a16z Podcast

Darshan Shankar, Founder and CEO of Bigscreen VR, dives into the evolving landscape of virtual and augmented reality. He discusses the current state of VR, reminiscent of the early iPhone era, and the critical role of compelling content in user engagement. Shankar explores advancements in hardware and shared experiences, questioning whether VR will become a mainstay tool or remain a novelty. He also sheds light on the challenges AR faces and the transformative potential of these technologies in our daily lives. Will VR have its breakthrough moment?

Lee Kleinman, Dallas City Councilmember and mobility chair, joins Joshua Schank from LA Metro and LimeBike's Andrew Savage for a lively discussion on the evolution of bike sharing. They dive into the shift from docked systems to innovative dockless models that utilize GPS technology. Key topics include the positive impact of bike sharing on urban mobility, the importance of data in shaping transport solutions, and overcoming cultural barriers to biking. Plus, they share insights on how these systems can reshape the future of cities, making commuting greener and more efficient.

Qasar Younis, CEO of Applied Intuition, James Wu, CEO of DeepMap, and Taggart Matthiesen, Head of Product at Lyft, dive into the rapidly evolving world of self-driving cars. They discuss how cars are transforming into data-rich platforms, the hurdles to achieving full autonomy, and the potential for personalized travel experiences. The conversation also highlights the economic and regulatory challenges ahead, the balance of remote driving solutions, and the critical importance of safety standards and data security for future innovations.

Benedict Evans, a venture capitalist and tech expert, teams up with Steven Sinofsky, a former Microsoft executive, to dissect trends from CES 2018. They discuss the strategic directions of tech giants in the connected home space, emphasizing the need for intuitive user interfaces. The conversation highlights the complexities of integrating smart home devices, the role of voice assistants, and the future of seamless home interactions. They ponder which household appliances will truly benefit from becoming 'smart' and offer insights into designing technology that enhances everyday life.

Chris Dixon, a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz and a cryptocurrency expert, joins Nick Tomaino, founder of 1confirmation and former Coinbase business developer, to dive into the world of crypto tokens. They discuss the long-term value of different token types, the significance of stablecoins, and the complexities of on-chain versus off-chain solutions. Dixon highlights the evolution of Ethereum and the importance of decentralized projects, while exploring the risks of speculative investments and the future of blockchain scalability.

Bryan Crowley, President of Soylent, Ooshma Garg, CEO of Gobble, David Lee, COO of Impossible Foods, and James Rogers, CEO of Apeel Sciences, dive into the evolving food landscape. They discuss how consumer awareness is shifting dietary choices, with millennials pushing for healthier options. The urgency of sustainable food production methods is emphasized, alongside innovations like alternative proteins and extending produce shelf life. Personalization in meal choices is highlighted, as is the importance of transparency and education in food tech advancements.

Carlos Araya, Co-founder and CEO of Jungla, and Gabe Otte, Co-founder and CEO of Freenome, dive into the revolutionary shifts in genomic sequencing. They discuss how we've reduced the cost and time of sequencing a human genome dramatically, making it accessible for medical applications. The conversation sheds light on interpreting vast amounts of genetic data and emphasizes the significance of dynamic DNA analysis. They also tackle the complexities of genetic testing, diagnostic challenges, and the future of AI in personalized medicine.

In this discussion, Alex Le, VP of Product at Reddit, shares insights on the evolution of online communities, focusing on Reddit’s diverse subcultures and the critical role of moderators. Michael Temkin, CEO of Rabbit, emphasizes the impact of shared video experiences on community dynamics. The duo explores how shared interests shape authentic connections, the balance between community and commerce, and the shift from traditional to digital media landscapes. Their conversation offers valuable perspectives on fostering genuine interactions in today’s online spaces.

Jimmy Chen, CEO of Propel, develops tech solutions for low-income families, including the FreshEBT app. Matt Flannery, co-founder of Branch, transitioned from nonprofit work to AI-driven lending for developing countries. Ram Palaniappan, CEO of Earnin, innovates on-demand wage access. The conversation dives into how fintech is reshaping financial services, tackling food stamp inefficiencies, and addressing lending challenges through alternative data. These transformative ideas highlight how democratizing finance can empower individuals and reshape the industry.

In this conversation, Juan Benet, the visionary behind Protocol Labs, and Olaf Carlson-Wee, the mastermind of Polychain Capital, explore the evolving landscape of cryptocurrencies. They discuss the potential of smart contracts and the need for decentralized protocols to challenge big tech. The duo also examines the rise of ICOs as fundraising tools and the importance of governance in crypto networks. With a focus on sustainability, they highlight community efforts to reduce Bitcoin's energy consumption while promoting a user-owned internet.