RiskReversal Pod Agentic Disruption & The Race For Robotaxi Supremacy With Mike Dempsey of Compound VC
Jun 3, 2025
Mike Dempsey, an investor at Compound VC with expertise in disruptive technologies, dives into the evolving landscape of generative AI and autonomy. He outlines his transition from hedge funds to early-stage investing, emphasizing a research-driven approach. The discussion touches on significant investments like Wave in autonomous driving, contrasts between public and private market strategies, and the impact of major players like Tesla and Waymo. Dempsey also reflects on challenges faced by companies in AI as market dynamics shift.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Compound VC's Research-Driven Strategy
- Compound VC focuses on underappreciated, technically complex areas overlooked by traditional investors.
- Their approach involves deep research and backing founders early to capitalize on disruptive tech trends.
Focus on Second-Order AI Effects
- AI investing increasingly values understanding second and third order effects over first order impacts.
- Public markets rapidly price immediate effects, making longer-term nuanced reasoning more valuable.
Hyperscalers’ AI Investment Imperative
- Hyperscalers must invest heavily in AI to stay relevant, despite high costs and uncertain near-term returns.
- Their vast distribution networks protect them from commoditization risks over time.