E23: Hard Tech Pivots, Potato Investing, and When to Enforce the Law

On this week's episode of The Riff, Erik and Byrne discuss pivots in hard tech, cybersecurity and privacy, and the considerations in how often to enforce the law. For listeners watching the video, please note that Erik’s video recording dropped out towards the end of the episode. We hope you enjoy the conversation nonetheless. --- This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at [email protected]. --- RECOMMENDED PODCAST: Autopilot explores the adoption and rollout of AI in the industries that drive the economy and the dynamic founders bringing rapid change to slow-moving industries. From law, to hardware, to aviation, Will Summerlin interviews founders backed by Benchmark, Greylock, and more to learn how they're automating at the frontiers in entrenched industries. Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YQZkKHN7EP2yWedAvSxBC?si=18377c69a2804333 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/autopilot-with-will-summerlin/id1738163836 --- Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (00:29) Hard tech pivots (04:55) Software changes the shape of innovation (08:19) Open source and closed source security models (16:14) AI regulation predictions (18:34) Google's AI monetization (24:24) Why did tech hedge funds invest in a potato company? (28:07) Good customer service is a negative signal for a country’s economic status (34:48) The data business at three resolutions (41:31) Crime prevention and surveillance (44:57) Should we fully enforce the law? (53:49) Wrap --- LINKS: Byrne’s writing: thediff.co --- X / TWITTER: @eriktorenberg (Erik) @byrnehobart (Byrne) @turpentinemedia (Turpentine) --- For guest or sponsorship inquiries please contact [email protected]