This week on The Learning Corner, Mia and Charles break down four of the most thought-provoking reads shaping the tech and venture ecosystem right now: • Unsafe SAFEs in the Age of AI: Jason Lemkin calls out a troubling new trend where founders in hyped AI deals walk away with investor cash—without building a thing. • 15 Charts That Explain How Tech and Venture Are Changing in 2025: Ruben Dominguez drops a chart-heavy update covering everything from AI app churn to why so many junior VCs leave the industry. • Oreo-maker Mondelez is using GenAI to slash marketing costs: Mondelez teams up with Publicis and Accenture to roll out a $40M AI tool, cutting costs—and possibly creativity—in CPG advertising. • Sequoia Names New Co-Leads as Roelof Botha Steps Down: With Roelof Botha stepping down, Sequoia is signaling a new chapter

(0:00) Governance tension and founder investments in early-stage companies (1:31) Convertible notes vs SAFEs in venture funding (4:24) Assessing financial management in startups (6:49) Tech and venture trends for 2025 by Ruben Dominguez (10:57) Venture capital career insights and progression challenges (14:48) Sponsor: Mondelez's investment in AI for advertising (17:39) AI's influence on consulting and change management (19:36) Sequoia's leadership changes and internal dynamics (21:13) Closing remarks and thank yous

Episode #55: Unsafe SAFEs, 15 Charts on the Future of VC, Big CPG Leveraging Gen AI, Sequoia Changes Guards