Stay ConnectedEvery day, Jason Calacanis and Molly Wood cover startups, technology, markets, media, crypto, and the all the hottest topics in business and tech. They also interview the world’s greatest founders, operators, investors and innovators.
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Copyright: © Jason Calacanis
First up, J+M discuss the virtuous cycle of tech startups (2:15) before breaking down Mr. Beast turning down a $1B acquisition offer for his media business (24:58). Then, Producer Rachel is joined by content creator Taylor Bell to discuss her lessons from growing a brand to 180K+ subscribers while having a full-time job. (39:02)
(0:00) J+M tee up today's segments!
(2:15) Demystifying "Friends and Family" rounds, history of angel investing
(10:32) Athletic Greens - Get 1 year free of Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs with first purchase at athleticgreens.com/twist
(11:57) The virtuous cycle of tech startups, angel investing
(23:53) Paperclip - Go to getpaperclip.com/twist to get the app free for life
(24:58) Mr. Beast turned down a $1B acquisition offer for his media company
(33:24) Producer Rachel joins to tee up today's OK Boomer guest!
(37:45) MasterClass - Get 15% off an annual membership at https://masterclass.com/startups
(39:02) Taylor Bell joins Producer Rachel to discuss starting and growing a YouTube channel to 180K+ subscribers while having a full-time job
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J+M discuss Meta's new text-to-video tool and what the future of creativity might look like (2:59), then they break down Zuck's grand plan (14:49) before discussing what a recession might mean for startups (27:18) and SoftBank reportedly cutting 30% of its Vision Fund staff. (36:41)
(0:00) J+M intro today's segments!
(2:59) Meta announces text-to-video tool
(13:33) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(14:49) Breaking down Zuckerberg's grand plan
(21:58) Meta freezes hiring, signals that we've entered a recession
(25:52) LinkedIn Marketing - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at https://linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups
(27:18) How a recession and big tech layoffs will impact startups
(35:28) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
(36:41) SoftBank is reportedly planning to cut at least 30% of Vision Fund staff
(41:29) Jason welcomes Lon Harris and the pair discuss HBO's House of the Dragon and its 10-year time jump
(51:37) Warner Bros Discovery sued for allegedly misrepresenting HBO Max subscribers by 10M during the Discover / WarnerMedia merger
(57:48) Favorite actors to watch doing anything, rockstars in today's world
(1:03:03) CCP censors a popular film for its realistic depiction of rural life in China
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Sunny Madra and Vinny Lingham are BACK for another crypto roundtable! First up, a full breakdown of the current NFT space: Apple allowing in-app NFT purchases (1:35), best uses cases & platforms for distribution (15:07). Then, they discuss Bitcoin's role during global macroeconomic headwinds. (37:46)
(0:00) J+M tee up today's crypto roundtable!
(1:35) Apple allows in-app purchases of NFTs
(13:33) TripActions - Go to https://tripactions.com/twist and get a $500 Amazon gift card after making your first travel booking OR paying off your first $1000 of liquid spend
(15:07) NFT use cases, best platforms for minting and distributing NFTs seamlessly
(26:19) WorkOS - Go to https://workos.com to learn how to make your app enterprise-ready.
(27:49) NFT platforms adopting open standards to reach critical mass
(31:38) Celsius reportedly plans to issue "IOU" tokens representing its debt
(36:28) Spokn - Get 3 months free at https://getspokn.com/twist
(37:46) Global macro headwinds, Bitcoin's role in the monetary system going forward
(53:18) Will we ever find out who Satoshi is?
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J+M break down Cathie Wood's new VC fund (1:53), Bill Gurley's best insights from his interview with McKinsey (26:13), and Girls Who Code making a banned books list in a Pennsylvania county
(0:00) J+M tee up today's venture-heavy topics!
(1:53) Cathie Wood's new VC fund: Ark Venture Fund
(12:34) Embroker - Use code TWIST to get an extra 10% off insurance at https://Embroker.com/twist
(13:42) Opening up VC funds and early-stage investing for retail investors, signs of the start of a recession
(24:46) Revelo - Get 20% off the first 3 months by mentioning TWIST at https://revelo.io/twist
(26:13) Reacting to Bill Gurley's interview with McKinsey
(33:51) FanDuel Sportsbook - Sign up with promo code TWIST to place a $1000 risk-free bet at https://sportsbook.fanduel.com
(34:54) More on Gurley's insights: short memories in VC, accepting reality, startups raising too much money, layoffs
(47:32) Girls Who Code made a banned books list in a Pennsylvania county
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J+M break down the British pound dropping below $1.04 (5:15), Interpol issuing a red notice for Do Kwon (27:07), NASA's DART mission (53:52), and TikTok discussing an agreement with the Biden administration! (59:44)
(0:00) J+M tee up today's topics!
(2:48) Importance of focus, avoiding the news cycle in the grand scheme of things
(5:15) British pound crashes to lowest level ever against the USD
(13:15) Indochino - Get $50 off any purchase of $399 or more by using code TWIST at checkout https://www.indochino.com
(14:38) Breaking housing and energy in the economy, income inequality's impact globally
(25:34) Grammarly - Sign up for a free and get 20% Grammarly Premium at https://grammarly.com/TWIST
(27:07) Interpol issues red notice for Do Kwon on behalf of South Korea
(35:39) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://linkedin.com/twist
(36:54) Do Kwon tweeting on the lamb, more theories around where he might head to
(47:15) New decentralized crypto derivatives platform Nibiru raises a $7.5M seed at a $100M valuation
(53:52) WLITF: NASA's DART mission and planetary defense
(59:44) The Biden administration drafted a preliminary agreement with TikTok to try and resolve national security concerns
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First up, J+M discuss founder ambition and tools vs. platforms on VC Sunday School. (3:06) Then, USV's Albert Wenger joins to break down his firm's $162M climate fund, his book "The World After Capital", and more! (24:16)
(0:00) J+M intro today's topics!
(3:06) Evaluating founder ambition, tools vs. platforms
(11:14) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(12:48) How investors evaluate tools vs. platforms, and when/if something is "too hard"
(19:50) J+M tee up today's TWiCS guest
(22:50) SnackMagic - Get 10% cashback up to $1000 until October 15th with code HOLIDAY, and see more at snackmagic.com/twist
(24:16) Molly welcomes USV Managing Partner Albert Wenger to discuss USV's $162M climate fund and the climate crisis investment opportunity
(33:26) Coda - The All-in-one doc for teams, get a $1,000 credit at https://coda.io/twist
(34:57) Albert discusses his book "The World After Capital", and the human attention problem
FOLLOW Albert: https://twitter.com/albertwenger
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Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke joins Jason for the third time to break down Shopify's wild ride over the past 2+ years (1:40), $SHOP's new compensation system (14:19), competing with Amazon (45:38), Shop Pay (56:25), and more! Then, Producer Rachel welcomes Jules Terpak back for another segment of OK Boomer! (1:15:58)
(0:00) Jason intros today's segments!
(1:40) Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke joins to break down Shopify's wild ride over the past 2+ years and the state of the e-commerce market post-COVID peaks
(13:00) Spokn - Get 3 months free at https://getspokn.com/twist
(14:19) Dealing with stock price distractions during periods of volatility, innovating Shopify's compensation system
(27:56) Masterworks - Skip the waitlist to invest in fine art using at https://Masterworks.io/twist
(29:23) Tobi breaks down the ideation of Shopify's new "Flex Comp" system
(38:53) Helpware - Go to https://helpware.com/TWIST to get $1000 off your first invoice
(40:09) Laying off 10% of staff over the summer
(45:38) Competing with Amazon, innovating in fulfillment
(56:25) Shop Pay, BNPL, and remote work quirks
(1:15:58) Producer Rachel welcomes Jules Terpak back for another OK Boomer segment covering Gen Z online life, the entertainment economy, social media backlash, "Sharenting" and more
FOLLOW Tobi: https://twitter.com/tobi
FOLLOW Jules: https://twitter.com/julesterpak
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(0:00) J+M tee up today's segments!
(2:57) J+M intro Ben Huh and discuss his background and why he helped start Orange DAO
(15:21) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(16:51) Understanding how DAOs handle distributions, more DAO mechanics
(26:06) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
(27:20) People taking advantage of business processes left up to interpretation, how blockchain helps solve this, standardizing DAOs
(36:58) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist
(38:22) Understanding trustworthiness, downside protections, will the US fall behind in crypto?
(48:32) J+M welcome Lon Harris!
(56:13) Amazon's $11B TNF deal
(1:06:20) House of the Dragon doing huge numbers for HBO, Rings of Power
(1:17:06) Andor, Disney+'s new Star Wars show
(1:24:02) Disney losing goodwill with superfans, where to put the next Disney park
Check out Orange DAO: https://www.orangedao.xyz
Check out Origami: https://joinorigami.com
FOLLOW Ben: https://twitter.com/benhuh
FOLLOW Lon: https://twitter.com/lons
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FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
On today's show, Mojo CEO and Co-Founder Vinit Bharara joins Jason to talk about his new stock market to bet on athletes, Mojo, which just launched in New Jersey. (1:39) Vinit breaks down the thesis (17:07), does a product demo (40:27), and explains how they raised $100M to build a stock market from scratch and provide instant liquidity!
(0:00) Jason tees up today's interview!
(1:39) Jason intros Vinit Bharara, who breaks down his past business ventures including Cafe.com, Diapers.com, working with his brother Preet!
(13:05) Brave - Download today at https://brave.com/twist to browse faster, search privately and so much more
(14:28) Managing Preet at Cafe.com
(17:07) Vinit explains the thesis behind Mojo
(24:40) Neo.Tax - Get $500 off R&D tax credit fees at https://neo.tax/twist
(26:02) Raising $100M from Thrive Capital, Tiger, and more
(39:09) Spokn - Get 3 months free at https://getspokn.com/twist
(40:27) Vinit runs through a Mojo product demo
(53:58) Building a team of handicappers and quants
(1:00:56) Vinit and Jason share 9/11 stories
Tuesday SPAC-tacular! J+M cover the biggest on-goings in the world of SPACs, including: the latest in the trial of former Nikola CEO Trevor Milton (1:55), Chamath winding down $IPOD and $IPOF and returning money to investors (30:53), and a breakdown of Rumble's business after completing its SPAC! (42:55)
(0:00) J+M tee up today's SPAC-tacular episode!
(1:55) More chaos at Nikola, Jason reacts to TWiST interview reportedly being used in court
(10:48) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
(12:04) State of charges against former Nikola CEO Trevor Milton, lessons for founders to take away from this saga
(23:18) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/TWIST
(24:37) How Jason avoids founders pitching ahead of their skis
(30:53) Chamath to wind down $IPOD and $IPOF
(35:06) Revelo - Get 20% off the first 3 months by mentioning TWIST at https://revelo.io/twist
(36:33) Jason's thoughts on the market and the state of SPACs, plus a JAY TRADE!
(42:55) Rumble completes SPAC merger, J+M break down the business
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
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Jason and Molly kick the week off by breaking down the team's favorite new social media app, BeReal, and its plans to add paid features (15:16). Then, they cover how platforms found fake accounts suspected of being run by the US military (31:12). After, they continue with more tech news, including Apple's iPhone 14 Pro bug (42:25) and Twilio's plans to make "anti-racist" layoffs (49:29). They end the show with a We Live in the Future segment, highlighting the startup TransPod (1:03:06).
0:00) J+M tee up today's segments!
(2:45) The hosts recap the weekend
(14:01) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://linkedin.com/twist
(15:16) BeReal's plans to add paid features
(29:46) Notion - Sign up for free at https://notion.com/twist
(31:12) Platforms found fake accounts suspected of being run by the US military
(40:59) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
(42:25) The iPhone 14 Pro camera has a camera bug
(49:29) Twilio's plans to make "anti-racist" layoffs
(1:03:06) WLITF: TransPod's affordable ultra-high-speed transportation
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Welcome to Sunday! First up, J+M cover different methods and classifications for dealing with failing startups. (2:01) Then, Molly interviews Team Wildfire CEO Steve Wolf about his "Hurricane-as-a-Service" business! (31:56)
(0:00) J+M tee up today's segments!
(2:01) VC Sunday School: J+M discuss hospice care for startups
(10:50) Embroker - Use code TWIST to get an extra 10% off insurance at https://Embroker.com/twist
(11:58) VC fund dynamics with Zombie startups, Jason explains "pay to play"
(25:32) Spokn - Get 3 months free at https://getspokn.com/twist
(27:03) J+M tee up this week's climate interview!
(31:56) Steve Wolf explains his jet engine powered fire-fighting device
(37:21) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(38:55) Steve breaks down the business side of Team Wildfire, "Hurricanes-as-a-Service", and more!
(55:32) Molly gets a virtual tour of the "Hurricane on wheels"
Check out Team Wildfire: https://www.teamwildfire.com
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FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Friday variety is back! First up, J+M do a Startup Breakdown and cover newsletter platform beehiiv and how it could disrupt Substack's pricing model (2:27). Then, they cover leaked documents from Meta that show Reels is underperforming (12:52) before Producer Rachel wraps the show with another edition of OK Boomer! (26:18)
(0:00) J+M tee up today's segments!
(2:27) Startup of the Day Breakdown! beehiiv charges a flat subscription rate for newsletter subscriptions, price comps with Substack
(11:28) Indochino - Get $50 off any purchase of $399 or more by using code TWIST at checkout https://www.indochino.com
(12:52) Leaked Meta documents show Instagram's "Reels" product is underperforming
(22:51) Producer Rachel joins to tee up today's OK Boomer guest!
(24:48) Zapier - Try for free today at https://zapier.com/TWIST
(26:18) OK Boomer: Josh Kaplan joins to break down his background and starting Smooth Media
(35:14) WorkOS - Go to https://workos.com to learn how to make your app enterprise-ready.
(36:43) Why newsletters are an efficient way for influencers to monetize
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
FOLLOW Rachel: https://twitter.com/_rachelbraun
FOLLOW Josh: https://twitter.com/JKaplan1
J+M kickoff the show by discussing Adobe acquiring Figma for $20B! (2:30) Then, they cover Patagonia's founder donates nearly all profits to solve climate change. (21:53) Finally, Lon Harris joins to discuss streaming consolidation, consumer burnout, and some interesting new projects! (46:36)
(0:00) J+M tee up today's topics!
(2:30) Adobe acquires Figma for $20B in a cash and stock deal!
(14:42) LinkedIn Marketing - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at https://linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups
(16:12) Post-merger thesis, large deal user diligence
(21:53) Patagonia founder donates his profits to solving climate change
(29:46) SnackMagic - Get 10% cashback up to $1000 until October 15th with code HOLIDAY, and see more at snackmagic.com/twist
(31:08) Lon Harris joins to break down the state of streaming: consolidation is coming
(37:26) Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub - Apply in 5 minutes, no funding required, sign up at http://aka.ms/thisweekinstartups
(38:49) More cuts coming to $WBD, price increases coming to Disney+ and other services, streaming fatigue
(46:36) New content to keep an eye on!: new Blade Runner series green lit at Amazon, Spotify series coming to Netflix, and more
FOLLOW Lon: https://twitter.com/lons
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
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First up, Jason is back with the tenth and FINAL edition of The Blueprint, where he explains the seven ways to create wealth (2:12). Then, Vinny and Sunny join J+M for a crypto roundtable, covering: Do Kwon's arrest warrant (24:04), the ETH merge (49:54), an Orange DAO breakdown (1:14:24), and more!
(0:00) J+M tee up today's topics!
(2:12) The Blueprint Part 10: The seven ways to create wealth
(13:01) Visa - Learn more about Visa’s online Small Business Hub at Visa.com/smallbusinesshub
(13:57) The Blueprint Part 10 continued: The seven ways to create wealth
(19:20) J+M catch up on the current state of early-stage dealmaking
(22:39) Brave - Download today at https://brave.com/twist to browse faster, search privately and so much more
(24:04) Vinny and Sunny join! First topic: a South Korean court issued an arrest warrant for Do Kwon
(36:51) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(38:07) How to make crypto safer for retail investors
(49:54) ETH merge, insane stats on crypto power usage
(1:14:24) Orange DAO breakdown
(1:33:23) Vinny challenges Jason's Disney Jay Trade
FOLLOW Sunny: https://twitter.com/sundeep
FOLLOW Vinny: https://twitter.com/vinnylingham
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First up, J+M discuss Bob Iger joining Thrive Capital as a venture partner (2:09), then they break down the most interesting moments from the Twitter whistleblower hearings (24:48). After that, they discuss KKR tokenizing part of its new healthcare fund (57:43), before wrapping on the Launch House allegations. (1:06:22)
(0:00) J+M tee up today's topics!
(2:09) Legendary former Disney CEO Bob Iger joins Thrive Capital as venture partner
(12:23) Revelo - Get 20% off the first 3 months by mentioning TWIST at https://revelo.io/twist
(13:45) How Iger linked up with Josh Kushner, false perceptions of VCs
(23:32) Dell For Startups - Apply for Dell for Startups and get an additional 10% off at http://dell.com/twist
(24:48) J+M react to clips from Twitter whistleblower Peiter "Mudge" Zatko's congressional hearing today
(33:13) Assure - To get 20% off your first Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) visit https://Assure.co/twist
(34:33) More clips from the hearing and reflections on Twitter's security issues
(57:43) KKR tokenizes part of its new healthcare fund to allow QPs to invest more easily
(1:06:22) Launch House allegations
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J+M are back recapping this week's episode of All-In and how to stop brigading on Twitter (1:42). They also cover Bolt cancelling its $1.5B acquisition of crypto payments startup Wyre (19:46), Roku adding a TikTok-style feature (30:31), and two We Live in the Future stories! (39:48)
(0:00) J+M tee up today's topics!
(1:42) All-In recap, how Twitter can reduce brigading, and more
(18:26) This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp - Get 10% off your first month at https://betterhelp.com/twist
(19:49) Bolt cancels $1.5B Wyre acquisition
(29:05) Liquid IV - Get 15% off at https://liquidiv.com using promo code TWIST
(30:34) Roku adds TikTok-style feature to its streaming software
(38:17) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(39:51) We Live in the Future: John Deere's self-driving tractors
(49:48) We Live in the Future: $5B Moon-themed hotel might be coming to Dubai
(56:22) China is ramping up its moon operations due to discovering a new mineral
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Sunday special! First up, J+M break down how VCs view founders with a side hustle (1:44), and how founders can actually make their side hustles accretive to their startup. (12:45) Then, Molly interviews Bay Bridge Ventures Co-Founder & GP Joe Blair on his ESG-focused VC firm. (28:00)
(0:00 Molly tees up today's segments!
(1:44 How VCs view founders with multiple roles
(11:24) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://linkedin.com/twist
(12:45) How to create side hustles that are accretive to your startup
(20:52) J+M tee up today's climate interview
(26:56) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
(28:00) Joe Blair, Co-Founder & GP at Bay Bridge Ventures, joins Molly to break down his institutional ESG and sustainability-focused firm
(36:09) Spokn - Get 3 months free at https://getspokn.com/twist
(37:37) Bay Bridge's thesis, evaluating what qualifies as an ESG investment, diligence on hard tech, and more
Friday Variety is back! First up, J+M break down Muck Rack's $180M Series A (10:43). Then, Elly Health Co-Founder Cecilia Anderson joins Molly to discuss her startup (21:16). Finally, Producer Rachel interviews Contra Founder Ben Huffman for another edition of OK Boomer. (32:38)
(0:00) Jason tees up today's segments!
(1:19) Jason recaps his crazy evening at the Lady Gaga concert
(9:53) Embroker - Use code TWIST to get an extra 10% off insurance at https://Embroker.com/twist
(10:43) Muckrack (a database for journalists) raised a $180M Series A(ish)
(19:18) WorkOS - Go to https://workos.com to learn how to make your app enterprise-ready.
(20:48) Elly Health Co-Founder Cecilia Anderson joins the show to break down her startup
(30:52) Neo.Tax - Get $500 off R&D tax credit fees at https://neo.tax/twist
(32:10) Producer Rachel interviews Contra founder Ben Huffman on another edition of OK Boomer!
Check out Elly Health: https://www.ellyhealth.com
FOLLOW Ben: https://twitter.com/_BenHQ
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First up, J+M discuss Kim Kardashian's new PE firm and break down what this means for the broader private investing industry (2:29). Then, Lon Harris joins the show to break down the controversy, history, and math around Amazon's Rings of Power series (25:58).
(0:00) Today's segments!
(2:29) J+M break down SKKY Partners, Kim Kardashian's new PE firm!
(12:04) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(13:34) Has VC entered the public consciousness? Will VC see more high profile celebrities crossing over and starting funds? Is this the future of VC?
(24:54) Helpware - Go to https://helpware.com/TWIST to get $1000 off your first invoice
(25:58) Lon joins to break down Amazon's Rings of Power taking over online discourse, but first they talk about Twitter being a net negative for society
(36:00) Policygenius - Go to https://policygenius.com to get a free life insurance quote
(37:26) Lon explains controversy in Tolkien fandom, the trio gives quick reviews for Rings of Power and House of the Dragon
(54:50) Bezos's vanity play, how Amazon can turn a profit on Rings of Power
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J+M have big hotel energy today as the duo lets it fly on a bunch of topics including: Trump's documents (2:21), Code Conference poker stories (18:40), Instagram shutting down "Shopping" + Zuck's new look (33:36), Starlink (1:04:37), and more! Then, Molly joins Jason for part 9 of The Blueprint! (1:13:00)
0:00 J+M intro today's segments
2:21 Theories on Trump's classified documents
17:18 SnackMagic - Get 10% cashback up to $1000 until October 15th with code HOLIDAY, and see more at snackmagic.com/twist
18:40 Molly's big interview + Jason's tells poker stories from the Code Conference
29:06 Visa - Learn more about Visa’s online Small Business Hub at Visa.com/smallbusinesshub
30:02 Jason brainstorms a publicity stunt
33:36 Instagram looks to sunset "Shopping" feature, Zuck changes his public persona
40:02 Brave - Download today at https://brave.com/twist to browse faster, search privately and so much more
41:28 Jason confronts his Zuck-induced insecurity
48:11 Why Instagram is shutting down its "Shopping" tab
49:16 Reacting to Apple's event, new watch, AirPods, and iPhone 14
1:04:37 Starlink helping bring broadband to rural areas via school COVID subsidies
1:13:00 The Blueprint Part 9: Molly Wood on manifesting your future!
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First up, Jason explains his DTC investment thesis (3:00), before he and Molly give some insight into the Bay Area heat wave (13:41). Then, Jason and Molly dive deep on reporting that instant delivery startup Jokr might be raising a new round with unusual liquidation preferences (25:50), then Jason breaks down what liquidation preferences are with some spreadsheets. To wrap, J+M cover a witness in the Elizabeth Holmes trial going rogue! (53:27)
(0:00) J+M tee up today's topics
(3:00) Holiday weekend catch up + Jason explains his DTC investment thesis
(12:15) Notion - Sign up for FREE at https://notion.com/twist
(13:41) Bay Area heat wave, Burning Man recap
(24:31) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/TWIST
(25:50) Jokr look to raise between $35M-$50M from existing investors, why they have closed operations in the US, how immigration and labor plays into Jokr's decision
(33:43) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist
(35:01) Breaking down liquidation preferences and why Jokr investors are looking for an unusually large liq pref in its upcoming round
(53:27) A witness in the Elizabeth Holmes case has gone rogue!
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
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On VC Sunday School, J+M discuss why Jason is planning on raising LAUNCH Fund IV in public! (2:38) Then, Raffael Jovine joins to discuss how Brilliant Planet is growing algae and using it to sequester carbon (39:25)
(0:00) Teeing up today's topics
(2:38) J+M discuss Jason's plain to raise LAUNCH Fund IV in public
(10:44) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(12:18) LP relationships, partner capital requirements, and more fund talk!
(20:16) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
(21:42) Teeing up Molly's interview plus an ESG chat!
(38:10) MasterClass - Get 15% off an annual membership at https://masterclass.com/startups
(39:25) Raffael Jovine joins Molly to discuss how Brilliant Planet is growing algae and using it to sequester carbon
Check out Brilliant Planet: https://www.brilliantplanet.com
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FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
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Friday Variety Show! First up, Jason answers a bunch of listener questions. (1:16) Then, Molly interview two amazing LAUNCH portfolio founders building marketplace businesses! (21:09) To wrap the show, Producer Rachel is back with another edition of OK Boomer (42:04)
(0:00) Jason tees up today's segments!
(1:16) Ask Jason: How to vet startups when you're an employee looking to join one
(5:55) Ask Jason: Keep building a specifically requested feature for a major customer OR focus on the core offering?
(10:32) iTrust Capital - Visit https://itrust.capital/twist to create your Crypto IRA today
(11:38) Ask Jason: A pro athlete asks Jason for his advice on transitioning into VC
(14:42) Ask Jason: Two hypothetical questions about Uber's business
(19:29) Grammarly - Sign up for a free and get 20% Grammarly Premium at https://grammarly.com/TWIST
(21:09) Molly sits down with Giphting CEO Seth Brown to talk about his on-demand gift-giving marketplace
(29:16) Neo.Tax - Get $500 off R&D tax credit fees at https://neo.tax/twist
(30:32) Molly interviews EnrichedHQ CEO Carleen Haylett about her business: a two-sided marketplace of life skills programs for kids!
(42:04) OK Boomer: Producer Rachel interviews Andrew Yeung on tactics for throwing an amazing networking event/dinner
Check out Giphting: https://www.giphting.com
Check out EnrichedHQ: https://www.enrichedhq.com
FOLLOW Seth: https://twitter.com/GiphtingSeth
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Huge interview today. "Power Law" author Sebastian Mallaby joins the show to break down some of the most important moments in VC history and his lessons from writing the book, including: the youth revolt (14:18), KP vs Sequoia (27:02), what makes a legendary VC (38:40), and more!
(0:00) Jason tees up today's interview with "Power Law" author Sebastian Mallaby
(1:42) Sebastian explains how and why he wrote a book on the history of VC
(13:13) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
(14:18) The virtuous cycle of luck early in a VC career, youth revolt in startups, Zuckerberg spurning Sequoia
(26:02) Embroker - Use code TWIST to get an extra 10% off insurance at https://Embroker.com/twist
(27:02) Tom Perkins and the Kleiner Perkins rise and fall vs Sequoia's sustained dominance, KP's Genentech investment
(37:18) Harmonic - Get $4000 off at https://harmonic.ai/twist
(38:40) What characteristics make a legendary VC?
(56:29) Why are institutional LPs allocating more capital to VC, what happened with China's interest in the industry? Other investable industries other than software
FOLLOW Sebastian: https://twitter.com/scmallaby
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FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
BUY "Power Law": https://www.amazon.com/Power-Law-Venture-Capital-Making/dp/B094PSKDZV
Jam packed show! First up, The Blueprint is BACK as Jason breaks down how he finds and develops emerging talent (1:36). Then, Bloomberg's Apple Guru Mark Gurman is back to discuss the latest on Apple's AR project. (31:33)
(0:00) J+M tee up today's topics!
(1:36) Jason explains his strategy for finding and developing all-stars
(13:30) Visa - Learn more about Visa’s online Small Business Hub at Visa.com/smallbusinesshub
(14:26) Jason's tips for managing emerging talent
(22:51) Brave - Download today at https://brave.com/twist to browse faster, search privately and so much more
(24:16) How to attract the right people to your startup
(30:12) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://linkedin.com/twist
(31:33) J+M welcome Bloomberg's Mark Gurman to break down all things Apple, including projected timelines for Apple's AR goggles and the importance of Apple's chip business
(46:17) Mark gives his dream Peloton acquirer and grades Jason's Jay Trade on Apple
FOLLOW Mark: https://twitter.com/markgurman
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BIG Tuesday show! First up, J+M break down the insane saga of Twitter's now-cancelled OnlyFans-like product (1:41), OpenSea NFT trading volume dropping ~99% (20:47), a MAJOR FTC lawsuit against a data broker selling sensitive info (36:26), and more!
(0:00) Molly tees up today's news roundup!
(1:41) Twitter's cancelled OnlyFans-like product
(10:21) Dell - Apply for Dell for Startups and get an additional 10% off Dell Latitude products at https://dell.com/twist
(11:49) Practical issues around mixing adult content with brand advertising, Twitter's internal problems
(19:24) Indochino - Get $50 off any purchase of $399 or more by using code TWIST at checkout https://www.indochino.com
(20:47) OpenSea single day trading volume dropped ~99% from a peak of $400M+ in early May to ~$5M in late August
(29:42) Vanta - Get $1,000 off automating your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
(30:46) Alexis Ohanian's Seven Seven Six is raising $177M to invest in distressed crypto assets
(36:26) Potentially groundbreaking FTC lawsuit brought against a data broker for selling sensitive geolocation information without user consent
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
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First up, J+M break down YC announcing Garry Tan as its new President and CEO, and what this means for the industry. (11:44) Then, they break down Apple potentially showing its card for its AR goggles name (37:16), and they wrap with some commentary on Eminem and Snoop Dogg performing as their Bored Apes at the VMAs. (58:20)
(0:00) J+M tee up today's topics
(2:12) Catching up on the weekend
(10:18) LinkedIn Marketing - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at https://linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups
(11:44) Garry Tan is stepping back from Initialized to become YC's new CEO and President
(25:05) TripActions - Go to https://tripactions.com/twist and get a $500 Amazon gift card after making your first travel booking OR paying off your first $1000 of liquid spend
(26:34) Jason explains "no conflict, no interest"
(35:46) WorkOS - Go to https://workos.com to learn how to make your app enterprise-ready.
(37:16) Quick Jay Trading update, Apple files trademarks for potential AR goggles name
(58:20) Eminem and Snoop Dogg performed as their Bored Apes over the weekend at the MTV VMAs
Sunday show! On VC Sunday School, J+M discuss how VCs deploy reserves for follow-on funding. (1:58) Then, Molly interviews Quaise CEO & Co-Founder Carlos Araque about his geothermal drilling business! (24:02)
(0:00) J+M tee up segments for Sunday!
(1:58) Jason and Molly talk about how VCs deploy reserves for follow-on funding and bankroll management
(10:31) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(11:47) Golden State Warriors impact on Jason's system-based VC team building philosophy
(15:48) J+M tee up today's TWiCS interview!
(22:46) Neo.Tax - Get $500 off R&D tax credit fees at https://neo.tax/twist
(24:02) Quaise CEO Carlos Araque joins to break down his business: drilling to unlock geothermal energy
(33:03) Helpware - Go to https://helpware.com/TWIST to get $1000 off your first invoice
(34:10) Carlos explains the size of Quaise's opportunity and how he raised $50M+ Series A for a deep tech project, what their business model will look like, and more!
Check out Quaise: https://www.quaise.energy
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Friday Variety Show! First up J+M break down Twitter adding podcasting to the platform and what this means for the product and for the podcasting industry. (2:14) Then, LAUNCH portfolio founder Pete Oxenham joins to discuss his SaaS startup, Chatter.dev, with Molly. (26:48) Finally, Rachel wraps the show with another edition of OK Boomer, featuring Danny Miranda. (38:25)
(0:00) J+M tee up today's segments!
(2:14) Twitter adds podcasting to "Spaces"
(15:08) Babbel - Save up to 60% off your language learning subscription at https://babbel.com/twist
(16:32) Explaining the value of adding podcasting to a consumer service
(25:29) MicroAcquire - Sell your business with no fees at https://try.microacquire.com/twist
(26:48) Chatter.dev Founder Pete Oxenham joins to break down his SaaS business!
(34:18) Embroker - Use code TWIST to get an extra 10% off insurance at https://Embroker.com/twist
(35:25) Producer Rachel joins to tee up OK Boomer with J+M!
(38:25) Danny Miranda joins OK Boomer to talk getting into podcasting, starting from scratch, building successful habits, AirPods' impact on podcasting and more!
Check out Chatter: https://chatter.dev
FOLLOW Danny: https://twitter.com/heydannymiranda
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FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
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Big show! First up J+M break down two pandemic darlings on two totally different paths: $PTON and $SNOW (2:26). Then, Lon Harris joins to talk about HBO's record breaking House of the Dragon premiere (27:12), MoviePass returning (47:16), and more!
(0:00) J+M tee up today's segments!
(2:26) Peloton earnings breakdown: it's getting grim, so J+M brainstormed on where the company can go from here, stock was down over 20%
(16:26) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
(17:53) Snowflake earnings breakdown: massive quarter, stock was up over 20%
(25:37) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(27:12) Lon Harris joins to break down this week's streaming news! First up: HBO's House of the Dragon set a record for most-watched premiere with almost 10M viewers
(39:39) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist
(40:58) $WBD CEO David Zaslav continues to make cuts
(47:16) MoviePass is making a comeback and Lon gives some streaming picks
First up, J+M break down the news, incl: Student loan forgiveness (2:30), Zuck copying BeReal (20:21), the Twitter whistleblower's allegations (36:32), and a climate company's Series A! (1:04:49) Then, Jason wraps the show with another edition of The Blueprint! (1:16:43)
(0:00) J+M tee up today's segments!
(2:30) Student loan forgiveness
(16:37) Brave - Download today at https://brave.com/twist to browse faster, search privately and so much more
(17:57) "Bailout culture"
(20:21) Instagram copies popular social app BeReal
(26:38) Harmonic - Get $4000 off at https://harmonic.ai/twist
(27:59) Jason explains his "never trust Zuck" take origins, how Apple's approach differs from Meta
(35:37) Visa - Learn more about Visa’s online Small Business Hub at Visa.com/smallbusinesshub
(36:32) Twitter whistleblower implications, comparing it to last year's "Facebook Files"
(1:04:49) Series A: Clarity
(1:16:43) Blueprint Part 7: Should you take on student debt to go to college? Is it worth it?
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J+M are joined by Sunny Madra and Vinny Lingham for another crypto roundtable! They cover the following topics: Shkreli's new web3 project (1:50), distributed computing projects (16:08), ETH merge (38:00), Gensler's comments (44:57), and more!
(0:00) Molly tees up today's roundtable guests!
(1:50) Martin Shkreli's new web3 project
(14:46) Revelo - Get 20% off the first 3 months by mentioning TWIST at https://revelo.io/twist
(16:08) Breaking down other distributed computing projects: Helium, Filecoin, Hivemapper
(27:54) Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub - Apply in 5 minutes, no funding required, sign up at http://aka.ms/thisweekinstartups
(29:17) Understanding inverted incentives in crypto, market depth/liquidity theory
(36:46) UserTesting - Get real human insights from customers, try for free today at https://usertesting.com/twist
(38:00) ETH merge: how risky is it, what impact will the fork have, will it lower gas fees?
(44:57) SEC Chair Gary Gensler's comment re: DeFi protocols and crypto banks
(51:58) Lightning round! Tribe DAO, BendDAO, Sudoswap and lessons learned
Back with a big Monday news show: Jason and Molly recap last week's All-In (2:09), before covering FTX's leaked financials (17:19), Amazon potentially going further into healthcare (40:34), and more M&A in the e-commerce space. (58:55) Then, Molly wraps the show by interviewing LAUNCH portfolio founder Arjun Shokeen, Founder and CEO of Swayed (1:11:27).
(0:00) J+M tee up today's topics!
(2:09) All-In recap, Climate Syndicate, and more
(16:10) Neo.Tax - Get $500 off R&D tax credit fees at https://neo.tax/twist
(17:19) FTX had its 2020 and 2021 audited financial results leaked to CNBC
(28:07) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
(29:26) How to frame crypto going forward, what is crypto's main product? Did the SEC miss the boat on crypto regulation?
(39:19) MasterClass - Get 15% off an annual membership at https://masterclass.com/startups
(40:34) Amazon is reportedly bidding to acquire Signify Health
(58:55) M&A: eBay acquires trading card e-commerce platform TCGplayer for $295M
(1:11:27) Molly interviews Swayed Founder and CEO Arjun Shokeen
Sunday show! First up, Jason breaks down how VCs evaluate pre-launch startups (1:54) and startups that are going after a market that doesn't exist yet. (15:21) Then, Molly is joined by Mycocycle CEO and Founder Joanne Rodriguez to talk about developing fungi-powered toxic waste removal and raw material generation! (30:36)
(0:00) Molly intros today's segments!
(1:54) VC Sunday School: How Jason evaluates pre-launch startups
(13:46) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(15:21) How VCs evaluate startups building for markets that don't exist yet
(20:51) Comparing early examples of traction: pre-orders, crowdfunding, LOIs and more
(29:16) Masterworks - Skip the waitlist to invest in fine art using at https://Masterworks.io/twist
(30:36) Mycocycle CEO Joanne Rodriguez joins to talk about fungi-powered toxic waste removal and raw material generation
(38:26) Helpware - Go to https://helpware.com/TWIST to get $1000 off your first invoice
(39:33) Mycocycle's finished product, how they're recycling raw materials, traction so far, future of the business
Disclaimer: Since inception, Masterworks has sold five paintings from the collection. All sales are net of all fees and expenses. The sale of any paintings from the Masterworks collection, and the option to waive fees, is at the sole discretion of Masterworks and paintings may be held in excess of or up to 10 years or longer. Past price performance is no guarantee of future results. Any historical returns, expected appreciation, or probability projections are not guaranteed and may not reflect actual future performance.
Friday variety show! First up, Jason answers your questions on VCs investing in a downturn, winning founder qualities, and more. (1:24) Then, Molly interviews LAUNCH founder Zeb Anderson about his legal startup LegalQ. (16:36) Producer Rachel wraps the show with another edition of OK Boomer featuring Jules Terpak! (26:59)
(0:00) Molly intros the Friday variety show!
(1:24) Ask Jason: Why VCs slow investment pace in a downturn
(7:00) Ask Jason: What qualities make Jason invest in a founder a second time after a failure
(12:29) Jason explains the traction at Uber and Calm when he invested
(15:06) Coda - The All-in-one doc for teams, get a $1,000 credit at https://coda.io/twist
(16:36) Molly interviews LAUNCH Accelerator founder Zeb Anderson of LegalQ about his app connecting legal professionals and clients
(25:34) This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp - Get 10% off your first month at https://betterhelp.com/twist
(26:59) OK Boomer! Producer Rachel welcomes tech commentator Jules Terpak and talks about the importance of curiosity when building your brand
(37:03) iTrust Capital - Visit https://itrust.capital/twist to create your Crypto IRA today
(38:10) Digital culture, banning TikTok, social media consent, and more
New segment alert! J+M debut "Little Big Things" to highlight a unique new feature from Apple (1:46), before breaking down the company ramping up its ads business and what that means for consumers. (10:49) Then, Lon Harris joins to break down all things streaming. (21:20)
(0:00) J+M intro today's segments!
(1:46) New segment! Little Big Things: Apple News audio stories
(9:42) Embroker - Use code TWIST to get an extra 10% off insurance at https://Embroker.com/twist
(10:49) Apple's potential ads business: great for revenue, potentially bad for consumers
(20:08) Vanta - Get $1,000 off automating your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
(21:20) Lon joins and Jason discusses Molly's appearance on the Pivot podcast!
(23:47 More chaos at $WBD: 14% RIF at HBO Max, 30+ titles getting canned off streaming, bad feelings with creators
(37:59) Revelo - Get 20% off the first 3 months by mentioning TWIST at https://revelo.io/twist
(39:20) Digital distribution rights, how Netflix changed the industry and how Warner Bros Discovery might use this recent move as leverage going forward
(43:20) New series premiering with massive budgets: House of the Dragon, Rings of Power; breaking down the math on why these shows cost $20M-$58M per episode
(55:32) Streaming overtakes cable viewership for the first time!
J+M kick off the show by discussing the reaction to Adam Neumann's $350M raise (1:40), before covering Boom Supersonic's new deal with American Airlines (24:59), and a Startup of the Day. (41:55) Jason wraps the show solo for part 6 of The Blueprint, where he covers getting ahead of trends! (48:06)
(0:00) J+M intro today's segments!
(1:40) Thoughts on the reaction to Adam Neumann's $350M raise from a16z, including a NY Post article that Jason was quoted in
(12:45) WorkOS - Go to https://workos.com to learn how to make your app enterprise-ready.
(14:14) Was the negative reaction to the fundraising warranted? What is the counter case?
(24:04) Visa - Learn more about Visa’s online Small Business Hub at Visa.com/smallbusinesshub
(24:59) American Airlines agrees to purchase up to 20 jets from airplane startup Boom Supersonic, J+M do some math on ticket prices
(34:13) Brave - Download today at https://brave.com/twist to browse faster, search privately and so much more
(35:33) Does the world need supersonic passenger jets?
(41:55) Startup of the Day: Goodfellows helps elderly people and young people foster connections
(48:06) The Blueprint Part 6: Jason explains how he gets ahead of trends
Jason's Howard Stern/Spotify blog from 2015: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/howard-sterns-easy-billion-dollar-pay-day-courtesy-app-calacanis
J+M have a big debate over remote work: including covering Apple's return to work policy, Malcolm Gladwell's comments, Jason's WFH playbook, and much more. Then, they cover Meta's new partnership with DoorDash for Facebook Marketplace deliveries, and a Jay Trading update! (1:05:19)
(0:00) J+M tee up today's topics!
(1:57) Apple will be sending all corporate employees back to the office in September + J+M debate Malcolm Gladwell's comments on remote work
(12:45) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/TWIST
(14:04) Hypocrisy of the return to work, understanding the impasse, "overemployed" and "quiet quitting" movements
(26:28) Notion - Sign up for FREE at https://notion.com/twist
(27:49) What would tech unions look like?
(38:40) Bubbles - Get your point across with unlimited screen and video recordings for free at https://usebubbles.com/twist
(39:57) Shifting power dynamics in modern work, Jason's advice to startup founders for managing remote employees, UBI thoughts, Jason's WFH requirements
(1:05:19) Meta partners with DoorDash to deliver Facebook Marketplace items, Jay Trading updates
Molly is back for a HUGE news days! Adam Neumann has raised $350M from a16z for his new startup Flow (2:14), and his main investor, Marc Andreessen, got into some hot water over housing policy hypocrisy! (22:05)
(0:00) Molly is back! J+M intro today's topics!
(2:14) Jason and Molly catch up Molly's vacation and the craziness of the past week
(12:36) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://linkedin.com/twist
(13:56) Adam Neumann's new residential real estate company Flow has raised $350M from a16z at a valuation over $1B!
(20:34) TripActions - Go to https://tripactions.com/twist and get a $500 Amazon gift card after making your first travel booking OR paying off your first $1000 of liquid spend
(22:05) Marc Andreessen's blog explaining a16z's Flow investment, Jason and Molly go deep on potential business plans for Flow and why a16z made this bet
(34:37) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
(35:56) Marc Andreessen's housing hypocrisy
(53:35) Jason reads slides from the leaked Flow deck *JOKE*, another a16z portfolio founder in a similar market as Flow chimed in on Twitter
First up, Molly and Jason break down self-destructive founder and VC traits (1:37). Then, Molly interviews Air Protein CEO Dr. Lisa Dyson on how they turn carbon dioxide into protein and how they are innovating in the booming alternative meat space! (21:42)
(0:00) Jason intros the Sunday show!
(1:37) VC Sunday School: Self-destructive founder tendencies
(9:15) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(10:45) Self-destructive investor tendencies
(15:13) How to do damage control if you take money from a disruptive investor
(20:35) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist
(21:42) Molly intros Dr. Lisa Dyson who explains Air Protein's founding story, mission, and the science behind it
(30:35) Helpware - Go to https://helpware.com/TWIST to get $1000 off your first invoice
(31:51) How Air Protein differs from traditional meat
(36:33) Air Meat's fundraising history and creation process
Howard Lindzon joins to talk about the different mindsets and skillsets of public and private market investors and breaks down what the future of the blockchain might look like. (1:39) Then, Producer Rachel is back with another OK Boomer segment, interviewing Ben Smith of Goal House NYC! (1:20:52)
(0:00) Jason tees up today's segments!
(1:39) Howard Lindzon joins and breaks down the differences between public and private investing mindsets
(12:21) UserTesting - Get real human insights from customers, try for free today at https://usertesting.com/twist
(13:38) How liquidity impacts public/private investing, why Howard is bullish on $NFLX over $DIS
(24:05) Liquid IV - Get 25% off at https://liquidiv.com using promo code TWIST
(25:17) Remote work's impact on less experienced employees, how the blockchain will impact startups in the future
(36:11) FanDuel Sportsbook - Sign up with promo code TWIST to place a $1000 risk-free bet at https://sportsbook.fanduel.com
(37:20) Potential game-changing NFT and DAO use cases
(48:27) Howard reviews Jason's Jay Trading portfolio
(59:53) Semantics, media, next generation of the internet, politicizing the Fed
(1:11:02) Jason tees up OK Boomer with Producer Rachel
(1:20:52) OK Boomer: Rachel interviews Ben Smith of Goal House NYC
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Lon Harris joins the show for a full streaming industry breakdown, including $DIS earnings, $WBD drama, streaming strategies, and more! (1:59) Then, Molly interviews Ephemeral CEO Jeff Liu on building a high-quality temporary tattoo solution. (1:09:00)
(0:00) Jason tees up today's segments!
(1:59) Jason welcome Lon Harris to talk misaligned media incentives and Trump coverage
(12:45) MicroAcquire - Sell your business with no fees at https://try.microacquire.com/twist
(14:05) Hulu's new film Prey is its largest streaming debut to date
(27:18) Vanta - Get $1,000 off automating your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
(28:29 Why the Predator franchise is valuable IP for Disney, how streaming platforms should handle "auteurs"
(35:41) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(37:14) $DIS earnings, how Disney's streaming platforms overtook Netflix in terms of subscribers
(46:52 Breaking down $WBD and how it should handle various IP, streaming residuals upheaval
(51:25) Disney vs Netflix BOTE Math, Ezra Miller situation, strategies for Zaslav to take advantage of $WBD IP
(1:09:00) Molly interviews Ephemeral CEO Jeff Liu
Sunny Madra and Vinny Lingham join Jason for a fully loaded crypto market breakdown (1:40). Topics covered include: Tornado Cash being blacklisted by the US Treasury Dept, Coinbase Q2 earnings, smart crypto regulation, fixing early-stage crypto governance, and more! Jason wraps the show with Part 5 of The Blueprint: Generalists vs. Specialists. (1:21:44)
(0:00) Jason intros today's segments: crypto roundtable and The Blueprint!
(1:40) Current state of the crypto market after the massive pullback
(14:31) Brave - Download today at https://brave.com/twist to browse faster, search privately and so much more
(15:33 Tornado Cash blacklisted by the US Treasury Dept: what is it, what it means for "frozen" crypto assets & more
(27:12) LinkedIn Marketing - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at https://linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups
(28:36) How large-scale spam attacks and hacks will change consumer behavior in the still-early crypto industry
(37:37) Visa - Learn more about Visa’s online Small Business Hub at Visa.com/smallbusinesshub
(38:32) How should crypto be regulated? Should the US create a new agency dedicated to digital assets? Should there be a new set of rules for crypto?
(48:39) Did Coinbase let customers down? $COIN Q2 earnings, responsibilities to customers, what Coinbase's platform might look like if altcoins are regulated as securities
(55:22) Pseudonymous and anonymous impact on high-profile crypto projects, how to fix early-stage crypto governance
(1:04:12 Interesting consumer-facing crypto projects
(1:21:44) The Blueprint Part 5: Generalists vs. Specialists
Acquired's Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal join the show to discuss how they think about public market investments (1:43), VC token sales (27:25), a VC market overview (45:40), the Vision Fund's impact on Silicon Valley (1:00:33), and Amazon's core pillars! (1:13:21)
(0:00) Jason intros today's guests and topics: Crossover Pod with Acquired!
(1:43) Private markets overview, Jay Trading, Ben's investment thesis for TSMC and Shopify
(13:44) Embroker - Use code TWIST to get an extra 10% off insurance at https://Embroker.com/twist
(14:52) Jason makes two live Jay Trades, better solutions for employee stock options
(26:14) Dell - Apply for Dell for Startups and get an additional 10% off Dell Latitude products at https://dell.com/twist
(27:25) Crypto regulation, VC token sales
(39:33) Zapier - Try for free today at https://zapier.com/TWIST
(41:02) The burden of going public, final ideas on digital asset regulation
(45:40) Major takeaways from PitchBook's Q2 US VC Monitor: exit value collapse, deal volume down, seed not impacted as much, signs of life in the early-stage
(1:00:33) Reflecting on Masa's precarious position and the impact that SoftBank's Vision Fund has had on the VC industry
(1:13:21) Ranking the most impressive pillars of Amazon's business: AWS, Prime, marketplace, advertising
Jason breaks down SoftBank's Vision Fund losing $21B+ last quarter and reflects on how founders should approach raising capital from megafunds. (2:11) Then, Jason reflects on lessons learned from the tough DTC space (27:05) and gives a quick Jay Trading update! (36:17). To wrap, NutriSense CEO Alex Skryl joins J+M to break down the benefits of continuous glucose monitoring! (47:37)
(0:00) Jason tees up today's solo news + founder interview!
(2:11) Jason breaks down SoftBank's Vision Fund losing ~$21B+ last quarter and analyzes some clips from Masayoshi Son's investor presentation
(11:31) Microsoft for Startups Hub - Apply in 5 minutes, no funding required, sign up at http://aka.ms/thisweekinstartups
(12:54) Jason disagrees with Masa's new strategy and direction and explains how founders should approach raising capital by megafunds like the Vision Fund and differences between how Uber and WeWork deployed SoftBank capital
(22:46) Assure - To get 20% off your first Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) visit https://Assure.co/twist
(24:06) Reviewing the biggest hits and misses from Vision Fund I
(27:05) Lessons learned from DTC shutdowns, how VCs deploy capital in a downturn
(34:45) Prometheus - Go to Prometheusalts.com or download it on the App Store and use the access code TWIST to sign up
(36:17) Jay Trading update: $DIS, $AMZN, $WBD, $SFIX
(47:37) Nutrisense CEO Alex Skryl joins to talk glucose monitoring benefits, biohacking, and more!
First up on VC Sunday School, J+M cover the stigma around investing in first-time founders: Is it a myth? What are the pros and cons? What really matters when evaluating a founder? (3:01) Then, Molly interviews Jay Koh of The Lightsmith Group to break down the Inflation Reduction Act's $369B climate/energy allocation. (29:08)
(0:00) Jason and Molly tee up today's segments!
(3:01) why is there a bias against investing in first-time founders?
(15:04) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(16:21) Most important factors to startup success
(21:42 Jason and Molly tee up Molly's climate interview which is focused on the Inflation Reduction Act's $369B climate/energy carve-out
(27:53) MasterClass - Get 15% off an annual membership at https://masterclass.com/startups
(29:08) Jay Koh of The Lightsmith Group joins to break down the $369B earmarked for climate/energy in the Inflation Reduction Act
(36:39) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
(37:58) What will the $369B do for the climate VC industry?
(48:48) What will this investment do for America's standing as a global climate tech leader?
Solo Jason news day! First up, Jason breaks down Coinbase's performance as a public company and its recent partnership with BlackRock (2:18), then he covers Amazon acquiring Roomba-maker iRobot (18:08), before wrapping the news with a Jay Trading update. (24:53) Producer Rachel wraps the show by interviewing Minted's Marcus Milione for OK Boomer! (52:35)
(0:00) Jason intros today's topics!
(2:18) Jason analyzes $COIN's performance as a public company and its volatile price fluctuations
(14:52) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist
(15:59) BlackRock partnering with Coinbase to manage its institutional crypto trading business
(18:08) $AMZN acquires Roomba-maker iRobot for $1.7B
(23:38) Helpware - Go to https://helpware.com/TWIST to get $1000 off your first invoice
(24:53) Jason debuts jaytrading.com and gives his reasons for doing it
(30:58) $WBD down ~17% after a bad earnings report
(36:53) Bubbles - Get unlimited screen and video recordings for free at https://usebubbles.com/twist
(38:10) Jason tells a quick story about meeting Bill Clinton & talks to Producer Rachel about her first year of interviews on OK Boomer
(52:35) Rachel interviews Marcus Milione on brand building, monetizing a passion, and more
Lon Harris joins the show to break down the chaotic shakeup going on at Warners Bros. Discovery, what's happening with HBO Max, potential new roadmaps for the DCEU, and more. (2:46) Then, J+M break down a new intimate social app called Locket raising $12.5M (44:02) and Lina Khan taking action against Meta. (51:39)
(0:00) J+M intro today's topics!
(2:46) Lon Harris joins to break down what is going on at Warner Bros. Discovery
(14:05) Grammarly - Sign up for a free and get 20% Grammarly Premium at https://grammarly.com/TWIST
(15:22) Is streaming subscription revenue a viable business compared to big box office hauls? Is $WBD making a terrible move re: creative relationships?
(24:26) Indochino - Get $50 off any purchase of $399 or more by using code TWIST at checkout https://www.indochino.com
(25:48) Discovery vs. HBO branding, Roku/Paramount Plus subscriber counts
(38:11) Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub - Apply in 5 minutes, no funding required, sign up at https://aka.ms/thisweekinstartups
(39:34) Lon's crypto queen series update
(44:02) Social app Locket raised a $12.5M early-stage round of funding
(51:39) Lina Khan sues Meta over a ~$400M VR acquisition and tries to change the antitrust precedent
BIG show! First up, our co-hosts break down why YC cut its summer cohort size by 40% (2:13), Robinhood letting go 23% of its employees (12:40), Michael Saylor out as MicroStrategy CEO (32:09), and Airbnb earnings. (42:07) Then, Jason is back with another edition of The Blueprint, where he covers the benefits of having a bias for action! (48:52)
(0:00) Jason and Molly intro today's topics!
(2:13) Y Combinator cuts its Summer 2022 batch size by 40%: what does this mean for the early-stage market?
(11:35) iTrust Capital - Visit https://itrust.capital/twist to create your Crypto IRA today
(12:40) Robinhood terminates 23% of employees: RIF vs layoff vs furlough explanation
(27:42) Brave - Download today at https://brave.com/twist to browse faster, search privately and so much more
(29:02) Jason gives a Jay Trading recap and lays out his reasons for doing it
(32:09) Michael Saylor steps down as MicroStrategy CEO
(39:14) Visa - Learn more about Visa’s online Small Business Hub at Visa.com/smallbusinesshub
(40:10) Jason's predictions for MicroStrategy's direction
(42:07) $ABNB earnings, comparing $ABNB and $UBER p/s, $COIN and $HOOD p/s
(48:52) The Blueprint Part 4: The Benefits of Having a Bias for Action
(54:12) How bias for action relates to other cognitive biases
(1:02:50) How founders can have a bias for action: Product velocity
J+M break down Uber and Pinterest's Q2 earnings (2:42), and Jason makes a Jay Trade live on air (18:51). Then, The Lanby CEO Chloe Harrouche joins to break down approaching primary care from a customer-centric perspective. (49:40)
(0:00) Jason and Molly tee up today's show! Big news day + a great early-stage founder interview
(2:42) $UBER Q2 earnings: doubled revenue y/y, FCF positive, rides business is back to pre-pandemic levels
(13:12) Vanta - Get $1,000 off automating your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
(14:24) Does Airbnb have similar pricing controls as Uber?
(18:51) Jason does a LIVE Jay Trade and explains his investment thesis! ***NOT investment advice
(27:28) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/TWIST
(28:45) $PINS Q2, Should public CEOs be able to retain super-voting shares?
(38:01) Embroker - Use code TWIST to get an extra 10% off insurance at https://Embroker.com/twist
(39:08) Jason proposes a perfect merger target for Pinterest
(45:44) Jason and Molly tee up the interview with The Lanby CEO Chloe Harrouche
(49:40) Chloe breaks down approaching healthcare from a customer-centric POV, pricing model, unit economics, and more
(1:06:09) Onboarding doctors, scaling the business, opaque pricing in healthcare
First up, Jason and Molly cover TikTok's recent patents that indicate it might be going after Spotify (2:23). Then, the duo breaks down a recent WSJ report about VCs giving conflicting advice to founders. (18:05) After the news, J+M are joined by Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman and Divvy Homes CEO Adena Hefets for an in-depth break down of the current US housing market. (33:36)
WSJ article: https://www.wsj.com/articles/silicon-valley-lurches-between-deep-cuts-and-bold-spending-11659268801
(0:00) Jason and Molly tee up today's topics and guests!
(2:23) TikTok might be going after Spotify's music streaming business with "TikTok Music"
(16:45) Policygenius - Go to https://policygenius.com to get a free life insurance quote
(18:04) Jason and Molly break down a WSJ report about conflicting advice that VCs are giving to founders re: approaching the current downturn; Jason debuts his "Cash vs. Profitability Matrix"
(32:04) Notion - Get $250 off by using code TWIST at https://notion.so
(33:36) Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman and Divvy Homes CEO Adena Hefets join and break down their businesses before getting into how a 2022 housing downturn might be different from 2008
(41:36) Prometheus - Go to Prometheusalts.com or download it on the App Store and use the access code TWIST to sign up
(43:09) Institutional buyers' impact on housing supply, pandemic migration impact on local inflation, new construction outlook
(1:08:36) Rental market outlook, commercial real estate's grim projections
First up on the Sunday show, Jason breaks down the different levels of diligence at different company stages for VC Sunday School (2:02). Then, Fion Technologies CEO Sudarshan Sridharan joins to talk helping firefighters fight wildfires with mapping technology. (21:31)
(0:00) Jason tees up today's Sunday edition of This Week in Startups!
(2:02) Molly recaps her first half year of investing, then asks Jason about diligence at different stages of investing in different verticals
(10:23) UserTesting - Get real human insights from customers, try for free today at https://usertesting.com/twist
(11:40) Jason on great investments coming out of "prepared minds", the importance of testing and trying
(19:57) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(21:31) Molly welcomes Fion Technologies CEO Sudarshan Sridharan to discuss helping wildfire fighting with software and his founding story
(32:36) Brave - Download today at https://brave.com/twist to browse faster, search privately and so much more
(33:56) Sudarshan explains how the Fion app helps firefighters, its pricing model, and more
(41:06) The state of wildfires in the US, why Sudarshan is building Fion
Jason is BACK and he's ready to Jay Trade! Jason and Molly wrap up big tech earnings week with a major deep dive on $AMZN's impressive quarter (1:53), $AAPL's slowing revenue growth/growing subscriber base (26:04), and the lack of faith in $META's big bet. (31:44) Producer Rachel wraps the show with another great edition of OK Boomer, featuring popular YouTube and investor Nate O'Brien! (40:18)
(0:00) Jason is BACK for a huge news day!
(1:53) $AMZN Q2 was highlighted by two insane business segments: AWS and advertising
(18:20) iTrust Capital - Visit https://itrust.capital/twist to create your Crypto IRA today
(19:24) Continued breakdown of $AMZN's Q2: Amazon Prime and retail; Jason makes another Jay Trade and gives his investment thesis for $AMZN
(24:43) MicroAcquire - Sell your business with no fees at https://try.microacquire.com/twist
(26:04) $AAPL earnings: slowing growth, but still putting up huge numbers, Apple's 800M+ paid subscribers
(31:44) Antitrust action against Meta, Jason gives his take on Meta's all-in bet on the metaverse
(39:01) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
(40:18) OK Boomer: Investor & YouTuber Nate O'Brien joins to talk growing his YouTube to 1M+ subscribers, his journey to investing, and more
Today's show is a CLASSIC TWiST founder interview. Anchor Co-Founder Mike Mignano joins to tell Anchor's founding story (1:40), break down what it's like getting acquired by Spotify (15:32), and talk about how RSS standards might be stunting innovation in the podcasting space. (33:17)
0:00 Jason intros today's guest: Anchor Co-Founder Mike Mignano
1:40 Mike explains why he started Anchor, the original inspiration and first versions, finding PMF, building the nuts and bolts of a great podcast publishing experience
14:23 Helpware - Go to https://helpware.com/TWIST to get $1000 off your first invoice
15:32 Why Anchor sold to Spotify, the Series B term sheet they were considering at the time of acquisition, getting courted by Spotify CEO Daniel Ek, Anchor's first check story
24:44 LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://linkedin.com/twist
25:58 Why Apple hasn't innovated in podcasting, paid podcasts vs. advertising
31:59 Babbel - Save up to 60% off your language learning subscription at https://babbel.com/twist
33:17 Why Mike wrote his recent article: “The Standards Innovation Paradox”, evolving standards to increase innovation, the Substack example
Read Mike's article:
https://mignano.medium.com/the-standards-innovation-paradox-e14cab521391
BIG variety show today!
Jason kicks off the show with Part 3 of "The Blueprint" series (1:43), then, CNBC's Deirdre Bosa joins to break down $GOOG and $MSFT earnings, $SHOP layoffs, and $COIN's SEC probe (17:23), and we wrap with Producer Rachel joining to break down the Kylie/Kim vs. Instagram feud! (45:42)
(0:00) Molly tees up today's variety show: The Blueprint Part 3, big tech earnings with Deirdre Bosa, and Kylie/Kim vs. Instagram with Producer Rachel!
(1:43) The Blueprint Part 3: Jason explains how to build and supercharge your network
(16:27) Visa - Learn more about Visa’s online Small Business Hub at Visa.com/smallbusinesshub
(17:23) CNBC's Deirdre Bosa joins to talk big tech earnings
(19:21) $MSFT earnings for fiscal Q4 and FY2022
(25:18) LinkedIn Marketing - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at https://linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups
(26:45) $GOOG Q2 earnings
(33:05) $SHOP lays off 10% of employees (~1000), Tobi Lutke's blog post, Q2 earnings
(37:45) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(39:00) $COIN faces new SEC probe regarding whether or not they allowed investors to trade unregulated securities
(45:42) Molly brings on Producer Rachel to break down the recent backlash against Instagram from celebrities and TikTok's superiority regarding creator monetization
Today, we have two interviews with founders innovating in the US prescription drug market to bring prices down for consumers.
First up, Molly talks with Alex Oshmyansky, CEO of The Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company, about building a "parallel supply chain", the importance of transparency, and a breakdown of the "financial engineering" in the industry. (3:22)
Then, she talks to Capital RX CEO AJ Loiacono for a full breakdown on PBMs (pharmacy benefit managers) and the opaque pharmaceutical supply chain. (40:35)
(0:00) Molly intros today's two interviews
(3:22) Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs Company CEO and Founder Alex Oshmyansky on operating a startup while still being a practicing doctor and Cost Plug Drugs' business model
(11:21) Harmonic - Get $4000 off at https://harmonic.ai/twist
(12:43) Alex explains the state of the US drug space, why they're trying to build a "parallel supply chain", the importance of transparency, and the origin story of the company
(23:44) Prometheus - Go to https://prometheusalts.com or download it on the App Store and use the access code TWIST to sign up
(25:11) Drug production, hot button drug issues
(32:16) Alex explains the "financial engineering" and profiteering in the prescription drug space
(39:15) BairesDev - Go to https://baires.dev/twist and get $10,000 off when you sign your first contract
(40:35) Molly intros the next guest: Capital RX CEO AJ Loiacono, who explains the convoluted and opaque pharmaceutical supply chain
(54:30) Understanding PBMs (pharmacy benefit managers) and the broader healthcare industry
(1:04:09) AJ gets into his background, starting Capital RX, and how it fits into the ecosystem
We have a big news show with a very special guest!
TechCrunch's Alex Wilhelm fills in for Jason to break down the news with Molly.
They cover Netflix cracking down on password sharing (2:12), Snap's rough Q2 earnings (6:45), Coinbase's alleged insider trading (21:28), the 3AC Bloomberg interview (36:37), and more!
(0:00) Molly tees up today's news with Alex Wilhelm, who is filling in for Jason!
(2:12) Molly and Alex share thoughts on Netflix cutting password sharing in some Central/South American countries
(6:45) $SNAP Q2 earnings: stock drops ~40% on slowing revenue growth and growing losses
(11:15) Embroker - Use code TWIST to get an extra 10% off insurance at https://Embroker.com/twist
(12:27) Jason's almost-Jay Trade, $SNAP's debt situation, most interesting implications from the week ahead of big tech earnings
(20:12) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
(21:28) $COIN's alleged insider trading, Jay Carney getting hired by Airbnb away from Amazon
(35:23) Vanta - Get $1,000 off automating your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
(36:37) Reacting to the 3AC founders' interview with Bloomberg, crypto contagion due to intermingling
(45:09) Man who lost ~8000+ Bitcoin in a landfill is trying to raise capital to uncover the hard drive
For today's VC Sunday School, Jason talks about saying "no" to founders (1:20), and Molly asks about board meeting etiquette (20:12). Then, for This Week in Climate Startups, Molly speaks with Michael Luciani of Climate Capital (37:18).
(0:00) Jason intros today’s show
(1:20) VCSS: Saying “no” to founders
(9:20) Brave - Download today at https://brave.com/twist to browse faster, search privately and so much more
(11:01) Some VCs give a “no” to gauge a founder’s tenacity
(19:08) iTrust Capital - Visit https://itrust.capital/twist to create your Crypto IRA today
(20:12) Board meeting etiquette
(36:02) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(37:18) TWiCS: Michael Luciani of Climate Capital
(1:02:40) Outro
Today, Jason and Molly speak with Ben Narasin of Tenacity VC about raising a new venture capital fund in the down market (1:30). Then, for this week's segment of OK Boomer, Producer Rachel sits down with Natalie Barbu of Rella (1:00:33).
(0:00) Jason intros today’s show!
(1:30) Jason and Molly speak with Ben Narasin of Tenacity VC
(11:45) Masterworks - Skip the waitlist to invest in art using promo code TWIST at https://Masterworks.io/twist
(13:07) How do you make a decision to sell a percent of your position?
(26:59) Bubbles - Get your point across with unlimited screen and video recordings for free at https://usebubbles.com/twist
(29:06) Valuations, 2022
(39:39) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist
(40:47) Crypto is a speculator’s game
(45:25) Are these tokens securities?
(59:19) Producer Rachel tees up this week’s OK Boomer
(1:00:33) OKB: Natalie Barbu of Rella 1:25:16 Outro + Plugs
First up, Jason and Molly break down Amazon acquiring One Medical for $3.9B — what is the long-term strategy here (2:44)? And you know it’s Thursday, so you know we had to have Lon Harris on the show (16:36). We break down the Snyder Cut bot craziness (24:38), and Netflix’s path forward (37:25). There might even be a Jay Trade involved!
(0:00) Jason and Molly tee up the show!
(2:44) Amazon acquired One Medical for $3.9B
(14:20) Prometheus - Go to Prometheusalts.com or download it on the App Store and use the access code TWIST to sign up
(16:36) Lon Harris joins for This Week in Streaming: “Cryptoqueen” pilot
(22:31) Intercom - Get advanced Intercom features and Early Stage Academy at a 95% discount bit.ly/earlystage22
(24:38) Rolling Stone reported The Snyder Cut was fueled by a bot army
(32:43) Microsoft for Startups Hub - Apply in 5 minutes, no funding required, sign up at http://aka.ms/thisweekinstartups
(34:49) Thoughts on Amazon’s streaming service
(37:25) Jay Trading? Thoughts on Netflix’s path forward
(46:30) Wrapping up and picking a new show
(50:30) Outro
Yesterday, Netflix released its Q2 earnings, and this prompted Jason to make some Jay Trades (2:53). Then, we have our second installment of "The Blueprint," where Jason breaks down when you should quit your job (45:14). Finally, we wrap with our Startup of the Day: BeReal (1:06:48).
(0:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s show!
(2:53) Jay Trading: Jason does some Jay Trading in relation to the Netflix Q2 results
(10:27) BairesDev - Go to https://www.baires.dev/twist
(11:50) Netflix reported Q2 earnings yesterday, they were meh
(14:38) What’s the problem at Netflix?
(24:27) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(25:42) Prediction: Disney+ will exceed Netflix
(28:01) Jay Trading: Disney
(30:20) What would make you buy Netflix?
(37:00) Two other ideas for Netflix
(44:18) Visa - Learn more about Visa’s online Small Business Hub at Visa.com/smallbusinesshub.
(45:14) The Blueprint E2: when should you quit your job?
(1:06:48) Startup of the Day: BeReal
(1:17:39) Coming up this week
Molly had a big board meeting today, so we had our guy Zach Coelius join for another version of Ask an Angel (1:32). Zach and Jason share their thoughts on remote work (4:40), the downturn (22:10), and then they answer audience questions (41:22). It’s a solid episode for founders and investors!
(0:00) Jason intro’s today’s Ask an Angel episode with Zach Coelius
(1:32) Ask an Angel with Zach Coelius
(4:40) Zach’s thoughts on remote work
(13:19) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/TWIST
(14:37) Managing a company post-COVID
(17:00) Who shines in the remote work era?
(20:51) Notion - Get $250 off by using code TWIST at https://notion.so
(22:10) The downturn: will people cancel or review their SaaS bills?
(26:09) How many of Zach’s founders have prepped for the downturn?
(30:50) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
(32:02) Don’t try to invest in pre-product market fit companies when you’re first starting out (unless you know the founder’s awesome)
(41:22) Q&A: How do you think about competition in the same market in the early stages?
(46:43) What are the top buzzwords you’re staying away from as investors right now?
(59:00) Would you invest in SF?
(1:04:00) How much dilution after seed rounds turns into a red flag?
(1:06:14) Should the equity grant occur during financings or the board meeting?
(1:09:15) What does Zach focus on in terms of diligence?
(1:19:30) As a founder, when should you provide pro rata to angels and when not?
(1:25:10) Have you ever advised a founder to leave the CEO role?
(1:32:29) How long do you think the down market is going to be and what’s your strategy?
Today, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy is celebrating his one-year anniversary, and the NYT published an interesting profile that has a lot to do with regulatory scrutiny (3:01). Then we cover the boom of remote work incentive programs all over the US to attract remote tech workers (27:00). And, we get into an awesome new company called Phaidra in our Series A segment… some former DeepMind engineers started an awesome machine learning company (40:16). And we wrap with a great story about retail investors who have the same thesis as Jason (47:51).
(0:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s show
(3:01) NYT published a profile of Amazon CEO Andy Jassy on his one-year anniversary of becoming CEO, and it had some interesting tidbits
(12:28) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://linkedIn.com/twist 13:44 More on the legislation discussed in the NYT article
(21:37) Microsoft for Startups Hub - Apply in 5 minutes, no funding required, sign up at http://aka.ms/thisweekinstartups
(22:54) Bezos is running for president (prediction)
(27:00) WSJ reported 71 cities and towns in the US are now offering remote work incentive programs
(37:19) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(38:33) Producer Nick chimes in on remote workers in Manhattan
(40:16) Series A: Phaidra s a startup selling machine learning software that regulates temperatures at power plants and industrial factories
(47:51) WSJ reported some amateur investors see the declining state of the stock market as a chance to double down
(56:08) Over the weekend Jason tweeted, “Terrify your investors in 5 words.” These were the best replies
On today's episode of VC Sunday School, Molly asks Jason about taking the leap on valuation (2:10) and best practices for strategic retreats (11:41). Then, Molly speaks with Meiling Gao and David Lu of Clarity Movement, to talk about their hardware for measuring air quality (33:25).
(0:00) Jason and Molly intro today’s show!
(2:10) VCSS: Taking the leap on valuation
(10:28) Embroker - Get an extra 10% off insurance for your business at https://Embroker.com/twist
(11:41) VCSS: strategic retreats
(27:44) Microacquire - Sell your business with no fees at https://try.microacquire.com/twist
(29:01) VCSS Bonus Round: Does age matter in founders?
(32:15) Molly tees up This Week in Climate Startups
(33:25) TWiCS: David Lu + Meiling Gao of Clarity Movement
(38:00) Brave - download Brave today at https://brave.com/twist to browse faster, search privately and so much more.
(39:17) TWiCS: More on Clarity Movement’s air pollution measurement hardware
(57:49) Outro + Plugs
Today, we cover the WSJ reporting on Amazon thinking of exiting the private-label business entirely (2:26). Then, Jason talks to FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr about banning TikTok in the US (15:23). And of course, we wrap with another episode of OK Boomer from Producer Rachel (56:17).
Check out BuzzFeed's report on TikTok: https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/emilybakerwhite/tiktok-tapes-us-user-data-china-bytedance-access
(0:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s show
(2:26) WSJ spoke to anonymous sources who told them Amazon is talking about exiting the private-label business entirely
(14:09) Vanta - Get $1,000 off automating your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
(15:23) Jason speaks with FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr about potentially banning TikTok in the US
(21:56) Prometheus - Go to Prometheusalts.com or download it on the App Store and use the access code TWIST to sign up!
(24:14) Reciprocity with a potential TikTok ban
(31:55) UserTesting - Get real human insights from customers, try for free today at https://usertesting.com/twist
(33:06) Should the military ban on TikTok mean it should be banned by Google and Apple?
(44:40) Concerns over DJI drones
(56:17) Producer Rachel tees up this week’s OK Boomer segment
(1:01:10) OKB: Producer Rachel speaks with Eric Button, co-founder of Contrast
(1:20:42) Outro + Plugs
Today, Jason makes his first investment in our new Jay Trading segment (which is not investing advice), and Jason and Molly break it down (3:22). Then, we do a little segment called “Series A & M&A” (24:40)! We also cover Stripe’s 409A valuation (37:52). And of course, we have to cover the Netflix + Microsoft partnership (45:50). Finally, we wrap with Peloton outsourcing their hardware manufacturing (57:00).
(0:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s show!
(3:22) Jay Trading: Bill Gurley bought ~1M shares of Stitch Fix yesterday for a total of $5.4M and the stock popped as much as 15% on the news
(14:17) Liquid I.V. - Feel better faster. Get 25% off at https://liquid-iv.com using promo code TWIST
(15:30) Talking revenue and profit
(23:18) Wealthfront - Get your first $5,000 managed for free, for life at https://wealthfront.com/TWIST
(24:40) Series A and M&A: You.com
(35:59) Harmonic - Get $4000 off at harmonic.ai/twist
(37:52) WSJ reports that Stripe just cut its internal valuation by 28%
(45:50) Netflix named Microsoft as its global advertising technology and sales partner
(57:00) Peloton is going to stop making its own bikes and tread machines, opting to outsource all manufacturing to Taiwan
(1:06:00) M&A: Battery Ventures announced a $3.8 billion raise
(1:15:07) Outro + Plugs
Today we kick off our new series, "The Blueprint." Jason gives practical advice on how to brand yourself (1:33). Then, Jason sits down with Stanford professor and author Jeffrey Pfeffer to talk about his new book, "7 Rules of Power: Surprising--but True--Advice on How to Get Things Done and Advance Your Career" (14:36).
(0:00) Jason tees up today’s show!
(1:33) The Blueprint E1: branding yourself
(13:39) Visa. Learn more about Visa’s online Small Business Hub at Visa.com/smallbusinesshub.
(14:36) Jeffrey Pfeffer speaks about his book “7 rules of Power”
(28:26) LinkedIn Marketing - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at https://linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups
(29:56) Break the rules: Why are people so uncomfortable breaking the rules?
(37:41) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(38:58) Show up in a powerful fashion: body language
(41:45) Building a brand
(50:12) Use your power
(53:53) Trump using his power
(56:46) Once you have power, what you did will be forgiven forgotten or both
(1:01:42) Q&A: how do introverts exert power?
(1:02:46) Best networking tips
First, we break down the 3AC situation where the founders were reportedly MIA for about 12 hours (1:52). It’s a complex situation, and we try and make sense of it. Then, we cover Matt Taibbi’s deep-dive article on Circle (8:10). Jason also gives his thoughts on a recent Twitter thread about how to succeed as a low-level startup employee (33:27). And we wrap with a little M&A story from Spotify (40:50)!
(0:00) Jason tees up today’s topics!
(1:52) Bloomberg reported that liquidators in charge of handling Three Arrow Capitals bankruptcy have NOT been able to locate the founders
(8:10) Investigative reporter Matt Taibbi spent time researching the Crypto Crash, and warns against investing in Circle’s stablecoin USDC
(11:51) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist
(13:08) Red flags Taibbi found
(24:11) Embroker - Get an extra 10% off insurance for your business at https://Embroker.com/twist
(25:25) Making sense of the crypto crash
(32:16) Assure - To get 20% off your first Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) visit https://Assure.co/twist
(33:27) Zach Weinberg had an interesting thread about how to stand out as a low or mid-level startup employee
(40:50) Spotify has acquired a Wordle-like daily game for your ears called: Heardle!
(46:56) Previewing the week ahead
(53:17) Outro + Plugs!
Today we talk about the Elon Musk & Twitter deal-or-no-deal (2:14). Then we get into two big pieces of Uber news today: first, over a hundred thousand leaked documents about Uber’s aggressive expansion efforts back in the early days (20:47), and second, present-day Uber under Dara is testing out geo-located ads (33:18). Finally, we’ve also got some insider dirt from Apple’s autonomous car efforts (49:20).
(0:00) Jason and Molly intro today’s show
(2:14) Elon Musk calls off the Twitter deal
(12:49) Dell For Startups - Apply for Dell for Startups and get an additional 10% off of all Dell Latitude products at http://dell.com/twist
(13:58) Is Twitter a niche product?
(19:28) This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp - Get 10% off your first month at https://betterhelp.com/twist
(20:47) The Guardian obtained 124,000 leaked internal documents from Uber’s global expansion phase under Travis
(32:04) Thorne - Personalized, science-back wellness. Get 10% off your first order at thorne.com/u/TWIST
(33:18) Uber is testing its ad business
(49:20) Apple Car project has faced repeated setbacks
(58:39) Outro + Plugs
For today's VC Sunday School, Jason asks Molly what she's learned in her first six months as a venture capitalist (1:59). Then, on This Week in Climate Startups, Molly speaks with siblings Steven and Zora Chung of ReJoule about EV battery recycling (18:52).
(0:00) Jason and Molly intro the show
(1:59) VCSS: Molly’s first 6 months as an investor recap
(14:06) Bubbles - Get your point across with unlimited screen and video recordings for free at https://usebubbles.com/twist
(15:24) Toss to TWiCS
(18:52) TWiCS: Zora and Steven Chung, co-founders of ReJoule
(22:51) Brave - Download Brave today at http://brave.com/twist to browse faster, search privately and so much more
(24:08) Explaining the ReJoule technology like we’re 10
(30:03) iTrust Capital - Visit https://itrust.capital/twist to create your Crypto IRA today
(31:06) What’s ReJoule’s business model?
(44:18) Outro + Plugs
Today, Jason sits down with Frost Giant CEO Tim Morten to discuss the gaming business models, Esports, and more (1:50). Then, on this week's OK Boomer segment, Producer Rachel speaks with Richard Mensah, co-founder of Salley, about being an international founder (1:09:45).
(0:00) Jason and Molly introduce today’s show
(1:50) Jason speaks with Production Director & CEO of Frost Giant, Tim Morten
(11:15) PolicyGenius - Head to https://www.policygenius.com to get your free life insurance quotes and see how much you could save
(12:25) Running a game studio as a startup
(21:54) Vanta - Get $1,000 off automating your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
(23:09) Business model changes in the gaming industry
(30:40) Intercom - Get advanced Intercom features and Early Stage Academy at a 95% discount https://www.intercom.com/early-stage
(32:56) Raising money as a gaming startup
(1:09:45) Producer Rachel tees up this week’s OK Boomer
(1:12:37) OKB: Richard Mensah, Co-Founder of Salley, on being an international founder
(1:36:51) Outro + Plugs
First, we cover some breaking news: Theranos ex-president Sunny Balwani has been found guilty of fraud (2:27). Then we dive into crypto: those responsible for the lack of crypto regulation in the US might also have significant crypto investments themselves, and the US is currently trying to change that (13:42). Then a big class-action lawsuit hits Solana and takes aim at VCs (23:09). But it's not all bad news, we cover the Turkish government claiming it just discovered almost 700M metric tons of rare earth materials (39:29). And finally, our startup of the day is a job board for warehouse workers (49:27)!
(0:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s topics!
(2:27) Sunny Balwani found guilty of fraud
(12:26) Microsoft for Startups Hub - Apply in 5 minutes, no funding required, sign up at http://aka.ms/thisweekinstartups
(13:42) US officials that invest in crypto can’t work on crypto-related policies and regulation that could affect the value of their assets
(21:42) Masterworks - Skip the waitlist to invest in art using promo code TWIST at https://Masterworks.io/twist
(23:09) Key players in the Solana ecosystem are being accused of illegally profiting off the blockchain’s token SOL
(36:05) Crypto firm Uprise lost 99% of customer funds trying to short LUNA tokens during the Terra/Luna collapse last month
(38:12) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist
(39:29) The Turkish government is claiming it just discovered almost 700M metric tons of rare earth materials
(49:27) SotD: Traba has a job board that helps entry-level workers find shifts at fulfillment centers and event venues
(53:41) Outro + Plugs!
Molly is out today, but don’t worry- we still have crypto news to cover. Crypto firm Voyager Digital filed for bankruptcy (2:14), and crypto loan company Celsius paid some debts (10:43). Finally, Jason takes some questions in today’s Ask Jason segment (25:35)!
Voyager Bankruptcy Filing: https://cases.stretto.com/public/x193/11753/PLEADINGS/1175307062280000000036.pdf
(0:00) Jason introduces today's show!
(2:14) Crypto Update: Voyager Digital filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy late last night
(9:31) Embroker - Get an extra 10% off insurance for your business at https://Embroker.com/twist
(10:43) Celsius just unlocked 2000 “wrapped Bitcoin” (~$40M worth) by paying down ~$183M of debt to another crypto lender
(24:21) Thorne - Personalized, science-back wellness. Get 10% off your first order at thorne.com/u/TWIST.
(25:35) Ask Jason: Jason answers your questions
(26:27) Would you ever apply to Shark Tank as a judge or create your own version with the besties?
(29:23) Trying to bootstrap as long as possible, but when is it ok to quit your day job?
(34:16) Indochino - Get $50 off any purchase of $399 or more by using code TWIST at checkout https://www.indochino.com
(35:34) When a previous investment asks for more money, how do you decide whether or not to double down?
(41:56) I’m about to raise a seed round… should growth be the target or generating positive cash flow?
(45:04) What current FAANG CEOs would you like to interview? What insights would you look for?
(48:00) What are “pre” and “post” money?
(48:43) Do you entertain pro-rata multiples?
(58:31) How is the electric bike effort going?
(1:04:00) What Gen Z startups have excited you from the OK Boomer segment or your staff?
(1:11:31) Outro + Plugs
On today's show, Molly and Jason catch up after the long weekend (0:00) before breaking down how the new "Minions" movie broke a box office record by using TikTok, catchy hooks, and viral marketing (5:19). They also cover TikTok dropping plans to expand its ecommerce platform into the US and Europe (29:52), before covering the "Chips Act" stalemate and discussing how we should reframe semiconductor manufacturing and energy independence as national defense issues (35:50).
Links referenced in the show:
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2021.578644/full
https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2022-07-04/chipmakers-and-us-congress-are-playing-a-stupid-game-of-chicken
For today's VC Sunday School, Molly asks Jason about what makes a venture scale business (2:20). Then, for This Week in Climate Startups, Molly sits down with Matt Duesterberg, co-founder of OhmConnect (19:38).
(0:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s show
(2:20) VCSS: What is a “venture scale business”?
(12:15) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(13:31) More on being venture scale
(17:35) Molly tees up This Week in Climate Startups
(19:38) TWiCS Molly speaks with Matt Duesterberg, co-founder of OhmConnect
(26:14) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
(27:25) How is OhmConnect paid?
(32:10) Microacquire - Sell your business with no fees at https://try.microacquire.com/twist
(33:27) OhmConnect energy savings, Gigawatt v. terawatt, $55M Series D
(46:02) Thanks for tuning in, and have a happy 4th!
First, we cover an update from the BlockFi CEO denying that FTX is buying them for $25N (2:33), and we have a couple more crypto quick hits (5:51) before we touch on Sequoia's largest investments being down 70% (34:01). Klarna is raising way down at a $6B valuation (45:23), Zoom is looking to expand beyond video conferencing, (54:50), and the FCC approved Starlink to supply internet to moving vehicles (57:40). Finally, Rachel speaks with co-founder and CEO of Stages, Jared Downing, for this week's OK Boomer (1:08:23).
(0:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s show!
(2:33) More info on BlockFi/FTX sale: CEO of BlockFi denied $25M sale to FTX
(5:51) Crypto exchange CoinFlex having public feud w/investor who had a reported $47M loan from the company
(12:34) Vanta - Get $1,000 off automating your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
(13:44) More on contracts
(17:40) CFTC charged Mirror Trading International for fraud over promise of passive income returning 10% a month
(26:44) Helpware - Go to https://helpware.com/TWIST to get $1000 off your first invoice
(27:54) OneCoin not on blockchain and had no real value
(32:43) BairesDev - Go to https://www.baires.dev/twist and get $10k off when you sign your first contract
(34:01) Two of Sequoia’s largest investments, Unity and DoorDash, have each fallen over 70% off their public peaks
(45:23 Swedish BNPL startup Klarna is raising at $6.5B - 1/7th of what they were valued June 2021
(51:48) Breaking: BlockFi says it will be bought by FTX for up to $240 million
(54:50) Zoom looking to expand outside of just video conferencing
(57:40) SpaceX gets new FCC Starlink authorization for trucks and boats!
(1:06:21) Producer Rachel tees up this week's OK Boomer segment
(1:08:23) OKB: Jared Downing, co-founder, and CEO of Stages (a live-streaming platform)
(1:28:43) Outro + Plugs (Bye Producer Justin! We'll miss you)
First, we talk about Meta’s new Facebook Groups overhaul that looks like Discord (2:35). Then we touch on Sequoia raising over 2 billion for its US venture and growth funds (20:31) and FTX acquiring BlockFi for $25M, 99% below their last private valuation (32:08). For our We Live in the Future, the MLB is looking to automate home plate umpires by 2024 (52:17). Finally, it appears Subtstack is making some cuts after saying it wouldn’t (1:04:48).
(0:00) Jason and Molly intro the show!
(2:35) Meta copying discord with new Facebook feature
(12:48) Zapier - Try for free today at https://zapier.com/TWIST
(14:05) Probably don’t work for Facebook or meet with them
(19:20) UserTesting - Get real human insights, try for free today at https://usertesting.com/twist
(20:31) Sequoia raising $2.25B across 2 new funds
(30:50) Grammarly - Sign up for a free account at https://grammarly.com/TWIST to sign up for a free account!
(32:08) FTX acquiring BlockFi for ~$25 million - 99% below BlockFi’s last private valuation
(52:17) WLiTF: MLB will likely introduce robot umpires in 2024
(1:04:48) Substack cuts 14% of staff
(1:18:13) Outro + Plugs!
Today, Jason is joined by the hosts of “What are your thoughts?” Downtown Josh Brown (CEO of Ritholtz Wealth Management) and Michael Batnick (Managing Partner at Ritholtz Wealth Management). They discuss the Knicks (1:22), Podcasting (14:25), markets (26:20), Disney (37:52), and more. Finally, Jason takes some audience questions (44:50).
(0:00) Cold Open
(1:22) Downtown Josh Brown & Michael Batnick join Jason: catching up and talking basketball
(13:10) Coda - The All-in-one doc for teams, get a $1,000 credit at https://coda.io/twist
(14:25) Audio as a media business
(18:50) Why can’t the Knicks get great young talent to want to come?
(20:35) ActiveCampaign - Get 10% off your ActiveCampaign subscription today at https://activecampaign.com/promo/twist
(21:46) What’s it like being involved with the Warriors?
(26:20) Market dynamics
(36:25) LinkedIn Marketing - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at https://linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups
(37:52) Building a Disney position
(44:50) Questions from the audience: Jason’s thoughts on RobinHood
(59:12) Most exciting recent investment for Jason
(1:06:30) Last question
(1:07:30) Outro
First, we dig into the crypto contagion where FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried is stepping in to backstop crypto lenders (2:56). Then, we check in on the billions of dollars sitting in SPACs- remember those (39:27)? We do a quick hit on the venture market drying up in Q2 (54:27) before we get into our We Live in the Future: a mockup of a SkyCruise luxury airliner that uses nuclear power and never lands (1:16:36).
(0:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s show!
(2:56) FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried seems to be acting as the crypto industry's personal backstop right now
(11:25) Embroker - Get an extra 10% off insurance for your business at https://Embroker.com/twist
(12:38) Reaction to SBF crypto bailouts/loans
(17:47) Traders short Tether: According to WSJ, multiple hedge funds have shorted Tether in trades worth hundreds of millions of dollars
(22:24) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist
(23:41) Tether’s CTO’s tweet storm
(33:52) Thorne - Personalized, scientific wellness. Go to https://Thorne.com/u/TWIST
(35:08) Gary Gensler clip: “tokens have key assets of securities besides bitcoin”
(39:27) Well over $100B sitting in SPACs looking for companies to invest in
(54:27) VC funding is down to the lowest levels since 2020
(1:16:36) WLITF: SkyCruise, a flying hotel that never lands
(1:23:30) Coming up on This Week in Startups
Today, we bring on Kim Clark, an attorney at Legal Voice, who reached out to Molly after listening to our shows last week that mentioned the impacts of surveillance on healthcare privacy, notably abortion (2:13). And in related news, today’s Startup of the day is Stardust, an end-to-end encrypted Period Tracking App (39:13). Then, we cover a non-Roe v. Wade story: Zendesk will be acquired by an investor group in an all-cash transaction valuing it at around $10.2B (42:45).
(0:00) Jason and Molly intro today’s show!
(2:13) Roe v. Wade overturned: Kim Clark, Senior Attorney at Seattle-based Legal Voice, joins to discuss
(10:51) LinkedIn - Post your first job for free at https://linkedIn.com/twist
(12:06) Digital surveillance of pregnant women or women trying to become pregnant
(24:07) Bubbles - Get your point across with unlimited screen and video recordings for free at https://usebubbles.com/twist
(25:24) Period tracking apps and user data
(27:06) Medication abortions
(31:42) Wealthfront - Get your first $5,000 managed for free, for life at https://wealthfront.com/TWIST
(33:00) Best thing to do if you care about this issue
(39:13) Startup of the Day: Stardust, a privacy-first Period Tracker App
(42:45) Zendesk has agreed to be acquired by investor group in all-cash transaction valuing it at around $10.2 billion
(51:15) We’re doing our 12-week Founder University program! Head to founder.university and sign up
For today's VC Sunday School, Molly asks Jason about co-investing with other VC firms (3:11). Then for This Week in Climate Startups, Molly sits down with REGENT co-founder Billy Thalheimer to talk about the ins and outs of their electric sea gliders (29:46).
(0:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s show!
(3:11) VC Sunday School: Co-investing with other VC firms, how and when to do it
(12:59) Swag.com - Visit https://swag.com/twist and use code TWIST for 10% off your order!
(14:16) Co-investing in a down market + the manners of sharing deal flow
(21:29) BetterHelp - Get 10% off your first month at https://betterhelp.com/twist
(22:49) More on sharing deal flow
(26:21) Toss to This Week in Climate Startups
(29:46) TWiCS: Billy Thalheimer, co-founder of REGENT, on their electric sea gliders
(39:52) Microsoft for Startups Hub - Apply in 5 minutes, no funding required, sign up at http://aka.ms/thisweekinstartups
(41:01) REGENT sea gliders’ physics + regulatory benefits
(58:45) Outro
Today, Jason sits down with the anonymous account Praying For Exits — they discuss everything going on in markets, crypto, startup valuations post-crash, and even what was behind the All in podcast controversy (3:09). Then, Producer Rachel sits down with Anisha Sunkerneni of Cyphr VC to talk about NFT NYC and navigating tech events (1:13:30).
(0:00) Jason and Molly intro today’s show!
(3:09) Jason sits down with the anonymous account Praying For Exits
(13:01) Microsoft for Startups Hub - Apply in 5 minutes, no funding required, sign up at http://aka.ms/thisweekinstartups
(14:15) Valuations of crypto companies with no product in market: the fault of VCs or founders?
(20:23) Intercom - Get advanced Intercom features and Early Stage Academy at a 95% discount https://www.intercom.com/early-stage
(21:40) Mr. Exits on earlier stage valuations + remote work
(35:57) Vanta - Get $1,000 off automating your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
(37:06) Mr. Exits asks Jason some questions
(1:08:11) Toss to OK Boomer
(1:13:30) OKB: Producer Rachel sits down with Anisha Sunkerneni of Cyphr VC to talk about NFT NYC and navigating tech events
(1:41:02) Outro
Today we bring on Lon Harris to discuss the Obi-Wan Kenobi finale (2:23), then we do a quick hit on the FDA taking action against Juul (42:14). Finally, Molly chats with AJ Loiacono from Capital RX, who is laser-focused on increasing transparency in prescription drug pricing (55:26).
(0:00) Jason and Molly intro today’s show
(2:23) Lon Harris joins to recap the Obi-Wan Kenobi finale
(10:45) BairesDev - Go to https://www.baires.dev/twist and get $10k off when you sign your first contract
(11:58) Favorite scenes from the Obi-Wan finale
(27:21) Thorne - Personalized, scientific wellness. Go to https://Thorne.com/u/TWIST
(28:35) Thoughts on the Obi-Wan series and finale, will they make live-action clone wars?
(34:50) AdQuick - Visit https://adquick.com/twist and mention TWIST to get $1000 off your first campaign.
(36:07) Discussing the franchise value of Star Wars
(39:56) Jason’s previous Obi-Wan prediction
(42:14) FDA is banning the sale of Juuls in the US (other e-cigarettes will still be available though)
(54:05) Toss to Molly’s interview with AJ Loiacono
(55:26) AJ Loiacono, CEO of Capital RX, who is laser-focused on increasing transparency in prescription drug pricing
(1:40:14) Outro: coming up later this week
Today we kick it off with a discussion of BuzzFeed’s reporting on TikTok, and we debate if there are real risks to worry about here (2:04). Then, we discuss Amazon forecasting it will run out of workers in some of the cities it operates in (37:16). Finally, we talk about some of the ways we are reducing our consumption (43:55).
(0:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s topics!
(2:04) TikTok: BuzzFeed News investigation revealed 8 internal TikTok meetings showing that US data has been repeatedly accessed from China
(11:40) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
(12:52) Hot Takes: should the US ban TikTok?
(19:51) Coda - The All-in-one doc for teams, get a $1,000 credit at https://coda.io/twist
(21:04) NYT suggests the Chinese government is investing massively in surveillance
(36:09) AdQuick - Visit https://adquick.com/twist and mention TWIST to get $1000 off your first campaign.
(37:16) Amazon leaked memo from 2021 said the company was in danger of running out of people to hire in warehouses by 2024
(43:55) Ways Jason and Molly are reducing their consumption
(51:10) Coming up later this week
There’s been some crazy news in Crypto, so we bring on Vinny Lingham, an early investor in Solana, who runs a startup that encrypts identity information on the blockchain called Civic. We dig into NFT NYC (8:24), the fiasco on Solend protocol (22:29), and how South Korean prosecutors have instituted a flight ban for employees while they investigate the $40 billion collapse (45:54). Finally, we talk about how, despite all of this, the Solana NFT Marketplace Magic Eden still raised $130 million at a $1.6 billion valuation (51:04).
(0:00) Jason and Molly introduce today’s show!
(2:18) Weekend banter with Jason and Molly
(8:24) Crypto Update: Solana Whale, NFT NYC, and Magic Eden w/ Vinny Lingham
(13:58) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/TWIST
(15:13) The crypto drawdown: Vinny’s thoughts
(21:21) Notion - Get started for free at https://notion.com/thisweekinstartups
(22:29) DeFi protocol built on Solana, called Solend, voted to take over a “whale” account on Sunday, which accounts for ~95% of the platform’s total deposits
(35:29) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(36:34) Should humans be able to intervene on crypto systems?
(45:54) South Korean prosecutors have BANNED Terraform Labs employees from leaving the country with a flight ban
(51:04) Solana-based NFT marketplace Magic Eden has raised a $130M Series B at a $1.6B valuation
(1:18:55) Outro: stories coming up this week
For this week's VC Sunday School, Molly asks Jason about when to take a meeting with a founder (2:18). Then for This Week in Climate Startups, Molly speaks with the CEO and Founder of Hyfé Foods, Michelle Ruiz (16:43). Finally, as we're off tomorrow, we wrap with a couple of Juneteenth book recommendations (44:15).
(0:00) Jason and Molly intro today’s show!
(2:18) VCSS: When to take a founder meeting
(12:00) LinkedIn Marketing - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at https://linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups
(13:18) Investing internationally: Sequoia announced an $850 million southeast Asia fund and a $2 Billion India fund
(16:43) TWiCS: Michelle Ruiz, CEO + Founder of Hyfé Foods
(21:15) Embroker - Get an extra 10% off insurance for your business at https://Embroker.com/twist
(22:28) Breaking down the process of wastewater + how Hyfé Foods capitalizes
(32:13) BairesDev - Go to baires.dev/twist and get $10k off when you sign your first contract
(33:27) More on Hyfé Foods’ process to make flour
(44:15) Outro: Juneteenth book recommendations
Today, we recap the Warriors' finals win (2:50) with some potential takeaways for founders (14:00). Next, Jason speaks with Jesse Powell: founder, and CEO of crypto exchange Kraken, and they discuss the state of crypto and the recent hit piece the NYT published on him (48:06). For this week's OK Boomer segment, Producer Rachel sits down with Alexander Olesen, co-founder, and CEO of Babylon Micro-Farms (2:07:41).
(0:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s show!
(2:50) Warriors win! Recapping the Warriors’ finals run
(12:47) ActiveCampaign - Get 10% off your ActiveCampaign subscription today at https://activecampaign.com/promo/twist
(14:00) Downmarket: what can you do? Lessons founders can learn from the Warriors’ leadership
(22:37) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist
(23:55) Work harder, work smarter
(30:25) Microsoft for Startups Hub - Apply in 5 minutes, no funding required, sign up at http://aka.ms/thisweekinstartups
(31:41) Toss to Jason’s interview with Jesse Powell, founder, and CEO of Kraken
(48:06) Jesse Powell speaks with Jason about his NYT hit piece, crypto, and company culture
(2:02:04) Recapping Jesse Powell + Toss to OK Boomer with Alexander Olesen, CEO, and Co-Founder of Babylon Micro-Farms
(2:07:41) OKB: Producer Rachel speaks with Alexander Olesen
(2:26:00) Outro
It’s Thursday, so we talk all about streaming with our guy Lon Harris! Spoiler alert as we dive into Obi-Wan Kenobi E5 (1:53) and Star Trek E4-5 (34:48). We cover Disney losing cricket streaming rights in India (41:44) and Apple acquiring MLS soccer rights (50:48). Finally, we hit on an internal memo that shows Facebook plans to be more like TikTok (57:17).
0:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s streaming news with Lon Harris!
1:53) Obi-Wan Kenobi E5: sharing thoughts on the episode (SPOILERS)
13:52) Vanta - Get $1,000 off automating your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
15:03) Obi-Wan: plot holes or symmetry + murder of children in television shows
20:58) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
22:04) Clunkiness in Obi-Wan: is it because of their real-time virtual production technology?
33:44) Liquid I.V. - Feel better faster. Get 25% off at https://liquid-iv.com using promo code TWIST
34:48) Star Trek Strange New Worlds E4-5: thoughts on the show (SPOILERS)
41:44) Disney won bid to broadcast Indian cricket for $3B but lost streaming rights
50:48) Apple signed deal w/Major League Soccer to stream every match for 10 years starting in 2023
57:17) Facebook wants to be TikTok, revealed in an internal memo according to The Verge
First, we’ll dig into the creator economy: Youtube shorts almost has as many users as TikTok (3:06), and Twitch is changing how they pay creators (24:00). We quickly hit on some breaking news as The Federal Reserve approved its steepest interest rate increase since 1994 and signaled it would continue lifting rates this year at the most rapid pace in decades (38:20). The crypto contagion continues, so we’ll give an update (41:50) and discuss the full context of MicroStrategy CEO Michael Saylor’s Bitcoin comments in 2021 (54:13). And we can’t leave without talking about Aliens. China thinks it has a sign (1:16:24).
(0:00) Jason and Molly introduce today’s show
(3:06) YouTube Shorts are gaining ground on TikTok
(13:59) Swag.com - Visit https://swag.com/twist and use code TWIST for 10% off your order!
(15:05) TikTok’s owner Bytedance has generated massive revenue across TikTok and its Chinese counterpart Douyin
(22:44) Coda - The All-in-one doc for teams, get a $1,000 credit at https://coda.io/twist
(24:00) Twitch is expanding its ad incentive program for creators
(37:09) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
(38:20) BREAKING: Federal Reserve approved largest interest rate increase since 1994, signaled it would continue lifting rates this year at the most rapid pace in decades
(41:50) The crypto contagion seems to be accelerating
(54:13) MicroStrategy CEO Michael Saylor’s comments on Bitcoin from March 2021
(1:16:24) China thinks it may have detected signals from an Alien civilization
Today, we kick off the episode with Coinbase’s several hundred-person layoffs (3:23) and the EU’s crypto regulation in progress (23:15). We cover Netflix talking with Roku to help run its planned ad-supported tier (35:18). Our Startup of the Day is Catholic Prayer and mediation app Hallow, partnered with Mark Wahlberg for promotion (41:03). We’ll also showcase Prey, a company that helps protect laptops from theft, which our producer Justin should’ve used in his recent burglary (47:57).
(0:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s news stories
(2:30) Apply today to Remote Demo Day - at remotedemoday.com and pitch +10K investors of thesyndicate.com, and close your round
(3:23) Coinbase laid off 18% of its staff after a crazy few weeks in the crypto space
(14:44) Wealthfront - Get your first $5,000 managed for free, for life at https://wealthfront.com/TWIST
(15:59) Looking at Coinbase’s strongest quarter to date
(22:01) Thorne - Personalized, scientific wellness. Go to https://Thorne.com/u/TWIST
(23:15) EU Crypto Regulation is approaching
(34:02) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(35:18) Netflix has reportedly reached out to competitors like Roku and Comcast for help with ad sales
(41:03) SOTD: Catholic prayer app Hallow raised $52M and has ads featuring Mark Wahlberg
(47:57) WLitF: Prey app + Producer Justin’s robbery story
On today's show, Jason and Molly cover crypto losing $200B from its total market cap this weekend (14:51) and Binance pausing withdrawals of Bitcoin for almost 4 hours this morning (29:53). We also quickly talk about a Google engineer claiming Google's AI chat bot has become sentient (38:15). For our We Live in the Future, we cover Amazon announcing drone delivery for later this year (48:52). Finally, we wrap on our Startup of the Day: Magic Spoon, a high-protein cereal maker (53:57).
(0:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s news stories
(2:44) Catching up with Jason and Molly (hikers vs mountain bikers, rattlesnakes)
(13:51) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
(14:51) Crypto lost $200B from total market cap this weekend, major currencies are down ~25% over past week
(28:42) Assure - To get 20% off your first Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) visit https://Assure.co/twist
(29:53) Binance paused withdrawals of Bitcoin for almost 4 hours earlier this morning
(37:06) AdQuick - Visit https://adquick.com/twist and mention TWIST to get $1000 off your first campaign.
(38:15) Google’s AI is sentient according to engineer Blake Lemoine
(48:52) WLitF: Amazon announced they will officially launch drone delivery this year
(53:57) SotD: Magic Spoon (high-protein cereal maker) raised a $85M Series B
For today’s VC Sunday school, Molly asks Jason about valuation- valuing startups (1:44). Then for This Week in Climate Startups, Molly sits down with Ryan Shearman, CEO of Aether, to talk about how Aether makes diamonds using carbon extracted from the atmosphere (37:22).
(0:00) Cold Open
(1:44) VCSS: Valuation- reconsidering valuation, estimating valuation as a function of multiples
(13:16) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist
(14:33) Why are some companies so secretive about their valuation?
(23:17) BetterHelp - Get 10% off your first month at https://betterhelp.com/twist
(24:31) Bridges, seed extensions, pre-series A
(30:38) Microsoft for Startups Hub - Apply in 5 minutes, no funding required, sign up at http://aka.ms/thisweekinstartups
(31:54) Toss to This Week in Climate Startups
(37:22) TWiCS: Ryan Shearman, CEO of Aether (making diamonds from atmospheric carbon)
Today, Lon Harris joins for This Week in Streaming and we talk about Obi-Wan Kenobi Episode 4 (1:49), then we cover some Disney news as they fire their head of General Entertainment Content, Peter Rice (43:05), and enter a bidding war to keep their rights to Indian Cricket (48:30). We wrap with a segment of OK Boomer: this week Producer Rachel sits down with Capri Wheaton, founder, and CEO of Dressd, a peer-to-peer clothing rental service (1:06:37).
(0:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s show!
(1:49) This Week in Streaming with Lon Harris: “Obi-Wan Kenobi” ep. 4 (SPOILERS)
(13:06) Intercom - Get advanced Intercom features and Early Stage Academy at a 95% discount https://www.intercom.com/early-stage
(14:22) Predicting where “Obi-Wan Kenobi” is headed
(20:35) Gun.io - Get $250 off your first developer hire at https://Gun.io/twist!
(21:51) More predictions for “Obi-Wan Kenobi”
(34:33) Embroker - Get an extra 10% off insurance for your business at https://Embroker.com/twist
(35:48) What’s working with “Obi-Wan Kenobi”, what isn’t working?
(43:05) Disney has fired Peter Rice, who was Chairman of Disney’s General Entertainment Content (basically the head of Disney’s TV division)
(48:30) Disney is about to enter a bidding war to keep its rights to Indian cricket, which is HUGE for its Disney Plus subscriber count
(1:01:50) Toss to OK Boomer with Producer Rachel and Capri Wheaton
(1:06:37) OKB: Capri Wheaton, founder + CEO of Dressd (peer-to-peer clothing rental)
Today, Deirdre Bosa from CNBC joins Molly to talk about Twitter’s plans to comply with Musk’s demands for data (1:28), Apple being its own bank for Apple Pay Later (17:15), and Facebook's parent Meta changing its ticker to META (32:19). To wrap up, Jason and Molly interview Kalshi co-founder and CEO Tarek Mansour, where they talk about Kalshi building the first CFTC regulated predictions market (39:11).
(0:00) Deidre Bosa joins Molly Wood to cover today’s tech news!
(1:28) Twitter plans to comply with Musk’s demands for data
(10:02) Indochino - Get $50 off any purchase of $399 or more by using code TWIST at checkout https://www.indochino.com
(11:18) Will the Elon/Twitter deal just end up in the legal system?
(17:15) Apple Will Handle Lending Internally for its new Apple New Pay Later Service
(21:01) Vanta - Get $1,000 off automating your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
(22:14) Will this open up Apple to more anti-trust scrutiny?
(31:08) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
(32:19) The Facebook parent Meta changed its ticker to META
(38:33) Toss to our interview w/ Kalshi co-founder + CEO Tarek Mansour
(39:11) Tarek Mansour joins to speak about Kalshi, the first CFTC regulated predictions market
(1:26:39) If you are a founder pre-series A, you are invited to our Founder University Two-Day intensive on June 13-14!
Today, we talk about Flexport Founder Ryan Petersen bringing on Amazon’s Dave Clark to be CEO (2:56). Then, we discuss Bird laying off almost a quarter of their team (17:32), and we talk about Twitter working on a bring-your-own algorithm feature (28:24). Our Startup of the Day is Multiverse, a startup building a pipeline of apprenticeships as a college alternative (37:47). We cover Citadel getting into crypto (47:25) and SEC Chair Gary Gensler hinting there might be some overhauls coming to payment for order flow (54:33). We end with a recap of Jason on Megyn Kelly’s show (1:00:10) and Kara Swisher leaving NYT for Vox (1:17:07).
(0:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s tech news
(2:56) Flexport founder, Ryan Petersen announced that he recruited the former Amazon Consumer CEO Dave Clark to join Flexport
(10:27) Coda - The All-in-one doc for teams, get a $1,000 credit at https://coda.io/twist
(11:42) Climate tech being driven by consumers, wrapping up Flexport story
(17:32) Bird to lay off 23% of its staff, accounting for ~138 workers
(27:09) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
(28:24) Twitter working on custom timelines according to app researcher Jane Wong
(36:33) ActiveCampaign - Get 10% off your ActiveCampaign subscription today at https://activecampaign.com/promo/twist
(37:47) SotD: Multiverse - Companies like Microsoft, Citi, and Verizon are opening up new career pathways without college using the Apprenticeship matching startup Multiverse
(47:25) Citadel Securities Is Building a Crypto Trading Marketplace (According to Coindesk Sources)
(54:33) SEC Chair Gary Gensler hinted that there might be some overhauls coming to PFOF (payment for order flow)
(1:00:10) Jason on Megyn Kelly
(1:17:07) Kara Swisher leaving NYT for Vox
(1:24:17) If you are a founder pre-series A, you are invited to our Founder University Two-Day intensive on June 13-14!
BuzzFeed is tanking- we talk about what it means for its employees and the company (2:07). Next, we discuss Uber Eats coming for GoldBelly (23:51), then we cover the EU mandating that USB-C ports be standard by 2024 (36:17). We close out the show with our Startup of the Day in the sports space (41:21) and a We Live in the Future in the ear transplant space (49:42).
0:00 Jason and Molly tee up today’s news stories
2:07 BuzzFeed shares dropped 41%, their worst one-day % drop
11:23 OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
12:37 “Media + something,” making media viable
22:34 Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/TWIST
23:51 Uber Eats coming for GoldBelly
35:03 Thorne - Personalized, scientific wellness. Go to https://Thorne.com/u/TWIST
36:17 European Parliament ruled USB Type-C port standard for all EU mobile phones, tablets, and cameras by Fall 2024
41:21 SotD: Religion of Sports, sports media production company co-founded by Tom Brady, Michael Strahan and Gotham Chopra, raised $5M in Series B funding
49:42 WLitF: Texas woman received 3D printed ear transplant made from sample of her cells (3DBio Therapeutics)
56:45 If you are a founder pre-series A, you are invited to our Founder University Two-Day intensive on June 13-14!
Jason talks with independent candidate for California Governor Michael Shellenberger on what he wants to improve in California (2:57). Then, we cover Apple's 2022 WWDC (48:40). We cover the $2.35B of illicit funds laundered through Binance from hacks, investment frauds, and drug deals (1:27:25), and we touch on Elon Musk accusing Twitter of withholding bot information (1:37:24). Finally, we cover Beijing wrapping up the Didi investigation (1:41:11).
(00:00) Jason and Molly introduce today's show!
(2:57) Michael Shellenberger, 2022 California gubernatorial candidate, sits down with Jason
(10:46) Notion - Get started for free at https://notion.com/thisweekinstartups
(12:03) Michael Shellenberger on capital allocators being loyal to CA
(22:35) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
(23:45) Michael Shellenberger on handling drug addiction and rehabilitation
(39:10) First Republic Bank - Discover what a long-term financial relationship can do for you. Visit https://firstrepublic.com/startup today to learn more.
(40:00) Molly’s skunk situation
(41:51) Recapping the Warriors’ finals game 2 victory
(48:40) Apple’s new features from the 2022 WWDC
(1:27:25) At least $2.35B of illicit funds laundered through Binance from 2017-2021 (according to Reuters)
(1:37:24) Elon Musk believes Twitter of withholding info about # of bots, threatening to walk away from $44B bid
(1:41:11) Beijing to wrap up Didi investigation (according to WSJ )
(1:48:42) If you are a founder pre-series A, you are invited to our Founder University Two-Day intensive on June 13-14!
First, in VC Sunday School Jason answers Molly’s questions about markups and markdowns (1:35), then in This Week in Climate startups, Molly talks with Coral Vita’s Sam Teicher about Coral Regeneration (33:37)
(00:00) Jason and Molly introduce today’s show!
(1:35) VCSS: Marking - what is it, who’s it for?
(11:20) Dell For Startups - Apply and get up to 45% off at http://dell.com/twist
(12:34) When do you mark down?
(21:11) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist
(22:29) “What cash they put in, what cash they get out”
(32:31) Swag.com - Visit https://swag.com/twist and use code TWIST for 10% off your order!
(33:37) TWiCS: Coral Vita co-founder + chief reef officer Sam Teicher (coral regeneration)
Today we have a Warriors Game Recap (2:01), we discuss the new Apple emojis (11:29), and then we dive into more layoffs news: Coinbase and Loom rescinding job offers (26:34). Jason and Molly give tips on how to not get laid off (37:55), and then Producer Rachel closes out the episode with an OK Boomer segment with Skillbank founder and CEO Mehak Vohra (1:07:08).
(00:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s show
(2:01) Recapping the Warriors' Finals game 1
(10:14) Embroker - Get an extra 10% off insurance for your business at https://Embroker.com/twist
(11:29) Discussing the new emojis
(25:02) LinkedIn Marketing - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at https://linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups
(26:34) Coinbase/Loom rescinding offers + how to avoid layoffs
(36:41) Thorne - Personalized, scientific wellness. Go to https://Thorne.com/u/TWIST
(37:55) How to not get laid off, the employee perspective
(46:30) Layoffs from the manager’s perspective
(1:03:38) Toss to OK Boomer
(1:07:08) OK Boomer: Mehak Vohra, CEO + Founder of SkillBank
Today, we dive into Sheryl Sandberg leaving Meta (2:14), then Lon Harris joins for This Week in Streaming where we cover Kenobi episodes 1-3 (12:36). We talk about Disney’s response to racism (26:54), where the Star Wars sequels went wrong (36:00), and the Depp v. Heard trial coverage (51:00).
(00:00) Jason and Molly introduce today’s show!
(2:14) Meta COO Sheryl Sandberg leaving the company after 14 years
(11:25) Vanta - Get $1,000 off automating your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
(12:36) This Week in Streaming w/Lon Harris: Obi-Wan Kenobi episodes 1-3
(25:37) Masterworks - Skip the waitlist to invest in art using promo code TWIST at https://Masterworks.io/twist
(26:54) Discussing Disney’s response to racism
(34:44) LinkedIn - Post your first job for free at https://linkedIn.com/twist
(36:00) More on Disney’s response to racism: where the sequels went wrong
(41:52) Filoni and Favreau filling in the holes for Star Wars
(45:40) Teasing next week: Star Trek Strange New Worlds, Amazon + 007?
(51:00) Depp v. Heard trial: fishing for views
First, we talk about Deutsche Bank getting raided by law enforcement for “greenwashing” its ESG funds (2:59), then we touch on Fidelity marking down its investments in Stripe and Reddit (17:00), then we discuss companies going back to the office over concerns about worker productivity (19:35), Jason explains how he’s collaborating with everyone on the team to increase productivity as we go into this recession (26:00). To end, we have an interview with DroneUp CEO Tom Walker where we discuss their current rollout with Walmart, the regulations that need to get sorted out, and how DroneUp is approaching safety (50:00).
(00:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s show!
(2:59) Deutsche Bank raided by german law enforcement due to alleged fraudulent advertising of sustainable investment funds
(11:23) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
(12:37) OpenSea to take legal action against former executive who allegedly engaged in insider trading
(17:00) Fidelity marking down its investments in Stripe and Reddit
(19:35) Remote Work ending: thoughts on productivity
(24:45) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(26:00) Productivity advice: how to avoid layoffs
(39:14) Coda - The All-in-one doc for teams, get a $1,000 credit at https://coda.io/twist
(40:30) Time blocking, Molly’s thoughts on productivity
(48:00) Toss to Jason and Molly’s interview with DroneUp CEO Tom Walker
(50:00) Tom Walker, CEO of DroneUp, joins to talk about the state of DroneUp and the future of drone delivery service
Today, Acquired’s David Rosenthal joins us. We discuss their recent Climate Pledge Arena Show (1:37), the new fundraising environment, and what the best founders and VC firms are doing (21:29), and we dig into the New York Times' latest hit piece on Glossier CEO Emily Weiss (37:40). We wrap with an optimistic look at what Australian billionaire and Atlassian CEO Mike Cannon-Brookes is doing to take on Australia's biggest polluter (1:00:59).
(00:00) Cold open
(1:37) David Rosenthal from Acquired catches up with Jason and Molly
(12:01) Coda - The All-in-one doc for teams, get a $1,000 credit at https://coda.io/twist
(13:18) Crypto downturn, good for crypto in the long run?
(20:11) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist
(21:29) “VC Winter” warnings for founders
(36:24) Reforge - Apply for their next cohort at https://reforge.com/twist
(37:40) Glossier hit piece - NYT decides to dunk on Glossier founder Emily Weiss
(53:13) Jason reveals his workshop process for comedy
(56:38) Founders’ response to NYT hit piece on Emily Weiss
(1:00:59) Mike Cannon-Brookes trying to buy AGL, Australia's largest energy producer
(1:13:05) Teasing tomorrow’s show: GameStop earnings
In today's episode, Jason and Molly cover Bolt's layoffs (12:11), Walmart's drone deliveries (17:02), Lunar Outpost's $12M seed (32:31), a16z's $4.5B crypto raise (44:07), and Seth Green's Bored Ape heist (54:40). Producer Rachel sits down with Jordan Singer, founder of Diagram, for this week's OK Boomer (1:03:54).
(00:00) Jason and Molly introduce today’s topics!
(2:47) Bolt is laying off an undisclosed number of employees
(10:56) Gun.io - Get $250 off your first developer hire at https://Gun.io/twist
(12:11) Bolt Layoffs story continued
(17:02) We Live in the Future: Walmart expanding deliveries w/DroneUp
(20:31) Embroker - Get an extra 10% off insurance for your business at https://Embroker.com/twist
(21:47) Walmart delivery drones story continued
(31:16) BetterHelp - Get 10% off your first month at https://betterhelp.com/twist
(32:31) Startup of the Day: Lunar Outpost raised $12M Seed to build moon exploration and mining tech
(44:07) a16z raised another $4.5B Crypto Fund to invest strictly in crypto startups and projects
(54:40) Actor Seth Green’s Bored Ape stolen weeks before it’d star as the main character in his show
(1:02:03) Jason and Molly tee up this week’s OK Boomer
(1:03:54) OKB: Jordan Singer, founder of Diagram
Today's episode is a Molly solo interview with Bonobos founder and author of "Burn Rate," Andy Dunn (2:30). We go deep on entrepreneurship and mental health, talk about how founders are up to 7x more likely to suffer from bipolar disorders than the average person, how Andy's bipolar disorder impacted building his business (22:09), and advice for founders navigating mental health struggles (34:31).
(00:00) Molly tees up today’s episode with Bonobos founder Andy Dunn
(2:30) Molly speaks with Andy Dunn about his book “Burn Rate”
(12:30) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(13:52) Andy Dunn on mistakes he made as a leader
(20:52) Wealthfront - Get your first $5,000 managed for free, for life at https://wealthfront.com/TWIST
(22:09) Andy on navigating his Walmart acquisition amidst his mental health issues
(33:21) ActiveCampaign - Get 10% off your ActiveCampaign subscription today at https://activecampaign.com/promo/twist
(34:31) More emphasis on mental health in startups; male traits in entrepreneurship
We discuss the tragedy at a Texas elementary school and gun violence in America (2:25). Can tech play a role in decreasing child deaths? (21:14) Then we cover mental health startup Cerebral getting probed by the DOJ (52:55). Finally, we touch on a breaking story: Jack Dorsey steps down from Twitter’s board (1:13:25).
(00:00) Jason and Molly introduce today’s show
(2:25) Talking about the school shooting yesterday in Texas
(10:49) Coda - The All-in-one doc for teams, get a $1,000 credit at https://coda.io/twist
(12:06) What is HB8?
(15:45) A school safety drone company?
(20:01) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
(21:14) Discussing potential technology to save children’s lives, top causes of death for children
(30:05) Swag.com - Visit https://swag.com/twist and use code TWIST for 10% off your order!
(31:22) Discussing potential solutions to prevent gun deaths in children
(52:55) Cerebral, startup that provides telehealth subscriptions to Adderall & other stimulants, probed by DOJ overprescription methods
(1:13:25) Breaking News: Jack Dorsey leaves Twitter’s board of directors
(1:15:45) Discussing the proper way to release the Palmer Luckey All-In talk
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First, we break down SNAP dropping over 40% after lowering earnings estimates (4:43). Then we cover some layoffs at instant-delivery startup Gorillas AND BNPL player Klarna (29:18). Next, we talk about Adam and Rebekah Neumann co-founding a tokenized crypto carbon marketplace called Flowcarbon (1:00:02). We wrap on Coinbase’s new Ray Dalio-inspired employee rating system (1:10:36).
(00:00) Jason and Molly tee-up today’s news topics!
(04:43) Snap down ~45% in one day, largest single day drop we can remember
(11:03) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/TWIST
(12:19) Efficiency, pausing hiring, and cutting new projects in the downturn
(28:03) Thorne - Personalized, scientific wellness. Go to https://Thorne.com/u/TWIST
(29:18) More tech layoffs at delivery service Gorillas
(37:09) Vanta - Get $1,000 off automating your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
(38:22) More tech layoffs at buy-now-pay-later service Klarna
(55:30) David Sacks’ thread about founders thinking about positioning themselves in a downturn
(57:30) Amazon’s share of US eCommerce Sales hit All-Time High of 56.7% in 2021
(1:00:02) Startup of the Day: Adam + Rebekah Neumann have backed a blockchain-based carbon credits company Flowcarbon
(1:10:36) Coinbase is trying a new meeting feedback rating system
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Molly and Jason are BACK from Miami to break down all the most interesting stories and content from the All-In Summit! (2:13) Then, they cover Argo AI, an AV company that just launched autonomous test cars in Miami and Austin (36:50). Finally, they close by discussing a recent Bloomberg report on how Amazon is looking to sublease 10M+ square feet of warehouse space... negative signal, or no big deal? (45:23)
(0:00) Molly and Jason intro the show!
(2:13) Recapping the All-In Summit!
(14:05) LinkedIn Marketing - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at https://linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups
(15:31) Reflecting on the most interesting debates and conversations at AIS
(26:12) Intercom - Get advanced Intercom features and Early Stage Academy at a 95% discount https://www.intercom.com/early-stage
(27:15) All-In Summit party recap + TWiST Live preview
(35:35) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(36:50) Argo AI launches autonomous test cars in Miami and Austin!
(45:23) Amazon is reportedly looking to sublease 10M+ square feet of warehouse space, is this a negative signal or just overblown?
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Thanks to our partners:
LinkedIn Marketing - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at https://linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups
Intercom - Get advanced Intercom features and Early Stage Academy at a 95% discount https://www.intercom.com/early-stage
OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
In this episode of This Week in Climate Startups, Molly sits down with Fleur Heyns of Proof of Impact about how to measure, verify, and analyze ESG & impact data. We discuss the current pain points for investors (11:20), how blockchains can interact with real-world assets (21:15), ESG regulation (34:16) and more!
(00:00) Cold open
(01:57) This Week in Climate Startups: Molly sits down with Fleur Heyns of Proof of Impact
(10:03) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(11:20) Labeling data for investors, the materiality, productivity
(19:58) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist
(21:15) The term “oracle” as it relates to the blockchain
(32:58) Reforge - Apply for their next cohort at https://reforge.com/twist
(34:16) How much will the future regulatory atmosphere affect or improve their business in the US? ESG strategy
Check out Proof of Impact: https://proofofimpact.com/
FOLLOW Fleur: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fleur-heyns-9a8a9436
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First, Jason and Molly reflect on their time in previous tech recessions (03:06). Then, Privateer Space CEO Alex Fielding joins to discuss solving the space junk problem (18:02), the difficulties of mapping debris (33:25), and more. Then, Producer Rachel hosts an OK Boomer episode where she talks with the other Gen Z employees that work for Jason about how they got their jobs and what they've learned at Launch (1:00:21).
(00:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s episode
(03:06) Ask JaMo: What do you remember about the tech industry during the dotcom era and recession?
(12:45) Where was Molly in 2008 and how did her career change?
(11:31) BetterHelp - Get 10% off your first month at https://betterhelp.com/twist
(12:45) Where was Molly in 2008 and how did her career change?
(18:02) Jason and Molly speak with Alex Fielding, CEO and Co-Founder of Privateer Space
(21:04) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(22:20) More on the dangers of space junk
(32:12) AdQuick - Visit https://adquick.com/twist and mention TWIST to get $1000 off your first campaign.
(33:25) Is it humanly possible to clean space trash with so many variables?
(1:00:21) Producer Rachel tees up this week’s special OK Boomer segment
(1:10:31) OK Boomer: Rachel speaks with LAUNCH’s other Gen Z employees
Check out Privateer: http://www.privateer.com/
FOLLOW Alex: https://twitter.com/2345678
FOLLOW Nick: https://twitter.com/nickcalacanis
FOLLOW Presh: https://twitter.com/preshdkumar
FOLLOW Justin: https://twitter.com/Justinpfortier
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Molly Wood sits down with Melissa Hanna, CEO and Co-Founder of Mahmee, a care network for parents (01:44), they discuss the impetus for Melissa launching the company (12:34), the challenges of bringing the product to market (22:08), how she built the network and more (37:29)!
(00:00) Molly tees up today’s episode
(01:44) Molly Wood sits down with Melissa Hanna, CEO and CoFounder of Mahmee, a care network for parents
(11:19) Thorne - Personalized, scientific wellness. Go to https://Thorne.com/u/TWIST
(12:34) Melissa on how the pandemic helped expose the need for a care service like Mahmee
(20:54) Embroker - Get an extra 10% off insurance for your business at https://Embroker.com/twist
(22:08) The bittersweetness of it taking so long for this product to happen
(36:12) Reforge - Apply for their next cohort at https://reforge.com/twist
(37:29) How Mahmee built its network
Check out Mahmee: https://www.mahmee.com
FOLLOW Melissa: https://twitter.com/melissachanna
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Molly speaks with Carolyn Childers, CEO of Chief, a women’s professional network (01:26) about how their community stretches across digital and physical spaces, accelerating women's executive careers, growing with word-of-mouth as marketing (30:08), their $100M raise (33:22), augmenting Linkedin (39:18) and more.
(00:00) Cold open
(01:26) Molly speaks with Carolyn Childers, CEO of Chief (a women’s professional network)
(11:09) Coda - The All-in-one doc for teams, get a $1,000 credit at https://coda.io/twist
(12:24) The SoHo club factor of Chief: how its spaces work
(15:05) What does Chief’s roadmap look like?
(20:52) Dell For Startups - Apply and get up to 45% off at http://dell.com/twist
(22:05) Carolyn talks about some of Chief’s early investors
(30:08) Word-of-mouth as marketing, reducing churn with an expensive ask
(32:17) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
(33:22) How will Chief deploy their $100M raise?
(36:20) What happens on the app?
(38:35) Can you switch core groups in Chief?
(39:18) Engagement: does Chief replace LinkedIn?
Check out Chief: https://chief.com
FOLLOW Carolyn https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-childers-55b2642/
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First, we cover the news of Ex-Meta crypto chief David Marcus launching a Bitcoin payments startup backed by a16z & Paradigm (02:05). Then, Jack Mallers, the CEO of Strike joins (8:13) to discuss the lightning network & the history of payment networks (12:10), why companies use the Strike API (24:42), why he thinks Visa and Mastercard can't compete (31:24), Strike unlocking Bitcoin’s potential (34:40) and more!
(00:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s show
(02:05) Ex-Meta crypto chief David Marcus launches Bitcoin payments startup backed by a16z & Paradigm
(08:13) Molly interviews Jack Mallers, CEO of Strike
(10:57) Vanta - Get $1,000 off automating your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
(12:10) The lightning network & the history of payment networks, how Strike disrupts them
(23:26) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(24:42) Use cases for Strike’s API
(30:070 Reforge - Apply for their next cohort at https://reforge.com/twist
(31:24) How do Strike fees compare to merchant fees from Visa, Mastercard, etc?
(34:40) Has Strike unlocked Bitcoin’s potential?
(41:12) What dominoes will fall before people get off dollars?
Check out Strike: https://www.strike.me
FOLLOW Jack: https://twitter.com/jackmallers
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Jason and Molly chat with Jason Lemkin of SaaStr (01:44). They discuss: advice for new VCs (16:14), the future of SaaS investing (27:37), playing offense as investors (35:50), secondaries and more.
(00:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s interview show
(01:44) Jason and Molly speak with Jason Lemkin of SaaStr
(14:59) Notion - Get started for free at https://notion.com/thisweekinstartups
(16:14) Jason Lemkin’s advice for new fund managers
(26:16) Microacquire - Sell your business with no fees at https://try.microacquire.com/twist
(27:37) Will SaaS investments continue to be good?
(32:44) What makes Notion so good?
(34:44) AdQuick - Visit https://adquick.com/twist and mention TWIST to get $1000 off your first campaign.
(35:50) What does it mean to play offense? Why should you be playing offense now if you have the runway?
(39:35) Jason Lemkin’s predictions for the next year & advice for capital allocators/investors
(52:25) Are founder secondary sales a red flag?
(1:01:20) Strategies for investors in a down market
FOLLOW Jason Lemkin: https://twitter.com/jasonlk
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
In VC Sunday School we discuss Pitchbook's data on women-led VC funds (03:16), how much money they've raised and how the industry is evolving. Then, Jason explains why new fund managers often have more success with individual LPs than institutional LPs (27:12). In This Week in Climate Startups Molly speaks with Anukampa Freedom Gupta-Fonner of Springeats.com, a zero-waste grocery service (38:31).
(00:00) Jason and Molly introduce today’s show
(03:16) VC Sunday School: PitchBook gathered a bunch of data for The Information about women-led VC funds
(13:08) ActiveCampaign - Get 10% off your ActiveCampaign subscription today at https://activecampaign.com/promo/twist
(14:19) VCSS: Q1 2022, 199 funds raised $73.8B in commitments; 8% of total funding raised from women-led funds
(25:52) Reforge - Apply for their next cohort at https://reforge.com/twist
(27:12) VCSS: Taking the backdoor for raising
(34:43) Liquid I.V. - Feel better faster. Get 25% off at https://liquid-iv.com using promo code TWIST
(35:47) Wrapping up VCSS
(36:37) Toss to This Week in Climate Startups
(38:31) TWiCS: Molly speaks with Anukampa Freedom Gupta-Fonner of springeats.com (zero-waste grocery service)
Check out Spring: https://www.springeats.com
FOLLOW Anukampa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anukampafreedomguptafonner
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First Jason and Molly cover FTX CEO SBF buying 7.6% of $HOOD (1:57), SoftBank’s $13B loss (8:29), Twitter’s exec layoffs (14:55) & give a deal update (21:50). Then Producer Rachel chats with Nicole Ruiz is an investor at Compound VC, a thesis-driven, research-centric investment firm (35:34). Together, they talk about her untraditional path to VC, their investment in Pear Bio, the importance of being a skilled researcher, and more.
(00:00) Cold open
(1:57) 4-for-5 Friday: SBF buys 7% of $HOOD
(8:29) SoftBank loses $13B
(13:51) OurCrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
(14:55) Twitter layoffs start
(20:33) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(21:50) Twitter deal on hold
(30:29) Gun.io - Get $250 off your first developer hire at https://Gun.io/twist!
(31:45) Toss to this week’s OK Boomer
(35:34) OKB with Producer Rachel and Nicole Ruiz of Compound VC
(31:45) Toss to this week’s OK Boomer
(35:34) OKB with Producer Rachel and Nicole Ruiz of Compound VC
Follow Nicole: https://twitter.com/nwilliams030
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Deirdre Bosa from CNBC’s Tech Check joins to talk about a wide variety of topics (2:20), including her interview with Sundar Pichai, journalism (12:54), the crashing public markets, crypto (44:58), Twitter iterations (1:06:12) and so much more!
(00:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s show
(02:20) Jason and Molly chat with Deirdre Bosa of CNBC
(11:38) LinkedIn - Post your first job for free at https://linkedIn.com/twist
(12:54) Jason, Molly, and Deirdre talk about reporting, journalism, private and public markets
(21:12) Cyvatar - Get your first 2 months free at https://cyvatar.ai/twist
(22:28) More on tech journalism: asking tough questions
(35:30) Swag.com - Visit https://swag.com/twist and use code TWIST for 10% off your order!
(36:42) Uber as a super app?
(43:30) Instacart filing for an IPO
(44:58) Is this the go-to-zero moment for crypto?
(1:06:12) Discussing the open version of Twitter
FOLLOW Deirdre: https://twitter.com/dee_bosa
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First Jason and Molly open by digging into some details for the All-In Summit (02:12). Then they discuss Airbnb's search options (08:13), Airbnb's new aircover insurance feature (21:34) and Coinbase's disclosure that account funds aren't safe in a Coinbase bankruptcy (35:04). Then, Molly is joined by Ashley Carman to talk about Facebook dropping podcasts (54:46).
00:00 Molly tees up today’s show
02:12 Jason and Molly are ready for All In Summit, “Details matter”
08:13 Airbnb's search options
12:33 Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist
13:49 More on the new Airbnb search options, where could Airbnb take it?
20:29 Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
21:34 Airbnb's insurance feature: aircover
33:55 Coda - The All-in-one doc for teams, get a $1,000 credit at https://coda.io/twist
35:04 Coinbase released a filing this morning that sent some into a panic, stock down another 22% today
53:00 Jason heads out to Miami for All In Summit
54:46 Ashley Carman joins to talk about Facebook dropping podcasts
FOLLOW Ashley: https://twitter.com/ashleyrcarman
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First, crypto reporter Bennett Tomlin joins to break down the the massive decline of algorithmic stablecoin Terra USD (UST) and how the Terra-Luna ecosystem works (09:00). Then we recap five tech stocks that are down at least 70% off mid-COVID peaks Coinbase, Shopify, Twilio, Zoom and Block (44:44). We briefly touch of Elon’s comments about reducing permanent bans on Twitter (1:05:48). Wrap with Peloton’s painful earnings (1:22:53).
(00:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s topics
(02:54) Jason and Molly talk a little bit about bitcoin and the stock market tanking
(09:00) Bennett Tomlin joins to discuss what’s going on with stable coins: LUNA, Tether, etc.
(14:10) Indochino - Get $50 off any purchase of $399 or more by using code TWIST at checkout https://www.indochino.com
(15:17) Can you buy 60 cents of LUNA to get a dollar worth of Terra? Are algorithmic stable coins destined to collapse?
(22:09) Vanta - Get $1,000 off automating your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
(23:19) Discussing LFG Reserve balance over time
(31:00) Assure - To get 20% off your first Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) visit https://Assure.co/twist
(32:11) Different types of stable coins, & how much damage will the past few weeks do to the idea of algorithmic stablecoins?
(44:44) Jason and Molly on the bitcoin crash and major tech stock wipeouts
(50:10) Coinbase
(53:20) Shopify
(57:00) Twilio
(1:00:40) Zoom
(1:03:11) Square (Block Inc)
(1:05:48) Breaking News: Elon Musk says “I guess I would” reverse Trump Twitter ban
(1:22:53 )Peloton stock down 93% from pandemic high
FOLLOW Bennett: https://twitter.com/bennetttomlin
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First, we discuss Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi's company-wide email rallying Uber behind a cash-generating vision to court investors (6:30). Then, we cover Apple's machine learning director departing because of the company's work from home policies (43:22) and the White House's negotiation with ISPs for low-cost high-speed internet to pair with the Affordable Connectivity Program (57:00).
(00:00) Jason and Molly intro today’s news stories
(02:30) Jason and Molly catch up
(06:30) Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi wrote email employees Sunday night stating Uber needs to increase free cash flow to win support from investors
(11:13) Embroker - Get an extra 10% off insurance for your business at https://Embroker.com/twist
(12:27) Key takeaways from the Uber email
(20:41) Dell For Startups - Apply and get up to 45% off at http://dell.com/twist
(21:53) Jason and Molly’s thoughts on the Uber email
(28:40) Catching up with Producer Nick
(32:36) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
(33:43) Wrapping up the Uber story, final thoughts
(43:22) Apple’s director of ML is leaving the company due to its return to work policy
(55:05) Jason makes some predictions
(57:00) White House announced plans to boost high-speed internet for low-income families
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Sunday double-header. First, Jason discusses why some VC firms allow side investing and others explicitly forbid it (01:50). Then, in a This Week in Climate Startups segment Molly interviews Nan Ransohoff, Head of Climate at Stripe (12:27) about their $900M+ plan to fund carbon sequestration (31:18).
00:00 Jason and Molly introduce today’s show
01:50 VC Sunday School: What’s the deal with side investing?
09:42 Thorne - Personalized, scientific wellness. Go to https://Thorne.com/u/TWIST
10:55 Intro This Week in Climate Startups
12:27 TWiCS: Molly interviews Nan Ransohoff, Head of Climate at Stripe
20:14 Wealthfront - Get your first $5,000 managed for free, for life at https://wealthfront.com/TWIST
21:30 The market for carbon removal: paying to re-sequester carbon
29:57 OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
31:18 Discussing how Frontier functions as a non-profit within Stripe & how to make something like Frontier mainstream
Check out Frontier: https://frontierclimate.com
FOLLOW Nan Ransohoff: https://twitter.com/nanransohoff
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First Jason and Molly break down Twitter's new community annotation feature Birdwatch (1:40), they go through screenshots of the beta version and weigh the possibility for the Birdwatch to bridge the moderation gap. Then Producer Rachel interviews Patrick McDonnell of Flapjack (44:04) about working in a hacker house in Miami, optimizing restaurant menus and his experience making the Boring Company flamethrower.
(00:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s show
(01:40) BREAKING NEWS: Jason and Molly go over leaked Birdwatch Twitter feature screenshots
(10:21) Notion - Get started for free at https://notion.com/thisweekinstartups
(11:39) How does Birdwatch compare to Reddit or Wikipedia? Some examples of Birdwatch.
(23:04) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
(24:20) “Notes rated helpful” Birdwatch feature. Will Birdwatch work?
(32:45) Intercom - Get advanced Intercom features and Early Stage Academy at a 95% discount https://www.intercom.com/early-stage
(34:00) The power of mods in online communities
(39:58) Rachel tees up this week’s OK boomer segments
(44:04) OKB: Producer Rachel interviews Patrick McDonnell of Flapjack
Check out Flapjack: http://flapjack.co/
FOLLOW Patrick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickmmcdonnell/
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First we chat with Lon Harris from Inside Streaming about the latest Netflix news, strategy, exciting upcoming shows and the proliferation of ads on streaming services (2:23). Then we cover Plaid CEO insinuating that a Stripe PM probed their company for information before making a copycat (39:40), Cameo's round of layoffs that included 4 execs (53:08) and the latest on Elon Musk's Twitter acquisition (1:06:25).
(00:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s show
(02:23) This Week in Streaming with Lon Harris
(10:55) iTrust Capital - Visit https://itrust.capital/twist to create your Crypto IRA today
(12:11) The Hollywood Reporter published an article on the craziness inside Netflix that led up to them losing users and the stock collapsing
(17:57) Nerding out on the upcoming Obi-Wan series and Star Wars
(22:54) Masterworks - Skip the waitlist to invest in art using promo code TWIST at https://Masterworks.io/twist
(24:02) More thoughts on what Disney will do with Star Wars and Marvel/DC
(31:52) Peacock will introduce dynamically inserted in-scene ads
(36:07) Microacquire - Sell your business with no fees at https://try.microacquire.com/twist
(37:30) Wrapping up with Lon
(39:40) Startup news: the Stripe mafia
(52:08) Cameo lay-offs include execs
(1:06:25) CNBC reports Elon Musk will serve as temporary Twitter CEO following takeover
(1:11:25) The money behind Elon's Twitter purchase
FOLLOW Lon: https://twitter.com/lons
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Every Monday - Thursday, Jason and Molly record live at https://youtube.com/thisweekin - it has bonus content that doesn't make it into the edited version of the show. This is a sample of the LIVE version recorded today. If you like this, subscribe, sign up for notifications and join us live in the YouTube chat.
First Jason and Molly discuss the way tech is impacted by the leaked Supreme Court Roe vs. Wade decision (2:20). Then they break down the differences between a Lyft and Uber’s Q1 (52:18). To wrap, we discuss AirBnB’s strong quarter and upcoming big announcement (1:03:48).
00:00 Jason and Molly intro today’s show
02:20 Catching everyone up on the history of Roe v. Wade
11:01 Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
12:06 When has a federal right been taking away before in the US?
14:45 Tech’s reaction to Roe v. Wade being overturned
20:02 iTrust Capital - Visit https://itrust.capital/twist to create your Crypto IRA today
21:10 How much should companies engage in these conversations?
33:22 Coda - The All-in-one doc for teams, get a $1,000 credit at https://coda.io/twist
34:39 Talking about what the reaction will be to Roe v. Wade being overturned
50:10 A little win in the Climate Syndicate
52:18 Tech earnings: Uber & Lyft
1:03:48 Tech earnings: AirBnB
1:11:33 Chairman Powell raised the fed’s rate by 50 basis points (biggest rate hike in 2 decades)
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First, we speak with The Information’s Sylvia Varnham O’Regan about Meta's plan to double its VR headsets by 2024 (02:06), VR adoption (13:14), and more. We wrap by discussing the SEC’s Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit adding 20 new agents (39:52).
00:00 Jason and Molly tee up today’s show
02:06 Speaking with The Information’s Sylvia Varnham O’Regan on her article about Meta doubling its VR headsets by 2024
12:01 Vanta - Get $1,000 off automating your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
13:14 What will be the tipping point in adoption for Meta’s VR headsets?
22:10 Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/TWIST
23:25 What does the timeline look like for Meta’s VR headsets?
35:40 Meta’s Burlingame Oculus store
38:38 Embroker - Get an extra 10% off insurance for your business at https://Embroker.com/twist
39:52 The SEC’s Crypto Assets and Cyber Unit, formally known just as Cyber Unit, will be adding 20 new positions
Check out Sylvia's Reporting: https://www.theinformation.com/articles/meta-plots-ambitious-vr-release-schedule-of-four-headsets-by-2024
FOLLOW Sylvia: https://twitter.com/SylviaVarnham
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First, we discuss Bolt’s declining customer base and struggles with The Information’s Malique Morris (02:50). In addition, we discuss Fast, Amazon's "Buy with Prime," ShopPay (25:35) and all the other developments in online checkout. Next, we cover a massive spike in Ethereum gas prices from Yuga Labs and Solana's bot attack (55:12). We wrap with our Startup of the Day: Gravity Sketch, a 3D design platform (1:11:35).
(00:00) Jason and Molly introduce today’s show
(02:50) Last Thursday, The Information’s Malique Morris published an article on Bolt’s declining customer base and struggles, he joins us to discuss
(12:19) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
(13:26) Speaking to Domm Holland and Ryan Breslow, how are they different?
(24:19) Fiverr - Sign up for https://Fiverr.com/Business free for the first year and save 10% on your purchase with promo code JASON
(25:35) Amazon’s “Buy with Prime” and their Amazon Basics monopoly
(32:12) First Republic Bank - Discover what a long-term financial relationship can do for you. Visit https://firstrepublic.com/startup today to learn more.
(33:08) Stripe doing their own Fast checkout, competing against their own investment?
(46:20) Wrapping up with Malique Morris
(48:50) Spring energy in New York
(55:12) WEB 3 is going great update
(1:11:35) We Live in the Future with our Startup of the Day: Gravity Sketch, a 3D design platform
Read Malique's Article: https://www.theinformation.com/articles/bolt-a-checkout-startup-worth-11-billion-has-been-losing-customers-as-revenue-stalls
FOLLOW Malique: https://twitter.com/luxeoflique
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Sunday double-header. First, in VC Sunday School Jason discusses competing companies in the portfolio, when it's ok, when it's not and how to manage issues in good faith (01:52). Then, in This Week in Climate Startups, Molly interviews Energy Impact Partners' Shayle Kann (19:42) about "Deep Decarbonization," the carbon management industry (33:37) and more.
00:00 Jason and Molly intro today’s show
01:52 VCSS: Can you invest in competing companies? Where to draw that line?
11:55 iTrust Capital - Visit https://itrust.capital/twist to create your Crypto IRA today
13:11 When to give a “no” to a company
19:42 TWiCS with Shayle Kann
22:19 Cyvatar - Get your first 2 months free at https://cyvatar.ai/twist
23:35 Deep Decarbonization
32:21 Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist
33:37 Defining the Carbon Management Industry
49:18 The nuts and bolts of Shayle’s fund
56:57 Shayle’s podcasts: Carbon Copy and Catalyst
Check out Energy Impact Partners: https://www.energyimpactpartners.com
FOLLOW Shayle Kann: https://twitter.com/shaylekann
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First, we cover 5 news stories: Amazon Q1 earnings (02:01), Apple's fiscal Q2 earnings (06:33), China's new tune for tech (12:06), AirBnB's long-term remote commitment (16:55) and Snap's new Pixy camera drone (24:48). Then Producer Rachel interviews Landon Campbell of inTheir20s and inside.com about investing, landing big guests like Steve Wozniak for his podcast and what he's learned about how great people spent their 20s (29:47).
(00:00) Molly introduces today’s 5-for-5 Friday news stories
(02:01) Amazon Q1 Earnings
(06:33) Apple Q1 Earnings
(10:48) Gun.io - Get $250 off your first developer hire at https://Gun.io/twist!
(12:06) China Eases Tech Regs
(16:55) AirBnB Goes Remote
(23:42) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
(24:48) Snap’s Pixy Drone
(28:19) Producer Rachel introduces this week's OK Boomer
(29:47) OK Boomer: Producer Rachel interviews Landon Campbell of inTheir20s and inside.com
(34:28) Thorne - Personalized, scientific wellness. Go to https://Thorne.com/u/TWIST
(35:44) Producer Rachel and Landon on investing
FOLLOW Landon: https://twitter.com/landon20s
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First up, Lon Harris joins to break down the finales of WeCrashed (1:52) and Severance (34:50), then The Verge's Corin Faife joins to discuss his research on the sharp changes in Twitter follower counts for right-leaning and left-leaning accounts. (1:07:39)
0:00 Jason & Molly intro today’s show with some Don Julio 1942
1:52 Jason and Molly catch up with Lon Harris
5:10 Toasting to the WeCrashed finale
10:03 OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
11:23 Jason’s Jim Brooks wine story
16:50 “If you’re successful be generous”
20:00 LinkedIn Marketing - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at https://linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups
21:26 Was the WeCrashed ending satisfying?
32:46 iTrust - Visit https://itrust.capital/twist to create your Crypto IRA today
33:48 Final thoughts on WeCrashed’s pacing
34:50 Breaking down Severance
42:54 Similarities between Severance and WeCrashed, general thoughts on their social commentary
1:05:42 Wrapping up with Lon
1:07:39 Twitter confirmed organic fluctuations in follower counts after the Elon Musk deal was announced, and Corin Faife joins to break down the numbers
1:32:22 Jason and Molly’s thoughts on Twitter follower fluctuations
FOLLOW Lon: https://twitter.com/lons
FOLLOW Corin: https://twitter.com/corintxt
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
All news. First we break down the SEC's allegations from one of the craziest financial stories since Bernie Madoff, Archegos Capital (4:20). Then cover: Bolt being sued by its largest customer (28:47), Google and Microsoft's Q1 2022 earnings for the first quarter (42:45) and Apple selling iPhone spare parts and repair tools (1:02:10). We wrap with GM's EV corvette announcement (1:07:20).
00:00 Jason and Molly tee up today’s news stories
04:20 Archegos Capital owner Bill Hang and its CFO were arrested this morning for concealing billions of dollars of leverage that led to the firm closing last March
10:25 Cyvatar - Get your first 2 months free at https://cyvatar.ai/twist
11:42 More on the Archegos Capital fraud and losses
22:17 Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
23:23 Family Offices and the Archegos fraud
28:47 Bolt sued by their largest customer for failing to deliver on product & potentially, maybe, allegedly committing light securities fraud?
38:42 Coda - The All-in-one doc for teams, get a $1,000 credit at https://coda.io/twist
39:58 Facebook Q1 revenue up 7% y/y, net income down 21% y/y
42:45 Google reported earnings yesterday after the markets closed
51:58 Microsoft reported earnings yesterday after the markets closed
56:58 Manscaped released their Q4 and 2021 full year earnings
1:02:10 Apple acting on Right to Repair
1:07:20 Chevy is making an electric Corvette
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
All news. We break down, Jack chiming in on Twitter’s sale to Elon Musk and the employee reactions (2:21). Then, we talk about an NFT project where Doctor influencers on TikTok are selling access to medical advice (40:02). To wrap, we cover Hopin’s fundraising at a large valuation, its founder's $195M secondary sale and more (52:27).
(00:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s news stories
(02:21) What did “Jack After Dark” have to say about Twitter deal?
(14:56) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/TWIST
(16:05) Jack feels Elon and Parag want Twitter to be maximally trusted and broadly inclusive
(20:30) How are Twitter employees feeling about the Elon Twitter deal?
(27:14) Embroker - Get an extra 10% off insurance for your business at https://Embroker.com/twist
(28:29) Twitter has locked down any changes related to their platform to keep employees from “going rogue”
(35:01) Vanta - Get $1,000 off automating your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
(36:15) People do their best work with Elon
(40:02) TikTok famous doctors are getting into NFT’s, and it’s a mess
(52:27) Hopin: virtual event startup struggles, their founder cashed out to $195M
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First, we cover Twitter's Board accepting Elon Musk's take-private deal (1:41). Then, we cover a new EU social media regulation that will increase algorithm transparency called the Digital Services Act (41:34). Our startup of the day is Pipedream Labs which is making a Hyperloop for package delivery (53:37).
(00:00) Jason and Molly intro today’s big news stories
(01:41) Elon Musk has acquired Twitter
(10:58) Coda - The All-in-one doc for teams, get a $1,000 credit at https://coda.io/twist
(12:14) Billionaires buying companies
(23:15) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
(24:22) Should Twitter expand its paid product?
(27:00) Doing a little dunking…
(33:30) Rocket - Go to http://getrocket.com/twist and use promo code TWIST for 20% off your first placement.
(33:47) Elon’s back and forth with the Saudi’s
(38:00) Bill Gates’ short position on Tesla
(41:34) EU requiring tech companies to explain algorithms
(53:05) We Live in the Future: Pipedream labs is building an underground delivery system
(1:02:17) Thesyndicate.com/climate update
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First, in a VC Sunday School segment, Jason explains his approach to deal memos (01:42) and what parts of a memo are most important. Then, in a This Week in Climate Startups segment, Molly chats with Alex Wright-Gladstein of Sphere (17:06) about offering climate friendly retirement plan options (21:43), financial incentives and more.
(00:00) A teaser from today’s VCSS
(01:42) VCSS: Deal Memos
(10:06) iTrust Capital - Visit https://itrust.capital/twist to create your Crypto IRA today
(11:13) Which parts of deal memos do people really read?
(17:06) TWiCS w/Alex Wright-Gladstein of Sphere
(20:22) Microacquire - Sell your business with no fees at https://try.microacquire.com/twist
(21:43) What makes it hard to have climate friendly options?
(30:44) Cyvatar - Get your first 2 months free at https://cyvatar.ai/twist
(32:03) How does everybody get paid?
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First Jason and Molly do four rapid news stories: Elon securing funding for the Twitter buyout (03:20), Bill Ackman’s $430M loss on Netflix (11:48), The Boring Company's $675M raise (18:47), Amazon’s $1B Industrial Innovation fund (28:56). Then, Producer Rachel interviews Dwarkesh Patel of The Lunar Society Podcast (37:12), he's a recent computer science graduate and one of the 42 people Jeff Bezos follows on Twitter!
(00:00) Jason and Molly intro today's show
(03:20) Elon secures funding
(09:59) Intercom - Get advanced Intercom features and Early Stage Academy at a 95% discount https://www.intercom.com/early-stage
(11:24) A little more on Elon solving the bot problem
(11:48) Ackman’s $430M loss
(18:47) Boring Co’s $675M raise
(23:17) Microsoft for Startups Hub - Apply in 5 minutes, no funding required, sign up at http://aka.ms/thisweekinstartups
(24:35) The grand vision of The Boring Co.
(28:56) Amazon’s $1B fund
(32:51) Thorne - Personalized, scientific wellness. Go to https://Thorne.com/u/TWIST
(34:15) Introducing the OK Boomer Segment
(37:12) Dwarkesh Patel of The Lunar Society Podcast
Check out The Lunar Society: https://www.dwarkeshpatel.com/
Follow Dwarkesh: https://twitter.com/dwarkesh_sp
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First, Jason and Molly cover Tesla’s strong Q1 and gems from the earnings call (2:22), then Lon Harris joins (31:32) to discuss WeCrashed episode 7 (34:17), Severance episodes 1-3 (58:46), Netflix’s rough Q1 and quality drop off (1:13:35) and CNN+ shutting down (1:26:40).
(00:00) Jason and Molly intro today’s news topics and their chat with Lon Harris
(02:22) Tesla had a blowout quarter in Q1 earnings
(14:12) Rocket - Go to http://getrocket.com/twist and use promo code TWIST for 20% off your first placement.
(15:33) Thinking of ways Tesla’s robotaxis could work
(21:37) LinkedIn - Post your first job for free at https://linkedIn.com/twist
(22:52) The power of Optimus; OpenAI getting sentient?
(29:06) iTrust Capital - Visit https://itrust.capital/twist to create your Crypto IRA today
(31:32) Talking WeCrashed, Severance, Netflix, and CNN+ with Lon Harris
(34:17) WeCrashed ep. 7 (SPOILERS)
(58:46) Severance ep. 1-3 (SPOILERS)
(1:13:35) Lon on Netflix dropping subscribers for first time since 2011
(1:26:40) Lon on Warner Bros Discovery shutting down CNN+ April 30th
FOLLOW Lon: https://twitter.com/lons
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First, we break down Netflix's earnings and discuss where Netflix’s content strategy might have gone wrong (2:46). Then, Jason pitches Jared Kushner’s leaked PE firm fundraising deck (35:15). We wrap with a discussion of Warner Bros. Discovery possibly killing CNN+ (56:27) and Just Eat Takeaway announcing they are looking into selling Grubhub, 10 months after finalizing a $7B acquisition (1:13:21)!
(00:00) Jason and Molly intro today’s news show
(02:46) Netflix reported a drop in subscribers for the first time ever in their Q1 earnings report
(13:54) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.co/twist
(15:14) Netflix vs. other streaming platforms
(24:47) Coda - The All-in-one doc for teams, get a $1,000 credit at https://coda.io/twist
(26:06) Does Netflix need to take more risks with content?
(34:11) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
(35:15) Jared Kushner’s $3B VC pitch deck was leaked by The Intercept… it’s exactly what you might expect
(56:27) Axios reports CNN+ is already in danger of being canned 3 weeks after launch
(1:13:21) Just Eat Takeaway announced they’re looking to sell Grubhub after finalizing $7.3B acquisition of the company just 10 months ago
(1:22:22) WeLove Adam Neumann
(1:25:06) All In Summit 30 days away
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First, Jack is getting candid about Twitter’s board dysfunction (2:14). Then, we cover Facebook’s internet infrastructure development projects in Africa (24:31) and Better.com's new round of layoffs (33:53). Our startup of the day is Regent, which is making a regional seaplane (46:51). We wrap with a discussion of Zendesk considering a sale (1:01:34) and Telsa's third act (1:04:57).
(00:00) Jason and Molly intro today’s news
(02:14) “Jack After Dark” Dorsey tweeting candidly about twitter’s board
(13:20) Vanta - Get $1,000 off automating your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
(14:33) What were Jack Dorsey’s plans?
(23:13) Embroker - Get an extra 10% off insurance for your business at https://Embroker.com/twist
(24:31) Developing countries increasingly reliant on Meta for internet access
(32:39) Rocket - Go to http://getrocket.com/twist and use promo code TWIST for 20% off your first placement.
(33:53) Better.com started another round of layoffs
(46:51) Startup of the day: Regent
(1:01:34) Zendesk working with M&A advisor Qatalyst Partners on a potential sales
(1:04:57) TechCrunch earnings preview saying we may get a look into Pt. 3 of Tesla’s mission
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
All-news show. First, we go over PitchBook’s Q1 Venture Monitor report where VC fundraising is high, but portfolio exits are down (3:08). Then, we discuss how the incoming CNN CEO Chris Licht and Chris Sacca are both taking a Twitter break (33:35), and touch on Alex Jones' InfoWars filing for bankruptcy (44:33). Our startup of the day is new social app BeReal (53:55).
(00:00) Jason and Molly intro today’s news stories
(03:08) PitchBook and the NVCA released Q1 2022 Venture Monitor, results are staggering
(12:32) Notion - Get started for free at https://notion.com/thisweekinstartups
(13:49) Q1 US VC funds raised combined $73.8B, more than half of 2021’s total of $131.5B
(23:13) Microsoft for Startups Hub - Apply in 5 minutes, no funding required, sign up at http://aka.ms/thisweekinstartups
(24:30) Investing in supercycles
(32:23) Wealthfront - Get your first $5,000 managed for free, for life at https://wealthfront.com/TWIST
(33:35) Twitter breaks
(44:33) Alex Jones’ InfoWars filed for bankruptcy
(53:55) Startup of the day: BeReal
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Friday variety show! First, The Verge’s Alex Heath joins to talk about two big stories he recently broke (2:32): Facebook’s plans for AR glasses and Twitter’s internal reaction to Elon’s takeover bid. Molly sits down with LAUNCH Accelerator founder Aleks Smechov whose company Wordcab specifically focuses on speech-to-text AI summaries (1:04:54). We wrap with an edition of OK Boomer where Producer Rachel talks to writer and marketer Rachel Cantor (1:18:51)!
(00:00) Molly tees up today’s variety show
(02:32) Alex Heath from The Verge joins to discuss the news he broke on Facebook/Meta’s further push into AR/VR
(10:40) Coda - The All-in-one doc for teams, get a $1,000 credit at https://coda.io/twist
(11:59) Mark Zuckerberg’s ego in the AR/VR race, CTRL-labs acquisition a cool move or a fool move?
(22:17) Gun.io - Get $250 off your first developer hire at https://Gun.io/twist!
(23:33) Magic Leap & where is Microsoft in AR/VR?
(33:24) Microsoft for Startups Hub - Apply in 5 minutes, no funding required, sign up at http://aka.ms/thisweekinstartups
(34:41) Will Google get more involved with AR/VR?
(38:04) Twitter's all-hands and future prospects
(1:04:54) Introducing Molly’s interview w/Wordcab’s founder & CEO Aleks Smechov
(1:07:10) Molly’s interview w/Wordcab founder & CEO Aleks Smechov
(1:18:51) Toss to OKB w/Rachel & Rachel Cantor of Tydo
FOLLOW Alex: https://twitter.com/alexeheath
FOLLOW Rachel: https://twitter.com/rachelcantor_
FOLLOW Aleks: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleksandr-smechov/
Check out Wordcab: https://wordcab.com/
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
All news show. First, Jason and Molly debrief after their Worldcoin interview (2:37). Next, they discuss Elon Musk's take-private offer for Twitter at $43B (08:50), the highlights from Elon's TED interview (15:33), and more (24:53). In a We Live in the Future segment, we react to a viral video of police pulling over self-driving Cruise car (58:38).
(00:00) Jason and Molly intro today’s Elon/Twitter packed news day
(02:37) Discussing Worldcoin and dictating narratives
(08:50) Elon offers to purchase all outstanding shares of Twitter and take the company private, a deal worth $43B
(14:01) LinkedIn Marketing - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at https://linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups
(15:33) Elon Musk speaks at TED on 4/14/22 about open-sourcing the Twitter algorithm
(23:32) Indochino - Get $50 off any purchase of $399 or more by using code TWIST at checkout https://www.indochino.com
(24:53) Elon on increasing the trust in Twitter as a public platform
(32:42) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(34:04) Are Elon’s claims about Twitter credible?
(58:38) WLITF: Vid of police pulling over self-driving Cruise car goes viral
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First, we cover Meta's announcement that they will be taking 47.5% creator fees on their Horizons platform (2:17) and A16Z’s Crypto lead Chris Dixon ranking number one on the Forbes Midas List. Then, Jason and Molly chat with Worldcoin CEO Alex Blania to talk about the crypto project he launched with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman (11:08). Worldcoin is scanning people’s irises with custom-made hardware and aspires to reach over 1 billion people (23:21). Alex addresses privacy concerns, scaling challenges (32:45) and more.
(00:00) Molly Intros today’s crypto episode
(02:17) FB taking 47.5% cut of all transactions in their Horizon Worlds Metaverse
(08:07) Chris Dixon named #1 VC in the world by Forbes
(09:49) Coda - The All-in-one doc for teams, get a $1,000 credit at https://coda.io/twist
(11:08) Interview with Alex Blania of Worldcoin
(22:16) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
(23:21) Worldcoin’s iris-scanner “Worldcoin Orb”
(31:32) iTrust Capital - Visit https://itrust.capital/twist to create your Crypto IRA today
(32:45) Discussing the controversy surrounding Worldcoin’s iris scanning
Check out Worldcoin: https://www.worldcoin.org
FOLLOW Alex: https://twitter.com/alexblania
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First we discuss Shopify planning 10-to-1 stock split & increasing CEO/Founder Tobi Luke’s control from 34% to 40% (1:42). Then, the Atlantic's Derek Thompson joins to discuss his piece “Why American Teens Are So Sad” (25:59), including the impacts of new-parenting styles (33:38), social media (44:10) and infinite news.
Check out Derek's piece: https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2022/04/american-teens-sadness-depression-anxiety/629524/
FOLLOW Derek: https://twitter.com/DKThomp
(00:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s show
(01:42) Shopify planning 10-to-1 stock split & increasing CEO/Founder Tobi Luke’s control from 34% to 40%
(14:31) Rocket - Go to http://getrocket.com/twist and use promo code TWIST for 20% off your first placement.
(15:44) Is Tobi Luke pressing his advantage?
(24:45) Vanta - Get $1,000 off automating your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
(25:59) Talking to The Atlantic's Derek Thompson about his piece “Why American Teens Are So Sad”
(32:14) Dell For Startups - Apply and get up to 45% off at http://dell.com/twist
(33:38) How does parenting or over-parenting play into increased teenage sadness?
(44:10) Should social media be regulated for kids similar to alcohol?
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
All news show. First, we discuss Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal announcing that Elon has reversed his decision to join Twitter's board (04:10) and the NYT's Editor telling reporters to stop tweeting so much in an internal memo (31:29). Then, we discuss Ryan Breslow's latest series of threads, including one claiming that Instacart’s CEO was shadow-fired by Sequoia (44:35).
(00:00) Jason on meeting Harrison Ford
(01:42) Jason and Molly catching up
(04:10) Elon reverses decision to join Twitter board, according to CEO Parag Agrawal
(12:09) Microsoft for Startups Hub - Apply in 5 minutes, no funding required, sign up at http://aka.ms/thisweekinstartups
(13:44) Molly’s take on Elon’s deleted tweets and board seat story
(20:30) Assure - To get 20% off your first Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) visit https://Assure.co/twist
(22:04) Is Twitter dying and why?
(30:08) Microacquire - Sell your business with no fees at https://try.microacquire.com/twist
(31:29) NYT told its reporters to stop tweeting so much in an internal memo from executive editor Dean
(44:35) Ryan Breslow posted another series of threads over the weekend, including one claiming that Instacart’s CEO was shadow-fired by Sequoia
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Another Sunday edition of This Week in Startups! In VC Sunday School, Jason answers a question about investing in down rounds (1:54)from "Noti Gang" member Bob Gee. Then, Molly has a great interview with Jay Koh (12:16), an investor at The Lightsmith Group about how he invests in the climate landscape (20:41), cautionary tales from the first climate investing wave (32:13), and more.
(0:00) Jason intros today’s episode
(1:54) VCSS: Has Jason Participated in a down round and what were his lessons?
(11:00) Coda - The All-in-one doc for teams, get a $1,000 credit at https://coda.io/twist
(12:16) TWiCS Intro: Molly’s interview with Jay Koh
(19:10) Intercom - Get advanced Intercom features and Early Stage Academy at a 95% discount https://www.intercom.com/early-stage
(20:41) Overlooked areas in the climate landscape (ie. supply chain management)
(30:28) Microsoft for Startups Hub - Apply in 5 minutes, no funding required, sign up at http://aka.ms/thisweekinstartups
(31:45) Are there areas venture should steer clear of when it comes to climate?
Check out The Lightsmith Group: https://lightsmithgp.com/
FOLLOW Jay: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-koh-164130/
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Jason talks about how he sees the startup landscape developing, running remote teams and more on This Week in Startups Australia with Mark Pesce.
Check out TWISTA: https://twistartupsaus.com/
Subscribe to TWISTA on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/twista-this-week-in-startups-australia/id951368363
First, Jason chats with Alex Campbell of Rose Technology, a data analytics tool and marketplace that helps organizations more clearly understand macro trends (1:28). Alex is a former trader for Ray Dalio’s Bridgewater Associates and shares some incredible insights on the global macro environment across Chinese real estate (10:45), investment rates, Bitcoin, Tether, historical financial crises (43:36) and more. Then, for another edition of "OK Boomer," Producer Rachel Chats with Gaby Goldberg (1:08:45) from TCG's Crypto investment arm. They talk about resources to get started in crypto (1:28:52) and why Gaby invests at the intersection of consumer and crypto.
Check out Rose: https://www.rose.ai
FOLLOW Alex: https://twitter.com/ABCampbell
Charts referenced by Alex: https://bit.ly/twistchartsrose
FOLLOW Gaby: https://twitter.com/gaby_goldberg
Gaby's Web 3 Reading List: https://bit.ly/GabyWeb3List
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
(00:00) Jason intros the show
(1:28) Interview with Alexander Campbell of Rose Technologies
(9:35) First Republic Bank - Discover what a long-term financial relationship can do for you. Visit https://firstrepublic.com/startup today to learn more.
(10:45) The property bubble in China
(15:40) Patterns of migration and economic impact
(19:49) Rocket - Go to http://getrocket.com/twist and use promo code TWIST for 20% off your first placement.
(21:04) Predicting recessions
(25:48) The transaction costs of different payment networks
(30:55) Embroker - Get an extra 10% off insurance for your business at https://Embroker.com/twist
(32:14) Discussing the long term value of Bitcoin
(36:07) Risks of holding Chinese real estate bonds
(43:36) British-American economic history
(54:50) The changing world order
(1:05:10) How you can get in contact with Alex
(1:08:45) OK Boomer with Gaby Goldberg of TCG Crypto
(1:28:52) Gaby's best Web 3 resources
First, Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal from Acquired join Jason to talk portfolio construction (13:41), Roelof Botha succeeding Doug Leone at Sequoia (30:58), and to debate the takeaway from Fast's demise (52:22). Then Lon Harris from Inside Streaming joins to discuss the final two episodes of The Dropout (1:24:16)!
(00:00) Jason intros today’s show
(1:31) Catching up w/ the http://acquired.fm guys: David Rosenthal and Ben Gilbert
(12:25) Fiverr - Sign up for https://Fiverr.com/Business free for the first year and save 10% on your purchase with promo code JASON
(13:41) Ben on investing in tech
(21:39) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
(22:46) How David thinks about his capital allocation
(29:41) Notion - Get started for free at https://notion.com/thisweekinstartups
(30:58) Talking about Doug Leone’s retirement
(52:22) Talking about the elephant in the room: Fast.co shutdown
(1:24:16) Talking with Lon Harris about the finale of “The Dropout”
Check out Acquired: https://www.acquired.fm
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https://twitter.com/gilbert
https://twitter.com/djrosent
https://twitter.com/AcquiredFM
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We kick off our crypto series with Dune Analytics CEO and Founder Frederik Haga about crypto on-chain analytics (37:23). But first, Jason covers Uber’s piloting long-distance travel bookings in the UK, Twitter’s edit button announcement, Open AI’s new Dall-E 2 product, and does a quick CNN Plus review!
(00:00) Jason intros the show
(01:44) Uber testing long distance travel
(07:34) Twitter adding edit button
(14:30) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
(15:34) WLiTF: OpenAI releases DALL-E
(22:31) Coda - The All-in-one doc for teams, get a $1,000 credit at https://coda.io/twist
(23:47) Starups creating swag before product market fit / Gary Darna of Fast looking for work
(26:30) CNN plus review
(35:00) Rocket - Go to http://getrocket.com/twist and use promo code TWIST for 20% off your first placement.
(36:14) Toss to Jason and Molly’s interview with Fredrik Haga
(37:23) Interview with Dune Analytics CEO Fredrik Haga
Check out Dune: https://www.dune.xyz
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Antonio Garcia Martinez (Chaos Monkeys, The Pull Request) and Zach Coelius (Investor, Coelius Capital) join to discuss a wide range of news topics including Antonio's trip to Ukraine, the one-click company Fast closing down, Elon Musk joining Twitter's board, Apple taking on Facebook in ads (and how it will impact the battle for Ar/VR), crypto regulation and more!
(00:00) Intro
(01:08) Jason catches up with AGM & Zach Coelius
(11:03) Vanta - Get $1,000 off automating your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
(12:18) AGM on going to Ukraine
(23:10) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/TWIST
(24:37) Zach and AGM on if the US would go to war
(30:43) Microsoft for Startups Hub - Apply in 5 minutes, no funding required, sign up at http://aka.ms/thisweekinstartups
(32:00) More on Ukraine and America’s feelings towards Putin and Russia
(48:38) Fast (one-click checkout startup) closes down
(52:24) Thoughts on Elon Musk joining Twitter board
(1:02:50) Talking about FB hurt by Apple App tracking transparency update
FOLLOW Zach: https://twitter.com/zachcoelius
FOLLOW Antonio: https://twitter.com/antoniogm
Read the Pull Request: https://thepullrequest.com
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First, Jason and Molly discuss Elon buying a 9.2% stake in Twitter (01:50). Then, Dave Samuel of Freestyle VC joins (23:18) for a discussion on early stage investing. Freestyle invested early in startups including Airtable, Patreon and Intercom. We talk about how fund size dictates strategy, how to give feedback to founders (especially when it's a no) and more.
(00:00) Jason and Molly intro today’s show
(01:50) Elon takes 9.2% stake in Twitter, TWTR stock up ~28% today
(11:09) Masterworks - Skip the waitlist to invest in art using promo code TWIST at https://Masterworks.io/twist
(12:250 Do we want more people to take stakes like this?
(20:58) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
(23:18) Interview with Dave Samuel of Freestyle VC
(30:13) iTrust Capital - Visit https://itrust.capital/twist to create your Crypto IRA today
(31:27) Dave’s lessons for other capital allocators and founders
FOLLOW Dave: https://twitter.com/dsamuel
Check out Freestyle: https://freestyle.vc
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Sunday double-header! In the opening VC Sunday School segment, Jason discusses deal flow (1:43), you will learn:
1. Inbound vs. outbound deal flow
2. Tactics VCs use to streamline their deal flow
3. Jason's philosophy on responding to founders - Your process is my opportunity
Then, Molly chats with Jason Jacobs of My Climate Journey about scaling climate tech investing, inspiring people to solve climate problems and the tangible value of community (21:27).
(00:00) Jason and Molly introduce the show
(01:43) VCSS: Inbound/outbound deal flow in VC
(11:30) Rocket - Go to http://getrocket.com/twist and use promo code TWIST for 20% off your first placement.
(12:42) Introductions and double opt-in tactics
(19:16) Introducing the This Week in Climate Startups segment
(20:10) Embroker - Get an extra 10% off insurance for your business at https://Embroker.com/twist
(21:27) TWiCS w/Jason Jacobs of My Climate Journey
(30:19) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(32:32) “Climate touches everything”
(39:13) When did the community and content become capital?
(49:48) How Jason Jacobs invests
(57:14) The Climate Startup Jason wished existed
Check out My Climate Journey: https://www.mcjcollective.com/
FOLLOW Jason Jacobs: https://twitter.com/jjacobs22
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First Jason and Molly discuss instant delivery company GoPuff and 1-click checkout company Fast making layoffs (2:22). Then, Bradley Tusk of Tusk Ventures joins to discuss Uber’s Taxi strategy in NYC, sports betting and tech regulation (40:06). Then in our Ok Boomer segment Rachel talks to Akash Raju, co-founder of Glimpse, brands pay Glimpse a subscription fee for the products to be featured in short-term rentals (1:36:47).
(00:00) Jason and Molly intro the show
(02:22) GoPuff to layoff ~3% of its workforce to cut $40M in costs ahead of IPO
(11:43) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
(12:56) Red flags with GoPuff story
(26:22) Boast - Get your R&D tax credits without the hassle at https://boast.ai/twist
(27:42) Fast considering layoffs, trying to find buyer, fail to raise at two different valuations over past few months
(38:02) Coda - The All-in-one doc for teams, get a $1,000 credit at https://coda.io/twist
(39:18) Introducing the Bradley Tusk interview
(40:06) Bradley Tusk of Tusk Ventures joins to talk about Uber and regulation
(57:05) The future of gambling
(1:26:00) Psychedelics
(1:36:46) OK Boomer intro - Akash Raju from Glimpse
(1:37:47) OK with Producer Rachel and Akash Raju, CEO + Co-founder of Glimpse
FOLLOW Bradley: https://twitter.com/bradleytusk
Check out Bradley's companies: https://www.bradleytusk.com
FOLLOW Akash: https://twitter.com/akashraju4
Check out Glimpse: https://www.tryglimpse.com
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Lon Harris joins us for This Week in Streaming to break down WeCrashed episode 4 AND The Dropout episode 6 (1:54). Then, we have David Rodolitz, the CEO and Co-Founder of FlyFish Club, which is NYC’s first NFT restaurant (45:20).
(00:00) Jason and Molly intro the show
(01:54) Lon Harris on WeCrashed
(12:23) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
(13:33) The persuasive power of Adam Neuman
(16:09) Shifting to discuss The Dropout
(22:55) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(24:13) Lessons from The Dropout
(32:20) Gun.io - Get $250 off your first developer hire at https://Gun.io/twist!
(33:37) Lon’s thoughts on "the slap"
(44:59) Transitioning to our interview with David Rodolitz
(45:20) David Rodolitz, CEO of FlyFish Club
FOLLOW Lon Harris: https://twitter.com/lons
FOLLOW David: https://twitter.com/rodolitz
Check out FlyFish Club: https://www.flyfishclub.com/
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First up, Taylor Lorenz joins to talk about her newest scoop for the Washington Post: Facebook hired a GOP firm to trash TikTok (2:18)! Then, we discuss the SEC considering cracking down on SPACs (39:40), lastly we cover Fast, a 500-person one-click checkout startup, reportedly generating less than $1M in revenue (1:01:14).
Read Taylor's Article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/03/30/facebook-tiktok-targeted-victory/
Taylor Lorenz’s book: www.goodreads.com/book/show/58818667-extremely-online
FOLLOW Taylor: https://twitter.com/TaylorLorenz
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(00:00) Jason and Molly intro the show
(02:18) Taylor Lorenz from the Washington Post on Facebook using Targeted Victory
(11:27) Coda - The All-in-one doc for teams, get a $1,000 credit at https://coda.io/twist
(12:41) Separating the legitimate concerns from fake stories
(21:03) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist
(22:21) Measuring the likelihood of TikTok being banned in the U.S.
(31:20) Embroker - Get an extra 10% off insurance for your business at https://Embroker.com/twist
(32:37) Should journalists be encouraged to build their own brands?
(39:40) SEC meeting TODAY (3/30/22) to discuss crackdown on SPACs, specifically allowing investors to SUE over “embellished projections”
(1:01:14) Bolt’s one-click checkout competitor “Fast” having trouble raising $100M at a $1B valuation, according to The Information
First we explain the $625M hack of Axie Infinity’s Ronin Bridge (1:34), then we discuss the engineers at Twilio who allegedly insider traded (17:30). Next we discuss Robinhood extending its trading window by four hours a day (29:50) and wrap with our startup of the day is Subject, a company providing high school courses for credit online (37:39).
00:00 Molly tees up today's topics
01:34 Axie Infinity’s Ronin blockchain was hacked for over $600M
13:31 Wealthfront - Get your first $5,000 managed for free, for life at https://wealthfront.com/TWIST15:00 Regulation and Axie Infinity hacks
17:30 SEC has charged three Twilio employees for insider trading
28:39 iTrust Capital - Visit https://itrust.capital/twist to create your Crypto IRA today
29:50 Robinhood extends trading window by 4 hours
36:22 Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/TWIST
37:39 Startup of the Day: Subject.com (accredited learning platform)
48:22 Final thoughts on the 2022 Oscars moment
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
All news show. First, we recap the Oscars, including "The Slap" and Apple winning Best Picture (02:17). Then, we discuss $32B crypto derivate exchange FTX not having investors on its Board of Directors (42:45), Apple's reported hardware subscription (01:02:12) and Jason's Hot Tub story (01:09:57).
(00:00) Jason and Molly intro the show
(02:17) Talking about the 2022 Oscars slap: initial thoughts, reactions, etc.
(11:47) LinkedIn - Post your first job for free at https://linkedIn.com/twist
(13:18) More thoughts on the 2022 Oscars slap
(23:47) Rocket - Go to http://getrocket.com/twist and use promo code TWIST for 20% off your first placement.
(24:58) “Coda” from Apple TV+ becomes first streaming movie to win best picture at Oscars
(37:28) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(38:45) Toxic celebrity culture and how that ties into founders
(42:45) FTX, one of the fastest growing crypto exchanges in the world is worth $32B and no investors have board seats
(01:02:12) Bloomberg reported that Apple is working on a hardware subscription for iPhones and iPads
(01:09:57) The Hot Tub story
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Sunday Double-header! First, in VC Sunday School, Jason explains non-dilutive funding's impact on startups (2:18). Then, Molly interviews Continuum Ag Founder Mitchell Hora. His company helps farmers analyze their soil and create a roadmap improve it via a holistic approach known as regenerative agriculture (21:33).
(00:00) Jason and Molly tee-up the show
(02:18) VCSS: Discussing non-dilutive funding
(12:37) Intercom - Get advanced Intercom features and Early Stage Academy at a 95% discount https://www.intercom.com/early-stage
(13:53) More on venture debt and factoring
(18:33) Jason and Molly Introduce the Climate Guest
(20:17) Cyvatar - Get your first 2 months free at https://cyvatar.ai/twist
(21:33) TWiCS w/ Mitchell Hora of Continuum Ag
(30:20) Thorne - Personalized, scientific wellness. Go to https://Thorne.com/u/TWIST
(31:23) Mitchell Hora on the importance of healthy, balanced soil
Check out Continuum Ag: https://continuum.ag
FOLLOW Mitchell: https://twitter.com/Continuum_Ag
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Another Friday variety show! First up, Jason and Molly break down the 16-year old hacking phenom who was allegedly behind the recent hacks at Microsoft, Nvidia and Okta, and might have just been caught (1:13). Then, the duo covers Molly's induction into LIBSYN's Podcasting Hall of Fame (6:46) and reminisces on the early days of podcasting including their first podcast together over 16 years ago (11:19). Finally, Producer Rachel is back with another edition of OK Boomer, this time with Miami Hack Week founder Ja’dan Johnson (20:19).
Lon Harris joins Molly and Jason to talk WeCrashed, The Dropout and Super Pumped! First, they play a round of "Boff, Marry, Kill" between the three shows (1:16), before breaking down the first three episodes of WeCrashed (16:15) and the two lead performances (24:25). They finish with a quick chat on The Dropout and examine the potential of a "tech cinematic universe" (34:15).
Jason and Molly take on another Five in Five! Five stories in (a little over) five minutes each: Katie Haun's record-breaking $1.5B debut web3 fund (2:50), Yuga Labs raising $450M at a $4B valuation (12:42), Apple's potential BNPL play (25:23), Worldcoin's $100M raise and privacy concerns (29:59) and Nothing's new iPhone competitor (40:13). Then, Molly talks to ChroniFI Founder & CEO Ben Miller on building a consumer software product that helps people plan for financial independence. (48:59)
Tuesday news day! Jason and Molly break down the following stories: Apple's "new" creator tools, and brainstorming on how they could dominate podcasting again (2:23), Jeff Bezos' letter to shareholders from 2000, when Amazon's share price was down ~80% from its dot-com bubble peak (16:02), understanding search funds and why elite MBA grads are raising them (38:23). Finally, they wrap with a WLiTF segment about the FDNY purchasing a couple of Boston Dynamics "robodogs" to help with search and rescue missions. (47:15)
Monday news! Jason and Molly have some big stories to discuss: Sequoia's new "catalyst" program, called Arc (2:37), SEC considering mandating climate disclosures from public companies (19:21), another Startup of the Day (33:28), and they wrap by covering some interesting ongoings at Disney regarding its new CEO and Bob Iger (41:13).
0:00 Jason and Molly intro today’s news: Sequoia debuts Arc, SEC to vote on disclosures of emissions/climate risks, Startup of the day: Heirloom, Disney's CEO fallout
2:37 Sequoia announces Arc, startup “catalyst”
11:14 Coda - The All-in-one doc for teams, get a $1,000 credit at https://coda.io/twist
12:37 Arc accepting Russian founder applications
18:12 OurCrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
19:21 SEC to vote on disclosures of emissions/climate risks
32:11 OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
33:28 Startup of the day: Heirloom (climate-tech co. using heated limestone to remove CO₂ from atmosphere)
41:13 CNBC reports former Disney CEO Bob Iger and his replacement Bob Chapek have had a falling out since Iger stepped down
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Sunday Double-header! First, in VC Sunday School, Jason discusses and defends his pro rata strategy (1:26). Then, Molly interviews ClimateCheck founder Cal Inman. His company analyzes and risk-rates real estate based on expected changes to the world’s climate (14:43)!
Show Notes
(00:00) Pro Rata VC Sunday School + Assessing Climate Risk
(01:26) Why some investors warn against Super Pro Rata
(08:02) Is there an advantage to having more investors on the cap table?
(13:27) Embroker - Get an extra 10% off insurance for your business at https://Embroker.com/twist
(14:43) This Week in Climate Startups - Cal Inman of Climate Check
(17:49) How ClimateCheck integrates data for predictions
(23:17) How climate predictions are influencing buying decisions
(24:46) Bubble. Get one month free of a no-code plan at https://bubble.io/twist
(26:14) How financial partners are responding to increasing climate risks
(30:45) Incorporating resilience preparedness into ClimateCheck
(35:33) Rocket - Go to http://getrocket.com/twist promo code TWIST for 20% off your first placement.
(37:14) Next steps for ClimateCheck
(43:28) The latest from the TWIST team
Check out ClimateCheck: https://climatecheck.com
FOLLOW ClimateCheck: https://twitter.com/MyClimateCheck
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First, Jason and Molly rip through the news (1:44). They cover looming layoffs at two Chinese tech giants (2:31), Google getting back into the AR glasses race with a new acquisition (7:27), chaos in the instant delivery space (13:15), and Yuga Labs launching $APE coin, a BAYC token. (24:58) Then, Producer Rachel interviews Smirk founder Preson Attebery on mobile gaming, the future of social gaming, and more! (33:00)
0:00 Jason and Molly tee up today's topics!
1:44 Rapid fire news!
2:31 Alibaba & Tencent brace for massive layoffs
7:27 Google re-enters the AR glasses race with its $1B acquisition of Micro LED startup Raxium
11:48 Dell For Startups - Visit http://dell.com/twist to apply for Dell for Startups and get up to 45% off select items!
13:15 Instant delivery madness: Getir raises at a $12B valuation, Russian-based Buyk declares bankruptcy due to inability to fundraise from Russian sanctions
23:20 LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://linkedIn.com/twist
24:58 Yuga Labs launches $APE coin
31:47 Intercom - Get access to Intercom's Early Stage Academy at a 95% discount at https://www.intercom.com/early-stage
33:00 Producer Rachel joins to tee up today's OK Boomer segment
34:42 OK Boomer: Smirk Founder Preston Attebery
1:06:02 Plugs!
Check out Smirk: https://www.smirk.gg
FOLLOW Preston: https://twitter.com/prestonattebery
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FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
We chat film expert, podcaster, and Inside.com writer Lon Harris to talk about tech's latest streaming series The Dropout and Super Pumped! After that conversation, Molly sits down with LAUNCH founder Nick McHenry for a quick interview about his startup OneShop (1:08:00).
Show Notes:
(00:00) Jason and Molly intro today’s show: Reviewing shows “The Dropout” and “Super Pumped” with Lon Harris, interview w/Nick McHenry of OneShop
(02:07) Catching up w/OG TWiST cast member Lon Harris
(09:31) Vanta - Get $1,000 off automating your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
(10:47) Jason and Molly talk to Lon about “The Dropout” (the Theranos show)
(23:16) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
(24:26) Favorite scenes and performances in “The Dropout”
(39:05) Coda - The All-in-one doc for teams, get a $1,000 credit at https://coda.io/twist
(40:30) Discussing “Super Pumped” - is it realistic?
(01:08:00) Molly interviews Nick McHenry of OneShop on his LAUNCH journey and scaling E-commerce
FOLLOW Lon: https://twitter.com/lons
FOLLOW Nick: https://twitter.com/nickmchenry
Check out one shop: https://oneshopretail.com/
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
We wrap up Angel Season 6 on First Time Funds with Pharrell Williams-signed rocker turned investor D.A. Wallach of TimeBio Ventures (32:23). But first, we do 4 rapid-fire news topics: Spotify spent ~$307M on FC Barcelona naming rights (2:56), AMC acquired a 22% stake in gold miner (10:29), Ex-Disney CEO Bob Iger joins the NFT avatar company Genies’ Board (16:14) and we break down the anatomy of two alleged NFT grifts (22:35).
(00:00) Jason and Molly intro the show: Spotify & FC Barcelona, AMC goes for Gold, Bob Iger joins Genies, NFT Grifts, Angel interview w/ DA Wallach
(02:56) Spotify drops reported ~$307M on FC Barcelona stadium naming rights
(09:18) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/angel
(10:29) AMC goes for Gold
(16:14) Bob Iger joins Genies board
(21:19) Embroker - Get an extra 10% off insurance for your business at https://Embroker.com/twist
(22:35) Anatomy of NFT Grifts
(31:03) LinkedIn Jobs - Go to https://linkedIn.com/angel and post your first job for free.
(32:23) Angel S6 w/ DA Wallach of Time BioVentures
Check out Time Bio Ventures: https://www.timebioventures.com
D.A.'s Blog: http://www.dawallach.com
FOLLOW D.A. Wallach: https://twitter.com/dawallach
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First, we discuss a new Layer 1 blockchain called Aptos, valued at $1B in a recent round led by a16z (2:42). Then discuss MetaMask’s parent Consensys raising 450M at a $7B valuation (39:47). Our startup of the day is Mojo, which is building a stock market-like product to “bet on athletes” (51:35). Next, we do a post-mortem for our "shutdown of the day," Zero Grocery, a grocery delivery company that closed down this month after announcing raising $12M a month ago (59:06). To wrap, Jason chats with JJ Foster, a listener who did some show notes for us (01:11:05).
Show Notes
(0:00) Jason and Molly intro the show
(02:42) Former Facebook employees raise $200M to build out blockchain
(14:55) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(16:13) Thoughts on Facebook and centralized currency
(28:22) Mercury - Banking built for startups. See more at https://mercury.com/twist
(29:40) Breaking News: Bain Capital Crypto hires woman partner
(36:27) Gun.io - Get $250 off your first developer hire at https://Gun.io/twist!
(39:47) ConsenSys raised $450M Series D valued at $7B
(51:35) Startup of the day: Mojo
(59:06) Shutdown of the day: Zero Grocery
(1:11:05) 05 Jason mentors noti gang member JJ Foster about his career
Check out The TWIST Podcast Notes: https://www.thisweekinstartups.com/notes
FOLLOW JJ: https://twitter.com/j_foster_j
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
It's an all-news show. We discuss Blue Origin selecting Pete Davidson to go space (2:47), Clearview AI offering their facial recognition services to the Ukrainian government (24:58), the NYT launching a Telegram channel and semiconductor slowdowns forcing Ford to ship Explorers without rear AC controls (44:00).
Show Notes:
(00:00) Jason and Molly intro today’s topics: Blue Origin & Pete Davidson, NYT Telegram, Clearview AI
(02:47) Blue Origin sending Pete Davidson to space 3/23
(14:41) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist
(16:00) NYT launches Telegram channel for war in Ukraine
(23:38) Boast - Get your R&D tax credits without the hassle at https://boast.ai/twist
(24:58) Clearview AI giving Ukraine’s defense ministry free access to face recognition search engine
(38:48) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
(40:00) Surveillance companies and crime
(44:00) Companies face more production issues
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Sunday double-header. First, Jason and Molly discuss the impact of large funds on the startup ecosystem, how fund size influences firm strategy and why big funds often seed smaller funds (2:21). For the This Week in Climate Startups segment, Molly chats with Taj Ahmad Eldridge from Include Ventures (29:42). They discuss:
1. How Taj's experience with negative health impacts from pollution helped guide his investing focus
2. Include Venture's unique fund of funds and direct investment strategy
3. Why Taj is not afraid of hardware investing (and how it's paying off)
4. How government branches can support climate tech progress
Show Notes:
(0:00) Jason and Molly introduce VC Sunday School + Taj from Include Ventures
(02:21) VCSS, Molly asks Jason if big funds are ideal
(11:30) Bubble - Get one month free of a no-code plan at https://bubble.io/twist
(12:57) Can a fund become too big to manage?
(18:20) Big funds seeding small funds and Jason's falling out with Marc Andreessen
(21:43) Coda - The All-in-one doc for teams, get a $1,000 credit at https://coda.io/twist
(23:00) Building relationships in venture
(28:10) LinkedIn Marketing - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at https://linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups
(29:42) This Week in Climate Startups with Taj Eldridge of Include Ventures
(37:28) Taj's first-hand experience with the negative externalities of pollution
(51:46) Can software investing really help solve the Climate Crisis?
(1:05:31) The latest from TWIST and Launch
Check out Include Ventures: https://www.includeventures.com/
FOLLOW Taj: https://twitter.com/Econoahmad
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
It’s a variety show. First Jason and Molly do six rapid fire news topics (2:10) including: Rivian’s lowered guidance, Biden briefing TikTok influencers on Ukraine, declining NFT volume, creator economy wins, Biden’s Crypto executive order and Peloton’s new pricing pilot. Then, hard-tech investor Jai Malik of Countdown Capital joins (42:22) for Angel Season 6 “First Time Funds.” Finally, producer Rachel has another edition of OK Boomer, this time she talks viral marketing and new ways of fundraising with Josh from Party Round (1:18:42).
(00:00) Jason and Molly intro the show: 5 rapid fire stories, Angel S6 interview with Jai Malik of Countdown, OK Boomer w/ Josh of Party Round
(02:10) TikToker Part of Biden Ukraine Strat.
(07:53) Rivian Earnings
(14:42) Embroker - Get an extra 10% off insurance for your business at https://Embroker.com/twist
(16:05) OpenSea Volume Down
(21:25) Wins in the Creator Economy
(26:42) LinkedIn Jobs - Go to https://linkedIn.com/angel and post your first job for free.
(28:10) Biden Crypto Policy
(34:04) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
(35:22) Peloton New CEO Actions
(42:22) Molly interviews Jai Malik of Countdown for Angel S6
(01:10:29) Jason, Molly, and Rachel toss to OKB
(01:18:42) OKB w/ Producer Rachel and Josh of Party Round
Check out Countdown: https://countdown.capital
FOLLOW Jai: https://twitter.com/jai__malik
Check out Party Round: https://www.partyround.com
FOLLOW Josh: https://twitter.com/joshqharris
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Jason and Molly discuss Ryan Breslow's new startup Love.com (2:03), Bain Capital Crypto’s new $550M fund announcement that backfired on Twitter (14:49). Then, Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman join to discuss the current real estate market and how policies are are promoting a nation of renters (54:28). Plus, Glenn turns the tables on Jason and Molly to ask them a few questions.
Show Notes:
00:00 Jason and Molly intro the show: Ryan Breslow news, Bain Capital Crypto’s unaware tweet, diversity in the workplace, Interview w/ Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman
02:03 Ryan Breslow’s new startup: Love.com
10:49 Fiverr - Sign up for https://Fiverr.com/Business free for the first year and save 10% on your purchase with promo code JASON
12:22 Psychedelic startups
14:49 Bain Capital Crypto posts unaware tweet on International Women’s Day
23:21 Notion - Go to https://Notion.so and use promo code TWIST to get $250 off its annual team plan
24:53 Diversity in the workplace and how to make forward progress
36:05 Marlow - Get 15% off your individual or team memberships at https://getmarlow.com/twist.
37:31 Taking a chance on unproven talent and open minded to blindspots
54:28 Catch up w/ Glenn Kelman, CEO of Redfin
01:07:40 Housing price increases are sustainable
01:32:00 Supply and demand in housing
01:49:20 Shift from urban living to the suburbs
02:02:00 Jason, Molly, and Glenn on flying
02:06:37 Goodbyes from the TWIST team
Check out Redfin: https://www.redfin.com
FOLLOW Glenn: https://twitter.com/glennkelman
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First Jason and Molly recap the Apple event, including the new Mac Studio release (1:53). Then they discuss Pony AI's $8.5B Series D (34:41). Next, Cruise CEO Kyle Vogt joins to discuss launching their driverless service in SF (46:40), their custom-built zero-emission shared vehicle the "Origin" (1:01:06), and self-driving maturity.
Show Notes:
(00:00) Jason and Molly intro today’s topics: thoughts on new Apple products, interview with Kyle Vogt of Cruise
(01:53) Jason and Molly talk about the Mac Studio
(10:52) Indochino - Get $50 off any purchase of $399 or more by using code TWIST at checkout https://indochino.com
(12:05) Big presentations aren’t needed for incremental changes
(22:23) Vanta - Get $1,000 off automating your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
(23:41) Guessing the next computer in the Mac lineage
(25:40) More Apple products announced, and Apple TV for Friday MLB
(33:33) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
(34:41) Startup of the day: Pony.ai
(46:40) Jason interviews Kyle Vogt, CEO of Cruise
(01:01:06) Carpooling with the Cruise Origin
(01:07:45) Smoother rides and self-driving cars in different weather
(01:19:05) Self-driving robo-taxis and sharing map data
(01:27:00) What percent are we at for self-driving general accessibility?
Check out Cruise: https://www.getcruise.com
FOLLOW Kyle: https://twitter.com/kvogt
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
"Sequoia Capital is the greatest venture capital firm of all time. It's indisputable." - Jason
Jason chats with Sequoia's Doug Leone, a leader who shepherded the firm for four decades. They discuss great founders, governance, Sequoia's global expansion, mentoring the next generation of investors and more.
(00:00) Jason intros today’s legendary interview w/ Doug Leone of Sequoia Capital
(01:14) When Doug Leone got his start
(11:00) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/TWIST
(12:23) The impact selling secondary shares has on founders
(15:43) “The founder’s job is to make the receptionist rich”
(21:14) First Republic Bank - Discover what a long-term financial relationship can do for you. Visit https://firstrepublic.com/startup today to learn more.
(22:15) Mentoring the next generation of investors
(30:51) Linode - Apply to their Rise program for founder-led, early-stage startups and get 3 years of discounts at https://linode.com/twist.
(31:58) Sometimes incredible companies make the founder
(34:07) The greatest founders Doug has worked with
(46:30) Providing companies with a running start, but not doing too much
(53:10) Investing in China
(57:15) Entrepreneurship in Europe
(01:11:06) “Hope is not a plan. Let’s make a plan.
Check out Sequoia: https://www.sequoiacap.com
FOLLOW Doug Leone: https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-leone-a2714/
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First, Jason and Molly cover the news of Alumni Ventures Group getting charged by the SEC for misleading investors about their management fees (1:56). AVG had to repay $4.7M to investors and paid $800,000 in a settlement. Next, we briefly touch on Index Ventures stopping their investments in Russia (24:56).
Then, Radiant Energy Fund Managing Director Mark Nelson joins to make the case for nuclear power and explain why many countries have chosen to decrease their nuclear capacity (40:03).
(00:00) Jason and Molly intro the show: AVG pays 800K in penalties, Index halts Russian startup investments, interview w/ Mark Nelson on nuclear energy
(01:56) Alumni Venture Group pays 800K in penalties to SEC
(10:42) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
(11:49) Jason's prediction for what happened at Alumni Venture Group
(23:33) Mercury - Banking built for startups. See more at https://mercury.com/twist
(24:56) VC Firm Index Ventures halts startup investments in Russia
(38:35) Assure - To get 20% off your first Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) visit https://Assure.co/twist
(40:03) Nuclear activist Mark Nelson on the future of nuclear energy (@energybants)
(56:41) How Germany abandoned nuclear
(1:03:31) Are Nuclear reactors aged beyond repair?
(1:10:49) What France got right
(1:29:41) Ways you can get involved with This Week in Startups & Launch
FOLLOW Mark: https://twitter.com/energybants
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Another Sunday double-header edition! First Jason leads a VC Sunday School session on how to react when companies try and skip steps and raise larger rounds (2:51). Plus, how Pegasus (or Alicorn) companies can end up being much better investments than traditional Unicorns. Then, for This Week in Climate Startups, Molly chats with Andrew Beebe of Obvious Ventures (18:47). You will learn:
1. Andrew's focus within climate tech (electric mobility, carbon and carbon markets)
2. How Andrew's first startup exit set him up to join the solar industry
3. How contrarian bets make careers
4. The key criteria for climate investments to be good venture bets
5. How Obvious Ventures puts its "world positive" mission into practice
6. The way carbon disclosure requirements will reshape industry
7. Why Andrew recommends reading Kim Stanley Robinson's "The Ministry for the Future"
(00:00) Jason and Molly intro today’s show: VC Sunday School, TWiCS with Andrew Beebe
(02:51) VCSS: companies raising big rounds before they’re ready
(11:20) Coda - The All-in-one doc for teams, get a $1,000 credit at https://coda.io/twist
(12:38) Pegasus (alicorn) companies: flying over rounds of funding
(18:47) This Week in Climate Startups w/ Andrew Beebe of Obvious Ventures
(23:02) Wealthfront - Get your first $5,000 managed for free, for life at https://wealthfront.com/TWIST
(24:32) The first clean tech boom in the solar industry
(33:21) Embroker - Get an extra 10% off insurance for your business at https://Embroker.com/twist
(34:44) Obvious and Andrew Beebe’s investment thesis: “World Positive”
(56:54) SaaS Syndicate, Open Scouting, Remote Demo Day, angel.university
Check out Obvious Ventures: https://obvious.com
FOLLOW Andrew: https://twitter.com/andrewbeebe
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First Jason and Molly cover Google is bringing employees back to the office three times per week starting in early April (1:41), Snowflake dropping 15% after reporting strong earnings, Slack’s slowing growth within Salesforce. After the news, Molly sits down with Alyse Killeen of Stillmark to continue Season 6 of Angel: First-time funds (38:10). We wrap with Producer Rachel's interview with Kai Han of Pallet, which is building a platform for creators to curate job boards (1:11:50).
00:00 Jason and Molly intro today’s show, Google back in the office, the Jason and WeWork saga, Angel w/ Alyse Killeen, OKB w/ Kai Han
01:40 Google sends employees back to the office
14:43 Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/angel
15:53 Snowflake stock repricing, Slack's product velocity, managing a remote company
29:43 LinkedIn Jobs - Go to https://linkedIn.com/angel and post your first job for free.
31:16 Jason and WeWork, donate medical supplies to Ukraine at https://flexport.org/donate
36:44 Embroker - Get an extra 10% off insurance for your business at https://Embroker.com/twist
38:10 Angel S6: Alyse Killeen of Stillmark, a $30M Bitcoin Infrastructure fund
01:11:50 OK Boomer: Pallet CEO Kai Han
Donate to Ukraine: https://www.flexport.org/donate
Check out Stillmark: https://www.stillmark.com
FOLLOW Alyse: https://twitter.com/alysekilleen
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Cana is back on the podcast, previously David Friedberg teased the "molecular beverage printer" on E1365. This time, we speak and to CEO Matt Mahar about pricing, their go-to-market plans, their cartridge subscription process, Cana's potential climate impact, current flavors and more! Molly was the first outsider to tour their facility and she tried a whole bunch of beverages from the Cana One.
(0:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s topics: a deep dive on the just-launched Cana product!
(1:30) Molly and Jason break down Molly’s site visit to the Cana facility and the taste tests
(8:36) Bubble
(9:57) Cana’s starting price point, cartridges, cost per drink, and more
(19:34) Masterworks
(21:06) Molly’s intros Cana CEO Matt Mahar, and they talk about the origins of the product, impact of the bottling industry, how the product works mechanically
(31:39) Superside
(32:53) Understanding non-obvious climate solutions, Cana product breakdown and pricing
(40:03) Cana as a creator platform, big picture vision of what is possible
(54:09) Cana’s economic impact on the bottling industry, Matt’s background, working with TPB
Check out Cana: https://www.cana.com
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First, we talk about Apple pausing all sales in Russia and other actions they’re taking (1:47). Then, we cover Ford splitting its EV business off from its ICE business (15:57). Then, Joe Speiser from Hampton VC joins to talk about how being too reliant on Facebook killed his media company Little Things with an algorithm change (25:42). We wrap with a quick WLITF segment on humanoid robots (42:05).
(00:00) Molly intros today’s topics: Tim Cook’s response to Russia, WeWork can’t read the room, Interview with Joe Speiser of LittleThings, We Live in the Future with Molly
(01:47) Tim Cook and Apple’s response to Russia
(05:40) WeWork’s new CEO says WeWork will not leave the Russia
(14:41) Vanta - Get $1,000 off automating your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
(15:57) Ford separating EV business from main ICE business
(24:34) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
(25:42) How facebook’s algorithm change ruined Joe Speiser’s company
(34:03) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist
(35:22) The dangers of having your business rely on a platform
(42:05) We Live in the Future: Sanctuary
FOLLOW Joe: https://twitter.com/jspeiser
Check out Hampton VC: https://www.hamptonvc.com/
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First Jason and Molly break down the reactions from big tech companies to the Russia / Ukraine conflict (2:22), then we showcase our Startup of the Day, Backbone which is innovating in mobile gaming (51:41). Then Jason does an amazing interview with investor Joel Greenblatt, where we discuss increasing public market participation, strategies for finding value, taxes and more (1:05:50).
(00:00) Jason and Molly intro today’s DOUBLE episode, Ukraine, Tech companies and Russia sanctions, Startup of the day Backbone, Interview with investor Joel Greenblatt
(02:22) What tech companies should do in response to Russia invading Ukraine
(12:28) Gun.io - Get $250 off your first developer hire at https://Gun.io/twist!
(13:50) Tech companies and Russia sanctions continued
(21:27) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(22:51) Sanctions aren’t the perfect response because there isn’t one
(30:17) Boast - Get your R&D tax credits without the hassle at https://boast.ai/twist
(31:35) Apple needs to decide what to do in Russia
(51:41) Startup of the day: Backbone
(01:05:50) Jason interviews investor Joel Greenblatt
(01:25:10) Joel talks about the long term effects of having so many young, new market participants
(01:59:12) Joel’s thoughts on minimum taxes and tax loopholes
More on Joel: https://www.gothamfunds.com/principals.aspx
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First, Molly Wood quickly sums up crypto donations flowing to Ukraine (2:03). Then, Jason and Molly chat with Molly White, the creator of the website "Web 3 is Going Great." We discuss the problems she identified with Web 3, speculation vs. building, DAOs, decentralization and more (7:01).
(00:00) Molly intros today’s episode, crypto in Ukraine, Jason and Molly interview guest Molly White
(02:07) The ways crypto has been used to help Ukraine
(07:01) Molly and Jason interview guest Molly White
(10:32) Mercury - Banking built for startups. See more at https://mercury.com/twist
(12:02) Molly White talks about her website, web3isgoinggreat.com
(14:07) Molly White talks about newer technologies in web3 and their future
(17:06) Grifting in web3
(18:35) What it takes to truly understand web3
(20:38) RealGoodFoods - Go to https://realgoodfoods.com and use code TWIST for $15 off!
(22:06) Bitcoin toxicity, brigading, and wash trading
(25:34) Melania chimes in
(25:43) Categories of grift in NFT’s
(30:47) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
(32:03) Jason predicts NFT lawsuits in 2023
(33:06) Toxicity in the bitcoin cult
(35:00) What are good uses for blockchains and the web3 shift
(35:55) Jason’s defense of bitcoin
(36:42) Molly White’s counter to Jason’s defense of bitcoin
(38:17) Problems with energy consumption in bitcoin
(40:22) Can bitcoin help store monetary value in authoritarian countries?
(42:39) Are DAOs (decentralized autonomous organizations) a good idea?
(48:27) Questions companies need to be able to answer in the life of their product
(49:39) The downfall of Enron: “How does this company make money?”
(52:16) The caveats of being ok with true decentralization
(55:10) Doxxing in crypto
(01:04:03) Brigading in crypto and social media
Check out Web 3 is Going Great: https://www.web3isgoinggreat.com
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/molly0xFFF
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First up is a VC Sunday school where Jason discusses what investors mean when they say "we are interested in investing, but come back when you found a lead" (1:51). Then, we tease Molly's EV review of the Audi e-tron Sportback (20:42). To wrap, Molly does a This Week in Climate Startups segment with Seth Bannon, a founding Partner of Fifty Years, a Venture capital firm investing in climate solutions (34:12). You will learn:
1. The convictions that unpin Fifty Years' investment thesis
2. Why Seth thinks VC has lost his way
3. Why increasing longevity could be a net-positive for climate
4. How Fifty Years measures impact of their investments
5. How Seth evaluates the potential negative externalities of his investments
6. How his PhD to VC program works
(recorded on 2/9/22)
Show Notes:
(00:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s topics: VC Sunday School, Molly’s EV reviews, and This Week in Climate Startups!
(01:51) VC Sunday School: Why some investors wait for founders to “find a lead”
(09:59) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
(11:04) Getting to the root of why VCs wait for leads: nobody likes to turn down founders, LAUNCH role playing
(19:36) Revelo - Get 20% off the first 3 months by mentioning TWIST at https://revelo.io/twist
(20:42) Molly’s EV Review (check out at https://youtube.com/thisweekin), breaking down the next wave of EVs
(32:42) Bubble. Get one month free of a no-code plan at https://bubble.io/twist
(34:12) Seth Bannon of Fifty Years, raising their first fund, investment break down
(47:11) Seth’s thoughts on the startup ecosystem “losing its way” over the past few years
(55:03) Helping climate entrepreneurs
Check out Fifty Years: https://fiftyyears.com
FOLLOW Seth: https://twitter.com/sethbannon
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Jason chats with David Heinemeier Hansson (2:03) about global governments reacting to COVID, Basecamp’s Twitter cycle blowup last spring when more than 1/3 of the company left, the shift from debating in the public square (Twitter) to debating in private with friends on group chats. We also talk about why David now sees a case for Bitcoin after Canada leans toward authoritarianism.
(00:00) Jason and Molly intro today’s episode, David Heinemeier Hansson, OK Boomer with Tony Tran of Lumanu
(02:03) Jason catches up with David Heinemeier Hansson
(07:05) DHH on Living in Denmark during COVID
(10:31) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
(11:41) Social media: a weapon of mass disfunction
(20:08) Eight Sleep - Go to https://eightsleep.com/twist to check out the Pod Pro Cover and get $150 off at checkout!
(21:40) DHH on keeping politics out of the workplace and offering severance for company culture unity
(31:14) Marlow - Get 15% off your individual or team memberships at https://getmarlow.com/twist
(32:41) Jason and DHH on the joys of working at home
(39:41) Jason and DHH discuss the downsides of social media
(46:50) Why DHH changed his position on cryptocurrency and the Canadian trucker protests
(01:34:15) Jason, Molly, and Rachel intro this week’s OK Boomer
(01:36:02) Rachel speaks with Tony Tran, CEO of Lumanu
Read David's Blog: https://world.hey.com/dhh
FOLLOW David: https://twitter.com/dhh
Check out Lumanu: https://www.lumanu.com/
FOLLOW Tony: https://twitter.com/TonyTranNYC
FOLLOW Rachel: https://twitter.com/_rachelbraun
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Molly interviews Jason about raising "LAUNCH Fund I." This season of Angel is focused on the nitty-gritty details of raising and running a first-time fund (22:47). Jason shares everything from getting his first check to his biggest mistakes. But first, we discuss the biggest cybersecurity hacks of the last decade and potential risks going forward (1:32).
(00:00) Jason and Molly intro the show, cybersecurity and Russia invading Ukraine, Molly interviews the OG Angel
(01:32) Cybersecurity and Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine
(12:40) LinkedIn Jobs - Go to https://linkedIn.com/angel and post your first job for free.
(15:06) TikTok’s not secure, Florida water treatment plant hacked last year
(17:27) Hiring “bounty hackers” for defense
(21:33) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
(22:47) Molly interviews the original Angel, Jason
(36:52) Embroker - Get an extra 10% off insurance for your business at https://Embroker.com/twist
(38:18) Jason tells Molly what didn’t work out with his first LAUNCH fund
(48:14) When Jason knew the fund model would work
(58:48) How his role as changed as the fund has scaled
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Mentioned in the episode
NotPetya: https://www.wired.com/story/notpetya-cyberattack-ukraine-russia-code-crashed-the-world/
Colonial Pipeline: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-06-04/hackers-breached-colonial-pipeline-using-compromised-password
Solar Winds: https://www.npr.org/2021/04/16/985439655/a-worst-nightmare-cyberattack-the-untold-story-of-the-solarwinds-hack
First we discuss Kanye’s new “STEM Player” bluetooth speaker, and why he’s trying to diversify away from Spotify and streaming platforms (2:21). We continue with a discussion about platform reliance one founder saw his business destroyed overnight by Facebook (25:17). Then we cover Pipe.com’s recent acquisition which is bringing them into the media space (28:59)! Lastly, Molly chats with Launch Accelerator Cohort 24 founder Joshe Ordonez, the CEO of Airpals about her awesome messenger service startup (39:44).
(0:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s topics: Kanye’s genius move, the pitfalls of platform reliance, Pipe’s interesting acquisition, and Molly interviews another LA24 founder
(2:21) Kanye’s genius move: diversifying away from streaming platforms
(12:17) Notion - Go to https://Notion.so and use promo code TWIST to get $250 off its annual team plan
(13:49) Possibilities opened by Kanye’s move, risks of platform reliance
(23:55) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist
(25:17) Jason gives final thoughts on leveraging platforms, but owning the relationship with consumers
(28:59) Pipe’s newest acquisition will help them bring non-dilutive capital to the entertainment industry
(38:27) Vanta - Get get $1,000 off automating your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
(39:44) Molly sits down with LA24 founder Joshe Ordonez, CEO of Airpals
Check out Airpals: https://www.airpals.co
FOLLOW Joshe: https://twitter.com/JosheOrdonez
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First, we cover Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong potentially taking credit for an idea generated by a creative firm (2:09). Then, we cover Peloton’s new CEO Barry McCarthy's vision for a revitalized Peloton (15:29). To wrap, we break down a dozen growth stocks that are down over 60% off their 52-week highs. We forecast two winners, one with the highest upside and one with the lowest downside (27:53).
(0:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s topics: Coinbase CEO gets called out by ad agency, Peloton’s new CEO hints at a platform play, drafting beat up tech stocks, and Molly’s Startup of the Day!
(2:03) Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong gets called out for not crediting an ad agency in his Twitter thread
(14:20) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
(15:290 Peloton CEO Barry McCarthy hints at creating an open platform for fitness creators
(26:30) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/TWIST
(27:53) Tech stock pullback draft: $HOOD, $TWLO, $ZM, $SQ
(39:25) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
(40:29) Tech stock pullback draft cont’d: $OPEN, $ROKU, $CRSP, $RBLX, final selections
(59:34) Molly reflects on her week and gives a climate-focused Startup of the Day!
(1:18:31) Jason takes a few questions from the noti gang
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
The Brian Armstrong Thread: https://twitter.com/brian_armstrong/status/1495635907801923584?s=20&t=iFNMbAcau5ZV2FH-ZtavHg
NYT with Barry McCarthy: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/19/business/dealbook/barry-mccarthy-interview-peloton.html
00:00 Jason intros the show, Roach Captial's first fund, and Producer Rachel's interview with the Dive Chat founder01:33 Angel Season 6 - First Time Funds
04:07 Fahd Ananta of Roach Capital's path from founder to PM to VC
06:08 Fahd's Angel investing beginnings in at Shopify
10:20 How Fahd made the transition from Angel investing to raising a fund
13:03 Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
14:11 Using geography (Canada) as a competitive advantage to raise capital as a VC
18:34 How Fahd has differentiates himself to founders
22:15 Embroker - Get an extra 10% off insurance for your business at https://Embroker.com/twist
23:19 Fahd's investing thesis
26:05 Early winners in Fahd's portfolio
32:33 LinkedIn Marketing - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at https://linkedin.com/AngelPod
34:09 Ok Boomer, Producer Rachel talks to John Herrick, the CTO of Dive Chat a new messaging and event app
Check out Roach Cap: https://roachcap.com
FOLLOW Fahd: https://twitter.com/fahdananta
Check out Dive Chat: https://dive.chat/
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Ashley Carman joins Jason & Molly to discuss Spotify's acquisition of podcast ad-tech companies Chartable and Podsights (1:55). Ashley is a senior reporter at The Verge and the lead writer at HotPod. We dig into why she thinks Spotify's main competition is YouTube and how the Big Tech and Big Media podcasting efforts are playing out.
After that, 10 companies pitch Jason and the team in rapid-fire (46:16). These startups went through Founder University, a 12-week course run by the team at Launch.
0:00 Jason and Molly tee up today’s topics: Spotify’s podcasting ambitions with Ashley Carman PLUS 10 founder pitches from Founder University
1:55 Ashley Carman joins to break down the news: Spotify acquires Chartable and Podsights, she also covers what happened to Clubhouse
13:25 Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
14:29 What podcasting loses by going with dynamically inserted ads, building for creators vs. building for established brands, Spotify going after YouTube as the main platform for creators
26:45 Linode - Apply to their Rise program for founder-led, early-stage startups and get 3 years of discounts at https://linode.com/twist.
27:52 Podcast tracking users habits, why Spotify is rejecting open standards, sleeping giants in the podcasting space
37:01 Mercury - Banking built for startups. See more at https://mercury.com/twist
38:26 Reflecting on Lumiary’s big bet to be the HBO of podcasting
46:16 First 5 pitches: Giphting, Chojuu, TaCo, Term Payments, Fix6 PLUS judge feedback
1:02:05 5 Next 5 pitches: Remotespace. SavvyTeam, Gaan, Timewell, Innocuous AI PLUS judge feedback
FOLLOW Ashley: https://twitter.com/ashleyrcarman
Check out Founder University: https://www.founder.university
Companies Pitching: Giphting, Chojuu, TaCo, Term Payments, Fix6, Remotespace, SavvyTeam, Gaan, Timewell, Innocuous AI
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
World-class investor-operator Keith Rabois is back for his eighth time!
But first, Jason breaks down Airbnb’s great Q4 and full-year earnings report (2:42) and how its customer segment is evolving. Then, he briefly covers the SF Board of Education recall (22:58).
When Keith joins (31:27), he and Jason discuss:
1. How he called the top of the tech market in November 2021
2. Keith's 2019 prediction that came true
2. Venture Capital's decaying price discipline
3. Facebook's challenge ahead
4. Six predictions for the market
Notes
0:00 Jason intros today’s topics: $ABNB full year earnings, SF BOE recall, and a Keith Rabois interview
2:42 Jason breaks down Airbnb’s full year results
11:57 Vanta - Get get $1,000 off automating your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
13:14 Jason reflects on Airbnb’s roadmap based on clues from their earnings report
21:42 Gun.io - Get $250 off your first developer hire at https://Gun.io/twist!
22:58 SF Board of Education recall, tech people getting involved in government
29:56 Eight Sleep - Go to https://eightsleep.com/twist to check out the Pod Pro Cover and get $150 off at checkout!
31:27 Keith Rabois joins and talks with Jason about calling the top of the tech market in November
43:27 Reflecting on the absence of pricing discipline in VC and how the FED is running out of tools to combat inflation
53:34 Breaking down Facebook’s precarious situation
1:05:16 6 Market predictions
Check out Founders Fund: https://www.foundersfund.com
FOLLOW Keith: https://twitter.com/rabois
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Catalyzed by a Ryan Breslow viral tweetstorm, we break down the arguments for if companies should loan money to employees to allow them to exercise their stock options early (1:42). Then, we briefly cover Nvidia’s attempted Arm acquisition falling through and what it might mean for the SoftBank-owned chip designer (30:21). Finally, Molly interviews Craig Zingerline from Growth University, a LAUNCH Accelerator founder (38:00)!
(0:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s topics: Bolt CEO strikes again, Nvidia’s failed Arm acquisition, interview with LAUNCH Accelerator Cohort 24 founder Craig Zingerline
(1:42) Jason breaks down employee stock options and how equity works at early-stage startups
(10:29) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(11:27) How has Bolt CEO Ryan Breslow changed equity options for his employees? Is this new model smart or way too risky?
(21:19) RealGoodFoods - Go to https://realgoodfoods.com and use code TWIST for $15 off!
(22:41) VC response to Bolt’s new stock option plan, Jason’s final thoughts
(30:21) Nvidia’s failed acquisition of Arm, is this another SoftBank flop?
(35:21) Teeing up the Craig Zingerline interview
(36:50) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
(38:00) Molly interview current LAUNCH Accelerator portfolio founder Craig Zingerline about his startup Growth University
Check out Growth University: https://growthuniversity.io/
FOLLOW Craig: https://twitter.com/craigzingerline
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Ryan Breslow's Tweet in Question: https://twitter.com/theryanking/status/1493390167461224451
First, we break down the Crypto companies that ran super bowl ads and see how they stack up against the dot-com era ads (1:53). Then, we do an update on Joby aviation now that they are trying to roll out an air taxi service in South Korea (28:03). To wrap, Molly covers the BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) space and the challenges these companies are having as they scale, specifically Affirm's recent earnings (36:49).
(0:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s show… from alternate timelines!
(1:53) Comparing the 2022 influx of Super Bowl crypto ads with the Dot-com Era ads of 2000, right before the crash
(9:29) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist
(10:47) How tech companies think about Super Bowl advertising PLUS Jason breaks down the big four crypto ads: Coinbase, FTX, Crypto.com and eToro
(23:25) Boast - Get your R&D tax credits without the hassle at https://boast.ai/twist
(24:40) Jason’s favorite Super Bowl ad, Sopranos theories
(28:03) JOBY Aviation making waves lately: SK deal, FCC proposal, Air Force contract, record-breaking speed
(35:45) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
(36:49) Molly breaks down the BNPL space and Affirm’s recent troubles
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Jason and Molly begin this double-header Sunday show with a VC Sunday School segment on top-tier VC behavior (01:38). You will learn:
1. How first-tier VCs compare to second-tier VCs
2. When VCs should intervene in a portfolio company
3. The difference between micromanaging and good governance
4. Jason's framework for ensuring alignment: Mission, Plan, Strategy, Tactics
5. Why good Board Members remain calm and positive
Then, Molly is joined by Mike Lin from Dangerous Ventures for a This Week in Climate Startups segment (22:00). You will learn:
1. What Mike learned from working at Makani Power (acquired by Google X)
2. The potential of "muscle-powered" energy and its limits
3. Lessons from the failed Potenco generator & One Laptop Per Child project
4. How Mike got himself fired from Apple for insubordination
5. Why Dangerous Ventures is backing "Dunkirk" climate solutions
Show Notes:
(00:00) Jason and Molly tee up the show, Top VC vs. Second-tier VCs, Mike Lin from Dangerous Ventures
(01:38) The behavior difference between a top tier VC and a second tier VC
(09:23) Where VCs should actually intervene in a portfolio company, micromanaging vs. good governance
(11:47) First Republic Bank - Discover what a long-term financial relationship can do for you. Visit https://firstrepublic.com/startup today to learn more.
(12:50) What needs to be in alignment Mission, Plan, Strategy, Tactics
(14:58) Why good Board Members are calm and positive
(19:30) Jason and Molly intro the This Week in Climate Startups segment
(20:40) Superside - Go to https://superside.com/twist to get $3000 or more in credits when you sign up for an annual subscription
(22:00) Mike Lin from Dangerous Ventures discusses his previous startup experience at Makani Power
(26:09) Can muscle-powered energy come back?
(27:57) Pulling Power from the Sky: The Story of Makani
(30:56) Notion - Go to https://Notion.so and use promo code TWIST to get $250 off its annual team plan
(32:28) Lessons from Mike's time as the founder of Fenix, which was bringing power to low income economies, and the lessons from the failed Potenco generator & One Laptop Per Child project
(36:35) How Fenix rose out of the ashes of his previous startup, Fenix's smart battery
(39:55) Why Mike Lin was fired as an Apple contractor for insubordination
(43:39) Who is going to actually solve the climate crisis?
(46:15) Mike's ambition at Dangerous Ventures and why they are backing "Dunkirk" climate solutions
(53:43) Managing a micro-fund and using SPVs to build initial momentum
Check out Dangerous Ventures: https://www.dangerous.co/
FOLLOW Mike: https://twitter.com/tweetmikelin
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Jason and Molly open the shown discussing Disney’s Q1 Earnings and the 37% increase in Disney+ subscribers (01:51).
Then, Qloo CEO Alex Elias joins to discuss his AI prediction company (21:12). You will learn:
1. How Qloo uses machine learning to understand taste and draw cultural correlations
2. Why Qloo adopted an API business model and is focused on developers
3. Ways businesses and brands are using Qloo to improve customer experience and drive revenue
To wrap, we have an “OK Boomer” segment where Producer Rachel speaks with Zehra Naqvi from Republic (45:21). They disucss Zehra's work at Republic as an investment associate (48:00) and how Zehra developed the Z-list to facilitate intros between startups & VCs (55:21).
(00:00) Jason and Molly open the show, Disney Earnings, Alex Elias from Qloo, Rachel OK Boomer
(01:51) Disney added 34% increase in revenue and 37% increase in Disney plus subscribers
(06:56) Netflix vs. Disney on streaming growth
(10:07) Revelo - Get 20% off the first 3 months by mentioning TWIST at https://revelo.io/twist
(11:37) How different streaming companies cultivate and develop new IP vs. exploit existing IP
(19:42) Assure - To get 20% off your first Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) visit https://Assure.co/twist
(21:12) Alex Elias from Qloo, a company that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to understand taste and draw cultural correlations
(26:48) How Qloo is used by developers to make predictions
(32:06) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
(33:15) Qloo's business model and example use cases with large brands
(40:10) How restaurant groups are using Qloo to determine the right music for their restaurants
(45:21) OK Boomer intro, Rachel speaks with Zehra Naqvi from Republic
(48:00) Zehra's work at Republic as an investment associate
(51:09) The path to being an investment associate
(55:21) How Zehra developed the Z-list to facilitate intros between startups & VCs
Check out Qloo: https://www.qloo.com
FOLLOW Alex: https://twitter.com/ape
FOLLOW Zehra: https://twitter.com/zehranaqvi_
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
In the opening news segment, Molly and Jason break down the news around Peloton's new CEO, Barry McCarthy, including the open letter he sent to the company, his background and principles for success (2:05).
Then, Monique Woodard of Cake Ventures joins for Episode 5 of Season 6 of Angel (32:50). Monique was a founder, startup community leader, VC scout, and VC partner before raising her first fund.
In this episode you will learn:
(0:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s topics: Breaking down Peloton’s new CEO background and leadership style and an amazing interview with Monique Woodard (Cake Ventures)
(2:05 ) Understanding Peloton’s new CEO and the value of its user base
(12:47) LinkedIn - Post your first job for free at https://linkedIn.com/angel
(14:15) Some more fun with numbers, plus breaking down Barry McCarthy’s introduction email to all Peloton employees
(21:43) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
(22:54) Finalizing McCarthy’s “principles of success” list and reflecting on the difficulty of a turnaround
(31:32) Embroker - Get an extra 10% off insurance for your business at https://Embroker.com/twist
(32:50) Introducing Cake Ventures’ Founder & Partner Monique Woodard: Understanding Cake’s thesis on investing in demographic change
(42:20) Fundraising as a founder vs. fundraising as an aspiring fund manager, understanding how different types of LPs invest
(50:58) Check sizes differences from institutional LPs and individual LPs, understanding multiple fund closes
(1:07:18) Managing deal flow as a first-time fund manager, is the industry becoming more welcoming to underrepresented fund managers?
Check out Cake Ventures: https://cake.vc/
FOLLOW Monique: https://twitter.com/MoniqueWoodard
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
We have a great interview with a serial-founder today! But first, Molly and Jason cover one of the craziest stories of the year. A couple has been charged with conspiring to launder ~$3.6B worth of crypto from the 2016 Bitfinex hack. Ilya is a former YC founder and Heather part-time rapper.
Today’s Guest is Peter Reinhardt, the co-founder of Segment, a customer data platform that sold to Twillio for $3.2B. Peter discusses his new company, Charm Industrial, which is focused on carbon capture and removal. You will learn:
1. How they turn agricultural waste and biomass into a high-carbon fuel
2. The carbon-removal benefits of injecting the bio-fuel into old oil wells
3. Why carbon capture is an important piece of getting to Net Zero
4. The potential impact of Charm Industrial if it succeeds (total CO2 tonnage)
5. Why this process differs from more passive ways of carbon offsets
6. How he landed customers like Shopify & Stripe (and why he thinks companies will continue to do this, even without government regulation)
0:00 Jason and Molly tee up today’s topics: a MAJOR crypto scandal and an amazing interview!
2:14 Breaking down the $3.6B Bitcoin seizure federal investigators
13:39 Eight Sleep - Go to https://eightsleep.com/twist to check out the Pod Pro Cover and get $150 off at checkout!
14:56 Explaining how the laundering happened mechanically
18:21 Jason’s prior emails re: the YC founders’ company, jumping to BAYC “doxxing” story
24:25 Vanta - Get get $1,000 off automating your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
25:44 The most amazing part of this story: Razzlekhan the rapper, and Ilya the s***poster; plus Jason and Molly cast the docu-series for this disaster
33:12 Fiverr - Sign up for https://Fiverr.com/Business free for the first year and save 10% on your purchase with promo code JASON
34:34 Crypto brigading, crypto’s impact on the environment
42:00 Charm Industrial’s Peter Reinhardt (formerly of Segment) speaks about Segment selling to Twilio for $3B+
51:38 Charm Industrial’s origin story, understanding industrial de-carbonization and carbon removal
1:05:11 1 TAM for carbon removal companies, breaking down the 4 quadrants of fighting climate change
Check out Charm Industrial: https://www.charmindustrial.com
FOLLOW Peter: https://twitter.com/reinpk
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Molly and Jason cover Peter Thiel stepping down from FB’s board and look back at the board's evolution over time (2:07). Next, we cover Joe Lonsdale’s op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, where he argues AWS should be split off from Amazon (27:41). We debate if valuations would increase if separated. Then, Peloton Founder & CEO John Foley is stepping down as the firm lays off 2800 people (40:30). We debate if they angling for an acquisition or making a turnaround attempt. To wrap, we discuss our startup of the day, Island, which is a browser for enterprise with a big valuation for a pre-product company (50:11).
00:00 Jason and Molly tee up today’s topics
02:07 Peter Thiel is stepping down from Meta’s board after almost 17 years of service
11:48 Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/TWIST
13:12 Thiel maximizing political influence, Marc Andreessen’s shadow advice to Zuckerberg, other $FB board squabbles
24:32 Marlow - Get 15% off your individual or team memberships at https://getmarlow.com/twist.
25:47 Reed Hastings testy email to Peter Thiel in 2016 (while they were both $FB board members)
27:41 Joe Lonsdale’s case for splitting AWS away from Amazon’s retail business
39:08 Indochino - Get $50 off any purchase of $399 or more by using code TWIST at checkout https://indochino.com
40:30 Peloton CEO John Foley steps down as the company lays off ~2800 employees (20% of its corporate workforce)
50:11 Startup of the Day: Island.io — enterprise browsers in the cloud: valuation vs. traction, founder, market, and more
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Molly and Jason catch up on the big news stories from the weekend. First, we talk about the Joe Rogan & Spotify saga (1:51) and size up the odds of Rogan finishing out his contract with Spotify (15:41). Then, we cover Facebook warning about pulling Instagram and Facebook out of Europe due to privacy regulations (29:54). Next, we cover GoFundMe’s decision to pull funding for the “Freedom Convoy” protesters in Canada. We wrap with a discussion of the WSJ's reporting that Amazon is considering acquiring Peloton (57:26).
0:00 Jason and Molly intro today’s topics!
1:51 Daniel Ek’s comments on the newest Joe Rogan controversy: Is Spotify a publisher? Why or why not?
14:26 Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
15:41 Jason predicts the endgame for Joe Rogan and Spotify, Molly and Jason break down the odds of Rogan finishing out his contract with Spotify
27:45 Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist
29:03 Wrapping on Rogan/Spotify
29:54 $FB warns the SEC and shareholders they could pull out of Europe pending new privacy laws, how Meta could win over public sentiment
39:29 Superside - Go to https://superside.com/twist to get $3000 or more in credits when you sign up for an annual subscription
40:51 Meta’s need for a “coalition,” does $FB need new leadership? Plus, Jason fixes Meta’s PR mess
45:52 GoFundMe’s controversial decision re: Canadian truckers “Freedom Convoy”
57:26 Amazon rumored to be looking at a potential Peloton acquisition, Jason takes credit for a hot take
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
John Doerr of Kleiner Perkins joins to discuss his lessons from a career of investing and his new book "Speed & Scale: An Action Plan for Solving Our Climate Crisis Now," alongside his co-author Ryan Panchadsaram.
But first, Jason gives a 10-minute crash course on how to navigate messy cap tables in our latest VC Sunday School segment (1:54).
Then John and Ryan join Molly and Jason for a conversation (15:11). In this episode, you will learn:
1. The six objectives and four accelerants to reach zero emissions by 2050
2. Why Nuclear power is an important part of the plan, but cannot be the only solution
3. The biggest blockers to rapid climate progress and why "the climate crisis is under-hyped"
4. Hard-won lessons from funding solar companies
5. How John assesses founders and develops conviction to invest
6. Indications John saw that Jeff Bezos was an exceptional entrepreneur
7. Where investors should focus to drive the biggest output
(0:00) Jason and Molly intro the show, John Doerr, saving the climate and cap tables
(01:54) VC Sunday School - When is a Cap table too messy?
(07:29) Why VCs want founders to maintain more than 50% equity in the seed round
(10:02) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
(11:08) What are the metrics for a red flag?
(15:11) Interview - John Doerr and Ryan Panchadsaram, on the path to zero emissions
(20:44) Bubble. Get one month free of a no-code plan at https://bubble.io/twist
(22:17) Six objectives to reach zero emissions
(30:22) The four accelerants needed to cut emissions in half by 2030 and hit the target by 2050
(31:28) Revelo - Get 20% off the first 3 months by mentioning TWIST at https://revelo.io/twist
(32:56) Where investors can focus to drive the biggest change, why the time for "individual action has passed" and we need collective action
(35:22) Why Nuclear power is an important part of the plan, but will not be deployed in time
(42:06) Identifying the biggest blockers to rapid progress
(47:37) Lessons from funding solar companies, why they require more capital and more intellectual rigor
(51:32) How Kleiner's early climate investment portfolio performed
(54:40) How Jason came to own the Roadster that KP Partner Ray Lane had ordered
(56:29) How Kleiner invests in Beyond Meat
(58:16) How John assesses founders and develops conviction to invest
(1:03:52) John spending time with Jeff Bezos, how Jeff actually knew how to pull his own revenue numbers with a UNIX grep command
(1:07:49) Why John thinks the Climate Crisis is under-hyped
(1:16:13) Where should investors focus?
Read Speed & Scale: https://speedandscale.com
FOLLOW John: https://twitter.com/johndoerr
FOLLOW Ryan: https://twitter.com/rypan
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First Jason and Molly discuss reports from "The Information" that Jokr is looking to sell its NYC delivery business due to heightened competition (1:51). Next, they cover how Cruise is opening up its driverless vehicles to give rides in San Francisco (11:09).
Then, Gopuff Co-founder and Co-CEO Rafael Ilishayev joins to discuss his rapid delivery business (19:12).
Almost a decade ago, Raf and his co-founder Yakir Gola started one of the fastest-growing commerce businesses while in college. Most recently they raised $1B at a reported $15B valuation in July 2021. In this episode, you will learn:
1. The rationale behind operating a vertically-integrated model
2. How they operate hundreds of micro-fulfillment centers & manage deliveries in 20 minutes
3. Why they acquired BevMo and Liquor Barn to accelerate their alcohol delivery business instead of building it themselves
4. The challenges he sees going forward to operate the business well
5. Why Gopuff launched their own private label called “Basically” and hot food offering called "Gopuff Kitchens"
6. How influencers like Mr. Beast are choosing Gopuff as a key platform to distribute products
Check out Gopuff: https://www.gopuff.com
FOLLOW Raf: https://twitter.com/Rafaelilishayev
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
(00:00) Molly and Jason intro the show
(01:51) The Information reported that Jokr is shopping it's NYC delivery business
(09:57) Masterworks - Skip the waitlist to invest in art using promo code TWIST at https://Masterworks.io
(11:09) We Live in the Future - Cruise Robotaxis open up for SF public in limited quantities
(17:56) Linode - Apply to their Rise program for founder-led, early-stage startups and get 3 years of discounts at https://linode.com/twist.
(19:12) Interview Gopuff Co-CEO Rafael Ilishayev
(31:41) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
(32:54) Gopuff's focus on the SKUs that matter for their customers
(35:10) Can Gopuff operate profitably?
(38:41) Managing Gopuff deliveries
(43:34) Gopuff's pace of expansion
(49:45) Will Gopuff enter the cannabis market?
(50:51) What are Gopuff's potential headwinds?
(53:27) Why Mr. Beast picked Gopuff as a distribution channel
(59:24) How Gopuff picked up talent from the defunct Brandless team to launch their house brand, Basically
(61:59) Gopuff's sustainability measures
In the opening news segment, Molly and Jason break down the numbers behind Facebook's colossal drop in market cap (2:42). Then, they cover a company that seems to be violating music copyrights to sell NFTS (38:14).
Then, Paige Finn of Behind Genius joins for Episode 4 of Season 6 of Angel (49:45). Paige became interested in venture capital during college, but within a year and a half of graduating in 2020 she already has a fund!
In this episode you will learn:
1. How she secured her first allocation before having a fund
2. The steps she took to set up an SPV while being a non-accredited investor
3. How she raised a $1.6m fund
4. Behind Genius' investing thesis and strategy
5. The books that have most influenced her work and writing style
6. Why she wrote a picture book (for adults) called "Seed to Harvest: A Simple Explanation of Venture Capital"
00:00 Jason & Molly introduce the show
02:42 Facebook's painful $220B market cap drawdown
07:32 Is blaming Apple
10:29 LinkedIn - Post your first job for free at https://linkedIn.com/twist
11:37 "This is one of the most hardcore hits I've ever seen in business"
14:11 Would Zuckerberg leaving hurt the company even more?
17:33 Do rebrand's ever really work?
20:08 Embroker - Get an extra 10% off insurance for your business at https://Embroker.com/twist
21:29 Could Facebook have been a successful hardware operator?
25:03 Breaking down the numbers around Meta's future business
30:32 Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
31:51 Is there a solution for Zuckerberg?
36:28 How Jason's divorced friends use Instagram
38:12 NFT site "Hitpiece" accused of trying to sell songs without consulting original artists
49:44 Interview - Paige Finn of Behind Genius
52:02 How Paige learned about VC in 2018
55:28 Behind Genius' investing thesis and strategy
1:00:05 How Paige set up an SPV while being a non-accredited investor
1:10:11 How her book "Seed to Harvest: A Simple Explanation of Venture Capital" helped her gain credibility
1:13:51 Paige's most influential books
1:23:09 Paige's day to day life as an investor
1:33:55 Plugs from the TWIST team
Check out Behind Genius Ventures: https://www.behindgeniusventures.com
FOLLOW Packy: https://twitter.com/paigefinnn
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First, Jason explains how someone copied the All-In podcast, put in ads, and then redirected Google’s podcast player to display it as the real All-In feed (1:44). Then, we break down Google's Q4 and full year earnings for 2021 (18:25). Is Google the best business ever? Then, Jason tells the story of “The Great iPad Troll of 2010” (45:10).
00:00 Jason & Molly intro the show
01:44 How someone hijacked the All-In podcast feed and started serving ads on it
02:18 Funny story about Jason wanting to monetize All-In, and why it's not
03:07 We get sidetracked talking about private jets
07:31 What actually happened with the All-In feed
11:12 Vanta - Get get $1,000 off automating your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
12:31 Fair use and the growing culture of limited credit on the internet
16:28 Jason gets sidetracked talking about Book of Boba Fett
18:07 Thank you to the fans and Google who sorted it all out
18:25 Google's "Bonkers" earnings
20:18 Eight Sleep - Go to https://eightsleep.com/twist to check out the Pod Pro Cover and get $150 off at checkout!
21:35 Google's net income was up 90% year over year
29:46 Gun.io - Get $250 off your first developer hire at https://Gun.io/twist!
31:04 Google's big problem, more money than they know what to do with
45:10 Jason's crazy iPad story from 2010
54:24 A note from the show
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Another big news drop in the gaming space! Jason and Molly discuss Sony is acquiring Bungie for $3.6B (2:36). We break down what this means for Sony, Bungie’s crazy history, and if other big tech giants should look for M&A targets in gaming. Then, we talk about our startup of the day called Metafy which allows pro gamers to do 1-on-1 teaching, online for hourly rates (29:38). Finally we wrap with Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke joining Coinbase’s board (48:33).
(00:00) Jason & Molly tee up the topics, Sony's big acquisition, Metafy
(02:36) Sony is acquiring Bungie for $3.6B & Bungie history
(10:41) Boast - Get your R&D tax credits without the hassle at https://boast.ai/twist
(11:58) Other big tech giants should look for M&A targets in gaming
(19:46) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(21:27) Current console pricing and Big Tech competition
(29:38) Startup of the day - Metafy is company where pro gamers to do 1-on-1 teaching online for hourly rates
(32:07) RealGoodFoods - Go to https://realgoodfoods.com and use code TWIST for $15 off!
(33:39) Breaking down Metafy's raise and investment terms
(42:11) Jason explains how Blayze is another example of pro-coaching for athletic training
(48:33) Shopify CEO Tobi Lutke joining Coinbase’s board
(01:10:11) Learn what's going on at TWIST
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Over the weekend Bolt CEO Ryan Breslow wrote a big thread on why he thinks Y Combinator isn't worth it. We break it down point by point and assess the validity of the claims (7:07). Right before we started recording, news broke that Breslow was leaving the CEO role to assume the executive chairman position, so we cover that too (2:11). Then, we cover Joe Rogan’s expla-nology (explanation/apology) video regarding his COVID-related interviews that have upset many. We react to his response, Spotify's new COVID policy and reflect on the risks to Spotify’s business overall (44:32).
(0:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s topics: Bolt CEO steps down after another spicy thread, Rogan “apologizes” for COVID misinformation
(2:11) Bolt CEO Ryan Breslow stepped down as CEO to executive chair: was it really his decision?
(7:07) Jason and Molly break down Breslow’s thread on YC not being worth it for founders
(15:43) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist
(17:00) Breslow’s YC thread cont.: breaking down Breslow’s five beliefs about YC
(27:53) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
(29:11) YC scaling fundraising and opening access to venture capital to more groups of founders; Breslow’s advice on building a network and fundraising
(36:03) Marlow - Get 15% off your individual or team memberships at https://getmarlow.com/twist.
(37:18) YC alumni have started a blockchain-based DAO called Orange DAO to invest in crypto startups
(44:32) Joe Rogan’s “apology” video and Spotify’s new COVID disclaimer: Molly nails the prediction, has Spotify done a bad job of content moderation so far?
(53:42) Breaking down Joe Rogan’s explanology (explanation/apology) piece by piece
(1:13:17) Jason breaks down the math of Spotify acquiring Joe Rogan for ~$100M and Howard Stern’s similar deal with Sirius XM
Ryan's Thread: https://twitter.com/theryanking/status/1487500943511932941
Joe Rogan's Video: https://www.instagram.com/p/CZYQ_nDJi6G/
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Jason says, "fortunes are made in the down market and collected in the up market." In today's VC Sunday School Jason and Molly discuss how a down market impacts early-stage investors (01:45). You will learn:
1. Risks to VC fundraising when valuations are down
2. If your investing process should vary depending on market conditions
3. How a down market impacts future returns
4. Why founders should have 18 months of runway
5. How founders can turn a down market into an advantage
Then, Molly chats with Emily Kirsch, Managing Partner of Powerhouse Ventures for a This Week in Climate Startups segment (25:53). Emily is a climate investor and they discuss:
1. Why Powerhouse is focused on software
2. Climate change's potential impact on GDP
3. How financial tools enabled the solar revolution
4. Regulations impacting climate investing
5. How different climate tech investors work together
6. The imbalance between climate tech founders and companies
(00:00) Molly and Jason intro the show
(01:45) VC Sunday School: how a down market impacts the early-stage
(05:45) Risks to VC fundraising when valuations are down
(09:37) Should investors standards change depending on market conditions?
(12:24) Bubble. Get one month free of a no-code plan at https://bubble.io/twist
(13:53) How a down market impacts future returns
(18:55) Why founders should have 18 months of runway
(21:21) How founders can turn a down market into an advantage
(23:46) Jason and Molly intro Emily Kirsch
(24:34) Coda - The all-in-one doc for teams, get a $1,000 credit at https://coda.io/twist
(25:53) Emily Kirsch Managing Partner of Powerhouse Ventures
(29:11) Why Powerhouse is focused on software
(34:31) Fellow - Sign up and get $1000 in credits at https://fellow.app/twist
(36:16) Climate change's potential impact on GDP
(37:50) How financial tools enabled the solar revolution
(39:58) Regulations impacting climate investing
(44:17) How different climate tech investors work together
(55:24) The imbalance between climate tech founders and companies
Check out Powerhouse: https://www.powerhouse.fund/ventures
FOLLOW Emily: https://twitter.com/emilykirsch
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Today’s guest is Packy McCormick of Not Boring, for Episode 3 of Season 6 of Angel. Packy turned his massive newsletter into a Not Boring Fund I in 2021, and has since invested $10M into startups. In this episode you will learn:
1. How Packy raised his first fund from his readers.
2. What regulations he needed to navigate to comply with the SEC.
3. Which sectors he invested his first $10M into (in just 6 months) and some of his breakout startups.
4. Why IRR can be hilariously large in the early stages of a small fund.
5. How he manages a syndicate and a venture fund while still doing right by LPs.
As Packy signs off we check in with Producer Rachel who went down to Miami Hack Week and spoke to one of the organizers of Tap House for an "OK Boomer" segment.
(00:00) Molly introduces the show
(01:43) Jason and Molly chat with Packy McCormick
(04:40) Packy's editorial philosophy
(08:06) How Packy used the 506c designation
(10:38) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/angel
(11:41) Using a parallel fund structure
(15:33) How media-first investors can optimize their fund structure
(20:50) LinkedIn Jobs - Go to https://linkedin.com/angel and post your first job for free.
(21:57) Not Boring Fund II goals
(24:42) How responsibilities change as check size increases
(27:45) Managing Venture LPs and a Syndicate simultaneously
(29:08) Embroker - Get an extra 10% off insurance for your business at https://Embroker.com/twist
(30:25) Does it matter what time you enter the market as a VC?
(37:04) IRR (internal rate of return) versus and multiple on cash
(46:25) Packy's weekly cadence for investing and writing
(51:39) OK Boomer - Rachel Reporting from Miami Hack Week
Check out Not Boring: https://www.notboring.co
FOLLOW Packy: https://twitter.com/packym
FOLLOW Rachel: https://twitter.com/_@rachelbraun
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Alex Wilhelm from TechCrunch joins Molly and Jason for a full episode. First, they breakdown Tesla's Q4 2021 earnings including its consistently increasing Model 3 production, profitability and charger network growth (3:08). Next up, they discuss why Alex thinks the IPO window is closed for most startups. We wrap with a review of some of 2022's most anticipated IPOs including Discord, Reddit, Stripe, Impossible Foods, Chime and Instacart (24:45).
(00:00) Jason & Molly intro the show
(01:49) Welcoming Alex to the pod
(03:08) Tesla's Q4 2021 earnings
(08:45) Eight Sleep - Go to https://eightsleep.com/twist to check out the Pod Pro Cover and get $150 off at checkout!
(10:14) Tesla's growing supercharger network
(14:34) Comparing valuations and EV offerings of automakers
(19:56) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
(20:59) Long distance road trips in EVs
(24:45) Is the IPO window closed?
(30:41) Assure - To get 20% off your first Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) visit https://Assure.co/twist
(32:19) Do public market investors have the ability to stomach speculative companies?
(36:09) Stripe - Potential 2022 IPO
(40:49) Discord - Potential 2022 IPO
(47:46) Reddit - Potential 2022 IPO
(57:33) "Yes, No, IPO" Impossible foods, Instacart, Chime, Gopuff
FOLLOW Alex: https://twitter.com/alex
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
We break down Microsoft’s amazing earnings (quarterly revenue is up $10B year-over-year) and assess if Satya Nadella is the greatest big tech CEO right now (2:32). Then, we follow-up on the Stripe Mafia thread yesterday from the Bolt CEO (20:59) and we talk about Neil Young asking to have his music removed from Spotify over Joe Rogan’s COVID conversations, which prompted a discussion of Spotify’s new headache is it a publisher or a platform (37:40)? And, we talk about Scratchpad raising $33M, which led to Jason's request for new types of startups: beautiful interfaces for giant clunky products.
00:00 Jason and Molly intro the show
02:32 Microsoft’s amazing earnings
09:29 Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
10:04 Is Satya Nadella the greatest big tech CEO
19:01 Notion - Go to https://Notion.so and use promo code TWIST to get $250 off its annual team plan
20:59 Bolt vs. Stripe VC Twitter beef continued
30:07 Vanta - Get get $1,000 off automating your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
31:27 The best jokes from Bolt & Stripe
37:40 Neil Young petitioned Spotify to remove his music over Joe Rogan’s COVID conversations
43:16 Is Spotify a publisher or a platform?
1:04:39 Scratchpad, a slick Salesforce front-end raises $33M
1:06:23 Request for new types of startups: beautiful interfaces for giant crappy products
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
In this all news show Jason and Molly talk about Jason's strategy for meeting with founders (1:48) and we talk about monetization for creators on TikTok and how payouts compare to YouTube (6:48). Then we look at the post where Bolt Founder Ryan Breslow accused Stripe and YC of being Silicon Valley mob bosses (31:41). Our startup of the day is Culdesac, which is building a walkable community in Arizona (45:42). To wrap, we cover Anduril’s $1B Department of Defense contract for counter-drone tech, their largest contract to date (58:55).
00:00 Jason and Molly intro the all news show
01:48 Jason's strategy during founder meetings
06:48 Why creators aren't happy with payouts from the TikTok creator fund
10:10 Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/TWIST
11:55 How creator earnings compare between TikTok and YouTube
20:43 Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
21:52 Jason's hot take on TikTok
24:00 How creators can take advantage of platforms
30:30 Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist
31:41 How Bolt’s Founder accused Stripe and YC of being Silicon Valley mob bosses.
45:42 Startup of the day - Culdesac
53:13 Anduril’s $1B Dept of Defense Contract for counter-drone tech
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Due to the volatility in the market, Jason and Molly review the fundamentals of Block, Zoom, Netflix, Coinbase, and AirBnB and compare this correction with the Dot-com crash (2:11). They discuss investing in a downturn, the difference between private and public investors, speculative businesses vs. strong fundamentals and more! To wrap, we cover activist investor Blackwells Capital calling for the Peloton Board to terminate CEO John Foley and consider a sale (57:10).
(00:00) Jason and Molly intro the show
(02:11) Breaking down the fundamentals of Block
(09:57) Marketerhire - Get $500 off your first hire at https://MarketerHire.com/twist
(11:28) The difference between private and public investors
(12:18) Breaking down Zoom & Netflix
(20:20) Superside - Go to https://superside.com/twist to get $3000 or more in credits when you sign up for an annual subscription
(21:38) Breaking down Coinbase and AirBnB
(32:38) FanDuel Sportsbook - Sign up with promo code TWIST to place a special $1000 risk-free bet at https://fanduel.com
(34:24) Breaking down AirBnB
(38:12) Is crypto really an uncorrelated asset? Fundamentals vs. speculation
(46:46) Comparing this correction with the Dot-com crash
(51:43 )Are we at peak SPAC?
(57:10) Blackwells Capital calling for the Peloton Board to terminate CEO John Foley and consider a sale
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
First, Jason teaches Sunday VC School: how investors work together (01:54). In this segment you will learn.:
Then, Molly chats with Ramez Naam from Prime Movers Lab in a This Week in Climate Startups segment (35:10). They discuss the declining costs of renewable energy, making the choice between advancing existing technologies and inventing new ones, how science fiction can make you a better investor and more.
(00:00) Jason and Molly introduce the show
(01:54) Sunday VC School - how investors work together
(06:53) How collaboration varies across investing stages
(08:43) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
(09:49) Why seeing other late stage investors be passive in a deal is a warning sign
(11:20) How raising from more investors can be actually be easier than raising from a few
(15:44) Lead investor responsibilities
(20:09) Fellow - Sign up and get $1000 in credits at https://fellow.app/twist
(21:38) How VCs can win over founders
(26:44) Do VCs get offended by what order they get into a startup?
(29:16) Will investors still invest if the founder picked another VCs term sheet?
(31:33) Molly and Jason introduce the next segment
(33:25) Revelo - Get 20% off the first 3 months by mentioning TWIST at https://revelo.io/twist
(35:10) This Week in Climate Startups - Ramez Naam
(37:55) Advancing existing technologies vs. inventing new ones
(42:19) Early stage climate investing
(46:43) The declining costs of renewable energy
(52:52) Confronting climate tech skeptics
(57:06) How writing science fiction impacts Ramez's investing
Check out Prime Movers Lab: https://www.primemoverslab.com/
FOLLOW Ramez: https://twitter.com/ramez
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First, Jason and Molly chat with on the top Apple reporters, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, about Apple's AR headset (2:02). They talk about Apple's strategy, timeline, competitive strengths and more. Then our Producer Rachel chats with Campbell Baron, a 19-year old who sold his TikTok to Workweek, a new startup-focused media company (1:00:25). Campbell created business content and accumulated millions of views before he turned 18! In the interim, the producers Jason & Molly have a chat about what they are working on, lessons from their early careers and more (35:25).
00:00 Jason & Molly introduce the show
02:02 Bloomberg News' Mark Gurman joins to discuss Apple's headset
06:37 Will Apple enter AR at the expense of iPhone sales?
11:48 Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
12:58 The next major platform battle
17:37 Expected initial target market for an Apple headset & design cues
21:41 Eight Sleep - Go to https://eightsleep.com/twist to check out the Pod Pro Cover and get $150 off at checkout!
23:11 Expected screen resolution and other features
26:37 Forecasting who will be in the lead in 10 years
33:39 OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
35:25 Fun banter with Jason, Molly & the This Week in Startups producers
1:00:25 Producer Rachel introduces Campbell Baron
1:08:48 How Campbell sold his TikTok account
1:17:31 Building in public vs. private
1:24:52 Gen Z's way of networking
FOLLOW Mark: https://twitter.com/campbelljbaron
FOLLOW Campbell: https://twitter.com/campbelljbaron
FOLLOW Rachel: https://twitter.com/_rachelbraun
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
David Friedberg joins to discuss The Production Board's latest company, Cana, which is making, the world's first molecular beverage printer. But first Jason and Molly break down some news. Google is reportedly working on an AR headset (2:15) and Peloton trying to improve their bottom line by raising prices and reportedly halting production and trimming headcount (18:54).
Then, David joins to chat about how his company Cana could totally remake the beverage industry with a device reminiscent of Star Trek's Replicator (36:57). You will learn:
1. How humans perceive taste.
2. How The Production Board incubates deep tech companies and evaluates if science is ready to be commercialized.
3. The way the Cana device will be able to recreate any beverage on demand.
4. Which types of beverages will be practical first.
Check out Cana: https://www.cana.com/vision
(00:00) Jason and Molly intro the show
(02:15) Google is building an AR headset
(10:19) Linode - Apply to their Rise program for founder-led, early-stage startups and get 3 years of discounts at https://linode.com/twist.
(11:33) The killer app for VR Goggles
(13:30) Over-under on when tech-savvy will use a headset daily
(18:55) Peloton's stock is down massively
(22:45) RealGoodFoods - Go to https://realgoodfoods.com and use code TWIST for $15 off!
(24:15) Peloton's cost cutting measures
(30:34) Jason's product requests for Peloton
(33:18) Molly and Jason discuss David Friedberg's new company
(35:53) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
(36:57) Interview - David Friedberg brings his company out of stealth
(38:05) Impacts of the All-In podcast on Friedberg's business
(42:09) The Production Board history and structure
(45:51) How The Production Board evaluates its projects
(49:05) The inefficiency of how humans make and consume products
(51:55) The story of Cana
(57:16) What beverages are easiest to print molecularly
(1:00:00) How the machine uses 80 flavor compounds
(1:02:13) Celebrity beverages, form factor and timeline
(1:07:42) Cana's R&D cycle
(1:13:57) The vision for the company
First Jason and Molly cover how 5G rollouts are causing problem with airlines (2:03) and Lina Khan’s remarks on reworking antitrust regulation to not only consider deals inflicting consumer harm, but those lessening competition (10:10).
Then, David Rosenthal for Season 6 Episode 2 of Angel (29:00)
- David’s been a VC for a while, but he just launched a new $2.8M fund part-time with Nat Manning
- We get into why his small fund size is actually so significant and represents new possibilities in venture
- How he uses his podcast and community to get dealflow
- What he thinks you need before starting your own VC fund
(00:00) Jason intros the show
(02:03) Verizon and AT&T are running into 5G rollout challenges with airlines and the FAA
(08:57) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/angel
(10:10) Lina Khan's new view on antitrust
(18:51) Embroker - Get an extra 10% off insurance for your business at https://Embroker.com/twist
(20:10) Revisiting the $MSFT - $ATVI acquisition through the lens of "game share"
(22:07) Lina Kahn is considering expanding the view of antitrust for its impact on labor
(27:28) LinkedIn Marketing - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at https://linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups
(29:00) Welcoming David Rosenthal to the show
(31:57) Size & mandate of David Rosenthal's new fund, Kindergarten Ventures
(34:47) How the Acquired community fuels David's investing
(38:37) Can you start a fund without brand?
(41:06) How to navigate pro-rata as a small fund?
(42:40) Using SPVs to lead follow-on investing
(44:18) How a part-time investing is Kindergarten's secret weapon
(47:02) Choosing 506 C vs. traditional fund structure
(52:59) Raising Kindergarten VC
(54:48) "AWS" options for venture funds
(55:45) Why a $2.8M venture fund is finally possible
(1:02:31) Investing with a fund vs. being an angel
(1:05:45) David's take of the crypto ecosystem and how he evaluates crypto deals
(1:10:14) What aspect of investing has been the most difficult to learn?
(1:15:34) Best way to pitch David
FOLLOW David: https://twitter.com/djrosent
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Microsoft has announced its intention to make the largest tech acquisition ever by buying Activision-Blizzard for ~$75B ($68.7 when you net out Activision's cash). This is Microsoft's 3rd major gaming acquisition as it attempts to build the “Netflix for Gaming" with its Game Pass service.
We cover the details of the deal: what the combined company will look like, how this fits into Microsoft's metaverse strategy, Microsoft's commitment to change the Activision-Blizzard culture, the $3B “breakup fee” that Activision is on the hook for if deal falls through, the potential challenge from the FTC and more!
(00:00) Jason & Molly introduce the show
(01:48) The terms of the Activision-Blizzard acquisition
(03:17) Satya Nadella's Metaverse strategy
(04:52) Microsoft's growing gaming universe and subscription offering
(07:05) Key titles across Activision-Blizzard's gaming units
(08:34) Vanta - Get get $1,000 off automating your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
(09:56) Game Pass metrics
(10:44) Activision Blizzard's recent history of sexual harassment scandals
(11:40) Will the FTC allow the acquisition to go through?
(13:41) The unique $3B breakup fee that was worked into this deal
(15:45) Why the breakup fee may be linked to the harassment investigations
(17:55) Dataiku - Create transparent, repeatable, and scalable AI and analytics programs. Visit https://dataiku.com to learn more.
(18:53) Why Jason doesn't think this deal will be struck down for antitrust
(21:45) How Lena Khan may approach this differently than previous FTC chairs
(22:45) Could regulation sabotage American competitiveness?
(26:52) Should American companies be prized if they are actively avoiding taxes?
(28:42) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
(29:45) Molly and Jason play "Armchair Corporate Development"
(37:54) Jason and Molly take an audience question - Can there be another Google?
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Frank is the Chairman & CEO of Snowflake, a data warehousing company he joined and rapidly accelerated in 2019. Frank led Snowflake to the largest software IPO in history (his third massive IPO as CEO). Previously, he grew Data Domain from $0 in revenue in 2003 to a ~$776M IPO in 2007 and then grew ServiceNow to a $22B market cap. In this episode you will learn the principles Frank uses to achieve outlier outcomes.
Show Notes:
(00:00) Jason intros the interview
(01:44) Why Frank decided to write the book (order here: https://ampitupbook.com/)
(05:30) Why "all great products start with great architecture"
(09:49) Intellectual honesty is integral to diagnosing problems
(11:38) Marketerhire - Get $500 off your first hire at https://MarketerHire.com/twist
(13:09) Taking over and increasing the talent density on a team
(15:54) Why most organizations avoid confronting and correcting mistakes
(23:23) Fellow - Sign up and get $1000 in credits at https://fellow.app/twist
(24:50) Managing intensity
(25:39) How hiring top talent leads to victory (the definition of victory is breaking the enemy's will to fight)
(28:19) Relationships and reputations are defined in the hard times by taking ownership
(31:47) Taking risks is essential to success in business
(32:53) Keep high standards, people pitching need to be bursting with excitement
(35:42) FanDuel Sportsbook - Sign up with promo code TWIST to place a special $1000 risk-free bet at https://fanduel.com
(37:32) Drivers vs. passengers, getting the right people on the bus
(40:38) Organizations should be governed on influence, people need to go direct
(43:30) Why Frank is still optimistic about America and entrepreneurship
(48:39) Things cannot be all about you as CEO, the organization needs to be empowered to be accountable
(51:22) The difference between people that start things and the people that run things
(54:17) Intellectual honesty is the bedrock of being a great operator
(57:37) Increasing velocity by narrowing scope
(1:00:55) Being mission-driven by "Starting with Why"
(1:02:34) Most people don't lean in enough when managing the growth model of the business
(1:06:57) Setting big goals
(1:07:53) Ubiquitous win-win deals are not possible
Buy Amp It Up: Leading for Hypergrowth by Raising Expectations, Increasing Urgency, and Elevating Intensity: https://ampitupbook.com/
FOLLOW Frank: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankslootman/
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First, Jason covers the how Signal messages led to the Oath Keeper sedition indictments (1:47) and how Google, Facebook, Reddit, and Twitter are being subpoenaed by the House committee investigating Jan 6th, 2021 (15:32). Then Producer Rachel has an "OK Boomer" segment where she talks with Alex Masmej a French entrepreneur about his experience raising $20K from selling a personal token, $ALEX (27:10).
(00:00) Jason intros the show
(01:47) The FBI arrested 11 members of the Oath Keepers on sedition charges
(09:25) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
(10:49) Jason's take on Jan 6th
(15:32) House Committee subpoenas YouTube, Meta, Reddit and Twitter
(19:59) Indochino - Get $50 off any purchase of $399 or more by using code TWIST at checkout https://indochino.com
(21:49) Jason introduces the OK Boomer Segment
(24:46) Interested in building a startup? Enroll at https://course.founder.university
(27:10) Rachel chats with Alex Masmej
(29:43) Bubble. Get one month free of a no-code plan at https://bubble.io/twist
(31:18) How Alex launched his social token
(35:32) How Alex shares his financial information with his token holders
(46:02) The future of NFTs
FOLLOW Alex: https://twitter.com/AlexMasmej
FOLLOW Rachel: https://twitter.com/_rachelbraun
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First Jason covers the recent college enrollment decline (1:23) and lay out his alternative (9:56). Then Zach Coelius joins for an Ask an Angel session, where they answer 12 audience questions about investing and startups (20:37).
(00:00) Jason intros the show
(01:23) There are 1 million fewer college students in the U.S. compared to pre-pandemic levels
(08:57) Dataiku - Create transparent, repeatable, and scalable AI and analytics programs. Visit https://dataiku.com to learn more.
(09:56) Jason's college alternative
(17:51) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist
(19:03) Ask an Angel welcoming Zach Coelius to the show
(20:37) What is the definition of an outlier success in VC?
(29:56) Are investors okay with founders that use no-code software like Bubble as an MVP?
(32:43) Fiverr - Sign up for https://Fiverr.com/Business free for the first year and save 10% on your purchase with promo code JASON
(34:16) How does a seasoned investor deal with a founder who is headed in the wrong direction?
(39:49) Common pitch failures?
(43:23) When should you go for top line versus bottom line?
(49:14) Would VC funds do better with individuals instead of institutions?
(53:31) What industries Zach and Jason would like to see disrupted
(1:03:03) How much of an impact does bad reputation have on investing?
(1:04:22) What makes a good Board Meeting?
(1:08:02) As a VC, is it better to stay off the board from a liability standpoint?
(1:10:55) What is too expensive at the seed stage?
Check out Coelius Capital: https://coelius.vc/
FOLLOW Zach: https://twitter.com/zachcoelius
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First we talk about how the top streaming platforms projected to spend $140B on content in 2022 (2:18) and Elizabeth Warren’s bad take on grocery stores. Then Mac Conwell "Mac the VC" joins the show as the first guest for Angel Season 6 (49:29) to share his story and how he invests.
(00:00) Jason and Molly intro the show
(02:18) HBO to spend $18B on streaming in 2022, how does it stack up?
(10:39) Embroker - Get an extra 10% off insurance for your business at https://Embroker.com/twist
(11:58) Streaming history and Disney's massive growth
(20:52) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
(22:09) Elizabeth Warren's attack on big grocery
(31:450 Thinking about who might be a good fit on the TWIST team
(36:13) Intro to Angel S6
(37:10) LinkedIn Jobs - Go to https://linkedIn.com/angel and post your first job for free.
(38:40) Interview Mac the VC
(49:29) How Mac went about raising his fund
(58:49) Why Rolling Fund's aren't always LP friendly
(1:04:07) The unfortunate catalysts for Mac's venture career
(1:13:45) Investor update best practices
(1:18:07) Founder-investor match
(1:20:30) Responding to a provocative tweet
Check out RareBreed: https://www.rarebreed.vc/
FOLLOW Mac: https://twitter.com/MacConwell
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
First Jason and Molly discuss YC's new $500K deal for startups and what that means for founders and early stage investors (1:53). They also dig into car-sharing app Turo's S-1 (25:32). Then Redfin Co-founder and current Deep Sentinel CEO Dave Selinger joins to discuss how his company blends human monitors and AI-enabled cameras to deliver an unmatched security camera experience (38:25).
(00:00) Jason & Molly intro the show
(01:53) Y Combinator's new $500K deal
(09:41) Eight Sleep - Go to https://eightsleep.com/twist to check out the Pod Pro Cover and get $150 off at checkout!
(11:14) Early-stage startup investing strategy
(19:46) How does YC's move impact the startup landscape
(22:57) Is an IPO an Exit?
(24:15) Vanta - Get get $1,000 off automating your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist
(25:32) Turo S-1 breakdown
(36:56) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
(38:25) Interview - Deep Sentinel Founder & CEO Dave Selinger
(44:52) Deep Sentinel in action
(54:24) The power of finding your ideal customer
(1:01:33) Potential new features and Deep Sentinel product roadmap
(1:07:53) Jason's Deep Sentinel experience
(1:15:33) Deep Sentinel semi-supervised learning inspired by Tesla
Check out Deep Sentinel: https://www.deepsentinel.com
FOLLOW Dave: https://twitter.com/daveselinger
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
We cover the tech stock pullback (1:34), discuss the impact of the SEC exploring more restrictions and disclosures for late stage private companies (12:00) and share details about Apple’s mixed reality headset are leaking (37:07). We wrap with a new segment... over/under(45:11)!
00:00 Molly intros the show
01:34 Tech stock pullback amid rate-hike concerns
10:48 Marketerhire - Get $500 off your first hire at https://MarketerHire.com/twist
12:00 The SEC in considering increasing private investing regualtion
21:17 FanDuel Sportsbook - Sign up with promo code TWIST to place a special $1000 risk-free bet at https://fanduel.com
23:02 What is the end game for accredited investor regulations?
35:32 Fellow - Sign up and get $1000 in credits at https://fellow.app/twist
37:07 Apple VR Headset
45:11 Over/under for when Tim Cook retires
51:34 Over/under for when VR is set replace iPhone
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Welcome to our new Sunday show. Each episode will have two segments, Sunday VC School and Climate startups. First, Jason and Molly discuss early-stage investing including, Jason's valuation vs. traction matrix (1:44) and developing a BS detector (23:03). Then Jason introduces Molly's new climate segment (27:15) and then Molly interviews New Energy Nexus CEO Danny Kennedy (33:38). They discuss what Danny looks for in clean energy investments(37:03) and more!
Valuation vs. Traction Matrix: https://calacanis.com/2019/03/30/the-valuation-vs-traction-matrix
(00:00) Jason intros the show
(01:44) Sunday VC School - Assessing a minimum viable product
(04:24) Valuation vs. Traction Matrix - https://calacanis.com/2019/03/30/the-valuation-vs-traction-matrix
(12:04) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist
(13:17) Getting a good price for a reasonable traction
(21:39) Superside - Go to https://superside.com/twist to get $3000 or more in credits when you sign up for an annual subscription
(23:03) Why VCs need to trust their BS detector
(27:15) Jason and Molly introduce Molly's new climate segment
(31:40) Notion - Go to https://Notion.so and use promo code TWIST to get $250 off its annual team plan
(33:38) Molly interviews Danny Kennedy, New Energy Nexus CEO
(37:03) What Danny looks for in clean energy investments
(44:13) What holds people back from investing in climate tech startups
(55:46) Hardware vs. software for climate investing
Check out New Energy Nexus: https://www.newenergynexus.com
FOLLOW Danny: https://twitter.com/dannyksfun
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Jason and Molly cover how 15% of the world’s bitcoin mining network going down when Kazakhstan’s internet was shut off (3:11) and Chainalysis' scam report (12:32). Then they do a "We Live in the Future" segment about AI created actors (16:49) and “Memes of the Week” review of Marc Andreessen's tweets (25:32). Finally, Producer Rachel wraps with an "OK Boomer" interview with YouTube creator and software engineer Ben Awad (38:43).
(00:00) Jason and Molly intro the show
(01:15) A special welcome video for Molly
(03:11) Kazakhstan crypto
(10:42) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(12:32) Chainalysis 2021 Crypto Crime Report
(16:49) WLITF Synthesia replacing cameras with code
(21:06) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at https://ourcrowd.com/twist
(22:26) Possibilities for AI deepfakes
(25:32) Memes of the Week - Marc Andreessen
(34:18) OK Boomer - Producer Rachel introduces the guest
(37:12) Revelo - Get 20% off the first 3 months by mentioning TWIST at https://revelo.io/twist
(38:43) Ben Awad Gen Z Programming Mentor
FOLLOW Ben: https://twitter.com/benawad
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
00:00 Jason & Molly intro the show
02:25 GETTR get a bump in downloads after Joe Rogan joins
09:55 Dataiku - Create transparent, repeatable, and scalable AI and analytics programs. Visit https://dataiku.com to learn more.
11:00 The darker side of community on the internet
15:54 Jason's take on decentralized social media
18:38 Eight Sleep - Go to https://eightsleep.com/twist to check out the Pod Pro Cover and get $150 off at checkout!
20:11 The challenges of content moderation on social media
21:13 NYT reportedly buying The Athletic for $550M
30:30 Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/TWIST
32:15 Interview - Jeff "Jiho" Zirlin from Axie Infinity
40:11 How "play to earn" games actually work
53:33 How do balance stakeholders in the in-game economy
58:05 Renting Axies and how "guilds" work
1:03:42 Buying digital land
Check out Axie Infinity: https://www.axieinfinity.com
FOLLOW Jiho: https://twitter.com/jihoz_axie
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
In this all news show, Jason and Molly cover Toyota & Volkswagen committing a combined $170B to take on Tesla’s EV dominance (2:30), NFT platform OpenSea raising a $300M Series C at a $13.3B valuation (20:08), China’s tight grip on tech causing job loss and accelerating company closure (44:50), and how Ben Smith from the NYT is teaming up with Bloomberg Media’s CEO to launch a new media company (56:52).
(00:00) Molly tees up the show
(02:30) Toyota and Volkswagen pledge $170B to compete with Tesla
(09:16) RealGoodFoods - Go to https://realgoodfoods.com and use code TWIST for $15 off!
(10:49) Power of Tesla’s supercharging network, why Apple should have bought Tesla
(18:55) Marlow - Get 15% off your individual or team memberships at https://getmarlow.com/twist.
(20:08) OpenSea just raised $300M at a $13.3B valuation
(36:03) Linode - Apply to their Rise program for founder-led, early-stage startups and get 3 years of discounts at https://linode.com/twist.
(37:18) Jason teases his first NFT purchase
(44:50) China’s tech crackdown is causing issues
(56:52) Former CEO of Bloomberg Media is starting a new stealth media company
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood
Jason and Molly cover Theranos' Elizabeth Holmes guilty verdict (1:47), how even socialists have admitted that Amazon is the best place many people have ever worked (40:08). To wrap they dig into Biden’s new sanctions against China the implications from decoupling our economies (56:16).
(00:00) Jason intros the show
(01:47) Elizabeth Holmes Theranos fraud trial verdict
(09:36) Vanta - Get get $1,000 off automating your SOC 2 at vanta.com/twist
(10:53) How VCs vet charlatan founders
(17:33) Female CEOs in tech
(21:12) Masterworks - Skip the waitlist to invest in art using promo code TWIST at Masterworks.io/twist
(22:25) Are Female founders held to a higher standard by the media?
(31:17) Ourcrowd - Check out the deal of the week at ourcrowd.com/twist
(32:34) Funny Holmes impressions
(40:08) Socialist podcast "This Machine Kills" admits Amazon has been the best place many people have worked
(56:16) President Biden's sanctions on China and the impact on tech
FOLLOW Jason: linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: twitter.com/mollywood
Jason and Molly cover how QuickCommerce startup JOKR lost $159 per order in the US in August (1:54), the state of startup valuations (25:57), Jason's case of COVID & the state of testing (32:00), OpenSea freezing over $2M worth of stolen NFTs (52:28) and they wrap with quick recap of the latest chapter of Web 3 Twitter beef featuring AirBnB CEO Brian Chesky and Box Founder Aaron Levie (58:24).
Jason hosts "The 2021 TWISTY Awards" where we give out 10 awards for top podcast moments from this year including: the most surprisingly awesome guest (02:17), best chemistry (04:48), best live moment (23:43), most awkward moment (28:51), funniest moment (36:51), best guest (45:19) and more! At the end he has a short "after-party" discussion with producers (50:58). Thank you for listening, this is our last planned episode of 2021.
Jason is joined by This Week in Startups' new co-host Molly Wood for a news show. First they cover why Molly joined the TWiST team (1:24), then they dig into the Web3 wars erupting on Twitter (24:00) and break down Rivian's Q3 earnings (51:45).
Producer's note: this is our only podcast this week
Praying for Exits, the top meme account in Venture Capital joins to discuss being a pseudonymous commentator (01:13), why VCs spend too much time brand building (12:37), entitlement in tech (23:47), assessing founders and companies qualitatively and quantitatively (35:46), crazy VC stories (52:10) plus so much more!
First Jason covers Melania Trump launching an NFT series (02:27) and Reddit just filing to go public(13:10). Then, Twitter's Tony Haile joins (24:14) to talk about selling his startup Scroll to Twitter, helping lead Twitter's product team (37:07), Twitter's roadmap and more.
First Jason covers the Mayo clinic's promising new signs for mRNA cancer treatment (02:02), Google's firm vaccine policy (07:41) and the Better.com CEO stepping away after last week's meltdown (16:39). Then, Jason brings on three founders he has invested in and chats with them about their company: SupporTrends co-founder Oliver Rowen on customer insights (25:23), Wearwell co-founder and CEO Erin Houston on sustainable fashion (37:11), and PaidBack co-founder Amber Masters on budgeting and paying off debt (50:15).
All news show! First Jason gives an Elizabeth Holmes trial update and reveals the key point the prosecution missed (2:12). Then he covers, Nike acquires an NFT company (14:17), $USDT becoming an official currency of a shadow government in Myanmar (31:55), how “The Hangover” director Todd Phillips made $150M on the trilogy (36:58) and the Japanese billionaire who delivered UberEats to the international space station (44:55).
First, Jason breaks down the math of why Peloton might be undervalued (3:23). Then, the founder and CEO Rad Power Bikes Mike Radenbaugh joins to discuss building a massive ebike company (15:36), the most innovative features, ebike regulation and cites. Then, *spoiler alert* Jason gives his top takeaways from the Succession season three finale recap (01:05:58) and Producer Nick pitches a storyline to work Jason into season four. At the end of the show Jason and Nick discuss the strategy and behind the scenes of producing All-in (01:32:20).
First, Jason plays "Guess the Fake Startup" (1:30). Then, Jason interviews four founders he invested in (12:50):
David Park from Jenni.ai about computer copywriting assistants (18:08), Samuel Spitz from Wearloom on aggregating the resale marketplace shopping experience (28:11), Sudhama Bhatia from Track about his premium calendar client (40:35) and Marie Ng from Llama Life on building a time-based productivity tool (51:05). To wrap up the show, we have an "OK Boomer" segment where Producer Rachel talks with Gen Z marketer Erifili Gounari (01:13:25)
First, Jason covers the recent crypto hearings (1:25), then offers a brief potential NFT solution for Adele's ticket scalper problem (16:06). After the news, Jason closes out the 100-point Startup Checklist with ten tips for founders including, lean management (23:19), constant product engagement (43:51), monthly updates (46:30) and more!
All news today. Jason recaps his Art Basel experience (1:55), meeting Beeple, being ultra candid with the JUUL CEO (6:58) and interviewing Cathie Wood & Tiffany Zhong about crypto at 500 Global's Pre-Money conference (17:23). Then, he breaks down the Better.com CEO's 900-person layoff over Zoom (31:36).
Forbes Article mentioned:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/kerryadolan/2021/12/03/investor-cathie-wood-on-bitcoin-why-she-sold-stocks-in-china-and-what-her-firm-is-buying-now/
Geoff Lewis is a Co-Founder and Managing Director at Bedrock Capital. He joins to discuss lessons from entrepreneurship (1:25), why "vibe" is the critical way he assesses founders (11:44), his investment in Praxis, a city-state building company (23:15), his unique answer to the contrarian question (31:17), defense tech, AI and much more.
Crypto is reaching the mainstream, which has major implications for crypto and traditional startups alike. Kruze Consulting COO Scott Orn joins to discuss what regulation and taxes actually apply to crypto (3:17), recent improvements in crypto accounting infrastructure (8:24), appropriately documenting crypto holdings (21:25) and more! With crypto market capitalizations rivaling large cap tech companies, the IRS wants its due. This is a great crash course for properly documenting crypto and avoiding future fines.
First, Jason covers Square's corporate renaming to Block to reflect their broader ambitions (2:11), breaks down the genius of Spotify wrapped (13:15), and gives a nod to Grab's public debut (16:41). Then, Jason is joined by 3 founders who went through the Launch Accelerator, to extract the lessons from the early days of running a company. First is Paul Bloch of Fathom, an AI-enabled podcast search platform (23:03), then Zach Hudson of Deft, a E-commerce search engine (41:58) and finally Liam Gerada of Krepling, a no-code e-commerce platform (54:19).
David and Ben from Acquired.FM join Jason to talk about their favorite podcast moments from 2021 (1:29), valuations across startups & crypto (35:50), top content recommendations (1:10:00) and so much more!
First, Jason covers Twitter's confusing major new privacy policy revision (1:54), reacts to a 1995 clip of Bill Gates talking about the internet on Letterman (12:36). Then, in episode 9 of the Startup Checklist, Jason explains how to raise capital from venture investors (16:47). This includes: finding investors and evaluating if they are the right fit (29:35), nailing cold emails (35:33), pitching your startup, sending investor (47:42) updates and more.
First, Jason sums up Jack Dorsey's departure from Twitter's CEO role (1:41). Then he breaks down the stats from Mr. Beast's latest YouTube video (11:05). After the news, Haus CEO and Co-Founder Helena Price Hambrecht joins (16:53) to discuss her DTC alcohol brand, changing habits of American drinkers and more.
Kruze Consulting COO Scott Orn shares the seven tasks founders need to complete before years end. Jason and Scott discuss efficiently navigating compliance and tax deadlines, taking advantage of tax incentives for VC-backed startups, financial planning and more.
First Jason covers Zoom's Q3 earnings and reflects on broader tech valuations (01:53). Then, Jason does a Startup Checklist episode on how to get your startup ready for an investment (16:10). The episode covers the basics like making sure you have the right structure (18:06), the ways you can fundraise (39:33) and more.
Banana Capital's Turner Novak joins to discuss breaking into venture, starting his own fund (11:08), what it's like being an emerging manager, rising valuations, and crypto (45:10). Turner also makes the case for quick commerce, group grocery buying in Latin America (1:04:03) and more!
Full news show today! First, a quick update on Nikola and Trevor Milton's situation (1:35). Then, Jason reacts to a video of Jordan Peterson getting "orange-pilled" (23:10) and the announcement of El Salvador's Bitcoin City (31:51). To wrap up the show, we do another "We Live in the Future" segment about a speeder hover-bike by Japan's A.L.I. Technologies (46:46).
First, Jason covers ConstitutionDAO attempt to buy one of the remaining 13 copies of the constitution at Sotheby's (01:56). Then, he does 10 points from the Startup Checklist on operational excellence (34:54). To close out the show, Producer Rachel speaks with Meagan Loyst, a VC at Lerer Hippeau who leads a group called Gen Z VCs (01:04:00).
First Jason explains why Miramax is suing Quentin Tarantino over his Pulp Fiction NFT collection (2:31). Then Twitch Co-Founder & GP at Goat Capital Justin Kan joins (19:19) to discuss lessons from entrepreneurship, what he looks for when investing, his YouTube channel, podcast and more!
First, Sam Lessin of Slow Ventures joins to discuss how he is applying the venture model to invest in individuals, he just placed a $1.7M bet on a YouTube creator (4:10). Then, Jason brings on Chris Niblett, who is going through Founder University (41:40). They discuss Chris's company Bizzly, which is a "Patreon for small businesses," what can be improved, and Jason invests live on the show!
First, Jason covers the Ohio Attorney General suing Meta (2:05). Then, Tusk Venture's Bradley Tusk joins to discuss the strategy he developed to help Uber overcome cities trying to ban it (17:43), what actually motivates politicians (23:02), mobile voting (31:07) the advice he would give Mark Zuckerberg (48:28) and more!
Remote work unlocked massive hiring opportunities for startups, but also creates new compliance challenges. In this episode, Kruze Consulting COO Scott Orn joins to explain how startups should navigate remote work. They discuss PEOs, sales tax, and tax credits.
First up, Jason showcases what he calls the greatest CNBC hit of all time (01:46). Then he covers YouTube hiding the downvote counter (18:49). In the interview segment, Ready Games CEO David Bennahum about his new fashion Icon NFT marketplace game (27:31) and the transition from walled gardens to open source. We wrap with another edition of "OK Boomer" (01:07:00) where Rachel is reporting on Emily Herrera, a 22 year old who started her own Angel syndicate while still in college (01:20:24).
First, Jason analyzes Rivian's IPO and gives his thoughts on the current valuation (2:05). Then, Aaron Wright from OpenLaw joins (22:13) to discuss Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs). At OpenLaw Aaron has helped launch 9 DAOs by providing legal structure, tooling and infrastructure. They talk digital contracts, why Aaron thinks DAOs are better for investment decisions and more!
First, Jason breaks down Coinbase's Q3 earnings and takes a look at the broader trends in crypto trading (01:13). Then, Jason runs through 10 points of his "Startup Checklist" focused on crafting a brand & knowing your market (11:25). At the end, Jason answers a question from the live audience (43:16).
First Jason covers Roblox earnings, the platform's total usage is up 28% year over year (2:19)! In a new segment, "We Live in the Future," Jason shares Jetson One, a personal E-VTOL (11:16). Then, Ryan Engle of Golf+ joins to talk about the VR golf game his team developed for Oculus (23:08), Meta's lead in VR hardware (51:29) and more.
In this hot funding environment, both investors and founders benefit from startups having all the finance basics covered. In this episode, Kruze Consulting COO Scott Orn joins to explain how to prepare for diligence and avoid fraud. They discuss common blockers in diligence (10:19), the benefits of tight financials (23:31) and more!
First, Jason breaks down three recent earnings reports, Uber (1:57), Airbnb (21:10) and Peloton (26:00). Then, he introduces a new segment "Ok Boomer" where our producer Rachel reports on Gen Z tech & business culture. Today, she talks to Ziad Ahmed of JUV consulting about managing and working with Gen Z employees as they enter the workforce. (39:55)
We continue with episode five of the Startup Checklist, where Jason gives 10 points to build a great team. He covers hiring, compensating the early team (11:31), outsourcing, structuring the company, setting the cadence (39:48), finding advisors and more!
Jason reacts to Zillow's huge drop after the implosion of their iBuying business (4:33), and breaks down the Biden Administration's stablecoin report (23:35). Then, LeadIQ CEO Mei Siauw joins the show to talk growing a SaaS business with a distributed team, going from $500 to $10M+ in revenue, and more! (43:27)
First Jason briefly covers TikTok owner Bytedance's restriction on overtime working hours (2:14). Then Multicoin Capital partner Kyle Samani joins (11:07) to discuss how they evaluate products, why they prefer to invest in tokens over equity, the Solana blockchain (19:17), Helium (57:05), Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) and much more.
First, Jason covers the reported revenue impacts for FB, SNAP, TWTR & GOOG caused by Apple's App Tracking Transparency policies (1:57). Then, Aimee Yang CEO & Founder of BetterBrand™ joins (16:18) to discuss her first product the "Better Bagel." The conversation includes bringing the product to market, the opportunity to reshape food, raising from 776 and more!
Facebook changed its name to Meta. In the news segment, Jason shares 10 highlights from the keynote and reacts to the name change (1:57). Then DuckDuckGo founder and CEO Gabriel Weinberg joins (36:22) to discuss his search engine's continued growth, surviving Google's monopoly (41:57), how they differentiate with privacy (48:30), and all the updates they've made since he was last on the show 10 years ago!
First, Jason reacts Conde Nast's union refusing to return to the office on November 1 and takes stock of the big tech WFH policy landscape (1:34). We continue the show with episode four of the Startup Checklist, where Jason covers "Building a Great Product" in points 31-40 (13:54).
First, Jason covers Sequoia's VC-redefining transition to an evergreen fund (1:54). He continues Q3 earnings coverage with Robinhood (13:38) and Twitter (21:10). Then, Ryan Breslow from Bolt joins to discuss transitioning to a 4-day work week, open-sourcing their company handbook and running a startup effectively (28:07).
First, Jason breaks down Facebook's Q3 earnings, including: growing revenue and profits, slowing user growth, AR investment and its new reporting structure (2:00). He also covers Facebook's potential rebrand as a metaverse-focused company and its declining usage amongst US teens and young adults. (11:35) Then, Italic's Jeremy Cai joins the show to discuss his innovative new e-commerce concept, ruffling feathers with incumbents, supply chain insights, and more! (25:58)
This Startup Basics is all about growth & retention. Tiffani Bova from Salesforce joins to talk about how startups should measure customer health, the pitfalls of high churn, the best kind of growth, how to earn trust by saying "no" & more.
Tech journalist Eric Newcomer joins to talk the Trump SPAC (8:26), WeWork SPAC (15:58), and the behind the scenes funding story of GitLab's IPO (25:41). Then, HNGRY's Matt Newberg joins to talk innovations in the quick commerce space, the growing impact of ghost kitchens, and more! (1:01:10)
First, Jason reacts to CNBC's Paul Tudor Jones interview, where PTJ warned about inflation and called Bitcoin (and crypto) a better hedge than gold (2:10). Then, Jason covers the new Bitcoin ETF and Hindenburg putting a bounty out for information on Tether (21:34). We wrap with episode three of the Startup Checklist, where Jason covers "Finding and Delighting Customers" in points 21-30 (34:41).
It was great to have Jeff back on the pod! But first, Producer Rachel gives some updates on TWIST Founder Meetups (01:54) and Jason talks a bit about Oculus (14:12). Then, Jeff Lawson from Twilio joins (24:42) to discuss their new mission to build the leading customer engagement platform, the launch of their new product Twilio Engage, lessons from scaling & their big acquisitions, San Francisco and more!
First, Jason reacts to the most recent Apple event announcing new M1 chips & Macbooks (1:26). Then, Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire (23:85) joins to discuss how USDC, what makes Circle different from Tether, regulation, and more.
This Startup Basics is all about managing customer relationships. Tiffani Bova from Salesforce joins to talk about the ways startups can improve customer interactions, transforming one-time transactions to reoccurring relationships. Jason and Tiffani give practical tips better serve customers and keep them coming back.
First, Jason covers Coinbase's announcement of their new NFT platform (2:06). Then, Bloomberg's Max Chafkin joins to discuss his book, "The Contrarian: Peter Thiel and Silicon Valley's Pursuit of Power" (19:57). It's a wide-ranging discussion about Peter's life, business, and politics as well as a debate over the way Max framed him in the book.
First, Jason covers the blowback Netflix is facing from Dave Chappelle's new special "The Closer" and the masterful response from Co-CEO Ted Sarandos (2:09). Then, continuing our startup checklist series, Jason explains 10 items founders need to go through before choosing a business model (25:08).
Jason does a short news segment on China’s Bitcoin Mining hash rate falling to 0 and how the U.S. is now the largest mining hub (1:59). Then, Jacob Helberg author of "The Wires of War: Technology and the Global Struggle for Power," joins to discuss China's long-term goals (9:03), the United States' lack of preparedness, the struggle for control of front-end and backend technologies (32:22), plus much more.
Anatoly from Solana joins Jason to discuss how they've managed to build the fastest blockchain (0:54). Solana's "proof of history" innovation allows for over 50,000 transactions a second, we get into Solana's value prop (25:51), use cases (40:14), developer ecosystem and more!
Startup Basics is BACK! This series focuses on one of the most important aspects of any successful startup: the customer. On episode two, Salesforce's Tiffani Bova joins to break down all things customer engagement: defining it, authenticity, blending automation with a human touch, social media strategies and more!
First, Jason chats with Bloomberg reporter Zeke Faux about his latest investigative piece "Tether's $69 Billion Mystery"(1:04). Then, Jason launches our news series "Startup Checklist" (31:49) which explores the things you should do to be prepared to launch a company.
In a short news segment, Jason talks about a company that tried to sell "fantasy startup investing" NFTs and why they had to pivot (1:44). Jason gives a brief tribute to Steve Jobs (15:48). Then, he's joined by JB Straubel, Tesla's longtime CTO who stepped down in 2019 to found a new lithium-ion battery recycling company, Redwood Materials(22:08). JB and Jason discuss the early launches and setbacks at Tesla, overcoming challenges, and the possibilities created by battery recycling. To close out the show, we play a clip of Steve Job's 2005 Stanford Commencement Address (1:20:15).
In this all news show, Jason covers Facebook Whistleblower Frances Haugen’s Senate testimony and Mark Zuckerberg's response (2:22). We also get into the fraud claims made by Scorpion Capital against Ginkgo Bioworks $DNA (1:01:35), we had Ginkgo CEO Jason Kelly on E1239 https://bit.ly/twiste1239.
Startup Basics is BACK! This series will focus on one of the most important aspects of any successful startup: the customer. On episode one, Salesforce's Tiffani Bova joins to break down all things customer experience: defining it, what an amazing experience looks like, how startups can beat the incumbents, and more!
In this news episode, Jason covers the Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen's "60 minutes" interview and breaks down some clips. Then he shares the highlights and rationalizations from the OZY Media CEO's Today Show appearance.
First Jason covers Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong's reflections on last year's blog "Coinbase is a mission focused company.” Then, Nat Manning joins from Kettle, to chat about better assessing fire risk with data, how California can prevent home damage from increasing wildfires, outperforming actuaries & more.
Jason does a full news show breaking down: how Amazon monitors drivers with AI cameras (01:54), Tesla's new driver score (22:05), OZY Media's continued fallout (32:45), and new proposed changes for homeowners in coastal zones (42:08). Plus, Jason explains his new program OpenScouting.com
First, Jason brings on investor, former ad tech exec, and frequent guest Zach Coelius to discuss the strategic implications of Google's new ad attribution policy (01:43). Then Michael Dell joins for for a full interview (21:54) sharing stories from the early days of building Dell, scrappy supply-chain arbitrage, global expansion, negotiations with Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, the $67B EMC VMware acquisition (57:40) and more!
First, Jason covers OZY media's attempted deception of Goldman Sachs & investors (1:50), then covers Clubhouse's monetization problem with special guest Ashley Carman from the Verge (24:26). To wrap up, he discusses VC retirements (46:30) and Disney's Star Wars Visions (56:29).
Jason covers Instagram's Adam Mosseri announcing the pause of Instagram Kids (2:09), the recent firing of Bevy employee following a hostile interaction in Brooklyn (21:51). Then, Squarespace Founder and CEO Anthony Casalena joins (35:43) to discuss what marketing channels have been best for growing the company, new products offerings and shares stories from scaling and more!
Jason covers China's latest crypto mandate (0:59), a TikToker's conspiracy about iBuyers and the Redfin CEO's response (17:17), then takes a bunch of Ask Jason Questions (31:42) & more!
In this all news show, Jason teases a new podcast dedicated to SaaS (1:46) and covers: the EU's planned USB-C mandate (7:44), China's property glut (13:12), TikTok Investors following congressional trades (20:24), Tim Cook's battle against leakers (25:47), the "Facebook Files" source (28:36), Bolt's 4-day workweek and more! Then he takes some listener questions (47:24).
First, Jason covers the new Apple Maps and what he speculates it means for their next major product (2:11), then discusses SEC Chair Gary Gensler calling crypto the "wild west"(10:38). Then, Jason interviews Pacaso Founder & CEO Austin Allison about fractional home ownership, battling NIMBY's and more (24:46)!
In a short news segment, Jason describes Apple's new iCloud+ privacy suite (2:18). Then, Framework founder Nirav Patel joins to talk about making laptop customization great again (13:04)! They discuss the difficulty of raising VC for a consumer hardware startup, creating products for the "modding" audience, the environmental benefit of fixing products and more(24:16)!
In news, Jason covers Bytedance's decision to institute a 40 minute limit for kids on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok (1:56) and hits on the real estate situation in SF and implications for the startup community (15:02). Then, Orbital Insight's CEO Kevin O'Brien joins for the next installment of our Next Unicorns series (21:38) discussing how to make sense of billions of satellite images and pieces of sensor data to form a comprehensive view of the world.
First, Jason reacts to comments from Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri on the impact of Instagram on teen girls and comparing the risks of social media to the automobile industry (1:50). Then, Jason breaks down OpenSea's update on their front-running employee (11:55), and Jay-Z's NFT lawsuit (15:40). Finally, Sourcegraph CEO Quinn Slack joins to discuss growing his universal code search engine, selling a high-ticket SaaS product and more (21:48)!
Full news show! First up, Jason covers the App Annie fraud (1:59), then he shares thoughts on Facebook's leaked documents showing they knew Instagram was detrimental to teen girls' mental health despite claiming the contrary (13:55). He also touches on Discord's $15B valuation (25:56), Mailchimp selling for $12B (33:40), and answers some livestream questions (40:35)!
First, Jason breaks down NFT platform OpenSea admitting one of their employees was front-running featured items (2:02). Could this tip off the SEC that NFTs might be securities rather than collectibles (12:01)? Then, Jason talks to Producer Rachel about TWiST Meetups (18:24). Finally, Goldbelly CEO Joe Ariel joins to talk about his high-end food marketplace, being the first mover in a blossoming category, the food e-commerce market & more. (30:15)
Brad Stone, the author of "Amazon Unbound", joined to talk about Elon Musk (09:44), Amazon's workplace environment (23:25), the importance of Prime (27:17), which tech companies are most dangerous for society (51:13), & more!
Beth Kindig and Knox Ridley from the I/O Fund came on to discuss with Jason their top growth stocks, market indicators, how to manage risk in an all tech portfolio, potential big tech spin outs, Roku's incredible expansion and more!
Rapid fire news episode. First, Jason covers how a fire proofed home survived the Caldor fire, Amazon's plan to provide college for all its employees, Facebook copying Snap's glasses, Notion acquiring Automate.io & more. At the end, Jason takes a few questions from listeners and shares a story from when he ran Silicon Alley Reporter.
Coinbase CEO Brain Armstrong took to Twitter to call out the SEC for what Coinbase considers unclear guidance & hostility around their Lend product, Jason breaks down the situation (1:43). Then, to better understand how DeFi lending works Jason interviews Matt Ballensweig the Head of Institutional Lending at Genesis, a crypto prime brokerage (9:51). We close with three "Ask Jason" questions (50:23).
First Jason covers the $19M Bored Ape Yacht Club bid on Sotheby's & the Loot NFT collection launched by a Vine co-founder (1:42), and briefly covers Tether being banned from Canadian exchanges (11:07). Then serial founder and investor Joe Lonsdale joins (19:53) to discuss his companies (Palantir, Addepar, OpenGov), his new podcast "American Optimist," what regulations need to be fixed in the US, China's bold moves & more.
First, Jason discusses how to balance product vision with customer feedback in a FounderU segment (0:57). Then, actor and investor Adrian Grenier joins to discuss the launch of his new fund DuContra Ventures (20:52), the importance of saying "No" (33:24), acting (41:23) and more!
Jason chats with Miso Robotics CEO Mike Bell (1:07), about automating food preparation, filling the labor gap, the consequences of robots, growing with crowdfunding and more. Then, TWIST Producer Rachel Braun interviews Dan Toomey about the strategies he uses to run the Morning Brew TikTok account.
The Bored Ape Yacht Club NFTs have been going crazy in the secondary market, Jason brings on collector and co-founder of media site "The Infatuation" Andrew Steinthal (2:04) to chat about why he bought in, why he's not selling, and the overall mechanics of the community. Then, TWIST producer Rachel interviews the Nicole DeTommaso of Harlem VC (33:25) about how she broke into venture capital with a pitch deck!!!
First, Jason covers the kickoff of Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes' fraud trial (1:48). Then, Blokable Co-CEO & Co-Founder Aaron Holm joins (16:37) to discuss solving the housing crisis, the Phoenix Rising project (27:05), why vertical integration is the key to making modular affordable, green materials (40:53), why LA's homeless housing project went way over budget (46:46) & more.
First Jason covers the CCP banning US IPOs for big tech companies, closing the VIE loophole (1:50), then Audius Co-Founder Roneil Rumburg joins (18:44) to talk about his "decentralized SoundCloud," how decentralized crypto projects actually work for investors and executives, and more!
In the news segment, Jason covers unicorn SaaS Startup called HeadSpin has been accused of a massive fraud by the SEC and DOJ (2:06), and Pacaso real estate startup offering fractional ownership of vacation homes is causing outrage in wine country (17:35). Then, Jason interviews Not Boring's Packy McCormick (34:41), about his time at WeWork competitor Breather (36:14), turning his newsletter into a venture fund (59:12), and Packy's vision for crypto - it's one of the best explanations we've heard (1:03:17).
In today's news show, Jason covers OnlyFans being back to business as usual (1:31), the stablecoin Circle cleaning up commercial paper from their USDC reserves (16:49), and does a break down of Warby Parker's S-1 as the company prepare to go public via direct listing (30:30).
In this news episode Jason covers Facebook finally revealing their Q1 transparency report after they originally shelved the report for PR purposes (2:08), Tyga deleting his OnlyFans account and announcing he will launch a competing platform (23:59), the WSJ's coverage of where Jack Ma is now (36:19) & more!
Jason breaks down the OnlyFans' pivot away from sexual conduct (1:54), then he covers all the robot highlights from this week, Boston Dynamics robots doing backflips (23:34), Disney creating AI characters (31:25), and Tesla's announcement of "TeslaBot" (38:21) & more.
Jason breaks down the 2 metrics he uses to to assess Robinhood's Q2 earnings (1:43) and Amazon entering Department Store retail (16:39). Then, Mark Suster from Upfront Ventures joins (24:07) to discuss venture metrics, community as a moat, why high valuations don't necessarily mean a bubble & more.
Jason opens the show with a brief recap of "Noodlegate" and the end of cancel culture (2:09). Then he chats with OpenGov CEO Zac Bookman for the latest installment of our Next Unicorns series (14:10) about what makes governments ineffective (25:46), preventing corruption (30:37), the challenges selling into governments (35:54), how some states like Idaho & West Virginia have made their detailed budgets public on the cloud and more!
Podcasting from Italy after a 2-week break of news, Jason covers Casey Newton's failed dunk on Superhuman's $75M raise (2:58), the privacy implications of Apple's approach to preventing child porn distribution (23:14), the Helium Networks internet project (35:02), crypto regulation (43:03), and how WhatsApp is handling Afghanistan (49:45).
Steve Martocci, the CEO of Splice (also co-founder of Blade & previously sold GroupMe to Skype) joins for our Next Unicorns series to discuss how music rights work (10:07), growing a high-quality marketplace (21:59), AI music creation (36:10), & more
Jason discusses how founders can secure follow on funding (1:57), then is joined by investor Zach Coelius to answer listener questions on technical co-founders (38:21), successful founder traits (40:41), founder red flags (46:07), why startups fail diligence (56:17) and more.
Jason does a Founder University segment on how to generate startup ideas (1:55), then Zach Coelius joins to take some "Ask an Angel" questions: what data points are most valuable when iterating on product (29:03), what skills are most important to be a success in VC (36:410), what skills are most important to be a success in VC (42:51).
Nick Kokonas joins to discuss his his company Tock (10:50), his world-class restaurant group Alinea (0:54), how restaurants can improve their operating leverage (18:05), digital experiences augmenting hospitality (39:41), why tipping needs to be replaced (44:50), the labor supply (56:16), inflation (1:00:27), employee health and more!
Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman joins to discuss the current U.S. housing situation (05:05), homebuilding rates, San Francisco (23:43), remote work (28:22), generational work-life balance differences (35:24), Redfin's approach to real estate (46:52), regulation, DOJ & MLS (58:33), & more.
In a Founder University segment, Jason compares running a bootstrapped vs. venture-backed company (1:17), discusses 'pegasus' companies (11:09), advises what types of businesses should take VC (23:59), and explains what motivates VCs (33:27). Then Zach Coelius joins to take some listener questions (38:48).
Fitbod CEO Allen Chen joins to discuss how they got funded & why they haven't deployed their capital (01:06), the importance of being user-centric when building a consumer app (17:44), how Allen plans grow to 1 million customers (29:14), & more!
Ben Gilbert & David Rosenthal from Acquired join to discuss David's new venture fund Kindergarten Ventures (00:56), how to structure a VC fund (12:16), Jason's super pro-rata strategy (30:17), podcasting (35:50), and they tease the next episode on "The Mount Rushmore of Venture Capital" (56:11) & more!
Alex Wilhelm from TechCrunch joins Jason to chop up this week's news. They cover Robinhood & Duolingo's IPOs (3:40), consumer subscription businesses (25:09), Google's growth (28:25), the startup funding landscape (38:51), Amazon (42:46), China's actions against tech (47:35), Apple (1:04:19) & more!
Jason covers the Grand Jury indictment of Nikola founder Trevor Milton for making false claims to investors (1:50) and gives short recap of Robinhood's IPO (18:55). Then, Brandon Brown joins to discuss his company GRIN (25:40), the influencer economy, shifting advertising trends, social media platforms and more.
Jason breaks down Google's earnings and compares Netflix & Youtube (3:22). Then, in our Next Unicorns series, Devin Finzer (27:01), the Co-Founder and CEO of OpenSea (an NFT marketplace) joins to discuss the innovations that helped NFTs take off (37:58), the future of collectibles & more.
Jason covers China reigning in big tech (2:03), Tesla’s incredible Q2 earnings crossing $1B in profit (25:30), a $300M market movement from Tether to USDC (33:24), and gives a breakdown of a Binance Crypto Pump Telegram group (37:43).
Tether executives are reportedly facing a DOJ criminal probe for bank fraud! Jason breaks down Bloomberg's report (1:31), Tether's response (10:34) and assesses potential implications for the wider crypto ecosystem, including if this had anything to do with Sunday night's Bitcoin surge. (16:29)
In this rapid fire news episode, Jason covers a16z-backed Dfinity's crypto class action complaint (02:46), Snapchat and Twitter's massive earnings (19:33), the CCP considering turning it's ed-tech sector non-profit (34:15), Alphabet's new company (40:23), San Francisco's 17M sq. ft. of vacant office space (47:22), and then reflects on some old Disney+ predictions (58:28).
Jason covers China's increasing penalties for Didi (2:52), Twitter's test of a downvote feature (12:13), and how the UAE was able to induce rain with electricity (17:32). Then Do Kwon, the founder of Terraform labs joins (22:38) to discuss his stable coin project TerraUSD (31:18), the underlying cryptocurrency LUNA, and shed light on Tether as crypto insider (59:56).
In the news segment, Jason reacts to the Tether CTO & General Counsel's interview on CNBC (2:22) and digs in to Netflix's latest earnings report (37:35).
Then, Vincent founder Slava Rubin joins to discuss all things alternative assets (44:26), his work founding Indiegogo, Launch’s investment, trading cards (1:17:19) & more.
In news Jason covers Bezos reaching space (2:32), Robinhood's S-1/A (13:28), Circle's new USDC attestation (22:25), crypto crackdown in Asia (36:06), Zoom buying Five9 for almost $15B (46:00)
Keith Rabois' OpenStore (47:11). Then for our Next Unicorns series, Jason interviews Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langely, about reducing crime in American cities and neighborhoods (50:18).
Jason covers Anthony Bourdain's amazing AI deepfake voice in "roadrunner" & potential startup ideas for the technology (01:49), the investigation into EV startup Lordstown Motors (12:27), and the way businesses are reacting to how COVID is being managed in FL & CA (42:11).
News episode, Jason covers CrowdTangle's data headache (01:56), how the White House wants to crack down on social media misinformation (13:34), Florida Gov. DeSantis proposal for providing internet to Cuba (17:17), a $1B fund for creators (21:32), our Tether investigation (25:07) & more!
To kick off this season of "The Next Unicorns," Adena Hefets, CEO of Divvy Homes, joins to discuss how they are helping Americans blaze a path to owning a home (2:51), if we are in a real estate bubble (25:37), the American home shortage (34:53) and more!
Jason covers the war on excellence in public education (2:05), signs of AWS maturity (19:04), France's $592M antitrust fine for Google (30:28). Then discusses AI Farms with AppHarvest CTO Josh Lessing (47:43) covering building with robots (1:16:03), improved crop yields (1:24:43), climate change & more.
Jason covers the CCP crackdown on Chinese tech companies listing in the US, shares how he spots winning founders (14:02), then answers Ask Jason questions: finding a technical co-founder (36:47), signals for startup success (39:29), advice for new angel investors (45:18), and more.
Jason covers Biden's executive order seeking to increase competition and weaken the power of Big Tech (2:21). Then, we continue our Tether Investigation with @Bitfinex'ed (18:16), covering how Tether works (36:09), and why he believes there is massive risk to the crypto markets (48:55) & more!
First, Jason breaks down the highlights from Nextdoor's SPAC announcement (1:48) and covers the profits made by politicians trading tech company options (16:26). Then, Alex Lieberman, Co-Founder & Executive Chairman of Morning Brew, joins to talk about growing a newsletter business (45:34), expanding as a media company (49:51), angel investing (57:19) & more!
Jason covers the red flags emerging around Binance (2:34), the Chinese government's swift action against Didi relating to data privacy (16:40). Then Steezy Founder & CEO Evan Zhou joins to discuss how simple an MVP can be (27:44), growing & monetizing a consumer SaaS company (32:56) & more.
Robinhood is going public! Jason breaks down their recently filed S-1 and covers the most important metrics (1:56), comparisons against other major brokerages (8:45) and more!
First Jason explains how to deliver great investor updates & the benefits of doing them well (1:36). Then, Ginkgo Bioworks CEO Jason Kelly joins to discuss the expanding capabilities of synthetic biology (24:48), how Ginkgo is currently helping customers make products more effectively (35:58), the ethics & risks of editing DNA (51:53) & more!
In the opening News segment Jason covers Sam Altman launching a new cryptocurrency "Worldcoin" (2:18), and
Facebook becoming the fastest company to ever reach a $1T market cap (11:16). Then, Alchemy CEO Nikil Viswanathan joins for an interview on his "AWS for the blockchain" (20:44), the limitations of the blockchain (29:24) & more! Podcast Notes: https://bit.ly/1238notes
News episode Jason talks about Peter Thiel’s multi-billion dollar Roth IRA (1:27), Black creators striking on TikTok (13:32), BuzzFeed's SPAC (24:15), Microsoft's dig at Apple (31:28), and two Ask Jason questions (41:59)!
First, Jason does a "Founder University" segment on the benefits of remote managing using a SOD-EOD format (1:31). Then Bill Maris joins to discuss what working at Google was like when Bill started GV (25:28), why Google didn't win on social (38:49), bioterrorism risks (1:07:39) & more.
Jason covers the recent Chinese Bitcoin mining migration (1:56). Then, Dan Porter the CEO of Overtime joins to discuss how Overtime is building a next-generation sports network across Youtube, Twitch, & social media (15:12) and launching Overtime Elite a new basketball league where 16-18-year-olds can earn $100-$500K to prepare for the pros.
Intercom CEO Des Traynor discusses why startups need to grow fast (7:44), how to execute at speed (10:48), build an effective culture (33:35) & more!
Jason kicks off the episode with the news: an update on the Tether (02:02), how Gamestop poached Amazon talent (06:17), and the first-ever decline in the average number of streaming accounts per household (19:04). Then, Akash Nigam joins to discuss his company Genies, why everyone will have an avatar, the metaverse, NTFs & more (25:10).
Jason kicks off the episode with research into the claims against Tether Limited, the company behind USDT, the world's largest "stablecoin" and 3rd largest cryptocurrency (1:30). Then Jason is joined by 3 founders of Alternative Asset investing platforms (25:49), Chris Bruno of Rally, Scott Lynn of Masterworks, and Ben Miller of Fundrise. They discuss inflation, supply & demand, expanding company roadmaps (59:56) and more!
Jason opens with a Founder University segment on "Startup Math" (1:48), then interviews Zymergen CEO Josh Hoffman on Biofacturing (16:45), how DNA sequencing & machine learning are enabling materials science advancements (26:35), what human capital is needed for the industry (42:53) & more. Pod Notes: http://bit.ly/1231notes
First up, Jason covers "Bitcoin Toxicity." Are Bitcoin maximalists exhibiting cult-like behavior? (1:19) Then, he assesses the risks of Bezos going to space: is the potential upside worth the risk of ruin? (36:16) Finally, he wraps with news of Facebook's rumored smartwatch. Have Apple's recent privacy measures forced Facebook's hand into the wearables space? (40:59)
Customer success is key to startup success. First, Statusphere CEO Kristen Wiley shares strategies from managing two customer success teams in B2B and B2C. (1:00) Then, find out why customers churn from Techmate COO Nicole Beals, who also shares how Techmate increased their customer retention rate from 70% to 98%. (27:07) To wrap, Jason leads a Q&A covering compensation, productizing customer moments, and more. (40:41)
Chris Urmson the CEO of Aurora, a leading self-driving company, joins Jason to recount the history of autonomous vehicles (1:06), the roadmap for removing human drivers (16:47), what technology problems are left to solve (38:25) and more!
Jason gives his take on the letter from a group of employees to Tim Cook about Apple's return to work (1:00), then Fatima Dicko the CEO and Founder of Sugar discusses pivoting in the pandemic (25:54), what amenities apartments will offer in the future (45:39), and more. Then Jason wraps with a "button" on investing when valuations are high, where there is value to be found, and more (58:44). http://bit.ly/e1227tnotes
Jason covers the bankruptcy of the Softbank-backed construction startup Katerra, Bill Ackman's Universal Music SPAC, then interviews Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi about portable benefits for independent contractors, the expanding UberEats business, local commerce and more!
Kayvon Beykpour, Twitter's Head of Product shares the strategy behind Twitter's recent feature releases, what structural changes enabled Twitter to increase product velocity, how they segment composers & consumers, the Twitter blue launch & more!
A low-burn rate gives startups the agility they need to succeed and weather unforeseen challenges. Two CEOs join Jason to discuss how founders can make the most of their limited capital. Ben Seidl of Neyborly covers managing burn rate (2:58), Lil Roberts of Xendoo shares the steps needed to maintain financial health, then Jason joins for a Q&A on how to create a slingshot business(48:48), the appropriate level of runway (55:02) & more.
Jason breaks down the Citizen App's recent mistake of putting a $30,000 bounty on an incorrect arson suspect (01:39), assesses the merits of an "Uber for private security" (17:15), and covers Coinbase's launch of their self-titled "Fact Check" media arm (37:32).
Ben Gilbert & David Rosenthal of Acquired join Jason to talk about Bitcoin's recent price action (5:55), the cognitive dissonance of liking both Bitcoin and Berkshire (14:27), Amazon's acquisition of MGM (39:34), and more!
Two CEOs join to talk about intentionally creating and maintaining a workplace culture that delivers high performance. First, 15five's David Hassel shares how to build culture at scale (1:49), then Balloon's Amanda Greenberg shares a process to help leaders navigate hybrid work (26:00). To wrap, Jason joins for a Q&A session covering workplace political speech, compensation, remote work, and negotiations (42:00).
Jason hits the recent restrictions on crypto from the U.S. and China, Robinhood allowing users to get in at IPO prices, and Antonio García Martínez's chat with Kara Swisher (1:15). Then in the main segment, Magic Soon Cereal Co-Founder Gabi Lewis discusses the difference between a good product and product-market fit (25:47), how Magic Spoon does influencer marketing (45:25), classic cereal flavors & more!
Emergency pod! Bitcoin sees a major correction due to China's crack down (1:46). What are the chances it could it go to zero, and could China banning crypto be a blessing in disguise? Robinhood is rumored to be going public next month (14:14), what will their market cap be at IPO? Plus Squarespace goes public via direct listing (26:10)!
This episode is full of tactical advice for improving your marketing operations. Gravitr's Doriane Mouret explains how to improve your conversion funnels (3:28), Outlaw's Danielle Vincent shares how to improve your SEO (33:45), then Jason joins for a Q&A covering the right cadence, location, and quality of content to publish (47:21).
Jason covers Amazon's talks to acquire MGM, AT&T's spin-off of WarnerMedia to Discovery, and Dapper Labs lawsuit about the nature of NFTs (1:00). Then, NYT journalist Taylor Lorenz joins to discuss the implications of social media & its more reckless influencers (15:21), why she prefers to write for the New York Times instead of a lucrative Substack offer (48:50), and more!
Jason shares insights on the Twitter Blue leak (1:40) then breaks down recent product innovations, Twitter's 2021 acquisition spree, and what it all means (15:05). Check out the pod notes: https://bitly.com/e1216notes
Zach Coelius joins Jason to answer live listener questions (1:09), and then the pair discuss Apple's recent debacle in firing Antonio Garcia Martinez after being pressured by employees (42:43). Check out the pod notes here: https://bitly.com/e1215notes
This episode reveals the product strategies of two of Jason's high-performing portfolio companies, Superhuman & Fitbod. First, Superhuman's Founder & CEO Rahul Vohra shares his 7 principles for improving products with game design (01:40), then Fitbod's CO-founder and Product Head Jesse Venticique describes how to optimize your product hook (20:08), and to wrap up, Jason brings the two together for a Q&A session (36:44). Pod Notes: http://bit.ly/e1214tnotes
Jason gives his take on Facebook's Instagram Kids initiative (0:53), then, Ōura's CEO Harpreet Rai discusses how sleep & recovery scores are calculated (25:09), how Oura works with the NBA & enterprise to keep organizations healthy (50:49), and more! Pod Notes: http://bit.ly/e1213tnotes
Jason & Charles Hudson from Precursor Ventures take 8 pitches from founders and give feedback on how the pitches were structured (13:10) and their business models (38:48). Pod Notes: http://bit.ly/twist1212
Jason covers the Facebook Oversight Board's decision on Trump (15:49), gives a potential solution for bad actors on social media that are of public consequence (39:25), provides a concrete way to reverse engineer TAM (55:00), and more!
Two startup CEOs share their approach to fundraising, Andrew Farah explains the strategy he used to raise $100M for Density (03:58), Dejan simplifies his community-forming principles for SoleSavy (38:27), and both give tactical lessons from the mistakes they made along the way (46:23)! Deck: https://bit.ly/3b8gz8g
Morgan Spenla shares why her company Crafter delivers a wonderful experience to makers (01:06), how they monetize (15:04), why she hires customer support from Starbucks (48:07), and more!
Jason weighs in on Basecamp's ban of political discussion at work (10:57), the ensuing employee exodus (22:40), shares his policy for his companies (26:32), answers a listener's question about how to surround yourself with great people (40:09), and more! Pod Notes: http://bit.ly/e1208Tnotes
Tiger Global, a crossover hedge fund, is moving at an unprecedented speed and scale in venture capital. Everett Randle of Founder's Fund joins Jason to break down Tiger Global's strategy, discuss the implications for the investing ecosystem (13:14), explain his "Walmart of VC firms" mental model (24:42), and more! Pod Notes: http://bit.ly/E1207Tnotes
A high-functioning sales machine is a way to predictably scale revenue quickly. Two 8-figure B2B SaaS CEOs share the lessons they've learned from building effective sales teams including how to create an effective sales motion (2:49), structure a sales pod (12:00), hire a great VP of sales (15:10), train SDRs into AEs (28:55), deal with average performers (47:54), and more! Slide Deck Slide Deck: http://bit.ly/SYS-S2E3-Deck
Arlan Hamilton of Backstage Capital discusses her $5M crowdfunding raise on Republic (04:16), what's "popping" in her current portfolio (20:06), her founder education course (49:46), and more! Check out the pod notes here: http://bit.ly/1205podnotes
Jason dives deep on Apple vs. Facebook: the numbers, the philosophical differences, the potential outcomes & more! (5:05) Check out the full pod notes here: http://bit.ly/e1204podnotes
Crossover technology investor Brad Gerstner discussed Altimeter Capital taking Grab public in the largest SPAC ever (38:55), why the IPO process is broken and how to fix it (12:55), and the responsibility of people with platforms to encourage responsible retail investing (22:12). As well as, how $2000 for every American invested in the public markets at birth would display the power of capitalism to improve lives (50:50) and more!
Jason is joined by two outstanding CEOs running marketing companies, Mehak Vohra (Skillbank) & Kate Bradley-Chernis (Lately). Mehak shared the strategies she used to drive signups for Skillbank on TikTok(2:57). Kate shared her top business writing techniques (18:48), how to create engagement for B2B sales on LinkedIn (24:15), and more! To see the deck discussed in this episode go to https://bit.ly/3tA7sVb
Jason reacts to all of Apple's most notable product releases from their Spring Loaded event: Apple Podcasts redesign (2:43), AirTags (13:09), M1 iMac (20:08), M1 iPad Pro (25:15) & more!
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Kendrick Nguyen of Republic, an early-stage investing platform, talks about the power of the retail investor crowd, how startups can convert their followers into investors (13:05), Republic's diligence process for deals on their platform (47:46), and more!
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Check out Gotham Gal Ventures: https://gothamgal.com/investments
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Check out Gumroad: https://gumroad.com
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Buy Genius Makers: https://rb.gy/s84drl
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Check out Zach on AngelList: https://angel.co/p/zach-coelius
FOLLOW Zach: https://twitter.com/zachcoelius
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Check out the Legal Basics playlist: https://rb.gy/f0bbv2
Check out our Startup Basics page: https://thisweekinstartups.com/basics
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Check out SoftBank's Opportunity Fund: https://theopportunityfund.com
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Check out the Legal Basics playlist: https://rb.gy/f0bbv2
Check out our Startup Basics page: https://thisweekinstartups.com/basics
Check out Wilson Sonsini: https://wsgr.com
FOLLOW Wilson Sonsini: https://twitter.com/wilsonsonsini
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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFQMnBA3CS502aghlcr0_aw
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Crisis release dates:
Theatrical: February 26th, 2021
VOD: March 5th, 2021
Check out Crisis:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/crisis_movie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crisismovie2020
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crisismovie
FOLLOW Nick on Twitter: https://twitter.com/njarecki
FOLLOW Nick on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/njarecki
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