San Francisco Poised to Lead AI Boom Despite Persistent Problems
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San Francisco is the global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI, with almost all major startups based there. It accounts for nearly 10% of US generative AI job postings.
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San Francisco declined during the 2010s and COVID-19 pandemic, with rising crime, homelessness, and an exodus of residents and businesses. Its reputation suffered.
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However, many tech elites stayed, keeping SF's incomes very high. AI excellence at local universities fed private sector innovation.
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Venture funding and excitement are returning to SF due to AI. New VC firms and investors are moving to the city to be closer to the action.
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SF's governance remains troubled, but its network effects and concentration of AI talent/funding may be enough for it to lead the AI boom.