

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

Oct 27, 2023 • 47min
Demoing Google Suite's AI plus legal docs, detection, and more! | E1835
This Week in Startups is brought to you by…
Lemon.io. Get access to Lemon Hire, a platform with more than 80,000 pre-vetted engineers that you can interview within 48 hours. Get $2000 off your first hire at http://lemon.io/hire today!
Codecademy. Build the future you want to see with Codecademy. Codecademy Pro helps you learn everything you’ll need to shape what comes next in the tech space. Try it free for 14 days. Visit Codecademy.com/TWiST
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
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Today’s show:
Sunny Madra joins Jason to demo an AI-powered legal docs tool (6:46), detection tool (15:38), Google’s workspace AI (35:15), and much more!
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Time stamps:
(0:00) Sunny Madra joins Jason
(6:46) Sunny demos Legal Now - AI-powered legal docs tool
(10:01) Lemon.io - Get $2000 off your first hire at http://lemon.io/hire
(11:10) Sunny demos Rows - Web-based Excel
(15:38) Sunny demos Originality AI - AI detection tool
(22:36) Codecademy - Try Codecademy Pro FREE for 14 days at http://codecademy.com/TWiST
(24:02) Apple testing M3 MacBook Pros with 16 CPU cores and 40 GPU cores
(31:32) Sunny demos Summarize.tech - Summarizes YouTube videos
(33:57) NetSuite - Download your free KPI Checklist at http://netsuite.com/twist
(35:15) Sunny demos Google Docs AI write
(43:49) Sunny demos Google Sheets AI
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Check out Legal Now: https://ai.legalnow.xyz/
Check out Rows: Rows.com
Check out Originality AI: https://app.originality.ai/content-scan/6910415
Check out Summarize.tech: https://www.summarize.tech/www.youtube.com/watch?v=co_MeKSnyAo
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Follow Sunny: https://twitter.com/sundeep
Check out Definitive Intelligence: https://www.definitive.io/
Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo: https://www.launch.co/four
Apply for Funding: https://www.launch.co/apply
Buy ANGEL: https://www.angelthebook.com
Great recent interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt
Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis
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Follow Jason:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jason
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis
*
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

Oct 25, 2023 • 58min
Google, Microsoft, and Snap earnings, plus the state of VC in the Middle East | E1834
This Week in Startups is brought to you by…
Embroker. The Embroker Startup Insurance Program helps startups secure the most important types of insurance at a lower cost and with less hassle. Save up to 20% off of traditional insurance today at https://Embroker.com/twist. While you’re there, get an extra 10% off using offer code 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://CLAconnect.com/tech
IntouchCX. Looking for ways to make your startup more efficient? IntouchCX has a ground-breaking suite of AI-powered tools for end-to-end optimization to give your business the edge it needs to thrive. Get started with your free consultation at http://intouchcx.com/twist
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Today’s show:
Jason kicks the show off with a discussion on the state of venture capital in the Middle East (1:34). Then, he breaks down Q3 earnings reports for Google, Microsoft, and Snap (18:12), and much more!
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Time stamps:
(0:00) Jason kicks off the show
(1:34) The state of VC in the Middle East
(10:15) The founder ecosystem and adapting to EU regulations
(13:57) Updates on "THE LINE"
(16:45) Embroker - Use code TWIST to get an extra 10% off insurance at https://Embroker.com/twist
(18:12) Google Q3 earnings
(22:48) Microsoft Q3 earnings
(28:21) CLA - Get started with CLA's CPAs, consultants, and wealth advisors now at https://claconnect.com/tech
(29:57) Snap’s Q3 earnings
(38:33) InTouchCX - Get started with a free consultation at http://intouchcx.com/twist
(39:57) Snap’s Daily Active Users (DAU)
(43:15) Frameworks for investing in consumer internet companies
(44:56) Greycroft layoffs
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Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo: https://www.launch.co/fourApply for Funding: https://www.launch.co/apply
Buy ANGEL: https://www.angelthebook.com
Great recent interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt
Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis
*
Follow Jason:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jason
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis
*
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

