Jared Kushner: BrainCo, Affinity Partners, and the Geopolitics of AI

From negotiating with world leaders to partnering with top entrepreneurs, businessman and investor Jared Kushner has traveled the unique path of bringing private sector knowledge to government work and back again. Jared Kushner joins Sarah Guo and Elad Gil to cover a wide range of topics, from his founding of investment firm Affinity Partners, to his time in government, to his new AI venture BrainCo. Jared discusses Affinity Partners’ mission and strategy, how he has leveraged his government experience in business and investing, and the geopolitics of technological advancements like AI. Plus, he makes a case for why private sector talent should do “tours of duty” in government.

Chapters:

00:00 – Jared Kushner Introduction

00:30 – Starting Affinity Partners Post-Government

01:59 – Value of Global Perspective

03:34 – Ventures with Affinity

05:14 – Evaluating Investments Via Macro Trends

09:09 – Undervalued Countries

12:32 – Origins of BrainCo

16:50 – BrainCo Use Cases

23:49 – BrainCo’s Biggest Challenge

24:47 – Determining Customer Fit

26:39 – AI and Policy

30:03 – Middle East and AI

31:59 – Jared’s Experience in Middle East Diplomacy

40:16 – Brokering Peace Post-October 7th

43:52 – Making Deals with Middle Eastern Partners

47:14 – Jared and Ivanka’s Partnership

49:18 – Benefits of Joining Public Sector from the Private Sector

52:07 – Jared’s Pitch for Serving in Government

56:25 – Jared’s Leadership Style

58:24 – Conclusion