This Week in Startups

In this discussion, Jeff Bezos, the Founder of Amazon, shares insights from recent big tech hearings, touching on Amazon's intricate relationship with third-party sellers. They delve into the challenges lawmakers face in regulating tech giants like Amazon and Facebook. Bezos’s testimony reveals issues of trust and accountability while critiquing the monopolistic practices of major tech firms. The episode also addresses Apple's closed ecosystem and its impact on consumer choice, highlighting the ongoing tensions between tech dominance and market fairness.

Daphne Koller, CEO of insitro and co-founder of Coursera, is at the forefront of revolutionizing drug discovery using machine learning. She discusses how tech is enhancing drug development efficiency, tackling challenges like high failure rates, and the ethical implications of medical trials. Koller also reflects on the evolution of online education, highlighting its potential to democratize learning and reshape traditional college experiences. The conversation touches on major health issues and the promise of biotech innovations in improving future life expectancy.

In this engaging discussion, Mike Maser, CEO of Big Sky Health and creator of the Zero Fasting app, shares insights into the booming world of fasting apps and their health benefits. He elaborates on the transformation of Zero from a simple timer to a thriving community platform. Pricing strategies for health apps are dissected, revealing challenges and consumer adaptations. Maser also highlights the important role of community support in fasting journeys, showcasing how motivation and accountability can spark personal health transformations.

Scott Lynn, CEO and founder of Masterworks, discusses how the art market is evolving into a lucrative asset class worth $1.7 trillion. He sheds light on the democratization of art investment and the use of data in valuing art. Lynn highlights trends in art investing, especially post-COVID, and the growing interest from international markets. The conversation veers into the complexities of treating art as an asset, including risks and fees, while emphasizing the importance of education for new investors navigating this dynamic landscape.

Josh Felser, a venture capitalist at Freestyle Capital, is dedicated to supporting founder mental health, while Mani Kulasooriya and Caren Maio share their entrepreneurial journeys. They discuss the psychological toll on entrepreneurs, emphasizing the need for open discussions about mental health. Personal anecdotes reveal the emotional challenges during the pandemic and the stigma around mental illness. Innovative approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy are introduced to help founders navigate their struggles and build resilience, advocating for empathy within the startup community.

Chris Atoki, who overcame homelessness to become a tech professional and homeowner, shares his powerful story of resilience and grit. He dives into the hardships faced after dropping out of college, the relentless hustle of balancing work and education, and the journey of self-empowerment in the job market. Chris reflects on the challenges of discrimination and rejection while pursuing success. He emphasizes the importance of education, networking, and determination in transforming adversity into opportunity, inspiring others to chase their dreams.

David Sacks, a former COO of PayPal and founder of Yammer, shares his insights on navigating startup growth and operational efficiency. He introduces 'The Cadence', an innovative philosophy to streamline operations as companies scale. Sacks discusses aligning product and marketing strategies, emphasizing their critical role in driving growth. He also highlights the importance of a collective growth mindset across teams and effective sales tracking essential for SaaS success. His advice is packed with practical strategies for enhancing accountability and performance in startups.

The hosts celebrate their podcast's rise in tech rankings, showcasing their camaraderie and individual successes. They dive into the contentious politics surrounding glyphosate and WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. A fierce discussion on the new Cold War between the U.S. and China highlights the need for American innovation amid rising global tensions. They also explore China's strategic agricultural ambitions and the importance of global partnerships in navigating these complexities, emphasizing the delicate balance between competition and cooperation.

Discover the innovative Remote Demo Day program that lets founders pitch to thousands of angel investors via Zoom, all for free. This initiative empowers startups by breaking down barriers to funding. With a previous event yielding impressive commitments, it showcases the success and accessibility of remote pitching. Join the movement and get inspired by the potential of connecting entrepreneurs with eager investors!

Morgan DeBaun, CEO of Blavity, shares her insights on media challenges during the pandemic and the push for corporate accountability in supporting Black employees. Alex Wilhelm dives into the implications of TikTok's potential ban and Twitter's shift towards subscription models, exploring how this could transform user engagement. They discuss the importance of diversity in tech, the disconnect between education costs and access, and the narratives that shape media perception in the tech industry.