a16zWith students learning in more places and different ways than we have ever seen, the pace of change in education is dizzying. Can this progress narrow learning gaps exacerbated by COVID-19 or will it fuel divides? How can we make the most of this once-in-a-generation opportunity?
Panelists from Khan Academy, PrismsVR, and Minecraft Education discuss the classroom of the future, and how important technologies including AI, XR, and gaming should play a role in it.
Topics Covered: 00:00 – The classroom of 2023 04:00 – Data on the current classroom 05:15– Developing the next gen of STEM talent 07:23 – AI in the classroom 12:42 – The role of gaming in the classroom 14:12 – Misconceptions of technology in classroom 16:38 – The ways teachers and students use AI 20:00 – The future role of a teacher 23:25 – Personalization and ownership in education 25:55 – Getting hardware into the classroom 28:40 - Misconceptions of teacher’s abilities and appetite for tech 30:15 – Why implement these changes now? 36:26 – Call to action for the classroom of 2050
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.
Classroom 2050: Unleashing AI, XR, Gaminga16z2023-07-27 | With students learning in more places and different ways than we have ever seen, the pace of change in education is dizzying. Can this progress narrow learning gaps exacerbated by COVID-19 or will it fuel divides? How can we make the most of this once-in-a-generation opportunity?
Panelists from Khan Academy, PrismsVR, and Minecraft Education discuss the classroom of the future, and how important technologies including AI, XR, and gaming should play a role in it.
Topics Covered: 00:00 – The classroom of 2023 04:00 – Data on the current classroom 05:15– Developing the next gen of STEM talent 07:23 – AI in the classroom 12:42 – The role of gaming in the classroom 14:12 – Misconceptions of technology in classroom 16:38 – The ways teachers and students use AI 20:00 – The future role of a teacher 23:25 – Personalization and ownership in education 25:55 – Getting hardware into the classroom 28:40 - Misconceptions of teacher’s abilities and appetite for tech 30:15 – Why implement these changes now? 36:26 – Call to action for the classroom of 2050
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.How Kodak Lost Its Leada16z2023-08-19 | Despite inventing the digital camera, Kodak not only lost its lead, but was bankrupted by the technology that it invented — a stark reminder for any business that narrows in on its profit centers at the expense of its purpose.
On the a16z podcast, Peter Diamandis and Salim Ismail cover this and other case studies of organizations that have failed to adapt, as well as those companies that have managed to stay agile over decades.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.COVID’s Impact On Educationa16z2023-08-17 | The pandemic erased two decades of progress the US had made in education.
In 2023, math achievement levels across the country were the lowest they’ve been since 1990, while literacy achievement levels were the lowest they’ve been since 2004.
Now, it is time to re-imagine education from the ground up.
On the a16z podcast, Romy Drucker highlights the current challenges that educators are facing and how technology can be utilized to advance the state of education.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.AI Hardware, Explained.a16z2023-08-16 | In 2011, Marc Andreessen said, “software is eating the world.” And in the last year, we’ve seen a new wave of generative AI, with some apps becoming some of the most swiftly adopted software products of all time.
In this first part of our three-part series – we explore the terminology and technology that is now the backbone of the AI models taking the world by storm. We explore what GPUs are, how they work, and the key players like Nvidia competing for chip dominance.
Look out for the rest of our series, where we dive even deeper; covering supply and demand mechanics, where open source plays a role, and of course… how much all of this truly costs!
Topics Covered: 00:00 – AI terminology and technology 03:54 – Chips, semiconductors, servers, and compute 05:07 – CPUs and GPUs 06:16 – Future architecture and performance 07:12 –The hardware ecosystem 09:20 – Software optimizations 11:45 –What do we expect for the future? 14:25 – Upcoming episodes on market dynamics and cost
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.The Unseen Limitations Of AIa16z2023-08-14 | How can companies leverage AI to automate marketing and brand work?
On the a16z podcast, Gina Gotthilf, cofounder of Latitud, discusses the growing role of AI in company branding and how it can be used as a tool to reduce the time and capital spent per campaign.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.The Silicon Behind AI: From GPU to TPUa16z2023-08-12 | GPUs and TPUs have become part of the infrastructure that runs generative AI models today.
