Uploaded August 2024 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
This week on ECON 102, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg discuss the differentiation between technology and 'tech' as an investment category, the future of AI, potential profitability of AI companies, and the challenges faced by VC investors in the AI space.
🔥 Apply to join over 400 Founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj
RECOMMENDED PODCAST:
🎙️ History 102 with WhatifAltHist
Every week, creator of WhatifAltHist Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg cover a major topic in history in depth -- in under an hour. This season will cover classical Greece, early America, the Vikings, medieval Islam, ancient China, the fall of the Roman Empire, and more.
Subscribe on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/36Kqo3BMMUBGTDo1IEYihm
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/history-102-with-whatifalthists-rudyard-lynch-and/id1730633913
YouTube: @History102-qg5oj
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SPONSORS: NETSUITE | BABBEL | WORKOS
More than 37,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. If you're looking for an ERP platform, get a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program on NetSuite: netsuite.com/102
🌐 Ready to achieve your 2024 goals? Start learning a new language with Babbel in just three weeks. Enjoy app lessons, live classes, and podcasts designed for real-world conversations. Get up to 60% off at https://get.babbel.com/eg_podcast_flags_ame_usa-en?bsc=podcast-econ102&btp=default&u[…]oad&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=econ102&utm_term=generic_v1
🛠️ Building an enterprise-ready SaaS app? WorkOS has got you covered with easy-to-integrate APIs for SAML, SCIM, and more. Join top startups like Vercel, Perplexity, Jasper & Webflow in powering your app with WorkOS. Enjoy a free tier for up to 1M users! Start now at bit.ly/WorkOS-TCR
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SEND US YOUR Q's FOR NOAH TO ANSWER ON AIR: Econ102@Turpentine.co
--
LINKS:
Noahpinion: https://www.noahpinion.blog/
Some thoughts on the future of the tech industry: https://www.noahpinion.blog/p/some-thoughts-on-the-future-of-the
_
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Intro
(00:23) State of technology: Optimism vs. realism
(07:18) Consumer social and the limits of innovation
(11:10) Role of AI in education and healthcare
(18:35) Sponsors: NetSuite
(19:14) Impact of incumbents on innovation
(24:02) Future of e-commerce and remote work
(30:26) Sponsor: WorkOS | Babbel
(32:52) Future of AI in venture capital
(36:11) Economic impacts of AI adoption
(40:50) Challenges in AI profitability
(43:31) Role of big tech in AI
(50:26) Political shifts in the tech industry
(01:03:08) Wrap
This week on ECON 102, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg discuss the differentiation between technology and 'tech' as an investment category, the future of AI, potential profitability of AI companies, and the challenges faced by VC investors in the AI space.
🔥 Apply to join over 400 Founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj
RECOMMENDED PODCAST:
🎙️ History 102 with WhatifAltHist
Every week, creator of WhatifAltHist Rudyard Lynch and Erik Torenberg cover a major topic in history in depth -- in under an hour. This season will cover classical Greece, early America, the Vikings, medieval Islam, ancient China, the fall of the Roman Empire, and more.
Subscribe on Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/36Kqo3BMMUBGTDo1IEYihm
Apple: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/history-102-with-whatifalthists-rudyard-lynch-and/id1730633913
YouTube: @History102-qg5oj
--
SPONSORS: NETSUITE | BABBEL | WORKOS
More than 37,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. If you're looking for an ERP platform, get a one-of-a-kind flexible financing program on NetSuite: netsuite.com/102
🌐 Ready to achieve your 2024 goals? Start learning a new language with Babbel in just three weeks. Enjoy app lessons, live classes, and podcasts designed for real-world conversations. Get up to 60% off at https://get.babbel.com/eg_podcast_flags_ame_usa-en?bsc=podcast-econ102&btp=default&u[…]oad&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=econ102&utm_term=generic_v1
🛠️ Building an enterprise-ready SaaS app? WorkOS has got you covered with easy-to-integrate APIs for SAML, SCIM, and more. Join top startups like Vercel, Perplexity, Jasper & Webflow in powering your app with WorkOS. Enjoy a free tier for up to 1M users! Start now at bit.ly/WorkOS-TCR
--
SEND US YOUR Q's FOR NOAH TO ANSWER ON AIR: Econ102@Turpentine.co
--
LINKS:
Noahpinion: https://www.noahpinion.blog/
Some thoughts on the future of the tech industry: https://www.noahpinion.blog/p/some-thoughts-on-the-future-of-the
_
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:00) Intro
(00:23) State of technology: Optimism vs. realism
(07:18) Consumer social and the limits of innovation
(11:10) Role of AI in education and healthcare
(18:35) Sponsors: NetSuite
(19:14) Impact of incumbents on innovation
(24:02) Future of e-commerce and remote work
(30:26) Sponsor: WorkOS | Babbel
(32:52) Future of AI in venture capital
(36:11) Economic impacts of AI adoption
(40:50) Challenges in AI profitability
(43:31) Role of big tech in AI
(50:26) Political shifts in the tech industry
(01:03:08) Wrap
