Founders in Arms

Steve Huffman is the co-founder and CEO of Reddit, one of the internet's most essential platforms with 100 million daily active users and a $20 billion public market valuation. Over 20 years, Steve has guided Reddit through multiple existential challenges, from early acquisition to content moderation crises to competing with AI-generated content.What you'll learn:How Reddit achieved product-market fit in just 2 months and the early signs that indicated massive potentialWhy Steve sold Reddit for $10 million after 18 months and what he learned during his 9-year absenceThe existential crisis that brought him back as CEO in 2015 and how he rebuilt the platformReddit's evolution through three distinct eras: link aggregator, intentionally not social media, and authentic human content in an AI worldThe strategic decision in 2008 to let users create subreddits and how it transformed the platformBuilding content moderation and safety infrastructure from scratch while preserving free speech valuesThe challenges and benefits of taking Reddit public while maintaining community ownershipHow Reddit is addressing AI-generated content and the fight for human authenticity onlineThe business model evolution from advertising to AI data licensing partnershipsSteve's vision to make Reddit "universal" and expand from 100 million to billions of usersIn this episode, we cover: (00:00) Introduction and Reddit's 20-year milestone(02:40) Early product-market fit signals and the $10M acquisition (06:25) Steve's 9-year absence and return in 2015 (08:30) Content moderation challenges and building safety infrastructure (14:10) Reddit's three evolutionary eras and strategic positioning (16:40) The subreddit explosion and community self-organization (18:08) Positioning as the human platform in an artificial world (19:15) Human verification challenges and potential solutions (25:22) AI partnerships, data licensing, and monetization strategy (29:02) Search evolution and Reddit's role in the new ecosystem (35:07) Leadership philosophy and staying true to company values (37:43) The decision to go public and community ownership (42:18) Managing public company pressures while maintaining long-term vision (48:27) Steve's vision for Reddit's universal future

Rahul Sidhu is the co-founder and CEO of Aerodome, which was acquired by Flock Safety for a reported $300M in October 2024—just 17 months after founding. A reserve police officer turned serial entrepreneur, Rahul built his drone-as-first-responder platform by combining deep public safety expertise with cutting-edge technology to revolutionize emergency response.What you'll learn:How COVID-19 staffing shortages sparked the idea for drone-powered emergency responseWhy public safety tech has been overlooked by VCs and is now experiencing a renaissanceThe challenge of selling to 10,000+ small police departments across AmericaHow to leverage domain expertise as a competitive moat in specialized industriesStrategic advice on when to take a "smaller" exit vs. swinging for bigger outcomesWhy investor incentives aren't always aligned with founder success during acquisition talksThe regulatory breakthrough that made beyond-visual-line-of-sight drone operations possibleHow Flock Safety is building American-made drones to compete with Chinese manufacturersThe infrastructure challenges and national security implications of drone technologyWhat AI and robotics mean for the future of law enforcement and public safety

Matt Loszak is the co-founder and CEO of Aalo Atomics, building factory-manufactured small modular nuclear reactors designed to power AI data centers. In just 18 months, Aalo has grown from 2 people to 50 employees with a 40,000 square foot factory and a completed full-scale non-nuclear reactor prototype.What you'll learn:How Aalo's liquid metal cooled reactors could transform clean energy productionWhy data centers are the perfect first customer for next-generation nuclear powerMatt's transition from selling his software company Hume to pursuing nuclear innovationThe regulatory strategies that could enable faster nuclear deploymentWhy factory mass manufacturing could solve nuclear's historical cost and timeline challengesThe safety advantages of liquid metal cooling and small modular designsHow the US compares to China and Russia in nuclear innovationMatt's surprising perspective on fusion vs. fission energy investmentThe capital journey from $6M seed to $30M Series A to upcoming $100M roundA vision for how abundant nuclear energy could enable everything from desalination to vertical farmingSubscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4FHXFiOtyO3QfUi3Y1kwYF?si=1dc9acc8409f448cSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/founders-in-arms/id1679703534 Subscribe to Founders in Arms Substack:  https://substack.com/@foundersinarms Join the conversation on Tribe: https://join.tribechat.com/sR-wYn8zUH Follow Founders in Arms on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/founders-in-arms/Follow Immad on X: https://x.com/immadFollow Raj on X: https://x.com/rajatsuriFollow Matt on X: https://x.com/MattLoszakFollow Immad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iakhund/Follow Raj on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajatsuri/Follow Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-loszak/

Severin Hacker, co-founder and CTO of Duolingo, joins Immad Akhund and Raj Suri to unpack how Duolingo became the world’s most engaging education platform.They explore how Duolingo leverages AI to personalize learning, the company's obsession with retention, and why relentless experimentation is at the heart of its product strategy. Severin also shares insights on building a mission-driven culture, the immigrant founder advantage, and how to scale design thinking without losing your edge.

