Generative Now | AI Builders on Creating the Future

Johnny Ho, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Perplexity, previously a top competitive programmer and Quora engineer, dives into the evolution of online search. He discusses his shift from engineering to product strategy and how Perplexity revolutionizes search with its AI-driven 'answer engine.' The conversation covers the challenges of AI model development, future plans for the company, and their innovative Publisher Program that empowers content creators. Johnny also highlights the importance of immersive experiences and user-centric strategies in the rapidly changing tech landscape.

Chris Urmson, CEO and co-founder of Aurora Innovation, discusses his journey from the DARPA Grand Challenge to leading Google’s self-driving project. He highlights the potential of autonomous technology in trucking, detailing how advancements like LiDAR are revolutionizing freight transport. Chris addresses the challenges of mimicking human behavior in driving and the importance of building trust through transparent regulation. He envisions a future where autonomous vehicles significantly impact both the trucking industry and personal transportation.

Joining the discussion is Gustav Söderström, Co-President, CPO & CTO of Spotify, who reveals how Spotify has become a leader in AI-powered personalized music recommendations. He dives into the philosophy behind building user interfaces designed for AI efficiency. Topics include the implications of AI on media creation, the automation of cognitive tasks, and the potential of AGI on the horizon. Gustav also reflects on how anthropomorphizing AI can help users grasp its capabilities while considering the risks and benefits of these advancements.

Gaurav Misra, Co-Founder and CEO of Captions.AI and former design engineer at Snap, shares his journey from tech enthusiast to startup innovator. He discusses Captions.AI's unique features like AI-corrected eye contact and multi-language captions that reshape video creation. Misra reveals the surprising discovery of $500k in his Apple account and highlights the innovations transforming video editing, including text-to-video and AI-powered dubbing, projecting an accessible future for creators. His story showcases how tech advancements enhance communication and creativity.

Mikey Shulman, CEO and Co-Founder of Suno, is on a mission to revolutionize music creation with AI. He shares how Suno allows users to generate unique songs just by typing prompts. The conversation delves into the challenges of audio transcription and the innovative advancements in generative music. Shulman explores the potential of AI in transforming music formats and connecting artists with fans. He also addresses ethical considerations around artist rights and the future of music in the digital landscape, all while keeping the user experience at the forefront.

Chris Pedregal, CEO and co-founder of Granola, is ready to transform how we experience meetings. He reveals innovative features that make Granola stand out among AI-powered tools, ensuring productivity without losing human control. The conversation touches on the challenges of integrating AI with effective note-taking and the crucial need for reliable collaborative notes. Chris also discusses the evolution of meeting tools and how they can adapt to various professional contexts, making our time spent in meetings more fruitful.

Mati Staniszewski, co-founder of Eleven Labs, and Demi Guo, co-founder and CEO of Pika, share insights on the prolific evolution of AI-generated content. They discuss the impact of Eleven Labs on content creation and the innovative applications of Pika. The pair delve into the exciting realm of AI-driven video production, exploring the potential for fully AI-generated feature films. They also tackle the challenges of fundraising and monetizing AI-generated voices, highlighting strategies to attract venture capital in this competitive landscape.

Naveen Rao, founder of Nervana Systems and Mosaic ML, currently serves as VP of Generative AI at Databricks. He shares his journey through AI innovation, from neuromorphic computing to the acquisition of Mosaic by Databricks. Naveen discusses the cultural dynamics of integrating startups into larger organizations and emphasizes the vital role of open source in ensuring AI safety. He also reflects on his racing passions, highlighting the thrill of competition alongside technological advancements in AI.

Josh Miller, co-founder and CEO of The Browser Company, discusses the groundbreaking Arc browser that aims to revolutionize web browsing. He dives into the role of AI in enhancing user experience and the ethics surrounding AI summarization technologies. The conversation covers the pressures of fundraising for a tech startup and reflects on the balance between innovation and ethical responsibility. Miller also shares his personal insights about creativity, sparked by experiences living in France, adding a relatable touch to the tech-heavy discussion.

Madhumita Murgia, AI editor of the Financial Times, discusses AI ethics, regulation challenges, and positive impacts in healthcare on a podcast. They delve into her book 'Code Dependent,' real-world AI stories, guiding principles for AI development, and the role of big tech. The conversation highlights the balance between AI advancements and human consequences, emphasizing the need for ethical AI practices.