This Week in Startups Rapid Fire News: App Annie fraud, Instagram’s negative impact, Discord valued at $15B & more | E1284
Sep 17, 2021
Delve into the shocking revelations of App Annie's fraud, where confidential data was manipulated. Discover how leaked Facebook documents unveil Instagram's negative effects on teen girls' mental health. Explore Discord's impressive $15B valuation, alongside Mailchimp's hefty $12B sale. Plus, engage with real-time questions that shed light on the current tech landscape and the need for ethical practices in startups. A thought-provoking discussion on the hidden costs of social media you won't want to miss!
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App Annie Fraud
- The SEC charged App Annie and its former CEO with securities fraud for manipulating app data.
- Jason Calacanis categorizes this fraud as a serious offense, likening it to a "speeding ticket" for a Ferrari owner.
Instagram's Negative Impact on Teens
- Facebook's internal research revealed Instagram's harmful effects on teen girls' mental health, particularly body image issues.
- Jason Calacanis compares the crisis to the cigarette industry, emphasizing the severe and long-lasting impact of mental health problems.
Discord and Reddit Merger
- Discord and Reddit, with similar target audiences and functionalities, should merge before going public.
- This combined entity could achieve a $100 billion valuation, leveraging their complementary strengths.