This Week in Startups

Domestic robots are in high demand, yet iRobot faces bankruptcy. The discussion delves into what led to this decline, including missed opportunities like a potential sale to Amazon. Jason argues that investing disposable income in startups is essential for young people. Additionally, the podcast explores the implications of leaked financial documents from Pipe, as well as the evolving landscape of angel investing and startup funding. Can open-source robotics offer a competitive edge? Tune in for insights on innovation, investment strategies, and the future of automation!

A groundbreaking $1 billion investment from Disney into OpenAI paves the way for beloved characters to interact in AI platforms like Sora and ChatGPT. The hosts discuss the implications of this deal, including fair use vs. commercial licensing. Concerns about actor likeness rights, quality issues with Amazon’s AI features, and the potential for AI to revolutionize education, healthcare, and housing are also explored. Founders are urged to engage with large companies, even if it may just be for fishing expeditions.

Jason Calacanis chats with Bryan Kim, a16z VC focused on consumer and AI, and David Clark, VinCap's CIO with macro investing expertise. They dive into Boom's innovative pivot to sell turbines for AI data centers, showcasing adaptability in startups. The trio explores the non-existence of an AI bubble despite rapid growth, and the importance of relentless founders overcoming challenges. Insights on leveraging product-market fit, creative marketing strategies, and the potential of AI in various sectors add depth to their engaging discussion.

This episode features Amulya Parmer, the founder of Tour, discussing AI-powered virtual leasing tours that enhance property management. Tomas Puig from Alembic shares innovative uses of spiking neural networks for marketing attribution, addressing the complexities of brand advertising. Wade Foster, co-founder of Zapier, reflects on the early days of building integrations, managing a fully remote team, and pursuing the elusive Microsoft Office integration. Their insights shed light on the evolving landscape of automation and remote work.

Lon Harris, the Editorial Director and media industry commentator, joins to unpack the viral screenshot of a supposed Target ad in ChatGPT. They clarify it was an integration, not a live ad test, and ponder the implications for OpenAI's approach to advertising. The discussion touches on whether OpenAI is waiting for competitors to make their move first. Other hot topics include Netflix's bidding strategies in the streaming wars and a deep dive into Apple's TV project, 'Pluribus.' Expect insights on the future of AI monetization and content strategy.

Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Bros sparks debate on the future of movie theaters. The hosts delve into regulatory scrutiny and the implications for theatrical releases. Jason shares his imaginative plan for Disney to enhance the cinematic experience. They also examine trading controversies around Polymarket, discussing insider trading versus prediction markets. Plus, highlights from Y Combinator's Fall '25 cohort showcase innovative startups tackling robotics and healthcare. A significant victory for Micro1 is celebrated, marking a trend in expert training.

Jonathan Swanson, Founder and CEO of Athena, shares insights on delegating effectively to reclaim time for busy executives. He discusses transitioning from Thumbtack to Athena, emphasizing the importance of pairing human assistants with AI support. Jonathan reveals the concept of 'Black Diamond Delegating' and the gains from managing multiple specialized executive assistants. They explore the significance of checklists and playbooks in maximizing productivity, and Jonathan offers tips for hiring assistants, even starting with DIY options like ChatGPT.

Join Salar al Khafaji, CEO of Monumental, who’s revolutionizing construction with autonomous bricklaying robots, addressing labor shortages and enhancing site logistics. He discusses the importance of creating distinct operation zones for robots and the complexities of navigating European fundraising. Mike Flanigan, CEO of Seasats, dives into designing autonomous ocean drones, focusing on the challenges of sourcing components and ensuring operational efficiency. Together, they explore innovative solutions that tackle real-world problems in construction and maritime tech.

The discussion dives into the struggles of MicroStrategy's Bitcoin strategy and questions the value of its convoluted financial schemes. Jason outlines four red flags to watch out for in investments, emphasizing simplicity over complexity. The show also covers Tether's recent downgrade by S&P Global and the need for stronger audits in the crypto space. With robot vacuums and humanoid robots on the radar, the hosts explore the potential for AI in everyday life, all while Jason takes a victory lap for predicting MicroStrategy's decline.

Gou Rao, CEO of Neubird, reveals the incredible layers involved in delivering a simple TikTok video and how their AI, Hawkeye, acts as an agentic system to streamline IT operations. He highlights the complexities engineers face and the efficiency gains from AI-driven diagnostics. Meanwhile, Michael Vilardo, CEO of Subject AI, discusses how gamification in educational tech engages students and personalizes learning, along with AI tools that ease teachers' workloads. It's a fascinating dive into the intersection of AI with tech and education!