

Equity
TechCrunch, Rebecca Bellan, Kirsten Korosec, Anthony Ha, Max Zeff, Theresa Loconsolo
The intersection of technology, startups, and venture capital touches everything now. That’s why Equity, TechCrunch's flagship podcast, digs into the business of startups for entrepreneurs and enthusiasts alike. Every Wednesday and Friday, TechCrunch reporters keep you up-to-date on the world of business, technology, and venture capital. Equity is ranked the No.2 podcast in the Top 100 Venture Capital All time leaderboard on Goodpods—As well as No.17 for the Top 100 Finance All time chart and No.32 for the Top 100 Business News All time chart.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 4, 2022 • 34min
Taxing crypto only makes it stronger
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.

Feb 2, 2022 • 28min
F*ck creator funds, we need a creator index fund
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!

Jan 31, 2022 • 9min
Equity Monday: If you don't want to be criticized for your editorial choices, don't make editorial choices
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.

Jan 28, 2022 • 33min
Membership, mentorship or just messy
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.

Jan 26, 2022 • 31min
Is today's market sad or sane?
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.

Jan 24, 2022 • 9min
Is the party over?
Investors are feeling the heat as stocks plummet and cryptocurrencies face unprecedented losses. Bitcoin and Ethereum are in a downward spiral, leaving many worried about their portfolios. In contrast, startups like Swiggy secure impressive fundraising rounds, raising eyebrows about market valuations. The hosts dissect the dissonance between thriving private markets and struggling public ones. As the tech landscape shifts, they ponder whether the party is truly over for investors and startups alike.

Jan 21, 2022 • 30min
Wordle's Blizzard of transparency
In a bustling tech landscape, a Midwest startup is turning heads with its innovative banana fiber hair extensions. The conversation sways to Wheel's funding boost aimed at enhancing telehealth services and tackling the nursing shortage. Plaid's acquisition of fintech startup Cognito sparks a dialogue on APIs and M&A dynamics, while the shadow of Microsoft’s gaming ambitions raises antitrust concerns. Meanwhile, the charm of Wordle and no-code solutions underscores a desire for simpler online experiences. It's a vibrant mix of entrepreneurship, tech trends, and gaming culture!

Jan 19, 2022 • 23min
How many unicorns are just piñatas filled with expired candy?
The hosts humorously tackle the evolving landscape of unicorn startups, questioning if their value has become inflated or hollow. They explore how recent surges in unicorn numbers reflect changing investment strategies and economic pressures. The conversation dives into the qualities that define success in this saturated market, emphasizing the need for transparency and ethical standards among founders. As valuations fluctuate, they discuss what it truly means to be a unicorn today and the implications for the future of tech.

Jan 18, 2022 • 7min
Equity Tuesday: What to make of the Microsoft-Blizzard deal
The podcast dives into the recent global stock market downturn, with a spotlight on struggling tech and software sectors. Microsoft's bold $68 billion bid to acquire Activision Blizzard raises eyebrows, prompting discussions on the company's growth and looming antitrust concerns. Meanwhile, a startup named Clockwise secures $45 million to revolutionize workplace productivity through innovative meeting strategies. The hosts navigate these impactful topics, setting the stage for a dynamic week ahead.

Jan 14, 2022 • 26min
Friends with benefits of the financial world
Dive into the world of fertility tech with Fertilis, an Aussie startup reshaping IVF processes. Explore the innovative fintech angle as we discuss tailored financial solutions for SaaS startups that resemble 'friends with benefits'. The hiring landscape takes a spotlight with SeekOut's efforts to boost diversity in recruitment, alongside Career Karma's pivot towards helping employers retain talent. Finally, the shift in startup funding strategies, led by Y Combinator, showcases the evolving perks and challenges in today’s job market.


