Core Insights - The article discusses the current state and future of AI, particularly focusing on the limitations of reinforcement learning and the timeline for achieving Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) [5][6][10]. Group 1: AGI and AI Development - AGI is expected to take about ten years to develop, contrary to the belief that this year would be the year of agents [12][13]. - Current AI agents, such as Claude and Codex, are impressive but still lack essential capabilities, including multi-modal abilities and continuous learning [13][14]. - The industry has been overly optimistic about the pace of AI development, leading to inflated expectations [12][15]. Group 2: Limitations of Reinforcement Learning - Reinforcement learning is criticized as being inadequate for replicating human learning processes, as it often relies on trial and error without a deep understanding of the problem [50][51]. - The approach of reinforcement learning can lead to noise in the learning process, as it weights every action based on the final outcome rather than the quality of the steps taken [51][52]. - Human learning involves a more complex reflection on successes and failures, which current AI models do not replicate [52][53]. Group 3: Future of AI and Learning Mechanisms - The future of AI may involve more sophisticated attention mechanisms and learning algorithms that better mimic human cognitive processes [33][32]. - There is a need for AI models to develop mechanisms for long-term memory and knowledge retention, which are currently lacking [31][32]. - The integration of AI into programming and development processes is seen as a continuous evolution rather than a sudden leap to superintelligence [45][47].

Core Insights - The rise of AI assistants like ChatGPT is shifting consumer behavior, with over 60% of users bypassing traditional search engines like Google and Baidu for product inquiries [1] - Profound, a startup founded in 2024, has gained significant traction in the market by helping brands navigate AI-generated content and optimize their visibility in AI search engines [1][7] - The venture capital community is recognizing the potential of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) as a new frontier, with predictions that it will reshape digital marketing strategies by 2025 [2][8] Company Overview - Profound has raised a total of $23.5 million in funding, with a seed round of $3.5 million in August 2024 and a Series A round of $20 million in June 2025 [7] - The company offers a range of services including Answer Engine Insights, Agent Analytics, and Conversation Explorer, aimed at enhancing brand visibility in AI search environments [14][20] - Profound's user base includes notable companies like Indeed and MongoDB, processing over 100 million AI search queries monthly as of June 2025 [20] Market Trends - The global AI search engine market is projected to reach $43.63 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14% from 2025 to 2032 [8] - The application layer of AI search is expected to dominate the market, accounting for 61.7% of the total share in 2025 [8] - The increasing use of AI search engines is reshaping consumer habits, with 39% of consumers having used AI search tools, indicating a significant shift in digital marketing dynamics [7] Competitive Landscape - Other emerging companies in the GEO space include Daydream, which focuses on consumer-oriented shopping searches, and Goodie AI, which specializes in AI search visibility [9][10] - Profound faces competition from established SEO companies like Ahrefs, which are transitioning to address the needs of the AI-driven market [10][12] - The GEO business model is characterized by a constant battle with evolving AI algorithms, making it essential for companies to adapt quickly to maintain relevance [22][24] Challenges and Opportunities - The GEO model presents inherent challenges, including the difficulty in attributing success to specific strategies due to the opaque nature of AI algorithms [23] - Companies in the GEO space must develop robust technical capabilities and maintain a competitive edge to capitalize on the growing demand for AI search optimization [24] - The potential for long-term value exists for GEO companies that can effectively accumulate brand data and transition into broader service offerings beyond just optimization [24]