

A Debate with Steve Aoki: Do DJs’ Skills Apply to Investing? & New Tariffs
Sep 26, 2025
Steve Aoki, a globally renowned DJ, producer, and entrepreneur, shares his unique perspective on investing. He reveals how his music career influences his investing strategies, discussing early ventures in real estate, art, and restaurants. Aoki dives into his focus on health and longevity through Aoki Labs, highlighting successful startups like Superpower and Symbiotica. He also explores the intersection of AI and music, emphasizing the irreplaceable nature of live performances, while offering advice for young creators navigating the evolving landscape.
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Investing Is Like A&R Scouting
- Steve Aoki compares investing to A&R scouting because both spot rising cultural trends before they scale.
- He looks for small, passionate communities that create loud signals before mainstream adoption.
Early Purchases: House, Art, Restaurants
- Early on Steve deployed earnings into a house, art, and restaurants rather than broad stock market plays.
- He later dabbled in equities, citing an early NVIDIA position he still holds.
Measure Biomarkers Before Intervening
- Try collecting accurate health metrics before making health decisions.
- Use affordable, scalable biomarker testing to guide interventions rather than guessing.