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