
37 segments available
We’ve landed. After 3 months of stealth mode, sneak-peeks, and surprise announcements, we have finally hit launch day. In this special episode of Infinite Loops, hosted by Patrick O’Shaughnessy, Jim chats through the rationale behind founding OSV, the positive impact he wants it to have on the world, and the ways you can get involved. Want the 5 min summary? We got you covered https://youtu.be/5IuDT89pdvw Important Links: - OSV’s Website - https://osv.llc/ - Jim’s Twitter - https://twitter.com/jposhaughnessy Show Notes: [00:01:15] - The origins of OSV [00:07:05] - Why OSV does not invest third parties’ money [00:11:50] - The story of Jim’s Stability AI investment [00:26:25] - What has surprised Jim the most about the world of AI [00:34:09] - The four verticals of OSV [00:49:40] - Assembling the OSV team [00:54:57] - OSV’s objective function [01:01:41] - Where the majority of Jim’s energy will be directed [01:07:42] - How you can get involved with OSV If you're a creator, you'll relate to this one: https://youtu.be/JLqhbBg0h3U
Jim O'Shaughnessy introduces the special edition of Infinite Loops, marking the launch of O'Shaughnessy Ventures (OSV). He discusses the unique relationship with his son Patrick, who is hosting the episode, and sets the stage for a deep dive into the vision and origins of OSV, emphasizing the importance of their separate yet overlapping interests.
"well hello everyone it's Jim O'Shaughnessy with another edition of infinite loops wait a minute this is the special edition that is meant to coincide with the launch of O'Shaughnessy Ventures and the ..."
Jim elaborates on the foundational ideas behind O'Shaughnessy Ventures, revealing that the concept has been in his mind for over a decade. He shares his passion for technology and storytelling through film, and how OSV aims to capitalize on asymmetric opportunities in a rapidly changing world, especially post-pandemic.
"sure and thank you for guest hosting for me I really appreciate it I'll send you my bill um so O'Shaughnessy Ventures has been something that has been uh like in my mind for probably the last 10 years..."
Jim discusses the collapse of traditional business models and the emergence of new ones, which he refers to as 'The Great Reshuffle.' He emphasizes the need for innovative approaches in venture capital and how OSV plans to adapt to these changes, aiming to redefine the playbook for future investments.
"I want to do this this is something that is very meaningful to me and you know the opportunity to demonstrate that there you know the world we live in is kind of magical in a way and you know the drum..."
Jim reflects on his experience as a fiduciary and the implications of managing other people's money versus using his own capital. He explains how this shift allows him greater freedom to pursue unconventional investments, such as his involvement with Stability AI, and the advantages of a more liberated investment strategy.
"as the new playbook and run it you and I have spent our whole careers as fiduciaries managing other people's money and that's still all of my time I'm really curious to hear your decision around wheth..."
Jim shares the story of his investment in Stability AI, detailing how he discovered the opportunity and the rationale behind it. He discusses the significance of AI as a transformative technology and the potential it holds for future innovation, highlighting the importance of open AI models in fostering creativity.
"will um and that's one of the aspects of this that excites me the most because uh we're going to run a fellowship it's going to be a hundred thousand for a year and the person who gets that Fellowship..."
Jim emphasizes the need for cognitive diversity in the AI space and the potential for a Cambrian explosion of creativity following the launch of open AI models. He discusses the rapid growth of applications utilizing Stability AI's tools and his belief that AI must serve humanity by harnessing the talents of diverse individuals worldwide.
"talk come back to the fellowships and and some of the other ideas in a minute but since that one has already happened it's in motion it's in progress It's been an interesting story obviously a huge a ..."
Jim reflects on the limitations of human foresight in predicting technological advancements. He draws parallels to historical examples, emphasizing the importance of humility in understanding the future of AI and the necessity for diverse input from a wide range of contributors.
"applications not just in generative art but across the Spectrum using the tools of the stable diffusion model so I passionately believe that for AI to serve us humans we need as many humans having inp..."
