{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"290: Why Airbnb switched from OpenAI to Chinese AI (and what it means for your budget)","description":"AI isn\u2019t just coming from Silicon Valley anymore. A growing number of startups \u2014 and companies like Airbnb \u2014 are turning to Chinese open-source AI models instead of US-based APIs. Not because it\u2019s trendy. Because it\u2019s cheaper, more flexible, and often good enough. In this episode, Sophia Matveeva speaks with Alex Hern, AI correspondent at The Economist, about what\u2019s driving this shift. They break down how DeepSeek disrupted the market, why constraints fueled smarter engineering, and what founders can realistically try today if they want more AI options without more spend. Alex Hern is The Economist\u2019s AI Writer, focusing on the science and technology of artificial intelligence. Before joining the paper, he covered technology for 11 years at The Guardian, where he was the UK technology editor. In this episode, you will hear: Why relying on US AI APIs may be quietly limiting your product and your margins How Chinese open-source models let founders experiment, customize, and ship faster without runaway costs The real reason DeepSeek shocked Silicon Valley \u2014 and what it reveals about building under constraints What you can realistically try today if you want AI leverage without an AI-sized budget Free AI Mini-Workshop for Non-Technical Founders Learn how to go from idea to a tested product using AI \u2014 in under 30 minutes. Get free access here: techfornontechies.co\/aiclass Follow and Review: We\u2019d love for you to follow us if you haven\u2019t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We\u2019d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select \u201cRatings and Reviews\u201d and \u201cWrite a Review\u201d then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https:\/\/emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. For the full transcript, go to https:\/\/www.techfornontechies.co\/blog\/290-why-airbnb-switched-from-openai-to-chinese-ai-and-what-it-means-for-your-budget   ","author_name":"Tech for Non-Techies - Practical app & AI strategy for non-technical founders.","author_url":"https:\/\/www.techfornontechies.co\/","html":"