TWiST News: Face Robots, Solar's Growth, The Polymarket Mess, and more | E2044

Jason and Alex kick off the show (0s)

• Energy prices are expected to decrease significantly over the next 20-30 years due to advancements in small modular reactors (SMRs), renewable energy penetration, and larger nuclear reactors, potentially reaching close to zero (5s).
• As a result, electric vehicles and homes are likely to become more sophisticated and widespread (16s).
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Robotic demo from Columbia University and the future of human interaction (1m9s)

• Researchers at Columbia University's Creative Machines Lab have developed a robot that can mimic human facial expressions, with the ability to directly and quickly replicate a person's face, potentially entering the "uncanny valley" (1m42s).
• The robot has 26 actuators that enable it to make facial expressions, and it has learned to predict when a person is about to smile, with an anticipation time of around 840 milliseconds before the person actually smiles (2m48s).
• This technology could potentially replace human interaction in various settings, such as customer service counters at places like McDonald's, Starbucks, or airlines, with robots that can anticipate and respond to human facial movements (2m28s).
• The development of this robot may signal the end of using humans for human-facing interactions, potentially leading to a future where robots play a more significant role in these types of interactions (3m1s).

Population declines and changing societal norms (3m9s)

• Population declines and changing societal norms are becoming increasingly prevalent, with young people possibly not seeing the value in starting families or getting married, which was once considered the default path in life (3m9s).
• Many young people today are opting out of traditional careers and instead focusing on work-life balance, with two out of three people interviewed expressing a desire for this balance (3m42s).
• Young people also seem to be less interested in getting married, owning homes, or having kids, with financial difficulties being one of the reasons for this trend (3m53s).
• Companionship is becoming more complex, and relationships with other humans require effort and work, whereas relationships with large language models (LLMs) can be more straightforward and predictable (4m17s).
• The development of LLMs with faces and empathetic capabilities may lead to the creation of perfect companions, making human relationships more unpredictable and variable (4m34s).
• Despite this, human interaction is still valued, and activities like playing poker with friends will continue to be important, as robots are unlikely to replace human companions in these situations (5m27s).

NGP Energy Technology Partners’ Phil Deutch joins the show (5m38s)

• The show features a guest from the Liquidity Summit earlier in the year to discuss the rise of global solar (5m51s).
• A media deal involving Alex Jones is also discussed on the show (5m59s).
• The latest developments in the Polymarket and the industrial complex are covered, including Jason Galat's investments in various companies (6m5s).
• Jason Galat is also mentioned to be involved with Y Combinator and the Global Industrial Complex, and is jokingly said to be selling supplements (6m12s).
• The show also touches on the topic of the sexuality of frogs (6m16s).
• The massive Polymarket is discussed, and the show wraps up with a note on why commentator request starts venture capital (6m18s).

Fundrise - Sign up today (6m28s)

• Many of today's public companies, including Uber and Robinhood, raised capital when they were private, making venture capital investments lucrative for those who can access them (6m29s).
• However, getting into top-quartile venture funds can be challenging, often requiring connections and large investments, making it difficult for individual investors to participate (6m54s).
• Institutional investors, such as endowments, sovereign wealth funds, and high-net-worth individuals, often have access to these investment opportunities, but individual investors may not (7m7s).
• The Fundrise Innovation Fund is a $125 million fund that holds shares in pre-IPO tech companies, offering individual investors a chance to invest in exciting startups before they go public (7m24s).
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• To invest, individuals can visit fundrise.com/twist, but it's essential to carefully consider the investment material, including objectives, risks, charges, and expenses, which can be found in the Innovator Fund's prospectus at fundrise.com (7m42s).

