Equity

Vijay Chattha, CEO and founder of VSC, shares insights from over 20 years in PR and startup strategy. He discusses how startups are adapting to market shifts and embracing vulnerability in storytelling. Chattha highlights the nuances of pitching to VCs versus journalists and delves into the conflicts between media coverage goals and startup aspirations. He reflects on the impact of the #MeToo movement on leadership accountability and the evolving transparency of the tech ecosystem. Expect quick-fire insights, including his biggest pet peeve with journalists!

Market trends are feeling the heat from protests in China, with stock indices and cryptocurrency values taking a hit. BlockFi’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy raises questions about the intertwined crypto universe. Meanwhile, Amazon faces challenges in India and the newly launched all-women venture firm Pact aims for sustainable investments. Lastly, management changes at the fintech startup Pipe spark rumors of tension beneath the surface. The future of the cryptocurrency landscape is looking uncertain as it begins to shift toward a hybrid model.

Hello and welcome back to Equity, a podcast about the business of startups, where we unpack the numbers and nuance behind the headlines.While the Equity crew unwinds from Thanksgiving here in the U.S., we're bringing you one of our favorite conversations from this year:Natasha, along with Alex's help, asked: Who should be raising Party Rounds? The episode was inspired by Natasha’s recent Startups Weekly column, “When the party has confetti but no allergen-friendly appetizers" and the companion TechCrunch+ piece with Anita, “Investment clubs are cool again, and maybe community is, too.”Here's what we got into: The definition of party rounds, boundaries and the fact that we don't entirely agree on if there needs to be a lead or nah How has party round funding changed? What place do they hold in the ecosystem? Is this vehicle better for experienced founders versus first-time founders? The pros and cons of each side Equity drops at 7 a.m. PT every Monday and Wednesday, and at 6 a.m. PT on Fridays, so subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify and all the casts. TechCrunch also has a great show on crypto, a show that interviews founders, one that details how our stories come together, and more! Credits: Equity is produced by Theresa Loconsolo with editing by Kell. Bryce Durbin is our Illustrator. We'd also like to thank the audience development team and Henry Pickavet, who manages TechCrunch audio products. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Karla Monterroso, founder of Brava Leaders and a racial equity advocate, shares her insights on leading with diversity in tech. She discusses the challenging dynamics for leaders of color, particularly under the recent leadership changes at Twitter. Monterroso critiques the industry's homogeneity and its impact on innovation, urging for a more inclusive approach to management. She also highlights how leaders can embrace conflict to foster progress. The conversation wraps up with a lightning round, covering her views on power dynamics and what 2022 would be called in a headline.

Markets are taking a hit, with stocks and crypto sinking simultaneously—it's a tough day for investors. In a twist, Elon Musk has reinstated Donald Trump on Twitter, but the former president prefers his Truth Social platform. Meanwhile, FTX's financial woes are staggering, with $3.1 billion owed to creditors. On a brighter note, innovative startups like Wove and SponsorUnited are thriving, raising significant funds despite the downturn. Tensions rise as Thanksgiving approaches, leaving many wondering what’s next for the economy.

This week, the hosts dive into Maven's impressive funding surge, aimed at enhancing women’s health services. They also unpack Alibaba’s ambitious expansion plans into Latin America, amidst a slowing Chinese economy. The fallout from FTX remains a hot topic, highlighting the human cost of layoffs at affected startups. Amazon’s recent cutbacks lead to discussions about employee morale and hiring challenges in the tech sector. The conversation wraps up with a candid look at media responsibilities in covering influential figures.

Keyana Corliss, former head of global communications at Databricks, shares her insights on corporate communications in today’s fast-paced landscape. She discusses the evolution from traditional press releases to direct engagement through social media. Keyana emphasizes the essential role of communications in startups for building brand and culture. The conversation also highlights the importance of authentic storytelling and the need for effective communication strategies, especially during challenging times, showcasing the significant impacts on market perceptions.

Markets are in turmoil with mixed performances globally. Crypto faces fallout from the FTX saga, including a hack and plummeting FTT token value. Coinbase shines amid the chaos, highlighting stark contrasts in the crypto landscape. Meanwhile, advancements in fake meat funding and Klarna's strategic moves to enhance its shopping app grab attention. Regulatory shifts are echoing in India, along with funding news from e-commerce startups navigating a challenging environment. A fascinating blend of tech, finance, and market dynamics unfolds!

Chaos reigns in the tech world with significant layoffs hitting Meta. The podcast dives into the bizarre custom rug market, questioning its true consumer demand. Meanwhile, the fallout from FTX's collapse raises serious concerns about investor trust and the future of crypto. The hosts also tackle funding disparities in venture capital, spotlighting how repeat founders get ahead while underrepresented entrepreneurs struggle. Plus, hear about innovative FinTech solutions for luxury financing that could change the game.

Nolan Church, CEO and co-founder of Continuum and former head of talent at DoorDash, shares his insights on the current wave of tech layoffs. He reflects on the hard lessons learned from his tenure at Carta and the importance of direct communication during layoffs. The conversation delves into Twitter's turmoil, the questionable advice of cutting 20% of staff, and the future of executive roles in the industry. Additionally, Church discusses the rise of fractional work and offers his take on the emotional toll of these decisions on employees.