a16z Podcast

Andrew Rubin, CEO of the cloud security startup Illumio, and Gaurav Banga, co-founder of Bromium, dive into the dynamic world of enterprise security. They discuss the clash between rapid business agility and the need for robust protection. Rubin highlights the challenges of understanding security while moving at breakneck speed, while Banga advises leaders to study the economics of crime to rethink their strategies. The conversation touches on innovative concepts like micro-segmentation and the necessity of adaptive measures against inevitable breaches.

Christopher Nguyen, co-founder and CEO of Adatao and former Google executive, delves into the intricate relationship between big data and machine learning. He compares machine learning to human learning and discusses how qualitative data prevails over mere quantity. Nguyen highlights the evolution of technologies like Hadoop and Spark, and explores how these advancements redefine business intelligence. He also emphasizes the need for intuitive applications that enhance decision-making by adapting to human behavior in an increasingly data-driven world.

Sten Tamkivi, CEO and co-founder of Teleport.org, explores the evolving landscape of career locations in the tech world. He discusses how the allure of Silicon Valley is balanced by high costs and changing workplace dynamics. Tamkivi shares insights from his Skype experience and the importance of global talent. The conversation touches on the benefits of remote work, the unique strengths of emerging innovation hubs, and strategies for effective collaboration across diverse teams. He emphasizes making informed choices about where to build a career or a company.

Orion Hindawi, CTO of Tanium, tackles the pressing issues of cybersecurity hygiene. He emphasizes that organizations often fail to act on known vulnerabilities, leading to preventable breaches. Hindawi dispels myths about the sophistication of attacks, advocating for a return to fundamental security practices. He discusses the need for cultural changes in business attitudes toward security and highlights the importance of collaboration between security and operations teams. Finally, he stresses that proactive measures and basic hygiene are essential for robust protection.

Ash Carter, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, shares his insights on the evolving partnership between Silicon Valley and the Department of Defense. He critiques GPS vulnerabilities and proposes new, integrated systems for greater accuracy. Carter discusses the role of the Defense Department as a major technology buyer and the challenges startups face when contracting with the government. He emphasizes the need for innovation through experimental approaches and stronger connections between developers and users in defense, particularly to bolster cybersecurity.

Parker Conrad, CEO and co-founder of Zenefits, shares his journey of transforming his startup from being banned in Utah to gaining government approval. He discusses the anxiety of being in a less visible industry like HR software and the importance of customer advocacy in overcoming regulatory hurdles. Conrad emphasizes the need for proactive communication with government officials and highlights Utah's evolving tech landscape, showcasing how collaboration can foster innovation while addressing regulatory challenges.

Michael Casey and Paul Vigna, Wall Street Journal journalists and co-authors of 'The Age of Cryptocurrency,' delve into the evolving perspective on Bitcoin. They outline its journey from disdain to acceptance, highlighting critical moments in Wall Street's acknowledgment of blockchain. The duo discusses how Bitcoin redefines trust in currency through decentralization and emphasizes its potential to transform finance, especially for the unbanked. With today's financial vulnerabilities, they argue Bitcoin could be key to restoring faith in currency.

Kim Zetter, a senior staff writer at Wired and author of Countdown to Zero Day, dives into the world of cyber hacks. She discusses the evolution of hacking techniques, from phishing to sophisticated state-sponsored attacks, revealing the increasing organization behind these threats. Zetter analyzes high-profile incidents like the Sony hack, questioning motivations and attributing blame. She also underscores the necessity for companies to adapt their cybersecurity practices amid these growing risks, emphasizing the balance between convenience and safety in cloud data security.

Seth Sternberg, co-founder of Honor and former Meebo team member, teams up with Sandy Jen, Honor's Head of Engineering, to reshape senior care through technology. They discuss how to prioritize emotional well-being while ensuring seniors can remain at home longer. The duo emphasizes the importance of user-friendly tech that fosters human interactions, community connections, and personalized care. Their journey is not just about innovation but also about creating meaningful solutions driven by personal experiences and a commitment to enhancing the lives of the elderly.

Benedict Evans, a Venture Partner at Andreessen Horowitz and expert on technology trends, shares fascinating insights on the future of messaging as a platform. He discusses how smartphones have transformed into social hubs, enhancing user data access. The conversation shifts to Facebook's strategic acquisitions and their influence on user engagement. Evans also examines Facebook's control over content and the competitive dynamics with Apple and Google in mobile notifications, hinting at the innovative challenges that lie ahead.