Equity

The hosts dive into the troubling saga of Didi and the implications for Chinese companies in the U.S. IPO market. A spirited debate unfolds on facial recognition tech amid AnyVision's hefty funding. Nextdoor's SPAC journey sparks discussions on social networks' struggles and successes. Dataminr’s first acquisition aims to boost its data visualization. Meanwhile, two satellite companies eyeing the public market raise crucial questions about climate change funding and innovation.

Dive into the fascinating world of psychedelics and their potential to revolutionize mental health care. Explore how venture capital is shifting towards these often-stigmatized substances, with investments skyrocketing in recent years. Discover innovative startups like NUE Life Health, which harnesses at-home therapies, and Osmind's unique approach to mental health. The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape around venture capital's relationship with controversial industries and the surprising synergy between music and mental wellness.

The podcast dives into Didi's regulatory nightmare following its IPO, detailing how the Chinese government's crackdown affects its app and user base. It draws parallels with Twitter's legal struggles in India, highlighting the risks tech companies face from authoritarian regimes. On a brighter note, innovation shines with Pleo securing a whopping $150 million round, and Byrd celebrating a $19 million Series B. The hustle and bustle of funding rounds reflect the dynamic nature of the tech landscape amid these challenges.

The hosts delve into tensions between startups and investors, spotlighting Hinge Health's board dynamics. They discuss the buzz surrounding recent IPOs from companies like Didi and Duolingo. Innovative financial solutions shine, with a new neobank for the LGBTQ+ community and drone logistics providers adapting during the pandemic. The episode also critiques ed tech's modernization challenges and highlights initiatives supporting women-led startups, plus intriguing new search tools reshaping the digital landscape.

Excitement buzzes as a popular stock trading app prepares to go public under the ticker "HOOD." The team dives into Robinhood's explosive revenue growth, particularly from options and cryptocurrencies like Dogecoin. They analyze its evolving presence in the fintech sector and the unique challenges it faces with regulatory scrutiny. Discussions also address profitability concerns and how adjusted income figures might calm anxious investors. It's a whirlwind look at Robinhood's past, present, and anticipated IPO impact!

Alexis Gay, a former Patreon operator turned comedian and podcast host, shares her journey from corporate life to the creator economy. She dives into the struggle of indie creators needing to juggle the roles of CEO and artist, emphasizing the importance of diverse income streams. Alexis critiques the oversimplified views of success in creative work and discusses the pressures of multi-platform engagement. With humor, she reflects on her daily life as a full-time creator and champions the resilience inherent in creative pursuits.

This week kicks off with Venmo diving into e-commerce, signaling big changes in online transactions. Apple shows love for Surface, possibly hinting at new iPads on the horizon. Meanwhile, Binance is having quite the tussle with UK regulations but seems to be emerging victorious. In funding news, Slice secured $20 million to streamline credit card sign-ups, while Botrista's DrinkBot and a unique dating app are making waves. A bug in Tether's creation also raises eyebrows in the stablecoin market!

Join the hosts as they dive into a lively Q&A session that blends board games with tech talk. They explore the rise of innovative rolling funds and no-code tools, discussing how these can empower new entrepreneurs. The conversation takes a turn to unpack the challenges in the crowded consumer brand space. Finally, they analyze the shifting strategies in venture capital, highlighting how firms like Tiger Global and Andreessen Horowitz are adapting to the evolving landscape of investments.

This engaging live show dives into BuzzFeed's strategic move to go public with a SPAC, raising important points about content-driven commerce. The conversation shifts to neobanks, examining their potential profitability and growth amidst a fintech boom. A startup focused on mobile banking for migrants captures attention with its innovative service model. Finally, insights into the evolving venture capital landscape highlight emerging trends, inclusivity, and recent successes with Figma's impressive funding round.

The hosts dive into the recent turbulence in cryptocurrency prices, particularly Bitcoin's dips. They discuss China's impact on the crypto ecosystem and the ongoing NFT craze. The conversation touches on the paradox of Coinbase's centralized leadership advocating for decentralization. Additionally, they explore the future of currency with Ethereum's shift to proof of stake and the potential of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) in shaping the landscape of remote work and open-source projects.