This Week in Startups

Sachin Monga, Co-founder and CEO of Cocoon, teamed up with Alex Cornell, its designer and former Facebook Live team member, to create a private social networking app. They discuss their motivation for building an intimate platform amid privacy concerns in social media. The duo shares insights on the importance of a strong domain name for trust, the challenges of competing with giants, and their unique ad-free monetization model. Innovative features like virtual acknowledgments aim to deepen friendships, showing their commitment to fostering authentic connections.

Sarah Cannon, a Partner at Index Ventures and former economic advisor in the Obama administration, discusses her venture into venture capital and the importance of investing in the future of work. She shares insights on the gig economy, proposing new ways to categorize gig workers and enhance their benefits. Sarah highlights underrated international startup markets, including India and France, and discusses strategies for increasing upward mobility in America. Her passion for fostering innovation in emerging markets shines throughout the conversation.

Innovative founders pitch groundbreaking startups, from AI-driven driving assistance to wearable sleep tech. The discussion highlights cannabis product potential and food analytics solutions for manufacturers. Feedback focuses on market strategies and investor biases while exploring the startups' chances in a competitive landscape. Rankings reveal which companies stand out among cohorts. Each pitch brings unique insights into the future of tech and consumer goods, showcasing creativity and the drive for impactful solutions.

Dynamic founding teams pitch innovative ideas ranging from a smart communications platform for emergencies to DTC eco-friendly hosiery. Athletes are in focus with a performance tracking app that captures personal data. Another standout is a smart tabletop gaming system that merges fun with tech. A conversation about size-inclusive women's clothing adds a fresh perspective on the fashion industry. The discussions emphasize effective go-to-market strategies, customer understanding, and the importance of clear communication during pitches.

Join Kristen Dumont, CEO of Machine Zone, who has navigated the mobile gaming landscape, and Iain Thomson, a savvy tech journalist from The Register, as they dissect intriguing topics. They explore the ramifications of Jeff Bezos' phone hack and discuss Tesla's soaring valuation amidst Elon Musk's influence. The duo dives into the impact of the Coronavirus on business, unions in the tech industry, and the proposed Uber/DoorDash merger. Their witty banter keeps things engaging while highlighting pressing global business trends.

In this insightful discussion, Jeff Dachis, CEO of OneDrop and a pioneer in digital health, shares his journey in transforming diabetes management. He reveals how OneDrop evolved from data collection to actionable insights, and discusses their strategic partnership with Bayer. Jeff tackles pressing issues in US healthcare, like the high cost of insulin, and the innovative potential of continuous glucose monitors. He envisions a future where health management could vastly improve and perhaps even extend human lifespan.

Emmanuel Straschnov, Co-CEO and Co-founder of Bubble, dives into the exciting realm of no-code platforms, sharing how Bubble empowers non-technical founders to bring their ideas to life. He discusses Bubble's unique approach, comparing its efficiency to coding schools and sharing impressive success stories from users. Emmanuel also reveals the significance of mental health for founders, the evolution of coding job demands, and the journey of scaling Bubble, including its strategic decision to wait seven years for funding. A must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs!

Matt Mochary, a CEO and investor coach and author of "The Great CEO Within," shares his journey from investor to coaching leader. He discusses the vital differences between healthy and paralyzing fear and offers strategies to transform fear into growth. Imposter syndrome also takes center stage as Matt reveals techniques to confront it. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence in feedback and coaching, and introduces his unique "Shadow CEO" method, aimed at fostering accountability and growth.

Melissa Hanna, CEO and co-founder of Mahmee, discusses her mission to revolutionize postpartum care for mothers. She highlights alarming disparities, such as Black mothers being 3-4 times more likely to die from childbirth. Hanna shares insights into securing investments from big names like Serena Williams and Mark Cuban. She emphasizes the need for integrated health records and systemic reforms to enhance care. Listeners will also learn about the complexities of the healthcare startup landscape and hear success stories that shed light on the urgent need for compassionate maternal support.

Explore the nuances of angel investing, including optimal check sizes and the benefits of having a strong lead investor. Learn the challenges faced by international students starting US-based companies. Discover common mistakes first-time founders make, focusing on customer profiling and product development. Dive into recent big-tech layoffs and what they mean for emerging entrepreneurs. Gain insights into efficient hiring strategies using LinkedIn and hear personal anecdotes about navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.