a16z Podcast

Jimmy Soni and Rob Goodman, co-authors of 'A Mind at Play,' explore the extraordinary life of Claude Shannon, the father of information theory. They discuss Shannon's childhood tinkering and his groundbreaking work at MIT and Bell Labs. The conversation touches on the interplay of play and innovation, highlighting his collaborations with other luminaries like Alan Turing. They also delve into Shannon's cryptographic contributions during WWII, painting a vivid picture of how his genius shaped the digital age we live in today.

Jeff Jordan, a former CEO of OpenTable and now a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz, shares his journey of leading the company through its IPO during a financial crisis. Joined by J.D. Moriarty, former head of equity capital markets at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, they discuss the crucial elements of timing, pricing strategies, and building relationships with investors. They also explore unexpected challenges, like legal issues before the IPO, and emphasize the importance of long-term thinking in public markets.

Ross Andersen, a senior editor at The Atlantic and author of "Welcome to Pleistocene Park," discusses the ambitious project of resurrecting Ice Age ecosystems in Arctic Siberia with lab-grown woolly mammoths. He explores the complexities of gene editing and the ethical dilemmas in playing God. The conversation also delves into the role of large herbivores in combating climate change and the revolutionary concept of using artificial wombs for gestation. Throughout, Andersen emphasizes the need for long-term thinking in conservation and the impact of human actions on ecosystems.

Derek Thompson, a journalist and author of "Hit Makers," joins Adam Alter, an NYU professor and author of "Irresistible," to explore the fine line between popularity and addiction in today’s media landscape. They discuss how familiarity influences our preferences, and why we crave novelty and endless engagement, especially in entertainment. The duo humorously addresses our shrinking attention spans, likening them to goldfish, and highlights the unpredictable factors behind success and virality, all while pondering the impact of smartphones on our relationships.

Marc Levinson, an economist and historian renowned for his insights on economics and everyday life, discusses the profound changes in productivity and retail. He delves into the post-war economic boom's end and highlights the crucial role of microeconomic improvements. The conversation traverses the evolution of retail, particularly the decline of A&P, and the transformative impact of containerization on global supply chains. Levinson also addresses how these factors shape our work and the expectations surrounding economic growth, urging a shift in focus from government policy to grassroots innovation.

Join Jeff Cordova, interim head of software engineering at Rigetti Computing, and Vijay Pande, general partner at Andreessen Horowitz, as they dive into the fascinating world of quantum computing. They discuss how quantum systems are transforming computing architecture and the importance of rethinking algorithms. The conversation explores the role of cloud technology in democratizing access to quantum power and the potential for killer apps that harness this new frontier. Get ready for an insightful expedition into the future of computing!

Andrew McAfee and Erik Brynjolfsson, MIT professors and co-authors, delve into the interplay of technology and economics. They discuss the dynamics between machines and human roles in businesses, emphasizing that successful systems often blend both. The conversation highlights the challenges of decentralization and the constant competitive pressures in tech landscapes. They advocate for a future built on experimentation and collaboration, stressing the importance of harnessing both collective intelligence and AI to navigate tomorrow's complexities.

Heather Podesta, a lawyer and founder of Invariant, and Michael Beckerman, CEO of the Internet Association, unveil the evolving world of tech lobbying. They debunk stereotypes about lobbyists, emphasizing the shift towards transparency and public engagement. The conversation highlights the ongoing challenges for startups against entrenched companies in a slow legislative environment. They also discuss how technology alters advocacy, showcasing the impact of grassroots movements and the need for continuous communication with lawmakers.

Join Herb Lin, a cybersecurity policy expert at Stanford, David Damato, Chief Security Officer at Tanium, and Matt Spence, former White House National Security Council member, as they dive into the complexities of cybersecurity. They discuss the disconnect between boardroom perceptions and real-world threats, the evolving nature of cyber threats versus traditional national security, and the importance of integrating security measures early in tech development. Expect practical insights for enhancing cybersecurity practices within organizations.

Martin Casado, a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz and former general manager at VMware, discusses the evolving landscape of cybersecurity. He argues that we need to shift the focus from a solely digital perspective to a broader security framework that encompasses physical assets and human factors. Casado emphasizes that while cyber threats are serious, the industry has made significant strides in addressing them. By reframing the conversation around security, we can innovate and adapt to a rapidly changing threat environment.