This Week in Startups

Shayle Kann, a partner at Energy Impact Partners and host of the podcast Catalyst, dives into the critical theme of deep decarbonization. He discusses the importance of innovative climate solutions and the evolving carbon management industry. With a background in psychology, Shayle shares insights on the challenges climate startups face. The conversation also explores the intersection of venture capital and climate tech, revealing investment opportunities and strategies essential for addressing climate change.

Landon Campbell, a Gen Z podcaster and angel investor at Inside.com, dives into the world of tech and investing. He shares insights on landing big guests like Steve Wozniak for his podcast, and discusses the evolving trends in remote work, notably Airbnb's commitment to digital nomadism. The conversation also touches on the new tech landscape in China and the launch of Snap's innovative Pixy drone. Landon emphasizes the importance of flexibility in work environments while maintaining accountability, along with tips for aspiring podcasters.

Lon Harris, an entrepreneur and investor, joins to discuss the dramatic finales of 'WeCrashed' and 'Severance'. He shares insights on storytelling and the social commentary within these series. Later, Corin Faife from The Verge dives into the surprising shifts in Twitter follower counts post-Elon Musk's takeover, revealing a growing ideological divide. The conversation highlights the impact of these trends on political discourse and media influence, all while maintaining an engaging and humorous tone.

The recent arrest of Archegos Capital's founder reveals shocking financial misconduct involving hidden leverage, shaking the banking world. Meanwhile, Bolt faces a lawsuit from its largest customer for failing to deliver on promised technology. Tech giants Google and Microsoft report contrasting earnings, spotlighting the competitive social media landscape. Apple takes a bold step in consumer rights by offering repair parts, and excitement builds around GM’s announcement of an electric Corvette, merging performance with sustainability.

Jack Dorsey shares insights on Twitter's sale to Elon Musk and employees' mixed feelings. A controversial NFT project features TikTok doctors selling medical advice, raising ethical questions. Hopin's founder cashes out $195M amidst company struggles and layoffs, highlighting the challenges of leadership in startups. The discussion touches on the balance between innovation and governance in social media, as well as the evolving landscape of digital health services.

Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter takes center stage, revealing the implications of billionaire ownership on media and content moderation. A deep dive into the EU's new Digital Services Act emphasizes the need for algorithm transparency in social media. In a twist of innovation, Pipedream Labs introduces a futuristic hyperloop-style delivery system, promising to transform logistics. The conversation also touches on investment opportunities and lively debates around Twitter's evolving dynamics under Musk's leadership.

In this engaging discussion, Alex Wright-Gladstein, the CEO of Sphere, delves into the innovative realm of climate-friendly retirement plans. He highlights the significant challenges in integrating sustainable options within 401k plans and the importance of divesting from fossil fuels. The conversation also uncovers how creating green mutual funds can align retirement investing with ethical practices. Alongside, there's invaluable advice on crafting effective deal memos to navigate the investment landscape, making it a rich episode for both investors and eco-conscious listeners.

Dwarkesh Patel, a recent computer science graduate and the host of The Lunar Society podcast, brings fresh insights on innovation and entrepreneurship. He discusses his unique journey into podcasting and the challenges of branding in media. The conversation dives into Elon Musk's ambitious Twitter bid, the significant financial gambles from Bill Ackman, and how The Boring Company's innovative tunneling projects are reshaping urban infrastructure. Patel also reflects on the impact of young podcasters in today’s media landscape.

Lon Harris, a streaming industry analyst at Inside.com, joins the discussion to share insights on the current streaming landscape. He dives into the latest from the shows 'WeCrashed' and 'Severance,' highlighting their narrative impact and themes. Lon addresses Netflix's significant drop in subscribers and its shift towards an ad-based model while discussing the abrupt shutdown of CNN+. The conversation sheds light on the evolving viewing habits and challenges faced by streaming platforms in an increasingly competitive market.

Netflix faces its first-ever subscriber loss, raising questions about its content strategy and market competition. Jared Kushner's leaked $3 billion pitch deck offers a humorous glimpse into venture capital antics. Meanwhile, CNN+ is reportedly on the brink of shutdown just weeks after launching, while Just Eat Takeaway considers selling Grubhub only months after a hefty acquisition. These stories highlight the rapidly changing landscape of media and food delivery, showcasing the challenges and absurdities of today’s business world.