Equity

Jenny Lefcourt, a venture capitalist at Freestyle Partners, and Guillaume de Zwirek, CEO of WELL Health, share invaluable insights on securing Series A funding. They discuss the stark differences between seed and Series A rounds, emphasizing the need for founders to shift from selling a story to presenting a solid company. The duo also delves into the current fundraising landscape, addressing investor hesitance and the importance of crafting a compelling narrative. Personal anecdotes highlight effective strategies and the significance of preparation in capturing investor interest.

Henrique Dubugras, Co-CEO and co-founder of Brex, teams up with Anu Hariharan, Managing Director at Y Combinator and early Brex investor, to discuss the fintech's tumultuous year. They reveal how Brex pivoted to focus on startups during the pandemic, faced backlash over service changes, and made the tough choice to lay off employees for profitability. They also dive into their new software, Empower, aimed at simplifying compliance, and share insights on navigating competition and attracting talent in a challenging landscape.

Tim De Chant, a journalist focused on fusion and renewable energy, shares an optimistic outlook on a recent breakthrough in fusion technology that exceeds energy expectations. Jacquelyn Melinek, who covers the legal troubles of Sam Bankman-Fried, details his shocking arrest and ongoing legal battles. They discuss the wider implications of Bankman-Fried's case on global finance amid rising scrutiny. Plus, they touch on tech highlights like Instagram's new 'Notes' feature and the challenges in watermarking AI-generated text.

The hosts dive into their predictions for the upcoming year, sharing insights on startup building and workplace culture. They humorously reflect on past forecasts while discussing trends in remote hiring and social media. The conversation touches on the intricacies of generative AI, urging ethical considerations as tech evolves. A candid look at the shifting landscape of crypto acknowledges its sobering reality post-collapses. The episode wraps with heartfelt introductions and a sense of community, inviting listener engagement for future predictions.

In a lively chat, Paul Davison, Co-founder and CEO of Clubhouse, shares insights on the app's meteoric rise amidst social interaction changes during the pandemic. He discusses the delicate balance between excitement and sustainable growth in tech, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections. Paul also explores how Clubhouse has fostered community, showcasing personal stories of users forming meaningful relationships. He further examines competition with other platforms, shedding light on the evolution of social media dynamics and user engagement.

The discussion dives into the controversial world of AI art, spotlighting Lensa AI's impact on traditional artists and the ethical dilemmas that arise. It highlights the app's potential for fueling gender euphoria within the LGBTQ+ community, while also raising concerns about representation and misuse. The podcast also touches on major tech news, like Meta's workplace policies, Amazon's holiday thank-you initiative, and the FTC's lawsuit against Microsoft's Activision acquisition, making for an engaging blend of creativity and current events.

The year 2022 was a rollercoaster for startups, starting with a venture capital boom and quickly facing a downturn. We witnessed layoffs in the fintech sector and a notable crypto crisis, punctuated by bankruptcies and job losses. The acquisition of Figma by Adobe sparked mixed emotions, reflecting a complicated landscape for startups. The hosts share insights and predictions for the future, aiming to navigate the challenges ahead with optimism despite the turbulent year. Get inspired and informed as they break down the highs and lows of a captivating year.

This week’s discussion dives deep into the egos of tech giants like Sam Bankman-Fried and Elizabeth Holmes. The hosts explore how these figures share a cult of personality and centralized ownership yet have distinct paths. They analyze media influences on public perception and the ethical dilemmas that come with it. The conversation also contrasts the company trajectories of FTX and Theranos while addressing the need for accountability and transparency in the tech world. Ultimately, they urge emerging founders to learn from the ambitious and tumultuous stories of these tech leaders.

Stocks in China are soaring as COVID restrictions seem to ease, providing much-needed relief for tech firms. Meanwhile, U.S. and European markets are experiencing declines. Optimism swells in the tech sector with expectations of slower interest rate hikes benefiting companies. Surprising funding news for Giraffe360 contrasts with a canceled SPAC deal for Circle. The conversation wraps up with enthusiastic discussions around the buzz of ChatGPT and its popularity on social media.

The hosts discuss the innovative ResortPass model, offering locals access to luxury amenities without overnight stays. They critique class disparities in hospitality and explore Post.News as a new player in social media. There’s a deep dive into recent fintech controversies and the challenges of transparency in the startup world. Layoffs at DoorDash and Kraken underline the cautious tech spending climate. The conversation wraps up with insights into the evolving landscape of venture funding and a look toward future trends.