

This Week in Startups
Jason Calacanis
Jason Calacanis covers startups, tech, markets, media, and all the hottest topics in business and technology. He also interviews the world’s greatest founders, operators, investors, and innovators.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 13, 2024 • 1h 10min
Cyera's Hypergrowth, Cake's Cap Table Push, and ServiceTitan's Stellar IPO | E2060
This Week in Startups is brought to you by…
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Todays show:
Alex Wilhelm kicks off the show with Cyera’s Yotam Segev to dive into the state of enterprise data security. They discuss Cyera’s impressive feat of raising $300 million just quarters after its previous mega-round and explore the company's recent nine-figure acquisition of Trail Security. Next, Alex unpacks ServiceTitan's successful IPO and Broadcom's milestone achievement of reaching a $1 trillion market cap. To close, Cake Equity’s Kim Hansen joins the conversation to share insights into his company’s growth strategy and how it’s thriving in a highly competitive market.
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Timestamps:
(0:00) Alex kicks off the show
(2:12) Cyera’s Yotam Seveg joins the show
(10:05) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/twist
(11:34) Evolution from information security to cybersecurity and automated data categorization
(20:44) Cyera's acquisition strategy and impact on the company
(28:00) Washington Post - TWiST listeners can subscribe for just 50 cents per week for your first year at https://www.washingtonpost.com/twist
(29:10) AI's impact on data security and competition in the cybersecurity market
(34:19) ServiceTitan IPO, market reaction, and implications for the industry
(37:34) Beehiiv - Get 30 days free and 20% off your first 3 months at https://www.beehiiv.com/twist
(39:05) Tech companies reaching significant market caps and IPO performances
(47:17) Texas attorney general's lawsuit against tech companies over data practices
(48:21) Cake Equity’s Kim Hansen joins the show
(49:02) Cake Equity's mission, platform, and cap table management software demo
(54:29) Cake Equity's user interface, employee engagement, and expansion plans
(58:22) Automation in onboarding and international growth challenges for Cake Equity
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Check out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.com
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Mentioned on the show:
https://www.cyera.io
https://www.cakeequity.com
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Follow Yotam:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yotam-segev
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Follow Kim:
X: https://x.com/KimHansenYeah
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimhansencake
*
Follow Alex:
X: https://x.com/alex
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm
*
Follow Jason:
X: https://twitter.com/Jason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis
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Thank you to our partners:
(10:05) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/twist
(28:00) Washington Post - TWiST listeners can subscribe for just 50 cents per week for your first year at https://www.washingtonpost.com/twist
(37:34) Beehiiv - Get 30 days free and 20% off your first 3 months at https://www.beehiiv.com/twist
*
Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland
*
Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis
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Follow TWiST:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups
Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com
*
Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

Dec 12, 2024 • 25min
The Top 6 Startup Finance FAQ’s | Startup Finance Basics w/ Kruze's Scott Orn
Todays show:
In the latest edition of Startup Finance Basics, Jason sits down with Scott Orn from Kruze Consulting to answer the
six most important founder/startup questions around finance, accounting, and taxes.
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Timestamps:
(0:00) Kruze COO, Scott Orn, joins Jason to dive into Finance Basics FAQs.
(1:05) How can I avoid paying payroll tax as a startup founder?
(6:54) How do you shut down a startup?
(11:33) Why do I owe Delaware $50,000 in franchise taxes?
(12:58) I’ve got my first customer lined up! How do I get paid?
(16:26) Can I tell VCs that implementation revenue is ARR?
(19:59) Should I raise venture debt when I raise my Series A?
