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Pub. DateTitleDuration
15 Jul 2022Jay Trading, Stripe valuation cut, $NFLX ads, $PTON outsourcing, + more | E150801:16:59

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

05 Mar 2024Business Breakdowns: Moneyball's first-principles, paradigm shifts, and ‘burn the boats’ | E190901:19:12

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

Mantle. The AI-powered equity management platform designed for modern founders and operators. Get your first 12 months free at https://withmantle.com/TWIST

Vanta. Compliance and security shouldn't be a deal-breaker for startups to win new business. Vanta makes it easy for companies to get a SOC 2 report fast. TWiST listeners can get $1,000 off for a limited time at http://www.vanta.com/twist

MEV. Tired of the dev shop rollercoaster? Mev is your reliable technical partner, offering a well-established software development process designed to consistently deliver unparalleled value to their clients. Get $30,000 off your first three months at http://mev.com/twist!

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Todays show:

Lon Harris joins Jason Calacanis to discuss concepts in business, drawing parallels from Moneyball. The two dive into the significance of embracing paradigm shifts (15:38),first-principle thinking (27:16), Billy’s 'Adapt or Die' philosophy (48:54), and the turning point for the A's (1:11:20).

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Lon Harris joins Jason

(7:35) Mantle - Get your first 12 months free at https://withmantle.com/TWIST

(8:53) Moneyball cast breakdown

(15:38) Paradigm shifts in Moneyball: Comparing the Oakland A's situation to startups vs. incumbents

(21:19) Paradigm shifts in Moneyball: Making data-driven decisions

(26:24) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at http://www.vanta.com/twist

(27:16) The important concept of "First-Principle Thinking”

(35:03) MEV - Get $30,000 off your first three months at http://mev.com/twist

(36:34) Globalization's impact on startup opportunities and the importance of a unified team vision

(48:54) Billy's philosophy: Adapt or Die!

(59:20) The "burn the boats" moment and the importance of commitment in business

(1:11:20) The turning point for the A's and their historic winning streak

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Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

*

Follow Lon:

X: https://twitter.com/Lons

*

Thank you to our partners:

(7:35) Mantle - Get your first 12 months free at https://withmantle.com/TWIST

(26:24) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at http://www.vanta.com/twist

(35:03) MEV - Get $30,000 off your first three months at http://mev.com/twist

*

Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

*

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

*

Follow TWiST:

Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups

*

Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

13 Dec 2022SBF gets arrested, The Block’s CEO gets a bag from FTX, + Walmart launches a BNPL service | E163601:04:49

Molly and Jason react to the breaking news that Bahamian authorities have arrested Sam Bankman-Fried. (1:27) Then, from earlier in the day, Molly and Jason chop it up about the news of The Block’s CEO Michael McCaffrey receiving $40M from Alameda Research. (27:41) We then close with a story about Walmart’s new BNPL service. (45:25)

(0:00) Molly kicks off the show

(1:36) Molly and Jason react to SBF getting arrested

(14:51) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist

(15:55) Kevin O’Leary’s FTX deal + Predicting what happens to SBF

(26:11) Nutrisense - Use code TWIST and get $30 off at nutrisense.io/twist

(27:41) Alameda gave Michael McCaffrey $40M

(45:25) Walmart launches a BNPL service

FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis

FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood

Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkhmBWfS7pILYIk0izkc3A?sub_confirmation=1

06 Jul 2023Reimagining reading with VR featuring Sol Reader CEO Ben Chelf | E177200:49:53

This Week in Startups is presented by: .Tech Domains has a new program called startups.tech, where you can get your startup featured on This Week in Startups. Go to https://startups.tech/jason to find out how!

Crowdbotics. Great ideas can change the world, and Crowdbotics is the fastest way to turn those ideas into code. Get a free scoping session for your next big app idea at crowdbotics.com/twist

Issuu is the all-in-one platform for creating and distributing beautiful digital content. Get started with Issuu today for free or sign up for an annual premium account and get 50% off when you go to Issuu.com/podcast and use promo code twist.

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Today’s show:

Sol Reader CEO Ben Chelf joins Jason to discuss Sol Reader’s design (1:24), how wearable e-readers will create more focused readers (28:06) the ways in which devices reshape the human brain (24:37), and much more!

Follow Ben: https://twitter.com/bchelf

Check Out Sol Reader: https://solreader.com/

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Time stamps:

(00:00) Sol Reader CEO Ben Chelf joins Jason (4:00) Ben presents the prototype and demos Sol Reader (8:28) LLM and future integrations for Sol Reader (12:40) .Tech Domains - Apply to get your startup featured on This Week in Startups at https://startups.tech/jason (14:04) Overcoming the challenges of a hardware startup (17:59) Sol Reader’s business model (21:09) Audio integration and transcript features (23:22) Optimizing Sol Reader's first product launch (26:38) Crowdbotics - Get a free scoping session for your next big app idea at ⁠https://crowdbotics.com/twist⁠ (28:06) The origin of the wearable e-reader concept and efforts to diminish screen time (38:45) Issuu - Sign up for free or get 50% off an annual premium account by using promo code twist at https://issuu.com/podcast (40:05) Initial product testers' feedback

(44:59) Apple’s Vision Pro headset

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Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo: https://www.launch.co/four

Apply for Funding: https://www.launch.co/apply

Buy ANGEL: https://www.angelthebook.com

Great recent interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

*

Follow Jason:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jason

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

*

Follow TWiST:

Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin

*

Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

03 Jun 2023RunwayML, AI Steve Jobs, & more with Sunny Madra & Vinny Lingham | E175501:04:29

This Week in Startups is presented by:

Vanta. Compliance and security shouldn't be a deal-breaker for startups to win new business. Vanta makes it easy for companies to get a SOC 2 report fast. TWiST listeners can get $1,000 off for a limited time at vanta.com/twist.

Embroker. The Embroker Startup Insurance Program helps startups secure the most important types of insurance at a lower cost and with less hassle. Save up to 20% off of traditional insurance today at Embroker.com/twist. While you’re there, get an extra 10% off using offer code TWIST.

.Tech domains are the go-to namespace to build anything in tech… and home to the world’s most innovative startups. Secure your .Tech domain today and lock down a 1-year domain for $10, or a 5-year domain for $50 at https://go.tech/TWIST today!

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Today's show:

Sunny and Vinny are back to break down what's next after AI layoffs(30:10), discuss RunwayML's massive valuation(52:09), and more!


Follow Vinny: https://twitter.com/vinnylingham

Check Out Waitroom: https://waitroom.com/

Follow Sunny: https://twitter.com/sundeep

Check Out Definitive: https://definitive.io/prompts/new

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Time stamps:

(00:00) Sunny and Vinny join Jason

(1:39) Sunny demos Runway

(9:16) Jason AI interviews AI Steve Jobs

(12:37) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist

(13:44) Jason AI interviews AI Steve Jobs continued

(18:27) The potential for genealogist AI startup

(22:26) Converting thoughts into text with Audio Pen AI tool

(24:40) Microsoft charging 40% more for AI-enhanced services

(28:55) Embroker - Use code TWIST to get an extra 10% off insurance at ⁠https://Embroker.com/twist

(30:10) Comparing hiring with improving employee efficiency

(33:46) The ChatGPT share feature

(37:47) Meta's Image Bing AI tool

(40:33) .Tech - Lock down a 1-year domain for $10, or a 5-year domain for $50 at https://go.tech/TWIST

(42:01) Microsoft integrating AI into windows

(49:29) The Sales Recording Law

(52:09) Big funding rounds and why investors must get in early

(55:30) Japan going all in on copyright

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Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo & Apply for Funding

Buy ANGEL

Great recent interviews: Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

*

Follow Jason:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jason

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

*

Follow TWiST:

Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin

*

Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

06 Feb 2023The AI arms race escalates: Google’s $300M bet, Neeva’s paid search engine + So Syncd CEO | E167300:58:21

Molly breaks down Google’s $300M investment in Anthropic and how this deal compares to Microsoft’s investment in OpenAI. (2:00) Then, she dives deep into a former Google executive’s paid search engine and ShiftMed raising $200M to solve the nursing shortage. She wraps the show with an interview featuring the CEO of dating app So Syncd, Jessica Alderson. (13:44)

(0:00) Molly kicks off the show

(2:00) Google invests $300M in Anthropic

(12:15) LinkedIn Marketing - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at https://linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups

(13:44) Neeva’s new approach to search

(21:33) Acquire.com - Sign up for FREE at https://try.acquire.com/twist

(22:58) AI’s data problem

(28:27) ShiftMed raises $200M

(33:18) LMNT - Get a free sample pack with any purchase at https://drinklmnt.com/twist

(34:45) Seed/Series A Interview: Jessica Alderson, CEO of So Syncd


FOLLOW Jessica: https://twitter.com/jesssalderson

FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis

FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood

14 Sep 2023Transforming DTC via supply chain innovations with Boll & Branch CEO Scott Tannen | E180900:56:25

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

Squarespace. Turn your idea into a new website! Go to http://squarespace.com/TWIST for a free trial. When you’re ready to launch, use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

Plunge. Go to https://plunge.com and use code twist150 for $150 off your cold plunge tub.

NetSuite, by Oracle. The business management software that handles every aspect of your business in an easy-to-use cloud platform. Schedule a FREE product tour and receive your FREE guide: “Seven Actions Businesses Need to Take Now” at NetSuite.com/TWIST.

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Today’s show:

Boll & Branch CEO Scott Tannen joins Jason to discuss taking control of the supply chain (11:40), building a trusted brand through transparency (18:12), the importance of boots-on-the-ground methodology (28:02), and much more!

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Time stamps:

(0:00) Boll & Branch CEO Scott Tannen joins Jason

(3:12) Boll & Branch’s position in the market

(4:53) The origin story, insights gained about supply chains, and increasing product quality

(10:17) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/TWIST

(11:40) Going deep into the supply chain dynamics and Boll & Branch’s key innovation

(16:05) The benefits of organic cotton and creating a cost of goods advantage

(18:12) How traceability sets Boll & Branch apart as a textile brand

(24:40) Plunge - Go to https://plunge.com and use code twist150 for $150 off

(26:11) Hotels and the hospitality business

(28:02) The importance of Fairtrade certification and the boots-on-the-ground methodology

(38:33) NetSuite - Download your free KPI Checklist at http://netsuite.com/twist

(40:04) Human rights, inclusion, and global wages

(45:10) The impact of inflation post-covid and the changes in consumer behavior

(46:48) The cost of marketing and the channels that work

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Check out Boll & Branch: https://www.bollandbranch.com/

FOLLOW Scott: https://twitter.com/scotttannen

*

Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo: https://www.launch.co/four

Apply for Funding: https://www.launch.co/apply

Buy ANGEL: https://www.angelthebook.com

Great recent interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

*

Follow Jason:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jason

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

*

Follow TWiST:

Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin

*

Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

12 Apr 2025Palantir's Fellowship, Coco Robots & Startup Office Hours | E211001:08:53

Today’s show: We dive into the latest tech and startup news — including Palantir’s bold new fellowship program that challenges the traditional college path, and DoorDash’s rollout of burrito-delivering Coco robots in LA and Chicago. We debut our new segment “Tips from the Trenches,” focused on how to land your first customers, and wrap up with two great Office Hours: BRX.ai (self-healing AI agents) and InviteJet (calendar-based marketing). Plus, one founder’s wild story about a fake investor using an AI deepfake on Zoom. Don’t miss Jason’s tactical GTM advice and a reminder that if no one complains about your pricing, you’re probably too cheap.

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Jason kicks off the show!

(2:01) Palantir's new fellowship program and alternative education paths

(9:12) Digg's Groundbreakers program and paid community model

(10:33) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST

(13:21) DoorDash's partnership with Coco robotics for deliveries and the future of robotic deliveries

(20:26) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/twist

(21:56) Tips from the Trenches “Your First Customers”

(22:31) Strategies for acquiring first customers from Y Combinator founders

(30:35) AdQuick - For TWiST listeners - AdQuick is waiving their fee on your first campaign. Visit https://www.adquick.com/twist

(32:00) Office Hours with Jake and Daniel from BRX about their product and growth strategy

(41:05) Feedback on BRX's website clarity and branding strategies

(46:45) Office Hours with Brian Watson from InviteJet

(49:00) Challenges faced by InviteJet and dealing with fraudulent investors

(56:43) InviteJet's churn rates, ideal customer profiles, and future plans

(1:01:43) Discussing Invitejet's pricing strategies, customer loyalty, and marketing tactics

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Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.com

Check out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.com

Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

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Links from the show:

BRX AI: https://brx.ai/

InviteJet: https://www.invitejet.com/

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Follow BRX:

X: https://x.com/BRXinc

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Follow InviteJet:X: https://x.com/InviteJet

*

Follow Lon:

X: https://x.com/lons

*

Follow Alex:

X: https://x.com/alex

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm

*

Follow Jason:

X: https://twitter.com/Jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

*

Thank you to our partners:

(10:33) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST

(20:26) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/twist

(30:35) AdQuick - For TWiST listeners - AdQuick is waiving their fee on your first campaign. Visit https://www.adquick.com/twist

*

Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

*

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

*

Follow TWiST:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups

Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

*

Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

06 Apr 2023Satya Patel on the state of VC, flexible investing frameworks & converting to evergreen | E171501:27:33

Satya Patel joins Jason to discuss the economics of being a self-funded GP and the structure of their fund (6:51). Then, they have an all-encompassing discussion about the challenges of running Google today, the state of VC, and much more (15:44). Before wrapping, they discuss their investing frameworks and when and when they will not break them (43:29). 

(0:00) Nick kicks off the show

(1:21) Satya's early days a Google

(6:51) The economics of being a solo GP

(9:29) Mercury - Apply in minutes and get up to $5M in FDIC insurance at https://mercury.com

(10:58) The structure of a fund

(15:44) The challenges of running Google today

(17:51) The evolution of chat-based search 

(22:55) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/TWIST

(24:25) The balkanization of AI data 

(29:55) The pace of AI and the harsh reality of the private sector 

(38:11) Clumio - Start a free backup, or sign up for a demo at https://clumio.com/twist

(39:28) Saying "no" to external funds 

(43:29) Flexible Frameworks

(58:05) Founder Archetypes 

(1:01:38) Being "founder friendly" and the importance of board meetings 

(1:14:09) Screendoor 

(1:22:25) Satya's thoughts on SVB 


FOLLOW Satya: https://twitter.com/satyap

FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis


Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkhmBWfS7pILYIk0izkc3A?sub_confirmation=1

FOUNDERS! Subscribe to the Founder University podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/founder-university/id1648407190

13 Mar 2025Is Project Europe a YC Riff? Nick Denton is Back! And more! | E209601:00:47

Today’s show: Europe wants to keep its founders from fleeing, AI is growing at breakneck speed, and Nick Denton is back with a spicy Twitter storm—so we had to talk about it. Jason, Alex, and Lon break down Project Europe, a new $10M fund aimed at stopping the European startup brain drain. Plus, Anthropic’s revenue just jumped 40% in a single quarter, and we debate what that means for AI’s future. Meanwhile, China’s EV makers are coming for Tesla, Saudi Arabia is building a gaming empire with a $3.5B Pokémon GO buyout, and we ask the big question: Should X and XAI just merge? Since XAI gets real-time data from X, it’s got a major advantage—so what’s stopping them from becoming one?

