This Week in Startups

Tech's Super Bowl, Huge Earnings Week, Lon Returns and more! | E2083

Feb 11, 2025

The discussion kicks off with a look at how tech giants dominated Super Bowl ads, from Squarespace to Uber Eats. Highlights include an analysis of memorable commercials, including Kendrick Lamar's halftime performance. The impact of ChatGPT's ad on Google Trends is explored, alongside Matthew McConaughey's partnership with Salesforce. France's ambitious AI initiatives and OpenAI's move into chip development add an interesting twist. Plus, excitement builds around the upcoming Founder Fridays competition to foster innovation in the startup community.

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Quick takeaways

The rise of tech advertisements during the Super Bowl, with companies spending over $100 million, signifies a shift in marketing strategies from traditional sectors.

Memorable Super Bowl ads require a compelling storyline and relatable messages to stand out in the crowded advertising landscape.

The increasing use of AI in advertising is enabling brands to create personalized consumer experiences, redefining brand engagement and relevance.

Deep dives

Surge in Technology Ads During Super Bowl

The number of technology-related advertisements during the Super Bowl has noticeably increased, with several billion-dollar companies opting to spend heavily on this prime marketing opportunity. It was observed that around 10 to 13 tech ads were featured, translating to an estimated $100 million in advertising costs. This trend indicates a shift from traditional advertisers such as fast food and beer brands, reflecting a broader strategy by tech companies to capture consumer attention in high-stakes moments. For startups with limited budgets, the concept of creating and promoting a 'spec' commercial could serve as a creative way to engage audiences without the hefty price tag of an actual Super Bowl slot.

Intro

2min

Tech Takeover in Super Bowl Ads

5min

Ad Insights: Muppets vs. Emotion

5min

Navigating Culture, Legacy, and Safety

2min

Advertising Insights from the Big Game

8min

Contrasting Advertisements and Cultural Impact

8min

Engaging Advertisements and Effective Startup Solutions

5min

Influential Figures in Advertising

2min

The Influence of Celebrity Advertising on Consumer Choices

3min

10.

Celebrity Endorsements and Guerrilla Marketing Strategies

3min

11.

Innovative Advertising and France's Tech Aspirations

3min

12.

EU AI Champions Initiative and Market Dynamics

17min

13.

Building Community Among Founders: The Launch of Founder Friday and Startup Competitions

3min

Today on This Week in Startups: Lon Harris is back, and we’re diving into all things Super Bowl—especially the tech takeover in this year’s commercials. We break down the biggest ad moments, from Squarespace to Uber Eats, Instacart, and even Harrison Ford’s Jeep spot. Plus, we dig into Google Trends after the ChatGPT ad, the unexpected appeal ofThe Banshees of Inisherin, and Matthew McConaughey’s latest move with Salesforce. That’s not all—France is making bold AI moves, OpenAI is getting into chip development, and we’ve got aFounder Fridays competition coming up!

Timestamps:

(0:00) Jason, Alex and Lon “kick off” the show!(5:09) Breakout Super Bowl commercials(9:23) Rocket's Super Bowl ad and its impact

(10:21)Lemon.io. Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time athttps://Lemon.io/twist(13:00) High-risk hobbies of the rich and famous(15:23) We all loved the new Squarespace ad and its effectiveness(19:07) The appeal of "The Banshees of Inisherin" and ChatGPT Super Bowl ad(20:17) OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first six months athttps://www.openphone.com/twist

(21:34) Google Trends analysis of ChatGPT ad impact(22:19) A look at Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowll half-time show and his popularity(24:15) Rating the ChatGPT Super Bowl ad(31:01) Coda. Empower your startup with Coda’s Team plan for free—get 6 months athttps://www.Coda.io/twist(32:42) Uber Eats and Instacart Super Bowl ads & Harrison Ford's Jeep commercial(39:49) Matthew McConaughey's role with Salesforce and A-list actors in 2025(44:14) France's AI investment and strategy(47:10) AI in customer service and SaaS pricing(52:34) IT unemployment and AI's impact on tech support(56:45) Upcoming earnings reports from key tech companies(1:02:12) OpenAI's custom chip development with TSMC(1:02:35) Founder Fridays: A new initiative for founders and competition format*

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Thank you to our partners:

(10:21)Lemon.io. Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time athttps://Lemon.io/twist(20:17) OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first six months athttps://www.openphone.com/twist(30:31)Coda. Empower your startup with Coda’s Team plan for free—get 6 months athttps://www.Coda.io/twist*

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