The Twenty Minute VC (20VC): Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch

20VC: How to Survive and Thrive in a World of OpenAI, Are LLMs Being Commoditised, Where Does the Value Lie; Infrastructure or Application Layer, How Apple Could Win in a World of AI, How Amazon Could Threaten OpenAI and Why Google Struggle with Des Trayn

Nov 15, 2023

Des Traynor, Co-Founder of Intercom, discusses the founding of Intercom and the evolution of AI in the software industry. Topics include the commoditization of LLMs, the defensibility of digital asset management, expanding Adobe's user base, effective B2B marketing, and lessons from previous ventures.

01:18:09

Creator website

Episode guests

Des Traynor

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Quick takeaways

Amazon could dominate the AI space through acquisitions, while Apple leads in AI innovation.

Startups face challenges in differentiating themselves in the commoditized AI industry and limited budgets for experimentation.

Consumption-based pricing may replace the traditional per-seat model in the AI industry.

Incumbents need to adapt their workflows, business models, and pricing strategies to incorporate AI capabilities and remain competitive.

Deep dives

The Potential of Amazon and Apple in the AI Space

In the podcast episode, it is suggested that Amazon could potentially dominate the AI space by acquiring and integrating AI technologies. On the other hand, Apple is seen as a potential leader in AI innovation, especially with the development of Siri and the integration of AI features into their devices.

The Future of Pricing Models in AI

03:00

The Impact of Automation on Workflows

01:32

The Importance of Building a Thick Wrapper for AI Wealth Management Systems

01:45

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Open AI

01:22

Introduction

2min

Origins of exceptional and the importance of personal connection in software businesses

12min

Commoditization of LLMs

11min

Defensibility and Automation in Digital Asset Management

17min

Expanding Adobe's User Base

10min

Effective B2B Marketing: Making a Lasting Impression

6min

Evolving Product Strategy and Sales Motion in the Startup World

3min

Lessons from Previous Ventures

7min

Improving Google and Spotify, Understanding Competition

7min

10.

The Future of Des Trayn and Intercom

2min

Des Traynor is a Co-Founder of Intercom, and has built and led many teams within the company, including Product, Marketing, and Customer Support. Today Des leads all Intercom’s R&D efforts, and parts of Intercom’s marketing.

In Today's Episode with Des We Discuss:

1. From Consultancy to Founding a Unicorn:

What was the founding a-ha moment for Des and the team with Intercom?
Why does Des believe that most startup advice is BS and outdated in 5 years?
What does Des know now that he wishes he had known when he started?

2. LLMs: The World is Not Equal:

What does Des mean when he says the world of LLMs is not equal?
How do the different LLMs very in quality, price and speciality?
Does Des agree with Alex @ Nabla, "the best companies in the future will work with many LLMs at the same time and switch between them for different things"?
To what extent does Des believe LLMs will be commoditised and it will be a race to the bottom?
Would Des be a buyer of OpenAI at a $90BN price? Why not?

3. How to Survive in a World of OpenAI:

What two simple questions will determine if Open AI will kill your existing business?
What 3 criteria will determine if there is a new business to be built on top of OpenAI?
What is the different between a thin layer on top of an LLM and a thick wrapper with real value?
Which traditional incumbents are most vulnerable? What should they do in this new world?
How long does it take for incumbents to really be impacted?

4. The Titans of Tech: Who Wins:

Why does Des believe that Apple could be a massive winner in the next wave of AI?
Why does Des believe that Google have not been impressive and failed to keep pace?
Why does Des think OpenAI should be wary of Amazon? What could they do to threaten them?
What opportunity does Facebook have here? How could Instagram and Whatsapp win?

5. Startup and Investing 101:

Why does Des believe that every founder should write a blog post per week?
Why does Des believe that most B2B marketing sucks? What makes great B2B marketing?
What are Des' biggest lessons from the Hopin journey?
How has Des' angel investing changed in the last year with the rise of AI?

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The Twenty Minute VC (20VC): Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch

20VC: How to Survive and Thrive in a World of OpenAI, Are LLMs Being Commoditised, Where Does the Value Lie; Infrastructure or Application Layer, How Apple Could Win in a World of AI, How Amazon Could Threaten OpenAI and Why Google Struggle with Des Trayn

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The Potential of Amazon and Apple in the AI Space

The Challenges of AI Adoption in Startups

The Future of AI Pricing Models

The Role of Incumbents and the Potential Disruption of AI

Importance of Launching and Communicating Company's Vision

Viewing Competition with Respect and Comprehension

Balancing Focus, Hiring, and Funding in Startup Growth

The Future of Pricing Models in AI

The Impact of Automation on Workflows

The Importance of Building a Thick Wrapper for AI Wealth Management Systems

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Open AI

Get the Snipd
podcast app

AI-powered
podcast player

Discover
highlights

Save any
moment

Share
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Discover
highlights

The Twenty Minute VC (20VC): Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch

20VC: How to Survive and Thrive in a World of OpenAI, Are LLMs Being Commoditised, Where Does the Value Lie; Infrastructure or Application Layer, How Apple Could Win in a World of AI, How Amazon Could Threaten OpenAI and Why Google Struggle with Des Trayn

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

The Potential of Amazon and Apple in the AI Space

The Challenges of AI Adoption in Startups

The Future of AI Pricing Models

The Role of Incumbents and the Potential Disruption of AI

Importance of Launching and Communicating Company's Vision

Viewing Competition with Respect and Comprehension

Balancing Focus, Hiring, and Funding in Startup Growth

The Future of Pricing Models in AI

The Impact of Automation on Workflows

The Importance of Building a Thick Wrapper for AI Wealth Management Systems

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Open AI

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