

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

Jan 4, 2024 • 1h 16min
AI on Trial: Inside the NY Times vs. OpenAI Lawsuit with Cecilia Ziniti | E1874
This Week in Startups is brought to you by…
MEV. Tired of the dev shop rollercoaster? Mev is your reliable technical partner, offering a well-established software development process designed to consistently deliver unparalleled value to their clients. Get $30,000 off your first three months at http://www.mev.com/twist
Northwest Registered Agent. When starting your business, it's important to use a service that will actually help you. Northwest Registered Agent is that service. They'll form your company fast, give you the documents you need to open a business bank account, and even provide you with mail scanning and a business address to keep your personal privacy intact. Visit http://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist to get a 60% discount on your next LLC.
The Paintbrush Loan is the earliest startup financing on the internet. No pitch deck, no business plan, no minimum time in business, and no warm intros. Plus, you get to keep your equity. Visit http://www.getpaintbrush.com to see if you qualify for a $50K startup loan in less than 2 minutes.
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Today’s show:
Cecilia joins Jason for an in-depth discussion about the New York Times versus OpenAI case, delving into the intricacies of fair use and analyzing the Fair Use Test (6:07), examining the legal complexities surrounding data scraping for Large Language Models (28:21), exploring possible ramifications of this legal confrontation between these titans (40:06), and more!
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Timestamps:
(0:00) Cecilia Joins Jason
(2:44) Cecilia’s Background in Law
(3:44) Jumping into the case of NY Times vs OpenAI.
(6:07) Exploring Fair Use legal tests
(11:57) MEV - Get $30,000 off your first three months at http://www.mev.com/twist
(13:50) The case of Roy Orbison vs Two Live Crew and the music industry’s rules on fair use.
(19:04) Picking apart the defense of attribution.
(22:22) Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at http://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist
(24:43) Fair Use Test: Factors two and three
(28:21) Legal challenges in data scraping for LLMs
(32:40) Paintbrush - Visit http://www.getpaintbrush.com to see if you qualify for a $50K startup loan in less than 2 minutes
(34:19) The fourth and final factor in the Fair Use Test.
(40:06) Potential outcomes of NY Times vs OpenAI case
(47:04) Google vs Java and legal discussions on digital platforms
(51:49) Jason shares a possible solution to this case and how the subscription wall could change things.
(57:54) Cecilia’s Grinch images on X
(1:02:22) Legal viewpoint regarding commercial vs non-commercial use.
(1:04:14) Summarizing where all this is going with the NY Times and OpenAI trial.
(1:12:18) Reviewing the market-based solution to this case.
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Check out GC AI: https://getgc.ai
Website: ceciliaziniti.com
Check out Ziniti Law: https://www.zinitilaw.com/
Check out Cecilia’s Maven Course here: https://maven.com/ceciliaz
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Thanks to our partners:
(11:57) MEV - Get $30,000 off your first three months at http://www.mev.com/twist
(22:22) Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC athttp://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist
(32:40) Paintbrush - Visit http://www.getpaintbrush.com to see if you qualify for a $50K startup loan in less than 2 minutes
*
Follow Cecilia
X: https://twitter.com/CeciliaZin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciliaziniti/
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Follow Jason:
X: https://twitter.com/jason
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis
*
Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland
*
Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis
*
Follow TWiST:
Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin
*
Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

