Tech Turns to Mining, Meta VR Layoffs, Thinking Machines Shakeup | Matthew Prince, Chirantan Desai, Delian Asparouhov, Deepak Pathak, David Tearse, Blake Resnick - TBPN Recap

Podcast: TBPN

Published: 2026-01-15

Duration: 3 hr 7 min

Guests: Matthew Prince, Chirantan Desai, Delian Asparouhov, Deepak Pathak, David Tearse, Blake Resnick

Summary

This episode covers significant developments in tech, from Tesla's lithium refinery and Meta's VR layoffs to MongoDB's AI-driven growth and Cloudflare's legal challenges in Italy. Insights into advances in robotics and drone technology are also explored.

What Happened

Tesla has made strides in lithium refining, setting up a Texas facility capable of converting raw ore into battery-grade lithium hydroxide, potentially powering half a million to a million electric vehicles annually. This marks a significant step in addressing the demand for lithium in the EV market.

AWS has entered into a partnership with Rio Tinto to acquire 1,400 metric tons of copper over four years, indicating a push to support a new refining process that could significantly increase the global copper supply. This aligns with a growing need for copper due to the expansion of data centers.

Thinking Machines has experienced a leadership shakeup with the termination of its CTO, as Sumith Chintala steps in as CEO. Despite internal changes, the company remains a key player in the tech industry, rumored to be valued at $50 to $60 billion.

Meta has laid off 1,500 employees in its Metaverse division, a 10% reduction in its workforce, as it shifts focus to AI spending. Despite these cutbacks, Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses have sold over two million pairs, and its capital expenditure on AI reached $72 billion last year.

Chirantan Desai, CEO of MongoDB, emphasizes the company's growth to over 60,000 customers, driven by its adaptability in handling unstructured data critical for AI applications. MongoDB's strategic acquisitions, including Voyage, enhance its AI capabilities, underlining its commitment to innovation.

Matthew Prince, CEO of Cloudflare, discusses the €14 million fine from Italy's AGCOM for allegedly failing to block pirated content. Prince criticizes the enforcement of global content removal within 30 minutes as impractical and a threat to internet openness.

Delian Asparouhov, from Founders Fund, shares his strategy of investing during the holiday season, noting that quieter offices facilitate focused negotiations with founders. His pattern of signing term sheets around Christmas underscores a trend in venture capital efficiency.

Blake Resnick of BRINC Drones highlights the development of drones for public safety, noting their deployment by approximately 20% of SWAT teams in the U.S. These drones are designed for rapid response and enhanced communication, with plans for integration into emergency medical services.

Key Insights

• Tesla's new lithium refining facility in Texas can convert raw ore into battery-grade lithium hydroxide, potentially powering between 500,000 to 1 million electric vehicles annually, addressing a critical demand in the EV market.
• AWS has partnered with Rio Tinto to acquire 1,400 metric tons of copper over four years, supporting a new refining process that could significantly increase the global copper supply, crucial for expanding data centers.
• Meta's Metaverse division has cut 1,500 jobs, a 10% workforce reduction, as the company shifts focus to AI investments, with its capital expenditure on AI reaching $72 billion last year.
• BRINC Drones' technology is utilized by approximately 20% of U.S. SWAT teams, with plans to integrate drones into emergency medical services, enhancing rapid response and communication capabilities.