Disruption in AI: The Rise of Perplexity and Its Impact on Tech Giants

This chapter explores the impact of innovative AI technology, particularly highlighting Perplexity's ability to rival major players like Google and OpenAI. The discussion reflects on initial skepticism, strategic investments, and the parallels between Perplexity and past tech disruptors like Snowflake.

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Episode notes

This is the debut episode of This Won’t Last, a monthly conversation between Logan Bartlett of Redpoint, Keith Rabois at Khosla Ventures, Kevin Ryan at Alleycorp, and Zach Weinberg, biotech founder (Curie.Bio) and investor. This episode covers Founder Mode, the state of VC fundraising, the potential for an unrealized gains tax, and Russia’s influence in Telegram.

This Won't Last is part of the Turpentine podcast network.

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Links:

Keith’s Recs:

High Output Management by Andy Grove
Keith Rabois’ lecture notes from 2013: "How to Operate" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fQHLK1aIBs
Tesla versus Edison: The Last Days of Night: A Novel by Graham Moore
Disruptive Innovation by Clayton M. Christensen
The Success Equation: Untangling Skill and Luck in Business, Sports, and Investing by Michael J. Mauboussin

Kevin’s Recs:

Dark Wire by Joseph Cox

Logan’s Recs:

On railroads: Engines That Move Markets by Alistair Nairn
Wired: “The Kremlin has entered your chat”

RECOMMENDED PODCAST:

Check out Modern Relationships, where Erik Torenberg interviews tech power couples and leading thinkers to explore how ambitious people actually make partnerships work. Founders Fund's Delian Asparouhov and researcher Nadia Asparouhova kick off the series with an unfiltered conversation about their relationship evolution.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1786227593

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5hJzs0gDg6lRT6r10mdpVg

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernRelationshipsPod

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(02:39) Kevin comes back from Burning Man

(04:20) Paul Graham’s Founder Mode

(05:45) Founder mode intuitive for Keith, Pierre Lamond anecdote

(07:00) Keith’s response to kernel of Founder Mode, Andy Grove High Output Management

(08:28) What’s unique about Founder Mode?

(09:13) Manager vs. Founder

(12:57) Founder moral authority