#steve-lawler
#steve-lawler

I helped build Uber and Discord and now my tools help fuel billion-dollar unicorns. But Silicon Valley is losing the AI race to itself | Fortune

Silicon Valley is falling behind in innovation due to slow adaptation to social demands and a focus on preserving existing business models.

fromThe Nation

Silicon Valley

The Anti-Intellectualism of the Silicon Valley Elite

Silicon Valley's anti-intellectualism dismisses the value of deep intellectual work, impacting perceptions of music creation and higher education.

I helped build Uber and Discord and now my tools help fuel billion-dollar unicorns. But Silicon Valley is losing the AI race to itself | Fortune

Silicon Valley is falling behind in innovation due to slow adaptation to social demands and a focus on preserving existing business models.

fromThe Nation

The Anti-Intellectualism of the Silicon Valley Elite

Silicon Valley's anti-intellectualism dismisses the value of deep intellectual work, impacting perceptions of music creation and higher education.

Is Your Company Focusing on Generative Engine Optimization?

Generative engine optimization (GEO) requires marketers to adapt strategies for AI-driven search, focusing on relevance and collaboration across PR, content, and SEO.

11 hours ago

Jack Dorsey says Block employees now bring prototypes not slide decks to meetings

Block CEO Jack Dorsey has eliminated slide decks in favor of prototypes for meetings, emphasizing real-time modifications and reduced costs of decision-making.

#ai-integration

OpenAI's COO says if you're bullish on AI, you can be bullish on legacy software too

Legacy software companies are rapidly integrating AI, countering concerns from a recent stock sell-off.

Jack Dorsey outlines how AI will change Block's org chart and replace managers with 'player-coaches'

Jack Dorsey aims to integrate AI deeply into Block, restructuring roles and reducing reliance on traditional management.

OpenAI's COO says if you're bullish on AI, you can be bullish on legacy software too

Legacy software companies are rapidly integrating AI, countering concerns from a recent stock sell-off.

Jack Dorsey outlines how AI will change Block's org chart and replace managers with 'player-coaches'

Jack Dorsey aims to integrate AI deeply into Block, restructuring roles and reducing reliance on traditional management.

Why are designers, engineers, and product managers in a 'three-way standoff'?

The design job market is experiencing uncertainty as demand for product managers rises, raising concerns about the impact of AI on designer roles.

Science

fromInverse

SXSW 2026 Proves AI Is So Last Year - And Space Is The Next Frontier

SXSW showcases innovation, highlighting both AI advancements and immersive experiences like virtual reality simulations of the International Space Station.

Leaders push for a 'Manhattan Project' and public-private solutions around AI and labor | Fortune

AI could create a talent and job crisis, necessitating collaboration between public and private sectors to manage the transition effectively.

fromIndieWire

Music production

This Is What Honest AI Conversations Sound Like in Hollywood

16 hours ago

Silicon Valley

Business Insider Live gathers Bryan Johnson, Jason Blum, Carina Hong, Joanna Strober to talk leadership in the AI era

AI adoption isn't the hard part, it's building employee agency | Fortune

AI empowers non-coders to execute ideas, requiring companies to foster safe, effective environments for employee agency and innovation.

Software development

The AI Revolution in Development: Why Outer Loop Agents Are the Next Big Thing

AI is set to revolutionize post-code push processes, automating tasks like security fixes, error logging, and code reviews.

It's not your imagination: AI seed startups are commanding higher valuations | TechCrunch

AI companies are experiencing inflated valuations and seed rounds due to high investor interest and competition.

Business

4 hours ago

Leaders push for a 'Manhattan Project' and public-private solutions around AI and labor | Fortune

AI could create a talent and job crisis, necessitating collaboration between public and private sectors to manage the transition effectively.

Music production

fromIndieWire

This Is What Honest AI Conversations Sound Like in Hollywood

Mastery in the age of AI is evolving, requiring individuals to excel beyond a baseline of quickly learned skills.

