The podcast explores the shutdown of big startups, the challenges faced by venture capitalists, and the impact on the economy. It discusses the reasons behind startup failures, such as financial struggles and unexpected challenges. The podcast also examines the implications for investors and the broader trends in startup failures. Additionally, it explores the rise of zombie firms and their negative impact on healthy firms and the global economy.
Over 3,000 venture-backed startups failed in the last year, with 19% being funded at a lower valuation than previous rounds.
The surge in VC investment led to a flood of capital into startups with untested business models, exposing their weaknesses as investor preferences shifted towards profitability.
Deep dives
Startups failing and financial losses
According to PitchBook, over 3,000 venture-backed startups failed in the last year, with 19% being funded at a lower valuation than previous rounds. Additionally, 38% of venture capitalists (VCs) stopped making deals, and there were significant layoffs in the tech industry. These failures include companies like Hyperloop One, Bird, Smile Direct Club, and Olive AI, which all faced financial troubles and shut down.
Factors contributing to startup failures
The surge in venture capital (VC) investment over the past decade, driven by low interest rates and successful tech startup stories, led to a flood of capital into startups with untested business models. However, as interest rates increased, investor preferences shifted towards profitability, exposing the weaknesses of many startups that relied on significant funding without generating sustainable cash flows. These startups' high valuations were more a result of the influx of capital rather than the quality of their business models.
Impact on the broader economy
While startup shutdowns have led to job losses and a decrease in active investors in the US venture capital market, they have not had a significant impact on the overall economy. The tight labor market has enabled laid-off workers to find replacement jobs easily. However, reduced funding opportunities for promising founders and an increase in corporate bankruptcies indicate potential difficulties for new business ventures and negative long-term consequences for productivity growth.
Send us a textBig startups are shutting down. More than 3000 private venture backed startups failed in the last year. Of the startups raising money, 19% were funded at a lower valuation than in prior funding rounds. 38% of VCs disappeared from dealmaking last year and more than a quarter of a million workers at tech companies lost their jobs over the same period. US corporate bankruptcy filings closed out 2023 with the most filings since 2010. The year has been described as a mass extin...
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