This Week in Startups

Dan Meyers, the CEO of Flair, shares insights on creating smart vents and thermostats aimed at improving energy efficiency. He discusses the innovative technology behind Flair’s products and their role in optimizing home climate control while being eco-friendly. The conversation also explores the impact of current economic conditions on venture capital and the challenges faced by founders in maintaining support from investors. Meyers emphasizes the need for resilient business strategies in climate tech as consumers shift towards sustainability.

Glenn Kelman, CEO of Redfin, shares his candid insights on navigating economic downturns and the intricate dynamics of today's housing market. He addresses the challenges of layoffs and emphasizes the emotional burdens leaders face during tough times. Meanwhile, Shannon Almeida, co-founder of Volv Media, discusses innovating news for Gen Z with a TikTok-inspired format, highlighting how their platform utilizes AI for concise delivery. Together, they offer a mix of practical advice and thought-provoking observations on resilience and media consumption.

Lon Harris, a regular guest known for his sharp insights, dives into some of the most fascinating topics today. He breaks down the latest news on the FTX book and film rights, highlighting Michael Lewis's involvement. The conversation shifts to the business of horror films, with Blumhouse's innovative low-budget strategies. Harris also discusses Apple’s recent MLS streaming deal, weaving in pop culture trends and personal recommendations. It's a lively mix of finance, entertainment, and critical thinking!

Isabelle Kenyon, CEO and founder of Calibrate, is revolutionizing metabolic health with her innovative approach to weight loss. In her conversation, she discusses the intersection of medication and lifestyle changes, emphasizing the importance of informed choices over strict diets. They also delve into the obesity epidemic, chronic diseases, and the impact of insulin and inflammation. Additionally, Isabelle sheds light on the challenges of healthcare access and equity, advocating for a more supportive and informed environment for weight management.

The hosts tackle a wild news week that spans from Russia's missile saga to the ongoing challenges of journalism. They dive into Bird's troubling overstated revenues and the implications for the scooter-sharing market. The conversation shifts to the identity crisis of Chinese startups expanding globally and their rebranding efforts, particularly discussing Shein's dual identity. Finally, advancements in retail robotics, like the Tally robot, showcase how tech continues to reshape the retail landscape.

Amazon is making headlines with plans to cut 10,000 jobs, prompting a deep dive into the unique recession dynamics affecting startups. The FTX saga continues to unfold, revealing intriguing corporate culture insights. Mobile gaming is under scrutiny, especially with shifting revenue models. Meanwhile, Shopify is debuting a reverse AR platform that could transform online shopping. Plus, a startup is innovating in the med spa sector, making treatments more accessible while raising questions about beauty standards.

Daniel Sechrest, Co-founder and CFO of Nodal Power, shares insights into transforming methane from landfills into energy for Bitcoin mining. He discusses the innovative potential of extracting energy from waste, contributing to renewable energy and addressing climate issues. The conversation also delves into corporate venture capital, exploring its complexities and motivations for investment in sustainable startups. Sechrest's unique perspective sheds light on the intersection of technology, sustainability, and financial innovation.

Owen Roe, a product designer at Stacked and former esports industry veteran, joins the discussion on the future of crypto and the gaming economy. They dive deep into the fallout from the FTX bankruptcy, exploring its implications on venture capital in cryptocurrency and highlighting potential red flags. Owen also shares insights on the evolving esports landscape, emphasizing the shift from traditional competition to content creation, and revealing how new monetization strategies can reshape the gaming industry.

Lon Harris, a pop culture analyst and host, joins to discuss the genius of the Star Wars series Andor, praising its fresh storytelling and rich character development. He also breaks down Disney's latest financial performance, highlighting subscriber growth and innovative strategies for integration. The conversation wraps up with insights into Netflix's intriguing move into live sports, showcasing how streaming services are evolving to meet new demands in entertainment.

Jenny Schneider, CEO of Homeward Health, leads the charge in transforming rural healthcare access. She shares her journey in establishing a company that delivers essential services to underserved areas. The discussion highlights the critical disparities in rural healthcare and the innovative strategies being implemented, including mobile units and new payment models. Additionally, the hosts dive into Meta's significant layoffs and the ongoing fallout from the Binance and FTX crisis, weaving a narrative about resilience in the tech landscape.