This Week in Startups

Elon Musk is pushing to finalize the Twitter deal at $54.20 per share amidst rising stock excitement. Poshmark's acquisition by Naver sparks discussions on thrift culture and sustainability in consumer trends. Liquid Death's innovative branding leads to a $700M valuation, while Selena Gomez raises $5M for her mental health startup, Wondermind. The rise of online thrifting highlights a shift towards the circular economy, revealing evolving consumer habits and the future of commerce.

Tesla AI Day sparks a deep dive into the potential of general AI and its future impact on startups. The conversation shifts to the SEC's charges against Kim Kardashian for mishandling cryptocurrency promotions, emphasizing the need for stringent regulations. Lastly, the upcoming Supreme Court cases on Section 230 highlight the balance between free speech and platform accountability, raising critical questions about the role of algorithms in shaping online discourse.

Jean-Louis Warnholz, Co-founder and CEO of Future, shares insights on creating a climate-friendly debit card that incentivizes sustainable consumer behavior. He discusses innovative approaches for tracking carbon footprints linked to daily purchases and how his startup integrates financial tools with eco-conscious choices. The conversation also touches on strategic partnerships aimed at promoting decarbonization, showcasing how fintech can empower consumers to engage in responsible spending while enjoying cashback rewards.

In this dynamic conversation, Taylor Bell, a management consultant and thriving YouTuber, shares her journey to amassing over 180K subscribers while juggling a full-time career. She offers insights on maintaining balance and authenticity in content creation. The discussion also touches on Mr. Beast's audacious rejection of a $1 billion buyout, emphasizing the potential of influencer marketing. Listeners will enjoy anecdotes about the challenges of burnout and the evolving landscape of short-form content, revealing the delicate dance creators must navigate.

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.