HELLO FINTECHTALKERS,
In this episode, I sat down with an all-star panel featuring Amy Oldenburg, Managing Director at Morgan Stanley, Lex Sokolin, Managing Partner & Co-Founder of Generative Ventures, Rana Gujaral, CEO of Behavioral Signals, and Dr. Riad Hartani, AI and infrastructure expert, to unpack the rapidly evolving AI landscape. From the rise of DeepSeek and the almost trillion-dollar Stargate Project to the battle for AI supremacy between the U.S., China, and Europe, we dive deep into the future of artificial intelligence.
Our guests share insights on the impact of AI on emerging markets, the transition from Co-Pilot AI to fully autonomous agentic AI, and the ethical challenges posed by a world where AI-driven decision-making becomes the norm. We also explore the race to Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and beyond to Artificial Superintelligence (ASI)—and what that means for global power dynamics.
If you're a investor, founder, CXO, or someone passionate about the future of AI and finance, this episode is a must-listen.
My perspective on how AI will develop through its three key components beyond infrastructure: foundational models, applications or agents, and human interfaces.
AI evolution is complex and multifaceted, as illustrated in the figure above. Foundational models are advancing in reasoning, while the rise of physical models with vision, sound, and spatial awareness is driving innovations in autonomous vehicles and humanoid robotics.
Over time, AI will extend beyond human sensory perception—incorporating energy and quantum awareness—paving the path toward Artificial Super-intelligence.
While AI infrastructure and its immense demand for energy and compute have been widely debated:
Two impending Cambrian Explosions will redefine our world: the widespread adoption of software agents and humanoids in everyday life.
AI agents are poised to replace traditional software, potentially transforming all SaaS into intelligent, autonomous entities. Just as cell phones have become universal, personal humanoids may soon be an essential part of every household. Software designed for human use will soon shift to being consumed by AI agents, with many human-driven decisions increasingly handled by these intelligent systems. The matrix of AI agents will spread across the internet and enterprise, fundamentally reshaping both realms and ushering in a new digital landscape.
Finally, human-computer interaction, once confined to keyboards, mice, voice, and text, is poised for a breakthrough—evolving into direct brain-to-AI connections through technologies like Neuralink.
Imagine the potential of a human seamlessly integrated with AI or a foundational model, harnessing its intelligence at the speed of thought.
Early integrations will likely begin at the cortical level, but a true evolutionary leap will occur when AI connects with the limbic system, unlocking insights into human consciousness and our perception of reality—areas that even the modern science struggles to fully understand.
Catch me in Vegas if you're attending Human[X] or the Fintech meetup. Discount pass below HX25_Fintechtalks for Human[X].
0:00 – 4:20 – Meet the All-Star Panel & Recent Major Developments in AI
Introduction to the panel and a discussion on key advancements in AI, including Stargate, Deepseek, and AI infrastructure.4:20 – 26:00 – The Rise of DeepSeek: Game-Changer or Hype?
The panel explores DeepSeek’s impact as a Chinese AI player with open-source models. Rana Gujral discusses how DeepSeek’s modular and open-source approach is challenging U.S. dominance despite GPU export restrictions.
Lex Sokolin and Amy Oldenburg provide an outsider’s perspective on DeepSeek from China’s viewpoint, touching on the rise of bottoms-up nationalism.
Riad Hartani examines the infrastructure side, comparing open-source vs. closed-source approaches.
The panel discusses the potential strategic narrative behind DeepSeek’s rise.26:00 – 38:00 – Demystifying Multi-Modality, Reasoning, and Agents
Rana and Riad break down AI jargon, explaining hardware, software, models, and agents in simple terms.38:01 – 55:00 – Exciting AI Capabilities in the Industry & How to Prepare
A discussion on domain-specific models, reasoning, and agents.
How to build AI expertise within teams, the debate on platform shifts vs. incremental improvements.
Exploring the intersection of Web 3.0 and AI, and AI as a driver for GDP growth.
As AI grows more autonomous, the panel debates the ethical implications of AI-driven decisions in finance, healthcare, and defense. Lex Sokolin calls for transparency and better regulation to prevent AI from being used for mass surveillance or financial manipulation.55:00 – 1:06:00 – Applications of AI – Humanoids, Agents, in Defense, Social Engineering
Discussing the rise of agents as a service, AI-based digital twins, and their use in social engineering and hyper-personalized entertainment.1:07:00 – 1:15:00 – Techplomacy & the Difference Between the U.S. and Europe on AI
An exploration of techplomacy in geopolitics and a breakdown of Vice President JD Vance’s speech on AI regulation in Europe.
The panel examines the geopolitical battle for AI dominance, with the U.S. pushing a less-regulated, innovation-first approach and Europe focusing on tighter regulations. Dr. Riad Hartani warns that Europe may fall behind if it doesn’t adapt swiftly.1:15:00 – 1:20:00 – AGI and ASI (Superintelligence)
A look at the race to Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and beyond, into Artificial Superintelligence (ASI).
Rana Gujral stresses that the first to develop ASI will reshape global power structures. The panel speculates on how close we are to AGI and the potential implications for humanity.1:20:00 – 1:25:00 – Closing Thoughts: Advice for President Trump and Other AI Decision-Makers
Final advice on AI’s role in solving global problems, the need for more collaborative and diplomatic approaches, and the importance of grassroots AI literacy.
AI literacy is essential to educate the public, reducing fear and combating misinformation..
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Enjoy and always be in the know,
Paddy Ramanathan
Founder of iValley and Host of the FINTECHTALK™ Show (on Substack, Apple Podcast, YouTube, and Spotify)
Interested in sponsorship opportunities and be associated with sculpting the future? Please reach out to fintechtalk@substack.com.
Thanks to ChatGPT for suggestions.
(Violin piece in podcast, courtesy of my daughter Ilina)
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