Invest Like the Best with Patrick O'Shaughnessy

Gili Raanan, founder of Cyberstarts and a pioneer in cybersecurity investment, shares insights on the current landscape described as a "perfect storm" of global conflicts and AI advancements. He discusses his innovative "Sunrise" methodology for identifying customer pain points before solution development. The conversation highlights the necessity for resilient talent, personal adversity's role in entrepreneurship, and the significance of Google's acquisition of Wiz, showcasing trends that shape the future of cybersecurity and venture capital.

Alex Wiltschko, founder and CEO of Osmo, is on a mission to digitize the sense of smell, teaching computers to read and write scents. He discusses the revolutionary application of this technology in the fragrance industry, significantly speeding up custom scent creation. The conversation highlights potential uses in counterfeit detection and health monitoring. Alex shares insights into the challenges of scent mapping and how AI is reshaping the future of olfactory experiences, emphasizing the emotional and historical significance of smell.

In this conversation with Kelly Granat, the Co-Chief Investment Officer and Managing Director at Lone Pine Capital, insights into evolving investment strategies over 25 years are shared. Kelly discusses how rigorous fundamental research and a collaborative culture keep Lone Pine ahead. Leadership's role in transforming businesses is highlighted, with stories of corporate turnarounds and effective management traits. She also reflects on adapting to market downturns and the importance of relationships in achieving success, ensuring a blend of investment wisdom and personal growth.

In this engaging conversation, Devon Zuegel, founder of the Esmeralda Institute, shares her vision for creating a new town in California's wine country. She discusses how environments shape our behaviors and creativity, and the challenges of building vibrant communities. Drawing inspiration from her childhood experiences in Chautauqua, Devon emphasizes the importance of proximity for relationships and innovative urban design. She also tackles the financial hurdles of town-building and reflects on the potential for these transformative projects to foster collaboration and cultural values.

Doug Leone, former leader of Sequoia Capital, shares invaluable insights from over 25 years in venture capital. He emphasizes the importance of clarity in decision-making and balancing tough leadership with compassion. Leone discusses common pitfalls in investing, particularly the need to focus on business fundamentals over mere technology trends. He reflects on building competitive advantage, the significance of resilience in the face of market downturns, and the power of simplicity in investment opportunities, leaving listeners with lessons on kindness and integrity.

Chris Pedregal, founder and CEO of Granola, reveals how AI tools can enhance human cognitive capabilities. He discusses historical advancements in cognitive tools and positions AI as the next evolution. The conversation navigates the challenges of building Granola, emphasizing real-time meeting transcriptions that boost productivity and information retention. Pedregal envisions a future where such tools redefine communication and creativity, advocating for tools that make us 'more human' rather than replace us. His insights on small teams driving innovation are particularly compelling.

Ravi Gupta, a Partner at Sequoia Capital and host of the Glue Guys podcast, shares his insights on the transformative power of AI in business. He argues that traditional success metrics are becoming liabilities and highlights the importance of 'magic per employee' and agility. Ravi discusses the strategic shift towards smaller, efficient teams and how adaptability is crucial in this new era. He emphasizes the need for curiosity and humility in navigating AI's complexities, encouraging listeners to embrace the opportunities it presents.

Marc Andreessen, co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz and a leading voice in Silicon Valley, discusses the seismic shifts in technology and geopolitics. He explores the implications of open-source AI, particularly DeepSeek, in the U.S.-China rivalry, while providing insights into the evolving landscape of venture capital. Katie Ellenberg, head of investment operations at Geneva Capital Management, joins in to address the changing dynamics of capital allocation and the vital human connections necessary for nurturing entrepreneurial talent in an increasingly complex market.

Graham Duncan, founder of East Rock Capital, is renowned for his exceptional talent selection in investments. He discusses the importance of empathy in hiring and recognizing candidates' motivations, which can transform traditional recruitment practices. The conversation also dives into fostering creativity through thoughtfully designed workspaces and highlights effective strategies for building strong investment partnerships. Katie Ellenberg adds her insights on the significance of operational efficiency in investment management, enhancing the listener's understanding of modern finance.

Blake Hall, co-founder and CEO of ID.me and former U.S. Army officer, shares compelling insights from his military service, including lessons in leadership and preparation behind a 90% success rate in combat operations. He discusses his transition from the battlefield to founding a tech startup aimed at streamlining digital identity verification. Topics include the critical role of identity in preventing fraud, navigating startup challenges, and building strong company culture. With Katie Ellenberg from Geneva Capital, they explore the profound impacts of tech on the modern economy.