This Week in Startups

Jason kicks off the show by breaking down clips from a recent conversation between Marc Andreessen, Ben Horowitz, and Adam Neumann about Saudi Arabia’s promising startup scene (2:44). This leads to Jason diving into new city concepts and Trump’s presidential campaign (13:01). Then, BioFluff CEO Martin Stübler joins the show to discuss his sustainable fashion alternative (30:44). (0:00) Jason kicks off the show (2:44) Saudi Arabia’s promising startup scene (11:31) Coda - The All-in-one doc for teams, sign up for free at https://coda.io/twist (13:01) Creating cities and societies  (18:21) Trump-topia (23:33) Mercury - Apply in minutes and get up to $5M in FDIC insurance at https://mercury.com (25:02) Trump’s presidential campaign  (29:16) Revelo - Get 20% off the first 3 months by mentioning TWIST at https://revelo.io/twist (30:44) BioFluff CEO Martin Stübler on developing plant-based fur FOLLOW Martin: https://twitter.com/MartinStubler FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkhmBWfS7pILYIk0izkc3A?sub_confirmation=1 FOUNDERS! Subscribe to the Founder University podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/founder-university/id1648407190

Stephen Wolfram of Wolfram Research joins Jason for an all-encompassing conversation about AI, from the history of neural nets (7:53) to how modern ai emulates the human brain (19:33). This leads to an in-depth discussion about the pace at which AI is evolving (43:46), The “Post-Knowledge Work” era (58:45), the unintended consequences of AI (1:03:52), and so much more. (0:00) Nick kicks off the show (1:24) Under the hood of ChatGPT (7:53) What is a neural net?  (10:05) Cast.ai - Get a free cloud cost audit with a personal consultation at https://cast.ai/twist (11:33) Determining values and weights in a neural net (18:28) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist (19:33) Emulating the human brain (23:26) Defining computational irreducibility (26:14) Emergent behavior and the rules of language (31:49) Discovering logic + creating a computational language (38:10) Clumio - Start a free backup, or sign up for a demo at https://clumio.com/twist (39:38) Wolfram’s ChatGPT plugin (43:46) The rapid pace of AI  (58:45) The “Post-Knowledge Work” era (1:03:52) The unintended consequences of AI  (1:11:45) Rewarding innovation  (1:16:12) The possibility of AGI  (1:20:07) Creating a general-purpose robotic system FOLLOW Stephen: https://twitter.com/stephen_wolfram FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkhmBWfS7pILYIk0izkc3A?sub_confirmation=1 FOUNDERS! Subscribe to the Founder University podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/founder-university/id1648407190

Vinny Lingham joins Jason to break down the state of crypto’s de-platforming by the US government. They discuss recent happenings with Coinbase (2:13), Balaji’s Bitcoin bet (20:00), Binance (38:23), SBF (44:07), and more! Then, they wrap with a discussion about the coming balkanization of AI (52:54). (0:00) Jason tees up today’s topics (2:13) Coinbase’s Wells notice & the state of crypto (8:08) Pilot - Get 20% off the first 6 months at https://pilot.com/twist (9:36) Clarity within the crypto industry (15:06) The future of Bitcoin in the US  (18:29) Orgspace - Get $2000 in credits at http://orgspace.io/twist (20:00) Balaji’s bet and hyperinflation (25:50) A debate on whether to short Coinbase (36:52) Issuu - Sign up for free or get 50% off an annual premium account by using promo code twist at https://issuu.com/podcast (38:23) CFTC sues Binance  (44:07) SBF’s indictment  (49:00) Why is the government clamping down on crypto?  (52:54) The balkanization of AI FOLLOW Vinny: https://twitter.com/vinnylingham FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkhmBWfS7pILYIk0izkc3A?sub_confirmation=1 FOUNDERS! Subscribe to the Founder University podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/founder-university/id1648407190

