Equity

Alex and Natasha tackle the recent chaos surrounding the Silicon Valley Bank crisis. They discuss the unpredictable stock market dynamics and the surprising resilience of crypto assets. Major developments include Qualtrics' massive $12.5 billion deal and Rivian's partnership with Amazon. The duo dives into the turmoil affecting startups and the broader banking sector, highlighting the risks of uninsured deposits and rising tensions in venture capital. Despite the downturn, there's a glimmer of hope for the tech community as they navigate these challenging times.

This week, the hosts dive into the tumultuous situation surrounding Silicon Valley Bank and its implications on the venture scene. Innovative startups like Roami challenge traditional lodging models, while ADHD-focused solutions capture attention in the tech world. A segment on fintech gives insights from investors navigating current challenges, particularly in B2B payments. The conversation turns to biases women face in venture capital and how branding plays a pivotal role in overcoming them. It's an engaging blend of market analysis and fresh startup ideas!

Lizzie Matusov, Co-founder and CEO of Quotient, discusses improving developer onboarding and team culture. She challenges stereotypes about engineers, advocating for collaboration and diversity. The conversation highlights the critical need for effective onboarding processes to combat talent shortages. Lizzie shares insights on measuring developer productivity through both qualitative and quantitative metrics, emphasizing the importance of an inclusive environment. The episode wraps up with a rapid-fire Q&A, revealing industry perspectives and community insights.

Stocks are showing mixed results worldwide, with Japan gaining while China struggles. The crypto market remains stagnant after recent volatility. Exciting news arises with ARM possibly going public, aiming to raise a whopping $8 billion. In the startup scene, Abound secured a massive fintech round, while Wunderkind raised significant funds for its marketing tech. Meanwhile, Tesla's latest price cuts stir curiosity about their impact on profits. A lively overview of the current financial landscape!

Shiba Dawood, Founder of Minerva Lithium, is at the forefront of clean energy innovation, and Daryl Etherington hosts the discussion. They unveil the winner of the Startup Battlefield and reflect on the emotional journey of the finalists. Shiba shares insights into her company's groundbreaking lithium extraction technology that also produces clean drinking water. They tackle the startup's challenges, including the importance of resilience in a male-dominated industry and highlight the empowering journey of women of color in tech pursuing sustainability and growth.

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.