Generative Now | AI Builders on Creating the Future

Hilary Mason, data science researcher, discusses safeguarding probabilistic systems, forming effective teams, NYC vs. Silicon Valley, non-linear storytelling, understanding online traffic, taxonomy of data science, academia vs. startups, ML vs. AI, Hidden Door inception, challenge of AI hallucinations, building unstructured input architecture, shifting product-building with generative AI, AI hype dangers, and Hidden Door website for learning more.

Max Child, CEO and Co-Founder of Volley, discusses his journey as a platform pioneer in voice-controlled gaming and the birth of chat-based games. They also explore the advancements in chatbots, the limitations of virtual assistants like Siri, and the potential of TVs with cameras and voice control for augmented reality experiences. The chapter concludes with insights into the Cerebral Valley AI conference and job openings at Volley.

Scott Belsky, Adobe's Chief Strategy Officer & EVP, Design & Emerging Products, discusses AI initiatives, the future of the industry, and the return to intimate communities. Topics include the origins of AI at Adobe, startups vs. incumbents, the personalization wave, content authenticity, and compensating IP in an AI-first world. They also explore how LLMs will transform work and the generative AI products Scott wants to see exist.

Connor Zwick, founder of Flashcards+ and CEO/co-founder of Speak, discusses building successful tech companies, achieving product-market fit, and the impact of AI on language learning. They share their experiences with AI development, iterating on their product in Seoul while operating in San Francisco, and the importance of solving real problems. The podcast also explores the potential of AI in education and announces job opportunities at Speak.

In this first episode of Generative Now, Victor Riparbelli, Co-Founder and CEO of Synthesia, joins Host and Partner at Lightspeed, Michael Mignano. The two discuss democratizing video production, the role of regulation in AI’s future, and what it takes to make it through three years in the wilderness. Episode Chapters (00:00) - Welcome to Generative Now (05:28) - Learning startup strategy from World of Warcraft (15:09) - Is your product a utility or a novelty? (16:09) - Synthesia's cofounder on Jimmy Kimmel (21:43) - Replacing physical video production (26:05) - Finding product market fit (28:30) - 1,000x easier and cheaper (30:21) - Three years in the wilderness (33:42) - ChatGPT’s ripples on Synthesia (39:52) - The life cycle of a hype cycle (44:00) - Is the camera dead? (52:58) - AI safety: building on an ethical framework (1:02:24) - AI-native formats (1:07:44) - How Synthesia landed Mark Cuban as an investor Stay in touch: www.lsvp.com X: https://twitter.com/lightspeedvp LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lightspeed-venture-partners/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightspeedventurepartners/ Subscribe on your favorite podcast app: generativenow.co Email: generativenow@lsvp.com The content here does not constitute tax, legal, business or investment advice or an offer to provide such advice, should not be construed as advocating the purchase or sale of any security or investment or a recommendation of any company, and is not an offer, or solicitation of an offer, for the purchase or sale of any security or investment product. For more details please see lsvp.com/legal.

The podcast 'Generative Now' is introduced, highlighting the AI revolution and the leaders in the field, including the host's own experience as a CEO.