16 hours ago

Business Insider Live gathers Bryan Johnson, Jason Blum, Carina Hong, Joanna Strober to talk leadership in the AI era

AI is transforming industries, prompting leaders like Bryan Johnson and Jason Blum to rethink strategies and adapt their careers.

AI adoption isn't the hard part, it's building employee agency | Fortune

AI empowers non-coders to execute ideas, requiring companies to foster safe, effective environments for employee agency and innovation.

Software development

The AI Revolution in Development: Why Outer Loop Agents Are the Next Big Thing

AI is set to revolutionize post-code push processes, automating tasks like security fixes, error logging, and code reviews.

It's not your imagination: AI seed startups are commanding higher valuations | TechCrunch

AI companies are experiencing inflated valuations and seed rounds due to high investor interest and competition.

AI-Powered Tractor Startup Burns Through a Quarter Billion Dollars, Fires All Employees in Epic Implosion

Monarch Tractor faced failure due to its AI tractors being ineffective and dangerous, leading to layoffs and potential shutdown.

AI was supposed to be the great equaliser - instead it produced the most concentrated investment cycle in VC history - Silicon Canals

The AI boom has concentrated global venture funding in the U.S., reversing years of diversification in tech investment.

Fundraising

fromAlleywatch

#NYCtech Week in Review: 3/22/26 - 3/28/26

NYC startups raised significant funding this week, including Thesis Care's $45M and Spade's $40M in Series A and B rounds respectively.

fromSilicon Canals

AI was supposed to be the great equaliser - instead it produced the most concentrated investment cycle in VC history - Silicon Canals

The AI boom has concentrated global venture funding in the U.S., reversing years of diversification in tech investment.

Fundraising

fromAlleywatch

#NYCtech Week in Review: 3/22/26 - 3/28/26

NYC startups raised significant funding this week, including Thesis Care's $45M and Spade's $40M in Series A and B rounds respectively.

What to know about OpenAI's surprise acquisition of TBPN

OpenAI has acquired the tech podcast TBPN while ensuring its editorial independence.

fromTNW | Investors-Funding

7 hours ago

OpenAI has acquired the Silicon Valley talk show TBPN

OpenAI has acquired the Technology Business Programming Network, maintaining its editorial independence while integrating it into its strategy organization.

fromArs Technica

OpenAI takes on another "side quest," buys tech-focused talk show TBPN

OpenAI's acquisition of TBPN will maintain its editorial independence while enhancing marketing and communications efforts.

fromwww.theguardian.com

19 hours ago

OpenAI buys tech talkshow TBPN in push to shape AI narrative

OpenAI acquires TBPN to enhance public engagement on AI while allowing the show to maintain editorial independence.

Podcast

What to know about OpenAI's surprise acquisition of TBPN

OpenAI has acquired the tech podcast TBPN while ensuring its editorial independence.

fromTNW | Investors-Funding

7 hours ago

OpenAI has acquired the Silicon Valley talk show TBPN

OpenAI has acquired the Technology Business Programming Network, maintaining its editorial independence while integrating it into its strategy organization.

fromArs Technica

OpenAI takes on another "side quest," buys tech-focused talk show TBPN

OpenAI's acquisition of TBPN will maintain its editorial independence while enhancing marketing and communications efforts.

fromwww.theguardian.com

19 hours ago

OpenAI buys tech talkshow TBPN in push to shape AI narrative

OpenAI acquires TBPN to enhance public engagement on AI while allowing the show to maintain editorial independence.

$60 Million Startup Says It's Invented a New Particle to Dim the Sun

Stardust Solutions raised $60 million for solar geoengineering to combat global warming by dimming the Sun, but faces significant controversy and unknown consequences.

California

fromAxios

6 hours ago

California cements its role as the national testing ground for AI rules

California is advancing AI regulations while the Trump administration seeks a national standard to limit state-level laws.

Apple

fromThe Verge

3 hours ago

Apple's best product ever

Apple's 50th anniversary was marked by ranking its 50 best products based on over 1.6 million votes.

What's next for Meta in the wake of trial losses and layoffs?

