Navigating Venture Capital in the AI Era

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Today’s show:

ScOp’s Kevin O’Connor joins Jason (1:39), exploring the early days of the internet, its initial promise, rapid growth, and the recent pivotal changes brought on by AI (1:39). They also discuss tactics for building in a declining market, the emergence of “death-icorns” (19:30), what he looks for in founders (39:18), and much more!

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Jason welcomes Kevin O’Connor of ScOp Venture Capital.

(1:39) Exploring the early days of the internet, its initial promise, rapid growth, and the recent pivotal changes brought by AI.

(5:55) Discussing the impact and future prospects of AI as we approach 2024.

(8:41) Delving into the potential influence of AI on sectors like Hollywood and the music industry.

(10:03) Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at http://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist

(11:11) Transitioning from founding companies to establishing a fund and supporting new startups.

(15:25) Examining the evolution of founding a company, market dynamics, and fluctuating trends since the 1990s.

(18:22) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://www.vanta.com/twist

(19:30) Tactics for building in a declining market, the emergence of “death-icorns,” and the pitfalls of debt-financed growth in unprofitable businesses.

(27:57) The pendulum swings back after “the great reshuffling of America” and the phenomenon of over-employment.

(29:53) DevSquad - Get an entire product team for the cost of one US developer plus 10% off at http://devsquad.com/twist

(33:13) Identifying unique opportunities in AI investments.

(36:50) Recounting a near acquisition of Kevin’s company Graphiq by Apple for Siri integration.

(39:18) What Kevin currently seeks in entrepreneurs before making an investment.

(47:35) Discussing current valuation trends and the competitive nature of losing deals in venture capital.

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Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

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Check out ScOp Venture Capital: https://www.scopvc.com

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Follow Kevin:

X: https://twitter.com/kjpoconnor

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinoconnorsb

Follow Jason:

X: https://twitter.com/jason

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

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Thanks to our partners:

(10:03) Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at http://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist

(18:22) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://www.vanta.com/twist

(29:53) DevSquad - Get an entire product team for the cost of one US developer plus 10% off at http://www.devsquad.com/twist

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Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

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Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin

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Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast