

Digital Currents
Morgan Creek Capital Management, LLC
Digital Currents brings listeners engaging content from the venture capital industry with an emphasis on blockchain, artificial intelligence and big data. In each episode Morgan Creek Digital General Partners and co-hosts Mark Yusko, Xavier Segura and Sachin Jaitly explore the exciting areas of the digital ecosystem accompanied by expert guests from Morgan Creek’s expansive global network.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 8, 2024 • 38min
Your ABCD News Roundup, March 8, 2024
In this episode, Mark and Xavier discuss the latest news topics in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Chips and Big Data (ABCD). Listen as they explore the resurgence of Clippy, Microsoft's infamous animated paper clip assistant from the '90s, and Databricks opting for self-reporting. Additionally, the duo discusses the upcoming Dencun upgrade in the Ethereum ecosystem and Bitcoin approaching a new record high. Further, learn of the complexities of licensing AI chips tailored for China amid US-China trade restrictions. Last, they discuss the “chart of the week” rainbow chart, showing the historical effect of the halving cycles on BTC. To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a member of our team or sign up for other content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com.

Mar 1, 2024 • 1h 5min
Your ABCD News Roundup
In this episode, Mark and Xavier discuss the latest news topics in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Chips and Big Data (ABCD). Listen as they talk about Silicon Valley's AI and Robotics developments, Gemini’s good news, Bitcoin ETFs’ record assets, and India’s $15 billion investment in chips. They also respond to a question on how to take practical action on tech news and insights. And as a bonus feature, the “chart of the week” details the rise of the Magnificent 7. To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a member of our team or sign up for other content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com.

Feb 23, 2024 • 59min
Your ABCD News Roundup
In this new series Mark and Xavier discuss the latest news topics in Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Chips and Big Data (ABCD). Listen as they discuss the latest AI developments, Coinbase and NVidia earnings, Blockchain ETF approval, Intel's chip investment and more. To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a member of our team or sign up for other content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com

Feb 14, 2024 • 1h 4min
Bitwise, Bitcoin Spot ETF, and Blockchain’s Evolution: A Conversation with Hunter Horsley
n this podcast, Morgan Creek Digital’s General Partners, Mark Yusko and Xavier Segura, connect with Hunter Horsley, CEO of Bitwise Investments (Bitwise). The hosts discuss the fascinating diffusion of innovation and rate of adoption of blockchain technology, moving from early adopters to mass adoption. The conversation emphasizes the significance of Bitcoin and explores the parallels with gold's characteristics as a monetary asset. Further, Hunter shares the story of Bitwise, a cryptocurrency index fund provider that manages over $1.6 billion in assets. He highlights the intricacies of the recently approved Bitcoin Spot ETF, shedding light on the challenges faced, the SEC's evolving stance, and the unprecedented launch of 11 similar ETFs in a single day. Join us as we discuss the increasing integration of blockchain technology across diverse industries. To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a member of our team or sign up for other content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com

Jan 12, 2024 • 54min
Why Big Data is Described as the New Oil
In this special episode, we share an audio copy of our “Why Big Data is Described as the New Oil” webinar presented by Morgan Creek Digital General Partners Xavier Segura and Sachin Jaitly. Data, much like oil, is a raw resource that must be extracted, refined, and utilized to reach its full potential. Similarly, artificial intelligence, analyses and insights are used in the refining process of structured and unstructured volumes of data. As oil drove the industrial revolution, we believe data drives the digital revolution. Listen as they explore the dynamic world of data and analytics, emphasizing that the “next-gen internet (Web3) will seek to combine the power of Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain Technology, and the associated Computing Infrastructure to unlock value from Big Data”. In addition, they discuss the challenges in managing big data, stressing data quality and compliance with privacy regulations. To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a member of our team or sign up for other content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com

