This Week in Startups

Eric Newcomer, an independent journalist formerly with Bloomberg and The Information, dives into the key tech happenings. He reveals Stripe's ambitious $6B fundraising amid challenges. The conversation explores Silicon Valley Bank's shocking 60% drop and its implications for startups. They dissect the burgeoning generative AI funding landscape and its impact on workforce dynamics, reflecting on layoffs and evolving company cultures in the tech sector. Newcomer also addresses the challenges of independent journalism and funding in today's digital media environment.

Joining the discussion is Zach Coelius, a serial entrepreneur and angel investor at Coleus Capital. He shares key insights on the shift to virtual investing post-COVID and how it has transformed investor relations. Zach highlights crucial red flags in potential startup deals and emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships before fundraising. He also discusses negotiation tactics and the evolving landscape of startup funding, making this a must-listen for founders and investors alike.

Emily Melton, co-founder and managing partner at Threshold VC, shares her insights from her venture capital journey, including her time at DFJ. She discusses the barriers healthcare presents for entrepreneurs and emphasizes the need for innovative solutions in that space. The conversation also highlights the importance of building a diverse culture within venture capital, especially for supporting women founders. Melton offers strategies for navigating market distortions and optimizing investments in challenging economic times.

Kiran Bhatraju, CEO and co-founder of Arcadia, a climate technology company, dives into the crucial intersection of clean energy and data. He explores the resurfacing of the Crypto-Asset Environmental Transparency Act, emphasizing the pressing need for accountability in crypto emissions. Kiran reveals how Arcadia unlocks energy data to revolutionize clean energy access and discusses community solar as a game-changer for those without rooftop options. His insights on carbon accounting and using innovative tech to optimize energy efficiency are thought-provoking!

Sequoia's recent exit from Citizen's board raises eyebrows over investment ethics and the upcoming IPO market. With Instacart and ARM preparing to go public, the conversation turns to the dynamics of startup funding. Meanwhile, chaos brews at Dapper Labs as it faces financial scrutiny and legal challenges, shedding light on corporate spending in turbulent times. The podcast also navigates the implications of digital advertising and the urgent need for domestic semiconductor manufacturing amidst geopolitical tensions.

In this engaging discussion, Dylan McDonnell, founder of Foodini, shares his journey from a celiac diagnosis to creating an app that helps those with dietary restrictions find safe dining options. He highlights the essential role of accurate information for users and the potential market for food-related services. Meanwhile, Michael Tan delves into the ethical complexities of AI in his sci-fi novel, "The Death of Uncertainty," exploring the tension between choice and free will in an AI-driven world. Both guests provide intriguing insights into technology's impact on our lives.

Frank Slootman, CEO of Snowflake and known for his prowess in leading hyper-growth companies, shares insights about navigating the fast-paced tech landscape. He discusses the importance of measuring organizational impact and fostering a win-first culture. Slootman highlights his unique hiring philosophy, emphasizing enthusiasm and strong relationships between executives and their teams. Additionally, he addresses managing burnout and creating a secure work environment, offering valuable strategies for maintaining focus amidst industry challenges.

Vinny Lingham, a cryptocurrency and payments expert, and Sunny Madra, a contributor focused on NFTs, dive deep into Twitter's potential payment integration with crypto. They discuss the implications of a national ID system and its controversies. Predictions about the latest Yuga Labs NFT drop unveil insights into the evolving landscape of digital assets. The duo also critiques Coinbase's future strategies and explores Spotify's innovative NFT experiments, highlighting their impact on both creators and users.

Maha Ibrahim, a General Partner at Canaan Partners since 2000, shares her extensive journey in venture capital. She discusses the art of exiting investments at the right time and the challenges of fund management. She dives into the clean tech bubble and the advantages and drawbacks of being a generalist versus a specialist in investing. The conversation touches on the necessity of adapting to market dynamics and the ongoing quest for diversity in VC, highlighting the evolution of investment strategies over her impressive 23-year career.

Sridhar Ramaswamy, CEO of Neeva and former Google SVP, dives into the revolutionary landscape of AI chatbots and search technology. He discusses Neeva's focus on user privacy and its innovative business model that sets it apart from traditional ad-supported platforms. Ramaswamy highlights the challenges of creating a search engine that prioritizes accuracy and authority over ads. The podcast also touches on the future of search as a direct answer provider, emphasizing the need for ethical considerations in content generation and user experience.