This Week in Startups

Matthew Gialich, CEO of AstroForge, shares his vision of mining platinum group metals from asteroids, highlighting the capabilities of their newly launched Brokkr-1 vehicle. He delves into the roadmap for success in space mining and discusses the significant influence of SpaceX on this burgeoning industry. Also joining the conversation is Kelly Schricker, who offers invaluable insights on effective fundraising strategies for startups, emphasizing the importance of building strong investor relationships and crafting targeted outreach plans.

Brian Chesky, CEO and Co-founder of Airbnb, shares insights into the company’s early struggles with rejection and how they shaped his resilient spirit. He discusses restructuring Airbnb to prioritize product and customer satisfaction, while addressing challenges in marketing and remote work. Chesky highlights the transformative potential of AI in the hospitality industry, explaining how it can personalize user experiences and enhance customer interactions. His unique perspective on complaint resolution and innovation provides valuable lessons for founders and leaders.

Charles Fisher, CEO of Unlearn.AI, dives into how his company is harnessing machine learning to overhaul clinical trials and accelerate drug development. He discusses the innovative use of AI to create digital twins for simulating patient outcomes, potentially transforming the traditional trial model. Fisher also shares insights on how improved data accuracy through wearable tech can enhance patient experiences. Plus, he explains Unlearn.AI’s unique business model and the future of AI's role in medical research.

Join Ben Smith, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Semafor and former BuzzFeed News and New York Times journalist, as he dives into the media landscape's evolution. He discusses the rivalry between BuzzFeed and Gawker, shedding light on the shifting dynamics of journalism and the role of social media. Ben also explores the impact of media unions, the future of journalism amid tech innovations, and the challenges faced by media outlets like Vice and Vox. His insights bring a fresh perspective on the complex relationship between media and technology.

Sunny Madra, an AI expert, and Vinny Lingham, a serial entrepreneur and crypto specialist, delve into the groundbreaking Code Interpreter of ChatGPT. They demonstrate its prowess using datasets on electric vehicles and US bank failures. The duo discusses how this innovation can revolutionize organizational efficiency, with a focus on cost savings and enhanced data analysis. Their insights explore the implications for startups, data privacy concerns, and the importance of adapting to AI's rapid advancements in the tech landscape.

In this discussion, Alex Wilhelm, Editor-in-chief of TechCrunch+, shares insights on big tech's latest earnings. He highlights Google's culture of entitlement and Microsoft’s strides in AI. The conversation covers Meta's push for efficiency and Amazon's upcoming challenges. Wilhem also reflects on Snap's significant decline in revenue. Listen for an analysis of the broader economic landscape, including the ripple effects of banking crises and the evolving role of AI in various industries.

Billy McFarland, co-founder of the infamous Fyre Festival and a convicted fraudster, opens up about his tumultuous journey as an entrepreneur. He reflects on the chaos of Fyre Fest's planning, the deep implications of trust in business, and the lessons learned from his time in prison. Discussing personal growth, he shares insights about the perils of overconfidence and the importance of accountability. Billy reveals how his experiences shaped him and his ambitions to rebuild his career while navigating skepticism about his transformation.

Vinny Lingham, Co-founder of Civic and Weight Room, and Sunny Madra, Co-founder of Definitive Intelligence, join to explore the three phases of AI adoption and innovative business models. They discuss Grimes' choice to open-source her AI-generated music, raising questions about government regulation in the AI space. They also delve into the technical limitations of AI, transparency concerns with OpenAI, and the evolving landscape of startups, highlighting the balance between innovation and necessary oversight in a rapidly changing environment.

Henry Hu, CEO and founder of Cafe X, shares insights on revolutionizing coffee service with automated machines. He discusses the resilience required to navigate downturns and the unique challenges facing public hardware ventures like his. The conversation also touches on the operational efficiencies and innovative features of robotic coffee-making systems. Additionally, the podcast explores Grimes' venture into AI-generated music, highlighting the new business models emerging in the digital music space.

Keith Peiris, CEO of Tome, showcases his AI-powered storytelling tool for creating pitch decks, emphasizing its seamless integration of AI models. He dives into the rapid evolution of AI technology and the challenge of maintaining ethical standards in its application. Jen Bryan, co-founder of Velocity Growth, shares insights on launching successful paid advertising campaigns, emphasizing audience targeting and the impact of recent privacy changes. Together, they explore the future of presentations and the business strategies that can lead startups to success.