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Check out Kruze: https://kruzeconsulting.com
Check out more Finance Basics here: THISWEEKINSTARTUPS.COM/basics
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Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.com
Check out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.com
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Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp
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Follow Scott:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottorn
X: https://twitter.com/scottorn
*
Follow Jason:
X: https://twitter.com/Jason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis
*
Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland
*
Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis
*
Follow TWiST:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups
Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com
*
Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

Dec 12, 2024 • 1h 6min
Negative Venture Returns, GM Kneecaps Cruise, and Finix joins the TWiST500 | E2059
This Week in Startups is brought to you by…
OpenPhone. Create business phone numbers for you and your team that work through an app on your smartphone or desktop. TWiST listeners can get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://www.openphone.com/twist
Vanta. Compliance and security shouldn't be a deal-breaker for startups to win new business. Vanta makes it easy for companies to get a SOC 2 report fast. TWiST listeners can get $1,000 off for a limited time at https://www.vanta.com/twist
CLA. Innovation takes balance. CLA's CPAs, consultants, and wealth advisors can help you get from startup to where you want to end up. Get started now at https://www.CLAconnect.com/tech
*
Todays show:
Alex Wilhelm joins Jason to discuss the reporting that Tiger Global's 2021-era fund is not only posting poor results, it's lagging peers from the same timeframe. Then, the pair also interview Suvir Wadhwa, founder and CEO of Flite, a former Launch accelerator company, and dug into the Cruise-GM news along with a peek at the next head of the FTC.
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Timestamps:
(0:00) Jason and Alex kick off the show
(2:19) Tiger Global's investment strategy and performance
(5:49) Challenges of quick capital deployment and market timing
(10:13) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at https://www.openphone.com/twist
(11:15) Impact of losing key investors or advisors on startups
(12:24) Public market trends affecting private investments
(16:09) Market downturns' effects on startups and investors
(20:05) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://www.vanta.com/twist
(21:16) Political influences on market and technology sectors
(29:32) CLA - Get started with CLA's CPAs, consultants, and wealth advisors now at https://claconnect.com/tech
(31:10) Trump administration's business policies and immigration
(38:20) Changes in the FTC leadership and impacts on startups
(41:40) Finix's addition to the TWiST500
(44:53) GM's scale-back on Cruise and future implications
(51:25) Self-driving technology's impact on car ownership
(52:39) Flite's Suvir Wadhwa joins the show
(54:18) Flite's business model, AI benefits, and market reach
*
Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.com
Check out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.com
*
Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp
*
Mentioned on the show:
Check out Flite: https://www.flite.city/
Check out the TWiST500: https://www.twist500.com/
Check out Tiger Global: https://www.tigerglobal.com/
Check out E1207: How Tiger Global is outpacing VC with fast, cheap capital ft. Founders Fund’s Everett Randle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koDKxjHe_Kk
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Follow Suvir:
X: https://x.com/suvirwadhwa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suvirwadhwa/
*
Follow Alex:
X: https://x.com/alex
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm
*
Follow Jason:
X: https://twitter.com/Jason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis
*
Thank you to our partners:
(10:13) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at https://www.openphone.com/twist
(20:05) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://www.vanta.com/twist
(29:32) CLA - Get started with CLA's CPAs, consultants, and wealth advisors now at https://claconnect.com/tech
*
Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland
*
Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis
*
Follow TWiST:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups
Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com
*
Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

Dec 11, 2024 • 1h 19min
Drones, Deepfakes, and Disruptors with Lon Harris, Remento and Cuby | E2058
This Week in Startups is brought to you by…
Squarespace. Turn your idea into a new website! Go to https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST for a free trial. When you’re ready to launch, use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.
