Invest Like the Best with Patrick O'Shaughnessy

Justin Waldron, co-founder and President of Playco, has been a trailblazer in social gaming since founding Zynga at just 19. He discusses the future of gaming as a social platform, predicting it will become a major tool for content creation. Waldron delves into the concept of 'instant gaming,' emphasizing accessibility and immediate play without downloads. He also explores the transformative role of technology in gaming, community engagement, and the potential for NFTs and digital wallets to revolutionize player interaction. Tune in for insights from a true industry innovator!

Daniel Ek, the visionary founder and CEO of Spotify, shares his insights on navigating the evolving creator economy and the unique challenges of physical technologies. He discusses the shift from traditional monetization models to innovative strategies in music and podcasting, influenced by platforms like TikTok. Alongside Brandon Weir, they delve into investment strategies and the burgeoning potential of Europe in tech. Ek's frameworks for leadership and adaptability shine, making this a captivating conversation on the future of creativity and technology.

Gabby Dizon, co-founder of Yield Guild Games, dives into the booming play-to-earn economy within the metaverse. He discusses how YGG financially empowers players, especially in the Philippines, by facilitating access to blockchain games like Axie Infinity, which has redefined earnings through NFTs. Gabby also delves into the intricate dynamics of decentralized business models and tokenomics, while highlighting the socio-economic impact of digital gaming communities. This conversation offers a visionary glimpse into the evolving landscape of work and value in the metaverse.

Scott Malpass, former CIO of Notre Dame's endowment, shares his insights from 32 years at the helm, growing the endowment from $400 million to over $12 billion. He discusses the critical qualities of great investors and how asset classes have changed over the years. Malpass reveals his strategies for recruiting top talent and building partnerships, notably with Sequoia. They also delve into the importance of mentorship in finance, highlighting relationships that shape success and the evolving landscape of investments, including insights on cryptocurrency.

Dive into Mike Maples, Jr.'s journey from video game developer to successful venture capital partner. Discover the importance of inflection points in startups and how they create opportunities in the market. Learn about the unique culture of startups versus established companies, emphasizing risk-taking and improvisation. Explore the innovative concept of category design and how AI is transforming the venture capital landscape. Finally, reflect on the emotional aspects of entrepreneurship, from embracing failure to the power of kindness and mentorship.

Renata Quintini and Roseanne Wincek, co-founders of Renegade Partners, share their venture capital expertise, diving into investing at the pivotal 'Supercritical Stage.' They discuss their journey from established firms to launching their own, emphasizing strategies for identifying best-in-class talent and evaluating revenue quality. The duo also highlights the importance of founder engagement, strategic partnerships, and how technology influences scalability in startups. Their insights reveal that the best VCs offer more than just capital—they provide essential support and guidance.

Max Simkoff, Founder and CEO of Doma, shares his journey of revolutionizing the mortgage closing process through technology. He delves into the origins and complexities of title insurance, highlighting how machine learning can streamline traditionally slow transactions. Max also discusses the challenges he faced while scaling his company to public status and the critical role of innovative hiring and strategic partnerships. His entrepreneurial spirit and insights into the evolving real estate landscape make for an engaging and informative conversation.

In this discussion, Suzanne Ciani, a pioneering electronic music composer and five-time Grammy nominee, shares her unique journey in the world of music. She reflects on the importance of mentorship and evolving as an artist without seeking approval. Ciani explores the blend of technology and creativity, particularly through her innovative use of the Buchla synthesizer. She also addresses the challenges faced by women in music and the balance between artistic integrity and commercial success in the demanding music industry.

Sameer Shariff, Co-founder and CEO of Cambly, shares his journey from Google to creating an innovative platform that connects English learners with native speakers. He discusses the challenges faced by non-English speakers and the vital role of conversational practice. The conversation delves into Cambly's unique business model and the complexities of matchmaking in language tutoring. Sameer also reflects on his personal growth influenced by parental sacrifices, showcasing how these experiences shaped his entrepreneurial success.

Sridhar Ramaswamy, co-founder and CEO of Neeva, shares his journey from leading Google's ad business to creating an ad-free search engine focused on privacy. He discusses the evolution of search technology, emphasizing user experience and personalization. Ben Claremont from Cove Street Capital adds insights on investment processes and the importance of mentorship. Together, they explore the challenges of traditional advertising models and the balance between revenue opportunities and user satisfaction.