The Morins and Lessins discuss the urgent questions Hamas’ terrorism against Israel raises for tech companies. Plus, how leaders should—and should not—respond to the attacks.

Show Notes

[0:00] Intro

[0:36] Opening Discussion

[2:03] It is a very important and troubling time in the world. Sharing some of our thoughts as a group.

[2:10] Impossible to not talk about the Israel and Hamas situation.

[2:15] We are not a political podcast nor are we political experts. We are tech people.

[2:25] This podcast is going to be about the tech side of it and the important tech stories about it. 

[2:30] We are floored and upset. The situation with Hamas is beyond comprehension. They are a terrorist organization. What they’ve done, the atrocities, are beyond pale.

[2:49] We wish the Israeli people the best in doing the extremely painful and hard work ahead. Which clearly has to be done. 

[3:03] On the tech front, 3 things on the agenda to talk about:

1. Funding and LPs in this era: As a company or a fund how do you think about who’s funding you and who you’re funding in light of the geopolitical situation?

2. Social Networks and News: Section 230, the US election in 14 months, AI is now a thing. 

3. Tech Leaders and the interesting thing about who can say what on the internet.

[4:46] Debate about tech leaders' statements on the situation. Note of the lack of strong condemnation of Hamas among tech leaders.

[13:15] Suggestion that tech leaders may be hesitant to speak out strongly due to security concerns.

[15:52] Debate on social networks, news, misinformation, and AI. Prediction that Section 230 is dead.

[19:47] Losing the "town square" into encrypted group chats and why social media will never be the same.

[26:25] Idea that an alternative social network for “actual relationships” should exist.

[27:23] Proposal that we go back to where we were before: “don’t trust the network, trust the individual.”

[27:36] Idea to build clubs of trust and community among Celebrity Influencers to protect the commons.

[28:40] Is there an opportunity for quality journalism?

[28:54] Skepticism that news organizations can regain trust due to business model issues. 

[30:33] The Rock is the answer.

[30:46] Discussion on founders, VCs, and LPs in this era. Who are you ok making money for? 

[34:53] Agreement that transparency enables the individual founder or venture capitalist to make their own decisions about who they’re making money for. 

[36:31] Note that pushing VCs for transparency has worked for issues like diversity. California signed a law this week.

[38:32] Wrap Up