Burry Blasts AI Slowdown as 'Self-Serving Hype' Ahead of IPOs

Michael Burry has called out the AI slowdown movement as 'self-serving hype', claiming that it benefits companies like OpenAI and Anthropic, which are preparing for initial public offerings (IPOs). In a recent post, Burry argued that large language models (LLMs) are not true artificial intelligence (AI) and will never reach artificial general intelligence (AGI), rendering the slowdown unnecessary. He also suggested that rivals are closing in quickly, making a pause beneficial only to those leading today.

Burry pointed out that safety warnings about AI may be used as promotional material for upcoming IPOs. He noted that companies calling themselves 'dangerously powerful' are often trying to signal their value to investors. Furthermore, Burry suggested that the slowdown talk covers growth that is already fading, much like the timing of these potential listings.

Specifically, Burry pointed out that Sam Altman ruled out a 2026 listing for OpenAI on Saturday, citing safety concerns, while Anthropic has been planning an IPO this autumn. The AI slowdown message also had an impact on stock futures ahead of Monday's open, with neither company turning a profit yet. In fact, Anthropic does not expect to break even before 2028.

Burry is no neutral observer in this matter, having expanded his Nvidia short in August and buying December calls as a hedge. With the S-1 filings set to settle the story, it remains to be seen which version of the AI slowdown narrative holds up.