Equity

The hosts dive into a $263 million fund targeting African startups and discuss a groundbreaking nursing shortage solution. They tackle the intricacies surrounding FTX's political donations and Robinhood's buyback strategy, while marveling at Twitter's low subscription numbers. Conversations around Stripe unveil the complexities of its backing, and the lively world of secondaries is explored. Lastly, they bring attention to AI's impact on diversity, advocating for inclusion amidst funding disparities in tech.

S.J. Sacchetti, Clio’s former CEO and current chief business officer, dives deep into the tech world’s hidden challenges. He discusses the often-ignored topic of ego in leadership and the importance of stepping down gracefully. Sacchetti highlights the fine line between success and failure, encouraging a culture where companies can thrive independently of their founders. The conversation covers balancing work and life, particularly for women in tech, and the shift needed for more inclusive leadership. Expect a lighthearted touch on emerging tech trends as well!

The silence from SoftBank's CEO marks a significant cultural shift, hinting at a new public relations strategy. Getaround faces a looming delisting crisis, illustrating broader concerns in tech. Meanwhile, Minu gamifies employee wellness benefits, blending health and finance for enhanced engagement. The return of seasoned entrepreneurs to the startup scene is noteworthy, with founders from Instacart and Spotify diving into innovative health tech. These insights offer a glimpse into evolving trends in startup management and employee engagement.

The hosts explore exciting developments in startup news, including the launch of Artifact, a newsreader by Instagram's founders. They discuss Spill, a new social media competitor to Twitter, and the challenges it faces in a crowded market. The conversation shifts to innovative solutions for workplace accommodations for individuals with disabilities, highlighting Disclo's unique approach. Additionally, they analyze the current venture capital landscape, emphasizing the surge in new funds and the promising climate tech sector. A lively mix of insights awaits!

Hans Tung, Managing Partner at GGV Capital, shares his two decades of investment wisdom, advising startups on how to thrive amid economic downturns. He stresses the importance of staying relevant and adapting to shifting markets. Tung reveals what he looks for in new investments and discusses his initiative in embedded fintech. He offers insights into navigating capital challenges and highlights emerging opportunities in the fintech landscape, all while maintaining a calm and strategic approach.

Big tech was buzzing with Marqeta's $223 million acquisition of Power Finance, prompting discussions about fintech trends. A deep dive into acquisition strategies reveals intriguing hypotheticals, including a playful McDonald's angle. Natasha shares insights on the latecomer advantage for startups, while Atomos Space impressively secures $16 million for satellite tech. Excitingly, funding for Black Web3 founders has surged to $60 million, signaling a positive shift in the crypto landscape. The future looks bright amidst these developments!

The hosts dive into Strava's smart acquisition of high-resolution mapping technology to enhance outdoor adventures. They chat about Wasted's innovative approach to making port-a-potties more user-friendly. Topics of scrutiny around Google's alleged ad tech monopoly raise concerns for startups. Hiring trends in the tech industry shift amid economic downturns, while femtech shines like a beacon with promising growth despite some label disputes. It's a lively discussion about the future of startups and women’s health innovations!

Sarah Oh, co-founder of T2 and former Human Rights advisor at Twitter, shares her journey from violence prevention to tech entrepreneurship. She highlights the complexities of creating a safer social media platform in the age of generative AI. The conversation delves into the responsibilities of content moderation and the importance of user trust and safety, especially for marginalized voices. Additionally, Oh discusses the challenges of navigating viral content and her vision for a community-focused approach to social media.

In the latest discussion, big tech makes headlines with Microsoft's hefty investment in OpenAI and Elliott Management's stake in Salesforce. The conversation dives into the concept of 'dry powder' in venture capital, revealing its challenges amid market optimism. Layoffs at Google and Spotify spark concerns, yet the spirit of innovation persists, showcasing tech's resilience. The episode wraps with news of Quordle's new home at Merriam-Webster, providing a quirky twist to the tech landscape.

This week, the hosts dive into exciting developments like a $29M proptech raise and a $27M investment in an African gaming startup. They analyze the gloomy state of fintech funding in 2022 and compare it to the broader startup ecosystem. The chat gets lively with new compliment-based social media apps for teens, including the recently acquired Gas. Lastly, they tackle the perplexing layoffs at Microsoft, exploring the contradictions in tech spending amid workforce cuts. It's a mix of optimism and concern in the ever-evolving tech world!