The Innovation Civilization Podcast

In this enlightening discussion, Bryan Johnson, a multi-millionaire entrepreneur and founder of 'Don't Die,' unveils his mission to extend human life through advanced health tracking. He explores how AI can revolutionize decision-making and human longevity, sharing insights into the ethical dilemmas that arise. Bryan also delves into the significance of emotional wellness, societal shifts toward healthier living, and the personal journey of transformation. His revolutionary 'Blueprint' initiative promises to automate healthier lifestyle choices, creating a future where longevity is prioritized.

Mark Boggett, CEO of Seraphim Space and a pioneer in space venture capital, shares his insights on democratizing access to space technology. He details his journey from technology investment to establishing Europe's largest space fund, emphasizing the potential of space tech to address climate change and transform industries. Boggett discusses the rise of miniaturized satellites and the need for innovative solutions in sustainability. He also navigates the ethical and regulatory landscape, highlighting the importance of global competition in the evolving space market.

Toby Coppel, Founder and General Partner at Mosaic Ventures, has a wealth of experience in the tech world, having worked with firms like Netscape, AOL, and Yahoo. In this discussion, he reveals insights from multiple AI innovation waves, focusing on investment strategies in machine learning applications. Toby underscores the importance of hands-on support for startups and delves into the ethical considerations of AI, its impact on jobs, and the regulatory landscape. He shares thoughts on AI's future, highlighting the balance between innovation and accountability.

We're joined by Ash Arora, a Partner at LocalGlobe leading their Web3 practice, to discuss the intricacies of venture capital, blockchain, AI investments, and market dynamics. LocalGlobe, one of the leading early-stage venture capital firms in Europe, ranked #1 early stage fund in EMEA and #3 globally with highest number of unicorns in portfolio, with companies like SoRare, Copper, Robinhood, Wise, Figma, Twitter and LP in a16z, Sequoia etc. Ash shares insights into what sets LocalGlobe apart in the competitive VC landscape, including their comprehensive 52-parameter framework for evaluating investment opportunities and the unique support structure they offer to startups. Ash takes us through the specifics of their blockchain investments, highlighting significant successes such as Sorare, Copper, and Improbable. She explains the importance of due diligence, the unique value-add LocalGlobe provides post-investment, and their strategic approach to both pre-seed and growth-stage funding. The conversation also explores the current market conditions, comparing them to past tech cycles and discussing the resilience of early-stage investments amidst broader market slowdowns. Ash provides her perspective on the impact of tech layoffs and the dynamics of acquiring talent in a fluctuating market. In a detailed discussion on AI, Ash outlines LocalGlobe's broad investment strategy, covering everything from semiconductors to AI applications. She shares thoughts on the future of AI in the venture capital landscape, emphasizing the irreplaceable human touch in evaluating and supporting founders. Ash's expertise in blockchain is evident as she discusses the state of the market, the potential of DeFi, and the future of blockchain technology. She also touches on the regulatory environment and the importance of innovation-friendly policies. Below is a quick synopsis of all the topics we cover: Venture Capital Dynamics: How LocalGlobe maintains its edge with a unique evaluation framework and extensive founder support. Blockchain Investments: Key insights into successful blockchain investments and the future potential of blockchain technology. Market Conditions and Talent Acquisition: Analysis of current market trends and the impact on talent acquisition in tech. AI Investments: LocalGlobe's strategic approach to AI investments, from foundational models to application layers. Regulatory Environment: The role of regulation in fostering or stifling innovation in blockchain and AI. Join us for a comprehensive discussion as we explore the intersection of venture capital, blockchain, AI, and market trends with one of the industry's leading experts. Follow our host, Waheed Nabeel (@iwaheedo), for more updates on tech, civilizational growth, progress studies, and emerging markets. Here are the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players, you should be able to click the timestamp for the episode.   (00:00) - Intro (02:39) - Ash Arora's background and role at LocalGlobe (04:40) - LocalGlobe's unique investment criteria and framework (10:23) - Supporting startups post-investment (13:11) - Investment stages and focus areas (15:24) - Current market conditions and tech layoffs (23:12) - AI investment strategy and market mapping (28:08) - The future of AI and its impact on VC (34:07) - Blockchain market analysis and investment thesis (38:29) - Layer 2 solutions and blockchain infrastructure (46:25) - Meme coins and market dynamics (48:46) - Regulation in blockchain and AI (50:06) - Intersection of AI and blockchain (51:45) - Outro   Full Disclaimer:  The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed by the guest in this communication are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosting entity or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The hosting entity and its affiliates do not endorse, recommend, or assume any responsibility for any investment decisions made based on the information provided. Always seek the advice of a qualified financial advisor before making any financial decisions.                    

