Shows
More or Less#109 OpenAI vs Google: The Real Business Model War BeginsThis week on More or Less, Sam Lessin, Brit Morin, and Dave Morin dive into the startup world and how today's founders need to bring fun back into the ecosystem, why most public policy around AI is just noise, whether Apple’s best move is to simply not care about AI hype, and the business model reckoning for OpenAI. Stay till the very end for a sneaky savage moment from Brit!Chapters:02:00 – The Real Reason Early VC Worked: Fun03:50 – Authentic Fun vs. Fake Fun in Startups05:40 – AI Hacks, JSON, an...2025-07-2556 minMore or Less#108 Meta vs. OpenAI: Who Wins the Next Attention War?In this episode of More or Less, we dive into the shifting landscape of AI, attention, and business models. From the rise of ChatGPT as both productivity tool and entertainment, to the coming collision between commerce and AI-driven recommendations, the Morins and Lessins debate what’s hype, what’s real, and where the next big opportunities are for startups and VCs. Plus: the truth about local news, why coding is fun again, and a pop culture corner you won’t want to miss. Chapters:01:30 – Wedding Stories & The Early Jackson Hole Days03:00 – Interviewing Mark Zuckerberg...2025-07-1859 minMore or Less#107 Anatoly Yakovenko: Crypto Isn’t for Everyone (And That’s a Good Thing)We’re joined by a very special guest, Solana founder Anatoly Yakovenko for a wide-ranging conversation on crypto, tech, and what’s next. He breaks down the “punks, hoodies, suits” cycle, why AI is just a product while crypto is a movement, and how stablecoins are quietly driving global USD adoption. He shares his $1T stablecoin prediction, explains the Solana phone’s goal to challenge app store monopolies, and argues that crypto’s future lies not in mass adoption, but in serving a small group of high-value users.Chapters:00:00 Intro & Anatoly’s Backstory2025-07-1156 minMore or Less#106: AI Researchers Earning More Than Cristiano RonaldoThis week, the gloves come off. We're diving into Meta's raid on OpenAI, asking if Mark Zuckerberg is the new Yankees of AI and who will be the 'Moneyball' underdog. Plus, a hot take on why usage-based pricing for AI is a flawed model, the challenge of creating 'God-tier' content that works everywhere, and why AI researchers are now earning more than soccer superstars. It's a packed episode you don't want to miss!Chapters:00:00 - Intro01:18 - X vs. Threads: A Tale of Two Internets04:38 - The “God Content” Challenge: Can You...2025-07-0455 minMore or Less#105: Tesla, Bumble, And Bezos' Wedding - Everything Is A MessJoin the More or Less crew for a Summer Edition from the cabins! We dive into how AI is reshaping hiring, the future of resumes, the rise of agentic coding assistants, and why service businesses suck (unless you're Brit doing a fun side-hustle ). As always, we tackle the latest in tech news from The Information, from OpenAI's copyright battles to the next phase of Bumble and the realities of Tesla's Robotaxis. We’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessSpotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspodConnect with...2025-06-2750 minMore or Less#104: AI Clones, Commoditized Ads, and the Cult of TrustThis week on More or Less, we dive into the escalating AI talent wars, Meta’s bold moves, and what the latest hires really mean for the future of AI innovation. The More or Less team break down why product execution is overtaking research wizardry, what's happening between OpenAI and Microsoft, and how AI is reshaping inbound for all markets.We’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessSpotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspodConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Je...2025-06-2053 minMore or Less#103: Are Silicon Valley’s Mega-Deals Just Talent Grabs?This week on More or Less: Is Austin out-innovating San Francisco in self-driving tech? Why Apple’s WWDC liquid glass announcement a bigger deal than you think. The real story behind Meta’s $14B Scale AI move, and the new economics of AI talent. Plus, what’s next for startup investing in an era where talent trumps business models. We’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessSpotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspodConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicales...2025-06-131h 09More or Less#102: Snap Spectacles, Build-A-Bear, and the Myth of the Everything AppThis week on More or Less, we debate whether tech culture is unwatchable, why “Substacker” might be the last job standing, and if Build-A-Bear is secretly the next great AI company (move over, Nvidia). Plus: the real risks of self-driving Teslas on field trips, the myth of the “everything app,” and why the future just might be all about vibes. Come for the hot takes, stay for the man cave updates.Takeways: - The film 'Mountain Head' received mixed reviews, with some finding it unwatchable.- Substack's CEO predicts that 'substacker' will be one of the six main jobs in the f...2025-06-0654 minMore or Less#101: The Business of OnlyFans, Future of Identity, and Navigating Privacy in the AI AgeThis week on More or Less: Investors too squeamish for OnlyFans, AI makes the creator economy weirder (and richer), and why your next ETF might be Mormon. Plus, the real reason nobody watches your full podcast, and a healthy dose of tech industry self-roasting. TakeawaysOnlyFans presents a unique investment opportunity despite its controversial nature.Market dynamics in the sex work industry are shifting due to platforms like OnlyFans.Investment perspectives on controversial industries are evolving with societal changes.Digital identity verification is becoming increasingly important in the tech landscape.AI is transforming...2025-05-3056 minMore or Less#100: OpenAI Teams Up with Jony Ive, Vibe Coding, Gemini, and MoreThis week, Sam and Dave are joined by a very special guest: Synthetic Fidji. Yes, an AI version of Fidji Simo, created after the real one politely declined (hey, the show must go on, okay?).They get into:the bull and bear case for vibe codingGemini vs. GPT (is Sam having second thoughts?)why GitHub might be quietly, ruthlessly winning the AI dev racethe identity crisis no one’s cracked with LLMsPlus: OpenAI just spent $6 billion on hardware to team up with Jony Ive, the MEO phone is su...2025-05-231h 00More or Less#99: The Airbnb Strategy Nobody’s Talking AboutWhat happens when Sam gets fed up with shady secondary brokers mid-recording? He starts vibe coding a platform to replace them—live on the pod!On this week’s More or Less, the gang dives deep into the messy mechanics of the secondary markets and how early cashouts might be a bigger red flag than anyone wants to admit.Plus:Airbnb’s déjà vu product strategyThe quiet crisis in venture liquidity (and who’s actually good at selling)OpenAI’s new “CEO of Application...2025-05-1649 minMore or Less#98: OpenAI Acquires Windsurf for $3B, Google's Stock DipsThe countdown to Episode 100 is on, but this week, it's more news and less Sam.Jessica, Brit, and Dave dig into a jam-packed week across tech, AI, VC, and culture—starting with Dave topping a surprise list of top angel investors (yes, above Peter Thiel), raising questions about who really shows up on cap tables and why no women made the cut.The crew unpack:Windsurf’s $3B acquisition by OpenAIApple’s potential move to replace Google with its own AI search in SafariA historic week of M&A with...2025-05-0956 min
The Scott ShowRIP Venture Factory and The State of VC 2025 with Sam LessinScott sits down with venture capitalist, essayist, and Slow Ventures GP Sam Lessin for a candid, high-signal conversation about the state of venture capital—and why the old playbook is officially dead. Sam unpacks the ideas behind his viral VC25 manifesto, including why the startup conveyor belt model is broken, how today’s founders are flying blind, and what it really takes to build something worth betting on in a post-factory era.
Together, Scott and Sam dive deep into the evolving role of seed investors, the myth of the “10x engineer,” and why most unicorns are now zombified corpses soaking up capit...2025-05-0238 minMore or Less#97: How OpenAI Is Beating Google and Meta at Their Own GameJess, Sam, Brit, and Dave are back on More or Less with plenty to unpack—from Meta and Google’s AI sprawl to Snap’s fading relevance and the monetization questions hanging over tech.Here’s what they get into:– Why OpenAI is crushing the consumer AI game– Sam’s new startup: The Ruck Rock fitness empire– Meta’s AI app confusion (and Ray-Ban power moves)– Snap’s ad crash—and a left-field fix involving Sam Altman– AI and mental health: the risks no one’s talking about...2025-05-0249 minMore or Less#96: Google & Meta on Trial, Tesla, AI & MediaJess, Sam, Brit, and Dave returned from spring break to catch up on chaotic headlines from the last week — from Tesla’s bad quarter to Google’s courtroom drama.On the docket:– the antitrust cases shaking up Google, Meta, and the entire ad economy – is OpenAI quietly building the next Facebook? – Sam’s theory on “zombiecorns” – is OnlyFans the new Uber?We’re also on ↓X: https://x.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessSpotify: https://podcast...2025-04-2559 minMore or Less#95: OpenAI’s Social Network & Figma’s Potential IPOWith Jess and Sam taking the week off Brit and Dave are joined by two leading voices in venture and tech: Ben Lerer (Managing Partner, Lerer Hippeau) and Morgan Beller (General Partner, NFX; Co-creator of Libra). Together, they dive into the shifting tides of tech, venture, and AI:– OpenAI’s next move: A social network?– Venture’s broken math– The ‘AI’ label inflation, and– Figma’s IPO and what it signals for techPlus, Ben and Morgan weigh space travel risks—...2025-04-1848 minMore or Less#94: Will Elon Quit DC? Trump’s Chaos & AI’s China Threat (with Joanna Coles)This week on More or Less, Jessica hosts with Joanna Coles, Chief Content Officer at The Daily Beast, while Sam, Dave, and Brit are off for “spring break”!They explore:• Elon’s DC stint• Trump’s cabinet leaks: Leaks fuel Rubio-Elon tension• China’s AI edge: Cheap tech shakes Valley’s leadPlus, Joanna ponders plastic surgery risks in space—will implants hold up?Featuring: Joanna Coles: https://x.com/JoannaColesThe Daily Beast: https://www.thedaily...2025-04-1154 minMore or Less#93: Can Tesla Survive?This week on More or Less: Tesla reports a steep drop in deliveries, investor confidence wavers, and BYD continues to close in. The crew also dives into:Elon’s "Fake News": More Drama, Less DOGEOpenAI’s record-breaking $40B raiseTikTok’s algo standoff, andThe UFC’s deal with MetaPlus: Brit’s True Crime fascination with the Deel v. Rippling spy story!We’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessSpotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspod2025-04-0452 minMore or Less#92: The Signal Scandal & DOGE Drama! (with Ben Smith and Nicholas Carlson)The debate is heating up—DC and Silicon Valley are deeply split over DOGE. This week on More or Less, Jessica and Brit hold down the fort (while the husbands ski Alaska’s powder) with media heavyweights Ben Smith of Semafor and Nick Carlson of Dynamo. This week’s big swings:• The Signal Group Chat Scandal• DOGE divides: Silicon Valley cheers efficiency, DC smells ideology• China’s BYD overtakes Tesla: Is Elon losing supporters?Plus, whispers of fake AI revenue, Ch...2025-03-2855 minMore or Less#91: Google’s $32B Deal and a Silicon Valley Spy Scandal!Silicon Valley’s heating up—and we’ve got the inside scoop.This week on More or Less, Jessica, Dave, Sam, and Brit unpack a whirlwind of drama: Google’s $32B Wiz grab, rippling’s spy scandal with Deel, and Gwyneth Paltrow’s bold intimacy coordinator diss. Dave’s back from YC Demo Day, where AI-driven startups are still fetching 25 to 40 million despite shaky traction.Here’s what’s cooking:• Google’s Wiz deal—will Trump’s FTC let it fly?• Rippling vs. Deel: a spy caught in a Slack honeyp...2025-03-211h 00More or Less#90: Silicon Valley Unscripted: Billionaires, AI, and Interplanetary ExplorationOn this week's episode of More or Less, Jessica, Dave, Sam, and Brit tackle a chaotic week hashing out Waymo’s Peninsula push, Sam’s million-dollar Mars wager with Brit, and YC’s agentic AI craze—fresh from ski season vibes and office debates.Also on the deck this episode:• Waymo’s expansion has Jessica ditching Lyft (almost)• Sam vs. Brit: a million bucks on Mars colonization odds• TikTok’s sale—Oracle’s in, but ByteDance might still call the shots• Anthropic’s CEO says AI will write all code soon—e...2025-03-1456 minMore or Less#89: America’s Crypto Reserve, Nvidia’s $600M Hit & Digg’s ComebackMarkets move fast—sometimes too fast.This week, Jessica, Dave, Sam, and Brit dissect Trump’s crypto reserve play, Nvidia’s AI stumbles, and how nostalgia is sneaking back into everything. Recorded amidst ski trips, surf plans, and a billboard that’s trolling AI hype, the crew unpacks it all.Also on deck:• Core Weave’s $1.7B AI cloud grab signals robotics is the new VC darling• Reports of Discord going public?Plus, Jessica’s surf weekend drama, Sam’s “Tr...2025-03-0753 minMore or Less#88: Meta’s $200B AI Bet, Instagram Reels & The Future of ContentWhat happens when the biggest VCs, LPs, and founders cram into one basketball stadium? Deals get made, gossip flies, and Dave and Brit Morin find themselves in a very questionable hotel situation. Reporting live from LA, they break down everything happening at Upfront Summit—or at least, everything they overheard by the coffee station.On deck this episode:• is Bezos finally embracing his role as a media mogul?• Meta’s $200B spend vs. Grok’s lightning-fast scale• what really went...2025-02-281h 00More or Less#87: SKIMS To Revive Nike? AI Drama & The Satoshi MysteryElon Musk trolled Jessica on X—at least, that’s how it seems.Was it just a marketing stunt for Grok 3, with The Information as the sacrificial lamb?Plus, Humane’s AI pin flopped, but HP swooped in for a $160M “rescue.”What does this mean for the AI hardware race? Sam has some strong opinions (spoiler: he’s not a fan of AI printers).And the internet’s latest rabbit hole: Could Jack Dorsey actually be Satoshi?2025-02-211h 02More or Less#86: Elon’s $97B Curveball For OpenAIElon Musk just threw OpenAI into chaos with a $97 billion bid for its nonprofit arm. But does he actually want it—or is it just for the memes?Meanwhile, Slow Ventures has secured $60M to bet on the future of creators, and Brit and Jessica predict the rise of serial influencers.Oh, and Google Maps is broken. Seriously. All that and more in Episode #86 of More or Less.We’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspod I...2025-02-141h 02More or Less#85: The $250M Meme Coin ExperimentSam and Dave had been toying with the idea of making $$ from meme mania, but after last week’s pod, they may have taken it a little too seriously.They launched Jelly-My-Jelly ($JELLYJELLY), a meme coin that shot up to $250M—thanks, in part, to Venmo co-founder Iqram Magdon-Ismail.What happened next? Tune in to Episode #85 to find out.We’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessSpotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show...2025-02-071h 10More or Less#84: China's DeepSeek Shakes the Tech WorldDeepSeek—a name no one had even heard of until last week—has since given Big Tech a run for its money.
Soon after the news, they torched $1 trillion from Nvidia and other giants' market caps.
And while AI researchers call it “distillation,” aren’t LLMs recursive by design? Everyone’s distilling someone else’s work.
The real question: Did DeepSeek actually crack efficient training? Or just drop the right meme at the right time?
We’re also on ↓
X: https://t...2025-01-311h 03More or Less#83: Trump Inauguration, Stargate, and the Meme EconomyStargate—a $500 billion AI venture straight from Trump 2.0's White House—has all the drama of a sci-fi blockbuster.
But instead of aliens (like in the movie from 30 years ago), we’ve got Elon Musk, Satya Nadella, and Sam Altman trading shots.
“SoftBank doesn’t have the money,” Elon posted on X, while Microsoft’s Nadella shot back, “I’m good for my $80 billion.” Meanwhile, Altman’s keeping things spicy with OpenAI already breaking ground.
Also on the docket:
• $TRUMP token,
• the inauguration at...2025-01-2451 minMore or Less#82: TikTok, Trade Wars & Tech 2.0On this week’s episode of More or Less, Meta kills DEI and fact-checking (right after their $27B moderation exit), Zuck's talking "masculine energy" on Rogan, and TikTok's facing a ban while DJI mysteriously drops US flight restrictions. It's not even February.
We also share opinions on:
• why tech's gender gap persists (18% of CS grads are women)
• whether Elon's X could inherit TikTok's distribution
• what NYC's congestion tax reveals about tech's bubble
Just another week in Silicon Valley's great realignment.
We’re also on ↓
X: https://twitter.com/moreorle...2025-01-1754 minMore or Less#81: Meta's Community Notes: More Speech and Fewer Mistakes?Meta is ditching fact-checkers, Nvidia hitting $3T, and everyone is building robots for some reason. Episode # 81 of More or Less kicks off 2025 by asking:
• How much of Zuck's community notes pivot is political theater?
• Can NVIDIA actually pull off this "mega omniverse" industrial AI play?
• Will companies thrive as the great tech exodus accelerates?
Plus: Sam explains why centralized moderation was always destined to fail (backed by that wild 30% spike in misinfo post-fact-checking), Dave remains unimpressed by CES's 170,000-person gadget circus, and Brit introduces us to Gen...2025-01-1049 minMore or Less#80: The More or Less Holiday Special Pt. 2 (Crypto and Antitrust)Time for Part 2 of our More or Less highlights special! We've curated some clips to check off our tech bingo card for 2024.
This past year gave us Trump swapping press rooms for podcasts, the DOJ taking swings at Big Tech, BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF hitting record highs ($50B AUM) and—because why not—a government department named after DOGE, a not so subtle nod to Trump's pro-crypto stance.
What's in store for 2025?
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Instagra...2025-01-041h 11More or Less#79: The More or Less Holiday Special Pt. 1 (AI Highlights)Welcome to Part 1 of the More or Less highlights special! We’re taking a look back at an action-packed year in AI, from groundbreaking developments to game-changing predictions about the future. Don’t miss this collection of standout moments and stay tuned for Part 2!
We’re also on ↓
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1) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit
2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin
3...2024-12-271h 40More or Less#78: 2024 Tech Company of the Year + 2025 PredictionsIn this episode, the Morins & Lessins dive into the highs and lows of 2024 to uncover who came out on top.
Google made a strong showing, but are they well-positioned for the long haul? Waymo keeps moving the needle with self-driving cars and big moves in AI, making it a strong contender for years to come.
Apple? They’ve been a bit slow to innovate this year, but don’t count them out just yet. Meta really hit their stride in 2024, proving the naysayers wrong. AI? Check. Hardware? Check. Will they...2024-12-201h 09More or Less#77: Sora Reveal, Google's AI Agents and Digital Trade Under TrumpHow will OpenAI's latest video technology affect the creator ecosystem? Could this new tech pave the way for a new type of entertainment?
Also in this episode ↓
- Does Google have a lead in the AI race?
- Should digital trade play a larger role in policy discussions?
- The End of the Eras Tour and Sam's Pink Pilates Princess Strut Pop Season
We’re also on ↓
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Spotif...2024-12-1356 minMore or Less#76: In a World with 99.99% Accurate AI… (feat. Aaron Levie)What’s it like being the CEO of Box and a full-time internet meme lord? Well… ask Aaron Levie.
In this episode, he joins Jess, Dave, and Sam to answer:
• what it’s like being a “toxic Bitcoin maxi” as the price soars past $100k
• more or less M&A for MAANG
• how far we are from AGI
We’re also on ↓
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Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.c...2024-12-061h 09More or Less#75: The Rise of the Tech BroThe artist vs. tech bros—classic tension or chaos ahead?
In EP 75, Brit, Dave, and Jess are joined by Matt Vascellaro as they dive into:
• Sora's leak and the fiery backlash from Hollywood
• The uneasy marriage of AI and art, and why the "right" UI still feels like chasing rainbows
• And, of course, the rise (and roast) of the Bay Area tech bro
We’re also on ↓
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Spotify: https...2024-11-291h 02More or Less#74: Winding Down From a $400M Fundraise, or How to Move Forward After Forward (with Adrian Aoun)Meet Adrian Aoun—an OG listener and one of Alphabet’s best-kept secrets. He recently wound down Forward, his company that set out to reinvent the doctor’s office with AI.
He joins Brit, Dave, and Jess in this episode to explore the exit, Adrian’s hardware + software play with CarePods, and what it means to create a generational company for healthcare.
Also on the agenda:
• is primary care venture-scalable?
• are Elon & Trump BFFs??
• Optimus for the military???
We’re also on ↓
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Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify...2024-11-221h 04More or Less#73: Elon to Lead DOGE, Bitcoin Surges & the Trump AllianceWith Musk’s bio now updated to read, “The people voted for major government reform,” it’s clear he’s not just dabbling in policy.
In this episode, the Morins and Lessins break down what it means for democracy when a “super VC” like Musk mingles tech interests with government influence.
Also on the docket:
- will Bitcoin surge to $100K?
- monetization for LLMs, and
- the new wave of Silicon Valley internships in government
We’re also on ↓
2024-11-151h 01More or Less#72: Trump's Influencer Strategy Pays Off and the Future of App Building (with Guillermo Rauch!)Are incumbent media networks losing ground?
Kamala stuck to broadcast media, while Trump bypassed traditional filters and reached audiences as an influencer, taking his message to Rogan and Fridman.
Among concerns over echo chambers and AI-controlled narratives, there’s a flip side—more people now have a platform, giving everyone a voice.
Guillermo Rauch of Vercel says “everyone needs to be empowered to create.” The more people who can build their own platforms and apps, the more we decentralize the conversation.
Tune in as we break down the election aftermath and the future of content in a post-AI world.
We’re al...2024-11-081h 09More or Less#71: Big Tech Earnings and the AI RevolutionIn this episode, the crew dives into why no self-respecting Silicon Valley developer is ditching AI tools anytime soon.
Sam and Jess go back and forth on Snap’s subscription model and whether it can stand up to Meta’s dominance.
Plus, Bezos seems wary of a potential Trump comeback.