Meta faces significant challenges with legal rulings and a shift in focus from the Metaverse to artificial intelligence.

European startups

Meta launches new initiative to support entrepreneurship, drive AI adoption | TechCrunch

Meta is launching Meta Small Business to support entrepreneurship and drive AI adoption.

Tech industry

fromwww.npr.org

18 hours ago

What's next for Meta in the wake of trial losses and layoffs?

Meta faces significant challenges with legal rulings and a shift in focus from the Metaverse to artificial intelligence.

European startups

Meta launches new initiative to support entrepreneurship, drive AI adoption | TechCrunch

Meta is launching Meta Small Business to support entrepreneurship and drive AI adoption.

Bloomberg: Tesla's AI dreams don't change reality, cars still pay the bills

Tesla's Q1 2026 vehicle deliveries fell short of expectations, highlighting challenges in the automotive sector despite excitement over future technologies.

#entrepreneurship

fromWestenberg.

9 hours ago

Growth hacking

The "Passive Income" trap ate a generation of entrepreneurs

I was rejected 33 times and built a $390 million company - at 48 years old. Age bias in tech is costing us all | Fortune

Reinvention after 40 is often dismissed as a midlife crisis, but it can be a calculated and economically beneficial choice.

Growth hacking

fromWestenberg.

9 hours ago

The "Passive Income" trap ate a generation of entrepreneurs

A misguided ideology of 'Passive Income Brain' misleads aspiring entrepreneurs into prioritizing quick profits over genuine business understanding.

fromLondon Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

I was rejected 33 times and built a $390 million company - at 48 years old. Age bias in tech is costing us all | Fortune

Reinvention after 40 is often dismissed as a midlife crisis, but it can be a calculated and economically beneficial choice.

more#entrepreneurship

London startup

For London's fintech and SaaS firms, digital risk is no longer theoretical - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Reputation is a critical business variable for fintech and SaaS companies, impacting partnerships, regulations, and revenue.

Social media marketing

fromInc

AI Flooded the Feed. Now, the Smartest Companies Are Moving Offline

In-person brand activations are becoming essential as digital content saturation increases, making physical presence a scarce and valuable marketing channel.

Relationships

Netflix cofounder Reed Hastings on how he kept his marriage steady while building a business

Reed Hastings emphasizes prioritizing family and communication to sustain a marriage while managing a demanding career.

Software development

fromSeangoedecke

Working on products people hate

Working on unpopular products reveals the limited control individual engineers have over product reception.

fromInside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs

20 hours ago

Y Combinator's CEO says he ships 37,000 lines of AI code per day. A developer looked under the hood

Gregorein's review highlighted that Tan's website made 169 server requests totaling 6.42 megabytes, while Hacker News only made 7 requests for 12 kilobytes.

Web design

Higher education

Despite Skepticism, Widespread AI Use at Cal State

The California State University system shows significant AI tool usage among students, faculty, and staff, despite some skepticism about its role in education.

Kevin O'Leary claims this skill is the most valuable on the market, saying he pays $250,000 for it - 5X more than before

Understanding social media for customer acquisition is now a highly lucrative career path, with salaries rising significantly due to demand.

fromInc

Too Many Startups Optimize for Growth. The Best Ones Optimize for Customer Success

Building a company around being useful and client-focused leads to higher retention and loyalty, differentiating it from competitors.

Online marketing

fromMoneywise

Kevin O'Leary claims this skill is the most valuable on the market, saying he pays $250,000 for it - 5X more than before

Understanding social media for customer acquisition is now a highly lucrative career path, with salaries rising significantly due to demand.

fromInc

Too Many Startups Optimize for Growth. The Best Ones Optimize for Customer Success

Building a company around being useful and client-focused leads to higher retention and loyalty, differentiating it from competitors.

Nothing AI Glasses reportedly coming in 2027

Nothing is set to launch AI glasses and new AI-powered earbuds in the first half of next year.