Lemon.io - Hire pre-vetted remote developers, get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist
Oracle - Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, or OCI, is a single platform for your infrastructure, database, application development, and AI needs. Save up to 50% on your cloud bill at https://www.oracle.com/twist
*
Timestamps:
(0:00) Jason and Lon Harris kick off the show
(2:06) Welcome back to Lon Harris and discussion on current events
(6:04) Drones in New Jersey: Security issues and speculations on their origin
(11:01) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST
(13:04) Privacy concerns surrounding drone technology
(15:27) The future of drone delivery services
(19:32) OpenAI's launch of the video generation tool, Sora
(20:04) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist
(21:34) The emergence of new mediums from AI tools
(31:04) Oracle - Try OCI and save up to 50% on your cloud bill
at https://www.oracle.com/twist
(32:28) Startup of the Day: Remento
(43:06) Uber's milestone and the future of ride-sharing
(51:14) Alex Gumbel from Quby Technologies joins the TWIST500
(56:00) Economics of mobile micro factories and deskilling labor in home construction
(1:04:09) Market demand and strategic focus in construction innovation
(1:07:10) Business model, customer base, and production goals for Qubii Technologies
(1:11:11) Challenges and future prospects in the construction industry
Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.com
Check out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.com
*
Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp
*
Mentioned on the show:
Check out OpenAI’s Sora: https://sora.com/
Check out Cuby: https://www.cubytechnologies.com/
Check out Remento: https://www.remento.co/
*
Follow Lon:
X: https://x.com/Lons
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lonharris
*
Follow Aleks:
X: https://x.com/agampel1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamaleksandrgampel
*
Follow Jason:
X: https://twitter.com/Jason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis
*
Thank you to our partners:
(11:01) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST
(20:04) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist
(31:04) Oracle - Try OCI and save up to 50% on your cloud bill
at https://www.oracle.com/twist
*
Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland
v
Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis
Follow TWiST:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups
Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com
*
Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

Dec 10, 2024 • 1h 28min
TWiST News: Bitcoin’s Future, Reddit Answers, SEC Shifts, and more! | E2057
This Week in Startups is brought to you by…
Ramp. The corporate card and spend management software designed to help you save time and money. Get $250 when you join Ramp today at https://www.ramp.com/twist
Zendesk. The best customer experiences are built with Zendesk. Qualifying startups can join their Startup program and get Zendesk products free, for six months! Visit http://www.zendesk.com/twist today to get started.
Digital Ocean. Whether you’re just getting started with AI, or seeing your project take off, DigitalOcean is the cloud platform that lets you focus on what matters: building killer apps. Right now get up to $100k in free credits at https://www.do.co/twist. Terms and conditions apply.
*
Todays show:
Anthony Pompliano joins Jason and Alex to discuss crypto markets, Bitcoin's future, and Michael Saylor's Bitcoin strategy. Then, they dive into Reddit's new Q&A feature, SEC shifts, and more!
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Timestamps:
(0:00) Jason and Alex kick off the show
(7:36) Anthony Pompliano joins the show
(9:55) Ramp. Get $250 when you join Ramp today at https://www.ramp.com/twist
(11:48) Impact of new administration on Bitcoin and crypto markets
(19:58) Concerns from OG Bitcoiners and Bitcoin as a marketing tool
(20:38) Zendesk - Get six months free at http://www.zendesk.com/twist
(22:07) Michael Saylor's Bitcoin strategy and historical trade comparisons
(27:17) Risks of MicroStrategy's Bitcoin holdings and price volatility
(30:15) DigitalOcean. DigitalOcean is the cloud platform you need to turn your AI project into a rocket ship. Right now, approved listeners can get up to $100,000 in free credits to try us out. Visit https://www.do.co/twist - get started and view terms and conditions.
(31:47) Bitcoin yield, new metrics, and investment advice
(39:48) Rationality and risk in Bitcoin investment and audience engagement
(47:23) SEC accreditation, private investment funds, and the Brian Thompson case
(1:01:56) Reddit's new Q&A feature, “Reddit Answers”
(1:12:05) Kids Online Safety Act and social media regulation
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Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.com
Check out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.com
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Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp
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Follow Anthony:
X: https://x.com/APompliano
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonypompliano
*
Follow Alex:
X: https://x.com/alex
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm
*
Follow Jason:
X: https://twitter.com/Jason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis
*
Thank you to our partners:
(9:55) Ramp. Get $250 when you join Ramp today at https://www.ramp.com/twist
(20:38) Zendesk - Get six months free at http://www.zendesk.com/twist
(30:15) DigitalOcean. DigitalOcean is the cloud platform you need to turn your AI project into a rocket ship. Right now, approved listeners can get up to $100,000 in free credits to try us out. Visit https://www.do.co/twist - get started and view terms and conditions.
*
Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland
*
Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis
*
Follow TWiST:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups
Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com
*
Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

Dec 7, 2024 • 1h 13min
Ghost Engineers, Measuring Productivity, & Memecoin Scams | E2056
Todays show:
In this episode, we discuss Hailey Welch and the viral Hawk coin, then discuss David Sachs' new White House role and recent job data's economic impact. We address the United Healthcare CEO's murder, debate cancel culture, and a viral tweet on software engineers' habits. Deedy Das offers insights on tech inefficiencies and the shift to in-person work. Coffeezilla joins to explore crypto scams, influencer marketing ethics, and regulation. We wrap up with David Sachs' Czar role in AI and crypto for the US government, market dynamics, and a new addition to the Twist 500.
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Timestamps:
(0:00) Jason and Alex kick off the show
(1:53) Economic outlook and recent job data
(5:12) Reaction to United Healthcare CEO murder
(9:19) LinkedIn Ads - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups
(10:48) Cancel culture debate and public statements
(16:00) Viral tweet about software engineers' work habits
(19:02) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://www.vanta.com/twist
(20:08) DeeDee Doss interview on software engineer productivity
(23:17) Management incentives and tech company inefficiencies
(25:16) Shift to in-person work in tech startups
(29:37) Ramp - Get $250 when you join Ramp today at https://www.ramp.com/twist
(31:20) Remote work psychology and potential abuse
(37:35) Strategies to prevent remote work abuse
(39:24) Hayley Welch interview on viral meme coin
(41:00) Coffeezilla's investigations into scams and frauds
(47:42) Cryptocurrency red flags and influencer consequences
(52:50) Crypto regulation and influencer marketing ethics
(59:03) Influencer credibility and responsibility
(1:03:21) Coffeezilla's assignment and Rabbit AI device insights
(1:04:01) David Sachs announcement and AI/crypto in government
(1:07:25) Regulatory capture and Silicon Valley dynamics
(1:09:15) Market perspectives and government influence
*
Check out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.com
Apply for the Launch CloudKitchens Incubator here: https://ck.launch.co
Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.com
Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp
*
Mentioned on the show:
Check on Menlo Ventures: https://menlovc.com/
Check out Coffeezilla: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFQMnBA3CS502aghlcr0_aw
*
Follow Coffeezilla:
X: https://x.com/coffeebreak_YT
*
Follow Deedy:
X: https://x.com/deedydas
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debarghyadas/
*
Follow Alex:
X: https://x.com/alex
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm
*
Follow Jason:
X: https://twitter.com/Jason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis
*
Thank you to our partners:
(9:19) LinkedIn Ads - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups
(19:02) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://www.vanta.com/twist
(29:37) Ramp - Get $250 when you join Ramp today at https://www.ramp.com/twist
*
Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland
*
Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis
*
Follow TWiST:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups
Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com
*
Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

Dec 5, 2024 • 23min
Year-End Planning for Startup Success | Startup Finance Basics w/ Kruze's Scott Orn
Todays show:
In the latest edition of Startup Finance Basics, Jason sits down with Scott Orn from Kruze Consulting to tackle essential year-end planning for startups. "Year-End Planning: Setting Your Startup Up for Success," covers crucial topics like assessing next year's fundraising needs, crafting an operating plan, preparing for taxes and compliance, and more. Don't miss these practical tips to ensure your startup is ready to thrive in the new year!