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1) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit
2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin
3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin
4) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2024-11-011h 04More or Less#70: Is Apple’s Vision Out of Focus?Apple’s Vision Pro has had its fair share of challenges.
Initially aiming for 3 million units, the forecast adjusted down to 900,000, then 800,000, and ultimately?
Just 450,000 sold.
For a $3,500 device, that's a tough spot to be in.
Going from developer kit to flagship in a hurry? Classic Apple.
In this episode, the Morins and Lessins talk about:
- Apple vs Meta on AR
- AI & mental health, and...2024-10-251h 05More or Less#69: Robots, Rockets, and Elon HypeElon’s robots are real... kind of?
On this episode of More or Less, we take a deep dive into the duality of Tesla.
Are we witnessing the future or yet another Disney ride?
Tune in as Brit, Dave, Sam, and Jess unpack:
• Tesla’s We, Robot event
• Why the retail army craves Planet Elon
• Waymo & the future of robovehicles
• Late-stage capitalism
We’re also on ↓
X: https://x.com...2024-10-1855 minMore or Less#68: Google's Antitrust Saga Continues…Google’s enjoyed a monopoly-sized head start for a while.
But it now looks like the DOJ’s ready to throw a wrench in its works.
Is a breakup of the search giant on the cards?
In EP 068 of the pod, Brit, Dave, and Jess talk all things:
- antitrust and Google,
- screen time and parental control, and
- why leveraging AI for consumer apps might still be a pipe dream.
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1) Brit Morin: h...2024-10-111h 02More or Less#67: OpenAI Sets a Record and Will Apple Make Its Next Move?OpenAI Sets a Record and Will Apple Make Its Next Move?
00:00 - Introduction and The @VCBrags Twitter Account04:48 - The Sam and Dave Contest07:15 - OpenAI's Record-Breaking Funding Round13:04 - OpenAI's Product Strategy Shift18:05 - The Future of A.I. and Consumer Experiences19:28 - Apple's Potential in the A.I. Space26:23 - The Impact of A.I. on Software Development33:55 - Dave's Three A.I. Buckets: Fast, Slow, and Edge Models35:54 - Insane Evaluations and VC Funds39:24 - How Japan's Declining Birthrate is a Good Thing43:10...2024-10-0450 minMore or Less#65: Instagram, YouTube and the KidsPlus, China, the supply chain and Sam climbs a mountain.
MrBeast Strategy Doc: https://cybernews.com/news/mrbeast-leaked-pdf-spills-secrets-how-to-be-successful-on-youtube/
0:00 - Introduction and Debriefing Sam's Mountain Climbing Trip
5:50 - Instagram's New Teen Controls
10:20 - The Role of Tech Companies in Child Safety
12:34 - YouTube's New Hype Feature
13:30 - MrBeast's Leaked Strategy Doc
15:00 - Parental Controls
22:10 - Are YouTube Hypes just Tips?
27:45 - Amazon and The Shift Back to In-Person Work
32:54 - Temu and Regulation Loopholes
40:30 - Sam's Phrase: "Lick the Cookie"
41:50 - Crypto Innovations and Investments2024-09-2050 minMore or Less#64: Meta vs. Apple: the Future of Open vs. Closed TechPlus, is MrBeast the new BuzzFeed? And the latest with Stripe.
Sam's MrBeast is Buzzfeed 2.0: https://x.com/lessin/status/1833545048543375856?s=46
00:00 - Introduction and A Mystery
02:54 - An Honest Review of The Mill
04:46 - The Happenings and Headlines
05:16 - Reflections on The Acquired Podcast Live with Mark Zuckerburg
14:41 - A Critique of the Live Podcast Format
16:43 - Reflections on The Apple Launch Event
22:13 - New Markets for Apple to Break Into: CPAPs and Parental Controls
27:59 - An Honest Review of Bevel
29:54 - Revisiting the Parental Controls Conversation
30:19 - The Information's AI Summit
31:44 - University of...2024-09-131h 01
Invested by AlephSam Lessin on What Entrepreneurs Don’t Realize About VCs, When the State Should Intervene with Tech, the Future of Crypto and the Evolution of TruthOn this episode of Invested, Michael hosts Sam Lessin, a General Partner at Slow Ventures.Sam is currently an intern at The Information and has co-founded two companies, Fin and drop.io (acquired by Facebook in 2010). Between 2010 and 2014 he was a VP of product management at Facebook, where he managed the People, Places, and Things product group and the Identity product group. Sam started his career at Bain and Company, and attended Harvard ('05). In his spare time Sam enjoys skiing and kite-surfing. Please rate this episode 5 stars wherever you...2024-09-111h 20More or Less#61: The Venture Capital Reset EraPlus, a preview of Sam's new opus. And a More or Less fall meetup!
Show Notes:
00:00 - Introduction and Vacation Plans
01:14 - Sam's Unpublished Document on Higher Education
04:44 - Joe Rogan's Peter Thiel Interview Pt. 1
08:35 - Health and Wellness Trends
12:33 - Joe Rogan's Peter Thiel Interview Pt. 2
16:39 - The Reset Phase
25:06 - Capital-Efficient Investments
31:14 - Understanding S-Curves and A.I.
51:09 - Tinkerers in the Startup Ecosystem
59:12 - Apple's Prestige Dad TV2024-08-231h 02More or Less#59: Google: Can it Outrun Regulation?Plus, Sam's Instagram splurge and new science on how women should work out.2024-08-0957 minMore or Less#56: Trump and the PayPal MafiaInside the moves and motivations behind the new wave of Trump-VC endorsements. Plus, Sam returns from Kilimanjaro.2024-07-1945 min
ericmckay4 's Listen LaterSam Lessin of SlowVC: The End of Factory-Farmed Unicorns Podcast: "World of DaaS" (LS 44 · TOP 1% what is this?)Episode: Sam Lessin of SlowVC: The End of Factory-Farmed UnicornsPub date: 2023-12-12Get Podcast Transcript →powered by Listen411 - fast audio-to-text and summarizationSam Lessin is a GP at Slow Ventures, a former Facebook product manager, and the founder of Drop.io and Fin. He’s also the co-host of an excellent podcast on tech called More or Less. On this episode of World of DaaS, Sam gives a comprehensive breakdown of the state of ven...2024-06-1946 min
More or Less#46: Is Social Media Dead?Plus Apple 'Crushes' Its New iPad Ad, and Sam goes shopping.2024-05-1054 min
More or Less#40: Reddit IPO, Apple v. DOJ and the Return of the Power LunchThe gang discusses the new "risk on" vibe in Silicon Valley.2024-03-2953 minMore or Less#39: How (Not?) to Exit Your AI Company, Analyzing the New Google-Apple Tie UpPlus the Reddit IPO and Why Software Venture Capital is Getting Harder2024-03-2249 min
More or Less#38: Hartz and Minds and TikTok w/ Special Guest Julia HartzFrom the “PAFACAA” bill to the next front of the youth loneliness epidemic, the gang and a special guest digest the tech news of the moment.
Takeaways
Eventbrite has the potential to offer features that help users find events to meet like-minded people.
Innovative event ideas, such as marking attendees' availability, can enhance the event experience.
Digital communities have faced challenges in the events space, with limited success on platforms like Facebook and Reddit.
The quality and curation of events play a crucial role in attracting attendees.
The impact of VR and AR on events is an a...2024-03-1557 min
More or Less#37: TikTok's Latest Crisis, Elon's Emails, AI MonopoliesA new idea for how to "ban" TikTok is gaining steam in D.C. while Elon (again) makes wakes. Plus, what the AI and ridesharing wars have in common.
