Danny Crichton, a Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, Head of Editorial at Lux Capital, and former Managing Editor at TechCrunch, joins Erik Torenberg to discuss the evolution of TechCrunch+, alternative business models, strategic investments in media, and tips for building a tech media company.

This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.

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RECOMMENDED PODCAST:

🎙️ECON 102 W/ NOAH SMITH - Keeping econ entertaining - Noahpinion author Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg break down business news and politics every week.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1696419056

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6q7Gn5lP8TTtBPuV1NJSGs

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LINKS:

• Danny Crichton: https://www.dannycrichton.com/
• Lux Capital: https://www.luxcapital.com/securities
• TechCrunch: https://techcrunch.com/
• TechCrunch+: https://techcrunch.com/techcrunchplus/
• 
  

X/ TWITTER:

@eriktorenberg (Erik)

@DannyCrichton (Danny)

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:28) Evolution of TechCrunch+

(01:27) Building a new product, ExtraCrunch

(04:50) Challenges of subscription media

(06:26) Identifying the core audience

(08:57) Exploring alternative business models in media

(15:26) Sponsor: Turpentine

(16:07) History of TechCrunch

(22:00) What worked and what didn't for TechCrunch

(29:20) Building a significant tech media company

(30:12) Strategies for success

(31:03) The need of focus formula

(35:32) Challenges of monetizing journalism

(37:50) Rethinking media products

(51:21) Potential of vertical media

(56:30) Wrap

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