Manipulating User Metrics in Tech

This chapter explores the issue of user count manipulation in the tech industry, focusing on identity platforms and social media. It examines notable examples of inflated user numbers, the tactics behind these practices, and their implications for advertising and tech investments.

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This Week in Startups is presented by:

Notion just launched Notion Projects, which includes new, powerful ways to manage projects and leverage the power of their built-in AI features too. Try it for free today at notion.com/twist.

LinkedIn Jobs. A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters. Go to LinkedIn.com/TWIST to post your first job for free. Terms and conditions apply

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Today’s show:

Jason is joined by Vinny Lingham to break down IRL shutting down after faking 95% of users (1:12), ZIRP fraud (12:59), Databricks acquiring MosaicML for $1.3B, and some AI demos! (1:02:31)

Check out Waitroom: https://waitroom.com/

Follow Vinny: https://twitter.com/vinnylingham

Time stamps:

(0:00) Vinny joins Jason

(1:12) IRL's 19M fake users

(5:45) Twitter bots and the fake account problem

(11:50) Notion - Try it for free today at https://notion.com/twist

(12:59) Diligence in early-stage startups

(20:59) Databricks acquires MosaicML for $1.3B

(27:02) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at ⁠https://linkedin.com/twist

(33:09) Testing Google’s new generative search

(37:47) Fin - Try Fin, Intercom's new AI customer support chatbot, at ⁠https://intercom.com/fin⁠