This Week in Startups cover image

This Week in Startups

Latest episodes

undefined
Oct 23, 2022 • 38min

Venture Debt: should your startup take it on? + Mi Terro's Robert Luo | E1593

First up, J+M chop it up about venture debt on this edition of VC Sunday School. What are the dangers? And when should your startup take it on? (2:12) Then, Molly has a conversation with Mi Terro founder Robert Luo about how they are targeting the world’s microplastic problem. (19:33) (0:00) J+M tee-up topics for Sunday (2:12) Jason warns founders of the dangers of taking on venture debt (9:23) Harmonic - Get $4000 off at https://harmonic.ai/twist (10:42) Jason addresses when venture debt can and cannot work + PAG’s new venture wealth fund (18:05) MicroAcquire - Sell your business with no fees at https://try.microacquire.com/twist (19:33) Robert Luo joins Molly to explain how Mi Terro is solving the world’s microplastic problem (28:50) Revelo - Get 20% off the first 3 months by mentioning TWIST at https://revelo.io/twist (30:17) Robert talks about competition, his background as an entrepreneur and the future of Mi Terro FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkhmBWfS7pILYIk0izkc3A?sub_confirmation=1
undefined
Oct 22, 2022 • 1h 7min

YouTube’s new roadmap, OpenAI & BeReal fundraising news, Snap’s 30% drop + OK Boomer | E1592

First up, J+M discuss YouTube’s new @handle feature (2:10) and break down how TikTok and Facebook aren’t catching misinformation in political ads. (10:07) Then, they each do a solo segment! Jason chimes in on Open AI reportedly raising more money from Microsoft (20:53) and Molly breaks down Snap’s 30% drop and BeReal’s ~$600M valuation. (27:39) Producer Rachel ends the show with another segment of OK Boomer featuring recurring guests Jules Terpak and Danny Miranda. (38:08) (0:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s show! (2:10)  YouTube has a new @handle feature (and we’re @startups) (9:05) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist (10:07) TikTok and Facebook aren’t catching misinformation in political ads (19:23) TripActions - Go to https://tripactions.com/twist and get a $500 Amazon gift card after making your first travel booking OR paying off your first $1000 of liquid spend (20:53) Jason discusses Open AI reportedly raising more money from Microsoft (27:39) Molly breaks down Snap’s ~30% drop and BeReal’s ~$600M valuation (36:33) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist (38:08) Producer Rachel talks to Jules Terpak and Danny Miranda about AI Podcasts FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood FOLLOW Rachel: https://twitter.com/_rachelbraun FOLLOW Jules: https://twitter.com/julesterpak FOLLOW Danny: https://twitter.com/heydannymiranda Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkhmBWfS7pILYIk0izkc3A?sub_confirmation=1
undefined
Oct 21, 2022 • 1h 20min

Tesla + Netflix Q3 earnings, Kevin Hart's VC fund, Twitter ideas, revamping the DCEU | E1591

First up, J+M break down Tesla's Q3 earnings with the help of some insightful charts (2:09), before discussing Kevin Hart's VC firm landing JP Morgan as an LP (17:08) and some ideas for Twitter verification. (27:29) Then, Lon Harris joins the show to cover Netflix's Q3 earnings, its coming ad-supported tier, and how he would revamp the DCEU! (37:19) (0:00) J+M tee up today's segments! (2:09) Tesla Q3 earnings breakdown (15:37) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist (17:08) Kevin Hart lands JP Morgan as an LP for Hartbeat Ventures, his VC firm (26:05) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist (27:29) Twitter verification ideas (35:52) Blueground - Get up to $1000 off your booking at https://promos.theblueground.com/twist (37:19) Lon Harris joins the show to break down Netflix's Q3 earnings and its plans for an ad-supported tier (1:00:05) Head of DCEU leaves, Lon gives his thoughts on how he would revamp DC to compete with the MCU FOLLOW Lon: https://twitter.com/lons FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkhmBWfS7pILYIk0izkc3A?sub_confirmation=1
undefined
Oct 20, 2022 • 56min

