Decoder with Nilay Patel

After 10 years covering startups, former TechCrunch EIC Matthew Panzarino tells us what's next

Sep 19, 2023

Matthew Panzarino, former editor-in-chief of TechCrunch, reflects on his transformative decade at the helm of a leading tech publication. He discusses the evolution of TechCrunch and startup culture, revealing the challenges of navigating editorial integrity amid corporate pressures. Panzarino highlights the critical role of storytelling in tech, particularly in the face of generative AI's impact. He also shares personal reflections on the fatigue of startup coverage and his aspirations for new ventures beyond media.

51:41

Episode guests

Matthew Panzarino

AI Summary

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

TechCrunch transitioned from being centered around an individual's persona to building a broader brand that provides valuable coverage for the startup community.

TechCrunch strives to balance being fast and close to the latest developments with maintaining editorial authenticity and nurturing the expertise of its writers.

Providing unique niche content and focusing on specialized knowledge and original reporting can help media outlets survive in the face of AI-generated content.

Deep dives

Overview of the podcast episode

In this episode of the podcast Decoder, host Nilay Patel interviews Matthew Panzarino, former Editor-in-Chief of TechCrunch. They discuss the history of TechCrunch, its role in the tech and startup ecosystem, and Panzarino's experience running the publication amidst various ownership changes. They also touch on the future of media, including the challenges posed by generative AI and Google's impact on the industry. Panzarino's upcoming plans and the prospects for niche media are also explored.

Snip

NaN:NaN

Snip

NaN:NaN

Snip

NaN:NaN

Snip

NaN:NaN

Intro

4min

Evolution of TechCrunch and Startup Culture

12min

Navigating Company Narratives and Creative Tools

3min

Navigating the Media Landscape in Startups

20min

Reflections on Challenges and New Beginnings in Startup Coverage

4min

Navigating the Future of TechCrunch

9min

Reflections and Future Aspirations Beyond Media

3min

TechCrunch is one of the most important trade publications in the world of tech and startups, and its annual Disrupt conference is where dozens of major companies have launched… and some have failed.

Matt has been the editor-in-chief of TechCrunch for essentially a decade now, and he and I have been both friends and competitors the entire time. We’ve competed for scoops, traded criticisms, and asked each other for advice in running our publications and managing our teams.

So when Matt announced last month that he’s stepping down from his role at TechCrunch it felt important to have him come on for what you might call an exit interview — a look back at the past decade running a media outlet at the center of the tech ecosystem, with all of the chaos that’s entailed.

Links:

Why We Sold TechCrunch To AOL, And Where We Go From Here | TechCrunch (2010)

TechCrunch founder leaves AOL in a cloud of acrimony | CNN Money (2011)

SB Nation Sacks AOL in Raid of Former Engadget Team for Competing New Tech Site, As AOL Zeroes in on New EiC | All Things D (2011)

Why Every Company Needs A 'No Bozos' Policy | Forbes (2012)

Artificial Intelligence Nonprofit OpenAI Launches With Backing From Elon Musk And Sam Altman | TechCrunch

Just buy this Brother laser printer everyone has, it’s fine | The Verge

Credits:

Decoder is a production of The Verge and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.

Today’s episode was produced by Nick Statt and Kate Cox. It was edited by Callie Wright.

The Decoder music is by Breakmaster Cylinder. Our Editorial Director is Brooke Minters and our Executive Producer is Eleanor Donovan.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices