This Week in Startups

Legendary VC Steve Jurvetson looks ahead at neutral networks, Tesla, nuclear power, and more | E2193

90 snips
Oct 16, 2025
Guest
Steve Jurvetson
In this discussion, Steve Jurvetson, a legendary venture capitalist and co-founder of Future Ventures, shares his insights on the evolution of deep tech. He reflects on his early investments, from Tesla to nanotech's rise and fall, emphasizing the role of neural networks in AI. Steve argues for the necessity of nuclear power in the clean energy transition and speaks candidly about the complexities of AI safety, suggesting it often proves elusive. His thoughts on the future of technology and its intersection with democracy provide a compelling lens on innovation.
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ANECDOTE

Hotmail's Viral Signature Worked

  • Steve recalls early VC success with Hotmail and its viral signature marketing idea.
  • Tim Draper suggested embedding the "get your free email at hotmail.com" message and it drove explosive growth.
ADVICE

Avoid Doing More Of The Same

  • Avoid crowding into obvious, derivative sectors when prices and competition rise.
  • Pivot to differentiated domains to keep a diverse, contrarian portfolio even if returns are slower.
ADVICE

Diversify Beyond Hot Sectors

  • Diversify your portfolio instead of chasing hot, crowded sectors even if returns were strong.
  • Think long-term across domains like biotech, semiconductors, and deep tech for asymmetrical wins.
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