Jason Calacanis on The Herd 2/1/16: eSports, @Uber @twitter @Snapchat & future of tech

TL;DR

Jason Calacanis discusses his investment in Uber, the potential of esports, and the impact of technology on jobs and society.

Transcript

he is an entrepreneur an angel investor Silicon Valley insider jason calacanis is now joining us here in the herd you can see him on CNBC absolute pleasure to have you in I have brought on people like Mark Cuban before and I find these interviews my audience loves them they're fascinating the friend you said yeah mark and I are old friends yes he's... Read More

Key Insights

• 💗 Esports, specifically gaming, is a rapidly growing industry and has the potential for significant economic growth.
• 🔰 Uber has revolutionized transportation and is just beginning to make an impact on the job market.
• 🥺 Technology advancements will lead to improvements in healthcare, transportation, and agriculture, but may also pose challenges in terms of job displacement.
• 🧌 The impact of social media platforms like Twitter can be negatively affected by the presence of trolls and anonymous users.
• 😮 The rise of automation and artificial intelligence may result in significant changes to the job market, leading to discussions around solutions like a guaranteed basic income.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Jason Calacanis become an investor in Uber?

Calacanis met the founder of Uber after passing on investing in Twitter. He was shown a map of a cab and was immediately interested in the concept, leading him to invest in the company.

Q: How has Uber transformed the national job market?

Uber has created thousands of jobs in cities it operates in, and its impact on the job market is just getting started. Its influence on transportation and the reduction of DUI cases has been significant.

Q: Is Twitter in danger of decline?

Calacanis believes that Twitter's anonymity and the presence of trolls have hindered its growth. He suggests that the platform should verify user identities to ensure a more positive user experience.

Q: Will technology advancements help those in need?

Calacanis explains that technology has already improved the quality of life for many people and reduced violence globally. He mentions self-driving cars, customized medicine, and robotics as examples of technological enhancements that will benefit society.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Jason Calacanis shares his experience investing in Uber, stating that he initially passed on investing in Twitter, which he now considers a mistake.

• He discusses the growing popularity of esports and the potential for gambling in the industry.

• Calacanis talks about the transformative impact of Uber on transportation and how it has reduced DUI cases in Los Angeles.