This Week in Startups

Joe Lonsdale, a serial entrepreneur and founder of 8VC, dives into the intriguing world of NFTs, emphasizing the recent $19M Bored Ape Yacht Club bid at Sotheby's. He discusses the challenges posed by Tether's ban in Canada and the need for better regulatory frameworks in the U.S. Lonsdale also shares insights from his own ventures, including Palantir, and highlights the importance of optimism amidst societal challenges. The conversation touches on China's geopolitical maneuvers and innovative solutions to pressing issues like climate change.

Adrian Grenier, famed for his role in *Entourage* and founder of DuContra Ventures, discusses his transition from Hollywood to tech investment. He reveals the significance of saying 'No' and aligning product vision with customer feedback. Grenier shares insights on the importance of authenticity in investments and how his background informs his entrepreneurial strategies. He also delves into sustainable living and the role of celebrity culture in shaping industry trends, providing a unique perspective on blending creativity with business.

In this discussion, Mike Bell, CEO of Miso Robotics, reveals how AI is transforming the restaurant industry through automation, addressing labor shortages with innovative solutions like the Flippy robot. He highlights exciting advancements in robotic fry cooking that could cut costs by 50%. Dan Toomey from Morning Brew shares his insights on utilizing TikTok for brand growth, emphasizing the platform's unique potential for audience engagement and the evolving media landscape. Both guests provide a glimpse into the future of work and content creation.

Andrew Steinthal, co-founder of The Infatuation, dives into the wild world of Bored Ape Yacht Club NFTs, sharing why he bought in and the thrilling rollercoaster of the secondary market. He breaks down the community's allure and the significance of airdrops for collectors. Nicole DeTommaso from Harlem Capital shares her unique strategy for breaking into venture capital using a pitch deck, emphasizing the need for networking to foster inclusivity. Together, they explore the intersection of digital assets and traditional investments, revealing the future of these emerging markets.

Aaron Holm is the Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Blokable, focused on tackling the housing crisis through modular construction. He discusses the innovative Phoenix Rising project, revealing how vertical integration can make affordable housing a reality. Holm shares insights on using green materials and addresses setbacks like budget overruns in LA's homeless housing efforts. Alongside this, there's a gripping overview of Elizabeth Holmes' trial, examining the ethical implications of her fraudulent actions in health technology.

Roneil Rumburg, Co-founder of Audius, a revolutionary decentralized music platform, dives into how blockchain is reshaping the industry. He discusses empowering artists to engage directly with fans through instant transactions and tokenization. The conversation touches on the economic dynamics of decentralized networks and contrasting governance structures, revealing how Audius challenges traditional music distribution models. Rumburg also shares insights on the importance of transparency in investor relations within the crypto space.

Packy McCormick, founder of the insightful Not Boring newsletter, shares his experience from Breather, a competitor to WeWork, and the challenges faced in shaping a flexible workspace. He dives into the controversial fractional ownership model of the housing startup Pacaso and its backlash from local communities. Packy also sheds light on the evolving crypto landscape, providing a captivating explanation of its future. This engaging discussion reveals the intricate dance between innovation, community impact, and ethical financial practices.

OnlyFans has reversed its ban on adult content, showcasing the delicate balance between banking partnerships and industry regulations. Circle is taking steps to stabilize its USDC reserves by cleaning up commercial paper during turbulent financial times. Meanwhile, Warby Parker prepares for a direct public listing, navigating the complexities of compliance and investment as it leverages fresh market dynamics. The podcast also highlights the contrasting futures of stablecoins like USDC and Tether amid increasing regulatory scrutiny.

In this lively discussion, Facebook faces scrutiny as it releases a long-overdue transparency report. Tyga shakes things up by closing his OnlyFans account to launch a rival platform. Meanwhile, the spotlight is on Jack Ma, whose challenges with the Chinese government provide a stark contrast to entrepreneurial freedoms in the West. Tune in for insights into social media dynamics, content moderation, and the broader implications for business leaders in restrictive environments!

OnlyFans is making a huge pivot by banning sexual content, raising questions about its future and impact on creators. Meanwhile, robotics take center stage with Boston Dynamics' robots impressively mastering parkour. Disney is exploring AI character innovations while also facing criticism for their pricey immersive Star Wars hotel experience. To top it off, Tesla unveils a humanoid robot that combines self-driving AI, promising to revolutionize labor markets and address workforce challenges.