This Week in Startups

Justin Kan, co-founder of Twitch and a partner at Goat Capital, shares his insights on entrepreneurship and investing. He discusses the evolving landscape of startup culture, where passion-driven motives are being replaced by wealth-centric goals. Kan reflects on the importance of resilience and mentorship while tackling personal struggles like imposter syndrome. The conversation also dives into innovative concepts like DAOs, examining their potential in community funding and the transformative impact of immigration on the economy.

Sam Lessin, a general partner at Slow Ventures and former Facebook VP, shares his groundbreaking strategy of investing in individual creators, including a recent $1.7M bet on a YouTube star. He discusses how this approach fosters personal branding and builds mutually beneficial partnerships. Later, Chris Niblett, founder of Bizzly, pitches his innovative subscription service for small businesses, which aims to create a 'Patreon-like' platform. The discussion culminates in a live investment offer that highlights the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship.

Bradley Tusk, a former political advisor turned startup investor, shares his insights from navigating the tumultuous landscape of tech politics. He discusses his strategies that helped Uber succeed amidst city opposition and reveals what truly motivates politicians. Tusk also introduces an innovative concept of mobile voting utilizing blockchain technology, aiming to boost voter engagement. He offers candid advice for Mark Zuckerberg, emphasizing the need for tech leaders to actively engage in political advocacy to shape favorable regulations for their industries.

Scott Orn, COO of Kruze Consulting, shares his expertise in finance and compliance for startups navigating remote work. Remote hiring opens a global talent pool, but also raises compliance challenges. Scott discusses the role of Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) and offers insights on managing salary disparities. He highlights the importance of security measures for remote setups and the critical need for effective tax compliance, especially regarding sales tax and startup obligations. His tips are invaluable for startups looking to thrive in a remote landscape.

David Bennahum, CEO of Ready Games, discusses his new NFT marketplace for virtual fashion, highlighting the shift from walled gardens to open-source gaming. He explores how mobile innovation is reshaping gaming experiences and the monetization potential of NFTs. Meanwhile, 22-year-old Emily Herrera, founder of The Wire S, shares her journey of launching a Gen Z-focused angel syndicate while still in college, emphasizing the importance of community and ethical investing in venture capital.

In this episode, Aaron Wright, co-founder of OpenLaw and a law professor at Cardozo Law School, dives deep into Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs). He discusses how DAOs can revolutionize decision-making and investment strategies, offering greater inclusivity and efficiency compared to traditional structures. Aaron also highlights the legal frameworks necessary for DAOs to thrive. Meanwhile, Rivian's staggering $100 billion IPO valuation raises eyebrows as experts question its sustainability amid fierce competition in the electric vehicle market.

Delve into Coinbase's Q3 earnings, revealing a revenue drop yet a positive year-over-year outlook. Explore branding and market insights through a 10-point checklist for startups. Uncover the crucial impact of name and domain ownership on success. Learn how platforms like Spotify and Airbnb have reshaped consumer habits. Gain strategies to tackle the post-pandemic labor shortage and the significance of compliance for securing clients. Get inspired by effective mission statements from successful brands.

Ryan Engle, CEO of Golf+ and creator of the VR game Pro Putt, dives into the fascinating world of virtual reality. He discusses the unique challenges of translating sports like golf into VR, focusing on immersive experiences for all players. Engle also touches on the rapid advancements in VR technology, particularly with Oculus, and the competitive landscape of VR development. Additionally, he shares insights into the evolving future of gaming and the significant role that hardware innovations from companies like Meta will play.

Scott Orn, COO of Kruze Consulting, shares invaluable insights on financial diligence for startups. He discusses the importance of solid financial management to avoid pitfalls during fundraising. The conversation highlights the transformative impact of the pandemic on compliance responsibilities, emphasizing the risks of fraud. Orn also delves into critical metrics like Lifetime Value and Customer Acquisition Cost, stressing transparency and accurate reporting. Additionally, he addresses ethical issues surrounding self-dealing and the need for strong oversight in handling company finances.

Rachel Braun, a Producer at This Week in Startups, dives into Gen Z tech and business culture, while Ziad Ahmed, CEO of JUV Consulting, specializes in connecting brands with young audiences. They discuss how Uber's earnings reveal shifting consumer behavior and the impact of Gen Z entering the workforce. The chat explores Gen Z’s unique work ethics, the importance of emotional labor, and the need for genuine engagement by brands. They also touch on generational differences in communication styles, illustrating the evolving dynamics in modern workplaces.