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Timestamps:
(0:00) Kruze COO, Scott Orn, joins Jason
(2:17) Evaluate Your Fundraising Needs for Next Year
(7:05) Financial Statement Review and Clean-up
(8:34) Set High-Level Goals and Strategy
(11:27) Cost Optimization Review
(13:39) Create Next Year's Operating Plan
(17:19) Tax and Compliance Planning
(19:02) Team and Equity Management
(20:22) Cash Management Strategy
*
Check out Kruze: https://kruzeconsulting.com
Check out more Finance Basics here: THISWEEKINSTARTUPS.COM/basics
*
Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.com
Check out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.com
*
Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp
*
Follow Scott:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottorn
X: https://twitter.com/scottorn
*
Follow Jason:
X: https://twitter.com/Jason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis
*
Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland
*
Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis
*
Follow TWiST:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups
Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com
*
Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

Dec 5, 2024 • 1h 22min
TWiST News: $100k Veteran Pitch Winner EMPEQ, US Unicorn Dominance, and T500 Updates | E2055
This Week in Startups is brought to you by…Gusto. Gusto is easy online payroll, benefits, and HR built for modern small businesses. Get three months free when you run your first payroll at https://www.gusto.com/twist*Gusto pricing shown in ad is based on pricing prior to March 2025Fundrise provides access to diversified portfolios of private real estate to all investors with their industry leading, easy to use platform. Sign up today at https://www.fundrise.com/TWISTDevSquad. Most dev agencies only offer developers. Why? Because product management is hard. Get an entire product team for the cost of one US developer plus 10% off at http://devsquad.com/twist*Todays show:Alex Wilhelm joins Jason to discuss breaking news on Paul Atkins and SEC leadership transitions into discussions on corporate security concerns. Then, Mike Sherbakov and Herbert Dwyer share insights on veteran leadership and EMPEQ's equipment management technology. The conversation highlights technology applications in military contexts and Empeq's dual-use tech. The episode also covers SaaS growth, touches on crypto's influence on elections, economic growth, and more!*Timestamps:(0:00) Jason and Alex kick off the show(1:54) Paul Atkins and SEC leadership(6:36) Corporate security concerns(12:18) Gusto - Get three months free when you run your first payroll at http://gusto.com/twist(13:24) Mike Sherbakov and Herbert Dwyer join the show(20:37) Herbert Dwyer on EMPEQ(24:21) Fundrise - Sign up today at https://www.fundrise.com/TWIST(25:44) Technology applications in military and equipment management(30:15) SaaS growth, funding, and customer profiles(34:42) EMPEQ's dual-use technology and contact information(36:33) DevSquad - Get an entire product team for the cost of one US developer plus 10% off at http://devsquad.com/twist(38:01) Launch CloudKitchens incubator and food delivery tech(44:28) Twist 500 database and Hugging Face spotlight(53:07) Live events for Twist 500 and EU startup culture(1:02:28) Crypto's impact on elections and economic growth(1:17:02) Safety nets and basic needs in capitalism*Apply for the Launch CloudKitchens Incubator here: https://ck.launch.coSubscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.com*Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp*Follow Mike:X: https://x.com/mikesherbakovLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikesherbakov*Follow Herbert:X: https://x.com/herbertdwyerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herbdwyer*Follow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm*Follow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis*Thank you to our partners:(12:18) Gusto - Get three months free when you run your first payroll at http://gusto.com/twist*Gusto pricing shown in ad is based on pricing prior to March 2025(24:31) Fundrise - Sign up today at https://www.fundrise.com/TWIST(36:33) DevSquad - Get an entire product team for the cost of one US developer plus 10% off at http://devsquad.com/twist*Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara,Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta,Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland*Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis*Follow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.com*Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

Dec 4, 2024 • 1h 22min
TWiST News: Bitcoin, Saylor's Microsoft Pitch, and the Delaware-Tesla Fight | E2054
This Week in Startups is brought to you by…
OpenPhone. Create business phone numbers for you and your team that work through an app on your smartphone or desktop. TWiST listeners can get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://www.openphone.com/twist
NetSuite. The number one cloud financial system, bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, and HR, into one platform. Giving you one source of truth. Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning for free at https://www.netsuite.com/twist
Micro1. Micro1 is an AI recruitment engine to hire world class engineers fast. Visit https://www.micro1.ai/twist to get 10 free AI Interviews and 2 weeks free per hire
*
Todays show:
Jason and Alex discuss Michael Saylor’s pitch for Microsoft to shift shareholder returns into Bitcoin, the Delaware court's ruling on Tesla pay, and more!
