Equity

In this discussion, Hilary Mason, Founder of Hidden Door and a seasoned expert in machine learning, dives into the exciting intersection of AI and gaming. She explains how generative AI is reshaping narrative development in games, allowing players to influence stories actively. Hilary shares insights on rallying creative talent and the unique challenges of attracting investors to innovative gaming concepts. She also reflects on her journey from data science to game development, emphasizing the importance of ethics in AI and future innovations for immersive gameplay.

2023 was a rollercoaster for venture capital, with numbers improving as the year progressed. Fintech faced its own challenges, with a hot start in mergers giving way to a slowdown. California's diversity reporting law sparked discussions on equity in funding. The dynamics of social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit are shifting, revealing user frustrations. Leadership transitions in companies like OpenAI highlight the impact of key figures. Overall, the year's creativity brought humor and anticipation for the future.

Big changes are shaking the tech landscape! Cruise is making headlines with massive layoffs, highlighting struggles in the self-driving sector. The French startup scene is buzzing, with Mistral AI and impressive funding for companies like Pivot. Plus, innovative exosuits designed by Verve Motion promise to aid workers while raising questions about technology's role in our lives. AI remains a hot topic, with mega-deals transforming investment patterns. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and predictions!

Matt Mullenweg, CEO of Automattic and co-founder of WordPress, and Kishan Bagaria, founder of Texts.com, dive into Automattic's $50 million acquisition of Texts.com, exploring the evolving internet landscape. They discuss the importance of user control amid a shift to mobile platforms and the emotional journey of founders selling their companies. The conversation highlights the role of open-source technologies in enhancing digital freedom and privacy while considering the complexities of app distribution and community engagement.

This week, cryptocurrency is making waves with a surge in trading activity. TikTok is doubling down on its e-commerce ambitions with a massive investment in Indonesia. The EU introduces strict regulations for AI, raising questions about the future of tech in Europe. Mistral AI secures significant funding amid mixed reactions to these regulations. Meanwhile, the semiconductor industry continues to evolve, highlighted by a new $10 billion research facility in New York and the rise of fintech unicorns like SumUp.

David Pakman, managing partner at CoinFund and former leader of Series A and B rounds at Dollar Shave Club, shares insights into the evolving crypto VC landscape. He discusses the challenges posed by high interest rates and regulatory uncertainties, while expressing optimism about innovative use cases driving market recovery. The conversation also touches on the intersection of AI and crypto, the transformative potential of NFTs, and the pressing need for supportive regulatory frameworks to foster innovation.

This week, the hosts dive into the fascinating world of prop tech and its impact on affordable housing. They discuss a startup attracting attention with its innovative renovations for lower-income neighborhoods. The conversation shifts to the challenges in fintech, highlighted by recent shutdowns and layoffs. Meanwhile, a spotlight is cast on connected car technology and the thrilling advancements of a space-focused startup, balancing innovation with investor expectations. The episode closes with insights into the economic shifts affecting financial services.

In a captivating conversation, Serhii Bohoslovskyi, founder of Trible—a no-code app builder for knowledge creators—shares his insights from TechCrunch Disrupt 2023. He discusses the current state of the creator economy post-hype, emphasizing the importance of no-code tools for non-technical creators. The challenges faced by Ukrainian startups amid conflict are also addressed, alongside the rising trend of creators embracing self-owned platforms to foster community and resilience. It's an inspiring look at innovation thriving despite adversity.

Crypto prices are on the rise, igniting interest in the decentralized economy. Meanwhile, Spotify announces a significant workforce reduction as it grapples with economic challenges. The tech landscape is buzzing with SaaS companies set to report quarterly results. CoreWeave's impressive $7 billion valuation has everyone talking, even as Google faces delays with its AI projects. Lastly, the intersection of high interest rates and crypto developments raises intriguing questions for startup investments.

The podcast dives into self-driving setbacks as Cruise faces regulatory scrutiny. It discusses Webull's bold move into Latin America by acquiring Flink. Uber's surprising partnership with London’s black cabs sparks a conversation about shifting alliances. Rover’s impressive $2.3 billion valuation highlights the booming pet services market. Finally, the hosts explore upcoming IPOs with Shein and Reddit, contrasting Rover's success against WAG's struggles, indicating a cautious optimism for tech IPOs in the near future.