Jason hosts another pitch competition featuring three startups from our Founder University program! Apply for Founder University: https://course.founder.university (0:00) Jason kicks off the show  (1:58) Kelly and Presh discuss reactions from the Founder University community (6:47) Presentation 1: Kevin O'Connell, Founder and CEO of Kapsule (12:08) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at ⁠https://Squarespace.com/TWIST⁠  (13:38) Presentation 2: Julien Hoachuck, Founder of ArkiTask  (19:48) Embroker - Use code TWIST to get an extra 10% off insurance at ⁠https://Embroker.com/twist ⁠  (21:10) Presentation 3: David Axelrod, Founder of Open Insure (32:07) CacheFly - Get 10 terabytes free by signing up at ⁠https://twist.cachefly.com ⁠ (33:28) Deliberations  (37:36) Jason's thoughts on the three companies (41:13) Key takeaways from Founder University (46:22) How to learn more about Founder University FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis FOLLOW Presh: https://twitter.com/preshdkumar FOLLOW Kelly: https://twitter.com/KSchricks Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkhmBWfS7pILYIk0izkc3A?sub_confirmation=1 FOUNDERS! Subscribe to the Founder University podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/founder-university/id1648407190

Producer Rachel joins Jason to break down the latest tech news. They cover AOC's arguments against banning TikTok (2:29), Alibaba's six-way split (18:43), Disney's metaverse cuts (28:17), Substack's equity crowdfunding (39:16), Lyft's precarious position, and more! (55:09) Then, Jason breaks down the case for shorting Coinbase. (1:12:14) (0:00) Jason kicks off the show (2:29) Reacting to AOC's arguments to not ban TikTok (13:39) LMNT - Get a free sample pack with any purchase at http://drinklmnt.com/TWIST (15:09) The CCP’s interest in TikTok  (18:43) Alibaba's six-way split (26:49) Mercury - Banking built for startups. See more at https://mercury.com/twist (28:17) Disney sunsetting its Metaverse division (38:09) Crowdbotics - Get a free scoping session for your next big app idea at http://crowdbotics.com/twist (39:16) Substack's equity crowdfunding (55:09) Lyft's precarious position (1:04:18) Twitter shutters legacy verification badges (1:12:14) Laying out the Coinbase short argument FOLLOW Rachel: https://twitter.com/_rachelbraun FOLLOW Nick: https://twitter.com/nickcalacanis FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkhmBWfS7pILYIk0izkc3A?sub_confirmation=1 FOUNDERS! Subscribe to the Founder University podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/founder-university/id1648407190

Jason starts the show by discussing First Citizens acquiring SVB’s assets (2:03) before diving into a Reddit post detailing how generative AI changed a 3D artist’s job overnight (9:09). Jason wraps by interviewing Sarika Bajaj, the CEO, and Co-founder of Refiberd, as she dives into the reality of the recycling process, how they are using spectroscopy to recycle textiles, and more (20:28)! (0:00) Jason kicks off the show (2:03) A breakdown of First Citizens’ purchase of SVB (8:05) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist (9:09) Reddit Post: A radical change for 3D artists  (18:59) LinkedIn Marketing - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at https://linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups (20:28) Sarika Bajaj, CEO of Refiberd joins Jason  (21:00) What happens to our textiles?  (25:20) Refiberd’s solution (30:31) Solving for inefficiencies in the recycling process  (38:05) Brilliant.org - Get 20% off an annual subscription at http://brilliant.org/twist (39:33) The state of recycling today (49:23) Raising capital in today’s market  (54:25) Navigating gate SVB collapse  FOLLOW Sarika: https://refiberd.com/  FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkhmBWfS7pILYIk0izkc3A?sub_confirmation=1 FOUNDERS! Subscribe to the Founder University podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/founder-university/id1648407190

Acquired co-hosts Ben and David are BACK to discuss the state of the VC market and YC shutting down its Continuity Fund (6:20) before diving into industries that benefitted from ZIRP (26:35). They also break down which social apps they want to own and why (45:29). Then, Ben and Jason wrap up the show by discussing the future of Amazon and Starfish Space, a new space startup (1:11:48) (0:00) Nick tees up today’s topics (1:36) David’s time at Stanford (6:20) Ben’s private market snapshot (8:49) Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub - Apply in 5 minutes for six figures in discounts at http://aka.ms/thisweekinstartups (10:19) David’s private market snapshot (16:19) Reacting to YC closing down its Continuity Fund (25:35) QuickNode - Go to http://quicknode.com/ and use the code TWIST for a free month on their feature-packed Build Plan (26:35) Industries that benefitted from ZIRP (35:08) House of Macadamias - Get 20% off at https://houseofmacadamias.com/twist by using code TWIST20 (36:36) How compelling is AI?  (45:29) Owning either Instagram, Linked In, or YouTube (48:15) Rational and Wildcard: Who is likely to acquire TikTok?  (53:44) Twitter product development (1:00:51) Reclaiming lost time  (1:11:48) The future of Amazon  (1:19:57) Apple to spend $1B on producing theatrical releases + Project Titan (1:25:21) SOTD: Keeping satellites on course with Starfish Space   FOLLOW Ben: https://twitter.com/gilbert FOLLOW David: https://twitter.com/djrosent FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkhmBWfS7pILYIk0izkc3A?sub_confirmation=1 FOUNDERS! Subscribe to the Founder University podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/founder-university/id1648407190

