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This Week in Startups

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Mar 30, 2023 • 1h 3min

Crypto’s de-platforming and the balkanization of AI with Vinny Lingham | E1710

Vinny Lingham joins Jason to break down the state of crypto’s de-platforming by the US government. They discuss recent happenings with Coinbase (2:13), Balaji’s Bitcoin bet (20:00), Binance (38:23), SBF (44:07), and more! Then, they wrap with a discussion about the coming balkanization of AI (52:54). (0:00) Jason tees up today’s topics (2:13) Coinbase’s Wells notice & the state of crypto (8:08) Pilot - Get 20% off the first 6 months at https://pilot.com/twist (9:36) Clarity within the crypto industry (15:06) The future of Bitcoin in the US  (18:29) Orgspace - Get $2000 in credits at http://orgspace.io/twist (20:00) Balaji’s bet and hyperinflation (25:50) A debate on whether to short Coinbase (36:52) Issuu - Sign up for free or get 50% off an annual premium account by using promo code twist at https://issuu.com/podcast (38:23) CFTC sues Binance  (44:07) SBF’s indictment  (49:00) Why is the government clamping down on crypto?  (52:54) The balkanization of AI FOLLOW Vinny: https://twitter.com/vinnylingham FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkhmBWfS7pILYIk0izkc3A?sub_confirmation=1 FOUNDERS! Subscribe to the Founder University podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/founder-university/id1648407190
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Mar 29, 2023 • 49min

Startup pitch competition: Jason invests $25K live! | E1709

Jason hosts another pitch competition featuring three startups from our Founder University program! Apply for Founder University: https://course.founder.university (0:00) Jason kicks off the show  (1:58) Kelly and Presh discuss reactions from the Founder University community (6:47) Presentation 1: Kevin O'Connell, Founder and CEO of Kapsule (12:08) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at ⁠https://Squarespace.com/TWIST⁠  (13:38) Presentation 2: Julien Hoachuck, Founder of ArkiTask  (19:48) Embroker - Use code TWIST to get an extra 10% off insurance at ⁠https://Embroker.com/twist ⁠  (21:10) Presentation 3: David Axelrod, Founder of Open Insure (32:07) CacheFly - Get 10 terabytes free by signing up at ⁠https://twist.cachefly.com ⁠ (33:28) Deliberations  (37:36) Jason's thoughts on the three companies (41:13) Key takeaways from Founder University (46:22) How to learn more about Founder University FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis FOLLOW Presh: https://twitter.com/preshdkumar FOLLOW Kelly: https://twitter.com/KSchricks Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkhmBWfS7pILYIk0izkc3A?sub_confirmation=1 FOUNDERS! Subscribe to the Founder University podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/founder-university/id1648407190
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Mar 29, 2023 • 1h 28min

Alibaba's six-way split, Disney cuts its metaverse team, Substack's raise & more | E1708

Producer Rachel joins Jason to break down the latest tech news. They cover AOC's arguments against banning TikTok (2:29), Alibaba's six-way split (18:43), Disney's metaverse cuts (28:17), Substack's equity crowdfunding (39:16), Lyft's precarious position, and more! (55:09) Then, Jason breaks down the case for shorting Coinbase. (1:12:14) (0:00) Jason kicks off the show (2:29) Reacting to AOC's arguments to not ban TikTok (13:39) LMNT - Get a free sample pack with any purchase at http://drinklmnt.com/TWIST (15:09) The CCP’s interest in TikTok  (18:43) Alibaba's six-way split (26:49) Mercury - Banking built for startups. See more at https://mercury.com/twist (28:17) Disney sunsetting its Metaverse division (38:09) Crowdbotics - Get a free scoping session for your next big app idea at http://crowdbotics.com/twist (39:16) Substack's equity crowdfunding (55:09) Lyft's precarious position (1:04:18) Twitter shutters legacy verification badges (1:12:14) Laying out the Coinbase short argument FOLLOW Rachel: https://twitter.com/_rachelbraun FOLLOW Nick: https://twitter.com/nickcalacanis FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkhmBWfS7pILYIk0izkc3A?sub_confirmation=1 FOUNDERS! Subscribe to the Founder University podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/founder-university/id1648407190
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Mar 27, 2023 • 1h 2min

First Citizens acquires SVB, the daunting reality of AI & Refiberd CEO Sarika Bajaj | E1707

Jason starts the show by discussing First Citizens acquiring SVB’s assets (2:03) before diving into a Reddit post detailing how generative AI changed a 3D artist’s job overnight (9:09). Jason wraps by interviewing Sarika Bajaj, the CEO, and Co-founder of Refiberd, as she dives into the reality of the recycling process, how they are using spectroscopy to recycle textiles, and more (20:28)! (0:00) Jason kicks off the show (2:03) A breakdown of First Citizens’ purchase of SVB (8:05) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist (9:09) Reddit Post: A radical change for 3D artists  (18:59) LinkedIn Marketing - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at https://linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups (20:28) Sarika Bajaj, CEO of Refiberd joins Jason  (21:00) What happens to our textiles?  (25:20) Refiberd’s solution (30:31) Solving for inefficiencies in the recycling process  (38:05) Brilliant.org - Get 20% off an annual subscription at http://brilliant.org/twist (39:33) The state of recycling today (49:23) Raising capital in today’s market  (54:25) Navigating gate SVB collapse  FOLLOW Sarika: https://refiberd.com/  FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkhmBWfS7pILYIk0izkc3A?sub_confirmation=1 FOUNDERS! Subscribe to the Founder University podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/founder-university/id1648407190
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Mar 24, 2023 • 1h 31min

Acquired’s Ben Gilbert & David Rosenthal on private markets, ZIRP impact, future of Amazon | E1706

Acquired co-hosts Ben and David are BACK to discuss the state of the VC market and YC shutting down its Continuity Fund (6:20) before diving into industries that benefitted from ZIRP (26:35). They also break down which social apps they want to own and why (45:29). Then, Ben and Jason wrap up the show by discussing the future of Amazon and Starfish Space, a new space startup (1:11:48) (0:00) Nick tees up today’s topics (1:36) David’s time at Stanford (6:20) Ben’s private market snapshot (8:49) Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub - Apply in 5 minutes for six figures in discounts at http://aka.ms/thisweekinstartups (10:19) David’s private market snapshot (16:19) Reacting to YC closing down its Continuity Fund (25:35) QuickNode - Go to http://quicknode.com/ and use the code TWIST for a free month on their feature-packed Build Plan (26:35) Industries that benefitted from ZIRP (35:08) House of Macadamias - Get 20% off at https://houseofmacadamias.com/twist by using code TWIST20 (36:36) How compelling is AI?  (45:29) Owning either Instagram, Linked In, or YouTube (48:15) Rational and Wildcard: Who is likely to acquire TikTok?  (53:44) Twitter product development (1:00:51) Reclaiming lost time  (1:11:48) The future of Amazon  (1:19:57) Apple to spend $1B on producing theatrical releases + Project Titan (1:25:21) SOTD: Keeping satellites on course with Starfish Space   FOLLOW Ben: https://twitter.com/gilbert FOLLOW David: https://twitter.com/djrosent FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkhmBWfS7pILYIk0izkc3A?sub_confirmation=1 FOUNDERS! Subscribe to the Founder University podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/founder-university/id1648407190
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Mar 23, 2023 • 42min

TikTok CEO grilled in front of Congress, Coinbase's Wells Notice & Do Kwon arrested | E1705

Jason kicks off today's episode by reacting to TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew's testimony in front of Congress (1:41) before delving into the news that Coinbase was served a Wells notice by the SEC (22:57). Then, he discusses the reports that Do Kwon has been arrested in Montenegro (32:35) before wrapping up with more information on China and TikTok (35:44). (0:00) Jason kicks off the show  (1:41) Jason reacts to Shou Zi Chew's testimony in front of Congress (6:14) China's use of private companies to manipulate its population (11:02) Linode - Apply to Linode's Rise program for up to six figures in discounts at https://linode.com/twist (12:29) TikTok's ability to influence our youth  (16:48) Chinese espionage (21:27) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist (22:57) SEC serves Coinbase a Wells Notice (31:19) Clumio - Visit https://clumio.com/twist to start a free backup or sign up for a demo (32:35) Do Kwon arrested in Montenegro (35:44) More information on China and TikTok FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkhmBWfS7pILYIk0izkc3A?sub_confirmation=1 FOUNDERS! Subscribe to the Founder University podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/founder-university/id1648407190
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Mar 22, 2023 • 1h 11min

ANGEL: Freestyle’s Jenny Lefcourt on nailing non-consensus bets and avoiding hype | E1704

Jenny Lefcourt of Freestyle VC joins Jason for an insightful conversation. They delve into the mission of All Raise and the importance of diversity in venture capital (2:04). Jenny shares her thoughts on embracing non-consensus bets and her experiences investing in Narvar and Discord (20:04). Additionally, they discuss the value of strategy meetings in comparison to traditional board meetings (59:10). (0:00) Jason kicks off the show (2:04) Co-Founding All Raise: Promoting Diversity in Venture Capital (9:53) Prenuvo - Save $300 on Full Body Scans at http://prenuvo.com/twist (11:23) Biases Towards Certain Business Models (15:05) Identifying and Avoiding Unsuccessful Business Models (18:54) LinkedIn Jobs - Post Your First Job for Free at https://linkedIn.com/angel (20:04) Embracing Non-Consensus Bets (22:53) Jenny’s Investment in Narvar (28:16) Understanding the Economics of a Seed Fund (35:14) Comparing Hype: Generative AI versus Web 3.0 (40:47) Miro - Collaborate with Unlimited Team Members for Free at https://miro.com/startups/ (42:28) Insights from Jenny's Investment in Discord (47:05) Attaining Product-Market Fit and Making a Significant Impact (56:56) Exiting Deals: When to Move On (59:10) Strategy Meetings Compared to Board Meetings (1:04:04) Jenny's Ideal Timeline for Committing to Investments FOLLOW Jenny: https://twitter.com/jennylefcourt FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkhmBWfS7pILYIk0izkc3A?sub_confirmation=1 FOUNDERS! Subscribe to the Founder University podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/founder-university/id1648407190
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Mar 21, 2023 • 57min

Startup pitch competition! Jason invests $25K into one of four founders | E1703

Today on the podcast, we have a new format for you! Jason will hear four pitches from Founder University participants and choose ONE startup to invest $25K in! (1:45) (0:00) Jason kicks off the show and explains the pitch format! (1:45) Jason brings on Presh and Kelly to explain the fundamentals of Founder University and introduces today's pitches! (13:44) ⁠Squarespace - Use code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/TWIST (16:18) George Lam pitches Fantastic Funding (21:18) Naman Dwivedi pitches Promptify (25:59) Pilot - Go to https://pilot.com/twist for 20% off your first 6 months (27:30) Phil Boucher pitches OpenSpot (34:00) Matt Edminster pitches Renegade Labs (39:22) ⁠Fennel - Join the waitlist and get your first month free at http://fennel.com/twist (40:35) Kelly and Presh's pick for best return for LPs (45:33) The live audience votes! (50:22) What Founder University meant to these Founders (53:39) Jason makes his decision on who will receive $25K Check out the startups!: https://fantasticfunding.com https://www.promptify.ai https://www.findopenspot.com https://www.renegadelabs.io FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis FOLLOW Presh: https://twitter.com/preshdkumar FOLLOW Kelly: https://twitter.com/KSchricks
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Mar 20, 2023 • 1h 7min

Balaji’s $1M Bitcoin bet, banking crisis update, OpenAI launches GPT-4, and Jay Trading! | E1702

Rachel Reporting joins Jason to read the news! First, they give an update on the banking crisis and how it’s impacting startups (1:34). Then, they cover Balaji’s huge Bitcoin bet and his predictions for the future (14:17) before breaking down OpenAI’s launch of GPT-4 (35:07). Finally, Jason wraps up with some Jay Trading updates (57:28)! (0:00) Jason kicks off the show (1:34) Banking crisis update & how it affects startups (10:11) Embroker - Use code TWIST to get an extra 10% off insurance at https://Embroker.com/twist (11:14) Best practices for banking (14:17) Balaji’s huge Bitcoin bet (22:18) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://linkedin.com/twist  (23:42) Balaji’s predictions for the future (32:41) Ray Dalio’s The Changing World Order (33:46) CacheFly - Get 10 Terabyte free forever if you signup at http://twist.cachefly.com (35:07) A breakdown of OpenAI’s launch of GPT-4 (57:28) Jay Trade update FOLLOW Rachel: https://twitter.com/_rachelbraun FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkhmBWfS7pILYIk0izkc3A?sub_confirmation=1 FOUNDERS! Subscribe to the Founder University podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/founder-university/id1648407190
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Mar 17, 2023 • 59min

ANGEL: Laurie Yoler on investing early in Tesla, strategic partnerships, and her VC career | E1701

Molly is joined by Laurie Yoler as they dive into her early experiences in VC before discussing how she became the first investor in Tesla (1:45). Next, Laurie talks about her time at Qualcomm and Playground then they wrap with a discussion about AI and how Laurie’s investments were impacted by the pandemic (30:31). (0:00) Jason kicks off the show (1:45) Arriving in Venture (7:36) Laurie’s first investments (13:39) LinkedIn Jobs - Go to https://linkedIn.com/angel and post your first job for free. (14:49) Investing in Tesla (21:21) Prenuvo - Get $300 off at http://prenuvo.com/twist (22:51) Raising money for a car company (26:22) Finding strategic partners (30:31) Laurie’s time at Qualcomm and autonomous vehicles (37:11) Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub - Apply in 5 minutes for six figures in discounts at http://aka.ms/thisweekinstartups (38:42) Joining Playground (41:29) Leaf Logistics (45:44) Benefitting from the pandemic (48:54) Investing in AI FOLLOW Laurie: https://twitter.com/laurieyoler FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis FOUNDERS! Subscribe to the Founder University podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/founder-university/id1648407190

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