"World of DaaS"

Jager McConnell, CEO of Crunchbase and a leader in business intelligence for startups, dives into the volatile venture funding landscape. He discusses how unique data insights often surpass objective truths for data companies. Jager explores the critical role of proprietary data in the AI era and predicts acquisition trends effectively. The conversation also touches on the evolving definitions of startup funding and the workforce's need to integrate AI tools, stressing adaptability amidst rapid technological advancements.

Russ d'Sa, Founder and CEO of LiveKit, discusses the exciting advancements in voice AI that are shaping our interactions with technology. He delves into the complexities of real-time voice conversion and the challenges of turn detection in conversations. Russ predicts the future roles of voice assistants as creative co-pilots and efficient autopilots. He also shares insights on the hurdles of automating healthcare with AI and emphasizes the personal journey of founders amidst technological evolution in the industry.

Dan Driscoll, the Secretary of the U.S. Army, oversees a massive military branch and a hefty budget. He discusses the Army Transformation Initiative, focusing on modernizing outdated equipment and enhancing military operations. Driscoll highlights the importance of rapid tech integration, particularly from Silicon Valley, to foster innovation in defense. He also addresses the complexities of military procurement, calling for better communication and accountability. Plus, he shares insights on achieving leadership excellence amid the pressures of service.

Brandon Daniels, CEO of Exiger, leads a firm specializing in AI-powered supply chain solutions. He discusses the chaotic impact of tariffs on global trade, emphasizing the importance of leveraging technology for transparency. The conversation includes challenges U.S. manufacturers face, particularly regarding China's influence. Daniels also highlights innovative AI-driven approaches to data validation and the advantages of establishing businesses in Washington, D.C., while playfully touching on societal perceptions of CEOs and broader life lessons.

Josh Steinman, CEO of Galvanick and former cybersecurity advisor at the National Security Council, shares captivating insights on foreign espionage in tech and the vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure. He discusses the impactful lessons from past cyber incidents like Stuxnet and emphasizes the urgency of enhancing resilience against cyberattacks. The conversation also touches on the complexities of cyber warfare, particularly in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, and explores the risks posed by foreign technology in the U.S.

Brian O'Kelley is the co-founder and former CEO of AppNexus, which built core infrastructure for programmatic advertising and was acquired by AT&T for $1.6 billion in 2018. He's now the co-founder and CEO of Scope3, a company working to reduce the carbon footprint in digital advertising.In this episode of World of DaaS, Brian and Auren discuss:The zero-sum game of auction paradigmsAI tools revolutionizing software developmentBuilding personal brands in techClimate tech's shifting business caseLooking for more tech, data and venture capital intel? Head to worldofdaas.com for our podcast, newsletter and events, and follow us on X @worldofdaas.  You can find Auren Hoffman on X at @auren and Brian O’Kelley on X at @bokelley. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com)

Trae Stephens, co-founder and executive chairman at Anduril and Partner at Founders Fund, dives into the evolving landscape of defense technology. He discusses the revolution in defense manufacturing and the vital role of billionaire founders in navigating government contracts. The conversation highlights the challenges of outsourcing and inefficiencies in traditional models. Trae also reflects on how technology influences relationships and community, advocating for deeper human connections amidst the rise of hard tech.

Scott Stephenson is the former Chairman, President, and CEO of Verisk Analytics (NASDAQ: VRSK), where he led the company's transformation from a nonprofit insurance data collective into a global data analytics powerhouse with a market cap of over $40 billion.In this episode of World of DaaS, Scott and Auren discuss:Data monetization and defensibility strategiesAI's impact on data businessesLeadership succession in data companiesEffective board membershipLooking for more tech, data and venture capital intel? Head to worldofdaas.com for our podcast, newsletter and events, and follow us on X @worldofdaas.  You can find Auren Hoffman on X at @auren and Scott Stephenson on Linkedin. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com)

In this engaging discussion, Martin Casado, General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz, shares insights from his extensive experience in AI and infrastructure. He dives into the economics of open-source AI and the rising competition between the U.S. and China in technology innovation. Martin also tackles the challenges of model collapse, the importance of data moats, and the evolving dynamics of SaaS investments with non-technical founders. The conversation highlights the complexities of integrating AI in business while navigating regulatory hurdles and user expectations.

Bill Wise, Co-founder and CEO of Mediaocean, leverages his extensive ad tech background to unravel the hidden plumbing of global advertising. He discusses the shift from linear TV to connected TV and challenges posed by measurement monopolies. Bill shares insights on navigating the complexities of ad tech and the importance of transparency and adaptability in the digital landscape. With a blend of humor, he also touches on unexpected topics like Uber ratings before diving into the balance between passion and practicality in career choices.