We're joined by tech billionaire and investor Christian Angermayer to discuss the 'Next Human Agenda,' i.e., the technological bets he's taking and how they will shape the future of humanity (in terms of computing, health, society, and governments). Over the past 20 years, Christian has been involved in directly building a lot of unicorns and decacorns and has been involved in more than 50 IPOs or exits in the public stock market. Christian is an active thought leader himself, and is affiliated with the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader. He's a partner of the Munich security conference and advisor to President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, and also a founding member of President Macron's scale-up Europe initiative. Christian's family office, Apeiron Investment Group, has more than 3 billion US dollars of assets under management and invests across life sciences, fintech, crypto, future tech, experience, hospitality, and happiness. He runs the Angermayer policy initiative and innovation forum, which convenes international heads of State, investors, politicians, and scientists to come together to discuss global priorities. Christian is also passionate about mental health and runs the Aurora Institute, which is the first nonprofit incubator of its kind focused on funding the world's leading individuals and NGOs related to solving the global mental health crisis.  We cover a wide array of topics: -The Rise of AI and the Future of Society: What will society look like with full AI/AGI adoption, and how can we prepare for it? -Revolutionizing Biotech and Psychedelics: Gain insights into the ground-breaking developments in biotech and psychedelics, exploring their potential to revolutionize healthcare and mental health treatment. -The Middle Eastern Innovation Landscape: Christian shares insights into the burgeoning tech scene in the Middle East, particularly in countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where governments are fostering environments conducive to technological advancement and biotech innovation. -⁠Geopolitical Realities and Multipolarity: Reflecting on the evolving geopolitical landscape, Christian discusses the strategic maneuvers of emerging powers like China and Russia, as well as the savvy diplomacy of smaller nations seeking to navigate the complexities of a multipolar world. -Brexit and the Future of Europe: Offering astute observations on Brexit and its implications for the UK and Europe, Christian explores the missed opportunities and potential pitfalls in Britain's departure from the European Union while also reflecting on the broader trajectory of the European project. -Harnessing Innovation for Global Challenges: Christian emphasizes the transformative potential of technological innovation in addressing pressing global challenges, from climate change to economic development, underscoring the importance of agile governance and strategic investment in fostering sustainable solutions. Join us for an illuminating discussion as we explore the dynamics of technological disruption, geopolitical strategy, and the imperative of innovation in shaping the future of our interconnected world. Follow our host, Waheed Nabeel (@iwaheedo), for more updates on tech, civilizational growth, progress studies, and emerging markets. Here are the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players, you should be able to click the timestamp for the episode. (00:00) - Intro (03:20) - What's the vision Christian has of the world 100 years from now? (11:06) - Does the unprecedented speed of technological advancement today, exemplified by OpenAI's rapid user growth, amplify the risk of social dislocation during these transitions, given historical trends of slower adoption? (14:08) - Can AI be perceived as both a catalyst for economic growth and a potential threat to traditional employment, considering its capacity to exponentially increase productivity and revenue, thereby prompting a discussion on the balance between efficiency and human labor? (17:50) - What actionable steps are recommended for individuals who may not be deeply engaged in tech discussions to prepare for the impact of AI and automation on their professions over the next decade, and what role should governments play in facilitating this transition? (22:39) - Use of Psychedelics for mental health problems (39:31) - What is the 'Next Human Agenda'? (47:47) - What breakthroughs can we expect in longevity research funding, and can we foresee substantial increases in human lifespan in the near future? (52:25) - How does the concept of biological age influence Christian's research, especially in relation to the lifestyles of centenarians in blue zones, and what implications does this have for longevity strategies? (56:51) - In the face of rapid technological disruption, what role do governments in the 21st century play? (60:22) - How can we address the short-term focus of politicians, especially in democracies, to ensure effective long-term planning for the future? (64:24) - How can we manage increasing debt in Western countries amidst the challenge of implementing unpopular but crucial policies for long-term fiscal stability? (67:27) -  Less government intervention, like libertarians versus more regulation, as seen in Europe's approach to innovation? (69:00) - Do you think pharmaceutical innovation has been slowed by regulation compared to the faster progress seen in less regulated fields like computer science? (74:13) - Are there any government models you've encountered that effectively balance stability with the disruptive nature of technology, ensuring stable infrastructure alongside technological progress? (77:26) - Do you support the idea of city-states as a governance model reminiscent of the early United States, where states held significant governance roles, and do you see the potential for a revival of this approach? (81:12) - How can governments adopt lean methodologies for faster decision-making? (83:05) - Is there a burgeoning innovation hub in the Middle East, separate from Europe and the US, particularly considering your operations in emerging market countries like the UAE and Rwanda? (85:18) - Does Christian see a move towards a multipolar world, with rising powers like China and Russia challenging US dominance, and how do you view the strategic actions of smaller nations navigating this shift? (87:10) - What are Christian's thoughts on the trajectory of the European project, especially with the UK's exit from the EU and the challenges it poses, such as demographic aging and its impact on the tech landscape? (90:28) - What fuels Christian's optimism amidst the prevailing dystopian views, leading you to believe that technology and innovation will be our salvation rather than our downfall?

