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How Building in Space Will Improve Life on Earth with Delian Asparouhov

Aug 11, 2022

Guest

Delian Asparouhov

Delian Asparouhov, Principal at Founders Fund and co-founder of Varda, dives into the intersection of space innovation and earthly benefits. He explains how early-stage startups can triumph through face-to-face collaboration, especially in a post-pandemic world. Delian discusses the economic potential of space entrepreneurship, covering topics like lunar resources and asteroid mining. Plus, he explores the critical differences in tech regulation, emphasizing the risks of foreign influences like TikTok on national security.

59:46

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INSIGHT

Space Industrialization

Building a multi-planetary future requires industrialization and economic incentives.
Space exploration needs economic drivers, not just infrastructure, to thrive.

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ANECDOTE

Google X Lunar Prize

Delian Asparouhov's interest in space industrialization began with the Google X Lunar Prize in 2011.
He realized the importance of economic incentives in space exploration early on.

insights

INSIGHT

Scaling Space Manufacturing

Scaling space manufacturing requires independence from the ISS due to limitations and costs.
Reusable rockets are making space-based manufacturing economically viable.

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The Importance of In-Person Collaboration in Startups

01:51 • 5min

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The Case for In-Person Work

07:14 • 8min

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Cognitive Dissonance in Tech Regulation and National Security

15:20 • 3min

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The Collaboration Dilemma: Remote Work vs. In-Person Innovation

18:08 • 11min

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Exploring the Future of Startups: In-Person vs Remote and the Space Frontier

28:49 • 4min

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Shaping the Future of Space Industry

Published in 1957, 'Atlas Shrugged' is Ayn Rand's magnum opus and her longest novel. The story is set in a dystopian United States where increasingly burdensome laws and regulations strangle innovation and productivity. The plot follows Dagny Taggart, a railroad executive, and Hank Rearden, a steel magnate, as they struggle against 'looters' who exploit their work. A mysterious figure named John Galt leads a strike of productive individuals, persuading them to abandon their companies and disappear. The novel culminates with Galt's three-hour radio speech explaining his philosophy of Objectivism, which emphasizes rational self-interest, individual rights, and the importance of the human mind. The book explores themes of capitalism, property rights, and the failures of governmental coercion, presenting a provocative vision of a society in collapse and the potential for a new capitalist society based on Galt's principles.

The upside of stress

Kelly McGonigal

Zero to One

Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future

Peter Thiel

In 'Zero to One,' Peter Thiel argues that true innovation comes from creating something entirely new, going from 'zero to one,' rather than incrementally improving existing ideas. He emphasizes the importance of vertical progress through technology and the benefits of monopoly in driving innovation. Thiel also discusses the need for long-term planning, the importance of finding the right co-founders, and the power law in startup success. The book challenges conventional wisdom and encourages readers to think critically and aim big to build the future.

The Fountainhead

Ayn Rand

Published in 1943, 'The Fountainhead' by Ayn Rand tells the story of Howard Roark, a young and innovative architect who refuses to compromise his artistic vision despite the opposition from society. The novel explores themes of individualism, egoism, and the conflict between those who think for themselves (the 'first-handers') and those who follow the opinions of others (the 'second-handers'). It also delves into the lives of other characters such as Dominique Francon, Peter Keating, Ellsworth Toohey, and Gail Wynand, each representing different aspects of Rand's philosophical ideas. The book is a defense of egoism and individualism, presenting a radical rethinking of basic moral concepts and challenging conventional notions of selfishness and altruism.

Are you stuck creating on the couch? In today's episode, we explain how one small group can change the world, debate whether these people need to meet in real life, and Delian shares why he feels start-ups must hire based on merit. Hosts Sahil Bloom and Greg Isenberg are joined by guest Delian Asparouhov, principal at the Founders Fund and co-founder of Varda. Delian explains the secret to running a billion-dollar fund while simultaneously launching his first company, shares his take on where the venture world is headed and explains how China is taking control with TikTok.

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Delian Asparouhov: https://twitter.com/zebulgar

Sahil Bloom: https://twitter.com/SahilBloom

Greg Isenberg: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg

Production & Marketing Team: https://penname.co/

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