This podcast episode explores the decline in the number of public companies in the US, despite an increase in innovation and startups. The speakers discuss the reasons for this decline, such as the rise of private equity-backed companies and the increasing complexity and cost of going public. They also delve into the challenges faced by smaller companies when going public and the concerns raised about limited access for retail investors. Additionally, the episode examines the changing landscape of IPOs, the shift towards private capital markets, and the potential consequences of companies staying private indefinitely. The podcast concludes with a discussion on the potential competition between autonomous vehicles and ride-sharing services, focusing on the challenges faced by companies like Tesla and Waymo in establishing successful self-driving fleets.
