
Onward, a Fundrise Production
Onward is a podcast from America's largest direct-to-investor alternative asset investment platform, Fundrise. Onward offers unique insights and perspectives from company co-founder and CEO Ben Miller and guests.
Latest episodes

May 29, 2024 • 1h 3min
36: Breakthroughs in military technology: Lessons from history and future implications
Professor Andrew Wilson, Professor of Strategy at the US Naval War College, discusses the transformative power of military technology throughout history and its implications for the future. Topics include the impact of technological innovations on warfare, Taiwan's strategic significance, historical parallels, US-China relations amid technological shifts, and China's changing atmosphere and military technological revolutions.

7 snips
May 15, 2024 • 1h
35: The 5 patterns of technology breakthroughs
Exploration of the five consistent patterns in technology breakthroughs, discussing waves, democratization, centralization-decentralization, and the 3x multiple. Insights drawn from past innovations to present opportunities. Hosted by Ben and Cardiff, with a focus on historical trends in tech and investing strategies.

Mar 15, 2024 • 1h 5min
34: Race against recession: growth vs. debts in America
The podcast discusses the US dilemma between growth and debt, exploring scenario planning for future outcomes. They compare debt growth in the 1990s and 2008-2023, analyze factors influencing growth like AI, and delve into positive economic scenarios. The conversation highlights the potential impact of stable oil prices, legal immigration rebound, and navigating economic uncertainty with a focus on real estate investments. They explore positive and negative surprises and their implications on the economy and real estate sector.

7 snips
Feb 6, 2024 • 44min
33: On the state of housing, with economist Ali Wolf
Ali Wolf, Chief Economist at Zonda, joins Fundrise CEO Ben Miller to discuss the economy's impact on the housing market. They reflect on 2023's positive economic indicators and excess consumer savings. They analyze the current state of the housing industry and the outlook for different markets. They uncover non-obvious aspects of the housing market, such as mortgage rates and structural demand. They explore the rise of built-to-rent housing and its appeal. They discuss the long-term impact of demographic changes on the housing market and express cautious optimism for the future.

Dec 30, 2023 • 47min
32: Buying the bottom
The hosts discuss the view that the real estate market has hit bottom and now is a good time to buy with decreasing inflation and the possibility of the Fed cutting rates. They explore the relationship between asset valuation and interest rates, analyze the relationship between recessions, interest rates, and real estate prices, and discuss labor hoarding strategies in the construction and mortgage industries. They also explore hidden subsidies in the market, delays in the market, and potential impacts on real estate prices.

Dec 7, 2023 • 47min
31: Building a $1B startup without ego, with Christina Cacioppo
Christina Cacioppo, data security expert, joins Fundrise CEO Ben Miller to discuss strategic insights and Vanta's success in addressing data security compliance. They cover the importance of focusing on problems, leveraging data security for growth, iterating to develop revolutionary products, and board member qualities.

Nov 29, 2023 • 54min
30: What happens when there’s no money in real estate markets
The podcast discusses the current state of the real estate market and the significant decline in prices. It explores the difference between investment property values and individual homebuyer prices. The concept of forced sellers in the market is explained, along with the impact of monetary policy. The chapter also analyzes the implications of the macro environment and market conditions on Fundrise and its investors.

Nov 17, 2023 • 42min
29: The largest developer in LA, Rick Caruso
Real estate developer Rick Caruso joins Fundrise CEO Ben Miller for a behind the scenes conversation on the current status of the real estate industry. They discuss the potential recession, challenges faced by businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and strategies for navigating tough times. They also talk about the growth and challenges of Los Angeles, the importance of community involvement, and lessons learned from past mistakes and successes. Additionally, they reflect on financing decisions, selling properties, and their wishes for peace and collaboration.

15 snips
Oct 18, 2023 • 49min
28: Investing in AI, with Tomasz Tunguz
Tomasz Tunguz, Theory Ventures General Partner, discusses the reality of AI's potential and the role of tech incumbents. The conversation dives into structured vs. unstructured data, infrastructure to software development in AI, and economic analysis. They explore different types of AI models and the significance of data in investing. Lessons from 15 years of venture investing are also shared.

39 snips
Sep 29, 2023 • 54min
27: Understanding AI and its implications
In this podcast, the hosts discuss the practical importance of understanding AI, its potential implications, and the challenges of adopting AI. They explore the advancements and opportunities AI brings, including task automation and its impact on human health and innovation. The podcast also delves into the potential positive and negative impacts of AI on society, such as job loss, wealth inequality, and transforming education. It concludes with a discussion on the potential implications of AI in sectors like healthcare and government, highlighting the philosophical questions surrounding its rise.
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