In this founders-only episode of Founders in Arms, Immad Akhund and Raj Suri analyze Meta's aggressive acquisition playbook alongside other major tech developments reshaping the industry landscape.The conversation begins with how Zuckerberg's "buy or get crushed" approach to acquisitions leaves founders with an impossible choice: accept a lucrative buyout or face ruthless competition. They note how "every founder who comes out of Meta regrets selling their company," yet Meta's willingness to clone features makes rejecting their offers extremely difficult.The founders then dissect the Epic vs. Apple lawsuit ruling that ended Apple's 30% App Store monopoly and examine antitrust actions against tech giants, questioning whether surgical regulation targeting specific practices might be more effective than breaking up companies entirely. The discussion highlights how AI foundation models have rapidly commoditized, making monopoly concerns in that space less pressing.The episode concludes with Immad's sobering economic prediction that Trump's tariffs will trigger a recession by late 2025, creating a market where only AI companies secure funding while other promising startups struggle despite solid fundamentals - potentially creating opportunities for contrarian investors and resilient founders.

In this episode of Founders in Arms, Immad Akhund and Raj Suri speak with Dan Hobbs, co-founder and CEO of Protex AI, a company using computer vision to identify safety risks in warehouses and factories before accidents happen. Dan shares his journey from bootstrapping his first startup (where he survived on store-brand Rice Krispies for three weeks) to building a 70-person team serving Fortune 500 clients like Amazon and DHL.The conversation explores how Protex leverages existing CCTV infrastructure to detect dangerous behavior patterns, the advantages of being "outsiders" disrupting traditional industries, and how the AI boom has transformed both fundraising and customer conversations. Dan offers insights on navigating enterprise sales, building trust-based relationships with clients, and managing an international team across Ireland, Boston, and London.From pivoting through multiple startup ideas to selling multi-million dollar contracts, this episode provides valuable perspectives on computer vision applications, scaling an AI company in today's market, and the unique challenges of leadership growth. Whether you're interested in AI applications, enterprise sales strategies, or the founder journey, Dan's candid experiences offer practical wisdom for entrepreneurs at any stage.

In this episode, Jay Shah joins Immad and Raj to talk about his new startup, Poppy—a screenless, AI-native phone designed for kids. He shares what led him to pivot from enterprise SaaS to building hardware in his basement, why he believes kid-first tech needs a rethink, and how intentional design can create healthier relationships with technology.Jay reflects on lessons from BufferBox, the realities of manufacturing and tariffs, and the power of network effects in consumer hardware. The conversation spans everything from AI in education to emotional resilience as a second-time founder, the state of Canadian tech, and how Y Combinator continues to shape founder journeys.

In this episode of Founders in Arms, Immad Akhund and Raj Suri speak with Ryan Petersen, co-founder and CEO of Flexport, about the recent implementation of 104% tariffs on Chinese imports. Ryan shares insights on how businesses are responding to this trade crisis, strategies for supply chain adaptation, and the broader implications for US-China commerce. The conversation explores how Flexport is helping customers navigate these challenges, the economic impact of protectionist policies, and Ryan's personal journey as a founder. From global trade dynamics to startup leadership wisdom, this episode offers valuable perspective on managing through economic uncertainty.

"Schools try really hard to do all these jobs equally well for all kids, and it's a completely impossible task."ClassDojo CEO Sam Chaudhary shares how his education platform reached 50 million students by making the counterintuitive decision to spend seven years building a network before monetizing. In this revealing conversation with Immad Akhund and Raj Suri, Sam explains why education companies typically fail and how Class Dojo broke through by focusing on parents as true customers rather than selling to institutions.The discussion explores their unique growth strategy and delves into the psychology of education, with Sam sharing insights on how children develop best in "cozy bubbles" where they can explore interests without constant comparison, and why the balance between challenge and support is crucial for both children and high-performing teams.This episode offers essential lessons for founders tackling challenging markets, building consumer networks, and creating environments where authentic growth trumps comparison.

"The bar was really low in banking—we're not talking rocket science here. We built a product that reached a reasonable standard." Mercury CEO Immad Akhund reveals how a focus on solving basic user experience problems enabled his company to secure a $300M Series C at a $3.5B valuation. In this revealing episode, Hiten Shah (founder of Crazy Egg, KISSmetrics, and Nira—acquired by Dropbox) joins Raj Suri to mine insights from Mercury's journey from founding in 2017 to becoming a fintech powerhouseThe conversation explores how Mercury identified underserved segments in financial services and built distinctive features for startups, e-commerce businesses, and professional services.This episode offers essential lessons for entrepreneurs building in regulated industries, product leaders working on complex user experiences, and founders evaluating fundraising strategies. It’s a masterclass in identifying market opportunities, creating differentiated experiences, and building a profitable business in a highly competitive sector while maintaining focus on customer experience above all else.

Are we mentally prepared for what happens when intelligence becomes an abundant resource rather than a scarce one?Hosts Immad Akhund (Mercury CEO) and Raj Suri (Lima/Tribe co-founder) welcome back Paul Buchheit—Gmail creator and former Y Combinator partner—for our most requested follow-up episode. Together they dive into how exponentially increasing intelligence will transform our civilization, with Paul bringing his uniquely optimistic yet pragmatic perspective to the profound questions facing humanity.This wide-ranging conversation includes thought exercises like why the transition from scarcity to abundance creates an existential meaning crisis, how intelligence without intention changes our understanding of consciousness, and why current political systems may be fundamentally incompatible with AI-accelerated progress.This episode is essential listening for anyone seeking to understand how technology will reshape human experience. 

