"Request for Startups" with Erik Torenberg

Latest Episodes:

Requests For Startups: Software Meets Physical World with Sean Linehan Jun 07, 2024

Today’s episode of Request for Startups features

* Sean Linehan: CEO at Exec and Squad. @seanlinehan on X

* Erik Torenberg: Investor, Founder of Turpentine.co. @eriktorenberg on X

In this Request for Startups throwback, Sean Linehan, CEO at Exec and Squad, then-founder of Placement, joined Erik Torenberg to share insights from working at Flexport. They discuss the future of automation, the rise of corporations, leveraging technology in traditional industries, and the importance of a zero-sum approach to business and economic growth.

SPONSOR: BRAVE

Get first-party targeting with Brave’s private ad platform: cookieless and future proof ad formats for all your business needs. Performance meets privacy. Head to https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “Turpentine” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(01:01) Sean’s journey at Flexport

(04:46) Lessons from Flexport

(06:20) Software eating the physical world

(19:30) Sponsor: Brave

(20:34) Trends on managed marketplaces

(24:55) Historical insights and modern applications

(36:38) The rise of corporations

(38:23) Legal compliance and market manipulation

(41:47) Monopolies: Past and present

(47:59) Potential impact of software and sophisticated technology

(54:44) Automation and labor market dynamics

(58:25) Personal values and professional growth

(01:03:09) Significance of age in career progression

(01:06:11) Zero-Sum thinking and wealth generation

(01:08:50) Wrap

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit requestforstartups.substack.com

Requests For Startups: Marketplaces with Jonathan Swanson and John Kobs Jun 01, 2024

Today’s episode of Request for Startups features

* Jonathan Swanson: Founder and Chairman of Thumbtack and Athena. @swaaanson on X

* John Kobs: Founder and CEO of Giant and Apartment List. @JohnKobs on X

* Erik Torenberg: Investor, Founder of Turpentine. @eriktorenberg on X

In this Request for Startups throwback, Jonathan Swanson, founder of Thumbtack and Athena, with John Kobs, founder and CEO of Giant and Apartment List, joined Erik Torenberg to talk about their lessons from running their respective companies about what makes a good marketplace, and how prospective founders can find opportunities in the space. They also explore new opportunities for creating marketplaces from untapped market potential and integrating technology like VR and decentralized systems.

SPONSOR: BRAVEGet first-party targeting with Brave’s private ad platform: cookieless and future proof ad formats for all your business needs. Performance meets privacy. Head to https://brave.com/brave-ads/ and mention “Turpentine” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(01:05) Thumbtack's origin

(03:52) John’s vision on ApartmentList

(05:49) Evolution of marketplaces

(09:38) Challenges and opportunities in marketplaces

(15:01) Sponsor: Brave

(16:47) Difficulties in developing marketplaces for other industries

(17:40) Building liquidity and overcoming challenges

(25:30) Future of marketplaces and new opportunities

(32:32) Concept of marketplaces for new behaviors

(34:29) Jonathan’s request for startups

(38:47) Wrap

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit requestforstartups.substack.com

Finding The Right Idea, Co-Founder, and Early Employees with Sean Linehan May 25, 2024

Today’s episode of Request for Startups features

* Sean Linehan: CEO at Exec and Squad. @seanlinehan on X

* Erik Torenberg: Investor, Founder of Turpentine.co. @eriktorenberg on X

A Request for Startups throwback! In this week’s episode, Sean Linehan, CEO at Exec and Squad, then-founder of Placement, joined Erik Torenberg for a live On Deck talk back in 2021 to discuss his journey from Flexport to navigating the idea maze and founding Placement. Sean shares valuable insights about burnout, taking strategic breaks, the critical importance of finding the right co-founder, and advice on hiring at the earliest stages.

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:49) Navigating the Idea Maze: From Flexport to Placement

(07:18) Evaluating startup ideas and early-stage hiring

(11:40) Building Placement

(14:52) Co-founder compatibility and skills

(18:11) Sponsor: Brave

(21:03) Early-stage startup hiring strategies

(26:29) Compensation philosophy in startups

(30:47) Decoding product-market fit

(34:03) Challenges and opportunities amid COVID-19

(37:38) Acquiring customers in competitive markets

(39:33) Entrepreneurial strategies for uncertain times

(43:33) Framework on business defensibility

(47:08) Labor market trends and predictions

(50:42) Future of remote work

(53:21) Local politics and the impact on San Francisco's future

(56:33) TLDR: Healthcare, education, and housing

(58:36) Wrap

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit requestforstartups.substack.com

Navigating the AI Supercycle with Will Summerlin May 17, 2024

Today’s episode of Request for Startups features

* Will Summerlin: Managing Partner at Autopilot, Former Co-Lead at ARK Investment Management LLC, @WSummerlinAI on X

* Erik Torenberg: Investor, Founder of Turpentine.co. @eriktorenberg on X

In this conversation, Will Summerlin, managing partner at Autopilot, joins Erik Torenberg to discuss the transformative potential of AI and FinTech. They also share various topics related to venture capital, including non-consensus investing, LP challenges, choosing investments, ideal fund size, opportunities in AI and FinTech sectors, concentrated investment portfolios, and automation in financial services.

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:22) Diving deep into the AI super cycle

(02:45) Startups vs. Incumbents in the AI arena

(06:00) Opportunities and challenges various AI markets

(11:23) Will’s request for startups

(13:53) Sponsor: Brave

(14:55) From commoditization to AI agents

(21:21) Future of job markets with AI and automation

(24:15) Fund strategy and focus in the venture capital landscape

(28:06) Evaluating the venture capital ecosystem and AI's role

(31:31) Debate around venture capitalists

(38:01) Identifying monopolistic markets for investment

(40:00) Fund size strategy for series A and B investment

(43:25) FinTech opportunities and AI automation

(45:05) Introducing the Autopilot podcast

(46:30) Wrap

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit requestforstartups.substack.com

Multi-Stage Funds for Unimpressive Rich Kids, Ashley Madison for Career, and $1000 Startup Ideas May 10, 2024

Today’s episode of Request for Startups features

* Nick DeWilde: Co-founder and Chief Customer Officer at Exec. @nick_dewilde on X

* Sean Linehan: CEO at Exec and Squad. @seanlinehan on X

* Justin Mares: Founder at Truemed, Kettle & Fire, and Surely. A venture Partner at Long Journey Ventures. @jwmares on X

* Erik Torenberg: Investor, Founder of Turpentine.co. @eriktorenberg on X

In this week’s episode, Erik sits down with friends Nick DeWilde, Sean Linehan, and Justin Mares to explore various unique and humorous startup and product ideas, ranging from dating apps, unconventional business concepts and other creative ideas that blend technology with societal and personal needs. They also highlight the launch of the AI spiritual guide app for Catholics called Grace, proposed by Sean and co-developed with Kevin Hartz.

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:40) Grace: The AI spiritual guide

(03:56) Innovative startup ideas

(14:01) Revolutionizing couples therapy with AI

(15:42) Sponsor: Brave Ad

(16:46) Ashley Madison for Career

(22:37) Silicon Valley's talent wars

(30:32) Rethinking art and decor in the digital age

(34:58) Thousand dollar startup ideas

(40:37) Future of internet authenticity

(44:00) Business potential of reputation aggregation

(48:29) Redefining social media engagement

(53:19) Revolutionizing reality tv with bold concepts

(57:17) Wrap

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit requestforstartups.substack.com

Multipreneurship and the Future of Startups with Greg Isenberg May 03, 2024

Today’s episode of Request for Startups features

* Greg Isenberg: Co-Founder and CEO of Late Checkout, Former Advisor at Reddit and TikTok, @gregisenberg on X

* Sean Linehan: Co-Founder and CEO at Exec, Co-Founder at Squad, @seanlinehan on X

* Erik Torenberg: Investor, Founder of Turpentine.co. @eriktorenberg on X

In this week’s episode, Greg Isenberg, Co-founder and CEO of Late Checkout, joins Erik Torenberg and Sean Linehan to discuss the difference between solopreneur and multipreneur movements, leveraging community-based products, startup ideas and the future of holding companies and their impact on entrepreneurship.

Recommended Podcast: Company Breakdowns Each episode of Company Breakdowns dives into S-1s and series B-and-beyond companies, interviewing founders and investors to break down the companies. First episodes are on Reddit and Rubrik - which just IPO'd.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0epyYBAxLeF0PsNagdDJAJ

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/company-breakdowns/id1743119197

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(02:05) Multipreneurship: Redefining entrepreneurship

(08:46) Strategy behind Late Checkout

(13:55) Power of AI community

(17:55) Sponsor: Turpentine

(18:43) Key to multipreneur success

(21:40) Future of holding companies and entrepreneurship

(29:40) Is Greg Isenberg the Bezos of the future?

(36:08) Challenges and opportunities in the holding company model

(40:57) Greg’s request for startups

(53:53) Wrap

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit requestforstartups.substack.com

Building Online Reputation, Wikipedia for People,and Lists for Everything with Joe Fernandez Apr 26, 2024

Today’s episode of Request for Startups features

* Joe Fernandez : Co-Founder and CEO of allUP, Former CEO and Co-Founder at Joymode and Klout, @JoeFernandez on X

* Erik Torenberg: Investor, Founder of Turpentine.co. @eriktorenberg on X

In this conversation, Joe Fernandez, Co-Founder and CEO of allUP, joins Erik Torenberg as he discusses building in the online reputation space. They explore the ever-increasing importance of trust in the age of AI and the unique challenges of building a startup in this space, potential data businesses that could be built on top of reputation, and more.

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:27) Klout’s journey

(02:00) Importance of online reputation

(05:13) Navigating the idea maze

(10:43) Professional networks

(12:45) Sponsor: Turpentine

(13:33) Exploring different modalities and data sources

(17:12) Future of reputation data

(22:03) Reflecting on Klout and lessons learned

(23:57) Building first-party data with allUp

(27:35) Wrap—

Request for Startups is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.

—

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit requestforstartups.substack.com

Idea Maze Frameworks and Cameo for Experts with Gagan Biyani Apr 19, 2024

Today’s episode of Request for Startups features

* Gagan Biyani : CEO and Co-Founder at Maven, Previously Co-Founder at Udemy @gaganbiyani on X

* Erik Torenberg: Investor, Founder of Turpentine.co. @eriktorenberg on X

In this conversation, Erik Torenberg sits down with Gagan Biyani to explore idea formation and the five stages of the ideation process. Gagan also shares his startup ideas, such as 'Quora for people' and 'reference checks as a service,' discussing their potential for scalability and venture backing.

Subscribe to our substack: Requestforstartups.substack.com

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:28) Deep Dive into Idea Generation

(05:20) Five-Step Framework to Startup Ideas

(07:13) Testing and Evaluating Startup Ideas

(13:18) Sponsor: Turpentine

(17:31) Potential startup ideas

(20:23) Wrap

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit requestforstartups.substack.com

Wellness as Entertainment, Quora for People, and Better Pre-Nups Apr 12, 2024

Today’s episode of Request for Startups features

* Nick DeWilde: Co-founder and Chief Customer Officer at Exec. @nick_dewilde on X

* Sean Linehan: CEO at Exec and Squad. @seanlinehan on X

* Justin Mares: Founder at Truemed, Kettle & Fire, and Surely. A venture Partner at Long Journey Ventures. @jwmares on X

* Erik Torenberg: Investor, Founder of Turpentine.co. @eriktorenberg on X

In this conversation, recorded in early 2023, Erik sits down with friends Nick DeWilde, Sean Linehan, and Justin Mares to exchange startup ideas. Please note that this episode contains some humorous and thought-provoking discussions about unconventional business ideas.

—

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:33) Fake jobs for rich families

(05:29) Ending San Fransisco burglaries

(09:21) Better prenups

(11:42) Brunch x Benihana

(14:12) Sponsors: Turpentine

(14:56) Fit Club

(19:58) Justin's story from being a janitor at LA Fitness

(22:06) Generative AI applications

(32:42) Holistic fertility treatment

(37:49) Combining workspaces with other services

(40:14) Retraining software engineers

(42:31) Quora for people

(45:10) Wrap

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit requestforstartups.substack.com

Carta for Mainstreet, Consulting in the Age of AI, & the next GLG with Romeen Sheth Apr 05, 2024

Today’s episode of Request for Startups features

* Romeen Sheth: CEO of Metasys Technologies. @RomeenSheth on X

* Erik Torenberg: Investor, Founder of Turpentine.co. @eriktorenberg on X

* Sean Linehan: CEO of Exec.com, previously VP Product at Flexport. @seanlinehan on X

In this conversation, recorded in mid-2023, Romeen Sheth, CEO of Metasys Technologies, joins Erik Torenberg and Sean Linehan to discuss the potential of blended AI and offshore labor for service businesses, his ideas for a Carta for non-venture, and utilizing a media company as a wedge into the expert network space.

—

SPONSOR:

This episode is brought to you by Brave. The tech world turns to the Brave browser for a private ad platform that respects user privacy. Brave Ads offers first-party targeting, and it’s been cookieless since day one. Join the future of advertising at https://brave.com/ads. Mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:23) Bridging Tech Investments and Service Businesses

(02:17) AI's Transformative Role in Scaling Service Businesses

(05:53) Blending AI and Human Intelligence

(12:28) Automation Consulting and the Power of AI

(15:45) Sponsor: Turpentine | Brave

(17:26) Potential of Digital Transformation

(26:19) Carta for Non-Venture Companies

(32:05) Shift Towards More Sustainable and Independent Business Models

(34:04) Impact of AI and Global Labor

(34:57) Rethinking Venture

(40:14) Innovating GLG & Tegus

(54:23) Media as a Wedge into Expert Networks

(58:01) Wrap

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit requestforstartups.substack.com

Mike Maples on Navigating the Idea Maze and Building Breakthrough Companies Mar 29, 2024

Today’s episode of Request for Startups features

* Mike Maples,Jr: Founder of Floodgate and Host of the Starting Greatness podcast. @m2jr on X

* Erik Torenberg: Investor, Founder of Turpentine.co. @eriktorenberg on X

In this conversation, Erik Torenberg sits down with Mike Maples, Founder of Floodgate, to discuss the idea maze, insight hacking, inflections, and effective leadership strategies. Mike also shares why uniqueness matters more than being the best. The conversation took place at a live event for On Deck in 2020.

—

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(01:33) The why behind “How to Build a Breakthrough”

(04:56) Motive power of startups

(12:32) Sponsor: Turpentine

(24:20) Insight hacking framework

(27:31) Exploring the Jobs-to-be-Done framework

(29:13) Navigating false positives and negatives in market insights

(30:23) The role of domain expertise in startup success

(39:59) Symptoms of a company that is not succeeding

(49:14) Choosing your market

(49:59) Finding your startup's niche

(56:04) Wrap

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit requestforstartups.substack.com

Finding Founder-Market Fit with AngelList's Avlok Kohli and On Deck's David Booth Mar 22, 2024

Today’s episode of Request for Startups features

* Avlok Kohli : CEO at AngelList, angel investor, advisor and repeat exits as a founder. @avlok on X

* David Booth : Co-founder & Chairman of On Deck, Formerly at AngelList, Carta @david__booth on X

* Erik Torenberg: Investor, Founder of Turpentine.co. @eriktorenberg on X

In this conversation, Avlok Kohli and David Booth join Erik Torenberg to do a dive deep on Founder-Market fit, startup moats, and the 'dislocation' caused by AI which could change business ideation, internal operations, and startup generation. Note this conversation was recorded in mid-2023.

Mentioned in this episode:

* Alek Koenig (@AlekKoenig)’s company Settle: www.settle.com

* On Deck’s ODF program for founders www.beondeck.com/revolution

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SPONSOR: This episode is brought to you by Brave. The tech world turns to the Brave browser for a private ad platform that respects user privacy. Brave Ads offers first-party targeting, and it’s been cookieless since day one. Join the future of advertising at https://brave.com/ads. Mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.

---

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:21) Navigating the Idea Maze

(04:46) Founder-Market Fit Case Study: Alek Koenig of Settle

(09:15) Sponsors: Brave | Turpentine

(12:54) Litmus Test for Startup Success

(17:00) Why Now is the Time to Build

(23:23) Avlok’s Strategy as AngelList CEO

(26:56) The Compound Startup Strategy i.e. Rippling

(29:27) Sunsetting

(34:22) Areas Ripe for Exploration

(44:15) Navigating Competition with Incumbents

(49:45) Wrap

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit requestforstartups.substack.com

Better Search with Bessemer's Talia Goldberg Mar 15, 2024

Today’s episode of Request for Startups features

* Talia Goldberg, partner at Bessemer Venture Partners @TaliaGold on X

* Erik Torenberg: Investor, Founder of Turpentine.co. @eriktorenberg on X.

In this conversation, Talia Goldberg from Bessemer joins Erik Torenberg to discuss the current state of search and what future founders should build for search and discovery in the age of AI. She also shares her wishlist for new companies.

This episode is brought to you by Brave. The tech world turns to the Brave browser for a private ad platform that respects user privacy. Brave Ads offers first-party targeting, and it’s been cookieless since day one. Join the future of advertising at https://brave.com/ads. Mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro to Talia

(00:25) Future of Search

(02:50) Potential of AI in Search

(03:59) Significance of Social Media

(05:08) Concept of Ambient Search

(10:33) Sponsor: BRAVE

(11:54) Future of People Search

(16:14) Era of online dating

(19:28) Talia's Wishlist for Future Startups

(21:44) Wrap

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit requestforstartups.substack.com

Dan Romero of Farcaster on Finding PMF and Navigating the Idea Maze Mar 08, 2024

Today’s episode of Request for Startups features

* Dan Romero, co-founder and CEO of Farcaster. @dwr on X

* Erik Torenberg: Investor, Founder of Turpentine.co. @eriktorenberg on X

In this conversation, Dan Romero join Erik Torenberg to chat about building a company in 2024, selecting ideas to work on, and finding product-market fit (Dan quotes Marc Andreessen's definition of the term). They also delve into Dan's experience at Coinbase and building Farcaster. What will you build?

Request for Startups is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Dan and Erik also co-host Moment of Zen, another podcast on the network about tech, business, politics and beyond. Learn more: www.turpentine.co

SPONSOR:This episode is brought to you by Brave. The tech world turns to the Brave browser for a private ad platform that respects user privacy. Brave Ads offers first-party targeting, and it’s been cookieless since day one. Join the future of advertising at https://brave.com/ads. Mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:24) Growth and Success of Forecaster

(01:56) Future of Forecaster and its Impact

(03:22) Role of Twitter

(07:56) Evolution and Perception of Forecaster

(08:59) Importance of Developers

(11:28) SPONSOR: BRAVE

(14:08) Journey of Choosing Startup Ideas

(36:21) Power of Respect

(36:36) Birth of Turpentine

(38:19) Concept of Founder Market Fit

(41:21) Importance of Market Selection

(42:25) Role of Distribution in Startup Success

(44:20) Power of Frames in User Acquisition

(47:27) Understanding Your Market Opportunity

(01:00:01) Reputation in Hiring

(01:13:59) Wrap

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit requestforstartups.substack.com

Balaji Srinivasan on Navigating the Idea Maze Mar 01, 2024

Today's episode of Request for Startups features: * Balaji Srinivasan is an angel investor, the co-founder of Counsyl, the former Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Coinbase, and former GP at the Andreessen Horowitz. @balajis on X

* Erik Torenberg: Investor, founder of Turpentine. @eriktorenberg on X

In this episode, and talk about the best time to start a company and how to choose the right co-founder. They discuss frameworks starting a startup, from ideation to execution. This episode is from a live taping in 2020 and originally aired on Erik’s podcast Venture Stories.

Request for Startups is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co

SPONSOR: BRAVE. The tech world turns to the Brave browser for a private ad platform that respects user privacy. Brave Ads offers first-party targeting, and it’s been cookieless since day one. Join the future of advertising at https://brave.com/ads. Mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.

--Subscribe to Request for Startups: https://requestforstartups.substack.com/

Upcoming guests on this season of Request for Startups include Dan Romero, Nick DeWilde, Avlok Kohli, David Booth, Greg Isenberg, Gagan Biyani, and more.

–-

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:32) Talk on Career Transition

(00:50) Balaji's Framework for Timing and Learning

(02:57) Concept of Ikigai

(03:56) The Challenges of Starting a Company

(05:03) How Persistence Pays Off

(09:45) Sponsor Break: Brave Browser

(10:48) Navigating Startup Ideas

(11:06) Impact of COVID-19 on Startups

(21:04) Picking the Right Co-Founder.

(23:19) Closing Remarks

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit requestforstartups.substack.com

RFS: Crypto Edition with Imran Khan and Qiao Wang Feb 23, 2024

Today’s episode of Request for Startups features

* Imran Khan, co-founder of Alliance, crypto accelerator and founder network, and co-host of the Good Game podcast. @lmrankhan on X

* Qiao Wang, co-founder of Alliance, crypto accelerator and founder network, and co-host of the Good Game podcast. Previously Messari, Tower Research. @qwqiaoon X

* Sean Linehan:CEO of Exec.com, previously VP Product at Flexport. @seanlinehan on X

* Erik Torenberg: Investor, Founder of Turpentine.co. @eriktorenberg on X

In this conversation, Imran and Qiao join Erik and Sean to analyze the opportunities in Crypto, DeFi, NFTs, and AI. They explain how they would navigate the space, how they see the role of incumbents, and how to evolve a strategy in crypto. What will you build?

Please note, this conversation was recorded in 2023. Also we highly recommend checking out Imran and Qiao’s podcast, Good Game

Request for Startups is part of the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more: www.turpentine.co

This episode is brought to you by BraveThe tech world turns to the Brave browser for a private ad platform that respects user privacy. Brave Ads offers first-party targeting, and it’s been cookieless since day one. Join the future of advertising at https://brave.com/ads. Mention “MoZ” when signing up for a 25% discount on your first campaign.--

Subscribe to Request for Startups: https://requestforstartups.substack.com/--

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:22) Evolution of Alliance and the crypto investment landscape

(01:30) Impact of DeFi

(01:49O The Rise of NFTs

(03:22) The Threat to Crypto Incumbents

(06:18) Whitespace in Consumer Applications

(07:44) Speculation

(11:16) The Power of Communities

(14:35) Hype Cycle and Overcorrection

(20:26) Web3

(26:25) The Future of DeFi and Mainstream Adoption

(33:36) There’s a Game for Everybody

(35:20) Future Predictions

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit requestforstartups.substack.com

Haystack's Aashay Sanghvi on Github for X, ISAs, and Biotech Feb 16, 2024

In this episode, Aashay Sanghvi, a partner at Haystack joins Sean Linehan and Erik Torenberg to discuss his frameworks for identifying venture scale ideas.

Today’s episode of Request for Startups features:

* Guest:

* Aashay Sanghvi: Partner at Haystack (https://twitter.com/aashaysanghvi_)

* Hosts:

* Erik Torenberg: Investor, founder of Turpentine.co (https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg)

* Sean Linehan: CEO at Exec (https://twitter.com/seanlinehan)

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(00:54) Aashay’s Journey from College to Venture Capital

(01:46) The Evolution of Aashay's Approach to Startups

(03:03) Reflecting on Past Startup Ideas

(04:07) Frameworks for identifying venture scale companies

(05:11) Better Trade Schools

(06:39) Challenges and Opportunities in Trade School Models

(13:12) ISA: challenges and potential to reshape industries

(19:52) DataDog for X

(22:55) Replit for X

(31:41) Github for X

(36:10) The Role of AI in Business Applications and the Future of Software

(43:01) Healthcare Data as Infrastructure

(46:54) Virtualizing the Creation of Biotech Companies

(48:18) Wrap

Upcoming guests on this season of Request for Startups include Dan Romero, Talia Goldberg, Imran Khan, Qiao Wang, Nick DeWilde, Avlok Kohli, David Booth, Greg Isenberg, Gagan Biyani, and more.

SUBSCRIBE & FORWARD TO BUILDERS, ENGINEERS, FUTURE CO-FOUNDERS, ASPIRING FOUNDERS, & ANYONE NAVIGATING THE IDEA MAZE.Video Episodes on Substack: https://requestforstartups.substack.com/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3WYXYAoOHj5oLke7mxwXSP?si=CF0588NuTxyOUsXuke1-IAApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/request-for-startups-with-erik-torenberg/id1728659822

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit requestforstartups.substack.com

Building Data Companies: People, Places, Org, Products with Auren Hoffman Feb 09, 2024

Today’s episode of Request for Startups features

* Auren Hoffman: CEO of Safegraph, GP at Flex Capital, and host of podcast World of Daas

* Host: Erik Torenberg: Investor, Founder of Turpentine.co

In this conversation, Erik and Auren discuss all things data business, including data on windfalls and net worth, reputational databases, and the failures and successes of LinkedIn.

What will you build?

Timestamps

(00:00) Episode Preview

(00:38) What ties Auren's businesses together

(01:01) The importance of market share and declining CACs

(02:44) Challenges & types of data businesses

(04:12) Selling horizontal data

(04:55) People, places, organizations, and products

(09:55) Methods for sourcing and verifying data

(13:04) Potential of building data businesses around products

(13:57) The nuances in recommendations for people and products

(25:52) LinkedIn’s success and disappointments

(32:16) Windfall data and net worth

(33:56) Reputation and bias

(37:34) Challenges & potential for social recommendations

(41:24) Improving the user experience of LinkedIn

(46:29) Crossbeam & second party data sharing

(48:32) DSL Co-op & aggregating general ledger data

(49:38) Building a reputation database

(51:07) NDA network

(52:34) Software businesses masquerading as services businesses

(54:46) Incubators & structuring ownership

Upcoming guests on this season of Request for Startups include Aashay Sanghvi, Talia Goldberg, Imran Khan, Qiao Wang, Nick DeWilde, Avlok Kohli, David Booth, Greg Isenberg, Gagan Biyani, and more.

SUBSCRIBE & FORWARD TO BUILDERS, ENGINEERS, FUTURE CO-FOUNDERS, ASPIRING FOUNDERS, & ANYONE NAVIGATING THE IDEA MAZE.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit requestforstartups.substack.com

Receipt-Based Dating, Reference Checks as a Service, and WeWork for Productivity with Justin Mares and Sean Linehan Feb 01, 2024

Today’s episode of Request for Startups features

* Justin Mares: Founder of Truemed, Kettle & Fire, Surely, and a partner at True Journey Ventures

* Sean Linehan: CEO of Exec.com, previously VP Product at Flexport

* Erik Torenberg: Investor, Founder of Turpentine.co

The conversation maps startup ideas and concepts, including dating apps based on spending patterns, a matching platform for singles, an exclusive dating app with angel investments, Google Maps for market ontologies, a personal trainer for life, Wikipedia by experts, and a productivity-focused coworking space. What will you build?

Upcoming guests on this season of Request for Startups include Aashay Sanghvi, Talia Goldberg, Imran Khan, Qiao Wang, Avlok Kohli, David Booth, Nick DeWilde, Greg Isenberg, Gagan Biyani, and more.SUBSCRIBE & FORWARD TO BUILDERS, ENGINEERS, FUTURE CO-FOUNDERS, ASPIRING FOUNDERS, & ANYONE NAVIGATING THE IDEA MAZE.- Substack: https://requestforstartups.substack.com/- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/739L1LR32QI2XyoZlRh5nv- Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/request-for-startups-with-erik-torenberg/id1728659822

Timestamps

(00:00) Intro

(00:45) Justin's Incubation Processes

(04:00) Dating App Based on Spending Patterns

(06:40) Yenta

(08:22) Exclusive Dating App with Angel Investments

(13:16) Google Maps for Market Ontologies

(19:07) Personal Trainer for Life

(20:57) Wikipedia by Experts

(27:01) WeWork for Productivity

Request for Startups is a podcast from the Turpentine podcast network. Learn more at www.turpentine.co

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit requestforstartups.substack.com

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