All-In is a weekly podcast featuring four prominent technology investors and entrepreneurs: Chamath Palihapitiya, Jason Calacanis, David Sacks, and David Friedberg. Known as "the Besties," they discuss technology, business, economics, science, and politics from Silicon Valley's insider perspective.
Overview
All-In launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic as a casual conversation among friends. What started as weekly Zoom calls discussing markets, tech, and policy quickly evolved into one of the most prominent voices in technology and business media.
The podcast is known for its unfiltered debates, insider perspectives on Silicon Valley, and willingness to tackle controversial topics. The hosts' combined experience spans founding companies, investing billions, and advising major tech firms, providing unique insights unavailable elsewhere.
Episodes typically run 90-120 minutes and cover breaking tech news, market analysis, startup strategies, policy debates, and predictions about the future of technology and society.
The Besties
Host Profiles
Chamath Palihapitiya
Role: Founder & CEO of Social Capital
Former Facebook executive who led growth to 1 billion users. Known for SPAC investments and outspoken views on capitalism and technology's role in society. Controversial figure who challenges Silicon Valley orthodoxy.
Jason Calacanis
Role: Founder of LAUNCH and angel investor
Serial entrepreneur and early investor in Uber, Robinhood, and dozens of unicorns. Hosts This Week in Startups and the All-In Summit. Known for optimistic takes and startup ecosystem cheerleading.
David Sacks
Role: Founder of Craft Ventures
Former PayPal COO (part of PayPal Mafia) and Yammer founder (sold to Microsoft for $1.2B). Conservative voice on the pod, often clashing with Chamath. Known for political commentary and startup operational expertise.
David Friedberg
Role: Founder & CEO of The Production Board
Climate tech entrepreneur and investor. Founded The Climate Corporation (sold to Monsanto for $1.1B). Provides scientific and data-driven analysis on climate, biotech, and complex systems. The moderating voice among the Besties.
| Host | Company | Notable Investments/Exits | Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chamath Palihapitiya | Social Capital | Virgin Galactic, Slack, Box | Former FB VP of Growth |
| Jason Calacanis | LAUNCH | Uber, Robinhood, Calm | Angel investor, 300+ investments |
| David Sacks | Craft Ventures | Yammer ($1.2B), PayPal | PayPal Mafia, SaaS expert |
| David Friedberg | The Production Board | The Climate Corp ($1.1B) | Climate tech pioneer |
Show Format
Episode Structure
- Frequency: Weekly episodes, typically released Fridays
- Duration: 90-120 minutes of unedited conversation
- Format: Round-table discussion with all four hosts
- Video: Full video available on YouTube and podcast platforms
- Production: Professional studio setup with occasional guest appearances
Show Segments
Each episode typically follows a consistent structure:
- Opening banter: Personal updates and poker game recaps
- Tech news breakdown: Major industry developments
- Market analysis: Stocks, crypto, and macro economics
- Policy debates: Politics, regulation, and governance
- Science & innovation: Breakthroughs in AI, biotech, climate
"We're just four guys talking about the news of the week. The fact that millions listen is wild."
Key Topics
Regular Discussion Areas
🚀 Technology
- AI and machine learning
- Cryptocurrency and Web3
- SaaS and enterprise software
- Consumer tech trends
💰 Business & Markets
- Venture capital and investing
- IPOs and SPACs
- Market analysis and predictions
- Startup strategy and operations
🏛️ Policy & Politics
- Tech regulation and antitrust
- Government spending and fiscal policy
- Elections and political analysis
- Free speech and content moderation
🔬 Science & Future
- Climate change and energy
- Biotech and longevity
- Space exploration
- Future of work and society
Controversial Moments
The All-In hosts are known for heated debates and contrarian takes. Notable controversial discussions include:
- COVID-19 policy and lockdowns (Chamath vs. Sacks)
- 2024 election predictions and political endorsements
- Crypto regulation and SEC enforcement
- Big Tech monopolies and antitrust actions
- Climate policy and carbon markets
All-In Summit
The All-In Summit is an annual invite-only conference that brings together technology leaders, investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. Launched in 2021, it has become one of the most exclusive events in tech.
| Year | Location | Attendees | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Los Angeles, CA | 500+ | Inaugural event, sold out in hours |
| 2022 | Miami, FL | 1,000+ | Expanded format, political debates |
| 2023 | Los Angeles, CA | 1,500+ | AI focus, Sam Altman keynote |
| 2024 | Los Angeles, CA | 2,000+ | Election coverage, Musk appearance |
| 2025 | Los Angeles, CA | 2,500+ (expected) | Climate tech and AGI themes |
Summit Features
- Keynote speeches from tech CEOs and political leaders
- Panel discussions on AI, crypto, climate, and policy
- Live podcast recording with special guests
- Networking with Silicon Valley's elite
- Poker tournament featuring the Besties
Industry Impact
Influence on Tech Discourse
All-In has become required listening for Silicon Valley insiders, investors, and entrepreneurs. The podcast's influence extends beyond entertainment:
- Market moving: Comments from hosts can impact stock prices and crypto valuations
- Thought leadership: Shapes conversation around tech policy and innovation
- Political influence: Hosts have advised campaigns and influenced policy debates
- Startup ecosystem: Provides education and strategy for founders and investors
- Alternative media: Demonstrates power of creator-owned media vs. traditional outlets
Revenue Model
Unlike traditional podcasts, All-In has maintained editorial independence with minimal sponsorships. Revenue sources include:
- Limited premium sponsorships (highly selective)
- All-In Summit ticket sales and sponsorships
- YouTube ad revenue (millions of views per episode)
- Merchandise and branded content
"All-In represents a new model for media: creator-owned, advertiser-independent, and audience-first."
Legacy & Future
As one of the most successful business podcasts of the 2020s, All-In has proven that deep, unfiltered conversations about complex topics can attract massive audiences. The show has inspired countless imitators and demonstrated the power of authentic, expert-driven content.
Looking ahead, the Besties continue to expand their influence through the annual summit, strategic investments, and thought leadership on the defining issues of our time: AI, climate, governance, and the future of innovation.