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a16z Podcast | Startups as Science Experiments -- Can VC Disrupt Academia?

a16z2019-01-02
52 views|5 years ago
💫 Short Summary

Vijay Pandey and Andreessen Horowitz discuss disrupting academia through venture capital, emphasizing the importance of federal R&D funding for entrepreneurial capitalism. They highlight the significance of basic research funding for future advancements and collaboration in technology. The discussion also touches on the shift towards collaborative VC funding, the impact of philanthropy in supporting universities, and the intersection of biology and technology for advancements in human health. The importance of incorporating technology and science into various fields is emphasized, along with the benefits of a friendly regulatory environment for specific research areas. Machine learning's global potential and innovative applications in various sectors are also discussed, showcasing the immense opportunities for growth and innovation.

✨ Highlights
📊 Transcript
Disrupting academia through venture capital.
02:06
Bill Janeway's hypothesis stresses long-term science investments for success in IT and biotech.
Janeway's book on venture capital is commended for its valuable insights despite lacking marketing.
Critique on the failure of federal R&D funding in clean tech.
Emphasis on the significance of federal R&D funding for future entrepreneurial capitalism and advice to invest in it.
Importance of basic research funding for future advancements in technology and collaboration.
02:49
Optimistic view on open and collaborative approach leveraging the internet and globalization.
Emphasis on intermingling of research and development, reflecting historical eras of natural philosophy and engineering.
Despite criticisms, global boom in industrial and technology companies indicates growth and innovation in the industry.
Shift towards a bottoms-up approach in VC funding for early-stage science projects.
05:09
Khosla Ventures at the forefront of science experiment investments with unique terms.
Emphasis on the distinction between science and technology research and the role of philanthropy in funding scientific endeavors.
Predictions of a philanthropic wave from the high-tech community benefiting universities.
Example of tech leaders like Ram Shriram investing in science research, highlighting the growing trend.
The significance of philanthropy in supporting universities for long-term benefits.
08:20
Enlightened universities strategically engaging in spin-offs, student involvement, and professor participation.
Merging computer science with biomedicine for advancements in human health discussed.
The potential of software, big data, and technology in revolutionizing personalized medicine and medical devices.
Intersection of biology and technology providing opportunities for groundbreaking developments.
The internet if created today would be decentralized, include built-in cryptocurrency, and have improved functionality.
09:34
Startups are exploring peer-to-peer routing, countering censorship, and integrating art and dance into technology.
Entrepreneurial power of computer science and the need to broaden fields beyond CS is emphasized.
Concerns exist about computer science dominating undergraduates and the risk of other university disciplines disappearing.
Balancing traditional academic focus with practical skills and technology integration in education.
12:47
Emphasizing the importance of incorporating technology and science into different fields for progress and adaptation.
Disagreeing with ultra left-wing perspective that criticizes focusing on professional success and practical skills.
Advocating for a holistic approach to education that combines both traditional academic knowledge and practical skills.
Discussion on the tension between regulation and innovation, emphasizing the impact of regulations on innovation.
13:51
Mention of Moore's Law and how societies determine the level of risk and innovation they are willing to accept.
Noting that as societies mature, they often choose less risk, resulting in decreased innovation.
Introduction of the concept of regulatory arbitrage, where companies may seek more favorable regulatory environments in other countries.
Examples of regulatory differences impacting innovation, such as stem cell research in Korea and drone regulations.
Benefits of a friendly regulatory environment for specific research areas.
16:03
Local versus federal government control in the U.S. can drive innovation.
Challenges related to existing power structures and resistance to change.
Divide between East Coast and West Coast innovation styles.
Cultural differences impacting innovation in America, including conservative mindsets in liberal areas like San Francisco.
Cultural impact of constant migration to the West and benefits of moving to Silicon Valley.
17:40
Rise of innovation and new ideas globally, with a focus on internet entrepreneurship in Tehran.
Exploration of gender balance and future possibilities in Middle Eastern entrepreneurship.
Frustrations with trade barriers and political issues, but significant energy and drive among young entrepreneurs in the region.
Exciting potential of machine learning in various fields.
21:55
Low cost of computers and internet availability driving the global movement of machine learning.
Opportunities for innovation in economics, Bitcoin, financial services, biomedical innovation, transportation, and emissions reduction.
Impact of sensors in deploying machine learning for significant advancements across multiple industries.
The impact of technology on various sectors is revolutionary.
22:31
Sensors, Big Data, and machine learning are transforming industries like healthcare, education, and transportation.
The convergence of these technologies opens up opportunities for groundbreaking products and companies.
Innovation and growth in these fields are vast, even without significant advancements in machine learning.