This Week in Startups

Ben Gilbert, Managing Director at Pioneer Square Labs, and David Rosenthal, Co-founder of Kindergarten Ventures, delve into effective portfolio construction and the recent transition at Sequoia Capital. They discuss the downfall of Fast.co and what it means for the venture capital landscape. Lon Harris, a streaming media expert, analyzes the gripping finale of 'The Dropout,' sharing insights into its narrative and the broader implications for future seasons. This rich conversation blends venture capital strategies with engaging media analysis.

Fredrik Haga, CEO and founder of Dune Analytics, dives into the world of on-chain crypto analytics and its importance in promoting transparency. The discussion also covers Uber's expansion into long-distance travel and Twitter's new edit button, revealing the implications for user engagement. Haga emphasizes the significance of real-time data in evaluating the booming NFT market and shares insights on navigating crypto investments. Additionally, they critique CNN+ and suggest strategies for enhancing media engagement.

Antonio Garcia Martinez, author of "Chaos Monkeys," and investor Zach Coelius dive into compelling discussions. They share insights from Antonio’s recent trip to Ukraine and unpack the significant fallout of Apple’s ad tracking updates on Facebook. The duo also reflects on Elon Musk’s role with Twitter and the implications for its future. Additionally, they tackle the complex landscape of crypto regulation and how emerging technologies intersect with these evolving challenges.

Dave Samuel, co-founder of Freestyle VC, shares insights on early-stage investing and the dynamics of venture capital. He discusses the intriguing implications of Elon Musk's 9.2% stake in Twitter, analyzing its potential influence on governance and public discourse. Samuel emphasizes the importance of fund size in dictating investment strategies and gives valuable advice on providing feedback to founders, especially the delicate art of saying no. Tune in for a peek into the evolving landscape of investments and the complexities of capital allocation.

Jason Jacobs, founder of Runkeeper and My Climate Journey, dives into the world of venture capital's deal flow strategies, discussing the nuances of inbound vs. outbound approaches. He emphasizes the importance of community in climate tech, sharing insights from his journey in advocacy and scaling investments. Jacobs advocates for transparent communication with founders, presenting a unique philosophy that turns relationships into opportunities. The conversation highlights the transformative power of climate innovation and the vital role of community in tackling global challenges.

Bradley Tusk, a political strategist and venture capitalist known for his work with Uber, shares insights on tech regulation affecting startups. He discusses Uber’s creative strategies in NYC and the nuances of sports betting laws. Akash Raju, co-founder of Glimpse, brings unique ideas on branded product placement in short-term rentals, highlighting how QR codes enhance guest experiences. The conversation dives into recent layoffs at GoPuff and Fast, analyzing the implications of shifting business models in the tech landscape.

David Rodolitz, the CEO of FlyFish Club, shares insights on NYC's first NFT-based restaurant, discussing how blockchain technology redefines dining experiences and fosters community. Lon Harris, a streaming expert, critiques the narratives in popular shows like WeCrashed and The Dropout, analyzing character motivations and the portrayal of hustle culture. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of media and its impact on startup culture, blending humor with critical observations about ethical dilemmas in business.

In this engaging discussion, Taylor Lorenz, a Washington Post journalist renowned for her insights on social media, reveals how Facebook employed a GOP firm to undermine TikTok. She dives into the misinformation surrounding TikTok trends and their societal impacts, emphasizing the need for media literacy. The conversation shifts to regulatory challenges, including potential SEC crackdowns on SPACs. Finally, Lorenz critiques the startup landscape, highlighting struggles faced by companies like Fast while stressing the importance of sound business principles.

A staggering $625 million hack of Axie Infinity's Ronin Bridge raises security concerns in the crypto world. Allegations of insider trading at Twilio bring additional scrutiny to the industry. Robinhood extends trading hours, enhancing market competition. Meanwhile, the startup Subject is shaking up online education, offering high school courses for credit. Expert insights into these topics reveal the intricate balance of innovation, regulation, and the future of learning.

The podcast dives into the Oscars, highlighting the buzz around 'the slap' and celebrating Apple's landmark Best Picture win. It critically examines FTX's governance issues as no investors hold board seats in the $32B crypto exchange. The hosts discuss Apple's innovative move towards hardware subscriptions and reflect on the complications of celebrity culture in the tech realm. A humorous Hot Tub story adds a lighthearted touch, showcasing personal anecdotes amidst serious discussions.