Equity

Aileen Lee, managing partner at Cowboy Ventures and the founder of the term 'unicorn,' dives into the latest insights on billion-dollar startups. She discusses the explosive growth of unicorns from 39 to over 532, the implications of market shifts, and introduces quirky new terms like 'unicorpse' and 'zombiecorn.' Aileen highlights the rising competition for unicorn status, the challenges of diversity in founding teams, and how AI is reshaping consumer software expectations. Plus, we learn why New York is becoming a unicorn hotspot.

Vertice secures $25 million to help companies cut cloud costs with AI-driven tools. Electra grabs $330 million to expand its EV charging network, betting on long-term success. Meanwhile, Build a Rocket Boy raises $110 million, hinting at exciting gaming releases on the horizon. Thomvest launches a new $250 million fund, signaling robust investment opportunities. Additionally, there's a spotlight on emerging trends in startup funding and a hopeful outlook for African entrepreneurs.

Stocks are plunging globally with eyes on TSMC's earnings. In crypto, Bitcoin's ETF launch didn't spark a rise, while Ethereum shows unexpected promise. Uber is winding down its Drizly acquisition, signaling change in alcohol delivery. Spot Technologies raises $2 million, contrasting with Kuda's impressive $20 million funding in a tough market. Apple's reign in smartphones faces hurdles, while Microsoft dives into AI innovations, showcasing the industry's dynamic landscape.

Jenny Fielding, co-founder and managing partner at Everywhere Ventures, dives into the current landscape of venture capital. She discusses the ‘flight to quality’ trend among startups and how smaller firms are rising to meet the challenge from larger funds. Fielding outlines the emotional hurdles of VC careers and reveals insights on the evolving fundraising strategies and how they vary between seasoned leaders and first-time founders. Tune in to hear about the shifting dynamics in fintech investments and the impact of the 'great VC resignation' on the industry.

Kirsten Korosec, a TechCrunch reporter specializing in the automotive industry, and Haje Jan Kamps, who covers startups, bring lively insights from CES. They explore exciting innovations like generative AI in vehicles and quirky tech like a speech-muffling mask. The discussion also dives into Circle’s confidential IPO filing and the broader backlog of unicorns eager to go public. Additionally, they highlight Shimmer, a platform for affordable ADHD coaching, and Overmoon’s unique approach to merging vacation rentals with hotel services, signaling intriguing trends in proptech.

Dive into the world of startups with a French AI photo editing app raising up to $60 million. Explore the challenging landscape as Treasure Financial downsizes despite prior success. Witness the merger of two micromobility companies following a U.S. scooter giant's bankruptcy. Discover innovative AI hardware like the affordable Rabbit R1, while Humane navigates staffing changes. Finally, catch the shifts in venture capital with notable investments in Seedstars Africa Ventures highlighting changing dynamics in emerging markets.

The latest discussions dive into the surge of Bitcoin prices as new low-fee Bitcoin ETFs gear up for approval, stirring potential market excitement. In a twist, Carta faces backlash over mishandling sensitive customer data, raising serious trust issues. Meanwhile, the successful launch of the Vulcan Centaur rocket fuels fierce competition in the space industry, hinting at thrilling future missions. Plus, the anticipated debut of a custom GPT store adds a tech twist to the week ahead!

This week dives into the shifting world of venture capital, particularly how megafunds are impacting smaller firms. Layoffs at Frontdesk spark discussions about sustainability in short-term rentals. The crypto market is examined, highlighting Bitcoin's recent surge amidst regulatory clarity. Various trends indicate 2024 might be a turning point for both crypto and seed funding, with a focus on foster cooperation in struggling markets, including the tech industry's resilience during geopolitical tensions.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Shruti Dwivedi, Co-founder and CEO of Duly, a health-tech startup aimed at personalizing contraception for young women in India, shares insights on the dire state of sexual wellness in the country. She highlights the striking gap in sexual education, with less than 15% access among youth. Dwivedi also addresses the cultural stigmas surrounding contraception and unveils Duly’s innovative platform designed to empower women and enhance accessibility, navigating the challenges of a traditional society.

In a timely discussion, the podcast dives into the rising tensions between AI technologies and copyright laws, spotlighting a significant lawsuit against OpenAI. Financial markets and the fluctuating value of cryptocurrencies also take center stage. Meanwhile, the challenges faced by X in monetization are highlighted, illustrating the difficulties in social media profitability. Finally, an optimistic look at climatetech job growth hints at promising opportunities in the startup world.