FYI - For Your Innovation

In this episode of FYI, ARK Chief Futurist Brett Winton and ARK Associate Portfolio Manager Nicholas Grous engage with Harley Finkelstein, President of Shopify, to explore the transformative role of technology and AI in empowering entrepreneurship and shaping the future of commerce. Harley highlights Shopify’s commitment to leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs worldwide, from its origins as an e-commerce platform to its evolution as a comprehensive retail operating system. They explore how Shopify is enabling seamless global commerce, leveraging generative AI for merchant success, and fostering innovation through partnerships and ecosystem development. Harley also shares insights into the increasing democratization of entrepreneurship, the rise of agentic shopping behavior, and the company’s vision of creating tools that scale with businesses, from startups to iconic global brands.

• Shopify's growth highlights from Q3, including 24% gross merchandise value (GMV) growth and expanded free cash flow margins.
• The rise of entrepreneurship globally and Shopify's role in fostering it across diverse industries and geographies.
• Shopify’s strategy in supporting both small businesses and large enterprises without compromising on its core values.
• The critical role of AI in reducing barriers for entrepreneurs, from product photography to customer interaction.
• The emergence of agentic shopping behaviors powered by AI and Shopify’s tools like shop.ai to enhance customer experience.
• Strategic decisions in balancing in-house development versus partnerships with companies like Stripe, Affirm, and OpenAI.
• The importance of internationalization and customization in addressing consumer preferences in 175+ markets.
• Shopify’s transition from an e-commerce provider to a global retail operating system for businesses of all sizes.
• Success stories of merchants scaling with Shopify, from Gymshark to Mattel Creations and beyond.
• Shopify's vision for the future: democratizing access to tools historically reserved for the largest brands.

What does tokenization mean for the world? This week, Autonomous Technology and Robotics Director of Research Sam Korus and Associate Portfolio Manager Nicholas Grous are joined by ARK Research Associate Lorenzo Valente to discuss the recent developments in the tokenization of real-world assets, particularly through Tether's new platform, Hadron. The discussion highlights the significance of stablecoins in the global economy and their potential to democratize access to financial products. The second part of the conversation shifts to the rise of new social media platforms like Blue Sky and Threads, exploring their user engagement and the evolving landscape of real-time information sharing. 

If you know ARK, then you probably know about our long-term research projections, like estimating where we will be 5-10 years from now! But just because we are long-term investors, doesn’t mean we don’t have strong views and opinions on breaking news. In fact, we discuss and debate this every day. So now we’re sharing some of these internal discussions with you in our new video series, “The Brainstorm”, a co-production from ARK and Public.com. Tune in every week as we react to the latest in innovation. Here and there we’ll be joined by special guests, but ultimately this is our chance to join the conversation and share ARK’s quick takes on what’s going on in tech today.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Tether's Hadron platform aims to tokenize real-world assets.
• Stablecoins are becoming integral to the global economy.
• Blue Sky and Threads are emerging as competitors to X.

For more updates on Public.com:

Website: https://public.com/

YouTube: @publicinvest

Twitter: https://twitter.com/public

In this episode of FYI, ARK Chief Investment Strategist Dr. Charles Roberts and ARK Analyst Nemo Despot, PhD speak with David Baker, Nobel Prize-winning scientist and pioneer in protein engineering. Baker shares insights into his revolutionary work on Rosetta and the evolution of AI-driven protein design tools. With advances in technologies like RoseTTAFold and generative AI, he discusses how the field is moving towards designing proteins that can neutralize pathogens, catalyze chemical reactions, and potentially combat neurodegenerative diseases. Charlie and Nemo also examine the implications for healthcare, aging, and drug discovery as Baker envisions a future where synthetic biology and AI enable groundbreaking therapeutic options.

• Introduction of David Baker and his achievements in protein design and engineering.
• RoseTTAFold’s evolution and its role in advancing protein structure prediction.
• How protein design could impact healthcare and the development of new therapies.
• The use of generative AI and diffusion models in protein design for medical applications.
• Challenges of modeling protein function and dynamics with current AI models.
• Potential of AI-designed proteins in applications like cancer therapy and neurodegenerative diseases.
• The role of multiomic research in understanding causality and improving drug efficacy.
• The implications of synthetic molecular machines for nanotechnology.
• Integrating computational and experimental methods in protein engineering.
• Future directions for protein design in therapeutic development, including custom protein-based solutions for disease.

Are we entering an era of significant political and technological reform? This week, Autonomous Technology and Robotics Director of Research Sam Korus and Associate Portfolio Manager Nick Grous are joined by ARK CEO/CIO Cathie Wood to discuss the intersection of politics and technology, focusing on potential economic reforms under a new administration. The conversation also delves into the future of cryptocurrency, the implications of tariffs on the dollar, and the potential for a broadening market as innovation takes center stage.

If you know ARK, then you probably know about our long-term research projections, like estimating where we will be 5-10 years from now! But just because we are long-term investors, doesn’t mean we don’t have strong views and opinions on breaking news. In fact, we discuss and debate this every day. So now we’re sharing some of these internal discussions with you in our new video series, “The Brainstorm”, a co-production from ARK and Public.com. Tune in every week as we react to the latest in innovation. Here and there we’ll be joined by special guests, but ultimately this is our chance to join the conversation and share ARK’s quick takes on what’s going on in tech today.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Trump's experience may facilitate significant reforms.
• Regulatory changes could legitimize crypto assets.
• Technological advancements may lead to lower inflation and interest rates.

For more updates on Public.com:

Website: https://public.com/

YouTube: @publicinvest

Twitter: https://twitter.com/public

Can you imagine a future without Google? This week, Autonomous Technology and Robotics Director of Research Sam Korus and Associate Portfolio Manager Nick Grous are joined by ARK Chief Futurist Brett Winton to discuss the competitive landscape of AI search engines and the implications for Google, as well as the emerging business opportunities in curing rare diseases through innovative therapies.

If you know ARK, then you probably know about our long-term research projections, like estimating where we will be 5-10 years from now! But just because we are long-term investors, doesn’t mean we don’t have strong views and opinions on breaking news. In fact, we discuss and debate this every day. So now we’re sharing some of these internal discussions with you in our new video series, “The Brainstorm”, a co-production from ARK and Public.com. Tune in every week as we react to the latest in innovation. Here and there we’ll be joined by special guests, but ultimately this is our chance to join the conversation and share ARK’s quick takes on what’s going on in tech today.

Key Points From This Episode:

• The future of search may involve a shift to AI-driven operating systems.
• Google's search dominance is being challenged by AI competitors.
• AI search provides more text-rich responses compared to traditional link-based results.
• Insurers are willing to pay high prices for cures based on long-term savings.
• The market is underestimating the value of one-time treatments compared to ongoing therapies.

For more updates on Public.com:

Website: https://public.com/

YouTube: @publicinvest

Twitter: https://twitter.com/public

Since inception, ARK has researched and published thoughts on the cryptocurrency ecosystem within Big Ideas and through articles, whitepapers, monthly Bitcoin reports and podcasts. Now, in coordination with Bitcoin Park, ARK is pleased to introduce a monthly conversation with leaders in the Bitcoin space, to discuss everything happening in the rapidly-changing and still nascent Bitcoin ecosystem. Published through the For Your innovation podcast channels, this monthly series aims to be informative and enlightening, including experts with diverse viewpoints.

Guests on this month’s Bitcoin Brainstorm include:

Cathie Wood: Founder, CEO and CIO, ARK Invest

Grant Gilliam: Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Ten31

Barry Deen: CEO, Bitvora Inc.

Joe Kelly: Co-Founder and CEO, Unchained

Yassine Elmandjra: Director of Digital Assets, ARK Invest 

Rod Roudi: Co-Founder, Bitcoin Park

00:01:00 Rod introduces the Bitcoin Brainstorm and hands over the floor to each of our fantastic guests

00:04:09 bitcoin may be at all-time highs (as of October 30, 2024), but it seems like bitcoin attention is no longer at a fever pitch

00:12:10 What are the implications of financial regulation on innovation?

00:20:13 What are bitcoin infrastructure builders, and bitcoin entrepreneurs thinking about the current state of governmental regulation in the United States?

00:26:40 How are the various bitcoin companies converging and working together to accelerate innovation?

00:34:42 Why Layer 2s like the Lightning network are critical to advancing bitcoin adoption beyond a savings tool

00:41:41 The global adoption of bitcoin is still very low, and simply making it accessible can be its next leg of growth

00:53:14 Why does Barry have a saying “Everything is good for bitcoin”?

00:57:56 Why does Cathie believe accreditation rules in the United States are un-American?

00:59:42 What does the future of bitcoin hold and how might the election impact it?

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

Learn more about Bitcoin Park: bitcoinpark.com

Learn more about Bitcoin technology investment firm, Ten31: Ten31.vc

Learn more about Bitcoin and Lightning payments API, Bitvora: Bitvora.com

Learn more about Bitcoin native financial services company, Unchained Capital: Unchained.com

In this episode of FYI, Brett Winton and Charlie Roberts sit down with Sean McClain, CEO and founder of Absci, and Andreas Busch, Absci's Chief Innovation Officer, to explore how AI is transforming drug discovery and development, particularly in the biologic space. Sean shares how Absci is using AI to tackle the design problem in drug discovery, unlocking new possibilities for "undruggable" targets. Andreas provides insights into the challenges of translating these advancements into real-world therapies, drawing from his deep experience in Big Pharma. Together, they discuss the role of AI in reducing the time and cost of developing new therapies and its potential to reshape the pharmaceutical landscape.

• The role of AI in addressing previously "undruggable" targets like GPCRs and ion channels.
• How Absci’s AI-driven approach has shifted from synthetic biology to designing antibodies and biologics for drug discovery.
• The importance of leveraging partnerships with pharma companies like AstraZeneca and Merck to unlock novel biology.
• Andreas Busch’s transition from Big Pharma to Absci, emphasizing how smaller biotech companies attract top talent and foster innovation.
• AI’s role in shortening drug development timelines and reducing costs, allowing companies like Absci to develop differentiated assets faster.
• The blend of best-in-class and first-in-class strategies in Absci’s portfolio, balancing risks in novel biology and proven therapeutic areas.
• How AI models are used to design antibodies with specific affinities and predict drug candidates, a first in antibody drug design.
• The critical role of integrating domain expertise, such as Andreas’s experience in drug development, into AI-driven drug discovery.
• Insights on the future of AI in biology, predicting targets, epitopes, and potential breakthroughs in drug development.
• The importance of talent and culture in building cutting-edge biotech companies.

Will Tesla take over Uber? This week, Autonomous Technology and Robotics Director of Research Sam Korus and Associate Portfolio Manager Nick Grous are joined by ARK Director of Investment Analysis & Institutional Strategies Tasha Keeney to discuss Tesla's recent earnings call, highlighting the company's focus on cost reductions and future plans for autonomy and ride-hailing services. They also delve into the advancements in AI agents, particularly Anthropic's new capabilities, and the competitive landscape of AI technology. The conversation wraps up with insights into Meta's product developments and the evolving search engine market.

If you know ARK, then you probably know about our long-term research projections, like estimating where we will be 5-10 years from now! But just because we are long-term investors, doesn’t mean we don’t have strong views and opinions on breaking news. In fact, we discuss and debate this every day. So now we’re sharing some of these internal discussions with you in our new video series, “The Brainstorm”, a co-production from ARK and Public.com. Tune in every week as we react to the latest in innovation. Here and there we’ll be joined by special guests, but ultimately this is our chance to join the conversation and share ARK’s quick takes on what’s going on in tech today.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Tesla's earnings exceeded expectations due to aggressive cost reductions.
• The company is testing a ride-hail platform with plans to launch next year.
• Anthropic's AI models are leading in new capabilities for computer navigation.
• Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses are gaining significant market traction.

For more updates on Public.com:

Website: https://public.com/

YouTube: @publicinvest

Twitter: https://twitter.com/public

It’s a good week to be Elon Musk! This week, Autonomous Technology and Robotics Director of Research Sam Korus and Director Of Investment Analysis & Institutional Strategies Tasha Keeney discuss recent launch of Cybercab, and the successful landing of SpaceX’s starship rocket.

If you know ARK, then you probably know about our long-term research projections, like estimating where we will be 5-10 years from now! But just because we are long-term investors, doesn’t mean we don’t have strong views and opinions on breaking news. In fact, we discuss and debate this every day. So now we’re sharing some of these internal discussions with you in our new video series, “The Brainstorm”, a co-production from ARK and Public.com. Tune in every week as we react to the latest in innovation. Here and there we’ll be joined by special guests, but ultimately this is our chance to join the conversation and share ARK’s quick takes on what’s going on in tech today.

Key Points From This Episode:

• SpaceX successfully landed the booster of it’s Starship rocket on this 5th historic launch
• Tesla unveiled its Cybercab autonomous taxi and we discuss what it was like to ride in first hand

For more updates on Public.com:

Website: https://public.com/

YouTube: @publicinvest

Twitter: https://twitter.com/public

In this episode of FYI, Brett Winton, ARK's Chief Futurist, and Nemo Marjanovic, ARK's Multiomics Analyst, have an in-depth discussion with Professor Nikolai Slavov from Northeastern University. Professor Slalov is the Director of Parallel Squared Technology Institute (PTI). Together they explore the fascinating and complex world of multiomics, focusing on the importance of proteomics in understanding biological processes. Professor Slavov shares his insights on the technological advancements in single-cell proteomics, the challenges in measuring protein interactions, and the critical role of proteomics in drug development. The conversation also delves into the underfunded nature of proteomics research and its potential to revolutionize biopharma R&D and diagnostics.

• Introduction to multi-omics and its relevance in modern biology.
• Explanation of the central dogma of molecular biology: DNA, RNA, and proteins.
• Overview of Professor Slavov's research on single-cell proteomics and its implications.
• Challenges in measuring the dynamic and complex nature of the proteome.
• The role of advanced technologies like mass spectrometry in proteomic analysis.
• Importance of protein interactions and modifications in cellular functions.
• Discussion on the underfunding of proteomics research and its impact on scientific progress.
• The potential of proteomics to improve drug development and diagnostic precision.
• Advances in AI and data analysis techniques for better understanding protein structures and functions.
• Future frontiers in proteomics, including improved technology access and dynamic protein measurements.

MacCoss, M.J., Alfaro, J.A., Faivre, D.A. et al. Sampling the proteome by emerging single-molecule and mass spectrometry methods. Nat Methods 20, 339–346 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41592-023-01802-5

Derks J, Jonson T, Leduc A, Khan S, Khoury L, Rafiee M, Slavov N Single-nucleus proteomics identifies regulators of protein transport

bioRxiv  doi: 10.1101/2024.06.17.599449 (2024)