Generative Now | AI Builders on Creating the Future Walk & Talk Episode: Semil Shah on AI Superteams, Meta’s Bold Moves, and Apple’s Missed Shots
30 snips
Aug 26, 2025 
Semil Shah, founder and partner at Haystack VC and Lightspeed, discusses the competitive tech landscape. He shares insights on Meta's aggressive AI recruitment and critiques Apple's uncertain AI strategy. Figma's recent IPO highlights the significance of design in technology and venture capital. Shah explores the evolving seed investment climate, emphasizing the challenges founders face in securing funding. The conversation wraps up with thoughts on AI's impact on advertising and the shifting media landscape, including the future of podcasts.
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Protect Your Fund Math With Ownership
- When seed prices rise, target more ownership to preserve your fund's return math and be selective.
- Semil implies stick to the model: higher risk requires larger ownership stakes to hit fund return targets.
Firebase: Seed To Big Exit Fast
- Semil tells the Firebase story: a small seed led to a rapid Google acquisition that returned huge gains for early investors.
- He uses Firebase to illustrate how that same outcome now struggles to move the needle for larger funds.
Log Investor Inbound And Consult Advisors
- Founders must track investor inbound meticulously and consult advisors before committing to meetings or term sheets.
- Record dates, names, and ask existing investors for guidance to avoid wasting time on distracting inbound.