Equity

The hosts dive into the whirlwind of 2021, revealing jaw-dropping venture capital stats from around the globe. They reminisce about the chaotic GameStop saga and its ripple effects on the market. The explosive growth of crypto takes center stage, with NFTs and new blockchains igniting a digital gold rush. There's an intriguing look at the shifting creator economy, from Clubhouse's rise to the new norms of remote work. It all culminates in reflections on significant tech events and bold predictions for the future.

The hosts share a light-hearted look back at the year's highlights, diving into innovative startups like Factor transforming supply chain logistics. They debate Y Combinator's growth and its implications for the startup ecosystem. The complexities of influencer culture take center stage, including tools for identifying key journalists. The discussion flows to Course Hero's fundraising efforts and the emergence of SPACs in the metaverse, raising intriguing questions about the future of venture capital. All this while they keep the festive spirit alive!

The holiday news slowdown has hit, but the hosts keep the energy up! They dive into the hacking of the Indian PM's Twitter account promoting bitcoin, sending ripples through the crypto scene. The halted SenseTime IPO raises eyebrows amid regulatory scrutiny in China. Meanwhile, Fuse secures $25 million for Southeast Asian insurance innovation. Plus, Thirdweb is making waves with its no-code solutions for Web3 creators. It's a lively discussion filled with insights into tech trends!

This week, the hosts dive into exciting developments in the entrepreneurial landscape, particularly in Africa with Pariti's impressive funding. They explore the innovative funding approach for independent truckers via TrueNorth’s $50 million round, showcasing tech's role in a traditional industry. Rumors swirl around Opensea's potential IPO as they welcome a new CFO from Lyft. Meanwhile, tensions brew over Better.com’s leadership failures and the implications of corporate mismanagement. The lively discussions reveal fresh perspectives and some surprising disagreements.

The cryptocurrency market is experiencing a rough patch, with significant losses over the weekend. SenseTime's IPO is underwhelming, struggling to meet expectations. BitMart's recent hack highlights ongoing security vulnerabilities in the crypto space. Meanwhile, Alibaba is undergoing leadership changes amid a shifting regulatory landscape. On a brighter note, Polygon is gaining attention for its cost-saving benefits, and TradeDepot secured $110 million to innovate B2B operations. Plus, Stacked is making waves in crypto investing tailored to user preferences.

The discussion kicks off with Square's rebranding to Block, shaking up perceptions in the tech world. Inpathy's new social network aims to foster genuine emotional expression, while Massive's innovative payment solution targets underbanked users. There's a deep dive into the ethics of layoffs at Better.com amidst fundraising woes, and executive turnover at Salesforce prompts reflections on leadership dynamics. Finally, the rise of Sounding Board’s SaaS approach to executive coaching showcases the evolving landscape of mentorship in the corporate arena.

Iris Choi, a Partner at Floodgate and author of Market Musings, joins the discussion alongside founder Stella Han. They dive into the shifting dynamics of founder-led companies and question whether we’ve hit peak founder-friendliness. Choi argues that founder influence isn't waning, especially with investor acceptance of dual-class shares. Han reflects on her transition from builder to leader, emphasizing the significance of decentralized authority as companies grow. Together, they explore how founder roles evolve with company milestones and market trends.

The shocking resignation of Twitter's CEO, Jack Dorsey, sets the stage for a new era under Parag Agrawal. The hosts dissect the impact of moving towards a 'founder-free' Twitter and the implications for leadership in Silicon Valley. They reflect on Dorsey’s controversial views on founder-led companies and the balance between personal ambition and company needs. Additionally, there’s an exciting discussion about Twitter’s strategic pivot towards cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, exploring its potential for creators in a decentralized future.

Dive into the latest buzz in the tech world with standout updates like India's regulatory push against Starlink. Exciting news emerges as Raspberry Pi aims for a public debut, while unicorns Slice and Thought Machine celebrate their impressive valuations. Explore significant acquisitions, including Booking Holdings' purchase of Etraveli Group for $1.8 billion. Plus, get insights into shifts in consumer spending post-pandemic and what they mean for the future. Finally, an intriguing essay on cryptocurrency brings up thought-provoking points in the investment landscape.

Nabiha Saklayen, co-founder and CEO of Cellino, is revolutionizing access to cell therapies using innovative laser technology. She shares her journey from academia to entrepreneurship, highlighting her victory at TechCrunch Disrupt 2021. The conversation dives into building a skilled team, the significance of empathy in leadership, and the transformative impact of automated stem cell production on healthcare. Nabiha also emphasizes cultivating a positive workplace culture and the emotional motivations driving her quest for groundbreaking medical solutions.