Moth Minds

Michael Dempsey is the managing partner of Compound, a thesis-driven, research-centric investment firm. Prior to founding Compound, Michael worked at the predictive analytics startup CB Insights and at Crane Partners, a multi-strategy hedge fund. Our conversation covered how Michael views venture capital and frontier technologies, how Compound develops theses, and how he thinks about several of those theses in the areas of robotics, decentralized energy grids, local software, and AI. — Moth Minds is a podcast where ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Molly Mielke⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Moth Fund⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ interviews high-agency humans.

Joseph Cohen, Founder and CEO of Universe, discusses his early love for the internet, the changing role of digital designers, and advice for young toolmakers. They explore the evolution of empowering everyone to build the internet, challenges of using AI in web design, and the importance of aesthetics. They also discuss designing tools for the masses, the concept of meta design, setting boundaries in city design, and the value of exploring outside of tech for inspiration.

Blake Robbins is a principal at Benchmark. Prior to Benchmark, Blake was an investor at Ludlow Ventures. He also co-hosts a podcast on the history of the video game industry called Gamecraft. Our conversation covered Blake’s unique insights from studying the business of games, how curiosity drives his investing, and his thoughts on being a person online.— Moth Minds is a podcast where ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Molly Mielke⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Moth Fund⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ interviews high-agency humans.

Josh Miller, co-founder and CEO of The Browser Company, discusses web browsers, the future of computing, and the company's unique ethos. They explore the financial incentive holding back innovation in web browsers and the vision for the future of computers, including the shift to the cloud. They also discuss pursuing public spaces, embracing the flow of life, and the importance of humility and staying curious.

Camille Ricketts, Former Head of Marketing at Notion, discusses content marketing strategies, the importance of understanding the audience, unconventional content strategies by companies like Figma and Duolingo, evolving skills in content marketing, the impact of AI on marketing, founder involvement in marketing, and the significance of aspirational users and A24's success.

Matt Clifford, co-founder and CEO of Entrepreneur First, talks about the characteristics of entrepreneurship, the goals of ARIA, and how the internet amplifies variance. They also discuss the future of AI, slowing progress in science, increasing the supply of founders, and encouraging entrepreneurship. They explore the challenges of fitting Entrepreneur First into a traditional fund structure and restructuring as a permanent capital vehicle.

Justin Mares, a serial entrepreneur and investor, discusses strategies to increase entrepreneurship, debunks success misconceptions as a founder, and addresses the US health crisis. He explores frustration with the current food system, the impact of financial support on ambition, incentives for healthier choices, and flaws in the healthcare and food industries.

Claire Hughes Johnson⁠ is a corporate officer/advisor at Stripe and the author of Scaling People, a practical guide to company building. Claire was previously the COO of Stripe for 6 years and a leader at Google for 10. Claire currently serves on many boards including those of HubSpot, Aurora Innovation, and The Atlantic. Our conversation covered advice for ambitious young people, tactics for hiring for and maintaining company culture, and the qualities that make for an excellent COO. — Moth Minds is a podcast where ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Molly Mielke⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Moth Fund⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ interviews high-agency humans.

Daniel Gross, a prolific angel investor and entrepreneur, discusses his thoughts on depth vs. breadth of expertise, evaluating market vs. founder, and the opportunities in AI. The podcast also explores pattern recognition in investing, the importance of going after uncompetitive fields, the reflexive effect and speed, and reflections on the current state of progress in AI.