This Week in Startups

Lon Harris, a streaming expert and podcast co-host of Binge Boys, shares his thoughts on the climactic finale of the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, highlighting key character arcs and thrilling moments. Meanwhile, AJ Loiacono, CEO of Capital RX, discusses the opaque world of prescription drug pricing, advocating for transparency and a fairer system that benefits patients. They explore the complexities of the pharmaceutical supply chain and the need for innovative practices to reform healthcare, drawing parallels with stock trading for more equitable solutions.

The discussion kicks off with a deep dive into TikTok's data security issues, spotlighting a BuzzFeed investigation revealing access by China and raising concerns about potential U.S. bans. Next, Amazon faces a looming labor shortage, with predictions of running out of warehouse workers. The hosts then reflect on personal efforts to reduce consumption, exploring pathways to sustainable living and the importance of adopting responsible buying habits. The episode blends humor with critical insights into today's pressing tech and labor challenges.

Vinny Lingham, an early investor in Solana and founder of Civic, dives into the latest upheavals in the crypto world. He discusses the chaotic scenes at NFT NYC and the fallout from Solend's controversial takeover of a major account. Vinny sheds light on the South Korean prosecutors' flight ban on Terraform Labs employees amidst a $40 billion collapse. Despite the turmoil, he reveals how Magic Eden secured $130 million at a staggering $1.6 billion valuation, highlighting resilience in the NFT marketplace.

Michelle Ruiz, CEO and Founder of Hyfé Foods, is on a mission to revolutionize food production with low-carb, high-protein fungi flour sourced from upcycled brewery waste. She shares insights about transforming sugar water waste into a nutritious resource and the importance of mycelium in sustainable agriculture. The conversation also delves into the challenges of scaling such innovative solutions in the face of climate change and the impact of wastewater management on food systems. Get ready for a twist on sustainability and a tasty future!

Jesse Powell, Founder and CEO of Kraken, shares insights on the turbulent state of cryptocurrency and responds candidly to a recent NYT hit piece on him. He emphasizes the need for clear regulations and effective communication in the crypto space. Meanwhile, Alexander Olesen, Co-founder of Babylon Micro-Farms, discusses innovative indoor vertical farming solutions aimed at tackling food insecurity. They explore sustainability, workplace dynamics, and the future of food production, highlighting the adaptability of modern business models in the tech landscape.

Streaming media expert Lon Harris joins to discuss hot topics in entertainment. They dive into the latest twist in 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' and the lighter tones of 'Star Trek.' Harris analyzes Disney's costly loss of cricket streaming rights and Apple's new deal to stream MLS matches. The conversation heats up with Facebook's ambitious plan to mimic TikTok, revealing their struggle to remain relevant while facing competition. It's a thrilling exploration of the changing landscape of media and the strategies that big players are using to engage audiences.

The competition heats up as YouTube Shorts closes in on TikTok's user base, raising questions about data security. Twitch announces a new ad incentive for creators, shaking up compensation strategies. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve implements its steepest interest rate hike in decades, impacting the economy and crypto market. The ongoing crypto contagion is discussed, focusing on warnings for retail investors. Finally, an amusing twist comes with speculations about China possibly discovering signs of alien life.

Coinbase's recent layoffs raise eyebrows as they cut 18% of their workforce amid a crypto market rollercoaster. The EU is gearing up for new crypto regulations, aiming for a safer financial landscape. In a surprising twist, Netflix is in talks with Roku to launch an ad-supported tier. Meanwhile, the Hallow prayer app, backed by Mark Wahlberg, raises funds to blend faith with technology. Lastly, Prey steps into the spotlight, offering laptop security solutions, humorously linked to a recent burglary saga.

A dramatic weekend saw the crypto market plummet by $200 billion, with Binance pausing Bitcoin withdrawals amid chaos. Meanwhile, a Google engineer raises eyebrows by claiming AI has achieved sentience. In lighter news, Amazon teases its upcoming drone delivery service, aiming to revolutionize logistics. Finally, the spotlight shines on Magic Spoon, a high-protein cereal brand making waves in the direct-to-consumer market. Tune in for a mix of serious insights and fun anecdotes from the hosts!

Ryan Shearman, CEO of Aether and climate tech angel investor, discusses revolutionary diamonds made from atmospheric carbon. He shares insights on the ethical benefits of lab-grown diamonds, appealing particularly to younger consumers. The conversation dives into the growing market acceptance of these gems and highlights their potential for driving climate action. Additionally, Shearman reflects on his personal journey into climate tech, spurred by the impacts of hurricanes, emphasizing the importance of creating a meaningful legacy.