Sourcery

Emil Michael, Under Secretary of War for Research & Engineering, discusses his unique journey from scaling Uber to shaping modern defense. He reveals the Department of War’s six critical technology areas, emphasizing the importance of applied AI and hypersonics in modern warfare. Emil highlights innovative companies like Anduril and Planet Labs that are transforming defense tech. He also shares insights on the need to reshore supply chains and enhance troop preparedness, all while debunking myths about the defense sector's challenges and priorities.

Manny Medina, Co-founder and CEO of Paid, shared his journey from scaling Outreach to addressing SaaS revenue challenges. He unveiled how $300 billion in SaaS revenue is trapped due to outdated pricing models. Manny explained the power of AI agents performing end-to-end workflows and the limitations of seat-based pricing. He highlighted how early adopters of his platform experienced 20–40% revenue growth, and discussed the evolving role of agents in customer support and operations. The conversation explored building an efficiency mindset and preparing for a future where AI agents dominate.

Marc Bhargava, Managing Director at General Catalyst, dives into transformative AI roll-ups reshaping the $16 trillion services market. He reveals how their $1.5B fund incubates AI-native companies that not only automate 20-30% of tasks but also double EBITDA margins in just a year. Marc discusses selecting industries ripe for AI disruption, the necessary multidisciplinary teams needed for success, and the potential for AI to enhance rather than eliminate jobs. His insights hint at a future where AI-powered businesses mirror software giants, creating new opportunities across various sectors.

Bradley Tusk, a venture investor and political strategist known for his role in Uber's early days, shares valuable insights from his experiences with Travis Kalanick. He highlights Kalanick's quick, analytical approach that helped reshape Uber's political landscape. Tusk discusses the impact of AI on tech valuations and the regulatory environment, revealing the shift from traditional venture capital to an equity-for-services model. He emphasizes the importance of aligning advisory work with equity, offers advice on navigating regulation, and reflects on his transition from political consulting to working with startups.

Philip Clark, a Partner at Thrive Capital with a background in physics and computer science, shares insights into the firm’s transformative investments. He recounts his thrilling experience of flying into a war zone to secure the Wiz deal and discusses Cursor’s astonishing growth. Philip emphasizes the evolving landscape of hardware driven by advanced sensors and software, plus explains why companies like Nudge are reshaping neurotechnology. He also highlights AI's potential to augment work rather than displace it, envisioning a future abundant with innovation.

David Ulevitch, General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz and former founder of OpenDNS, dives into American Dynamism and their impressive $600M fund. He discusses the U.S. supply-chain vulnerabilities to China and advocates for deterrence over parity in defense. Ulevitch highlights sectors ripe for investment like robotics-driven manufacturing and energy. He also explains Anduril's unique marketing strategy and shares his insights on talent acquisition in the startup world, emphasizing the importance of mission-driven cultures.

David Ulevitch, a General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz, co-leads the American Dynamism practice, focusing on innovation for national resilience. He shares how American Dynamism transformed from a meme to a $660M fund aimed at sectors like defense and public safety. Ulevitch explains the role of venture capital in enhancing national interest, discusses the impact of AI on logistics and defense, and highlights JPMorgan’s $1.5T commitment to resilience. His insights provide a fascinating look at forging a new path for tech in service of the public good.

Alex Karp, co-founder and CEO of Palantir, takes listeners inside the company’s vision and artistry in innovation. He discusses Palantir's AI Platform, highlighting its role in streamlining operations for government and industry. Karp shares how dyslexia and a creative upbringing shaped his unconventional leadership style focused on meritocracy. He emphasizes the company's commitment to empowering American workers and reflects on the moral motivations behind their technology, all while humorously avoiding the cupcake metaphor.

Ryan Serhant, a real estate entrepreneur with over $20 billion in sales, discusses the evolution of real estate at the intersection of media and technology. He shares insights on his AI-driven platform, S.MPLE, which automates agent workflows, saving over 15,000 hours this year. Ryan emphasizes the importance of authenticity over virality in branding, recounting how his Netflix show influenced audience engagement. He projects the future of real estate as dependent on founders leveraging media and AI to redefine the industry.

Alfred Lin, a leading investor at Sequoia Capital, has a track record of backing transformative companies like Airbnb and DoorDash. In this discussion, he explores the journey of Airbnb during the pandemic, emphasizing the crucial role of leadership in crises. He shares insights on founder-market fit and the importance of scaling for global impact. Alfred also analyzes the rapid evolution of AI, valuations, and the future of consumer experiences, predicting a reimagined marketplace shaped by innovation.