
This Week in Startups
Jason Calacanis covers startups, tech, markets, media, and all the hottest topics in business and technology. He also interviews the world’s greatest founders, operators, investors, and innovators.
Latest episodes

191 snips
Jan 27, 2025 • 60min
DeepSeek Rattles Markets + SailPoint's Going Public… again? | E2077
A Chinese open-source AI model, DeepSeek, has rattled Wall Street, causing a significant drop in NVIDIA's market cap and sparking debates on AI infrastructure spending. The discussion turns to the rising trend of startup shutdowns and what it reveals about lean operations. SailPoint’s troubled return to public markets, burdened with $1.6 billion in debt, raises questions about private equity's buy-and-fix approach. Finally, the implications of Jevons Paradox are examined, revealing how efficiency improvements might lead to increased resource consumption.

16 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 58min
Twilio Bets Small, DeepSeek Scares & the GameOn Fraud | E2076
Twilio is making waves with its workforce compression strategy while navigating the changing tides of AI's impact. DeepSeek unveils its powerful AI model for just $6 million, raising eyebrows in the tech community. Meanwhile, a shocking fraud case involving GameOn reveals the darker side of startups, emphasizing the necessity of thorough due diligence. The discussion dives into the evolving job market influenced by automation, highlighting the importance of empathy for those affected.

26 snips
Jan 23, 2025 • 59min
Created By Humans | Sila’s Battery Evolution | E2075
Trip Adler, Co-founder of Created by Humans, discusses the evolving landscape of copyright in the age of AI, emphasizing how authors can engage with AI companies to license their work. Gene Berdichevsky, Co-founder and CEO of Sila, dives into the innovative Titan Silicon anodes, revealing how they could revolutionize battery energy density for cleaner energy solutions. Together, they explore the intersection of creativity, technology, and sustainability, highlighting the future of authorship and battery advancements.

49 snips
Jan 21, 2025 • 1h 12min
Trump, Memecoins, and What to Expect from the New Administration | E2074
The hosts dive into America's obsession with billionaires and their influence on politics. They discuss Gen X's rising power and the impact of tech CEOs in political arenas. Economic themes like inflation and reproductive rights shape voter priorities. The conversation turns to crypto, highlighting frustrations with meme coins and the need for regulatory frameworks. They also tackle immigration policies, foreign affairs involving Ukraine and Taiwan, and the controversial legacy of recent administrations on the tech industry.

43 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 1h 3min
TikTok Ban, Data Centers in Space… and What's a Vector? | E2073
Join Bob van Luijt, CEO of Weaviate, a leader in vector databases for AI, and Philip Johnston, CEO of Lumen Orbit, innovating with space-based data centers. They dive into the transformative role of vector databases in enhancing AI applications and discuss the emerging concept of data centers leveraging solar energy in space. Bob shares insights on the intricate use of vector embeddings for AI, while Philip outlines the technical challenges and economic benefits of building in orbit, including potential solutions to heat and debris issues!

192 snips
Jan 16, 2025 • 1h 8min
What’s Going On With Google Gemini Deep Research? | E2072
Aarush Selvan, Lead PM at Google Gemini Deep Research, dives into the revolutionary advancements in AI, specifically explaining their cutting-edge Deep Research technology that personalizes research experiences. They discuss the challenges of AI reliability, including the 'hallucinations' phenomenon in generated content. Aarush also shares insights on Google's AI business model, the integration of memory in AI systems, and the implications of these innovations for user research. Plus, hear about TikTok's struggles in the current regulatory landscape.

77 snips
Jan 14, 2025 • 1h 7min
Profound, Resistant AI & OpenAI’s Economic Pitch | E2071
James Cadwallader, Co-founder and CEO of Profound, creates AI tools for search engine optimization. Martin Rehak, CEO of Resistant AI, focuses on using AI to counter fraud in financial transactions. They discuss how AI is reshaping SEO strategies and the challenges of adapting to this new landscape. Rehak also shares insights on the evolving tactics of cybercriminals and how AI enhances fraud detection. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for innovative security measures in a digitally vulnerable world.

22 snips
Jan 10, 2025 • 56min
The LA Fire's Cost and the U.S. Jobs Report | E2070
The discussion opens with the ongoing LA wildfires, diving into the costs and the complexities surrounding insurance for affected families. Insights into the government’s preparedness highlight systemic failures. The hosts also tackle the latest U.S. jobs report, exploring its economic implications and links to inflation while considering how tech team sizes are evolving. Innovative wildfire insurance solutions from startups like Stand Insurance come into focus, showcasing the need for resilient home designs in high-risk areas.

25 snips
Jan 8, 2025 • 1h 8min
Meta's Moderation and Nvidia's Domination | E2069
Meta is shifting to a community-driven moderation model, sparking debates about free speech and self-regulation. Nvidia’s new supercomputer chip positions it as a leader in AI, signaling significant advancements in technology. The discussion includes exciting innovations from CES, like Lenovo's rollable laptop and a supercar with jumping capabilities. Additionally, the impact of climate change on insurance markets and the evolving landscape of social media governance highlight pressing trends in the tech industry.

13 snips
Jan 6, 2025 • 1h 9min
Twist News: Fusion, Rural Investment, and Applied AI | E2068
Dive into the world of fusion energy breakthroughs inspired by Sam Altman’s insights. Explore how rural investments are being debated amidst looming austerity. The conversation shifts to the growth of U.S. oil production, highlighting the crucial role of risk-taking in fostering innovation. Unpack the challenges faced by rural communities, focusing on shipping realities and the responsibilities of entrepreneurs. Plus, there's a peek into the evolving landscape of government subsidies and their impact on rural economies.
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