This Week in Startups

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.

Join Steve Wolf, CEO of Team Wildfire and former Hollywood stuntman, as he champions groundbreaking wildfire suppression technology using jet engine-powered devices. He dives into innovative concepts like "Hurricane-as-a-Service," exploring the ecological impact of wildfires and emphasizing the importance of forest management. The conversation also touches on the complexities of startup failures, discussing investor dynamics and the emotional toll on entrepreneurs, making for a riveting blend of environmental activism and startup insight.

Josh Kaplan, CEO and co-founder of Smooth Media, shares insights on disrupting the newsletter industry with new platforms like beehiiv. He highlights how these platforms offer better pricing and monetization options for creators, setting them apart from giants like Substack. The discussion also covers Instagram Reels' struggles to compete with TikTok, despite Meta's investments. Kaplan emphasizes the need for media adaptability and diversification, providing a fresh perspective on the evolving landscape of content creation.

Lon Harris, a streaming industry expert, joins to discuss the evolving landscape of streaming services and the immediate impact of consolidation. He highlights consumer burnout from numerous subscriptions and the rising prices for content. The conversation also touches on exciting new projects like the 'Blade Runner 2099' series on Amazon and a Spotify series coming to Netflix. Additionally, Harris examines how these changes reflect broader trends in the market and what they mean for both consumers and content creators.

Dive into the final part of a wealth creation blueprint, featuring seven key strategies for financial success. A South Korean court sparks discussion on Do Kwon's arrest warrant and its implications for the crypto world. The podcast also tackles the Ethereum merge and its benefits for energy efficiency. Explore the intriguing potential of the Orange DAO and its impact on Web3 startups. Plus, a light-hearted take on the dynamics of work-life balance and investing adds a touch of relatable humor to the mix!

Bob Iger's surprising new role at Thrive Capital raises eyebrows about reputation and venture dynamics. Whistleblower Peiter Zatko's congressional testimony spotlights alarming security failures at Twitter, challenging trust in major tech firms. KKR's innovative move to tokenize its healthcare fund opens doors for easier investment. The show wraps up with discussions on the controversial Launch House allegations, exploring the impact of personal experiences on professional environments.

This week, the hosts dive into the fallout of Bolt's canceled $1.5 billion acquisition of Wyre, examining its broader implications for the crypto landscape. Roku is adding a TikTok-style feature, sparking discussions on the evolution of entertainment. They also explore futuristic farming with Deere's self-driving tractors and share a hilarious vision of a moon-themed hotel in Dubai, highlighting the quirky side of space tourism. Plus, tips on navigating social media's complexities and the importance of mental health in the startup world.