Frank-ly, the Kardashian method won’t work for SBF
Jan 13, 2023
This week, the hosts dive into fascinating tech developments, like Inflow's ADHD self-help app and Cartograph Ventures' fresh funding. They dissect the whirlwind of fintech mergers, including Fidelity's quirky Shoobx acquisition. Microsoft’s puzzling deal with OpenAI also gets attention. The conversation takes a turn to examine SBF's new Substack, questioning whether his celebrity-style distraction tactics are appropriate, especially in light of serious legal issues. The episode blends insight with a touch of humor as the tech landscape evolves.
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Ex-Juul Exec Leads New VC Fund
Cartograph Ventures, a new consumer VC fund, is led by ex-Juul executive Alexander Cantwell.
Juul's past controversies raise questions about the fund's future, despite the value of operator experience.
insights INSIGHT
Inflow: A Non-Medication Approach to ADHD
Inflow, a London-based startup, offers a self-help app for managing ADHD through CBT techniques.
Its annual subscription costs $200 and boasts a clinical psychologist on the founding team.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Carta Faces Lawsuit and Layoffs
Carta is suing its former CTO, Jerry Talton, for alleged discrimination and sexual harassment of at least nine women.
This follows previous lawsuits and recent layoffs at the company.
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Deals of the week include Inflow, which has developed a self-help app designed to help people manage their ADHD, Cartograph Ventures, a new venture fund run by an ex-Juul operator, and the latest lawsuit and layoffs happening over at Carta
The plethora of fintech M&A that took place this week, including Fidelity's acquisition of a startup called Shoobx (we couldn't pronounce its name either) and Deel's buyout of Capbase.
Microsoft's deal with ChatGPT OpenAI which, we'll admit, has a structure that stumps even us. Plus, we talk about how Pittsburgh's expertise in AI may help give its startup scene a boost.
There's Sam Altman, and then there's Sam Bankman-Fried, which brings us to our last theme. We talk about SBF's new Substack, the Kardashian method of distraction and why the legal world isn't a fan of levity. As Becca said so aptly, maybe billionaires (or former billionaires) should stop trying to be cute.
We'll end with a reminder that the TechCrunch podcast network is now a machine that produces content, daily, from the most diverse slate of hosts in the tech pod world. Proud of our fellow co-hosts, and for those of you who may be starting a resolution or habit-stacking to start 2023, consider giving our other shows a try.
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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