ACQ2 by Acquired

Joe Montana, legendary NFL quarterback and now venture investor at Liquid2 Ventures, shares his unique perspective on transitioning from sports to startup investing. He reveals how lessons from winning Super Bowls fuel his investment strategies. Topics include the importance of team diversity in both football and venture capital, and the mental demands of quarterbacking. Joe also discusses the challenges of early-stage investing and the value of seeking support as a founder, offering insights that blend athletics with entrepreneurship.

Sebastian Siemiatkowski, Co-founder and CEO of Klarna, dissects the impressive journey of building a disruptive payments company over 19 years. He shares insights on the evolution of the buy-now-pay-later model and the importance of consumer trust. The conversation dives into Klarna's use of AI for operational efficiency and enhancing customer service. Siemiatkowski also addresses the challenges of competing in a rapidly changing fintech landscape and the balance between growth and cost management.

Austin Link, co-founder and CEO of Starfish Space, shares his insights into the booming space industry of 2024. He discusses how lower launch costs are enabling startups to thrive and the innovative satellite servicing technology his company is developing. The Otter, an autonomous spacecraft, can dock with and reposition aging satellites, significantly extending their lifespans. Austin also delves into the importance of navigating government contracts and the need for a diverse workforce, highlighting the exciting future of space exploration.

In this discussion, Aart de Geus, co-founder of Synopsys, and CEO Sassine Ghazi dive into the software behind the semiconductor industry. They explore how Electronic Design Automation (EDA) has evolved with AI, revolutionizing chip design. Challenges from early design limitations to modern complexities are highlighted, alongside the impact of Moore's Law. The conversation also touches on advancements in EUV lithography, custom silicon design, and the importance of corporate culture in driving innovation and social responsibility in tech.

Lotte Bjerre Knudsen, Novo Nordisk’s Chief Scientific Advisor, shares her remarkable journey in discovering semaglutide, the molecule behind Ozempic. She reveals the initial skepticism faced in the 90s and her steadfast belief in its potential for weight loss, which was a goal from the start. Lotte discusses the complex mechanisms of GLP-1 agents, how they impact appetite and weight management, and the innovative pharmaceutical testing processes enhancing drug effectiveness. Her insights shed light on the collaborative spirit necessary in biomedical science.

Gaurav Ahuja, co-founder of Imprint and General Partner at Thrive Capital, dives deep into the evolving payments ecosystem. He shares insights on whether Visa should fear eroding interchange fees and examines the rising influence of real-time payments. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities for startups, as well as the potential for new players to disrupt the Visa and Mastercard duopoly. Ahuja also explores the critical role of co-branded credit card programs in driving customer loyalty.

Morgan Housel, author of bestselling books like 'The Psychology of Money,' shares insights on behavioral finance and the emotional aspects of financial decision-making. He discusses the psychological costs of financial choices in fluctuating economies and the impact of societal perceptions on personal wealth. Housel also critiques the addictive nature of Twitter and explores how content creation varies across mediums. His thoughtful reflections draw connections between personal fulfillment, wealth, and the often-overlooked truths about success.

Doug DeMuro, the creator behind the popular YouTube channel and founder of the car marketplace 'Cars and Bids', shares insights on the evolving car industry in 2023. He discusses the impact of the pandemic on car demand, the shift to electric vehicles, and how consumer purchases are influenced. Doug also dives into his journey from indie creator to managing a large organization following a $37 million investment. The conversation touches on the unique behaviors of car enthusiasts and the future of classic cars amidst technological changes.

Join Cristobal Valenzuela, co-founder and CEO of RunwayML, as he shares insights from the forefront of generative AI in filmmaking. Discover how Runway's tools, used in major films like 'Everything Everywhere All at Once', are transforming video creation. Valenzuela discusses the evolution of AI in storytelling, the democratization of filmmaking, and new business models emerging in this space. He also touches on the challenges startups face in securing resources amidst tech giants and the exciting fusion of art and technology.

Chase Lochmiller, CEO of Crusoe Energy, is revolutionizing AI cloud infrastructure by utilizing stranded energy sources from oil fields. He discusses how his company builds data centers on top of oil flares, transforming waste into computing power. Topics include innovations in cooling and energy management, the integration of renewable sources, and the benefits of using modular data centers for AI workloads. Lochmiller also shares insights on navigating the tech financing landscape while emphasizing a commitment to environmental sustainability in the rapidly evolving tech world.