This Week in Startups

Alan Chang, the Founder and CEO of Tesseract Energy, discusses the downfall of The Wing, emphasizing the pitfalls of founder ego and the importance of customer experience. He shares insights from his journey in the energy sector, highlighting how Tesseract aims to disrupt the market with affordable renewable solutions and a unique token financing model. The conversation also touches on the complexities of energy pricing, the role of community in energy solutions, and the innovative strategies necessary for navigating the evolving landscape of renewable energy.

Cliff Lerner, founder of Saturdays, a social app aimed at enhancing location-based connections, joins the conversation to discuss his journey from Wall Street to tech entrepreneurship. He shares innovative features inspired by social media for his new app, emphasizing user-centric challenges, especially for women. The episode also covers VCs hiring Twitter ghostwriters to boost engagement, a shift to investing in public tech companies, and the complexities of Netflix's new ad-supported tier, sparking a lively debate on consumer choices.

Vinny Lingham, co-founder of Civic and crypto expert, joins Sunny Madra, a tech industry veteran, for a lively crypto roundtable. They discuss the implications of Nvidia's powerful new graphics cards on AI innovation. The conversation then shifts to the SEC's investigation into Yuga Labs over the Bored Apes collection, probing whether they qualify as securities. Lastly, they delve into an intriguing AI-generated interview featuring Steve Jobs and Joe Rogan, sparking debate on the ethics of AI in content creation.

Joining the conversation is Mike Cessario, the CEO and co-founder of Liquid Death, a brand shaking up the beverage industry with its humorous marketing and commitment to sustainability. They dive into TikTok's intriguing plans for US fulfillment centers, hinting at its e-commerce ambitions. Mike shares his journey in building Liquid Death, emphasizing the power of comedy in branding and the common pitfalls in traditional consumer packaged goods. His insights on brand authenticity and innovative marketing will inspire any entrepreneur!

The podcast dives into the US Labor Department's proposal for a new worker classification test, which could significantly impact gig workers. They also discuss self-driving robots revolutionizing food delivery, starring the innovative Bear Robotics. Additionally, insights on the impending consolidation in the instant-delivery market, particularly with Getir's potential acquisition of Gorillas, add intrigue. The speakers also reflect on the challenges of balancing worker rights with the flexibility of gig work and the evolving landscape of employment in the modern economy.

Ben Gilbert, a keen business analyst and contributor to Acquired, dives into various fascinating topics. He discusses Amazon's shift from innovation to profitability, marking a significant transformation for the tech giant. The conversation turns to Peloton's recent struggles, including drastic job cuts and missteps during the pandemic. Gilbert also explores the intriguing world of AI, including ethical questions about digital likenesses, and wraps up with insights on the current downturn in venture capital funding.

Dana Gibber, CEO and co-founder of Flowcarbon, delves into her journey with the company, which focuses on blockchain solutions for carbon credits. She discusses how this technology enhances the verification process in carbon markets, addressing issues of transparency and efficiency. The conversation highlights the evolution of opinions on carbon offsets, the importance of blue carbon initiatives, and Flowcarbon's innovative revenue strategies. Gibber also shares how the company plans to navigate the complexities of the carbon offset market.

Ami and An, co-founders of Versi, a community initiative for young entrepreneurs, dive into exciting discussions about the U.S. chip industry’s new export restrictions and the implications of onshoring production. They explore innovative solutions for fixing the U.S. education system, emphasizing the importance of accountability and private sector involvement. The duo also shares insights on fostering community among non-traditional learners, highlighting how collaborative environments can spark success in unconventional career paths.

Lon Harris, a streaming news expert, joins to dissect Netflix's latest hit series on Jeffrey Dahmer and its profound impact on the streaming world. He discusses the decline of network TV and what it means for traditional broadcasting. The conversation also explores the financial success of Ryan Murphy’s partnership with Netflix and the evolving landscape of content consumption. With insights into what drives viewers today, Harris provides a glimpse into the future of television amidst rising competition from streaming services.

Sallie Krawcheck, CEO and Co-founder of Ellevest—a women-focused investing platform—discusses the challenges women face in finance and the importance of tailored investment strategies. She highlights the impact of COVID on women's finances and shares insights from her Wall Street career. The conversation also touches on the postponement of Elizabeth Holmes’ sentencing and Europe’s move to universal USB-C charging. Throughout, Sallie emphasizes empowering women in investing and advocates for greater diversity and mentorship in the financial industry.