The Pomp Podcast

Is AI Taking Money & Attention Away From Bitcoin? | Dan Ives

The Pomp Podcast·May 21, 2026

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

  • SpaceX/Tesla Merger: Expected to merge in 2027, creating a data powerhouse for AI development. Dan Ives believes 80-85% likelihood.
  • Microsoft: Viewed as an amazing company that is currently dislocated from its intrinsic value. Considered a strong buy, with potential price targets of $550-$600.
  • Chips/Memory (e.g., Micron, Marvell): Seen as critical components for the AI revolution, with growth underestimated by the street. Micron is up 600-800%, Marvell is up 100% in six months, suggesting sustained upside.
  • Apple: Despite concerns about being behind in AI strategy, its massive installed base of 1.5 billion iPhones and 2.5 billion iOS devices positions it as a "toll collector" for AI access. Apple is considered a "sleeping giant" and potentially the most mispriced large-cap tech stock.

OVERVIEW

This episode provides a deep dive into the AI trade, discussing its profound impact on technology, global markets, and society. Dan Ives shares his insights on key investment areas, geopolitical competition, and the challenges of fear-mongering surrounding AI.

KEY TOPICS

  • AI's perceived fear and self-created PR problems by the industry
  • The convergence of space and tech through SpaceX and its potential merger with Tesla
  • The geopolitical landscape of AI, comparing US and China's strengths
  • The critical role of data centers and the challenges of local regulations
  • Investment strategies in the public market across AI-related sectors like chips, software, and infrastructure
  • The impact of AI on traditional industries and the broader economy
  • The importance of pro-innovation government policies and effective communication from tech leaders
  • The relationship between monetary policy, global events, and the AI trade
  • The role of Bitcoin and crypto in the context of increasing investment in AI
  • The democratization of investing and information flow in the current market environment
  • The competitive dynamics between established tech giants and emerging AI players

MAIN TAKEAWAYS

  • Much of the fear surrounding AI, particularly regarding job losses and ethical concerns, is self-created by the tech industry itself, which can lead to negative public perception and regulatory hurdles.
  • The United States is currently leading China in AI capabilities, specifically in models, software, and advanced chips, while China holds leads in robotics and nuclear power.
  • The potential merger of SpaceX and Tesla could create an unparalleled data ecosystem, significantly accelerating AI development and giving Elon Musk a competitive edge.
  • AI is poised to drive a multi-year bull market that will extend beyond the tech sector, creating new categories, jobs, and investment opportunities across various industries like healthcare, finance, and utilities.
  • Effective communication from tech leaders is crucial to counter negative narratives and emphasize the positive societal and economic impacts of AI, such as job creation and solving major global challenges like disease.
  • Risk management is paramount in the current accelerated bull market, where opportunities coexist with volatility, and investors must differentiate between reality and hype.
  • Government support for innovation and a clear regulatory framework are essential for AI to be globally adopted and achieve its full potential.

NOTABLE QUOTES

"Data is new oil and gold."
"My biggest concern goes back to how we started this. Is that tech companies, it's about them tripping over their own shoelaces... Talking about job cuts like it's like not reading the room."
"This is third inning, one out in a nine inning game."
"You cannot lose sight of what's happening in terms of the tech trade."

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