Bloomberg Tech Podcast Summary

Episode: New York Tech Sector Prepares for Mayor-Elect Mamdani
Date: November 5, 2025
Host: Caroline Hyde, Ed Ludlow
Special Guests: Julie Samuels (CEO, Tech:NYC), Peter Elstrom (Bloomberg Exec. Editor, Tech), Joanne Feeney (Advisor/CIO), Shane Goodwin (SMU), Judy Samuels, Matt Day (Bloomberg), Lucas Shaw (Bloomberg), Samantha Kelly (Bloomberg), David Zhu (CEO, Revo), Vinod Khosla (Khosla Ventures)

Episode Overview

This episode explores the rapidly shifting technology landscape, spotlighting reactions to Zoram Mamdani's historic election as New York City's mayor, and what it means for the city's thriving tech sector. Alongside political developments, the hosts and guests discuss volatile chip sector earnings, Amazon's legal battle with Perplexity AI, AI-powered startup funding, and new hardware competition from Apple. The episode intertwines sector-specific analysis with broader market movements, drawing a line between innovation, governance, and market uncertainty.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

[01:53] Chip Sector Earnings: AMD, Nvidia & SuperMicro

• AMD's Earnings (01:53–08:11)

  • AMD’s stock remains volatile despite 100% gains YTD, as results met but did not surpass bullish expectations.
  • AI-related chip business is the main focal point; AMD’s AI growth lags Nvidia (30% vs. 50%), causing investor caution.
  • Still gaining share in traditional CPUs vs. Intel—“the old boring part of AMD…a good cash generator.” – Joanne Feeney (05:59)
  • Analyst insight: AMD has opportunity for further share gains in AI accelerators, but remains early stage.

  "What AMD has that Nvidia doesn't have is an opportunity to take a greater share of that pie as it grows." – Joanne Feeney (07:30)

• SuperMicro’s Trajectory (04:24–05:25)

  • Once a hot “AI play,” SuperMicro faces accounting revision issues and softer revenue guidance.
  • Losing momentum due to competitors (e.g., Dell) and big firms integrating AI chips into their own server hardware.

[08:11] Zoram Mamdani’s NYC Mayoral Victory: Tech Industry Reaction

• Mamdani’s Victory Speech [08:18–11:13]

  • Emphasizes transition, capability, compassion, and inclusion.
  • Transition team features Lina Khan and experienced civic leaders.
  • Pledges commitment to “solving old problems with new solutions,” with a promise of transparency and reform.

  "The hard work of improving New Yorkers’ lives starts now... We will cast a wide net." – Zoram Mamdani (08:18)

• Tech Community Perspective [11:13–18:42]

  • Julie Samuels (Tech:NYC): Cautiously optimistic but points out uncertainty. Tech workforce was energized to support Mamdani.

    • “What’s good for New York tends to be good for tech here.” (11:58)
    • Affordable housing is critical even for high-earning tech workers. (14:23)
    • The need for “modernizing government” and “unleashing technology in NYC government to work better for New Yorkers.” (15:19)
    • Watch areas: Tech use in government, possible anti-business sentiment, and tax policy.
    • On possible tension with federal politics:

      “I hope that Zora Mamdani and his team fundamentally understand that the future of our city’s economy...is inextricably intertwined with the growth of the tech sector here.” (17:42)

  • First Ask of Mayor Mamdani:

    "To really drill down and figure out how we can find a way to use technology to make New York City government work better for New Yorkers." – Julie Samuels (18:42)

[21:26] Amazon v. Perplexity: AI, E-Commerce, and Litigation

• Background (21:26–23:55)

  • Amazon suing Perplexity over its shopping AI tool “Comet” for allegedly masking itself as a regular user.
  • Core issues: Fraud, violation of ToS, account integrity, and returns procedure.
  • Perplexity claims Amazon is “bullying” and that their tool is analogous to a user with a browser.
  • Matt Day (Bloomberg): Predicts similar disputes as AI “agents” proliferate.

  "There’s basically kind of a turf war over the customer experience on their retail side." – Matt Day (22:05)

[23:55] Pop Culture and Merchandise: Netflix’s K-Pop Demon Hunters Hit

• Netflix and Merchandising Missed Opportunities (23:55–25:48)
  • “K-Pop Demon Hunters” became Netflix’s biggest original film, but confidence in its success was low, so merch won't be available until next year.
  • Opportunity lost for Netflix, retailers, and toy manufacturers in the 2025 holiday season.

[28:09] Hardware Wars: Apple’s Cheaper MacBook

• Cheaper MacBook to Rival Chromebooks and PCs
  • New MacBook aimed at $600–$800 range, targeted at students and small businesses (28:09).
  • Could use advanced iPhone chips to drive down costs.
  • Expected launch: Spring 2026.
  • Potential for increased competition with Chromebooks, Dell, HP.

[31:10] Tesla Shareholder Vote: Elon Musk’s $1T Pay Package

• Background and Process (31:10–37:36)

  • Shareholder vote on Musk’s record compensation plan.
  • Special committee was advised by Shane Goodwin, who stressed ongoing involvement.
  • Norway’s sovereign wealth fund publicized a no vote—concerns over compensation size & dilution.

  “They’ve enjoyed the benefit of nearly a 40,000% increase in their share value... So although they may have some concerns, they’re obviously willing to enjoy the benefits.” – Shane Goodwin (33:41)

  • Insider (Musk’s) shares included in Texas (not Delaware) law, making shareholder approval easier.

[38:54] AI Funding: Revo Launch and the "Frankenstack"

• Revo AI Emerges from Stealth (38:54–47:11)
  • Unified revenue operating system for businesses to end reliance on a “Frankenstack” of disconnected tools.
  • $80M in funding led by Khosla Ventures, Kleiner Perkins.
  • Vinod Khosla: Backed founder David Zhu because of proven track record, not just the idea.
  • The future of enterprise software is integrated, AI-powered systems attuned to user needs:

    "In the new world of AI, the application learns the human and responds the way it should. It’s my favorite way to think about the transition AI makes possible." – Vinod Khosla (43:24)

  • Only a small fraction of AI startups will succeed, but those that do can return astronomical value.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On NYC’s Tech Future:

• Zoram Mamdani: “The poetry of campaigning may have come to a close... but the beautiful prose of governing has only just begun.” (08:18)
• Julie Samuels: “More housing is better for tech in New York. We’ve seen the same dynamic in San Francisco...” (14:23)
• Julie Samuels: “Progress means government that works better. So we need to unleash technology in New York City government...” (15:19)

On Industry Trends:

• Joanne Feeney: “What AMD has that Nvidia doesn't have is an opportunity to take a greater share of that pie as it grows.” (07:30)
• Matt Day: “There’s basically kind of a turf war over the customer experience on their retail side.” (22:05)
• Vinod Khosla: “In the old world of applications, users had to learn an application... In the new world of AI, the application learns the human...” (43:24)
• David Zhu (Revo CEO): “The company you build is the team you build, not the plans you make.” (41:29)

Key Segment Timestamps

• Intro & Tech Market Setup: [01:44–03:19]
• AMD & Chip Sector: [03:19–08:11]
• SuperMicro & Server Market: [04:24–05:25]
• NYC Mayoral Transition: [08:11–11:13]
• Tech:NYC’s Samuels on Mamdani: [11:13–18:42]
• Amazon v. Perplexity AI Lawsuit: [21:26–23:55]
• Netflix’s Merch Miss: [23:55–25:48]
• Apple’s Low-Cost MacBook: [28:09–31:10]
• Tesla Pay Package Debate: [31:10–37:36]
• AI Startup Revo Funding: [38:54–47:11]

Tone & Style

The episode combines the brisk, data-driven language characteristic of Bloomberg with direct stakeholder and expert commentary, mixing analytical depth with succinct interviews and open-ended industry questions—maintaining a dynamic, forward-looking atmosphere throughout.

Summary Takeaway

This packed episode captures a vivid snapshot of how political change, evolving leadership, and relentless innovation are shaping NYC’s tech ecosystem and the broader industry. The historic election of a democratic socialist mayor is greeted with both optimism and wariness by tech leaders. Elsewhere, markets are oscillating on chip stocks, litigation is brewing in e-commerce AI, and VC confidence remains robust for select, visionary founders in the new AI gold rush. All together, the show underscores a central theme: In tech and governance alike, solving old problems with new solutions is essential—and demands both experimentation and inclusivity.