Meta’s weekend drop of three new Llama AI models—Scout, Maverick, and the still-training Behemoth—was meant to be a bold leap in the AI race. Instead, the rollout has ignited skepticism across the tech world. Rather than applause, the response ranged from lukewarm to outright critical, raising serious questions about performance transparency, internal practices, and whether these “open-ish” models can truly compete in a rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Underwhelming Rollout: What Went Wrong with Meta’s AI Models?
The launch of Scout, Maverick, and Behemoth was expected to turn heads, but industry observers were left unimpressed. Critics pointed out that the models, though positioned as advanced, lacked the breakthrough capabilities that today’s market demands. Instead of redefining benchmarks, Meta’s AI offerings appeared to be chasing them.
Insiders and online chatter on platforms like X and Reddit began surfacing almost immediately, alleging discrepancies between the public and private performance of the models. Claims of benchmark tampering and the involvement of a mysterious ex-employee added further fuel to the controversy.
The Gap Between AI Test Scores and Real-World Business
Kirsten Korosec, co-host of TechCrunch’s Equity podcast, pointed out the growing concern within the tech space: building models that perform well on tests doesn't always translate into viable, business-ready AI products.
The obsession with benchmark performance has made companies overly focused on appearances rather than practical functionality. While Meta aimed to signal dominance, the results suggest otherwise. The incident reveals a deeper problem within the AI sector: prioritizing optics over operability.
Trump’s New Tariff Agenda and Its Threat to Moonshot Innovation
On top of Meta’s troubles, a fresh wave of political tension looms. Former President Donald Trump’s proposed tariff strategy could severely impact the innovation landscape in the U.S., especially moonshot projects that rely on global supply chains and high-end semiconductor imports.
Companies working in bleeding-edge sectors—like AI, EVs, and biotech—are bracing for the economic ripple effects. Import costs for critical components may surge, potentially slowing down R&D efforts or shifting production outside the U.S. entirely.
The Bezos-Backed EV Startup Making Waves
Another story unfolding alongside Meta’s AI saga is Slate Auto—the stealthy EV startup backed by Jeff Bezos. Recently, Slate’s electric pickup truck was spotted in the wild, sparking rumors about whether it represents Bezos’ Plan B in the transportation sector.
The secrecy surrounding the project has fueled intrigue, especially given the current volatility in the EV market and the broader regulatory uncertainty facing American auto manufacturers.
Colossal Biosciences and the Dire Wolf Breakthrough
In a completely different frontier, Colossal Biosciences is making headlines for its discovery tied to the extinct dire wolf. The announcement has reignited debates about the company's eye-popping $10B+ valuation. While the discovery is undeniably fascinating, critics are questioning whether the science justifies the astronomical funding.
For now, the startup rides the wave of bio-hype—but its long-term value may depend on real-world applications rather than Jurassic Park-style headlines.
What It All Means for Tech's Future
Meta’s AI misstep, Trump’s tariff ambitions, and the rise of ambitious moonshot projects paint a picture of a tech industry at a crossroads. Innovators are walking a tightrope between performance hype, regulatory risks, and financial sustainability.
The Equity podcast’s latest episode dives deep into these issues, offering a grounded look at what’s shaping the next wave of innovation—and where the pitfalls may lie.
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