Cheeky Pint

In this engaging discussion, Casey Handmer, founder of Terraform Industries and a pioneer in synthetic hydrocarbons, shares his insights on solar maximalism and the future of energy. He predicts a dramatic drop in solar costs and explains why Hyperloop is doomed. Casey also reveals his ambitious plans to refill the Salton Sea and discusses the potential of synthetic fuels to democratize aviation. With a focus on efficiency and hard tech, he emphasizes the necessity for demanding leadership and the importance of desalination in California's future.

Dan Sundheim, Founder and CEO of D1 Capital with a multi-billion dollar portfolio, shares his insights on public market investing. He discusses the stress of managing losses and the emotional asymmetry involved. Sundheim reveals his thoughts on the GameStop short squeeze and the evolution of short-selling risk management. He also critiques why successful private companies should remain private, admires Elon Musk’s innovative strategies, and stresses the importance of pattern recognition in investing. A revealing look into the mind of a top investor!

RJ Scaringe, founder and CEO of Rivian, sits down for a cheeky pint with John Collison to discuss what it takes to build a car company from scratch, developing the first electric pickup truck, the shift to a software-defined zonal architecture, Rivian's AI-driven approach to autonomy, and the strategy behind their recent $5.8 billion deal with Volkswagen.Timestamps(00:00) Gen 1(12:32) Gen 2(18:37) Developing the first electric pickup truck(27:36) John pitches some car features(36:46) Stripe’s payment methods(37:54) Autonomous driving(44:51) Component progress(53:17) The new economics of cars(01:01:11) Manufacturing in the US

Tobi Lütke, the founder and CEO of Shopify, shares his visionary ideas about building technology-driven companies. He explores how internal tools and 'opinionated software' create a unique company culture and drive evolution. Tobi delves into concepts like agentic commerce, emphasizing AI's role in shaping e-commerce futures. He also discusses Shopify's dedication to small businesses, the importance of product craftsmanship, and the impact of internal systems on decision-making. Plus, he offers insights into his personal philosophy on identifying valuable problems.

Marc Andreessen, a serial entrepreneur and cofounder of Netscape and Andreessen Horowitz, joins John Collison and Charlie Songhurst for a lively conversation. They discuss the challenges of spotting bubbles in technology and explore the evolution of Silicon Valley's ecosystem. Marc shares insights into the 'Elon method' of management and the ongoing impact of AI on productivity and market structures. They also delve into the intricacies of venture capital, the rise of cryptocurrencies, and the future of open-source versus proprietary models.

Des Traynor, co-founder of Intercom and a thought leader in product strategy, shares insights on transforming Intercom from a messaging tool to an AI-driven customer service platform. He discusses the launch of Fin, their AI agent, and why selling AI is a modern challenge. Des emphasizes the importance of user feedback versus data alone and reveals the four essential traits of successful AI companies. He also dives into co-founder dynamics and the courage required for pivots, making the conversation rich with practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Mackenzie Burnett, CEO and co-founder of Ambrook, discusses vital topics in American agriculture. She shines a light on the challenges of labor and immigration in farming, emphasizing the need for rural resilience. Mackenzie also explores innovative financial tools designed to support family-run businesses. She advocates for simple USDA access and the importance of direct-to-consumer strategies for medium-sized farms. Plus, hear her thoughts on the future of fintech in agriculture and intriguing insights about efficiency in accounting.

Keller Cliffton, Cofounder and CEO of Zipline, shares insights on revolutionizing healthcare logistics through drone delivery. He discusses Zipline’s impressive journey of 115 million miles flown and the monumental impact on maternal mortality in Rwanda. The conversation also dives into the competitive landscape of US and Chinese drone manufacturing, the challenges and innovations in aircraft safety, and the future of multimodal logistics. Cliffton outlines the necessity for efficient delivery solutions, emphasizing simplicity in technology over complexity.

Scott Wu, Cofounder and CEO of Cognition, dives into the cutting-edge world of AI with a focus on Devin, the first AI software engineer. He shares his journey from math competitions to tech entrepreneurship, discussing the transformative 'Moneyball-ification' of various sectors. The conversation highlights the implications of AI in coding, the landmark acquisition of Windsurf, and Wu's bold assertion that we may already possess AGI. He also examines trust in digital interactions and the evolving landscape of AI mergers.

Brian Armstrong, the Co-founder and CEO of Coinbase, shares insights on the world of cryptocurrency, tackling everything from battling North Korean hackers to the massive potential of Bitcoin reaching $1 million. He discusses how banks are finally embracing crypto and the role of stablecoins in transforming global payments. Armstrong also emphasizes the importance of electing pro-crypto politicians to foster a supportive environment for innovation. His thoughts on integrating AI in coding present a fascinating view of the future of tech.