Global Solar Energy Trends and Impact of Regulations (8m2s)

• Australia has seen significant growth in solar energy, with 4 million homes having residential solar panels, accounting for around 12% of total generation, and 3.7 million households generating electricity (9m30s).
• The growth in Australian solar production has been substantial, with rooftop solar panels generating 24.6 terawatts of power last year, exceeding initial expectations of 4 terawatts by 6 times (10m1s).
• On one day, distributed solar PV in Western Australia accounted for 2.12 GW of output, making up 81% of total generation and surpassing natural gas and coal production (10m40s).
• The success of solar energy in Australia can be attributed to various factors, including a supportive government, subsidies, geography, and access to cheap solar panels from China (11m32s).
• The growth of solar energy in Australia is seen as a positive development, with potential lessons for the rest of the world, particularly in terms of the role of government support and geography in promoting renewable energy (11m41s).
• India has also seen a growth in solar energy, with people hacking together their own solar panels and going off-grid, while in Texas, individuals can build their own solar farms and give back to the grid (8m52s).
• Germany has also experienced a similar surge in renewable energy, with renewables accounting for the majority of generation at times (10m57s).
• The growth of solar energy is seen as a positive development, with potential for individuals and countries to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and promote renewable energy (9m12s).
• The growth of solar power can cause electricity prices to go negative due to the sheer amount of renewable power in a jurisdiction, as seen in the United States, particularly in California and Texas, where turbines receive a production tax credit, leading to a desire to sell at negative prices (11m44s).
• The cost of solar and wind power is mostly upfront, with no additional costs for sun or wind, resulting in increased production with more installations (11m49s).
• Residential solar power poses an interesting problem, as homeowners who install panels on their houses can reduce their electricity costs, but still rely on the grid at night or during periods of high energy usage (12m40s).
• Utilities face a challenge with residential solar power, as they need to maintain the grid infrastructure, but may not receive enough revenue from homeowners who use less of the grid, leading to concerns about stranding costs (13m29s).
• The question of how much homeowners should pay for the grid they use less of is a contentious issue, with some arguing that they should not have to pay at all, while utilities believe they should pay a significant amount per kilowatt hour (13m59s).
• Australia has implemented good rates, rebates, and tariffs to encourage solar power, but California's utilities have amended their policies, introducing NEM 3.0, which has led to a decline in residential solar installations (14m22s).
• The introduction of NEM 3.0 in California has resulted in a decrease in the number of solar installations, as seen in a chart comparing the old and new regimes, with a significant drop in installations after the new rules were announced (14m57s).
• A house with an electric vehicle, a power wall, and residential solar is considered the wave of the future, allowing for self-sufficiency on site (15m40s).
• The cost of an electric vehicle and a power wall can pay for themselves when compared to gasoline, but the cost of residential solar is a harder question due to the fixed costs of installation (15m58s).
• It is easier and more cost-effective to install solar panels at scale, such as on a large property or in a field, rather than on a small roof (16m19s).
• Having space to install solar panels and batteries can lead to significant cost savings, as units designed for indoor use are more expensive due to their compact size (16m42s).
• Freebat mentioned that power walls and other units designed for indoor use are twice as expensive as those that can be spread out in a larger space, such as a container or shed (16m59s).
• Looking ahead 10-30 years, the United States will have a massive demand for data centers, which will require significant energy storage and generation capabilities (17m20s).

Historical Energy Fears and Future Energy Predictions (17m27s)

• The United States has become an energy exporter with an abundance of natural gas and oil, contradicting past fears of peak oil and chaos (17m28s).
• Despite past fears and uncertainty about energy, technology has solved many of these issues, and estimates for solar energy have consistently been too low (18m17s).
• The growth of electric vehicles (EVs) and solar energy can be attributed to the J curve, where technology improves rapidly and becomes more affordable (18m23s).
• Technology will continue to drive progress in the energy sector, regardless of external factors like government policies or interest rates (18m32s).
• In the next 30 years, electricity is likely to become essentially free, similar to how Wi-Fi is now widely available and free in many places (18m50s).
• The cost of energy will approach zero, driven by advancements in small modular reactors (SMRs), renewable energy, and larger nuclear power plants (19m26s).
• Carbon-free energy sources will become more prevalent, and electric vehicles will become the norm, with autonomous vehicles likely to replace human-driven cars (19m37s).
• The future of transportation will be shaped by autonomous electric vehicles, which will revolutionize the way people travel and work (19m45s).
• Self-driving cars will enable people to be more productive during their daily commutes, with the potential to watch movies, work out, or even play games (20m41s).
• The concept of distance will shrink, and people will have more time to focus on other activities, similar to how the internet has changed the way people live and work (20m45s).
• The "Cyber van" or "skiff" concept, popularized by Elon Musk, could become a reality, where vehicles become mobile living rooms, poker rooms, or workout rooms (21m9s).