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Alex, Jason and Lon kick off the show!

(1:29) Recap of Jason's appearance on Glenn Beck's show and advice to MBA students

(4:21) The value of an MBA vs. starting a company(8:14) Nick Denton on Musk, Trump, and investment thesis

(9:47 Squarespace. Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST

(15:16) The rise of Chinese EV manufacturers and Tesla's challenges

(19:09) Jason's stance on vandalism, protests, and political affiliations

(20:35) Northwest Registered Agent. Form your entire business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes. Get more privacy, more options, and more done—visit http://northwestregisteredagent.com/twist today!

(23:13) Tesla's brand challenges and future prospects

(25:03) Jason's audience and political neutrality(26:35) Inflation data and its implications for startups

(28:07) Project Europe and entrepreneurship in the EU and Middle East

(29:45) AdQuick. Easily plan, deploy and measure out-of-home campaigns as easily as digital ads. Visit www.AdQuick.com/twist to learn more

(38:09) Jason's personal health and productivity protocol

(41:18) Anthropic's revenue growth, API credits, and AI developments(45:09) AI competition and consumer trust

(46:41) Mainstream adoption of ChatGPT and AI challengers

(48:02) Grok AI's integration with X

(51:12) Sale of Niantic's games business and global market shifts(

58:06) India's economic rise and TSMC's potential deal with Intel

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Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.com

Check out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.com

Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

*

Follow Alex:

X: https://x.com/alex

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm

Follow Lon:

X: https://x.com/Lons

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lonharris


Follow Jason:

X: https://twitter.com/Jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

*

Thank you to our partners:

(9:47 Squarespace. Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST

(20:35) Northwest Registered Agent. Form your entire business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes. Get more privacy, more options, and more done—visit http://northwestregisteredagent.com/twist today!

(29:45) AdQuick. Easily plan, deploy and measure out-of-home campaigns as easily as digital ads. Visit www.AdQuick.com/twist to learn more

*

Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

*

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

*

Follow TWiST:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups

Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

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Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

07 Jun 2023How AI companions can help solve loneliness with Replika’s Eugenia Kuyda | E175801:06:47

This Week in Startups is presented by:

Crowdbotics. Great ideas can change the world, and Crowdbotics is the fastest way to turn those ideas into code. Get a free scoping session for your next big app idea at crowdbotics.com/twist

The Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub helps all founders build a better startup, at a lower cost, from day one. Startups get up to $150K in Azure credits, access to free OpenAI credits, free dev tools like GitHub, technical advisory, access to mentors and experts, and so much more. There is no funding requirement, and it only takes minutes to join. Sign up today at aka.ms/thisweekinstartups

OpenPhone. Create business phone numbers for you and your team that work through an app on your smartphone or desktop. TWiST listeners can get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at openphone.com/twist

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Today’s show:

Replika Co-Founder and CEO Eugenia Kuyda breaks down her startup’s origin story and purpose (1:43), the relationships users have with its AI chatbot (10:21), the potential of AI therapists, Replika’s new chatbot Blush, and more! (35:10)

Follow Eugenia: https://twitter.com/ekuyda

Check Out Replika: https://replika.ai/

*

Time stamps:

(0:00) Eugenia joins Jason

(1:43) Replika’s origin story

(8:54) Crowdbotics - Get a free scoping session for your next big app idea at crowdbotics.com/twist

(10:21) Replika’s purpose and their current user base

(16:21) Relationships within the app

(20:25) Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub - Apply in 5 minutes for six figures in discounts at http://aka.ms/thisweekinstartups

(21:58) Creating happiness with AI

(26:26) Avoiding addiction

(29:25) Demographics within the AI field

(33:42) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at https://openphone.com/twist

(35:10) Crafting LLMs to envoke thought-provoking questions and AI therapy

(49:53) Replika's new AI chatbot, Blush

(1:01:05) The loneliness crisis and specific cases for using these AIs

*

Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo & Apply for Funding

Buy ANGEL

Great recent interviews: Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

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27 Sep 2024The Future of Sound: Udio’s Vision for AI-Generated Music | E201600:54:37

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Todays show:

Udio’s David Ding joins Alex to discuss the inception of Udio (1:32), advancements in AI music creation (8:47), and the evolution of Udio’s AI model (10:32). Plus, David demos Udio’s capabilities live (32:47)!

*

Timestamps:

(0:00) Udio’s David Ding joins Alex

(1:32) David's journey and the inception of Udio

(4:26) AI music generation and user control over music elements

(7:52) .Tech Domains - Apply for the Jam Session with JCal contest today at https://jamwithjcal.tech

(8:47) Advancements in AI music creation and data annotation

(10:32) Evolution of Udio's AI models and early versions

(14:59) Udio's target audience and the future of AI in music

(20:06) Udio's potential DAW integration and music production terms

(21:52) LinkedIn Ads - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at https://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups

(23:17) Udio's funding and business model

(27:11) Financial discipline and GPU cost efficiency at Udio

(31:28) Brave Search API - Get started for free at ⁠https://www.brave.com/jason

(32:47) GPU-based compute challenges and a live Udio demo

(48:03) Udio's user interface, engagement, and community insights

(49:57) Udio's growth, virality, and competitive stance

(53:27) Udio's model quality and expansion roadmap

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Check out Udio: https://www.udio.com

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Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

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12 Apr 2024Tomasz Tunguz and David Clark on how to invest in AI and Q1 2024 startup valuations | E193001:15:55

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Todays show:

David Weisburd hosts David Clark, Tomasz Tunguz, and Jason Calacanis to discuss the new YC class (1:59), startup valuations (19:34), the investment landscape (30:17), and more!

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Timestamps:

(00:00) David Weisburd intros David Clark, Tomasz Tunguz, and Jason Calacanis

(1:59) The latest YC class and rise of AI startups

(9:36) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at http://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST

(10:55) Role of the founding team in AI startups

(19:34) Startup valuations and the changing landscape of seed deals and Series A rounds

(29:01) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at http://www.openphone.com/twist

(30:17) Tomasz Tunguz’s journey to raising his fund and the challenges of the VC industry

(37:32) Personality types in venture capital and handling company wind downs

(39:20) CLA - Get started with CLA's CPAs, consultants, and wealth advisors now at https://claconnect.com/tech

(40:52) VC’s moving out and the challenge of picking the right company to invest in

(59:27) Active reserves management

(1:09:00) Lightning round: Top 3 investments

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Mentioned on show:

https://motherduck.com

https://arbitrum.io

https://www.omni.co

https://www.podengine.ai

https://www.getrecall.ai

https://newcomergames.com

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Follow David Clark:

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Thank you to our partners:

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(39:20) CLA - Get started with CLA's CPAs, consultants, and wealth advisors now at https://claconnect.com/tech

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Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

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Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

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Follow TWiST:

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06 Oct 2023NEWS: Anthropic targets $20B+ valuation, Flexport chaos & more! | E182300:56:10

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Today’s show:

Jason breaks down Amazon’s Anthropic deal and the state of AI mega-rounds (5:29), Flexport’s growing pains through the lens of founding CEO vs. hired gun (24:58), and DoorDash’s new stealthy “Dine Out” feature (44:52).

*

Time stamps:

(0:00) Jason kicks off the show

(2:42) Recap of Anthropic's big week

(5:29) Amazon’s Anthropic deal and the state of AI mega-rounds

(7:35) Embroker - Use code TWIST to get an extra 10% off insurance at https://Embroker.com/twist

(9:04) Two major details in Amazon’s Anthropic deal

(18:57) Strategic investors and Anthropic’s corporate structure

(23:32) Mercury Raise - Visit http://mercury.com/raise to get access to a network, connections, and advice

(24:58) Flexport’s growing pains through the lens of founding CEO vs. hired gun

(35:17) Why Dave Clark being fired “for cause” instead of being allowed to resign matters

(38:20) NetSuite - Download your free KPI Checklist at http://netsuite.com/twist

(39:45) Flexport's offer to Clark

(44:52) DoorDash’s new stealthy “Dine Out!” feature

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Reuters article: https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/amazon-steps-up-ai-race-with-up-4-billion-deal-invest-anthropic-2023-09-25/

The Information article: https://www.theinformation.com/articles/openai-rival-anthropic-in-talks-to-raise-2-billion-from-google-others-as-ai-arms-race-accelerates

CNBC article: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/02/the-inside-story-of-dave-clarks-tumultuous-last-days-at-flexport.html

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Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo: https://www.launch.co/four

Apply for Funding: https://www.launch.co/apply

Buy ANGEL: https://www.angelthebook.com

Great recent interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

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10 Jul 2024Anand Nandakumar on the future of remote driving and ride services | E197800:42:37

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Todays show:

Anand Nandakumar joins Jason to discuss Halo Car’s technology (1:16), remote driving opportunities (12:07), the Cruise incident (35:17), and more!

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Anand Nandakumar joins Jason

(1:16) Halo Car's technology and vision for the future

(7:36) Economics and challenges of remote driving services

(10:04) Intercom - TWIST listeners can get 90% off Intercom’s platform at https://www.intercom.com/twist

(12:07) Remote driving job opportunities and cost of living impacts

(14:30) Synergy of remote and self-driving technologies

(19:27) Autonomous vehicle adoption and industry challenges

(21:36) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at http://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST

(23:07) Economic challenges for autonomous vehicle companies

(30:47) Remote driving technology for consumers

(33:49) AssemblyAI - Get 100 free hours to start building at https://www.assemblyai.com/twist

(35:17) Regulatory issues and performance of autonomous vehicles in different weathers

(41:34) How to experience Halo Car's technology

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Follow Anand:

X: https://x.com/kumi360

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anandnr

Check out: https://halo.car

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Thank you to our partners:

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(21:36) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at http://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST

(33:49) AssemblyAI - Get 100 free hours to start building at https://www.assemblyai.com/twist

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Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

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Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

14 Sep 2022Bob Iger joins VC firm as venture partner, Twitter whistleblower hearing, KKR tokenizes fund | E155901:23:35

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

FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis

FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood

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17 May 2023Magic.dev CEO Eric Steinberger on making developers bionic | E174400:57:28

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Today’s show:

Jason is joined by Magic.dev CEO and Co-Founder Eric Steinberger to discuss how his startup makes developers more efficient with AI by auto-generating code. The first portion of the interview features Eric demoing his software. Then, Jason and Eric dive into the impact that these rapid AI advancements will have on society (31:28), how their tools have the potential to significantly minimize coding time and what that means for entrepreneurship (13:55), and much more!

*

Time stamps:

(00:00) Eric Steinberger joins Jason

(1:44) Eric and Jason explain what Magi.dev is

(3:43) Eric Demos Magic.dev

(9:13) What makes this AI model unique

(11:02) Crowdbotics - Get a free scoping session for your next big app idea at ⁠http://crowdbotics.com/twist⁠

(12:11) Magic.dev's motivation behind building their own language model

(13:55) The efficiency gains achieved with Magic.dev

(17:32) Exploring reinforcement learning and grounding the AI model

(19:45) Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub - Apply in 5 minutes for six figures in discounts at http://aka.ms/thisweekinstartups

(21:19) The two parallel paths unfolding

(23:57) How close we are to developing more capable AI systems

(31:28) The impact of Moore's Law on technology and society

(37:34) Release - Get your first month free at ⁠https://release.com/twist

(39:03) Alternative perspectives on the pace of AI advancement

(43:14) The origins of Eric's positive outlook on AI

(47:49) Thought's on AI regulation and choke points

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Great recent interviews: Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt

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02 May 2023BuzzFeed vs Gawker, AI’s impact on the future of media, and more with Semafor’s Ben Smith | E173301:00:09

Jason is joined by Semafor Co-Founder and EIC Ben Smith to dive into his new book and explore the current state of media. They break down BuzzFeed vs Gawker, why media unions might not work (29:35), the future of journalism (36:54), and much more!


(0:00) Jason kicks off the show

(1:55) Semafor's Ben Smith joins Jason

(4:27) Ben's career in media

(6:19) The previous era of publishing

(9:13) The significance of BuzzFeed and Gawker

(13:49) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://linkedin.com/twist

(14:53) Gawker's ethos

(19:31) The bet on companies like Facebook for media

(23:25) BuzzFeed's future

(24:51) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at ⁠https://vanta.com/twist

(26:07) Vice and Vox

(29:35) Unions in media

(35:34) iConnections - Get 20% off iConnections Miami 2024 event at https://iConnections.io/twist

(36:54) The clash between journalism and business

(45:34) Broadcast TV and going direct

(46:19) What is happening with Fox and CNN

(52:48) SBF and Semafor


FOLLOW Ben: https://twitter.com/semaforben

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17 Jan 2024LP investment strategies, IRR focus, and more with Berkocorp's Joshua Berkowitz | E188201:09:14

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Today’s show:

Joshua Berkowitz joins Jason discuss the critical role of LPs in venture capital, his family office's diversification into the field (4:37), strategies for evaluating and selecting fund managers (14:26), and the intricacies of fund management and fundraising (30:41).

*

Timestamps:

(0:00) Berkocorp’s Joshua Berkowitz joins Jason

(4:37) Why family offices diversify into venture capital - higher returns, high dispersion of returns, and the entrepreneurial aspect

(9:32) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/twist

(10:59) Evaluating emerging managers - looking for exceptional strategies and execution

(14:26) Decision making processes at venture firms - consensus vs individual decision-making.

(19:56) What a VC fund has to do to be successful

(25:48) Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at http://northwestregisteredagent.com/twist

(26:41) Pros and cons of GPs being very vocal/political on social media

(30:41) Quick disqualifications when evaluating new VC funds and challenges with GP "tourism"

(34:59) LinkedIn Marketing - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at http://linkedin.com/angelpod

(36:20) What kills companies - "likely winners" vs "definitive winners"

(58:42) Clarity in the process for GPs raising funds from LPs

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Check out: https://www.berkocorp.ca/

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Thanks to our partners:

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Follow at:

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Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

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Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

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Follow TWiST:

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Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

05 Apr 2025Rippling Targets $16B, Market Chaos, TikTok Timeout, and Office Hours | E210701:31:40

Today’s show: Jason and Alex dive into the startup world’s latest chaos — from Nasdaq’s slide and Trump’s tariffs to Klarna’s IPO pause and Rippling’s $16B target. They break down what founders really need to know: tightening CIO budgets, longer sales cycles, but easier hiring. Plus, TikTok’s ban gets another delay (with Bezos possibly lurking?). In Office Hours, they chat with two sharp founders: Luke Belbina from PodEngine, who's building AI for podcasters and doubling revenue, and David Moscatelli from Abacus, who’s bringing secure, on-prem AI to banks and just hit $1M ARR. Don’t miss it! 👇

*

Timestamps:

(0:00) Jason kicks off the show!

