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Scott Galloway Is Not Impressed With Allbirds' AI Pivot

April 17, 2026 / 01:00

This episode discusses Albert's transition from a sneaker brand to Newbird AI, focusing on leasing AI chips and GPUs. The conversation highlights the company's recent sale of its intellectual property for $39 million, a significant drop from its $4 billion peak valuation. The hosts analyze the implications of this pivot, noting the 900% spike in share prices following the announcement.

Key discussions include the skepticism surrounding the sustainability of such business models, with warnings about the typical patterns of short-term gains followed by losses for investors. The hosts emphasize the lack of real expertise and the potential pitfalls for those investing in companies that merely rebrand to fit current trends.

Listeners are advised to be cautious, especially those considering investing in Albert's new direction. The conversation provides a critical look at the intersection of hype and reality in the tech and investment sectors.

TLDR

Albert's sneaker brand pivots to AI, raising concerns about sustainability and investor risks.

Episode

1:00
00:00:00
And Albert's the once hyped sneaker brand, >> uncomfortable sneaker business. But go
00:00:04
ahead. >> They just sold its IP for 39 million 2 weeks ago, down from a $4 billion peak
00:00:09
valuation, is rebranding as Newbird AI and pivoting to leasing AI chips, GPUs. The company secured 50 million in
00:00:17
financing to buy GPUs and lease them to customers and share spike nearly 900% at
00:00:23
intraday highs on the announcement. So what is this going to do? We've seen this movie before and it doesn't end
00:00:28
well. How does it end? >> These companies have short-term pops. The insiders who get the shares before
00:00:33
they announce it, dump the bag, and then the people who think this is anything resembling an a company with enterprise
00:00:39
value end up losing a ton of money. When you're just trying to create the illusion you're in a hot area with
00:00:45
absolutely no domain, expertise, IP, or advantage, sure, call it AI a pop. If you're in Alberts right now, just take
00:00:53
it from me. Sell

Badges

This episode stands out for the following:

  • 60
    Most shocking
  • 60
    Most overhyped

Episode Highlights

  • Albert's Sneaker Brand Rebrands
    After selling its IP for $39 million, the company rebrands as Newbird AI and pivots to leasing AI chips.
    “They just sold its IP for 39 million.”
    @ 00m 04s
    April 17, 2026
  • Massive Share Spike
    The company's shares spiked nearly 900% following the announcement of its new direction.
    “Share spike nearly 900% at intraday highs.”
    @ 00m 19s
    April 17, 2026

Episode Quotes

  • What is this going to do?
    Scott Galloway Is Not Impressed With Allbirds' AI Pivot
  • Just take it from me. Sell.
    Scott Galloway Is Not Impressed With Allbirds' AI Pivot

Key Moments

  • Rebranding00:09
  • Financing Secured00:15
  • Share Spike00:19
  • Cautionary Advice00:53
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