To the left of this of thumbnail i want to add a chinese flag to the left destroying the meta logo. because the title is China Kills Meta / Manus Deal (Story Of The Year) | E2281

April 27, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

OpenAI and Microsoft adjust their AI partnership in ways that prioritize growth over exclusivity, while China abruptly halts Meta's acquisition of AI startup Manus, raising alarms about geopolitical controls on AI talent and tech. The episode also covers a disturbing self-driving car incident in China, highlighting edge-case risks. Hosts Jason Calacanis and the team debate implications amid ongoing AI competition.

OpenAI-Microsoft Partnership Evolves

OpenAI and Microsoft have simplified their complex agreement. Microsoft drops its exclusive rights to sell OpenAI models, allowing OpenAI to pursue deals with others, such as its ongoing joint product development with Amazon Web Services. Amazon plans to offer OpenAI models directly on Bedrock soon, as announced by CEO Andy Jassy. Microsoft had considered legal action over the AWS deal but has backed off.

Microsoft remains OpenAI's primary cloud provider, with new products debuting first on Azure. In exchange, Microsoft no longer pays revenue share on Azure-resold OpenAI products, and OpenAI's revenue share to Microsoft is now capped (level unspecified). The share is guaranteed through 2030, regardless of AGI achievement—previously tied to it. AGI progress will now require independent third-party verification, avoiding self-declaration disputes.

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What you'll learn

1 (00:00) **OpenAI/Microsoft Partnership Update** - Companies simplify deal, drop Microsoft's model exclusivity for OpenAI flexibility.
2 (03:03) **Microsoft's Massive OpenAI Stake Value** - Hosts calculate potential $600B+ windfall if OpenAI hits $2-3T valuation.
3 (07:55) **Amazon Integrates OpenAI Models** - AWS Bedrock to offer direct OpenAI access soon, per Andy Jassy.
4 (09:43) **Microsoft/Apple Open Source Push Suggested** - Hosts urge laggards to collaborate on open models with $100B compute each.
5 (11:02) **China Blocks Meta-Manus AI Deal** - CCP orders cancellation of Meta's takeover of Singapore-based Manus (ex-China AI firm).
6 (13:14) **Manus Deal Geopolitical Risks** - Hosts warn CCP could seize assets, pressure founders/families like Jack Ma disappearance.
7 (16:27) **China's Golden Share Control** - CCP uses 1% equity for board veto on key tech like TikTok algorithm.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Show Notes

This Week In Startups is made possible by:

IM8 Health - IM8health.com/twist

Sentry - Sentry.io/twist

Deel - Deel.com/twistPlaud - https://Plaud.ai/twist

What’s the technology story of the year? No, it’s not Anthropic’s Mythos model, nor any other AI model. Upcoming IPOs? Wrong again. Jason thinks it’s China’s government’s decision to block Meta's acquisition of Manus. The multi-billion-dollar deal was heralded as evidence that AI companies founded in China could sidestep onerous government meddling by moving their operations to Singapore. That loophole now appears closed.

Jason and Lon then dug into the newly-reforged OpenAI-Microsoft partnership. The two companies have had a mutually beneficial, if fractious, operating relationship to date; that they had to rework their agreement is not a shock.

Then, your hosts watched and digested a video from China purportedly showing a self-driving car hitting a child at speed. What would happen in the United States if such a tragedy struck? And is that fait accompli?

Closing the show, Jason and Lon reacted to the latest Russell Brand implosion, discussed Lon’s new favorite show ‘Criminal Record,’ and shared recommended foot pedals (for AI dictation) and headphones for the road warriors tuning in.

Key Links: OpenAI and Microsoft

OpenAI’s announcement of its new Microsoft deal

Microsoft’s announcement of its new OpenAI deal

OpenAI announces its deal with AWS

News that Microsoft was considering legal action against OpenAI

Microsoft-OpenAI negotiations late 2025 edition, and terms announced in early 2026

Amazon announces that OpenAI models are coming to AWS

Timestamps:

0:00 Show starts

1:24 OpenAI and Microsoft have a new deal

3:22 Why would Microsoft cede exclusive access to OpenAI models?

5:36 Plaud: If your work depends on conversation