Acquired

Dive into the riveting journey of Andreessen Horowitz, a venture firm that emerged in 2009 to shake up the tech world. Discover the fascinating backgrounds of founders Marc and Ben, intertwined with counterculture and activism. Explore the birth of the web, from Mosaic to Netscape, and witness the fierce browser wars against Microsoft. Delve into LoudCloud's challenges and the rise of transformative tech like Statsig, all while pondering human behavior's impact on innovation. This captivating narrative reveals the origins and evolution of venture capital like never before.

Anatoly Yakovenko, Founder and CEO of Solana Labs, shares his journey from Qualcomm's wireless engineering to creating one of crypto's fastest-growing blockchains. He discusses Solana's scaling capabilities, distinguishing it from Ethereum, and emphasizes its unique architectural innovations. Yakovenko also reflects on launching the project during the 2017-18 crypto winter, the importance of community support, and the transformative potential of decentralized finance and music on Solana. His insights into building a resilient protocol shed light on the future of blockchain technology.

Vitalik Buterin, Founder of Ethereum, shares his remarkable journey from post-Soviet Russia to pioneering blockchain innovation. He reveals how Ethereum emerged as a groundbreaking platform, transforming decentralized applications and smart contracts. The discussion highlights Ethereum's legal complexities, its rivalrous landscape against giants like Facebook and Amazon, and the implications of future upgrades like ETH2. Buterin also explores the balance between Ethereum's strengths and scalability challenges, making a compelling case for its role in reshaping the digital economy.

Ho Nam, Partner at Altos Ventures, is known for his innovative approach to venture capital by combining value investing principles with early-stage funding. In this discussion, he explores Altos's journey with companies like Roblox and its unique fund structure that allows for longer-term investment. Ho highlights the traits of successful entrepreneurs and the philosophy of viewing venture capital as a collaborative effort, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and deep connections in identifying exceptional businesses.

The podcast explores Berkshire Hathaway's transition into the digital era, pondering how Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger adapt to technological changes. It dives into Buffett's unique investment strategies and the soaring fortunes of him and Bill Gates in the ’90s. Coca-Cola's marketing blunders and Warren's skepticism towards tech stocks reflect his cautious approach in a volatile landscape. The discussion unfolds around Buffett's philanthropic journey and succession planning, concluding with a look at Berkshire's future post-Buffett and the impact of their monumental Apple investment.

Brad Stone, the author behind "Amazon Unbound" and "The Everything Store," provides a fascinating look at Amazon's transformation into a powerhouse of interlocking businesses. He shares insights into the pivotal moments that prompted a sequel to his book and the company's shift from a flywheel strategy to a more complex model. Stone discusses Amazon's surging ambitions in the entertainment sector and its strategic investments, including the MGM deal, while reflecting on the evolving culture that extends beyond Jeff Bezos himself.

In a captivating conversation with Charlie Munger, the brilliant business magnate and longtime partner of Warren Buffett, the podcast dives into Buffett's transformative journey beyond his 'cigar butt' investment approach. They discuss the nearly catastrophic collapse of Berkshire Hathaway and the company's evolution into a collector of exceptional businesses. Munger shares insights on the pivotal decisions that defined their partnership and how mispricing in the insurance sector poses significant challenges. Their witty banter unveils investment philosophies that shaped modern finance.

Rui Ma and Ying Lu, co-hosts of Tech Buzz China, illuminate the fast-evolving Chinese tech landscape. They discuss how they stay informed from the U.S. while exploring the rise of innovative consumer brands like Genki Forest and Shein. The conversation highlights community group buying transforming commerce in rural areas, along with China’s booming electric vehicle sector driven by major tech firms. Their insights reveal critical trends that challenge Western perceptions of China’s tech revolution.

Dive into the fascinating journey of Warren Buffett, from an entrepreneurial kid in Omaha to a legendary investor. Discover how he turned Berkshire Hathaway from a struggling textile mill to an investment powerhouse, and learn about his evolving strategies, including the lessons from Geico. The episode also highlights Buffett's early aversions, pivotal relationships, and the momentous shift in his investment philosophy towards valuing brand equity. It's a captivating exploration of the life and mind behind one of capitalism's greatest icons.

Join Josh Clemente, founder of Levels and former SpaceX engineer, as he discusses the evolution of digital health and its impact on metabolic awareness. Josh shares his personal journey transitioning from high-stakes aerospace engineering to innovative health tech, revealing how stress and diet influence blood sugar. The conversation also touches on the changing landscape of direct-to-consumer health solutions, the role of continuous glucose monitors, and the exciting future of personalized health subscriptions.