Equity

Rebecca Szkutak, Co-host of the Found Podcast and Venture Desk reporter, dives into the intricate world of startups with wit and insight. She discusses the push for TikTok regulations in the U.S. alongside the EU's AI rules. The rise of innovative investment vehicles in India's evolving market is highlighted, reflecting positive investor sentiment. Szkutak also addresses the liquidity challenges startups face, suggesting secondary transactions as a solution. The conversation wraps up with a light-hearted take on the complexities of navigating the IPO landscape.

Startups are feeling the pinch, hiring fewer workers and offering less equity compensation. Exciting innovations are emerging, like a startup profiting from death in surprisingly positive ways. Cute serving robots are making waves with Bear Robotics' latest funding. Plus, BlueSky is shaking up social media with new moderation tools that empower users, while Brave benefits from EU regulations. Venture capital surprises round out this engaging discussion on the shifting landscape of tech.

In recent tech news, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are experiencing significant gains as the market rebounds. Reddit reveals its IPO plans, targeting a share price of $31 to $34, potentially raising substantial funds. Meanwhile, Elon Musk announces he will open-source his language model, Grok, igniting discussions about AI development. Additionally, Bobby Kotick expresses interest in TikTok, and Techstars faces hurdles with its Advancing Cities Fund while Griffin Bank secures a Series A extension.

In this engaging discussion, Roger Lee, an angel investor and founder behind Layoffs.FYI and Comprehensive.io, shares eye-opening insights into the rising trend of startup shutdowns and layoffs. He reveals that a staggering number of companies failed in 2023 compared to the previous year. The conversation delves into the complexities of winding down businesses, the role of AI in shaping these dynamics, and the evolving transparency around startup failures. Lee also highlights innovative tools that assist in managing this grim reality in the startup ecosystem.

The hosts dive into Muse's mega funding round, showcasing the viability of vertical SaaS and payments. They discuss Deel's acquisition of PaySpace and its competitive edge in the HR tech market, with Remofirst also making waves. Additionally, the dynamics of venture capital are explored as investors shuffle firms, signaling a reset following the boom. The conversation also highlights the innovative strides of QuotaLab in South Korea and the challenges and triumphs faced by remote work startups in today’s shifting landscape.

OpenAI strikes back at Elon Musk over control issues amid a lawsuit, revealing tension from their early days. Meanwhile, Monzo's new funding signals a recovery in the fintech sector. Ema emerges from stealth with impressive backing, but faces fierce competition in AI. Accenture's acquisition of Udacity raises eyebrows, marking a shift in the startup landscape. Excitingly, new climate regulations could propel carbon-tracking startups into the spotlight, while OpenView Venture Partners stuns everyone by returning most of its fund to investors.

Get ready for a deep dive into some hot topics! Apple faces a staggering €1.84 billion fine from the EU, igniting a fierce debate over competition. Meanwhile, India shakes things up with new AI regulations, requiring approval for tech launches. The crypto market is witnessing a surge, as Bitcoin and Ethereum soar, in stark contrast to a struggling NFT scene. Plus, Waymo expands its self-driving service, now offering airport runs. And amidst all this, tech investments are buzzing, leaving us to ponder if the industry is feeling more confident.

In this engaging discussion, David Vélez, co-founder and CEO of Nubank, shares insights from leading a $50 billion digital bank in Brazil. He reveals how Nubank's market cap surged over 40% in just eight months. The conversation dives into why some investors remain optimistic about Latin America, despite challenges, and highlights resilient startups that offer lessons for other regions. Vélez also discusses the transformative potential of AI in improving access to financial services, underscoring the role of technology in overcoming investment hurdles.

Stripe's valuation rebounds to $65 billion amid ongoing discussions about its public offering. Meanwhile, Fervo Energy is harnessing geothermal power as an innovative solution to energy challenges, proving that our answers might lie underground. The podcast also tackles the rise of companies specializing in helping startups close down, reflecting the grim reality of increased closures. Lastly, the complexities of AI and legal rights are spotlighted, particularly with Microsoft's strategic investments as regulation concerns grow.

Microsoft's strategic investment in Mistral AI highlights the ongoing tension between innovation and regulation. In a surprising twist, Thrasio faces bankruptcy after raising billions, showcasing the pitfalls of rapidly shifting markets. On a brighter note, Glean secures $200 million in funding by harnessing generative AI, demonstrating that enterprise solutions still attract major investors. The podcast also dives into fresh ventures, with new funds emerging to support technology development across sectors.