The Learning Corner by Precursor

Welcome to the Learning Corner, a weekly Precursor Ventures podcast, where members of the Precursor team walk through their favorite articles and news snippets across the venture ecosystem.

Episode #52: Goldman Sachs Acquires Industry Ventures, Is AI Causing Brain Obesity?, Investing In A Friend's Company

E52 • Oct 16, 2025 • 23 mins

This week on The Learning Corner, Mia and Charles discuss Goldman Sachs’ acquisition of Industry Ventures and what it signals for the venture ecosystem, Maria Gonzalez Blanch’s take on “brain obesity” in the age of AI, and a recent post from Erica Wenger about friends investing in friends. We break down what it means for community, trust, and evolving norms in tech.

Goldman Sachs agrees to acquire $7 billion VC firm Industry Ventures — CNBC

The New Obesity Epidemic: Brain Obesity — Maria Gonzalez Blanch, Crescent Ridge

Let Friends Invest in Their Companies — Erica Wenger, Park Rangers Capital

Speakers

Charles Hudson

Host • 67%

Mia Farnham

Host • 33%

Chapters

0:00	Introduction and Entrepreneur Capital Choices
0:37	Goldman Sachs and Industry Ventures Deal
2:12	Venture Secondaries and Fund Acquisitions
6:31	Brain Obesity and AI in Life and Work
10:32	AI Assistants and Synthesizing Thoughts
13:10	AI for Learning and Problem-Solving
16:17	Venture Ecosystem Insights and Pre-seed Funding
20:08	Changes and Dynamics in the Venture Industry
21:52	Media Flywheels and First-time Founder Priorities

Transcript

Loading transcript...

- / -