The Evolution of Consumer-Brand Relationships

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This chapter discusses the evolution of relationships between consumers and brands, from the traditional association with companies to the desire for personal connections with the individuals behind the brand. It explores the shift from decentralized media creating brands to the rise of parasocial relationships with celebrities and influencers. The chapter also touches on the changing dynamics in the creative world and the potential future scenarios when the cost of AI goes to zero.

Welcome to “The Ben & Marc Show”, featuring a16z’s co-founders Ben Horowitz and Marc Andreessen. In this week’s episode, Marc and Ben answer YOUR questions from X (formerly Twitter).

In this one on one conversation, Ben and Marc discuss the best way to approach a VC, how their views on crypto have evolved over the past few years, and whether we should be using AI to bring iconic musical artists back from the dead. That and more! Please enjoy.

Topics Covered:

00:00:01 Teaser

00:00:31 What is the best way to approach VCs for potential funding?

00:04:53 Which of your foundational investment dogmas have withstood the test of time?

00:13:31 What are your thoughts on the creator economy blending into startup territory?

00:21:32 What happens when the cost of AI goes to zero?

00:27:18 How will generative AI change public education?

00:34:33 How soon before AI advancement allows ALL people to access their greatest creativity?

00:38:53 Are data centers in a position today to accommodate the growth of AI apps?

00:43:49 Could AI replace governments in the future?

00:49:20 What are your thoughts on AI being used to create new songs by mimicking deceased artists?

00:53:57 Is the issue of a growing wealth gap in society solved through techno-optimism? 01:00:35 How do you assess the future economic and technological growth potential in the Middle East?

01:07:29 Do you see recent crypto scandals (like FTX) leading to more government regulations?

01:11:41 How have your views on crypto changed over the past 5 years?

01:15:08 What was your last strongly held belief that you’ve changed your mind on?

01:20:25 Sign off

Resources:

Marc on X: https://twitter.com/pmarca

Marc’s Substack: https://pmarca.substack.com/

Ben on X: https://twitter.com/bhorowitz

Book mentioned on this podcast:

– “The Case Against Education: Why the Education System Is a Waste of Time and Money” by Bryan Kaplan https://amzn.to/47HOSOO

Films mentioned on this podcast:

- “Who Killed the Electric Car?” https://amzn.to/3Ne2uZU

- “Tropic Thunder” https://amzn.to/41bVzXg

Stay Updated:

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