The Rise of Generative Media: fal's Bet on Video, Infrastructure, and Speed
fal is building the infrastructure layer for the generative media boom. In this episode, founders Gorkem Yurtseven, Burkay Gur, and Head of Engineering Batuhan Taskaya explain why video models present a completely different optimization problem than LLMs, one that is compute-bound, architecturally volatile, and changing every 30 days. They discuss how fal's tracing compiler, custom kernels, and globally distributed GPU fleet enable them to run more than 600 image and video models simultaneously, often faster than the labs that trained them. The team also shares what they’re seeing from the demand side: AI-native studios, personalized education, programmatic advertising, and early engagement from Hollywood. They argue that generative video is following a trajectory similar to early CGI—initial skepticism giving way to a new medium with its own workflows, aesthetics, and economic models.Hosted by Sonya Huang, Sequoia Capital
How Fal.ai Went From Inference Optimization to Hosting Image and Video Models
Fal.ai, once focused on machine learning infrastructure, has evolved into a major player in generative media. In this episode of The New Stack Agents, hosts speak with Fal.ai CEO Burkay Gur and investor Glenn Solomon of Notable Capital. Originally aiming to optimize Python runtimes, Fal.ai shifted direction as generative AI exploded, driven by tools like DALL·E and ChatGPT. Today, Fal.ai hosts hundreds of models—from image to audio and video—and emphasizes fast, optimized inference to meet growing demand.
Speed became Fal.ai’s competitive edge, especially as newer generative models require GPU power not just for training but also for inference. Solomon noted that while optimization alone isn't a sustainable business model, Fal’s value lies in speed and developer experience. Fal.ai offers both an easy-to-use web interface and developer-focused APIs, appealing to both technical and non-technical users.
Gur also addressed generative AI’s impact on creatives, arguing that while the cost of creation has plummeted, the cost of creativity remains—and may even increase as content becomes easier to produce.
Learn more from The New Stack about AI’s impact on creatives:
AI Will Steal Developer Jobs (But Not How You Think)
How AI Agents Will Change the Web for Users and Developers
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