ACCESS

Vlad Tenev, CEO of Robinhood, shares insights into the innovative world of prediction markets and their role as 'truth machines' providing accurate forecasts. He discusses the balance between financial products and sports betting, emphasizing separate teams focused on a super-app vision. Tenev also explores the potential of tokenized stocks to enhance access and liquidity in financial markets. Additionally, he reflects on the importance of resisting complacency and the ethical considerations in customer acquisition, aiming for a healthier digital experience.

Cristóbal Valenzuela, CEO and co-founder of Runway, dives into the transformative power of AI in media. He discusses how world models function as simulations that can reshape creative processes and industry economics. Cristóbal emphasizes the need for creatives to embrace AI tools, suggesting that these innovations can open new avenues rather than replace traditional filmmaking. He also highlights interesting insights on the implications of AI for job roles and the importance of authenticity in creativity.

Eugenia Kuyda, Founder and CEO of Wabi and co-founder of Replika, dives into the future of personalized apps. She discusses transforming AI companions and the need for hyper-personal apps that tailor to daily challenges instead of generic solutions. Kuyda likens current chatbots to DOS interfaces, predicting a user-friendly GUI evolution. She also emphasizes the importance of privacy and security in app creation, shares insights on ethical AI, and offers sage advice for new founders: prioritize purpose over metrics.

Samir Samat, a senior executive at Google overseeing Android and Google Play, shares insights from his unique journey—from cold-emailing Sergey Brin at 3 AM to leading innovative projects. He discusses the future of Google Pixel as a standard-bearer for tech, the development of AI-integrated headsets, and the ambitious vision for Gemini as a Jarvis-like assistant. Samir also reflects on lessons learned from the Google Glass era, emphasizing privacy, societal norms, and the need for stylish, functional designs in wearable tech.

Carl Pei, the visionary Founder and CEO of Nothing, shares insights from his journey in the tech world. He discusses the challenges of building a smartphone company that can compete with giants like Apple. Pei highlights his strategies for attracting Gen Z users and the unique identity of Nothing. He dives into the potential of AI in enhancing user experiences and shares plans for future innovations beyond smartphones, including wearables. With a focus on design and consumer engagement, Pei paints an exciting picture of the tech landscape ahead.

Raiza Martin, the innovative Founder and CEO of Huxe, dives into her journey from Google product creator to launching a personalized AI audio app. She shares insights on why audio is the future of AI, influenced by her childhood love for Star Trek's voice-computer interface. Discussing Huxe’s evolution, she highlights the app’s ability to create tailored audio experiences, transforming mundane tasks into engaging content. Raiza also examines the potential of voice as the next interface and reflects on the role of AI in podcasting, urging creators to embrace uniqueness.

Avi Schiffmann, the innovative founder of Friend AI, dives into the whirlwind of his provocative NYC billboard campaign. He discusses the backlash of graffiti and vandalism that has ironically validated the project's cultural impact. Avi emphasizes AI as a companion rather than a mere tool, tackling the nuances of personality design and user preferences. With plans for retail distribution, including a partnership with Walmart, he outlines how Friend aims to reshape emotional support in everyday life. Get ready for a thought-provoking ride on the future of companionship!

Dylan Field, Co-founder and CEO of Figma, shares insights following his company's major IPO. He discusses Figma’s vision to connect ideas to finished products and how AI is shaping their design approach. Field reflects on the surprises of going public and the impact of automation on designer jobs. He highlights Figma's openness with partners and the importance of context in workflows. The conversation touches on rising design trends and how investing in startups informs their strategy, all while advocating for design's critical role in tech.

Mark Zuckerberg, Founder and CEO of Meta, dives into exciting tech advancements, showcasing the new Ray-Ban display glasses that feature live captions and translation. He discusses the innovative neural band, enabling efficient contextual AI input through micro-gestures. Zuckerberg highlights why glasses are the ultimate continuous-AI device compared to other wearables. Additionally, he outlines Meta’s ambitious AI strategy, focusing on rebuilding its research labs and embracing aggressive investment in AI to push boundaries.

Welcome to ACCESS, the technology industry's inside conversation. Join tech reporting vet Alex Heath and founder whisperer Ellis Hamburger as they dive into revealing convos with tech's most famous leaders and its emerging visionaries. For full video episodes, subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@accesspod Follow ACCESS on Instagram and TikTok: http://instagram.com/accesspodcast http://tiktok.com/@accesspod Follow Alex's ⁠Sources newsletter⁠ and on ⁠X @alexeheath⁠. Follow Ellis at ⁠Meaning⁠ and on ⁠X @hamburger⁠. ACCESS is produced in partnership with the Vox Media Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices