Shockingly Good Predictions

Most people focus on predictions that were too optimistic. But some of the most interesting moments in tech are when reality completely blows past expectations. In this episode of Dalton + Michael, the two discuss times when an expectation was off in this way. Topics discussed include the investing outside of Silicon Valley, Sam Altman’s nuclear energy vision, Sam’s hiring advice, and the extent to which customers of a product care more about growth potential than cost savings. Dalton + Michael is brought to you by @Standard_Cap Dalton Caldwell on X: https://x.com/daltonc Michael Seibel on X: https://x.com/mwseibel

Dalton CaldwellhostMichael Seibelhost

Feb 16, 202620mWatch on YouTube ↗

EPISODE INFO

Released: February 16, 2026
Duration: 20m
Channel: Dalton + Michael
Watch on YouTube: ▶ Open ↗

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Most people focus on predictions that were too optimistic. But some of the most interesting moments in tech are when reality completely blows past expectations. In this episode of Dalton + Michael, the two discuss times when an expectation was off in this way. Topics discussed include the investing outside of Silicon Valley, Sam Altman’s nuclear energy vision, Sam’s hiring advice, and the extent to which customers of a product care more about growth potential than cost savings. Dalton + Michael is brought to you by @Standard_Cap Dalton Caldwell on X: https://x.com/daltonc Michael Seibel on X: https://x.com/mwseibel

SPEAKERS

Dalton Caldwell
host
Startup founder and Y Combinator partner/investor focused on early-stage companies.
Michael Seibel
host
Startup founder and Y Combinator partner/executive focused on early-stage investing and company building.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Dalton + Michael, featuring Dalton Caldwell and Michael Seibel, Shockingly Good Predictions explores startup lessons from surprisingly right bets on markets, talent, incumbents They revisit how underestimating the US as a venture-return engine was a correctable blind spot, while noting standout international successes like India’s Groww and Razorpay.

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