This Week in Startups

Frank Slootman, CEO of Snowflake and a veteran in scaling tech companies, shares his secrets to achieving remarkable success. He emphasizes the importance of hiring 'drivers' who embrace accountability and possess a proactive mindset. Slootman discusses how risk-taking is essential for avoiding stagnation in business, and he advocates for intellectual honesty when diagnosing issues. The conversation also highlights the significance of maintaining a strong culture and high standards in leadership, ultimately driving exceptional organizational performance.

Alex Masmej, a French entrepreneur known for tokenizing himself and launching the Web3 social network Showtime, joins the conversation. He shares his eye-opening experience of raising $20K by selling his personal token, $ALEX. The discussion delves into the fascinating world of self-tokenization and how it can redefine personal branding in the digital age. Masmej also reflects on the evolving landscape of NFTs and the importance of financial transparency in this new realm, showcasing innovative strategies for leveraging community engagement.

Zach Coelius, an angel investor famed for his straightforward advice, joins to tackle the nation’s surprising drop of one million college students. They explore shifting attitudes towards education, especially the rise of two-year degrees and gig economy jobs. In the 'Ask an Angel' segment, Zach answers burning questions about being an investor, the significance of MVPs, and common pitfalls in startup pitches. They discuss how bad reputations can impact investments and weigh the pros and cons of top-line versus bottom-line strategies.

Join Mac Conwell, founder of RareBreed VC, as he dives into the competitive streaming wars where platforms are set to spend a staggering $140B on content in 2022. He shares his insights on investment strategies and the evolving venture capital landscape. Mac also discusses Elizabeth Warren's critique of big grocery chains, highlighting the complexities of monopolistic practices and their implications. Tune in for his thoughts on founder-investor dynamics and the challenges of transparency in investor communications!

Dave Selinger, Founder and CEO of Deep Sentinel, is revolutionizing security with AI-powered cameras and human monitors. He shares insights on the impressive capabilities of his company's technology, which offers 24/7 real-time monitoring to prevent crime. The conversation also dives into Y Combinator's new $500K funding deal for startups, its impact on early-stage investments, and a close look at Turo's S-1 amid its growth trajectory. Selinger emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs in the B2B security landscape.

The podcast dives into the recent tech stock pullback and its implications for investors. It discusses the SEC's potential new regulations for late-stage private companies and the ongoing push for a more democratized investment landscape. Exciting leaks about Apple's mixed reality headset are revealed, showcasing their unique design approach compared to competitors. Finally, a fun over/under segment speculates on Tim Cook's retirement and the future of VR technology, adding a twist to the tech talk.

Danny Kennedy, CEO of New Energy Nexus and a seasoned leader in clean energy investments, joins the conversation to shed light on the evolving climate tech landscape. He discusses what he seeks in clean energy investments, emphasizing the critical role of traction over mere valuation. Kennedy also addresses the barriers that hold investors back from committing to climate startups and compares the intricacies of investing in hardware versus software. His insights highlight the pressing need for innovation in the renewable energy sector.

Ben Awad, a software engineer and popular online creator, joins the discussion to explore the impact of Kazakhstan's internet shutdown on Bitcoin mining, disrupting 15% of the network. The conversation shifts to the amusing world of AI-created actors and deepfakes, emphasizing the ethical dilemmas they present. Ben shares insights on Gen Z's unique career paths in tech and content creation, including his innovative approaches to coding education. The podcast also features a humorous take on memes, blending current events with tech culture.

Jeff Zirlin, Co-founder of Axie Infinity, shares insights on the transformative world of NFT gaming. He discusses the innovative "play to earn" model and how players can balance in-game economies while creating guilds and renting digital assets. The conversation dives into the complexities of social media moderation, especially regarding free speech and safety. Additionally, the recent acquisition of The Athletic by NYT sparks a discussion about media mergers and their implications in the current landscape.

Automakers Toyota and Volkswagen are making waves by pledging $170 billion to challenge Tesla's EV supremacy. OpenSea just scored a staggering $300 million in funding, pushing its valuation to $13.3 billion. Meanwhile, China's tech sector faces severe challenges due to government crackdowns, leading to job losses and company closures. On the media front, former NYT editor Ben Smith collaborates with Bloomberg's ex-CEO to launch an innovative new media venture. Tune in for insights on these exciting developments!