Entropy, record revenue growth, and persistence
Today’s episode covers the Second Law of Thermodynamics — entropy, and how it extends to the world of (AI) companies. We’ve seen a number of companies shatter revenue milestones in record times, and Hammad and Grant viewed this as an opportunity to talk about building enduring businesses in the face of shifting environment.
We open with one of Grant’s favorite facts: the average age of a company in the S&P 500 has fallen over 50 years in the past few decades. The Hedonic Treadmill has only accelerated, and we’re seeing more and more companies impacted. AI companies are no different. Hammad carries us through discussion on some of the practical implications of what this means, and Grant shares some thoughts on the broader uncertainty (and opportunity) with building in such a rapidly shifting playing field.
It’s hard to build a company. It’s even harder to make it last!
“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming 'Wow! What a Ride!'“ —Hunter S. Thompson
Lastly, please send us any questions you’d like us to cover in our upcoming Q&A episode! LinkedIn or Twitter DM us.
🔗 Show Resource Links
Clouded Judgement - 3.28.25 - The New AI Risk Curve — Jamin Ball
The average company age in the S&P 500 — Innosight Corporate Longevity Forecast
🎙️ Podcast Links
🌀 About Motion Blur
Exploring what makes great companies and technologies work. Brought to you by Grant Gregory & Hammad Aslam. Grant is an investor at Cantos where he focuses on physical world technologies. Hammad is a Partner at Kivu Ventures, Susa’s growth fund. Learn more about the hosts:
Grant Gregory, @grant__gregory, Embers
Hammad Aslam, @_hammad_aslamh, Susa Ventures
If you're interested in the real inside baseball of tech, entrepreneurship, and start-up investing, tune in every week for new episodes.
Intro music credit: Will Harrison
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