The Truth About Corporate AI Spending (It's Not What You Think)

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Accenture found some staff spending $1,000 a month on AI, so it set a $29 monthly limit per employee, and Eric and Neil both think the cap is smart. They point out that reported AI revenue can be gross rather than net, then cite Ramp's AI spend index, where the median is $11. They agree a policy needs exceptions for people who prove value, while Neil shares how he downgraded his ChatGPT plan. The back half covers two-slice teams, Bending Spoons' model of cutting most of a company, and Evernote going from 433 staff at its peak to about 30 today. They close on Berkshire Hathaway's $330M stake in Bending Spoons and the 41% jump in the stock. Spend with a reason.

Key takeaways◾Accenture's $29 cap is smart, but proven high spenders should get exceptions◾Most people pay for top models to do basic work, so match the model to the task◾Evernote went from 433 staff at its peak to about 30 under Bending Spoons

Chapters00:00 Accenture caps AI spend at $29 a month00:23 Did staff really spend $1,000 a month?01:53 Reported AI revenue is often gross, not net03:31 Ramp's AI spend index: median is $1104:14 Set a policy, then talk to top spenders04:56 Exceptions for people proving value05:45 Neil downgrades his ChatGPT plan06:39 A 45-minute AI session that is worth it08:26 Two-slice teams, not two-pizza teams09:30 Pirate and architect: coordination drag10:25 Small teams ship faster12:00 Meta's 200 people out of 70,00012:39 Bending Spoons: a private equity model14:04 A layoff post that also launches features15:24 Evernote: 433 staff at peak, about 30 now16:18 Why public markets accept deep cuts17:07 Berkshire's $330M stake, stock up 41%

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