Equity

The conversation dives deep into the evolving role of demo days in the startup world. It questions their relevance today amid the rise of innovative pitching formats and an explosion of startup accelerators. Founders are encouraged to embrace authenticity over traditional metrics in their presentations. The pandemic's impact on these events reveals a need for connection and adaptability. Lastly, the podcast evaluates how success metrics have shifted, urging a focus beyond demo days to clearer indicators like revenue.

This week dives deep into the dynamic world of startups. They discuss the intriguing trend of crypto startups skipping board seats for investors, a risky move reflecting peak founder-friendliness. The focus shifts to Y Combinator's Demo Day, where hundreds of startups will pitch rapidly, including the promising API-driven ventures and decentralized organizations. Zepto's recent funding success highlights the shifting landscape in fintech, while a look at startup valuations reveals contrasts between early and later-stage investments.

The hosts dive into Katie Haun's new crypto fund and the insatiable appetite for blockchain capital. They highlight Jeeves' astounding funding growth and discuss Ramp's impressive trajectory amidst challenges in fintech. Leadership changes at Kickstarter prompt reflections on when startups should replace founders. There's also an insightful look at Forge's SPAC debut and its implications for unicorns. The lively conversation underscores the ever-evolving landscape of fintech with engagement from a live audience!

The team discusses notable venture capital rounds, with WorkWhile raising $13 million and Alloy Automation securing $20 million. They explore the evolving gig economy, emphasizing how platforms like WorkWhile support contract workers. Leadership changes at Clearco spark a conversation about founder dynamics and their impact on startups. Additionally, the integration of food stamp payments into e-commerce is spotlighted, showcasing innovation through Forage's initiative. The episode further examines the shift towards non-dilutive funding in the startup landscape.

Markets show slight fluctuations, while private equity is hungry for software deals like Anaplan's $10 billion acquisition. FTX is making waves in Australia, raising questions about competition and consolidation in crypto. Meanwhile, startups are thriving, with Powered by People securing $5 million and CommerceIQ raising $115 million. The intersection of fintech and e-commerce is evolving, hinting at exciting new opportunities. Join in for a live recording this week and catch all the buzz!

This week’s discussion dives into the impressive fundraising by Webflow, which raised nine figures at a staggering revenue multiple. The conversation highlights the importance of diversity in venture capital with All Raise's new CEO taking the reins. The hosts also explore emerging trends in investment funds, including SoftBank's shift to evergreen vehicles. Additionally, they navigate the volatile landscape of Chinese equities and the evolving crypto scene, with tantalizing updates on NFTs entering Instagram. Stay tuned for more insights and live shows ahead!

Dive into the intriguing shift of Tiger Global as it moves from late-stage to early-stage investments. The hosts discuss how this transition mirrors broader changes in the capital markets. They unpack the evolving venture capital landscape, highlighting differences between major players like Tiger and SoftBank. A unique perspective shows how hiring velocity can predict startup success. Addressing the competition in early-stage funding, they analyze the implications for new managers and the startup ecosystem.

In a lively discussion, the host navigates the current chaos in global markets, influenced by conflicts, inflation, and supply chain issues. The spotlight shines on innovative funds and the growing interest in emerging fund managers within VC. Exciting projects like Sayso aim to transform accents, while Moove seeks to democratize car ownership across Africa. Amid these topics, a birthday homage adds a personal touch, reminding listeners of the fun and community in the world of fintech.

The conversation kicks off with AngelList Ventures securing a $100 million round, prompting discussions on venture capital shifts. Better.com's turmoil takes center stage, questioning if the company can rebound from management blunders. In fintech, the reluctance to embrace SPACs reflects a broader trend of firms opting for traditional funding routes. Meanwhile, Africa's startup scene is booming, with rapid fundraising and increased accelerator participation, showcasing a vibrant new landscape for investment.

Dive into the complex ties between community and capitalism as the hosts tackle whether a community can be bought. They analyze Epic Games' acquisition of Bandcamp and its implications on niche artists and values. Discover how startups are shifting towards community-centric strategies amid rising costs. Explore the delicate balance of monetizing community while maintaining trust and transparency. The discussion emphasizes the power of genuine engagement, revealing how it can drive growth and foster meaningful connections.