<p>Today we’re joined by Pasha and Pennie - second-time founders and the minds behind @a1base, a breakout @ycombinator startup giving AI agents real-world identities like phone numbers, emails, and Slack handles.</p><p>This conversation matters because it tackles one of the most important missing pieces in AI: identity and trust. </p><p>We’re moving beyond flashy demos - into a world where agents don’t just generate, they participate.</p><p><br /></p><p>We dive into:</p><p>- Why agents need a phone number</p><p>- Building Twilio for AI</p><p>- Startup mistakes they’ll never repeat</p><p>- Why “looking legit” slows you down</p><p>- Speed, soul, and real execution</p><p>- Trust, safety &amp; agent messaging</p><p>- What YC still gets right</p><p>- SF ambition vs. cynicism</p><p>- Winning in the agent era</p><p>- Infra for agents, not apps</p><p><br /></p><p>00:00 Introduction to YC and Founders' Ambitions</p><p>00:24 The Birth of A1 Base: From Idea to YC</p><p>02:21 Personal Histories: Clues to Becoming Founders</p><p>08:42 Lessons from Forage: Mistakes and Learnings</p><p>10:46 Vanta Ad</p><p>13:40 Building with Intentionality in the Age of AI</p><p>24:41 AI Agents and Human Communication</p><p>25:41 The Role of Y Combinator</p><p>26:09 Cultural and Strategic Benefits of YC</p><p>27:43 Silicon Valley's Unique Culture</p><p>29:07 AI Agents in Real-World Applications</p><p>35:03 Building Trust in AI Agents</p><p>40:54 Challenges and Optimism in AI Development</p><p>47:08 Future of AI Agents and Company Goals</p><p>48:44 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up</p><p><br /></p><p>This isn’t just about bots in group chats - it’s about reshaping how software works with people. The agent era has begun.#AI #Startups #YCombinator #a1base #AIagents #SachinandAdamShow #MessagingInfra #AIInfrastructure #TechFounders</p><p><br /></p><p>About us</p><p><br /></p><p>We are two best friends, trying to build a community around in-depth interviews and short documentaries with the best minds in technology and startups. Through bold storytelling and candid conversations, we explore how visionary thinkers are shaping the future. The best way to support is subscribing, truly it makes all the difference for us 💙</p>