a16z Podcast

Daren Matsuoka, lead data scientist at a16z crypto and author of the State of Crypto report, and Eddy Lazzarin, CTO at a16z crypto, dive into the latest trends shaping cryptocurrency in 2024. They discuss the growth of active crypto users while tackling the challenges of data integrity. With insights on stablecoins, the evolving blockchain infrastructure, and the growing impact of cryptocurrency in U.S. elections, they illustrate a thriving ecosystem. The conversation highlights innovations driven by emerging technologies like AI and the enthusiasm among builders in the crypto space.

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, shares insights on Tesla's bold innovations like the CyberCab and Optimus robot, which he believes could be the biggest product ever. Anjney Midha from Ubiquity 6 highlights the intersection of computer vision and robotics, while Erin Price-Wright discusses the importance of a robust autonomy stack. They dive into the challenges of teleoperated robotics and the transformative potential of AI across underinvested industries, emphasizing the critical role of data in driving future advancements.

In 2024, marking 10 years since its launch, Apple Pay now boasts hundreds of millions of consumers in 78 markets, at checkout on millions of websites and apps, in tens of millions of stores worldwide, and is supported by more than 11,000 bank and network partners.In this episode, a16z General Partner Alex Rampell sits down with Jennifer Bailey, VP of Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, to explore how Apple has transformed digital payments. Jennifer reveals how Apple Pay and Apple Wallet have grown beyond payments to include transit cards, car keys, and more. They also discuss the challenges of driving adoption, the future of digital wallets, and Jennifer’s insights for entrepreneurs. Resources: Find Jennifer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbaileyzFind Alex on X: https://x.com/arampell Stay Updated: Let us know what you think: https://ratethispodcast.com/a16zFind a16z on Twitter: https://twitter.com/a16zFind a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16zSubscribe on your favorite podcast app: https://a16z.simplecast.com/Follow our host: https://twitter.com/stephsmithioPlease note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures. Stay Updated:Find a16z on XFind a16z on LinkedInListen to the a16z Podcast on SpotifyListen to the a16z Podcast on Apple PodcastsFollow our host: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lisa Su, CEO of AMD, has led the company to remarkable growth and AI advancements. In this conversation, she discusses AMD's pivotal role in democratizing generative AI and the evolution of AI computing. She emphasizes the importance of open ecosystems and strategic partnerships in fostering technological breakthroughs. The discussion also covers the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on semiconductor demand and the significance of collaborations with startups and other companies to drive innovation in the industry.

Vijay Balasubramaniyan, co-founder and CEO of Pindrop, specializes in voice security and deepfake detection. In this discussion, he dives into the alarming rise of AI-generated deepfakes and their implications for truth in media. The conversation covers the rapid evolution and accessibility of deepfake technology, the challenges of detecting these manipulations, and the urgent need for regulatory frameworks. Balasubramaniyan also highlights the ethical dilemmas surrounding voice cloning and the balance needed between innovation and protection against misuse.

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.

Sean Rad, founder and former CEO of Tinder, shares insights into how the app transformed online dating culture. He discusses the shocking growth of online connections from 2% to over 50%. Sean emphasizes the importance of simplicity in product development and effective communication. He reveals innovative marketing strategies that leveraged college environments and social dynamics to fuel Tinder's popularity. The conversation also touches on how resilience and company culture foster creativity, highlighting the value of user feedback.

In this discussion with Alex Wang, Founder and CEO of Scale AI, he shares insights on the essential role of frontier data in harnessing the potential of AI. He addresses the evolution of language models and the necessity for innovative data strategies. Alex navigates the competition between tech giants and smaller labs, revealing how regulatory hurdles impact AI development. He also discusses the risks and rewards of investing in AI, while highlighting the transformative influence of open-source models on the industry.

Fei-Fei Li, a Stanford professor and AI pioneer behind ImageNet, joins Justin Johnson, co-founder of World Labs and expert in generative models. They discuss the evolution from AI winters to today's groundbreaking advancements in deep learning and spatial intelligence. The duo explores how innovations in visual understanding are transforming industries, the interplay of compute power and data, and the exciting future of 3D environments in gaming and education. Their insights reveal the importance of collaboration in pushing the boundaries of AI.

Dive into the latest consumer tech revelations, from Apple's groundbreaking event showcasing new iPhones and AirPods to OpenAI's multi-step reasoning models. Discover how iOS 18's AI features are reshaping media and photo editing. Explore Spotify's innovative Daylist feature that tailors playlists to users' emotions. Plus, learn how Adobe's Firefly is revolutionizing video creation while maintaining a focus on responsible data use. The conversation navigates the crucial divide between general and emotional intelligence in AI.