
This Week in Startups
Jason Calacanis covers startups, tech, markets, media, and all the hottest topics in business and technology. He also interviews the world’s greatest founders, operators, investors, and innovators.
Latest episodes

38 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 1h 10min
Anthropic Cuts Off Windsurf, Deel Rewrites the Narrative and Flock Safety’s Surveillance Tech | E2134
Garrett Langley, Co-founder of Flock Safety, discusses the groundbreaking use of license plate reading technology and drones for community safety. He highlights how these innovations enhance law enforcement efficiency while raising important ethical questions about privacy. Langley emphasizes the need for elected officials to maintain control over community data governance, ensuring public trust in surveillance technologies. The conversation navigates the balance between advancing public safety and protecting citizens' rights in an increasingly digital world.

87 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 1h 4min
Grammarly’s $1B Round, Brain Computers, and NYT Licenses To Amazon | E2133
Grammarly raised a staggering $1B investment to fuel its AI ambitions and expand into enterprise solutions. A new DARPA-backed brain-computer interface startup is emerging, competing with Neuralink and igniting excitement in neurotechnology. Meanwhile, The New York Times struck a licensing deal with Amazon, hinting at a shift in how traditional media interacts with AI. The conversation also touches on the complexities of intellectual property in the music industry and the changing dynamics of venture capital in today's tech landscape.

92 snips
May 30, 2025 • 59min
How AthenaHQ and Browser Use Are Building the Next Layer of the Internet | E2132
Andrew Yan, former Google search PM and co-founder of Athena HQ, and Magnus Muller, co-founder of Browser Use, explore the transformative landscape of AI. They discuss GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) and its impact on brand visibility in AI search results like ChatGPT. The duo also delves into how AI agents are evolving to perform tasks online, from filling forms to full workflow automation. They emphasize the need for adaptability and technical precision as businesses strive to remain competitive in this rapidly changing environment.

71 snips
May 28, 2025 • 58min
Google’s AI Design Tool, Salesforce’s $8B Comeback Deal, and M&A Momentum Builds | E2131
Discover Google's groundbreaking AI design tool, Stitch, which promises to shake up the freelance design scene. Delve into Salesforce's bold $8 billion acquisition of Informatica, expanding its AI capabilities. There's also a thrilling spike in startup M&A activity as major players like OpenAI and DoorDash make moves, suggesting an exciting rebound ahead. The discussions offer sharp insights on how these trends impact founders and investors alike, along with a humorous take on 'woke' culture in tech.

87 snips
May 23, 2025 • 1h 5min
Apple’s Tariff Trouble, Anthropic’s New Models, and Our Founder Friday Finale | E2130
Unpack the implications of a potential 25% tariff on Apple and how it reflects the political landscape. Discover Anthropic's new Claude models, which are setting new standards in AI and coding performance. Also, witness an exciting showdown in the Founder Fridays competition, where two innovative startups compete for supremacy. Plus, a light-hearted dive into the unexpected world of smart toilets and their role in gut health. It's a fast-paced exploration of startups, technology, and the challenges they face today.

160 snips
May 22, 2025 • 41min
David Friedberg on AI-First Startups & the Future of Biology, Business & Creativity | AI Basics with Google Cloud
David Friedberg, CEO of Ohalo Genetics and co-host of the All-In Podcast, dives into the revolutionary impact of AI on agriculture and startups. He introduces 'Boosted Breeding' technology that promises to double crop yields. The conversation explores building AI-first companies and the possibilities of genome language models. Friedberg also discusses how AI democratizes creativity, enabling personalized storytelling experiences and paving the way for an 'Age of Abundance' in resources like food and energy.

141 snips
May 21, 2025 • 1h 5min
Jony Ive Joins OpenAI, Waymo Hits 10M Rides, and How to Launch a Marketplace from Scratch | E2129
Discover the implications of Jony Ive's $6.5 billion deal with OpenAI and the merging of design with AI technology. Dive into Waymo's achievement of 10 million rides and how it stacks against Tesla's robotaxi plans. Delve into the complexities of stablecoin regulation under the GENIUS Act, and learn gritty tactics for launching a marketplace from scratch. The ethical debates surrounding AI-powered smart glasses also take center stage, raising questions about privacy and technology's future.

71 snips
May 20, 2025 • 1h 4min
Drones, Design, and Digital Espionage | E2128
Parth Mahendru, co-founder of Prantl and expert in non-lethal drone deterrence, discusses revolutionary ultrasonic technology that neutralizes drones without causing harm. The conversation dives into the legal gray areas surrounding drone defense over private property and unpacks the corporate espionage feud between Rippling and Deel. They also explore how startups can leverage world-class design and ethical AI practices to enhance productivity and innovation in an ever-evolving tech landscape.

153 snips
May 16, 2025 • 1h 4min
Microsoft Layoffs, Immigration Blunders, & Office Hours with Jeremy Redman of Airfive | E2127
Jeremy Redman, founder of Airfive, shares insights on the recent Microsoft layoffs amidst record profits and how it reflects a new tech industry landscape. The discussion dives into the vital role of skilled immigrants in driving innovation and the consequences of tightening immigration policies. Redman also introduces his novel prepaid SaaS model for customer support automation, addressing challenges in traditional pricing strategies. The conversation highlights the evolving dynamics of AI in the startup ecosystem and the importance of adapting revenue models to meet customer needs.

56 snips
May 15, 2025 • 1h 7min
Chime’s IPO, Databricks’ $1B Acquisition & Dave Rubin’s Media Empire | E2126
Dave Rubin, a prominent political commentator and host of The Rubin Report, dives into the challenges and triumphs of building Locals, an independent creator platform. He shares insights on why he goes phone-free for weeks and the detrimental effects of identity politics on business and sports. The conversation also touches on the fast-evolving landscape of right-wing media and the need for mental health breaks. Rubin advocates for innovative subscription models in the entertainment sector, while exploring generational tensions amidst a polarized cultural landscape.