
This Week in Startups
Jason Calacanis covers startups, tech, markets, media, and all the hottest topics in business and technology. He also interviews the world’s greatest founders, operators, investors, and innovators.
Latest episodes

Sep 4, 2022 • 1h 6min
Raising a VC fund in public + Brilliant Planet's Raffael Jovine on the power of algae | E1552
Raffael Jovine, founder and chief scientist of Brilliant Planet, discusses groundbreaking methods for carbon sequestration using algae. He explains how cultivating algae in seawater can capture more CO2 than forests, leveraging desert land for growth. The conversation also touches on innovative strategies for raising a VC fund in public, emphasizing transparency in the investment process. Jovine highlights the significance of developing reliable carbon credits and navigating the complex landscape of climate solutions, showcasing the potential of algae in combating climate change.

Sep 2, 2022 • 1h 2min
Ask Jason + LAUNCH founder interviews + OK Boomer with Andrew Yeung | E1551
Seth Brown, CEO of Giphting, shares his journey in revolutionizing gift-giving through technology, focusing on personalized experiences and the magic of last-minute surprises. Carleen Haylett, CEO of EnrichedHQ, discusses her mission to provide life skills for kids, bridging the gap for working families and emphasizing partnerships with corporations. Meanwhile, Andrew Yeung offers insights on hosting effective networking events in NYC, highlighting community engagement and logistical strategies that drive attendance and interaction.

20 snips
Sep 1, 2022 • 1h 9min
The Definitive History of VC with "Power Law" author Sebastian Mallaby | E1550
Sebastian Mallaby, author of "Power Law" and a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, explores pivotal moments in venture capital history. He discusses the 'youth revolt' in startups, highlighting Zuckerberg's choice to bypass Sequoia. He contrasts Kleiner Perkins' rise and fall with Sequoia's sustained success, and delves into characteristics of legendary VCs. Mallaby also examines institutional investors' growing interest in VC and the shifting landscape of tech investments, revealing insights that shape today's venture capital dynamics.

Sep 1, 2022 • 59min
The Blueprint: finding & developing all-stars + Mark Gurman on Apple's AR plans | E1549
Mark Gurman, a renowned Apple reporter from Bloomberg, joins to share insights about Apple's groundbreaking AR projects, including details on their upcoming headset and the critical role of their M2 chip. Jason discusses his strategies for spotting and nurturing emerging talent, drawing parallels to the NBA draft process. He shares tips on managing high performers and cultivating loyalty within teams. The conversation dips into the competitive AR landscape and what it means for startups aiming to attract top talent. It's a blend of talent cultivation and tech innovation!

Aug 31, 2022 • 41min
Twitter's failed OnlyFans-like product, OpenSea trading volume drops 99%, major FTC lawsuit | E1548
Dive into the wild world of Twitter's failed adult content venture, where moderating chaos met missed monetization opportunities. Discover the staggering 99% plummet in OpenSea's NFT trading volume and the challenges faced by crypto investors. Plus, a groundbreaking FTC lawsuit tackles the misuse of sensitive geolocation data, raising crucial questions about privacy in the digital age. Join the insightful discussion on these hot topics shaping the startup landscape!

Aug 30, 2022 • 1h 23min
YC brings on Garry Tan as President, Apple's AR plans, Bored Apes at the VMAs | E1547
Garry Tan's return as CEO of Y Combinator sparks discussions on its potential to reshape the startup ecosystem. Apple hints at groundbreaking AR goggles with recent trademark filings, raising excitement in tech circles. Meanwhile, Eminem and Snoop Dogg's performance as Bored Apes at the VMAs showcases the intersection of pop culture and NFTs, bringing both applause and critique. The conversation dives into the broader implications of these events on investment strategies and the future of digital art.

16 snips
Aug 28, 2022 • 50min
How VCs think about deploying reserves & follow-on funding + Quaise CEO Carlos Araque | E1546
Carlos Araque, Co-founder and CEO of Quaise Energy, is pioneering geothermal drilling technology to tap into deep energy resources. He shares insights about the massive potential of geothermal energy as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. The conversation also touches on his company’s recent $50 million Series A funding, the innovative millimeter wave drilling technique, and the challenges of transitioning from fossil fuels. Araque's vision highlights how climate technology can reshape the energy landscape amidst global environmental concerns.

46 snips
Aug 26, 2022 • 1h 11min
Twitter adds podcasting, Chatter.dev Founder Pete Oxenham + OK Boomer with Danny Miranda | E1545
Pete Oxenham, the Founder of Chatter.dev, joins to share insights about his SaaS platform that enhances factory machine efficiency through data analysis. The discussion also dives into Twitter's new podcasting features, exploring how they aim to increase user engagement and reshape the podcasting landscape. Additionally, Danny Miranda engages in a light-hearted 'OK Boomer' segment, sharing his journey into podcasting and the importance of personal growth through introspection. Tune in for a blend of tech innovation and entertaining commentary!

Aug 26, 2022 • 1h 3min
$PTON & $SNOW earnings divergence + Streaming news with Lon Harris: HBO, MoviePass & more | E1544
Lon Harris, a streaming media expert, joins the conversation to dissect HBO's blockbuster 'House of the Dragon,' which set viewership records. He also discusses the anticipated return of MoviePass and its potential impact on the movie experience. The hosts explore Peloton's grim financial outlook, contrasting it with Snowflake's soaring success. They delve into the streaming landscape, touching on the rise of new shows and the changing dynamics of popular franchises, making for a lively discussion on media trends.

Aug 25, 2022 • 1h 47min
Student loan debate, Zuck copies BeReal, Twitter whistleblower + Blueprint Part 7 | E1543
Dive into the heated debate surrounding student loan forgiveness and its impact on society. The conversation takes a turn as Zuck faces criticism for copying the app BeReal, raising concerns about ethical practices in tech. Unravel the shocking revelations from a Twitter whistleblower regarding security negligence and misleading information. The podcast also highlights a promising climate startup's Series A funding. Lastly, explore the enduring question: Is investing in a college degree still worth it in today's economy?