

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

Jan 12, 2022 • 25min
Would you marry your investors?
The discussion dives into the rapidly evolving landscape of startup investments. Topics include the diminishing focus on due diligence and the power of FOMO in fundraising. Founders are now demanding transparency and deeper engagement from their investors. Backchanneling emerges as a critical factor, revealing how founders share insights about VCs. The chat also touches on changes in early-stage diligence practices, highlighting the contrast in approaches between different fund sizes. Overall, it’s a lively exploration of modern investor-founder dynamics.

Jan 10, 2022 • 9min
Equity Monday: The end of cheap money, and Take-Two buys Zynga
Take-Two is making headlines with its $12.7 billion acquisition of Zynga, stirring mixed feelings among investors. Meanwhile, 2021 IPOs, like Paytm, are facing challenges as they narrow down operations. The monetary landscape for startups is shifting, hinting at tougher times ahead. On a brighter note, the Indian tech scene is buzzing with opportunities, while European startups celebrate significant funding rounds. Plus, new delivery innovations like Arrive are set to disrupt the market. Get ready for an action-packed week!

Jan 7, 2022 • 30min
Can you build centralized islands in a decentralized ocean?
This week, the hosts dive into OpenSea's impressive $13.3 billion valuation while grappling with the volatility of the NFT marketplace. They explore the clash between traditional venture capital and decentralization in the crypto realm. The conversation shifts to fintech innovations, highlighting how companies like Bankaya are revolutionizing credit access for underserved communities. They also tackle the widening gap between public and private market valuations, plus share personal thoughts on the emotional toll of the pandemic and the rise of remote work.

Jan 3, 2022 • 10min
Equity Monday: Big Tesla numbers juice EV companies
As the new year kicks off, global stock markets show optimism while cryptocurrencies stumble. Twitter's ban on a controversial figure sparks debate about online governance. Tesla outshines expectations with record deliveries, boosting its stock and benefiting competitors like NIO. Meanwhile, Apple faces scrutiny in India for its payment practices. Excitingly, a Chinese AI firm successfully goes public, and funding for startups continues to flourish across various regions.

Dec 31, 2021 • 33min
The Equity team's 2022 predictions
The hosts dive into bold predictions for the upcoming year, pinpointing the rise of climate-focused startups as essential in a changing world. They candidly explore the hot-button issue of crypto, balancing reinvention with regulation. Media's future appears murky, with creators holding promise amidst economic uncertainty. An engaging debate unfolds around space exploration, questioning the ethics of investment versus urgent earthly needs. The conversation wraps up with insights on the creator economy, emphasizing passion projects and diverse content in today's digital landscape.

Dec 24, 2021 • 26min
Memes, money and madness: 2021 in tech
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.

Dec 17, 2021 • 26min
You are the most influential person we know
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!

Dec 13, 2021 • 9min
Equity Monday: Crypto hacks and a scuttled AI IPO
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!

Dec 10, 2021 • 34min
Your local trucker is giving us creator economy vibes
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.

Dec 6, 2021 • 12min
Equity Monday: When does a selloff become a rout?
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.


