Sam Lessin accidentally emailed 40 of Silicon Valley's most important people using an AI bot — and that one mishap reveals everything broken about the AI security model right now. In this episode, Sam and Dave Morin (calling in from ClawCon Tokyo) argue that AI agents are quietly dismantling every security assumption the internet was built on: from open-source package trust chains to content moderation walls to the entire premise of software moats. Meanwhile, Jessica Lessin shares her own Claude Code disaster that proves even careful people are one 'approve' click away from chaos. The team also tears apart OpenAI's $852 billion valuation, debate whether 10 million software developers are about to become irrelevant, and explain why a professional skier in Alaska just built the app she'd been pitching for two years — in a single afternoon.Chapters: We’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessYouTube: https://youtu.be/Gv-VUTGVNT8Connect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

Jess and Brit take the reins on this week's More or Less — and they're not exactly missing their husbands. They're joined by Henrik Werdelin (Audos), who's building a platform that takes solo founders from zero to funded company using AI agents, and Ben Broca (Polsia), a literal one-human, zero-employee founder who argues AGI is already here. What follows is a sharp, funny debate about whether solo "donkeycorns" are the future of entrepreneurship, where AI actually hits its limits, and why defensibility in an AI world might come down to the most analog thing of all — knowing yourself and the humans you serve.Chapters:1:05 — Britt & Jess take over More or Less3:15 — Meet Henrik Werdelin (Audos) & Ben Broca (Polsia)5:00 — The Donkeycorn Era: Solo founders making millions with AI8:15 — "AGI Is Here" — Ben's case for one founder, zero employees10:30 — Jess vs. Ben: "My Claude can't remember" / "Skill issue"17:00 — When AI suggested fecal transplant businesses (Henrik's wild early experiments)19:00 — Relationship Capital: The real moat in an AI world23:00 — Building an economy, not a tool — Ben's vision for Polsia25:30 — Will AI democratize opportunity or just commoditize it?32:00 — Bot Etiquette: When your AI emails psychics on your behalf40:00 — The Sora Shutdown: "It's all just electricity"42:30 — Is speed the only moat? Anthropic vs. OpenAI46:30 — The Brain Gym: Why knowing yourself matters more than ever52:00 — Wrap: SpaceX IPO, Aura IPO, and "Me, My Customer, and AI"We’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessYouTube: https://youtu.be/x5ybaEqOEsUConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

It’s going to be a dense episode on OpenClaw—and another classic example of how skeptical Sam is about its future, battling against Dave. The episode starts with Dave’s announcement: The OpenClaw Foundation is now a chartered Delaware nonprofit. Then: GTC. Jessica hits the floor, takes seven selfies, and watches Jensen go for three hours with no notes. Dave explains why Nvidia gave OpenClaw 30 minutes of keynote time: NemoClaw, OpenShell, enterprise guardrails, local models, on-prem everything. Jessica breaks down The Information’s story about a rogue AI agent tripping internal security at Meta—which becomes the perfect setup for a broader point: trust isn’t a feature; it’s the entire game. Then Apple. BitRig—built by the people who literally created SwiftUI—has been stuck in App Store review since November because Guideline 2.5.2 says apps can’t download and execute code that changes functionality. The security logic tracks. Apple’s selective enforcement history? Less so. The crew closes with the part nobody’s ready for: Morin’s 11-year-old just formed his first LLC for a vibe-coded iOS game, and a group of 12-year-olds at an AI school in Austin out-shipped every adult developer at ClawCon.Chapters:02:14 - NVIDIA GTC Preview & Episode Roadmap02:54 - The Rise of the "Master of Bots" Role04:39 - Bot Anxiety & the Luxury AI vs. Cheap AI Divide08:55 - NVIDIA GTC: Jensen as AI's Storyteller-in-Chief17:21 - Nemo Claw, OpenShell & NVIDIA's Big OpenClaw Moment23:02 - What Even Is OpenClaw? Sam Challenges Dave29:51 - Breaking News: Rogue AI Agent Triggers Meta Security Alert38:54 - OpenAI's Enterprise Pivot & the Anthropic Revenue Race43:00 - Apple vs. Vibe Coding Apps: The App Store Bottleneck51:34 - Kids, Claws & Cool Family Tech (Board.fun, Next Playground)We’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessYouTube: https://youtu.be/PYJawV55QcUConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

It’s an AI-heavy episode with real stakes: Jessica digs into OpenAI’s evolving approach to shopping and why “closing the loop” on commerce could be the proving ground for consumer monetization. The group sparrs over charts: OpenAI vs. Anthropic annualized revenue, what “slope” investors actually care about, and whether Anthropic’s developer-first strategy (code, tokens, and high ARPU) is the smarter path than consumer mindshare.Sam argues that “intelligence” is heading toward a global, frictionless commodity market (bad for margins, great for usage) and introduces the idea of “dark pools” (proprietary access/data/relationships) as the only durable moat. Dave counters with the more optimistic take: AI is collapsing the line between “consumer” and “developer,” turning everyone into a builder, and launching a new creative medium (with examples spanning from software to film). Brit adds fuel with “nano-targeted” commerce and a tour through A16Z’s Top 50 GenAI web products list, highlighting both mainstream shifts and the internet’s… more ‘unexpected’ categories.Finally: a truly out-of-left-field deal pitch from Jess: should someone buy the Tennis Channel for ~$1B? Plus a rapid-fire pop culture close (Kelce’s return, Oscars bets, and what everyone’s watching) before Sam heads back to the sauna.Chapters:0:00 — Intro & Sam's Sauna Hat1:33 — First-Ever MOL Podcast Ad3:54 — ChatGPT's Shopping Pivot7:19 — The Chart: OpenAI vs Anthropic Revenue11:52 — The Slope: Linear or Super Linear?16:10 — Commerce Is Bad. Attention Is Good.19:04 — AI Is Turning Everyone Into a Builder20:15 — "$1B Raised, $900M spent on Inference"23:17 — AI Is Worse Than the Cable Business35:58 — Dark Pools: Death of the Open Marketplace40:45 — The P50 Problem: What Happens to Average People?42:38 — "Software Is Totally Commoditized"45:43 — Brit's Bot Corner: Anime Husband Chatbots 50:44 — Should You Buy the Tennis Channel for $1B?54:22 — Pop Culture CornerWe’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessSpotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspodOn demand reactions powered by AI: https://molchat.ai/ Connect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

This week the squad breaks down the Anthropic vs OpenAI drama (Fire Sam Altman is trending again), debates whether Apple is quietly winning the AI race by spending $0 while everyone else burns $100 billion, and confronts the question no one in Silicon Valley wants to answer: why aren't 200,000 software engineers talking about losing their jobs? Sam's answer: "Because it would be to admit you're in the 200,000 getting fired, not the 200,000 getting paid more." Plus: is China winning the open source AI phenomenon, is a recession coming (Lux Capital thinks so), and how Sam believes “code is just content” despite having built six apps in a week while on conference calls, including an AI clone of the podcast using everyone's real voices. It’s your weekly dive of More or Less. Chapters: 1:30 — Fire Sam Altman Trending Again: Dario's Leaked Slack Memo10:15 — Sam's Vibe Coding Week: 6 Apps Including AI Versions of the Hosts17:00 — Why AI Content Tends to Zero20:00 — Apple M5 Chip: The Local AI Inference Play23:30 — Block Cuts 40% of Workforce 25:30 — Will 200,000 Bay Area Software Engineers Lose Their Jobs? 30:00 — "Code Wins Arguments — But Now Everyone Can Code"34:30 — Josh Wolfe's (Lux Capital) Recession Warning Email 36:30 — The Triangle Trade: DC, Silicon Valley & Wall Street's Narrative Collusion39:00 — Yemen/Houthi Strike & Defense Tech41:00 — Is Open Source AI a Chinese Phenomenon?46:00 — The Second Wave: Agents Are the Website of This Era49:00 — David's Protein Ice Cream We’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessYouTube: https://youtu.be/UIdKqkNCymQConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

Starting with a mini celebration: Dave defends his ski racing crown, before Sam declares software dead and capitalism broken. Even among GPs at Upfront Summit, the mood is uncertain: nobody knows whether to invest in software anymore, and many are quietly struggling to raise.The debate heats up over whether AI will democratize software creation or just accelerate capitalism's race to zero margins. Sam argues that when intelligence becomes abundant, it becomes worthless, making the entire AI industry, and by extension Silicon Valley, "pretty bad business." Dave counters that we're about to see a Cambrian explosion of software creators, finally giving billions of people agency over their digital lives.Plus: whether Stripe should buy PayPal during this opportunistic Trump-administration window, Gen Z panic-buying original iPods, Sam's shitposting-to-funding pipeline, and whether OnlyFans has the best KYC in fintechChapters:7:24 - Upfront Summit: Where Are All the LPs?10:49 - Are VCs Still Investing in Software?12:04 - Slow Ventures Going Contrarian: Investing While Others Freeze13:27 - When Intelligence Goes to Zero: Why AI is Bad Business15:53 - Polsia: $100K to $700K ARR in One Week (AI Agents Only)19:39 - Capitalism's Black Hole: AI Makes Markets Too Efficient25:00 - Creator Fund Thesis: Investing in Cults, Not Content28:20 - Who Makes Money When Margins Hit Zero?34:41 - Silicon Valley's Advantage is DEAD (The Magic Wizard Hat)37:35 - Who Should Buy PayPal? (Stripe's One-Shot Window)42:11 - Agentic Commerce: Do Payment Networks Even Matter?45:18 - OpenAI Smart Speaker: Eddie Cue's Son Working on It46:51 - Gen Z Buying Original iPods: The Analog RebellionWe’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/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

In this episode of More or Less, we go from Sam's urgent care drama to the hottest debates in AI. Dave dives into his news about joining the OpenClaw Foundation board as the fastest-growing open source project in internet history faces a new chapter. While the OpenClaw founder is heading to OpenAI, Meta is launching competing agents, and the battle for personal AI is officially ON. How the "Internet of Putting iPads on Things" era returning, Anthropic vs Pentagon drama, whether AI intelligence will become worthless like cheap electricity, and why your 'normie' friends will be sending you their vibe-coded apps within 12 months.Chapters:3:02 Sam's Ski Injury Saga 5:00 OpenClaw Founder Going To OpenAI & Dave's Foundation Role 8:07 OpenClaw vs. Manus (On-Device vs. Cloud)11:02 Vibe Coding: Building an App a Day12:03 Meta vs. OpenAI Rivalry 22:00 The Fundraising Market: Mega Rounds & Narrative Capitalism27:04 The Big Debate: Bay Area Engineers in 3 Years 41:01 Anthropic vs. The Pentagon45:01 Intelligence as a Commodity53:50 Tennis with Madison Keys plug We’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessYouTube: https://youtu.be/3CewrGGMjRIConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

We're recording this from Jackson Hole after three days of wheeling and dealing—and yes, canceling meetings for powder. This week we're going deep on OpenClaw. The meetup had 1,500 people show up (Kevin Rose, Marissa Mayer, Ashton Kutcher were some notable guests). And now we're all spending thousands of dollars a month on AI agents we've named after Friends characters while debating whether "developer" is even a job title anymore.We talk about:•⁠ ⁠Why founders are working 24/7 and possibly burning out•⁠ ⁠The decentralized AI future (and why it's not great for OpenAI)•⁠ ⁠Dark software factories where only agents write code•⁠ ⁠Whether everyone's jobs are about to disappear (spoiler: we disagree)•⁠ ⁠The SaaS-pocalypse coming for legacy software•⁠ ⁠Personal AI sovereignty and why Apple's just sitting back laughingAlso: Google's CC assistant is… fine? And we have strong opinions about Heated Rivalry.Chapters:0:00 - Intro: Skiing in Jackson Hole2:30 - Conference Takeaways: Founders Are Working Relentlessly 7:15 - AI Burnout & the 24/7 Work Cycle12:40 - Naming Your AI Agents (Friends Edition)15:20 - How Much Are You Spending on Bots?18:45 - Google CC Assistant Review22:10 - OpenClaw Meetup: 1500 People Show Up28:30 - What Even Is a Developer Anymore?35:50 - OpenAI vs Decentralized AI: The Big Debate42:15 - Personal AI & Data Sovereignty47:20 - Dark Software Factories & Agentic Engineering52:10 - Are All the Jobs Going Away?55:40 - The SaaS Apocalypse58:20 - Pop Culture: Heated Rivalry, Nancy Guthrie Case, StrangersWe’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessYouTube: https://youtu.be/KUA7ue5vB1EConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

This week on More or Less, three-quarters of the squad goes full AI-agent mode with Morin’s ClawCon, Sam’s LinkedIn bots, and Brit’s bot-agent-supervisor. We kick things off with The Information’s breaking story (and potentially trade of the year): Elon’s $1.2T SpaceX + xAI merger. Then we unpack why Jess thinks Jeff Bezos should sell The Washington Post, why media has to own the audience, and how “vibe buys,” cult capitalism, and winner-take-all narratives are still the real moats shaping where money flows. The Dead Internet Theory starts feeling uncomfortably real and we touch on why the future swings back to IRL and community-driven experiences. Plus: the Super Bowl in NorCal, Brit’s Grammys rundown, and a cameo teaser.Chapters:00:53 – Dave and MSG’s ClawCon04:05 – Super Bowl Week in NorCal04:31 – Today’s Agenda: SpaceX + xAI, WaPo Layoffs, AI Fatigue, Super Bowl Week in NorCal05:33 – SpaceX + xAI Merger: Elon’s Narrative Assets and the Deal’s Winners & Losers17:27 – Washington Post Layoffs and Why Bezos Should Sell21:19 – Google Cloud Crushes Earnings22:22 – B2B vs. B2C: Is OpenAI Throwing Spaghetti at the Wall?29:44 – Claude’s “No Ads” Jab at OpenAI32:12 – The Squad’s OpenClaw Experiments41:39 – Dead Internet Theory45:55 – Super Bowl Logistics47:26 – Pop Culture Corner: Grammys Recap49:08 – Disney Names Parks Leader as CEOWe’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessYouTube: https://youtu.be/sbhGfYsFUlsConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

