AI researcher turns down $1,000-$2,500 per-post sponsorship offers to stay independent
ValerioCapraro · x · 2026-11-05
AI researcher Valerio Capraro shared that as his following grew, multiple AI companies offered serious money for sponsored posts — $1,000 to $2,500 each, three offers in a single week.
He acknowledges such income would meaningfully change his finances, but worried financial incentives could shape what he shares and erode his independence and honesty. He turned down all three and pledged never to accept paid product promotion, wanting his content to reflect his own judgment — free to criticize AI developments, recognize progress, and change his mind. The episode also sheds light on how aggressively AI companies are paying KOLs for favorable coverage.
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