[3:37] Cloud stocks dip: What it means for startups

[5:31] Trump's tariffs: A new startup recession?

[7:01] Retail’s reaction to tariff pressure

[10:16] LinkedIn Ads - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups

[12:35] Supply chains & startup struggles

[14:53] What’s still getting funded in VC

[17:21] Layoffs looming? What founders should prep for

[19:10] AI, macro takes & market signals

[21:32] Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist

[23:21] European tech cooling off?

[24:36] Hiring freezes vs. easier recruiting

[27:39] Startup strategies in tough markets

[29:34] Vapi - Go to https://vapi.ai/twist and get 1000 minutes free per month - for life.

[31:38] How to communicate tough changes

[33:33] TikTok ban delayed… again

[39:38] Trump’s China playbook: Startup impact

[42:12] Office Hours: Luke from PodEngine

[47:31] Automating with AI & driving sales

[55:53] Pricing, lead gen & scaling tips

[1:06:30] Office Hours: David from Abacus

[1:08:32] On-prem AI for banks + hitting $1M ARR

[1:14:42] Team building & founder strategy

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Links from the show:

Check out PodEngine: https://www.podengine.ai/

Check out Abacus: https://www.goabacus.co/

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Follow Luke:

X: https://x.com/lukebelbina

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukebelbina/

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Follow David:

X: https://x.com/DaveMoscatelli

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Follow Alex:

X: https://x.com/alex

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis


Thank you to our partners:

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Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland


Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis


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Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

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Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

23 Aug 2024AI Demos: New Runway, Flux, Grok 2.0 & Jam Session with Ulama | E199701:18:06

Todays show:

Sunny joins Jason to dive into all things AI, including: utilizing ChatGPT for efficiency and quick answers (7:03, the future of AI applications and Claude demo (12:47), Flux demo (36:56). Runway Gen-3 Alpha (41:13), and new Jam with JCal with Tyce Herrman of Ulama.

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Sunny joins Jason to jump in to AI demos. (1:24) Sundeep Madra on AI market trends and consumer adoption (3:31) AI-native interns and AI's role in career trajectories (7:03) Utilizing ChatGPT for efficiency and quick answers

(10:11) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at http://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST

(12:47) Future of AI applications and Claude demo

(19:44) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/twist

(20:56) Operating systems and AI integration (22:20) Grok for real-time information and AI images of public figures (25:14) AI-generated content concerns and parody vs misinformation

(30:12) Linear - Streamline issues, projects, and product roadmaps in a tool your team will actually enjoy using. Get 25% off at https://linear.app/twist

(31:07) AI's impact on the 2024 election and content regulation (36:56) Introduction to Flux and demo of AI-generated images (41:13) AI's potential misuse in elections and Runway ML's new model (44:00) Creativity, fan films, and real-time editing advancements in AI (51:13) AI platforms for service industries and Mastertech AI applications (57:22) Funding opportunities for startups and closing remarks (1:01:55) Jam with JCal! Ulama introduction and software overview (1:04:34) AI in code compliance and architect feedback (1:07:45) Challenges in launching a standalone product and market potential (1:12:27) Strategies for architectural firm integration and marketing strategies

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Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

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LINKS:

Check out Grok 2.0: https://x.com/i/grok

Check out Flux: https://replicate.com/black-forest-labs/flux-pro

@RyanMorrisonJer’s tweet about Midjourney and Flux: https://x.com/ryanmorrisonjer/status/1822637652501319684?s=42

Check out Runway Gen-3 Alpha: https://runwayml.com/research/introducing-gen-3-alpha

Check out Avoca: https://www.avoca.ai/

Check out MasterTech AI: https://www.mastertech.ai/

Check out the Jam with JCal contest: https://jamwithjcal.tech/

Check out Ulama: https://www.ulama.tech/

*

Follow Sunny:

X: https://twitter.com/sundeep

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sundeepm

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Follow Tyce: X: https://x.com/tycecycle

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyceherrman/

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Follow Jason:

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

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Thank you to our partners: (10:11) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at http://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST

(19:44) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/twist

(30:12) Linear - Streamline issues, projects, and product roadmaps in a tool your team will actually enjoy using. Get 25% off at https://www.linear.app/twist

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Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.com/

Check out the TWIST500: twist500.com

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Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

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Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

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Follow TWiST:

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Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

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Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

24 Dec 2024Palantir’s Valuation, VC’s Go To Washington and Much More | E206501:15:54

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

Oracle. TWiST listeners can try OCI and save up to 50% on your cloud bill at ⁠⁠https://w⁠⁠⁠⁠ww.oracle.com/twist⁠⁠⁠

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Todays show: Jason & Alex discuss Palantir’s valuation, possible opt-in empire building for the United States and the incoming presidents appointments pulling from tech and VC.


(0:00) Jason and Alex kick off the show (0:22) Approaches to population growth: immigration and opt-in empire building (1:40) Live streaming and show schedule (2:09) Introduction of Alex Wilhelm and seasonal greetings (3:41) Jason's Twitter controversy regarding Palantir (7:06) Palantir's financial analysis and market comparison (10:27) Oracle.TWiST listeners can try OCI and save up to 50% on your cloud bill at ⁠⁠https://w⁠⁠⁠⁠ww.oracle.com/twist⁠⁠⁠ (13:41) Deeper dive into Palantir's valuation and growth (18:18) Memestock caution and market dynamics (19:03) DevSquad. TWIST listeners can get 10% off at http://devsquad.com/twist (20:21) Jeff Bezos' fake wedding and Michael Saylor's Bitcoin strategy (22:17) Cultural takes on weddings and Michael Saylor's media attention (22:55) Defense tech: Palantir and Anduril's consortium (27:18) The rise of entrepreneurs in defense technology (28:45) Ken Howery's ambassadorship and US geopolitical strategies (29:49) Ramp. TWiST listeners, get $250 when you join Ramp today at https://www.ramp.com/twist (31:13) Funding ambassadorships and their significance (34:10) "Opt-in" empire building for US growth (42:40) Government's recent strategic hires (43:45) Evaluating new government hires and their impact (50:30) AI policy advisory and Surem Krishnan's role (56:09) Investment accreditation and securities law evolution (1:02:15) Modernizing securities laws for new assets (1:03:59) Emil Michael appointed under secretary for research and engineering (1:06:45) Michael Kratzios and emerging technology assistance


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Follow Alex:

X: https://x.com/alex

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm


Follow Jason:

X: https://twitter.com/Jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis


Thank you to our partners:

(10:27) Oracle**.** TWiST listeners can try OCI and save up to 50% on your cloud bill at ⁠⁠https://w⁠⁠⁠⁠ww.oracle.com/twist⁠⁠⁠ (19:03) DevSquad. TWIST listeners can get 10% off at http://devsquad.com/twist (29:49) Ramp. ****TWiST listeners, get $250 when you join Ramp today at https://www.ramp.com/twist


Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland


Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis


Follow TWiST:

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Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com


Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

17 Oct 2023AI demos: ChatGPT’s UI punch ups, Google’s generative image search, and more with Sunny Madra | E182901:10:49

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Today’s show:

Sunny Madra joins Jason to demo an AI-enabled survey tool (1:31), ChatGPT’s multimodal UI feedback (44:58), Google generative image search (59:15), and much more!

*

Time stamps:

(0:00) Sunny Madra joins Jason

(1:31) Sunny demos Trove’s conversational surveys

(10:43) Final thoughts and grades for Trove

(17:43) Mercury Raise - Visit http://mercury.com/raise to get access to a network, connections, and advice

(19:07) Sunny demos the ChatGPT's multimodal calculator builder

(22:45) Microsoft reportedly losing $20/month per GitHub Copilot user

(28:58) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/twist

(30:20) Sunny demos SuperManage

(34:46) Grades for SuperManage

(43:30) Fitbod - Get 25% off at https://fitbod.me/twist

(44:58) Demo of ChatGPT's Multimodal UI feedback

(49:01) OpenAI’s business model

(54:09) Grades for ChatGPT Multimodal UI feedback

(59:15) Sunny demos Google’s generative image search

(1:02:12) Grades for Google’s generative image search

*

Check out Trove: https://gettrove.co/app/dashboard

Check out SuperManage: https://supermanage.ai/

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Follow Sunny: https://twitter.com/sundeep

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Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo: https://www.launch.co/fourApply for Funding: https://www.launch.co/apply

Buy ANGEL: https://www.angelthebook.com

Great recent interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

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Follow Jason:

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Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

13 Feb 2023 ChatGPT’s alter ego and moderating AI-generated content | E167700:54:31

Molly and Jason kick off the show catching up after the weekend, discussing the Super Bowl and the spy balloons that the US airforce has shot down. (1:30) Then they have a very interesting conversation about bypassing ChatGPT’s guardrails and content moderation. (23:29)

(0:00) M+J kick off the show

(1:30) Super Bowl 57

(8:33) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://linkedin.com/twist

(9:58) UFOs in American airspace

(22:26) Embroker - Use code TWIST to get an extra 10% off insurance at https://Embroker.com/twist

(23:29) ChatGPT’s alter ego DAN + content filter transparency

(37:17) Revelo - Get 20% off the first 3 months by mentioning TWIST at https://revelo.com/twist

(38:44) Programming LLMs and neural networks


FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis

FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood

20 Dec 2023AI-Powered "Tools for Thought": Exploring NotebookLM with Steven Berlin Johnson | E186901:02:00

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Today’s show:

Steven Berlin Johnson joins Jason to demo Google’s NotebookLM, a new AI-powered research assistant he helped create at Google Labs. They dive into Steven’s journey to Google Labs (1:28), NotebookLM's unique features (14:09), the rights of authors in the digital age (40:22), and more!

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Author Steven Berlin Johnson joins Jason

(1:28) Early experiences with the internet and Google’s Project Starline

(8:01) DevSquad - Get an entire product team for the cost of one US developer plus 10% off at http://devsquad.com/twist

(9:00) The significance of document organization, the concept and features of "sources" in NotebookLM, and the impact on writing (14:09) Steven demos Google NotebookLM

(28:06) LinkedIn Marketing - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at https://linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups

(29:36) Steven’s NotebookLM demo continued

(33:47) Jason showcases how he utilizes NotebookLM for TWiST's Business Breakdowns segment

(38:56) Fitbod - Get 25% off at https://fitbod.me/twist

(40:22) The rights of authors in the digital age

(52:01) Superintelligence and the trajectory of language models

*

Links: https://stevenberlinjohnson.com/writing-at-the-speed-of-thought-21dfb7f689e4https://stevenberlinjohnson.com/good-ideas-the-four-minute-version-7e7856e69621https://www.wired.com/story/googles-notebooklm-ai-ultimate-writing-assistant/

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Follow Steven: https://twitter.com/stevenbjohnson Check out Steven’s website: https://stevenberlinjohnson.com/ Check out Steven’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/american-innovations/id1370092284

Follow Jason:

X: https://twitter.com/jason

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

*

Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

*

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

*

Follow TWiST:

Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin

*

Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

27 Jan 2025DeepSeek Rattles Markets + SailPoint's Going Public… again? | E207700:59:49

Today’s show: A $6M open-source AI model from China, DeepSeek, sends shockwaves through Wall Street, wiping billions off NVIDIA’s market cap and forcing a rethink on AI infrastructure spending. We explore the 25% surge in startup shutdowns, the lessons from leaner teams, and why some companies just couldn’t make the runway. Plus, SailPoint returns to the public markets saddled with $1.6B in debt—what does this say about private equity’s “buy, fix, and flip” strategy? Don’t miss this deep dive into the latest tech and startup news!

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Jason and Alex kick off the show. (1:58) DeepSeek's market impact and Project Stargate (4:18) Innovation, H100 GPUs, and open-source AI models (8:41) Jevons paradox, Pat Gelsinger's analogy, and AI efficiency

(10:03) Northwest Registered Agent. For just $39 plus state fees, Northwest will handle your complete business identity. Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist today. (13:25) AI's benefits for startups and privacy concerns (19:32) Squarespace. TWiST listeners: use code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain: https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST (19:51) AI optimization vs. hardware consumption

(22:20) OpenAI's revenue, valuation, and NVIDIA's market value (30:13) LinkedIn Jobs. Post your first job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/twist (33:21) Unified AI digital assistants and DeepSeq's new model (35:01) AI's role in venture capital and team size reduction (41:04) China's influence and DeepSeek's market impact (43:22) Startup shutdowns and potential for increased M&A activity (53:02) Nvidia's historical analysis, risks of leverage, and SailPoint's IPO

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Follow Alex:

X: https://x.com/alex

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm

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Follow Jason:

X: https://twitter.com/Jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

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Thank you to our partners:

(10:03) Northwest Registered Agent. For just $39 plus state fees, Northwest will handle your complete business identity. Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist today. (19:32) Squarespace. TWiST listeners: use code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain: https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST (30:13) LinkedIn Jobs. Post your first job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/twist *

Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

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Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

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Follow TWiST:

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20 Mar 2022NEWS: $BABA & $TCEHY layoffs, Google's AR purchase, $APE coin; OK Boomer: Smirk | E141201:07:33

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

FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis
FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood

23 Apr 2022Twitter funding secured, Boring Co. raises $675M, Amazon's $1B VC fund, Ackman's $400M loss + The Lunar Society: Dwarkesh Patel | E144100:59:10

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

04 Sep 2023Building a blood-testing startup in 2023 with Vital CEO Vasu Nadella | E180100:54:47

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Today’s show:

Vital Biosciences CEO Vasu Nadella joins Jason to discuss exactly how Vital’s “VitalOne” conducts 50+ blood tests with a small sample of blood (9:16), building investor trust in the wake of past industry failures (18:45), creating accessible care (40:35), and much more!

*

Time stamps:

(0:00) Vital Biosciences CEO and Co-Founder Vasu Nadella joins Jason

(1:18) Theranos’ background and what prompted Vasu to pursuit

(7:56) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist

(9:16) Vasu demos how the VitalOne works, lessons learned on Vital’s journey

(18:45) Scaling the company, raising a war chest, building trust in the product, benchmarking and governance for labs

(27:36) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at https://openphone.com/twist

(29:07) State of lab robotics, paths for incorporating AI into Vital’s technology, benefits of converging technologies

(39:16) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://linkedin.com/twist

(40:35) Creating accessible modern lab testing

(45:38) Consumer behavior and the outcome of consumers controlling spend

*

Check out Vital Bio: https://vitalbio.com

FOLLOW Vasu: https://twitter.com/vasunadella

*

Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo: https://www.launch.co/four

Apply for Funding: https://www.launch.co/apply

Buy ANGEL: https://www.angelthebook.com

Great recent interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

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Follow Jason:

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

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Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

10 Nov 2022Meta cuts 11K employees, Binance/FTX fallout + Homeward CEO Dr. Jenny Schneider | E160801:04:57

J+M start the show by breaking down the two biggest stories in tech: Meta's 13% RIF, impacting 11K employees (1:23) and the Binance/FTX fallout (19:21). Then, Homeward CEO Jenny Schneider joins Molly Wood for another edition of The Next Unicorns! (40:35)

(0:00) J+M tee up today's topics!