Next Unicorns evaluation + Ask Jason | E1590

New format! Jason evaluates some prior Next Unicorns company's performances since the CEO appeared on the podcast (2:06), and contextualizes the fundraising market throughout the past three years. Then, Jason wraps the show by answering listener questions! (48:18) (0:00) Jason tees up today's new Next Unicorns format! (2:06) Jason shares some thoughts on why he started The Next Unicorns series and tees up some of the most successful companies over the first three seasons (5:32) E971: Checkr CEO Daniel Yanisse (10:37) E987: Upgrade CEO Renaud Laplanche (13:59) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist  (15:29) E992: former Expanse CEO Tim Junio (23:14) LinkedIn Marketing -  Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at LinkedIn.com/nextunicorn (24:51) E998: Benchling CEO Saji Wickramasekara (28:32) E1089: Insitro CEO Daphe Koller (33:26) Kalshi - Sign up at https://kalshi.com/twist and receive $25 after trading your first 100 contracts (34:57) E1098: Cockroach Labs CEO Spencer Kimball (38:19) E1113: Loom CEO Joe Thomas (43:02) E1246: Divvy Homes CEO Adena Hefets (48:18) Ask Jason: 2023's "Why now?", Jason's favorite qualities in a founder and person, greatest acquisitions of all time FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkhmBWfS7pILYIk0izkc3A?sub_confirmation=1
undefined
Oct 18, 2022 • 53min

Stability AI's $1B+ valuation, why you should start or join a startup, Roblox jumps 20% | E1589

First up, J+M cover Stability AI's new billion-dollar valuation (2:45) before Jason runs through a presentation and a manifesto. (15:33) Then, J+M break down Roblox's stock popping 20% on Monday (33:02), and another excellent WLITF segment featuring Joby Aviation! (42:57) (0:00) J+M tee up today's news topics! (2:45) Stable Diffusion-maker Stability AI raises at a $1B valuation! (14:05) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/TWIST (15:33) Jason runs through his talk: "Why you should build -- or join -- a startup" and his document on goals at LAUNCH (24:59) Embroker - Use code TWIST to get an extra 10% off insurance at https://Embroker.com/twist  (26:10) J+M discuss the expectations at LAUNCH vs most other venture firms (33:02) Roblox stock popped 20% on Monday after a strong metrics report (37:32) Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub - Apply in 5 minutes, no funding required, sign up at http://aka.ms/thisweekinstartups (39:01) Metaverse-winning pair trade, discussion on getting back to work (42:57) Delta invests $60M into eVTOL-maker Joby Aviation and plans to eventually offer Joby trips to and from airports starting in NY and LA FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkhmBWfS7pILYIk0izkc3A?sub_confirmation=1
undefined
Oct 18, 2022 • 1h 19min

Ye agrees to acquire Parler, Xi Jinping on the state of China, deglobalization & more | E1588

J+M break down Ye agreeing to acquire Parler and share some thoughts on the artist's current situation. (2:22) Then, they cover CCP President Xi Jinping's recent comments on the current state of China (22:39), and what the world might look like with less globalization. (28:58)  They wrap with a social media Startup of the Day (52:29) and a space-themed We Live in the Future! (1:04:40) (0:00) J+M intro today's topics! (2:22) Ye has agreed to acquire Parler, a free speech-focused Twitter competitor (15:35) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://linkedin.com/twist (16:49) More thoughts on Ye's current situation (22:39) CCP President Xi Jinping's recent comments on the state of China and his goals moving forward (27:27) Notion - Sign up for FREE at https://notion.com (28:58) Unwinding globalization, issues with codependency (38:31) Helpware - Go to https://helpware.com/TWIST to get $1000 off your first invoice (39:55) Where CCP policies went wrong, what other countries can learn from them (52:29) Startup of the Day: Gas is a new social media startup geared towards positive superlatives for high school friend groups (1:04:40) We Live in the Future: Spinlaunch's rotating arm that launches satellites into low Eather orbit FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkhmBWfS7pILYIk0izkc3A?sub_confirmation=1
undefined
Oct 16, 2022 • 48min

The Wing shuts down, avoiding pitfalls of success + Tesseract Energy's Alan Chang | E1587