Oct 24, 2023 • 1h 8min
The Trial of SBF: A deep dive with Inner City Press's Matthew Russell Lee | E1833
This Week in Startups is brought to you by…
Squarespace. Turn your idea into a new website! Go to https://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.
Catalog. Stop wasting time and money with expensive design firms and unreliable freelancers! Get fast, 3-day turnarounds for a flat monthly fee with Catalog! Get $1200 off right now at https://trycatalog.com/twist
.Tech Domains has a new program called startups.tech, where you can get your startup featured on This Week in Startups. Go to https://startups.tech/jason to find out how!
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Today’s show:
Mathew Russell Lee from Inner City Press joins Jason to discuss life as an independent journalist (13:47), startup fraud trends (2:27), his firsthand observations from the SBF courtroom (17:05), the state of the justice system (1:01:16), and much more!
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Time stamps:
(0:00) Inner City Press’ Matthew Russell Lee joins Jason
(2:27) The failed Nikola Badger launch and trial of CEO Trevor Milton
(10:03) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/twist
(11:24) Current status of the SBF trial
(13:47) Matthew's approach to journalism
(17:05) Firsthand observations from the SBF courtroom and reflections on cooperators’ testimonies
(20:56) The dynamics among the accused and framing of their involvement
(23:54) The jury’s key point of interest
(28:38) Catalog - Get $1200 off right now at https://trycatalog.com/twist
(30:07) SBF’s family involvement and use of effective altruism
(34:58) SBF's defense strategy and alleged misuse of client funds
(40:58) .Tech Domains - Apply to get your startup featured on This Week in Startups at https://startups.tech/jason
(43:25) SBF’s extradition and Sam Trabucco's role in the Chinese bribery scheme
(47:09) Recouping money
(50:57) Remaining aspects of the SBF trial
(53:57) SBF's character and upbringing
(56:19) Outcomes of previous fraud cases and thoughts on SBF's conviction
(1:01:16) SDNY's nature and the state of the U.S. justice system
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Follow Matthew: https://twitter.com/innercitypress
Check out Inner City Press: https://www.innercitypress.com/
Check out Matthew's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/MatthewRussellLee
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Check out TWiST episode 1090: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SH-zhlqvJWM
Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo: https://www.launch.co/fourApply for
Funding: https://www.launch.co/apply
Buy ANGEL: https://www.angelthebook.com
Great recent interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt
Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis
*
Follow Jason:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jason
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis
*
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

Oct 21, 2023 • 1h 3min
Reverse-engineering autonomy in humanoid robots with Sanctuary AI CEO Geordie Rose | E1832
This Week in Startups is brought to you by…
IntouchCX. Looking for ways to make your startup more efficient? IntouchCX has a ground-breaking suite of AI-powered tools for end-to-end optimization to give your business the edge it needs to thrive. Get started with your free consultation at http://intouchcx.com/twist
Fount. Do you want access to the performance protocols that pro athletes and special ops use? With Fount, an elite military operator supercharges your focus, sleep, recovery, and longevity, all powered by your unique data. Want a true edge in work and life? Go to fount.bio/TWIST for $500 off.
.Tech Domains has a new program called startups.tech, where you can get your startup featured on This Week in Startups. Go to startups.tech/jason to find out how!
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Today’s show:
Sanctuary AI CEO Geordie Rose joins Jason for an incredible interview on the complexities of using AI to train robots (11:09), developing large behavior models (17:53), the 'lights out' moment in manufacturing (42:52), and much more!
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Time stamps:
(0:00) Sanctuary AI CEO Geordie Rose joins Jason
(3:42) Sanctuary AI's approach to robotics and motivation behind creating humanoid robots
(6:05) The human hand's integral role in AI-driven robot development: Planning, reasoning, and understanding the world
(11:09) Moravec’s paradox and the challenges of instilling perception in robots
(16:40) InTouchCX - Get started with a free consultation at http://intouchcx.com/twist
(17:53) The significance of "Micro-Policies" and developing large behavior models
(22:59) Exploring human cognition and large behavior models
(28:52) Fount - Get $500 off an executive health coach at https://fount.bio/twist
(30:23) Sanctuary AI’s Phoenix robot, robot training, and use of large language models
(37:46) Robotics in automotive manufacturing
(41:43) .Tech Domains - Apply to get your startup featured on This Week in Startups at https://startups.tech/jason
(42:52) The"lights out' moment in manufacturing and the challenge of regulatory capture in AI
(56:01) Humans’ problem-solving nature and roots of technological fear
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Check out Sanctuary AI: https://sanctuary.ai/
Follow Geordie: https://twitter.com/realgeordierose
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Check out Bill Gurley’s 2,851 Miles: https://youtu.be/F9cO3-MLHOM?feature=shared
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Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo:
https://www.launch.co/fourApply for Funding: https://www.launch.co/apply
Buy ANGEL: https://www.angelthebook.com
Great recent interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt
Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis
*
Follow Jason:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jason
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis
*
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

