Equity

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.

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.