"The worst thing you can do is hire executives," declares Auren Hoffman in this eye-opening conversation about startup talent strategy. As a successful founder turned investor, Auren brings a unique dual perspective on how to build elite teams, properly compensate founders, and navigate fundraising. He reveals why he deliberately structures Flex Capital to do two seed investments per week, argues for rethinking founder equity after the initial four-year vest, and shares controversial takes on why most VCs give advice they don't follow themselves. For founders looking to optimize their leadership teams, compensation structures, and fundraising approaches, this episode delivers practical frameworks that challenge conventional Silicon Valley wisdom.

Being small isn't a disadvantage—it's your superpower. Just one provocative sentiment from this episode that challenges conventional startup wisdom and delves into the mindset behind entrepreneurial success.Waseem Daher brings insights from his journey across three successful startups—KSplice (acquired by Oracle), Zulip (acquired by Dropbox), and now Pilot, where he recently transitioned from CEO to executive chair. Host Raj Suri, himself a multi-time founder, creates an environment where honest founder-to-founder exchange flourishes beyond the typical success narratives.The conversation unpacks frameworks such as the "David vs. Goliath" approach to competition, why unpopular decisions often signal good leadership, and how to maintain the delicate balance of the Stockdale paradox—confronting brutal facts while maintaining unwavering faith in eventual success. This episode offers rare insights into the psychological tools that sustain founders through years of uncertainty and challenge. The mental models discussed here apply beyond startups to any leadership position where resilience, decision-making, and maintaining perspective are crucial to success.

How do you build a sustainable AI business when investors are throwing money at anything with "AI" in the pitch deck? This episode brings together Jesse Zhang (Decagon AI CEO), Immad Akhund (Mercury CEO), and Raj Suri (Lima/Tribe co-founder) for a strategic conversation that centers on the business challenges of building an enterprise AI company that can sustain beyond the current hype cycle.Jesse reveals how AI moves beyond being a mere chatbot to become a "system of intelligence" that encodes complex business logic, creating moats for companies that implement it effectively. The conversation also explores the realities of implementation, adoption, and enterprise sales strategies that actually work.Technology founders, customer experience leaders, and investors will find this episode particularly illuminating as it bridges the gap between AI hype and practical implementation. Whether you're evaluating customer service AI, selling enterprise technology, or navigating fundraising, this conversation provides the strategic context and tactical insights needed to make better decisions.

Why do even the most sophisticated tech investors often shy away from biotech? It often seems like an impenetrable maze of regulations, clinical trials, and complex science.Enter Hannu Rajaniemi, who brings a refreshingly clear perspective to the world of biotech. As both the CEO of Helix Nanotechnologies and a bestselling science fiction author, he bridges the gap between cutting-edge science and practical business insights. In conversation with Mercury CEO Immad Akhund and Lima co-founder Raj Suri, Rajaniemi reveals the real dynamics shaping the future of medicine.The discussion unpacks several game-changing trends that every tech entrepreneur should understand: how AI reasoning models are revolutionizing research and development, why global competition is making traditional biotech business models obsolete, and what really matters when evaluating biotech investments. 

What happens when the ultimate startup veteran joins a 3,000-person company? In this gripping episode, Mercury CEO Immad Akhund and serial founder Rajat Suri sit down with serial entrepreneur Hiten Shah (Crazy Egg, KISSmetrics, Nira, sold to Dropbox) for a candid conversation about founder identity over the course of an entire career. Get practical insights on choosing the right customers, surprising parallels between AI and the AWS revolution, and the hidden truths about venture-backed versus bootstrapped companies. Whether you're building your first startup or considering an exit, you'll learn from three founders who challenge conventional wisdom while sharing hard-won lessons from decades of company building. 

As founders of VC-backed startups face tough choices between down rounds and running out of cash, Jesse Tinsley is turning unprofitable startups profitable at incredible speed by tossing out the typical M&A playbook.Jesse is a prominent entrepreneur and investor in the HR technology and recruitment industry. He is Founder and CEO of multiple successful companies, including Employer.com and Recruiter.com.In this conversation with Mercury CEO Immad Akhund and Tribe co-founder Raj Suri, Jesse unveils his counterintuitive strategy—from how he finds companies, why VCs actually love working with him, and how he structures deals with limited capital.He shares candid details about his recent acquisition of Bench Accounting and even discusses his current bid for TikTok, offering a masterclass in seeing opportunity where others see distress.

Join Immad Akhund and Raj Suri as they dive deep into the implications of DeepSeek and the rapidly evolving AI landscape with Richard Price, founder and CEO of Academia.edu. The conversation explores the fascinating shift in AI development costs, with DeepSeek challenging assumptions about the resources needed to build frontier models. Richard shares insights about Academia.edu's work applying AI to academic research, while the trio discusses the geopolitical dynamics between China and the US in the AI race. Through candid exchanges about synthetic data generation, regulatory challenges, and the future of human-AI integration, this episode offers a unique perspective on the advancing AI frontier from three tech leaders at the intersection of startups and artificial intelligence.