So, what are the differences between these circuits? And what makes them uniquely suited to AI modeling?
On the a16z podcast, former Intel CTO Guido Appenzeller sits down to talk about the technological innovations powering the current AI boom.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.Towing Boats Out Of The 80sa16z2023-08-10 | Electrification isn't just happening on land. It's also coming to a lake near you.
Upgrading to electric may mean boats are not only cleaner, but more reliable, quiet, and easy to maintain.
Learn how Mitch Lee from Arc Boats is tackling this challenge, alongside other founders bringing electrification to planes and buses.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.Life Is Designed Around Drivinga16z2023-08-07 | Cities aren’t just built around people.
They’re built around vehicles.
On this episode of the a16z podcast, Chief Product Officer Saswat Panigrahi explores the future of driver-safety technology and the development of Waymo.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.Upgrading The VR Experiencea16z2023-08-05 | The trick to creating unforgettable virtual reality experiences: make your audience forget they’re in a simulation.
On the a16z podcast, SandboxVR founder Steve Zhao explores the future of VR and its potential to move past consumer headsets.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.Elon Musk’s Secret Plan For Tesla | Marc Andreessena16z2023-08-03 | Elon Musk’s secret strategy to grow Tesla: make technology that is easy to consume and then focus on bringing down prices so it can be consumed by the masses.
On the a16z podcast, Marc Andreessen discusses how AI will follow the same playbook on its path to mass adoption.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.Comfort Food, Climate, and the Future of Our Platesa16z2023-08-03 | WARNING: You will leave hungry from this episode! In the latest installment of Zone of Genius, guests Julia Collins, founder/CEO of Planet FWD, Nyesha Arrington, award-winning chef, restaurateur, and entrepreneur, and Alvin Salehi, cofounder/chairman of Shef, sit down with the Cultural Leadership Fund to share their insights about our ties to food. From comfort and safety to supply chain to the only way to make a proper mac n cheese, explore the many ways technology and the food industry impacts what we eat.
Topics covered: 1:30: first memories around food 8:38: the correct way to make mac and cheese! 11:00: Julia’s focus on food tech and how brands are embracing technology to reimagine food systems 14:00: The relationship between climate and food, including the power of seaweed 17:00: simple ways to develop sustainable habits every day 21:34: Shef’s mission of empowering the next generation of food entrepreneurs 26:15: How food and diet trends impact our relationship with food 27:37: Nyesha on how we can demystify cooking and get comfortable in the kitchen 29:51: Nyesha on how rising culinary stars are shaping the future of food as a mentor on Next Level Chef 32:00: The changing culture of the food industry away from toxic kitchen culture 33:33: Where we get our food and how to untangle the food supply chain 35:32: What’s next for Nyesha on her journey from award-winning chef to restauranteur to TV host to entrepreneur and investor 40:35: Technology’s role across the food industry 45:25: The group’s go-to comfort food 49:45: Challenges the group is facing in their respective areas of food
The content here is for informational purposes only, should not be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security, and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. Please note that a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed in this podcast. For more details, including a link to our investments, please see a16z.com/disclosures.The Ben & Marc Show: Oppenheimer and the Catastrophe of Communisma16z2023-08-02 | This week on “The Ben & Marc Show”, a16z’s co-founders Ben Horowitz and Marc Andreessen take on the biggest and most important film of the year – Christopher Nolan’s latest blockbuster “Oppenheimer”.
The film – based on the 2005 biography “American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer'' by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin – chronicles the life of the American theoretical physicist, whose direction of the top secret Manhattan Project forever changed the course of world history.
In this one-on-one conversation based on YOUR questions from Twitter, Marc and Ben examine the historical accuracies (and inaccuracies) of Nolan’s epic work, explore in-depth the life of the enigmatic physicist himself, and tackle – from all angles – the social and philosophical aspects of communism, a theme that weighs heavily in the film, as Oppenheimer’s association with party members led to his political downfall.
We hope you enjoy this episode!
