Minus One

Baiju Bhatt, co-founder of Robinhood, now leads Aetherflux, which aims to integrate space into the global energy system. He discusses building from first principles and the challenges faced during Robinhood's launch, influenced by his immigrant background. The conversation dives into the evolution of the space industry, highlighting economic opportunities in low Earth orbit and concepts like space solar power. Baiju emphasizes the joy of innovation and solving challenging problems, reflecting on how personal experiences shape entrepreneurial journeys.

Gary Vaynerchuk, CEO of VaynerMedia and bestselling author, dives into the evolving landscape of content driven by AI. He discusses how brands like PepsiCo and Chanel convert consumer attention into business growth. Vaynerchuk emphasizes the importance of personal branding and authentic content in an age where AI reigns. He explores the delicate balance between technology and human connection, advocating for kindness in business. The dialogue also touches on the future of consumer engagement, cryptocurrency, and preserving humanity in a tech-driven world.

Bret Taylor, former CTO of Facebook and co-creator of Google Maps, now co-founder of Sierra, dives into the evolution of tech in the age of AI. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing customer needs over technology. The discussion touches on the transformative effects of AI on coding, lessons from different company cultures, and the vital role of advisors in tech startups. Taylor also shares insights on how innovations like ChatGPT could reshape education, illustrating the balance between new tools and traditional methods.

Naveen Tewari, the Founder and CEO of InMobi and Glance, shares his inspiring journey of building a global ad-tech company from scratch. He discusses his early failures and the grit required to pursue mobile technology in India when it wasn’t yet ready. Tewari emphasizes the power of perseverance and unity among teams, while also advocating for mindfulness practices amidst entrepreneurial chaos. He reflects on the importance of bold strategies and innovative thinking in navigating the challenges of the startup world.

Rana Adhikari, a groundbreaking experimental physicist and winner of the 2019 New Horizons in Physics Breakthrough Prize, discusses his fascinating path in science. He shares his humorous experiences with the LIGO project and the unexpected challenges of measuring minuscule movements. Topics include the role of intuition and creativity in problem-solving, the impact of large language models on scientific research, and the cultural considerations in establishing a LIGO facility in India. Additionally, he tackles the mysteries of black holes, sparking curiosity about the universe.

Soleio, Facebook’s second designer, reflects on his remarkable journey from music aficionado to tech pioneer. He discusses the emotional layer of the internet, particularly how tools like Figma and Framer are reshaping design. Soleio emphasizes the impact of AI in creative collaboration and explores the importance of empathy in digital interactions. He also shares insights on the innovative culture of Silicon Valley, capturing the essence of unconventional thinking that drives tech advancements and fosters human connections.

Balaji Srinivasan, an angel investor and bestselling author of The Network State, brings a fresh perspective on technology and globalization. He discusses the growing innovation landscape in India, contrasting it with the challenges faced in the U.S. Balaji highlights how Silicon Valley is losing its influence and explores the immigration hurdles that Indian entrepreneurs encounter. He also shares insights on the potential of special economic zones to spur growth and the shifting global narrative towards emerging economies.

David Baszucki, CEO and co-founder of Roblox and former physics simulation innovator, shares insights on Roblox's evolution into a major digital economy. He discusses the shift from educational tools to a user-driven gaming platform, highlighting key challenges and innovations. The conversation also explores the essential traits of successful founders and the future of tech, including AI integration. Baszucki's ambitious vision aims to capture a significant share of the global gaming market while fostering a vibrant creator community.

In this engaging conversation, sci-fi author Neal Stephenson discusses his experiences as a co-founder of a startup and reflects on the parallels between AI and the nuclear age. Ken Liu delves into the role of narrative in shaping reality and the potential of AI to enhance creativity. Joscha Bach explores consciousness and AGI, contemplating what it means to be human in a tech-driven world. Investor Cyan Banister emphasizes the importance of spotting trends for future opportunities. Together, they explore how fiction can serve as a roadmap for innovation.

In this engaging conversation, Adam D’Angelo, Co-founder and CEO of Quora and former CTO of Facebook, shares his journey from coding in middle school to shaping major tech platforms. He dives into the early strategies that fueled user growth at Facebook and Quora. Adam also discusses the evolution of AI, emphasizing the importance of a first-principles approach to understanding these powerful models. He reflects on leadership challenges in tech, the balance between hands-on involvement and management, and the significance of deep user empathy in product development.