This Week in Startups

Chris Urmson, CEO of Aurora and a key figure in autonomous vehicle development, shares his insights on the evolution of self-driving technology. He details the journey from the DARPA Grand Challenge to current advancements and challenges in software and hardware. Urmson discusses Aurora's strategic roadmap for eliminating human drivers and the critical pathways to full autonomy, especially in long-haul trucking. He emphasizes safety, ethical considerations, and the potential impact of self-driving cars on society and vehicle ownership.

Fatima Dicko, founder of Sugar, a CRM platform enhancing landlord-tenant connectivity, shares insights on navigating business challenges during the pandemic. She discusses how apartments will evolve with new amenities focused on resident engagement. Additionally, the conversation touches on the implications of Apple's contentious work-from-home policies and the current landscape of inflated startup valuations, offering valuable investing guidance amidst economic uncertainty.

Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, shares insights into the company's growth and evolution in the gig economy. He discusses the rise of 'slingshot startups' and the impact of Katerra's collapse, emphasizing the need for transparency in financial reporting. Khosrowshahi also highlights the flexibility and safety challenges for gig workers, and how Uber is innovating with delivery services like Uber Eats and Uber Freight. The conversation touches on strategies to attract drivers and adapting to changing market dynamics in ride-sharing.

Kayvon Beykpour, former Head of Product at Twitter, dives into the exciting evolution of Twitter's product strategy. He reveals how structural changes boosted product velocity and discusses the launch of Twitter Blue, highlighting user feedback. The conversation explores the distinct engagement patterns of 'composers' and 'consumers' while emphasizing the importance of personalized experiences for content creators. Beykpour also tackles the balance between community standards and freedom of speech, showcasing Twitter’s commitment to enhancing user interactions.

Join Ben Seidl, CEO of Neighborly, and Lil Roberts, CEO of Xendoo, as they reveal essential strategies for managing startup burn rates. Ben shares insights on how to control financial challenges and maintain agility while Lil provides tips for sustaining financial health during growth. They discuss the importance of proactive financial management, setting clear growth goals, and understanding expenses. Together, they explore the balance of frugality and strategic investments needed to scale a successful startup.

The podcast dives into the Citizen App's disastrous decision to place a $30,000 bounty on an innocent suspect in an arson case, igniting discussions on ethics and vigilante justice. It also investigates a new subscription service offering 'digital bodyguard' features, sparking debates about privatizing safety. Additionally, Coinbase's launch of a fact-checking initiative aims to combat misinformation, reflecting on the crucial role of technology firms in promoting accurate information and public safety amidst a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal, co-hosts of Acquired FM, dive into the latest buzz in the investment world. They analyze Bitcoin's volatile market movements and the curious investment dichotomy between crypto aficionados and traditionalists like Warren Buffett. The duo also discusses Amazon's bold move in acquiring MGM's Bond franchise, sparking a debate on the future of cinematic storytelling. Their insights on navigating investment strategies in a post-pandemic landscape add depth to this engaging conversation.

David Hassel, CEO of 15Five, and Amanda Greenberg, Co-founder of Balloon, dive into the art of building strong workplace cultures. Hassel shares strategies for scaling company culture while keeping it human-centric. Greenberg discusses essential processes for navigating team dynamics in hybrid environments. They emphasize the importance of intentional culture design, effective communication, and empathy in leadership. The conversation wraps with insights on remote work challenges, compensation equity, and creating loyal, engaged teams.

Gabi Lewis, Co-founder of Magic Spoon, shares his journey from cricket protein bars to revolutionizing breakfast with healthy, protein-packed cereal. He discusses the importance of product-market fit and how influencer marketing has played a key role in Magic Spoon's growth. The conversation also touches on the challenges traditional cereal brands face while trying to adapt to health trends, and the nostalgia of classic cereal flavors that resonates with consumers. Lewis's insights highlight the innovative strategies that drive success in the modern cereal market.

A dramatic Bitcoin correction echoes through the markets as China tightens its grip on cryptocurrency, raising questions about its future. The risks of potential zero value are weighed against the possibility of newfound resilience. Rumors swirl around Robinhood's upcoming IPO, with speculation on its market impact. Meanwhile, Squarespace's direct listing showcases its subscription success, signaling a shift in how digital platforms navigate public markets. Tune in for insights on startup resilience and investment trends!