Equity

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.

Lucas Matney, a TechCrunch reporter specializing in cryptocurrencies, and Anita Ramaswamy, who covers the intersection of technology and finance, dive into the fascinating world of DAOs sparked by the ConstitutionDAO. They discuss how strangers united online to bid for a rare copy of the Constitution, exploring community dynamics in Web3. The guests analyze Ethereum's transaction challenges, layer two solutions, and the evolving public perception of crypto, all while maintaining a hopeful outlook on the potential of decentralized finance.

Paytm's rocky IPO takes center stage as its shares plummet, leaving many questions unanswered. Facebook's encryption rollout is postponed to 2023, stirring mixed feelings among users. Meanwhile, ByteDance exits India's edtech scene, shaking up the market. On the startup front, Jina.ai secures $30 million, while Deliverr impressively raises $250 million. The talk also delves into the intriguing world of decentralized autonomous organizations, shedding light on the complexities of wealth-based voting in crypto. A packed discussion awaits!

The hosts discuss the astounding rise of OpenSea, exploring its potential $10 billion valuation and its rapid fundraising cycle. They also dive into Casper's shift to private ownership, highlighting challenges faced by direct-to-consumer brands. The conversation shifts to the role of co-founder titles, addressing the complexities of recognition and contribution in startups. With candid insights on the evolving startup landscape, they prompt listeners to reconsider what makes a founder truly significant.

Ryan Lawler, a reporter at TechCrunch+ specializing in real estate tech, joins the discussion on Zillow's retreat from the iBuying market. He dives into the challenges Zillow faced with its algorithm and strategic missteps, resulting in significant financial losses. The conversation shifts to Opendoor's contrasting success in the same arena, illustrating key lessons for startups. Lawler emphasizes that just having data isn't a golden ticket; strategic execution is crucial for success in the competitive housing market.

Tesla's stock faces challenges after Elon Musk's sales, with worries of it losing its $1 trillion valuation. Microsoft has made some controversial updates, while Bitcoin is set for a privacy-focused upgrade. The startup world buzzes with Writer.com, Zoomo, and Rsquared making headlines. Anticipation builds around upcoming IPOs for Braze, Usertesting, and Sweetgreen, as the holiday season looms over the market dynamics.