This Week in Startups

Lon Harris, a writer and streaming expert, discusses the latest developments in the Obi-Wan Kenobi series while analyzing Disney's strategic maneuvers, including firing a key executive and vying for Indian cricket rights to boost their subscriber base. Capri Wheaton, founder of Dressd, explores the innovative realm of peer-to-peer clothing rentals, highlighting the environmental benefits and community-building aspects of her startup. The conversation weaves together insights on entertainment industry dynamics and the future of fashion.

Deirdre Bosa, a CNBC journalist renowned for her tech insights, discusses Twitter's compliance with Musk's data demands and Apple's ambitious move into the buy now, pay later space as it positions itself as a bank. She highlights the implications of these strategies amidst growing scrutiny on tech giants. Tarek Mansour, co-founder and CEO of Kalshi, dives into the world of prediction markets, exploring how they offer a regulated environment for forecasting economic events and the unique challenges they face in compliance and market integrity.

Flexport welcomes Amazon's Dave Clark as CEO, signaling a major shift in logistics leadership. Bird announces significant layoffs, highlighting struggles in the micro-mobility sector. Twitter teases a bring-your-own algorithm feature, promising user customization. Multiverse introduces innovative apprenticeships as a viable alternative to college. Citadel steps into crypto, while discussions around regulatory changes in trading practices emerge. The hosts also share insights from appearances on prominent media platforms.

BuzzFeed's shocking 41% stock drop raises alarms about its future and employee stability. Uber Eats is targeting GoldBelly, signaling fierce competition in food delivery. The EU mandates USB-C ports for devices by 2024, aiming to standardize charging and cut down on e-waste. The Startup of the Day features a sports media venture co-founded by Tom Brady, highlighting athlete-led initiatives. Lastly, groundbreaking 3D-printed ear transplants showcase the incredible potential of biotech innovations for medical advancements.

Michael Shellenberger, an independent candidate for California Governor, shares his vision for tackling homelessness and addiction while emphasizing the need for systemic change in the state. The discussion also covers Apple's latest tech innovations presented at the WWDC, and the alarming $2.35 billion laundered through Binance highlighting issues in the cryptocurrency landscape. Additionally, Shellenberger critiques political obstacles affecting housing development, advocating for fresh approaches to address California's pressing challenges.

Sam Teicher, co-founder and chief reef officer of Coral Vita, shares insights on innovative coral regeneration strategies in response to climate change. He highlights the urgency of reef restoration efforts and the creation of a restoration economy through coral farming. The discussion also touches on the intricate link between flourishing coral ecosystems, tourism, and economic stability, emphasizing sustainable business models to finance these efforts. Teicher's passion for coral health encourages listeners to engage in climate action and explore collaborative solutions.

Mehak Vohra, Founder and CEO of Skillbank, shares her insights on navigating the job market during tough economic times. She discusses the growing trend of job offer rescinds at companies like Coinbase and Loom, urging proactive self-assessment for job seekers. Vohra emphasizes the significance of structured learning and community support in upskilling for marketing careers. Additionally, she reflects on her journey from college dropout to bootcamp creator, advocating for accessible pathways into tech, especially for women.

Lon Harris, a streaming media expert, joins to discuss the latest on Obi-Wan Kenobi, diving into the nuances of character development, particularly the evolution of young Leia and the chilling portrayal of Darth Vader. The conversation also touches on Disney's response to racism and critiques of the Star Wars sequels, exploring how fan backlash has shaped storytelling. In a broader context, they analyze the impact of high-profile media trials, like Depp v. Heard, on public discourse and entertainment narratives.

Tom Walker, CEO of DroneUp, shares insights on the company's partnership with Walmart to revolutionize drone delivery. He addresses the complex regulatory landscape and the paramount importance of safety in this innovative sector. The discussion also dives into the impact of Deutsche Bank's greenwashing scandal, Fidelity's markdown of investments, and the ongoing debate around remote work productivity as companies reconsider in-office requirements.

David Rosenthal, co-host of Acquired FM, dives into the changing landscape of fundraising as we enter a 'VC Winter.' He discusses the New York Times' critical piece on Glossier's CEO Emily Weiss, exploring the media's portrayal of female entrepreneurs. The conversation also highlights Mike Cannon-Brookes' ambitious efforts to tackle Australia's largest polluter. With insights on navigating today’s market dynamics, this episode offers a blend of industry analysis and commentary on social responsibility in the tech space.