Equity

Markets are reacting to China's economic slowdown, sparking discussions on key tech mergers. Adam Neumann's new venture, Flow, raises eyebrows after receiving massive backing, aiming to disrupt the rental market. A fresh healthcare platform, Rune, focuses on delivering reliable medical information. Meanwhile, Peloton faces tough times with layoffs, contrasting sharply with Atlanta's thriving startup scene, which remains resilient and supportive for aspiring entrepreneurs.

This week, the hosts dive into the booming African fintech sector, spotlighting a huge investment in TeamApt. The discussion shifts to the latest wave of unique financing options for B2B startups, showcasing how companies like FounderPath are changing the game. Humor ensues as they analyze ByteDance's unexpected foray into healthcare. The show also critiques the recent acquisition of Axios and examines SoftBank's rollercoaster financial journey, along with Coinbase's earnings struggles in a challenging market. It's a wild ride through startup finance and tech trends!

Jordan Crook and Darrell Etherington, co-hosts of Found, share their insights on the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship. They discuss the shift from chasing rapid growth to prioritizing profitability and sustainability. The duo explores different types of founders, such as 'tourist' versus 'native' founders, revealing the impact of motivation on success. They also delve into the vital role of unicorns in fostering innovation and the need for a more adaptable venture capital approach to support diverse, visionary entrepreneurs.

Stocks and cryptocurrencies are on the rise, making many listeners wealthier. Palantir faces a steep drop due to disappointing future guidance, while SoftBank reports staggering losses tied to its Vision Fund. Startup founders struggle with accepting lower valuations amid market pressures. In exciting tech news, Baidu launches self-driving taxis in China, Lyft is venturing into media, and India is tightening its grip on Chinese smartphone imports. A significant $8.4 billion acquisition of Avalara by Vista Equity Partners also makes headlines!

This week, the hosts dive into a startup acquiring KetaMD to enhance telehealth services for mental health, particularly ketamine treatments. They discuss a new fund aimed at boosting Latino(a) entrepreneurs, signaling growing opportunities in that sector. Meanwhile, Robinhood faces scrutiny after massive layoffs, with CEO Vlad Tenev taking responsibility for past overexpansion. Lastly, Uber is shifting back to its roots, as ride-hailing demand rises, showcasing its recovery in a post-pandemic landscape.

The conversation dives into the challenges and benefits of bootstrapping versus venture capital funding. It examines the increasing interest from venture capitalists in bootstrapped companies amid shifting market dynamics. The hosts explore the concept of the 'venture treadmill' and reflect on historical examples of bootstrapped startups managing to secure funding later on. Additionally, they discuss the media's focus on traditional funding while question the adaptability of founders in a competitive landscape, shedding light on the evolving strategies in startup financing.

The discussion kicks off with a lively analysis of the stock market, highlighting both gains and potential risks, especially concerning Alibaba's possible delisting. ClearCo layoffs and a strategic acquisition by UiPath show the ever-changing landscape of tech companies. Insights into Big Tech earnings reveal a dependency on cloud services, with Amazon rising despite losses, while Meta faces its first revenue decline. The resilience of cloud computing is emphasized amidst economic uncertainty, signaling a robust future for public tech investment.

The discussion kicks off with Jack Ma’s surprise decision to relinquish control of Ant Financial, sparking intrigue about fintech trends. Innovative neobanks like Pogo and Guava take center stage, highlighting their mission to support entrepreneurs and underserved communities. The evolving relationship between Coinbase and the SEC raises questions about crypto regulations and asset classification. The journey of a former software engineer turned venture capital leader illustrates the shift in funding dynamics, emphasizing opportunities in today’s challenging market.

Sumukh Sridhara leads founder products at AngelList, providing insights into startup valuations, while Phil Haslett is the founder and chief strategy officer of EquityZen, specializing in secondary marketplaces. They discuss the unexpected benefits of internal valuation cuts for employees, particularly in tough market conditions. The conversation dives into the importance of 409A valuations, stock options for recruiting talent, and how companies can adjust their equity compensation strategies amidst fluctuating market dynamics. It's a must-listen for understanding startup employee compensation!

This week highlights the mixed signals from global stock markets and a modest selloff in crypto after recent gains. It's Earnings Week, with major tech giants like Alphabet and Amazon revealing their financial health amid concerns about hiring freezes. Meanwhile, Cartona is making waves in Egypt’s supply chain. In crypto, Voyager faces turmoil, and the grocery delivery wars heat up as Uber and DoorDash challenge Instacart's lead. Tune in for insights into these fascinating trends!