Jan 3, 2024 • 1h 14min
2024 AI Predictions and Bets with Sunny Madra | E1873
This Week in Startups is brought to you by…
Miro. Working remotely doesn’t mean you need to feel disconnected from your team. Miro is an online whiteboard that brings teams together - anytime, anywhere. Go to https://miro.com/startups to sign up for a FREE account with unlimited team members.
NetSuite. Once your business gets to a certain size the cracks start to emerge. Things you used to do in a day take a week. You deserve a customized solution - and that's NetSuite. Learn more when you download NetSuite’s popular KPI Checklist - absolutely free, at NetSuite.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 vanta.com/twist
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Today’s show:
Jason and Sunny make a bunch of predictions and bet $1000 on each for the upcoming year in AI.
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Timestamps:
(0:00) Sunny Madra joins Jason to make some 2024 AI bets
(4:46) Bet 1: There will be a top 100 song created by AI
(10:22) Power dynamics in the music industry and its intersection with AI
(13:01) Miro - Sign up for a free account at https://miro.com/startups
(14:34) Bet 2: AI will be capable of replicating Jason doing a TWiST Segment without listeners noticing
(18:51) Bet 3: There will be an AI-generated Pixar short that has made it into mainstream
(27:46) NetSuite - Download your free KPI Checklist at http://netsuite.com/twist
(29:06) Bets 4 and 5: We see a small model deployed locally on an iPhone/Android
(39:31) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
(49:34) Bet 6: A multimodal model will be #1 by usage, AND open-source multimodal will beat out closed models
(52:00) LLaVA: Large Language and Vision Assistant
(58:04) The potential implications of the New York Times lawsuit
(1:10:01) OpenAI's financial success, copyright lawsuits, and the potential of Disney and the New York Times in AI
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LINKS:
Midjourney: https://www.tiktok.com/@controllaxyz/video/7319184981987839263?_r=1&_t=8igobwQ1dzq
AI Drake: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhVuQ06tO3M
AI Spongebob: https://twitter.com/Teridax/status/1741205766046888149
AI Pixar: https://twitter.com/eyishazyer/status/1741418522448986492
TinyLlama: https://huggingface.co/TinyLlama/TinyLlama-1.1B-Chat-v1.0
Llava: https://llava-vl.github.io/
Suno AI: https://www.suno.ai/
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Follow Sunny
X: https://twitter.com/sundeep
Check out Definitive Intelligence: https://www.definitive.io/
*
Follow Jason:
X: https://twitter.com/jason
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis
*
Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland
*
Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis
*
Follow TWiST:
Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin
*
Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

Dec 29, 2023 • 1h 24min
Business Breakdowns: “The Founder” Ray Kroc and the Story of McDonalds | E1872
This Week in Startups is brought to you by…
Curotec. Are you one of those companies that knows you need to be using AI, but you're not even sure where to start? Well then you need Curotec. They are AI experts, and they're offering TWiST listeners an AI Strategy Roadmap tailored to your business for $5000. That's 50% off the normal cost just for telling them we sent you. Check out http://www.curotec.com/twist and get $5000 off!
Northwest Registered Agent. When starting your business, it's important to use a service that will actually help you. Northwest Registered Agent is that service. They'll form your company fast, give you the documents you need to open a business bank account, and even provide you with mail scanning and a business address to keep your personal privacy intact. Visit http://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist to get a 60% discount on your next LLC.
Masterworks. The first company allowing investors exposure into the blue-chip artwork asset class. TWIST listeners can skip the waitlist by going to https://www.masterworks.com/twist and using promo code TWIST.
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Today’s show:
Lon Harris sits down with Jason to examine product-market fit and market-pull and their role in McDonalds' success (21:11), the importance of complementary skill sets between founders within any startup.(32:41), the path of doubt, fear and uncertainty that founders experience (45:29), and more!
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Timestamps:
(0:00) Lon Harris joins Jason
(3:35) Lon brings us quick hits on the film The Founder.
(9:30) Lon shares his admiration for the film
(10:16) Jason discovered the film through a curious link with Mark Knopfler.
(12:02) Curotec - Check out http://www.curotec.com/twist and get $5000 off
(16:00) Delving into the McDonalds' story
(17:47) Discussion on a common entrepreneurial revelation: efficiency and customer focus
(21:11) Examining product-market fit and market-pull in "The Founder" and its role in McDonalds' success.
(24:09) Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at http://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist
(25:36) Building a series of innovations will create enormous value.
(27:35) Ray Kroc takeaway: the pursuit of relentless self-improvement on the way to his one big win.
(32:41) The importance of complimentary skill sets between founders within any startup.
(34:25) Masterworks - Skip the waitlist to invest in fine art at https://www.masterworks.com/twist
(35:43) Exploring strengths and criticisms of the franchise model.
(41:36) The role of spouses in startup formation
(45:29) The path of doubt, fear and uncertainty that founders experience before any winning.
(49:54) Lessons around deal-making and negotiation.
(1:00:07) The power struggle between the McDonald brothers and Ray Kroc
(1:02:43) Discussing the significance of equity and stock ownership in business
(1:08:26) Ray Kroc’s brilliance came from his power to observe value and opportunity.
(1:16:51) Business Breakdown Awards for “The Founder”
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Thanks to our partners:
(12:02) Curotec - Check out http://www.curotec.com/twist and get $5000 off
(24:09) Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at http://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist
(34:25) Masterworks - Skip the waitlist to invest in fine art at https://www.masterworks.com/twist
*
Follow Lon:
X: https://twitter.com/Lons
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Follow Jason:
X: https://twitter.com/jason
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis
*
Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland
*
Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis
*
Follow TWiST:
Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin
*
Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

