This Week in Startups

Acquired’s Ben Gilbert & David Rosenthal on private markets, ZIRP impact, future of Amazon | E1706

Mar 24, 2023

Ben Gilbert, co-host of Acquired FM and tech business aficionado, joins David Rosenthal, venture capital expert from Stanford GSB, for an engaging conversation. They analyze the impact of zero interest rate policies on various industries and the repercussions of Y Combinator closing its Continuity Fund. The duo share their views on which social apps they believe would be the best investments. They wrap up discussing Amazon's future amid competition and innovative satellite technology from Starfish Space, revealing insights into tomorrow's tech landscape.

01:31:26

Creator website

Episode guests

David Rosenthal

Ben Gilbert

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

2min

Learning from Case Studies

4min

Evolving Strategies in Early-Stage Investing

4min

Investing Trends and the Rise of Tiny: A New Berkshire Hathaway of the Internet

3min

Shifts in Private Market Investment Trends and Valuation Expectations

3min

Navigating Startup Challenges

7min

Navigating Startup Growth and Blockchain Solutions

3min

Navigating Investment Challenges in a Changing Landscape

8min

Healthy Snacking Strategies and the Rise of AI Technology

3min

10.

Navigating AI and Social Media Dynamics

16min

11.

Navigating Social Media's Landscape

17min

12.

Navigating Amazon's Future and Market Landscape

15min

13.

Innovative Solutions in Satellite Technology

4min

14.

Crafting an Oral History: Connecting Influential Narratives

2min

Acquired co-hosts Ben and David are BACK to discuss the state of the VC market and YC shutting down its Continuity Fund (6:20) before diving into industries that benefitted from ZIRP (26:35). They also break down which social apps they want to own and why (45:29). Then, Ben and Jason wrap up the show by discussing the future of Amazon and Starfish Space, a new space startup (1:11:48)

(0:00) Nick tees up today’s topics

(1:36) David’s time at Stanford

(6:20) Ben’s private market snapshot

(8:49) Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub - Apply in 5 minutes for six figures in discounts at http://aka.ms/thisweekinstartups

(10:19) David’s private market snapshot

(16:19) Reacting to YC closing down its Continuity Fund

(25:35) QuickNode - Go to http://quicknode.com/ and use the code TWIST for a free month on their feature-packed Build Plan

(26:35) Industries that benefitted from ZIRP

(35:08) House of Macadamias - Get 20% off at https://houseofmacadamias.com/twist by using code TWIST20

(36:36) How compelling is AI?

(45:29) Owning either Instagram, Linked In, or YouTube

(48:15) Rational and Wildcard: Who is likely to acquire TikTok?

(53:44) Twitter product development

(1:00:51) Reclaiming lost time

(1:11:48) The future of Amazon

(1:19:57) Apple to spend $1B on producing theatrical releases + Project Titan

(1:25:21) SOTD: Keeping satellites on course with Starfish Space

FOLLOW Ben: https://twitter.com/gilbert

FOLLOW David: https://twitter.com/djrosent

FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis

Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkhmBWfS7pILYIk0izkc3A?sub_confirmation=1

FOUNDERS! Subscribe to the Founder University podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/founder-university/id1648407190

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.