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.

Delian Asparouhov, a Founders Fund partner and co-founder of Varda Space Industries, teams up with his partner, author Nadia Asparouhov, to share their unique insights into modern relationships. They recount the humorous burrata incident from their first date and discuss conflict resolution approached with less conversation. The couple dives into balancing ambitious careers and family life, highlights the importance of emotional support, and emphasizes that honesty and communication are key to thriving partnerships. Their candid reflections reveal the joys and challenges of navigating love in the tech world.

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 of Varda Space Industries, and researcher Nadia Asparouhov delve into the secrets of their strong partnership. They share humorous tales from their chaotic first date and candidly discuss the significance of communication, especially when navigating shared finances and conflicts. They explore the delicate balance of individual differences and shared interests, parenting joys, and responsibilities. The couple emphasizes that sometimes, saying less is more in maintaining a lasting bond.

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.

Delian Asparouhov and Mel Williams join the host to discuss crypto regulation, AI spending, and immigration's role in startups. They explore the limitations of SEC regulations, the potential impact of crypto regulation, and the need for regulatory frameworks. The conversation also covers the evolving AI sector, fund exclusivity, democratizing VC access, and the future of venture capital and startup innovation.

Delian Asparouhov, Partner at Founders Fund and cofounder/chairman of Varda, discusses pioneering space medicine to cure cancer, pranking MIT as a student, and transitioning from founding Nightingale for autism therapy to investing in the space industry with Varda. He delves into manufacturing drugs in microgravity and setting ambitious goals for personal and professional growth.

Delian Asparouhov, Co-Founder of Varda Space Industries, discusses the potential of space manufacturing, economic incentives for human presence in space, pharmaceutical applications, market potential, and the challenges of atmospheric reentry. The conversation provides insights into the future of space tech entrepreneurship and the innovative opportunities in space manufacturing.