Silicon Valley Byte Size - The Allianz Technology Trust Podcast

AI promises businesses greater efficiency, lower costs and better decision-making. But what happens when it begins to replace the entry-level work through which generations of employees have learned their profession? In this episode of Silicon Valley Bite Size, Cherry Reynard is joined by Mike Seidenberg, Lead Manager of Allianz Technology Trust, to explore how AI is changing the nature of competitive advantage – and the potential consequences for the workplace.They discuss how companies can harness AI to improve customer service, increase revenues and reduce costs, while considering a less obvious challenge: how to develop the next generation of talent if technology removes many of the traditional stepping stones into a career.Mike also explores the importance of mentorship and corporate culture, the impact of remote and hybrid working, and what investors should look for when assessing whether companies are using AI intelligently.Listen now to discover why the companies that benefit most from AI may be those that embrace the technology without losing sight of the people, skills and judgement they will need for the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every few years, someone declares that Silicon Valley has had its day. But as technology innovation becomes increasingly global, have we really reached peak Silicon Valley?In this episode of Silicon Valley Bite Size, Cherry Reynard is joined by Mike Seidenberg, lead manager of Allianz Technology Trust, to explore what continues to set Silicon Valley apart.Mike discusses how its combination of talent, capital, experienced operators and world-class universities has created an ecosystem that remains difficult to replicate elsewhere.The conversation also explores the distinctive culture of Silicon Valley, including why failure can be viewed as part of the entrepreneurial journey, and how the region continues to attract talent from around the world. Mike also explains how being immersed in the ecosystem gives him access to a wide range of perspectives when assessing emerging technologies and potential investment opportunities.Listen now to discover why, despite the growth of technology hubs around the world, Silicon Valley continues to exert a powerful pull on entrepreneurs and investors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cybersecurity has become one of the most critical areas of technology, but it is also one of the most challenging sectors for investors to navigate. In this episode of Silicon Valley Bite Size, Cherry Reynard sits down with Mike Seidenberg, lead manager of Allianz Technology Trust, to explore why success in cybersecurity can be surprisingly short-lived.Mike explains how constantly evolving cyber threats can quickly render once-dominant products obsolete, why identifying the right security architecture at the right time is crucial, and how innovative companies such as CrowdStrike have disrupted established players by rethinking how threats are detected and managed. The conversation also examines the growing complexity of protecting users across multiple devices and locations, the challenges of building cybersecurity platforms, and the role artificial intelligence will play in shaping the next generation of digital defence.Listen in for insights into one of technology's fastest-moving sectors and why active management can be particularly valuable in separating long-term winners from businesses at risk of being left behind. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Quantum computing is often described as the next frontier, a technology that could solve problems beyond the reach of today's computers. But how close are we to seeing real-world applications, and what does it mean for investors?In this episode of Silicon Valley Bite Size, Mike Seidenberg, lead manager of Allianz Technology Trust, explores the opportunities and challenges surrounding quantum computing. He discusses how quantum differs from traditional computing, the potential applications across areas such as financial modelling, weather forecasting and cybersecurity, and why commercial viability remains the key question for investors.Mike also examines the engineering hurdles that still need to be overcome, the implications for encryption and security, and why investors should focus on companies with a credible path to commercialisation rather than simply the most exciting technology.Listen now to discover why quantum computing could be one of the most transformative technologies of the coming decades, and why investors should remain focused on execution as much as innovation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Space technology is often associated with moon landings, astronauts and science fiction ambitions. But beneath the headlines, a quieter commercial revolution is taking shape.In this episode of Silicon Valley Bite Size from Allianz Technology Trust, Mike Seidenberg, lead manager at the trust, talks about why the real investment opportunity in space may have less to do with tourism or exploration, and far more to do with connectivity. Mike explains how falling launch costs, reusable rockets and smaller, more powerful satellites are transforming the economics of space infrastructure. He discusses why satellite networks such as Starlink could create entirely new business models by bringing information access to millions of people previously beyond the reach of traditional communications networks. The conversation explores how connectivity changes behaviour, from improving productivity on aircraft to creating new forms of security and resilience for consumers. Mike also examines the investment implications of a potential SpaceX IPO, the growing backlog for launch providers, and why investors should remain disciplined even in the face of technological excitement. Listen to discover why the most important commercial frontier in space may not be about travelling beyond earth…but connecting more of it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.