Register here to join Founder University Japan’s kickoff: https://luma.com/cm0x90mk

Today’s show:

Google and Meta had their cases dismissed (or received a slap on the wrist)… Despite all the backlash and cynicism, AI companies continue making bank and releasing hot new products… What does it all mean?

For Jason Calacanis, the signs are pointing to a “major M&A moment,” with huge opportunities for increased efficiency and consolidation among America’s favorite brands and largest companies?

Who will it be? Join Jason and Alex for a round of hot speculation.

PLUS why Jason thinks Michael Burry is both right and wrong about GPU depreciation, why NOTHING is certain about these OpenAI mega-deals, Google’s Nano Banana Pro can make infographics and they’re VERY impressive… and much more.

Timestamps:

(1:54) Jason’s calling in from Vegas… He’s doing a hot lap at F1!

(3:18) How restaurants are becoming the new Hot IP

(6:50) Founder University is heading to TOKYO!

(9:27) Why Jason thinks the future of startups is truly global

(10:06) Pipedrive - Bring your entire sales process into one elegant space. Get started with a 30 day free trial at pipedrive.com/twist

(11:39) Nvidia killed it on the numbers… but what are the vibes around AI? Jason sounds off.

(13:05) Why nothing is certain when it comes to the Nvidia/OpenAI deal

(19:40) Is Google now WINNING consumer adoption of AI? How did it get this close?

(19:57) Crusoe Cloud: Crusoe is the AI factory company. Reliable infrastructure and expert support. Visit https://crusoe.ai/build to reserve your capacity for the latest GPUs today.

(26:07) Meanwhile, AI apps are still dominating the iOS Store

(27:09) Why Jason and Alex think Michael Burry’s both right and wrong about GPU depreciation

(30:13) Northwest Registered Agent - Form your entire business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes. Get more privacy, more options, and more done—visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist today!

(37:46) We’re testing out Nano Banana Pro on a BBQ infographic challenge

(43:42) What a week for AI models! It doesn’t seem like things are slowing down…

(46:12) Kalshi is growing fast, but can it catch Polymarket?

(47:50) Is a rate cut coming? Jason and Alex read the tea leaves.

(50:13) Why Jason predicts a “major M&A moment” in the next six months

(52:09) VIEWER QUESTION: What should a software engineer be working on RIGHT NOW.

(54:02) Founder Friday is now… STARTUP SUPPER CLUB

Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.com

Check out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.com

Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

Follow Lon:

X: https://x.com/lons

Follow Alex:

X: https://x.com/alex

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

Follow Jason:

X: https://twitter.com/Jason

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

Thank you to our partners:

(10:06) Pipedrive - Bring your entire sales process into one elegant space. Get started with a 30 day free trial at pipedrive.com/twist

(19:57) Crusoe Cloud: Crusoe is the AI factory company. Reliable infrastructure and expert support. Visit https://crusoe.ai/build to reserve your capacity for the latest GPUs today.

(30:13) Northwest Registered Agent - Form your entire business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes. Get more privacy, more options, and more done—visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist today!

Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

Follow TWiST:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups

Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

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