Generative Now | AI Builders on Creating the Future Walk & Talk Episode: Semil Shah on AI Superteams, Meta’s Bold Moves, and Apple’s Missed Shots
30 snips
Aug 26, 2025 
Semil Shah, founder and partner at Haystack VC and Lightspeed, discusses the competitive tech landscape. He shares insights on Meta's aggressive AI recruitment and critiques Apple's uncertain AI strategy. Figma's recent IPO highlights the significance of design in technology and venture capital. Shah explores the evolving seed investment climate, emphasizing the challenges founders face in securing funding. The conversation wraps up with thoughts on AI's impact on advertising and the shifting media landscape, including the future of podcasts.
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Meta's All-In Talent Strategy
- Meta is making a high-risk, high-capital play by assembling top AI talent and paying at scale to win the next platform war.
- Semil warns the bet improves Meta's chances even if it feels mercenary compared to slower builds.
Apple's Waiting Game And Integration Risk
- Apple can wait to slot in LLM tech but faces integration and leadership questions under Tim Cook.
- As long as iPhones retain front-door value, Apple will continue to capture outsized hardware value.
Early Bet On Figma's Founder
- Semil recounts investing in Figma early based on Dylan Field's talent and vision, joining rounds across years.
- That early relationship and product focus helped Figma become a dominant design platform and a successful IPO.