Tech Disruptors

Niccolo de Masi, CEO of IonQ and a physicist, brings his expertise in trapped-ion quantum computing to the forefront. He discusses how quantum computing is transitioning from labs to real-world applications, focusing on performance, reliability, and cost. Niccolo explains the significance of high-fidelity qubits in reducing overhead and the impact of quantum technologies on AI, security, and material sciences. His insights also reveal a competitive landscape likely to favor one dominant player in the quantum market.

Alex Balazs, CTO of Intuit, shares insights on the company's incredible shift from desktop software to AI-driven services, impacting over 100 million users. He explains how Intuit leverages vast data to personalize workflows and enhance efficiency. Balazs elaborates on embedding AI with human expertise to ensure accuracy, while addressing challenges like latency and governance. He also introduces GenOS, an AI operating layer designed to optimize tasks. Intuit’s vision? To create a proactive, intelligent financial operating system.

In a compelling discussion, Amanda Silver, Corporate VP at Microsoft, shares her 24-year journey shaping developer tools like Visual Studio and GitHub Copilot. She highlights how AI-driven agents streamline the software lifecycle, enabling quicker transitions from ideas to implementation. Amanda emphasizes significant reductions in manual efforts for major upgrades, with SRE agents drastically cutting remediation times. The conversation also touches on evolving developer roles, the balance between human review and automation, and impressive adoption rates of Copilot across enterprises.

Brendan Humphreys, Chief Technology Officer at Canva with a rich engineering background from Atlassian, reveals how Canva is innovating at AI speed. He discusses transforming R&D by involving the entire team, implementing a disciplined API for rapid feature launches, and leveraging AI tools to enhance creativity. Brendan also highlights the shift towards hiring 'AI-native' engineers and detailed plans for enterprise growth, including strategic acquisitions and compliance measures to support large organizations. Exciting updates on AI and product enhancements are on the horizon!

Mike Milotich, CEO of Marqeta and an expert in payment systems with a history at Visa and PayPal, dives into the transformation of embedded finance. He explains how it’s evolving from niche applications to mainstream infrastructure, including the rise of buy now, pay later solutions. Milotich highlights the importance of flexibility in modern payment systems and the competitive edge of tokenization and AI in personalizing user experiences. He also discusses Marqeta's expansion into Europe and the growing trend of digital-first, API-native firms embracing embedded finance.

Max Levchin, the visionary CEO of Affirm and co-founder of PayPal, dives into the transformative power of AI in consumer finance. He discusses how machine learning is revolutionizing underwriting, reshaping lending economics, and reducing overspending through transparent pricing. Max highlights the importance of small purchases in enriching data for better lending decisions and emphasizes the competitive edge of incorporating real-time insights. He predicts a future of financial agents optimizing consumer choices while dismantling predatory practices in finance.

John Chambers, former CEO of Cisco and founder of JC2 Ventures, shares his insights on AI’s rapid adoption and its transformative effects on industries. He discusses the potential for 7–10% productivity gains and the necessity of embedding AI into workflows for maximum impact. Chambers emphasizes that today's AI landscape is distinct from the dot-com bubble, highlighting robust financial backing for current tech ventures. He warns of cybersecurity threats and predicts a surge in M&A and IPO activities, urging listeners to invest in AI and prioritize cybersecurity for a successful future.

Vikram Taneja, Head of AT&T Ventures, dives into the evolving world of telecom and strategic investments. He discusses his journey to AT&T and the unique, founder-friendly approach of his venture arm. Taneja highlights current trends like physical AI, edge computing, and the promising future of 6G. The conversation touches on how AI optimizes network operations, AT&T's satellite partnerships, and the role of IoT in device management. He also shares insights on emerging investment themes in fintech and network-enabled experiences.

David Lee, CFO of Webtoon and a visionary in digital storytelling, shares insights on the evolution of vertical scrolling comics and the platform's expansion into novels and video content. He discusses the innovative use of AI tools for creator support, ensuring content quality, and combating piracy. Lee highlights partnerships with Disney and Warner Bros., and the unique micropayment model that drives creator earnings. With a focus on Gen Z engagement, he explains how Webtoon aims to democratize storytelling while adapting to global market dynamics.

In a captivating conversation, Rajiv Mehta, Amazon's VP of Conversational Shopping, reveals the future of retail with Rufus, the AI-powered shopping assistant. He shares how Rufus transforms shopping through personalized, natural-language interactions and innovative features like image uploads and price alerts. Mehta discusses the impact of deep personalization on customer loyalty and conversion rates, highlighting that Rufus users are 60% more likely to make a purchase. Expect AI-driven, tailored shopping experiences to redefine how we discover products.