What You Need to Know About AI: James Wang’s Book on Making Sense of the AI Revolution

James Wang, General Partner at deep-tech venture capital firm Creative Ventures, is set to release his debut book What You Need to Know About AI on October 15, 2025. The book aims to cut through the hype surrounding artificial intelligence and explain the technology’s real impact in clear, accessible language.

The publication has already drawn endorsements from leading voices in technology, venture capital, and academia. LinkedIn cofounder and Greylock partner Reid Hoffman described it as “a great starting point for those worried they’ll never catch up,” while Jordan Schneider, founder of ChinaTalk, called it the book he plans to share with everyone seeking to understand the future.

A Practical Guide to AI

Unlike many works that lean heavily on technical jargon or speculative predictions, Wang’s book focuses on clarity. It traces the history of AI, outlines its fundamental principles, and explores both its strengths and its limits. Wang positions the book as a resource not just for professionals in the field, but also for policymakers, students, and general readers looking to make sense of a fast-changing technology.

“AI is simultaneously the most misunderstood and most important technology of our time,” Wang said in a statement. “My goal with this book is to make AI clear, grounded, and useful for everyone — from policymakers and professionals to students and everyday readers.”

Insights From an Investor and Technologist

Wang brings to the project more than a decade of experience in deep tech. At Creative Ventures, he has backed early-stage companies in artificial intelligence, synthetic biology, and advanced materials since 2016. His earlier career includes roles at Bridgewater Associates, Google X (the company’s moonshot lab), and as cofounder and CTO of a venture-backed startup.

This background, combined with his global outlook as an investor, allows him to blend technical insight with strategic perspective. He is also a lecturer at UC Berkeley and the author of Weighty Thoughts, a widely followed Substack read by technologists, investors, and policymakers.

Broad Endorsements

Early reviewers have praised What You Need to Know About AI for its accessible yet comprehensive approach. Rafic Makki, head technologist at Mubadala Ventures, described it as “A masterclass for understanding and investing in the most transformative technology of our time.” Devansh, head of AI at Iqidis, called it “the most essential, grounded, and genuinely useful guide you will find.”

Other endorsements have come from voices across sectors — from venture capital executives to healthcare leaders and academics — highlighting the book’s relevance beyond the AI community.

“The quickest and clearest way I’ve seen to be well-informed on the most important topics in AI, and a book I will be sharing with friends that are trying to get up the curve on potentially the most important technology of our lifetimes,” said Josh Blanchfield, Chief Investment Officer at Avos Capital Management. 

Availability

What You Need to Know About AI will be published by Manuscripts Press in paperback, hardcover, and eBook formats. It is currently available for preorder at www.smartaibook.com/buy.

About the Author

James Wang is a technologist, investor, and writer with expertise in AI and deep technology. As a general partner at Creative Ventures, he invests in early-stage startups advancing AI, synthetic biology, and advanced materials. Previously, he worked at Bridgewater Associates and Google X, and co-founded Lioness as CTO. He frequently lectures at UC Berkeley and writes Weighty Thoughts, a newsletter followed by global leaders in technology and policy.