This Week in Startups

Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal, co-hosts of Acquired FM, dive into the latest buzz in the investment world. They analyze Bitcoin's volatile market movements and the curious investment dichotomy between crypto aficionados and traditionalists like Warren Buffett. The duo also discusses Amazon's bold move in acquiring MGM's Bond franchise, sparking a debate on the future of cinematic storytelling. Their insights on navigating investment strategies in a post-pandemic landscape add depth to this engaging conversation.

David Hassel, CEO of 15Five, and Amanda Greenberg, Co-founder of Balloon, dive into the art of building strong workplace cultures. Hassel shares strategies for scaling company culture while keeping it human-centric. Greenberg discusses essential processes for navigating team dynamics in hybrid environments. They emphasize the importance of intentional culture design, effective communication, and empathy in leadership. The conversation wraps with insights on remote work challenges, compensation equity, and creating loyal, engaged teams.

Gabi Lewis, Co-founder of Magic Spoon, shares his journey from cricket protein bars to revolutionizing breakfast with healthy, protein-packed cereal. He discusses the importance of product-market fit and how influencer marketing has played a key role in Magic Spoon's growth. The conversation also touches on the challenges traditional cereal brands face while trying to adapt to health trends, and the nostalgia of classic cereal flavors that resonates with consumers. Lewis's insights highlight the innovative strategies that drive success in the modern cereal market.

A dramatic Bitcoin correction echoes through the markets as China tightens its grip on cryptocurrency, raising questions about its future. The risks of potential zero value are weighed against the possibility of newfound resilience. Rumors swirl around Robinhood's upcoming IPO, with speculation on its market impact. Meanwhile, Squarespace's direct listing showcases its subscription success, signaling a shift in how digital platforms navigate public markets. Tune in for insights on startup resilience and investment trends!

Doriane Mouret, CEO of Gravitr, shares savvy insights on enhancing conversion funnels to boost marketing effectiveness. Danielle Vincent, founder of Outlaw Soaps, dives into her expertise in SEO, discussing essential strategies for optimizing online visibility. They dissect common marketing myths and emphasize the importance of nurturing customer relationships over superficial tactics. Together, they provide actionable tips on setting conversion goals and leveraging content strategies to engage audiences and drive success.

Taylor Lorenz, a social media reporter for The New York Times, dives into the chaotic world of online influencers and the ethics of social media. She discusses the reckless nature of stunt content and highlights the impact of platforms like Clubhouse. Lorenz shares why she chose traditional journalism over a lucrative Substack offer, emphasizing the value of responsible reporting amid the creator economy's challenges. The conversation also touches on the importance of child safety online and the consequences of engaging with controversial figures in the digital space.

Discover the buzz around Twitter's upcoming subscription service, Twitter Blue, and its potential to reshape user engagement. The conversation dives into how recent acquisitions, like Scroll, could enhance features and promote ad-free news. Explore Twitter’s ambitious plans to double development speed and tackle market competition. The discussion also highlights the balancing act of innovation and user experience in an evolving social media landscape, showcasing Twitter's efforts to redefine its business model.

Zach Coelius, an experienced angel investor, joins the discussion to answer listener questions about startup dynamics and marketplace strategies. He emphasizes the importance of a strong value proposition in funding and consumer behavior. The conversation then shifts to Apple's controversial firing of Antonio Garcia Martinez, sparking a debate on cancel culture and the impact of public perception. Coelius shares insights on investment strategies, emphasizing the need for focus in early-stage startups, while navigating the complexities of VC relationships.

Rahul Vohra, Founder and CEO of Superhuman, shares groundbreaking insights on utilizing game design principles to supercharge productivity tools. He emphasizes the significance of intrinsic motivation and emotional engagement. Meanwhile, Jesse Venticique, Co-founder of Fitbod, discusses effective product hooks that drive user retention and engagement. The duo offers actionable tips for startups, revealing how playful design and clear user journeys enhance the overall experience, ultimately leading to higher conversion rates and customer loyalty.

Harpreet Rai, CEO of Oura, shares insights on optimizing sleep and recovery through innovative wearable technology. He discusses how Oura’s sleep scores are calculated and their partnerships with the NBA to promote health. Rai emphasizes the significance of physiological markers in assessing well-being, linking sleep data to overall performance. He also touches on ethical considerations in health tech and the evolving landscape of hardware businesses, offering a glimpse into the future of personalized health monitoring.