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• OpenPhone provides features such as syncing with HubSpot, AI-powered call summaries, and automated responses to ensure no calls are missed (22m11s).
• The platform allows users to know who is answering customer calls and how they were handled, giving businesses more control over their customer interactions (22m7s).
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• New users can get 20% off their first six months of OpenPhone by visiting openphone.com and using the code "Twist" (22m25s).

Nuclear energy in the United States and data center demand (22m40s)

• The US is seeing a shift in the nuclear industry, with big tech companies like Google and Microsoft investing in small modular reactors, which could lead to an increase in nuclear reactors in the country over the next 10-20 years (22m40s).
• This shift is largely driven by the growing demand for carbon-free energy from hyperscalers, who require reliable power for their data centers (24m16s).
• The need for modular reactors is preferred over large ones, as they can fit on data center sites and provide the necessary power (24m44s).
• Companies like Amazon and DOW are involved in investments in X energy, which is working on small modular reactors (24m50s).
• The growth of data centers is spurring on the new discussion around nuclear energy, with companies willing to pay for reliable and carbon-free power (24m59s).
• The issue of nuclear waste is still a concern, but it is not seen as a major obstacle, with some arguing that the amount of waste required is not significant and can be controlled (25m23s).
• Elon Musk has argued that long-term, almost all energy will come from the sun, and that this will be necessary for human civilization to advance (26m0s).
• Elon Musk's vision for an all-solar world in the next 50 or 60 years seems ambitious, but he has a track record of seeing the future, and either way, it's a move towards green energy and low carbon emissions (26m13s).
• A couple of generations of nuclear power may be necessary before a solar future is achieved, but this is still a step towards a greener future (27m5s).
• A prediction is made that Elon Musk will build a hyperscale data center for AI that is not plugged into the grid, which would be a bold move (27m26s).
• To achieve this, Musk might consider building a battery factory and solar panels in a sunny state like Nevada, and using natural gas to power the data center (28m0s).
• Natural gas is priced by location, and in some areas, it's very cheap, making it an interesting option for powering a data center (29m5s).
• There is also the possibility of using burnoff gas from flare-offs to power batteries, which could be an innovative solution (29m29s).
• Elon Musk is already doing impressive work with battery storage in Australia, making this idea even more plausible (29m47s).
• People are purchasing natural gas, but if it's not being bought, it can continue flowing and be stored in batteries to smooth out the energy curve (29m52s).
• If energy becomes close to free, it will significantly change geopolitics forever (30m2s).

The impact of energy on geopolitics (30m7s)

• The world of technology and energy are now fully integrated, with every hyperscaler focused on energy, and data center sizes are measured by the amount of power they use (30m20s).
• Desalination of water is an energy problem, and some countries like Israel rely heavily on diesel to do it, but with advancements in batteries, solar, renewables, and nuclear, it's possible to make water free or at least more affordable (30m43s).
• The growth of solar power generation and improvement in battery technology have led to questions about the need for fusion to complete a green energy revolution (31m15s).
• Despite this, many smart people are working on interesting problems, and there will be a lot of success in the field of energy and technology (31m46s).
• The share of global energy generation from solar was over 5.5% in 2023, up from 0.8% 10 years ago, showing significant progress but still a lot of work to be done (32m36s).
• The focus on solar energy and other green technologies is encouraging, and it's possible to make progress without commercially viable fusion generation in the near term (32m59s).
• The intersection of technology and politics is complex, but some people prefer to focus on technology and innovation rather than politics (33m12s).
• There are reports of people being considered for positions in the administration, but some individuals, like Jason, are not interested in politics and prefer to focus on technology and innovation (33m17s).
• The ability to make a positive impact by talking about big problems and highlighting innovations is a valuable use of time, and many seemingly intractable problems are actually solvable with technology (33m57s).