Jessica is back from Davos and is recapping her highlights on the pod this week. If you’re a loyal podcast ‘viewer’, you’re in luck because Jess also brought photos from a recent Grace Cathedral sound bath visit before she dives deep into the Clawdbot/Moltbot/agentic moment. Dave is all in on what’s to come in this new age of agentic computers, and in true Sam fashion, he is less impressed by the technology and suggests that if the trend continues, it’s going to be bye bye internet. In the land of the other ‘mature’ AI companies, Jess recaps her Davos AI infra panel’s red-pill take on AI with the killer quote of the week: “the appetite for intelligence is limitless.” But how true is all this demand and how much of it is really narrative? Could the rise in gold and silver prices really be a sign of technology shorting? The crew also reacts to the Minneapolis situation, debating whether it’s a scaling issue at ICE or a political move. Chapters:00:30 — Jess Returns From Davos: No Snow, All SXSW Energy 03:40 — Grace Cathedral Sound Baths06:25 — Moltbot Heat Spike: Are AI Agents Ending the Internet? 17:29 — Moltbot Has no Moat; Founders Should Be Memorable Instead21:26 — Inside the Davos AI Panel: CoreWeave, G42, OpenAI & BlackRock’s Red Pill 29:47 — Minneapolis, ICE, and How the Valley Is Reacting 51:03 — The AI Chatbot Trap for Retail (And Why Everyone Will Fall for It) We’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessYouTube: https://youtu.be/OZDFAvRq7GcConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

While Jess is off being “Davos-famous,” the squad kicks things off with the classic California vs. New York debate. From there, it’s straight into AI and VC chaos: absurd mega-seed rounds that break portfolio math, why even a great early bet like Anthropic wouldn’t return a seed fund, and a revisit of Sam’s view that there are only two ways to win right now—(1) have a real secret and stay capital-efficient, or (2) own the narrative. Dave flags a new “walkout culture” in AI, where executives jump ship the moment incentives shift. The crew then debates whether AI is actually shaping ideas or just polishing them (a fancy spellcheck?), why the question matters more than the answer, and how personal, computer-driving “Clawdbots” feel inevitable and maybe exactly where Apple should be headed, despite the security concerns. The episode rounds out with The Information's breaking news on Apple's AI pins, shrinking subscription moats and business-model shifts, plus detours into the New York Times’ sauna-bros piece, Sam’s WTF Conference protest merch, Super Bowl plans, and more.Chapters:01:00 – Hello Davos listeners!03:42 – SF vs. New York: where VC actually wins05:41 – The seed valuation "fairway" vs bloated-roads10:07 – Anthropic & OpenAI: good wins, but bad seed returns11:58 – AI founder drama: mercenary teams & narrative fundraising13:53 – Did Claude write its own constitution?15:18 – AI as spellcheck on steroids21:01 – Ralph: autonomous AI agent loop24:03 – What ClawdBot really is; symphony orchestrator26:51 – The Information breaks: Apple’s AI wearable pin; are phones getting tired?29:02 – The rise of “orchestra compute” and hacked APIs31:44 – Subscription models are at risk: Whoop, Eight Sleep, Peloton, Apple41:18 – The New York Times' feature on Sauna Bros44:53 – Sam's WTF Conference merch & Montana shooting plans46:34 – Squad's Super Bowl plansWe’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessYouTube: https://youtu.be/AgwMFLjxQa0Connect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

AI, AI, and more AI. Do you even live in Silicon Valley if you’re not talking about it every episode? This week, we go deep on how open-source vibe-coding tools are starting to replace the need for traditional SaaS contracts. Dave shows (and tells) how he used the open-source “Claude bot” to reverse-engineer his Mural photo frames and spin up a better web UI in under 30 minutes. Brit test-drives Anthropic’s new Cowork, auto-mapping the entire seed VC market while it runs her browser, and celebrates how much these agents are boosting household productivity. Sam loves the power but calls local agents a massive security backdoor, argues trust will consolidate with Apple and Google, declares that “software is not a business,” and announces we’ve officially entered the fart-app era of AI toys. Jessica flags rising panic among SaaS vendors. Don’t miss Sam’s hot-chick analogy and Brit’s Pop Corner to close it out 😉Chapters:02:05 Vibe coding week: Anthropic's Claude Code & Cowork05:25 Dave's Reverse-engineering Mural frames08:30 AI Agents as a security nightmare12:03 AI’s Napster moment18:43 Software is no longer a defensible business24:00 Sam's investing: Quiet AI businesses or narrative ownership29:27 Offline's Seed alpha in illegible spaces33:06 When will platforms start to block APIs and protect their business?35:27 Shopify Founder and CEO, Tobi's Tweet on modern UI for MRI reading 43:34 GLP-1s & grocery spend45:06 The Information's Wealth tax poll result48:55 We're in the fart-app era of AIWe’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessYouTube: https://youtu.be/2q99bDO-a1EConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

The squad is back for 2026 with updates: Dave’s Montana “Snow Report” (spoiler: none), Brit’s contrarian love letter to CES, and Sam’s new “serious 40-year-old” fashion era. We go rapid-fire through the biggest headlines from the past few weeks we were offline—OpenAI’s health app, China cutting off the H200, and a wave of 2026 liquidity from SpaceX and AI that could mint centi-billionaires, or even trillionaires. Sam unpacks his viral 2026 memo, returning to a familiar theme from the pod: why narratives now matter more than reality, why seed should fund “infinity stories,” and how AI is turning software into consumable media. We also dig into the hot topic of the week—California’s wealth tax and founder flight—plus AI partners, Claude-code mania, real-world clinical AI, America’s hat discourse, and one very specific New Year’s resolution (PS: this is why Sam is wearing a collared shirt). Welcome back to More or Less.Chapters:01:04 Morin's Weather Report from Montana01:51 CES Corner: The Squad Yucks on Brit's Yum05:43 The Information: Breaking China's H200 ban (US Vs China Tech Trade War)07:22 Quick Recap: Gifting Etiquette for VCs10:00 2026 liquidity wave: Trillionaire era15:35 California's new wealth tax: Its losing out on the liquidity20:05 Sam’s 2026 memo: narratives > reality, seed strategy, and end of the SaaS era31:23 AI companions vs real-world relationships (embodiment over abstraction)48:52 OpenAI Health deep dive56:00 Sam’s new style (and hygiene routine) for 2026We’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessYouTube: https://youtu.be/DMEDrOnLAGMConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

The pod signs off for the year with its final episode—a sharp, chaotic recap of last year’s predictions and a fresh round of hot takes for 2026. Sam and Dave, unsurprisingly, wing it: Sam calls a single $500B+ IPO (SpaceX), Google up, NVIDIA down, and Meta hitting new highs on AI-powered ads. Jess warns that AI-driven efficiency will fuel layoffs (especially in journalism) and that CapEx hype is outrunning reality. Dave predicts a boom in third places and games-first IP, while Britt bets on an Apple comeback, AI wearables as daily “life summarizers,” a breakout AI-native social app, and a celebrity licensing their AI twin. True to form, the crew goes off script to debate Amazon’s rumored $10B OpenAI deal, AI as the new UI, which model builders survive, regulation looming over prediction markets, “slop” as word of the year, GLP-1s going mainstream, creators eyeing Emmys, and much more. Chapters:01:50 Morin’s “Nauti or Nice” Holiday Card04:06 Sam’s 2025 Predictions: Bitcoin, Solana ETFs, Crypto Government Adoption05:16 Britt’s 2025 Predictions: Amazon Marketplace, Elon’s “TITS,” Swift Engagement07:52 Dave’s 2025 Predictions: Data Centers, Material Flow Robotics, Crypto Clarity10:18 Jess’s 2025 Predictions: TikTok U.S., Vertical Stacks, Media Copyright, GLP-1s11:40 2025 Themes: “Slop,” AI Talent Wars, Government–Tech Ties12:58 Big Tech Check-In: Apple Loses Ground, Google’s Delta13:41 Amazon’s $10B OpenAI Bet and Chip Diplomacy16:16 Britt’s 2026 Predictions: Apple Comeback, Wearable Agents, AI Talent Deals21:45 Jess’s 2026 Predictions: AI-Driven Layoffs, Liquidity Wave, Prediction Market Regulation28:57 Dave’s 2026 Predictions: Third Places, Games-First IP, Roblox Scrutiny36:17 Sam’s 2026 Predictions: One $500B+ IPO, Nvidia Down, Google Up, Meta ATH44:13 AI Is the New UI: SaaS UX Moats Under Pressure49:35 Does AI Adult Content Go Mainstream?50:04 Dave on Google Doppl and AI Try-On Tech51:28 Britt’s Pop Corner: Taylor Swift Album and Pregnancy Speculation52:19 Industry Wish List: More DPI, Kids’ Mental Health, Waymos EverywhereWe’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessYouTube: https://youtu.be/ehO3wIio7NwConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

This week’s a big one: the squad kicks it off with Starlink on planes, Zoox vs. Waymo, and YouTube’s skinny bundle before taking the big swing — data centers in space as the emerging SpaceX-IPO narrative. Sam and Dave break down the real entrepreneurship skill: tell the huge story, earn the trust multiple, and consistently deliver “20 cents on the dollar” to keep the flywheel of cash spinning (re: Elon Musk and Sam Altman but thread lightly, you don't want to end up like Elizabeth Holmes or Sam Bankman-Fried). Jess celebrates a win with The Information after getting CNBC to correct their reporting. Then they touch on how the backlash against AI is growing as the 101 billboards fill up with more AI company ads. From Sorkin’s 1929 zeitgeist to smuggling Nvidia chips into China to “IPO everything and pray the American economy survives,” it’s never a dull episode with Brit, Dave, Jess, and Sam. Stay tuned for next week’s 2026 predictions… and drop yours in the comments.Chapters:05:50 Netflix vs Paramount - Who's going to win the deal and is this an Inverse AOL-Time Warner?16:56 Golden Globes nominees and Disney+'s Taylor Swift docuseries17:49 Bundling unbundling YouTube’s skinny bundle and sports21:29 Starlink on planes = fewer redeyes24:55 Zoox vs Waymo28:15 Space GPUs and the data centers in space33:57 The modern entrepreneurship skill: narrative flywheel41:38 Jess’s and The Information's win correcting CNBC's refuted chip story46:04 AI narrative in China vs US47:16 AI backlash: energy prices, water restraints, and kid's mental health52:06 The 101 Billboard Bubble Index57:17 Will the SpaceX, OpenAI, Anduril, or Anthropic IPOs save the economy?58:30 Sorkin’s book predicted the AI bubble?We’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessYouTube: https://youtu.be/RiKVJD_3ziMConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

Bitcoin’s down, so the Lessins turned down the heat and pulled out their winter gear. The More or Less squad jumps from SF’s drone-powered crime-fighting memes (Daniel Lurie’s “no drugs” moment) to how creator-content strategy now drives real deal flow. Jess says 2026 will split the AI tide (we unfortunately did have to touch on AI), with Meta’s missing enterprise story dragging its CapEx dreams, while AWS is suddenly courting founders again. From Apple’s design chief Alan Dye jumping to Meta to questioning whether OpenAI’s “code red” was a decoy, the squad never misses when it comes to the latest thinking in Silicon Valley.Buy Slow's Modern Etiquette book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G4HSKSY5Chapters:Chapters:01:10 Kudos to SF Mayor, Daniel Lurie!07:14 Doom scrolling on a Garmin watch12:34 Holiday gift guides: AI robots, Duolingo piano, Matic vac mop, etc14:30 The creator-VC playbook 21:27 Instagram RTO 5 days per week leadership reality check22:08 Alan Dye leaves Apple for Meta 26:09 Jess' 2026 prediction: The Big Tech divergence is coming27:46 Meta’s enterprise gap28:46 AWS outreach to Sam: Bedrock Nova and startup credits31:45 Sam Altman's code red memo -- is it a decoy?33:51 Gemini latency vs GPT why speed matters for Brit (Ad opp?)44:39 Is Aaron Levie for or against AI?46:40 Waymo's safety report and Dave's FSD usage51:21 Recapping the Slow holiday party + Offline's next58:28 Slow's Modern Etiquette Book plug (Link to purchase: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G4HSKSY5)We’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessYouTubeConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

Pre-Thanksgiving chatter from the Lessins’ Surf Shack: Jess, Brit, Dave, and Sam pinball from holiday-card automation to trillion-dollar AI geopolitics. Brit trades Minted for Canva+GPT, Jess admits to maintaining a 600-row address spreadsheet, Sam unveils Slow’s Etiquette Book, and Dave still can’t believe we can’t pay in USDC. Don’t worry this year's Thanksgiving edition will live up to its hype, the crew gets into the real stuff too: Google’s TPU push vs. Nvidia’s moat, Meta reportedly buying billions in TPUs, whether Google can shave 10% off Nvidia’s revenue, and more.Chapters:06:45 The San Francisco consensus and Silicon Valley’s real innovation marketing11:10 Elon Zuck and megaphone-powered distribution14:30 Why interface distribution will decide AI winner17:20 Memory isn’t real lock-in switching between ChatGPT and Gemini21:40 OpenAI’s identity crisis: Apple-style computer vs Meta-style attention26:30 Google complex vs OpenAI complex how the narrative flipped29:10 Google TPUs vs Nvidia Meta’s rumored buying spree33:20 AI infrastructure economics depreciation CapEx margins36:00 Macro vs micro elections risk cycles 40:10 DOE’s Genesis Mission and where the analogy breaks44:00 OpenAI's Jony Ive device timeline48:30 Why distribution still beats novelty53:15 Final takeaways: marketing distribution and business-model warsWe’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessYouTube: https://youtu.be/7BbWHm3KODwConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