Topics Covered:
00:00 - Show Intro 01:27 - Why Oppenheimer needed a Gen X filmmaker 03:21 - Why Oppenheimer was chosen to lead 06:17 - America's past production machine 10:47 - Declassification of the Venona files 12:21 - The issue with Einstein 14:22 - The catastrophe of communism 21:36 - America's elite class and communism 26:24 - Communism as a religion 27:43 - The prevention of WWIII 33:20 - John von Neumann 38:09 - The rise of anti-communist sentiments 43:33 - Ben's grandfather and McCarthyism 49:50 - What we know now about McCarthy and the Rosenbergs 55:56 - Parallels to modern day China 01:02:26 - Communism's biggest flaws 01:09:24 - Hiroshima, Nagasaki and utilitarian ethics 01:30:30 - Race as a cause for major conflict 01:25:19 - Direct analogy between AI and nuclear technology 01:34:50 - The Bay Area as a hotbed for fringe ideas 01:46:22 - AI and two visions of the future world
Books mentioned on this podcast (and others you’ll want to check out): – “Red Decade” by Eugene Lyons amzn.to/3OEQMbZ – “When Reason Goes on Holiday: Philosophers in Politics” by Neven Sesardic amzn.to/455zYRv – "Witness" by Whittaker Chambers amzn.to/3OEu0RC – ”The Great Leap Forward" by Alexander J. Field amzn.to/3QlCYV2 – "The Economic Consequences of U.S. Mobilization for the Second World War" by Alexander J. Field amzn.to/3Yemsbz – “The Man From the Future: The Visionary Life of John von Neumann” by Ananyo Bhattacharya amzn.to/446SbNf – “Stalin's War: A New History of World War II” by Sean McMeekin amzn.to/47c29zw – “McCarthy” by Arthur Herman amzn.to/3OFKYzc
The views expressed here are those of the individual personnel quoted and are not the views of a16z or its affiliates. This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. Furthermore, this content is not directed at nor intended for use by any investors or prospective investors and may not under any circumstances be relied upon when making a decision to invest in any a16z funds. PLEASE SEE MORE HERE: a16z.com/disclosuresWhat Will Classrooms Look Like In 2050?a16z2023-07-31 | Too many of our classrooms still look and feel like the classroom of 1950.
Yet, with the rising adoption of virtual learning methodologies, alongside innovations in generative AI, classrooms across the country are slowly entering a new era.
On the a16z podcast, Sal Khan and other leading educators discuss the future of classrooms.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.Visionary vs Inventor | Steve Wozniaka16z2023-07-29 | What’s the difference between an inventor and a visionary?
According to Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak, one is rooted in creating, and the other is rooted in science fiction.
On the a16z podcast, Steve Wozniak shares his perspective on innovation and how he built a generation-defining company.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.How To Grow Your Product In Turbulent Timesa16z2023-07-27 | Growing a product requires leverage – it's about getting in front of as many people, in the most efficient way possible, at the cheapest cost. But finding new marketing channels is difficult, especially when trends quickly become oversaturated.
On the a16z podcast, Gina Gotthilf shares the framework that Latitud uses to identify new marketing channels and create campaigns that resonate with their audience.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.Will AI Ever Replace Human Labor? | Marc Andreessena16z2023-07-24 | On the a16z podcast, Marc Andreessen shares how improvements in technology inevitably lead to improvements in productivity, driving down costs and resulting in a net-benefit effect on society.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.How Waymo is The Future Of Self-driving Vehiclesa16z2023-07-22 | Waymo uses real-time data to make driving safer.
From highly-detailed maps to pedestrian and vehicle activities, the Waymo Driver plans the best course of action to take throughout your journey.
On this episode of the a16z podcast, Saswat Panigrahi explores the rise of self-driving vehicles and driver-safety technology.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.Growth vs Efficiency: Can You Have Both?a16z2023-07-21 | Despite the ease of product building, sustainable growth has become increasingly challenging as many traditional channels no longer deliver the same results.
How can we achieve a balance between efficiency, profitability, and growth? Which channels are still relevant and how can they be effectively mastered in 2023?