Oct 19, 2023 • 59min
Should Apple buy Disney? Plus: Apple's $1B blockbuster bet and more with Lon Harris | E1831
This Week in Startups is brought to you by…
Masterworks. The first company allowing investors exposure into the blue-chip artwork asset class. TWIST listeners can skip the waitlist by going to https://masterworks.com/twist and using promo code TWIST.
Codecademy. Build the future you want to see with Codecademy. Codecademy Pro helps you learn everything you’ll need to shape what comes next in the tech space. Try it free for 14 days. Visit Codecademy.com/TWiST
LinkedIn Jobs. A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters. Go to LinkedIn.com/TWIST to post your first job for free. Terms and conditions apply.
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Today’s show:
Lon Harris joins Jason to discuss Apple’s major push into Hollywood blockbusters (1:38), their anti-Netlix, “auteur” approach (4:27), updates on the WGA+SAG-AFTRA strikes (29:11), film recommendations (46:10), and much more!
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Time stamps:
(0:00) Lon Harris joins Jason
(1:38) Apple’s major push into Hollywood blockbusters
(4:27) Apple's anti-Netflix, “auteur” approach
(6:11) Why is this timely? Approaches to film marketing and releases
(13:56) Masterworks - Skip the waitlist to invest in fine art at https://www.masterworks.com/twist
(15:21) Breaking down the budget for Apple's Killers of the Flower Moon
(18:13) Why is Netflix taking the opposite approach
(20:12) Sequels and audience burnout
(21:25) Movie budgets: Napoleon, Barbie, Oppenheimer
(27:45) Codecademy - Try Codecademy Pro FREE for 14 days at http://codecademy.com/TWiST
(29:11) Update on the WGA strike and AI's place in film
(38:01) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://linkedin.com/twist
(39:31) Update on SAG-AFTRA negotiations
(43:53) Understanding the "auteur" approach and the significance behind original IP
(46:10) Film and Show Recommendations: Fall of the House of Usher, The Mill, The Diplomat, Mr. Inbetween, Past Lives, The Burial, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial
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Follow Lon: https://twitter.com/Lons
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Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo: https://www.launch.co/fourApply for Funding: https://www.launch.co/apply
Buy ANGEL: https://www.angelthebook.com
Great recent interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt
Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis
*
Follow Jason:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jason
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis
*
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

Oct 17, 2023 • 53min
Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel on travel industry trends, M&A, leadership, and more! | E1830
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
LinkedIn Marketing. To redeem a $100 LinkedIn ad credit and launch your first campaign, go to linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups
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.
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Today’s show:
Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel joins Jason to discuss trends in the travel industry (31:20), healthy M&A environments (24:24), job disruption due to AI (37:22), and much more!
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Time stamps:
(0:00) Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel joins Jason
(2:37) Booking Holdings' companies and their operations
(5:30) Shifts in the travel industry
(10:52) A look at the ascension of Airbnb
(15:25) The impact of alternative accommodations
(17:15) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
(18:21) AI's influence on user interfaces
(20:55) Uber's entry into travel and Uber’s everything app
(22:44) Competition in travel
(24:24) What makes for healthy M&A in the USA and thoughts on Lina Khan's strategy
(28:19) LinkedIn Marketing - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at https://linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups
(29:44) Consequences of removing M&A from the table
(31:20) Trends in travel over the past two decades
(34:14) Advocating for a 32-hour work week in China and the four-day work week debate
(37:22) Job disruption due to AI and where will people shift to next
(41:01) DevSquad - Get an entire product team for the cost of one US developer plus 10% off at http://devsquad.com/twist
(42:19) Traits of generations X, Y, and Z in relation to entrepreneurship and capitalism
(45:34) Selecting company leaders and management techniques
(48:00) Recovering from COVID-19's impact on the travel industry
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Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo: https://www.launch.co/fourApply for Funding: https://www.launch.co/apply
Buy ANGEL: https://www.angelthebook.com
Great recent interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt
Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis
*
Follow Jason:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jason
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis
*
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