Jessica kicks things off with Brit’s five-hour Brit-chella extravaganza—red latex, Light Balance blackout choreo, Ke$ha surprise, and more. The crew checks in on Jessica’s IG detox, TikTok's new "self control badges", ChatGPT launching group chats, Google Gemini taking the lead, and why “just be Google” might be the winning AI brand strategy as AI melts into UX. Sam calls 2026 OpenAI’s make-or-break year and trashes their consumer subscription thesis; Jessica argues ad/commerce is the only viable lane. Markets stay frothy (Nvidia), hyperscaler debt risk rises, the White House preempts 50-state AI chaos, and Coinbase x Kalshi turns prediction markets into a spectator sport. Meme corner closes the loop and a possible Femme-etiquette school spinoff make its debut.Chapters:00:37 Intro and Brit-Chella Recap10:33 Jessica’s Instagram detox check-in and what changed15:59 TikTok’s anti screen-time badges17:48 ChatGPT launches group chats; why Meta missed its chance20:51 Google Gemini takes the lead in the AI race23:37 OpenAI’s monetization problem; no one buys the consumer story29:14 Just be Google — higher brand credibility, revenue streams, and distribution39:33 Breaking: Nvidia earnings are still growing43:14 White House EO to preempt state AI regulation; why federal matters48:06 Coinbase and Kalshi prediction markets, culture, and compliance53:12 Meme Corner: RIP 6–7, hello 4156:03 Make SF Dress Up Again: Femme-Etiquette SchoolWe’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessYouTube: https://youtu.be/ahZTkLfJTykConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

The squad is complete again! We get into AI wearables: rings, necklaces, even earrings, after Dave hints his stealth ring startup is almost ready. Waymo quietly rolls out SF–San Jose service (still no freeways), while private-jet owners email senators about the shutdown. The squad goes over Andy Rubin’s humanoid robotics launch, Sam’s backwards Panopticon sign, Apple’s Issey Miyake iPhone “sock/pocket,” and that Slow’s etiquette school is now getting international interest. We wrap with Janitor AI’s romance boom, Sam building an AI kids-podcast pipeline with ElevenLabs, Brit wanting McConaughey to voice romance, Jess taking an Instagram detox, and more.Chapters:01:18 AI in interior design and AI slop; Why AI commerce still feels broken04:59 Apple week iPhone Air vs Pro08:49 Wearable AI flood Ray-Bans, rings, and other wearables15:32 Jess deletes Instagram and maybe email21:05 Multitasking vs focus23:32 Andy Rubin’s new robotics company27:15 SORON reveal and home deterrence roadmap29:15 Military research to practical deterrent systems30:29 Panopticon conference room and GDPR simplification32:29 Waymo expansion and route quirks35:35 Apple Issey Miyake iPhone pocket sock38:40 Slow's Etiquette Finishing school goes global44:50 The Lessin Family AI generated kids podcast49:06 BBC scandal media bias and blowback54:12 Lawfare the financialization of lawsuitsWe’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessYouTube: https://youtu.be/pA20Sk63yYEConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

It’s Etiquette Finishing School Day at Slow Ventures, Sam dials in from the Four Seasons in a Brioni suit to recap Slow’s first-ever Etiquette School—covering caviar bumps, sommelier tips, and the “low heart rate” approach to leadership. The crew argue that etiquette now matters in tech because trust is scarce and “PMF-only” is an outdated YC-era story. Jess also unpacks details from Apple’s Gemini deal, Sequoia’s leadership shuffle, Anthropic’s latest numbers, and crypto’s meme-driven chaos. Watch till the end for free No Kings and Queens of Corbet protest tees from Sam.Chapters:02:33 Etiquette Day at Slow — Sam’s recap from the Four Seasons07:00 Why etiquette matters for founders in 202513:20 Apple x Google: Gemini to power Siri17:24 Apple’s AI strategy: Restricting Spend on AI20:04 LLMs vs search the new user behavior shift27:40 Sequoia’s leadership handoff36:44 Meme coin corner Jelly’s 400M rise and community-led products47:55 Waymo swarms El Camino AI meets the real world50:30 Sam's "No Kings and Queens" merchWe’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessYouTube: https://youtu.be/zv4VdtKpQQkConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

With Jess running The Information's massive WTF conference and Sam off-grid on a mountain, Brit and Dave hold down the fort with Stuart Landesberg, CEO of Seneca, a Slow- and Offline-backed startup building autonomous firefighting drones. Between deep tech inside jokes, Stuart coins pro-America tech and breaks down how Seneca’s five-drone strike teams deploy 500 lbs of foam across 30 square miles in under ten minutes—even at night. Wildfires now drain over a trillion dollars a year from the U.S. economy, and Seneca’s model of detect early, respond fast, outperforms retrofitting homes or relying on pilots. With demand rising from cities, utilities, and insurers protecting $5T in assets, Stuart’s focused on building long-term enterprise value, not chasing the AI hype cycle.Join the Seneca team: https://seneca.com/careers/Chapters:03:28 Stuart’s path to Seneca and the wildfire problem10:36 The true economic cost of wildfires12:10 Prevention vs. suppression; prescribed burns and costs16:19 Exponential fire growth; strike teams and early knockdowns19:46 Autonomy + sensors; choosing actions in real time20:45 Five drones, 30 square miles, sub-10-minute response22:20 Night ops: why autonomy wins when pilots can’t fly25:42 Regulators, HOAs, utilities: who’s pulling adoption forward27:40 Capital, AI hype, and choosing long-term partners31:32 Founder advice; unexpected demand from private stakeholders39:38 Culture: Stoicism, Amor Fati, learning from crashesWe’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/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

The gang is back with a spicy opener: Brit calls out Dave for dismissing her “AI-assisted” doc as work slop, while Sam argues lowbrow culture now imitates machines and highbrow culture resists them. We break down OpenAI’s early, hallucination-prone Atlas browser and debate whether it’s a real agent platform, just memory capture, or total $$$ burn. Sora hype is cooling as TPUs rise—with Jessica noting how The Information's TPU scoop even nudged NVIDIA to move faster. OpenAI’s compute could approach ~$45B/year at ~3 GW, forcing new financing models and tough research vs GTM trade-offs—Sam calls it Pascal’s Wager for Big Tech. We close on AWS outages, crypto leverage swings, and why “swag is dead,” replaced by bespoke gifting as the new status move. Just another week of your favorite Technology podcast with the Morins and Lessins.Chapters:00:38 — Gang is back: notes on last episode and Yasso bars01:20 — Revisiting last week's “AI Work Slop”: Brit vs. Dave 03:49 — Culture vs. LLMs: highbrow resists, lowbrow imitates07:16 — Bot etiquette: Bot joining Zoom calls and writing thank you letters12:16 — OpenAI Atlas: early tests, hallucinations & agency potential17:29 — Sora hype cools: the consumer AI novelty cycle19:47 — The TPU plot twist: NVIDIA gets pushed to move faster22:40 — $45B compute future: Pascal’s Wager for Big Tech29:05 — AWS outages: one-offs vs systemic risk33:29 — The X Game: Mr.Beast, “manual slop,” and the screenshot era43:38 — Swag is dead: bespoke gifting = new status flex53:43 — Sports, socials & 2026 predictionsWe’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessYouTube: https://youtu.be/VDYdIoHe4XAConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

Jessica and Dave dive into the messy intersection of AI, culture, and the next wave of consumer tech. From the rise of “AI slop” to whether founders should build apps just for themselves, they debate what survives the model wars and what gets eaten alive. Along the way: 2025 Silicon Valley weirdness, $1B AI comp with no products, GLP-1 memes, kids treating Fortnite like the new social network, and California’s crackdown on youth tech. It’s part therapy session, part future forecast—the only technology podcast that you should listen to before you head into the weekend.Chapters:00:40 Intro: The first “Jave” episode01:17 The Grove lore: Ground zero of social networks03:19 What’s actually working in consumer AI?12:26 The Information’s mobile app and engagement lift14:51 Summarization as the killer consumer use case16:17 The “AI slop” problem in real work product19:35 2025 Silicon Valley culture: dead internet, Sora slop, $1B comp21:08 Refounding era (Handshake) and trendwatching23:01 Startup to watch: BitRig and iPhone apps that build apps25:06 Why personalized apps32:54 OpenAI Dev Day paranoia: Who gets eaten?44:32 Parenting choices: Roblox/YouTube vs curated apps58:36 Algorithmic novelty vs repetition comfort01:02:47 OpenAI recalibrates adult contentWe’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessYouTube: https://youtu.be/Iug0dyIlpsAConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

This week on More or Less: Jess drops The Information’s scoop on Oracle’s shaky GPU rental margins and how it spooked markets, while Sam insists AI workloads will soar, even if profits don’t. Dave crunches the numbers: an “Apollo program every 10 months,” data centers now powering half of U.S. GDP, and capital getting sucked from factories into GPUs. On the culture beat: Google’s Zeitgeist goes no-swag chic, Taylor gets her own Google Easter egg, and Instagram ads become the prototype for AI’s ad future, Restoration Hardware jet memes, Waymo etiquette, Bari Weiss’ $150M Free Press–meets–CBS glow-up, and more. Never a dull moment with the MOL squad.Chapters:01:17 – Slow's Etiquette Finishing school on 11/5 (Apply here: https://luma.com/vmd7rz6j)04:02 – Why everyone is replicating YC demo day17:15 – AI bubble check + Sora usage uptick18:04 – Oracle GPU rental margins scoop21:21 – Quantum skepticism24:26 – AI bubble propping up the U.S. GDP33:20 – OpenAI renting GPUs; finance structures everywhere38:48 – Where AI profits come from: ads, subs, commerce (nothing proven)42:31 – Bari Weiss’ Free Press sold for $150M; CBS Editor-in-Chief57:06 – Yoni Rechtman’s “self-promotion” stunt + Sam’s viral MrBeast post on XWe’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessYouTube: https://youtu.be/p1bmrugU_6EConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

Never a dull moment with the More or Less squad: Jessica questions whether Sora is just a novelty or the start of an AI-native social economy, arguing OpenAI needs its own device to escape current platform limits. Brit calls it “Vine meets MySpace,” highlighting its cameo mechanic as a creator tool that could outpace Meta’s AI video. Dave says Sora only needs to be entertaining and pitches OpenAI’s real graph play: embedding ChatGPT in group chats. Sam compares Sora to Truth Social, not Instagram, arguing power and narrative—not unit economics—drive the AI capex boom. The squad also touches on the “dead internet theory,” the importance of context over data, and the limits of LLM understanding, with side notes on Swifties and always-on AI wearables.Chapters:04:59 What is Sora? The Vine meets MySpace take06:40 Early Sora product gaps: identity, friending, moderation07:37 Creator utility vs novelty: will people care09:51 Sora is Truth Social, not Instagram; Sam is Tom11:20 Power vs ownership: modern mercantilism in AI14:03 Loose on copyright, tight on moderation—the 2x216:36 Production value is a false god17:59 What is AI slop? Dead internet theory primer20:16 Idealized ideas: vibe-coded pitches fool no one22:18 Does entertainment alone create an economy26:05 If you ran OpenAI, what would you build28:39 The obvious social graph: ChatGPT in your group chats30:53 Why OpenAI needs a device: voice multitasking plus identity UX34:31 Context is king; models know nothing about you36:19 Don’t sell your data; keep your context moat38:02 Sutton vs LLMs: prediction without understanding43:22 AI capex as narrative: Chinese housing and ’99 fiber analogiesWe’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessYouTube: https://youtu.be/tDsh5VdoTpcConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

No Morins this week—just Jess and Sam, trading Gossip Girl “dear listener” asides for a tour of tech’s new power map. From Meta’s in-store glasses push to Apple’s “Find My” doubling as Gen Z’s stealth social network, the real story is how distribution and lock-in shape the future. Sam frames “mercantilism 2.0,” where global trade routes of capital now run through Silicon Valley, Tel Aviv, and Riyadh, with figures like Elon Musk and Sam Altman acting as brokers of $10B+ flows.In true Sam fashion, the conversation highlights why LLMs aren’t true moats, pointing instead to the infrastructure layer (chips, power, data centers) and the UX layer (distribution, product polish). Nvidia’s securitized GPU deals illustrate how structured finance and alliances are reshaping competition.The takeaway: early-stage VC may finally be moving past hype, becoming sober—and therefore interesting—again.Chapters:02:02 – Meta Ray-Bans: friction as onboarding strategy05:31 – Mercantilism 2.0: Tech’s new trade routes07:56 – Elon’s real genius: moving $10B+ into frontier tech09:27 – Sam Altman as mega-capital trade-route broker12:40 – Starlink V3 and the network-layer power shift16:08 – Could Elon own planetary communications?18:35 – Find My = stealth social network21:04 – Strategy assets over DCF: power, data centers, chips23:41 – LLMs aren’t the moat; moats shift lower/higher27:44 – AI’s expense revives structured finance30:56 – Nvidia as the East India Company of compute33:50 – Will a handful of players control all the assets?39:57 – Early-stage VC is sober (and exciting) again43:05 – TikTok’s heat moved to AI: the attention shiftWe’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/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

The More or Less team go deep on the rumored TikTok deal: licensing the algorithm vs. owning influence, who actually controls the For You page, and why data localization misses the point. We debate A16Z’s evolving role, Sequoia’s must-have-access imperative, and what a “TikTok US CEO” would really do.Chapters:00:48 - Intro + Ty Haney’s crypto-invisible loyalty rails 02:38 - “Do the weather” for Silicon Valley05:04 - Alcatraz as brand strategy (and why)11:22 - TikTok deal setup: ownership shuffle vs. real control20:05 - What does a TikTok US CEO actually do? “Shell upon shell”22:40 - “I want a human to pick my feed” — the curation comeback24:21 - Slow’s Etiquette School: leveling the playing field37:31 - Meta’s new glasses: HUD, wristband typing, live captions44:33 - LLMs as the new youth battleground; customizing AI personalities48:45 - Mid-cap IPOs, rate cuts, and why “number didn’t go up”53:14 - The case for exclusive, hyper-local print (and price it high)We’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessYouTube: https://youtu.be/P3Gzl2ZDXWwConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

Apple ships hardware while everyone else ships AI press releases. The MOL quad debates whether Apple’s “ignore the hype” strategy wins, why YC is full of “made-to-chart” AI startups, what unique conviction really means for investors, and how meme warfare is becoming the new GTM.Chapters: 01:02 – “Ozempic iPhone” and why “thin” might be back10:06 – Market reaction: “Not enough AI,” money flows to Oracle16:49 – YC protest: is relevance measured by outrage?25:47 – Creator-led startups as an investing edge26:49 – Khosla: bargain hunting is a poor AI bet37:20 – Why money feels unlimited again (FOMO returns)40:29 – Quiet shakeout: sub-$100M seed funds at risk42:05 – Crypto policy clarity as 2025 macro driver50:11 – Meme warfare: the next GTM playbookWe’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessYouTube: https://youtu.be/xzlAjHPZtW4Connect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

Another busy week in tech and your favorite quad are back! We go over: Google’s antitrust “win,” AI M&A mania, Anthropic’s stay-private debate, why lawyers out-earn bankers now, and the barbell reality of internet businesses. We also unpack creator vs algorithm dynamics, the rise of Ozempic, and Sam’s wild “AI petty-lawsuit bot” idea.Chapters:02:07 – OpenAI’s $300k copywriting hire → AI not there yet09:03 – AI M&A deals are small relative to hype10:55 – Lawyers now out-earning bankers12:40 – Google’s antitrust “loss” turned into a win17:31 – Government says “AI will handle capitalism”22:02 – Debate: force unicorns public at $100B+40:15 – Creators must transcend algorithms, not rely on feeds45:07 – Only ~20M Americans really buy things — own that niche56:07 – AI petty-lawsuit bots as the next “big market”57:22 – AI is just compute wars, zero net valueWe’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessYouTube: https://youtu.be/W1HVKJZg7qoConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

In this episode of More or Less, Brit Morin and Dave Morin sit down with legendary VC Tony Conrad (True Ventures) for a candid conversation on the state of venture capital, the real impact of AI, the death of social media, and why non-attribution and EQ matter more than ever.Chapters:01:30 – The Power (and Rarity) of Non-Attribution in Venture 04:00 – Building Culture After the Dot-Com Crash 06:00 – Why We Don’t Do This for the Money 08:30 – EQ vs IQ: The Human Side of Venture Capital 11:00 – The Wildfire Story: When VCs Show Up as Humans 16:50 – The Best GPs & Firms: Inspiration from Legacy and Newcomers 22:30 – Space Tech Is Real Venture Capital (Not Just AI) 28:10 – Venture Is a Contact Sport: Lessons from Ron Conway 30:40 – AI Hype: Is There Any Money Left for Startups? 40:00 – Manipulation, Social Media, and the Rise of AEO 49:30 – Building Brands in the Age of AI (and Why We Paused Consumer) 55:00 – The Dangers of AI Hype and Overfunding 57:00 – Why Contrarian Investing Can Wait—Focus on AI Now 1:04:00 – Pop Culture Corner: Taylor Swift, Branding, and First Concerts 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/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

This week on More or Less, the crew dives into the shifting narratives around AI (Finally everyone is getting on Sam's wavelength), the reality of LLM business models, and why infrastructure may not be the gold rush everyone thinks. We debate the hype cycles, the authenticity crisis in startup pitches, and the pitfalls of meme coins in the creator economy. Plus, is Burning Man over, and what can Taylor Swift teach us about brand-building in the internet age? As always, join Jessica Lessin, Dave Morin, Brit Morin, and Sam Lessin for an unfiltered, insider take on what’s really happening in Silicon Valley.Chapters:0:40 – Intro and Silicon Valley Homecomings6:40 – AI, SaaS, and the Changing Narrative12:10 – The AI Moment: GPT-5 and the Plateau14:40 – AI Slop and the Devaluation of Content19:40 – OpenAI: From Hype to Sober Reality21:40 – The Problem with Narrative-Driven Startups24:40 – Marketing vs. Product: Who Really Wins?26:40 – Lying, Manifesting, and Silicon Valley Ethics30:40 – The Tower of Babel: Founders vs. VCs vs. AI36:40 – Burning Man: Has It Peaked?39:40 – Polyamory, Netflix Tropes, and the End of Media Originality43:40 – Meme Coins, Crowdfunding, and Creator Economy Pitfalls54:40 – Taylor Swift, Internet Fame, and Brand Lessons for StartupsWe’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/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

This week, the team dives into more meme capitalism, the AI hype cycle, and why San Francisco is still the epicenter of tech ambition (and some very odd real estate choices). We debate the real value behind Perplexity, the future of Chrome, and the myths founders tell themselves about trials and second chances. Plus: Taylor Swift, conspiracy AIs, and the ultimate contrarian takes for VCs and founders. Your usual well rounded and brutally honest weekly episode of More or Less.Chapters:00:00 – Taylor Swift Should Buy Chrome?!02:30 – SF Comeback: The AI Pied Piper Effect06:30 – Meme Capitalism: Conference of the Future14:00 – AI Bubble Watch: Perplexity’s Valuation17:30 – Founder Redemption: Always Call Your VCs20:00 – The Dirty Secret of SaaS Trials25:00 – Chrome Antitrust Circus29:00 – AI Hardware: Bring Back the Flashlight35:00 – Taylor Swift: Peak Culture or Just Getting Started?43:00 – Conspiracy AI: The Next Meme Machine?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/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

This week on More or Less: Jessica Lessin, Dave Morin, Brit Morin, and Sam Lessin dive deep into the surprisingly busy summer of venture capital, the impact of AI on startups, and the changing rules for founders and investors. From Figma’s IPO and the rise of meme-driven investing to the challenge of diligence in an AI-saturated world, we tackle the uncomfortable truths and new dynamics shaping Silicon Valley today. Chapters:01:46 – Dude Perfect vs. The Circus: The Internet Killed Local Art05:46 – The Creator Quality Bar Keeps Rising07:46 – Figma IPO: Did Wall Street Fleeced Them?10:46 – SaaS Is NOT Back & The Real IPO Signal13:26 – OpenAI: The Ultimate Meme Stock?15:46 – Seed Investing is Broken in the AI Era20:46 – Valley Mood: Exuberance and Angst22:46 – The Feudalism 2.0 Problem39:46 – The Uncomfortable Truth About Founder Age & Life Stage45:46 – Deep Work, Distraction, and the Future of FoundersWe’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessSpotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspodYouTube: https://youtu.be/D5Y-WZqsAlEConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

What happens when VCs are called the least sophisticated financiers, AI researchers get billion-dollar paydays, and outrage becomes the new marketing? This week on More or Less, the full crew breaks down the state of the AI talent wars, the power of meme-driven marketing, and whether hope (not financial literacy) still drives Silicon Valley. Chapters:01:15 Jersey Shore, Laundry, and Marital Advice05:08 Sydney Sweeney Outrage: Meme Marketing & Stock Surges18:32 VCs Are the Least Sophisticated Financiers22:20 AI Billionaires: Comp Bubbles & Power Laws27:09 Will Billion-Dollar AI Talent Stay?32:24 Social Graph Recruiting: The New Acqui-Hire38:52 AI Comp Bubble: Lessons from the iOS Gold Rush44:22 The Robot That Folds Clothes (and Why It’s a Billion-Dollar Job)50:11 Outrage Marketing: Fad or Future?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/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

This 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, and the Joy of Building09:45 – AI Data, Human Correction, and Social Graphs12:15 – Tesla’s Trillion-Dollar Marketing Stunts16:23 – Google’s CapEx, Meta’s Moat, and AI Spending18:15 – OpenAI’s Extension: Business Model Reckoning27:08 – Apple’s AI Strategy: Does Not Caring Win?36:20 – AI Companions & The Threat to Social Platforms39:15 – Google’s Secret Weapon: Let OpenAI Take the Bullshit47:15 – Founders: Build What You Love, Or Regret It53:30 – Savage Brit & Monjaro Shots in NYCWe’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoreorLessPodConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

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 Goes Wrong09:30 – Building Audiences: Why Longer is Better (and Sponsors Are Lining Up)14:00 – Is AI for Productivity or Personal Use? The Real Data16:00 – Big Tech vs. Startups: Who Wins Consumer AI?20:00 – Can AI Save Local News? The Verticalization Debate24:00 – The Real Business of Local Data: City Councils and Real Estate28:30 – AI Business Models: Advertising, Affiliate, or Something New?31:00 – Is AI Stealing Attention from Instagram? The Frenetic Race33:00 – Commerce, Discovery, and the Death of Search37:00 – The Productivity Trap: Why Margins Go to Zero39:00 – How Are VCs Really Using AI? The Memory Game40:30 – AI as Entertainment: Coding vs. Netflix43:00 – The Future of Commerce: Push vs. Pull, Meta vs. OpenAI46:00 – Google, Gemini, and the Battle for Relevance47:30 – Late Night Coding: Why Claude Is Addictive53:00 – Pop Culture Corner: Lena Dunham, AI Bands, and WimbledonWe’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/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

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 Backstory03:20 Crypto’s Evolution: Punks, Hoodies, and Suits07:00 Bitcoin, Meme Investing, and the Value of Ideas12:00 Meme Coins: Infrastructure and Insanity17:45 Why Build a Crypto Phone? Platform Wars Explained24:00 Talent, Incentives, and the Crypto Dilemma30:00 Stablecoins, Dollar Hegemony, and Global Finance39:50 The Punks Are the Bankers Now41:10 The Internet, Extremes, and the Death of Truth49:00 Engagement, Incentives, and the Future of Platforms52:20 Are the Punks Too Rich to Care?54:30 Wrap-Up: Bold Predictions and Where Crypto Goes NextWe’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/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

This 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 Go Viral Everywhere?11:15 - Google’s “Last Gasp” to Save Publishers14:23 - The Next Big Thing: Vanity Checks & Gold Delivery20:15 - The Problem with AI Business Models21:52 - Usage-Based Pricing is Generally Bad26:45 - The Big News: Meta’s OpenAI Raid29:45 - The AI Moneyball Era: Who are the Oakland A’s?34:26 - What Will Meta’s New Super-Team Actually Build?41:10 - The “Baller” Leader Move OpenAI Didn’t Make42:50 - AI Researchers Are The New Rockstars44:45 - F1 Movie: The Best Film of the Year?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/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

Join 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 us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

This 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/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

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/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

This 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 future.- AI is expected to lower the cost of content creation, making it easier for creators to enter various industries.- The competitive nature of the content creation landscape. There is a significant barrier to entry regarding truth in the creator economy.- Authenticity is crucial for creators when launching products.- Build-A-Bear exemplifies how a brand can leverage AI for future growth.- Self-driving technology raises important safety and ethical questions, especially for children.- Investors are often driven by the potential for market cap expansion, thus creating the narrative of an "everything app"- The future of technology will likely involve more personalized and specialized solutions.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/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/britChapters:00:00 The Rise of Personalized Robotics02:55 Home Renovations and the Ultimate Man Cave05:45 Critique of Mountain Head: A Cinematic Disappointment08:55 The Future of Work: Substack and Creator Economy12:00 AI's Impact on Content Creation and Distribution14:57 The Evolution of Creator Brands and Product Authenticity18:08 The Supplement Market: Trends and Concerns20:55 Hardware Innovations: AR, VR, and Snap's Future27:55 The Future of Snap and OpenAI's Potential Acquisitions30:02 Innovative Wearables and the Concept of the E-Cane33:07 Build-A-Bear: The Unexpected AI Company35:59 The Everything App: Future of Digital Consolidation40:00 Elon Musk's PR Strategies and Tesla's Self-Driving Technology47:58 AI in Everyday Life: Unique Applications and Experiences

This 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 content creation and user interaction on platforms like OnlyFans.The need for robust age verification systems is critical for online safety.Social engineering poses significant risks to digital security and identity verification.The intersection of technology and privacy raises important ethical questions.New technologies are emerging to address identity verification challenges. Cybersecurity is a growing concern in today's digital age.Personal security measures are becoming increasingly important.The evolution of media is leading to new forms of content consumption.Platforms like TBPN are disrupting traditional media models.Cultural shifts are changing the landscape of digital content.Celebrity ventures are becoming significant players in the market.The importance of remembering complex passwords cannot be overstated.Media companies must adapt to the soundbite era to stay relevant.Tech hiring is experiencing a downturn post-pandemic.The de-stigmatization of platforms like OnlyFans is creating new opportunities.We’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessConnect with us here:Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessinDave Morin: https://x.com/davemorinJessica Lessin: https://x.com/JessicalessinBrit Morin: https://x.com/britChapters00:00 Celebrating Milestones and Listener Engagement03:00 The Business of OnlyFans and Its Market Dynamics05:58 Investment Perspectives on Controversial Industries09:04 The Evolution of Digital Identity and Security12:00 The Intersection of Technology and Privacy14:59 The Future of Age Verification and Digital Safety17:53 The Role of AI in Content Creation and Interaction20:59 Exploring New Technologies for Identity Verification24:06 The Implications of Social Engineering and Security Risks34:00 Navigating Cybersecurity Challenges36:55 The Importance of Personal Security39:57 Media Evolution and Disruption44:03 The Future of Tech and Media49:57 Cultural Shifts in Digital Content53:58 Celebrity Ventures and Market Trends

This 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 suddenly everywhere, and more.We’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessSpotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspodConnect with us here:Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessinDave Morin: https://x.com/davemorinJessica Lessin: https://x.com/JessicalessinBrit Morin: https://x.com/brit00:00 Introduction01:24 OpenAI CEO of Applications?07:55 Tools that ACTUALLY work18:47 Is everyone lying about vibe coding?43:10 The big identity problem with LLMs (and Zapier)52:26 Google I/O: "Who cares?"54:13 Is OpenAI big tech? They buy Jony Ive's startup56:17 The "hyper-viral" Methaphone. How?59:40 Outro

What 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 Applications”, andThe looming threat of Trump’s nonprofit tax crackdown (and what it means for Harvard, endowments, and… Froyo)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/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

The 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 DoorDash, Datadog, and Function Health, andWhy tech was (mostly) absent from this year’s Met GalaWe’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/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit00:00 Trailer01:24 Nearly 100 episodes02:35 Top one angel investor: David Morin07:22 Big M&As and vibe coding20:09 Digital media22:09 Is Google search dying?30:13 New Netflix interface32:18 Fund entities and structures (Sam, don't listen!)44:37 Pop culture corner: Barry Diller46:20 Pop culture corner: Met Gala54:44 Happy birthday to Jess55:26 Outro

Jess, 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 aboutPlus: the parenting trick Meghan Markle and Sam both swear by—and why Dave might soon be replaced by an AI on the board.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/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit00:00 Trailer01:20 AI investors, New York, Austin05:01 The Ruck Rock, Methaphone, Weighted Tungsten cases11:02 Meta AI, Google Gemini, ChatGPT21:46 The way to win in AI31:39 Snap snapped, and macroeconomics too34:29 Thinking Machines Lab38:21 AI and mental health45:32 Pop culture: Beyonce, Warriors, Meghan Markle48:56 Outro

Jess, 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://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/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit00:00 Trailer01:25 Recruiting PMs and hard-to-fake filters08:34 Google anti-trust legal theater13:58 Market narratives and fruit monopolies22:21 LLMs and media companies25:49 Is the web dying?32:05 People want resonance38:19 Adult content and AI40:59 Meme stock Tesla and messiah Elon47:30 How Musk handles the poliola49:15 "Spam" Lessin's factory-farmed VC unicorn end52:23 National medal of motherhood55:48 Be the mountain, not the storm58:10 Outro and announcement

With 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—would you commit to a ticket to Mars?Let us know in the comments below!00:00 Trailer01:16 Guest Intro03:39 VC East Coast scene08:39 Offline from tech10:32 OpenAI social media leak? 15:08 Investing in AI22:59 Like AI companies28:49 Figma's Potentital IPO33:08 LPs and founders are pissed41:52 Pop culture corner: Katy Perry went to space45:02 Humans on Mars by 2040? 46:36 OutroFeaturing: Ben Lerer: https://x.com/benjlererMorgan Beller: https://x.com/bellerWe’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/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

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.thedailybeast.comWe’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/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit01:13 The only one standing felt abandoned03:05 Guest intro04:36 What's it like inside the newsroom frontlines07:03 Betrayal, greed, power, ambition, love...12:17 What character is Elon Musk playing20:25 The Donald, the Valley, and the Trade War28:29 What the insider insiders are talking about31:20 Space, plastic surgeons, celebrities37:06 Another pop culture moment: Meghan Sussex40:52 Royalty and the tabloid46:05 Gloria Steinem, women's rights, reproductive health48:23 Moments that break out51:46 Outro

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/moreorlesspodConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit00:00 Trailer01:03 Sam and Dave's clones02:59 Are we getting closer or further away from Mars?05:58 Tesla Drama13:36 Elon News fatigue18:13 Dave social middle ground and drunk Sam20:20 Everyone’s vibe coding24:13 OpenAI28:03 Costs vs potential monetization46:43 Rippling v. Deel James Bond Spying49:56 UFC × Meta51:41 Outro

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, ChatGPT’s image wizardry, and a nod to The Information’s SABEW haul. Featuring: 1) Ben Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-smith-04b1403/2) Nicholas Carlson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasmcarlson/We’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessSpotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspodConnect with us here:1) Ben Smith: https://x.com/semaforben2) Nicholas Carlson: https://x.com/nichcarlson3) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin4) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin5) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin6) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit00:00 Trailer01:29 Our guests and our husband clones08:23 The Signal group chat scandal12:01 The Atlantic's marketing19:25 Ethics impact23:27 DOGE divides35:06 Trump, the tech giants and pragmatism39:35 Wiz deal, arms race, 42:44 11X and straight up fraud49:50 ChatGPT's Image Generator51:41 Using AI: what would JD Vance do? 55:40 AI and journalism side by side57:02 Outro

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 honeypot• Gwyneth says no to intimacy coordinators—culture’s shifting• Brit’s new AI-built app, Guarding, locks down kids’ usernamesPlus, Solana’s PR flop, NVIDIA’s chip wars, and Elon’s billion-dollar X raise.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/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit00:00 Trailer01:10 No introductions needed03:34 The New York Times Ethics Department07:06 Solana video disaster13:16 Gwyneth Paltrow vs intimacy coordinator17:03 Google acquires Wiz for $32 billion18:59 Trump administration's tech leverage30:08 Brit's app Guardling (higuardling.com)35:06 The Silicon Valley Spy Scandal!46:34 Are there VC spies?50:53 Elon raises a billion for X52:19 Drive-through AI and going bankrupt56:29 Sam Lessin has left the chat59:03 Outro

On 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—engineers aren’t having it.Plus, recession drums beat louder, Jessica’s tennis mag Racket swings big, and Sam’s still trolling with billboards.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/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit00:00 Trailer + Introduction01:46 Sam has another billboard!04:23 Waymo news09:12 New space age, flying motorcycles, tech CEOs14:21 Starlink, rockets, the space war use case19:56 More or Less bet: humans on Mars by 2040?24:34 Can this entity afford TikTok?27:53 Recession? Who cares?35:32 Startups are recession-proof42:30 Anthropic and vibe coding44:55 Billionaire free caltrain45:29 What's on our Instagram explore pages?47:42 Tennis magazine

Markets 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 “Trump Make Poor” bit, and a hot take on why live sports might be overrated. It’s chaos, it’s volatility, it’s Episode 89 of More or Less.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/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit00:00 Trailer01:10 Make startups weird again02:24 The Brit brand theory04:01 TikTok, DeepSeek and the nostalgia supercycle05:48 Do people even watch live sports anymore? 08:36 Running Point and feminist humor10:12 "New old, old new" companies16:26 "Spam" Lessin's billboard20:35 Driverless Waymo on the 10121:59 Wall Street Journal tech layoffs28:17 Trump make rich, Trump McPoor34:52 AI, AGI and the Top Gun Theory37:40 IPOs, massages, robot sex workers45:16 Girls' surf trip with margaritas and poker47:46 Indian Wells!52:18 Outro

What 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 down in Silicon Valley?All that, plus Dave’s latest case for why everyone should quit social media, in this Episode #88 of More or Less.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/Jessicalessin⁠4) Brit Morin: ⁠https://x.com/brit⁠00:00 Intro01:13 Live from the Upfront Summit03:04 Intuit and taxes06:37 Bezo's media shift12:26 Blantant bias and framing18:53 Meme coins are fascinating25:39 Make Instagram great again32:44 Big Tech and Trump34:19 Google search traffic is down36:35 AI segment: Grok45:08 The AI markets meme narrative55:40 Time Women of the Year Gala59:04 Outro

Elon 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?Social media is unraveling, AI is becoming hyper-personalized (maybe too much so), and the next wave of consumer tech is either flopping or skyrocketing at warp speed.All that—plus the latest chaos in AI, Big Tech, and beyond—on Episode 87 of More or Less.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/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit(00:00:00) Introduction(00:01:20) Bay Area ski week(00:02:38) Yoga(00:06:43) Grok 3 vs The Information(00:12:26) Best deep research model? (00:19:30) iOS bug and social media isolation(00:23:42) iPhone 16e and status symbols(00:27:49) Digital drugs(00:33:21) Do brands even matter anymore?(00:43:00) Humane fire sale and AI Printers?(00:47:07) Founders who can land a plane(00:53:31) Lost Meta "international spy technology"(00:55:40) More Or Less correspondents(00:56:50) Jack created Bitcoin?(01:00:32) Outro

Elon 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 Instagram: https://instagram.com/moreorless Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspod Connect with us here: 1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin 2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin 3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin 4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit(00:00:00) Trailer(00:01:07) Dressing well(00:03:38) Startups, hybrid work(00:11:47) Efficiency and productivity(00:18:51) Apple Intelligence (00:20:44) Google Maps(00:22:31) Elon's OpenAI bid(00:33:26) Who buys TikTok? (00:35:27) Bill Gates(00:41:31) Investing on people and adventure capital(00:50:30) 360 deals and musicians(00:52:34) Investing in niche creators(00:56:39) Super Bowl LIX and Kendrick Lamar(01:01:55) Outro

Sam 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/moreorlesspodConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit(00:00:00) Trailer(00:01:01) Ski race and poker(00:03:00) Dave and Sam's newly-launched project(00:13:19) Fartcoin is serious(00:19:11) Everything will be tokenized(00:33:04) PvP system(00:36:47) Regulation side, Coinbase, jellyjelly(00:49:16) DOGE against the US Government?(01:06:56) Pop culture corner(01:09:52) Outro

DeepSeek—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://twitter.com/moreorlesspod Instagram: https://instagram.com/moreorless Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspod Connect with us here: 1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin 2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin 3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin 4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit (00:00:00) Trailer (00:01:03) Under the weather (00:01:43) News overload (00:05:16) Subscriptions, trust, parasocial relationships (00:14:21) DeepSeek and meme warfare (00:29:09) Meme coins and the future of digital economy (00:39:03) Regulation and trends (00:44:04) AI is the tale of two cities (00:49:40) Meta's strategic position (00:55:29) DeepSeek questions (00:59:13) Sam's watchlist (01:01:35) Outro

Stargate—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 Capitol Hill, and • if SoftBank buys, must you sell? We’re also on ↓ X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspod Instagram: https://instagram.com/moreorless Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspod Connect with us here: 1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin 2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin 3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin 4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

On 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/moreorlesspod Instagram: https://instagram.com/moreorless Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspod Connect with us here: 1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin 2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin 3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin 4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit 00:00 Trailer 01:22 Tech's gender gap 07:52 Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energies 18:36 Implications of TikTok Ban 26:52 If TikTok goes dark 30:51 Balkanization 38:21 Inauguration 41:01 Wellness festival 44:12 Congestion tax and consumption patterns 48:08 Girl math 49:41 Los Angeles 53:10 Outro

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 Generation Beta -- the first true AI natives. Bonus round: Is 2025 the year Texas tech finally takes the crown? We’re also on ↓ X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspod Instagram: https://instagram.com/moreorless Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspod Connect with us here: 1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin 2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin 3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin 4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit (00:00) Trailer (01:50) Introduction (03:02) CES, NVIDIA, Generation Beta (10:00) Breaking down Zuck’s announcement (25:22) What could go wrong? (38:34) Los Angeles (40:46) Robots (44:01) Pop Culture Corner (47:50) Outro

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? We’re also on ↓ X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspod Instagram: https://instagram.com/moreorless Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspod Connect with us here: 1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin 2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin 3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin 4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit (0:00) Intro (1:13) Mar 29, 2024 | Apple v. DOJ (8:53) Aug 9, 2024 | Google Antitrust Decision (14:08) Oct 11, 2024 | Google's Potential Breakup (26:46) Jun 12, 2023 | Crypto and the SEC (35:27) Dec 8, 2023 | Crypto bounces back (46:30) Nov 15, 2024 | D.O.G.E. (01:03:16) Dec 6, 2024 | Trump and Web3 (01:10:56) Outro

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 ↓ X: ⁠https://twitter.com/moreorlesspod⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://instagram.com/moreorless⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspod⁠ Connect with us here: 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/lessin (00:00:00) Introduction (00:00:54) SEGMENT 1: OpenAI Developer Day, Altman firing (00:01:08) OpenAI Developer Day and GPTs (00:15:22) CEO Sam Altman was fired (00:35:27) SEGMENT 2: Apple + OpenAI, LLMs Business Realities (00:35:42) Apple Intelligence (00:51:51) SEGMENT 3: Agentic Predictions, Adoption, Business Models (00:52:23) OpenAI's Mega Funding Round (01:08:39) Agentic future and Building software through AI (01:24:25) Silicon Valley Hype Waves, Tech Infrastructure and Great Products (01:40:11) Outro

In 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 keep the momentum going? Let’s get into it. In 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 keep the momentum going? Let’s get into it. We’re also on ↓ X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspod Instagram: https://instagram.com/moreorless Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspod Connect with us here: 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/lessin (00:00:00) Trailer + Introduction (00:01:46) God bless capitalism (00:04:08) A+ love story, 3-hour marathon (00:07:32) 2024 Tech Outlook (00:09:50) Why AI was transformative (00:13:21) A major year for tech? (00:17:55) A remarkable year for VC (00:31:51) Waymo (00:35:35) The company of the year (00:53:29) 2025 Predictions (01:03:20) Food, health, pop culture, sports (01:08:15) Outro

How 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 ↓ X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspod Instagram: https://instagram.com/moreorless Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspod Connect with us here: 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/lessin 00:00 Trailer 01:24 Introduction 02:04 The Eras Tour 06:56 AI, TikTok, and Arrests 07:31 AI Video Debate 10:28 Creator Economy and AI Tools 16:10 Trust and Attention in Creator Businesses 19:24 Digital Drugs and AI Content 22:13 Spotify Wrapped and Music Trends 27:54 AI Agents 35:04 The Death of the Open Web? 39:42 Policy, Big Tech, and Digital Trade 48:29 Reflecting on Leadership in Media and Policy 52:18 Amazon Autos and Miata Chronicles 55:01 Outro

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 ↓ X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspod Instagram: https://instagram.com/moreorless Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspod Connect with us here: 1) Aaron Levie: https://x.com/levie 2) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin 3) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin 4) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin 5) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit 00:00 Trailer 01:27 Introduction 05:26 Web3, Crypto Enthusiasm 13:44 Political Dynamics in Tech 22:27 Antitrust and Regulatory Challenges 34:59 The Future of AI in Enterprise Software 40:36 The Personal App Revolution 43:47 AI Accuracy 51:38 Killer Use Cases and Business Models 1:01:59 Future Predictions 1:05:02 Pop Culture Corner 1:07:10 Outro

The 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 ↓ X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspod  Instagram: https://instagram.com/moreorless  Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspod  Connect with us here: 1) Matt Vascellaro: https://x.com/wizardgenius  2) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit  3) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin  4) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin

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 ↓ X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspod Instagram: https://instagram.com/moreorless Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspod Connect with us here: 1) Adrian Aoun: https://x.com/adrianaoun 2) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit 3) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin 4) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin 00:00:00 Trailer 00:01:17 Introduction 00:02:22 Navigating New York City 00:07:13 Some Silicon Valley history 00:11:05 More Or Less: Trump and Musk 00:15:36 Forward's Journey and Challenges 00:24:00 Healthcare Innovations and Market Shifts 00:30:07 Future of Healthcare and Business Models 00:43:39 Unwinding a company 00:47:31 Healthcare Technology Adoption 00:59:15 The Emotional and Logistical Aspects 01:01:55 Outro

With 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 ↓ X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspod Instagram: https://instagram.com/moreorless Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspod Connect with us here: 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/lessin Mark Zuckerberg & T-Pain's New Song 'Get Low': https://open.spotify.com/track/3Wn1ZONJX2yfbzWo2aPuQN?si=5368065e3e994f54 00:00:00 Trailer 00:01:10 Introduction and Brit’s New Look 00:03:17 IV Drip, Lingo, suPAR 00:08:49 PSA: Cookies and Feedbacks 00:10:09 Another big week in AI 00:12:30 Department of Government Efficiency 00:21:53 The cryptos and the VCs 00:29:39 AI in B2B2C and Verticalized Markets 00:37:50 AI Investment Strategies and Market Trends 00:52:32 Pop Culture Corner: Zuck and T-Pain 01:00:15 Outro