Jason kicks off today's episode by reacting to TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew's testimony in front of Congress (1:41) before delving into the news that Coinbase was served a Wells notice by the SEC (22:57). Then, he discusses the reports that Do Kwon has been arrested in Montenegro (32:35) before wrapping up with more information on China and TikTok (35:44). (0:00) Jason kicks off the show  (1:41) Jason reacts to Shou Zi Chew's testimony in front of Congress (6:14) China's use of private companies to manipulate its population (11:02) Linode - Apply to Linode's Rise program for up to six figures in discounts at https://linode.com/twist (12:29) TikTok's ability to influence our youth  (16:48) Chinese espionage (21:27) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist (22:57) SEC serves Coinbase a Wells Notice (31:19) Clumio - Visit https://clumio.com/twist to start a free backup or sign up for a demo (32:35) Do Kwon arrested in Montenegro (35:44) More information on China and TikTok FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkhmBWfS7pILYIk0izkc3A?sub_confirmation=1 FOUNDERS! Subscribe to the Founder University podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/founder-university/id1648407190

Jenny Lefcourt of Freestyle VC joins Jason for an insightful conversation. They delve into the mission of All Raise and the importance of diversity in venture capital (2:04). Jenny shares her thoughts on embracing non-consensus bets and her experiences investing in Narvar and Discord (20:04). Additionally, they discuss the value of strategy meetings in comparison to traditional board meetings (59:10). (0:00) Jason kicks off the show (2:04) Co-Founding All Raise: Promoting Diversity in Venture Capital (9:53) Prenuvo - Save $300 on Full Body Scans at http://prenuvo.com/twist (11:23) Biases Towards Certain Business Models (15:05) Identifying and Avoiding Unsuccessful Business Models (18:54) LinkedIn Jobs - Post Your First Job for Free at https://linkedIn.com/angel (20:04) Embracing Non-Consensus Bets (22:53) Jenny’s Investment in Narvar (28:16) Understanding the Economics of a Seed Fund (35:14) Comparing Hype: Generative AI versus Web 3.0 (40:47) Miro - Collaborate with Unlimited Team Members for Free at https://miro.com/startups/ (42:28) Insights from Jenny's Investment in Discord (47:05) Attaining Product-Market Fit and Making a Significant Impact (56:56) Exiting Deals: When to Move On (59:10) Strategy Meetings Compared to Board Meetings (1:04:04) Jenny's Ideal Timeline for Committing to Investments FOLLOW Jenny: https://twitter.com/jennylefcourt FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkhmBWfS7pILYIk0izkc3A?sub_confirmation=1 FOUNDERS! Subscribe to the Founder University podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/founder-university/id1648407190

Today on the podcast, we have a new format for you! Jason will hear four pitches from Founder University participants and choose ONE startup to invest $25K in! (1:45) (0:00) Jason kicks off the show and explains the pitch format! (1:45) Jason brings on Presh and Kelly to explain the fundamentals of Founder University and introduces today's pitches! (13:44) ⁠Squarespace - Use code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/TWIST (16:18) George Lam pitches Fantastic Funding (21:18) Naman Dwivedi pitches Promptify (25:59) Pilot - Go to https://pilot.com/twist for 20% off your first 6 months (27:30) Phil Boucher pitches OpenSpot (34:00) Matt Edminster pitches Renegade Labs (39:22) ⁠Fennel - Join the waitlist and get your first month free at http://fennel.com/twist (40:35) Kelly and Presh's pick for best return for LPs (45:33) The live audience votes! (50:22) What Founder University meant to these Founders (53:39) Jason makes his decision on who will receive $25K Check out the startups!: https://fantasticfunding.com https://www.promptify.ai https://www.findopenspot.com https://www.renegadelabs.io FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis FOLLOW Presh: https://twitter.com/preshdkumar FOLLOW Kelly: https://twitter.com/KSchricks