
Hallway Chat
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.
Latest episodes

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.

10 snips
Feb 20, 2024 • 49min
Making of Arc Search, and finding your AI product strategy with Josh Miller
Josh Miller, Founder and CEO of The Browser Co, talks about the creation of Arc Search from a side project, the 'Browse for Me' AI feature, and the importance of solving user problems over fancy hooks. He also discusses three strategies for AI integration and the perils of leading with consumer hooks. Should cost be a key consideration when developing AI? Listen to find out!

18 snips
Feb 13, 2024 • 48min
Stages of Disruption: Adaptation, Evolution, or Revolution? Plus Email AI app Shortwave
Former founders, now VCs, explore the patterns of disruption in the mobile age. They discuss AI email app Shortwave, the importance of speed in product usability, and default Agent workflows. They also touch on talking to VCs outside of fundraising and the perils of generalized advice. The podcast covers AI summarization, superhuman memory, customizable workflows, TL Draw AI app, website development evolution, and building meaningful relationships in startup funding.

22 snips
Jan 28, 2024 • 44min
Best of the Voice Note Apps, Three Layers of AI Coding & A Wishlist of Products
Review of voice note apps for transcription, different ways AI coding affects software development, and a wish list of products. Topics include voice note transcription, AI-enabled software tools, impact on software development workflows, AI native storytelling, coding as a liberal art, and desired AI products.

21 snips
Jan 18, 2024 • 1h 1min
Developments in Prompting, Making Sense of AI Hardware Gadgetpalooza & trying SunoAI music creation
Fraser and Nabeel discuss AI hardware launches, prompt engineering challenges, layoffs in tech startups, and the potential of AI in generating music with SunoAI. They explore the factors behind the rise of AI hardware startups, highlighting the importance of designing by understanding the customer. They also delve into the tension between growth and profitability in tech companies. Finally, they share their experiences with AI music creation platforms like SunoAI and delve into the future potential of AI-generated music.