So are they stealing from their employers or is something else going on?
nope - a.i companies to promote their platforms offer 'a.i' credits to startups usually worth 10ks, 100ks worth of credits in $ terms.
so to a startup - you can trade your credits - then get actual cash.
just like you would if trading debt etc.
Stolen credit cards
Demo accounts
Free trials
Unlimited chat relays (eg chatgpt chat)
Leaked company credentials
Etc
nope - a.i companies to promote their platforms offer 'a.i' credits to startups usually worth 10ks, 100ks worth of credits in $ terms.
so to a startup - you can trade your credits - then get actual cash.
just like you would if trading debt etc.