More or Less30 Jun 2023

#4: MMA, M&A and Misfits; Silicon Valley's weird cultural moment

The Morins and the Lessins debate the question of how much of a "misfit" you have to be to win in tech and whether or not the M&A market will coming roaring back. Plus, "More or Less" lightning round on the Musk v. Zuckerberg cage match.

Discussed:

https://www.theinformation.com/articles/musk-v-zuckerberg-and-silicon-valleys-dangerous-road
https://www.wsj.com/articles/silicon-valley-microdosing-ketamine-lsd-magic-mushrooms-d381e214

https://michaelafreemanmd.com/Research.html

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/psilocybin-treatment-for-major-depression-effective-for-up-to-a-year-for-most-patients-study-shows
https://www.theinformation.com/articles/a-long-strange-trip-for-the-uber-for-nurses?rc=hwneun

Show Notes:

00:01 Databricks buying Mosaic for $1B - The group discusses the deal, with Britt arguing it signals a return of M&A activity. Others are more cautious, saying one deal does not make a trend. They debate if deals are coming back.

07:12 Drug use and mental health in Silicon Valley - There are differing views on neurodivergence in founders and the role of drugs. Dave argues most founders suffer from mental health issues and need tools to manage it. Others debate the line between creativity and responsibility.

25:18 "Crazy founder" narrative - They debate whether founders need to be "crazy" or "misfits" to succeed. Jessica argues the narrative excludes many potential founders and is problematic. Sam says most founders are "crazy" because they don't fit into normal jobs.

34:06 Elon vs Zuckerberg "fight" - While finding the potential fight silly, they see it as a symptom of lack of clear direction in tech culture currently. Brit argues women founders would never do something so ridiculous.

Brought To You By:

⁠⁠The Information⁠⁠

⁠⁠Slow Ventures⁠⁠

⁠⁠Offline Ventures⁠

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