October by D’Ornano + Co.: why I am a “cautious techno-optimist”, exploring AI + ML Applications and why LBOs are expected to return in 2024

This is our monthly newsletter dedicated to Tech x Investments.

Dear readers,

The Tech community went buzzing in October with Marc Andreessen's "techno-optimist" manifesto, a 5,000-word essay in which the founder of A16Z calls for the development of technology – in particular AI – which should not just be allowed to continue without constraint but should be accelerated. One year after the public release of ChatGPT, which marked a tipping point in generative AI development, this manifesto constitutes a perfect moment to observe a pause and reflect on where we are going and mostly where we want to go. 

I am not for pausing the development of AI – if even possible – but I think that having “blind” faith in technology could be dangerous for two reasons (Please find my complete response here).

First, it is dangerous for us as humans as technology can cause vast amounts of harm, from devastating effects on mental health to making bias worse and creating representational harm. Tech does not always make a positive impact on the world. We have to start by ack…