Space Race Acquisition

Apr 14, 2026 20m

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Episode Description

Amazon's dropping $10.8 billion on Globalstar to beef up its Leo satellite network and challenge Starlink — and Apple's along for the ride. Plus, federal charges for the Sam Altman attacker, OpenAI acqui-hires a fintech startup, Google declares war on back button hijacking, data labeling startups are printing money, and Missouri voters revolt over a data center. Amazon agrees to acquire satellite operator Globalstar for $10.8B to expand Leo satellite network; Amazon and Apple say Leo will power some iPhone and Watch services (Amazon) Amazon to Acquire Globalstar in Satellite Cellular-Connection Push (WSJ) US DOJ charges Daniel Moreno-Gama, accused of throwing a Molotov cocktail at Sam Altman's home, with attempted murder and arson (CNN) Man who attacked OpenAI CEO's home had list of other AI executives (NYT) OpenAI acquires personal finance startup Hiro Finance (TechCrunch) Google designates "back button hijacking" as malicious, sites could be demoted in Search from June 15 (9to5Google) Data labeling startup Handshake's gross annualized revenue hits ~$1B; Mercor also at $1B+ pace (The Information) Voters in Festus, Missouri oust all four incumbent council members days after council approved a $6B data center (Politico) Learn more at liquid.trade/techbrew. Disclaimer: ● Initial 3 week subscription and 4 weeks of medication from $79 plus tax and $179 per month plus tax for 12 week subscription thereafter. Final pricing depends on program selection.● Noom GLP-1Rx Program involves healthy diet, exercise and support. Individual results vary. Meds & personalization based on clinical need. Not reviewed by FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality. No affiliation with Novo Nordisk Inc., the only US source of FDA-approved semaglutide. Not available in all 50 US states● Based on an analysis of self reported data from 1,254 engaged Noom users. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI-Generated Summary

Amazon's GlobalStar Acquisition and the Satellite Race

This section covers Amazon's major move to acquire satellite operator GlobalStar for $10.8 billion, aiming to expand its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network, Amazon Leo. The goal is to challenge Elon Musk's Starlink and to integrate satellite internet services into devices like iPhones and Apple Watches, with plans to deploy thousands of satellites. The deal also positions Amazon to catch up with Starlink's extensive satellite constellation and revenue, as well as to leverage GlobalStar’s existing infrastructure and spectrum licenses. The segment highlights the competitive landscape of satellite internet, emphasizing Starlink's dominance and Amazon’s strategic efforts to close the gap, including its ongoing FCC requests.

Legal Troubles and the Attack on Sam Altman

This section details the federal charges against Daniel Moreno-Gama, who attacked Sam Altman’s home with a Molotov cocktail. Gama, a 20-year-old from Texas, faces attempted murder and arson charges, among others, with threats linked to AI safety concerns. Documents show he viewed AI companies as morally compromised and believed violence was a justified response to the perceived existential risks posed by AI. The attack is being treated as potential domestic terrorism, and Gama’s actions have sparked a broader conversation about the safety and security of AI industry leaders.

OpenAI's Business Moves and AI Talent Acquisition

OpenAI has acquired Hiro Finance, a fintech startup that offered AI-powered financial planning tools. The deal includes a small team moving to OpenAI and signals OpenAI's interest in extending its influence into finance-related AI applications. Hiro was founded recently, and its focus was on precise financial modeling. This move aligns with OpenAI’s broader strategy to acquire specialized AI talent and to develop enterprise and financial AI solutions, broadening its ecosystem beyond language models.

Google's Policy Crackdown on Back Button Hijacking

Google has classified back button hijacking—when websites prevent users from navigating back—as malicious behavior. Starting June 15, sites engaging in this practice could be demoted in search rankings or face manual spam actions. Google’s move aims to enhance user experience and security by discouraging deceptive practices that disrupt normal browsing behavior. The crackdown responds to a rising trend of such practices, which manipulate browser functions to trap users on certain pages.

Growth of Data Labeling Startups and AI Data Needs

The podcast discusses the booming revenue of data labeling startups like Handshake, Surge AI, Mercor, and others, which support AI training by providing human-graded data. Companies like Handshake now generate nearly $1 billion annually, highlighting the lucrative nature of data labeling in AI development. These companies employ experts—lawyers, PhDs, medical professionals—to provide the high-quality, niche data necessary for sophisticated AI models. The segment underlines the vital, though often unseen, role of data labeling in AI’s progress and industry profits.

Public Backlash Against Data Centers in Missouri and Wisconsin

This section covers local resistance to large tech companies building massive data centers, such as Oracle and OpenAI, in small towns like Festus, Missouri, and Port Washington, Wisconsin. Voters have expressed concerns about the environmental and infrastructural impact, leading to the ousting of incumbents and passing of referenda to restrict future projects. The political and community pushback signals growing frustration about unchecked expansion of hyperscale data centers and the need for more transparent planning and stakeholder engagement.