Hi, Marina! Life Rules with AI: Insights from Marina Davidova

During a journey to Silicon Valley, we had the opportunity to interview Marina Davidova, co-founder of Davidovs VC, a fund investing in AI startups.

▶️ Entering the AI World
In the Valley, investors compete for startups. Without a strong brand and reputation in the market, your competitive advantage can be deep expertise and a network in a specific area. So that we can confidently say we're among the best in this niche. We chose AI.

💵 First Deals
Back in 2016, we invested in MSQRD and Prisma. MSQRD is an app that overlays digital masks on video selfies, which Facebook acquired. Prisma applies artistic styles to photos using generative AI. They started a new chapter in AI's story. It was the fastest-growing app before ChatGPT came along.

📊 DVC Fund Strategy
DVC is built around a community of engineers and entrepreneurs. Active investors can originate and introduce new deals. We aim to be the most valuable investor for our portfolio companies for every dollar invested.

🌐 AI in Five Years
In five years, we will create AI or use it in our work. Otherwise, competitors who will surely do this will gain an advantage.

🔼 Why AI Took Off
AI is the foundation upon which new products and processes are built, including those for everyday use by people. Chatbots alone have around 250 million users, while AI-based products like Gmail, YouTube, and TikTok already have billions.

👀 Who to Keep an Eye On
Perplexity is a Wikipedia-like chatbot that answers questions with links to sources of information. Highly recommend.

⚡️ OpenAI's Main Competitor
Human ignorance: attempts to ban, restrict, or poison datasets. We could solve many of humanity's problems with AI. Still, success or failure depends on Taiwan, where all chips are manufactured.

💬 Advice for Beginners
Surround yourself with people who are already doing something in the interested area or want to do it. Learning through networking can provide many insights. Networking is key.

#interview | @hiaimediaen