Hallway Chat

Granola, Designing AI for User Agency, and how to compete with $$$

Fraser and Nabeel dive into the evolving landscape of AI note-taking apps, focusing on a new product, Granola. They discuss Granola's unique approach of "enhancing your thought" instead of "thinking for you." They also explore: applying this idea to other categories, the influence of LLMs on UX, and the need for more experimental user workflows to unlock AI. They also discuss the challenges and dynamics of startup funding, the significance of capital in achieving market success, and...

Should we stop talking about models?

Is it still worth it to discuss models when discussing startups? Nabeel and Fraser discuss how that may be the wrong question to ask in the current landscape, and why customer-centric questions and user experience should be the basis of product experience. Later, they deliberate who might come out on top in the “horse race” for AI product dominance, and whether it will come from a large, established company, or if the frontier of capabilities belongs to small innovators. (00:00) - ...

Devin & the Autonomous Engineer Wave. Plus, .Com lessons as a model for today

What is the extent of autonomous coding engineer Devin’s ability to generate real, functional applications with little to no help? Nabeel and Fraser dive into the buzz about Cognition’s ‘Devin’, what makes it different, and the transformative potential of AI in software engineering, particularly focusing on autonomous coding software. Later, they get into the innovator's dilemma and the lessons the .com era can lend to this new time in AI. (00:00) Intro (01:23) The buzz about Cogn...

AI Models. Weighing the chances of commodity vs differentiation.

This week is a discussion of the points of differentiation vs commodification in various AI models. Including how these points might change over time, and might change between language, image, and video models. Then Fraser pivots to orienting around jobs to be done in AI, and how the various models have a huge gap between being capable of doing something, and doing it well.  We then talk about Claude 3, the nature of benchmarking, and the rapid dropping LLM prices. Lastly, we cover...

Trailer

Making of Arc Search, and finding your AI product strategy with Josh Miller

Josh Miller, Founder and CEO of The Browser Co, joins this week. We loved the experience with Arc Search, a new AI-enabled mobile search experience, we decided to talk to Josh directly about how it all came together.  Topics: * How Arc Search came to be spawned out of basically a side project * The core value of "we don't know" * How the key AI feature 'Browse for Me' was not the initial concept, but came to be added last minute * Josh's initial skepticism about AI, up until just a...

Stages of Disruption: Adaptation, Evolution, or Revolution? Plus Email AI app Shortwave

Two former founders, now VCs, play with AI products and see where that leads... Fraser and Nabeel discuss the differences between horizontal disruption and vertical market disruption and the patterns of the phases of this disruption in the mobile age. From Adaptation, to Evolution, and eventually Revolution. Next, they dive into AI email app Shortwave AI. This leads to a conversation around what AI models are optimizing for, and how speed and polish can sometimes be part of the bas...

Best of the Voice Note Apps, Three Layers of AI Coding & A Wishlist of Products

Reviewing voice note transcription apps, from WaveAI to Audiopen and ChatGPT. Then Fraser and Nabeel take stock of various ways AI coding is affecting software development, from Co-Pilots to "mealeable software development" and No-Code AI.  Lastly, the hosts talk through a wish list of products they'd love to see this year. Topics discussed: - Slowed Pace of AI Product Launches - Wave AI app, and what to look for in voice notes transcription - Current state of AI-enabled software ...

Developments in Prompting, Making Sense of AI Hardware Gadgetpalooza & trying SunoAI music creation

Fraser and Nabeel discuss the onslaught of AI hardware launches, exploring the potential factors behind this shift. They also discuss the importance of designing not by listening to your customer but by understanding the customer. The duo also discuss the importance and challenges surrounding 'prompt engineering' vs prompt writing, using BARD, SunoAI and Perplexity as case examples. They cover the layoffs in tech startups, examining the tension between growth and profitability and t...

Building entropically, Gemini, Prompt engineerings revenge, and Superpowered

Nabeel and Fraser briefly discuss Google's new AI model, Gemini, and keeping authenticity in startup pitches. They discuss the perils of trying to simplify when technology is lending towards complexity. How to stay authentic to yourself when pitching and fundraising. The new findings of Claude prompting, and the likely continued need for prompt engineering. Finally, they talk about the startup SuperPowered, its potential pivot, and how passion for problem-solving can impact a compan...

