Equity

This week, the spotlight is on the faltering crypto market as leading currencies tumble, tied to bigger economic concerns. The self-driving industry faces challenges with Cruise scaling back, raising questions about the future of robotaxis. On a brighter note, the tech IPO scene might be revving up, with promising filings on the horizon. Plus, Threads is making its desktop debut, while a Scottish startup ventures into innovative mushroom-based proteins. A mix of tech thrills and market chills!

Kirsten Korosec, a TechCrunch reporter specializing in transport, joins the discussion on entrepreneurship and market dynamics. The team delves into the fallout from FTX's SBF heading to jail, with little sympathy for the former CEO. They analyze Better.com's controversial SPAC merger while contrasting it with Monday.com's remarkable financial rebound. VinFast's market debut sparks intrigue despite profitability concerns, and the Inflation Reduction Act’s influence on American manufacturing gets a nod. Lastly, they touch upon the evolving landscape for women-led venture funds.

Spenser Skates, CEO and co-founder of Amplitude, a leader in digital product analytics, shares insights on navigating the tumultuous SaaS landscape since their IPO. He discusses the current state of business software, the delicate balance of pricing AI products, and the impact of economic shifts on staffing decisions. Skates also emphasizes the potential durability of data moats in AI and reflects on his gaming adventures with Baldur's Gate 3, adding a fun twist to the serious business talk!

Asian shares dipped due to concerns about the Chinese economy, while crypto investors pondered a lull in price volatility. Exciting news came with Anthropic's hefty $100 million funding boost, underscoring the robust investment landscape in AI. Plus, India continues its growth in electronics manufacturing, and Mastercard is making moves in African fintech. The upcoming Better.com SPAC merger adds another layer of intrigue to a busy week in finance. Buckle up for the dynamic shifts shaping the markets!

In this engaging discussion, the hosts dive into the ups and downs of the startup world. Lula impressively transitions into a frugal powerhouse in insurtech, while Weights & Biases effortlessly secures a hefty $50 million. However, not all news is bright; BlueJeans falters after Verizon's acquisition, and Kenyan logistics startup Sendy closes its doors. The conversation also touches on Proterra’s bankruptcy woes and WeWork’s ongoing challenges. Plus, a look at SoftBank’s renewed investment strategies rounds out this rollercoaster of a week in venture capital.

Dominic-Madori Davis, co-host of TechCrunch's Found and a diversity advocate, dives into pressing issues in venture capital. She discusses a lawsuit challenging grants for Black women entrepreneurs, highlighting the alarming push to dismantle supportive programs. The conversation reveals the stark funding disparities faced by women and minorities in the U.S. versus promising initiatives in countries like the UK. Davis also critiques the lack of transparency in funding decisions and explores the ongoing fight for equity in the venture landscape.

Global stock trends and a dip in crypto kick off the discussion, with a focus on whether the smartphone market has peaked after Apple's latest earnings. A controversial privacy law in India raises concerns about government control over data. Triller's upcoming IPO promises excitement, even as the podcast team remains cautious about its profitability. Meanwhile, Paytm is making strategic moves in the FinTech sphere, showcasing financial innovation in challenging markets. It's a dynamic blend of tech updates and economic insights!

Stu Alderoty, the Chief Legal Officer of Ripple Labs, shares his wealth of experience shifting from traditional finance to the crypto world. The discussion centers around a pivotal federal court ruling that differentiates XRP as a commodity in public sales but a security for institutional ones. Alderoty emphasizes the urgent need for regulatory clarity in the crypto space, challenges faced by startups, and how this ruling could reshape the financial landscape. Insights into Ripple’s ongoing SEC lawsuit shed light on the future of cryptocurrency regulations.

Sara Mauskopf, CEO and co-founder of Winnie, a childcare marketplace, shares her journey in the evolving childcare sector. She discusses how Winnie carved its niche and the unique challenges of scaling in a care-focused market, especially post-pandemic. Sara highlights the discrepancies in funding opportunities between childcare and eldercare. She also tackles the undervaluation of care work in society and the pressing need for innovative solutions that support both childcare access and women's workforce participation.

Stocks are trending higher globally, with major tech companies poised to release crucial earnings this week. Twitter is undergoing a significant rebranding, complete with a fresh tagline, while the crypto scene sees more depth to the Coinbase-SEC lawsuit. Tiger Global exits Flipkart in a hefty deal, although Fidelity has mixed news with markdowns and improved valuations for others like Reddit. Meanwhile, the competition heats up between fast-fashion giants Shein and Temu, sparking intriguing business rivalries.