Decoder with Nilay Patel After 10 years covering startups, former TechCrunch EIC Matthew Panzarino tells us what's next
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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.
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Attempted Hiring
- Nilay Patel reveals he tried hiring Matthew Panzarino for The Verge.
- Panzarino declined, later becoming TechCrunch's editor-in-chief.
Shifting Focus from Individual to Team
- Panzarino aimed to maintain TechCrunch's core ethos while shifting away from a singular focus on Mike Arrington.
- He prioritized empowering the talented team by giving them ownership and visibility, particularly at Disrupt.
Balancing Closeness and Objectivity
- TechCrunch stands out by being close to the tech industry's pulse without being overly influenced by it.
- Panzarino describes balancing this closeness as "stand[ing] close enough to the fire to feel the heat, but not close enough to be hypnotized by the flames."
