This Week in Startups

In this engaging discussion, Joe Blair, Co-founder and GP at Bay Bridge Ventures, shares insights from his ESG-focused venture capital firm. He delves into how VCs perceive founders juggling side hustles and offers tips on making those hustles beneficial for their startups. Blair emphasizes the importance of sustainability metrics in investment strategies and describes the evolution of climate tech investments. His journey from engineering to venture capital highlights the challenges and opportunities in the clean tech sector.

Cecilia Anderson, Co-founder and Chief Content Officer of Elly Health, shares insights about her startup aimed at offering empathetic digital support for chronic illness patients. She discusses innovative features designed to enhance mental well-being and improve patient care. Ben Huffman, Co-founder and CEO of Contra, elaborates on his commission-free platform for freelancers, emphasizing the benefits of retaining earnings and the shift toward flexible work in the gig economy. Their conversations reveal the evolving landscape of health tech and freelance work.

Lon Harris, a streaming media expert, joins to discuss the rise of celebrity influence in private equity, specifically around Kim Kardashian's new venture, SKKY Partners. The conversation dives into how her brand can redefine investment strategies in consumer markets. They also tackle the drama surrounding Amazon's 'Rings of Power', unpacking its financial challenges and the complexities of fandom reactions. The impact of social media toxicity on public discourse is also highlighted, as they humorously reflect on the current climate.

The hosts dig into Trump’s classified documents and share entertaining poker stories from a tech conference. You'll hear about Instagram's surprising decision to scrap its shopping feature and how it might reshape user habits. They react to Apple's latest event, highlighting the lack of innovation in new products. Plus, a discussion on Starlink's role in improving internet access for rural schools adds a thoughtful twist. As always, humor blends with insightful takeaways throughout!

Jason shares his insights on the direct-to-consumer investment landscape and discusses the strange case of Jokr's fundraising, highlighting unusual liquidation preferences. The conversation also touches on the challenges posed by Bay Area heat waves and personal anecdotes from Burning Man. As a twist, a witness in the Elizabeth Holmes trial goes rogue, adding drama to the legal proceedings. Expect engaging breakdowns of complex financial terms and an entertaining blend of business strategies and personal experiences!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!