Silicon Valley Bank collapse recap + Wist CEO on capturing XR memories | E1697 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Wist Labs has developed a VR technology that allows users to record and relive their memories in 3D. Users can capture videos using their smartphones and then experience those memories in VR, creating a unique and immersive way to reminisce.

Key Insights

• 🏦 Silicon Valley Bank's recent bank failure highlighted the need for diversifying bank accounts to mitigate risks in the event of failures.
• 💨 Wist Labs' VR technology offers a unique way to capture and relive memories, providing an immersive and interactive experience for users.
• 📱 Depth cameras on smartphones, combined with AI algorithms, enhance the VR experience and create a realistic representation of captured memories.
• 👤 Wist Labs plans to introduce a freemium model for its VR technology, offering additional features or storage for subscribed users.

Transcript

three two hey everybody hey everybody welcome back to this week and startups we have a jam-packed episode for you today first we're gonna chop it up we're gonna do a postmortem on the weekend that was the bank failure weekend Silicon Valley Bank uh going out of business and the FED backstopping everything on Sunday this all happened in 48 hours I'm... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How does Wist Labs' VR technology work?

Wist Labs' VR technology utilizes depth cameras on smartphones to capture videos along with depth data. The captured video is then reprojected into a virtual world, allowing users to relive their memories in an immersive VR experience.

Q: What are the potential use cases for Wist Labs' VR technology?

Wist Labs' VR technology can be used to capture and relive various memories, including family moments, special events, or even personal experiences like traveling. It provides a unique and immersive way to reminisce and preserve important moments.

Q: What is the business model for Wist Labs?

Wist Labs currently offers its VR technology for free with plans to introduce a freemium model in the future. Users will have the option to subscribe for additional features or increased storage for their captured memories.

Q: What are the ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in generating memories?

While AI can enhance the VR experience, there are ethical concerns when it comes to generating entirely new memories or bringing deceased individuals back to life. Wist Labs aims to be cautious in its use of generative AI and focuses on helping users honor and cherish their existing memories without crossing ethical boundaries.

Summary

In this video, the host discusses the recent bank failure of Silicon Valley Bank and its impact on startups and investors. He also interviews Andrew R McHugh, the co-founder and CEO of Wist Labs, a company that has developed VR technology to record and relive memories in 3D.

Questions & Answers

Q: What were the events surrounding the bank failure of Silicon Valley Bank?

The bank failure occurred over the weekend, with a bank run that started on Thursday and continued into Friday. People began withdrawing their money from the bank, causing panic and a domino effect on other regional banks. This led to chaos in the startup and investor community, as they had to assess the impact on their portfolio companies.

Q: Why did the host tweet in caps lock and express concern about the bank failure?

The host was witnessing a bank run firsthand and believed it could have a contagion effect, leading to the failure of multiple banks and the resulting loss of jobs and businesses. He felt the need to alert the public, industry professionals, and government officials about the severity of the situation.

Q: What actions did the host take to help his portfolio companies during the bank failure?

The host and his team identified portfolio companies with significant exposure to Silicon Valley Bank and helped them find alternative funding sources. They offered personal loans to help these companies make payroll and stay afloat. The goal was to prevent layoffs and keep the businesses running during the crisis.

Q: What actions did the government and the Federal Reserve take to address the bank failure?

The government and the Federal Reserve announced that they would backstop the depositors and ensure that they have access to their funds. They made it clear that the bank managers and investors would not be protected and any losses would not be borne by taxpayers. They also emphasized the need to hold the banks accountable and strengthen regulations to prevent such failures in the future.

Q: How did the host respond to accusations of causing a bank run?

The host denied any intention to cause a bank run and stated that he was simply highlighting the existing bank run that he observed. He called for transparency and factual information to help people make informed decisions about their funds. He stressed the importance of holding banks accountable and not bailing out those who made poor decisions.

Q: How did the bank failure impact startup founders and investors?

The bank failure created uncertainty and panic among startup founders and investors. They had to reassess their financial situation and find alternative funding sources to weather the crisis. It also caused a significant drop in the availability of funding, as many investors shifted their focus to protecting existing investments rather than making new ones.

Q: What advice did the host give to founders regarding their finances during a crisis?

The host advised founders to diversify their funds across multiple banks to mitigate the risk of a single bank failure. He recommended having at least two to three banks where funds are distributed, ensuring the availability of payroll and operational funds. He also called for the government to raise the FDIC insurance limit to provide better protection for depositors.

Q: How did the host envision the future of the VR memory technology developed by Wist Labs?

The host speculated that the technology could be integrated into larger platforms such as Apple or Oculus in the future. However, he acknowledged the importance of Wist Labs remaining independent and allowing users to access their captured memories across different platforms. Wist Labs planned to adopt a freemium model, with additional features available through a subscription.

Q: What is Wist Labs' business model?

Currently, the use of the Wist Labs app is free. However, the company plans to introduce a freemium model in the medium term. Users will be able to capture and access their memories for free, with additional features and storage available through a subscription.

Q: How does Wist Labs' technology work?

Wist Labs' technology utilizes depth video and depth data captured by the iPhone's sensors to create a 3D representation of memories. The captured video is processed and reprojected back into 3D, allowing users to relive their memories in VR or mobile AR. The depth sensors in the iPhone, used for features like portrait mode, play a crucial role in creating realistic visual effects.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Silicon Valley Bank experienced a bank run over the weekend, causing chaos for startups and investors. The situation highlighted the importance of diversifying bank accounts to mitigate risks and be prepared for potential failures.

• Wist Labs has developed a VR technology that enables users to record and relive their memories in 3D. By capturing videos on their smartphones, users can experience those memories in VR, adding a new dimension to the way they reminisce.

• The technology utilizes depth cameras on smartphones, along with AI algorithms, to enhance the VR experience and create a more realistic representation of the memories captured.