The Innovation Civilization Podcast EmpascoHQ

We're joined by Toby Coppel, Founder and General Partner at Mosaic Ventures, who has been investing in the last multiple waves of AI.
Toby's extensive career spans iconic firms like Netscape, AOL, & Yahoo, leading up to his current role at Mosaic Ventures, a prominent venture capital firm. He has been instrumental in significant investments, including a billion-dollar investment in Alibaba that yielded an $80 billion return for Yahoo shareholders. Toby provides an insider's perspective on the tech landscape, sharing invaluable lessons from his experiences with industry giants like Jerry Yang, Jack Ma, and Richard Branson. 
Toby elaborates on Mosaic's investment philosophy, highlighting their focus on Series A and late seed-stage investments. He explains how Mosaic supports startups post-investment, emphasizing their hands-on approach and commitment to founder success. Toby also discusses Mosaic's thematic investment strategy, particularly in the realm of machine learning applications, where they have been active since 2016. The conversation navigates through various waves of AI innovation, from early computer vision applications to the current era of generative AI and large language models. Toby shares his views on the evolving AI landscape, the challenges of training models, and the competitive dynamics of the AI industry. We also explore the potential impact of AI on the job market, the ethical considerations surrounding AI use, and the importance of regulation in fostering innovation while ensuring safety. Toby offers his insights on the future of AI applications, emphasizing the transformative potential of AI in consumer and enterprise contexts. Below is a quick synopsis of all the topics we cover: 
Tech Industry Evolution: Insights from Toby's career in tech, including significant investments and strategic decisions.
Venture Capital Dynamics: Mosaic's unique approach to supporting startups and their focus on Series A investments.
AI Innovations: A comprehensive look at the waves of AI advancements and the current state of AI technology.
Market Conditions and Job Impact: Analysis of AI's impact on the job market and the ethical considerations involved.
Future of AI Applications: Exploration of the potential for AI in consumer and enterprise applications.
Regulatory Environment: The role of regulation in the development and deployment of AI technologies. Join us for an enlightening discussion as we explore the intersections of technology, venture capital, and AI with one of the industry's most experienced investors. Follow me, (@iwaheedo), for more updates on tech, civilizational growth, progress studies, and emerging markets. Here are the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players, you should be able to click the timestamp for the episode.
 
(00:00) - Intro
(02:50) - Toby's background and career journey
(06:19) - Mosaic's investment philosophy and framework
(08:17) - Investment stages and focus areas
(08:53) - Supporting startups post-investment
(09:45) - AI innovation waves and market dynamics
(13:00) - Current AI landscape and competitive dynamics
(17:15) - AI Investment Landscape and Mosaic's positions
(23:30) - Large Language Model (LLM) - based Applications
(36:23) - Future potential of AI applications
(42:11) - Future direction of copyright protections for training data
(45:46) - How Generative AI might reduce the cost of building applications?
(49:31) - Impact of Generative AI on traditional job roles
(52:48) - Europe's current position on AI
(56:26) - Regulation in AI and its implications
(61:43) - Outro

We're joined by Ash Arora, a Partner at LocalGlobe leading their Web3 practice, to discuss the intricacies of venture capital, blockchain, AI investments, and market dynamics.
LocalGlobe, one of the leading early-stage venture capital firms in Europe, ranked #1 early stage fund in EMEA and #3 globally with highest number of unicorns in portfolio, with companies like SoRare, Copper, Robinhood, Wise, Figma, Twitter and LP in a16z, Sequoia etc. Ash shares insights into what sets LocalGlobe apart in the competitive VC landscape, including their comprehensive 52-parameter framework for evaluating investment opportunities and the unique support structure they offer to startups.
Ash takes us through the specifics of their blockchain investments, highlighting significant successes such as Sorare, Copper, and Improbable. She explains the importance of due diligence, the unique value-add LocalGlobe provides post-investment, and their strategic approach to both pre-seed and growth-stage funding.
The conversation also explores the current market conditions, comparing them to past tech cycles and discussing the resilience of early-stage investments amidst broader market slowdowns. Ash provides her perspective on the impact of tech layoffs and the dynamics of acquiring talent in a fluctuating market.
In a detailed discussion on AI, Ash outlines LocalGlobe's broad investment strategy, covering everything from semiconductors to AI applications. She shares thoughts on the future of AI in the venture capital landscape, emphasizing the irreplaceable human touch in evaluating and supporting founders.
Ash's expertise in blockchain is evident as she discusses the state of the market, the potential of DeFi, and the future of blockchain technology. She also touches on the regulatory environment and the importance of innovation-friendly policies.
Below is a quick synopsis of all the topics we cover:
Venture Capital Dynamics: How LocalGlobe maintains its edge with a unique evaluation framework and extensive founder support.
Blockchain Investments: Key insights into successful blockchain investments and the future potential of blockchain technology.
Market Conditions and Talent Acquisition: Analysis of current market trends and the impact on talent acquisition in tech.
AI Investments: LocalGlobe's strategic approach to AI investments, from foundational models to application layers.
Regulatory Environment: The role of regulation in fostering or stifling innovation in blockchain and AI.
Join us for a comprehensive discussion as we explore the intersection of venture capital, blockchain, AI, and market trends with one of the industry's leading experts.
Follow our host, Waheed Nabeel (@iwaheedo), for more updates on tech, civilizational growth, progress studies, and emerging markets.
Here are the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players, you should be able to click the timestamp for the episode.
 
