<ul data-eligibleForWebStory="true">Meta plans to buy nearly half of Scale AI for $15 billion, with a focus on acquiring cofounder Alexandr Wang.Scale AI is a data company working with AI giants like Meta and OpenAI, with Meta looking to solidify its AI ambitions.The $15 billion investment values Scale AI at close to $30 billion, indicating Meta's strong interest in Wang and his team.The deal is seen as an expensive acquihire of Wang, where Meta is likely interested in his talent more than the company's products.Acquihires have become more common in AI, with companies like Microsoft and Google making similar hires in recent years.President Joe Biden's antitrust measures have made M&A less common, but high-priced deals in AI are picking up.The acquisition could see Wang joining an AI lab at Meta, aligning with the trend of hiring top talent in the field.While some argue the $15 billion isn't solely for an acquihire, many believe the main interest is in bringing Wang into Meta's fold.Wang is considered more of a business-oriented individual rather than a top AI researcher, raising questions about Meta's motivations.Meta has a history of acquiring talent that later leaves, as seen with the cofounders of Instagram and WhatsApp.Despite risks, Meta's focus on AI and its financial capacity could justify the high investment in Wang and Scale AI.Zuckerberg's interest in Wang mirrors previous hires based on talent and business potential, rather than scientific prowess.Meta's willingness to spend billions on hires aligns with their vision of AI as the future of technology and business.The deal raises questions about Meta's hiring strategies and the potential long-term impact on the company.The acquisition reflects a trend of tech giants investing heavily in AI talent to drive future innovation and competitiveness.Overall, the $15 billion acquisition of Scale AI by Meta signifies a significant move in the field of AI-driven businesses and talent acquisition.