Takeaways
The ban on TikTok and the regulation of Chinese apps are ongoing topics of discussion.
Apple could play a significant role in creating controls for parents to limit app usage, including Chinese apps.
Google has already taken steps to limit Chinese app access.
The US-China relationship and co-dependence pose challenges in addressing national security concerns.
More sophisticated and targeted regulatory approaches are needed to effectively address...2024-03-0854 min
More or Less#36: RIP Apple Car, Google's AI Reality Problem, Long Live Consumer TechFresh from an investor conference in Los Angeles, the gang discusses the week's headlines and the behind-the-scenes scuttle from one of tech's elite gatherings.
Articles Discussed
How Apple’s Eight-Year Quest to Build a Self-Driving Car Hit Roadblocks
Consumer Startups Are a Better Bet Than Enterprise Startups
Show Notes
00:00:11 - Intro00:01:33 - More or Less Business Models00:03:15 - Upfront Summit Insights00:04:21 - Event Networking Dynamics00:04:56 - South by Southwest Comparisons00:05:54 - Hollywood's Shift to AI for Scenes00:07:41 - Up...2024-03-021h 02
More or Less#35: 2024 IPO Dreams, Apple's Sports Game and Reddit's Biz GamblePlus, inside Sequoia's Klarna drama and the latest AI demos
Show Notes
00:00 Introductions
03:00 The Potential of Reddit Advertising
09:00 Licensing Data and Monetization Challenges
13:00 The Moderation Challenge of Reddit
18:00 Private Group Moderation and Content Control
22:00 Failed Coup at Klarna
26:00 Tensions and Divisions in Late-Stage Pre-IPO Companies
30:00 The OpenAI Board Situation
31:00 Apple's New Sports App
33:12 Moon Landing and Advertising
33:45 Tech Companies and NBA Streaming Rights
34:27 Betting Odds in Digital Formats
36:15...2024-02-2352 min
More or Less#34: 7 Trillion Reasons WhyThe gang unpacks all the latest news about OpenAI and Sam Altman. Plus, does Google have a shot in AR/VR? And our dream Vision Pro apps.
Takeaways
Sports media has become a successful form of linear storytelling in the internet age, creating a national monoculture.
The globalization of sports presents challenges in creating a unified global sports event.
The Vision Pro and Quest devices offer different experiences, with the Vision Pro being more suitable for work and the Quest providing a more immersive gaming experience.
There is a debate on the potential role of Google...2024-02-161h 03
More or Less#33: Yes/No, Vision Pro? w/Special Guest Brian Singerman of Founders FundAs the Morin household goes full Vision Pro, the gang reveals what everyone is missing about the device. Plus, the earthquake through digital media and (maybe) the end of AI everything.
Takeaways
The Apple Vision Pro offers a truly immersive and transformative experience, changing the way users think about computing.
The Vision Pro represents a new computing paradigm and has the potential to expand into various devices and accessories.
Developers will play a crucial role in exploring and innovating new use cases for the Vision Pro.
The joint streaming service for sports by major networks reflects the s...2024-02-0956 min
More or Less#32: Taylor Swift vs. MrBeast w/Casey Neistat and Ricky Van VeenIn a special episode, the gang sits down with two digital media veterans and stars to discuss the current era of digital fame, the future of YouTube, TikTok, what A.I. means for creators, and more.
Takeaways
The rise of small creators and the viability of their work is a result of the democratization of content creation and the ability to build communities of fans.
The shift from physical space to online identity has allowed individuals to define their uniqueness and value based on their voice and audience rather than their geographical location.
The challenges of...2024-02-021h 02
More or Less#31: Fintech Struggles, Netflix Rises and 'Big' is WinningFrom Netflix to the NFL, the incumbents are having quite a moment. Plus, crypto's new energy and the gang's fiercely different views on.... peptides.
Show Notes
00:00 Introduction and Silicon Valley banter
01:03 Discussion about football and personal influences
03:15 Challenges in the news and startup landscape
06:50 Struggles of fintech companies like Brex
08:11 Success of Netflix and the streaming wars
09:11 Difficulties of platformization in fintech
15:22 Investing in fintech and the challenges of valuation
20:31 Future of Stripe and the fintech industry
2024-01-261h 01
More or Less#30: The Great App Store Debate, Layoffs, and Playoffs...Oh My!As regulators move in, the gang discusses the future of Apple and Google's app stores and their role over the next decade. Plus, the new layoff normal and Silicon Valley gets classy.
SHOW NOTES
00:00 Opening and Introductions
01:11 Working with Partners
03:14 The Information Gala and Dress Code
03:45 NFL Playoffs and Sports Betting
07:02 Layoffs at YouTube and Privacy Changes
11:29 Apple Allowing Third-Party Payment Mechanisms
14:56 Frustrations with the App Store
16:21 Importance and Future of the App Store
21:20 Rabbit R1...2024-01-1947 min
More or Less#29: Is the Year of Startup Austerity Over? What Can Save the News Business?In the first pod of 2024, the gang previews the year in VC to come and OpenAI vs. NYT. Plus, layoffs, boomerang VC and Brit's oh-so-Brit resolution.2024-01-1250 min
DTC POD: How The Best Brands Are Built#303 - Sam Lessin, GP Slow Ventures - The Future of Commerce, Community, & CreatorsEpisode brought to you by More StaffingSam Lessin is a seasoned entrepreneur and venture capitalist who is currently GP at Slow Ventures, a venture fund that boasts five funds and nearly a billion dollars of capital. Previously, he served as the VP of Product Management at Facebook. As a contrarian investor, he's been an early supporter of multiple high-profile startups, from household consumer brands like Allbirds, Casper, Birchbox, Barkbox, to fintech/blockchain bets like Robinhood, Solana, and popular SaaS companies like Airtable, Front, and Slack to name a few.Join 15k founders and marketers...2023-12-2845 min
More or Less#28: What We Got Right and Wrong in ’23 and Calls for ’24The gang does a retro on their 2023 calls…from AI to Vision Pro (we couldn’t come up with a Z)…and makes predictions for tech, media, and capital in 2024.
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:The Creative Act, A Way of Being by Rick RubinThe Order of Time by Carlo RovelliProject Hail Mary by Andy WeirTomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
SHOW NOTES:00:00 Introduction and Holiday Reflections03:06 The Adobe-Figma Merger05:35 The Pro-Capitalism Argument06:52 Antitrust Laws and Government Intervention09:03 The Valuation and Future...2023-12-221h 08
More or Less#27: Make Number Go Up, and The Problem with NonprofitsThe gang discusses the Harvard debacle (and Sam's run for the Board of Overseers), why double-bottom lines are challenging, tech regulation, and more.
DISCUSSED:
The 19th News
SHOW NOTES:
[00:00] Opening.
[01:10] We have a non-zero hit rate on making things things.
[01:50] How did we start the pod?
[03:01] The parable of launching a rocket at the moon.
[04:23] This week's headlines.
[06:28] Venture Capital Strategy: Why go super vertical?
