Molly O'Shea chats with Alex Kolicich, founding partner at 8VC, known for his investments in Palantir and SpaceX. They dive into the rising trends in defense technology spurred by geopolitical factors. Alex discusses the evolving landscape for AI investments and the unique challenges of capturing value. He also highlights the shift towards innovative defense startups over traditional contractors, driven by new government practices and a favorable fundraising environment amid economic uncertainties.

Alex Kolicich, founding partner at 8VC, shares his wealth of experience from Palantir, Google, and more. He discusses navigating AI and defense investment opportunities, emphasizing the importance of technology in startups. The conversation also touches on breakthrough AI tools that enhance productivity, as well as networking strategies for budding professionals. Kolicich highlights the need for resilience in entrepreneurship, the balance of luck versus skill, and how founders can stand out in a crowded pitching landscape.