a16z Podcast

a16z Podcast: A Society Under Construction - Modernizing Infrastructure

Aug 25, 2017
Anthony Foxx, former Secretary of Transportation and mayor of Charlotte, shares insights on the urgent need to modernize infrastructure beyond outdated systems. Keller Rinaudo, CEO of Zipline, illustrates how drones revolutionize delivery in Rwanda, emphasizing the potential for U.S. infrastructure. Jase Wilson, CEO of Neighborly, discusses the power of crowdsourcing and public finance in community projects. The conversation also tackles the challenges of regulating new technologies while ensuring inclusivity, aiming for a future where infrastructure serves all citizens equitably.
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INSIGHT

Infrastructure As A Broad Apparatus

  • Anthony Foxx defines infrastructure broadly as the apparatus needed to move people and achieve objectives across sectors like energy and internet.
  • This reframing expands policy scope beyond roads to include utilities and social assets as infrastructure.
ANECDOTE

Zipline As Operational National Infrastructure

  • Keller Rinaudo describes Zipline's national-scale autonomous delivery system in Rwanda as operational infrastructure.
  • Zipline delivers roughly 20% of Rwanda's national blood supply outside Kigali to bring care closer to patients.
ADVICE

Governments Behave Like Startups

  • Governments should embrace startup-like risk to lead technological infrastructure rather than only following proven models.
  • Take small risks and a vision-driven approach to catalyze national leadership on new infrastructure tech.
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