(1:23) Meta lays off 11K employees (13% of the company)

(14:20) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://linkedIn.com/unicorn

(15:45) Alternative strategies for Meta

(19:21) Binance/FTX fallout

(28:14) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist 

(29:40) Impact on crypto VC

(39:13) Coda - The all-in-one doc for teams, sign up for free at https://coda.io/twist

(40:35) Homeward CEO Jenny Schneider joins Molly Wood to break down why she started a company that provides healthcare services to rural areas in America

(49:15) Challenges for Homeward

(57:42) Breaking down Homeward's business model

FOLLOW Jenny: https://twitter.com/dr_jschneider

FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis

FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood

Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkhmBWfS7pILYIk0izkc3A?sub_confirmation=1

15 Dec 2022Affirm addresses Molly & Jason + is TikTok getting banned, and Pearpop’s CEO Cole Mason | E163701:30:12

Molly and Jason react to a letter they received from Affirm after yesterday’s episode. (1:59) Then, Molly and Jason discuss Marco Rubio’s bipartisan legislation to ban TikTok (35:46), And finally, we cap off season 4 of The Next Unicorns with Co-Founder and CEO of Pearpop Cole Mason (59:28)

(0:00) M+J Kick off the show

(1:59) Molly and Jason respond to a letter from Affirm

(9:33) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist

(15:55) Comparing the pros and cons of BNPL

(27:42) Fitbod - Get 25% off at https://fitbod.me/twist

(29:06) Jason and Molly’s advice on debt

(35:46) Marcos Rubio’s bipartisan legislation to ban TikTok

(46:22) The battle with social media

(59:28)The Next Unicorns: Cole Mason, CEO of Pearpop

FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis

FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood

Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes:

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23 May 2024$NVDA's earnings, media economics in the AI era, Farcaster's mega crypto round, and more! | E1954 01:20:24

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Jason and Alex kick off the show

(1:50) Nvidia earnings for First Quarter Fiscal 2025

(12:53) Zendesk - Get six months free at http://www.zendesk.com/twist

(14:32) Continuing discussion on Nvidia's earnings

(22:39) News Corp and OpenAI strike ‘multi year global partnership’

(29:21) Mercury - Join 200K startups who use Mercury to operate at their best at http://mercury.com

(30:51) Apple News+ is driving big numbers for The Daily Beast

(39:03) HiddenLayer - HiddenLayer’s AI Detection & Response Solution secures your Generative AI & LLMs from malicious attack. Visit https://HiddenLayer.com/TWiST to learn more.

(40:14) Wearable AI startup Humane is exploring a sale

(50:56) Windows Recall

(1:08:45) Farcaster raises $150M: Is crypto making a comeback?

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Links and articles from show:

https://nvidianews.nvidia.com/news/nvidia-announces-financial-results-for-first-quarter-fiscal-2025

https://techcrunch.com/2024/05/21/farcaster-a-crypto-based-social-network-raised-150m-with-just-80k-daily-users/

https://gizmodo.com/humane-ai-pin-selling-billion-1851493143

https://www.semafor.com/article/05/19/2024/as-clicks-dry-up-for-news-sites-could-apples-news-app-be-a-lifeline

https://www.wsj.com/business/media/openai-news-corp-strike-deal-23f186ba?mod=latest_headlines

https://s201.q4cdn.com/141608511/files/doc_financials/2025/Rev_by_Mkt_Qtrly_Trend_Q125.pdf

https://x.com/dsiroker/status/1792956339515273537

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Follow Alex:

X: https://x.com/alex

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm/

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X: https://twitter.com/Jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

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Thank you to our partners:

(12:53) Zendesk - Get six months free at http://www.zendesk.com/twist

(29:21) Mercury - Join 200K startups who use Mercury to operate at their best at ⁠http://mercury.com⁠

(39:03) HiddenLayer - HiddenLayer’s AI Detection & Response Solution secures your Generative AI & LLMs from malicious attack. Visit https://HiddenLayer.com/TWiST to learn more. *

Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

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Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

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19 Apr 2023Building the future of VFX and video editing with Runway CEO Cristóbal Valenzuela | E172401:02:09

Runway CEO Cristóbal Valenzuela joins Jason to discuss their suite of generative AI video editing tools (3:03), Runway's AI Film Festival and the rapid evolution of filmmaking (22:21), Runway's ability to lower the barrier to entry for aspiring filmmakers (36:05), and more!

(0:00) Jason kicks off the show

(3:03) What is Runway? 

(6:39) Runway's text-to-video demo

(11:08) Clumio - Start a free backup, or sign up for a demo at https://clumio.com/twist

(12:08) Latent Diffusion paper

(16:30) The Late Show With Stephen Colbert

(20:51) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/TWIST

(22:21) Runway's AI Film Festival

(29:08) The rapid evolution of filmmaking

(31:59) Favorite directors and films 

(36:05) Lowering the barrier of entry to filmmaking

(41:20) Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub - Apply in 5 minutes for six figures in discounts at http://aka.ms/thisweekinstartups

(42:51) Driving costs of filmmaking to zero 

(44:57) Training Runway's data set & Fan Fiction 

(52:07) Runway's generative capabilities 

(54:30) Safety concerns 

(58:20) The challenges of operating Runway


FOLLOW Cristóbal: https://twitter.com/c_valenzuelab

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12 Apr 2022Elon no longer joining $TWTR board, Breslow's Instacart case-study, NYT tells reporters to reduce time on Twitter | E143201:00:28

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
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11 Sep 2024The New Power Law & How I Built a $100B Portfolio | E200700:50:05

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

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Oracle. Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, or OCI, is a single platform for your infrastructure, database, application development, and AI needs. Save up to 50% on your cloud bill at https://www.oracle.com/twist

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Jason joins Pejman Nozad and Jason Shuman at the Liquidity Summit 2024.

(3:25) Pejman Nozad’s “How I Built a $100B Portfolio”

(10:42) .Tech Domains. Don’t miss our “Jam with JCal” contest! To apply and get more details go to https://jamwithjcal.tech/

(21:34) Fidelity Private Shares. Visit https://www.fidelityprivateshares.com/ Mention our podcast and receive 20% off your first-year paid subscription.

(23:50) Jason joins Pejman for a fireside chat.

(36:33) Oracle. Save up to 50% on your cloud bill at https://www.oracle.com/twist

(38:02) Jason Shuman’s “The New Power Law: Good vs Great Funds”:


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(10:42) .Tech Domains. Don’t miss our “Jam with JCal” contest! To apply and get more details go to https://jamwithjcal.tech/

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(36:33) Oracle. Save up to 50% on your cloud bill at https://www.oracle.com/twist

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Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

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Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

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01 Nov 2022Steve Case on "The Rise of the Rest", America's economic resiliency & more | E160100:50:33

Author, CEO of Revolution, and former AOL CEO Steve Case joins Jason to talk about his new book, "The Rise of the Rest". (0:50) They also discuss reflections on remote work (13:14), American economic resiliency (25:48), capital formation in America (36:32), and more!

(0:00) Show start

(0:50) Jason welcomes Steve Case: Author, CEO of Revolution, and former CEO of AOL to talk about his book, "The Rise of the Rest"

(11:44) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist 

(13:14) Remote work reflections: can a great company be built fully remote? 

(24:37) Embroker - Use code TWIST to get an extra 10% off insurance at https://Embroker.com/twist 

(25:48) American economic resiliency, China's capitalist system going off the rails, not staying complacent

(34:16) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://linkedin.com/twist 

(35:31) Opening investor access, fixing capital formation in America

(43:16) Politics and policy involvement

20 Sep 2024How Pie's 'Block Ads, Get Paid' Model Is Giving Users Control of Ads & Privacy | E201200:53:19

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

OpenPhone. Create business phone numbers for you and your team that work through an app on your smartphone or desktop. TWiST listeners can get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://www.openphone.com/twist⁠

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Beehiiv. Power your newsletters with AI tools, referral programs, and ad network features—all in one platform. Get 30 days free and 20% off your first 3 months at ⁠⁠https://www.beehiiv.com/twist

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Todays show:

Pie.org’s Ryan Hudson joins Jason to discuss consumer behavior (5:57), Honey’s business strategy (10:47), Pie’s consumer ad control (14:20), legal considerations of ad blocking (27:21), and more!

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Pie.org’s Ryan Hudson joins Jason

(2:30) History and initial reactions to Honey

(5:57) Consumer behavior, trust, and conversion rates

(9:17) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at https://www.openphone.com/twist⁠

(10:43) Merchant reactions and Honey's business strategy

(14:20) Future of Pie and consumer ad control

(17:50) Demo of Pie browser extension

(20:35) Economic implications of ad blocking

(27:23) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/twist

(28:34) Legal considerations of ad blocking

(30:20) Apple's privacy stance and ad reintroduction strategies

(36:22) Beehiiv - Get 30 days free and 20% off your first 3 months at ⁠⁠https://www.beehiiv.com/twist

(37:50) Funding decisions and advice for young founders

(43:40) Company values and political engagement

(49:08) Remote work and the value of in-person interactions

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

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Thank you to our partners:

(9:17) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at https://www.openphone.com/twist⁠

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Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

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Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

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Follow TWiST:

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Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

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07 Nov 2023OpenAI DevDay!: demoing GPT-4 Turbo, "GPT Store" potential, and more with Sunny Madra | E184101:03:11

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

LinkedIn Jobs. A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters. Go to LinkedIn.com/TWIST to post your first job for free. Terms and conditions apply.

Coda is the all-in-one doc for teams. And they introduced an AI-powered assistant to take the BUSY out of the WORK! Get started for free at http://coda.io/twist

IntouchCX. Want to build a loyal customer base for your startup? Unlock the power of innovative AI and automated support solutions from IntouchCX to deliver fast, personalized support and enhance your customers’ experience. Schedule your consultation today at http://intouchcx.com/twist

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Today’s show:

Sunny joins Jason to discuss OpenAI’s DevDay announcements (1:33). Then, Sunny demos an AI-driven chatbot creator (32:49), an AI email-first Chief of Staff (39:12), and much more!

*

Time stamps:

(0:00) Sunny Madra joins Jason to break down OpenAI DevDay!

(1:33) OpenAI DevDay announcements: GPT-4 Turbo, expanded context windows, Custom GPTs, and more

(12:57) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://linkedin.com/twist

(14:28) How OpenAI's "GPT Store" could change the way we consume the internet

(22:02) GPT-4 Turbo, speed, cost reduction, expanded context window issues

(26:16) Coda - Get started for free at https://coda.io/twist

(32:49) DEMO: Droxy.ai: a custom chatbot platform

(37:54) InTouchCX - Schedule a free consultation at http://intouchcx.com/twist

(39:12) DEMO: Mindy.com: an AI-powered email Chief of Staff

(45:43) DEMO: Brave Nightly's webpage summarizer

(50:24) DEMO: Zapier's AI-powered Zaps

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Check out what happened at OpenAI DevDay: https://devday.openai.com/

Check out Droxy Ai: https://www.droxy.ai/

Check out Mindy: https://mindy.com/

Follow Sunny: https://twitter.com/sundeep

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Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo: https://www.launch.co/four

Apply for Funding: https://www.launch.co/apply

Buy ANGEL: https://www.angelthebook.com

Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

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04 Mar 2022Google ends WFH, $SNOW earnings + Stillmark's Alyse Killeen Angel S6 E7 + Pallet CEO Kai Han | E140001:54:47

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

06 Apr 2024Apurva Mehta and Jack Altman on Sam Altman, CalPERS, and Liquidation Preferences | E192701:03:17

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Todays show:

David Weisburd hosts Apurva Mehta, Jack Altman, and Jason Calacanis to discuss Sam Altman’s huge investment wins (2:34), the role of SPVs (13:19), CalPERS increasing their exposure to venture (26:19), and liquidation preferences (45:56).

*

Timestamps:

(0:00) David Weisburd intros Apurva Mehta, Jack Altman, and Jason Calacanis

(2:34) Reddit's IPO and Sam Altman's investment success

(5:48) Apurva's investment strategy and thoughts on fund size and portfolio strategy

(11:50) DevSquad - Get an entire product team for the cost of one US developer plus 10% off at http://devsquad.com/twist

(13:19) The role of SPVs and the importance of trust in the investment ecosystem

(24:53) Marketing Against the Grain ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHrjktuM1Dc

https://lnk.to/h3vKHnTW

(26:19) CalPERS and pension funds increasing their exposure to venture capital and private equity

(28:11) Is it a good time to invest in venture?

(41:48) Gelt. It’s time to take control over your taxes. Visit https://joingelt.com/twist now

(43:02) Fundraising and decision-making processes

(45:56) Higher liquidation preferences at the later stage

(55:49) Rapid fire segment on recent investments

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Mentioned on the show:

https://www.retellai.com

https://www.heygen.com

https://www.owner.com

https://www.foundationhealth.com

https://peregrine.io

https://www.marvl.io

https://getprops.ai

https://www.arkitask.ai

*

Follow Apurva:

X: https://twitter.com/mehtaaapurva

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/apurvaamehta/

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Follow Jack:

X: https://twitter.com/jaltma

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackealtman/

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Follow David:

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/DWeisburd⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd⁠

Check out: ⁠https://10xcapital.com

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

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Thank you to our partners:

(11:50) DevSquad - Get an entire product team for the cost of one US developer plus 10% off at http://devsquad.com/twist

(24:53) Marketing Against the Grain ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHrjktuM1Dc

https://lnk.to/h3vKHnTW

(41:48) Gelt. It’s time to take control over your taxes. Visit https://joingelt.com/twist now

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Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

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Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

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22 Nov 2024TWiST News: Nvidia's AI Edge, Google Might Have to Sell Chrome, and Founder Fridays Updates | E204901:18:21

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Todays show:

Jason and Alex kick off the show with a deep dive into Nvidia’s blowout earnings and the skyrocketing demand for its upcoming Blackwell chips. Meanwhile, Google’s search monopoly took center stage as proposed remedies, including a potential Chrome divestment, sparked heated debate. To unpack the implications, Brave’s Jean-Paul Schmetz joined the discussion, offering insights into the fight for search independence. The episode wrapped up with updates from three Founder Friday hosts, sharing what they’re hearing from the builders shaping the future.

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Jason and Alex kick off the show

(3:20) Google's antitrust case and DOJ's proposed remedies

(5:22) Nvidia's market performance and AI chip competition

(7:00) Nvidia's Blackwell architecture and AI advancements

(9:45) Ramp. Get $250 when you join Ramp today at https://www.ramp.com/twist.

(11:13) Google's advertising market dominance and Chrome divestiture

(21:00) DevSquad - Get an entire product team for the cost of one US developer plus 10% off at http://devsquad.com/twist

(22:50) DOJ's negotiation strategy with Google

(25:50) Brave browser's business model, competition, and privacy focus

(31:00) DigitalOcean - DigitalOcean is the cloud platform you need to turn your AI project into a rocket ship. Right now, approved listeners can get up to $100,000 in free credits to try us out. Visit https://www.do.co/twist - get started and view terms and conditions.

(32:13) Brave's search engine development and DOJ's impact

(40:26) AI's role in search technology and the future of browsers

(44:08) DOJ's remedies and their effect on smaller search engines

(46:22) Google's growth strategies and M&A outlook

(51:03) Founder culture, motivation, and Founder Fridays initiative

(58:50) Founder Fridays host Georges Colbert joins the show

(1:06:12) Founder Fridays experiences in Longview, Texas with Kitty and Coco

(1:15:09) Endora's success and advice for Founder Fridays hosts

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Want to host or join the next Founder Fridays? Check out https://www.founderfridays.tech

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Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

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Mentioned on the show: Check out Albetroz: https://albatroz.ai/

Check out Endora: https://www.endora.app/

Check out Brave: https://search.brave.com/

https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/microsoft-backed-startup-d-matrix-launches-first-ai-chip-2024-11-19

https://x.com/Jason/status/1859630517894983977

https://blog.google/outreach-initiatives/public-policy/doj-search-remedies-nov-2024

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Follow Jean-Paul:

X: https://x.com/jpschmetz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpschmetz

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Follow Kitty:

X: https://x.com/endorakitty

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kittyboglesherman

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Follow Coco:

X: https://x.com/endoracoco

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cocoharmon

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X: https://x.com/alex

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm

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Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

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01 Aug 2023AI-generated South Park, “Holy Grails” of AI & more with Sunny Madra | E178500:59:11

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

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Today’s show:

Sunny Madra joins Jason to discuss Fable Simulation's new AI showrunner (5:51), AI-powered note-takers and CRMs( 37:25), and more!

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Time stamps:

(00:00) Sunny Madra joins Jason

(2:27) Using AI to analyze large datasets

(5:51) The WGA strike and Fable Studios’ AI-generated South Park episode

(12:29) Embroker - Use code TWIST to get an extra 10% off insurance at https://Embroker.com/twist

(13:45) AI-generated South Park continued

(16:58) What is lost with AI and the Modern Seinfeld Twitter account

(23:40) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at https://openphone.com/twist

(25:10) The pace of innovation with RunwayML

(31:06) Production studios sharing the wealth & alternative plans

(36:00) Roots - Head to investwithroots.com/TWIST to sign up and start investing today!

(37:25) Sunny showcases Folk app’s CRM

(45:29) Sunny demos Circleback

(51:32) Using Claude to break down an investor presentation and Sergey Brin back at Google

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Follow Sunny: https://twitter.com/sundeep

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Great recent interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt

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27 Jun 2023Zapier Co-Founder Mike Knoop on category creation, API evolution & AI architecture | E176901:07:59

This Week in Startups is presented by:

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Today’s show:

Zapier’s Mike Knoop joins Jason to discuss the early days of Zapier before breaking down the evolution of app integrations and API usage (1:20). They dive into reducing friction for Zapier users, regulating AI, the limitations of present-day AI architecture, and more (43:06).

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Check out Zapier: https://zapier.com/

Follow Mike: https://twitter.com/mikeknoop

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Time stamps:

(0:00) Mike Knoop joins Jason

(1:20) Zapier’s origin story

(8:40) Zapier’s key inflection point and its profit-sharing model

(14:05) Zapier’s business model

(15:48) Embroker - Use code TWIST to get an extra 10% off insurance at https://Embroker.com/twist

(17:03) The evolution of app integrations and API usage

(23:41) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist

(25:00) Zapier demo + incorporating AI into your workflow

(36:43) Eight Sleep - Go to https://eightsleep.com/twist to check out the Pod Cover and get $150 off at checkout!

(38:14) Linkedin tightening the belt on its API

(41:21) Zapier’s enterprise customers

(43:06) Reducing friction for Zapier users

(51:41) Regulating AI

(55:19) The limitations of present-day AI architecture

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Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo: https://www.launch.co/four

Apply for Funding: https://www.launch.co/apply

Buy ANGEL: https://www.angelthebook.com

Great recent interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

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12 Jul 2022Twitter deal called off, Uber leaks, + Apple Car setbacks | E150500:59:43

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?

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(20:47) The Guardian obtained 124,000 leaked internal documents from Uber’s global expansion phase under Travis

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(33:18) Uber is testing its ad business

(49:20) Apple Car project has faced repeated setbacks

(58:39) Outro + Plugs

10 Jan 2023Coinbase cuts 20%, Microsoft to invest $10B into OpenAI & Ascend Elements CEO Mike O’Kronley | E165401:35:03

Molly and Jason discuss the news that Coinbase is doing another 20% RIF. (6:50) Then they discuss the announcement that Microsoft is investing $10B into OpenAI with some pretty favourable terms. (27:19) After, Molly and Jason chat about Make Sunsets’ plan to cool the planet and Enpal, a German solar panel company raising money at a $2.4B valuation. (46:56) Then we wrap with this year’s first edition of TWiCS featuring Mike O’Kronley, CEO of Ascend Elements. (1:00:56)

(0:00) M+J kick off the show

(2:10) Atmospheric rivers and the chaos in California

(6:50) Coinbase does another 20% RIF

(11:56) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist

(13:03) The future of employment in tech

(21:50) Mixpanel - Apply for $50K in credits at https://mixpanel.com/startups

(23:16) The perfect amount of founders

(27:19) Microsoft is invests $10B into OpenAI

(32:46) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/TWIST

(34:10) OpenAI going from a non-profit to a for-profit + What is roundtripping?

(46:56) Make Sunsets raises $750K to do what?!

(53:05) Enpal raises at a $2.4B valuation

(1:00:56) TWiCS: Mike O’Kronley of Ascend Elements


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15 Nov 2023PrayingForExits on the rush into defense tech, “innovator’s sprint,” & global VC markets | E184700:45:11

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Today’s show:

The man behind the anonymous accounts “prayingforexits” on Instagram and “@mrexits” on X joins Jason for a jam-packed episode!

Topics covered: Praying For Exits raised a fund! (2:10) Drawing inspiration from Steve Jobs' iconic Think Different Campaign (8:55), defense tech going from “frowned upon” to a very hot market (17:03), and how the modern Middle East will play ball with the USA? (33:29)!

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Time stamps:

(0:00) Mr. Exits joins Jason.

(2:16) Praying For Exits raised a fund!

(5:26) Subject-matter experts and the “alumni factor”

(9:01) Drawing inspiration from Steve Jobs' iconic Think Differently Campaign.

(9:23) Embroker - Use code TWIST to get an extra 10% off insurance at https://www.Embroker.com/twist

(11:50) Building a startup is akin to compressing a life’s career into 5 years

(12:54)The softening of the American capitalistic machine

(14:32) The shot clock of VC

(16:57) Defense tech going from “frowned upon” to a very hot market

(19:09) CLA - Get started with CLA's CPAs, consultants, and wealth advisors now at https://www.claconnect.com/tech

(21:55) Globalization’s impact on nationalism

(28:20) USA's stake in the world’s top 25 market cap companies.

(29:21) InTouchCX - Schedule a free consultation at http://www.intouchcx.com/twist

(31:30) Speculating on the USA-China endgame.

(33:23) How will the modern Middle-East play ball with the USA?

(44:13) The Golden Visa of Dubai

(43:33) For those aspiring to be invested in by Mr. Exits

Our partners:

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Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

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24 Jan 2023DOJ sues Google over ad practices, Ticketmaster takes the stand + LA26 founders | E166400:56:15

Please take our audience survey!: https://launchevents.typeform.com/to/K5RhKaEH

Molly goes solo today to cover the DOJ joining eight states to file an anti-trust lawsuit against Google (2:04) before covering Ticketmaster taking the stand in a Senate hearing today. (15:37) Producer Rachel then joins to discuss the latest on user-friendly ticket competitors. (23:07) Then, Molly is joined by two different LA26 founders: Rhian Beutler of Govalo (32:47) and Daniel Sakhai of HeyHire! (44:44)

(0:00) Molly kicks off the show

(2:04) the DOJ’s lawsuit with Google

(9:16) AgeTech Collaborative - Find out more and apply at https://agetechcollaborative.org/twist

(10:51) Google and Microsoft’s prior lawsuits with the DOJ

(15:37) Ticketmaster’s senate hearing

(21:30) AgeTech Collaborative - Find out more and apply at https://agetechcollaborative.org/twist

(23:06) Rachel joins Molly to discuss the latest on user-friendly ticket competitors

(31:18) Nutrisense - Use code TWIST and get $30 off at nutrisense.io/twist

(32:47) Rhian Beutler of Govalo joins Molly

(44:44) Daniel Sakhai of HeyHire joins Molly

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26 Jul 2024Scaling Creativity: Josh Silverman on Etsy's growth, AI integration, and market strategies | E198501:03:30

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

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Todays show:

Etsy’s Josh Silverman joins Jason to discuss the marketplace business model (2:54), UX challenges (4:58), company operations during the pandemic (36:57), AI’s impact on team size (50:56), and more!

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Etsy’s Josh Silverman joins Jason

(2:54) The marketplace business model and Etsy's growth

(4:58) Maintaining Etsy's unique marketplace and UX challenges

(10:34) Defining handmade and GenAI art on Etsy

(11:53) Coda - Empower your startup with Coda’s Team plan for free—get 6 months at https://www.Coda.io/twist

(13:18) Preventing inauthentic sellers and the seller approval process

(20:14) Etsy's star seller program and the importance of artisanal items

(26:26) Intercom - TWIST listeners can get 90% off Intercom’s platform at https://www.intercom.com/twist

(27:55) Durable products, warranties, and customer loyalty

(35:47) Micro1 - Visit https://www.micro1.ai/twist to open a talent search and get a 2 week free trial per hire.

(36:57) Company operations during the pandemic and efficiency era

(44:11) Global talent, remote work, and productivity at Etsy

(50:56) AI's impact on team size, productivity, and customer support

(55:10) SEO strategies, organic traffic, and handling IP issues

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Thank you to our partners:

(11:53) Coda - Empower your startup with Coda’s Team plan for free—get 6 months at https://www.Coda.io/twist

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(35:47) Micro1 - Visit https://www.micro1.ai/twist to open a talent search and get a 2 week free trial per hire.

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Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

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09 Sep 2022Kim Kardashian's new PE firm & impact on VC + how Amazon can turn a profit on Rings of Power | E155501:10:01

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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30 Jul 2022$AMZN & $AAPL earnings, $META investors losing faith, Jay Trading + OK Boomer with Nate O'Brien | E152101:09:16

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

26 Apr 2024The power of super communication with Charles Duhigg | E193801:18:58

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Todays show:

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Charles Duhigg joins Jason to discuss the different types of conversations (9:29), the role of humor (22:48), and they way conversation dynamics can shift (49:30).

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Timestamps (0:00) Charles Duhigg joins Jason to break down his latest publishing, Supercommunicators

(4:01) The importance of communication in startups and lessons from "The Power of Habit”

(8:06) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/twist

(9:29) The role of communication in organizations and the different types of conversations

(21:30) Mantle - Get your first 12 months free at https://withmantle.com/twist

(22:48) Exploring the role of humor, laughter, and vulnerability in conversations

(30:06) Understanding gender and cultural differences in communication

(39:23) HubSpot - Be sure to check out the Million Dollar pitch competition from Hubspot for Startups & HubSpot Ventures. Apply now at ⁠https://www.hubspot.com/milliondollarpitch

(40:34) The role anecdotes have in conversation

(49:30) How the dynamic of the conversation shifts when someone has an ask

(1:01:35) The Harvard Study of Adult Development

(1:06:36) Closing remarks

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Check out Supercommunicators: https://www.charlesduhigg.com/supercommunicators

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Follow Charles:

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesduhigg/

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(8:06) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/twist (21:30) Mantle - Get your first 12 months free at https://www.withmantle.com/twist (39:23) HubSpot - Be sure to check out Hubspot for Startups & HubSpot Ventures for their Million Dollar pitch competition. Apply now at https://www.hubspot.com/milliondollarpitch

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Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

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Founder University: Cohort 8 begins May 9th. Apply here: https://www.founder.university

30 Mar 2022$625M Axie Infinity Ronin Bridge hack, $TWLO insider trading, Subject's learning platform, $HOOD extends trading hours | E142100:54:35

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

30 May 2023Breaking down Bard with Google’s Jack Krawczyk | E175201:13:26

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Today's Show:

Jack Krawczyk, the head Google’s Bard team, chats with Jason about Bard’s capabilities and Google’s plan for monetization. Following a few demonstrations of the AI chatbot (43:32), Jason wraps the episode with some thoughts on the series finale of HBO’s Succession (01:01:45)

Follow Jack: https://twitter.com/JackK

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Time stamps:

(00:00) Jack Krawczyk joins Jason

(4:58) Discussing the responsible release of products

(7:43) The delicate balance of choosing to release or hold

(10:24) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://linkedin.com/twist

(11:57) Addressing concerns about the usage of creators' content

(13:42) Unpacking the process of vetting new features and the purpose of Google's Red Team

(18:39) Integrating tools and features into the framework of Bard

(20:51) Upholding core values in the incorporation of tools

(23:58) Hampton - Join Hampton's community of high-growth founders today at https://joinhampton.com/twist

(25:23) The impact of Bard's coding capabilities on developers

(29:36) Gauging the distance from non-developers writing meaningful code

(31:11) The business model behind Google Bard

(34:18) Meowtel - Get $25 off your first booking with code TWIST25 at https://meowtel.com

(36:44) The potential paths ahead

(39:30) Google's vision for plugins and opportunities for startups

(43:32) Jack demos Google Bard

(55:52) Reflecting on the pace of AI

(01:01:45) Breaking down HBO's Succession and why it's a must-watch

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Great recent interviews: Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis


Follow Jason:

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Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast



03 Jan 2023SpaceX valued at $137B, Starlink's massive market, Shopify purges meetings | E164901:11:24

Jason and Molly are BACK for the first news show of 2023! First up, they break down SpaceX's reported $137B valuation, the astounding market opportunity for Starlink, and more! (7:14) Then, they cover two Shopify stories (37:38) and Apple shutting down fan-favorite weather app Dark Sky. (55:01)

(0:00) J+M intro today's topics!

(2:25) Thoughts on the potential year ahead

(7:14) SpaceX is raising $750M at a $137B valuation, led by a16z

(12:54) LinkedIn Marketing -  Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at https://linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups

(14:24) Producer Sam (powered by ChatGPT), Starlink's bottom-up TAM, SpaceX's genius infrastructure play

(29:56) Coda - The All-in-one doc for teams, sign up for free at https://coda.io/twist

(31:28) More ChatGPT producing

(37:38) Shopify is attempting to fill the ad targeting void left by Apple's App Tracking Transparency

(45:07) Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast at https://www.founder.university/podcast

(46:32) Second Shopify story: CEO Tobi Lutke has asked employees to purge meetings to increase productivity

(55:01) Apple shuts down the Dark Sky weather app

FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis

FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood

Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkhmBWfS7pILYIk0izkc3A?sub_confirmation=1

24 Apr 2022VC School: Deal Memos + Sphere CEO Alex Wright-Gladstein (Climate) | E144200:49:18

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

11 Oct 2024TWiST500 Spotlight: The must-know startups from AI to robotics! | E202400:36:09

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

OpenPhone. Create business phone numbers for you and your team that work through an app on your smartphone or desktop. TWiST listeners can get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://www.openphone.com/twist⁠

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Todays show:

We reviewed the first 100 companies on the TWiST500 list, covering sectors from fintech to AI, robotics, and space. Dozens of must-know startups emerged. Today, Alex breaks down the categories seeing the most entrants and highlight some of our favorite picks.

*

Timestamps:

(0:00) Alex Wilhelm kicks off the show

(3:08) AI for Devs: Qodo & Poolside

(6:25) AI Infrastructure: CoreWeave

(8:43) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at https://www.openphone.com/twist⁠

(10:15) Data for AI: Tollbit & Scale

(14:05) Robotics: Figure & Dusty Robotics

(17:51) NetSuite - Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning for free at https://www.netsuite.com/twist

(19:08) Fintech: Circle & Altruist

(22:37) Cybersecurity: Huntress & Wiz

(26:30) Crypto: Farcaster

(28:17) Other Standouts: Harvey AI, Kojo & Albedo Space

(30:04) Sprig - Visit https://www.sprig.com/twist to book a demo and get a $75 gift card.

(31:17) Angel University kicks off November 6th

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Companies mentioned on the show:

https://www.qodo.ai

https://www.poolside.ai

https://www.coreweave.com

https://www.tollb.it

https://www.scale.com

https://www.figure.ai

https://www.dustyrobotics.com

https://www.circle.com

https://www.huntress.com

https://www.wiz.io

https://www.farcaster.xyz

*

Check out these TWiST episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGtV_V54m30

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZPO5oYUuQU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULEwo0VXlZQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdkWFoFD50Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULEwo0VXlZQ

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LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm

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Thank you to our partners:

(8:43) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at https://www.openphone.com/twist⁠

(17:51) NetSuite - Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning for free at https://www.netsuite.com/twist

(30:04) Sprig - Visit https://www.sprig.com/twist to book a demo and get a $75 gift card.

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Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

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Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

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07 Aug 2024Liquidity Summit Talks: Antonio Gracias and Gavin Baker | E199001:14:44

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Todays show:

Alex leads us into two great talks from Liquidity Summit 2024.

First Jason sits down for a one-on-one with Valor’s Antonio Gracias (1:38), followed by a great talk with Gavin Baker of Atreides (39:01)

*

Timestamps:

(0:00) Teaser of today’s Liquidity Summit talks from Alex.

(1:13) Alex kicks off the show.

(1:38) Valor’s Antonio Gracias joins Jason

(4:26) Unbiased data and business models in AI

(10:02) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST

(11:14) Achieving AGI and robots in real-world applications

(14:26) Venture capital dynamics and innovation

(18:09) Athena case study: Investor operational support

(22:05) CommandBar - Visit ⁠https://www.commandbar.com/twist⁠ to get a custom live demo.

(23:04) Traditional venture playbook and crossover hedge funds

(28:33) US balance sheet implications and emerging entrepreneurship regions

(33:39) Immigration policy's role in recruitment

(36:19) Investing in socially impactful companies

(38:09) Brex - Get the business account trusted by 1 in 3 US startups at https://www.brex.com/twist24

(39:01) Atreides Management’s Gavin Baker joins Jason

(47:38) The importance of investing in relationships

(54:32) Resilience in public equity investing and learning from failure

(1:00:29) AI adoption differences between startups and enterprises

(1:02:32) America's innovation through resilience and immigration

(1:03:43) Google and Apple's AI strategies and infrastructure

(1:11:32) Meta's strategic moves in search and the metaverse

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Check out Valor: https://www.valorep.com/

Check out Atreides: https://atreidesmgmt.com/


Follow Antonio:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-p-gracias


Follow Gavin:

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinbaker-portfoliomanager/

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Follow Alex:

X: https://x.com/alex

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Thank you to our partners:

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(38:08) Brex - Get the business account trusted by 1 in 3 US startups at https://www.brex.com/twist24

*

Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

*

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

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Follow TWiST:

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09 Aug 2024Startup Pitch Competition: Four founders compete for $25K | E199100:49:13

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

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Todays show:

Jason and Kelly kick off the Founder University startup pitch competition (00:00). We hear from Pablo on Big Rentals (4:18), Brittany on Where2Wheel (12:28), Ardalan on MyLens (21:31), and Mariano on Prosperous AI (29:07). Finally, Jason awards a $25K investment (38:34), and details how to apply!

*

Timestamps:

(0:00) Jason and Kelly kick off the show

(4:18) Pablo Fernandez pitches Big Rentals

(11:37) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://www.vanta.com/twist⁠

(12:28) Brittany Peregoff pitches Where2Wheel

(20:10) .Tech Domains - Apply for the Jam Session with JCal contest today at https://jamwithjcal.tech

(21:31) Ardalan Mirshani pitches MyLens

(29:07) Mariano Apodaca pitches Prosperous AI

(35:07) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at https://www.openphone.com/twist

(36:33) Review of the four startups

(40:44) Q&A

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Founder University: Apply here: ⁠https://www.founder.university⁠

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We are doing Founder Fridays meetups! Visit ⁠https://founderfridays.tech to learn more

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Follow Pablo:

X: https://x.com/directedbypablo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pablofernandezorg

Check out: https://BigRentals.com

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Follow Brittany:

X: https://x.com/bperegoff

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-peregoff-2134092b

Check out: https://where2wheel.com

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Follow Ardalan:

X: https://x.com/ardalanmirshani

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirshani

Check out: https://mylens.ai

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Follow Mariano:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariano-apodaca-45b07a16a

Check out: https://prosperousprocess.ai

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X: https://twitter.com/Jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

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Thank you to our partners:

(11:37) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://www.vanta.com/twist⁠

(20:10) .Tech Domains - Apply for the Jam Session with JCal contest today at https://jamwithjcal.tech

(35:07) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at https://www.openphone.com/twist

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Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

*

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

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Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

09 Aug 2022SoftBank's Vision Fund loses $21B+, DTC brands struggle + NutriSense CEO Alex Skryl | E152901:13:36

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!

02 Mar 2023Snowflake CEO Frank Slootman on moving the needle, win-first culture & managing burnout | E168901:06:23

Frank Slootman joins Jason for another incredible conversation that ranges from the management shift in Silicon Valley (1:08) to how to know if you’re moving the dial in your organization (9:59). Then, they discuss Frank’s hiring philosophy and how to create a winning relationship between an executive and their direct reports (27:05). Finally, they discuss managing burnout and creating security for yourself (46:33).


(0:00) Molly kicks off the show

(1:08) Layoffs + the management shift in Silicon Valley

(8:29) MasterClass - Get 15% off an annual membership at https://masterclass.com/startups

(9:59) How to know if you are moving the dial and moving at a fast pace

(18:36) Contra - Get $500 off your first hire at https://contra.com/twist

(20:09) Dealing with recessions and countering the media frenzy

(27:05) Frank’s definition of culture and hiring for enthusiasm

(32:32) The relationship between an executive and their employees

(35:49) House of Macadamias - Get 20% off at https://houseofmacadamias.com/twist by using code TWIST20

(37:19) Assessing performance, hiring the right people, and being thoughtful

(41:56) Starting with a great product

(46:33) Managing burnout and creating security

(56:49) Consumption-based pricing + acquisitions


(1:00:30) Frank’s thoughts on AI

FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis

FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood


01 Jun 2023How open-source & distributed models can win AI with MosaicML’s Naveen Rao | E175401:00:36

This Week in Startups is presented by:

Vanta. Compliance and security shouldn't be a deal-breaker for startups to win new business. Vanta makes it easy for companies to get a SOC 2 report fast. TWiST listeners can get $1,000 off for a limited time at vanta.com/twist.

Trovata. Starting up is hard. Trovata makes managing cash easy. Start automating your cash management at Trovata.io/TWIST. Use Code TWIST for 30% off one full year of premium features like AI forecasting.

The Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub helps all founders build a better startup, at a lower cost, from day one. Startups get up to $150K in Azure credits, access to free OpenAI credits, free dev tools like GitHub, technical advisory, access to mentors and experts, and so much more. There is no funding requirement, and it only takes minutes to join. Sign up today at aka.ms/thisweekinstartups

*

Todays show:

MosaicML Co-Founder and CEO Naveen Rao joins Jason to discuss the open-source vs closed AI debate, the profound impact of AI on society (41:06) AI’s rapid pace of change, and its implications for the future of employment and education (40:42). They wrap the show by breaking down the potential problems with centralized regulation (54:37).

Follow Naveen: https://twitter.com/NaveenGRao

Check Out MosaicML: https://mosaicml.com

*

Time stamps:

(00:00) Naveen Rao joins Jason

(2:54) MosaicML and its purpose

(5:10) Obtaining datasets and incentivizing creators

(8:30) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist

(9:37) The process of using your data with MosaicML

(11:55) Defining tokens and prompts

(16:53) Fine-tuning the AI model and reinforcement learning

(19:27) The competition with open-source models

(24:26) The cost of running AI models

(26:08) Trovata - Use code TWIST at https://trovata.io/twist for 30% off one year of premium features, like AI forecasting

(27:35) How the GPU crunch has affected cloud models

(32:13) Why demand will not cease

(34:21) Specialized models vs. general models (39:12) Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub - Apply in 5 minutes for six figures in discounts at http://aka.ms/thisweekinstartups

(40:42) The impact AI will have on employment

(48:49) The impact AI will have on education

(54:37) Thoughts on OpenAI becoming ClosedAI

*

Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo & Apply for Funding

Buy ANGEL

Great recent interviews: Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt

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19 Jun 2023Gavin Baker on AI platform shift, upside vs downside, extinction risk, Nvidia outlook & more | E176401:05:20

This Week in Startups is presented by:

Hampton. Are you a startup founder or CEO seeking expert advice? Join Hampton, the private, highly vetted community for high-growth founders. Get invaluable insights, connections, and support to accelerate your business at joinhampton.com/twist today!

Squarespace. Turn your idea into a new website! Go to Squarespace.com/twist for a free trial. When you’re ready to launch, use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

.Tech domains are the go-to namespace to build anything in tech… and home to the world’s most innovative startups. Secure your .Tech domain today and lock down a 1-year domain for $10, or a 5-year domain for $50 at go.tech/TWIST!

*

Today’s show:

Atreides Management’s Gavin Baker joins Jason to break down the current macro picture, the AI platform shift, and the reshuffling of the entire tech deck. (1:27) They also cover the potential impact of AI recursively improving itself and extinction risks (15:06) before discussing chip demand, Nvidia’s outlook, and more! (25:13) Then, Embroker's Chief Insurance Officer David Derigiotis explains how to differentiate your business with cybersecurity! (40:24)

Gavin's fireside chat was recorded live at LAUNCH Angel Summit in Napa.

*

Time stamps:

(0:00) Gavin and Jason on joining the resistance!

(1:27) Current macro picture, the AI platform shift, and how AI is reshuffling everything in tech

(13:42) Hampton - Join Hampton's community of high-growth founders today at https://joinhampton.com/twist

(15:06) Exponential compounding of generative AI, AGI chances, recursive AI improvement

(23:55) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/TWIST

(25:13) Chip demand, Nvidia’s outlook, which high-end fields might be most at risk, extinction risks

(39:02) .Tech Domains - get a 1-year domain for $10 or a 5-year domain for $50 at https://go.tech/TWIST

(40:24) Embroker Chief Insurance Officer David Derigiotis gives a talk on how to differentiate your business with cybersecurity

*

Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo: https://www.launch.co/four

Apply for Funding: https://www.launch.co/apply

Buy ANGEL: https://www.angelthebook.com

Great recent interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

*

Follow Jason:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jason

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin

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Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

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All opinions expressed in this episode are solely the speakers’ own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of any firm affiliated with the speakers. This episode is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions. Clients of the speakers’ firms may maintain positions in the securities discussed.

31 Oct 2024Fast growth, big capital, and how Moniepoint is building a fintech unicorn in Africa | E203600:54:29

This Week in Startups is brought to you by:

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Todays show:

Moniepoint made waves this week by raising a massive $110 million Series C. For a startup in a category (fintech) that has seen its venture fortunes falter and a company building for the African market (which has seen its venture inflows slow), Moniepoint is an outlier – twice. Three times if you consider how quickly the company has grown in recent years. How did its round come together? How was it priced? And why aren’t more investors putting capital to work in Africa? Tune in, we have answers.

*

Timestamps: (0:00) Alex Wilhelm kicks off the show

(1:21) Moniepoint's origin story and pivot to the current model

(10:30) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at https://www.openphone.com/twist⁠

(10:13) Balancing profitability and venture capital

(16:48) Digitalization's impact on Moniepoint's growth

(25:11) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist

(26:43) Moniepoint's office and IPO strategies

(28:18) Launch of consumer banking services

(31:07) Linear - Streamline issues, projects, and product roadmaps in a tool your team will actually enjoy using. Get 25% off at https://www.linear.app/twist

(32:07) The recent fundraising round and valuation insights

(38:32) Moniepoint's expansion plans in Africa

(42:17) Fostering the early-stage startup ecosystem

(44:18) Tosin's journey in angel investing

(46:38) Spotlight on African startups in the global market

(49:37) Angel University - Apply now at https://www.angel.univeristy

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Check out Moniepoint: https://moniepoint.com

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Follow Tosin:

X: https://x.com/eniolorunda

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tosin-eniolorunda-46833618

*

Follow Alex:

X: https://x.com/alex

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm

*

Thank you to our partners:

(10:30) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at https://www.openphone.com/twist⁠

(25:11) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist

(31:07) Linear - Streamline issues, projects, and product roadmaps in a tool your team will actually enjoy using. Get 25% off at https://www.linear.app/twist

*

Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

*

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

*

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Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

*

Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

01 Mar 2022Web 3 is Going Great with Molly White | E139601:11:31

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

05 Jan 2022Elizabeth Holmes is guilty, Amazon wins over socialists, Biden sanctions China | E135201:06:40

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

19 Apr 2022Q1 venture capital review, Twitter breaks, BeReal's new take on social & more | E143701:00:12

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

09 Feb 2022Peter Thiel departs FB board, John Foley steps down at Peloton, Should Amazon spin off AWS? + Startup of the Day: Island | E138101:02:36

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

25 Dec 2022Bonus episode! Tár review with Lon Harris00:49:05

Christmas surprise! Check out Jason and Molly's FULL review of Tár, spoilers and all, with Lon Harris!