(00:00) - Intro
(02:39) - Ash Arora's background and role at LocalGlobe
(04:40) - LocalGlobe's unique investment criteria and framework
(10:23) - Supporting startups post-investment
(13:11) - Investment stages and focus areas
(15:24) - Current market conditions and tech layoffs
(23:12) - AI investment strategy and market mapping
(28:08) - The future of AI and its impact on VC
(34:07) - Blockchain market analysis and investment thesis
(38:29) - Layer 2 solutions and blockchain infrastructure
(46:25) - Meme coins and market dynamics
(48:46) - Regulation in blockchain and AI
(50:06) - Intersection of AI and blockchain
(51:45) - Outro
 
Full Disclaimer: 
The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed by the guest in this communication are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosting entity or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The hosting entity and its affiliates do not endorse, recommend, or assume any responsibility for any inv

We're joined by tech billionaire and investor Christian Angermayer to discuss the 'Next Human Agenda,' i.e., the technological bets he's taking and how they will shape the future of humanity (in terms of computing, health, society, and governments).
Over the past 20 years, Christian has been involved in directly building a lot of unicorns and decacorns and has been involved in more than 50 IPOs or exits in the public stock market. Christian is an active thought leader himself, and is affiliated with the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader.
He's a partner of the Munich security conference and advisor to President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, and also a founding member of President Macron's scale-up Europe initiative.
Christian's family office, Apeiron Investment Group, has more than 3 billion US dollars of assets under management and invests across life sciences, fintech, crypto, future tech, experience, hospitality, and happiness. He runs the Angermayer policy initiative and innovation forum, which convenes international heads of State, investors, politicians, and scientists to come together to discuss global priorities.
Christian is also passionate about mental health and runs the Aurora Institute, which is the first nonprofit incubator of its kind focused on funding the world's leading individuals and NGOs related to solving the global mental health crisis. 
We cover a wide array of topics:
-The Rise of AI and the Future of Society: What will society look like with full AI/AGI adoption, and how can we prepare for it?
-Revolutionizing Biotech and Psychedelics: Gain insights into the ground-breaking developments in biotech and psychedelics, exploring their potential to revolutionize healthcare and mental health treatment.
-The Middle Eastern Innovation Landscape: Christian shares insights into the burgeoning tech scene in the Middle East, particularly in countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where governments are fostering environments conducive to technological advancement and biotech innovation.
-⁠Geopolitical Realities and Multipolarity: Reflecting on the evolving geopolitical landscape, Christian discusses the strategic maneuvers of emerging powers like China and Russia, as well as the savvy diplomacy of smaller nations seeking to navigate the complexities of a multipolar world.
-Brexit and the Future of Europe: Offering astute observations on Brexit and its implications for the UK and Europe, Christian explores the missed opportunities and potential pitfalls in Britain's departure from the European Union while also reflecting on the broader trajectory of the European project.
-Harnessing Innovation for Global Challenges: Christian emphasizes the transformative potential of technological innovation in addressing pressing global challenges, from climate change to economic development, underscoring the importance of agile governance and strategic investment in fostering sustainable solutions.
Join us for an illuminating discussion as we explore the dynamics of technological disruption, geopolitical strategy, and the imperative of innovation in shaping the future of our interconnected world.
Follow our host, Waheed Nabeel (@iwaheedo), for more updates on tech, civilizational growth, progress studies, and emerging markets.
Here are the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players, you should be able to click the timestamp for the episode.
(00:00) - Intro
(03:20) - What's the vision Christian has of the world 100 years from now?
(11:06) - Does the unprecedented speed of technological advancement today, exemplified by OpenAI's rapid user growth, amplify the risk of social dislocation during these transitions, given historical trends of slower adoption?
(14:08) - Can AI be perceived as both a catalyst for economic growth and a potential threat to traditional employment, considering its capacity to exponentially increase productivity and revenue, thereby prompting a discussion on the balance between effic

We welcomed the author of the new book "The Levelling", Mike O'Sullivan, who's spent 20 years thinking and writing on macro economy and politics. He also served as the Chief Investment Officer at Credit Suisse and is the CEO of Harvest Innovation Advisory. We cover the end of globalisation, the future of democracy, economics, finance, geopolitics, and nation-building in the post-globalisation era.
 
In the episode, we cover a range of topics:
 
-Assessment of Globalisation: Critical examination of the concept of globalisation, probing its evolution, successes, and shortcomings, particularly in light of mounting debt, economic dependencies, and democratic deficits.
 
-Geopolitical Realities: The shifting dynamics of global power & democracy, from the dominance of the West to the rise of multipolarity
 
-Rethinking Economic Paradigms: Importance of R&D, education, and a conducive regulatory environment for fostering organic economic growth and escaping debt trap
 
-Challenges of Development: Role of international institutions such as the IMF, leadership credibility, and effectiveness in managing financial crises (examples from Greece & Argentina)
 
-Navigating Technological Complexity:  The profound impact of technology on every aspect of society, from AI and blockchain to the fragmentation of media and its implications for democracy and social cohesion.
 
Join us for this action-packed episode as we explore the growing backlash against globalisation and the future of global relations and economic growth potential.
 
Follow our host Waheed Nabeel (@iwaheedo), for more updates on tech, civilizational growth, progress studies, and emerging markets.
 
Here are the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players, you should be able to click the timestamp for the episode.
 
(00:00) - Intro
 
(02:13) - Mike's background
 
(03:38) - How globalisation led to increased economic integration?
 
(06:54) - Why is the end of globalisation such a big issue?
 
(09:56) - What are the biggest challenges of the next 30 years?
 
(12:11) - Why is democracy under threat?
 
(14:02) - How can we revive democracies?
 
(17:18) - How can the effectiveness of governance in delivering tangible improvements to quality of life be assessed, particularly in contexts where traditional democratic norms may not be strictly followed, such as in Singapore or Rwanda?
 
(20:20) - Where did The UK went wrong?
 
(23:49) - How does Japan's economic performance challenge traditional notions of debt sustainability, especially in comparison to countries like the US and UK, and what implications does this have for the application of modern monetary theory (MMT) on a global scale?
 
(25:52) - Why are we obsessed with debt?
 
(28:31) - How do countries achieve organic economic growth?
 
(32:14) - What is the well-being economy?
 
(35:01) - How will this evolving digital landscape shape our societal values and political affiliations on a global scale?
 
(40:38) - How should nations think about development and economic growth?
 
(43:37) - Outro

 
In season 2, we kick-off with America's foremost foreign policy scholar, Dr. Joseph Nye, the former Assistant Secretary of Defense and former Dean of Harvard Kennedy School of Government, to talk about how the American Century has shaped our civilization and what lies ahead in the road.
 
Dr. Nye shares his profound insights on:
 
- His personal reflections from his latest released book
 
- The essence and impact of soft power, hard power and 'smart' power in shaping international relations, drawing from his extensive experience and academic work
 
- Analyzing the concept of the "American Century," its historical context, and its relevance in today's shifting global order
 
- Discussing the strategic challenges and opportunities presented by nuclear non-proliferation, with a focus on his contributions during the Carter administration
 
- Providing a forward-looking perspective on the rise of Asia, particularly China and India, and the implications for global economic and political dynamics
 
- Navigating through the complexities of U.S. foreign policy, from its triumphs to its missteps, and envisioning the path forward in an increasingly multipolar world
 
- His thoughts on contemporary wars: from Israel-Palestine to Ukraine-Russia
 
Accompanying Dr. Nye, we're privileged to have our very dear friend of the pod, Jon Cayzer who's a UK civil servant, adding depth to the conversation with his expertise and experience in public services and policy advising.
 
Join us as Dr. Joseph Nye artfully connects past influences with present challenges, offering a roadmap for understanding and navigating the future of international relations.
 
Follow our host Waheed Nabeel (@iwaheedo), for more updates on tech, civilizational growth, progress studies, and emerging markets.
 
Here are the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players, you should be able to click the timestamp for the episode.
 
 
(00:00) - Introduction to Joseph Nye and his seminal contributions
 
(02:13) - Nye's background and defining moments in global politics
 
(07:04) - The American Century revisited: implications for global leadership
 
(12:50) - The evolution and significance of soft power in the modern era
 
(14:47) - Is the U.S.'s current foreign policy, particularly its support for Israel's actions in Gaza, leading to a decrease in its soft power, similar to the impact of the Iraq War?
 
(16:46) - Is the current perceived political polarization in the U.S. truly unprecedented, or is it a return to historical levels of division experienced in past eras like the FDR presidency?
 
(18:36) - Can the U.S. and China avoid the Thucydides Trap and prevent military conflict?
 
(23:56) - Should Ukraine join NATO?
 
(25:14) - Is China, despite its hard power, struggling to amplify its soft power on the global stage?
 
(28:05) - How can a small country effectively increase its soft power—is it through cultural promotion like the British Council and Confucius Institute, or are there other strategies?
 
(29:46) - In light of populism and Brexit, how can the UK rejuvenate its smart power and reestablish its international standing post-EU?
 
(32:16) - How do advancements in technology and AI affect a country's balance of soft and hard power?
 
(33:36) - Does the fragmentation of media through technologies like social media endanger the consensus-building essential to democracy in the 21st century?
 
(35:32) - How can America, known for its innovation, adapt its foundational principles and values for future generations to bridge to the next century, moving beyond the notion of American exceptionalism?
 
(37:35) - Discussing the shift in American values from 1998 to 2023, how has the perception of patriotism and other core values evolved over time?
 
(27:20) - Analyzing Asia's rise and its global ramifications
 
(33:35) - The interplay of technology, AI, and international relations
 
(36:50) - Envisioning the future of diplomacy and inter

On this African development-focused episode, we're joined by Dr. Pádraig Carmody, a distinguished professor at Trinity College, University of Dublin, and the author of the book "The New Scramble for Africa."
 
Professor Carmody guides us through a thought-provoking discussion:
 
-Unpacking the historical context of African scrambles and their enduring impact on the continent
-Defining what a scramble is and how it shaped the socio-economic landscape of Africa
-Examining the parallels between historical scrambles and the contemporary challenges affecting Africa today
-Insightful analysis of the new scramble (e.g. with China) and its implications for the region's economic trajectory
-Exploring the potential future of African development and the key factors that will shape it
 
We were also joined by, Jon Cayzer, who is a British civil servant and has worked in Africa for several decades.
 
Follow our host Waheed Rahman (@iwaheedo), for more updates on tech, civilizational growth, progress studies, and emerging markets.
 
You can follow us on our socials for the latest updates of the Innovation Civilization Podcast
 
Instagram:  https://tinyurl.com/mw75d5v3
LinkedIn:  https://tinyurl.com/m7rr7sms
Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/@innovationcivilizationpodcast
 
We're open to collaboration and want to hear your thoughts
 
Website: https://www.empasco.com
Email: info@empasco.com
Pod Host: waheed@empasco.com
Pod Manager: mahir@empasco.com
 
Here are the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players, you should be able to click the timestamp for the episode.
 
(00:00) - Intro
 
(01:35) - What drove Professor Carmody into writing a book on the scramble for Africa?
 
(04:43) - In delving into the first scramble for Africa and the influential Berlin Conference, what were the key motivations driving European powers?
 
(10:58) -  Is the scramble for Africa solely driven by asset stripping for the benefit of the global economy in what we now term the global north, or are their elements of a transformative vision aiming to uplift and shape the continent in a different way?
 
(19:09) - Did the historical division of Africa during the scramble leave lasting consequences on the persistence of poverty and the trajectory of economic development in the region?
 
(25:13) - How did the historical dynamics affect the current state of institutions in Africa?
 
(27:55) - How does Professor Carmody envision African states overcoming the challenges of comparative advantage and distance to become potent catalysts for innovation?
 
(32:57) - How does Rwanda's success, characterized by policy certainty, stand out as a potential model for other Sub-Saharan African countries grappling with similar issues?
 
(40:59) - How are technological advancements impacting job markets across the continent, and what strategies can African nations adopt to navigate the potential challenges posed by the rapid integration of AI technologies?
 
(43:42) - What are China's vision for Africa and the strategies they are employing to realize this vision, providing insight into their approach and objectives in the region?
 
(50:55) -  The role of industrial policy in fostering economic diversification and specialization and lessons African nations could glean from these examples in shaping their economic strategies.
 
(52:16) -  Is there a unique role that Africa can play in reimagining the global economy, offering solutions that transcend the limitations of the previous neoliberal frameworks?
 
(58:46) - Outro