Equity

Instagram is hitting pause on its controversial kids' product, sparking debates about youth safety online. Box's stock is rebounding after a rough patch, while Google adjusts its cloud take rates amid shifting marketplace dynamics. Spotify is rebranding its ads, balancing revenue with user experience. In the startup world, Frontify just raised $50 million, and Polestar may go public via SPAC. Plus, with exciting IPOs on the horizon for Amplitude and Warby Parker, the tech market is buzzing with anticipation!

Neesha Tambe, a key member of the TechCrunch team, shares insights from the thrilling Startup Battlefield competition at the recent Disrupt event. She discusses the collaboration behind the scenes and the impressive history of notable winners like Yammer. The conversation dives into groundbreaking startups revolutionizing stem cell therapy through automation and enhancing video interactivity with celebrity collaborations. Tambe also reflects on the competitive landscape and the exciting innovations being pitched, showcasing the future of startups.

The discussion dives into the recent IPOs of Freshworks and Toast, uncovering their unique market valuations and growth prospects. Freshworks catches the eye for showcasing public investor enthusiasm for software companies. Toast impresses with its financial success, boasting $38 billion in payment volume across thousands of locations. The hosts also reflect on Boston's burgeoning startup scene and its competition with tech hubs like New York and San Francisco. A bright outlook for unicorns emerges amidst the excitement!

Global stock markets are in turmoil, with concerns over China's Evergrande crisis affecting both traditional equities and cryptocurrencies. Meanwhile, the startup scene is buzzing with funding highlights, including a French hosting company going public and major raises in used car marketplaces. The excitement builds for Disrupt week, featuring panels galore and anticipated IPOs from Toast and FreshWorks. Amidst all this, Facebook grapples with its image issues, making for an intriguing backdrop to the week's events.

Get ready for a rich discussion as the team welcomes a new co-host and dives into hot funding news from diverse markets. The spotlight shines on record-breaking seed rounds in Pakistan and innovative agtech developments in Nigeria. Atlanta emerges as a startup powerhouse with a massive acquisition grabbing attention. The conversation takes a turn to employee equity, addressing the tug-of-war between bootstrapping companies and fair compensation. Plus, layoffs at a major mattress company spark insights into market transitions and the impact of app tracking policies.

Steve O'Hear, VP at Zapp and former TechCrunch reporter, dives into the booming on-demand delivery market in Europe. He discusses Zapp's innovative approach and the competitive landscape, addressing recent fundraising news from rivals like Getir and Weezy. O'Hear shares insights on consumer behavior shaped by the pandemic and how sustainable models prioritize convenience. The conversation also touches on the economic challenges facing companies like GoPuff and the importance of user experience in driving startup growth.

The crew dives into Intuit's jaw-dropping $12 billion acquisition of Mailchimp, unpacking its significance in the tech realm. Discussions touch on Mailchimp's unique bootstrap journey and how it challenges typical startup narratives. The episode contrasts employee compensation preferences, particularly outside Silicon Valley. Listeners will find insights into how this deal could reshape Intuit's customer relationship strategies and its implications for future IPOs in the tech market.

Investors are showing signs of pessimism, anticipating a potential stock market correction between 5% and 10%. China is ramping up its regulatory efforts, possibly breaking up Ant and questioning the number of EV companies. The Apple v. Epic legal battle continues to spark discussions. Exciting news includes upcoming IPOs from Forge and recent fundraising by Babyscripts. Plus, there’s an intriguing look at investment trends across Southeast Asia and the ongoing effects of the pandemic on book sales.

Dive into the world of innovative funding with the rise of Marshmallow, a unicorn transforming car insurance with a focus on inclusivity. Explore how women's health tech is evolving with Elvie’s significant funding boost. Discover how gig workers are being empowered through new financial products. Plus, get insights into the booming buy now, pay later (BNPL) market, including PayPal's major acquisition in Asia, and ponder the trend's impact on traditional credit practices. It's a mix of strategy, growth, and a sprinkle of whimsy!

Jonathan Metrick, Chief Growth Officer at Portage Ventures, shares his insights on the evolving world of growth marketing, particularly in fintech. He discusses the influence of TikTok and how privacy changes post-iOS 14 are reshaping marketing strategies. Metrick emphasizes the importance of geographical trends and the growing need for adaptability in digital marketing. He offers valuable tips for holiday advertising and highlights the significance of influencer marketing, showcasing how innovation in techniques can drive success.