Equity

This week kicks off with an analysis of the struggling food delivery sector, particularly Just Eat's delisting and the challenges for Delivery Hero and Deliveroo. On a tech note, Cisco is eyeing Splunk for a massive acquisition, signaling big moves despite regulatory concerns. The episode highlights exciting funding rounds, including $20 million for Gaia and $116 million for the gaming giant TripleDot. Lastly, crypto ads during the Super Bowl spark discussions on their effectiveness, revealing fascinating trends in consumer engagement.

The discussion kicks off with funding rounds from innovative startups like Mos and Alchemy, highlighting their leap in fintech and blockchain. A deeper dive into Peloton reveals struggles in adapting post-pandemic. The ethical dilemmas of venture capitalists moonlighting as consultants spark a lively debate. Finally, there's a ray of hope for insurtech, with optimism for recovery in the market after recent setbacks. Overall, a rollercoaster of trends and ethical considerations in today's investment landscape!

The hosts dive deep into the metaverse, questioning whether it will lean more towards work or play. They analyze Facebook's work-focused approach versus Microsoft's gaming-centric strategy, weighing their impacts on the digital landscape. Skepticism about virtual reality's effectiveness in workplaces is discussed, alongside significant investments by both companies. The conversation also touches on how startups can navigate this evolving space, emphasizing the fusion of work and leisure in virtual environments and the challenges of consumer understanding.

Dive into the latest Spotify-Rogan saga as the platform grapples with its dual identity and accountability amid ongoing controversies. Discover the excitement around Wag's public debut and hear about significant funding rounds like Swing's $24 million and Reliance Health's $40 million. There's also a fascinating comparison of Facebook's struggles and their metaverse ambitions against Alphabet’s innovative bets. It’s a lively blend of news, humor, and insights to kickstart your week!

The hosts dive into the latest earnings reports from PayPal and Alphabet, uncovering vital insights for fintech startups. They discuss how PayPal’s performance affects investor expectations and customer acquisition strategies. Alphabet's impressive earnings highlight its dominance in the cloud and ad markets. The conversation evolves into a critique of advertising in media consumption and its impact on startups, urging them to adapt to shifting market dynamics post-pandemic.

The hosts dive into intriguing funding rounds, spotlighting Pluto's corporate spending innovations. They explore the booming trend of gaming coaching and its connection to player earnings. The discussion shifts towards the crypto landscape, emphasizing India's new tax rules and the rise of a diverse investor base. A CEO's resignation in the fintech realm brings drama, while the session wraps up with advances in autonomous technology and the charming world of cute farming robots.

Amanda Silberling, a savvy TechCrunch reporter known for her insights into the creator economy, joins the hosts for a lively discussion. They dissect the troubling financial landscape for creators, questioning whether creator funds are merely superficial fixes. The conversation dives into the implications of Spotify’s controversies and the stark reality of revenue disparities. As traditional models falter, they explore innovative solutions to better support creators, while humorously debating the wild idea of returning to feudalism!

Explore the latest swirl of controversy as Spotify grapples with backlash over content choices linked to the Joe Rogan podcast. The financial landscape shows some stability as global equities shift, while cryptocurrencies have seen a recent uptick. In the startup scene, major investments are rising, especially in emerging markets like Africa and changes in China's venture capital sector. Plus, discover how funding trends are shifting from e-commerce to hard tech, revealing the complexities of today's capital allocation.

Explore the world of remote work with a startup revolutionizing accommodations for digital nomads. Delve into Mark Cuban's new venture in affordable pharmaceuticals and its broader implications for society. Unpack the challenges in drug pricing, advocating for fair models in healthcare. Discover a credit union DAO aimed at supporting crypto startups through alumni investments. Finally, critique the exclusivity in fintech and mentorship, emphasizing the need for authentic connections over traditional, superficial structures.

Mary D'Onofrio, a Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners, shares her insights on the current market climate and its effects on startups. She discusses the dramatic decline in the Bessemer Cloud Index and the implications for private companies. As Peloton transitions from a pandemic darling to facing market challenges, discussions arise about growth investing trends. D'Onofrio underscores the evolving dynamics in venture capital, highlighting heightened scrutiny, changing valuations, and the nearly-closed IPO window, offering provocative takes on the future of due diligence.