Hallway Chat
Fraser Kelton & Nabeel Hyatt
Fraser & Nabeel explore what it means to build great products in this new world of AI.
Two former founders, now VCs, have an off-the-cuff conversation with friends about the new AI products that are worth trying, emerging patterns, and how founders are navigating a world that’s changing every week.
Fraser is the former Head of Product at OpenAI, where he managed the teams that shipped ChatGPT and DALL-E, and is now an investor at Spark Capital. Nabeel is a former founder and CEO, now an investor at Spark, and has served on the boards of Discord, Postmates, Cruise, Descript, and Adept.
It's like your weekly dinner party on what's happening in artificial intelligence.
Two former founders, now VCs, have an off-the-cuff conversation with friends about the new AI products that are worth trying, emerging patterns, and how founders are navigating a world that’s changing every week.
Fraser is the former Head of Product at OpenAI, where he managed the teams that shipped ChatGPT and DALL-E, and is now an investor at Spark Capital. Nabeel is a former founder and CEO, now an investor at Spark, and has served on the boards of Discord, Postmates, Cruise, Descript, and Adept.
It's like your weekly dinner party on what's happening in artificial intelligence.
Episodes
Mentioned books
7 snips
Nov 22, 2024 • 42min
Coaching Up: Should your AI be teaching you how to use it?
The discussion revolves around why users are hesitant to leverage AI features in tools like Slack and Google Docs. There’s an exploration of successful AI integrations and the need for a shift in user interaction methods, focusing on the concept of 'managing up.' Listeners learn about the PREM framework for prioritizing AI development and the competitive landscape startups face against advanced language models. The future of horizontal AI products and their potential to reshape user experiences are also highlighted.
5 snips
Nov 1, 2024 • 42min
Q&A: Is NotebookLM an exception to a rule? When to copy? When are small improvements better than big bets? Will data privacy matter?
This open format Q&A dives into the nuances of AI data privacy and the ethics of feature copying. Fraser and Nabeel discuss when it's acceptable to adopt ideas from competitors while maintaining a strong product identity. They explore the gravity of slowing down in startups and how small improvements can lead to bigger outcomes. The conversation also touches on transparency in data usage and emphasizes understanding customer needs for innovation. Strategies for early-stage fundraising and overcoming challenges in large organizations are also highlighted.
7 snips
Sep 30, 2024 • 58min
"Software should be soft" - Meter Command with Anil Varanasi
Anil Varanasi, a key player at Meter, discusses groundbreaking innovations in software design. He highlights how Meter Command aims to revolutionize user interfaces by bridging the gap between command line and dashboards. The conversation explores the challenges of designing around user personas and emphasizes the necessity of owning your tech stack. Anil also reveals how data can serve as a product roadmap and advocates for long-term thinking in tech development while navigating the evolving landscape of AI.
36 snips
Aug 7, 2024 • 29min
The New Muse: Hobbyists and AI
Discover how AI tools like MidJourney are revolutionizing creativity for hobbyists! The discussion highlights the balance between art and craft, exploring how AI can help maintain creative flow. Dive into the challenges faced by the 'missing middle' of creative markets and the role of grit in skill-building. Learn about the differences between coping with technology versus relying on it, and how fostering community among hobbyists can unleash untapped potential. This exploration reveals exciting opportunities for innovation in the passion economy!
24 snips
Jul 21, 2024 • 42min
Making product on the S curve of AI. Plus, Anthropic Artifacts
Fraser and Nabeel discuss product development on the S curve of AI, including the release of Claude Artifacts by Anthropic. They also talk about balancing innovation and stability, navigating VC partnerships, the Xbloom coffee machine, and robotic mops.
16 snips
Jun 2, 2024 • 45min
Granola, Designing AI for User Agency, and how to compete with $$$
Explore the innovative AI note-taking app, Granola, designed to enhance thoughts. Learn about challenges in AI note-taking, reducing friction in product experience, and the role of incentives in innovation. Dive into the dynamics of startup funding and the significance of capital in market success. Discover the evolving landscape of AI team building and the impact of overcapitalization.
9 snips
May 12, 2024 • 33min
Should we stop talking about models?
Discussing the shift from focusing on AI models to prioritizing customer-centric questions and user experience in startups. Deliberating the race for AI product dominance between large companies and small innovators. Exploring diverse content formats in AI discussions and emphasizing end-user focus in model development. Evaluating foundational models and their industry applications, as well as the progress in AI and protein design. Evolving landscape of AI models for consumers and challenges in implementing chat features.
7 snips
Apr 10, 2024 • 40min
Devin & the Autonomous Engineer Wave. Plus, .Com lessons as a model for today
Autonomous coding engineer Devin showcases his ability to create real applications with minimal help. The podcast delves into the transformative potential of AI in software engineering, lessons from the .com era, and the innovator's dilemma. It discusses the interface of the future, cutting-edge products attracting new user bases, and optimism as a driving force for capitalism.
Mar 23, 2024 • 38min
AI Models. Weighing the chances of commodity vs differentiation.
Discussion on differentiation vs commodification in AI models, including language, image, and video models. Focus on jobs to be done in AI, capabilities vs. quality. Mention of Claude 3, benchmarking, and dropping LLM prices. Debate on SAFE vs. priced equity rounds in startup funding.
Feb 21, 2024 • 2min
Trailer
Embarking on a new podcast venture in the AI space, Nabil and Fraser introduce 'Hallway Chat', inspired by mobile and AI revolutions. They aim to provide authentic conversations on new AI products and insights.
