More or Less

The podcast delves into topics like tech talent poaching, investment rules for Florida-based companies, the link between location and mentality, the exodus and return of tech executives, and the differences between public markets and late-stage capital markets.

The couples take you up close and personal with this week’s Apple event and discuss the future of the company, hardware and the garbage product they can’t live without. Plus, Brit schools Sam on pop culture, part 10. Show Notes: [00:00:00] New composting trash can? [00:05:23] Apple event changes. [00:08:56] Recycling Cobalt and climate impact. [00:10:46] Apple's first Carbon Neutral Product. [00:15:27] Camera technology advancements. [00:19:44] Apple's trajectory after the launch. [00:22:11] Cambrian moment in computing. [00:26:25] The value of Apple's closed ecosystem. [00:29:41] The capital structure of hardware. [00:31:19] Hardware companies are entreprenuership on expert mode. [00:35:30] The Mill magical bottomless composting trash can. [00:37:48] Spatial computing. [00:41:08] The Insta360 camera. [00:43:38] World creation through AR. [00:48:05] Why can't we have a Hardware API?

Topics include the challenges of publishing and impact of delivery robots, the implications and challenges of subscription-based business models, the concept of customer selection and ongoing cable wars, engaging with the podcast community, and the shifting dynamics of the entertainment industry

Topics include energy vampires, AI transcription technology, venture capital in Silicon Valley, future of AI in China, centralized AI ownership, challenges of leading indicators in venture capital, impact of export controls on advanced semiconductors in China, importance of feedback and reviews for the podcast.

The podcast discusses the challenges of hybrid work models and the move back to the office. They explore improving communication technologies for remote and hybrid work, as well as the earnings and valuations in the tech industry. The hosts also tease new potential features for the podcast.

The hosts discuss when companies should quit, reminisce about failed investments, and debate U.S.-China tech policy. They also explore the potential ban on TikTok, the power of quitting, and the changing landscape of venture capital. The podcast touches on storage services, surviving startups, and the trade imbalance between atoms and bits. They express excitement about artificial intelligence and express gratitude to the audience.

The Morins and the Lessins devise a playbook on the future of sports media. Plus, a More or Less debate on a new study on Wegovy. Articles and research discussed: https://www.novonordisk.com/content/nncorp/global/en/news-and-media/news-and-ir-materials/news-details.html?id=166301 Show Notes: 0:00 - Introduction: The hosts discuss ESPN's declining subscriber numbers and revenue challenges. They debate whether equity ownership for athletes could help and what innovations ESPN could make. 2:18 - ESPN's issues: The hosts discuss ESPN's high content costs, difficulty being a distributor in a direct-to-consumer world, and how sports rights are priced to perfection. 9:12 - Barstool Sports: The hosts discuss Barstool Sports' acquisition and subsequent return to its founder due to his controversial behavior. They debate whether "crazy" founders luck into windfalls. 16:00 - Solutions for ESPN: The hosts discuss innovations like new formats, storytelling, and interactive experiences. They debate whether betting is the best form of interactivity. 25:00 - Longevity science: The hosts discuss a new study showing a weight loss drug can reduce heart attack risk by 20%. They debate the risks of healthy people taking such drugs. 34:00 - Wrap up: The hosts summarize the major problems discussed and look forward to recording together in person next time.

This week, inspired by Barbie and Taylor Swift, the Morins and the Lessins debate the future of franchises and brands. Plus, the latest in the ecommerce wars and the winners and losers if room-temperature superconductors actually become a thing. Articles and research discussed: https://arxiv.org/abs/2307.12008https://www.theinformation.com/articles/shein-makes-an-aggressive-pitch-to-woo-u-s-amazon-sellershttps://www.theinformation.com/articles/inside-tiktok-ceos-plan-to-play-offense Show Notes: 0:00 Taylor Swift concert and Barbie movie - The hosts discuss the cultural impact of the recent Taylor Swift concert and the Barbie movie. 0:13 Fast fashion brand Shein - The hosts discuss the rise of Chinese fast fashion brand Shein and its impact on Amazon. 0:27 Live shopping - The hosts discuss the trend of live shopping on social media platforms and whether it will take off. 0:38 Superconductors - The hosts discuss recent breakthroughs in room temperature superconductors and the potential impact. Brought To You By: ⁠⁠⁠The Information⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Slow Ventures⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Offline Ventures⁠⁠

Are we just playing into Elon's game with Twitter? The Lessins and The Morins debate and take different sides on whether seed investing can survive. Plus, what's Ruth Porat really up to at Google? Discussed: Google’s Darkest Days: After Three Deaths, a Workforce Reckons with a Changed CompanyThe Power Law: Venture Capital and the Making of the New Future Seed Investing Can't Turn Back On Show Notes: 00:00 - The hosts discuss Elon Musk rebranding Twitter as 'X'. They argue that Elon is doing it mainly to stay in the news cycle and get attention. They joke about how Elon is just like any other internet user, changing DNS records and making mistakes. 06:29 - The hosts discuss Google. They talk about Google's AI strategy, the promotion of Ruth Porat to President, and mental health issues at Google. They debate whether Google has lost its way or is still well positioned. 13:44 - Sam explains his view that 'seed investing is dead'. He argues that the venture capital model has broken down and companies are overvalued and unable to make a profit. Dave and Sam discuss how they prefer investing in 'weird' areas. 20:18 - The hosts debate whether venture capital will fundamentally change or just become a less good business. They agree that while seed investing will still exist, the previous model is over.

The Morins and Lessins debate the fizzling hype around AI and the Hollywood strike. Plus, Threads’ next move. Discussed:  https://www.theinformation.com/articles/deal-activity-on-the-rise-as-bankers-say-merger-conversations-are-picking-up https://www.ted.com/talks/tom_graham_the_incredible_creativity_of_deepfakes_and_the_worrying_future_of_ai https://arxiv.org/abs/2307.09009 https://dudeperfect.com/tour Show Notes: 0:00 Threads had a strong launch but questions remain around engaging content and audience building. 5:00 There is debate about the impact of AI on content, with concerns about AI-generated content and tools. The actors' and writers' strike highlights issues around voice, likeness, and copyright. 15:00 There are differing views on the capabilities and impact of large language models and AI technologies. Some argue the hype has outpaced reality while others see potential if issues around data and synthetic content can be solved. 30:00 The actors' and writers' strike is seen as justified by some to push for changes to copyright law to account for AI, voice, and likeness rights. Others want a quick resolution to minimize disruption. 35:00 Live experiences are seen as becoming more important compared to AI and digital content, as illustrated by the popularity of the Dude Perfect live show. Brought To You By: ⁠The Information⁠ ⁠Slow Ventures⁠ ⁠Offline Ventures⁠