

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

211 snips
Oct 13, 2024 • 54min
Ep18. Jensen Recap - Competitive Moat, X.AI, Smart Assistant | BG2 w/ Bill Gurley & Brad Gerstner
Sunny Madra from Groq joins to discuss AI and accelerated computing innovations. They analyze Jensen Huang’s insights on scaling intelligence toward AGI and NVIDIA's strategic role in the AI landscape. The conversation dives into competitive dynamics, the importance of CUDA, and the rising challengers to NVIDIA's dominance. With thoughts on Elon Musk's influence and the future of AI assistants, they explore the shift to distributed AI models and how pricing strategies are evolving in this fast-paced market.

635 snips
Oct 13, 2024 • 1h 21min
Ep17. Welcome Jensen Huang | BG2 w/ Bill Gurley & Brad Gerstner
Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, discusses scaling intelligence towards AGI and the competitive advantages of NVIDIA in the AI landscape. He emphasizes the significance of inference alongside training and the potential of AI to enhance productivity across industries. Huang also delves into the future of AI models, the role of open source in innovation, and the necessity of safe AI development. The conversation touches on the ambitious plans of new entrants in the AI market and the transformative impact AI has on education and the workforce.

120 snips
Sep 25, 2024 • 1h 6min
Ep16. Nuclear Update, AI Fast & Furious, State of VC | BG2 w/ Bill Gurley & Brad Gerstner
Dive into the revival of nuclear energy as tech giants show increasing interest in this clean power source. Explore how nuclear infrastructure is becoming crucial for AI advancements and the intersection of these two fields. Discover the evolving landscape of venture capital amid a surge in late-stage investments and the challenges for startups facing IPO hurdles. The discussion also tackles the implications of investor behavior and Federal Reserve actions on market dynamics, alongside economic insights impacting tech valuations.

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.