After a brief hiatus, the Newcomer podcast is back! Madeline Renbarger has rejoined me as my co-host to help break down all of the news across venture capital and startups. This week, we’re kicking off with a massive $693 million chip deal and Google’s huge quantum computing breakthroughs, in news that feels like flashes of Silicon Valley returning to its “silicon” roots. Still, some of this tech feels a bit too early to be exciting for a venture-backable model. We also dig into the personnel shake-ups across the major multi-stage funds, including Brian Singerman’s step back from Founders Fund last week. Lightspeed also saw partners exit as part of a consumer investing reshuffle. And just this morning after recording, Lux Capital’s Bilal Zuberi announced on X that he was leaving to “embark on a new chapter.” We’re excited for you to listen. Episode produced by Christopher GatesBrought to you by BrexBrex knows runway is everything for venture-backed startups, so they built a banking solution that helps them take every dollar further. Unlike traditional banking solutions, Brex has no minimums and gives startups access to 20x the standard FDIC protection via program banks.Plus, startups can earn industry-leading yield from their first dollar — while being able to access their funds anytime. If you want to make sure your portfolio companies have a place to save, spend, and grow their capital, check out Brex here.Chapters 00:00 - Intro 01:06 - Tenstorrent’s $693 million Series D 04:44 - Google’s Quantum Computing Breakthrough06:42 - Lightspeed’s Consumer Investing Re-org09:24 - Brian Singerman Steps Back and Founders Fund’s Roster14:08 - Mega-funds in Transition and Tech’s Trump Positioning 20:19 - Conclusion and Future Discussions Get full access to Newcomer at www.newcomer.co/subscribe

The conversation kicks off with insights from the Cerebral Valley AI Summit, diving into the ethical implications of AI's mathematical foundations. Challenges in training AI models due to data availability are dissected, alongside advancements in voice AI and user engagement. The hosts explore AI's transformative role in coding and drug discovery, comparing key players like Anthropic and OpenAI. They also discuss integrating AI into business and futuristic humanoid robots, all while navigating the complexities of AI in daily life and the evolving search landscape.

Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic and former neuroscientist, shares insights on the future of AI at the Cerebral Valley AI Summit. He discusses the dual nature of AI's advancements, balancing optimism with the real risks of autonomy. Strategic recruitment in tech and innovative practices like mechanistic interpretability take center stage. Dario also delves into the competitive landscape of AI, emphasizing human creativity and the essential role of safety regulation. Plus, he predicts hardware advancements that could enable AI to reach near-human capabilities.

The hosts dive into a forecast of AI advancements by 2025, mixing humor with prediction markets. They explore the future of AI models, highlighting potential breakthroughs and the necessary regulations, especially in healthcare. Conversations touch on implications of AI-generated content in media, Tesla's self-driving goals, and Apple's AI strategies. Skepticism reigns over AI’s potential in film and job structures, while discussions on global collaboration and regulatory challenges shine a light on the intricate landscape of technological growth.

Get ready for an exciting mock draft where the hosts predict the next big AI winners! They navigate tough choices, dropping fading startups and snatching up promising newcomers. The debate covers investor sentiments and the latest fundraising trends, featuring companies like Databricks and Anthropic. Highlights include discussions on innovative startups like 11 Labs and Sakana AI. The lively banter blends humor with insightful analysis, making for a thrilling exploration of the fast-evolving AI landscape!

The podcast dives into the implications of Trump's election on AI policy, exploring the chaotic governance and regulatory changes during his era. Discussions also center on the fluctuating influence of Elon Musk on AI regulation and free speech. A lively debate ensues over the hype surrounding AI startups like Anthropic and Perplexity, assessing their market dynamics and sustainability. The speakers critically evaluate Perplexity's inflated valuation, drawing parallels with established giants like Google, while uncovering the evolving landscape of AI revenue models.

As election season heats up, Silicon Valley is buzzing with political drama. The hosts dive into Josh Wolfe's indecision, Bezos’ bold op-ed, and the tech industry's chaotic political climate. They also tackle General Catalyst's $8 billion fundraising success and its evolution. Plus, the implications of Stripe's billion-dollar acquisition of Bridge signal shifting dynamics in the financial landscape. Tune in for a captivating discussion that bridges technology, politics, and investment trends!

Celebrate four years of growth and reflection, exploring how a newsletter launched during the pandemic navigated the changing media landscape. The discussion highlights Newcomer's revenue milestones and future plans while examining the challenges posed by the venture capital downturn. Learn about the stark contrasts in funding for AI versus struggling startups, as well as the need for emerging fund managers to adapt. With aspirations for expanded quality journalism and potential events, the hosts share excitement for what lies ahead.

Jon McNeill, a seasoned executive from Lyft and Tesla and now at DVX Ventures, dives into the evolving landscape of AI and self-driving technology. He discusses shifting investor sentiments about OpenAI, highlighting skepticism about leadership and profitability. The contrast between 'founder mode' and 'manager mode' in leadership emerges as a key theme. McNeill also critiques Tesla's self-driving promises versus competitors, noting the need for more clarity on technical advancements, all while reflecting on the complex emotional journey from CEO to investor.

Dive into the world of venture capital with discussions on Poolside’s impressive $500M funding and Impulse Space’s $150M raise. Explore how the ongoing downturn in VC funding challenges even AI startups. Discover the growing chasm between PR professionals and journalists, shedding light on how tech companies struggle to secure media attention despite hefty PR budgets. The conversation highlights the shifting strategies of major funds and the innovative potential in both the space industry and biotech.