a16z general partner David Haber spoke with Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon and a16z cofounder Ben Horowitz on the current macro environment, enterprise AI adoption, and crypto and AI policy. Solomon describes what he calls the "sweetest spot" he's seen in 40 years and explains Goldman's "One GS 3.0" initiative to reimagine core processes with AI. Horowitz discusses why "leads aren't what they once were" in AI and how a16z grew from a startup VC to capturing 18% of all US venture capital. Read the full transcript here: https://www.a16z.news/s/podcast Timestamps: 00:00 — Introduction 02:09 — Goldman's Evolution from Partnership to Public Company 08:54 — How a16z Went from Top Tier to 18% of All US Venture Capital 15:33 — "As Sweet a Spot" as Solomon Has Seen in 40 Years 19:00 — M&A Outlook: "Whatever the Question Is, the Answer Is Maybe" 21:33 — Why Leads Aren't What They Once Were in AI 23:03 — Crypto Policy: The Genius Act and Clarity Act 25:24 — AI Policy: "Don't Regulate Math" 28:03 — One GS 3.0: Reimagining Processes with AI 32:54 — Will AI Agents Change Investing? 34:00 — Favorite DJ Resources: Follow David Solomon on X: https://twitter.com/DavidSolomon Follow Ben Horowitz on X: https://twitter.com/bhorowitz Follow David Haber on X: https://twitter.com/dhaber Stay Updated: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share with your friends! Find a16z on X: https://twitter.com/a16z Find a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16z Listen to the a16z Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5bC65RDvs3oxnLyqqvkUYX Listen to the a16z Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a16z-podcast/id842818711 Follow our host: https://x.com/eriktorenberg Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see http://a16z.com/disclosures.
David Solomon, who took over as CEO of Goldman Sachs in 2018, talked about his career and the role of timing and luck at this View From The Top event. After finishing his undergraduate degree, Solomon didn’t know what he wanted to do. Following the direction of some of his friends, he got into banking and was surprised by how much he loved the field. "It’s a long journey – the fulfillment and the success come from the journey, not from thinking that you have it all figured out." Solomon also shared why he believes in bringing his full self to work and how that value has helped him steer the organization in a new, and, for a bank, a radical direction. Solomon was interviewed by Michael Lewis, MBA ‘20.