Podcast Episode with Elad Gil

Introduction

• Elad Gil, a prolific angel investor with investments in over 40 billion-dollar companies.
• Early investments in companies like Airbnb, Airtable, Retool, and Rippling.
• Former entrepreneur; acquired by Twitter; early employee at Google.
• Has been involved in longevity and AI before they were mainstream.
• Discusses his investment strategy, current projects, and life advice.

Investment Strategy

• Success Factors:
  • Lucky timing; started investing during opportune times for SaaS, consumer markets, and AI.
  • Market-first approach: Emphasizes market potential over founders.
  • Technology-focused: Stays ahead by following tech trends and changes.
• Key Examples:
  • Early in generative AI companies (Perplexity, Harvey) before they became trends.
  • Focus on markets where big tech is absent, e.g., defense tech after Google shut down Maven.

Transition to Professional Investing

• Initially invested his own money until it ran out.
• Began raising small SPVs, which evolved into full funds.
• Utilizes a layered approach combining personal investments, fund investments, and SPVs.
• Maintains a small team to focus on building and tech exploration.

Projects and Ideas

• Translating classic books into multiple languages using AI.
• Working on side projects that utilize AI and technology in innovative ways.
• Interested in launching a K-12 school inspired by ancient Greek education, focusing on reasoning, logic, and foundational skills.

Longevity and Healthcare

• Interested in longevity; early investor in BioAge.
• BioAge focuses on drugs targeting longevity and aging.
• Discusses the lack of funding and regulatory challenges in aging research.
• References various aging theories and current research advancements.

Thoughts on Business and Investment

• Discusses metrics for investment success: societal impact and engagement with significant technology companies.
• Emphasizes the importance of understanding the core element of a business rather than being distracted by peripheral factors.
• Uses examples like Stripe and Anduril to illustrate focus on core business insights.

Personal Philosophy and Lifestyle

• Gil’s motivation is more societal impact than financial gain.
• Advocates for immersive travel and learning experiences.
• Believes in the importance of technology as a lever on the world.

Monument Project

• Interested in creating modern monuments to inspire and promote progress.
• Seeks to collaborate with local communities to build meaningful structures.
• Desires to rekindle society’s interest in creating large-scale inspiring art and architecture.

Conclusion

• Importance of an open mind in investing.
• Encourages building and creating new things as the way forward.
• Available on Twitter for further engagement.