We discuss these questions and more with Gina Gotthilf, Cofounder of Latitud; Kieran Flanagan, CMO at Zapier and a long-time SVP of Marketing at HubSpot; and Bryan Kim, Partner at a16z.
Topics Covered: 00:00 – What growth opportunities exist in 2023? 03:00 – What still works in growth? 05:02 – The fundamentals and framework of growth 07:02 – Assessing growth potential and product lead growth 09:33 – Distribution 11:15 – Your moat and growth 14:00 – Integrating AI for product lead growth 16:23 –Trust as a moat 17:23 – B2C growth - discovery and breaking through 18:51 – Can you get ahead of the incumbents? 22:03 – Examples of companies and products 24:59 – How do you foster a growth culture? 28:38 – Experimentation 34:20 – How companies using AI in distribution 44:43 – Growth challenge: What would you do with $10K?
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.a16z Talent x Opportunity Initiativea16z2023-07-17 | The a16z Talent x Opportunity initiative is building a new system of funding, training, and mentorship for founders building cultural breakthroughs. Take a look at the program in action!These People Are Engaging Their Doctors 45x a Yeara16z2023-07-14 | The American healthcare system is well-known for its shortcomings, but it's not just consumers who are struggling. Rising medical debt, unpaid claims, and struggling hospitals are just a few of the issues plaguing the industry.
Listen in as Fay Rotenberg breaks down one of the biggest problems in healthcare, and what they’re trying to do to fix it.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.Millions of Americans Are About to Lose Medicaida16z2023-07-14 | The American healthcare system is well-known for its shortcomings, but it's not just consumers who are struggling. Rising medical debt, unpaid claims, and struggling hospitals are just a few of the issues plaguing the industry.
Listen in as Jimmy Chen breaks down one of the biggest problems in healthcare, and what they’re trying to do to fix it.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.Why America Has A Mental Health Crisisa16z2023-07-14 | The American healthcare system is well-known for its shortcomings, but it's not just consumers who are struggling. Rising medical debt, unpaid claims, and struggling hospitals are just a few of the issues plaguing the industry.
Listen in as Andrew Adams breaks down one of the biggest problems in healthcare, and what they’re trying to do to fix it.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.The Impact of Misaligned Incentives in Healthcarea16z2023-07-14 | The American healthcare system is well-known for its shortcomings, but it's not just consumers who are struggling. Rising medical debt, unpaid claims, and struggling hospitals are just a few of the issues plaguing the industry.
Listen in as Jade Chan breaks down one of the biggest problems in healthcare, and what they’re trying to do to fix it.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.Why 50% of Every Dollar Billed Is Lost In Healthcarea16z2023-07-14 | The American healthcare system is well-known for its shortcomings, but it's not just consumers who are struggling. Rising medical debt, unpaid claims, and struggling hospitals are just a few of the issues plaguing the industry.
Listen in as Florian Otto breaks down one of the biggest problems in healthcare, and what they’re trying to do to fix it.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.The Mystery Behind Healthcare Costsa16z2023-07-14 | The American healthcare system is well-known for its shortcomings, but it's not just consumers who are struggling. Rising medical debt, unpaid claims, and struggling hospitals are just a few of the issues plaguing the industry.
Listen in as Chris Severn breaks down one of the biggest problems in healthcare, and what they’re trying to do to fix it.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.More Than a Game: Why Are We Obsessed With Sports?a16z2023-07-13 | In this episode of Zone of Genius, we explore our cultural connection to sports. Guests Que Gaskins, president, NBPA Think 450, Robin Arzón, VP/head instructor, Peloton and founder, Swagger Society, Brandon Brown, assistant general manager, NY Giants, and Nan Wang, cofounder/CEO, Sleeper, sit down with the Cultural Leadership Fund to discuss what gives athletes swagger, the fantasy market, the future of NIL and athlete IP, and how technology is shaping new opportunities for athletes and teams to connect with fans.
