This Week in Startups

Sunny Madra, co-founder of Definitive Intelligence, and Vinny Lingham, co-founder of Civic, dive into a robust crypto landscape analysis. They discuss the implications of the US Treasury blacklisting Tornado Cash and its effects on privacy in digital transactions. The duo evaluates Coinbase's Q2 earnings and debates the need for smart regulation and governance in the crypto space. They also tackle the evolving market after a major pullback, emphasizing the importance of fundamentals and ethical concerns surrounding anonymity in financial transactions.

Acquired's Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal join the show to discuss how they think about public market investments (1:43), VC token sales (27:25), a VC market overview (45:40), the Vision Fund's impact on Silicon Valley (1:00:33), and Amazon's core pillars! (1:13:21) (0:00) Jason intros today's guests and topics: Crossover Pod with Acquired! (1:43) Private markets overview, Jay Trading, Ben's investment thesis for TSMC and Shopify (13:44) Embroker - Use code TWIST to get an extra 10% off insurance at https://Embroker.com/twist  (14:52) Jason makes two live Jay Trades, better solutions for employee stock options (26:14) Dell - Apply for Dell for Startups and get an additional 10% off Dell Latitude products at https://dell.com/twist  (27:25) Crypto regulation, VC token sales (39:33) Zapier - Try for free today at https://zapier.com/TWIST (41:02) The burden of going public, final ideas on digital asset regulation (45:40) Major takeaways from PitchBook's Q2 US VC Monitor: exit value collapse, deal volume down, seed not impacted as much, signs of life in the early-stage (1:00:33) Reflecting on Masa's precarious position and the impact that SoftBank's Vision Fund has had on the VC industry (1:13:21) Ranking the most impressive pillars of Amazon's business: AWS, Prime, marketplace, advertising

Join Alex Skryl, CEO of NutriSense, a SaaS platform focused on continuous glucose monitoring, as he dives into the benefits of real-time health data. He discusses how tracking glucose levels can transform dietary habits and weight management, appealing especially to those at risk for diabetes. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of technology in personalized health solutions, highlighting how tailored support can drive wellness in today's fast-paced world. Tune in for a mix of science, health insights, and entrepreneurial humor!

Jay Koh, co-founder of The Lightsmith Group, dives into the hefty $369 billion earmarked for climate and energy in the Inflation Reduction Act. He discusses how this legislation can transform the climate VC landscape and elevate America as a global climate tech leader. The episode also tackles the bias against first-time founders in the VC world, revealing the pros and cons while emphasizing the importance of strategic government investment in fostering innovation and economic resilience amid climate challenges.

Marcus Milione, founder of Minted and TikTok influencer, shares insights on building a personal brand and monetizing passion projects. He discusses the challenges and realities of entrepreneurship, emphasizing authenticity and balancing personal life with business. The conversation touches on the evolution of influencer culture and how social media impacts brand growth. Milione also hints at upcoming clothing releases and production strategies that reflect a shift towards flexibility in the fashion industry.

The chaos at Warner Bros. Discovery takes center stage, revealing how leadership changes and HBO Max's future are in jeopardy. A deep dive into the merits of streaming versus box office success raises eyebrows about the company's direction. Locket, an intimate social app, secures a hefty $12.5M in funding, sparking conversations on the dynamics of human connections in a tech-driven world. Meanwhile, Lina Khan's FTC lawsuit against Meta adds an intriguing antitrust dimension to the debate about competition in the evolving digital landscape.

Dive into the big developments shaking the startup world! Y Combinator slashes its summer cohort size by 40%, prompting reflections on early-stage challenges. Robinhood announces a significant workforce reduction amidst dwindling revenue. Michael Saylor steps down as CEO of MicroStrategy—what's next for the company? Airbnb reports earnings amid changing travel trends. Finally, discover the power of a bias for action in boosting innovation and success, as highlighted in the Blueprint segment!

Chloe Harrouche, CEO and co-founder of The Lanby, champions a customer-centric approach to primary care, emphasizing proactive health management. She discusses the importance of transparent pricing models and the challenges of navigating the complex healthcare landscape. The conversation also covers how transforming doctor visits into proactive, personalized engagements can enhance patient experiences. The hosts also dive into Uber’s impressive Q2 earnings, showcasing its financial recovery and market positioning.

Glenn Kelman, CEO of Redfin, and Adena Hefets, CEO of Divvy Homes, dive into the challenges and dynamics of the current U.S. housing market. They discuss the impact of rising interest rates on affordability and home sales while exploring innovative rent-to-own models. The conversation also highlights how institutional buyers are influencing housing supply and prices. Additionally, they share insights on pandemic-driven migration trends and the future outlook for new construction and the rental market.

Sudarshan Sridharan, CEO of Fion Technologies, is revolutionizing wildfire management with innovative mapping software designed to assist firefighters. He shares insights into the pressing need for modern communication tools in the face of escalating wildfire challenges. The conversation also delves into the varying stages of venture capital diligence, emphasizing the importance of thorough research and preparedness in investment strategies. Sudarshan's passion for tackling climate change through technology shines as he outlines Fion's mission to enhance the efficiency of wildfire response.