How Evan Spiegel Is Building the Future of Computing
Venture Capital

Grit (Kleiner Perkins)

How Evan Spiegel Is Building the Future of Computing

Grit (Kleiner Perkins)•Dec 15, 2025

AI Summary

In this episode, Evan Spiegel discusses Snap's decision to reject a $3 billion Facebook acquisition to preserve its independent culture and vision, and outlines the company's strategic pivot toward augmented‑reality glasses as the next growth frontier. He emphasizes the need for tech leaders to address the ethical and societal risks of AI, warning that hype can mask serious concerns. Bing Gordon adds perspective on how these choices position Snap within the broader tech landscape, while host Joubin Mirzadegan steers the conversation toward practical implications for future computing.

Episode Description

Turning down a $3B offer from Facebook is a bold move for any young CEO.

Evan Spiegel shares how Snap’s early dream was to stay independent and give its community an authentic voice, a bet that proved right.

He also explains why they are now doubling down on AR glasses and why the anxiety around AI deserves far more attention from tech leaders.

Guest: Evan Spiegel, co-founder and CEO of Snap Inc. and Bing Gordon, Advisor at Kleiner Perkins

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Connect with Evan Spiegel

X:https://x.com/evanspiegel?lang=en

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-spiegel/

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Connect with Bing Gordon

X: https://x.com/bingfish 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/binggordon/

Connect with Joubin

X: https://x.com/Joubinmir

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joubin-mirzadegan-66186854/

Email: grit@kleinerperkins.com

​Learn more about Kleiner Perkins:https://www.kleinerperkins.com/

Show Notes

How Evan Spiegel Is Building the Future of Computing

December 15, 2025 – Kleiner Perkins

Guest: Evan Spiegel – co‑founder and CEO of Snap Inc.

Guest: Bing Gordon – Advisor at Kleiner Perkins

Host: Joubin Mirzadegan – Partner, Kleiner Perkins

Turning down a $3 billion offer from Facebook is a bold move for any young CEO.

Evan Spiegel shares how Snap’s early dream was to stay independent and give its community an authentic voice—a bet that proved right. He also explains why the company is now doubling down on AR glasses and why the anxiety around AI deserves far more attention from tech leaders.

Key Points

  • Independence over acquisition: Snap chose to remain independent rather than sell to Facebook, preserving its culture and product vision.

  • Focus on AR: The next major growth area for Snap is augmented‑reality glasses, which the team believes will reshape how people interact with digital content.

  • AI concerns: Spiegel warns that the industry’s excitement about AI can overlook serious ethical and societal implications that need proactive leadership.

Connect with the Guests

Connect with the Host

Email: grit@kleinerperkins.com

About the Podcast

Grit explores what it takes to create, build, and scale world‑class organizations. Hosted by Joubin Mirzadegan, the series highlights leaders who are pushing their companies to make a difference.

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