Oct 17, 2023 • 1h 11min
AI demos: ChatGPT’s UI punch ups, Google’s generative image search, and more with Sunny Madra | E1829
This Week in Startups is brought to you by…
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Mercury is a financial technology company, not a bank.
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Squarespace. Turn your idea into a new website! Go to 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.
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:
Sunny Madra joins Jason to demo an AI-enabled survey tool (1:31), ChatGPT’s multimodal UI feedback (44:58), Google generative image search (59:15), and much more!
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Time stamps:
(0:00) Sunny Madra joins Jason
(1:31) Sunny demos Trove’s conversational surveys
(10:43) Final thoughts and grades for Trove
(17:43) Mercury Raise - Visit http://mercury.com/raise to get access to a network, connections, and advice
(19:07) Sunny demos the ChatGPT's multimodal calculator builder
(22:45) Microsoft reportedly losing $20/month per GitHub Copilot user
(28:58) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/twist
(30:20) Sunny demos SuperManage
(34:46) Grades for SuperManage
(43:30) Fitbod - Get 25% off at https://fitbod.me/twist
(44:58) Demo of ChatGPT's Multimodal UI feedback
(49:01) OpenAI’s business model
(54:09) Grades for ChatGPT Multimodal UI feedback
(59:15) Sunny demos Google’s generative image search
(1:02:12) Grades for Google’s generative image search
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Check out Trove: https://gettrove.co/app/dashboard
Check out SuperManage: https://supermanage.ai/
*
Follow Sunny: https://twitter.com/sundeep
*
Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo: https://www.launch.co/fourApply for Funding: https://www.launch.co/apply
Buy ANGEL: https://www.angelthebook.com
Great recent interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt
Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis
*
Follow Jason:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jason
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis
*
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

Oct 12, 2023 • 40min
Debating personal AI hardware with Rewind AI’s Dan Siroker | E1828
This Week in Startups is brought to you by…
Codecademy. Build the future you want to see with Codecademy. Codecademy Pro helps you learn everything you’ll need to shape what comes next in the tech space. Try it free for 14 days. Visit Codecademy.com/TWiST
.Tech Domains has a new program called startups.tech, where you can get your startup featured on This Week in Startups. Go to startups.tech/jason to find out how!
Squarespace. Turn your idea into a new website! Go to 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.
*
Today’s show:
Rewind CEO Dan Siroker joins Jason to discuss the new Rewind Pendant AI device that can record conversations (1:08), debate privacy and ethical concerns around covert recording (9:32), and much more!
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Time stamps:
(0:00) Jason kicks off the show
(1:08) Dan breaks down the Rewind Pendant
(8:05) Codecademy - Try Codecademy Pro FREE for 14 days at http://codecademy.com/TWiST
(9:32) Privacy and ethical concerns around covert recording
(20:42) .Tech Domains - Apply to get your startup featured on This Week in Startups at https://startups.tech/jason
(21:47) Comparisons to products like Google Glass and Humane
(24:15) Design considerations and the best use cases for Rewind Pendant
(30:09) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/twist
(31:32) The need for thoughtful development of personal AI and the value of open feedback
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Follow Dan: https://twitter.com/dsiroker
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Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo: https://www.launch.co/fourApply for Funding: https://www.launch.co/apply
Buy ANGEL: https://www.angelthebook.com
Great recent interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt
Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis
*
Follow Jason:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jason
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis
*
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