Law

fromAbove the Law

The Furlong And Patel TECHSHOW Keynote Bookends: Saying The Same Thing, Differently - Above the Law

The future of law will see AI remaking the profession, but human lawyers will remain essential for their ability to advise and guide clients.

Digital life

fromBusiness Matters

What Fast-Moving Digital Industries Teach Us About Business Agility

Fast-moving industries exemplify business agility by rapidly adapting to trends and customer needs, a practice all businesses should adopt.

San Francisco

fromABC7 San Francisco

Marc Benioff unveils new version of Slackbot with AI capabilities, talks San Francisco's progress

Salesforce showcases AI-enhanced Slackbot, emphasizing productivity and the continued need for human interaction in sales.

fromDigiday

How a 'TikTok doctorate' made 26-year-old Griffin Johnson a venture capitalist

"Our investment paid off, because two months later, COVID hit and TikTok booms. This is where it really all began in terms of the TikTok creator economy."

NYC startup

Wearables

Nothing's AI devices plan reportedly contains smart glasses and earbuds | TechCrunch

Nothing is set to release smart glasses next year, featuring AI capabilities and a multi-device strategy beyond smartphones.

Why Most Companies Get Innovation Completely Wrong

Real innovation stems from those closest to the work, not from executives or consultants.

Information security

Popular AI gateway startup LiteLLM ditches controversial startup Delve | TechCrunch

LiteLLM is terminating its relationship with Delve for security certifications after a malware incident and will seek a new compliance auditor.

#generative-ai

47 minutes ago

Ben Armstrong of MIT on the Future of Work and Adapting to Technological Change

Generative AI tools require human involvement for accuracy and relevance, similar to the early internet's need for effective user engagement.

Growth hacking

How AI is helping solo founders make their first hires

47 minutes ago

Ben Armstrong of MIT on the Future of Work and Adapting to Technological Change

Generative AI tools require human involvement for accuracy and relevance, similar to the early internet's need for effective user engagement.

Growth hacking

How AI is helping solo founders make their first hires

Generative AI has enabled Katherine Pomerantz to create structured workflows, facilitating her first hires and scaling her business effectively.

What SXSW 2026 revealed about the creator economy's future

Creators are now essential business partners, shaping culture and commerce, and driving brand relevance through long-term relationships.

Marketing

Scalable Summit: The $37B Creator Economy's Next Chapter Starts Here

The creator economy is shifting focus from proving value to scaling, with U.S. ad spend reaching $37 billion.

3 hours ago

What SXSW 2026 revealed about the creator economy's future

Creators are now essential business partners, shaping culture and commerce, and driving brand relevance through long-term relationships.

Scalable Summit: The $37B Creator Economy's Next Chapter Starts Here

The creator economy is shifting focus from proving value to scaling, with U.S. ad spend reaching $37 billion.

Diverse teams start with diverse VCs | TechCrunch

Diverse hiring practices must be implemented from the first hire to create an inclusive company culture.

Bootstrapping

22 hours ago

3 Financial Habits Every Expat Startup Founder Should Adopt Now

US expat founders must manage both US and foreign tax obligations from the start.

Toronto startup

11 hours ago

Uber drivers: Your boss knows you're using Tesla's FSD on the job

Some Uber drivers are using Tesla's Full Self-Driving technology with CEO Dara Khosrowshahi's approval, despite legal scrutiny surrounding ADAS features.

Marketing tech

fromMarTech

As AI does more of the work, are we building the right leaders? | MarTech

AI is transforming marketing analysis but may obscure foundational issues that affect decision-making.

Social media marketing

Why Public Speaking Beats Publishing In The AI Era

Creating content is easier than ever, but standing out requires unique voices and effective public speaking.

Searching for Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs advised Tim Cook to find his own path while his principles continue to guide Apple.

The Simple Strategy That Made Steve Jobs So Good At Explaining Complex Ideas

Steve Jobs effectively used analogies to simplify complex technology and enhance understanding among customers and stakeholders.

Apple

fromIntelligencer

Searching for Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs advised Tim Cook to find his own path while his principles continue to guide Apple.

