

No Priors: Artificial Intelligence | Technology | Startups
Conviction
At this moment of inflection in technology, co-hosts Elad Gil and Sarah Guo talk to the world's leading AI engineers, researchers and founders about the biggest questions: How far away is AGI? What markets are at risk for disruption? How will commerce, culture, and society change? What’s happening in state-of-the-art in research? “No Priors” is your guide to the AI revolution. Email feedback to show@no-priors.com.Sarah Guo is a startup investor and the founder of Conviction, an investment firm purpose-built to serve intelligent software, or "Software 3.0" companies. She spent nearly a decade incubating and investing at venture firm Greylock Partners.Elad Gil is a serial entrepreneur and a startup investor. He was co-founder of Color Health, Mixer Labs (which was acquired by Twitter). He has invested in over 40 companies now worth $1B or more each, and is also author of the High Growth Handbook.
Episodes
Mentioned books

299 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 36min
Teaching AI to Understand the Physical World, with Dr. Fei-Fei Li of World Labs
Dr. Fei-Fei Li, an AI pioneer and co-director of Stanford’s Human-Centered AI Institute, discusses the intersection of embodiment and intelligence at World Labs. She emphasizes the importance of spatial intelligence in AI and explores the critical gaps in current systems. Li reflects on her role in creating ImageNet, the challenges of 3D modeling, and the significance of building diverse, fearless teams. Her vision for future robotics reveals how human-centric approaches can pave the way for transformative advancements in technology.

351 snips
May 29, 2025 • 25min
AI Consolidation, Biotech Opportunities, and World Models with Sarah and Elad
Delve into the rapidly evolving AI market as Sarah and Elad discuss whether it’s consolidating into key players. Discover the exciting opportunities in biotech, including innovative reproductive technologies and anti-aging solutions. They highlight the unique challenges startups face in this competitive landscape and explore the fascinating concept of world models, revealing how AI can enhance human reasoning and problem-solving. Prepare for a thought-provoking conversation on the future of AI and its impact on human identity!

482 snips
May 15, 2025 • 32min
AI is Making Enterprise Search Relevant, with Arvind Jain of Glean
Arvind Jain, Founder and CEO of Glean and former Google engineering leader, dives into the future of enterprise search powered by AI. He reveals how large language models are reshaping search capabilities, moving past outdated keyword methods. Arvind discusses why many search tools have failed and the unique challenges Glean faced in a skeptical market. He also highlights the importance of customization and user behavior insights, while teasing exciting developments on the horizon for Glean.

348 snips
May 8, 2025 • 32min
Gaming as the Future of Education with Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn
Join Luis von Ahn, the visionary founder and CEO of Duolingo, as he discusses the future of education through gamification and AI. With over 116 million monthly users, Duolingo is reshaping learning by making it more engaging and personalized. Luis shares insights on why motivation is key, how lessons are optimized for engagement, and the controversial shift to an AI-first approach. Plus, he reveals exciting expansions into subjects beyond languages, including chess and math, all while maintaining a fun and adaptive learning experience.

503 snips
May 1, 2025 • 39min
O3 and the Next Leap in Reasoning with OpenAI’s Eric Mitchell and Brandon McKinzie
In this discussion, Eric Mitchell and Brandon McKinzie, key figures behind OpenAI's innovative O3 model, share insights into its unique focus on reasoning enhanced by reinforcement learning. They explore how O3's tool use facilitates advanced interactions and tackles complex tasks. The duo envisions the future of human-AI interfaces, emphasizing the potential for general-purpose models to unify capabilities and improve user experiences. Their insights also touch on the transformative impact of AI across various industries and the ongoing advancements that shape AI interactions.

667 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 31min
Inside Deep Research with Isa Fulford: Building the Future of AI Agents
Isa Fulford, a key figure in deep research at OpenAI, discusses the evolution of AI agents with real-world capabilities. She highlights the importance of using human expert data and how reinforcement learning enhances agent functionality. Isa delves into the challenges of latency, safety, and the balance between functionality and trust as AI systems become more autonomous. She also shares predictions on the future of AI agents, including their potential to complete tasks more efficiently and develop a sense of 'taste' in their operations.

159 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 41min
Predicting the Earth with Josh Goldman: How KoBold Uses AI to Find Critical Minerals
Josh Goldman, cofounder and president of KoBold Metals, shares insights on how AI is revolutionizing the search for critical minerals like lithium and cobalt. He discusses the challenges of aggregating geological data and the need for innovative exploration strategies that blend traditional and modern approaches. Goldman emphasizes the importance of regulatory knowledge and community relationships in mineral exploration. The episode also explores how KoBold validates underground hypotheses and redefines success in a landscape of scarce world-class deposits.

361 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 42min
From Job Displacement to AI Trainers, Brendan Foody on Work in the AI Age
Brendan Foody, CEO and co-founder of Mercor, offers a glimpse into the future of the workforce as AI transforms hiring practices. He discusses how AI can identify exceptional talent and even assess unique qualities like 'taste.' The conversation dives into the implications of job displacement, emphasizing the need for adaptable skills. Brendan also shares his vision for human roles in an increasingly automated environment, questioning whether AI will serve as a contributor or take on managerial responsibilities.

240 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 28min
Public Markets, Image Gen, and Specialized Models, with Sarah and Elad
Explore the fascinating advancements in image generation technology, fueled by platforms like MidJourney. Discover how public market fluctuations impact the tech industry and the rise of specialized AI models. Learn about the Model Context Protocol, which enhances efficiency by integrating diverse data sources. The conversation also highlights what expertise will be critical for future innovation, amidst growing consumer interest in AI applications. Dive into the evolving landscape of technology and the incredible potential it holds!

115 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 39min
Conversations Are the Source of Truth in Healthcare with Abridge CEO Shiv Rao
Shiv Rao, CEO and founder of Abridge, discusses his innovative journey as both a cardiologist and entrepreneur. He highlights how Abridge uses AI to alleviate clerical burdens, enabling doctors to focus more on patient care. Shiv shares insights on building trust within existing healthcare systems and the unique opportunities present in today's healthcare AI landscape. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration between medical professionals and tech developers, aiming to transform doctor-patient interactions for better health outcomes.