#14: Choosing Good Quests: Innovation, AI, and Winning in a World of Regulation

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Divot

Derek Andersen

23 episodes

1 day ago

Divot brings you weekly conversations with the people building the future—founders, creators, athletes, and visionaries pushing the limits of business, technology, sports, and entertainment. We go beyond success stories to explore the real moments that define a journey—the risks, the failures, the breakthroughs, and the lessons that can help you on your path. Stories of people making their mark, and how you can too. New episodes every Wednesday. #DivotPodcast #Business #Tech #Sports #Entertainment #Innovation

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#14: Choosing Good Quests: Innovation, AI, and Winning in a World of Regulation

Divot

23 minutes 50 seconds

4 months ago

#14: Choosing Good Quests: Innovation, AI, and Winning in a World of Regulation

How do you choose the right quest — the kind of mission that truly matters, and can survive in today’s world of regulation, politics, and entrenched incumbents?

In this episode, Founders Fund General Partner and Anduril co-founder Trae Stephens shares his philosophy of “Good Quests” — and what entrepreneurs must get right when tackling hard, meaningful problems. We dive deep into how AI will transform defense and national security, why the future of warfare is distributed and AI-driven, and how entrepreneurs can navigate government sales and political opposition.

From raising capital to surviving regulated markets, this is a tactical and inspiring conversation for anyone building in ambitious, frontier spaces.

This episode is a masterclass in mission-driven entrepreneurship, AI strategy, and playing to win in a changing world.

Follow Trae Stephens – X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/traestephens

Follow Derek Andersen – X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/derekjandersen

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction: The Naivety of Building Products

0:20 - Welcome to Divot and Episode Overview

1:10 - Guest Introduction: Trae Stephens

1:32 - The Concept of Good Quests for Founders

3:50 - Identifying a Good Quest and Its Importance

6:40 - Market Size and Its Relevance to Good Quests

8:42 - Governance and Board Seats in Venture Capital