Dec 27, 2023 • 39min
Glenn Kelman on Market Trends, Home-Buying Hacks and Redfin Insights | E1871
This Week in Startups is brought to you by…
Lemon.io - Hire pre-vetted remote developers, get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://www.Lemon.io/twist
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.
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
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Today’s show:
Redfin’s CEO Glenn Kelman joins Jason to discuss essential tips for entering the market (4:55), hacking the system with concepts like “developer homes” and “accessory dwelling units” (22:55), finding happiness and success within simpler goals (28:40), and more!
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Timestamps:
(0:00) Glenn Kelman, CEO of Redfin, joins host Jason.
(2:13) Residential Real Estate Market: Current Trends and Analysis.
(4:55) First-Time Home Buyers: Essential Tips for Entering the Market.
(8:28) The dire need for building homes and other creative solutions to the housing crisis.
(10:21) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://www.Lemon.io/twist
(11:46) Looking at solutions for loans for builders and embracing the novel idea of taxing unused land.
(17:06) The second home phenomenon and it’s impact on the overall market.
(21:24 ) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST
(22:55) Hacking the system with concepts like “developer homes” and “accessory dwelling units”
(25:31) Redfin’s success and Glenn learning about what really matters to their customers.
(28:40) Simplifying your business and getting rid of side quests.
(32:27) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at https://www.openphone.com/twist
(33:55) Remote Work Dynamics: Measuring Productivity and Sustaining Company Culture.
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Check out Redfin: https://www.redfin.com/
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Thanks to our partners:
Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://www.Lemon.io/twist
Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST
OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at https://www.openphone.com/twist
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Articles and Links from this episode:
https://techcrunch.com/2020/10/15/founders-hacker-hype-homes-remote-work/?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAFUxPOXc4AHnjptN6dxkwFgpZ0kvPL_gTJ1uMicNRJwwtbQbuS1P0AI0MbDZzGawLNTArPSTT6VrWbByv-AyGXGWF_mkTdLG6eBSgiTrJPpqyBvY1y-GZoAE4xzQdq9v8ciP0VfQpKcSr-acjKYZEdwlc0XZV2lP6CeOb9I_QqXl
https://www.samara.com/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/05/21/adu-granny-flat-california-housing-crisis/
https://www.forbes.com/sites/everettpotter/2021/06/27/pacaso-disrupting-vacation-home-ownership/?sh=25feeca8693a
https://www.businessinsider.com/tony-hsieh-las-vegas-trailer-park-2017-5
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Glenn’s Past Episodes on TWiST:
Check out Episode E1616: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGIqjrbbllQ
Check out Episode E1405: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqkrAX4thIY
Check out Episode E1261: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJX1lFphY58
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Follow Glenn:
X: https://twitter.com/glennkelman
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennkelman
•
Follow Jason:
X: https://twitter.com/jason
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis
*
Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland
*
Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis
*
Follow TWiST:
Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin
*
Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

Dec 25, 2023 • 50min
FCC's Brendan Carr on Starlink subsidy revocation, China's internet ambitions, and TikTok | E1870
This Week in Startups is brought to you by…
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 vanta.com/twist
Gusto is easy online payroll, benefits, and HR built for modern small businesses. Get three months free when you run your first payroll at Gusto.com/twist.
Northwest Registered Agent. When starting your business, it's important to use a service that will actually help you. Northwest Registered Agent is that service. They'll form your company fast, give you the documents you need to open a business bank account, and even provide you with mail scanning and a business address to keep your personal privacy intact. Visit http://northwestregisteredagent.com/twist to get a 60% discount on your next LLC.
*
Today’s show:
FCC commissioner Brendan Carr joins Jason to discuss the revocation of Starlink's $900 million FCC subsidy (2:41), the satellite internet race (15:00), concern over TikTok's connections to the CCP (29:00), and more!
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Timestamps:
(0:00) FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr joins Jason
(2:41) The FCC's decision to revoke Starlink's subsidy and its implications
(6:00) Consumer experience and reliability of Starlink's service
(9:50) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
(8:01) The digital divide, subsidies for rural areas, and the transition from implicit to explicit subsidies
(10:55) Analysis of consumer behavior and potential consequences of the FCC's decision
(15:00) The government's broadband initiative, Amazon's position in the satellite internet race, and the Biden administration's relationship with Elon Musk
(21:33) Gusto - Get three months free when you run your first payroll at http://gusto.com/twist
(23:03) The emergence of 5G, the potential impact of more satellite internet providers, and China's global internet provider ambitions
(29:00) TikTok's influence, possible manipulation, and the federal government's handling of it
(34:33) Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at http://northwestregisteredagent.com/twist
(35:32) 2023 is the prime time to start a company - don't let your million-dollar idea collect dust! Go to https://www.founder.university/ to apply today!
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Check out E1509: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFDN3vUB9kU
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Links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belt_and_Road_Initiative
https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/chinas-massive-belt-and-road-initiative
https://www.internetforall.gov/programs
https://www.businessinsider.com/spacex-rocket-blast-craters-started-fire-incinerated-land-crabs-report-2023-8#:~:text=SpaceX rocket explosion left craters,blue land crabs%2C" report says&text=The environmental damage caused by,explosion in April shocked officials
https://wpde.com/news/nation-world/ftc-wants-elon-musk-to-release-identities-of-all-journalists-who-were-given-access-to-twitter-files
https://www.theverge.com/2022/8/29/23327765/tesla-nlrb-ruling-union-busting-black-shirt-policy
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Follow Brendan: https://twitter.com/BrendanCarrFC
*
Follow Jason:
X: https://twitter.com/jason
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis
*
Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland
*
Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis
*
Follow TWiST:
Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin
*
Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

Dec 20, 2023 • 1h 2min
AI-Powered "Tools for Thought": Exploring NotebookLM with Steven Berlin Johnson | E1869
This Week in Startups is brought to you by…
DevSquad. 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
LinkedIn Marketing. To redeem a $100 LinkedIn ad credit and launch your first campaign, go to linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups
Fitbod. Tired of doing the same workouts at the gym? Fitbod will build you personalized workouts that help you progress with every set. Get 25% off your subscription or try out the app for FREE when you sign up now at fitbod.me/TWIST
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Today’s show:
Steven Berlin Johnson joins Jason to demo Google’s NotebookLM, a new AI-powered research assistant he helped create at Google Labs. They dive into Steven’s journey to Google Labs (1:28), NotebookLM's unique features (14:09), the rights of authors in the digital age (40:22), and more!
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Timestamps:
(0:00) Author Steven Berlin Johnson joins Jason
(1:28) Early experiences with the internet and Google’s Project Starline
(8:01) DevSquad - Get an entire product team for the cost of one US developer plus 10% off at http://devsquad.com/twist
(9:00) The significance of document organization, the concept and features of "sources" in NotebookLM, and the impact on writing
(14:09) Steven demos Google NotebookLM
(28:06) LinkedIn Marketing - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at https://linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups
(29:36) Steven’s NotebookLM demo continued
(33:47) Jason showcases how he utilizes NotebookLM for TWiST's Business Breakdowns segment
(38:56) Fitbod - Get 25% off at https://fitbod.me/twist
(40:22) The rights of authors in the digital age
(52:01) Superintelligence and the trajectory of language models
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Links:
https://stevenberlinjohnson.com/writing-at-the-speed-of-thought-21dfb7f689e4https://stevenberlinjohnson.com/good-ideas-the-four-minute-version-7e7856e69621https://www.wired.com/story/googles-notebooklm-ai-ultimate-writing-assistant/
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Follow Steven: https://twitter.com/stevenbjohnson
Check out Steven’s website: https://stevenberlinjohnson.com/
Check out Steven’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/american-innovations/id1370092284
•
Follow Jason:
X: https://twitter.com/jason
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis
*
Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland
*
Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis
*
Follow TWiST:
Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin
*
Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