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 also on ↓ X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspod Instagram: https://instagram.com/moreorless Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspod Connect with us here: 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/lessin

In 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. We’re also on ↓ X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspod Instagram: https://instagram.com/moreorless Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspod Connect with us here: 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/lessin 00:00:00 Trailer 00:01:02 Introduction 00:01:22 Phone problems as features 00:07:00 Tech earnings season overview 00:09:45 Meta's quarterly performance and VR discussion 00:15:30 Google and Microsoft's AI-driven growth 00:19:55 User growth for tech companies 00:23:56 How users are using Snapchat 00:30:46 Get laid, get paid, get entertained 00:36:40 Earnings predictions 00:40:09 Creator economy's influence on election campaigns 00:51:09 Bezos ends Washington Post presidential endorsements 00:57:53 Celebrity collaborations and entertainment updates 01:03:47 Outro

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 - journalistic integrity in tech reporting We’re also on ↓ X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspod Instagram: https://instagram.com/moreorless Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspod Connect with us here: 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/lessin

Elon’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/moreorlesspod Instagram: https://instagram.com/moreorless Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspod Connect with us here: 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/lessin

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. We’re also on ↓ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoreorLessPodv X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspod Instagram: https://instagram.com/moreorless Connect with us here: 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/lessin Chapters: 00:00 Trailer 01:11 Introduction 04:25 Google: A Breakup On The Cards? 08:24 Big Tech & Antitrust 27:43 Screen Time & Devices 31:14 Ditch Your Phone 32:14 Dr. Becky & Parenting 33:06 Health & Longevity 34:00 Spin-Offs: Good For Big Tech? 35:36 AI Predictions 43:52 The Future of Software 50:51 Consumer AI & Business Models 59:12 AI at Wimbledon and Final Thoughts

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 - Pop Culture Corner46:47 - Closing Thoughts and Future Tech Trends in Japan

Meta Connect, the Hardware Renaissance (or Not?) and Special Guest Dan Feder

Plus, 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 Investments

Plus, 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 Michigan's Venture Summit 33:37 - The Bill Gurley Chronicles 39:06 - Is MrBeast the New BuzzFeed? 48:39 - Strategies and Business Models for the Creator Economy 55:19 - The Intersection of the Payments Business and the Creator Economy 59:08 - PCC: The US Presidential Debate 1:00:10 - Outro

The right—and wrong—lessons about tech's favorite new topic. Plus, a new type of parental warning. Show Notes: 00:00 - Introduction and Labor Day Tennis02:00 - Pickleball03:00 - Founder Mode05:00 - Organizational Structures12:00 - Founder Mode from a VC Perspective15:00 - Galaxy Brain vs. 100 Nodes18:00 - Uber vs. AirBNB22:00 - Optimizers vs. Builders25:00 - The Parent Analogy26:00 - Different Types of Founders30:00 - VC-backed Company Incentives33:00 - Long-Term Trajectory of Founders37:00 - Running a Business for Wall Street vs. Founder Mode39:00 - The Challenges of AirBNB43:00 - A Nasty Idea46:00 - Data Centers: A "Dick Measuring Contest"49:00 - The Surgeon General's Warning on Parenting52:30 - A Pool House Guest

Plus, Burning Man and Zuck's political moves.

Plus, 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 TV

Plus, thank you Susan Wojcicki and the truth about remote work.

Plus, Sam's Instagram splurge and new science on how women should work out.

Plus, why you should short Nvidia (but don't) plus Silicon Valley swarms the Hamptons.

Plus, the Morins teach the Lessins about streetwear and BRAT culture. And the full quad debates ideas for both presidential candidates' social media teams.

Inside the moves and motivations behind the new wave of Trump-VC endorsements. Plus, Sam returns from Kilimanjaro.

Plus, techies and their quantified sports.

Who is in—and out—at this year's annual Allen & Co. conference? Plus, racquet sports, robots, and how the summer is shaping up in tech.

Are IPOs relevant? RIP AGI? The gang looks back on our debates and predictions and how we'd refine our views based on what we know now.

The gang focuses on the exit opportunities for AI startups and whether there will be a growing wave of AI buyouts. Plus, debating the surgeon general's warning about social networks and kids.

The prolific AI investor joins the gang to discuss OpenAI, Apple and the AI deals he is—and isn't—doing and why. Plus, what's in Vinod's ChatGPT history.

The gang kicks off a new series about what entrepreneurs should build with a sector close to our heart. Plus, Brit details the Life360 U.S. IPO and Jess flaunts some new merch.

This week's conversation covers a wide range of topics, including Google's AI fails, the limitations of AI, the future of digital twins, the challenges of modeling the brain, and the impact of AI on content moderation and entertainment. It also delves into the market value of Reddit, the decline of Quora, and the use of AI in SEO strategies. The discussion highlights the complexities of AI, the internet, and the digital world, and the challenges of incentivizing and moderating content. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the challenges of internet information, AI tools, digital identity, and the impact of technology on parenting. It also delves into product recommendations, humor, and the concept of beauty contests using AI. The hosts explore the idea of a 'big ass calendar' and discuss the potential for marketing through viral challenges.

How much capital is ok to burn through in a pursuit of a moonshot? Plus, are people too negative about tech? And techies guide to summer.

Plus, peak developer confernece and bundle, unbundle, bundle!

Plus Apple 'Crushes' Its New iPad Ad, and Sam goes shopping.

Plus the boring phone movement and games, games everywhere.

Plus has Taylor maxed out her TAM?

Plus, power shifts in social and why you should pay attention to the new Taylor Swift album.

Plus, Inside The Information's Creator Economy Summit and a new threat for OpenAI.

The gang unleashes some concerns following new revelations about how companies have been training their AI models. Plus, Netflix's Three Body Problem, The Information's Private Capital Conference and more.

The gang discusses the new "risk on" vibe in Silicon Valley.

Plus the Reddit IPO and Why Software Venture Capital is Getting Harder

From 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 area of interest and exploration. Virtual events saw a significant rise during the pandemic but have declined since then. The creator economy is a growing field with exciting opportunities for events and experiences. Chapters 00:00:00 Doing It Live vs. Prep00:00:30 Introducing Julia Hartz of Eventbrite00:00:53 The Quirks of Zoom Interactions00:01:12 The Heart Emoji Conundrum00:01:27 Filling in for Brit00:02:09 Discussing Brit's Iconic Glasses00:02:42 Tech Headlines Preview00:03:04 Julia Hartz in the Hot Seat00:03:28 TikTok Ban Discussion Begins00:04:31 Potential Global Impact of TikTok Ban00:05:43 Process of Banning TikTok in the U.S.00:06:39 The PUFACA Bill and TikTok00:07:30 Jokes About the TikTok Bill Acronym00:08:04 Custom Merchandise Ideas for PUFACA00:08:34 Political Branding and TikTok00:09:09 AOC's Vote Against TikTok Ban00:09:33 Challenge of Explaining TikTok Ban to Public00:10:13 Mental Health Impact of Smartphones on Youth00:10:56 Shift in Chinese Government's Tech Strategy00:11:19 Political Risks of TikTok Ban Before Elections00:12:48 Possibility of TikTok Divestiture00:13:04 Dating Scene and Event Trends00:13:25 Resurgence of Live Experiences00:14:21 Role of Eventbrite in the Event Ecosystem00:15:40 Impact of COVID on Event Trends00:16:24 Rise of Niche Events00:17:56 Loneliness Epidemic and Finding Meaning00:19:21 Future of Event Discovery and Participation00:20:02 Role of Smartphones in Social Regression00:21:13 Importance of Reparenting Ourselves on Smartphone Use00:22:40 Resurgence of Live Events Post-COVID00:23:44 Trend of Silent Book Clubs00:24:39 Shift from Dating Apps to Real-Life Connections00:25:22 Business of Event Ticketing and Discovery00:26:18 Role of Facebook in Event Distribution00:27:21 Challenge of Event Discovery Online00:28:04 Importance of Highly Curated Events00:29:10 Niche as the New Mass in Event Trends00:30:21 Future of Eventbrite and Event Curation

A 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 these issues. The ban on TikTok raises concerns about national security risks and the influence of Chinese-owned apps on American youth. ByteDance's revenue growth highlights the company's success and the potential impact of a TikTok ban on its business. Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI raises questions about the organization's mission and the transition from nonprofit to for-profit. The influence of Elon Musk on the tech news cycle and the perception of his companies is a topic of discussion. The future of electric vehicles faces challenges such as range anxiety and competition from other countries. Charging electric vehicles can be a challenge for some individuals, leading to discussions about alternative solutions. Roving superchargers are a potential solution to address range anxiety and charging issues for EVs. The AI venture capital race is compared to the ride-hailing wars, with concerns about market concentration and smaller investors being boxed out. PCC: Who was the highest paid actor in 2023? Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Ban on TikTok 03:15 Regulating Chinese Apps 08:54 Apple's Role in Controlling Apps 16:21 Proposed Bill and Apple's Dilemma 18:18 Sophistication of Regulatory Efforts 19:07 The TikTok Ban 21:13 ByteDance's Revenue Growth 22:25 National Security Risks 26:19 Elon Musk's Lawsuit Against OpenAI 28:01 The Influence of Elon Musk 37:33 The Future of EVs 39:44 Charging Electric Vehicles 40:12 Alternative Solutions 40:46 The Future of EVs 41:20 Roving Superchargers 42:07 AI Venture Capital Race 43:13 Pop Culture: Highest-Paid Actors 45:40 Market Concentration in AI 52:31 Upcoming Events: Oscars and Tennis Tournament

Fresh 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 - Upfront Summit vs. More or Less Podcast00:08:02 - Football Docuseries Recommendations00:09:29 - Vision Pro's Use Cases00:10:15 - Apple's Electric Vehicle Project Shutdown00:11:58 - Apple's Growth and Future Direction00:13:32 - Big Companies and Market Mapping00:15:16 - Apple's Approach to New Markets00:17:29 - Apple's Retreat from the Car Business00:18:08 - Apple's Focus on Personal Technology00:19:23 - Self-Driving Cars and AI Challenges00:20:03 - Apple's AI and Chip Future00:21:29 - Google's PR Crisis with Gemini Chatbot00:22:12 - The Liability of LLMs and AI Models00:23:21 - Google's Response to Gemini's Issues00:24:45 - Google's RoboCity and AI Testing00:25:22 - Google's Next Moves After Gemini Backlash00:26:50 - Apple's Next Trillion-Dollar Market00:27:13 - Apple's Potential AI and Software Focus00:28:08 - Clarifying Apple's Mission with Personal Tech00:29:02 - Apple's Strategy and Spatial Computing00:30:07 - Tech Industry's Business Cuts00:31:01 - Meta's Oculus and Business Decisions00:33:47 - Pixel Fold's Popularity00:34:57 - Pop Culture Corner and Taylor Swift's Influence on Camera Sales00:37:25 - Suits Spinoff in Los Angeles00:38:44 - Kate Middleton's Hospital Stay?00:40:07 - Petty Crime Podcast Idea00:41:58 - Consumer vs. Enterprise Tech Returns Debate00:43:10 - AI's Impact on Consumer Tech Revolution00:44:39 - Wrap Up

Plus, 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 Frequent Sports Betting 37:03 Tennis and Sports Rights 37:41 Pop Culture Corner: Movies and Oscars 40:00 Beyonce's Country Song and Marketing 43:02 OpenAI's Sora and Marketing Strategies 44:41 The Importance of Marketing in Startups 50:47 Building Trust through Individuals 53:24 Community Building and Brand Ownership

The 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 in the face computer market, with some believing that Google's strategy may not be successful. The Vision Pro and Quest strategies have different focuses, with the Vision Pro being more spatial computing oriented. The potential of spatial computing and its impact on social software is a topic of interest and exploration. Communication and social interaction in the Vision Pro present challenges that need to be addressed. There is excitement and positive impressions of the Vision Pro, with potential for professional and enterprise applications. Agents and their role in AI are gaining attention, with potential for enhancing various tasks and workflows. OpenAI's plan to raise $7 trillion for AI chips is seen as absurd and lacking credibility. Tech leaders making outrageous statements can harm the perception of the tech industry and overshadow the serious work being done. The episode highlights the need for rational and disciplined business practices in the tech industry. Show Notes 00:00:46 - Introduction and Welcome 00:00:57 - The Full Quad Gathered 00:02:50 - AI News Discussion 00:03:02 - Vision Pro Analysis 00:03:45 - Missed Pop Culture Corner 00:04:58 - Superbowl and Taylor Swift Discussion 00:07:40 - Brock Purdy's Super Bowl Performance 00:08:26 - Sports Documentary Entertainment Genre 00:10:52 - Sports Media as the Final Frontier 00:12:13 - National vs. International Sports 00:13:06 - The Monoculture of Sports 00:14:04 - NBA and Global Sports Tournaments 00:15:00 - The Flailing Olympics 00:15:41 - The Decline of Olympic Storytelling 00:17:14 - AI News and Vision Pro 00:17:43 - Vision Pro vs. Oculus 00:18:06 - Vision Pro as a Work Machine 00:18:17 - Oculus Content and Games 00:18:49 - Camera and Social Potential 00:19:20 - Spatial Computing 00:20:24 - Google's XR Software Shift 00:21:19 - Android vs. iOS in XR Space 00:25:01 - Content-Driven Business Models for XR 00:25:43 - Vision Pro's Unique Position in XR 00:26:09 - The Potential of the Spatial Internet 00:29:05 - Social Software Challenges 00:35:20 - Developer and Creator Interest in Vision Pro 00:38:03 - Zillow Gone Wild and Vision Pro Ideas 00:38:44 - Music Video Apps  00:39:45 - Gaming and Social Apps 00:41:37 - Professional Apps 00:42:07 - Aviation Apps 00:45:59 - AI News 00:46:23 - OpenAI's Agent 00:46:46 - Brett Taylor's New Company Launch 00:47:17 - OpenAI Search Product 00:49:20 - Google's AI Rebranding to Gemini 00:51:34 - OpenAI's $7 Trillion Semiconductor Funding Strategy 00:53:43 - The Era of Absurdist Capitalism? 00:54:03 - The OpenAI Governance Crisis 00:55:11 - A Rational Comparison to the US Budget 01:00:15 - The Tree Removal Story 01:02:09 - Episode Wrap-Up and Thanks