(0:00) Tár review from Thursday

(21:53) Bonus Tár review! Reviewing the critics, SPOILER REVIEW, and more!

FOLLOW Lon: https://twitter.com/lons

FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis

FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood

Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkhmBWfS7pILYIk0izkc3A?sub_confirmation=1

30 Jan 2024We celebrate our 100th AI Demo with Sunny Madra! | E188800:48:23

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

OpenPhone. Create business phone numbers for you and your team that work through an app on your smartphone or desktop. TWiST listeners can get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at http://www.openphone.com/twist

Curotec. Are you one of those companies that knows you need to be using AI, but you're not even sure where to start? Well then you need Curotec. They are AI experts, and they're offering TWiST listeners an AI Strategy Roadmap tailored to your business for $5000. That's 50% off the normal cost just for telling them we sent you. Check out http://www.curotec.com/twist and get $5000 off!

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*

Today’s show: Sunny joins Jason to celebrate their 100th demo on the show (3:03), explore Paid Leave (17:29), and comb through the X posts of Barsee (32:41), and much, much, more!

*

Timestamps:

(0:00) Sunny joins Jason

(3:03) We demo MultiOn, our 100th demo on the show!

(12:01) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at http://www.openphone.com/twist

(13:30) Jason gives his grade and signs up to use MultiOn.

(17:29) Sunny demos Paid Leave powered by MOMS F1RST.

(21:04) Curotec - Check out http://www.curotec.com/twist and get $5000 off

(23:40) AI demo of Consensus.

(26:53) Consensus reminds Jason of the life and tragedy of Aaron Swartz.

(29:54) Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at - https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist

(32:41) Sunny jumps onto X to show us important advancements in AI posted by Barsee.

(35:17) Sunny demos “Depth Anything”.

*

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Aaron Swartz.

*

Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

*

LINKS:

Check out the list of AI demos here: https://thisweekinstartups.com/AI

Check out MultiOn: https://www.multion.ai/

Check out Paid Leave: https://www.paidleave.ai/

Check out Consensus: https://consensus.app/

Rolling Stone Article on Aaron Swarts: https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/the-brilliant-life-and-tragic-death-of-aaron-swartz-177191/

Check out Barsee here: https://twitter.com/heyBarsee

*

Follow Sunny

X: https://twitter.com/sundeep⁠ Check out: https://www.definitive.io/

*

Follow Jason:

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/jason⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jason⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

*

Thank you to our partners:

(12:01) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at http://www.openphone.com/twist

(21:04) Curotec - Check out http://www.curotec.com/twist and get $5000 off

(29:54) Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at - https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist

*

Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

*

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

*

Follow TWiST:

Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups

*

Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

05 Nov 2024Insane Demands of AI & Datacenters: Exowatt’s Mission for Affordable, Sustainable Power| E203900:53:51

This Week in Startups is brought to you by:

NetSuite. The number one cloud financial system, bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, and HR, into one platform. Giving you one source of truth. Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning for free at https://www.netsuite.com/twist

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*Gusto pricing shown in ad is based on pricing prior to March 2025

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Todays show:

In this episode, host Alex sits down with Exowatt’s Hannan Parvizian to explore how the company is addressing the massive energy demands of AI and datacenters. They discuss Exowatt's mission to deliver affordable, sustainable power solutions that meet the needs of a rapidly expanding tech landscape. Together, they dive into the challenges and innovations shaping the future of clean energy for data-heavy applications.

*

Timestamps:(0:00) AI search energy consumption and corporate willingness to pay for AI(1:30) Introduction to power, electricity, and Hannan Parvizian of ExoWatt(4:21) Renewable energy, fossil fuels, and data center energy consumption(7:15) AI race, energy demands, and founding of ExoWatt

(8:25) Key challenges in the renewable energy sector

(9:24) NetSuite - Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning for free at https://www.netsuite.com/twist(12:23) Cost of electricity, energy bills, and Texas energy market

(13:40) Exowatt’s unique technology and competitive edge(17:46) Introduction to ExoWatt's P3 product

(21:34) Gusto - Get three months free when you run your first payroll at https://gusto.com/twist(22:39) Energy storage technologies and comparison

(30:47) Washington Post - TWiST listeners can subscribe for just 50 cents per week for your first year at https://www.washingtonpost.com/twist(31:58) P3 modules' energy capacity and storage(34:55) Heat-to-electricity conversion mechanism(37:56) ExoWatt's company background, funding, and scaling challenges(43:14) Variable pricing, customer demand, and AI's energy consumption outlook(50:10) American manufacturing dynamism and AI's impact on the job market*

Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.com

Check out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.com

Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

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Check out Exowatt: https://www.exowatt.com/*

Follow Hannan:

X: https://x.com/hapi31415

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannanparvizian/

*

Follow Alex:

X: https://x.com/alex

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm

*

Thank you to our partners:

(9:24) NetSuite - Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning for free at https://www.netsuite.com/twist

(21:34) Gusto - Get three months free when you run your first payroll at https://gusto.com/twist

*Gusto pricing shown in ad is based on pricing prior to March 2025

(30:47) Washington Post - TWiST listeners can subscribe for just 50 cents per week for your first year at https://www.washingtonpost.com/twist

*

Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara,Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta,Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

*

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

*

Follow TWiST:

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups

Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

*

Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

27 Jan 2024Unicorns: now and then with Aileen Lee | E188701:08:59

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

Ketone-IQ is a clean energy boost without sugar or caffeine. Get 30% off your first subscription order of Ketone-IQ at http://www.hvmn.com/TWIST

The Paintbrush Loan is the earliest startup financing on the internet. No pitch deck, no business plan, no minimum time in business, and no warm intros. Plus, you get to keep your equity. Visit http://www.getpaintbrush.com to see if you qualify for a $50K startup loan in less than 2 minutes.

Coda is the all-in-one doc for teams. And they introduced an AI-powered assistant to take the BUSY out of the WORK! Get started for free at https://www.coda.io/twist

*

Today’s show: Aileen Lee join Jason to talk about her origins and overcoming challenges as a woman in a male-dominated tech space (2:12), the Unicorn Club and the effects of the ZIRP era (11:51), predictions on which startups will maintain their unicorn status (33:09), and more!

*

Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

*

LINKS:

Check out Cowboy Ventures: https://www.cowboy.vc/

Read Aileen’s 2024 article here: https://www.cowboy.vc/news/welcome-back-to-the-unicorn-club-10-years-later

Read Aileen’s original Unicorn article here: https://techcrunch.com/2013/11/02/welcome-to-the-unicorn-club/

Check out All Raise: https://www.allraise.org/

*

Thanks to our partners:

(10:26) Ketone-IQ - Get 30% off your first subscription order of Ketone-IQ at http://www.hvmn.com/TWIST

(20:39) Paintbrush - Visit http://www.getpaintbrush.com  to see if you qualify for a $50K startup loan in less than 2 minutes

(31:38) Coda - Get started for free at https://www.coda.io/twist

*

Follow Eileen

X: https://twitter.com/aileenlee

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aileenwlee

*

Follow Jason:

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/jason⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jason⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

*

Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

*

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

*

Follow TWiST:

Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups

*

Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

13 Sep 2024Relationship Advice of the Investor Sort with Meghan Reynolds of Altimeter | E200800:34:54

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

LinkedIn Ads. To redeem a $100 LinkedIn ad credit and launch your first campaign, go to https://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups

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Beehiiv. Power your newsletters with AI tools, referral programs, and ad network features—all in one platform. Get 30 days free and 20% off your first 3 months at ⁠https://www.Beehiiv.com/TWIST

*

Todays show:

Meghan Reynolds takes the stage at Liquidity Summit 2024 to discuss the intricacies of raising capital and pitching to VCs. Meghan dives into many topics including the importance of relationships (3:07), fund size rationalization (20:36), market sentiment (25:55), and other crucial aspects of successful fundraising!

*

Timestamps:

(0:00) Meghan Reynolds takes the stage at Liquidity Summit 2024

(3:07) Meghan Reynolds’ talk “Relationship Advice: Of the LP / GP Sort”

(9:43) LinkedIn Ads - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups

(10:59) Client service in investor relations and fundraising strategies

(15:07) The complexity factor in raising capital

(19:19) Runway - Sign up at https://runway.com/twist to get your first 3 months free.

(20:36) Rationalizing fund size, securing re-ups, and worst pitching practices

(25:55) Market sentiment and single deal SPV dynamics

(29:34) Beehiiv - Get 30 days free and 20% off your first 3 months at https://www.beehiiv.com/twist

(31:02) VC allocations, private credit, and market dynamics

*

Subscribe to the TWiST newsletter: https://www.ticker.thisweekinstartups.com

*

Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

*

Check out Altimeter: https://www.altimeter.com

*

Follow Meghan X: https://x.com/MeghanKReynolds

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghankreynolds

*

Follow Jason:

X: https://twitter.com/Jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

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Thank you to our partners:

(9:43) LinkedIn Ads - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups

(19:19) Runway - Sign up at https://runway.com/twist to get your first 3 months free.

(29:34) Beehiiv - Get 30 days free and 20% off your first 3 months at https://www.beehiiv.com/twist

*

Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

*

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

*

Follow TWiST:

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups

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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups

*

Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

15 Aug 2023The “AI wrapper” debate, AI-powered lead gen, auto-clips, resumes, and more with Sunny Madra | E179201:07:05

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

Embroker. The Embroker Startup Insurance Program helps startups secure the most important types of insurance at a lower cost and with less hassle. Save up to 20% off of traditional insurance today at Embroker.com/twist. While you’re there, get an extra 10% off using offer code TWIST.

Lemon.io - Hire pre-vetted remote developers, get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist.

Eight Sleep. Good sleep is the ultimate game changer. Now you can add the Pod Cover to any mattress! Go to eightsleep.com/twist to check out the Pod Cover and get $150 off at checkout!

*

Today’s show:

First up, Sunny Madra is back to discuss the “AI wrapper” stigma, the first official demo-to-investment, and demo more useful AI products! (2:41) Then, Tonebase CEO Igor Lichtmann joins to demo his product, break down how he achieved product-market fit while maintaining capital efficiency, and more! (42:47)

*

Time stamps:

(0:00) Sunny Madra is back for more AI demos!

(2:41) The “AI wrapper" debate; VenturusAI is joining the LAUNCH Accelerator as the first full-circle demo-to-investment

(10:09) Embroker - Use code TWIST to get an extra 10% off insurance at https://Embroker.com/twist

(11:23) Klap.app turns YouTube links into multiple TikTok-style videos with captions and ranks them on "Virality Score"

(19:08) Kickresume uses generative AI tools to help users build a fully-fleshed out resumes and prepare for job interviews

(25:15) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist

(26:34) Browse AI helps users build AI-powered web scraping/data extraction bots with no code

(34:16) Oppwiser is an AI-powered lead gen platform for sales teams

(41:16) Eight Sleep - Go to https://eightsleep.com/twist to check out the Pod Cover and get $150 off at checkout!

(42:47) Tonebase CEO Igor Lichtmann joins to demo his music education startup, break down how he achieved product-market fit while maintaining capital efficiency, and more!

*

Check out Tonebase: https://tonebase.co

Follow Sunny: https://twitter.com/sundeep

Check out Klap: https://klap.app

Check out Kickresume: https://www.kickresume.com

Check out: Browse AI: https://www.browse.ai

Check out Oppwiser: https://oppwiser.com

*

Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo: https://www.launch.co/four

Apply for Funding: https://www.launch.co/apply

Buy ANGEL: https://www.angelthebook.com

Great recent interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

*

Follow Jason:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jason

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

*

Follow TWiST:

Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin

*

Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

01 Mar 2024Sequoia & Union Square Returns, the Post-AI Labor Market, and the Return of SF? | E190700:56:16

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

OpenPhone. Create business phone numbers for you and your team that work through an app on your smartphone or desktop. TWiST listeners can get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at http://www.openphone.com/twist

Squarespace. Turn your idea into a new website! Go to Squarespace.com/TWIST for a free trial. When you’re ready to launch, use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

Coda. A new doc that brings words, tables and teams together. All your valuable data, plans, objectives, and strategies in one place. Go to https://coda.io/twist to get a $1,000 credit!

*

Todays show:

David Weisburd hosts Erik, Guy, and Jason Calacanis to discuss Sequoia & Union Square Ventures' returns (1:15), AI's impact on startups and labor (17:35), US startups' risk tolerance (38:10), and much more!

*

Timestamps:

(0:00) David Weisburd intros Erik Torenberg, Guy Perelmuter, and Jason Calacanis

(1:15) VC returns have been leaked, including returns from Sequoia Capital and Union Square Ventures

(11:33) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at http://www.openphone.com/twist

(17:35) Bearish signs for the startup employment market

(25:17) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/twist

(26:12) The emergence of the first one-person unicorn

(36:46) Coda - Get a $1,000 startup credit at https://coda.io/twist

(38:10) Founders & investors are now returning to San Francisco

(47:35) Rapid-fire segment on recent investments

*

Mentioned on the show:

https://www.wsj.com/tech/san-francisco-ai-boom-silicon-valley-307816b2

https://jam.dev

https://www.perplexity.ai

https://www.antaresindustries.com

https://mesodyne.com

https://limacharlie.io

https://www.cloudnc.com

https://codemate.ai

https://www.golfgolf.tech

https://www.terrakaffe.com

*

Follow Erik:

X: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eriktorenberg/

Check out: https://www.turpentine.co/

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Follow Guy:

X: https://twitter.com/guyperelmuter

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guyperelmuter

Check out: https://www.gridscapital.com/

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Follow David:

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/DWeisburd⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd⁠

Check out: ⁠https://10xcapital.com

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Follow Jason:

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/jason⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jason⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

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Check out the Launch Accelerator: https://launchaccelerator.co

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Check out Founder University: https://www.founder.university

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Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

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Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

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Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

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Follow TWiST:

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04 Feb 2022NYC delivery wars, Cruise gives driverless rides in SF + Gopuff Co-CEO Rafael Ilishayev | E137801:07:37

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

11 Feb 2022Peloton's new CEO + Cake Ventures' Monique Woodard Angel S6 E5 | E138301:27:13

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:

  1. Her thesis on investing in demographic change
  2. What fundraising is like as a founder vs. fundraising as an aspiring fund manager
  3. Why she chose to have multiple closes for her fund 
  4. Why Monique focused her efforts on institutional LPs, even though they take longer to close than individual LPs
  5. What it takes to operate as a solo GP

(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

14 Sep 2023Expanding AI chip capabilities beyond Nvidia with Modular CEO Chris Lattner | E180801:03:30

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

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Today’s show:

Modular CEO Chris Lattner joins Jason to discuss the process of building LLMs (8:14), what caused Nvidia to be entrenched in machine learning today (35:37), the AI wrapper debate (41:44), and much more!