Historical energy crises and solutions (34m48s)

• Historical energy crises, such as the gas shortage, have been overcome through innovation and entrepreneurship, demonstrating that seemingly intractable problems can be solved with determination and investment (34m50s).
• The combination of capitalism, entrepreneurship, and democracy is considered the most effective operating system in the world, despite being messy, as it enables individuals to take risks and develop innovative solutions (35m34s).
• Companies like EXO are working on innovative energy storage solutions, such as using solar lenses to store industrial heat, which can then be used to power industrial facilities (35m45s).
• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and fusion technology are making progress, and various energy storage methods, including compressed air storage, are being developed, leading to optimism about power generation in the next 10 years (36m8s).
• The potential for essentially free electricity is predicted, with some believing it could be a reality by the time the current generation's children go to college (36m24s).
• The focus on technological innovation and entrepreneurship is seen as a more effective way to solve global problems, such as education, incarceration, and housing, than engaging in cultural wars and ideological debates (36m50s).
• Many wars are fought over resources, but with advancements in technology and energy production, these conflicts could become less frequent (37m13s).

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• With Linear, teams can streamline bug reporting and task tracking, plan and spec new features, and manage their long-term product road map (37m55s).
• Linear is the tool of choice for tech companies of all sizes, with half of YC companies building with Linear (38m6s).
• Notable companies that use Linear include Cash App, Scale AI, and Vercel (38m11s).
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EV tax credits, political implications, and air pollution statistics (38m35s)

• The Trump Administration reportedly intends to eliminate the $7,500 tax credit for electric vehicles (EVs), which could face opposition in the House due to the presence of EV factories in the South (38m43s).
• The tax credit is seen as an effective way to encourage a shift towards EVs, and its elimination could be a politically challenging move for the administration (38m59s).
• Used EVs are currently available for purchase at relatively low prices, ranging from $10,000 to $25,000, with some models retaining significant value despite high mileage (39m42s).
• Battery packs in older EVs have been found to degrade by only around 10% over time, making them suitable for use in city or suburban cars (40m12s).
• The elimination of the tax credit may be unnecessary, as the cost of EVs is decreasing, and a $20,000 to $30,000 EV would likely be in high demand (41m45s).
• A study from Berkeley found that reducing smog in cities like Shanghai can add years to people's lives, equivalent to not smoking a pack of cigarettes a day (41m0s).
• The potential health benefits of widespread EV adoption could be significant, with millions of people potentially gaining years of life (41m24s).
• The development of affordable EVs, such as the proposed Cyber taxi, could help drive demand and make EVs more accessible to a wider audience (41m43s).
• Elon Musk's potential involvement in the Trump administration's efforts to cut costs and reduce government spending could give him the high ground in terms of public perception, and he might even suggest taking away subsidies from the government, which could impact Tesla's stock (42m40s).
• The existence of Starlink and its competitors makes it unnecessary for the government to pay for rural internet, as people can already order these services while waiting for the government to run expensive fiber lines (43m16s).
• The idea of canceling subsidies and government programs, as suggested by the concept of "Doge," could be a way to reduce government spending and give money back to taxpayers, but it would require politicians to agree on which programs to cut (43m47s).
• The potential elimination of tax credits for electric vehicles (EVs) could have a negative impact on the electrification of the American car fleet, setting it back 10-15 years and leading to more pollution and dependence on oil prices (44m51s).
• There is a debate about whether tax credits for EVs and standards for them should be a state or federal issue, with some arguing that states could mitigate this issue and allow people to make their own decisions about clean energy (45m21s).
• The concept of smaller government and less spending is often hindered by the fact that different states and regions have competing interests and are unwilling to give up funding for their own projects (44m27s).
• The use of money to accelerate change can sometimes be positive, but it's also possible that the elimination of tax credits could have unintended consequences, such as setting back the electrification of the American car fleet (44m44s).
• California's stricter standards for cars, such as an extra dollar per gallon tax and different mileage requirements, could lead to car companies choosing not to sell certain models in the state, potentially causing people to move out of California due to frustration with the regulations (45m58s).
• The idea of letting states set their own standards and "fight it out" is compared to the debates around abortion, online gambling, and cannabis, with the suggestion that this approach can lead to progress on a local basis (46m27s).
• The influence of large states like Texas and California on the rest of the nation is discussed, with Texas's unified education system and large population giving it significant influence over American education, and California's large population and economy making it a leader in setting standards (46m53s).
• The importance of allowing states to set their own regulations is emphasized, with the suggestion that it would be a mistake for the federal government to prevent states from having stricter standards, and that California should be allowed to "throw its weight around" as one of the "laboratories of democracy" (47m32s).
• The Trump Administration's potential move to preclude California's ability to set regulations on cars is criticized, with the suggestion that this would set back progress on issues like self-driving electric cars and big batteries (48m2s).
• A 2015 article from Berkeley Earth is mentioned, which found that the average person in the US is equivalent to smoking 0.4 cigarettes per day due to air pollution, with some cities like Chenyangang having much higher levels of pollution, equivalent to smoking 63 cigarettes per day (48m15s).
• The negative impact of air pollution on children is highlighted, with the suggestion that it is tragic to tell kids not to smoke cigarettes while living in cities with high levels of pollution that are equivalent to smoking multiple packs of cigarettes per day (48m54s).
• The discussion starts with a personal anecdote about smoking cigarettes and drinking, with the individual mentioning they used to smoke a pack of cigarettes a day, which is 20 cigarettes, and that it's a significant amount (49m21s).
• The individual notes that smoking two cigarettes a day wouldn't be noticeable the next day, but their smoking habit was often paired with alcohol consumption (49m41s).
• A personal story is shared about being caught smoking by their dad and being forced to smoke three packs of cigarettes as punishment, resulting in nausea and a lasting impression (49m58s).
• Another personal anecdote is shared about drinking three to five shots at a young age, around 13 or 14, and experiencing severe nausea (50m7s).

