logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2021
1h 42m

Complexity Investing & Semiconductors (w...

Ben Gilbert And David Rosenthal
About this episode

Of our 65+ sources for the TSMC episode, one stood above the rest: a wonderful Knowledge Project episode with Brinton Johns and Jon Bathgate of NZS Capital laying out the state of the semiconductor market. When coincidentally we met Brinton a week later, we knew fate was telling us we had to dig deeper. It turns out NZS has a lot more to teach Acquired than just about semis! Here we dive into their fascinating philosophy of "complexity investing", which was born out of their interactions with the world-famous Santa Fe Institute (of W. Brian Arthur and Increasing Returns fame!)... and of course we also throw in some semiconductor shop-talk for good measure. :)

Sponsors:

Anrok: https://bit.ly/anrokacquired
WorkOS: https://bit.ly/workos25
Statsig: https://bit.ly/acquiredstatsig24


More Acquired!:

© Copyright 2015-2025 ACQ, LLC


Links:

 ‍Note: Acquired hosts and guests may hold assets discussed in this episode. This podcast is not investment advice, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any financial transactions.

Up next
Jun 30
Google
We tell the story of the single greatest business ever created: Google search. From its origins as a Stanford research project called BackRub, Google became the front door to the internet. Today it’s an essential service for over half the world, and one that generates more profit ... Show More
3h 39m
Jun 2
The Steve Ballmer Interview
We sit down with Steve Ballmer, the legendary former Microsoft CEO and owner of the LA Clippers, for an epic conversation covering his 34 years at Microsoft. Steve listened to our Microsoft episodes and had some thoughts to share — and boy, did he deliver. Steve takes us point-by ... Show More
2h 59m
Apr 28
Announcement: Acquired Live at Radio City Music Hall!
A few weeks ago, we told you that Acquired is doing something in New York City on July 15 with our good friends at J.P. Morgan Payments. Well, the big announcement is finally here: We are doing our 2025 Live Show… at Radio City Music Hall!Radio City is of course the iconic New Yo ... Show More
4m 25s
Recommended Episodes
May 4
TIP719: Investing and Life Lessons w/ Mohnish Pabrai
On today’s show, Stig Brodersen talks with legend value investor Mohnish Pabrai. Since its inception in 1999, one dollar invested in the flagship fund would have turned into $13.63 vs. $6.19 for the S&P 500. In the special interview, you can join Mohnish and Stig’s metaphorical r ... Show More
1h 18m
Dec 2024
TIP680: Investing in Exceptional Businesses for the Long Run w/ Dev Kantesaria
On today’s episode, Clay is joined by Dev Kantesaria to discuss the current market environment, the types of investments he is looking for, FICO, S&P Global, and much more.Dev is the founder and portfolio manager at Valley Forge Capital Management. The firm has been highly succes ... Show More
1h 6m
May 2
TIP718: Buffett & Munger Unscripted by Alex Morris
In this episode, Clay dives into Buffett and Munger Unscripted by Alex Morris. This book is a treasure trove of timeless investing wisdom from decades of Berkshire Hathaway annual meetings. The episode highlights Warren and Charlie’s most powerful lessons on capital allocation, b ... Show More
1h 9m
Aug 2024
Gavin Baker - AI, Semiconductors, and the Robotic Frontier - [Invest Like the Best, EP.385]
My guest this week is Gavin Baker. Gavin is the managing partner and CIO of Atreides Management, and he has been on the show many times before. He is one of my favorite investors to talk to and this may be my favorite conversation with him. Gavin first started covering Nvidia as ... Show More
1h 31m
Aug 2024
RWH048: Betting Billions On Outlier Talent w/ Adam Shapiro
In this episode, William Green chats with Adam Shapiro, Managing Partner at East Rock Capital. Adam oversees billions on behalf of eight vastly rich families, allocating their assets to everything from hedge funds to private equity. Here, he explains how to build & safeguard weal ... Show More
2h 3m
Jan 2025
TIP688: Long-Term Market Cycles w/ Rob Arnott
On today’s episode, Clay is joined by Rob Arnott to discuss the Fundamental Index, the equity risk premium, and where Rob believes we’re at in the value cycle. Rob Arnott is the founder and chairman of the board of Research Affiliates. Rob plays an active role in the firm’s resea ... Show More
1h 5m
May 9
TIP720: Investing Against The Tide
On today’s episode, Kyle Grieve breaks down the contrarian investing philosophy of Anthony Bolton, revealing how he consistently outperformed the market by combining sentiment analysis, in-depth fundamental research, and a flexible yet disciplined portfolio strategy. IN THIS EPIS ... Show More
1h 8m
Jul 2024
TIP647: Value Investing Masterclass w/ Soo Chuen Tan
On today’s episode, Clay is joined by Soo Chuen Tan who is the founder and president of Discerene Group to discuss global & contrarian value investing.Soo Chuen started his firm in 2010 with less than $100 million in AUM and has grown it to over $2 billion. Utilizing their strict ... Show More
1h 17m
Oct 2024
TIP670: Sam Zell’s Secrets to Spotting Bargains & Managing Risk
On today’s episode, Clay reviews the wonderful book — Am I Being Too Subtle by Sam Zell. Sam Zell has an impressive background, having started his career in real estate in the late 1960s. He was the founder and chairman of Equity Group Investments, a leading private investment fi ... Show More
1h 17m
Nov 2024
TIP677: You Can Be a Stock Market Genius w/ Roger Fan
On today’s episode, Clay is joined by Roger Fan to discuss Joel Greenblatt’s book, “You can be a Stock Market Genius.” Joel Greenblatt is one of the greatest hedge fund managers of all time. Greenblatt famously averaged 40% a year over 20 years. At that rate, $1 million grows int ... Show More
1h 17m