This Week in Startups

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

Rachel Reporting joins Jason to read the news! First, they give an update on the banking crisis and how it’s impacting startups (1:34). Then, they cover Balaji’s huge Bitcoin bet and his predictions for the future (14:17) before breaking down OpenAI’s launch of GPT-4 (35:07). Finally, Jason wraps up with some Jay Trading updates (57:28)! (0:00) Jason kicks off the show (1:34) Banking crisis update & how it affects startups (10:11) Embroker - Use code TWIST to get an extra 10% off insurance at https://Embroker.com/twist (11:14) Best practices for banking (14:17) Balaji’s huge Bitcoin bet (22:18) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://linkedin.com/twist  (23:42) Balaji’s predictions for the future (32:41) Ray Dalio’s The Changing World Order (33:46) CacheFly - Get 10 Terabyte free forever if you signup at http://twist.cachefly.com (35:07) A breakdown of OpenAI’s launch of GPT-4 (57:28) Jay Trade update FOLLOW Rachel: https://twitter.com/_rachelbraun 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

Molly is joined by Laurie Yoler as they dive into her early experiences in VC before discussing how she became the first investor in Tesla (1:45). Next, Laurie talks about her time at Qualcomm and Playground then they wrap with a discussion about AI and how Laurie’s investments were impacted by the pandemic (30:31). (0:00) Jason kicks off the show (1:45) Arriving in Venture (7:36) Laurie’s first investments (13:39) LinkedIn Jobs - Go to https://linkedIn.com/angel and post your first job for free. (14:49) Investing in Tesla (21:21) Prenuvo - Get $300 off at http://prenuvo.com/twist (22:51) Raising money for a car company (26:22) Finding strategic partners (30:31) Laurie’s time at Qualcomm and autonomous vehicles (37:11) Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub - Apply in 5 minutes for six figures in discounts at http://aka.ms/thisweekinstartups (38:42) Joining Playground (41:29) Leaf Logistics (45:44) Benefitting from the pandemic (48:54) Investing in AI FOLLOW Laurie: https://twitter.com/laurieyoler FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis FOUNDERS! Subscribe to the Founder University podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/founder-university/id1648407190

Vinny and Sunny are BACK with Jason for another roundtable! First, they cover the aftermath of the bank shutdowns (2:54) before breaking down the impact on startups and the overall economy. (14:14) They also cover Zuckerberg announcing more cuts at Meta (1:05:49) and OpenAI launching GPT-4! (1:10:55) (0:00) Jason tees up today's topics! (2:54) Reflecting on the aftermath of the SVB collapse (12:50) Cast.ai - Get a free cloud cost audit with a personal consultation at https://cast.ai/twist  (14:14) Understanding the origins of the banking issues and the Fed's response (27:10) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist  (28:09) Signature and Silvergate troubles, overall lessons from the past week (39:33) Orgspace - Get $2000 in credits at http://orgspace.io/twist  (41:04) Understanding CBDC (56:11) Things to consider going forward, payroll crisis (1:05:49) Zuckerberg's "Year of Efficiency" and OpenAI launches GPT-4 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

Wealthfront Chairman and Co-Founder Andy Rachleff joins Jason for an incredible interview! They start the show by discussing the SVB situation before breaking down different tech mini-crashes throughout Silicon Valley history (2:28). Then, they break down Wealthfront’s business and how to know if a business has market pull (40:49). They finish up the show by covering a range of topics, from AI to stock-based comp (1:13:45). (0:00) Jason kicks off the show (2:28) SVB situation (9:26) The FDIC’s $250K limit (13:27) MasterClass - Get 15% off an annual membership at https://masterclass.com/startups (14:49) The bank run (16:17) The SVB ecosystem (22:20) Merge - Integrate up to 5 customers for free today at https://merge.dev/twist (23:45) Cycle changes (36:15) How to judge a VC (39:27) Issuu - Get 50% off when you go to https://issuu.com/podcast and use promo code twist (40:49) Wealthfront’s operation (48:58) Reactions to the market (55:00) Modern analysis and stock buybacks (1:01:24 ) Caring about profitability (1:02:06) Attaining market pull (1:13:45) Andy’s thoughts on AI (1:16:31) The makeup of a great entrepreneur (1:18:50) Stock-based compensation (1:25:06) How we avoided inflation FOLLOW Andy: https://twitter.com/arachleff FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis