Rebecca Szkutak, a Senior Writer at TechCrunch, dives into the current startup landscape. She discusses the FDA's game-changing decision to allow over-the-counter hearing aid sales, paving the way for innovation. The conversation also highlights how startups in employee benefits could weather economic cuts while maintaining essential support. Regional investment disparities are analyzed, showcasing the Midwest's potential versus the Southeast's lower valuations. Tune in for a lively exploration of entrepreneurial resilience in uncertain times!
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insights INSIGHT
Neumann's Return and Funding Concerns
Adam Neumann's comeback wasn't surprising, but the size of Andreessen Horowitz's $350 million check was.
The follow-on funding aspect is crucial, especially considering SoftBank's recent valuation concerns.
insights INSIGHT
Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids: A Win for Innovation
The FDA's decision to allow over-the-counter hearing aids is a win for the industry and consumers.
This ruling opens doors for startup innovation, potentially lowering costs and reducing stigma.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Startups Ready for Hearing Aid Innovation
Some startups were already prepared for this ruling and have completed the FDA approval process.
New hearing aid products could be available as early as three to five months from now.
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Hello and welcome back to Equity, a podcast about the business of startups, where we unpack the numbers and nuance behind the headlines.
While the crew recovers from an incredible week in SF for TechCrunch Disrupt, we dug through the archives for a conversation you may have missed. Natasha was joined by TC+ reporter Rebecca Szkutak to wade through the news of the week. It was frantic, it was full, and forgettable it was not!
Here's what we got into:
Quick note from Becca on Neumann's return and if follow-on funding will be a possibility for Flow -- given some investors reactions.
Speaking of regulatory pains, we spoke about how employee-benefits startups might escape cost cuts as companies seek to retain talent. Don't know about you but I'd prefer to lose free food over mental health support.
We ended with notes on two geographies.
Looking at the Midwest, we talked about how LPs aren't backing funds in the region this year despite many VCs considering it to be one of the safer areas to invest right now.
Comparing the Southeast and Midwest, we spoke about how lower valuations are helping fuel both regions to have a good year.
Equity drops every Monday at 7 a.m. PDT and Wednesday and Friday at 6 a.m. PDT, so subscribe to us onApple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify a_nd all the casts._
Credits: Equity is produced by Theresa Loconsolo with editing by Kell. Bryce Durbin is our Illustrator. We'd also like to thank the audience development team and Henry Pickavet, who manages TechCrunch audio products.
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