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Timestamps:
(0:00) Jason and Alex kick off the show
(7:41) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at https://www.openphone.com/twist
(8:47) Michael Saylor's Bitcoin Pitch to Microsoft
(24:01) The Digital Transformation through Bitcoin
(29:46) NetSuite - Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning for free at https://www.netsuite.com/twist
(30:47) Bitcoin as an investment compared to traditional assets
(38:01) Michael Saylor’s take on Bitcoin's investment potential
(39:40) Micro1 - Visit https://www.micro1.ai/twist to get 10 free AI Interviews and 2 weeks free per hire
(41:19) Asset-heavy vs. asset-light business models
(57:46) Tesla compensation package and Delaware court ruling
(1:03:56) Delaware Judicial System and Corporate Governance
(1:19:00) Corporate incorporation trends
*
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Check out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.com
*
Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp
*
Mentioned on the show:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1l45B4mYl-o
https://x.com/saylor/status/1863323760511627565
*
Follow Alex:
X: https://x.com/alex
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm
*
Follow Jason:
X: https://twitter.com/Jason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis
*
Thank you to our partners:
(7:41) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at https://www.openphone.com/twist
(29:46) NetSuite - Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning for free at https://www.netsuite.com/twist
(39:40) Micro1 - Visit https://www.micro1.ai/twist to get 10 free AI Interviews and 2 weeks free per hire
*
Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland
*
Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis
*
Follow TWiST:
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Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com
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Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

Dec 3, 2024 • 1h 23min
TWiST News: Pardons, Enron, Crypto's Moment, and the Future of Chinese Venture | E2053
This Week in Startups is brought to you by…
Squarespace. Turn your idea into a new website! Go to https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST for a free trial. When you’re ready to launch, use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.
LinkedIn Jobs. A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters. Go to https://www.linkedin.com/twist to post your first job for free. Terms and conditions apply.
Notion. Notion combines your notes, docs, and projects into one beautifully designed space with AI built right in. Try it for free today at https://notion.com/twist
*
Todays show:
In today’s episode, Jason and Alex explored the curious return of Enron, the latest developments in Bitcoin and MicroStrategy, and the evolving cryptocurrency landscape. They closed with an analysis of China's uneven investment climate and its effects on venture capital activity.
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Timestamps:
(0:00) Jason and Alex kick off the show
(2:30) Hunter Biden's pardon and implications for presidential power
(7:51) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST
(9:31) Enron's return and potential crypto play
(14:47) Crypto regulation changes under the new administration
(24:43) Investment strategies in Bitcoin and the impact of hiring decisions
(26:51) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/twist
(28:25) Michael Saylor and MicroStrategy's strategy on Bitcoin
(37:31) Notion - Try it for free today at https://notion.com/twist
(39:22) Diversification in investments and Michael Saylor's promotional tactics
(43:28) NFTs vs. traditional investments
(46:47) Sequoia's global deals search
(55:11) Consumer confidence, US and China economies, and debt discussion
(1:02:09) Nearshoring trend, credit card delinquencies, and potential bankruptcies
(1:06:02) Bernie Sanders' stance on defense spending and populism
(1:08:02) Dogecoin leaderboard
(1:17:07) Bitcoin predictions and Bitcoin valuation
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Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.com
Check out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.com
*
Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp
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Follow Alex:
X: https://x.com/alex
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm
*
Follow Jason:
X: https://twitter.com/Jason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis
*
Thank you to our partners:
(7:51) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST
(26:51) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/twist
(37:31) Notion - Try it for free today at https://notion.com/twist
*
Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland
*
Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis
*
Follow TWiST:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups
Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com
*
Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916