This Week in Startups

Josh Browder, CEO of DoNotPay, has built an AI lawyer to help consumers challenge corporations and government injustices. He discusses how the platform has saved users over $20 million in unjust fines and tales of bureaucratic struggles. Highlights include features like 'Skip Waiting on Hold' and 'Contract Reading AI.' Josh also shares insights into his father Bill Browder's fight against corruption and emphasizes the importance of consumer empowerment in navigating today's legal landscape.

Luke Saunders, CEO and founder of Farmer's Fridge, is on a mission to revolutionize vending machines with fresh, healthy meals. He shares his journey overcoming skepticism to create a restaurant-like experience in unconventional spaces. Discover how he navigated the challenges of food distribution and his innovative strategies in menu design and grassroots marketing. Luke also discusses his venture capital journey and the personal grit required to thrive in the startup world. Get inspired by his vision for a future filled with fresh food accessibility!

Alexandr Wang, CEO and co-founder of Scale AI, dives into the transformative power of AI and machine learning. He discusses the critical role of high-quality training data for applications like autonomous vehicles and the competitive edge that China holds in AI development. Alexandr emphasizes the importance of focusing on higher-value work as AI evolves. The conversation also touches on the duality of AI's impact on jobs and the ethical implications of biased data within machine learning systems, sparking curiosity about future trends in technology.

Chris Thür, CEO and co-founder of Yousician, shares his journey in creating a revolutionary music education platform that gamifies learning instruments. He discusses the evolution from early challenges to amassing over a million users through innovative subscription models. Thür explores the advantages of being based in Finland, the motivations behind profitable growth, and his insights on attracting investors. During a lively moment, he even demos Yousician while engaging in some musical fun with the host!

Alex Mather, Co-founder and CEO of The Athletic, dives into the challenges of launching a paid sports publication in a seemingly dying industry. He shares insights on managing a large remote team of over 500 writers and transitioning from ad-based to subscription models. Mather discusses the impact of NHL and MLB coverage, scouting new talent from layoffs, and the role of sports gambling in America. Also covered are the effects of inflated media valuations and Apple's app store on digital content. It's a fascinating look at modern sports journalism!

Andy Rachleff, Co-founder of Wealthfront and a seasoned investor, explores the evolution of next-gen banking services. He discusses 'self-driving money', enhancing transparency and efficiency in personal finance. Rachleff critiques traditional money management methods and highlights the shift in venture capital from technical risks to understanding market viability. He reflects on how Silicon Valley has changed and shares valuable insights on investor attributes, emphasizing the importance of learning from failures in the startup culture.

Matteo Franceschetti, CEO and co-founder of Eight Sleep, revolutionizes how we think about sleep with innovative temperature-regulating technology. He shares insights from his previous career in solar energy and its lessons on data-driven product development. Discover how the thermo alarm enhances waking experiences and what the future holds for sleep fitness. Matteo also dives into direct-to-consumer marketing strategies and the importance of user feedback in shaping product features. Plus, hear about Eight Sleep's recent $40M funding and plans for growth.

This milestone retrospective dives into unforgettable moments from the show's history, featuring notable guests and humorous anecdotes. The hosts reflect on the evolution of podcasting, the challenges they faced, and the growing influence of tech in storytelling. Nostalgia meets innovation as they discuss the early days, cultural shifts in investing, and the impact of media representation. Insights on entrepreneurship and a lighthearted take on health tech scandals highlight their journey, celebrating both past triumphs and future ambitions.

Brian Chen, CEO and co-founder of ROOM, discusses his innovative soundproof phone booths designed for modern offices. He shares how his previous startup, BlueSmart, informs his current venture and reveals insights on partnering with Calm to boost workplace well-being. The conversation dives into the challenges of open floor plans and how ROOM maintains capital efficiency while manufacturing in the U.S. and Europe. Plus, he hints at future products and the company’s strategy for growth amidst the competitive landscape.

Sajith Wickramasekara, CEO and co-founder of Benchling, revolutionizes scientific efficiency with a cloud-based platform. He shares his journey into life sciences and discusses the promise of immunotherapy and breakthroughs in gene therapy. The ethics of editing human embryos sparks a heated debate, distinguishing legitimate advancements from quackery. Insights into genetically modified crops and their implications for health provide a well-rounded view of the future in biotechnology. It's a thought-provoking conversation about the intersection of science, morality, and innovation.