I quit Meta to build an AI startup. Giving up a Big Tech salary was tough — here's how I prepared financially. (www.businessinsider.com)

Jason White, a former employee at Meta, has left his lucrative position to launch an AI finance startup called Bear Financial. Driven by a desire to enhance financial planning for everyday households through AI, White has shared insights into his decision-making process, emphasizing the importance of financial preparedness and family support when embarking on such ventures. After a decade of pivotal roles at Google and Meta, White realized that his aspirations for deeper engagement in AI could best be fulfilled outside of corporate confines, leading him to transition into entrepreneurship. This shift is significant for the AI/ML community as it highlights a growing trend of tech professionals moving towards startup culture to innovate in the AI space. White's startup aims to democratize access to essential financial management tools, addressing a gap in the market for those lacking adequate resources. The potential challenges ahead include navigating regulatory hurdles and facing competition from established players, but White underscores the importance of passion and belief in one's vision as critical drivers for success in the startup ecosystem. His journey serves as an inspiration for others contemplating similar paths in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.