{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"How \u2014 and What \u2014 to Build in the Age of OpenAI","description":"Where is OpenAI going, and what does it mean for the broader AI and tech ecosystem? Madrona Partner Vivek Ramaswami sits down with Jason Kwon, Chief Strategy Officer at OpenAI, for a rare behind-the-scenes look at the decisions shaping one of the most influential AI companies in the world. In this live conversation from the 2025 IA Summit, Jason shares what OpenAI will build, what it won\u2019t, and how founders can use that as a roadmap to go big without going head-to-head. They unpack OpenAI\u2019s ecosystem-first mindset, what \u201cfull-stack AI\u201d really means, and how the rise of agentic AI is reshaping what gets built \u2014 and by whom.  They also unpack: The real reason OpenAI is investing so heavily in compute infrastructure How to interpret and work alongside OpenAI\u2019s product moves as a founder, rather than fear them Why the most compelling startups bet on model progress, not workarounds Where OpenAI wants partners, and where it\u2019s staying hands-off What reasoning + agentic AI unlock for next-gen products How OpenAI is navigating its AGI mission while staying product-relevant This episode is essential listening for anyone building in AI and wondering: Where should I build \u2014 and how will OpenAI operate in the space?  Full Transcript:  https:\/\/www.madrona.com\/how-what-to-build-in-the-age-of-openai Chapters: (00:00) \u2013 Introduction (01:17) \u2013 Jason Kwon\u2019s background and role at OpenAI (02:43) \u2013 What is the \u201cfull stack of AI\u201d? (Jason\u2019s breakdown) (04:07) \u2013 Where founders should build: Opportunities in the AI ecosystem (05:43) \u2013 OpenAI\u2019s partnerships and why compute matters (06:57) \u2013 The \u201creasoning revolution\u201d and agent capabilities (07:57) \u2013 Agentic commerce: Stripe partnership and agent protocols (09:15) \u2013 OpenAI\u2019s philosophy: Platform vs. product, and the value of partnerships (10:47) \u2013 What does AGI mean inside OpenAI? Research focus and company culture (11:44) \u2013 How OpenAI decides what to build (and what not to) (14:42) \u2013 Where OpenAI won\u2019t build: Advice\/opportunity for founders (17:31) \u2013 Q&A: Profitability, business models, and compute margins (20:00) \u2013 How ChatGPT changed OpenAI: Growth, culture, and leadership (21:20) \u2013 Sam Altman\u2019s ruthless prioritization and company focus (23:20) \u2013 Q&A: OpenAI\u2019s role in commerce and monetization (24:55) \u2013 Q&A: Application vs. model layer, and the Cursor partnership (26:48) \u2013 Looking ahead: What Jason hopes OpenAI will accomplish next year ","author_name":"Founded & Funded","author_url":"https:\/\/www.madrona.com\/","html":"