Launch stories of ChatGPT

Nabeel gets to ask Fraser for reflections on the development of ChatGPT on the one-year anniversary. They talk about the intersection of product managers and AI researchers, how ChatGPT came to be on the roadmap, how the team came to be formed, and the difference between polish & overengineering. They then discuss the recent explosion of real-time AI painting applications, the divide between text-based UIs and GUIs in AI products, and redesigning new creative arts at the intersectio...

Three patterns of LLM product development

The conversation kicks off with the surprising news of Sam Altman’s departure from OpenAI. Nabeel and Fraser then discuss the ‘crazy week’ of product releases, demystifying the complexity and impact of AI in various workflows. They spotlight AI startup Lindy, review My GPTS, and early impressions of the product Dot, an AI-driven guide in daily life. The duo categorizes AI developments into three ‘buckets’: lead bullet strategy, a universal translator bucket, and inventing new behavi...

My GPTs, and avoiding the OpenAI tidal wave as a founder

In this conversation, discussions revolve around the recent OpenAI Dev Day, the Reflect note taking app, and how founders should internalize the "threat" and partnership opportunities with OpenAI. Fraser & Nabeel discuss that it's still "fart app and flashlight" early days for developers to truly utilize the capabilities of technologies like ChatGPT. The conversation then shifts to Reflect, a note-taking app that utilises AI to optimise features like speech-to-text and backlinking. ...

When do AI startups have advantage over incumbents?

Fraser & Nabeel get things up and running again at Hallway Chat. How AI is changing search engines, comparing Perplexity with Google, and what just goes to ChatGPT & Claude. "Shipping your org chat". Debating Sam Lessin's recent "State of Venture Capital" and whether AI in startups is just magical thinking. The app of the week: Snipd, an AI podcast player Subscribe for new episodes every week. Follow us on Twitter @nabeel | @fraser 

Hallway Chat, Episode 1 - Season 8

Hey ya'll. We are back with another episode of Hallway Chat. In our first episode of the new year, Nabeel and Bijan are joined by our new Spark colleague, Brian Watson! In todays show we discuss Apple and service-based software releasing, the PS5 and why we play games, creating a middle class Creator Economy, blogging in 2021 and finding your voice on the internet, being a VC only in up times. twitter: @nabeel, @bijan, @bwats

Apple and service-based software releasing, the PS5 and why we play games, creating a middle class Creator Economy, blogging in 2021 and finding your voice on the internet

Hey ya'll. In todays show we discuss Apple and service-based software releasing, the PS5 and why we play games, creating a middle class Creator Economy, blogging in 2021 and finding your voice on the internet, being a VC only in up times. It's our first episode of the new year, Nabeel and Bijan are joined by our new Spark colleague, Brian Watson! 

Hallway Chat, #32 - Creating a middle class Creator Economy, Apple & service-based software, the PS5 and why we play games

Hey ya'll. In todays show we discuss Apple and service-based software releasing, the PS5 and why we play games, creating a middle class Creator Economy, blogging in 2021 and finding your voice on the internet, being a VC only in up times. It's our first episode of the new year, Nabeel and Bijan are joined by our new Spark colleague, Brian Watson! 

Hallway Chat, #32 - Apple & service-based software releasing, the PS5 and why we play games, creating a middle class Creator Economy, blogging in 2021 and finding your voice on the internet

Hey ya'll. In todays show we discuss Apple and service-based software releasing, the PS5 and why we play games, creating a middle class Creator Economy, blogging in 2021 and finding your voice on the internet, being a VC only in up times. It's our first episode of the new year, Nabeel and Bijan are joined by our new Spark colleague, Brian Watson! 

Investing during a pandemic (ie 2020 vs 2019), hot takes about remote work

We are back with a long overdue edition of Hallway Chat. Todays episode, Bijan and Nabeel discuss: investing during a pandemic (ie 2020 vs 2019), how we are working from home (technology and schedule), some likely controversial thoughts about remote work, AirPods woes, and a few memorable moments at Postmates. Thanks for listening and as always tweet us with comments/questions/suggestions.

Hallway Chat, #31 - Investing during a pandemic (ie 2020 vs 2019), hot takes about remote work

We are back with a long overdue edition of Hallway Chat. Todays episode, Bijan and Nabeel discuss: investing during a pandemic (ie 2020 vs 2019), how we are working from home (technology and schedule), some likely controversial thoughts about remote work, AirPods woes, and a few memorable moments at Postmates. Thanks for listening and as always tweet us with comments/questions/suggestions.

The Pod is Back, 2020 edition

We are back with a long overdue edition of Hallway Chat. Todays episode, Bijan and Nabeel discuss: investing during a pandemic (ie 2020 vs 2019), how we are working from home (technology and schedule), some likely controversial thoughts about remote work, AirPods woes, and a few memorable moments at Postmates. Thanks for listening and as always tweet us with comments/questions/suggestions.

Hallway Chat: The pod is back!

After a one year-ish break, Nabeel and Bijan are back with a shiny new episode! In this pod, we chat about things on our minds lately including, is VC pattern recognition actually valuable, what does the decline of the iPhone mean to Apple's future, the potential for single purpose electronics, and challenging the dogma of "winner takes all" markets in startups.

Hallway Chat, #30 - Is VC pattern recognition actually valuable, the challenge of "winner takes all" dogma

After a one year-ish break, Nabeel and Bijan are back with a shiny new episode! In this pod, we chat about things on our minds lately including, is VC pattern recognition actually valuable, what does the decline of the iPhone mean to Apple's future, the potential for single purpose electronics, and challenging the dogma of "winner takes all" markets in startups.

Hallway Chat, #30 - The pod is back!

After a one year-ish break, Nabeel and Bijan are back with a shiny new episode! In this pod, we chat about things on our minds lately including, is VC pattern recognition actually valuable, what does the decline of the iPhone mean to Apple's future, the potential for single purpose electronics, and challenging the dogma of "winner takes all" markets in startups.

Bitcoin, tech morality, startup hard decisions and the iMac Pro

A podcast by Bijan Sabet and Nabeel Hyatt, partners at Spark Capital. Recorded: December 13, 2017: Show summary: Bitcoin Frenzy, Tech company morality, the iMac Pro, and startup hard decisions

Hallway Chat, #29 - Bitcoin, tech morality, startup hard decisions and the iMac Pro

A podcast by Bijan Sabet and Nabeel Hyatt, partners at Spark Capital. Recorded: December 13, 2017: Show summary: Bitcoin Frenzy, Tech company morality, the iMac Pro, and startup hard decisions

Hallway Chat, #29 - The VC "Sh*t Show" and consumer apps

Another episode of Hallway Chat. Bijan and Nabeel. Recorded November 16, 2017. Show notes: - iPhone X, including new apps - Musical.ly’s exit and the notion that “mobile consumer is dead” - The changes in the VC landscape, from the moral awakening to the explosion of seeds - Eugene Wei’s blog post on Amazon and analytics - Gadget gifts: Rylo, Molekule, Aura

The VC "Sh*t Show", iPhone X, and consumer apps

Another episode of Hallway Chat. Bijan and Nabeel. Recorded November 16, 2017. Show notes: - iPhone X, including new apps - Musical.ly’s exit and the notion that “mobile consumer is dead” - The changes in the VC landscape, from the moral awakening to the explosion of seeds - Eugene Wei’s blog post on Amazon and analytics - Gadget gifts: Rylo, Molekule, Aura

Mastering scale, Google I/O and judging "what's worth making a startup"

5/19/2017: Hey, we're back with another episode of Hallway Chat. Show notes: Clay Bavor's Virtual & Augmented Realities http://bit.ly/2pNfVra Reid Hoffman's Masters of Scale podcast https://mastersofscale.com/ Tim O'Reilly's response to Masters of Scale https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/some-businesses-bleed-black-tim-o-reilly Google's ongoing tranformation into an AI company, as evidenced in Google I/O, Google Photos, and elsewhere (along with my ongoing disbelief that Nabeel us...

Hallway Chat, #28 - Mastering scale, Google I/O and judging "what's worth making a startup"

5/19/2017: Hey, we're back with another episode of Hallway Chat. Show notes: Clay Bavor's Virtual & Augmented Realities http://bit.ly/2pNfVra Reid Hoffman's Masters of Scale podcast https://mastersofscale.com/ Tim O'Reilly's response to Masters of Scale https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/some-businesses-bleed-black-tim-o-reilly Google's ongoing tranformation into an AI company, as evidenced in Google I/O, Google Photos, and elsewhere (along with my ongoing disbelief that Nabeel uses App...