[10:56] Guess the Product: Is it a Cold Plunge...2023-12-1553 min
"World of DaaS"Sam Lessin of SlowVC: The End of Factory-Farmed UnicornsSam Lessin is a GP at Slow Ventures, a former Facebook product manager, and the founder of Drop.io and Fin. He’s also the co-host of an excellent podcast on tech called More or Less. On this episode of World of DaaS, Sam gives a comprehensive breakdown of the state of venture capital. Auren and Sam discuss the “unicorn factory” for building public companies, the influence of megafunds like Tiger Global and Softbank, and the fundamental changes that VC went through in 2018-2022. Sam also shares his outlook on the b...2023-12-1246 min
More or Less#26: Google Gemini, Meet Crypto-Cyber-CrystalsThe gang discusses the release of Google Gemini...the crypto resurgence, crystals and the Cybertruck.
DISCUSSED:
Introducing Gemini: our largest and most capable AI model
Millions of new materials discovered with deep learning
The Top 100 Articles from The Information’s First 10 Years
The Organized Mind: Thinking Straight in the Age of Information Overload
How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen
Top Gear: Tesla Cybertruck DRIVEN!
SHOW NOTES:
[0:00:00] Opening.
[0:02:15] Very Very Happy Birthday to Brit Morin! Questions about automated birthday messages.
[0:03:20] Idea: Automated Birthday Greeting AI Th...2023-12-0854 min
More or Less#25: TikTok, Porn and The Immediate Risks of AIThe gang details thoughts on AGI risk and dives into the more immediate risks of AI, like why TikTok should be banned in the US and what to do about AI porn and deepfakes. Plus, startup product ideas abound as Dave, Sam and Brit debate what the future holds (both good and bad) for couples counseling, social media and entertainment.
SHOW NOTES:
[00:00:00] Open.
[00:04:44] The question is not what AI can do, the question is what AI can't do.
[00:07:50] Questions of AI governance around TikTok.
[00:10:47] Should we be teaching AI in schools?
[00:15:25] AI porn and its impact.
[00:19:07] What does the future...2023-12-0351 min
More or LessBonus: Erin & Sara Foster of Favorite Daughter on Everything Founders are Afraid to SayDISCUSSED:
For this bonus episode of More or Less, last month at The Information's WTF Conference, Jessica interviewed the sisters behind the hot clothing brand Favorite Daughter, the World's First Podcast and Oversubscribed Ventures. They discussed entrepreneurship, building for today's customers and why it is sometimes a good idea to say everything you are thinking.
SHOW NOTES:
[00:03:06] Embrace being underestimated, say yes.
[00:06:05] Embrace opportunities outside your comfort zone.
[00:12:38] Authenticity drives successful consumer brands.
[00:16:43] Podcasting is a low-lift, enjoyable endeavor.
[00:19:29] Life doesn't always go as planned.
[00:25:32] Associate with smarter people.
[00:33:27] Importance of direct communication.
[00:35:35] Expansion into new categories planned.
TRY T...2023-11-2937 min
More or Less#24: Sam Altman - Religious Cult Leader or CEO?This week’s episode takes you front and center into the continuous unfolding of the OpenAI saga, including the different versions of the Sam Altman persona. The quad shares extensive debate on what could come next and why, with key insight into AI as a practical business technology vs. the fears around AGI, and the challenges of a for-profit business funding a non-profit mission. Listen in to learn lessons from other platforms, (especially those without strong economic rationality), observations about the key people involved, thoughts on how this will shape Silicon Valley’s future, and more.
DISCUSSED:
http...2023-11-221h 06
More or Less#23: Why (and How) SMBs and Creators Will Win With AI, the New Financing Contracts, and MoreThe gang discusses how you build dense networks of real value around small business in the AI future. Also, bonus discussion on content maxis vs. community maxis...and the symmetry of Jessica's face.
Try the More or Less GPT:
https://chat.openai.com/g/g-Lt0xdU9Jp-more-or-less2023-11-171h 02
More or Less#22: Your GPT Will Make More Money Than Your Substack? Please Tell Us More…The gang discusses OpenAI's developer conference and whether the new ‘GPT Store’ is a serious platform developers and entrepreneurs should care about, or just another slick PR announcement. Also thoughts on the IPO market (why bankers keep saying it isn’t open, but will soon) and way too much discussion of The Morning (After) Show.2023-11-1054 min
More or Less#21: AI Regulation, War and the Future of the American Tech StackThe gang shares predictions around AI for the year ahead. Are we at digital war and don't even know it? Thoughts on defining an "American Tech Stack" and digital citizenship to defend against foreign speech and bots - and how to think about academia in an era where universities and research are no longer disconnected from politics and business.
Discussed
Greeking Out from National Geographic Kids
Photoleap by Lightricks AI Photo Editing App
Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence
2023-11-0357 min
More or Less#20: The New Founder Mindset: The End of the Product-Focused CEOFollowing news at Snap, the gang debates what the media gets wrong about founders and how founders need to react in this new market.
Discussed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHsHKzYOV2E&t=779s
Show Notes
(00:00) Opening
(06:05) Evan Spiegel's Persistence and Motivation
(11:25) Founders and Product as Powerful Motivating Force
(15:39) Challenges of Starting Over from Scratch
(19:36) Balancing Product and Business Strategy
(29:54) The End of the Product-Focused CEO?
(37:02) Crypto Market Update and Outlook2023-10-2745 min
More or Less#19: Answering for Misinformation: The New York Times Needs to be Held To AccountThe Morins and the Lessins debate how to solve misinformation across even legacy media sites. Plus, prepping for VCs' big annual reports to shareholders.
Discussed
Psilocybin Treatment for Major Depression Effective for Up to a Year for Most Patients, Study Shows
Slow evolution of a NYTimes headline. "Israeli Strike" -> "Strike" -> "Blast"
After Hospital Blast, Headlines Shift With Changing Claims
What To Do About Misinformation in the Upcoming Election Cycle?
Show Notes
[00:00:00] Intro and Check In
[00:01:46...2023-10-2056 min
More or Less#18: Why This Week Changed Social Media ForeverThe Morins and Lessins discuss the urgent questions Hamas’ terrorism against Israel raises for tech companies. Plus, how leaders should—and should not—respond to the attacks.
Show Notes
[0:00] Intro
[0:36] Opening Discussion
[2:03] It is a very important and troubling time in the world. Sharing some of our thoughts as a group.
[2:10] Impossible to not talk about the Israel and Hamas situation.
[2:15] We are not a political podcast nor are we political experts. We are tech people.
[2:25] This podcast is going...2023-10-2040 min
More or Less#17: How to Save Your Startup, Twitter/X, Threads (and Swift’s Stunt Romance)The couples unpack how to "Survive to 2025" and debate whether Threads had the right launch strategy. Plus, Yaccarino needs media training.
Show Notes
[00:01:18] Our first ever More or Less event.
[00:04:44] Startups shutting down in Q3.
[00:07:39] Seed investor and founder cramdown risk.
[00:10:38] Not so lifestyle businesses.
[00:13:37] Avoid debt at all costs.
[00:17:51] Normalizing shut downs.
[00:21:32] Will Twitter shut down?
[00:24:50] Should Linda stay as CEO?
[00:27:05] Twitter's debt negotiation strategy.
[00:31:05] Threads’ graph and growth.
