

a16z Podcast
Andreessen Horowitz
The a16z Podcast discusses tech and culture trends, news, and the future – especially as ‘software eats the world’. It features industry experts, business leaders, and other interesting thinkers and voices from around the world. This podcast is produced by Andreessen Horowitz (aka “a16z”), a Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm. Multiple episodes are released every week; visit a16z.com for more details and to sign up for our newsletters and other content as well!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 19, 2017 • 33min
a16z Podcast: The $200 PC in the Enterprise
Explore how enterprise computing is shifting from powerful PCs to affordable, browser-based solutions. The discussion covers the growing reliance on low-cost devices like Chromebooks and the challenges IT faces in managing these changes. Discover the evolution of applications from desktops to web-based platforms and how this impacts industries like healthcare and finance. The speakers also touch on the changing technology requirements for jobs, highlighting the increasing use of smartphones over traditional PCs.

Dec 15, 2017 • 12min
a16z Podcast: Of Governors and Mayors, and Tech Policy
Doug Ducey, the pro-technology Governor of Arizona, and Pete Buttigieg, the forward-thinking Mayor of South Bend, delve into how state and local policies shape the tech landscape. They discuss the importance of bipartisan collaboration in tackling tech issues like autonomous vehicles and bike-sharing. With insights from their leadership experiences, they highlight how cities can be more innovative while ensuring public safety and health. The conversation emphasizes local governments' critical role in navigating the challenges of emerging technologies.

Dec 14, 2017 • 29min
a16z Podcast: Taking the Pulse on Bio
Explore the fascinating fusion of biology and engineering, as AI and machine learning revolutionize diagnostics and early cancer detection. Discover how technology is reshaping drug discovery through innovations like CRISPR. Dive into the role of network effects in enhancing healthcare coordination and accuracy. Learn about the evolving landscape of healthcare startups, transitioning from self-insured models to traditional plans, and the implications of new regulatory frameworks on biotechnology advancements.

Dec 13, 2017 • 19min
a16z Podcast: Scaling Healthcare
In this engaging conversation, Sean Duffy, Co-founder and CEO of Omada Health, and Rajiv Singh, CEO of Accolade, delve into the challenges and opportunities of scaling innovation in healthcare. They discuss the shift towards self-insured models, highlighting how this can enhance productivity and control costs. The duo emphasizes the importance of prevention and personalized data in improving health outcomes. Additionally, they explore innovative pricing strategies that align healthcare costs with patient outcomes, showcasing how tech can reshape an often resistant industry.

Dec 10, 2017 • 34min
a16z Podcast: Market Shifts
Adena Friedman, CEO of NASDAQ and a key figure in transforming global capital markets, discusses the evolution of NASDAQ and its response to tech trends. She highlights the challenges in the IPO process and introduces Project Revitalize to improve company-investor relations. Friedman delves into the impact of passive investing and NASDAQ's technological innovations, including machine intelligence and blockchain. The conversation also touches on leadership transitions and the importance of strong communication in fostering a collaborative work environment.

Dec 5, 2017 • 10min
a16z Podcast: On Data and Data Scientists in the Age of AI
Ion Stoica, co-founder of Databricks and RISElab director, and Scott Clark, co-founder of SigOpt, dive into the complexities of utilizing AI with abundant data. They emphasize that quality matters—a simple truth often overlooked. With AI initiatives, understanding business goals is paramount. The discussion also addresses overcoming initial hurdles for companies and stresses the importance of context in shaping successful data strategies. Practical advice flows on navigating the evolving AI landscape and ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.

Dec 2, 2017 • 34min
a16z Podcast: AI, from 'Toy' Problems to Practical Application
Guests Martin Casado, a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz, Joe Spisak from AWS, and Scott Clark, CEO of SigOpt, share insights on transitioning AI from theory to practical use. They discuss the complexities businesses face in adopting AI and the often misunderstood 'black box' of machine learning. Scott highlights how tuned simple systems outperform complex ones without proper optimization. The conversation also addresses the balance between innovation, data governance, and real business outcomes.

Nov 18, 2017 • 25min
a16z Podcast: The Rise of the CCO
Join Allison Pickens of Gainsight, Krista Anderson-Copperman from Okta, and Hatima Shafique of Databricks as they dive into the rise of the Chief Customer Officer (CCO) role. They discuss how the CCO differs from traditional customer success roles and the growing importance of this position in harmonizing customer interactions across organizations. The conversation highlights the evolving nature of customer success in subscription models, the impact of customer satisfaction metrics like NPS, and the strategic value CCOs bring to long-term business growth.

Nov 10, 2017 • 30min
a16z Podcast: How Founders Hire a VP of Product
In this engaging discussion, Vijay Balasubramaniyan (CEO of Pindrop) shares the emotional challenges of hiring a VP of Product. Alan Schaaf (CEO of Imgur) highlights the nuances of integrating a new leader into the company culture. Gokul Rajaram (Square) emphasizes the importance of structured evaluations to find the right fit. Shishir Mehrotra (Coda) offers insights on effective onboarding strategies to ensure seamless transitions. Together, they explore how to turn hiring into a strategic advantage while avoiding common pitfalls.

Nov 3, 2017 • 30min
a16z Podcast: Putting AI in Medicine, in Practice
Mintu Turakhia, a cardiologist at Stanford and Director of the Center for Digital Health, joins Brandon Ballinger, CEO of Cardiogram, and Vijay Pande, general partner at a16z, to dive into the practical applications of AI in healthcare. They discuss the historical evolution of AI, its role in improving diagnosis and treatment, and the challenges of integrating technology into clinical practice. The trio explores the innovative uses of AI for medical data analysis, enhancing clinical trials, and the ethical dimensions of AI's role in medicine.