#103: Are Silicon Valley’s Mega-Deals Just Talent Grabs?

This week, the gloves come off. We're diving into Meta's raid on OpenAI, asking if Mark Zuckerberg is the new Yankees of AI and who will be the 'Moneyball' underdog. Plus, a hot take on why usage-based pricing for AI is a flawed model, the challenge of creating 'God-tier' content that works everywhere, and why AI researchers are now earning more than soccer superstars. It's a packed episode you don't want to miss!Chapters:00:00 - Intro01:18 - X vs. Threads: A Tale of Two Internets04:38 - The “God Content” Challenge: Can You Go Viral Everywhere?11:15 - Google’s “Last Gasp” to Save Publishers14:23 - The Next Big Thing: Vanity Checks & Gold Delivery20:15 - The Problem with AI Business Models21:52 - Usage-Based Pricing is Generally Bad26:45 - The Big News: Meta’s OpenAI Raid29:45 - The AI Moneyball Era: Who are the Oakland A’s?34:26 - What Will Meta’s New Super-Team Actually Build?41:10 - The “Baller” Leader Move OpenAI Didn’t Make42:50 - AI Researchers Are The New Rockstars44:45 - F1 Movie: The Best Film of the Year?We’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessSpotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspodConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

Join the More or Less crew for a Summer Edition from the cabins! We dive into how AI is reshaping hiring, the future of resumes, the rise of agentic coding assistants, and why service businesses suck (unless you're Brit doing a fun side-hustle ). As always, we tackle the latest in tech news from The Information, from OpenAI's copyright battles to the next phase of Bumble and the realities of Tesla's Robotaxis. We’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessSpotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspodConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

This week on More or Less, we dive into the escalating AI talent wars, Meta’s bold moves, and what the latest hires really mean for the future of AI innovation. The More or Less team break down why product execution is overtaking research wizardry, what's happening between OpenAI and Microsoft, and how AI is reshaping inbound for all markets.We’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessSpotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspodConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

This week on More or Less: Is Austin out-innovating San Francisco in self-driving tech? Why Apple’s WWDC liquid glass announcement a bigger deal than you think. The real story behind Meta’s $14B Scale AI move, and the new economics of AI talent. Plus, what’s next for startup investing in an era where talent trumps business models. We’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessSpotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspodConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

This week on More or Less, we debate whether tech culture is unwatchable, why “Substacker” might be the last job standing, and if Build-A-Bear is secretly the next great AI company (move over, Nvidia). Plus: the real risks of self-driving Teslas on field trips, the myth of the “everything app,” and why the future just might be all about vibes. Come for the hot takes, stay for the man cave updates.Takeways: - The film 'Mountain Head' received mixed reviews, with some finding it unwatchable.- Substack's CEO predicts that 'substacker' will be one of the six main jobs in the future.- AI is expected to lower the cost of content creation, making it easier for creators to enter various industries.- The competitive nature of the content creation landscape. There is a significant barrier to entry regarding truth in the creator economy.- Authenticity is crucial for creators when launching products.- Build-A-Bear exemplifies how a brand can leverage AI for future growth.- Self-driving technology raises important safety and ethical questions, especially for children.- Investors are often driven by the potential for market cap expansion, thus creating the narrative of an "everything app"- The future of technology will likely involve more personalized and specialized solutions.We’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessSpotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspodConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/britChapters:00:00 The Rise of Personalized Robotics02:55 Home Renovations and the Ultimate Man Cave05:45 Critique of Mountain Head: A Cinematic Disappointment08:55 The Future of Work: Substack and Creator Economy12:00 AI's Impact on Content Creation and Distribution14:57 The Evolution of Creator Brands and Product Authenticity18:08 The Supplement Market: Trends and Concerns20:55 Hardware Innovations: AR, VR, and Snap's Future27:55 The Future of Snap and OpenAI's Potential Acquisitions30:02 Innovative Wearables and the Concept of the E-Cane33:07 Build-A-Bear: The Unexpected AI Company35:59 The Everything App: Future of Digital Consolidation40:00 Elon Musk's PR Strategies and Tesla's Self-Driving Technology47:58 AI in Everyday Life: Unique Applications and Experiences