Join Raj Suri as he sits down with Jeevan Kalanithi, co-founder and CEO of OpenSpace AI, to explore the revolutionary impact of computer vision technology in construction and beyond. From his early days at MIT Media Lab to founding innovative startups, Jeevan shares insights on how OpenSpace is transforming construction site management through spatial AI and 360-degree documentation. Discover why Jeevan believes we're still in the early stages of a camera revolution that will reshape how we interact with physical spaces. Whether you're interested in AI, tech for the physical world, or the future of spatial computing, this episode offers a compelling look at how computer vision is becoming an invisible but essential part of our world.

Join Mercury CEO Immad Akhund and Lima & Tribe co-founder Raj Suri as they explore tech's evolving relationship with politics. From Biden's "tech industrial complex" remarks to the changing power dynamics between tech companies and their employees, they discuss how the industry's traditional political neutrality is giving way to partisan alignment. The conversation delves into startup fundraising strategies, the importance of market size, and hard-earned lessons about the five-year journey to product-market fit. Whether you're a founder navigating the VC landscape or interested in tech's growing political influence, this episode offers valuable insights from two seasoned entrepreneurs.

In a special episode to kickoff the New Year, Mercury CEO Immad Akhund and Lima co-founder Rajat Suri share personal reflections and industry predictions. From Raj's mission to revolutionize international talent recruiting through Lima to Immad's vision for expanding Mercury beyond startup banking, the conversation offers a candid look at their entrepreneurial journeys and goals. The discussion then shifts to the evolving landscape of crypto infrastructure with ZeroHash founder Edward Woodford. As a fellow British entrepreneur in America, Woodford shares invaluable insights on navigating regulated industries, the transformation of stablecoin technology, and the delicate dance of policy-making in Washington DC. From the intricacies of crypto compliance to the realities of building relationships on Capitol Hill, this episode provides a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of financial technology, regulation, and entrepreneurship in 2025.

What drives entrepreneurs to push boundaries is often a deep desire to leave a lasting mark on the world. In this episode, System 2 founder Dilan Dane joins Mercury CEO Immad Akhund and Lima co-founder Rajat Suri to explore how this entrepreneurial drive naturally extends into the realms of human potential and discovery. From his journey out of Sri Lanka to becoming a serial founder and biohacking enthusiast, Dane embodies the restless curiosity that characterizes many founders. The conversation weaves through cutting-edge longevity science, space exploration, and consciousness itself—revealing how the entrepreneurial impulse to build and transform doesn't stop at building companies, but extends to reimagining the very limits of human existence and our place in the universe.

Join Immad Akhund and Raj Suri as they dive deep with John Bicket, co-founder and CTO of Samsara and previously Meraki, into the rare feat of building two successful hardware-software companies. From turning MIT research into a cloud networking pioneer at Meraki to revolutionizing fleet operations at Samsara, John shares candid insights about the existential challenges of serial entrepreneurship, the discipline of testing product-market fit, and how to scale company culture while staying ruthlessly focused on customer impact. The conversation offers a unique window into what it takes to spot technological waves early and build enduring businesses in the challenging hardware-software space.Connect with us on Tribe:https://trbcht.com/invites/WmHNjar5ZN

In this episode of Founders in Arms, Immad and Raj sit down with Daniel Kivatinos, founder of JustPaid and DrChrono. The group starts by sharing their startup war stories, including Raj's shocking tale of an intern-turned-criminal and Daniel's unconventional recruitment of a Chipotle employee. The discussion then delves into the complexities of healthcare in America, sparked by recent news of the UnitedHealth CEO shooting, before transitioning into valuable insights about the M&A process. Daniel shares his experience selling DrChrono after 14 years, exploring the challenges of startup acquisitions, the role of investment bankers, and the evolving landscape of startup resources and information available to founders today.Connect with us on Tribe:https://trbcht.com/invites/WmHNjar5ZN

In this wide-ranging conversation with Box CEO Aaron Levie, Immad and Raj dive deep into the intersection of technology, politics, and regulation. Levie shares candid insights about quiet quitting, what’s real about AI and crypto, and his thought-provoking views on government regulation. They explore the potential of DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) and the delicate balance between regulatory oversight and technological progress. Want to join the conversation? Connect with us on Tribe:https://trbcht.com/invites/WmHNjar5ZN

In this episode of Founders in Arms, Raj sits down solo with Leonard Speiser, co-founder of Clover, to explore the intricacies of building and scaling hardware startups. Speiser shares the remarkable story of how Clover achieved what seemed impossible: developing enterprise-grade payment hardware from concept to production in just nine months, eventually processing over $300 billion in payments. He discusses the innovative acquisition structure with KKR that allowed Clover to maintain startup agility while leveraging enterprise distribution, offering valuable insights for founders navigating corporate partnerships. Through candid discussions about hardware challenges, fundraising difficulties, and creative business models, this episode offers a masterclass in building transformative technology companies through unconventional paths.Want to join the conversation? Connect with us on Tribe:https://trbcht.com/invites/WmHNjar5ZN

In this episode of Founders in Arms, Immad and Raj sit down with Wayne Crosby, a serial entrepreneur and former Google executive. They dive into Wayne's journey from his early startup Zenter (which became Google Slides) through his decade at Google, exploring how the tech giant's innovative culture shifted over time. The conversation spans Wayne's current venture OrgOrg, his decision to return to Y Combinator as an experienced founder, and transitions into a thoughtful discussion about the potential impacts of the upcoming Trump administration on technology, regulation, and innovation. The hosts and guest offer nuanced perspectives on everything from AI policy to defense tech startups, while sharing insights about how political changes might affect the startup ecosystem. The conversation provides startup wisdom and thoughtful analysis of the intersection between technology and politics.Want to join the conversation? Connect with us on Tribe:https://trbcht.com/invites/WmHNjar5ZN

In this episode of Founders in Arms, Immad and Raj sit down with veteran entrepreneur Dave Balter to discuss the ups and downs of startup. Balter shares candid insights from his journey founding seven companies, including his experiences with co-founder relationships, maintaining humility during success, and managing self-doubt as a CEO. The conversation weaves through various topics, from the challenges of scaling companies to crypto regulation and politics, with Balter offering particularly thoughtful perspectives on building company culture and what he calls "sponge and stone" behavior - the ability to absorb knowledge from others while maintaining relentless determination. The discussion also touches on the evolution of entrepreneurship and the changing dynamics between government regulators and tech companies.Want to join the conversation? Connect with us on Tribe:https://trbcht.com/invites/WmHNjar5ZN

Immad and Raj sit down with Celine Halioua, founder and CEO of Loyal, a pioneering biotech company developing drugs to increase lifespan longevity in dogs. This episode highlights the unique challenges of building a biotech company, from navigating FDA approval processes to explaining longevity science to investors. The conversation also explores alternative funding sources beyond traditional VC, with all three founders sharing war stories about their toughest fundraising experiences. Whether you're interested in biotech, startup fundraising, or the future of longevity research, this conversation offers valuable insights into building innovative companies without relying on the typical Silicon Valley playbook.Want to join the conversation? Connect with us on Tribe:https://trbcht.com/invites/WmHNjar5ZN

In this episode of Founders in Arms, Immad and Raj sit down with Roger Dickey (Mafia Wars, Gigster, and Untitled Capital) for a deep dive into startup ideation and product-led growth. Roger shares his structured process for generating hundreds of startup ideas, including his unique "matrix approach." The three founders discuss the joys and challenges of building consumer-facing products, and examine the nuances between different growth strategies, from inherent virality to word-of-mouth marketing, sharing examples from companies like Figma, Dropbox, and Wise. Tune in for an engaging discussion that blends personal anecdotes with practical wisdom from some of tech's most innovative minds.Roger Dickey’s Startup Ideas List: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XgBM6DyFjH77lyobMgJep2C6YjIyAl9hwNAe7faoOaI/edit?usp=sharing Want to join the conversation? Connect with us on Tribe:https://trbcht.com/invites/WmHNjar5ZN

In this episode of Founders in Arms, Immad Akhund and Raj Suri are joined by special guest Sheel Mohnot, founder of BTV Ventures and 500 FinTech. The trio dive into a wide-ranging discussion covering the state of FinTech, entrepreneurship in India, and the evolving landscape of social media. This episode offers listeners a blend of practical advice and thought-provoking discussions on the current state of startup and entrepreneurship.Want to join the conversation? Connect with us on Tribe:https://trbcht.com/invites/WmHNjar5ZN

Immad and Raj sit down with Martin Basiri, co-founder and former CEO of ApplyBoard and current CEO of Passage, for a conversation that delves deep into the world of education technology and immigration. Martin shares insights on the challenges and opportunities present in the education sector, discussing ApplyBoard's unique business model and the impact it has had on international students. They examine the current state of higher education, the importance of immigration for economic growth in countries like Canada and the US, and the potential for innovation in ed-tech and the obstacles faced by entrepreneurs in this space. The conversation offers a thought-provoking look at the future of education and the role of technology in shaping it.Want to join the conversation? Connect with us on Tribe:https://trbcht.com/invites/WmHNjar5ZN

Immad and Raj sit down with Paul English, the co-founder and former CTO of Kayak, for a deep dive into consumer tech startups. Paul shared some fascinating insights from his entrepreneurial journey, including building capital-efficient companies, leveraging AI to boost productivity, and the future of AR glasses and wearables. In addition, Paul shares why he believes founders should run both for-profit and non-profit ventures, and how he manages to balance multiple projects while maintaining low stress levels. The conversation features a bounty of practical advice and valuable lessons for young founders.Want to join the conversation? Connect with us on Tribe:https://trbcht.com/invites/WmHNjar5ZN

In this episode of Founders in Arms, Immad and Raj dive into the latest developments in AI, discussing OpenAI's new O1 model and its impressive reasoning capabilities. The conversation explores potential applications for this technology and debates the future of vertical AI startups. The conversation then shifts to the challenges and benefits of remote work, sparked by Amazon's recent decision to require employees back in the office five days a week. Immad and Raj share insights from their experiences at Mercury and other tech companies. The conversation also explores the ways that remote work and technological developments have impacted local economies and consumer habits, and the need for more innovative indoor recreation facilities.Want to join the conversation? Connect with us on Tribe:https://trbcht.com/invites/WmHNjar5ZN

