Equity

Microsoft's acquisition of Nuance Communications for $19.7 billion signals a shift in the AI and healthtech sectors. Tiger Global is making big moves in Indian startups, while the U.S. tech landscape grapples with political issues. In brighter news, Uber proves it's still thriving, and cybersecurity firm Darktrace is gearing up for its public debut. Plus, funding news highlights new investments in fintech. The changing dynamics of the tech ecosystem make this a week to watch!

The hosts dive into the booming creator economy, spotlighting Patreon's impressive rise to a $4 billion valuation. They discuss Box's significant $500 million investment and the evolving tech landscape. Clubhouse garners attention with a new tipping feature for creators, igniting discussions about its competition with Twitter. MasterClass also makes headlines as it soars to a $2.5 billion valuation, thanks to its engaging, celebrity-driven content. The mix of edtech innovations and market shifts highlights the ongoing evolution of these industries.

Daryl Etherington, a seasoned TechCrunch reporter and co-host of Found, joins the discussion to dive into the launch of their new podcast focused on startups. They explore the importance of authentic storytelling in entrepreneurship, contrasting it with traditional metrics-driven approaches. Etherington shares insights on groundbreaking healthcare recruitment solutions and the challenges of addressing staffing shortages. The conversation also touches on the Smart Tire Company's innovative collaboration with NASA, showcasing the resilience required in tech development.

This week, the podcast dives into the tumultuous world of tech stocks, noting a rise in American markets despite disappointing news from India. Facebook's privacy issues are under scrutiny, while Amazon faces backlash for retaliating against workers. In edtech, Byju's is making waves with a billion-dollar acquisition. On the funding front, Meesho reaches a impressive $2.1 billion valuation, and Cresta secures an additional $50 million. Plus, the journey of Alkami Technology towards its IPO showcases innovative roots in unexpected places.

The hosts dive into Substack's intriguing funding strategies and its impact on writers. Cameo's rise in personalized celebrity messaging is explored, showcasing the unique value it brings to the gift economy. A lively discussion unfolds around the challenges facing audio platforms like Clubhouse in retaining market value amidst fierce competition. The innovative trend of trading annual recurring revenue in the SaaS industry is examined, alongside Harlem Capital’s efforts to boost diverse founder representation in venture funding.

Benjamin Croc, co-founder at BrioHR, shares insights on navigating the challenges of a remote accelerator after participating in Y Combinator. He discusses the benefits of staying local while managing extreme time zone differences. The conversation highlights the balance of maintaining team cohesion in virtual settings, fundraising during remote demo days, and valuable lessons for future founders on maximizing their accelerator experiences. Benjamin also touches on how BrioHR aims to enhance HR management for SMEs in Southeast Asia.

The podcast kicks off with a deep dive into ServiceTitan's impressive $500 million funding round, showcasing its impact on the field services sector. It discusses the challenges Deliveroo faces with its IPO, especially concerning worker governance and market conditions. The hosts also explore the rocky IPO journeys of Bilibili and Zhihu, reflecting on diminishing public market interest in tech stocks. Meanwhile, the vibrant private market shines with recent funding rounds, highlighting new opportunities for early-stage startups.

The podcast dives into David Dobrik's departure from Dispo amid serious allegations and its impact on celebrity-driven startups. Excitingly, Robinhood is finally set for an IPO, drawing everyone's attention. Microsoft is eyeing a $10 billion investment in Discord, raising questions about market dynamics. Meanwhile, Plaid is in the spotlight with a potential $600 million raise and a focus on inclusivity through its new FinRise accelerator for underrepresented founders. The hosts also discuss the unique challenges of modern fintech and health innovation startups.

Sahil Lavingia, CEO of Gumroad, shares his journey of successfully raising $5 million through equity crowdfunding, explaining why it was a strategic move for his company. Elizabeth Yin, General Partner at Hustle Fund, offers a venture capital perspective on the implications of recent SEC regulatory changes, which increased the crowdfunding cap. They discuss how this shift democratizes investment opportunities, attracting diverse check-writers, and the evolving landscape of community-driven fundraising that empowers creators and startups.

This week, the focus is on Deliveroo's IPO, with an expected valuation of £8.8 billion and a surge in demand. Major moves in the tech world include IronSource and Sivo making headlines as they go public via SPACs. There's exciting news in healthcare tech, with Happify Health and Clarify Health securing substantial funding. The ethical implications of venture capital decisions are also examined, particularly regarding Spark Capital's distancing from Dispo. Gear up for discussing equity crowdfunding next!