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Technology
Google veteran Jeff Dean backs Gemini AI as he launches Discovery Loop startup
✍️ Times of India
🗓 20 Aug 2026, 05:41 PM
👁 6
After leaving Google, AI leader Jeff Dean said he trusts Gemini models and highlighted the power of small teams, while unveiling his new AI venture Discovery Loop, backed by Alphabet.
Jeff Dean, a long‑time senior engineer at Google, stepped down from the company, a move that triggered a noticeable dip in Alphabet’s market capitalisation, estimated at around $200 billion in a single day. His departure has drawn attention from investors and the tech community alike.
In a recent interview, Dean expressed strong confidence in Google’s Gemini AI models, describing them as highly effective tools for advancing artificial intelligence research and applications. He noted that Gemini’s performance reflects the company’s broader commitment to cutting‑edge AI development.
Dean also underscored the importance of small, focused teams in driving rapid innovation, arguing that lean groups can move faster and experiment more freely than larger, bureaucratic units.
Alongside his comments on Gemini, Dean announced the formation of Discovery Loop, an AI startup he founded. The new venture will receive backing from Google’s parent company, Alphabet, positioning it to leverage existing expertise while operating independently.
Analysts view Dean’s dual focus on Gemini and Discovery Loop as a signal that Google continues to nurture AI talent even as senior figures move on, and that the ecosystem around Gemini may expand through external collaborations.
In a recent interview, Dean expressed strong confidence in Google’s Gemini AI models, describing them as highly effective tools for advancing artificial intelligence research and applications. He noted that Gemini’s performance reflects the company’s broader commitment to cutting‑edge AI development.
Dean also underscored the importance of small, focused teams in driving rapid innovation, arguing that lean groups can move faster and experiment more freely than larger, bureaucratic units.
Alongside his comments on Gemini, Dean announced the formation of Discovery Loop, an AI startup he founded. The new venture will receive backing from Google’s parent company, Alphabet, positioning it to leverage existing expertise while operating independently.
Analysts view Dean’s dual focus on Gemini and Discovery Loop as a signal that Google continues to nurture AI talent even as senior figures move on, and that the ecosystem around Gemini may expand through external collaborations.