Equity

Explore the rise of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) and their impact on Web3 investments. Discover Spectral's innovative Web3 credit scores and Mural's efforts in DAO treasury management. Delve into the struggles of unicorns like Stripe amid shifting market dynamics. Unpack the implications of Adam Neumann’s latest ventures and Elon Musk's controversial moves regarding Twitter. Finally, witness Instacart's impressive adaptation and growth as it navigates post-pandemic challenges.

Dominic-Madori Davis, a TechCrunch reporter, sheds light on the controversies surrounding Black Girls Code following the ousting of founder Kimberly Bryant. They discuss the complexities of leadership changes and the impact of a toxic workplace on governance. Davis emphasizes the significance of fair media representation, particularly for underrepresented founders. The conversation navigates biases in reporting and the systemic challenges faced by Black women in tech, offering a profound look at transparency and accountability in the industry.

Global financial markets are facing a downturn, particularly impacting stocks and cryptocurrencies like FTX and Coinbase. The IPO of South Korea's Socar struggled to impress, reflecting concerns in a weakened market. In tech news, Tesla is raising prices on its driver-assist features while Amazon pursues healthcare investments. Additionally, there are signs of reform for NSO Group, and the trend of SPACs seems to be fading. Join the discussion for insights into these evolving financial dynamics!

Rebecca Szkutak, a Senior writer at TechCrunch specializing in venture capital and startups, joins the conversation to unpack pressing themes in the business world. They discuss the FDA's game-changing approval for over-the-counter hearing aids, fostering innovation. The impact of corporate cost-cutting on employee benefits is examined, emphasizing the value of mental health support. Plus, insights into the evolving venture landscape in Atlanta and the Midwest reveal how regional valuations are reshaping investment strategies.

Anita Ramaswamy, co-host of TechCrunch's crypto-focused podcast Chain Reaction, brings her insights on the controversial return of Adam Neumann in real estate with his new startup Flow, which is already valued above $1 billion. The discussion dives into the implications of his past, the challenges of trust in venture capital, and the systemic biases female founders face. Anita and her co-host call for more nuanced comparisons between Neumann and Elizabeth Holmes, emphasizing that fraud is a complicated issue with many layers.

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.