Dec 22, 2023 • 36min
Digital Insights 2023: A Year-End Odyssey
Embark on an illuminating year-end odyssey with "Digital Insights 2023," an episode unraveling the technological tapestry that defined the year. Explore the multifaceted dimensions of the ever-evolving digital landscape. Join our hosts, Xavier Segura and Mark Yusko, as they reflect on the success of NVIDIA, unexpected journeys of tech stocks, and the profound impact of AI in 2023. From the ChatGPT phenomenon to Microsoft's ambitious endeavors, they seek to separate hype from reality and gain valuable insights from the intricate dance between technology and society. The hosts also dissect the accumulation patterns in the crypto market, discuss the correlation puzzle between crypto markets and the macro environment, and explore responses to banking failures and the unexpected shifts in international interest rates. Xavier and Mark further discuss potential recalibration opportunities in 2024, characterized by innovation seedlings and a shift towards execution in the tech industry. Stay current, stay informed, and sail into the horizon of 2024 with insights and predictions from our hosts. Happy holidays from Digital Currents! To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a member of our team or sign up for other content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com

Oct 18, 2023 • 50min
Computing and the Path to Web 3: Navigating the Semiconductor (R)evolution
In this podcast episode, Mark Yusko, Sachin Jaitly, and Xavier Segura explore the pivotal role of computing infrastructure, particularly chips, in today's digital age. They shed light on the dynamic intersection of computing power, software innovation, and the ever-evolving landscape of chip design and production, recognizing the evolution of semiconductors from the early days of single transistors to the current designs with billions of transistors. The hosts also discuss critical players in the global supply chain of semiconductors, like Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, China, and the United States, and their respective roles in the value chain. They further emphasize steps governments are taking to diversify the ecosystem through subsidies for new manufacturing facilities. Moreover, learn why Morgan Creek Digital anticipates a surge in specialized and advanced chips to support emerging technologies like AI, Blockchain, and data analytics, recognizing this shift as a critical component in shaping the next iteration of the internet, often referred to as "web three". This episode provides valuable insights into semiconductors, addressing their fundamental role in driving technological advancements and the global economy. To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a member of our team or sign up for other content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com

Sep 29, 2023 • 1h 6min
Four Generations of Venture Capital: A Conversation with Tim Draper
In this podcast, Mark Yusko and Frank Tanner from Morgan Creek’s Venture team connect with Tim Draper, a prominent venture capitalist, who shares his career journey and insights. Draper delves into his early passion for entrepreneurship and the inception of his venture capital firm. Further, he discusses the venture capital landscape in the 1980s, his investment strategies, and successes investing in emerging technology, like his early investments in Parametric Technology (computer software) and web-based email service provider Hotmail. In addition, Draper shares his unique approaches to venture capital, emphasizing curiosity, risk-taking, and a "what if it works" mindset. To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a member of our team or sign up for other content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com

Aug 30, 2023 • 1h 7min
AI’s Fifty Year Overnight Success Story
In this special episode, we share an audio copy of our “AI Fifty Year Overnight Success Story” webinar presented by Morgan Creek Digital (MCD) General Partners Xavier Segura and Mark Yusko. Join the two as they conduct a deep dive into AI’s history, current state in the market, use cases and answer the questions listeners may be too bashful to ask. While the AI buzz has only recently peaked in the mainstream, MCD demonstrates just how long the technology has been around and its various states of evolution. With sufficient allocation of capital, MCD believes that AI offers a unique opportunity to extract valuable insights, drive efficiencies, and has the potential to revolutionize many industries. To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a member of our team or sign up for other content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com

Aug 10, 2023 • 1h 7min
Meet Scott Stornetta: One of the Original Co-Creators of Blockchain
In this podcast episode, Hosts Xavier Segura and Mark Yusko interview Scott Stornetta, Chief Scientist at Yugen Partners and a Venture Partner at Morgan Creek Digital. Scott discusses his role in the development of blockchain technology, drawing from his experiences at PARC and Bell research labs and his expertise in cryptography. The episode encapsulates themes of privacies versus liberties, trust versus verification, and futuristic innovation versus timely product-market fit. Explore the challenges of commercializing innovations, the evolution of trust in technology through cryptography, and the impact on industries. Additionally, Scott reflects on his sources of inspiration, learning from failures, and his escape routine. To learn more, visit us on the web at https://www.morgancreekcap.com/morgan-creek-digital/. To speak to a member of our team or sign up for other content, please email mcdigital@morgancreekcap.com