This Week in Startups

Lon Harris, a pop culture critic and media expert, joins the discussion to dissect Key topics include Meta's innovative text-to-video tool, exploring its creative potential and future implications. The conversation shifts to Zuckerberg's ambitious plans and the challenges tech companies face during a recession. Harris also shares insights on HBO's 'House of the Dragon,' its narrative choices, and a lawsuit against Warner Bros. Discovery regarding subscriber misrepresentation. Tune in for a blend of tech news and engaging media analyses!

In this lively crypto roundtable, Sunny Madra, Co-founder of Definitive Intelligence, and Vinny Lingham, Co-founder of Civic, dive into Apple’s new in-app NFT purchase policy—exploring its potential impact and challenges. They discuss innovative uses for NFTs and how this could revolutionize industries like music and film. The conversation then shifts to Bitcoin's role during macroeconomic instability, positioning it as a potential financial safeguard. Join them for insights and laughter as they navigate the ever-evolving world of crypto!

Discover the details of a new VC fund by Cathie Wood that opens investment opportunities for retail investors. Dive into Bill Gurley's insights on the startup landscape, addressing topics like the pitfalls of raising too much capital and the realities of layoffs. The conversation also tackles the alarming trend of book bans affecting STEM education, highlighting the importance of diverse literature in schools. It's a rich discussion that navigates both the world of investment and the challenges facing education today.

The British pound plummets to a record low, stirring economic chaos and raising questions about post-Brexit UK policies. Meanwhile, Do Kwon faces an Interpol red notice amid ongoing crypto turmoil. NASA's DART mission takes center stage as a key planetary defense strategy against asteroids. Finally, TikTok edges closer to a deal with the Biden administration, navigating tricky national security concerns. Exciting times for finance, tech, and space!

Albert Wenger, Managing Partner at Union Square Ventures and author of "The World After Capital," dives into the urgency of investing in climate solutions with USV's $162M climate fund. He discusses the dual nature of climate change as both a significant threat and a viable investment opportunity, emphasizing the evolution of climate investments. Wenger also explores the human attention problem in a post-capitalist world and how shifting focus from mere economic growth to meaningful pursuits can drive innovation and fulfillment.

Tobi Lütke, the visionary Founder and CEO of Shopify, shares his insights on navigating the tumultuous e-commerce landscape post-COVID and introduces their innovative compensation model, "Flex Comp." He reflects on the challenges of competing with giants like Amazon and the emotional impact of layoffs. Joining him is Jules Terpak, a digital culture commentator, who delves into the nuances of Gen Z's online life and the ever-evolving dynamics of social media. Together, they explore the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and modern communication.

Ben Huh, founder of Orange DAO, dives into the fascinating world of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations, discussing their structure and impact on the crypto landscape. He highlights the need for regulatory clarity in the U.S. Lon Harris, a streaming expert, shares insights on Amazon's groundbreaking $11 billion NFL deal and its implications for sports broadcasting. They also touch on the rise of popular series like 'House of the Dragon' and debate Disney's current strategies and future park developments.

Vinit Bharara, CEO and co-founder of Mojo, dives into the exciting world of sports investment. He discusses his innovative platform that allows fans to bet on athletes like stocks, emphasizing the challenges of liquidity and regulatory hurdles. Vinit reveals how Mojo raised $100M to launch and provides a fascinating product demo. The conversation also touches on the ethical dilemmas of sports betting, player metrics, and the evolving landscape of athlete investments, all while sharing personal stories and insights from his ventures.

Unravel the chaos surrounding Nikola's legal troubles, with insights on how its former CEO's mishaps could teach valuable lessons for founders. Discover the latest updates on Chamath's SPACs as he winds down operations, returning funds to investors. Dive into Rumble's intriguing business model post-SPAC merger, contrasting it with mainstream platforms while wrestling with content moderation issues. Explore the delicate balance between promoting innovation and the risks of over-promising in the tech world.

The hosts dive into BeReal's intriguing plans for monetization, exploring how a social media platform aimed at authenticity is grappling with paid features. They reveal shocking discoveries of fake accounts tied to the U.S. military, shedding light on misinformation in tech. The conversation then shifts to an unsettling bug plaguing the iPhone 14 Pro's camera. Lastly, Twilio's unconventional approach to layoffs and an exciting look at TransPod's ultra-high-speed transport innovation wrap up the discussion.