Equity

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.

Steve Cakebread, CFO of Yext and author on IPOs, teams up with Garth Mitchell, CFO of Latch, as they dive into the moral and practical implications of going public earlier in a company's lifecycle. Cakebread argues that early IPOs can foster maturity and enhance returns, while Mitchell shares insights on Latch's SPAC journey. They discuss the dual nature of greed in capital markets, the importance of governance, and the strategic decision-making behind public offerings. And yes, baked beans make an unexpected appearance!

This week kicks off with a major corporate shuffle as TechCrunch's ownership changes hands. Flywire is gearing up for a public offering, while Uber and Lyft prepare for key earnings reports. Dell's divesting from Boomi signals a shift in strategy, and cloud market growth continues to fuel startup innovation. In funding news, Wealthsimple makes waves with a massive CAD$750 million round, and Path Robotics celebrates a hefty $56 million raise. Plus, China's regulatory crackdowns are shaking tech valuations.

The hosts dive into the potential sale of Verizon Media Group, highlighting the uncertainties in the digital media landscape. They discuss the troubling statistics around diversity in venture capital, shedding light on the ongoing disparities. Fintech startups targeting teen banking are on the rise, revolutionizing financial education for the younger generation. Finally, innovative 'masterclass' education platforms are explored, showcasing unique learning experiences and the influence of venture capital in this space.

Dive into the fascinating world of audio as the hosts discuss the rise of live audio platforms and emerging features from major players like Facebook and Reddit. Explore the implications of a 72% drop in Clubhouse downloads and the significance of their NFL deal. The conversation shifts to monetization strategies, comparing Spotify's creator-friendly approach to Apple's model. Plus, discover how niche indie creators might thrive amid shifting landscapes in podcasting and the creator economy.

This week, the conversation dives into India's controversial censorship of social media during the COVID crisis, raising alarms about free speech and government transparency. The focus also shifts to Substack's aggressive hiring of top writers, revealing a shift in the publishing landscape. Additionally, a wave of earnings reports from major tech companies is on the horizon, offering clues about their first-quarter performance amidst a hot venture market. Funding activity remains robust, highlighting innovation and ambition in the startup ecosystem.

A lively discussion unfolds around the Microsoft-Discord acquisition drama, with hot takes on its implications. Mastercard's purchase of Erkata sparks insights into fintech growth and identity verification. ClearBank's evolution into a unicorn showcases the changing startup landscape, while the rise of robotic process automation is highlighted as a game changer in business. Albedo's mission for high-resolution space imaging opens up exciting possibilities, and innovative startups like Queenly tackle pandemic challenges in formal wear.

Dive into the buzzing world of cryptocurrency, where recent developments like Venmo's crypto support and the rise of NFT marketplaces are reshaping the landscape. Discover the surprising resurgence of Dogecoin and its continued cultural relevance. Unpack how Coinbase's successful direct listing is influencing investor confidence in crypto startups. The discussion highlights challenges in sustaining engagement in the NFT market and the importance of user education in navigating this evolving financial frontier.