This episode is sponsored by Pictet Asset Management and its AI-enhanced equity ETFs.
Pictet AI Enhanced US Equity ETF (PQUS):
https://etf.am.pictet.com/pqus/?utm_campaign=usetf&cid=2826077237&utm_source=jfmv&utm_content=pquslp&utm_medium=podcast_02&utm_term=noterm
Pictet AI Enhanced International Equity ETF (PQNT):
https://etf.am.pictet.com/pqnt/?utm_campaign=usetf&cid=2715538577&utm_source=jfmv&utm_content=pqnt&utm_medium=podcast_02&utm_term=noterm
Max Wiethe sits down with Ben Topor, founder of Titan Capital Partners and author of Decoding the Software Landscape, to unpack the seismic shifts happening in the tech investment world. Topor explains how AI is commoditizing the software application layer and shares why the recent correction in software valuations makes this a prime time to invest. The conversation also delves into the booming secondary market, the structural differences between US and Israeli tech hubs, and how startups can build unbreachable AI-proof moats through distribution and proprietary data. Finally, Topor reveals the strategic tactics founders use to outmaneuver tech giants by moving in silence and misdirecting competitors.
Follow Ben Topor: https://x.com/ben_topor
Follow Max on X: https://x.com/maxwiethe
Follow Other People’s Money on:
Apple Podcast https://bit.ly/4e7QJ1M
Spotify https://bit.ly/3Yhaazi
YouTube https://bit.ly/3C63VXR
X https://x.com/opmpod
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
02:10 Mapping the Software Landscape
03:45 What AI Changes in Software
09:13 AI Led M&A Wave
13:36 Valuations and Timing
15:34 Secondaries Liquidity Thesis
17:33 Pictet AI-Enhanced Equity ETFs
19:08 How Titan Buys Secondaries
21:07 Why Companies Stay Private
23:00 Finding Category Leaders
26:47 Reading Financial Symptoms
28:37 Mispriced Gems or Turnarounds?
31:25 Exit Paths Today
35:17 Investing in Israel
38:16 Cybersecurity Edge
41:08 Too Much Capital
43:38 AI Proof Moats
45:17 What Counts as Data
46:40 Private Credit Risks
50:36 Down Rounds Reframed
53:51 Titan’s Value Add
57:18 Competitive Maneuvering
01:02:37 Conclusion
