This Week in Startups

Join Jason Lemkin, founder of SaaStr and a SaaS investment expert, as he shares invaluable insights on surviving and thriving in a downturn. He offers essential advice for new VCs, focusing on how to assess quality revenue and avoid common pitfalls. The conversation dives into the future of SaaS investments and the importance of playing offense, even in tough times. Jason also touches on the dynamics of valuations and the significance of profitability, shedding light on opportunities and challenges in the evolving SaaS landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Anukampa Freedom Gupta-Fonner, the visionary founder and CEO of SpringEats.com, shares her journey in creating a zero-waste grocery delivery service. She emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable grocery practices, advocating for reusable packaging and local sourcing to combat plastic waste. The conversation also highlights the rise of women in venture capital and the evolving landscape of funding, showcasing how diverse fund managers are gaining traction. Gupta-Fonner's insights reveal both the challenges and innovative solutions in revolutionizing grocery shopping.

Nicole Ruiz, an investor at Compound VC, shares her untraditional journey into venture capital, highlighting the importance of research-driven investment. She discusses the recent trends in healthcare technology and the strategic investment in Pear Bio, a company tackling cancer progression. The conversation dives into the emotional resilience required after financial setbacks and the evolving landscape of venture capital, particularly how younger investors are reshaping the field with diverse backgrounds.

Deirdre Bosa, CNBC's tech correspondent known for her sharp insights, discusses a myriad of topics, including her revealing interview with Sundar Pichai. She delves into the chaos of crashing public markets and the unsettling state of cryptocurrency, asking if we are witnessing a 'go-to-zero' moment. Bosa also explores the delicate dance of journalism in tech, particularly the double standards for women. Additionally, she tackles the censorship challenges in major platforms like YouTube, spotlighting the evolving landscape of journalism in the digital age.

Ashley Carman, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in technology and podcasting, joins the conversation to delve into Facebook's surprising exit from the podcasting space. They explore Airbnb's innovative category search feature aimed at enhancing user experience and the introduction of its new aircover insurance for travelers. Additionally, the discussion touches on the alarming disclosure from Coinbase about custodial asset safety amid market turbulence. Expect insights on current trends and the evolving landscape of both travel and cryptocurrency!

In this engaging discussion, Bennett Tomlin, a cryptocurrency reporter known for his skeptical outlook on crypto projects, dives deep into the fall of the Terra USD stablecoin and the risks associated with algorithmic stablecoins. He questions whether these coins are doomed to fail and breaks down the Terra-Luna ecosystem. The conversation also shifts to tech stocks like Coinbase and Shopify, reflecting on their dramatic declines, while briefly touching on Elon Musk's thoughts about Twitter bans and Peloton's financial woes.

Uber's CEO rallies the team for a cash-focused strategy to attract investors. The departure of Apple's machine learning director sparks discussions about remote work policies. Predictions emerge about potential tech layoffs, reflecting industry pressures. The White House's initiatives to negotiate lower high-speed internet costs for low-income families intensify the conversation around digital accessibility. Alongside these heavy topics, light-hearted banter about weekend escapades and the latest in pop culture keeps the tone engaging.

Nan Ransohoff, Head of Climate at Stripe, leads the Frontier carbon removal marketplace, aiming to tackle climate change through innovation. She discusses Stripe's ambitious $900M plan to fund effective carbon sequestration initiatives and the urgent need for scaling these technologies. The conversation also dives into the complexities of side investing in venture capital, examining its implications and the significance of transparency among partners. Ransohoff emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts to create a sustainable marketplace for carbon removal solutions.

In this engaging conversation, Patrick McDonnell, Co-founder of Flapjack, shares his journey from working in a hacker house in Miami to optimizing restaurant menus for increased profitability. He reveals insights into innovative data-driven approaches that are transforming the dining industry. The hosts also dive into Twitter's new Birdwatch feature, discussing its potential to combat misinformation and its community-driven moderation model, while addressing challenges like bias and privacy concerns—making it a must-listen for tech enthusiasts!

Lon Harris, a streaming media expert from Inside Streaming, shares his thoughts on Netflix's evolving strategies and the influx of ads in streaming platforms. He highlights excitement for upcoming shows like the Obi-Wan series and discusses the impact of leadership changes on Netflix's content quality. The conversation dives into the rivalry between Stripe and Plaid, calling out the competitive nature in fintech. Lastly, they touch on Cameo's recent layoffs and Elon Musk's surprising Twitter moves, blending humor with insightful commentary.