This Week in Startups

A power outage in San Francisco caused Waymo robotaxis to gridlock the streets, prompting a lively discussion on their future coordination potential. Exciting predictions emerged about a day when self-driving cars could surpass ballet dancers in elegance. With self-driving tech expanding to London and Coinbase's ambitious acquisitions, the hosts speculated on a potential Google-Uber merger. The conversation also touched on decreasing ride costs and a competitive landscape in the robo-taxi market, as well as insights into Tesla's innovative approach to autonomous vehicles.

Sam Parr, founder of The Hustle and co-host of My First Million, shares his insights on mastering copywriting. He emphasizes timeless techniques from advertising greats and explains why long-form content captivates readers. Sam reveals how to effectively use AIDA for compelling marketing and discusses the balance between AI assistance and human creativity in writing. He advocates for narrative-driven content that resonates emotionally. Finally, Parr highlights the importance of practicing copywork and engaging storytelling for founders.

Wade Foster, Co-founder of Zapier, discusses how to leverage workflow data and remote hiring for an AI era. Ali Ansari, founder of MicroOne, highlights the importance of proprietary data for training models and how to streamline the hiring process. Mikey Schulman from Suno shares insights on using AI in music creation, fostering industry partnerships, and discovering new talent. All three emphasize a proactive job-seeking mentality: show you can do the work instead of waiting to be hired!

Domestic robots are in high demand, yet iRobot faces bankruptcy. The discussion delves into what led to this decline, including missed opportunities like a potential sale to Amazon. Jason argues that investing disposable income in startups is essential for young people. Additionally, the podcast explores the implications of leaked financial documents from Pipe, as well as the evolving landscape of angel investing and startup funding. Can open-source robotics offer a competitive edge? Tune in for insights on innovation, investment strategies, and the future of automation!

A groundbreaking $1 billion investment from Disney into OpenAI paves the way for beloved characters to interact in AI platforms like Sora and ChatGPT. The hosts discuss the implications of this deal, including fair use vs. commercial licensing. Concerns about actor likeness rights, quality issues with Amazon’s AI features, and the potential for AI to revolutionize education, healthcare, and housing are also explored. Founders are urged to engage with large companies, even if it may just be for fishing expeditions.

Jason Calacanis chats with Bryan Kim, a16z VC focused on consumer and AI, and David Clark, VinCap's CIO with macro investing expertise. They dive into Boom's innovative pivot to sell turbines for AI data centers, showcasing adaptability in startups. The trio explores the non-existence of an AI bubble despite rapid growth, and the importance of relentless founders overcoming challenges. Insights on leveraging product-market fit, creative marketing strategies, and the potential of AI in various sectors add depth to their engaging discussion.

This episode features Amulya Parmer, the founder of Tour, discussing AI-powered virtual leasing tours that enhance property management. Tomas Puig from Alembic shares innovative uses of spiking neural networks for marketing attribution, addressing the complexities of brand advertising. Wade Foster, co-founder of Zapier, reflects on the early days of building integrations, managing a fully remote team, and pursuing the elusive Microsoft Office integration. Their insights shed light on the evolving landscape of automation and remote work.

Lon Harris, the Editorial Director and media industry commentator, joins to unpack the viral screenshot of a supposed Target ad in ChatGPT. They clarify it was an integration, not a live ad test, and ponder the implications for OpenAI's approach to advertising. The discussion touches on whether OpenAI is waiting for competitors to make their move first. Other hot topics include Netflix's bidding strategies in the streaming wars and a deep dive into Apple's TV project, 'Pluribus.' Expect insights on the future of AI monetization and content strategy.

Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Bros sparks debate on the future of movie theaters. The hosts delve into regulatory scrutiny and the implications for theatrical releases. Jason shares his imaginative plan for Disney to enhance the cinematic experience. They also examine trading controversies around Polymarket, discussing insider trading versus prediction markets. Plus, highlights from Y Combinator's Fall '25 cohort showcase innovative startups tackling robotics and healthcare. A significant victory for Micro1 is celebrated, marking a trend in expert training.

Jonathan Swanson, Founder and CEO of Athena, shares insights on delegating effectively to reclaim time for busy executives. He discusses transitioning from Thumbtack to Athena, emphasizing the importance of pairing human assistants with AI support. Jonathan reveals the concept of 'Black Diamond Delegating' and the gains from managing multiple specialized executive assistants. They explore the significance of checklists and playbooks in maximizing productivity, and Jonathan offers tips for hiring assistants, even starting with DIY options like ChatGPT.