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Can AI companies turn brainrot into revenue? | Equity Podcast

The U.S. government shutdown that began this week is the first in seven years. While it might not feel immediately disruptive, for startups waiting on permits, visas, or regulatory approvals, even a few weeks can become an existential problem. On this episode of Equity, Kirsten Korosec, Anthony Ha, and Max Zeff talk through how uncertainty…

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6 months ago

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The U.S. government shutdown that began this week is the first in seven years. While it might not feel immediately disruptive, for startups waiting on permits, visas, or regulatory approvals, even a few weeks can become an existential problem.

On this episode of Equity, Kirsten Korosec, Anthony Ha, and Max Zeff talk through how uncertainty is affecting startups in ways people might not realize, plus the messy reality of AI companies still trying to figure out sustainable business models.

Watch the full episode for more about:

– OpenAI’s launch of the Sora app, its TikTok-style feed of AI-generated content, and whether people actually want to pay for an endless stream of synthetic videos

– How AI-generated actress Tilly Norwood is proving that even fake performers can cause real industry drama

– Periodic Labs’ $300 million seed round from Andreessen Horowitz, Jeff Bezos, and Nvidia to build AI scientists and discover new physics

– The US government taking equity stakes in companies like Lithium Americas, MP Materials, and Intel, is raising questions about what happens when Washington steps in as a shareholder

Subscribe to Equity on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify and all the casts. You also can follow Equity on X and Threads, at @EquityPod.

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3 Comments

3 Comments

  1. @adrianheredia_ac1842

    October 3, 2025 at 12:41 pm

    AI is going to wreck so many people, they’re already dumb enough

    Reply

  2. @ahnol-s

    October 6, 2025 at 7:40 am

    Really insightful conversation!

    Reply

  3. @bryan-o1c6g

    October 7, 2025 at 3:38 am

    Good conversation ❤

    Reply

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Apply to Startup Battlefield: We are looking for early-stage companies that have an MVP. So nominate a founder (or yourself): techcrunch.com/apply. Be sure to say you heard about Startup Battlefield from the Build Mode podcast.
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