Investors should prioritize Google (GOOGL) as it accelerates AI product velocity through DeepMind and leads the critical 2029 transition to post-quantum security. Monitor Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) for "hard fork" upgrades to post-quantum cryptography, as solving this "quantum discount" could trigger a significant price re-rating. In the private markets or via specialized ETFs, look for exposure to "Physical AI" through companies like Applied Intuition, which solves labor shortages in mining and agriculture. The rise of AI-generated code increases the risk of supply chain hacks, making automated cybersecurity firms like CrowdStrike (CRWD) essential long-term holdings. Finally, consider the "longevity" trend by following Whoop’s expansion into medical-grade health monitoring and Public.com’s new autonomous AI agents for retail yield optimization.
Google (GOOGL)
• Researchers released a paper warning that quantum computing could break elliptic curve cryptography (ECC)—the math securing Bitcoin and Ethereum—sooner than expected. • Google estimates a 20-fold reduction in the quantum hardware needed to crack these codes. • The company has set a 2029 deadline to migrate its own internal security systems to post-quantum cryptography (PQC). • DeepMind (Google's AI lab) reportedly ran a secretive internal hedge fund aiming to beat Renaissance Technologies (Jim Simons) using high-frequency trading AI, but it was eventually disbanded due to corporate wariness.
Takeaways
• Quantum Risk: While not an imminent threat today, the 2029 timeline suggests a "ticking clock" for blockchain developers to upgrade security protocols. • Institutional Strength: Google’s integration of DeepMind and Google Brain into "Google DeepMind" under Demis Hassabis has accelerated their AI product velocity (e.g., Gemini), making them a formidable competitor to OpenAI.
Bitcoin (BTC) & Cryptocurrencies
• The "Crypto Quantum Crash" theme was discussed following the Google research paper. • Shor’s Algorithm could potentially crack Bitcoin wallets with as few as 10,000 reconfigurable atomic qubits (or 500,000 physical qubits). • Satoshi’s original wallets (containing billions in BTC) are considered "buried treasure" for whoever develops a functional quantum computer first.
Takeaways
• Quantum Discount: Analysts suggest Bitcoin might be trading at a "quantum discount"; if the threat were proven to be solved, the price could significantly re-rate higher. • Migration Necessity: Investors should watch for "hard forks" or upgrades in major protocols (BTC, ETH) toward Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC). • Opportunity: Newer "Quantum-Proof" coins may emerge as a marketing narrative to capture market share from older, more vulnerable chains.
Applied Intuition
• Currently valued at $15 billion, the company focuses on "Physical AI"—taking AI out of screens and putting it into machines like tractors, trucks, and mining equipment. • Announced a partnership with LG Innotek to develop cheaper, high-scale sensors for autonomous driving. • The company claims to have preserved almost all the capital it has ever raised (nearly $1 billion), operating with "radical pragmatism."
Takeaways
• Labor Shortage Play: Physical AI is seen as a solution to massive labor shortages in "unsexy" industries like mining, construction, and agriculture. • Horizontal Advantage: Unlike Waymo (focused only on robotaxis), Applied Intuition spreads its R&D costs across multiple verticals (defense, ag, trucking), creating a more diversified business model.
Whoop
• Announced a $575 million Series G funding round at a $1.1 billion bookings run rate. • New investors include LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo, and major institutions like The Mayo Clinic and Abbott. • Shifting from a sports-performance wearable to a broad "longevity" and medical-grade health platform (detecting AFib, blood pressure, and blood testing).
Takeaways
• Longevity Trend: The "Healthspan" and biological age tracking features are driving massive user engagement, tapping into the growing consumer obsession with anti-aging. • Medical Integration: Partnerships with Mayo Clinic and Abbott suggest Whoop is moving toward becoming a regulated medical tool, which increases its "stickiness" compared to basic fitness trackers.
Public.com
• Launched AI Agents for Investing, allowing users to set up autonomous agents that monitor markets and execute trades based on natural language instructions. • Examples include agents that "yield max" by sweeping excess cash into bonds or selling covered calls automatically.
Takeaways
• Agentic Brokerage: The industry is moving from "discount brokers" to "agentic brokers" where the AI acts as a 24/7 quant and financial advisor for retail investors. • Market Volatility: As retail investors gain access to automated, high-speed execution tools, market reactions to news (like CPI prints) may become even faster and more volatile.
Investment Themes & Sectors
1. Cybersecurity & Supply Chain Attacks
• A major malware attack was identified in the Axios NPM package (a tool used by millions of apps to talk to the internet). • Insight: As "Vibe Coding" (AI-generated code) becomes popular, the frequency of supply chain hacks will likely increase. This is highly bullish for automated cybersecurity firms like CrowdStrike and Socket.
2. Micro-Mobility (ALSO)
• ALSO, a spin-out from Rivian (RIVN), is focusing on small-form-factor electric vehicles (e-bikes, quads). • Partnered with DoorDash to explore autonomous delivery using small vehicles. • Insight: The "last mile" of delivery and short urban trips are the next frontier for electrification, as full-sized cars are often inefficient for these tasks.
3. Defense Tech (Saronic)
• Saronic raised $1.75 billion to build autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) for the Navy. • Insight: There is a massive shift toward "attritable" (expendable) autonomous fleets in the military to reduce human risk and increase scale, benefiting companies that can manufacture at World War II-level volumes.
4. Infrastructure (Somos)
• Somos raised $40 million to build fiber-to-the-home infrastructure in Latin America. • Insight: Emerging markets are "leapfrogging" old cable infrastructure. High-speed, low-cost internet is a foundational requirement for the AI economy to reach global populations.
TBPN
By John Coogan & Jordi Hays
Technology's daily show (formerly the Technology Brothers Podcast). Streaming live on X and YouTube from 11 - 2 PM PST Monday - Friday. Available on X, Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.