[00:35:12] Growth hacks and social apps. 2023-10-2049 min
"Turpentine VC" | Venture Capital and InvestingE9: Sam Lessin and Seth Rosenberg Debate: Will AI Favor Incumbents or Start-Ups?Sam Lessin, General Partner at Slow Ventures, and Seth Rosenberg, General Partner at Greylock, debate what the effects of AI on incumbents and the next wave of AI-first products will look like. If you’re looking to improve your sourcing, tracking, and due diligence, check out: https://synaptic.com/turpentineWe're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a Chief of Staff, EA, Head of Special Projects, Investment Associate, and more. For a list of JDs, check out: eriktorenberg.com.---2023-10-0344 min
More or Less#16: Why Your AI Startup is Probably* Already Dead - Special Guest Scott BelskyAdobe Chief Strategy Officer Scott Belsky joins the Morins and the Lessins as the Fifth Wheel for an episode about all things AI. Plus, inside the FTC’s case for breaking up Amazon.
*probably dead, but maybe not
Show Notes
[00:00:14] Developer experience and ease of use.
[00:04:24] Scott Belsky and AI.
[00:09:55] Empowering SMBs with AI.
[00:12:26] Proprietary data and AI.
[00:16:09] Building clouds and competition.
[00:18:30] AI regulation and fast growth.
[00:21:19] The concept of agents.
[00:24:09] Agents working on your behalf.
[00:27:27] AI agents and their potential.
[00:31:36] The limitations of today's LLMs.
[00:34:41] The big antitrust kahuna, Amazon.
[00:36:51] Amazon's impact on independent sellers.
[00:41:30] Amazon's ad...2023-09-2946 min
More or Less#15: Instacart’s Fake IPO and Why Hiring in Tech Is So BrokenAs the news heats up, the couples discuss why recent IPOs tell us little about whether the window is, in fact, open and ponder the future of leadership in Silicon Valley.
Show Notes:
[00:00:10] Startup location rules.
[00:05:30] Silicon Valley regulation debate.
[00:08:18] Younger and hungrier talent.
[00:11:30] Generational transfer in big tech.
[00:14:10] Florida signaling and tax optimization.
[00:18:23] Tech events worth attending.
[00:23:02] Female CEO of Instacart.
[00:25:13] Staying private for too long.
[00:29:27] Small tech equity risks.
[00:32:23] Hiring challenges for...2023-09-2248 min
More or Less#14: The Apple Episode (Carbon Neutralish)The couples take you up close and personal with this week’s Apple event and discuss the future of the company, hardware and the garbage product they can’t live without. Plus, Brit schools Sam on pop culture, part 10.
Show Notes:
[00:00:00] New composting trash can?
[00:05:23] Apple event changes.
[00:08:56] Recycling Cobalt and climate impact.
[00:10:46] Apple's first Carbon Neutral Product.
[00:15:27] Camera technology advancements.
[00:19:44] Apple's trajectory after the launch.
[00:22:11] Cambrian moment in computing.
[00:26:25] The value of Apple's closed ecosystem.
[00:29:41] The...2023-09-1553 min
More or Less#13 : Why There Will Never Be Another 200 Million Subscriber App…but something else will bloom instead. Plus, this is why Europe can't have nice things. And the Cable Cowboy kills cable.
Discussed:
The Hottest Coach in Sports: Coach PrimeHow Deel Became Payout Provider for Prop Trading Firms, Including Site Frozen by CFTC
John Malone’s Charter Squeezes Disney at Vulnerable Moment
Cable Cowboy: John Malone and the Rise of the Modern Cable
The Outsiders: Eight Unconventional CEOs and Their Radically Rational Blueprint for Success
How Taylor Swift Ditched Dealing With Hollywood Studios to Release the...2023-09-0851 min
More or Less#12: A VC Therapy SessionThe Morins and the Lessins break down what is really happening in venture firms right now from liquidating venture stakes to fundraising. Plus, Chinese entrepreneurs’ secret AI confab and Jessica’s notes from Beijing.
Discussed:
Colin Robinson: The Life of an Energy Vampire - What We Do In The ShadowsChamath Palihapitiya’s Venture Firm Offered to Sell Hundreds of Startup StakesChip War: The Fight for the World's Most Critical Technology
Show Notes:
[00:02:30] Energy vampires.
[00:04:33] Otter.ai technology for efficient reporting.
[00...2023-09-0151 min
"Turpentine VC" | Venture Capital and InvestingE4: Sam Lessin on Why the Seed & “Factory System” Era of Venture is DeadThis week Erik is joined by Sam Lessin, General Partner at the early-stage VC firm Slow Ventures, essayist, and former VP of Product at Facebook. If you’re looking to make fund administration easy and intuitive, check out: http://carta.com/turpentine---SPONSORS:🧲 Learn why Craft, Bedrock, NEA and 100s more trust Harmonic’s data to source deals. Harmonic is the most complete startup database, finding new companies as soon as they incorporate and tracking them through IPO. Head to https://bit.ly/harmonicturpentine and make sure to mention Turpentine VC during your de...2023-08-291h 06
More or Less#11: Why hybrid work doesn’t work, long live the phone callBack in the Bay Area, the Morins and the Lessins debate the status of startup work culture and how to fix it. Plus, Nvidia’s blowout earnings and the best More or Less product idea yet.
Articles and data discussed:
Salesforce Leads Financing of AI Startup at More Than $4 Billion Valuation
Can San Francisco Save Itself From the Doom Loop?
Show Notes:
[0:00:00] Remote work policies and productivity
[0:13:23] Data on decreased mobile phone usage in cities since COVID
[0:20:11] The current state of San Francisco an...2023-08-2552 min
More or Less#10: You should kill your startup, What replaces globalizationAs the startup graveyard gets crowded, the Morins and the Lessins talk about when companies should quit and reminisce about failed investments. Plus, a More or Less debate on U.S. China tech policy and evolving views of LLMs.
Articles and books discussed:https://www.theinformation.com/articles/storage-startup-clutter-running-out-of-cash-sells-itself-at-steep-discount?rc=hwneunhttps://www.theinformation.com/articles/yieldstreet-nears-a-deal-to-buy-real-estate-tech-startup-cadre?rc=hwneunhttps://www.theinformation.com/articles/venture-capital-firms-struggle-to-raise-funds-in-china?rc=hwneunhttps://www.amazon.com/Quit-Power-Knowing-When-Walk/dp/B09PVR6YK5/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=quit+annie+duke&qid=1692292549&sr=8-1
Show Notes:2023-08-1852 min
More or Less#9: How to save ESPN. Barstool’s Bad (Good?) ExampleThe Morins and the Lessins devise a playbook on the future of sports media. Plus, a More or Less debate on a new study on Wegovy.
Articles and research discussed:
https://www.novonordisk.com/content/nncorp/global/en/news-and-media/news-and-ir-materials/news-details.html?id=166301
Show Notes:
0:00 - Introduction: The hosts discuss ESPN's declining subscriber numbers and revenue challenges. They debate whether equity ownership for athletes could help and what innovations ESPN could make.
2:18 - ESPN's issues: The hosts discuss ESPN's high content costs, difficulty...2023-08-1153 min
More or Less#8: Where's the Barbie business pop? Why brands beat marketplacesThis week, inspired by Barbie and Taylor Swift, the Morins and the Lessins debate the future of franchises and brands. Plus, the latest in the ecommerce wars and the winners and losers if room-temperature superconductors actually become a thing.
Articles and research discussed:
https://arxiv.org/abs/2307.12008https://www.theinformation.com/articles/shein-makes-an-aggressive-pitch-to-woo-u-s-amazon-sellershttps://www.theinformation.com/articles/inside-tiktok-ceos-plan-to-play-offense
Show Notes:
0:00 Taylor Swift concert and Barbie movie - The hosts discuss the cultural impact of the recent Taylor Swift concert and the Barbie movie.