Dec 20, 2023 • 38min
Pioneering AI Wearables: Avi Schiffmann and Tab AI | E1868
This Week in Startups is brought to you by…
Nuts.com is offering new customers a free gift with purchase and free shipping on orders of $29 or more at http://www.Nuts.com/twist
Northwest Registered Agent. When starting your business, it's important to use a service that will actually help you. Northwest Registered Agent is that service. They'll form your company fast, give you the documents you need to open a business bank account, and even provide you with mail scanning and a business address to keep your personal privacy intact. Visit http://northwestregisteredagent.com/twist to get a 60% discount on your next LLC.
Curotec. Are you one of those companies that knows you need to be using AI, but you're not even sure where to start? Well then you need Curotec. They are AI experts, and they're offering TWiST listeners an AI Strategy Roadmap tailored to your business for $5000. That's 50% off the normal cost just for telling them we sent you. Check out http://www.curotec.com/twist and get $5000 off!
*
Today’s show:
Avi Schiffman joins Jason to explore the origin story of Tab (3:05), concerns regarding wearables safety and security (13:00), Tab’s prototype and design choices (25:00), and much more!
*
Timestamps:
(0:00) Avi Schiffmann of Tab AI joins Jason
(3:05) The origin story of Tab: building a mental model of who you are.
(6:01) Exploring what Tab can do and its hardware profile
(9:01) Avi Schiffmann's take on Apple's new wearable, Humane
(11:30) Nuts.com - Get a free gift with purchase and free shipping on orders of $29 or more at http://www.Nuts.com/twist
(13:00) In-depth discussion on wearables: safety, security, and continuous audio recording concerns.
(18:57) A showcase of Tab's supportive role featuring AI-driven insights and affirmations
(20:02) Avi Schiffmann's insights on achieving positive change through TAB's guidance
(20:54) Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at http://northwestregisteredagent.com/twist
(21:54) Comparing Avi's Tab with Rewind AI.
(25:00) Examining the Tab prototype and discussing the pendant design choice
(33:04) ****Curotec - Check out http://curotec.com/twist and get $5000 off
(34:29) Addressing the limitations of coaches, therapists, and the chatbot Pi, and how Tab sets itself apart
*
Thanks to our partners:
(11:30) Nuts.com - Get a free gift with purchase and free shipping on orders of $29 or more at http://www.Nuts.com/twist
(20:54) Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at http://northwestregisteredagent.com/twist
(33:04) ****Curotec - Check out http://curotec.com/twist and get $5000 off
Links to other TWiST episodes on wearables:
Oura CEO Tom Hale | E1812
https://youtu.be/RxaKWmPEcrk
Whoop CEO Will Ahmed | E1786
https://youtu.be/L-6FJQ7AuHY
Rewind AI’s Dan Siroker | E1828
https://youtu.be/lHBBCJUoD4w
*
Follow Avi:
X: https://twitter.com/avi_schiffmann
*
Follow Jason:
X: https://twitter.com/jason
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis
*
Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland
*
Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis
*
Follow TWiST:
Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin
*
Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

