This Week in Startups

A major scandal unfolds as Nikola's founder faces indictment for investor fraud. The discussion shifts to Robinhood's public offering amid scrutiny. Brandon Brown, CEO of GRIN, weighs in on the influencer economy, revealing trends towards relationship-driven marketing. Insights on managing creator partnerships spotlight the importance of authenticity in advertising. The conversation also touches on financial literacy for youth, the challenges of remote work, and the necessity of adapting marketing strategies in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Devin Finzer, Co-founder and CEO of OpenSea, discusses the explosive growth of NFTs and their transformative impact on digital ownership. He shares insights on how the pandemic fueled interest in digital art and virtual economies. The conversation highlights the rise of innovative job roles linked to NFTs and the evolution of market structures. Additionally, they explore the competitive dynamics between platforms like YouTube and Netflix, particularly around content strategies and advertising effectiveness.

China continues to tighten its grip on big tech, causing upheaval in the financial landscape. Tesla celebrates a stunning Q2 with over $1 billion in profit, showcasing its business resilience. In the crypto world, Tether holders shift $300 million to USDC amid growing concerns. The rising trend of pump-and-dump schemes in crypto raises red flags for investors. Lastly, discussions highlight the risks of navigating unregulated markets and protecting intellectual property, exemplified by the tumultuous fate of a Chinese entrepreneur.

Tether executives are under investigation by the DOJ for potential bank fraud, raising serious questions about the company's financial transparency. Concerns about their opaque asset holdings and ties to Chinese investments add to the scrutiny. The conversation reflects on past issues in the crypto world and the defensive responses from Tether. With Bitcoin's price in flux, the implications of this investigation could ripple throughout the entire cryptocurrency market, leaving investors wary.

In a bold roundup, the discussion tackles Dfinity's legal woes over its crypto collapse and the surprising financial upswing of Snapchat and Twitter. The potential shift of China’s ed-tech sector to non-profit raises eyebrows, while looming issues in San Francisco's commercial real estate paint a dire picture. Meanwhile, Alphabet's new venture into industrial robotics hints at future innovations. Reflecting on Disney's nimble strategy in streaming adds a layer of intrigue to the tech landscape.

Do Kwon, co-creator of the Terra decentralized stablecoin, joins to share fascinating insights into the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency. He discusses the unique concepts behind TerraUSD and the algorithmic LUNA token. The conversation dives into the regulatory challenges facing the crypto landscape, particularly in China, and contrasts decentralized finance with traditional systems. Kwon highlights the complexities of trust in cryptocurrencies and the importance of innovation amidst scrutiny, including a look at Tether's implications in the market.

In this installment, Slava Rubin, co-founder of Vincent and Indiegogo, dives deep into the fascinating world of alternative assets. He discusses the booming trading card market and how nostalgia fuels modern investments. Alongside Jason’s reactions to Tether's troubling transparency and Netflix’s latest challenges in the streaming wars, Slava emphasizes the evolution of crowdfunding and the importance of community in alternative investments. Their conversation unpacks new business models that simplify accessing unique asset markets.

Garrett Langley, CEO of Flock Safety, discusses innovative crime reduction strategies using license plate recognition technology. He shares insights from a pilot study in Cobb County that significantly cut crime rates. The conversation highlights the balance between effective law enforcement technologies and civil liberties. Additionally, the podcast covers Jeff Bezos’ historic space launch and the latest news in cryptocurrency regulation, including the growing concern over stablecoins like USDC.

Discover the ethical dilemmas surrounding Anthony Bourdain's AI deepfake voice and how it could inspire new startups. Delve into the ongoing DOJ investigation of Lordstown Motors and the risks intertwined with pre-revenue electric vehicle companies. Explore the evolving business landscape as companies adapt to divergent COVID policies in Florida and California. Each topic uncovers creative potential, moral complexities, and important lessons for entrepreneurs and investors alike.

The episode dives into Facebook's shutdown of CrowdTangle, raising concerns about media transparency and political bias. It discusses the White House's efforts to combat misinformation and explores Florida's plan to provide internet to Cuba. A new $1B fund for creators highlights Facebook's shift towards supporting content creators. Additionally, insights on stablecoins from Jerome Powell shed light on the evolving cryptocurrency landscape and the ongoing regulatory pressures it faces.