In this episode of Founders in Arms, Immad and Raj welcome Silicon Valley legend Paul Buchheit. As the creator of Gmail, an early Google pioneer, and a Y Combinator partner, Paul shares his unique  perspectives on the rapidly evolving AI landscape and its implications for startups and society. The conversation covers the current state of large language models and their potential future developments, opportunities for new social apps in the age of AI, and the impact of AI on search engines and Google's business model. Paul highlights the importance of open-source AI in preventing centralized control, and shares thoughts on how the interplay between truth and narrative shapes our perception of reality. This episode offers valuable insights for founders and aspiring entrepreneurs from one of the most experienced builders in the tech industry, discussing common pitfalls in startup narratives and the importance of seeking disconfirming evidence. Want to join the conversation? Connect with us on Tribe:https://trbcht.com/invites/WmHNjar5ZNConnect with Paul here: https://x.com/paultoo?lang=enRead “Loving What Is” here: https://www.amazon.com/Loving-What-Four-Questions-Change/dp/1400045371Read “The Beginning of Infinity” here: https://a.co/d/hFvJBvl

Immad and Raj are joined by special guest Greg Isenberg (Late Checkout) to discuss the recent buzz around "founder mode" and debate the merits of VC-backing in startup. Greg provides insights from his experiences building multiple businesses, sharing where he’s seen other ‘modes’ and highlighting the freedom and financial benefits of avoiding VC funding. Whether you're a founder weighing funding options or interested in startup strategy, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at different modes of building and scaling businesses in today's tech landscape.Want to join the conversation? Connect with us on Tribe:https://trbcht.com/invites/WmHNjar5ZNListen to the Startup Ideas Podcast with Greg Isenberg here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-startup-ideas-podcast/id1593424985 Read Raj’s essay, “How to Grow Your Startup while being Cash-Flow Positive,” here: https://rajatsuri.substack.com/p/how-to-grow-your-startup-while-beingRead "Founder Mode" here:https://paulgraham.com/foundermode.html

Today on Founders in Arms, Immad and Raj explore two of the largest stories in startup this week: The arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov, and what Nvidia’s latest earnings report indicates about the future of AI. Immad and Raj debate the complexities of free speech, encryption, and international regulations for tech companies that Durov’s arrest has raised; before turning their attention toward AI to discuss whether we're in an AI bubble, how the technology might impact productivity across various industries, and whether incumbents or startups will play the greatest role in AI’s long-term development. Tune in to hear Immad and Raj’s expert insights on how these stories affect founders today.Want to join the conversation? Connect with us on Tribe:https://trbcht.com/invites/WmHNjar5ZN

In the debut episode of "Founders in Arms," Immad Akhund (Mercury) and Raj Suri (Lima, Presto, and Lyft) explore the growing impact of regulatory capture on startups in Silicon Valley. They discuss how tech's focus has shifted to more regulated spaces like deep tech, fintech, and AI, examining both the challenges and opportunities for startups in these areas. The hosts analyze the current political climate's effect on tech regulation and share advice for entrepreneurs considering regulated spaces and an invitation for listener engagement in future discussions. Tune in for a better understanding of how regulatory capture will affect startups into the future.

In this episode of the Curiosity Podcast, Immad and Raj interview Bill Guttentag for a discussion on the evolution of the film industry. Bill is an award-winning writer and producer, best known for his films You Don’t Have to Die, Nanking, and Crime & Punishment. The conversation explores the creative process, how new technology will impact tomorrow’s movies, the financial landscape behind the film industry, and why powerful storytelling has remained central to great filmmaking. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on the challenges and rewards of creative expression.[00:00:00] Introduction[00:06:49] Documentary Filmmaking[00:13:43] Programming[00:17:24] The future of filmmaking[00:24:51] Art and Award Shows[00:28:28] Movie theaters[00:29:30] Different roles in filmmaking[00:34:26] Budgeting time in filmmaking[00:37:01] Recent Work and Creative Process[00:41:30] Funding creative film projects[00:44:16] Dealing with rejection[00:47:28] Building community[00:52:41] Filmmaking and startups[00:54:12] Evolution of filmmaking technology

Leadership expert and author Gautam Mukunda joins Immad and Raj for an in-depth discussion on the systems that determine leaders in business and politics. Gautam shares what makes a great leader, touching on leadership in both business and politics. They dissect observable patterns on leadership that can give us insight into the upcoming U.S. presidential election, as well as the qualities of a good president and the current political landscape. Tune in to gain insights on the systems that govern leadership and decision-making in crucial situations.

In a world where distinguishing between reality and generative AI is becoming increasingly more difficult, how can we protect ourselves from being influenced by hyper-realistic reproductions of an individual’s voice and likeness? Ben Colman, Co-Founder and CEO of Reality Defender, shares how their technology is currently being used to detect generative AI and how this new trend will impact tomorrow’s world. This conversation covers how AI is being used for misinformation, criminal activities, and election interference, and how we can avoid falling victim to a clever deep-fake created for malicious purposes.

