a16z Podcast

Reshma Sahoni, co-founder of Seedcamp, and Shakil Khan, founder of CoinDesk and early Spotify investor, dive into London's vibrant tech scene. They unpack how European startups scale differently than their Silicon Valley counterparts, stressing the importance of local engagement. The duo highlights emerging companies to watch and the generational shifts in the entrepreneurial mindset, focusing on diversity and global strategies. They also discuss challenges faced by companies like Halo in the European transportation market, offering insights into the evolving landscape.

Geoffrey Woo and Michael Brandt, co-founders of Nootrobox, dive into the world of nootropics—natural cognitive enhancers aimed at boosting mental performance and productivity. They discuss the benefits of these supplements over caffeine, such as improved focus and memory. The conversation touches on the importance of scientific research and transparency in the industry, while exploring the connections between nootropics and trends in biohacking and self-optimization. Can enhancing our brains be the next frontier in personal development? Tune in to find out!

Michelle You, co-founder of Songkick, Nick Babaian, former Skype engineer and co-founder of Lifecake, and Matt Clifford, co-founder of Entrepreneur First, dive into London's unique entrepreneurial ecosystem. They discuss how London's diversity enriches tech startups and the cultural shifts among graduates moving towards entrepreneurship. The guests also explore the impact of DeepMind on fostering local talent and the importance of collaboration between academia and startups in driving innovation. Their insights reveal the distinct advantages of building tech companies beyond Silicon Valley.

Brett Hagler and Alexandria Lafci, co-founders of New Story, share insights on revolutionizing non-profit home building. They discuss the urgent need for permanent housing in Haiti post-earthquake and how their social-media-driven approach blends charity with entrepreneurial strategies. The duo emphasizes innovative fundraising tactics that encourage community engagement, ensuring donor accountability and transparency. They also touch on the importance of building trustworthy partnerships to create sustainable communities and enhance their impact.

In this engaging discussion, Ushma Garg, co-founder and CEO of Gobble, shares insights on how data science is revolutionizing food preparation. She explains the intricate logistics involved in meal planning for large groups, emphasizing the critical role of technology in ensuring efficient delivery during busy occasions like Thanksgiving. Ushma highlights how food companies should view themselves as tech entities, revealing fascinating trends in consumer preferences for nostalgic meals while navigating the evolution of dining experiences and healthy eating habits.

Chandra Krintz, a UC Santa Barbara computer science professor, Sid Gorham, CEO of Granular, and Thibaut Scholasch, co-founder of Fruition Sciences chat about the intersection of technology and agriculture. They discuss how farmers are leveraging smart technologies like sensors for soil health and water management, amidst the challenges posed by climate change. The conversation highlights the balance between tradition and innovation in farming, and the critical role of data for enhancing efficiency and sustainability in crop production.

Rob Rhinehart, the CEO and founder of Soylent, revolutionizes meal convenience with his engineered nutrition product. Joined by Chris Dixon, who invested in Soylent, they explore the skepticism over meal replacements and the changing societal attitudes towards food. They discuss the health implications of convenience foods versus traditional cooking and the sustainability of innovative practices like bioreactors. The pair emphasize the future of food production, highlighting eco-friendly solutions and the quest for efficient, nutritious alternatives.

Nicole Irvin, a tech IPO specialist from Morgan Stanley, joins Steve McDermott from Andreessen Horowitz's corporate development team and managing partner Scott Kupor. They dive into the intricacies of recent IPOs, comparing private and public valuations. Insights include the differing perspectives of investors, the challenges startups face during IPOs, and the debate over public versus private status. They also discuss how new categories like SaaS impact investor perceptions and the evolving landscape of valuations as companies transition to public markets.

Martha Lane Fox, a web entrepreneur and digital skills advocate, joins Russell Davies, a digital strategy expert and former government strategist, to discuss the future of tech in the U.K. They emphasize the importance of inclusivity, particularly for women in the industry, and the need for innovative approaches that differ from Silicon Valley's models. They tackle the role of open data in driving healthcare innovation and explore the unique challenges of technology development in Europe versus the U.S., all while highlighting the importance of privacy and diverse participation in the tech space.

Aubrey de Grey, a former AI specialist turned gerontologist, dives into the captivating world of aging and longevity. He discusses how his tech background uniquely positions him to tackle the biological challenges of aging. The conversation highlights the revolutionary blend of software and biology in extending healthspan, addressing skepticism around unconventional methods, and the pivotal role of information sharing in healthcare innovation. De Grey also explores exciting innovations like stem cell research and CRISPR, underpinning the complex implications of enhanced human longevity.