Equity

This week’s discussion dives into the impressive $100 million round raised by Divert, a startup tackling food waste with innovative solutions. The hosts explore how Trust & Will is simplifying estate planning with digital tools, especially for Gen Z. They analyze the unexpected partnership between Better.com and Amazon, questioning its implications. The conversation also touches on the collapse of crypto venture investments and hints at a shifting focus towards generative AI. Boston’s resilient startup scene finds its way into the mix as well!

Mark Goldberg, fintech lead at Index Ventures, shares his insights from years of investing in financial services. He reflects on the party that was 2021 and the ensuing hangover of 2022. Mark discusses the survival of the fittest theme for 2023 and the emergence of niche neobanks amid skepticism. He also unpacks the evolving sentiment of younger generations towards traditional banks, the transformative potential of generative AI in wealth management, and how resilience is key for fintech founders in today’s landscape.

Discover the seven groundbreaking startups chosen for the Startup Battlefield 200, tackling issues from education technology in Africa to sustainable, compostable batteries. Hear about innovative mobile-first auto insurance solutions aimed at underserved communities. Explore the game-changing LiDAR technology enhancing environmental monitoring and innovations in remote video production making filmmaking accessible. The vibrant atmosphere at TechCrunch Disrupt fosters connections and networking among founders and investors, paving the way for future innovations.

Alex returns refreshed, diving into the latest market movements and fintech insights. Stocks show signs of recovery despite a rocky week, while NFTs are seeing a resurgence. The scrutiny over the Adobe-Figma deal raises eyebrows about major transactions. Fintech isn't fading, with venture firms stepping up, and Flock secures a significant funding round. Meanwhile, Twitter faces operational challenges amid more layoffs. It's a busy time in the startup world that's definitely worth a listen!

The hosts discuss Amazon's major investment in an Indian meat delivery service, shaking up food tech dynamics. Notably, Reddit may finally embrace an IPO, while scooter companies like Lime and Bird navigate their own market challenges. Klarna’s evolution from buy-now-pay-later to a full-fledged financial service is highlighted, showcasing shifts in consumer payment trends. The conversation touches on the potential for layoffs to spark a new wave of founders and emphasizes the need for accountability in the startup ecosystem.

In this engaging discussion, Kaisa Snellman, an economic sociologist and academic director of the INSEAD Gender Initiative, explores the nuances of female entrepreneurship and fundraising. She reveals that female-led startups relying solely on female investors are twice as likely to struggle in securing a second round of funding. Kaisa delves into gender dynamics, highlighting the biases female founders face and the unintended consequences of diversity quotas. The conversation is a thought-provoking examination of how to truly support women in business.

Aaron Hall, the Founder and CEO of Entropic Materials, shares insights on revolutionary enzyme stabilization technology aimed at tackling plastic waste. He reflects on the emotional rollercoaster of building a startup during the pandemic and navigating tough questions from judges at a pitch event. Listeners hear about the innovative solutions his company presents and the significant market potential in addressing environmental issues through technology.

The hosts dive into Descope's impressive $53 million seed funding, spotlighting its innovative passwordless solutions. They explore Vexi's mission to boost credit access for Mexican youth and introduce a new venture fund championing female representation. The discussion shifts to the challenges facing the Buy Now, Pay Later sector, including recent layoffs and market shifts. Finally, they assess the EU's more organized tech scene and ponder the evolving relationship between startups and customer investment.

Elana Berkowitz, founding partner at Springbank Collective and former tech policy official under Obama, shares her insights on reshaping care and women's health in tech. She discusses the missed opportunities in keeping women in the workforce, emphasizing practical solutions like paid family leave. The conversation dives into biases in women's healthcare and the need for innovative approaches, especially for women of color. Elana also explores redefining leadership in startups, focusing on collective dynamics and ageism, rounding off with personal anecdotes that highlight the human side of venture capital.

Haje Jan Kamps, a TechCrunch writer and pitch coach, teams up with Nisha Dua, managing partner at BBG Ventures, to share their expertise on startup pitching. They discuss the vital elements of a successful pitch, including storytelling and showcasing traction. Haje emphasizes the significance of structuring pitches to captivate diverse audiences, while Nisha offers insights into what investors truly seek. They also explore the emotional journey of startups preparing for competitions, highlighting the importance of community and perseverance.