Topics covered: 1:12: Why sports? What sparked each leader’s interest in sports 6:40: Shared experience, connection, and community within sports 9:35: Que on how his brand marketing experience translates to sports 12:35: Applying cultural context to sports branding 14:15: The influence of athletes on culture; what makes athletes cool? 19:25: Brandon on keeping up with talent and trends today in football and Robin’s experience recruiting for Peloton 26:41: The fantasy market today and opportunities to grow the space 34:28: Fan engagement, rituals, and honoring the fan experience 39:50: Athlete IP, NIL, and opportunities for athletes and brands to connect with fans and new and innovative ways 48:15: Technology’s role in advancing the business of sports and the most exciting tools each guest is watching 54:05: Each leader’s all-time favorite athlete and why
The content here is for informational purposes only, should not be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security, and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. Please note that a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed in this podcast. For more details, including a link to our investments, please see a16z.com/disclosures.Resurrecting A Startup From Bankruptcya16z2023-07-12 | As a start-up, small decisions matter.
When facing bankruptcy, they matter even more.
Learn how Steve Zhao, founder of @SandboxVR, breaks down how he turned his company around after filing for Chapter 11 during the pandemic.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.Engineering Isnt Going Anywherea16z2023-07-10 | Artificial Intelligence is going to supercharge the work done by software engineers, turning 10x engineers into 1000x engineers. And that increase in productivity in elite engineers will likely lead to them commanding even higher salaries.
On the a16z podcast, Replit CEO Amjad Masad discusses the future of software engineering, and its ever-growing relationship with AI.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.Having a Crazy Idea Departmenta16z2023-07-09 | The key to making breakthroughs as a company: leave room for experimentation. Put another way, make room for crazy ideas.
On the a16z podcast, Peter Diamandis and Salim Ismail discuss the rise of exponential organizations, the importance of restructuring during an economic downturn, and the emergence of new roles in the workplace.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.How Nothing Differentiates from Apple | Carl Peia16z2023-07-08 | Carl Pei saw an opening to differentiate through design. But will that be enough as he tries to tackle the phone giants, like Apple and Samsung?
On the a16z podcast, Carl discusses his journey and how he's managed to do what only a few have even tried — break into the phone market not once, but twice.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.Polarizing Talent: Navigating 2023s Landscapea16z2023-07-07 | Remote work is a big, divisive topic right now. Some think it’s the future, while others think it was an experiment gone wrong.
But it’s also not the only way to attract top talent. And the equation for doing so has only gotten more confusion as a myriad of trends intersect, from layoffs to emerging technologies like AI.
So how can companies navigate this storm and truly attract the talent that matters?
Topics Covered: 00:00 – Introduction 03:03 – What it takes to attract top talent in 2023 06:36 – What employees really care about 14:13 – Positives and negatives of benefits 17:32 – Generational differences 27:44 – Will the return to office work? 34:35 – Differentiating through benefits 38:35 – Advice to attract top talent
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.Marc Andreessen Discusses the Rise of AIa16z2023-07-07 | Should we fear the rise of artificial intelligence?
On the a16z podcast, Marc Andreessen discusses the rise of new technologies, how they create a double-edged sword, and why humans are psychologically wired to fear them.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.How Apple Became the Futurea16z2023-07-06 | Apple has grown to over 1 billion users worldwide. But this didn't happen overnight.
Early on, the memory to store a song cost about $1 million alone. So, what does it take to think long-term and build generation-defining products?
Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak shares his perspective on the a16z podcast, including his reflections on the history of modern computing and his latest venture, Privateer.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.Is Coding Still Worth It?a16z2023-07-05 | Less than 1% of the world can code.
Despite the rise of artificial intelligence, Replit CEO Amjad Masad says it's more worth it than ever to learn. Do you agree?
Listen to Amjad's full episode on the a16z podcast, where he discusses how AI is rapidly transforming the programming landscape, making it more fun and impactful than before.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.Game or Reality? The Fine Line in Betweena16z2023-07-04 | How close can games get to feeling like reality? When you introduce virtual reality, it turns out they can get pretty close.
On the a16z podcast, CEO Steve Zhao gives insights into the rise of VR, and his journey with SandboxVR.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.Why Every Healthcare Company is a Fintech Companya16z2023-07-03 | On the a16z podcast, Julie Yoo and David Haber discuss the similarities between healthcare and fintech and why there is a huge opportunity for upstart health insurance products to be built in a tech-native environment.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.How Instagram Sold for $1B with 13 Employeesa16z2023-07-02 | There are companies with a handful of engineers that outperform others with hundreds.