This week on More or Less: Investors too squeamish for OnlyFans, AI makes the creator economy weirder (and richer), and why your next ETF might be Mormon. Plus, the real reason nobody watches your full podcast, and a healthy dose of tech industry self-roasting. TakeawaysOnlyFans presents a unique investment opportunity despite its controversial nature.Market dynamics in the sex work industry are shifting due to platforms like OnlyFans.Investment perspectives on controversial industries are evolving with societal changes.Digital identity verification is becoming increasingly important in the tech landscape.AI is transforming content creation and user interaction on platforms like OnlyFans.The need for robust age verification systems is critical for online safety.Social engineering poses significant risks to digital security and identity verification.The intersection of technology and privacy raises important ethical questions.New technologies are emerging to address identity verification challenges. Cybersecurity is a growing concern in today's digital age.Personal security measures are becoming increasingly important.The evolution of media is leading to new forms of content consumption.Platforms like TBPN are disrupting traditional media models.Cultural shifts are changing the landscape of digital content.Celebrity ventures are becoming significant players in the market.The importance of remembering complex passwords cannot be overstated.Media companies must adapt to the soundbite era to stay relevant.Tech hiring is experiencing a downturn post-pandemic.The de-stigmatization of platforms like OnlyFans is creating new opportunities.We’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessConnect with us here:Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessinDave Morin: https://x.com/davemorinJessica Lessin: https://x.com/JessicalessinBrit Morin: https://x.com/britChapters00:00 Celebrating Milestones and Listener Engagement03:00 The Business of OnlyFans and Its Market Dynamics05:58 Investment Perspectives on Controversial Industries09:04 The Evolution of Digital Identity and Security12:00 The Intersection of Technology and Privacy14:59 The Future of Age Verification and Digital Safety17:53 The Role of AI in Content Creation and Interaction20:59 Exploring New Technologies for Identity Verification24:06 The Implications of Social Engineering and Security Risks34:00 Navigating Cybersecurity Challenges36:55 The Importance of Personal Security39:57 Media Evolution and Disruption44:03 The Future of Tech and Media49:57 Cultural Shifts in Digital Content53:58 Celebrity Ventures and Market Trends

This week, Sam and Dave are joined by a very special guest: Synthetic Fidji. Yes, an AI version of Fidji Simo, created after the real one politely declined (hey, the show must go on, okay?).They get into:the bull and bear case for vibe codingGemini vs. GPT (is Sam having second thoughts?)why GitHub might be quietly, ruthlessly winning the AI dev racethe identity crisis no one’s cracked with LLMsPlus: OpenAI just spent $6 billion on hardware to team up with Jony Ive, the MEO phone is suddenly everywhere, and more.We’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessSpotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspodConnect with us here:Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessinDave Morin: https://x.com/davemorinJessica Lessin: https://x.com/JessicalessinBrit Morin: https://x.com/brit00:00 Introduction01:24 OpenAI CEO of Applications?07:55 Tools that ACTUALLY work18:47 Is everyone lying about vibe coding?43:10 The big identity problem with LLMs (and Zapier)52:26 Google I/O: "Who cares?"54:13 Is OpenAI big tech? They buy Jony Ive's startup56:17 The "hyper-viral" Methaphone. How?59:40 Outro

What happens when Sam gets fed up with shady secondary brokers mid-recording? He starts vibe coding a platform to replace them—live on the pod!On this week’s More or Less, the gang dives deep into the messy mechanics of the secondary markets and how early cashouts might be a bigger red flag than anyone wants to admit.Plus:Airbnb’s déjà vu product strategyThe quiet crisis in venture liquidity (and who’s actually good at selling)OpenAI’s new “CEO of Applications”, andThe looming threat of Trump’s nonprofit tax crackdown (and what it means for Harvard, endowments, and… Froyo)We’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessSpotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspodConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

The countdown to Episode 100 is on, but this week, it's more news and less Sam.Jessica, Brit, and Dave dig into a jam-packed week across tech, AI, VC, and culture—starting with Dave topping a surprise list of top angel investors (yes, above Peter Thiel), raising questions about who really shows up on cap tables and why no women made the cut.The crew unpack:Windsurf’s $3B acquisition by OpenAIApple’s potential move to replace Google with its own AI search in SafariA historic week of M&A with DoorDash, Datadog, and Function Health, andWhy tech was (mostly) absent from this year’s Met GalaWe’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessSpotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspodConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit00:00 Trailer01:24 Nearly 100 episodes02:35 Top one angel investor: David Morin07:22 Big M&As and vibe coding20:09 Digital media22:09 Is Google search dying?30:13 New Netflix interface32:18 Fund entities and structures (Sam, don't listen!)44:37 Pop culture corner: Barry Diller46:20 Pop culture corner: Met Gala54:44 Happy birthday to Jess55:26 Outro

Jess, Sam, Brit, and Dave are back on More or Less with plenty to unpack—from Meta and Google’s AI sprawl to Snap’s fading relevance and the monetization questions hanging over tech.Here’s what they get into:– Why OpenAI is crushing the consumer AI game– Sam’s new startup: The Ruck Rock fitness empire– Meta’s AI app confusion (and Ray-Ban power moves)– Snap’s ad crash—and a left-field fix involving Sam Altman– AI and mental health: the risks no one’s talking aboutPlus: the parenting trick Meghan Markle and Sam both swear by—and why Dave might soon be replaced by an AI on the board.We’re also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessSpotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspodConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit00:00 Trailer01:20 AI investors, New York, Austin05:01 The Ruck Rock, Methaphone, Weighted Tungsten cases11:02 Meta AI, Google Gemini, ChatGPT21:46 The way to win in AI31:39 Snap snapped, and macroeconomics too34:29 Thinking Machines Lab38:21 AI and mental health45:32 Pop culture: Beyonce, Warriors, Meghan Markle48:56 Outro