Miles Taylor, former chief of staff of the Department of Homeland Security, joins Immad and Raj for a discussion on emerging technologies and national security. They discuss whether AI will be a useful tool or existential threat to national security and American Democracy, and explore how this new technology is already affecting the 2024 election. This conversation also covers a variety of public policy topics, including immigration reform and ranked choice voting. Tune in for an inside look at the state of American politics in 2024 and the future we are heading toward.[00:00:00] Introduction[00:04:26] Miles’ Early Career[00:09:54] Time at the DHS.[00:13:37] National security priorities[00:16:05] The future of democracy[00:17:58] The future of national security[00:23:52] US foreign policy implications[00:27:46] Current political climate in the US[00:34:31] Ranked Choice Voting and Proportional Representation[00:43:54] Immigration laws and security[00:53:17] 2024 Election possible outcomes[00:55:20] Immigration bill bipartisan struggles

Will new advancements in biotech soon help us treat rare diseases? Immad and Raj explore this question with Nicole Paulk, Founder and CEO of Siren Biotechnology, who shares how viral gene therapy has the potential to cure a wide variety of illnesses. The conversation explores the biotech field at large, how viral gene therapy works, and what medical treatments will look like in the near future. Listen in for an engaging conversation about the impact this emerging technology may have on our healthcare experiences.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction00:05:27 - Viral Gene Therapy00:11:17 - Universal Gene Therapy Concept00:13:58 - Applications in Cancer Treatment and Common Diseases00:16:17 - Development Challenges00:19:46 - Insulin Production00:21:13 - Viral Gene Therapy Industry00:24:03 - FDA's Role in Gene Therapy Development00:30:21 - Potential of Viral Gene Therapy00:34:07 - Biotech Company Paths and Acquisitions00:38:39 - Future of Cancer Treatment00:42:33 - Futuristic Possibilities in Viral Gene Therapy

In this episode, Imamd and Raj interview Loewen Cavill, Cofounder and CEO of Amira. Loewen is an expert in women’s healthcare, particularly as it relates to menopause. This conversation explores how societal taboos around menopause have stymied the creation of health products and treatments, how our hormonal systems impact our health, what role AI and biowearables will play in the future of women’s healthcare, and much more. Tune in for a detailed conversation on new innovations in biomedical engineering and the future of women’s healthcare.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction 00:03:45 - Amira and the Terra System00:06:47 - Predicting Hot Flashes00:08:24 - Future Plans for Hormonal Imbalance Treatment00:09:48 - Understanding Bioelectricity00:11:20 - Amira's Product Availability and Impact00:13:04 - Hot Flashes00:16:35 - Women's Health00:20:51 - The Potential of Sweat Analysis00:26:15 - Inspirational Products in Women's Health00:29:23 - The Future of Women's Health Products00:32:27 - Complexity of Women's Hormonal System00:34:24 - Healthcare Systems and Menopause00:40:06 - Amira's Business Model and Self-Pay00:41:21 - The Taboo Nature of Menopause00:42:12 - Amira's Go-to-Market Strategy00:44:23 - AI and Women’s Healthcare

In this episode, Imamd and Raj interview Sam D’Amico, Founder and CEO of Impulse Labs. Sam shares the technology behind Impulse Labs’ innovative, powerful cooktop that touts faster cooking times and energy efficiency. This discussion investigates why traditional appliances have been slow to change over the past 50 years, and how new developments in in-home battery technology are allowing homeowners to save money on their electricity consumption. Tune in to learn more about cutting-edge advancements in kitchen appliances and energy optimization.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction00:03:41 - Impulse Labs Origin00:05:59 - Comparing Induction and Gas Stoves00:06:42 - Battery Integration and Installation00:08:08 - High-Power Cooking and Temperature Sensing00:10:03 - Smart Appliances and Market Impact00:13:47 - Manufacturing and Distributing Hardware00:15:05 - Energy Savings and Battery Functionality00:18:06 - Marketing and Industry Attention00:20:46 - Copycats and Unique Selling Points00:22:27 - Backup Power System and Energy Rates00:30:44 - Consumer Electronics Manufacturing00:35:04 - Future of Smart Appliances and Home Energy00:37:08 - Hardware Startup Costs00:38:08 - Future Home Innovations and HVAC Changes00:42:31 - Future of the Power Grid

In this episode of the Curiosity Podcast, Immad and Raj explore the next evolution of education with Austen Allred, Co-Founder and CEO of BloomTech. Austen shares his unlikely journey to founding an education start-up, and how our current education system is failing students. This conversation explores how to mitigate the risks inherent with pursuing a degree, changing trends in student behavior, and how AI will change tomorrow’s education and programming landscape. Tune in for a fascinating discussion on the future of computer science education.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Intro[00:07:25] Prolific writing and reading[00:10:18] Learning to code in Silicon Valley[00:14:22] Life-changing income transformations[00:17:29] AI revolution in engineering[00:24:40] Predispositions to programming[00:27:30] Learning to code through trial[00:30:40] Career orientation vs. social life[00:34:20] Rethinking Traditional Education[00:38:16] Rethinking the value of degrees[00:44:29] Struggles and triumphs of fatherhood[00:45:47] Life-changing job offers.[00:50:20] How AI is transforming job search[00:56:23] Programming and AI integration[00:58:42] The evolving role of engineering

On this episode of the Curiosity Podcast, Immad and Raj explore the challenges facing San Francisco’s local politics with Sachin Agarwal and Steven Buss, co-founders of GrowSF. GrowSF is a nonprofit aiming to influence the local politics of San Francisco by informing and mobilizing voters. The discussion begins with a look back at how San Francisco’s most pervasive issues (homelessness, housing shortages, crime, etc) first arose and the impact they have had on residents. While faced with a difficult battle ahead, Sachin and Steven share their steadfast belief in the people of San Francisco and their hope for the city’s future. Tune in to explore San Francisco’s city governance and GrowSF’s efforts to drive positive change in the community.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Intro[00:02:13] The influence of small groups[00:06:47] Local governance vs. national politics[00:10:33] Challenges facing San Francisco[00:14:39] Local Elections in San Francisco[00:18:10] San Francisco's far left contingent[00:23:39] Unifying Bay Area governments[00:26:37] Creating a “Rule of Law” city[00:29:06] Insufficient public schools[00:34:03] Public safety and traffic concerns[00:37:26] Political factions[00:41:23] Voter behavior analysis[00:44:19] Politics in democratic societies[00:49:00] Fixing voting issues[00:54:21] Crime in San Francisco[00:56:05] High stakes in democracy

In this episode, Immad and Raj discuss the emerging field of zero net carbon fuels with Prometheus Fuels Founder and CEO, Rob McGinnis. Rob shares the process for removing CO2 from the air and converting it into fuels that can power planes, automobiles, and much more. Tune in to learn how this new development may one day change the future of energy and transportation.[00:00:00] Intro[00:04:29] Prometheus and Process[00:07:30] Liquid fuel and energy infrastructure[00:11:13] Electrolyzer and carbon chains[00:13:38] Nanotube membrane filtration[00:18:59] Renewable gasoline and uncertainty[00:19:31] Liquid e-fuels and battery alternatives[00:23:20] Electrochemical stack advancements[00:27:26] Solving energy grid challenges[00:30:22] Underutilized solar and wind resources[00:33:08] The cost of RNG and hydrogen[00:36:09] Scaling up renewables quickly[00:41:18] Energy security and climate change[00:43:26] Taking on ambitious challenges[00:49:13] Burying carbon in the ground[00:54:09] United States senior level conversations[00:57:37] Geopolitical battles in clean energy[01:00:06] Solid-state batteries and electrification[01:04:19] Energy sources and origins[01:06:24] Solving climate change through technology[01:10:13] Capital and future bets[01:14:36] Government involvement in technologies

In this episode, Immad and Raj discuss biotechnology with Hannu Rajaniemi, Founder and CEO of Helix Nanotechnologies. Hannu shares the potential of mRNA as a platform for various applications, including lab-grown meat, cancer treatment, and customized vaccines. Hannu’s broad thinking and ability to tie biotech to social impact make for an engaging conversation that highlights the exciting potential of mRNA technology.Follow the Curiosity Podcast on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiositypod101/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curiosity_podcast101?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CuriosityPodcast Substack: https://curiositypodcast.substack.com/ Timestamps:00:02:02 Intro00:08:52 Nanorobotics and future possibilities00:11:05 Modeling Biological functions00:16:04 AI design for immunotherapy00:22:02 Protein synthesis process00:26:29 Turning cells into protein factories00:30:00 mRNA modifications and antiviral sensors00:32:24 mRNA manufacturing and IP disputes00:36:26 Liquid biopsies for early cancer detection00:40:24 Using mRNA for cultured meat00:45:09 Protein structure prediction00:49:05 Evolution of SARS-CoV-200:52:19 The deadliness of viruses00:55:55 mRNA wearable and global immune system01:02:26 Storing information through viruses01:04:07 Exponential technology and genetics

In this episode, Immad and Raj interview Delian Asparouhov, a Partner at Founders Fund and the Co-Founder of the space-manufacturing startup Varda. Delian shares his insights on the potential of space manufacturing and how overcoming the difficult challenge of atmospheric reentry will be the key to opening manufacturing in orbit. Delian's background in venture capital brings a commercial mindset to the field of aerospace, offering a fresh perspective on space technology. The conversation provides a deep look into what the future of the space tech industry holds for entrepreneurs and the world at large.Follow the Curiosity Podcast on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiositypod101/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curiosity_podcast101?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CuriosityPodcast Substack: https://curiositypodcast.substack.com/ Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction00:03:10 - Delian's path from VC to Space Tech00:08:25 - The Advantages of VC Experience in Aerospace00:10:12 - Economic Incentives for Human Presence in Space00:12:19 - Industrializating Outer Space00:16:09 - Manufacturing and Micro-Gravity00:21:24 - Pharmaceutical Applications in Space Manufacturing00:24:38 - The Market Potential for Space Manufacturing00:26:41 - The Importance of Crystal Structure in Pharmaceuticals00:28:14 - Merck's ISS Experiment and Commercialization Challenges00:30:20 - The Re-Entry Challenge in Space Manufacturing00:36:12 - Automation vs Human Presence in Space Manufacturing00:38:19 - Scaling Varda's Space Manufacturing Operations00:40:14 - Varda's Mission Economics and Future Goals00:49:42 - Over-engineered components for missions00:52:10 - Permanent human presence in space00:56:00 - Economics in space01:02:10 - Varda's far-fetched mission01:06:18 - Robotic aviation and Mars