Dec 19, 2023 • 1h 2min
AI DEMOS: Turning Adele into John Mayer, animating a Jedi Bulldog, AI companions and much more! | E1867
This Week in Startups is brought to you by…
Squarespace. Turn your idea into a new website! Go to http://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.
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Today’s show:
Sunny Madra joins Jason to dive into the world of AI-generated characters you can start a relationship with (3:46), take a look at Pika and its stunning AI-animated video clips (35:29), convert Adele’s voice into John Mayer’s (46:26), and much more!
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Timestamps:
(0:00) Sunny Madra joins Jason
(3:46) Diving into the viral post from Digi.ai that builds animated characters you can start a relationship with
(12:31) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/twist
(14:02) Digging deeper into the concept of an AI companion and societal effects
(22:22) Equinix - Join the Equinix Startup Program for up to $100K in credits and much more at https://deploy.equinix.com/startups
(23:29) How should conversations with AI be monitored, and the hot topic around confidentiality and security.
(25:59) Sunny demos Vercel which generates and shares REACT code snippets.
(33:58) Gusto - Get three months free when you run your first payroll at Gusto.com/twist.
(35:29) A look at Pika where AI generates stunning animated video clips from a simple prompt including a Jedi Bulldog from Sunny.
(46:26) Spaces can convert Adele’s singing into the voice of John Mayer!
(50:27) Let’s hear an AI remix of Earl Ives “A Holly Jolly Christmas” with a sprinkle of Lil’ Jon.
(58:02) Sunny demos Outfit Anyone.
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Check out Digi.ai: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.digiapp.ai
Check out Vercel: https://v0.dev/
Check out Pika: https://pika.art/
Check out Spaces: https://huggingface.co/spaces/amphion/singing_voice_conversion
Check out Outfit Anyone: https://huggingface.co/spaces/HumanAIGC/OutfitAnyone
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Thanks to our partners:
(12:31) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/twist
(22:22) Equinix - Join the Equinix Startup Program for up to $100K in credits and much more at https://www.deploy.equinix.com/startups
(33:58) Gusto - Get three months free when you run your first payroll at http://www.Gusto.com/twist.
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Follow Sunny:
X: https://twitter.com/sundeep
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sundeepm
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Follow Jason:
X: https://twitter.com/jason
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis
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Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland
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Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis
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Follow TWiST:
Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin
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Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

Dec 15, 2023 • 45min
Startup pitch competition: Jason invests $25K LIVE! | E1866
This Week in Startups is brought to you by…
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.Tech Domains has a new program called startups.tech, where you can get your startup featured on This Week in Startups. Go to http://www.startups.tech/jason to find out how!
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://openphone.com/twist
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Today’s show:
Jason and Kelly Schricker introduce the Founder University pitch competition (1:11), then we hear from Abe at GolfGolf (7:16), Mircea from Cicada (15:25), Spencer of dotflo (27:16), and Shreyas from Clinic Assist (34:54). Finally, Jason awards a $25K investment (34:54), and much more!
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Timestamps:
(0:00) Jason kicks off the show
(1:11) Jason and Kelly Schricker introduce the Founder University pitch competition
(7:16) Abe pitches GolfGolf
(13:31) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at http://www.vanta.com/twist
(15:25) Mircea pitches Cicada
(22:14) .Tech Domains - Apply to get your startup featured on This Week in Startups at http://www.startups.tech/jason
(27:16) Spencer pitches dotflo
(32:41) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at https://openphone.com/twist
(34:54) Shreyas pitches Clinic Assist
(43:52) Jason awards a $25K investment
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Check out the pitch competitors here:
GolfGolf - golfgolf.tech
Cicada - cicadamusic.net
Dotflo - dotflo.co
Clinic Assist - clinicassist.ai
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Thanks to our partners:
(13:31) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at http://www.vanta.com/twist
(22:14) .Tech Domains - Apply to get your startup featured on This Week in Startups at http://www.startups.tech/jason
(32:41) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at https://openphone.com/twist
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Follow Jason:
X: https://twitter.com/jason
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis
Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland
Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis
Follow TWiST:
Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin
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Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

Dec 14, 2023 • 28min
Mastering Early-Stage Board Meetings | Startup Finance Basics w/ Kruze's Scott Orn | E1865
Today’s show:
Kruze COO, Scott Orn, joins Jason to discuss best practices for early stage startups to prepare for and execute successful board meetings. The two dive into the reasons VCs want governance through board meetings (00:56), what should be in a full board packet (6:51), formal things investors look for (11:10), and much more!
Timestamps:
(0:00) Kruze COO, Scott Orn, joins Jason
(00:56) The reasons VCs seek governance in startups and key tips for developing a standardized board presentation
(6:51) Building a startup financial package and the importance of presenting a financial flash page at the start of a board meeting.
(11:10) Essential factors investors consider during a board meeting
(15:08) The most common question regarding in-depth operational metrics
(20:51) Examining R&D and engineering support expenses in the calculation of the cost of goods sold
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Check out Kruze: https://kruzeconsulting.com
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Follow Scott: https://twitter.com/scottorn
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Follow Jason:
X: https://twitter.com/jason
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis
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Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland
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Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis
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Follow TWiST:
Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin
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Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast