EPISODE
Joe Weisenthal, Ben Smith, Matt Hicks, Steven Schwartz, Saam Motamedi, Nicholas Kelez, Antoine Tessier, Filip Kaliszan
00:01:00 Joe Weisenthal, born September 2, 1980, in Detroit, Michigan, is an American journalist and television presenter, currently serving as the executive editor of news for Bloomberg's digital brands and co-host of the "Odd Lots" podcast. In the conversation, he discusses the Federal Reserve's recent 25 basis point interest rate cut, highlighting internal divisions within the Fed's rate-setting committee, with three members dissenting—two favoring no change and one advocating a deeper cut. He also examines the potential impact of future rate cuts on long-term yields, noting that aggressive short-term cuts could lead to higher long-term rates due to inflation expectations, which may not provide the desired economic stimulus.
00:02:00 Selecting the perfect Christmas gift for a 10-year-old boy can be both exciting and challenging. Here are some top recommendations that blend fun, education, and creativity: **Nintendo Switch OLED – 64GB (2023 Edition)** This gaming console features a vibrant 7-inch OLED screen, detachable Joy-Con controllers for multiplayer fun, and a vast library of kid-friendly games like *Super Mario Odyssey* and *Animal Crossing*. Its dockable design allows for play on the TV or on the go. **Thames & Kosmos Robotics Workshop** A hands-on robotics kit that teaches engineering and coding basics. It includes a real motor, sensors, and step-by-step project guides, encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving skills without the need for soldering. **Nerf Ultra One Motorized Blaster** This high-performance blaster fires darts up to 120 feet with precision. It features a 15-dart drum magazine and rapid-fire motorized action, making it ideal for backyard battles and holiday parties. **3Doodler Start+ 3D Printing Pen** A safe, kid-friendly tool that allows children to create three-dimensional art. It uses eco-friendly PLA plastic filaments and includes a project guide with multiple filament colors, blending technology with creativity. **Razor A5 Lux Scooter** Designed for kids aged eight and up, this scooter supports up to 220 pounds and has a sturdy aluminum frame. Its large wheels and lightweight design ensure a smooth and fun ride, and it easily folds for portability. When choosing a gift, consider the child's interests and hobbies to ensure it aligns with their preferences.
00:03:00 Matt Hicks, who became Red Hat's President and CEO in July 2022, discusses the company's evolution from offering only Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) to a diverse portfolio including OpenShift, Ansible, and Red Hat AI. He emphasizes Red Hat's focus on smaller, open-source AI models that are more manageable and cost-effective for enterprises compared to larger frontier models. Hicks also highlights the importance of building authentic open-source communities and the value of long-term commitment within a company, drawing from his own 20-year tenure at Red Hat.
00:04:00 Stephen Schwartz, CEO of WAP, discusses the company's rapid growth, noting that to achieve a 50% increase in business, they must add over $1 billion in earnings annually. He highlights their aggressive international expansion and strategic partnerships, including a recent collaboration with Micro One to enhance their platform's capabilities. Schwartz also emphasizes the company's focus on integrating AI throughout their platform to simplify operations and support users in starting businesses more efficiently.
00:05:00 Saam Motamedi, a General Partner at Greylock Partners, focuses on early-stage investments in enterprise software, particularly in AI, cybersecurity, and data infrastructure. He discusses the current venture capital landscape, noting a shift towards a smaller number of firms concentrating on long-term partnerships with founders, emphasizing the importance of enduring commitment in the industry. Motamedi also highlights the transformative impact of AI on enterprise software, suggesting that new pricing models, interfaces, and data structures are creating opportunities for startups to disrupt established companies.
00:06:00 Nicholas Kelez, CEO and CTO of xLight, discusses the company's mission to develop the world's most powerful free-electron lasers to revolutionize semiconductor manufacturing by enhancing lithography processes, making chip production more efficient and cost-effective. He highlights the strategic partnership with former Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger, who has significantly contributed to xLight's growth and leadership development. Kelez also emphasizes the importance of the recent $150 million Letter of Intent with the U.S. Department of Commerce, which will accelerate the development of their prototype and advance their first commercial products.
00:07:00 Antoine Tessier, CEO of duPont REGISTRY Group, discusses the launch of duPont REGISTRY Live, an online auction platform offering a 100% sell-through guarantee and a 14-day return policy for buyers. He highlights the company's recent $34 million capital raise to support this initiative and mentions plans to expand their Nashville facility to 65,000 square feet for vehicle inspections and certifications. Tessier also shares insights into the growing luxury car market, referencing a forthcoming report estimating the U.S. market at $110 billion, with expectations to double in the next decade.
00:08:00 Filip Kaliszan, CEO and co-founder of Verkada, discusses his company's mission to enhance physical security through AI and integrated hardware solutions like cameras and access controllers, serving clients such as enterprises, schools, and government buildings. He highlights the company's growth since its 2016 inception, now boasting over 30,000 global customers, including 100 of the Fortune 500, and emphasizes the importance of on-device processing to manage data efficiently and cost-effectively. Kaliszan also touches on the potential role of AI and robotics in security, the company's flexible pricing for nonprofits, and future plans, including a potential public offering.