In this segment, Jim shares his proactive approach to contributing to the AI landscape. He discusses his decision to invest in Stability AI after thorough due diligence, highlighting the liberating aspect of being able to support initiatives he believes in without needing to justify them to others.
"which for much of human history that was pretty true given the the very static nature of many societies so this is a classic example of a I want open AI to win and so I kind of take a stoic mindset ab..."
Jim acknowledges the risks associated with entering the AI space, including competition from well-funded rivals. He emphasizes the learning experience gained from being deeply involved in the process, regardless of the outcome, and expresses optimism about the potential benefits of AI for humanity.
"literally I met Iman the founder and spent the entire day with him in New York and said okay I'm in um and that's a great example back to the fiduciary now we had done a lot of due diligence on him an..."
Jim discusses the transformative potential of generative AI for individuals who may not have traditional artistic skills. He shares a personal anecdote about a friend who found joy in using AI to create, reinforcing his belief that AI will enhance rather than stifle human creativity.
"so risky sure absolutely uh but I think you know just what I even if this thing entirely fails and it zeros out what I will have learned from being involved deeply in this process I'm the executive ch..."
In this segment, Jim outlines how AI can revolutionize scientific research by analyzing past studies and generating null sets. He discusses the potential for AI to uncover valuable insights and facilitate groundbreaking discoveries that could improve human health and longevity.
"can't do any of these things but when I get the tools that I can use imagine me you know about a story treatment that I have that I've had forever and your sister wants to help on it's called the trus..."
Jim emphasizes the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives in AI development. He argues that AI should be programmed in multiple languages and reflect a variety of cultural narratives, which can lead to richer insights and a more inclusive understanding of human experiences.
"what's right what's but then secondly um people you know human OS what if I said to you hey Patrick I want you to devote two years of your life to a hypothesis that we know is going to be a null set y..."
Jim shares his surprising experiences as a board member of Stability AI, noting the influx of talented individuals from major tech companies who are motivated by a desire to contribute positively to society. He reflects on the effectiveness of open architecture in fostering innovation.
"and like that to me that is what I find just so incredibly exciting final thing there we also believe that right now ai has a very Western bias um essentially you know the weirdest people in the world..."
In this concluding segment, Jim discusses the benefits of cognitive diversity in AI development. He shares an example of a successful project that emerged from a unique idea, reinforcing the notion that innovation often comes from unexpected sources and collaborative efforts.
"you the most but I'm good bad I'm sure you want to take it I'll I'll tell you what surprised me the most uh and it actually is a really good thing I had a pretty cynical view of big Tech um because yo..."
In this segment, Jim shares his belief that creativity is not limited by formal education or credentials. He recounts a story about a billionaire who revolutionized AI data infrastructure through innovative thinking. Jim argues that inclusivity in creative fields allows diverse talents to contribute, leading to groundbreaking advancements and collaborations.
"variety of people working on the problem because again this guy or woman is really good at identifying I'll give you an example so when I went to London I won't name him but I met this charming young ..."
Jim reveals his surprise at the positive reception of AI tools among artists, contrary to his expectations. He explains how many artists are opting in to use AI as a collaborative tool that enhances their creativity. This segment highlights the evolving relationship between human creativity and machine assistance, showcasing the potential for improved artistic expression.
"as you know I I just think trying to like say no you can't do that because you know you don't have the right degree or you're not from the right University or whatever um creativity doesn't need any o..."
Jim outlines the vision for OSV's first vertical, Infinite Films, which aims to produce inspirational movies. He shares the story of a documentary project about a remarkable individual who overcame adversity. This segment emphasizes the importance of storytelling in inspiring others and the innovative approach OSV will take in film production.
"January 1st of 2023. maybe Orient people by giving them a snapshot of what osv will look like on 1123 approximately sure and talk about and then at a high level talk about what will happen in the next..."
In this segment, Jim details the inspiring life of David Rooney, who rose from a challenging background to achieve success. Jim discusses the documentary's goal to showcase Rooney's journey and inspire others facing similar struggles. This narrative highlights the potential for storytelling to motivate and uplift individuals from all walks of life.
"starting with infinite films it's the first vertical that was because as you know I love movies um I've been discussed it with the fact that Hollywood doesn't make Rudy anymore it really bothers me th..."
Jim shares his vision for a new model of work where individuals pursue multiple careers and collaborations. He introduces the concept of 'The Swarm,' emphasizing the need for a flexible and inclusive approach to filmmaking. This segment explores how OSV will empower young creatives by providing funding and ownership opportunities in their projects.
"kind of a savant for cryptology and so they assigned him to the NSA he broke one of the first big cyber cases he was the only guy on the team who didn't have a PhD and all the phds were like what are ..."
Jim discusses OSV's commitment to creating win-win scenarios in film production. He explains how the traditional Hollywood system often limits opportunities for newcomers. This segment outlines OSV's strategy to provide young filmmakers with credits and ownership stakes, fostering a new generation of storytellers in the industry.
"days of people staying at the same firm and getting a gold watch are done I think people are going to have multiple careers with multiple groups and so that's the way I call it the Swarm right so we n..."
In this segment, Jim elaborates on OSV's plans for the Infinite Media vertical, focusing on creating alternative media opportunities. He discusses the potential for aggregating podcasts and supporting unique content creators. This vision aims to disrupt traditional media models and provide sustainable income for diverse voices in the industry.
"because the Hollywood system is still kind of like a medieval Guild Association they get something maybe even more valuable to them and that is the credit as you know you got to have three appearances..."
Jim reflects on the original concept of venture capital as 'adventure capital.' He shares OSV's mission to fund innovative projects that challenge the status quo. This segment emphasizes the excitement of supporting groundbreaking ideas and the importance of fostering a culture of exploration and creativity in business.
"um but again super exciting because it'll give me the tools for all these ideas that I've had plus all the other brilliant people with great stories out there uh the next vertical is infinite media um..."
Jim introduces OSV's fellowship program aimed at supporting passionate innovators from diverse backgrounds. He discusses the importance of connecting talented individuals with funding to pursue their ideas. This segment highlights OSV's commitment to nurturing curiosity and creativity, ultimately leading to impactful projects and companies.
"going to be opportunities to like roll up some podcasts not in a venture methodology but more like a bond like I think we can put together a package of podcasts and make offers to the podcaster where ..."
Jim discusses the innovative fellowship model inspired by the myth of Atlantis, where 12 explorers were sent out into the world. He outlines how OSV plans to fund 12 fellowships, each providing $100,000 for a year, aimed at fostering original ideas and learning from mistakes. This initiative seeks to connect passionate thinkers with the resources they need to pursue their innovative projects.
"explain it to their LPS so that's kind of the business model there um and then we're doing these things that are based on um I was reading about Atlantis and I think um Francis Bacon's book uh which w..."
In this segment, Jim emphasizes the importance of supporting innovative thinkers who lack the financial means to pursue their passions. He shares his vision of providing scholarships and fellowships to individuals bursting with ideas, enabling them to focus on their work without the burden of financial constraints. This approach aims to enrich the OSV network and potentially lead to groundbreaking companies.
"right like I'm sure that there's somebody in Nairobi who wants to study molecular biology I'd love to give her a scholarship uh or a fellowship because there are so many people that have that are burs..."
Jim reflects on the value of transparency and learning from failures in the investment world. He shares personal anecdotes about past mistakes and how they have shaped his understanding of business. By openly discussing failures, he aims to foster a culture of learning within OSV, highlighting that mistakes are essential for growth and innovation.
"going to see originally there'll be new stuff coming in and like one of the other things we're going to do is we're going to be very transparent about our mistakes so if we have an investment that goe..."
In this segment, Jim outlines his philosophy on building a strong team for OSV. He discusses the importance of sourcing talent through their web presence and open applications, emphasizing the need for skilled individuals to drive the company's various verticals. Jim shares insights on how he plans to attract young filmmakers and innovators to join the OSV mission.
"some of we saw before the fall um and I got a huge offer from a big Wall Street bank and I turned it down because you know I knew that I could get it from the pure internet guys and uh I'm gonna take ..."
Jim explains how OSV's web presence will be crucial for sourcing talent and building a community. He shares the initial success of their landing page, which generated significant interest and applications. This segment highlights the strategy of leveraging digital platforms to attract creative individuals and foster collaboration within the OSV ecosystem.
"what is your philosophy here on how to assemble a team anything unique that you're doing here borrowing from past experience where to find these people yeah talk us through like who who osv will be ye..."
Jim discusses the importance of validating his hypothesis about attracting high-quality talent to OSV. He outlines the plan to test and refine their approach based on the outcomes of their initial projects. This segment emphasizes the iterative nature of building a successful venture and the need for adaptability in the face of new insights.
"our people so infinite films when we have the website we're gonna advertise are you a director are you a screenwriter are you all of these things and it's our experience in other things where we've lo..."
In this segment, Jim elaborates on the multiple objectives driving OSV's mission. He expresses his belief in free markets and the importance of generating returns while also focusing on personal fulfillment and societal impact. Jim shares his vision of using the success of OSV to fund innovative projects that improve lives and expand opportunities for those previously boxed out.
"somebody to run each of these verticals because as you know running several Enterprises you got to have somebody who's in charge of the nuts and bolts but first I gotta prove my hypothesis that I'm go..."
Jim introduces the concept of the O'Shaughnessy Institute, a long-held dream aimed at addressing mind-body issues through innovative solutions. He discusses the potential of AI, virtual reality, and psychedelics in this endeavor, highlighting the importance of research and collaboration in finding effective treatments. This segment captures Jim's passion for making a meaningful impact on mental health and well-being.
"fellows I mean if you're ambitious you're going to apply for a hundred thousand dollar free money uh Fellowship where you get to work on anything you want to work on um so in fact we've already been l..."
Jim concludes by expressing his excitement about the future and the potential for innovation to improve lives. He reflects on the changing landscape of opportunities and the importance of creating a more inclusive network. This segment encapsulates Jim's commitment to leveraging his resources and experiences to foster a better world for future generations.
"goes and they had Millennia and failed every single time he said there was only one system that actually delivered on its promise and that was the free market um I believe because it's most in line wi..."
Jim reflects on the exciting journey ahead with O'Shaughnessy Ventures, highlighting his focus on adventure capital and filmmaking. He expresses enthusiasm for learning and experimenting with new ideas, emphasizing the importance of taking action to bring innovative concepts to life.
"Mind Body problems and they there's an epidemic like literally if you look at the math how much it costs just the us alone for lost time at work for all of these things and the suffering having had a ..."
Jim discusses his collaboration with David, who aims to promote financial literacy among people of color. He shares his excitement about using his platform to amplify David's message and help him connect with a broader audience, showcasing the potential for positive impact through education.
"kind of tasting menu of of different Pursuits that's a great question um I think originally the two that are going to take my most of my time and attention are the adventure Capital side um and oddly ..."
In this segment, Jim reflects on the interplay of luck and personal agency in achieving success. He emphasizes the importance of taking action on ideas and not relying solely on luck, sharing his belief that everyone has the potential to make a difference if they actively pursue their passions.
"great outcome so those two are going to probably take the most of my time at least for the first couple of years then ultimately just like what's going to be the greatest joy the greatest joy is just ..."
Jim invites listeners to engage with O'Shaughnessy Ventures by exploring the new website and applying for various opportunities. He encourages individuals to take action, whether through fellowships or collaborations, and highlights the importance of curating valuable content for the community.
"what animates me is I think that we are over the next five to ten years like Robber Baron fortunes are going to be made with new companies that have very little to do with the old company or the old P..."
Jim discusses the significance of curation in sharing valuable ideas and resources. He emphasizes the need for authenticity in recommendations and invites listeners to explore the curated content on the O'Shaughnessy Ventures platform, encouraging them to take action and engage with the community.
"doesn't matter I know so many rich people who accomplish nothing nothing because why should they I got money well I just I'm not interested in money I'm interested money's technology and and it can he..."