AI NewsIs AI video just a prequel? Runway’s CEO thinks world models are next

Is AI video just a prequel? Runway’s CEO thinks world models are next

7:49 AM IST · April 30, 2026

AI-generated video has gone from novelty to creative tool almost overnight, and Runway has a front row seat to the shift. The New York-based company has raised close to $860 millionat a $5.3 billion valuation, and its models are going toe-to-toe with the most well-funded labs in the world, including Google and OpenAI. The technology goes way beyond making videos: Runway is now pushing into general world models with applications in gaming, robotics, and maybe something closer to general intelligence. On this episode of TechCrunch’s Equity podcast, host Rebecca Bellan sits down with Runway co-founder and CEO Cristóbal Valenzuela to talk about where video generation goes from here, and why Runway’s ambitions now reachwell beyond Hollywood. Listen to the full episode to hear about: Subscribe to Equity onYouTube,Apple Podcasts,Overcast,Spotifyand all the casts. You also can follow Equity onXandThreads, at @EquityPod.