This Week in Startups

In this discussion, Chris Bruno (Rally Rd), Scott Lynn (Masterworks), and Ben Miller (Fundrise) dive into the fascinating world of alternative assets. They tackle the controversies surrounding Tether, exploring its implications and risks, drawing alarming parallels to financial fraud. The trio discusses the booming markets for art, collectibles, and real estate, emphasizing the importance of diversification in investing. They also highlight how platforms are revolutionizing access to these assets amidst changing investor behaviors.

Josh Hoffman, CEO and co-founder of Zymergen, discusses the exciting world of biofacturing, highlighting how DNA sequencing and machine learning are transforming materials science. He delves into sustainable alternatives to traditional manufacturing processes, revealing the potential of microbial fermentation for creating eco-friendly materials. Hoffman also touches on the human capital necessary for this industry and the revolutionary impacts expected in agriculture and technology, hinting at a new industrial revolution driven by innovative solutions.

Dive into the intriguing world of Bitcoin toxicity where maximalists are likened to a cult. Explore the high-stakes risks of Jeff Bezos venturing into space and the ethical dilemmas it poses. The discussion shifts to Facebook's potential entry into the smartwatch market, spurred by competitive pressures from Apple’s privacy policies. From crypto obsession to corporate innovations, this conversation uncovers the complexities, risks, and innovations shaping the tech landscape.

Kristen Wiley, Founder and CEO of Statusphere, shares her expertise in scaling customer success, highlighting the importance of word-of-mouth strategies for B2B and B2C brands. Nicole Beals, Co-founder of Techmate, discusses her team's impressive leap in customer retention from 70% to 98% and insights into customer churn. They delve into aligning sales and customer success teams, asking the right questions to improve satisfaction, and the need for effective communication to drive growth. Engaging Q&A covers compensation and productizing customer experiences.

Chris Urmson, CEO of Aurora and a key figure in autonomous vehicle development, shares his insights on the evolution of self-driving technology. He details the journey from the DARPA Grand Challenge to current advancements and challenges in software and hardware. Urmson discusses Aurora's strategic roadmap for eliminating human drivers and the critical pathways to full autonomy, especially in long-haul trucking. He emphasizes safety, ethical considerations, and the potential impact of self-driving cars on society and vehicle ownership.

Fatima Dicko, founder of Sugar, a CRM platform enhancing landlord-tenant connectivity, shares insights on navigating business challenges during the pandemic. She discusses how apartments will evolve with new amenities focused on resident engagement. Additionally, the conversation touches on the implications of Apple's contentious work-from-home policies and the current landscape of inflated startup valuations, offering valuable investing guidance amidst economic uncertainty.

Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, shares insights into the company's growth and evolution in the gig economy. He discusses the rise of 'slingshot startups' and the impact of Katerra's collapse, emphasizing the need for transparency in financial reporting. Khosrowshahi also highlights the flexibility and safety challenges for gig workers, and how Uber is innovating with delivery services like Uber Eats and Uber Freight. The conversation touches on strategies to attract drivers and adapting to changing market dynamics in ride-sharing.

Kayvon Beykpour, former Head of Product at Twitter, dives into the exciting evolution of Twitter's product strategy. He reveals how structural changes boosted product velocity and discusses the launch of Twitter Blue, highlighting user feedback. The conversation explores the distinct engagement patterns of 'composers' and 'consumers' while emphasizing the importance of personalized experiences for content creators. Beykpour also tackles the balance between community standards and freedom of speech, showcasing Twitter’s commitment to enhancing user interactions.

Join Ben Seidl, CEO of Neighborly, and Lil Roberts, CEO of Xendoo, as they reveal essential strategies for managing startup burn rates. Ben shares insights on how to control financial challenges and maintain agility while Lil provides tips for sustaining financial health during growth. They discuss the importance of proactive financial management, setting clear growth goals, and understanding expenses. Together, they explore the balance of frugality and strategic investments needed to scale a successful startup.

The podcast dives into the Citizen App's disastrous decision to place a $30,000 bounty on an innocent suspect in an arson case, igniting discussions on ethics and vigilante justice. It also investigates a new subscription service offering 'digital bodyguard' features, sparking debates about privatizing safety. Additionally, Coinbase's launch of a fact-checking initiative aims to combat misinformation, reflecting on the crucial role of technology firms in promoting accurate information and public safety amidst a rapidly evolving digital landscape.