This Week in Startups

The discussion kicks off with opinions on whether the U.S. overreacted to COVID-19, followed by insights on potential treatment options and quarantine strategies. A tense market backdrop adds urgency as they explore how startups and venture capital are impacted. The need for mass testing is emphasized, alongside debates on corporate bailouts and ethical responsibilities. They contemplate the strain on the healthcare system and the implications of globalization, ultimately pondering what reopening restaurants might look like amid evolving health guidelines.

David Cowan, a seasoned Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners, discusses his venture capital journey since 1992 and the evolving landscape of the industry. He shares insights on the importance of adapting to change, the concept of 'sunk cost', and the value of a strong sales culture. David opens up about his anti-portfolio, revealing anecdotes about missed opportunities with Facebook and Tesla. He also explores the future of investing in quantum computing and robotics, emphasizing the significance of investing in impactful technologies.

In this engaging discussion, Taylor Monks, CEO of BasicBlock, reveals how their innovative digital solutions are transforming the trucking industry. Max Coleman, CEO of DaoCloud, shares his journey in connecting wellness practitioners with clients, emphasizing the importance of clear communication in pitching. Kate Bradley-Chernis, CEO of Lately, discusses how AI is enhancing social media writing. Together, they reflect on their growth during the LAUNCH Accelerator, highlighting key insights and the value of collaboration and feedback in their entrepreneurial journeys.

David Friedberg, founder and CEO of The Production Board and former CEO of Climate Corporation, joins Chamath Palihapitiya and Jason Calacanis for a lively discussion on the COVID-19 crisis. They explore the delayed U.S. response and its implications, as well as the differences in infection patterns between Italy and India. Friedberg shares his presidential priorities and critiques media messaging. The trio delves into the economic fallout, discussing the need for adaptation in startups, potential market impacts, and the lessons learned for future crises.

Delve into an insightful Q&A as experts tackle the impact of social media on elections and advocate for more accountability. Learn the optimal times to join startups for maximum equity and job security. Discover key traits that make successful founders and investors stand out. Navigate the thriving opportunities in a recession, focusing on adaptability and resilience. Plus, get practical tips for aspiring podcasters, including audio quality and guest selection, to help launch your own successful show.

Nicole Quinn, a Partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners, shares her insights on investing in celebrity founders like Gwyneth Paltrow and Lady Gaga. Discover how she combines consumer appeal with innovative strategies, like Calm's celebrity endorsements. Quinn explains what attracts her to 'Force of Nature' product people and the challenges of e-commerce profitability. She also discusses the transformative power of voice assistants for user engagement and the evolving landscape of angel investing, emphasizing the significance of community and sustainability.

Jeff Housenbold, a Managing Partner at SoftBank Vision Fund and former executive at eBay and Shutterfly, shares his insights on venture capital. He discusses his recruitment by Masayoshi Son and the ambitious $100B Vision Fund. Jeff advises founders on managing massive investments and creating competitive advantages. He delves into the shift from growth to profitability in tech, lessons learned from investments like WeWork, and the future of industries such as food tech and mobility. Plus, his thoughts on navigating economic crises are particularly poignant.

Max Lobovsky, the Co-founder and CEO of Formlabs, dives into the exciting world of 3D printing after surpassing $100 million in revenue. He discusses the lucrative applications of 3D printing, including how it aids healthcare innovations and even influences Hollywood makeup effects. The conversation touches on the challenges of raising initial capital, navigating supply chain disruptions during the pandemic, and his experience at MIT's Media Lab. Lobovsky also shares fascinating insights into the future of 3D printing as depicted in science fiction.

Ajay Agarwal, Partner at Bain Capital, shares his expertise in venture investment within enterprise software. He discusses the evolution from sales-driven to product-driven company culture, emphasizing the potential profitability of software. The conversation veers into the challenges of capitalism and declining social mobility, and Ajay highlights his successful investments, such as FourKites, while lamenting missed opportunities like Pinterest. The dialogue also touches on the transformative power of entrepreneurship and the critical importance of gross margin in the software industry.

Austen Allred, CEO of Lambda School, known for his sharp insights on education, opens up about the recent controversies surrounding his school. He discusses the nuances of Income Share Agreements and their intended role against predatory loans. Katherine Boyle, a venture capitalist with a background in journalism, critiques media narratives and emphasizes the need for transparency in tech education. They also dive into the evolving challenges of journalism in the age of clickbait and reflect on the implications of major tech events, like Robinhood's market outage.