First up, J+M discuss The Wing shutting down, where it went wrong, and avoiding ego-based pitfalls. (1:35) Then, Alan Chang joins Molly to break down his idea behind Tesseract Energy! (22:37) (0:00) J+M tee-up topics for Sunday (1:35) The Wing shuts down: what went wrong (12:44) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist  (14:18) Understanding and avoiding ego- and success-based founder pitfalls (21:24) FanDuel Sportsbook - Sign up with promo code TWIST to place a $1000 risk-free bet at https://sportsbook.fanduel.com  (22:37) Alan Chang joins Molly and explains his idea behind Tesseract Energy, his time at Revolut, and more! (35:20) MasterClass - Get 15% off an annual membership at https://masterclass.com/startups  (36:36) Understanding how a token plays into Tesseract's energy platform
undefined
Oct 15, 2022 • 1h 17min

VCs hiring Twitter ghostwriters, Meta's XR plan, Netflix's ad tier & more | E1586

Friday variety! First up J+M cover a wide range of topics, including VC ghostwriters (12:45), firms investing in public tech companies (22:29), and news lightning round! (34:51) Then, Producer Rachel is back with another edition of OK Boomer. (53:30) (0:00) J+M tee up today's topics! (2:45) J+M talk about happy hour, discuss some All-In topics, geopolitics, markets and more! (11:42) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist (12:45) VCs are hiring ghostwriters on Twitter! (21:10) Assure - To get 20% off your first Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) visit https://Assure.co/twist (22:29) WSJ reports that VCs are investing in growth-stage public tech companies rather than late-stage private startups (33:25) House of Macadamias - Get 20% off at https://houseofmacadamias.com/twist by using code TWIST20 (34:41) Lightning round: Decentraland's usage stats, use cases for Meta's new AR headset, Netflix announces ad-supported tier launch date and price (50:22) Producer Rachel joins to tee up this week's OK Boomer! (53:20) Cliff Lerner joins to discuss his new social startup Saturdays
undefined
Oct 14, 2022 • 1h 5min

SEC investigates Bored Apes, AI-generated Steve Jobs/Joe Rogan interview & more | E1585

Vinny Lingham and Sunny Madra are back for another crypto roundtable! The show starts with a discussion on Nvidia's new high-powered graphics cards (2:35) and an AI-generated podcast interview. (15:21) Then, the group breaks down the SEC investigating Yuga Labs over whether or not Bored Apes are securities! (27:07) (0:00) J+M tee up today's crypto roundtable! (2:35) J+M welcome Sunny Madra and Vinny Lingham; Vinny breaks down his new Nvidia purchase and how graphics cards will power the next wave of AI (14:03) Dell for Startups - Apply for Dell for Startups and get an additional 10% off at http://dell.com/twist (15:21) Podcast.ai's AI-generated Steve Jobs/Joe Rogan interview (25:50) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist  (27:07) The SEC is investigating Yuga Labs over its Bored Apes NFT collection, regarding whether or not the NFTs are securities (36:24) Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub - Apply in 5 minutes, no funding required, sign up at http://aka.ms/thisweekinstartups (37:26) What is this SEC investigation actually about? Why or why not are they securities? What are other similar examples? (50:55) More interesting developments in the NFT space, Google announces it will use Coinbase to accept crypto payments FOLLOW Vinny: https://twitter.com/vinnylingham FOLLOW Sunny: https://twitter.com/sundeep FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkhmBWfS7pILYIk0izkc3A?sub_confirmation=1
undefined
Oct 13, 2022 • 59min

TikTok planning to build US fulfillment centers + Liquid Death CEO Mike Cessario | E1584

First up J+M discuss TikTok's apparent plan to build an e-commerce business via US fulfillment centers! (8:57) Then, Molly is joined by Liquid Death CEO Mike Cessario to discuss the genesis of a great brand and more. (17:26) (0:00) J+M tee up today's segments! (2:13) Starlink, 5G, and the rapid advancement of internet connectivity (8:57) TikTok appears to be hiring for product fulfillment centers in the US (16:11) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist  (17:26) Molly welcomes Liquid Death Co-Founder and CEO Mike Cessario; they discuss Mike's background pre-Liquid Death and his advice for brand building (28:27) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://LinkedIn.com/unicorn (29:53) Irreverent marketing approaches pre-Liquid Death, building the Liquid Death brand before launching the product (38:00) Paperclip - Go to getpaperclip.com/twist to get the app free for life (39:06) Describing the genesis of the Liquid Death brand, what CPGs have historically gotten wrong, building a brand based on comedy; understanding flavor demand Check out Liquid Death: https://www.liquiddeath.com FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkhmBWfS7pILYIk0izkc3A?sub_confirmation=1

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode