a16z Podcast

Rachel Kalmar, a neuroscientist and wearable tech expert, joins Gary Wolf, co-founder of the Quantified Self movement, and Geoffrey Woo, biohacking innovator, to discuss the evolution of health wearables. They explore how emerging technologies like VR and continuous glucose monitors are revolutionizing self-tracking and personalized healthcare. The conversation highlights the challenges of data interpretation and user adoption, while also pondering the societal implications of a more quantified lifestyle and the potential shift towards mainstream acceptance of biohacking.

Sean Duffy, CEO of Omada Health, and Vijay Pande, a16z bio fund general partner, dive into the transformative potential of digital therapeutics. They discuss how software-based solutions could complement or even replace traditional pharmaceuticals, especially for behavioral health issues. The conversation touches on the surprise effectiveness of older adults using these technologies and the importance of integrating them into healthcare. They also explore the role of AI in enhancing decision-making without replacing human touch, all while pushing towards preventive and value-based care.

Explore the intriguing world of QR codes and their cultural differences in use, particularly between American and Chinese markets. Delve into brain-computer interfaces and the delicate balance between technology and privacy. Discover the emotional nuances shaping social media interactions, and see how augmented reality is set to redefine engagement on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Uncover the evolution of digital content tools and the challenges developers face in creating meaningful experiences that connect users.

In this engaging discussion, Kristen Fortney, CEO of BioAge and expert in anti-aging therapies, explores the frontier of geroscience alongside Dr. Thomas Rando from Stanford. They delve into the fascinating concepts of increasing 'health span' over just longevity. The conversation uncovers groundbreaking treatments like young blood transfusions and senolytics, as well as innovative methods harnessing genomics and technology. They also examine the societal changes needed to embrace these therapies and the potential medical revolution on aging.

Margit Wennmachers, head of marketing at Andreessen Horowitz and co-founder of the OutKast Agency, joins Kim Milosevich from the same firm, previously at Skype, to discuss crisis communications. They explore how crises can transform corporate culture and the importance of early recognition in crisis management. The duo dives into challenges unique to the tech industry, the nuances of corporate apologies, and the essential role of transparency. Ultimately, they reveal how effective crisis management ties to business strategy and values.

James Watters, SVP of Product at Pivotal and an experienced player in monetizing open source software, shares his insights on successfully navigating the challenges of this landscape. He discusses why traditional models may not work anymore and emphasizes the need for strong strategies and community engagement. Watters explores the importance of targeting enterprise clients over developers and provides tips for overcoming enterprise procurement challenges. He also critiques common misconceptions about open source, advocating for robust software strategies that truly meet market demands.

Nadia Eghbal, a former Ford Foundation researcher now at GitHub, and Mikeal Rogers, the community manager at Node.js Foundation, dive into the evolution of open source culture. They discuss how today’s contributors expect open source as a given while nurturing decentralized identities. The pair also highlights the importance of sustaining communities through engaging governance models and the challenges in balancing popularity with community health. Their insights uncover how collaboration is shifting, emphasizing inclusivity and innovative decision-making for project longevity.

Olaf Carlson-Wee, founder of Polychain Capital, discusses innovative investment strategies in the cryptocurrency landscape. He explains how his hedge fund invests directly in blockchain protocols, likening it to buying equity in the early internet. The conversation explores app coins and their potential to decentralize power while fostering new asset classes. They also touch on the evolution of decentralized networks, emphasizing user trust and unique financial incentives in crypto ecosystems. This unique perspective sheds light on the future of ownership in digital spaces.

Jonathan Downey, CEO of Airware, and Grant Jordan, CEO of Skysafe, dive into the future of drone technology and regulation. They discuss the shift from military to commercial use, highlighting fascinating applications in security and inspection. The pair explore the implications of new FAA regulations, balancing innovation with public safety and privacy concerns. Downey and Jordan also address how different sectors will integrate this technology, offering insights on the necessity of regulatory frameworks to pave the way for a harmonious drone-enabled future.

Dr. Christine Darden, an aerospace engineer and one of the mathematicians featured in Hidden Figures, shares her inspiring journey at NASA. She discusses the profound impact of Sputnik on her interest in math and STEM. Darden recounts her challenges as an African-American woman in a male-dominated field, breaking barriers to become a senior manager. She also dives into the complexities of sonic booms, exploring innovations and historical challenges in supersonic flight development, as well as the importance of diversity in engineering.