Equity

Jared Kaplan, Co-founder and Chief Science Officer at Anthropic, dives deep into the future of AI. He shares Anthropic’s shift from chatbots to agentic systems designed for real tasks. Kaplan discusses partnerships, including one with Apple for innovative software, and emphasizes the need for trust in AI development. The conversation also touches on the importance of safety measures and transparency in the industry, addressing challenges like scaling laws and the ethical implications of data use in model training.

Dmitri Alperovitch, co-founder and former CTO of CrowdStrike, dives into the tumultuous world of cybersecurity and its implications for startups. He highlights key missteps regarding security that early-stage founders often make while racing to build. Alperovitch discusses how global rivalries, particularly with China, are reshaping innovation and outlines what investors seek in cybersecurity ventures today. He also warns of the dual-edged sword of AI, which can both bolster defenses and introduce new vulnerabilities.

Elon Musk steps away from DOGE, marking a shift in his political ties. Meanwhile, GameStop dives into Bitcoin, echoing trends from 2021. Neuralink secures $600 million, aiming for breakthroughs in brain-computer interfaces. A landmark AI licensing deal between The New York Times and Amazon reshapes content creation in the digital age. Lastly, Nvidia presents a surprisingly optimistic outlook despite mixed earnings. Dive into the interplay of tech, politics, and innovation in this captivating discussion!

Daniel Weiner, Director of the Brennan Center’s Elections and Government Program, dives into the growing influence of tech in Washington. He discusses how companies like SpaceX and Palantir have utilized insider networks for major defense contracts. The conversation also addresses changing ethics safeguards for founders, revealing their implications for fair competition. Weiner highlights the complex relationship between tech entrepreneurs and government, emphasizing the need for awareness of governance intricacies and the risks of a tech-centric approach to democracy.

Max Zeff, a TechCrunch reporter who covers Google I/O, joins the discussion about OpenAI's groundbreaking acquisition of Jony Ive's design firm for $6.5 billion. They explore the ambition to create AI-powered devices that transcend traditional screens, comparing it to the iPhone's launch. Max shares insights from Google I/O, including the revival of Google Glass and mixed reactions to Google’s enhanced AI search features. They also touch on the implications of 23andMe's new ownership and the dynamics in the tech industry today.

Ali Kashani, Co-founder and CEO of Serve Robotics, shares his journey from lidar-focused startup to a publicly traded delivery service. He reveals how Serve's sidewalk bots gather four times more visual data daily than top AI models. The conversation explores scaling delivery fleets in cities like L.A. and Miami, along with the innovative partnership between ground robots and drones aimed at improving last-mile logistics. Kashani also addresses data privacy challenges that come with autonomous technology, balancing public safety and ethical responsibilities.

This week, a billion-dollar acquisition by Databricks of Neon sparks discussions about the evolving value of money. Chime's upcoming IPO raises eyebrows with intriguing gaps in its S-1 filing. Meanwhile, AWS forges a strategic partnership that could reshape cloud infrastructure amid rising AI ambitions in the Middle East. Nostalgia makes a comeback as web series gain traction, blending personal storytelling with short-form content. The conversation highlights the ever-changing landscape of tech, finance, and digital connection.

Charles Rollet, a senior reporter for TechCrunch, dives into the dramatic legal tussle between HR tech giants Rippling and Deel. He reveals the wild allegations of corporate espionage, complete with secret payments and hidden channels. The conversation touches on Rippling's significant $450 million funding boost amid the chaos, and Y Combinator's surprising support for Rippling's latest venture. They also discuss the potential fallout for IPO plans and the ethics at play in this high-stakes corporate showdown.

Mark Zuckerberg unveils a game-changing AI ad engine that could replace traditional advertising roles, raising concerns about the future of marketing. The hosts discuss Google's Gemini 2.5 Pro's unexpected triumph over Pokémon Blue and the intriguing concept of gamifying AI challenges. A countertop robot that aids in cooking is introduced, along with Uber's ongoing advancements in autonomous vehicles. Additionally, a new venture focused on age-reversing treatments showcases AI's role in health innovation, igniting debates on privacy and creativity.

Eric Slesinger, founder of 201 Ventures and former CIA officer, shares his intriguing transition from the intelligence community to venture capital. He highlights the growing interest in European defense tech, driven by recent geopolitical events. Slesinger discusses overcoming the stigma around defense investments in Europe and reveals how his firm aims to support underrepresented founders. The conversation also covers innovative projects like maritime drones and the exploration of emerging technologies in competitive gray zones.