Hallway Chat, #27 - Future of work & the moral awakening of Silicon Valley

Recorded 2/10/17. Summary: Nabeel and Bijan discuss a few favorite new apps, some thoughts about current American politics & the moral awakening of Silicon Valley, Related links: Teuxdeux: https://teuxdeux.com/ 10% Happier: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/meditation-for-fidgety-skeptics/id992210239?mt=8 Anil Dash: Tech Moral Reckoning: http://onbeing.org/programs/anil-dash-techs-moral-reckoning/

Future of work & the moral awakening of Silicon Valley

Recorded 2/10/17. Summary: Nabeel and Bijan discuss a few favorite new apps, some thoughts about current American politics & the moral awakening of Silicon Valley, Related links: Teuxdeux: https://teuxdeux.com/ 10% Happier: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/meditation-for-fidgety-skeptics/id992210239?mt=8 Anil Dash: Tech Moral Reckoning: http://onbeing.org/programs/anil-dash-techs-moral-reckoning/

Hallway Chat, #26 - w/Kevin Thau - Apple

Hi everyone! @nabeel and @bijan are back with a new podcast to kick off the new year. This episode of Hallway Chat, we are joined by our fellow Spark partner Kevin Thau (@kevinthau). We talked about the new Apple Airpods, Apple vs Google apps for iOS, Bijan's beef with mail apps for iOS, Nabeel's crazy love affair with Apple Maps, Voice assistants (Echo, Siri, Google Home).

Hallway Chat, January 17, 2017

Hi everyone! @nabeel and @bijan are back with a new podcast to kick off the new year. This episode of Hallway Chat, we are joined by our fellow Spark partner Kevin Thau (@kevinthau). We talked about the new Apple Airpods, Apple vs Google apps for iOS, Bijan's beef with mail apps for iOS, Nabeel's crazy love affair with Apple Maps, Voice assistants (Echo, Siri, Google Home).

Hallway Chat, 25

May 18, 2016 Nabeel and Bijan discussed Google I/O 2016 and some thoughts about all the choices developers have to consider in a world with so many different platforms.

Hallway Chat, #25

Nabeel and Bijan discussed Google I/O 2016 and some thoughts about all the choices developers have to consider in a world with so many different platforms.

Hallway Chat, Episode 24 (4.7.2016)

Another episode of Hallway Chat with @nabeel and @bijan Topics: how the Tesla 3 has presold so much, Cruise and navigating the new rush of autonomous driving startups, Nest/Echo and what it takes to keep innovating, Snapchat’s social trajectory, and the march towards replacing MacOS with iOS. Please tweet us your questions & suggestions! Thanks so much for listening.

Hallway Chat, #24 - Cruise, Nest, what it takes to keep innovating

Another episode of Hallway Chat with @nabeel and @bijan Topics: how the Tesla 3 has presold so much, Cruise and navigating the new rush of autonomous driving startups, Nest/Echo and what it takes to keep innovating, Snapchat’s social trajectory, and the march towards replacing MacOS with iOS. Please tweet us your questions & suggestions! Thanks so much for listening.

Hallway Chat, #23

A podcast by Bijan Sabet and Nabeel Hyatt, partners at Spark Capital. In todays show, we were joined by special guest and our friend, Fred Wilson. Notes: Show notes: -questions from Twitter, including how Fred started investing in social media, & YC's recent move to recommend exercising options from 90 days to 10 years -Fred's post, "The New Entertainment Bundlers", avc.com/2016/03/the-new-entertainment-bundlers/ -Chris Dixon's, "What's Next In Computing?", cdixon/what-s-nex...

Hallway Chat, #23 - with Fred Wilson

A podcast by Bijan Sabet and Nabeel Hyatt, partners at Spark Capital. In todays show, we were joined by special guest and our friend, Fred Wilson. Show notes: -questions from Twitter, including how Fred started investing in social media, & YC's recent move to recommend exercising options from 90 days to 10 years -Fred's post, "The New Entertainment Bundlers" -Chris Dixon's, "What's Next In Computing?" -Why haven't we seen a new breakout consumer app  -AI  -Steph Curry vs Micha...