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  1. This Week in Startups
  2. What’s REALLY going on with those “ads” in ChatGPT | E2220
What’s REALLY going on with those “ads” in ChatGPT | E2220

What’s REALLY going on with those “ads” in ChatGPT | E2220

This Week in Startups · Dec 9, 2025

This week: OpenAI's ad controversy, the strategic value of startup code reds, and the high-stakes bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery.

LLMs Should Introduce Ads as Interstitials During "Deep Research" Wait Times

The least intrusive way to introduce ads into LLMs is during natural pauses, such as the wait time for a "deep research" query. This interstitial model offers a clear value exchange: the user gets a powerful, free computation sponsored by an advertiser, avoiding disruption to the core interactive experience.

What’s REALLY going on with those “ads” in ChatGPT | E2220 thumbnail

What’s REALLY going on with those “ads” in ChatGPT | E2220

This Week in Startups·2 months ago

A "TSA Pre-Check for M&A" Could Depoliticize Antitrust Reviews

A proposed government service would allow companies to pay for a pre-vetted antitrust assessment before announcing a merger. This "TSA Pre-Check" for deals would involve independent reports and a public interest test, aiming to streamline the process, reduce political favoritism, and avoid lengthy, uncertain reviews.

What’s REALLY going on with those “ads” in ChatGPT | E2220 thumbnail

What’s REALLY going on with those “ads” in ChatGPT | E2220

This Week in Startups·2 months ago

Startup Founders Use "Code Reds" to Test Team Commitment, Not Just Solve Problems

Calling a "code red" is a strategic leadership move used to shock the system. Beyond solving an urgent issue, it serves as a loyalty test to identify the most committed team members, build collective confidence through rapid problem-solving, and rally everyone against competitive threats.

What’s REALLY going on with those “ads” in ChatGPT | E2220 thumbnail

What’s REALLY going on with those “ads” in ChatGPT | E2220

This Week in Startups·2 months ago

Netflix Creates "Background TV" With Constant Recaps for Distracted, Dual-Screen Viewers

Netflix's content strategy has adapted to the reality of dual-screen viewing. Realizing audiences are often on their phones, they produce shows that are easy to follow in the background. This involves constant plot "signposting" so a distracted viewer can look up and immediately understand what's happening.

What’s REALLY going on with those “ads” in ChatGPT | E2220 thumbnail

What’s REALLY going on with those “ads” in ChatGPT | E2220

This Week in Startups·2 months ago

OpenAI Is the New Netscape, But a Rapidly Growing Market Prevents Its Collapse

Michael Burry's comparison of OpenAI to Netscape is apt regarding market share erosion due to intense competition. However, the AI market is expanding exponentially. Unlike the browser market of the 90s, OpenAI can lose market share percentage yet still see massive absolute revenue and usage growth.

What’s REALLY going on with those “ads” in ChatGPT | E2220 thumbnail

What’s REALLY going on with those “ads” in ChatGPT | E2220

This Week in Startups·2 months ago

Hollywood M&A Is Rich Heirs Buying Legacy Status, Not Investing in Media's Future

High-stakes bidding for legacy media assets like Warner Bros. is driven by status-seeking among the ultra-wealthy, not a sound bet on the future of media. They are acquiring prestigious "shiny objects" from the past, while the actual attention economy has shifted to platforms like TikTok and YouTube.

What’s REALLY going on with those “ads” in ChatGPT | E2220 thumbnail

What’s REALLY going on with those “ads” in ChatGPT | E2220

This Week in Startups·2 months ago

OpenAI's Competitive Pressure from Gemini and Grok Necessitates Faster Ad Integration

As competitors like Google's Gemini close the quality gap with ChatGPT, OpenAI loses its unique product advantage. This commoditization will force them to adopt advertising sooner than planned to sustain their massive operational costs and offer a competitive free product, despite claims of pausing such efforts.

What’s REALLY going on with those “ads” in ChatGPT | E2220 thumbnail

What’s REALLY going on with those “ads” in ChatGPT | E2220

This Week in Startups·2 months ago

Netflix's Warner Bros. Bid Is a Chess Move to Paralyze Rival HBO Max for Years

Netflix's bid for Warner Bros. may be a brilliant game theory play. Even if the deal is blocked by regulators, it forces its primary rival into a multi-year acquisition limbo. This distraction freezes the competitor's strategy, allowing Netflix to extend its market lead. It's a win-win for Netflix.

What’s REALLY going on with those “ads” in ChatGPT | E2220 thumbnail

What’s REALLY going on with those “ads” in ChatGPT | E2220

This Week in Startups·2 months ago