Happy Friday crew, it’s British open week - we made it. Can’t say the same for Andy Byron (Astronomer CEO). The monoculture demanded a sacrificial lamb to break up Epstein-palooza this week, and Chris Martin graciously stepped in. Thank you for your service. I (James) am going to see Coldplay in Nashville this week - I’ll report back if my CEO is there with our Chief People Officer and a crop of interns. Can’t wait.
We hope all is well in your corner of the world. There’s been some sobering reminders that life is short in the Relay orbit lately - here’s your reminder to snag some joy when you can. Grab a drink, queue four30 below, and let’s get into it.
“Do you take pride in your hurt?” Samuel asked. “Does it make you seem large and tragic?”
“I don’t know.”
“Well, think about it. Maybe you’re playing a part on a great stage with only yourself as audience.”
John Steinbeck, East of Eden
“We’re in such a hurry most of the time we never get much chance to talk. The result is a kind of endless day-to-day shallowness, a monotony that leaves a person wondering years later where all the time went and sorry that it’s all gone.” Robert M. Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Top of Mind
Wild Caught Pacific Cod, (David)
“Our commitment to protein has led us to a strange place. Boiled cod. We're selling it now.”
There is so many things to say about David’s new Wild Caught Pacific Cod, the group chat has been ablaze. First and foremost, who asked for this? Secondly, this is just one of the many examples of the Millennial / Gen Z transformation (and branding surcharge) of something so basic, fish. We’re seeing hip new brands in nearly all industries slap cool branding on things to appeal to youthful wealth. For example, David’s Cod is struck at $55 for 24oz (1.5lbs) whereas Costco will sell you a 32oz (2lbs) bag for $25. From Tend Dental, to Blank Street Coffee, and now David’s Wild Caught Pacific Cod, we don’t see this “brandification” trend to stop. Maybe this is just the natural cycle of consumer products happening in front of our eyes?
The American Development Renaissance: Our Investment in Bedrock Robotics, (8VC)
Dirt: A Love Story
Construction is a $2 trillion U.S./$13 trillion global industry where automation has barely scratched the surface of possibility. Beneath that surface is dirt—unfathomable amounts.
By 2030, the average skilled equipment operator will be over 46 years old (vs 42.9 today), and not enough young people are replacing them. Meanwhile, construction as a whole is nearly 500,000 workers short of meeting 2025 demands.
Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) hold a special place in my heart, as I (Macke), worked at a failed one (cough, Argo AI). Bedrock coming out of stealth with a 60m Series A, led by 8VC, is looking to both innovate a lagging industry and solve an employment crisis. This is right in the 8VC wheelhouse, and I cannot wait to see more and more autonomous technology taking over various industries. In many ways, this feels like technology I dreamt of as a kid and it’s inevitable that we’ll all hopefully grow old to see a world full more and more of this. Also, space mining!
A Network of Underground “Thing Pipes” is About to Change Delivery Forever, (PirateWires)
“Pipedream Labs aims to eventually do for physical goods what the internet has done for data…Not only will modalities like drones and underground pipe systems give us 10-minute, sub-25-cent delivery benchmarks... this logistics shift will create entirely new economies.”
The logistics firm Pipedream Labs envisions a future where underground robot-powered tunnels deliver physical goods as fast and cheaply as the internet delivers data.
The company just announced its first Rapid Fulfillment Center in Austin, Texas, which will connect to a network of autonomous delivery robots (they’re calling them Otters) that zoom through 24-inch underground pipes transporting goods at up to 100mph. These bots deliver to above-ground Portals — unmanned kiosks or mini-stores — where customers can pick up items for as little as 25–50 cents, often in under 10 minutes. Wild.
ICYMI: Happy Hour Edition
Dan Hollick is writing a digital book titled “Making Software”, he’s only one chapter in but putting on an absolute clinic in website design. Beautiful.
PEPFAR was spared from spending cuts. This feels like a bi-partisan win. Curious if George Bush threw some weight around behind the scenes to protect a cornerstone of his legacy.
The Free Press finally dropped their app. Sign us up.
Best of Substack this Week
Seven Habits of Highly Effective Travellers -
Paul Newman: The Man Behind the Timeless Photos -
Christopher Fenimore: In Medias Res (a style feature on one of my best friends) -
Steak, Potato Roastie with Labneh and Bordelaise Sauce -
How to Go VIRAL On Substack INSTANTLY -
This week in Relay’s shopping cart
Boston Whaler Polo - Tombolo x Boston Whaler, James
Admittedly I’m a Northeast prep poser (currently sitting in Nashville sweating my ass off) but this collab has me wishing I was in Maine this summer.
Grid Knit™ Socks - Bandit, Ian
The summer aesthetic is the thin sock ankle scrunch. It’s what we’re all saying.
Tropic Twill Carry-On Short - Buck Mason, Ian
It’s too hot in Tennessee. Sometimes you just need a classic short. Wish I could wear painter pants and hoodies all year though.
TheStack + Stack Radar Bundle, Macke
Since playing Pebble Beach, I’ve been obsessing over my golf game. If anyone’s interested, I’ll report back on my swing gainz. Need to put in some work before heading to Cabot.
It’s Not That Deep, Randy
Thanks for reading — or for mega scrolling all the way down here.
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