Sourcery

Danielle Strachman, co-founder of 1517 Fund and a key architect of the Thiel Fellowship, shares remarkable insights into how the fellowship has generated over $550 billion in value. She discusses the unconventional selection process that identifies ambitious young innovators like the founders of Ethereum and OYO. The conversation highlights the fellowship's impact on education, the rise of deep tech, and the vital role of hyperfluency in fostering innovation. Strachman also reflects on the challenges of alternative education and the future of AGI.

Apoorv Agrawal, a Partner at Altimeter focusing on AI and software, shares insights on the firm's massive $10B investment in OpenAI. He discusses the competitive edge of speed in the AI landscape and the shifts from consumer to enterprise applications. The conversation delves into the ongoing talent wars in Silicon Valley and the rise of AI agents outperforming humans. Apoorv also reflects on his experiences as a forward deployed engineer at Palantir, highlighting the importance of innovation in driving value in an evolving tech world.

Drew Oetting, a Founding Partner at 8VC, dives into innovative capital strategies that disrupt traditional venture funding. He shares how 8VC’s ‘Build’ Program co-founds nearly 30% of its companies, focusing on creating billion-dollar successes like Palantir and Addepar. Oetting discusses the balance of culture and incentives in startup environments, the importance of AI in biotech, and emerging naval technologies. The conversation also touches on U.S. reindustrialization, public-private collaboration, and the intersection of patriotism and economic growth.

Sophia Amoruso, founder of Nasty Gal and Girlboss, shares her transformative journey from running a $350M fashion empire to establishing her own venture capital firm, Trust Fund. She discusses the cultural impact of Girlboss and the brutal realities of VC dynamics that led to her bankruptcy. Insights on the emotional connections people have with brands are fascinating, along with her thoughts on nurturing a vibrant entrepreneurial community. Plus, she hints at the evolving landscape of wealth and the role of AI in business.

In this chat, Augustus Doricko, founder of Rainmaker, and Alex Levy, founder of Atmo, dive into groundbreaking strategies for combating freshwater scarcity through innovative weather engineering. They unravel the mechanics of cloud seeding and clarify common misconceptions. The duo discusses the stunning speed and accuracy of AI-driven meteorology compared to legacy systems, and how these advancements can revive industries and manage drought. They also tackle the challenges of public perception regarding weather modification, particularly after recent natural disasters.

John Maslin, CEO of Vulcan Elements and a Harvard Business School graduate, shares insights on his company’s $65M Series A funding to build a cutting-edge rare earth magnet factory in North Carolina. He discusses the critical role of rare earth magnets in powering tech innovations and their significance to U.S. national security, considering China’s overwhelming market dominance. Maslin highlights plans for AI-driven production, scaling from hundreds to thousands of tonnes, and reviving American manufacturing through local talent and innovation.

Isaiah Taylor, CEO of Valar Atomics, discusses innovative modular fission reactors aimed at transforming America's energy landscape. JC Btaiche from Fuse shares groundbreaking advances in fusion technology, likening strategies to those of SpaceX. Investor Packy McCormick ties these developments to the AI era, asserting that energy-rich businesses will dominate. They delve into the competitive pressures from China, the regulatory landscape, and the vital link between sustainable energy and AI's insatiable demands, while debunking common myths about nuclear energy.

Henry Ward, CEO of Carta, leads a company revolutionizing equity management with nearly $500M in ARR. He shares insights on raising $1B while pivoting towards private equity and private credit. Ward discusses the value of focusing on small niche markets to enable expansion and how AI is transforming both customer experiences and internal productivity. He emphasizes measuring inputs over outputs and navigating the complexities of selling to diverse clients. The conversation also touches on Carta’s strategic growth and the future of private equity.

Scott Nolan, Founder & CEO of General Matter and Partner at Founders Fund, discusses America's pressing need to revive its nuclear fuel supply chain. With new investments, including $50 million from Peter Thiel, Nolan aims to develop domestic high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALU) production. He explains how the U.S. currently relies heavily on foreign enrichment, especially from Russia. The conversation delves into the interplay between nuclear energy, AI demand, and geopolitical tensions, positioning nuclear as a key to achieving safe and scalable energy for the future.

Christian Garrett, a Partner at 137 Ventures and Co-Founder of the Hill & Valley Forum, dives into the future of AI and reindustrialization. He discusses the major AI summit with leaders like Trump and J.D. Vance and how AI is reshaping industries like mining and energy. Christian highlights the importance of pricing over capital in U.S. mining and the Pentagon's pivotal deal with MP Materials. He also shares insights on the Invest America Act, which aims to create new wealth through investments for every American newborn.