This Week in Startups

Nick Jarecki, director of the thought-provoking film 'Crisis,' dives into America’s opioid epidemic, sharing personal anecdotes that inspired his work. He discusses how the crisis intensifies during the COVID pandemic and critiques the pharmaceutical industry’s role. Jarecki also explores the evolution of film distribution, emphasizing the impact of VOD in today's landscape. Delving into stigma and the need for accountability, he advocates for better policies and destigmatization of addiction, making a compelling case for change in both cinema and society.

Founders dive into the dynamics of marketplaces for used goods. They discuss the rising trend of SPACs and the need for investor education. The origin story of a successful podcast highlights the chemistry among hosts and the balance between quality and ratings. The difference between lifestyle and venture scale businesses is explored, emphasizing the benefits of ownership and profitability. Finally, strategies for guiding growth from lifestyle to scalable ventures reveal essential insights about revenue and customer values.

Ben Gilbert, co-founder of Pioneer Square Labs and co-host of Acquired FM, joins David Rosenthal, an independent angel investor and also co-host of Acquired FM. They delve into Bitcoin's recent surge to $50K, exploring its implications for investments and whether it's a bubble. The duo discusses monetization strategies for Clubhouse, debating its valuation and potential revenue streams. They also engage in a fun 'Mount Rushmore' draft of tech CEOs, passionately arguing about figures like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk's legacies.

Mark Cuban, the dynamic businessman and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, shares his insights on the changing landscape for retail investors, catalyzed by platforms like Robinhood. He discusses the evolution of the NBA, highlighting analytics, player conditioning, and the potential for wagering. Cuban touches on the resurgence of interest in digital assets and the transformative world of DeFi. He emphasizes the challenges startups face in adopting AI and the importance of quality data, all while reflecting on the future of tech and financial communities.

Andrew Wilkinson, founder of MetaLab and Tiny, shares his unique insights drawn from his experience with startups like Slack and Uber Eats. He discusses how Warren Buffett's investment methodologies can be applied to modern startups. The conversation covers the transition from freelance design to startup consulting, the advantages of strategic acquisitions, and the dynamics of financing within the Shopify ecosystem. Wilkinson also addresses the challenges of revamping struggling businesses while maintaining company culture and explores the future of media acquisitions and digital content.

Aaron Levie, CEO of Box and a witty marketer, dives into the evolving cloud storage market and his unique blend of humor in tech marketing. He shares insights on the complexities of going public and the risks of SPACs. Levie reflects on digital legacies and the future of cloud storage, emphasizing the need for strategic pivots to meet enterprise demands. The conversation also touches on the changing workplace dynamics in a post-pandemic world, highlighting flexibility as key to talent retention.

Scott Orn, a consultant at Kruze Consulting, specializes in startup finance and accounting. He shares insights on the essential role of budgeting in business success and uses aviation analogies to explain cash flow management. Scott emphasizes creating a clear financial model to attract investors and discusses the importance of understanding customer acquisition costs. He also provides strategies for effectively communicating with venture capitalists and highlights the need for timely hiring to align with growth opportunities.

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.

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.

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.