This Week in Startups

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.

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!