Equity

Today on Equity, we're taking you on stage at TechCrunch Disrupt for Kirsten Korosec's conversation with Zoox co-founder and CEO Jesse Levinson. The pair discuss building custom robotaxis, how Zoox's approach compares to that of Tesla, and the 'current and future landscape' of AI on wheels. It's also worth noting that Amazon-owned Zoox recently scooped up some of Tesla’s top talent, bringing on Zheng Gao late last month to lead hardware engineering.Equity will be back on Friday with a full CES recap, so don't miss it!Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify and all the casts. You also can follow Equity on X and Threads, at @EquityPod. For the full episode transcript, for those who prefer reading over listening, check out our full archive of episodes here.Credits: Equity is produced by Theresa Loconsolo with editing by Kell. We'd also like to thank our illustrator, Bryce Durbin, and the TechCrunch audience development team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vlad Tenev, the co-founder and CEO of Robinhood, discusses the company's evolution into a leading financial service for young investors. He highlights Robinhood's innovative expansions, including prediction markets and AI integration. Tenev emphasizes the importance of human oversight in AI-driven finance and explores challenges in cryptocurrency regulation. The conversation touches on strategic acquisitions and how these moves position Robinhood for future growth. Tenev also shares insights into balancing traditional banking versus cryptocurrency safety.

Discover Bluesky's unique onboarding with customizable starter packs that help new users find niche interests. Dive into its explosive growth, skyrocketing from three to twenty-four million users in a year. Explore the platform's innovative user-centric advertising strategies that prioritize user agency. Discuss the evolution of social media verification, tackling authenticity and trust issues. Finally, examine how Bluesky transforms business dynamics and fosters user control in a decentralized social media landscape.

Reflecting on 2024, the hosts delve into the tumultuous world of venture capital, examining the exodus of funding and the shuffle among top VCs. They discuss the implications of ambitious AI investments, wondering if 2025 will finally bring returns. The struggles of companies navigating IPO pressures encourage a shift towards mergers and acquisitions. Additionally, internal tensions in the WordPress community highlight the complexities of innovation, while the rise of disruptive startups in AI and space emerge as key trends shaping the tech landscape.

Discover how the Foster sisters transitioned from fashion to venture capital, leveraging empathy to connect with founders. They share lessons from past businesses and the impact of supportive investors on startups. The conversation dives into balancing family dynamics in business while emphasizing collaboration over competition. Personal stories highlight the importance of authenticity in public life and navigating challenges as women in the workplace. Tune in for insights on creating a strong support network and finding work-life balance.

Max Zeff, a TechCrunch reporter focusing on venture capital and AI, joins the hosts to unveil the intriguing intersection of AI and defense tech. They discuss the launch of Humba Ventures' $40 million fund dedicated to deep tech and defense, and how enterprise AI company Cohere is carving a unique niche. Additionally, they ponder the wisdom of IPOs in an election year and the increasing caution founders might need with investors tied to foreign entities. The conversation reveals the complexities reshaping the investment landscape.

Gilman Louie, CEO of America's Frontier Fund and a key figure in national security and tech investments, dives into the resurgence of physical tech. He discusses how AI and robotics are transforming manufacturing, alongside Silicon Valley's new focus on defense tech. Louie highlights the shift towards startups leveraging government contracts and the vital role they play in revitalizing U.S. manufacturing. He also anticipates how innovations like clean energy solutions and digital twins will shape the future landscape of American industry.

In a surprising turn, GM has decided to abandon its self-driving venture, Cruise, after investing $10 billion. Meanwhile, Fraysia.ai is sparking intrigue as users challenge its AI chatbot to fall in love. The potential of Lumen Orbit's space data centers is capturing the attention of venture capitalists. With TikTok facing a possible ban, new social media platforms are stepping up to fill the void. The tech landscape is also seeing shifts as Y Combinator pivots from Africa, prompting the rise of local accelerators.

Michael Morris, a professor at Columbia Business School and author of 'Tribal,' dives into the ambitious plans of Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to revolutionize government efficiency, aiming to save $2 trillion. The conversation also highlights the impact of tech leaders in government, potential influences on crypto and AI regulation, and challenges startups face in innovating within the military. Morris's insights connect behavioral science to these complex interactions between technology, business, and politics.

A startup raised a jaw-dropping $56 million despite not launching a product yet, all thanks to its founders' impressive backgrounds. The discussion shifts to Yurts and its ambitions in the DoD's AI sector, facing off against Pentagon projects. There's intrigue around the bizarre twists in ServiceTitan's IPO, hinting at broader trends. The turbulence in venture capital is explored as key figures depart firms, raising questions about their future moves. Plus, a strange conflict involving ChatGPT and a mysterious figure named David Mayer adds flavor to the conversation.