
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

Feb 11, 2021 • 1h 14min
Howard Lindzon on public vs. private investing psychology, “great unbundling” of index funds, Robinhood & more | Angel S5 E4
Howard Lindzon, an angel investor and co-founder of StockTwits, shares his insights on the contrasting dynamics of public and private investing. He reflects on lessons from the Dot-Com bubble, emphasizing investor psychology and the evolution of financial discussions on social media. Lindzon discusses the rise of SPACs and their implications for tech investments, while also critiquing traditional investment strategies. With a touch of humor, he navigates the complexities of the current market landscape and the importance of experiential learning in finance.

Feb 10, 2021 • 55min
Ask an Angel with Zach Coelius: is moving to SF still worth it, bubble/recession potential, post-COVID funding & more | E1172
Zach Coelius, an angel investor with a track record in over 50 companies, shares his insights on the evolving startup landscape. He discusses his barbell investment strategy, focusing on flexible funding through syndicates. Zach also tackles the changing appeal of San Francisco post-COVID, addressing concerns about rising crime rates and urban safety. He explores innovative adaptations in companies like Disney and Uber, highlighting the importance of effective execution and strategic pricing for startup success.

Feb 6, 2021 • 1h 7min
Commonwealth Fusion Systems’ Bob Mumgaard on trying to solve climate change via nuclear fusion technology | E1171
Bob Mumgaard, a plasma physicist and CEO of Commonwealth Fusion Systems, dives into the revolutionary world of nuclear fusion. He discusses how fusion technology can provide a sustainable energy source to combat climate change, comparing it to traditional nuclear power. Mumgaard highlights recent advancements in fusion reactor design, challenging temperature and pressure hurdles, and innovative magnet technology. He also addresses the global race for fusion innovation and the crucial investment needed to transform this clean energy dream into reality, possibly powering cities in the near future.

Feb 5, 2021 • 23min
Five things you need to nail to scale with Scott Orn | Kruze Consulting Startup Finance Basics
Scott Orn, co-founder of Kruze Consulting, is a startup finance expert who shares invaluable insights for budding entrepreneurs. He highlights the crucial financial statements every startup needs and the importance of maintaining distinct business finances. Scott also discusses the benefits of selecting reliable accounting software like QuickBooks and explores essential payroll tools such as Gusto and Rippling. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of cap table management and the potential pitfalls of poor financial practices, providing a practical checklist for success.

Feb 4, 2021 • 18min
Emergency Pod! Jeff Bezos steps down as Amazon CEO: Reasons, reactions & more | E1170
Jeff Bezos's exit as Amazon CEO sparks intriguing discussions on the company's future. The impact of Andy Jassy's leadership on Amazon Web Services is highlighted as a critical revenue driver. Speculations arise around Bezos’s motives, including philanthropy and fame, and their implications for capitalism. Additionally, potential strategic acquisitions like Airbnb and Uber are explored, raising questions about how Amazon might enhance its market power amidst fierce competition.

Feb 4, 2021 • 1h 16min
Elad Gil on his product-market driven thesis, importance of market pull, entering the “go public sooner” decade | Angel S5 E3
Elad Gil, an angel investor with a stellar portfolio including Airbnb and Coinbase, shares his insights on navigating the tech landscape. He discusses the importance of product-market fit and the changing dynamics of public equity investment, especially with SPACs. Elad highlights the impact of market disruptions over the past decade and the need for continuous innovation. He also examines the shift of tech talent from traditional hubs to emerging cities, reflecting on how this affects the startup ecosystem.

Feb 3, 2021 • 1h 8min
Flexport CEO Ryan Petersen on “going big” with $1B funding round, insights from scaling globally, lessons from the pandemic | E1169
Ryan Petersen, CEO of Flexport, shares his journey navigating the complexities of global shipping and logistics. He discusses the transformative impact of the pandemic on shipping dynamics and how Flexport adapted to rising challenges. Petersen also explores innovative strategies, such as repurposing passenger planes for cargo, and delves into the importance of authenticity while scaling a billion-dollar business. With a mix of humor and insightful anecdotes, he highlights the critical role of cooperation and technology in the evolving logistics landscape.

Jan 30, 2021 • 53min
No Rules Rules Co-Author Erin Meyer: Netflix’s “keeper test”, comparative turnover, navigating global business cultures – Part 2 | E1168
Erin Meyer, co-author of 'No Rules Rules' and expert on global business cultures, shares insights from Netflix's unique management style. She explores the 'keeper test,' a tool fostering performance accountability. Erin contrasts Netflix's competitive culture with traditional workplaces, highlighting the importance of candid feedback across different countries. She also discusses the challenges of salary transparency and cultural adaptation, showcasing how practices vary from the U.S. to Japan. Prepare for a deep dive into the dynamics of successful global business cultures!

Jan 29, 2021 • 28min
Startup taxes deep dive with Scott Orn | Kruze Consulting Startup Finance Basics
Scott Orn, from Kruze Consulting, is a finance wizard specializing in startup taxes and PPP loans. He dives into how startups navigated the challenges posed by COVID-19 and the significance of PPP as a lifeline. The discussion includes intricate tax compliance issues, R&D tax credits, and the nuances of nexus for determining tax obligations. Scott also unpacks the sales tax maze for SaaS businesses and emphasizes the vital role of meticulous documentation for tax compliance, all while sharing strategies for maintaining a solid financial foundation.

Jan 28, 2021 • 30min
Emergency Pod! WallStreetBets vs. Suits, breaking down the GameStop fiasco & more | E1167
Dive into the GameStop saga where retail investors turbocharged a stock and shook Wall Street to its core. Discover how the WallStreetBets community challenged traditional investing norms while exposing risky hedge fund practices. The surge in financial literacy among younger traders is explored, along with the ethical dilemmas of trading influencers. As social media reshapes investment behavior, the dynamic clash between retail investors and institutional giants raises questions about fairness and accountability in finance.