As 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 significance of sports in the media industry and the growing demand for streaming sports content. Streaming services are disrupting the traditional cable industry, but the challenge lies in the fragmentation of content and the lack of a comprehensive aggregator. The demand for a comprehensive sports package remains high, as sports fans struggle to find a streaming service that offers all the games they want to watch. Esports has not yet reached its full potential in the United States, as it lacks the community engagement and water cooler conversations that traditional sports have. The venture capital industry is constantly evolving, but the key to success remains investing in the few companies that truly matter. AI is no longer a standalone category in venture capital, but rather a tool that is integrated into various industries and sectors. Show Notes 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest 03:01 Discussion on Apple Vision Pro 11:00 Impressions and Potential of Apple Vision Pro 17:26 Competition and Future of Apple Vision Pro 25:08 Developer Perspective on Apple Vision Pro 34:48 Discussion on Joint Streaming Service for Sports 35:44 Streaming and the Cable Industry 36:13 Challenges of Streaming Bundles 37:40 Need for a Sports Package 39:05 Competition and Market Share in Streaming 41:37 Future of TV News 43:24 Challenges of Esports 50:28 The Changing Landscape of Venture Capital 52:06 Evolution of AI in Venture Capital

In 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 fame and the entitlement of fans can impact creators' mental health and privacy. AI has the potential to revolutionize content creation by providing powerful tools for creators and elevating those with a unique perspective. AI also has the potential to desensitize people to personal conversations and wash away the value of authenticity. Investment in personal outreach and one-on-one conversations holds significant power and can create meaningful connections. Refined bullshit sensors have developed due to the abundance of AI-generated content, leading to skepticism and a desire for raw and real interactions. The value of effort and authenticity in content creation cannot be replaced by AI-generated perfection. Show Notes 00:00:04 - Introduction 00:01:07 - Broadcasting from Lessinfest in Jackson Hole 00:02:40 - Origin of Podcast Title 00:05:48 - Tech World Updates 00:06:09 - Elon Musk's Pay Package Lawsuit 00:09:28 - Delaware's Influence on Corporate Governance 00:10:18 - Amazon and iRobot Deal 00:11:08 - Mergers and Acquisitions Climate 00:12:16 - Super Bowl 2024 Predictions 00:13:16 - Taylor Swift's Impact on the NFL 00:14:04 - Cultural Significance of Taylor Swift 00:15:25 - Changing World of Creators and Media 00:16:05 - Fandom and Influencer Shifts 00:18:04 - NFL and Celebrity Integration 00:19:47 - Megastars vs. Long Tail of Influencers 00:20:24 - Fandom and Community Support 00:21:44 - Middle Class of Celebrity 00:22:39 - MrBeast's Universal Appeal 00:23:35 - Niche Appeal and Creator Identity 00:24:36 - Creator Burnout and Quitting YouTube 00:25:14 - Creator Fame and Mental Health 00:26:30 - Parasocial Relationships with Podcasters 00:27:37 - Younger Generations Rejecting Social Media 00:28:13 - Personal Connection vs. AI Interactions 00:32:00 - There Is No Fame Like YouTube Fame 00:33:11 - Public Perception of Fame 00:34:02 - New York City's Attitude Towards Celebrities 00:35:16 - Maintaining Privacy and Safety as a Creator 00:36:28 - AI's Impact on the Creator Economy 00:38:49 - AI and the Value of Personal Outreach 00:39:26 - AI Enhancing Creator-Fan Interaction? 00:40:09 - AI's Potential to Devalue Personal Investment 00:41:06 - AI Brit and Real Brit 00:42:19 - TikTok's Creative Tools 00:46:10 - AI as a Tool for Creators 00:48:17 - AI and the Perception of Authenticity 00:53:48 - AI and the Value of Human Connection 00:55:25 - AI and the Devaluation of Perfection 00:57:23 - Pop Culture Corner

From 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 24:39 Network effect and competition in the payments industry 27:22 Need for a unique business model to compete with incumbents 28:20 Impact of crypto on transaction costs 28:41 Promise of Crypto 30:21 Rise of Stablecoins 32:41 Future of Payments 37:31 Success of Netflix 46:27 Re-Bundling of Streaming Services 49:16 Power of Big Players 53:21 Future of Media 53:54 Impact of Apple TV 54:26 Oscar Nominations and Movie Lengths 55:29 The Influence of TikTok 57:32 Future of Robotics in Beauty and Wellness 58:51 Wellness Gadgets and Peptides 01:00:41 Introducing Paul and His Gaming Startup 01:02:19 Closing Remarks

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 and AI Powered Gadgets 27:31 ChatGPT App Store as a Potential Competitor to the Apple App Store? 28:23 Difference in Distribution Advantage between the ChatGPT App Store and Facebook Platform 29:05 Importance of Distribution Opportunities for Developers on New Platforms 30:03 Collapse of the Economic Model of Facebook Platform and the Potential Challenges for the ChatGPT App Store 32:55 Potential Advantage of Google Integrating a Bard App Store 33:30 Uncertainty of Monetization and Revenue Opportunities for Developers on AI App Stores 36:05 Long-Term Competition between Apple, Google, Meta, and Adobe in the AI and Platform Space 42:43 Debate on the App Store's Anti-Competitive Practices 46:04 Potential of AI to Make Google Services Stickier 47:41 Use of AI and Language Learning Apps for Children 48:47 Announcement of a New Season of More or Less and Future Plans

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.

The 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 of M&A16:07 Reviewing VC and IPO Predictions18:32 The Future of Remote Work30:00 Twitter and the Rise of Threads40:20 Appreciating Instagram and the Future of Social41:19 The Slow Future of Threads42:33 Compliments and Bromance43:14 Predictions for Audio and Video Experiences43:39 The Return of Path44:17 Apple Vision Pro and the Future of MR46:24 Spatial Video and Memories47:10 Losing Memory and Talking to Ourselves48:43 AI Layoffs and Clip Art Music50:48 Taylor Swift and Creator AI 52:22 More Crypto Predictions57:12 TikTok's Fate and the Chaotic Presidential Election59:39 Pickleball Rollups and Crypto Launches01:01:26 Expecting the Unexpected in 202401:08:23 Book Recommendations01:10:29 Closing Remarks and Farewell TRY THE GPT:http://gpt.moreorlesspod.com FOLLOW THE POD:http://threads.net/moreorless FOLLOW THE GANG: http://threads.net/davemorinhttp://threads.net/brithttp://threads.net/jlessinhttp://threads.net/lessin

The 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 a Shiftwave Chair or ??? [14:03] Wild new moisture farming technology. [18:03] The big debate: Harvard, nonprofit governance, and the future of society. [21:31] Sam is now running as a write in candidate for the Harvard Board of Overseers. [24:40] Has business become too big? Or has business just become too weird? [25:55] The tale of two Twitters: one missionary, one capitalist. [29:01] How do you solve for leadership in a woke world moving forward? [29:45] Is there a strong argument that nonprofits should not exist? [33:15] The problem with "make number go up". [35:34] Isn't it the case that all organization exist at some intersection of "number go up" and values? [37:00] The dirty secret of nonprofits: they have to raise money. [37:36] What happens when institutions become too rich that they no longer listen to external feedback? [38:51] The bigger question about the gap between the board and the people at these institutions. [39:46] Is this a transient property of internet culture? [42:32] Quick return to talking about TikTok governance. [45:55] Jess plugs one of her favorite nonprofit, 19th News, which exists to cover all of the range of topics and polices and ideas that relate to women. [49:28] Brit is heading to the California Governor's Mansion to the California Gender Equity Summit. [52:50] Closing. TRY THE GPT: http://gpt.moreorlesspod.com FOLLOW THE POD: http://threads.net/moreorless FOLLOW THE GANG: http://threads.net/davemorin http://threads.net/brit http://threads.net/jlessin http://threads.net/lessin

The 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 Thing [0:04:24] Idea: AI Responder [0:07:13] Headlines: Next volley in the AI wars with Google launching the Gemini AI Model, more layoffs at Spotify, media news with Disney finishing acquiring the rest of Hulu from Comcast, more bad news in venture capital land with a Boston based firm closing it's doors, and some book recommendations. [0:09:35] The Information Wrapped: With The Information turning 10 this week, what are Jess' big lessons? Biggest stories? [0:11:35] Google AI: What are the implications of powerful multi-modal models like Gemini? [0:13:59] Impressive More or Less Show Notes brought to you by Google Gemini. [0:14:57] It was always ridiculous to count Google out. Of course they were going to build really interesting stuff. [0:16:50] An even more interesting Google AI Announcement: DeepMind's breakthrough in discovering millions of new crystals and other materials. [0:21:10] Don't forget Meta AI: WhatsApp Bots, Meta Imagine, and Meta buying the most Nvidia H100s in the world. [0:23:05] The Big Product Strategy Question: You're running Google or Meta, what is your AI rollout strategy? [0:32:28] VC Temperature Check: Firms shutting down, IPOs were suppose to come but did not really come, yet crypto is ripping? [0:35:45] Next Phase of Crypto: We are now in the phase of crypto where we are starting to connect these technologies to the real world. [0:37:14] Crypto, Fandom, and CRM 3.0: Giving creators the power to engage more deeply with their fandoms. [0:41:33] The pitches in crypto have finally become good business pitches. [0:41:58] So where are we on crypto tokens now? [0:43:55] Happy Birthday to Brit again! [0:44:47] Book Recommendation: The Organized Mind - Thinking Straight in the Age of Information Overload [0:47:34] A More or Less Book Proposal: Is our date night an ops meeting or a date night? [0:48:45] Book Recommendation: How to Know a Person - The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen [0:49:50] Cybertruck: Thoughts on the Tesla Cybertruck design, and engineering. [0:52:25] Closing. TRY THE GPT: http://gpt.moreorlesspod.com FOLLOW THE POD: http://threads.net/moreorless FOLLOW THE GANG: http://threads.net/davemorin http://threads.net/brit http://threads.net/jlessin http://threads.net/lessin

The 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 look like where AI porn is just normal? [00:21:04] Protecting teenagers from AI deepfakes. [00:24:22] The rising importance of real world experiences and communities. [00:27:21] AI technology weaving into social fabric. [00:32:55] What is the addiction after the addiction of TikTok? Does social networks become not who do you want to follow but who do you want to follow you? [00:35:34] What if you could pay to introduce hilarious characters into real life? [00:38:43] What if app features were only available for one month? [00:40:47] The power of human networks. [00:44:06] The power of storytelling. [00:46:21] Improving social connections with technology. [00:49:19] Close. TRY THE GPT: http://gpt.moreorlesspod.com FOLLOW THE POD: http://threads.net/moreorless FOLLOW THE GANG: http://threads.net/davemorin http://threads.net/brit http://threads.net/jlessin http://threads.net/lessin

DISCUSSED: 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 THE GPT: http://gpt.moreorlesspod.com FOLLOW THE POD: http://threads.net/moreorless FOLLOW THE GANG: http://threads.net/davemorin http://threads.net/brit http://threads.net/jlessin http://threads.net/lessin

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: https://www.theinformation.com/articles/from-king-to-exile-to-king-again-the-inside-story-of-sam-altmans-whiplash-week https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2023/11/sam-altman-open-ai-chatgpt-chaos/676050/ SHOW NOTES: [00:00:00] Open. [00:02:10] Recap: Our goal is to talk about the bigger picture here. [00:04:10] The rise of the Popcorn emoji. [00:04:52] This is our Kardashians. [00:05:58] Why are people fixated on this? [00:09:30] Religious fundamentalism at play. "Feel the AGI!" [00:12:49] The only way to protect against AGI is to create AGI first? [00:14:20] How did this governance breakdown happen? [00:17:51] Anytime you need a flowchart to explain your org structure you are starting from a bad position. [00:19:00] 11 billion dollars is completely irrelevant to Microsoft, a 3 trillion dollar company. [00:20:00] The key point in the miscalculation: the customers. [00:22:30] Adam D'Angelo is one of the highest integrity people. [00:23:41] Organizing your life and work around things you can trust. Do you want to trust American business and governance or fundamentalism? [00:24:13] The economics of Facebook Platform as a historical example. [00:26:55] Should he restructure the organization entirely? [00:28:04] Shouldn't we have some concerns with putting this 100% commercial realm? Or do we think regulation will fill the gap? [00:28:42] What about decentralization and open source? [00:31:02] What mechanism is there to implement a restructuring? [00:34:48] Sam Altman's side projects. [00:41:20] This technology is so powerful and we are all customers of it. [00:42:07] Do you guys have a single portfolio company that would die if OpenAI went away? [00:42:40] Silicon Valley desperately needs a story right now. [00:43:30] What does this mean for the future of Silicon Valley? [00:44:04] How dangerous is AI, really? [00:45:20] Sam Altman the cultist versus Sam Altman the pragmatist? [00:46:40] What is this technology, really? [00:47:51] You are the OpenAI board, do you vote for or against Sam Altman as CEO? [00:54:25] You are Sam Altman, what do you do? [01:00:07] Trust and board strurcture. [01:04:00] Close. TRY THE GPT: http://gpt.moreorlesspod.com FOLLOW THE POD: http://threads.net/moreorless FOLLOW THE GANG: http://threads.net/davemorin http://threads.net/brit http://threads.net/jlessin http://threads.net/lessin

The 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-less

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.

