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a16z Podcast

Latest episodes

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51 snips
Feb 1, 2025 • 56min

Ben Horowitz Sharing History with Dr. Clarence Jones, MLK's Speechwriter

Dr. Clarence Jones, a key advisor and speechwriter for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., shares invaluable insights on race and inclusion. He discusses the legal challenges faced during the civil rights movement and reflects on his formative experiences with King. Jones reveals King’s humorous and relatable personality beyond his public persona. The conversation emphasizes evaluating character over cultural background and stresses the ongoing relevance of nonviolence and civil rights in today's society, making a powerful call for unity and understanding.
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122 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 35min

How AI Is Changing Warfare with Brian Schimpf, CEO of Anduril

In this conversation, Brian Schimpf, Co-founder and CEO of Anduril, a pioneering defense tech firm, dives into the revolutionary impact of AI on warfare. He discusses how AI analyzes vast battlefield data to enhance decision-making and explores the ethical implications of using autonomous systems in military operations. Schimpf also addresses the challenges startups face in navigating U.S. defense procurement processes and advocates for a rethinking of traditional contract models to accelerate innovation in national security.
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293 snips
Jan 22, 2025 • 17min

RIP to RPA: How AI Makes Operations Work

In this discussion, Kimberly Tan, a partner at a16z with a focus on AI and automation, delves into the exciting transition from Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to AI-powered agents. She explores how intelligent automation can tackle messy workflows that traditional systems can't manage, offering real-world examples from sectors like healthcare. Kimberly highlights the potential to reshape legacy markets and emphasizes the need for startups to innovate in this rapidly evolving landscape.
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454 snips
Jan 15, 2025 • 33min

Marc Andreessen: Can Tech Finally Fix Healthcare?

Dive into the intricate issues plaguing the American healthcare system, where costs soar yet outcomes lag. Discover how AI and emerging technologies could revolutionize healthcare delivery. Explore how consumer choice fosters innovation and could shift payment models for a more personalized experience. Delve into the growing empowerment of patients and the role of health tech, especially following the pandemic. The conversation uncovers who's likely to crack the code in transforming this $4 trillion industry.
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289 snips
Jan 9, 2025 • 37min

Building Substack: Reinventing Culture through Subscriptions

Chris Best, co-founder and CEO of Substack, shares insights on redefining media through email, a tech from 1971. He discusses Substack's remarkable rise to over 3 million paid subscribers and the shift creators are making from traditional platforms to direct audience connections. The conversation touches on navigating the impact of AI in media, emphasizing the importance of human authenticity. Best reflects on lessons from his previous venture, Kik, and highlights how Substack empowers creators to achieve financial independence and thrive in a changing landscape.
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215 snips
Jan 3, 2025 • 35min

Crypto Trends for 2025: Stablecoins, App Stores, UX, and More

Explore the potential of dormant crypto holders and how innovative tech can re-engage them. Dive into the impact of stablecoins on traditional finance and the challenges of app store navigation for developers. Learn about the importance of simplifying crypto for mainstream users and enhancing their experience. The conversation also touches on critical choices developers face when deciding between building new tech versus using existing solutions, plus the evolving landscape of crypto regulation.
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355 snips
Dec 30, 2024 • 52min

Super Staffing Healthcare, Codifying Compliance, & Scaling Services

As we edge closer to 2025, the potential of AI to tackle clinician shortages in healthcare is discussed, revealing innovative solutions to enhance patient care. The podcast highlights how AI can streamline compliance in the financial sector, making regulatory processes more efficient. Additionally, there's a focus on how AI is reshaping service industries through automation and strategic acquisitions, redefining growth models while emphasizing the importance of blending technology with human factors for sustainable success.
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433 snips
Dec 25, 2024 • 43min

The Race for AI—Search, National Infrastructure, & On-Device AI

The race for AI is heating up, with 2025 poised to be a game changer. Discover how AI-native tools are challenging Google's search monopoly and reshaping user expectations. Explore the importance of compute as a national infrastructure and the competitive dynamics between tech giants and emerging disruptors. Dive into the future of on-device AI, offering enhanced privacy and performance. This conversation unpacks the thrilling opportunities that lie ahead for founders and nations in the evolving technology landscape.
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256 snips
Dec 20, 2024 • 42min

Jobs of the Future, Harnessing Earth Observation, & Gaming Tech Advances

As we look toward 2025, groundbreaking technologies are reshaping industries. Robots and hybrid engineering skills are driving a new industrial revolution. An explosion of Earth observation data is revealing transformative opportunities, especially in agriculture and defense. Meanwhile, gaming technology has evolved from entertainment to become a powerful tool for training and design, leveraging advanced simulations and AI. Prepare for a future where these trends redefine our interaction with machines and open doors to innovative solutions across various sectors.
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213 snips
Dec 16, 2024 • 45min

Scaling Shopify: Tobias Lütke and Ben Horowitz on Building a Global Giant

Tobias Lütke, CEO and co-founder of Shopify, shares his journey from a snowboarding store to leading a global e-commerce giant. He discusses the importance of adapting to AI and other technologies in retail. Lütke emphasizes hands-on leadership to align teams with company values. The conversation also covers change management in the face of corporate activism and the benefits of decentralization in driving innovation. They explore how crypto and AI can reshape the future of commerce, highlighting the community's role in technological progress.

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