This Week in Startups

In this engaging discussion, Sarah Hum, CEO of Canny.io, shares insights from her bootstrapped SaaS journey, achieving over a million dollars in ARR. She dives into the blind spots early angel investors often miss and reflects on the shifting landscape of the creator economy. Sarah emphasizes the power of effective feedback collection, the importance of strong team dynamics, and the innovative opportunities for creators in today's market. Expect to hear about balancing growth with employee well-being and the promising future of monetization strategies.

Becki DeGraw, a legal expert from Wilson Sonsini, shares invaluable insights on common pitfalls for first-time founders. She emphasizes the need for formal co-founder agreements to prevent ownership disputes and maintain healthy relationships. Clear and documented contracts are essential to avoid misunderstandings, akin to good communication in personal relationships. Becki also highlights the importance of understanding legal obligations and implementing vesting and solid IP protections to safeguard startups as they grow.

Delve into the explosive growth of SPACs in 2021, revealing their allure and potential pitfalls for investors. Discover the intricacies of PIPEs versus traditional IPOs, and how market conditions influence performance. Hear the dramatic tale of a hydrogen truck startup that dazzled investors but ultimately fizzled out. Explore the current SPAC landscape with big names like 23andMe and WeWork, while emphasizing the importance of due diligence. Finally, consider the risks involved in SPACs and cryptocurrencies, urging a balanced investment approach.

Amy Dockser Marcus, a health and science reporter for the Wall Street Journal, delves into the shocking uBiome fraud scandal, detailing the similarities to the Theranos case. She discusses the ethical dilemmas surrounding innovative health tech and citizen science. The conversation highlights the significant challenges journalists face in uncovering truths in the startup world. Marcus also explores the allure of charismatic founders and the dangers of deception in the healthcare sector, stressing the need for integrity and transparency.

Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal, co-hosts of Acquired FM, delve into the world of startups and venture capital. They explore the excitement of rebuilding social ties post-pandemic and share their nostalgic trips to Disneyland. The discussion shifts to soaring pre-money valuations and the rise of new investment syndicates. They analyze the dynamics of angel investing and a fun March Madness-style competition to find the world’s best private company. Lastly, they evaluate startups like SpaceX and Rivian, weighing future valuations in the tech landscape.

Becki DeGraw, a legal expert from Wilson Sonsini, shares invaluable insights for first-time founders. She breaks down common legal, financial, and HR mistakes that can derail startups. The discussion highlights the critical 83B election for stock, emphasizing its tax implications. Becki also clarifies the importance of corporate appointments and the nuances of signing authority. They delve into the rise of secondary shares in Series B funding and the significant considerations surrounding business structures for growing companies.

Microsoft is in talks to acquire Discord for over $10 billion, igniting discussions on the strategic implications of the deal. The podcast delves into Discord's evolution as a key communication platform, particularly in gaming. Experts analyze how this acquisition could reshape the tech landscape and enhance Microsoft's gaming strategy. Comparing this potential buy to other successful acquisitions, the conversation highlights challenges and opportunities in managing vibrant online communities while projecting future impacts on user engagement.

Zach Coelius, a savvy angel investor specializing in marketplaces and early-stage ventures, breaks down the essentials of launching profitable marketplaces. He shares strategies for angel investing on platforms like AngelList, emphasizing personal relationships and nurturing investor engagement. Zach also touches on the risks of venture capital, the significance of demonstrating traction, and the evolving landscape of equity crowdfunding. Amidst it all, he injects humor and creative insights, making the journey of investing and entrepreneurship both informative and entertaining.

Joanne Wilson, an angel investor and founder of Gotham Gal Ventures, shares her insights on navigating the complex landscape of early-stage investments in NYC. She discusses the impact of post-pandemic changes on real estate and the restaurant industry, advocating for systemic improvements. Joanne also reflects on market bubbles, urging caution in startup valuations. The conversation highlights the rising influence of women in venture capital and the importance of supportive networks for underrepresented founders in an evolving market.

Sahil Lavingia, the Founder of Gumroad, discusses his groundbreaking equity crowdfunding raise, which raised $5 million in just 12 hours. He shares insights into the challenges founders face when navigating the creator economy and raising venture capital. The conversation includes the emotional complexities of fundraising and the significance of resilience in entrepreneurship. Lavingia critiques the NFT space's spending and explores how equity crowdfunding democratizes investment for creators, highlighting the evolving relationship between art and ownership.