Equity

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.

Stocks are on the rise globally, while the crypto scene is buzzing with drama between FTX and Binance. Elon Musk's Twitter is in the spotlight as he rolls out controversial moderation reforms and navigates the aftermath of layoffs. Meanwhile, funding news is thriving, with PhotoRoom securing $19 million and Yassir raising a whopping $150 million. There's also buzz about the recently completed Unity megadeal, showcasing the ever-changing landscape of the tech industry.

This week, hosts dive into the intriguing startup Rewind, which records memories for easy access. They explore Onward, a platform easing financial disputes for co-parents, which just secured nearly $10 million in funding. The team also raises eyebrows over Byju's potential IPO and the challenges facing unicorns in the current market. The conversation shifts to the fallout in the fintech sector, with major layoffs at companies like Stripe, sparking discussions on responsible growth and the evolving nature of startup partnerships.

Malia Russell, a senior correspondent at Business Insider known for her sharp insights on startups and venture capital, joins the discussion about the shifting venture landscape. They dive into how investors are adapting, with some rewriting their playbooks for maternity leave policies. The chatter blends humor, including a light-hearted take on Halloween costumes, with serious topics like diversity in the industry. The conversation also addresses the challenges new fund managers face in a competitive market dominated by veteran firms.

Darrell Etherington, a TechCrunch reporter, and Amanda Silberling, known for her insights into the tech and business landscape, dive into the chaos following Elon Musk's Twitter acquisition. They discuss Musk’s dramatic entry, staff layoffs, and clever impersonation antics that highlight meme culture's absurdities. The duo also raises pressing questions about content moderation and advertiser reactions in this new era, alongside the challenging balance between free speech and corporate policy, all while humorously reflecting on Musk's multitasking management style.