This Week in Startups Google’s AI Design Tool, Salesforce’s $8B Comeback Deal, and M&A Momentum Builds | E2131
In this episode, we cover three major stories shaping the startup and tech landscape. First, Google unveils Stitch, an AI-powered web design tool with one-click export to Figma—signaling a major disruption for freelance design marketplaces. Then, Salesforce returns to M&A with its $8B acquisition of Informatica, aiming to broaden its AI data stack beyond CRM. Finally, we break down the surge in startup M&A activity, with billion-dollar deals from OpenAI, DoorDash, and others—hinting at a major Q2 rebound. Don’t miss Jason’s insights on what these trends mean for founders and investors.
(0:00) Episode Teaser
(1:36) Jason’s in SINGAPORE
(3:14) The Power of Shame and why we need “Ozempic for screentime”
(10:15) OpenPhone - Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/twist
(12:38) Google’s latest AI breakthrough: Stitch
(20:13) CLA - Get started with CLA's CPAs, consultants, and wealth advisors now at https://claconnect.com/tech
(21:20) The NBA on Polymarket and what founders can learn from the Knicks
(27:08) Why did Salesforce buy Informatica?
(30:03) Pilot - Visit https://www.pilot.com/twist and get $1,200 off your first year.
(32:42) M&A activity continues, and Jason’s spicy Q2 predictions
(40:57) Did tech go woke or was it just performative the whole time?
(45:22) Circle, stablecoins, and the perks of being pro-business
(51:27) What Trump’s “golden share” of US Steel might look like
(54:15) Why Jason is bullish on Joby
(57:28) Episode wrap-up and upcoming events
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Links from episode:
ClearSpace App: https://www.getclearspace.com/
Google Stitch: https://stitch.withgoogle.com/
Joby: https://www.jobyaviation.com/
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Thank you to our partners:
(10:15) OpenPhone - Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/twist
(20:13) CLA - Get started with CLA's CPAs, consultants, and wealth advisors now at https://claconnect.com/tech
(30:03) Pilot - Visit https://www.pilot.com/twist and get $1,200 off your first year.
Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland
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