What if now is the best time in decades to start a company? In this episode, taken from Speedrun, a16z’s accelerator for early-stage founders, Marc Andreessen joins games General Partner Jonathan Lai to make the case that we’re entering a once-in-a-generation window for innovation. From the rise of AI to the cultural and policy shifts reshaping the global economy, Marc explains why the next four years present a rare opportunity for builders to seize the moment. Along the way, they discuss market timing, platform shifts, and what sets successful founders apart - including lessons from Steve Jobs, insights into AI’s impact on storytelling and games, and why being “too early” can feel just like being wrong.
What if now is the best time in decades to start a company?
In this episode, taken from Speedrun, a16z’s accelerator for early-stage founders, Marc Andreessen joins games General Partner Jonathan Lai to make the case that we’re entering a once-in-a-generation window for innovation. From the rise of AI to the cultural and policy shifts reshaping the global economy, Marc explains why the next four years present a rare opportunity for builders to seize the moment.
Along the way, they discuss market timing, platform shifts, and what sets successful founders apart - including lessons from Steve Jobs, insights into AI’s impact on storytelling and games, and why being “too early” can feel just like being wrong.
Timecodes
0:00 Lessons from Steve Jobs on Leadership & Innovation
2:27 The AI Boom: How It’s Changing Everything
5:52 Market Timing: The #1 Factor in Startup Success
8:13 Why the Next 4 Years Are Critical for Tech
11:30 AI & The Future of Gaming, Storytelling & Virtual Worlds
14:28 Why Some Startups Fail While Others Explode
17:11 The Role of Founders in the AI Era
Resources:
Find Marc on X: https://x.com/pmarca
Find Jonathan on X: https://x.com/Tocelot
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