This Week in Startups

Amazon's transformation, Peloton's mistakes, VC market downturn & more with Ben Gilbert | E1582

Oct 11, 2022

Ben Gilbert, a keen business analyst and contributor to Acquired, dives into various fascinating topics. He discusses Amazon's shift from innovation to profitability, marking a significant transformation for the tech giant. The conversation turns to Peloton's recent struggles, including drastic job cuts and missteps during the pandemic. Gilbert also explores the intriguing world of AI, including ethical questions about digital likenesses, and wraps up with insights on the current downturn in venture capital funding.

01:18:06

Creator website

Episode guests

Ben Gilbert

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Episode notes

Intro

4min

Amazon's Shift in Innovation Strategy

4min

Strategic Reflections on Amazon's Business Model and Delivery Innovations

5min

Navigating Through Automation and AI

12min

From Stage to Screen: Innovation and Accessibility in Media

5min

Peloton's Struggles and Strategic Restructuring

4min

Navigating Corporate Challenges and Communication in the Wake of Change

5min

Peloton's Pandemic Missteps and Strategic Shifts

14min

Exploring Tesla and Electric Vehicle Trends

19min

10.

Navigating the Venture Capital Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities

6min

Acquired's Ben Gilbert fills in for Molly Wood and joins Jason to discuss Amazon's transformation (3:57), AI edge cases (22:02), Peloton's mistakes (32:05), used car prices (59:59), and the current VC market downturn. (1:09:18)

(0:00) Jason tees up today's topics!

(3:57) Acquired's Ben Gilbert joins Jason to break down the news! First up: Amazon sunsets its "Scout" project, and its transformation from a Day 1 to a Day 2 company

(10:45) Embroker - Use code TWIST to get an extra 10% off insurance at https://Embroker.com/twist

(11:53) Coco's delivery robots, history of the delivery robot space, where Coco robots can work, the maturation of smartphone components

(22:02) AI edge cases: capturing the likeness of a celebrity/notable person

(27:33) Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub - Apply in 5 minutes, no funding required, sign up at http://aka.ms/thisweekinstartups

(29:03) Escaping the Uncanny Valley

(32:05) Peloton cuts 500 more jobs; CEO's comments make employees panic

(37:28) Zapier - Try for free today at https://zapier.com/TWIST

(38:59) Peloton's two major corporate strategy mistakes, Apple's mass market luxury innovation

(59:59) Used car prices are down significantly

(1:09:18) VC market downturn coming off a record 2021; was 2021 an aberration?

Check out Acquired: https://www.acquired.fm

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

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

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