This Week in Startups

xAI’s App Store lawsuit, Intel shares vs. grocery stores, and Netskope’s IPO | E2169

12 snips
Aug 26, 2025
Exploring the fine line between skepticism and optimism, the hosts dive into the implications of government investments in companies like Intel. They spar over the upcoming lawsuit against Apple by xAI, debating its potential impact on the app market. Netskope's IPO journey highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity in a remote work world, while the conversation touches on innovative revenue-sharing models for publishers amidst advancements in AI. Ultimately, it's a lively discussion on innovation's future and the challenges it faces.
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INSIGHT

Cynics As Free R&D

  • Cynics provide free, targeted feedback that founders can use to harden products and find edge cases.
  • Jason Calacanis says embrace critics because they create a roadmap to finish your product.
INSIGHT

No Free Taxpayer Money Without Recoup

  • Government loans should come with repayment or equity instead of unconditional grants to protect taxpayers.
  • Jason supports converting CHIPS grants to equity or loans but warns against this becoming a universal requirement.
ADVICE

Limit Equity Demands To Last-Resort Cases

  • Monitor precedent when the government takes equity for loans and stop it from becoming a routine tax on companies.
  • Insist such deals remain limited to genuine national-security or last-resort situations.
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