StrictlyVC Download

Howie Liu, co-founder and CEO of Airtable, explains his bold launch of SuperAgent and why autonomous agents matter. He talks about agent architecture, model tuning, real-world use cases like research automation, and why SuperAgent was built as a separate product with integrations and privacy in mind. He also discusses go-to-market thinking and how this bet could reshape Airtable’s future.

Mary Jane Rubenstein, a professor at Wesleyan University and author of "Worlds Without End," dives into the ethics of space exploration. She critiques current space industry priorities that mirror Earth’s worst values, like militarization and resource extraction. Rubenstein emphasizes the importance of imagining alternative worlds through science fiction, warns against treating space workers as disposable, and advocates for international cooperation to address orbital debris. Lastly, she explores how religious narratives shape our approach to space, offering a nuanced view of its potential.

Chi-Hua Chien, founding partner of Goodwater Capital, and Elizabeth Weil, founder of Scribble Ventures, tackle the underwhelming performance of consumer AI. They explore the transition from the command line era to more intuitive interfaces, predicting that new form factors will unlock broader AI applications. The duo discusses the potential for personalized AI services, from tutoring to finance, and the challenges of building trust in AI agents. They also raise skepticism about AI-driven social networks, highlighting a need for authenticity in interactions.

Jon Callaghan, managing partner and co-founder of True Ventures, shares insights from over two decades of seed-stage investing. He emphasizes a founder-first approach, prioritizing high ownership and valuing quiet support over flashy promotion. Callaghan discusses the risks of mega-rounds, pointing out that unique outlier founders often get overlooked. He also explores the transformative potential of AI in consumer applications, predicting a shift towards personalized software and new interfaces, while cautioning against capital-intensive infrastructure risks.

Mina Fahmi, Founder and CEO of Sandbar, introduces Stream, an AI ring that captures whispered thoughts, while Toni Schneider, Partner at True Ventures, shares insights on investment in hardware. They discuss the importance of privacy in wearable tech and how Stream's design focuses on user control. Mina contrasts her product with competitors, emphasizing a single-use excellence before expanding features. The conversation also touches on competing with giants like OpenAI and the value of intimate, thoughtfully designed devices in the wearable market.

In a captivating discussion, Colin Angle, the co-founder and former CEO of iRobot, delves into the climactic journey of his company, from Roomba’s success to its recent bankruptcy. He argues that the blockage of a $1.7 billion Amazon acquisition was not just a business misstep but a pivotal error by regulators. Angle also shares the taxing 18-month fight with the FTC and discusses his new stealth startup aimed at blending emotional sophistication with robotics. Plus, he offers insights on the future of humanoid robots and the importance of focusing on real user needs.

In this insightful conversation, Pat Gelsinger, a semiconductor veteran and former Intel CEO, teams up with Nicholas Kelez, CEO of deep-tech startup X-Light. They dive into the groundbreaking EUV laser technology that aims to revive Moore's Law. Pat and Nicholas discuss the U.S. government's pivotal investment in X-Light and the importance of U.S. competitiveness in the AI era. They touch on the challenges and opportunities in scaling semiconductor innovations and the moral responsibilities of tech leadership.

This week on StrictlyVC Download, Connie Loizos spoke with Science Corp founder Max Hodak to discuss how brain-computer interfaces are arriving faster than anyone realizes. The Neuralink co-founder and former president shares how his company recently achieved what may be the biggest breakthrough in vision restoration in decades, enabling 80% of blind patients to read again with a tiny retinal implant smaller than a grain of rice. In this conversation, the two also explore the near-term commercial path for BCIs through medical applications, the long-term potential for cognitive enhancement and “binding” multiple brains together, and why Science, which has so far raised $260 million from investors, is keen to generate revenue while it invests in its future products. Not last, Hodak addresses the practical and ethical questions around hacking, enhancement, and why he thinks it may well be possible in the not-too-distant future to “move consciousness” outside of the body. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a captivating discussion, Kevin Hartz, a serial entrepreneur behind Eventbrite and Zoom, shares insights on the surge of teenage founders, revealing they make up 20% of his investments now. He emphasizes the need for grit in founders and discusses A-Star Capital's innovative incubation model, including his autonomous security startup Sauron. Hartz also tackles the challenges of public markets and the impact of private capital on quality companies. His unique take on why venture capital remains essential in today's tech landscape offers a fresh perspective.

Tim Chen, founder of Essence VC and a solo investor, shares his unique journey from engineer to impactful VC. He argues against the YC revenue-at-all-costs mantra for infrastructure startups, advocating a focus on strategic pivots and deep technical understanding instead. Chen reflects on his small exit experience, emphasizing the importance of genuine founder empathy in venture capital. He also discusses the value of community-building and the evolving landscape of multimodal applications, showcasing how thoughtful product vision can drive success.