This Week in Startups

Dive into the latest in crypto as Voyager Digital hits bankruptcy and Celsius manages to pay down significant debt. Tune in for a lively Q&A with Jason, where he tackles pressing questions about Shark Tank-style opportunities and the balance between user growth and profitability. Unravel the implications of counterparty risks in the volatile crypto market and explore the importance of commitment for startup success. Plus, insights into personalized health solutions for high achievers and innovative podcast concepts keep the discussion engaging!

Dive into the viral marketing magic behind the record-breaking 'Minions' movie and how TikTok's catchy hooks propelled its success. Discover the platform's evolving role in e-commerce and its cultural impact compared to traditional media. The conversation then shifts to the semiconductor industry's geopolitical significance, exploring how national security intertwines with the need for energy independence. It's a lively mix of pop culture, marketing, and strategic economic discussions!

Matt Duesterberg, co-founder of OhmConnect, shares insights on transforming energy consumption with innovative strategies that incentivize users to save energy. He discusses the concept of 'negawatts'—monetized energy savings and the company's remarkable impact during California's heat wave. The conversation dives into the financial complexities of venture capital, emphasizing the importance of presenting ambitious visions to investors. Additionally, Duesterberg highlights the need for a decentralized energy model and strategies for scaling energy efficiency for a sustainable future.

Jared Downing, co-founder and CEO of Stages, shares insights on the dynamic landscape of live-streaming and interactive mini-games. He discusses the challenges of rebranding amidst App Store policies and the evolution of gaming platforms. The conversation touches on the rapid changes in social media trends and the importance of authentic community engagement. Additionally, the podcast explores Zoom's product expansion beyond video conferencing and the transformative impact of Starlink's connectivity solutions in remote areas.

Meta's overhaul of Facebook Groups is drawing comparisons to Discord, stirring up discussions about competition in tech. Sequoia is raising over $2 billion for new venture funds, while FTX's acquisition of BlockFi for just $25 million raises eyebrows regarding valuation drops. The MLB is poised to introduce robotic umpires in 2024, blending tech with tradition in sports. Meanwhile, Substack faces challenges with recent layoffs, highlighting the tough landscape for independent journalism.

Downtown Josh Brown is the CEO of Ritholtz Wealth Management and co-host of 'What are your thoughts?', while Michael Batnick is the firm's Managing Partner and also co-hosts the same podcast. They passionately discuss the Knicks' ongoing challenges in attracting talent, revealing insightful market dynamics and their takes on Disney's long-term investment potential. They explore the evolution of podcasting as a media business and humorously reflect on their experiences in both basketball and finance, offering a blend of sports commentary and market analysis.

Dive into the intriguing world of crypto as Sam Bankman-Fried steps up to backstop troubled lenders during a market crisis. Explore the billions tied up in SPACs and the concerning decline in venture capital funding amid rising uncertainty. Discover hedge funds taking bold moves by shorting Tether, raising eyebrows about its financial transparency. And don't miss the thrilling concept of the SkyCruise, a luxurious flying hotel powered by nuclear energy that never lands!

In this enlightening discussion, Kim Clark, a Senior Attorney at Legal Voice dedicated to reproductive rights, addresses the alarming rise of digital surveillance affecting women’s healthcare privacy post-Roe v. Wade. She explores the risks tied to abortion-related technology and the implications for period tracking apps. The episode also highlights innovative solutions like Stardust, an end-to-end encrypted period tracking app, alongside significant industry news about Zendesk's $10.2 billion acquisition, blending legal insights with startup trends.

Billy Thalheimer, co-founder of REGENT, shares insights on groundbreaking electric sea gliders that could revolutionize regional travel. He dives into the technology behind these vessels and their potential environmental benefits, particularly for coastal regions like Hawaii. The discussion also touches on co-investing strategies among venture capital firms in fluctuating markets, emphasizing collaboration to assess investment opportunities. Thalheimer highlights the operational advantages of sea gliders, positioning them as a sustainable alternative to traditional air travel.

In this engaging discussion, the anonymous Praying For Exits shares sharp insights on the volatile tech market and the fallout from the recent startup crash, questioning the role of VCs in inflated valuations. Anisha Sunkerneni, a partner at Cyphr VC, highlights key takeaways from NFT NYC, navigating the tech event landscape, and the importance of networking for meaningful connections in Web3. Together, they explore the evolving dynamics of investment and the critical role of transparency in the investor-founder relationship.