Aidan Gomez, CEO and Co-founder of Cohere and co-author of the influential Transformer paper, dives deep into the complexities of AI. He discusses whether compute power truly drives model performance and shares his evolving views on data's role. Aidan tackles the current demand for AI models amidst OpenAI's pricing strategies and challenges the sustainability of being an independent model provider. He emphasizes the importance of data quality over sheer scale and explores the necessity of embracing adaptive business models in today's AI landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Laela Sturdy, Managing Partner at CapitalG and a trailblazer in venture capital, shares insights from a decade of investing in notable companies like Stripe and Duolingo. She reflects on critical lessons learned, including the importance of timing and market sizing. Laela emphasizes the need for strong leadership and collaboration within organizations. The conversation also covers challenges mid-sized companies face and the intricacies of navigating valuations and growth, showcasing her depth of experience in the venture capital landscape.

Kaz Nejatian, COO and VP of Product at Shopify, shares his invaluable insights gleaned from tech giants like Mark Zuckerberg and Tobi Lütke. He argues that in-person collaboration outshines remote work for most companies and critiques the Lean Startup approach as damaging. Kaz emphasizes the importance of building internal tools, transparency in communication, and accountability in product management. He also explores the complex dynamics between marriage and success, suggesting that personal growth within relationships significantly contributes to well-being.

Shaun Maguire, a Partner at Sequoia Capital and former cybersecurity co-founder, dives into global threats, particularly Iran. He discusses the U.S. response to the Iranian regime and the potential consequences of their nuclear capabilities. The conversation shifts to U.S. foreign policy regarding Ukraine and Israel, questioning Trump’s role in fostering peace. Shaun also critiques freedom of speech and the current state of DEI, contrasting American and European society, and highlights the need for balanced discussions amidst geopolitical chaos.

Dax Dasilva, the Founder & CEO of Lightspeed Commerce, shares his journey of building a thriving commerce unicorn. He discusses how opting out of early VC funding shaped their success and critiques how current funding practices distort the SaaS landscape. Dax reveals why he returned as CEO in 2024 to address public market misconceptions. The conversation dives into the qualities of effective leadership, the complexities of M&A, and the importance of strategic planning for founders navigating growth.

Alexis Ohanian, founder of the venture capital firm Seven Seven Six and co-founder of Reddit, dives into the financial dynamics of Angel City Football Team, revealing its impressive $31M revenue. He discusses unique sponsorships, the costs of running sports teams, and the current state of sports asset valuations. Ohanian also reflects on the evolving role of women's soccer and the integration of technology in team operations. The conversation highlights the future of sports as media-driven businesses and the importance of community engagement.

David Cahn, a Partner at Sequoia Capital and former COO at Coatue, discusses game-changing topics around AI and data centers. He dives into the $600BN question impacting AI's future, examining the capital investments required from tech giants. Cahn argues that data centers are crucial assets, highlighting the interplay of servers, steel, and power as foundational pillars for AI's growth. He also shares that the biggest opportunities lie in building out infrastructure, emphasizing the strategic dynamics amid supply chain challenges and competitive threats.

Ben Fiechtner, Chief Revenue Officer at Clari, shares insights from his extensive experience leading sales teams. He discusses how to close deals faster by creating urgency and understanding the client’s buying process. Ben emphasizes the critical transition from SMB to enterprise, highlighting common pitfalls and cost-effective strategies. He advocates for verticalised sales teams, detailing their benefits and best practices for implementation. Plus, discover his key signals for hiring top sales talent and fostering a growth mindset.

Ethan Mollick, Co-Director of the Generative AI Lab at Wharton, dives into the evolving world of AI and OpenAI's strategies. He critiques OpenAI for missing key product opportunities and discusses how adding more compute power isn't a panacea for model performance. Mollick highlights the transformative potential of open-source AI while cautioning about its misuse. He shares insights on the intersection of AI and education, the challenges facing startups in an AGI-driven landscape, and the need for coherent strategies as technology advances.

Delian Asparouhov, a Partner at Founders Fund and co-founder of Varda Space Industries, dives deep into venture capital dynamics. He discusses why some firms, like Benchmark, have lost their edge and predicts the future winners and losers in the industry. Delian shares insights on what young VCs need to succeed, emphasizing the importance of relationships and adaptability. He provocatively argues that SaaS might be facing a decline and outlines the potential challenges of Western Europe's socio-economic landscape.