The 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 ⁠FACT SHEET: President Biden Issues Executive Order on Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence⁠ New: Leica M11-P Show Notes [00:00:00] Opening [00:01:37] Halloween and the Greeking Out Podcast [00:03:17] Brit hosted a Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest. [00:03:36] Investing in Dog DNA Startups [00:05:55] Product Idea: AI Dog [00:06:25] AI Ninja Tricks [00:07:50] The Big Debate: The Biden Executive Order on "Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence"⁠⁠ [00:10:36] We need National Tech Stacks. [00:15:28] Every single Federal Agency was directed to appoint a Head of AI. [00:18:35] Lack of transparency at AI.gov? [00:19:31] The difference between academic research and application has collapsed and it is dangerous. [00:20:50] OpenAI took research from the Google world and commercialized it. [00:21:20] National AI research should be like the Manhattan Project. [00:22:39] The Executive Order invokes the Defense Production Act. [00:24:03] We have an AI War already playing out on American Turf and it is called TikTok. [00:24:22] We are at war in the technological world and we have no defenses in terms of how this is playing out on our home front. [00:25:20] We are going to look back in 20 years and realize "Oh my God, we were actually at war, and we were being assaulted on the home front but we don't even fully recognize the attack." [00:25:30] What is going to happen in 2024? [00:26:10] Silicon Valley technologist are good at problems where a "solution" is the goal, but are uniquely bad at Washington style problems where "balance" is the goal. [00:27:29] We need to take the American Tech Stack very very seriously. [00:28:35] TikTok's Larry Ellison Proposal for continuing to exist in the US. [00:29:20] Why aren't conservatives demanding action on this? [00:29:53] If we are in a war, where are we in it? [00:30:16] American Identity and Digital Citizenship [00:32:00] What is the American Tech Stack really? [00:37:14] A hypothetical question: How would you change a government you don't like with AI? [00:39:32] Does digital identity really have to be tied to a single country? [00:41:48] Our generation has the most skewed view of globalization in history. [00:45:50] Where did this conversation start? It started with AI. [00:46:50] AI Predictions for the next year. [00:56:04] Closing

Following 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 Outlook

The 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] RIP Dr. Roland Griffiths, Johns Hopkins scientist who proved psilocybin is the cure for depression.  [00:05:39] AGM Season. What are AGMs?  [00:08:05] The big topic: Misinformation and The New York Times [00:11:17] How did this happen? Where is the accountability in media? [00:15:58] The importance of being right not first.  [00:20:19] How we get our information.  [00:22:37] Trust in the media. [00:25:56] Should influencers know each other more deeply as humans?  [00:29:38] Civilization vs Not-Civilization.  [00:33:40] Building bridges through conversation.  [00:35:23] The role of colleges.  [00:37:41] AR and VR's are anti-social technology. [00:41:30] Social networks cracking down. [00:46:26] More questions about the end of the factory model of venture capital.  [00:48:57] Are we really not investing in AI startups? [00:52:03] Capital is just gone. [00:54:51] Backing founders without safety nets. [00:55:00] Wrap Up

The 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 to be about the tech side of it and the important tech stories about it.  [2:30] We are floored and upset. The situation with Hamas is beyond comprehension. They are a terrorist organization. What they’ve done, the atrocities, are beyond pale. [2:49] We wish the Israeli people the best in doing the extremely painful and hard work ahead. Which clearly has to be done.  [3:03] On the tech front, 3 things on the agenda to talk about: 1. Funding and LPs in this era: As a company or a fund how do you think about who’s funding you and who you’re funding in light of the geopolitical situation? 2. Social Networks and News: Section 230, the US election in 14 months, AI is now a thing.  3. Tech Leaders and the interesting thing about who can say what on the internet. [4:46] Debate about tech leaders' statements on the situation. Note of the lack of strong condemnation of Hamas among tech leaders. [13:15] Suggestion that tech leaders may be hesitant to speak out strongly due to security concerns. [15:52] Debate on social networks, news, misinformation, and AI. Prediction that Section 230 is dead. [19:47] Losing the "town square" into encrypted group chats and why social media will never be the same. [26:25] Idea that an alternative social network for “actual relationships” should exist. [27:23] Proposal that we go back to where we were before: “don’t trust the network, trust the individual.” [27:36] Idea to build clubs of trust and community among Celebrity Influencers to protect the commons. [28:40] Is there an opportunity for quality journalism? [28:54] Skepticism that news organizations can regain trust due to business model issues.  [30:33] The Rock is the answer. [30:46] Discussion on founders, VCs, and LPs in this era. Who are you ok making money for?  [34:53] Agreement that transparency enables the individual founder or venture capitalist to make their own decisions about who they’re making money for.  [36:31] Note that pushing VCs for transparency has worked for issues like diversity. California signed a law this week. [38:32] Wrap Up

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.  [00:36:36] Discovery and finding new people in social apps.  [00:40:00] FTX and Michael Lewis' new book.  [00:43:33] Taylor Swift's media circus. [00:49:29] See you guys next time.

Adobe 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 advantage in multiplexing. [00:44:27] The fifth wheel.

As 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 startups. [00:36:49] The role of capital market timing. [00:38:02] Cost of compliance for going public. [00:42:05] Power dynamics in public markets. [00:45:09] Price equals quality.

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 capital structure of hardware. [00:31:19] Hardware companies are entreprenuership on expert mode. [00:35:30] The Mill magical bottomless composting trash can. [00:37:48] Spatial computing. [00:41:08] The Insta360 camera. [00:43:38] World creation through AR. [00:48:05] Why can't we have a Hardware API?

…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 ‘Eras Tour’ Film With AMC Show Notes: [00:01:59] CU Buffs winning football game. [00:06:30] Prop trading as Ponzi scheme. [00:08:30] A hidden Forex trading industry. [00:10:38] Robo spam being cracked down. [00:14:08] Subscription business models. [00:18:31] Europe's impact on app monetization. [00:22:18] The digital market act. [00:24:12] Implications for big tech gatekeepers. [00:29:31] The future of niche apps. [00:30:01] Subscription services reaching scale. [00:33:11] How do you make money? [00:36:28] Rethinking success for consumer businesses. [00:39:52] Cable subscriptions and user experience. [00:43:23] The fascination with fax machines. [00:45:22] Old and new combined. [00:47:57] Taylor Swift's movie theater success. [00:50:46] More in-person collective experience.

The 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. [00:09:00] Recording everything and privacy. [00:12:41] Is being a venture capitalist in Silicon Valley like being a tenured professor at a University? [00:15:44] Venture capital feedback cycles and accountability. [00:18:40] Choosing Jedi or General. [00:23:01] Fundamental beliefs and investments. [00:25:11] Zero Fund concept. [00:29:07] VC leading indicators. [00:31:27] LPs buying stakes in GPs. [00:34:51] Mid-flight venture capital strategy changes. [00:39:02] The future of AI in China. [00:43:11] Centralized AI ownership in China. [00:47:38] US entrepreneurs selling beauty products. [00:50:09] Feedback and podcast rankings.

Back 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 and the Bay Area [0:31:36] Hybrid work challenges and the move back to the office [0:35:00] Productivity tools and scheduling meetings effectively [0:39:44] Improving communication technologies for remote and hybrid work [0:46:43] NVIDIA earnings and valuations in tech [0:50:00] New potential features for the podcast including a "Third Wheel" segment

As 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: [0:00:00] Introduction - The hosts discuss their health status. [0:00:23] Venture Capital, Startup Trends, and Choosing When to Quit - The group discusses past startup trends like the "Uber for X" era and how changing market conditions are coming home to roost. [0:09:09] China and the Digital Trade Imbalance - The group discusses recent executive orders restricting US investment in Chinese companies and ask questions around why we only discuss the trade of atoms and not bits in the digital era. [0:19:23] TikTok Ban Debate - The hosts debate whether the TikTok app should be banned in the US. [0:35:00] Vision of American Digital Citizenship - Dave and Sam discuss their vision for expanding American digital identity globally. [0:44:39] Supply Chain Impacts of COVID - Dave notes the pandemic highlighted supply chain vulnerabilities which influenced how everyone thinks about entrepreneurial risk. [0:47:09] Large Language Model Perspectives - The hosts share their evolving views of AI, LLMs and regulatory risks.

The 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 being a distributor in a direct-to-consumer world, and how sports rights are priced to perfection. 9:12 - Barstool Sports: The hosts discuss Barstool Sports' acquisition and subsequent return to its founder due to his controversial behavior. They debate whether "crazy" founders luck into windfalls. 16:00 - Solutions for ESPN: The hosts discuss innovations like new formats, storytelling, and interactive experiences. They debate whether betting is the best form of interactivity. 25:00 - Longevity science: The hosts discuss a new study showing a weight loss drug can reduce heart attack risk by 20%. They debate the risks of healthy people taking such drugs. 34:00 - Wrap up: The hosts summarize the major problems discussed and look forward to recording together in person next time.

This 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. 0:13 Fast fashion brand Shein - The hosts discuss the rise of Chinese fast fashion brand Shein and its impact on Amazon. 0:27 Live shopping - The hosts discuss the trend of live shopping on social media platforms and whether it will take off. 0:38 Superconductors - The hosts discuss recent breakthroughs in room temperature superconductors and the potential impact. Brought To You By: ⁠⁠⁠The Information⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Slow Ventures⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Offline Ventures⁠⁠

Are 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 doing it mainly to stay in the news cycle and get attention. They joke about how Elon is just like any other internet user, changing DNS records and making mistakes. 06:29 - The hosts discuss Google. They talk about Google's AI strategy, the promotion of Ruth Porat to President, and mental health issues at Google. They debate whether Google has lost its way or is still well positioned. 13:44 - Sam explains his view that 'seed investing is dead'. He argues that the venture capital model has broken down and companies are overvalued and unable to make a profit. Dave and Sam discuss how they prefer investing in 'weird' areas. 20:18 - The hosts debate whether venture capital will fundamentally change or just become a less good business. They agree that while seed investing will still exist, the previous model is over.

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, with concerns about AI-generated content and tools. The actors' and writers' strike highlights issues around voice, likeness, and copyright. 15:00 There are differing views on the capabilities and impact of large language models and AI technologies. Some argue the hype has outpaced reality while others see potential if issues around data and synthetic content can be solved. 30:00 The actors' and writers' strike is seen as justified by some to push for changes to copyright law to account for AI, voice, and likeness rights. Others want a quick resolution to minimize disruption. 35:00 Live experiences are seen as becoming more important compared to AI and digital content, as illustrated by the popularity of the Dude Perfect live show. Brought To You By: ⁠The Information⁠ ⁠Slow Ventures⁠ ⁠Offline Ventures⁠

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 given rise of algorithmic feeds on TikTok. Threads may succeed if it can transplant Instagram's graph. 13:33 Content on Threads - Brit discusses the type of content she may post on Threads, noting it could attract a mainstream Instagram audience. 14:24 Audience - The hosts debate who Brit's audience on Threads may be, with Brit noting lifestyle-focused women in their 30s and 40s who are not currently on Twitter. 17:01 Algorithmic vs. Graph-Based - They discuss how Threads will likely use algorithms to boost content but the social graph provides a foundation. 31:01 Twitter's Future - The hosts debate whether Twitter is dying but agree it's hard to see it re-energizing in a positive direction. 39:04 Chat GPT Engagement Down - Dave shares that usage of Chat GPT and other AI chatbots is declining as initial excitement fades. 44:12 Full Body Scans - The hosts discuss new startups building full body scanners for early disease detection, though some question if the technology is meaningful yet. Brought To You By: ⁠⁠The Information⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Slow Ventures⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Offline Ventures⁠⁠

The 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 Show Notes: 00:01 Databricks buying Mosaic for $1B - The group discusses the deal, with Britt arguing it signals a return of M&A activity. Others are more cautious, saying one deal does not make a trend. They debate if deals are coming back. 07:12 Drug use and mental health in Silicon Valley - There are differing views on neurodivergence in founders and the role of drugs. Dave argues most founders suffer from mental health issues and need tools to manage it. Others debate the line between creativity and responsibility. 25:18 "Crazy founder" narrative - They debate whether founders need to be "crazy" or "misfits" to succeed. Jessica argues the narrative excludes many potential founders and is problematic. Sam says most founders are "crazy" because they don't fit into normal jobs. 34:06 Elon vs Zuckerberg "fight" - While finding the potential fight silly, they see it as a symptom of lack of clear direction in tech culture currently. Brit argues women founders would never do something so ridiculous. Brought To You By: ⁠⁠The Information⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Slow Ventures⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Offline Ventures⁠

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 acquisitions difficult for startups. This is limiting venture capital returns though these lawsuits are expected. There are few exit opportunities. 07:11 - Funding creators through a holding company that owns their various ventures better aligns their incentives with investors'. This approach works better than funding individual creator projects like Mr Beast burgers which can fail. 13:13 - Taylor Swift's fans making and trading friendship bracelets with her song lyrics at concerts has become a collectible marketplace. This shows how trends can emerge organically in the creator economy. 26:00 - Investing in verticals that creators fully own may yield better returns than individual projects. This distributes risk across multiple revenue streams. 37:23 - Pharrell Williams' Minecraft-inspired fashion show for LVMH highlights how gaming and online culture is influencing trends in fashion and design. 46:08 - Technology that can play music outdoors at high volume yet remain inaudible to neighbors is exciting though still nascent. When it works, it renews enthusiasm for innovation. 47:20 - While the Bay Area faces challenges, the energy and innovation in Silicon Valley that has fueled tech growth remains alive. Brought To You By: The Information Slow Ventures Offline Ventures

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 developers fees for its API and how this impacted Google search results according to an article. Brit and Sam share their perspectives from working at Facebook and in media. 00:19:16 - They debate whether AI is a game changer for the business models of social media APIs. Sam argues the public web is dying while Dave thinks there will still be niche communities. 00:25:14 - They discuss the current state of venture capital funding. Sam believes the conveyor belt model is broken while Brit mentions $84 trillion in wealth from retiring baby boomers flooding into private markets. 00:35:52 - Lightning Round: - They debate whether more smart regulation is needed for Google's search business. - They share their views on an AI generated Beatles song, with Dave thinking it's a cool moment. 00:46:00 - They plug the new Twitter account for the pod @moreorlesspod. Brought To You By: ⁠⁠The Information⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Slow Ventures⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Offline Ventures⁠⁠

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 new Reality Pro headset. While some of the technology is impressive, they question whether it will be a mainstream consumer product anytime soon. 19:07 UFO Disclosures - The hosts discuss recent government disclosures about unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs). While some find the materials science data interesting, they remain skeptical about claims of alien spacecraft. 28:20 SEC Lawsuit Against Coinbase - The SEC recently sued Coinbase, arguing many crypto businesses operate illegally. While the lawsuit may provide some clarity, the hosts debate whether the SEC's aggressive approach is the right way to regulate the crypto industry. 34:57 Wrap Up - The hosts share wins of the week and discuss Father's Day gift ideas. Brought To You By: ⁠⁠⁠The Information⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Slow Ventures⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Offline Ventures⁠⁠