This Week in Startups
Chime’s IPO, Databricks’ $1B Acquisition & Dave Rubin’s Media Empire | E2126
May 15, 2025
Dave Rubin, a prominent political commentator and host of The Rubin Report, dives into the challenges and triumphs of building Locals, an independent creator platform. He shares insights on why he goes phone-free for weeks and the detrimental effects of identity politics on business and sports. The conversation also touches on the fast-evolving landscape of right-wing media and the need for mental health breaks. Rubin advocates for innovative subscription models in the entertainment sector, while exploring generational tensions amidst a polarized cultural landscape.
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Quick takeaways
- Chime's IPO, bolstered by strong financials, underscores a shift in the IPO market, signaling consumer preference for innovative banking solutions.
- Databricks' $1B acquisition of Neon highlights the growing demand for agentic AI technologies, reinforcing the importance of strategic investments in emerging sectors.
Deep dives
Live Stream Farewell
The host recounts a memorable live stream event during which they decided to close their Patreon account. They engaged their audience by offering to take a shot of tequila for every thousand subscribers gained, resulting in 12 shots and a significant number of new subscribers. Unfortunately, this led to an accidental doxing incident when they deleted their account, revealing their email address live. Despite the chaos, the event was ultimately a success, leading to the foundation of a platform aimed at providing creators with more control.
