Equity

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.

The latest jobs report reveals a troubling drop in women's workforce participation, sparking concern about the labor market recovery. Instacart's new CEO aims to capitalize on consumer-product advertising, targeting a massive revenue goal next year. Meanwhile, the fintech unicorn Wave closes a record Series A in Africa, challenging established telecoms in mobile money. Additionally, a new photography app, Glass, seeks to rival Instagram, showcasing the fierce competition in tech innovation.

This week, the hosts dive into Apollo's recent acquisition of Verizon Media Group and its implications for workplace dynamics. They discuss Drift's impressive majority exit to Vista Equity Partners, marking a significant milestone in tech ownership. A highlight is Databricks' staggering $38 billion valuation from a recent funding round, raising questions about its IPO plans. The conversation shifts to Hum Capital's innovative approach to startup funding, aiming to reshape Wall Street practices. Lastly, they analyze the recovery of Toast and the challenges faced by Allbirds, illuminating the evolving startup landscape.

After an exhilarating marathon of nearly 200 startup pitches, the hosts dive into the latest trends from Y Combinator's demo day. They discuss diversity in founder representation, noting some progress, yet significant challenges remain. Top startups like Metaphor and Lumify steal the spotlight, showcasing innovations in search technology and healthcare. There's also a spotlight on exciting real estate startups from India, while a curious theory about Writesonic raises eyebrows. Tune in for an inside look at the future of entrepreneurship!

A whirlwind week is ahead as startups prepare for Y Combinator Demo Day, vying for attention and funding. The landscape is shifting, with new Chinese gaming regulations posing challenges for venture capital investment. Despite a bustling July, August sees a dip in foreign interest in Chinese startups, while notable companies like Ola Electric and Urbanbase successfully secure new funding. Meanwhile, Astra faces setbacks with its rocket launch, and the IPO cycle is revving up, promising more excitement in the public market.

The merger between Headspace and Ginger signals a major shift in mental health care. Learn why meditation apps are venturing into therapy and the implications of industry consolidation. Discussions reveal critical challenges in accessing employer-sponsored mental health benefits and highlight the evolving direct-to-consumer landscape. Experts weigh in on the shortage of therapists and the need for innovative solutions to meet growing demand. A fascinating dive into the future dynamics of mental health startups awaits!