This Week in Startups

Nick Kokonas, founder of Tock and co-owner of the three-Michelin-star restaurant Alinea, discusses revolutionary approaches to the restaurant industry. He shares insights on improving operating leverage and the importance of digital experiences in hospitality. Kokonas argues for the replacement of tipping, delves into labor supply issues, and addresses inflation's impact on restaurants. Through his innovative reservation system, he highlights the need for sustainable business models that enhance customer commitment and tackle operational inefficiencies.

Glenn Kelman, CEO of Redfin and an innovative force in real estate, dives into the current U.S. housing landscape. He discusses the impact of remote work on homebuying trends and the generational shifts in work-life balance. The conversation touches on 'nimbyism' in progressive San Francisco and the urgent need for more housing supply. Kelman also shares insights on how Redfin is redefining real estate operations and the technological shifts driving market changes, all while addressing the challenges faced by today’s homebuyers.

Zach Coelius, an experienced angel investor, joins Jason Calacanis to dissect the critical decision between bootstrapping and venture capital. They explore the nuances of 'pegasus' companies, which attract substantial VC backing, and discuss when bootstrapping is the preferable route. They'll also shed light on the motivations behind venture investors and the necessary strategies for building a solid minimum viable product. Finally, Zach tackles listener questions, sharing insights into the realities of entrepreneurship and honest investor-founder relationships.

Fitbod CEO Allen Chen, known for leading a fitness app that personalizes workout plans, shares his insights on the journey of scaling from a free model to 225K paying customers. He discusses the importance of user-centric design and the role of machine learning in enhancing user engagement. Allen also dives into balancing organic growth with paid marketing, building trust through effective onboarding, and innovative fundraising strategies that foster employee retention. His vision for reaching one million customers is both ambitious and inspiring.

Ben Gilbert is the co-founder of Pioneer Square Labs and co-host of Acquired.fm, while David Rosenthal is an independent angel investor and founder of Kindergarten Ventures. They dive into the formation of Kindergarten Ventures, discussing targeted investments and the challenges of relationship-building in the VC space. Strategies for managing follow-on investments and ownership structures are highlighted. They also share insights on how podcasts serve as vital networking tools in tech, teasing an upcoming conversation on the 'Mount Rushmore of Venture Capital.'

Alex Wilhelm, a Senior Editor at TechCrunch, joins to dissect the latest happenings in the tech world. They explore the surprising IPOs of Robinhood and Duolingo, emphasizing how pandemic shifts fueled consumer subscriptions. The conversation moves on to Google’s growth, Amazon's developments, and the complex landscape of venture capital amid market uncertainties. They also dive into China's regulatory challenges and Apple's impressive quarterly results, showcasing the intersection of technology and geopolitics.

A major scandal unfolds as Nikola's founder faces indictment for investor fraud. The discussion shifts to Robinhood's public offering amid scrutiny. Brandon Brown, CEO of GRIN, weighs in on the influencer economy, revealing trends towards relationship-driven marketing. Insights on managing creator partnerships spotlight the importance of authenticity in advertising. The conversation also touches on financial literacy for youth, the challenges of remote work, and the necessity of adapting marketing strategies in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Devin Finzer, Co-founder and CEO of OpenSea, discusses the explosive growth of NFTs and their transformative impact on digital ownership. He shares insights on how the pandemic fueled interest in digital art and virtual economies. The conversation highlights the rise of innovative job roles linked to NFTs and the evolution of market structures. Additionally, they explore the competitive dynamics between platforms like YouTube and Netflix, particularly around content strategies and advertising effectiveness.

China continues to tighten its grip on big tech, causing upheaval in the financial landscape. Tesla celebrates a stunning Q2 with over $1 billion in profit, showcasing its business resilience. In the crypto world, Tether holders shift $300 million to USDC amid growing concerns. The rising trend of pump-and-dump schemes in crypto raises red flags for investors. Lastly, discussions highlight the risks of navigating unregulated markets and protecting intellectual property, exemplified by the tumultuous fate of a Chinese entrepreneur.

Tether executives are under investigation by the DOJ for potential bank fraud, raising serious questions about the company's financial transparency. Concerns about their opaque asset holdings and ties to Chinese investments add to the scrutiny. The conversation reflects on past issues in the crypto world and the defensive responses from Tether. With Bitcoin's price in flux, the implications of this investigation could ripple throughout the entire cryptocurrency market, leaving investors wary.