Equity

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.

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.