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a16z Podcast

Latest episodes

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Oct 8, 2024 • 32min

A Big Week in Tech: NotebookLM, OpenAI’s Speech API, & Custom Audio

Anish Acharya, Olivia Moore, and Bryan Kim from A16Z dive into the exciting developments in voice technology and AI. They discuss Google’s NotebookLM, which allows users to craft customized podcasts in multiple languages. OpenAI's new speech API is also covered, making voice integration seamless for developers. The trio highlights the potential of AI in engaging storytelling and explores how it can innovate everyday user interactions. They also tackle the shift in app development and the transformation of video content creation in this tech-driven era.
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Oct 3, 2024 • 29min

From Swipe to Scale: How Tinder Became #1

Sean Rad, the visionary founder of Tinder, joins Andrew Chen, a General Partner at a16z, to discuss the app's cultural revolution in online dating. They explore the evolution from only 2% of couples meeting online in 1995 to over 50% today. Sean shares insights on crafting seamless user experiences and the pivotal role of effective marketing, especially on college campuses. Passion, resilience, and the power of simplicity in communication emerge as key themes, illustrating how feedback can drive innovation in startups.
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Sep 24, 2024 • 31min

Human Data is Key to AI: Alex Wang from Scale AI

In a captivating discussion, Alex Wang, Founder and CEO of Scale AI, dives into the pivotal role of 'frontier data' in AI's evolution. He highlights how harnessing complex datasets is essential for breakthroughs and scaling models. The conversation also touches on the competitive advantages of large tech firms versus independent labs, the regulatory challenges in Europe, and strategic imperatives for AI investment. Alex's insights shed light on the future road to artificial general intelligence and the transformative power of data in enhancing AI capabilities.
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Sep 19, 2024 • 45min

The Frontier of Spatial Intelligence with Fei-Fei Li

Fei-Fei Li, a pioneer in AI known for her work in computer vision, and Justin Johnson, an expert in deep learning, delve into the fascinating evolution of artificial intelligence. They explore the historical journey from early AI winters to the rapid rise of multimodal AI. Key topics include breakthroughs like ImageNet, the emergence of spatial intelligence, and the shift from 2D to 3D environments. Their insights shed light on the importance of collaboration and the future of AI technologies, particularly in creative and interactive applications.
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Sep 14, 2024 • 32min

Apple’s Big Reveals, OpenAI’s Multi-Step Models, and Firefly Does Video

Olivia Moore and Justine Moore, Partners on the a16z Consumer team, dive into the latest tech trends. They discuss Apple's exciting new products like the iPhone 16 and the implications of iOS 18 on app development. The conversation shifts to OpenAI's advanced multi-step reasoning models and their potential in education, alongside concerns about AI dependency. Lastly, they explore Adobe Firefly’s evolution from text-to-image to video generation, emphasizing the importance of responsible data sourcing and user-friendly designs for creators.
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Sep 7, 2024 • 38min

Grand Challenges in Healthcare AI

Vijay Pande, a founding general partner at a16z Bio + Health, and Julie Yoo, a fellow general partner at the same firm, explore the transformative challenges of integrating AI into healthcare. They discuss the potential of AI to streamline workflows, enhance doctor-patient interactions, and revolutionize clinical trials. The conversation touches on using AI for patient triage in emergency care and the shift towards value-based care, emphasizing the need for specialized AI models to interpret complex medical data while overcoming systemic barriers.
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Sep 2, 2024 • 1h 36min

Governing democracy, the internet, and boardrooms

Noah Feldman, a Harvard constitutional law scholar and creator of the Meta oversight board, teams up with Andy Hall, a political science professor at Stanford with a focus on web3 governance. They delve into innovative governance models, discussing the intersection of democracy and technology. The conversation explores content moderation, the legitimacy crisis in tech governance, and the role of citizen assemblies. They highlight the complexities of balancing corporate accountability and community values, alongside the historical evolution of democracy.
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Aug 28, 2024 • 41min

It’s Time to Build in Healthcare

Vijay Pandey and Daisy Wolf explore the urgent need for technology in healthcare, highlighting that half of prescribed meds aren't taken and many Americans are metabolically unhealthy. They discuss how technologists can disrupt this complex industry by making it consumer-centric. The conversation touches on the potential of AI to enhance patient care, drive efficiency, and create new health tech companies. They emphasize collaboration between innovators and traditional healthcare providers to drive lasting change.
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Aug 24, 2024 • 33min

Latin America: A Tech Powerhouse?

Dileep Thazhmon, CEO of Jeeves, sheds light on the fintech landscape in Latin America, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies across diverse markets. Santiago Suarez, cofounder of Addi, shares insights on local talent's role in scaling businesses, while Gabriel Vasquez and Angela Strange discuss the region's potential as a fintech hub. They explore unique innovations, regulatory environments, and the blending of local expertise with seasoned leaders. The conversation highlights how Latin America could be the next tech giant hotspot with its adaptability and resilience.
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Aug 18, 2024 • 22min

The SSN Breach: What Now?

Security experts Joel de la Garza, specializing in data breaches, and Naftali Harris, who validated a major breach involving nearly 3 billion records, delve into the alarming implications of the recent identity threat. They discuss how such a massive breach occurs and the urgent need for consumer awareness. The conversation highlights the critical steps individuals can take to protect themselves and the innovative methods needed for secure identity verification in the digital age. Their insights illuminate the evolving landscape of identity theft and digital fraud.

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