Superior Tech Inevitably Wins

Pat Brown shares his perspective on technological evolution, particularly in the context of replacing traditional animal-based food production. He uses historical parallels and current market dynamics to explain why he believes alternative meat technology will inevitably succeed.

• The Horse vs. Locomotive Analogy:

  • In 1830, the first locomotive lost to a horse in a race
  • But locomotives never lost again because horses couldn't improve
  • This demonstrates how improvable technology eventually surpasses fixed-capability solutions

• Core Philosophy on Technology Transition:

  • When you switch from an unimprovable technology to an improvable one
  • Once performance is close, "the race is over"
  • Success is inevitable because only one side can get better

• Application to Food Technology:

  • Traditional meat production is like the horse - limited improvement potential
  • Plant-based alternatives are like the locomotive - constantly improving
  • After 6 years of development, they're "running even with the cow"
  • The cow can't improve, but their technology improves daily

• Environmental Impact Comparison:

  • Their burger uses:
    • 1/4 of the water
    • 1/8 of greenhouse gas emissions
    • Less than 1/20th of the land
  • These metrics will continue to improve with technological advancement

• Market Strategy:

  • Not trying to convince people to give up meat
  • Instead, focusing on making better meat through better technology
  • Success requires making products that consumers "decisively prefer"
  • Criteria: taste, nutrition, affordability, and convenience

• Vision for Success:

  • Goal is to replace "world's most destructive technology" by 2035
  • Solution is market-based rather than behavior change
  • Believes complete success is inevitable due to technological superiority