Rippling Targets $16B, Market Chaos, TikTok Timeout, and Office Hours | E2107
This Week in Startups
Intro
This chapter explores how moderates and business leaders shape political dynamics, particularly under Trump's administration. It examines the impact on startup fundraising and hiring trends amidst a turbulent political climate and stock market fluctuations.
Today’s show: Jason and Alex dive into the startup world’s latest chaos — from Nasdaq’s slide and Trump’s tariffs to Klarna’s IPO pause and Rippling’s $16B target. They break down what founders really need to know: tightening CIO budgets, longer sales cycles, but easier hiring. Plus, TikTok’s ban gets another delay (with Bezos possibly lurking?). In Office Hours, they chat with two sharp founders: Luke Belbina from PodEngine, who's building AI for podcasters and doubling revenue, and David Moscatelli from Abacus, who’s bringing secure, on-prem AI to banks and just hit $1M ARR. Don’t miss it! 👇
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Timestamps:
(0:00) Jason kicks off the show!
[3:37] Cloud stocks dip: What it means for startups
[5:31] Trump's tariffs: A new startup recession?
[7:01] Retail’s reaction to tariff pressure
[10:16] LinkedIn Ads - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups
[12:35] Supply chains & startup struggles
[14:53] What’s still getting funded in VC
[17:21] Layoffs looming? What founders should prep for
[19:10] AI, macro takes & market signals
[21:32] Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist
[23:21] European tech cooling off?
[24:36] Hiring freezes vs. easier recruiting
[27:39] Startup strategies in tough markets
[29:34] Vapi - Go to https://vapi.ai/twist and get 1000 minutes free per month - for life.
[31:38] How to communicate tough changes
[33:33] TikTok ban delayed… again
[39:38] Trump’s China playbook: Startup impact
[42:12] Office Hours: Luke from PodEngine
[47:31] Automating with AI & driving sales
[55:53] Pricing, lead gen & scaling tips
[1:06:30] Office Hours: David from Abacus
[1:08:32] On-prem AI for banks + hitting $1M ARR
[1:14:42] Team building & founder strategy
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Links from the show:
Check out PodEngine: https://www.podengine.ai/
Check out Abacus: https://www.goabacus.co/
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Follow Luke:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukebelbina/
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Follow David:
X: https://x.com/DaveMoscatelli
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Follow Alex:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm
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Follow Jason:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis
Thank you to our partners:
[10:16] LinkedIn Ads - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups
[21:32] Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist
[29:34] Vapi - Go to https://vapi.ai/twist and get 1000 minutes free per month - for life.
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
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Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com
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Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916
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