Delian Asparouhov, a Partner at Founders Fund and co-founder of Varda Space Industries, dives deep into venture capital dynamics. He discusses why some firms, like Benchmark, have lost their edge and predicts the future winners and losers in the industry. Delian shares insights on what young VCs need to succeed, emphasizing the importance of relationships and adaptability. He provocatively argues that SaaS might be facing a decline and outlines the potential challenges of Western Europe's socio-economic landscape.

This Week in Startups is brought to you by… OpenPhone. Create business phone numbers for you and your team that work through an app on your smartphone or desktop. TWiST listeners can get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at openphone.com/twist Crowdbotics. Great ideas can change the world, and Crowdbotics is the fastest way to turn those ideas into code. Get a free scoping session for your next big app idea at crowdbotics.com/twist Superside. Design and creative are crucial for growth. Tech companies like Shopify, Amazon, and Meta have found the perfect solution: Superside. Get $2000 off with Superside's Startup Accelerator package superside.com/TWIST * Today’s show: Varda CEO Delian Asparouhov and R&D head Andrew McCalip join Jason to break down their recent experiment in replicating the LK-99 room-temp superconductor (4:19), the current state of material science (18;52), what the world would look like if this works (26:34), and more. Then, Krepling’s Liam Gerada joins Jason for an update on his business! (40:46) * Time stamps: (00:00) Varda CEO Delian Asparouhov and R&D head Andrew McCalip join Jason (1:21) The LK-99 superconductor and how Varda is involved (4:19) Varda’s latest achievements in replicating the LK-99 superconductor (8:05) Is this the real deal or just a strong diamagnetic effect (11:00) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at https://openphone.com/twist (12:30) Securing the material needed to run these experiments (14:06) The increased interest in Varda and feedback from the community (18:52) The culture shift in the tech industry (25:06) Crowdbotics - Get a free scoping session for your next big app idea at crowdbotics.com/twist (26:34) Brute force science: How innovation emerges and receives funding (30:17) How the venture model has continued to evolve (34:28) Superside - Go to https://superside.com/twist to get $2000 off with Superside's Startup Accelerator package (36:00) Questions from the live audience (40:46) Krepling’s Liam Gerada joins Jason for an update on his business! * Check out Varda: https://varda.com Follow Delian: https://twitter.com/zebulgar Follow Andrew: https://twitter.com/andrewmccalip * Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo: https://www.launch.co/four Apply for Funding: https://www.launch.co/apply Buy ANGEL: https://www.angelthebook.com Great recent interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis * Follow Jason: Twitter: https://twitter.com/jason Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis * Follow TWiST: Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin * Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

Delian Asparouhov, president and co-founder of Varda, joins Jason to discuss different aspects of venture capital, the shift in Silicon Valley culture, and the inception of Varda. They also explore the potential of manufacturing pharmaceutical drugs in space, the advantages of augmented reality in commercial fields, and the use of virtual reality in the construction industry.

Delian Asparouhov, co-founder and Chairman of Varda Space Industries, talks about microgravity manufacturing, space industrialization, and future business models in space. The podcast also covers the role of media in shaping public perception of technology and the qualities Delian looks for in founders. The chapter on building a company discusses the importance of culture and cementing its trajectory, while the 'obsession with speed' chapter reflects on impatience and desire for accomplishment.

Crypto regulation, AI spending, and immigration in startups are discussed by Mel Williams, Delian Asparouhov, and Jason Calacanis. Topics include top crypto funds, SEC regulations, AI technologies, immigration's impact, and freedom of expression in society.