king_phil]

Which has nothing to do with VCs, just with sourcing decisions.

[stared]

If there were European MicroSoft or Google, there would be a preference.

[guywithahat]

Well those companies exist because of VC's, and the nation's business freedom compared to Europe

[guywithahat]

> There is a lot to be said for VC in recent years not being beneficial for the economy

What a wild statement, VC's are behind most of the growth in the US economy, and they directly drive up wages in tech. I'd be fascinated to hear a valid complaint of VC's that isn't just money envy

[creesch]

Economic growth doesn't mean much if the benefits are concentrated in a small percentage of the population.

And while I can't disagree it has benefited tech wages historically that is just one industry. Then there are also the recent mass layoffs.

[flanked-evergl]

Some people consider it a good thing that communists boiled people's hands as torture. Some people consider it a good think that Iran massacred 10,000s of its own citizens. Some would consider it a good thing that Israel killed all Palestinians in Gaza.

[creesch]

Lol, okay bud. Lets go all in on the extreme hyperboles.

[flanked-evergl]

I mean if morality is just personal preference why do we even allude to it at all?

[creesch]

Is that what I said in your mind? I honestly had to chuckle at the extreme hyperboles you decided to use. Surely having a less favorable view of hyper capitalist economics is on the same level as torture and genocide. Yup, that is a totally reasonable and measured response that just exemplifies acting in good faith.

Anyway, thanks for genuine chuckle your response got out of me.

[flanked-evergl]

You don't even say it is a good thing. The closest to morality come is alluding to the fact that someone holds the opinion that it's good. Even though you also likely hold this opinion, you don't even want to go as far as saying that you think it's a good thing.

This is entirely absurd.

[creesch]

You reply is what we in the game call "moving the goal post".