This Week in Startups Nikola’s Trevor Milton indicted for fraud, Robinhood IPO + GRIN CEO Brandon Brown | E1256
Jul 29, 2021
A major scandal unfolds as Nikola's founder faces indictment for investor fraud. The discussion shifts to Robinhood's public offering amid scrutiny. Brandon Brown, CEO of GRIN, weighs in on the influencer economy, revealing trends towards relationship-driven marketing. Insights on managing creator partnerships spotlight the importance of authenticity in advertising. The conversation also touches on financial literacy for youth, the challenges of remote work, and the necessity of adapting marketing strategies in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
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Episode notes
Nikola Interview
- Jason Calacanis interviewed Trevor Milton on episode 1090.
- Milton's focus on stock price and vague letters of intent raised red flags for Calacanis.
Misleading Investors
- Milton's emphasis on retail investors getting "a ride" and the stock's potential increase was misleading.
- This deceptive framing is a potential example of securities fraud.
Interview Technique
- Use seemingly confused questions to let guests reveal information.
- This "Columbo technique" encourages detailed explanations, potentially uncovering inconsistencies.