2023-08-0456 min
More or Less#7: Elon's X game and RIP seed investingAre we just playing into Elon's game with Twitter? The Lessins and The Morins debate and take different sides on whether seed investing can survive. Plus, what's Ruth Porat really up to at Google?
Discussed:
Google’s Darkest Days: After Three Deaths, a Workforce Reckons with a Changed CompanyThe Power Law: Venture Capital and the Making of the New Future
Seed Investing Can't Turn Back On
Show Notes:
00:00 - The hosts discuss Elon Musk rebranding Twitter as 'X'. They argue that Elon is do...2023-07-2850 min
More or Less#6: Hollywood and AI; What IS Threads?The Morins and Lessins debate the fizzling hype around AI and the Hollywood strike. Plus, Threads’ next move.
Discussed:
https://www.theinformation.com/articles/deal-activity-on-the-rise-as-bankers-say-merger-conversations-are-picking-up
https://www.ted.com/talks/tom_graham_the_incredible_creativity_of_deepfakes_and_the_worrying_future_of_ai
https://arxiv.org/abs/2307.09009
https://dudeperfect.com/tour
Show Notes:
0:00 Threads had a strong launch but questions remain around engaging content and audience building.
5:00 There is debate about the impact of AI on content, wit...2023-07-2148 min
More or Less#5: Twitter Won't Die! Long Live Threads!The Morins and Lessins debate what the Threads launch means for this era of social media. And, body hacking with Brit.
Discussed:
https://www.theinformation.com/articles/openai-plans-chatgpt-personal-assistant-for-work-setting-up-microsoft-rivalry?rc=hwneun
https://www.theinformation.com/forum/posts/524?rc=hwneun
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/01/science/consciousness-theories.html
Show Notes:
00:00 Twitter vs. Threads - Meta's new Twitter competitor called Threads, built on Instagram. Debate if it can "kill" Twitter.
06:08 The Future of Social Graphs - Debate if social graphs still relevant g...2023-07-0749 min
More or Less#4: MMA, M&A and Misfits; Silicon Valley's weird cultural momentThe Morins and the Lessins debate the question of how much of a "misfit" you have to be to win in tech and whether or not the M&A market will coming roaring back. Plus, "More or Less" lightning round on the Musk v. Zuckerberg cage match.
Discussed:
https://www.theinformation.com/articles/musk-v-zuckerberg-and-silicon-valleys-dangerous-roadhttps://www.wsj.com/articles/silicon-valley-microdosing-ketamine-lsd-magic-mushrooms-d381e214
https://michaelafreemanmd.com/Research.html
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/psilocybin-treatment-for-major-depression-effective-for-up-to-a-year-for-most-patients-study-showshttps://www.theinformation.com/articles/a-long-strange-trip-for-the-uber-for-nurses?rc=hwneun
2023-06-3045 min
More or Less#3: Mr. Beast's burger bust and will M&A ever return?Entrepreneurs and investors the Morins and the Lessins discuss what the antitrust armageddon means for venture capitalists and the challenges of creator-led businesses. Plus, Pharrell's debut (tech?) fashion collection and what we learned this week.
Discussed:
https://www.theinformation.com/briefings/ftc-sues-amazon-for-manipulative-prime-signup-process
https://www.theinformation.com/briefings/google-microsoft-ftc-complaint-antitrust-cloud-licensinghttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-02-23/doj-preparing-suit-to-block-adobe-s-20-billion-deal-for-figma
https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/pharrell-williams-stages-louis-vuitton-debut-pont-neuf-2023-06-20/
Show Notes:
00:02 - Antitrust actions against big tech companies like Amazon, Google and Meta are making acqu...2023-06-2349 min
More or Less#2: Reddit and the death of the public internet; the end of the VC "epoch"Entrepreneurs and investors The Morins and The Lessins discuss the week in tech, including Reddit's API changes, the perilous state of venture capital and Google's coming antitrust wars.
Discussed:
https://www.theinformation.com/articles/why-youtube-could-give-google-an-edge-in-aihttps://www.theinformation.com/articles/tcv-raised-50-to-75-less-than-planned-for-new-venture-fundhttps://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/jun/13/ai-used-to-create-new-and-final-beatles-song-says-paul-mccartneyhttps://www.theinformation.com/articles/andreessen-horowitz-merges-fintech-and-consumer-teams-after-some-bets-fizzle?rc=hwneun
Show Notes:
00:00:01 - Hosts Jessica, Brit, Sam and Dave introduce the podcast and Jessica thanks listeners for recommendations.
00:09:34 - They discuss Reddit charging app de...2023-06-1647 min
"The Cognitive Revolution" | AI Builders, Researchers, and Live Player AnalysisStability AI’s Emad Mostaque and Slow Ventures’ Sam Lessin Discuss Investing in AIIn this episode, Nathan Labenz and Erik Torenberg host a discussion between Emad Mostaque, founder of Stability AI, and Sam Lessin, GP of Slow Ventures and former VP Product at Facebook. These influential technology thinkers tackle topics pertinent to evaluating whether AI is a good investment for venture capital. They talk about the attention and information economy, SaaS markets, how AI-created entertainment will impact society and our relationships, and AI disruption of highly-regulated industries.We're hiring across the board at Turpentine and for Erik's personal team on other projects he's incubating. He's hiring a...2023-06-131h 07
More or Less#1: Apple's head scratchy VR rollout; VR vs. AI in the interface wars; crypto's 'nothing burger'?Entrepreneurs and investors The Morins and The Lessins discuss the week in tech including Apple's head scratchy VR rollout, VR vs. AI in the interface wars, and crypto's 'nothing burger'.
Discussed:
https://www.theinformation.com/articles/whats-clear-and-blurry-about-apples-vision-pro-headset
https://thedebrief.org/intelligence-officials-say-u-s-has-retrieved-non-human-craft/
https://www.theinformation.com/articles/the-best-and-worst-case-scenarios-for-coinbase
Show Notes:
00:01 Introduction - The podcast discusses technology news and opinions from the perspectives of people who have been in Silicon Valley for decades.
09:18 Apple's Reality Pro - The hosts discuss Apple's ne...2023-06-1239 min
Amazing Business RadioCustomer Service Drives Value Featuring Guest Sam LessinShep Hyken interviews Sam Lessin of Fin Analytics. They discuss the changing needs and expectations of customers, and how to keep customer service simple while delivering satisfaction.The Interview with Sam Lessin:The world is becoming more customer-centric, but not every company is keeping up. There must be more training and coaching present within contact centers and customer-facing roles.Measurement is everything. You can only change what you measure. You must measure and collect data across multiple areas of your business so you can understand which moments in the customer journey need review and repair.Executives are...2019-10-0829 min
Product Hunt RadioEpisode 66: Sam LessinThis week’s episode is with Sam Lessin. Sam is partner at slow ventures and founder of Fin, which aims to eclipse Siri by building something like the technology from the movie "Her". Sam has made a name for himself both as an operator and investor, having started and sold Drop to Facebook and invested in companies such as Venmo, Birchbox, and Makerbot. In this episode we discuss his philosophy behind angel investing, product management, his college friendship and connection with Mark Zuckerberg, and why, if he was to give a controversial TED Talk right now, it wo...2016-02-1900 min