The Khanversation with Imran Khan

Jason Wilk, Founder and CEO of Dave, shares his entrepreneurial journey from selling golf gear to redefining neobanking. He dives into the unique micro-lending model that avoids credit checks and how he harnessed AI to enhance customer support. Wilk also reflects on the rollercoaster of going public, discussing the challenges of a stock collapse and the strategic decisions that fueled his comeback. His insights on resilience and building a remote team offer valuable lessons for aspiring founders.

In this discussion, Andy Browne, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and former China Editor at The Wall Street Journal, takes a deep dive into China's evolution from isolation to a global economic powerhouse. He explores Xi Jinping's rise to power and the nationalistic policies reshaping China's global influence. The conversation also addresses the challenges in U.S.-China relations, the complexities surrounding Taiwan, and the strategic approaches companies are taking to navigate this competitive landscape. Insights from Browne’s unique experiences offer a nuanced perspective on these critical issues.

Tom Lee, founder of Fundstrat and a seasoned market strategist, shares insights from over 30 years in finance. He emphasizes the importance of emotional discipline and introduces the ‘three-quarter rule’ for evaluating company performance. Lee also discusses his early belief in Bitcoin as a store of value and its potential trajectory over the next decade. Furthermore, he analyzes the current macroeconomic landscape, addressing how recent tariff changes might shape market dynamics and the outlook for U.S. companies amidst recession fears.

Adam Singolda, founder and CEO of Taboola and a former coder in Israel’s elite cyber unit, shares his intriguing journey in the adtech world. He reflects on the highs and lows of building Taboola, including innovative strategies like the guaranteed revenue model that reshaped publisher relationships. The conversation delves into the evolution of advertising from contextual to performance-based, the role of AI in this transition, and insights on mentorship and hiring for company culture. Singolda also discusses the future of ad tech, emphasizing the shift towards collaborative partnerships.

In a fascinating discussion, Michael Strain, a Georgetown University professor and senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, delves into U.S. trade policy and the implications of tariffs. He challenges common narratives about manufacturing decline, arguing that technology plays a bigger role. The conversation highlights the complex relationship between tariffs, trade deficits, and international alliances. Strain also examines market reactions, including rising bond yields, and warns of the economic risks posed by escalating trade tensions.

Somesh Dash, General Partner at IVP, shares insights from his two decades in venture capital. He discusses the essential traits of successful founders, the impact of AI on investments, and the significance of optimism in building companies like Discord. Somesh reflects on Snap's IPO journey and the challenges it's faced, while also examining the rise of Special Purpose Vehicles and their implications for investor transparency. The conversation emphasizes the evolving dynamics of tech investing and the importance of adapting to market changes.

Andrew Dudum, founder and CEO of Hims & Hers Health, shares his captivating journey from dropping out of Wharton to pioneering a transformative digital health platform. He reveals how a regulatory shift sparked the telemedicine boom and discusses the importance of technology in personalizing patient care. Andrew elaborates on his company's vision for the future, aiming to redefine healthcare access and quality, while also exploring how AI can revolutionize the patient experience. Tune in for insights on scaling growth and addressing stigmas in healthcare.

Imran’s illustrious career as a Wall Street heavy hitter, C-Suite tech operator, and hedge fund founder has been powered by a quest to learn. With the help of his guests, Imran will dive deep into areas outside his own expertise to have Khanversations that spark curiosity and inspire learning.