Equity

This week, the tech world buzzes with news of Stack Overflow's $1.8 billion sale, creating a wave of new millionaires. Katerra faces a dramatic downfall, marking its end in the industry. Etsy makes headlines with its $1.625 billion acquisition of Depop, targeting Gen Z thrifters. Meanwhile, Amazon prepares for a wave of lawsuits after a surge in arbitration claims. Innovations in worker empowerment take center stage with Unit's efforts and Chipper Cash's rapid fintech growth add to the excitement around Africa's evolving startup scene.

Discover the world of sports tech as innovators disrupt traditional media and gaming. The Gist is making sports more inclusive for casual fans and women. Fantasy sports are just getting wilder with Blaseball's quirky twist, injecting whimsy into the baseball scene. Meanwhile, in India, Dream11 is riding the cricket wave, securing its spot as a major player in the fantasy sports arena. Join the lively conversation about how these developments are reshaping our relationship with sports and gaming.

Recent global tech news includes Tata's acquisition of BigBasket, igniting an ecommerce battle in India. Meanwhile, China’s crackdown on edtech is causing an IPO freeze. A flurry of funding rounds is underway, with significant investments like WeFox's $650 million and Chipper Cash's $100 million. The semiconductor shortage is still affecting delivery schedules for companies like Nio. The landscape is buzzing with startup activity and surprising acquisitions, making it an exciting time in the private markets!

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.