This Week in Startups

Matt Mahar, CEO of Cana, is on a mission to revolutionize how we drink with their groundbreaking molecular beverage printer. Discover how this device allows for personalized drinks, from sugar levels to flavors, while tackling environmental issues like packaging waste. Mahar shares insights into Cana's pricing strategy and innovative product cartridges. Their vision extends beyond just beverages, aiming to create a platform that could redefine the entire bottling industry, making it more sustainable and consumer-friendly.

Joe Speiser, an investor at Hampton VC and former founder of Little Things, shares his insights on the pitfalls of overreliance on social media platforms like Facebook, which ultimately harmed his media company due to an algorithm change. The discussion also explores Apple's ethical decision to pause sales in Russia and Ford's strategic split of its electric vehicle unit from traditional operations. They wrap up with fascinating advancements in humanoid robotics, highlighting both innovative potential and ethical dilemmas.

In this discussion, Joel Greenblatt, managing partner at Gotham Asset Management and author celebrated for his value investing strategies, dives into the current stock market landscape and the increasing participation of young investors. He shares insights on finding value in today’s volatile market and tackles the complexities of taxes and loopholes. The conversation also highlights major tech companies’ responses to the Ukraine conflict and introduces Backbone, an innovative startup revolutionizing mobile gaming.

Molly White, creator of "Web3 is Going Great," dives deep into the murky waters of the Web3 space. She discusses the role of cryptocurrency in supporting Ukraine amidst conflict, shedding light on both the benefits and challenges. The conversation covers the alarming rise of scams in the crypto world, the misleading hype surrounding Web3, and the toxic dynamics within the community. Molly also critiques Bitcoin's environmental impact and raises questions about the accountability of celebrities in the NFT space.

In this engaging discussion, Seth Bannon, Founding Partner of Fifty Years and expert in deep tech and climate solutions, shares insights about the shifting landscape of venture capital. He explores what it means for investors to wait for a 'lead' and why this dynamic can hinder founder progress. Seth elaborates on how his firm measures the impact of investments and the potential benefits of increased longevity for climate initiatives. He also highlights the intersection of innovation and sustainability, advocating for a more purposeful approach in the VC world.

David Heinemeier Hansson, co-founder of Basecamp, shares insights on the company's tumultuous transition and reflects on the pitfalls of social media discourse. He discusses his evolving views on Bitcoin in light of growing government authority. Tony Tran, CEO of Lumanu, offers a fresh perspective on supporting creators in a changing digital landscape, emphasizing financial empowerment and authentic content. Together, they explore the nuances of workplace culture, the battle against online negativity, and the potential for healthier conversations in today’s society.

Delve into the critical world of cybersecurity, exploring major hacks like Colonial Pipeline and how geopolitical tensions heighten risks. Discover innovative ideas, like hiring skilled 'bounty hackers' to defend against attacks on vital infrastructure. Jason shares his journey in launching the LAUNCH Fund, detailing challenges and successes while reshaping venture capital to match media expertise. Learn about the evolution of angel investing and the strategies that can empower startups in today's complex landscape.

Joshe Ordonez, founder and CEO of AirPals, a B2B marketplace for courier services, joins the conversation. They delve into Kanye West's innovative STEM Player, discussing its potential to revolutionize music distribution and reduce reliance on streaming platforms. The risks of platform dependency are highlighted, particularly through a startup's failure after a Facebook algorithm change. Plus, they explore Pipe's intriguing move into the media space, expanding access to non-dilutive capital in the entertainment industry. AirPals’ unique logistics approach also brings fresh perspectives to marketplace dynamics.

Coinbase's CEO finds himself in hot water for allegedly not crediting the original idea behind a viral Super Bowl ad. Meanwhile, Peloton's new leader envisions transforming the company into an open platform for fitness creators, shaking up the competitive landscape. The hosts also analyze the current state of tech stocks, highlighting several high-growth companies that have experienced significant downturns, yet forecast potential comebacks for some. Amidst market volatility, discussions spark excitement about innovative solutions and sustainability in the startup ecosystem.

Fahd Ananta, General Partner at Roach Capital, shares his journey from SaaS founder to venture capitalist and discusses his investment strategy focused on resilient 'roach founders.' He highlights the challenges Canadian entrepreneurs face in securing capital and the importance of networking in his career. In a separate chat, John Herrick, Founder and CTO of Dive Chat, introduces his messaging app tailored for Gen Z, emphasizing innovative community engagement and the app's potential to enhance event planning for young users.