The Polymarket mess and prediction market regulation (50m14s)

• Poly Market, a prediction market platform, has captured people's imagination, allowing users to place bets on various events, including elections, with the platform correctly predicting election results in some cases (50m24s).
• The FBI recently raided the home of Poly Market's CEO, Shane Copelan, in New York City, seizing his devices, five days after the election, in a move that seems dramatic and potentially related to the platform's activities (51m12s).
• Poly Market is not open to US residents, but there have been concerns about US citizens using the platform, and the company's efforts to prevent this may be a key issue in the investigation (51m52s).
• The Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has been involved in a long-standing dispute with prediction market platforms, including Poly Market and Ki, over the legality of event-based binary options, particularly those related to elections (52m17s).
• The CFTC has expressed concerns that allowing gambling or investing on elections could increase the risk of meddling, similar to concerns in sports about athletes betting on their own games (52m40s).
• Despite the CFTC's concerns, Ki has been allowed to operate in the US, and Poly Market's actions to prevent US citizens from using its platform may be a key factor in the investigation (53m10s).
• The issue is compared to the online poker industry's experience with Black Friday, where players used VPNs to access restricted sites, and the question of whether Poly Market did enough to prevent US citizens from using its service (53m28s).
• The debate centers around the regulatory bodies' role in determining how Americans spend their money, with some arguing that they should not interfere with individuals' freedom to place bets on political candidates (53m42s).
• Prediction markets may require transparency and upper bounds or limits to prevent market manipulation, such as requiring users to associate their names with bets over $100,000 to prevent wealthy individuals from influencing the market (54m3s).
• A rich person could potentially manipulate a smaller market, like a mayoral election, by coordinating with friends to place bets and create the illusion of more volume, a practice known as "painting the tape" or "wash trades" (54m26s).
• Regulations around these practices exist in other markets, such as crypto and sports, and could be applied to prediction markets to prevent manipulation (54m44s).
• The same regulations that prevent NBA players, owners, and referees from gambling could be applied to prediction markets to prevent conflicts of interest (55m15s).
• The Tim Donaghy NBA scandal, in which a referee was found to be providing information to gamblers, highlights the risks of allowing those with inside information to participate in betting markets (55m22s).
• The Polymarket situation is being compared to the Hunter Biden laptop case, in which the FBI was able to get a story banned due to concerns about Russian interference (56m4s).
• The FBI's actions in the Hunter Biden laptop case have been criticized, with some arguing that the story should not have been banned and that the public should have been allowed to decide its validity (56m50s).
• The Polymarket situation is sparking conspiracy theories, with some arguing that there was a cover-up or conspiracy involved (57m3s).
• Game theory may be useful in understanding the Polymarket situation and the potential for conspiracy or cover-up (57m11s).
• PolyMarket, a company backed by Founders Fund, which is associated with Peter Thiel, has been raided by the FBI, and its CEO, Shane Copelan, has made a tweet suggesting that the current administration is targeting companies associated with political opponents, which is seen as an example of virtue signaling (57m47s).
• The timing of the raid is questioned, as it is unlikely that the administration would wait until after an election to take action, and it is suggested that the raid may have been motivated by other factors (58m56s).
• The concept of conspiracy theories is discussed, and it is noted that while some conspiracy theories may be true, the majority are not, and it is important to approach such claims with skepticism (59m17s).
• The example of the Catholic Church's cover-up of pedophilia is cited as a case where a conspiracy theory was later proven to be true, but this is not seen as relevant to the current situation with PolyMarket (59m22s).
• The FBI's motivations for raiding PolyMarket are questioned, and it is suggested that if the raid was politically motivated, it would be unlikely to occur six months before an election, as it would be seen as hurting the Democrats' chances (1h0m11s).
• The political leanings of law enforcement are discussed, with the majority of law enforcement being conservative, and the FBI being more conservative than the CIA (1h0m42s).
• The discussion revolves around the Polymarket case, where the company is being investigated for potential market manipulation, with some speculating that there might be a greater conspiracy at play (1h1m26s).
• It is suggested that even if there was a coordinated attack or market manipulation, it would likely have no impact on the election results, as prediction markets are a niche thing and do not influence people's voting decisions (1h2m12s).
• The idea that Polymarket's prediction markets could have influenced the election results is considered unlikely, as people's voting decisions are often already "baked in" and not swayed by such markets (1h2m33s).
• The possibility of people cheating and using fake IDs to place bets on Polymarket is mentioned, but it is argued that this is not the company's responsibility (1h3m5s).
• The situation is considered "fishy" and it is suggested that waiting for complete information is the best course of action (1h3m25s).
• The concept of "main character syndrome" is introduced, where the prediction markets, particularly those inside right-leaning venture circles, are treated as oracles and reality checks (1h4m4s).
• It is mentioned that Polymarket has already been on the radar of the CFTC, with a settlement of $1.4 million in 2022, which could be relevant to the current situation (1h4m42s).
• Polymarket had a judgment against it and is involved in a legal battle, but regulators are trying to enforce existing rules rather than being the "devil" (1h5m0s).
• Instead of criticizing regulators, it's suggested that Congress should be lobbied to change the underlying rules and allow for transparency in prediction markets (1h5m26s).
• The issue at hand is likely related to Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations, which are common in the fintech world (1h5m50s).
• Shane, the person running Polymarket, is unlikely to have broken rules intentionally, as there's no upside in doing so, especially when running a successful enterprise (1h6m1s).
• Having a lot of lawyers and being strategic is key when dealing with regulatory disputes, as seen in the example of Uber (1h6m24s).
• It's recommended to wait for the facts to come out before jumping to conclusions, and the issue is likely to be a minor, "ticky-tacky" matter (1h7m8s).
• The FBI may have launched an investigation due to a tip, but it could result in a minor fine, which is a normal part of business (1h7m20s).
• The system should be designed with transparency and protocols in place to prevent abuse and market manipulation, which could be exploited by foreign actors (1h7m50s).
• Foreign actors involved in hacking are often motivated by money, and nation-states may allow hacking groups to operate in exchange for a share of the profits (1h8m21s).

Y Combinator's latest startup requests (1h9m55s)

• Y Combinator has released its latest startup requests, which it calls the "Golden Age for Building," with the goal of encouraging entrepreneurs to build things and make the country better (1h9m55s).
• The list is intended to provide ideas for founders who may not have a specific idea in mind, but have skills and a team, and are looking for opportunities to build a startup (1h10m35s).
• The list includes a request for startups focused on space companies, which could capitalize on the 10x launch cost reduction enabled by the Space Act, and build businesses around satellite applications or create infrastructure for routine space access (1h11m30s).
• Another request is for startups focused on stable coin management platforms, which would allow businesses to use stable coins, similar to how Stripe allows businesses to use traditional currencies (1h12m1s).
• The idea of a "Stripe for stable coins" is seen as interesting, but it's also possible that existing fintech companies like Coinbase, Stripe, and Robinhood may launch their own stable coin platforms (1h12m12s).
• The list also includes a request for startups to develop easy integration tools for developers, focusing on cross-border payments and other areas (1h12m28s).
• The idea of "stable coins 2.0" is seen as a fascinating area for startups to explore, with potential for innovation and growth (1h12m56s).

Stablecoins, government software, and public safety technology (1h13m5s)

• Stable coins are digital currencies pegged to a specific fiat currency, mostly the US dollar, allowing users to buy a token worth a dollar and exchange it back for a dollar, with companies making a profit by sitting on reserves (1h13m6s).
• Stable coins 2.0 refers to startups in developing markets that bring broad access to the dollar or other stable currencies, disrupting entire economies and providing better currency options digitally across the internet (1h13m34s).
• This development is expected to have various business applications, both locally and in connecting smaller economies to the broader US economy, making it bullish for consumers and the US (1h14m23s).
• The use of stable coins can lower fees for transferring money, especially in frontier or emerging markets with destabilized currencies (1h14m35s).
• Government software and AI solutions can automate administrative tasks, such as form processing and application reviews, and provide citizen-facing services like DMV permits and licensing (1h15m19s).
• These solutions can increase efficiency in government operations, potentially reducing corruption and saving dollars, with the possibility of gaining public support through social media endorsements (1h15m57s).
• Examples of efficient government software solutions include renewing licenses at a lower cost and increased security, with the potential for public figures like Elon Musk to promote such ideas (1h16m11s).
• A potential use of AI and video processing could be a more secure way of obtaining a driver's license, where an individual submits a video of themselves and their license plate, and AI processes the video to verify their identity and create a driver's license and registration (1h16m50s).
• Applying software and startups to government services, such as the DMV, could lead to more efficient and user-friendly experiences, but there may be challenges with federal procurement and its impact on startup growth curves (1h17m24s).
• Advanced computer vision technology could be used to develop privacy-preserving surveillance systems, which could be useful in various settings, such as offices and Airbnb rentals (1h17m58s).
• A device that records sound levels, rather than actual conversations, could be a more acceptable way to monitor noise levels in shared spaces, and could be used to send alerts when noise levels become too high (1h18m36s).
• A company has developed a device that plugs into the wall and records sound levels, but not actual conversations, and sends alerts when noise levels exceed a certain threshold, which could be useful in Airbnb rentals and other shared spaces (1h18m40s).
• A similar device could be used in cars to monitor speed and send alerts to the owner or other authorized individuals if the speed limit is exceeded, which could be useful for parents monitoring their teenagers' driving habits (1h19m51s).
• Implementing rules and limits, such as speed limits, can be beneficial for maintaining safety and preventing accidents, especially when it comes to family and children, with the goal of keeping them alive and safe (1h20m9s).
• The concept of libertarian values, which emphasizes individual freedom and autonomy, can be balanced with the need for rules and regulations, particularly when it comes to shared public spaces like roads (1h20m47s).
• The age of majority, typically 18, can be a factor in determining when individuals can opt into certain rules or regulations, such as those related to speed limits or noise levels (1h20m57s).
• In the case of public roads, there can be a reasonable discussion about what the speed limit should be, taking into account shared interests and safety concerns (1h21m18s).
• Implementing technology-enabled solutions, such as requiring certain safety features or insurance for high-speed driving, can be a way to balance libertarian values with safety concerns (1h21m42s).
• Creative solutions, such as requiring special insurance or passes for high-speed driving, can be explored to allow individuals to opt into higher speed limits while maintaining safety standards (1h22m21s).

