Venture capitalist Vinod Khosla suggests that the United States should hold a 10% share in every public company to manage the economic impact of artificial intelligence. During the TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 conference, Khosla, the founder of Khosla Ventures, proposed that this ownership stake would enable the government to ensure a more equitable distribution of the vast wealth generated by AI. His remarks come at a time when the rapid advancements in AI are sparking concerns about the future of employment and economic disparity.
Khosla’s idea was sparked by recent government actions, particularly noting President Trump’s acquisition of a 10% stake in Intel. He advocated for taking a 10% share from each corporation and pooling it nationally for the benefit of the people. By implementing this proposal, Khosla believes Americans could collectively share in the prosperity of the nation’s leading technology companies, rather than having profits concentrated among shareholders and executives.
At a time when discussions are ongoing regarding universal basic income (UBI) and direct national stakes in private industries, Khosla’s concept offers an alternative approach. While UBI experiments have gained traction, Khosla suggests that citizens could benefit collectively from corporate profits instead of receiving direct cash payments. He acknowledged potential criticism for his proposal but emphasized the necessity for bold measures to address the economic transformations that artificial general intelligence (AGI) may bring.
Highlighting the importance of fair distribution of AI’s benefits in the upcoming decade, Khosla stressed that sharing the wealth created by AI is essential for ensuring equal opportunities for all. He anticipates significant changes in the employment landscape due to AI technologies, foreseeing the displacement of traditional jobs but also the emergence of new entrepreneurial prospects. Khosla envisions a period of substantial innovation for founders who are adaptable to an AI-driven economy.
Furthermore, Khosla raised questions about the relevance of certain forms of labor in an increasingly automated future. He argued that many manual or repetitive jobs are not suitable for humans, characterizing them as forms of “servitude to survival.”
The venture capitalist’s insights shed light on the evolving relationship between AI, economics, and employment, urging proactive measures to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by technological advancements.