The Simple Strategy That Made Steve Jobs So Good At Explaining Complex Ideas

Steve Jobs effectively used analogies to simplify complex technology and enhance understanding among customers and stakeholders.

more#steve-jobs

Growth hacking

Tech creators are getting the star treatment at a new talent management firm

Tech creators are being prioritized by brands, with new management firms like Kernel Management emerging to support their growth and partnerships.

Podcast

Exclusive: Beehiiv expands into podcasting, taking aim at Patreon | TechCrunch

Beehiiv introduces native podcast hosting, allowing creators to host, distribute, and monetize podcasts directly on the platform.

Startup funding shatters all records in Q1 | TechCrunch

Global startup investment reached $297 billion in Q1 2026, driven by four record-breaking deals, significantly surpassing previous funding levels.

Wearables

fromGadgets 360

Nothing Could Launch AI Smart Glasses, New Earbuds in Expansion Push

Nothing is developing AI-powered smart glasses and earbuds, focusing on personalized experiences rather than full augmented reality capabilities.

Law

fromAbove the Law

Jordan Furlong's TECHSHOW Keynote: The Lawyers Who Will Thrive In The New World Order Will Be Entrepreneurs - And Humans - Above the Law

Building strong, trusted relationships with clients is essential for success in an AI-driven legal landscape.

AI Startups Are Battling for Fresh Tech Talent, Offering Up to $400,000 Salaries and Big Bonus Packages to New Grads

AI startups are raising base salaries to attract top talent, with median pay for software engineers now at $200,000.

2 weeks ago

I've Built Startups for 40 Years. AI Just Flipped Everything I Know

Experienced founders must adapt their business fundamentals to AI's unique technical complexity, as traditional startup patterns prove insufficient in this emerging field.

AI Startups Are Battling for Fresh Tech Talent, Offering Up to $400,000 Salaries and Big Bonus Packages to New Grads

AI startups are raising base salaries to attract top talent, with median pay for software engineers now at $200,000.

2 weeks ago

I've Built Startups for 40 Years. AI Just Flipped Everything I Know

Experienced founders must adapt their business fundamentals to AI's unique technical complexity, as traditional startup patterns prove insufficient in this emerging field.

more#ai-startups

Social media marketing

7 Ways Entrepreneurs Can Build Trust In Their Personal Brands

Trust is crucial for building a personal brand online, as many consumers are skeptical of social media information.

Business

from24/7 Wall St.

3Fourteen's Pies: AI and semis are 'where the underlying strength is'

The semiconductor sector is experiencing unprecedented demand driven by AI and data center growth.

StrictlyVC San Francisco is in less than a month | TechCrunch

Nicolas Sauvage, president of TDK Ventures, will explain the unique operations of corporate VCs and what founders should know about attracting investment.

Venture

fromEsquire

Tim Cook (Still) Believes in Crazy Ideas

The man's voice is menacing, and British, as he says, 'Today we celebrate the first glorious anniversary of the Information Purification Directives' in a 'garden of pure ideology, where each worker may bloom secure from the pests obeying contradictory thoughts.'

Apple

fromwww.cnbc.com

Careers

AI can't replace these 5 skills, says LinkedIn CEO: 'Young people' need them now

Human skills, particularly curiosity and courage, are essential in navigating the evolving job market influenced by AI.

Bootstrapping

6 days ago

The Shift Every Founder Must Make to Achieve Exponential Growth

Founders must transition from instinct-driven habits to structured systems for scaling their businesses effectively.

7 hours ago

'AI-pilled' engineers are working harder and burning out faster, Django co-creator says

AI tools can increase productivity but may also lead to mental exhaustion for users.

from24/7 Wall St.

Semianalysis CEO: Adobe faces existential threat from AI commoditization

Loyalty to Adobe is waning as users question the necessity of subscriptions amid rising competition and lower editing costs.

Netflix Cofounder Reed Hastings Learned An Unconventional Leadership Lesson From His First Boss, Who Washed Office Coffee Cups At 4:30 A.M.

Reed Hastings learned a leadership lesson from CEO Barry Plotkin, who washed his coffee cups to demonstrate humility and support for his team.

#founders

Startup companies

As a VC, I Can Predict a Startup's Success in Minutes - And It Comes Down to 3 Traits (Not the Deck)

Founders who demonstrate clarity, context, and chemistry can effectively navigate chaos and drive business growth.

6 days ago

AI Founders Are Chasing The Wrong Thing

Identifying binding constraints is crucial for founders to optimize progress and avoid distractions from less significant issues.

As a VC, I Can Predict a Startup's Success in Minutes - And It Comes Down to 3 Traits (Not the Deck)

Founders who demonstrate clarity, context, and chemistry can effectively navigate chaos and drive business growth.

6 days ago

AI Founders Are Chasing The Wrong Thing

Identifying binding constraints is crucial for founders to optimize progress and avoid distractions from less significant issues.

Cursor CEO warns vibe coding builds 'shaky foundations' and eventually 'things start to crumble' | Fortune

AI is transforming programming by enabling end-to-end tasks, but caution is needed to avoid 'vibe coding' pitfalls.

3 insights into the future of business from Steven Bartlett

"I'm not [hiring] anyone in between," he says, noting that he recently spoke with a promising candidate who said she'd not used Claude Code-nor had she built anything with agents. She didn't get the job.

Careers

5 days ago

Here is what 3 AI startup CEOs say they're looking for when deciding to hire a candidate

AI startup CEOs prioritize adaptability and genuine excitement about technology over traditional qualifications when hiring.

fromnews.bitcoin.com

The Future of Work: Human API Enables Real-Time Collaboration Between Humans and AI

Human API launches a mobile app enabling global contributors to earn income by providing speech data for AI tasks.

fromwww.morningstar.com

Communication Services: Alphabet and Meta's Moats Remain Despite Escalating AI Investments

Alphabet and Meta maintain strong positions despite AI investment risks, with ad revenue growth expected to continue due to improved targeting and user engagement.

fromSan Jose Spotlight

fromHarvard Business Review

Silicon Valley's tech world takes center stage in state politics - San Jose Spotlight

In the 17th Congressional District, incumbent Rep. Ro Khanna is facing a challenge from tech founder Ethan Agarwal, a fellow Democrat. Agarwal is an opponent of the ballot initiative to levy a one-time, 5% wealth tax on Californians with more than $1 billion in assets.

Silicon Valley

#ai-adoption

Artificial intelligence

Strategy Summit 2026: Who's Going to Succeed with AI?

The starkly uneven reality of enterprise AI adoption

AI adoption varies significantly within and across organizations, with some teams advancing rapidly while others lag behind.

AI is splitting companies into two groups

Enterprises face varied AI adoption rates, with successful operationalization dependent on adaptable engineering teams.

fromHarvard Business Review

Strategy Summit 2026: Who's Going to Succeed with AI?

Successful AI adopters distinguish themselves through culture, addressing the productivity gap created by AI.

The starkly uneven reality of enterprise AI adoption

AI adoption varies significantly within and across organizations, with some teams advancing rapidly while others lag behind.

AI is splitting companies into two groups

Enterprises face varied AI adoption rates, with successful operationalization dependent on adaptable engineering teams.

Looking for a co-founder? Don't draw from this pool

Choosing cofounders based on familiarity can lead to lower exit valuations and poorer performance outcomes for startups.

fromZDNET

The overselling of AI - and how to resist it

AI coding models succeed less than 23% of the time in real production code.

fromHarvard Business Review

Don't Let AI Destroy the Skills That Make Your Company Competitive

AI can enhance performance but risks undermining an organization's unique identity and adaptability.

from24/7 Wall St.

Why the Indiscriminate Carnage in Software Might Be a Once-in-a-Decade Gift for Tech Bulls

Market volatility affects stock prices, particularly in SaaS companies, amid rising oil prices and the impact of AI on the workforce.