This Week in Startups

NEWS: Ackman's SPARC, Unity CEO steps down amidst dev revolt, AI operating costs skyrocket | E1827

Oct 12, 2023

Dan Dorfman, CEO of Roots, discusses the innovative SPARC investment vehicle launched by Bill Ackman and its potential to reshape investor strategies. He also dives into the controversy surrounding Unity's recent pricing model shifts and the CEO's resignation, emphasizing the importance of transparent pricing in tech. Additionally, the conversation explores the skyrocketing operating costs of AI and how big tech companies are managing these challenges, plus Google’s initiatives using AI to optimize traffic for environmental benefits.

56:42

Creator website

Episode guests

Dan Dorfman

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Setting the right pricing early on is crucial for startups to avoid customer deception and dissatisfaction.

SPARCS, a new type of Special Purpose Acquisition Company, allows investors to engage with potential acquisitions before committing funds.

Google's AI software is optimizing traffic lights in certain cities, resulting in a 30% reduction in stops and a 10% reduction in emissions for 30 million cars every month.

Deep dives

Importance of Getting Pricing Correct in Startups

The podcast episode discusses the significance of setting the right pricing early on in a startup. Changing pricing can make customers feel deceived. The example of Airbnb switching from an annual fee to a percentage of revenue is used to illustrate this point.

Intro

2min

Understanding SPACs and SPARCs

10min

Navigating SPACs and the Importance of Design in Startups

3min

Unity's Pricing Controversy

9min

Navigating Developer Fees and Startup Solutions

2min

Rethinking Surge Pricing

9min

Innovative Pricing and AI Strategies

6min

Innovations and Ethics in Tech and Finance

15min

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Today’s show:

Jason is back to break down the news: Bill Ackman's SPARC (1:32), Unity CEO steps down due to developer revolt over pricing changes (15:33), the AI operating cost problem (32:17), the latest on SBF's trial (45:32), and more!

Time stamps:

(0:00) Jason kicks off the show

(1:32) Bill Ackman's SPARC

(14:02) Catalog - Get $1200 off right now at https://trycatalog.com/twist

(15:33) Unity CEO steps down over developer revolt, importance of getting pricing right

(24:44) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://lemon.io/twist

(26:05) Lyft looks to get rid of surge pricing

(32:17) Big tech firms are losing money on AI tools due to high operating costs

(37:10) Roots - Head to https://investwithroots.com/TWIST to sign up and start investing today

(38:43) Google's Project Green Light: AI is helping cities like Seattle reduce carbon emissions from cars by optimizing traffic lights

(45:32) SBF Trial Update

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