(BNS) Hugging Face Founder Clément Delangue

Oct 23, 2025 59m

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Episode Description

Clem discusses his journey from early computing experiences to founding Hugging Face, emphasizing the importance of community, collaboration, and open-source technology in the AI landscape. He reflects on the evolution of technology, the significance of user feedback, and the need for a diverse range of AI models. Clem also shares insights on the startup ecosystem in Europe and the unique advantages of New York City for AI entrepreneurs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Journey to Hugging Face

Clem shares his early computer experiences, highlighting his interactions with siblings and the impact these experiences had on his entrepreneurial spirit. He mentioned his first computer being part of his formative years, alongside engaging in online trading, which eventually led him to an internship with eBay after establishing himself as a top seller on the platform.

Impact of Open Source Technology

The discussion transitions to the importance of open-source technology and collaboration. Clem emphasizes the value of various countries developing their AI models to avoid concentration of power, ensuring that biases are addressed across different models. He believes that providing the opportunity for every country to write their own software fosters independence and innovation.

Lessons from Early Ventures

Clem reflects on his startup experiences, including UniShared, a collaborative platform for students, noting key lessons such as the importance of adapting to user behavior rather than forcing ideals. He stresses the need for platforms to evolve based on user feedback, combining his ambitions with practical application.

The Evolution of Hugging Face

The conversation details the evolution of Hugging Face from a consumer-focused chatbot to a platform supporting AI developers. The turning point was the release of a PyTorch implementation of models that gained quick traction, marking the importance of community feedback in guiding the direction of the platform.

AI's Open Future

Clem discusses the future of AI, emphasizing the need for open-source models to contribute to energy efficiency and specialized applications. He argues that instead of large, generalized AI models dominating the landscape, smaller, specialized, open-source models will become increasingly relevant.

The Tech Ecosystem in Europe and NYC

Clem compares the startup ecosystem in Europe and New York City, discussing growth opportunities in Europe and the advantages of New York being a melting pot for diverse opinions, especially in domains such as finance, biology, and fashion. This diversity enriches the AI landscape and presents fertile ground for creating niche applications.