This Week in Startups

Startup pitch competition! Jason invests $25K into one of three founders | E1932

Apr 17, 2024

54:16

Snipd AI

A startup pitch competition with three founders showcasing innovative ideas: Jared pitches a smart grip device for golf, Linda presents Mastertech using AI for auto repairs, and Aleksandr introduces Ellis, an AI-driven B2B email marketing platform. Jason invests $25K in one of these startups, highlighting the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Focus on strategic growth targets in a niche market for successful investment opportunities.

Strong technical foundation and team commitment are crucial for rapid startup growth and innovation.

Deep dives

MasterTech's Path to Success

MasterTech stands out as a promising investment opportunity due to its strategic approach to targeting the vast market of auto repair shops in the U.S. Linda's clear plan to reach $10 million in ARR by engaging 10,000 shops and subsequently targeting $100 million by expanding to over 27,000 shops demonstrates a focused and achievable growth strategy.

Introduction

3min

Evolution of Founder University and the Importance of Co-founders for Startups

2min

Discussion on the Requirements and Challenges of Solo Founders in Building Products and Finding Co-founders

2min

Pitch for Smart Grip Device Enhancing Golf Performance

6min

Challenges of Hardware Startups, Introduction of Hardware as a Service Model, and Master Tech AI Pitch

5min

Comparing AI Language Model for Vehicle Diagnostics with Existing Chatbots

2min

Advancements in Mechanics' Technical Information Access and Sleep Quality Sponsorship

4min

Pitching an AI-Driven B2B Email Marketing Platform

13min

Analyzing a Startup Pitch and Investment Potential

4min

10.

Analyzing Three Startup Pitches and Investment Decisions

4min

11.

Participants' Feedback on Founder University and Introduction of Founder Fridays

5min

12.

Importance of Accountability and Continuous Learning for Founders

3min

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

Wistia. All-in-one video platform for business, with tools that help you create, manage, and measure the impact of your videos. Try Wistia for free at https://wistia.com/startups

Eight Sleep. Good sleep is the ultimate game changer. Now you can add the Pod Cover to any mattress! Go to https://www.eightsleep.com/twist to check out the Pod Cover and get $200 off the pod plus free shipping!

Northwest Registered Agent. Northwest Registered Agent will form your business quickly and easily. For just $39 plus state fees, Northwest will handle your complete business identity. Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist today

Todays show:

Jason and Presh kick off the Founder University pitch competition (00:00), then we hear from Jared on Umbrella Sports (6:40), Linda on Mastertech (14:47), and Aleksandr on Ellis (24:20). Finally, Jason awards a $25K investment (44:17), and Presh details how to apply!

Timestamps:

(00:00) Jason kicks off the show!

(2:49) Jason brings on Presh to explain the fundamentals of Founder University and introduces today's pitches!

(6:40) Jared Lewandowski pitches Umbrella Sports

(13:20) Wistia - Try Wistia for free at https://wistia.com/startups

(14:47) Linda Gray pitches Mastertech

(22:51) Eight Sleep - Go to https://www.eightsleep.com/twist for $200 off the Pod plus free shipping

(24:20) Aleksandr Diamond pitches Ellis

(29:39) Jason and Presh assess the startups and their pitches

(39:43) Northwest Registered Agent - For just $39 plus state fees, Northwest will handle your complete business identity. Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist today

(44:12) Jason picks the startup he will invest in!

(44:51) Feedback on the Founder University experience

Founder University: Cohort 8 begins May 9th! Apply here: https://www.founder.university

We are doing Founder Fridays! Go check out https://founderfridays.tech

Follow Jared:

X: https://twitter.com/_playumbrella

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredlewandowski

Check out Umbrella Sports: https://www.playumbrella.com

Follow Linda:

X: https://twitter.com/mastertechai

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-gray-6433b251/

Check out Mastertech: https://www.mastertech.ai/

Follow Aleksandr:

X: https://twitter.com/heyaleksandr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asdiamond

Check out Ellis: https://ellis.so

Follow Jason:

X: https://twitter.com/Jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

Thank you to our partners:

(13:20) Wistia - Try Wistia for free at https://wistia.com/startups

(22:51) Eight Sleep - Go to https://www.eightsleep.com/twist for $200 off the Pod plus free shipping

(39:43) Northwest Registered Agent - For just $39 plus state fees, Northwest will handle your complete business identity. Visit ⁠https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist⁠ today

Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

Follow TWiST:

Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups

Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

Founder University: Cohort 8 begins May 9th. Apply here: https://www.founder.university