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This Week in Startups

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Jun 29, 2021 • 1h 4min

Sam Altman’s “Worldcoin,” Facebook hits $1T + Alchemy’s Nikil Viswanathan on “AWS for Blockchain” | E1238

Nikhil Viswanathan, Co-founder and CEO of Alchemy, shares insights on transforming blockchain infrastructure, comparing it to AWS. He discusses the rise of Worldcoin, its biometric identity verification, and ethical implications. The conversation dives into the scalability challenges facing blockchain systems and their competition with traditional databases. Additionally, Nikhil highlights the transformational potential of decentralized finance (DeFi) and the urgent need for regulatory clarity in the evolving crypto landscape.
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Jun 25, 2021 • 48min

News! Peter Thiel’s $5B Roth IRA, Black creators strike on TikTok, BuzzFeed SPAC, Microsoft goes anti-Apple PLUS Ask Jason | E1237

Dive into the financial buzz surrounding Peter Thiel’s staggering Roth IRA, which raises eyebrows about wealth division. Discover the plight of Black creators on TikTok as they rally for recognition and fair pay. BuzzFeed's SPAC journey reveals insights into media valuations, while Microsoft takes a bold stance against Apple, challenging app store norms by lowering fees for developers. The dynamic landscape of tech investment is also explored, highlighting innovation strategies and potential unicorn traits in startups.
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Jun 24, 2021 • 1h 23min

The power of the SOD/EOD plus Bill Maris on early Google stories, origins of GV, bioterrorism & more | E1236

Bill Maris, founder of Section 32 and former head of Google Ventures, shares his insights on the early days at Google and the launch of GV. He discusses the challenges Google faced in the social media space and highlights the risks of bioterrorism, emphasizing the need for better preparedness. Maris also reflects on the importance of the Start of Day/End of Day (SOD/EOD) approach for remote work, promoting accountability and productivity through structured communication. His anecdotes offer a fascinating look into the venture capital world and tech innovation.
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Jun 22, 2021 • 1h 11min

China moves crypto mining to US + Overtime’s Dan Porter on GenZ basketball league & network | E1235

Dan Porter, CEO of Overtime, is on a mission to revolutionize youth sports. He discusses Overtime Elite, a groundbreaking basketball league allowing 16-18-year-olds to earn up to $500K, redefining pathways to professional sports. Porter highlights the league's focus on competition, support, and education for aspiring athletes. He also dives into the influence of digital media and how platforms like YouTube and Twitch expand the reach of sports to Gen Z. Meanwhile, he touches on the recent migration of cryptocurrency mining from China to the U.S. and its implications for digital currencies.
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Jun 18, 2021 • 54min

What startups need to succeed | Scaling Your Startup S2 E10 with Intercom’s Des Traynor | E1234

Des Traynor, CEO of Intercom, reveals the secrets behind startup success with insights from his experience scaling a company to $150 million in revenue. He emphasizes the importance of speed and efficiency in growth while balancing culture and productivity. Traynor discusses key metrics for measuring user engagement and product success, and navigates the evolving dynamics of remote work. He highlights the necessity of having a clear mission and understanding customer acquisition costs, providing actionable strategies for startups to thrive.
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Jun 16, 2021 • 1h 5min

GameStop poaches Amazon execs, Streaming stalls + Genies CEO Akash Nigam on Avatars & NFTs | E1233

Akash Nigam, Founder and CEO of Genies, discusses the transformative power of digital avatars and NFTs in the virtual marketplace. He argues that everyone will soon have an avatar, reshaping online interaction. The conversation touches on the evolution of celebrity culture in the digital age, showcasing how figures like Cardi B engage with Gen Z through avatars. Nigam also highlights the innovative collaborations driving sales in digital goods, emphasizing the importance of relatability and enjoyment in appealing to younger audiences.
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Jun 15, 2021 • 1h 27min

Tether: Crypto’s Black Swan? Plus Alternative Asset Roundtable featuring the founders of Masterworks, Fundrise & Rally Rd | E1232

In this discussion, Chris Bruno (Rally Rd), Scott Lynn (Masterworks), and Ben Miller (Fundrise) dive into the fascinating world of alternative assets. They tackle the controversies surrounding Tether, exploring its implications and risks, drawing alarming parallels to financial fraud. The trio discusses the booming markets for art, collectibles, and real estate, emphasizing the importance of diversification in investing. They also highlight how platforms are revolutionizing access to these assets amidst changing investor behaviors.
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Jun 11, 2021 • 1h 12min

Zymergen CEO Josh Hoffman on Biofacturing PLUS Founder U Startup Math | E1231

Josh Hoffman, CEO and co-founder of Zymergen, discusses the exciting world of biofacturing, highlighting how DNA sequencing and machine learning are transforming materials science. He delves into sustainable alternatives to traditional manufacturing processes, revealing the potential of microbial fermentation for creating eco-friendly materials. Hoffman also touches on the human capital necessary for this industry and the revolutionary impacts expected in agriculture and technology, hinting at a new industrial revolution driven by innovative solutions.
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Jun 11, 2021 • 48min

News! The cult of Bitcoin maximalists, Bezos is going to space, & Facebook’s smartwatch | E1230

Dive into the intriguing world of Bitcoin toxicity where maximalists are likened to a cult. Explore the high-stakes risks of Jeff Bezos venturing into space and the ethical dilemmas it poses. The discussion shifts to Facebook's potential entry into the smartwatch market, spurred by competitive pressures from Apple’s privacy policies. From crypto obsession to corporate innovations, this conversation uncovers the complexities, risks, and innovations shaping the tech landscape.
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22 snips
Jun 9, 2021 • 52min

Customer Success | Scaling Your Startup S2E9 with Statusphere’s Kristen Wiley & Techmate’s Nicole Beals | E1229

Kristen Wiley, Founder and CEO of Statusphere, shares her expertise in scaling customer success, highlighting the importance of word-of-mouth strategies for B2B and B2C brands. Nicole Beals, Co-founder of Techmate, discusses her team's impressive leap in customer retention from 70% to 98% and insights into customer churn. They delve into aligning sales and customer success teams, asking the right questions to improve satisfaction, and the need for effective communication to drive growth. Engaging Q&A covers compensation and productizing customer experiences.

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