This Week in Startups

Jason Calacanis
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23 snips
Feb 20, 2025 • 1h 7min

EV Truck Startup Nikola Runs Out of Juice | E2087

The podcast dives into Nikola's downfall as it files for Chapter 11, showcasing the challenges in the EV sector. The hosts discuss the lessons founders can learn from such failures. They also explore Superhuman's new AI email features, aiming to enhance productivity. A spotlight is cast on the Thinking Machines Lab by ex-OpenAI talent, revealing internal conflicts and the importance of retaining top developers. Plus, there’s a quirky take on innovative poker rules and the storytelling magic that can sway investors.
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40 snips
Feb 19, 2025 • 1h 10min

Is $LIBRA the End of Memecoins? with Coffeezilla | E2086

This week, investigative journalist Coffeezilla joins the conversation. Known for his keen insights into crypto scams, he discusses the chaos of a recent $100 million meme coin meltdown and how the Libra coin saga fits into this larger narrative. Coffeezilla reveals insider trading elements and the ethical dilemmas faced by influencers. They also debate the possibility of redeeming the broken crypto system, questioning whether the allure of meme coins is worth the risks. Tune in for a deep dive into the murky waters of cryptocurrency!
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77 snips
Feb 15, 2025 • 1h 20min

IPO Shakeups, NVIDIA’s Big Bets & Must-Know Founder Hacks | E2085

Delve into the latest IPO shakeups with insights on Turo's exit and SailPoint's rise. Discover Robinhood's impressive stock surge and the broader fintech landscape. Explore NVIDIA’s bold investment in self-driving tech, all while navigating the changing dynamics of consumer behavior and gig economy trends. Learn essential founder hacks and a golden rule for thriving startups. Plus, get a glimpse into innovative food delivery solutions and the rise of open-source AI as startups chase new funding.
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63 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 1h 5min

Slow Ventures' Creators Fund and Helion Energy's Fusion Reactors | 2084

In this discussion, Sam Lessin, Partner at Slow Ventures and expert in creator-driven investments, and David Kirtley, Co-founder of Helion Energy, share insights on pioneering trends in their respective fields. They delve into Slow Ventures' $60M Creator Fund, exploring the community-first approach to business and the challenges faced by creators. David unpacks Helion's innovative fusion energy technology, its potential to reshape the energy landscape, and the market dynamics backing this revolutionary shift. It's a fascinating intersection of creativity and cutting-edge energy solutions!
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11 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 1h 5min

Tech's Super Bowl, Huge Earnings Week, Lon Returns and more! | E2083

The discussion kicks off with a look at how tech giants dominated Super Bowl ads, from Squarespace to Uber Eats. Highlights include an analysis of memorable commercials, including Kendrick Lamar's halftime performance. The impact of ChatGPT's ad on Google Trends is explored, alongside Matthew McConaughey's partnership with Salesforce. France's ambitious AI initiatives and OpenAI's move into chip development add an interesting twist. Plus, excitement builds around the upcoming Founder Fridays competition to foster innovation in the startup community.
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63 snips
Feb 8, 2025 • 1h 3min

Gas Stations in Space and Carried Interest on the Chopping Block | E2082

Daniel Faber, CEO of OrbitFab, dives into the fascinating future of the space economy. He discusses the revolutionary concept of 'gas stations for satellites' and the logistics of in-space refueling, emphasizing efficiency and cost reduction. Faber also addresses the standardization needed for fueling interfaces and the economic impact of these innovations. He highlights the importance of satellite maintenance and the potential of zero-gravity manufacturing, all while navigating the challenges of raising capital in the booming space sector.
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66 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 58min

Is Palantir's Surge Just Hype | E2081

Delve into the surge of Palantir and whether it's genuine growth or just hype. The conversation covers the intriguing de minimis loophole affecting companies like Temu and Shein. Uber's latest earnings reveal a promising trajectory, but is self-driving technology truly the future? Explore the competitive landscape of ride-sharing, the evolution of self-driving tech, and the delicate balance between free trade and customer experience. This episode is a rollercoaster of insights into tech, market dynamics, and the startup world!
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88 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 1h 7min

Lovable's Anton Osika on Revolutionizing Software Development and OpenAI Drops Deep Research | E2080

Anton Osika, Co-founder of Lovable.dev, discusses how his platform uses AI to revolutionize software development, allowing users to create apps through simple English prompts. He shares insights on Lovable's explosive growth to $10M ARR in weeks and the challenges of integrating AI into app development. The conversation also touches on OpenAI's new product, Deep Research, and its implications in the AI arms race. Other topics include the impact of global trade tensions and the future of software engineering in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
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46 snips
Feb 1, 2025 • 1h 13min

Is OpenAI Really Worth $300B? ElevenLabs’ Series C & YC’s Funding Focus | E2079

Explore how AI-powered innovations, like smart chicken coops and voice cloning technology, are transforming everyday life. The hosts delve into OpenAI's staggering valuation and the rapid advancements in AI hardware that are driving market changes. They discuss the ethical implications of automation on jobs and the intriguing focus Y Combinator has on AI startups. The conversation also touches on antitrust concerns in the tech industry and the potential democratization of high-end personal services through AI.
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35 snips
Jan 29, 2025 • 1h 3min

Boom Supersonic's Milestones, OpenAI Ethics, and Startup Tools | E2078

Dive into the world of niche communities and the journey of small startups. Discover Boom Supersonic's groundbreaking flight achievements and Starlink's role in revolutionizing aviation connectivity. Explore ethical dilemmas in AI, particularly at OpenAI, and the changing landscape of tech leadership. The financial implications of CapEx on major firms like Meta are analyzed, alongside insights into modern tools that empower entrepreneurs. This lively discussion is a must for anyone interested in innovation and the startup ecosystem.

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