Meta Platforms(US:META) 36氪·2025-06-22 13:27Core Viewpoint - The acquisition of 49% stake in Scale AI by Meta signifies a major shift in the AI landscape, indicating a transition from vertical specialization to integrated fusion of data, algorithms, and computing power [3][29]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - Meta announced the acquisition of 49% of Scale AI for $14.3 billion, valuing Scale AI at $29 billion, which is relatively modest compared to other tech acquisitions [6][29]. - Alexandr Wang, the founder and CEO of Scale AI, will join Meta to lead its AI business [4][6]. Group 2: Industry Context - The AI industry is currently dominated by companies like OpenAI and Nvidia, but the acquisition suggests that competition will intensify across all sectors [7][29]. - Data annotation, the primary business of Scale AI, is crucial for training AI models, particularly in applications like autonomous driving [9][10]. Group 3: Labor Dynamics - Scale AI employs a global network of over 240,000 registered workers for data annotation, with a significant presence in developing countries [18][21]. - The labor market for data annotation is characterized by low wages and long hours, leading to scrutiny from labor organizations [16][21]. Group 4: Market Positioning - Scale AI's market position is weaker compared to algorithm and hardware companies, with significant valuation disparities; for instance, OpenAI's valuation is $300 billion, while Scale AI's is only $29 billion [22][28]. - The data annotation market is fragmented, lacking the unique competitive advantages seen in algorithm and hardware sectors [27][28]. Group 5: Future Implications - The acquisition may lead to a reconfiguration of data supply chains, as other AI giants may reconsider their partnerships with data service providers like Scale AI [29][30]. - As the integration of data, algorithms, and computing power deepens, traditional views on the importance of computing power may be challenged [30][31].