This Week in Startups

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

Oct 12, 2023

56:42

Snipd AI

Guests: Ackman associated with Ackman's SPARC, Unity CEO who stepped down amidst a developer revolt, AI discussing skyrocketing AI operating costs. Interesting topics include Ackman's SPARC, Unity CEO's pricing changes leading to revolt, and high operating costs of AI.

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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.

Introduction

2min

Exploring Ackman's SPAC and the Potential Benefits and Drawbacks

10min

Exploring SPACs, Going Public, and the Importance of Design

3min

Unity's Controversial Pricing Change

8min

Surge Pricing and the Importance of Communication

2min

Lyft's Plan to Eliminate Surge Pricing

9min

AI Pricing Strategies and Local AI Model Running

3min

Using Technology to Improve Traffic Lights and Reduce Emissions

18min

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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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