LaBossiere Podcast #53 - Elad Gil
Aug 8, 2024
Elad Gil, a serial entrepreneur and tech investor known for his early stakes in companies like Airbnb and Coinbase, shares his insights on innovation and entrepreneurship. He discusses the concept of abundance versus scarcity in technology, emphasizing how this mindset impacts societal welfare. Gil also delves into the dynamics of startup ecosystems, the importance of market timing, and how personal branding can influence success. Additionally, he addresses the evolving landscape of defense technology and AI, highlighting the implications of these advancements for the future.
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Episode notes
Backing Anduril Amid Silicon Valley Backlash
- After Project Maven's fallout, big tech withdrew and Anduril filled the defense gap, attracting Elad's early support.
- His defense investment drew hostile reactions despite bipartisan founder politics.
Why Mega Funds And Longer Vests Exist
- Private growth rounds have replaced some public-market growth funding, enabling much larger private funds.
- Longer private lifecycles explain the rise of mega venture funds and extended vest timelines.
Model Scale Creates New Markets
- Model scale creates step-function capability leaps, so each major LLM release opens new markets.
- Expect capability-driven waves roughly every couple years as models scale.