We welcomed the author of the new book "The Levelling", Mike O'Sullivan, who's spent 20 years thinking and writing on macro economy and politics. He also served as the Chief Investment Officer at Credit Suisse and is the CEO of Harvest Innovation Advisory. We cover the end of globalisation, the future of democracy, economics, finance, geopolitics, and nation-building in the post-globalisation era.   In the episode, we cover a range of topics:   -Assessment of Globalisation: Critical examination of the concept of globalisation, probing its evolution, successes, and shortcomings, particularly in light of mounting debt, economic dependencies, and democratic deficits.   -Geopolitical Realities: The shifting dynamics of global power & democracy, from the dominance of the West to the rise of multipolarity   -Rethinking Economic Paradigms: Importance of R&D, education, and a conducive regulatory environment for fostering organic economic growth and escaping debt trap   -Challenges of Development: Role of international institutions such as the IMF, leadership credibility, and effectiveness in managing financial crises (examples from Greece & Argentina)   -Navigating Technological Complexity:  The profound impact of technology on every aspect of society, from AI and blockchain to the fragmentation of media and its implications for democracy and social cohesion.   Join us for this action-packed episode as we explore the growing backlash against globalisation and the future of global relations and economic growth potential.   Follow our host Waheed Nabeel (@iwaheedo), for more updates on tech, civilizational growth, progress studies, and emerging markets.   Here are the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players, you should be able to click the timestamp for the episode.   (00:00) - Intro   (02:13) - Mike's background   (03:38) - How globalisation led to increased economic integration?   (06:54) - Why is the end of globalisation such a big issue?   (09:56) - What are the biggest challenges of the next 30 years?   (12:11) - Why is democracy under threat?   (14:02) - How can we revive democracies?   (17:18) - How can the effectiveness of governance in delivering tangible improvements to quality of life be assessed, particularly in contexts where traditional democratic norms may not be strictly followed, such as in Singapore or Rwanda?   (20:20) - Where did The UK went wrong?   (23:49) - How does Japan's economic performance challenge traditional notions of debt sustainability, especially in comparison to countries like the US and UK, and what implications does this have for the application of modern monetary theory (MMT) on a global scale?   (25:52) - Why are we obsessed with debt?   (28:31) - How do countries achieve organic economic growth?   (32:14) - What is the well-being economy?   (35:01) - How will this evolving digital landscape shape our societal values and political affiliations on a global scale?   (40:38) - How should nations think about development and economic growth?   (43:37) - Outro

America's foremost foreign policy scholar Joseph Nye discusses the American Century, soft power, nuclear non-proliferation, rise of Asia, U.S. foreign policy challenges, and contemporary wars. Accompanied by UK civil servant Jon Cayzer, they dive into historical analogies, US-China relations, Russia's war in Ukraine, and trust in the digital age.

Dr. Padraig Carmody, a Trinity College professor and author on African economic development, shares insights from his research on the historical and contemporary 'scrambles' for Africa. Alongside Jon Cayzer, a seasoned British civil servant, they discuss the significant impacts of colonial legacies on modern African economies. The conversation includes China's growing influence through the Belt and Road Initiative, the challenges faced by landlocked nations, and the potential for Africa to reshape global economic dynamics. They also emphasize the importance of community-driven approaches to future development.

Dr. Christian De Vartavan, an Egyptologist and a leading expert in blockchain and AI, shares his fascinating journey from ancient pyramids to cutting-edge technologies. He reveals the striking parallels between ancient engineering and modern innovations. The discussion also covers the transformative impact of blockchain on global society, regulatory challenges, and the importance of standards in technology. Christian reflects on his family's legacy of advising influential leaders, connecting the wisdom of the past with contemporary technological advancements.

In this episode, we sat down with Professor Dr. Salim Ayduz, a distinguished expert in Ottoman science and technology delving into the rich tapestry of technical innovations that helped create the Ottoman Empire's 600+ year tri-continental legacy.   In the episode, we cover:   -the forgotten pioneers of Ottoman science & technology -the social, political, and economic dynamics that influenced Ottoman innovation -comparative analysis of Ottoman and Western scientific and technological progress -challenges the empire faced in keeping pace with the changing world   Tune in to this enlightening episode that reveals the hidden chapters of Ottoman innovation, while also shedding new light on the challenges the empire faced as it navigated the currents of change across the centuries.   Follow our host Waheed Rahman (@iwaheedo), for more updates on tech, civilizational growth, progress studies, and emerging markets.   Here are the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players, you should be able to click the timestamp for the episode.   (00:00) - Intro   (02:15) - Professor Salim's background   (04:10) - Origin of the Ottoman Empire and why there is a lack of information on the Ottoman innovation landscape?   (11:44) - What is the Professor's research methodology when it comes to consuming knowledge and researching Ottoman innovation and inventions?   (15:35) - Ottoman's contribution to astronomy and astrology   (26:35) - Ottoman's contribution to mathematics   (31:45) - The inception and mass adoption of gunpowder and cannons in the Ottoman era   (36:11) - Notable innovations and inventions during the Ottoman period   (43:59) - The socio-political dynamics that influenced the decline of Ottoman contribution to science and technology   (50:49) - Challenges the empire faced in keeping pace with the changing world   (57:20) - Classical books reading recommendation by Professor on Ottoman innovation   (59:00) - Outro