

Air Street Press
Nathan Benaich (Air Street Capital)
As an AI-native investor, we believe it’s important to be a hands-on contributor to the community. Since our earliest days, we’ve been building in public - whether that’s sharing our perspectives on the direction of the field, emerging best practice for building AI-first companies, organizing meet-ups, and campaigning for policy change.
Air Street Press brings together all of our content under one umbrella. Subscribe to listen to our analysis, portfolio news, Guide to AI monthly newsletter, annual State of AI Report, and our policy work.
Air Street Press brings together all of our content under one umbrella. Subscribe to listen to our analysis, portfolio news, Guide to AI monthly newsletter, annual State of AI Report, and our policy work.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 14, 2025 • 3min
Profluent unveils Protein2PAM
New research from Profluent Bio validates the power of machine learning models to design bespoke biological systems at scale.

Jan 12, 2025 • 13min
How not to build a drone
How the EU spent 16 years and €8 billion on a drone that may never fly.
You can read the essay on press.airstreet.com at https://press.airstreet.com/p/how-not-to-build-a-drone

5 snips
Jan 10, 2025 • 16min
Air Street: 2024 year in review
The discussion highlights the remarkable technological advancements and financial growth in the AI sector during 2024. Notably, there's a resurgence of Bitcoin, reflecting a dynamic investment landscape. The focus on accountability shines through with the release of the State of AI Report. Additionally, the podcast showcases significant funding and M&A activity within the Air Street portfolio, emphasizing the role of community engagement and media coverage in shaping these innovations.

8 snips
Dec 22, 2024 • 7min
2024's greatest hits on Air Street Press
Reflecting on 2024, the discussion dives into pivotal essays exploring AI and technology. Key topics include the intricacies of data acquisition for startups and the unique challenges surrounding AI in China. The conversation also tackles copyright concerns in the realm of generative AI. Lastly, the importance of effective storytelling in tech entrepreneurship is highlighted, emphasizing its role in driving innovation.

5 snips
Dec 22, 2024 • 17min
The AI energy wars will get worse before they get better
The discussion dives into the escalating AI energy wars, highlighting that conditions are likely to worsen before improvement. Key topics include bipartisan efforts to streamline energy permitting and the challenges faced by companies aiming for energy independence. The podcast also explores the energy demands of AI training and the geopolitical implications, especially America's reliance on foreign partnerships. Additionally, innovative strategies for enhancing energy efficiency in AI model training are examined, shedding light on the role of advanced technologies like photonics.

Dec 19, 2024 • 3min
Odyssey launches Explorer and welcomes Pixar founder to the Board
Discover the latest in AI technology as Odyssey launches Explorer, a groundbreaking model that transforms images into detailed 3D worlds. This innovation promises to reshape both the film and gaming industries. The excitement grows with the news that Ed Catmull, co-founder of Pixar, has joined the Board and invested in the company, bringing his wealth of experience to this revolutionary project. Tune in to see how these advancements could change the landscape of animation and interactive media.

9 snips
Dec 17, 2024 • 25min
Jeremy Kahn (Fortune) on Mastering AI
Jeremy Kahn, AI editor at Fortune and author of Mastering AI, delves into the evolution of artificial intelligence, highlighting Turing's influence and the ethical dilemmas of today. He addresses the risks and rewards of AI, stressing the need for human judgment amid automation concerns. The conversation also touches on the troubling militarization of AI technologies and the shifting narratives surrounding existential risks. Finally, Kahn navigates the fraught relationship between tech journalism and Silicon Valley, advocating for transparency and storytelling integrity.

12 snips
Dec 15, 2024 • 7min
State of AI outtakes #3: US politics
Explore the dynamic intersection of AI and US politics in the wake of major political shifts. The conversation delves into the complexities of AI regulation amidst changing leadership, focusing on the obstacles posed by bipartisan politics. Discover how evolving state-level laws could redefine the landscape and what this means for both international relations and domestic legislation. This insightful discussion sheds light on the broader implications of these developments in the AI sphere.

4 snips
Dec 13, 2024 • 6min
Street talk #1 - 13 December 2024
Delve into the surprising challenges of AI investment as General Motors pulls the plug on its autonomous vehicle venture, Cruise, amid safety worries. The contrast between high hopes for AI and human capabilities raises intriguing questions. Explore the tug-of-war between nimble startups and lumbering giants that stifles innovation. There's also a look at the alarming use of Western tech in military contexts and the fierce competition among top players like Google DeepMind and OpenAI, revealing the evolving landscape of AI advancement.

Dec 12, 2024 • 15min
Being first is a moat
Explore the competitive edge of AI startups by understanding why being first to market can act as a protective moat. Discover insights from companies like ElevenLabs and Synthesia, while contrasting their successes with the shortcomings of legacy tools like Internet Explorer. Delve into the inertia of innovation that traps enterprises in outdated software and examine the complexities of user resistance in AI product development. Learn how overcoming these challenges can lead to thriving solutions in an ever-evolving landscape.