Equity

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!

Roger Lee, an insightful entrepreneur and the mind behind Layoffs.FYI, discusses his journey in creating tools that empower both employees and employers. He shares how the pandemic shifted perceptions of layoffs and emphasizes the importance of transparency in today's job market. Lee also dives into the launch of Comprehensive, a platform for salary transparency, and how it complements Layoffs.FYI. The conversation touches on evolving pay laws and the significance of crowdsourcing in advancing workplace equity, all while revealing Lee's potential alternative career path.

Big tech sees a boost as Bitcoin and Ethereum prices rise, despite job cuts in late-stage companies. Africa's unicorn drought raises questions amid record fundraising. Clearco is reshaping its leadership to pursue profitability after recent layoffs, while the fintech landscape evolves. Exciting new Twitter rivals emerge, innovating with features like read-only spreadsheets to enhance user experience. T2 grabs attention with its unique approach to data sharing. It's a wild ride through the highs and lows of the tech industry!

This week, the hosts dive into fascinating tech developments, like Inflow's ADHD self-help app and Cartograph Ventures' fresh funding. They dissect the whirlwind of fintech mergers, including Fidelity's quirky Shoobx acquisition. Microsoft’s puzzling deal with OpenAI also gets attention. The conversation takes a turn to examine SBF's new Substack, questioning whether his celebrity-style distraction tactics are appropriate, especially in light of serious legal issues. The episode blends insight with a touch of humor as the tech landscape evolves.

Discussion kicks off with a dive into CES highlights, showcasing innovations like virtual reality and a critical look at green tech claims. The hosts share insights about the dynamics of startups amidst economic challenges, especially with reduced venture capital and supply chain issues. They reflect on CES's evolving significance, including the shift towards automotive and the importance of in-person networking. Plus, intriguing thoughts emerge on the growing role of consumer robotics and the changing landscape of global manufacturing.

Big Tech is buzzing with Vista Equity Partners' massive $2.6 billion acquisition of Duck Creek Technologies, showcasing their dominance in enterprise deals. The discussion unfolds around generative AI, questioning whether it's teetering on the brink of a bubble. Magic Leap makes a strategic pivot from consumer tech to enterprise applications, particularly targeting the medical industry. The conversation wraps up with insights into the evolving VR landscape and highlights funding disparities faced by Black founders, noting some encouraging trends in recent fundraising.