"Turpentine VC" | Venture Capital and Investing

E28: Andreessen Horowitz GP Chris Dixon on Crypto, AI, and Web3

Feb 27, 2024

Chris Dixon discusses AI, crypto, and Web3 in depth, highlighting the collision of AI and crypto, challenges in Web3 adoption, and the importance of open protocols. He explores the evolution of technology trends, the influence of blockchain networks, and the challenges faced by technology start-ups in the blockchain era.

01:25:13

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Episode guests

Chris Dixon

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Blockchain infrastructure evolution is crucial for successful consumer applications in the tech industry.

Advancements in blockchain infrastructure are comparable to developments in smartphones and the internet.

Blockchain technology progress mirrors historical tech transformations towards consumer applications.

Low transaction costs and scalable solutions are key for widespread adoption of blockchain-based consumer apps.

Deep dives

Blockchain Infrastructure Evolution

The development and adoption of blockchain infrastructure have played a crucial role in impacting the growth and success of consumer-facing applications in the tech industry. Just like advancements in GPUs significantly enhanced the capabilities of AI systems, improvements in blockchain infrastructure, such as layer 2 solutions and lower gas fees, have been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of blockchain applications. Blockchain technology still requires further evolution, particularly in achieving low transaction costs, to enable widespread adoption of consumer-focused apps.

Introduction

2min

Navigating Contrasting Views in the Crypto Space

11min

Analyzing the Evolution of RSS and Open Protocols in the Internet Era

3min

Evolution of Open Protocols and the Influence of Blockchain Networks

16min

Evolution of Technology Trends and the Future Impact of AI, VR, and Crypto

18min

The Evolution and Challenges of Technology Start-ups in the Blockchain Era

29min

Reflections on Book Influence and Conversations

5min

In this episode Chris Dixon, GP at a16z Crypto, joins Erik Torenberg along with cohosts Dan Romero and Antonio Garcia Martinez to discuss his recent book Read Write Own: The Next Era of the Internet, how he thinks AI and crypto will collide, and why Web3 consumer hasn’t taken off yet. This conversation with Chris was recorded for the Moment of Zen podcast and goes several levels deeper on Chris' crypto/web3 thesis than most of his book tour.

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RELATED SHOWS: 10X Capital Podcast

If you like Turpentine VC, check out our show The 10x Capital Podcast with David Weisburd, where David talks to the investors behind the investors: https://10xcapitalpodcast.com/

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X / TWITTER:

@cdixon (Chris)

@eriktorenberg (Erik)

@turpentinemedia

@turpentineVC

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(01:10) Why Chris wrote Read Write Own

(04:38) The Negative Perception of Blockchains in Mainstream Media

(09:20) The Future of Crypto and Blockchain

(14:40) Sponsor: Brave

(15:40) Open Protocol

(32:09) The Impact of AI on the Internet Economy

(40:20) The Power Dynamics of the Internet

(42:15) The Rise of Blockchain and AI

(45:50) Future of Web3

(46:10) Growth of Tech

(49:05) Challenges and Opportunities of Crypto

(01:11:30) Policy in Tech Evolution

This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.

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