Peter Diamandis and Salim Ismail – coauthors of Exponential Organizations – discuss intersecting technology trends that fundamentally change the way companies are built.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.How to Effectively Work With Executives | Ben Horowitz and Ali Ghodsia16z2023-07-01 | Honesty is the key to problem-solving, but truth doesn’t come easy – especially when things are going south. For your employees to trust you, you need to stop lying to yourself as a leader.
On this episode of the a16z podcast, Ben Horowitz and Ali Ghodsi talk about how to effectively work with executives, from hire to fire.
FULL EPISODE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03yki...
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.How Lil Miquela Reached 2.8 Million Followers on Instagrama16z2023-06-30 | At just 19, Lil Miquela reached 2.8 million followers on Instagram, created a song with over 60 million streams on Spotify, and partnered with Prada and Samsung.
But one thing is different about her: she isn’t real.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.The Future Looks Electrica16z2023-06-29 | It’s been a long road to electric cars, but now the future looks electric - from the sky to the sea.
On the a16z podcast, we dive into the impact of the electrification movement on the future of transport and technology.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.How Waymo is Creating Safe Rider Experiencesa16z2023-06-28 | Waymo is revolutionizing the way we look at self-driving cars.
With its state-of-the-art perception system, a Waymo service can perform difficult maneuvers and provide safe, smooth rides for its users.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.Carl Pei on Why Building Hardware is So Difficulta16z2023-06-27 | Hardware markets are notoriously tough to break into—and phones are a particularly difficult product to take on. Yet Nothing's Carl Pei has made a career of it.
In this episode of the a16z Podcast, Carl shares why he's entering the market for a second time.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.Inside a Driverless Ride with Waymos Chief Product Officera16z2023-06-26 | Self-driving cars have been on the horizon for quite some time. But, they might actually be here.
We got to ride around in one all over San Francisco with Waymo’s Chief Product Officer, Saswat Panigrahi.
We discussed so much, including the five levels of autonomy, the infamous LIDAR vs video debate, regulation, UX, and the role of AI in fine-tuning these models. But most importantly, if autonomy is here… now what?!
Topics Covered: 00:00 - A first look at Waymo 02:06 - 5 levels of autonomy 04:20 - Technology challenges 06:55 - The technology behind Waymo 11:58 - LiDAR vs video debate 16:21 - How Waymo differentiates 19:01 - Technological unlocks on the horizon 21:26 - The role of AI in autonomous vehicles 24:17 - How Waymo views safety 31:25 - Collaborating with regulators 37:12 - Learnings from the first 2m miles 39:48 - Driving user retention 44:16 - Waymo’s expansion strategy 47:55 - Changing regulation 48:42 - Societal unlocks enabled by autonomy 53:47 - Will self-driving cars replace humans? 54:26 - Closing thoughts
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.The Rise of Virtual Influencersa16z2023-06-25 | Since the creation of Lil Miquela in 2016, virtual influencers have been popping up all over the world, with some amassing millions of followers.
On the a16z podcast, the creators of Lil Miquela discuss how spatial computing has enabled the rise of virtual influencers.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.When Should You Build vs Buy? | Ben Horowitz and Ali Ghodsia16z2023-06-24 | When should you build vs buy? When you’re scaling quickly, it can pay to buy.
On this episode of the a16z podcast, Ben Horowitz and Ali Ghodsi talk about how to hire the right leaders, and what’s at stake if you don’t.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.Marc Andreessen on Why Technology Still Mattersa16z2023-06-23 | "What was life like before technology? The answer: nasty, brutish, and short.
Watch the full episode on the a16z Podcast, where Marc discusses the impact of technology on society and how technological advancements have directly resulted in society advancing.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.The Road to Autonomous Vehicles: Are We There Yet?a16z2023-06-22 | Are self-driving cars finally here? Find out soon.
We got to ride around in one all over San Francisco with Waymo’s Chief Product Officer, Saswat Panigrahi.
Full episode dropping next week. Subscribe to be the first notified.
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.The Hard Thing About Hiring with Ben Horowitz and Ali Ghodsia16z2023-06-14 | The most important decisions you can make as a CEO: key hires. They can make or break a function and serve as beacons for talent.
Making the right decision can provide a huge boost for a company. Making the wrong one can take years to fix—and can have devastating ripple effects, including a loss of faith among your existing team.
But how can you tell good talent from great? How do you ensure they succeed? Listen in as a16z cofounder Ben Horowitz and Databricks cofounder and CEO Ali Ghodsi sit down to talk about the hardest things about executive hiring and firing, and what is at stake.
Catch the full episode now: youtu.be/03yki_OEtcc If you’d like to dive even deeper, the Growth team at a16z has spent the last year compiling insights from dozens of leaders at late-stage startups to literally write the book on hiring executives to scale. You can find that book at: http://a16z.com/executive-hiring-playbook
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.Ben Horowitz on Executive Firing (and Hiring)a16z2023-06-14 | The holy grail of company building is finding product-market fit. But what most people don’t tell you is that once you’ve found it, product-market fit brings its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to scaling rapidly and hiring the right executives at the right time.
Drawing from their extensive experiences, a16z cofounder Ben Horowitz and Databricks cofounder and CEO Ali Ghodsi sit down to talk about the hardest things about executive hiring and firing, and what is at stake.
They dive into the common reasons an exec fails, why sometimes micromanagement is a good idea, and the difference between someone who has written a playbook and someone who has only run one.
If you’d like to dive even deeper, the Growth team at a16z has spent the last year compiling insights from dozens of leaders at late-stage startups to literally write the book on hiring executives to scale. You can find that book at: http://a16z.com/executive-hiring-playbook
Topics Covered: 00:00 - Post-product market fit 03:07 - When is it time to let someone go? 05:41 - When do you give someone a chance to grow into the role? 07:05- Let go or level? 09:27 - How do you have the tough conversation? 16:39 - Exit packages 18:40 - Setting a new leader up for success 24:27 - The importance of the first quick win 26:24 - The impact a new leader has on culture 32:52 - Common ways new leaders fail 37:35 - Closing thoughts
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosuresEvolve or Die: The Future of the Creative Process, Artist Authenticity, and the Value of the Musica16z2023-06-13 | Pull up! In the first episode of the Cultural Leadership Fund’s Zone of Genius series, we sit down with leaders in music, Doug E. Fresh, Dre Lyon, Nicole Wyskoarko, and Piff Marti. We explore balancing artistry with “the machine,” the future of music as an asset class, AI as a creative copilot, technology’s role in producing the sounds we love, and maintaining authenticity as artists grow their brands.
Plus, learn how Marvin Gaye’s record, What’s Going On? almost never happened. And did you know @DreDay3000 was in an R&B group?!
Topics covered: 1:08: when each leader knew music was their calling 9:55: introducing brand new sounds and concepts to music and the parallels to building new businesses in tech 13:20: Doug E. Fresh’s views on being one of the most sampled artists of all time and the evolution of sampling and artist rights in the industry 16:30: the moment when Dre knew they had a hit in the studio 19:32: how technology advancements have impacted music production and the sounds we love 20:30: Dre’s first foray into music in an R&B group 22:25: the importance of being able to evolve with technology as trends in music and culture shift, including the original production story of “La Di Da Di” 27:43: Piff’s story of forging his own path as an independent artist in today’s content era 32:31: Dre’s views on catalog sales and valuing music as an asset class 39:43: Models for all players in the music industry to align incentives and win 44:52: How web3 is enabling an “industrial revolution” with new revenue, ownership, and marketing models for artists 48:50: Balancing your artistry and creative instincts with “the machine” of output, including how Marvin Gaye’s record, “What’s Going On?” almost never happened 1:00:58: The best ways for artists to build their brands for longevity 1:03:25: AI as a tool and creative copilot
The content here is for informational purposes only, should not be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security, and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. Please note that a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed in this podcast. For more details, including a link to our investments, please see a16z.com/disclosures.