
BG2Pod with Brad Gerstner and Bill Gurley
Open Source bi-weekly conversation with Brad Gerstner (@altcap) & Bill Gurley (@bgurley) on all things tech, markets, investing & capitalism
Latest episodes

76 snips
Sep 9, 2024 • 1h 19min
Ep15: Inside Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant | BG2 w/ Bill Gurley & Brad Gerstner
Maureen Zawalick, Vice President at Diablo Canyon Power Plant, shares her expertise on nuclear energy's pivotal role in tackling climate change. She discusses the unique challenges and opportunities facing Diablo Canyon, including licensing issues and the potential for advanced reactors. The conversation highlights the economic differences in nuclear energy production between the U.S. and China, the importance of innovation, and the need for robust government support. Zawalick also delves into how AI can enhance the nuclear industry for a cleaner future.

177 snips
Aug 9, 2024 • 1h 26min
Ep14. Public Market Volatility, AI Air Pocket, $GOOG Ruling | BG2 w/ Bill Gurley & Brad Gerstner
This discussion dives into the recent public market volatility, drawing parallels with historical fluctuations. The potential economic landscape is analyzed, including fears of recession and evolving consumer spending. They tackle the implications of a significant ruling on Google's monopoly status, emphasizing search engine competition. Additionally, the podcast explores the challenges AI startups face amidst rising competition and the importance of regulatory clarity in this fast-evolving sector.

186 snips
Jul 25, 2024 • 1h 18min
Ep13. Silicon Valley’s Political 180, META AI, COVID Postmortem | BG2 w/ Bill Gurley & Brad Gerstner
This discussion dives into the political realignment in Silicon Valley, highlighting tech leaders' shift in support from Democrats to Trump. It explores Meta's strategy in open-source AI and reflects on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. There's a keen observation on the evolving dynamics of tech acquisitions, exemplified by the Wiz IPO. The conversation also touches on advancements in self-driving technology, particularly Tesla's, and addresses the implications of recent security breaches, advocating for better collaboration between tech and policymakers.

144 snips
Jul 11, 2024 • 57min
Ep12. Tech Stocks vs the Rest; AI VC Bubble, Calcium CT Scan | BG2 with Bill Gurley & Brad Gerstner
The hosts dive into the intertwining worlds of politics and market strategies, analyzing how the upcoming election may affect tech investments. They dissect the hype surrounding AI and its real economic impact, questioning the sustainability of current valuations. Meanwhile, they highlight the importance of preventive health measures, such as calcium CT scans, especially for older individuals. The contrasting fortunes of major tech firms against struggling mid-market stocks offer a revealing glimpse into today's investment landscape, inviting listeners to rethink their strategies.

239 snips
Jun 22, 2024 • 1h 2min
Ep11. Coatue Conference Recap, Tesla & ISS Controversy | BG2 with Bill Gurley & Brad Gerstner
The conversation kicks off with insights from the East Meets West conference, emphasizing the fusion of tech cultures. They dive into the AI market's transformation, spotlighting how investor sentiments shift with new advancements. Discussions on venture funding reveal struggles for non-AI unicorns in a tightening landscape. The challenges of going public versus staying private are explored, especially for companies like OpenAI. They also tackle Tesla's shareholder vote and the implications of corporate governance amid advancing AI technology.

199 snips
Jun 10, 2024 • 59min
Ep10. Pre-IPO Market, AI Hype Cycle, Is Software Dead? | BG2 with Bill Gurley & Brad Gerstner
The discussion dives into the evolving pre-IPO market and how excess capital is reshaping startup dynamics. They tackle the reality of AI's hype cycle and its implications for investment strategies. Is software dead? Not quite, as they explore ongoing innovations and the role of foundational AI models. Audiences are also encouraged to reflect on capitalism and immigration's importance for the U.S. future. With a blend of optimism and caution, the conversation weaves through the complexities of today’s tech landscape.

182 snips
May 16, 2024 • 1h 1min
Ep9. GPT-4o, Astra, Multi Modal, China Tariffs, Tech Earnings | BG2 with Bill Gurley & Brad Gerstner
The conversation kicks off with a deep dive into OpenAI's groundbreaking GPT-4 Omni, exploring its benchmarks and the emerging role of voice technology as the new interface. They discuss the contrasting worlds of Consumer AI and Enterprise AI, highlighting disruptive forces in education and language learning. The dialogue shifts to the impact of China tariffs and the need for regulatory balance in the tech landscape. Lastly, they assess current market dynamics, urging cautious investment strategies amidst evolving economic challenges.

189 snips
Apr 29, 2024 • 1h 5min
Ep8. AI Models, Data Scaling, Enterprise & Personal AI | BG2 with Bill Gurley & Brad Gerstner
Sunny Madra, Head of Groq Cloud, joins the discussion on cutting-edge AI models and data scaling. They dive into the launch of Meta's Llama 3 and its significant impact on tech. The talk covers the challenges enterprises face with adopting AI, balancing data management, and ongoing competition in the market. They also explore how personal AI is evolving, making tech more efficient for users. The conversation connects the dots between GPU investments and IPO strategies, highlighting the fast-paced changes in venture capital.

177 snips
Apr 18, 2024 • 1h 18min
Ep7. The Great IPO Debate, Tesla Robotaxi vs. Uber, & Tech Check | BG2 with Bill Gurley & Brad Gerstner
This conversation dives into the evolving landscape of IPOs, addressing the challenges and psychological barriers companies face when going public. The hosts compare Tesla's autonomous vehicle ambitions with Uber's ride-sharing model, dissecting the economics and operational hurdles both industries encounter. They also discuss how companies are harnessing AI and data to achieve greater efficiency and margin expansion, while exploring the shifting compensation trends in the tech sector amid a backdrop of workforce adjustments.

202 snips
Apr 4, 2024 • 1h 8min
Ep6. AI Demand / Supply - Models, Agents, the $2T Compute Build Out, Need for More Nuclear & More
Explore the unstoppable demand for computing power and its implications for AI growth. Discover the challenges of building massive supercomputers and the urgent need for more nuclear energy to meet escalating energy needs. Unpack the evolving landscape of AI investments and the skepticism clouding market valuations. Delve into the interplay of tech advancements, market dynamics, and the potential pitfalls in the AI sector. This lively discussion navigates through the future of language models and the critical role of sustainable energy solutions.