Generative Now | AI Builders on Creating the Future

Gabriel Stengel, founder and CEO of Rogo, dives into how AI is reshaping finance. Formerly an investment banker at Lazard, he shares his transition from long nights at the office to launching an AI platform that automates tedious tasks like benchmarking and earnings analysis. Gabe discusses Rogo's unique features, the challenges of developing AI tools for top-tier banks, and the transformative potential of AI in professional services. He highlights how this technology could democratize finance, empowering the next generation of analysts with digital innovation.

Join Mike Krieger, co-founder of Instagram and current Head of Product at Anthropic, as he explores the exciting intersection of consumer technology and AI. He shares insights on navigating product innovation in AI, contrasting the rapid changes with his experiences at Instagram. Krieger delves into the differences between consumer and enterprise product strategies, emphasizing the evolving landscape driven by AI. He also envisions the future of AGI, advocating for responsible product development that enhances creativity and accessibility.

Arvind Jain, founder and CEO of Glean, has a rich background as a co-founder of Rubrik and experience at Google and Microsoft. In this insightful discussion, he delves into the evolution of AI-assisted enterprise search and the challenges of data fragmentation. Arvind reveals how Glean leveraged transformer models to enhance search capabilities and discusses the impact of ChatGPT on market demand. He also shares lessons from his startup journey, emphasizing the necessity of leadership in fostering an innovative culture around AI tools.

Chris Pedregal and Sam Stephenson, co-founders of Granola, dive into how AI can revolutionize meeting efficiency. They share their journey from recognizing the chaos of back-to-back meetings to creating a tool that simplifies note-taking. The duo discusses why they prioritize user-friendly design over flashy features, how they've adapted to the AI landscape, and the challenges of building a startup in London. Their insights on product-market fit and user feedback highlight the importance of addressing real-world workplace issues.

Jon Noronha, the co-founder of Gamma, shares his journey of transforming their platform into an AI powerhouse. He reveals how the company's bold pivot to AI in 2023 was a game-changer, boosting user engagement and growth. Jon discusses the importance of understanding user needs in diverse presentation formats and emphasizes the challenge of marrying advanced AI features with user experience design. He also explores the future of AI interfaces and the evolution of generative AI in bridging text with visuals, showcasing Gamma’s innovative path in the competitive landscape.

Join Amy Anton, Vice President of Talent, AI at Lightspeed, as she shares insights into the challenging world of AI recruiting. The discussion highlights the necessity of blending diverse skills within teams and the emerging role of creative talent in a tech-driven landscape. Amy and fellow AI leaders delve into strategies for scaling teams while maintaining culture and why a mix of generalists may flourish in AI environments. The talk also touches on the shift to an allocation economy and its implications for future hiring practices.

Rohan Nayak, CEO and co-founder of Pocket FM, shares how his audio platform champions a new era of storytelling. He discusses the gap in the market he identified and how AI optimizes everything from audience retention to discovering hit shows. Rohan reveals how AI serves as a writing coach and productivity partner for creators, fundamentally reshaping content consumption. Additionally, he dives into strategies for daily engagement and the challenges of evolving audio storytelling, offering a glimpse into the future of the medium.

Michael Mignano dives into the booming opportunities of AI, discussing market expansion and the importance of defensibility for startups. He highlights the evolving roles of agent engineers and managers, reflecting on the diverse skills needed for success. The conversation also explores the transformative potential of consumer AI in sectors like education. Mignano shares insights into AI's capabilities in dispute resolution and touches on current trends in venture capital, emphasizing the exciting innovations on the horizon.

In this engaging conversation, investor Semil Shah shares insights on the dynamic landscape of VC and seed investing alongside Michael Mignano. They explore the resurgence of 'vibe coding' in gaming, linking it to iconic apps like Flappy Bird. Shah discusses the shifting tech hub hierarchies post-COVID, especially the rise of New York for fintech and health tech. They debate the evolving value of university degrees in today’s job market and consider the future of incubation programs like Y Combinator amidst increasing investor expectations.

In this engaging conversation, Scott Belsky, a leader in creativity and technology and currently heading innovation at A24, discusses the transformative impact of generative AI on marketing and content creation. He highlights the balance between personalization and privacy, emphasizing the need for authentic storytelling amidst AI-generated content. Scott also explores overlooked opportunities for small to medium businesses and the rise of AI agents that enhance decision-making while safeguarding privacy. His optimistic outlook on AI’s role in creativity adds a refreshing twist to the dialogue.