Oct 12, 2023 • 57min
NEWS: Ackman's SPARC, Unity CEO steps down amidst dev revolt, AI operating costs skyrocket | E1827
This Week in Startups is brought to you by…
Catalog. Stop wasting time and money with expensive design firms and unreliable freelancers! Get fast, 3-day turnarounds for a flat monthly fee with Catalog! Get $1200 off right now at https://trycatalog.com/twist
Lemon.io - Hire pre-vetted remote developers, get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist
Roots. Invest in the only real estate investment trust that creates wealth for you and its residents at https://investwithroots.com/TWIST
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Today’s show:
Jason is back to break down the news: Bill Ackman's SPARC (1:32), Unity CEO steps down due to developer revolt over pricing changes (15:33), the AI operating cost problem (32:17), the latest on SBF's trial (45:32), and more!
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Time stamps:
(0:00) Jason kicks off the show
(1:32) Bill Ackman's SPARC
(14:02) Catalog - Get $1200 off right now at https://trycatalog.com/twist
(15:33) Unity CEO steps down over developer revolt, importance of getting pricing right
(24:44) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://lemon.io/twist
(26:05) Lyft looks to get rid of surge pricing
(32:17) Big tech firms are losing money on AI tools due to high operating costs
(37:10) Roots - Head to https://investwithroots.com/TWIST to sign up and start investing today
(38:43) Google's Project Green Light: AI is helping cities like Seattle reduce carbon emissions from cars by optimizing traffic lights
(45:32) SBF Trial Update
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LINKS:
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/09/29/bill-ackmans-spac-gets-green-light-from-the-sec-and-hes-looking-for-something-to-buy.html
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230929101720/en/Pershing-Square-SPARC-Holdings-Ltd.-Announces-Launch-and-SPAR-Distribution
https://www.sec.gov/oiea/investor-alerts-and-bulletins/what-you-need-know-about-spacs-investor-bulletin
https://fortune.com/2022/07/12/bill-ackman-liquidates-largest-spac-ever-returns-4-billion-investors-blank-check-era-fades
https://venturebeat.com/games/john-riccitiello-steps-down-as-ceo-of-unity-after-pricing-battle
https://unity.com/pricing#plans-individualsand-teams
https://www.axios.com/2023/09/13/unity-runtime-fee-policy-marc-whitten
https://twitter.com/InnerslothDevs/status/1701731398498013575

Oct 11, 2023 • 1h 11min
State of early-stage VC, finding PMF, Caroline Ellison testifies & more with Zach Coelius | E1826
This Week in Startups is brought to you by…
Fount. Do you want access to the performance protocols that pro athletes and special ops use? With Fount, an elite military operator supercharges your focus, sleep, recovery, and longevity, all powered by your unique data. Want a true edge in work and life? Go to fount.bio/TWIST for $500 off.
Coda. A new doc that brings words, tables and teams together. All your valuable data, plans, objectives, and strategies in one place. Go to https://coda.io/twist to get a $1,000 credit!
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.
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Today’s show:
Zach Coelius joins Jason to discuss the phases of early-stage startups (2:01), break down the state of VC (13:17), answer live questions from the audience (22:36), and much more!
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Time stamps:
(0:00) Zach Coelius joins Jason
(2:01) The three phases of early-stage startups
(10:00) Fount - Get $500 off an executive health coach at https://fount.bio/twist
(11:31) Advantages that Builder/Founder startups possess
(13:17) The state of VC: The LP and GP relationship, post-ZIRP, and startup soft landings
(21:10) Coda - Get a $1,000 startup credit at https://coda.io/twist
(22:36) Question: How do you describe PMF in the simplest terms possible
(29:20) Question: How hard is it for first-time founders to raise pre-seed?
(39:46) Miro - Sign up for a free account at https://miro.com/startups
(41:11) Question: I will be in the Bay Area for two weeks… any advice on how to efficiently meet VCs to pitch my startup?
(45:56) Question: What are attributes of companies that are getting funded today? More stable and breakeven? Different industries? What is working today?
(54:49) Breaking news: Caroline Ellison, CEO of Alameda Research testifies for first time today in SBF’s trial
(1:01:49) Cruise robotaxi fleet deployed in San Francisco
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Follow Zach: https://twitter.com/zachcoelius
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