Equity

The hosts dive into Amazon's $8.45 billion acquisition of MGM, discussing its implications for Prime Video. They explore the challenges faced by SPACs, particularly with Lordstown Motors and its post-merger reality. A major milestone is celebrated with a Black-led firm successfully closing a $50 million fund to support Black entrepreneurs. The conversation shifts to Resolve, a new player in buy now, pay later financing for businesses, and wraps up with discussions on asynchronous communication trends revolutionizing workplace meetings.

Danny Crichton, a TechCrunch reporter and disaster tech expert, discusses his exploration into the market of technology solutions for crises. He highlights startups like Dorothy, which offers bridge loans for hurricane victims, and Cornea, helping firefighters understand wildfires better. The conversation dives into the evolving sales cycles due to climate change and the vital role of data in disaster response. Crichton also touches on the importance of mental health technology for recovery, painting a picture of how innovation can empower communities in distress.

The cryptocurrency market faced a significant slump over the weekend, with Bitcoin and Ethereum struggling to regain their footing. In other news, the Epic Games trial against Apple intensifies, spotlighting the ongoing battle between startups and tech giants. Meanwhile, funding rounds are flourishing in fintech, with African and Indian startups making waves. As challenges in SPAC popularity loom, the conversation around tech disruption heats up, promising an intriguing week ahead for investors and enthusiasts alike.

This week, the hosts celebrate their recent Webby win while diving into exciting startup innovations. They discuss Fave's mission to unite fandoms and Somewhere Good's approach to community building. The conversation shifts to Spoken and Spot Meetings, which are reinventing workplace communications through audio solutions. Insights into the challenges for startups like Piano and the impact of platforms like LinkedIn reveal a shifting media landscape. Their analysis of IPO trends brings attention to the pressures faced by companies like Squarespace.

Kirsten Korosec, TechCrunch's transportation editor and author of The Station newsletter, dives deep into the electric vehicle landscape. She unpacks the surprising reasons behind EV companies choosing SPACs, revealing potential fraud issues lurking beneath the surface. The conversation shifts to Bird's scooter model and its pandemic-induced economic adjustments. Kirsten also shares her latest insights on executive exits at Waymo, hinting at challenges ahead for the autonomous vehicle pioneer in achieving widespread driverless tech.

This discussion dives into the chaotic state of San Francisco's real estate market and the buzz around Twitter's new subscription service. Elon Musk's antics have sent ripples through the crypto markets, raising questions about the stability of that asset class. Meanwhile, Indian startups are thriving, with Pine Labs securing $285 million and Moglix raising $120 million. The landscape of early-stage funding is also highlighted, showcasing fresh investments and the ongoing allure of accelerator programs.

This week, the hosts tackle the tumultuous world of cryptocurrency, debating whether news from Elon Musk or Ethereum’s creator caused the recent crash. They dive into a new startup, Caplight, aiming to facilitate short selling in private markets amidst chaotic economic conditions. The conversation shifts to real estate, focusing on Better.com’s transition from IPO to SPAC and the volatility of companies like Zillow and Opendoor. They also touch on Softbank’s surprising profits and the need for inclusivity in venture capital.

Dive into the impressive world of Duolingo, where learning a language meets gamification. Discover how the cute yet cunning owl mascot has shaped its branding into a cultural phenomenon. Reflect on innovative monetization strategies that combine elements from dating apps to engage users. Unpack the insights from a comprehensive analysis revealing the company’s rise in the edtech space. Learn how Duolingo balances effective education with revenue generation, striving for both user engagement and learning outcomes.

Get ready for a wild ride through the latest in cryptocurrency! Dogecoin's post-SNL slump is noteworthy, while a new memecoin takes the spotlight. Cybersecurity issues are front and center after a significant U.S. ransom attack. Meanwhile, EdTech is booming with StuDocu's impressive $50 million funding, and super apps like Gojek continue to secure massive investments. Don't miss the big tech earnings reports from major players like Palantir and Airbnb this week!

The team pays tribute to investing legend David Swenson while discussing Twitter's acquisition of Scroll and the closure of Nuzzel, raising questions about content monetization. Epic Games' purchase of ArtStation signals changes in digital marketplace dynamics. AI's role in revolutionizing IVF processes brings hope to many facing fertility struggles. On the corporate front, the explosive growth of OKR startups and innovative planning strategies reshape employee engagement. Lastly, Lita Health introduces a vital resource for sexual assault survivors.