This Week in Startups

Perrin Davidson, CEO of EATERCLUB, discusses how his next-gen food distribution platform connects restaurants with curated brands, emphasizing innovative dining trends and shifts in consumer spending. Eerika Savolainen, CEO of Slush, shares insights on fostering global entrepreneurship through their tech conference, highlighting the event's local roots and the unique rotating CEO system that nurtures emerging leaders. They both offer compelling perspectives on balancing tradition and innovation in their respective industries.

Lon Harris, a streaming industry expert, joins the conversation to shed light on the recent Oscar nominations and Spotify's earnings amid discussions on 'peak podcasting.' The chat explores the impact of automation on job markets and the rise of generative AI, such as ChatGPT. Lon also critiques the evolving landscape of film and streaming, offering insights into audience engagement and Netflix vs. HBO narratives, while reflecting on how these trends shape the future of entertainment.

Rick Heitzmann, a seasoned venture capitalist at FirstMark Capital, shares his insights from navigating multiple economic cycles. He discusses the importance of 'shock absorbers' in leadership, particularly during downturns, and how companies like Airbnb exemplify resilience. He emphasizes the shift from growth to profitability, advising founders to adapt their strategies accordingly. Rick also reflects on the challenges of customer acquisition costs and lifetime value in today's volatile market, highlighting key lessons for startups.

Gabi Lewis, CEO and co-founder of Magic Spoon, shares insights on transforming nostalgia into healthier comfort foods. He discusses the company's bold move into major retail outlets after a successful funding round, emphasizing unique marketing strategies and consumer preferences. The conversation also touches on the challenges facing the cereal industry and the importance of engaging with communities through innovative direct-to-consumer approaches. Plus, a lighthearted exploration of conspiracy theories adds a humorous twist to the mix!

Discover the latest in generative AI as Anthropic seeks a stunning $5B valuation and OpenAI hires 1,000 contractors. Dive into Mr. Beast’s latest video and the conversation around 'stunt culture.' The hosts also touch on Billy McFarland making headlines again. With discussions on AI safety, the ethical dilemmas of celebrity philanthropy, and the evolving landscape of coding driven by AI, this episode blends tech insights with cultural critique.

Featuring Nevsah Karamehmet, the founder of Breath Hub, a personalized breathwork app, and Brett Bauman, the creator of PlaylistAI, this discussion dives into the ethical dilemmas of MSG's facial recognition technology and its implications for privacy. They also explore BuzzFeed's strategic partnership with Meta and its effects on the creator economy. Karamehmet shares insights on improving wellness through tailored breathing techniques, while Bauman reveals how AI is transforming the music playlist experience, connecting users to their favorite tunes like never before.

Vinny Lingham, co-founder of Civic and an expert in blockchain, and Sunny Madra, co-founder of Definitive Intelligence specializing in Web3 analytics, dive into the volatile world of Bitcoin. They dissect the macroeconomic forces at play and predict Bitcoin's price trajectory, pondering whether it will touch $30K or dip to $16K first. The duo also unpacks the controversy surrounding DCG, Gemini, and Genesis, along with the SEC's recent charges. Lastly, they critique Porsche's ill-fated NFT drop, exploring the pitfalls brands face in the Web 3.0 space.

Bryan Roberts, a seasoned venture capitalist at Venrock with over 25 years in the game, shares his insights on the wild world of investing. He reflects on early wins with Illumina and Athenahealth, and his experiences during the dot-com bubble. The discussion dives into the importance of creating optionality for startups, avoiding bad VC habits, and the controversial Theranos case. Additionally, Bryan offers advice on navigating disagreements with founders and the psychology behind making investment bets.

Rhian Beutler, Founder and CEO of Govalo, is revolutionizing digital gifting experiences, discussing the importance of gift cards for customer engagement. Daniel Sakhai, founder of Hey Hire, shares innovative strategies for efficiently hiring hourly workers. The conversation navigates the pitfalls of ticketing practices and the ongoing antitrust battle against Google and Ticketmaster, highlighting how these shifts in the industry could pave the way for new competitors. Together, they present exciting solutions to modern challenges in gifting and hiring.

The emotional fallout from Google's recent layoffs is dissected, revealing a stark corporate culture shift. Discussions also cover the strategic alliance between OpenAI and Microsoft, highlighting its implications for AI advancements. The financial maneuvers of activist investor Elliot Management in Salesforce raise eyebrows. Wrapping up, NVIDIA showcases an innovative AI feature that enhances virtual eye contact, sparking debates on the future of communication in a digital world.