Gig economy and AI's impact on platforms like Fiverr and Uber (1h22m26s)

• A platform for human-centric job platforms that focus on jobs AI can't replace, building tools for independent business owners, is seen as a compelling idea, similar to companies like Stripe, HubSpot, and FreshBooks, which help small business owners and freelancers (1h22m50s).
• The concept of freelance Nation, where people work independently, is becoming a reality due to the internet, and platforms like Uber are now not only for transportation but also for on-demand work (1h23m16s).
• Uber has experimented with an "assistant" product, allowing users to hire people for tasks such as household or business tasks for $30-40 an hour, with Uber taking a 25% commission (1h23m40s).
• Other on-demand work platforms, such as Hey Hire, are also helping people find jobs in retail and other industries (1h24m32s).
• Fiverr, a public company worth $1 billion, has seen its market cap fluctuate, peaking at $10 billion in 2021, but facing fears that AI and generative AI could negatively impact its business (1h25m2s).
• The launch of ChatGPT 3.5 in November 2022 may have contributed to Fiverr's decline in valuation since then (1h25m40s).
• The current trading price of a particular stock is $35, which is the same as before, but it's believed that the peak era of zero labor might be ending due to the emergence of large language models (LLMs) that could make freelancers on marketplaces like Fiverr more valuable (1h26m9s).
• The use of LLMs and generative AI co-pilots is expected to increase the quality level of work on gig platforms like Fiverr, addressing the issue of variable quality that has been a complaint in the past (1h26m55s).
• The idea of hiring a driver for a 5-hour period is proposed, similar to Uber's existing hourly service, which could be useful for tasks like going to concerts or running errands (1h27m17s).
• Uber's hourly service is mentioned, which exists in some markets and allows users to hire a driver for a minimum of 2 hours, with the option to use the service for less time and consider the extra hour as a tip (1h27m21s).
• A personal anecdote is shared about using Uber's hourly service to get picked up from the airport, with the driver waiting for 2 hours while the user runs errands or has dinner, and the cost being only $20 more than a regular Uber Black ride (1h27m55s).
• Uber is expanding its services by adding hourly and convenience store features, similar to those of startup Gopuff, and has partnered with 7-Eleven, CVS, and Walgreens to increase its reach and adoption (1h30m5s).
• The company's lightweight model allows it to partner with various businesses, making it an attractive option for companies like Walgreens, McDonald's, and Starbucks (1h30m37s).
• Gopuff has been integrated into the Uber app, allowing users to place orders from Gopuff stores, and Uber takes a percentage of the sales, while Gopuff benefits from increased customer traffic (1h31m11s).
• This partnership makes sense for Uber, as it owns the customer and can market Gopuff's services, while Gopuff benefits from the exposure (1h31m36s).
• The Y Combinator (YC) list of startup ideas is a great resource for inspiration, but founders should prioritize working on ideas that personally matter to them and their team, rather than solely focusing on ideas that VCs or accelerators are interested in (1h31m48s).
• Founders should be cautious of creating a company solely to get into Y Combinator or to impress VCs, as this can lead to building a product that they may not be passionate about in the long run (1h32m24s).
• It's essential for founders to find an idea that they are excited about and willing to work on for an extended period, as this will help them stay motivated and committed to their startup (1h32m30s).
• The live news shows for the week have concluded, with more scheduled for the following week (1h33m1s).
• Jason and AD Alex can be found on the platform X (1h33m6s).
• The hosts bid farewell to the audience, ending the live news show (1h33m11s).