*

Time stamps:

(0:00) Modular CEO Chris Lattner joins Jason

(2:24) Where hardware and optimization stand today

(8:14) What goes into deploying and distributing an AI model into a product

(10:32) Roots - Head to https://investwithroots.com/TWIST to sign up and start investing today!

(12:02) Why companies make their own machine-learning software

(14:32) Nvidia’s outlook on what Modular is building

(18:46) Chris’s time at Apple

(20:05) Strategies for reducing complexity

(22:53) Awareness of underlying complexities in the technology stack

(25:14) Supergut - Get 30% off with code TWIST at https://supergut.com

(26:46) What it will look like in five to ten years; Increase consumption by creating new categories

(31:29) The open-source community; RISC-V and Arm

(34:15) LinkedIn Marketing - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at https://linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups

(35:37) How Nvidia secured its position

(38:21) The AlexNet moment

(41:44) The AI wrapper debate

(44:32) OpenAI moving from non-profit to profit and open to closed-system

(46:32) The lack of programmers and the ability to do more with less

(52:09) Modular Mojo and other developments

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Check out Modular: https://www.modular.com/

FOLLOW Chris: https://twitter.com/clattner_llvm

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Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo: https://www.launch.co/four

Apply for Funding: https://www.launch.co/apply

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Great recent interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

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Follow Jason:

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin

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Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

29 Mar 2022Oscars recap, FTX investors don't hold board seats, Apple working on hardware subscriptions | E142001:13:32

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

14 Aug 2022Self-destructive traits of VCs & founders + Air Protein CEO Dr. Lisa Dyson | E153400:45:28

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

29 Oct 2024TWiST News: The Startup Redefining Sonos, Influencers, Elections and Google's next AI push | E203401:25:05

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

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Todays show:

Sonos director Mattias Scheek joins Jason & Alex to discuss his journey in audio technology and Sonos acquisition. Then, Jason and Alex dive into election security (34:57), influencer marketing, Google’s upcoming AI release (1:10:42), and more!

*

Timestamps:

(0:00) Jason and Alex kick off the show

(3:18) Earnings week predictions & discussion on national debt

(9:17) DigitalOcean. DigitalOcean is the cloud platform you need to turn your AI project into a rocket ship. Right now, approved listeners can get up to $100,000 in free credits to try us out. Visit https://do.co/twist - get started and view terms and conditions.

(10:24) Mattias Scheek from Sonos joins the show

(11:23) Mattias Scheek's journey in audio technology and Sonos acquisition

(17:49) Challenges for hardware startups in venture capital

(20:25) Getting acquired: The process, strategy, and life after

(22:04) Cloud Devs - Visit https://www.clouddevs.com/twist for an unbeatable offer on hiring elite Latam talent today.

(23:11) Sonos' hi-fi strategy and industry issues in audio clarity

(33:08) Kalshi - Visit https://www.kalshi.com/twist today to see live election odds, place a trade, and get $20 dollars when you deposit $100. (34:57) Voting irregularities, election security, and influencer marketing

(45:14) Trump Rogan YouTube search issues and search engine comparison

(53:06) Monetization experiments on YouTube and Launch Cloud Kitchens Incubator

(1:10:42) Google's upcoming AI model for PC browsers and cybersecurity risks

(1:15:52) Apple's app permissions approach and AI

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Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.com

Check out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.com

Check out the Launch CloudKitchens Incubator: https://ck.launch.co

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Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

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Mentioned on the show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWnUry6mCxs

*

Follow Mattias:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattias-scheek-539a0349/

*

Follow Alex:

X: https://x.com/alex

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm

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X: https://twitter.com/Jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

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Thank you to our partners:

(9:17) DigitalOcean. DigitalOcean is the cloud platform you need to turn your AI project into a rocket ship. Right now, approved listeners can get up to $100,000 in free credits to try us out. Visit https://do.co/twist - get started and view terms and conditions.

(22:04) Cloud Devs - Visit https://www.clouddevs.com/twist for an unbeatable offer on hiring elite Latam talent today.

(33:08) Kalshi - Visit https://www.kalshi.com/twist today to see live election odds, place a trade, and get $20 dollars when you deposit $100.

*

Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

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Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

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Follow TWiST:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups

Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

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Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

02 Jul 2024Logan Allin and Neil Datta on which startups AI puts at risk, tech regulation, and H-1B reform | E197501:05:18

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

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Vensure. Vensure is an HR firm that specializes in serving rapidly growing technology companies. Providing fully customized HR and benefit strategies designed to grow with their client’s needs. Visit http://Vensure.com today to schedule an HR evaluation, and learn how they can help you.


Todays show:

David Weisburd hosts Logan Allin, Neil Datta, and Jason Calacanis to discuss Vinod Khosla’s views on AI (1:13), Trumps H-1B policy (11:24), incorporation to funding stage (36:09), and more!

*

Timestamps:

(0:00) David Weisburd intros Logan Allin, Neil Datta, and Jason Calacanis

(2:57) Vinod Khosla's talk on AI at Collision Conference

(5:12) Tech regulation, AI, and M&A's impact on portfolios

(13:28) Intercom - TWIST listeners can get 90% off Intercom’s platform at intercom.com/TWIST

(14:58) Globalization and navigating AI in venture

(23:44) AssemblyAI - Get 100 free hours to start building at https://www.assemblyai.com/twist

(25:13) Trump's stance on H-1B visas and immigration policy

(42:19) Vensure - Visit http://Vensure.com today to schedule an HR evaluation, and learn how they can help you.

(43:37) Carta data on incorporation to funding stage

(54:34) Lighting round on recent investments

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Check out the TWIST500: twist500.com

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Follow Logan:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loganallin

Check out: https://fin.capital

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Follow Neil:

X: https://x.com/NKDAdvisory

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neildatta

Check out: https://nkdadvisory.com

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X: https://twitter.com/Jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

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Thank you to our partners:

(13:28) Intercom - TWIST listeners can get 90% off Intercom’s platform at https://www.intercom.com/twist

(23:44) AssemblyAI - Get 100 free hours to start building at https://www.assemblyai.com/twist

(42:19) Vensure - Visit http://Vensure.com today to schedule an HR evaluation, and learn how they can help you.

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Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

*

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

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Follow TWiST:

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups

Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

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Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

21 Jul 2022Jay Trading: $NFLX Q2 earnings, The Blueprint E2: when to quit your job, + more | E151301:19:11

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

08 Jun 2024Great Builders & Success First with Intercom’s Eoghan McCabe | E196201:28:28

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

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Todays show:

Intercom’s Eoghan McCabe joins Jason to discuss: the state of the business at Intercom and his return as CEO (8:33), the future of customer service with AI (24:28), what makes a great manager (59:36), and more!

*

Timestamps:

(0:00) Intercom’s Eoghan McCabe joins Jason. (1:50) Family history of the two McCabe’s: Jason and Eoghan. (5:49) The kindness and dedication of Intercom’s co-founder Des Traynor. (8:33) What Intercom is, the state of the business and Eoghan’s return as CEO. (10:41) LinkedIn Ads - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups (12:37) Looking at overlap and adjacencies when you are building SaaS products. (16:36) The brilliance of the pre-seed pricing model, and is it broken? (19:47) .Tech Domains - Apply for the “Jam with JCal” contest today at https://www.jamwithjcal.tech (22:16) What is next for companies with. SaaS-based pricing. (24:28) The future of customer service and AI. (30:30) Northwest Registered Agent - For just $39 plus state fees, Northwest will handle your complete business identity. Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist today. (36:09) Expectations from AI one year from now. (45:23) Breaking down the negative press and social reaction to the Humane Pin. (52:34) What the world will look like as conversational AI develops. (59:36) What makes a great manager and the “return of the king” at Intercom.

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Check out Intercom: https://www.intercom.com/

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Follow Eoghan:

X: https://x.com/eoghan

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eoghanmccabe/

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Follow Jason:

X: https://twitter.com/Jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

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Thank you to our partners:

(10:41) LinkedIn Ads - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups

(19:47) .Tech Domains - Apply for the “Jam with JCal” contest today at https://www.jamwithjcal.tech

(30:30) Northwest Registered Agent - For just $39 plus state fees, Northwest will handle your complete business identity. Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist today.

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Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

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Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

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Follow TWiST:

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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups

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Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

27 Mar 2023First Citizens acquires SVB, the daunting reality of AI & Refiberd CEO Sarika Bajaj | E170701:02:07

Jason starts the show by discussing First Citizens acquiring SVB’s assets (2:03) before diving into a Reddit post detailing how generative AI changed a 3D artist’s job overnight (9:09). Jason wraps by interviewing Sarika Bajaj, the CEO, and Co-founder of Refiberd, as she dives into the reality of the recycling process, how they are using spectroscopy to recycle textiles, and more (20:28)!

(0:00) Jason kicks off the show

(2:03) A breakdown of First Citizens’ purchase of SVB

(8:05) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist

(9:09) Reddit Post: A radical change for 3D artists 

(18:59) LinkedIn Marketing - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at https://linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups

(20:28) Sarika Bajaj, CEO of Refiberd joins Jason 

(21:00) What happens to our textiles? 

(25:20) Refiberd’s solution

(30:31) Solving for inefficiencies in the recycling process 

(38:05) Brilliant.org - Get 20% off an annual subscription at http://brilliant.org/twist

(39:33) The state of recycling today

(49:23) Raising capital in today’s market 

(54:25) Navigating gate SVB collapse 

FOLLOW Sarika: https://refiberd.com/ 

FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis

Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes:

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https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/founder-university/id1648407190

11 Oct 2022Amazon's transformation, Peloton's mistakes, VC market downturn & more with Ben Gilbert | E158201:18:06

Acquired's Ben Gilbert fills in for Molly Wood and joins Jason to discuss Amazon's transformation (3:57), AI edge cases (22:02), Peloton's mistakes (32:05), used car prices (59:59), and the current VC market downturn. (1:09:18)

(0:00) Jason tees up today's topics!

(3:57) Acquired's Ben Gilbert joins Jason to break down the news! First up: Amazon sunsets its "Scout" project, and its transformation from a Day 1 to a Day 2 company

(10:45) Embroker - Use code TWIST to get an extra 10% off insurance at https://Embroker.com/twist

(11:53) Coco's delivery robots, history of the delivery robot space, where Coco robots can work, the maturation of smartphone components

(22:02) AI edge cases: capturing the likeness of a celebrity/notable person

(27:33) Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub - Apply in 5 minutes, no funding required, sign up at http://aka.ms/thisweekinstartups

(29:03) Escaping the Uncanny Valley

(32:05) Peloton cuts 500 more jobs; CEO's comments make employees panic

(37:28) Zapier - Try for free today at https://zapier.com/TWIST

(38:59) Peloton's two major corporate strategy mistakes, Apple's mass market luxury innovation

(59:59) Used car prices are down significantly

(1:09:18) VC market downturn coming off a record 2021; was 2021 an aberration?

Check out Acquired: https://www.acquired.fm

FOLLOW Ben: https://twitter.com/gilbert

FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis

19 Sep 2024Navigating Challenges in Distressed Companies with Becki DeGraw | Wilson Sonsini Startup Legal Basics00:21:11

Todays show: Wilson Sonsini Partner Becki DeGraw joins Jason on the latest edition of Startup Legal Basics! In this episode, they break down challenges in distressed companies(1:04), pay-to-play scenarios (2:31), the importance of a market check in financing (9:25), and high-profile legal and ethical issues (18:03).

*

Timestamps:

(00:00) Wilson Sonsini partner Becki DeGraw joins Jason

(1:04) Distressed companies and VCs leaving the board; Challenges in distressed companies

(2:31) Insider-led down rounds and pay-to-play scenarios

(7:07) Legal actions and stockholder lawsuits in successful turnarounds

(9:25) The importance of a market check in financing; Voting against board decisions

(18:03) Character and incentives in the startup ecosystem; High-profile legal and ethical issues

*

Check Out Wilson Sonsini: ⁠⁠https://www.wsgr.com⁠

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Check out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.com

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Follow Becki:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-degraw-639bbb62

*

Follow Jason:

X: https://twitter.com/Jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

*

Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

*

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

*

Follow TWiST:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups

Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

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Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

25 Mar 202523andMe BANKRUPT, Saylor Still Buying Bitcoin, + Founder Interviews | E210201:36:15

Today’s show: In this episode, Alex and Lon kick things off with the latest tech news — including 23andMe’s dramatic collapse, MicroStrategy’s half-million Bitcoin haul, and whether we’re finally seeing a rebound in startup M&A. Then they sit down with three standout founders building the future across AI chips, data privacy, and healthcare. First up, Etched CEO Gavin Uberti explains why they’re betting big on transformer-specific ASICs. Then, Skyflow co-founder Anshu Sharma breaks down how they’re helping enterprises use LLMs without leaking private data. Finally, MedServe’s team walks us through how they’re securing medications in outpatient clinics and staying on the right side of the DEA.

*

Timestamps:

(0:00) Alex kicks off the show

(1:15) 23andMe bankruptcy and SPACs impact

(5:23) MicroStrategy's Bitcoin strategy

(8:58) Increase in M&A activity and market trends

(10:06) Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist

(13:37) Browser use, agentic AI, and VC market insights

(19:28) Financial responsibility in startups

(20:28) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST

(21:56) Interview with Gavin Uberti of Etched

(30:32) Fidelity Private Shares℠ - Visit ⁠https://www.fidelityprivateshares.com ! Mention our podcast and receive 20% off your first-year paid subscription.

(32:12) Economic and technical aspects of chip efficiency

(39:53) Etched's market demand, manufacturing, and AI scaling

(43:05) Founder insights and hardware startup potential

(45:43) Introduction to Skyflow and Anshu Sharma

(50:19) Skyflow's growth and customer acquisition strategies

(1:03:09) ServiceNow's new product and Skyflow's bullish outlook

(1:06:33) M&A interest and AI stack value creation

(1:12:06) Skyflow's funding and cybersecurity customer trust

(1:13:12) Introduction to MedServe and Milwaukee's startup ecosystem

(1:16:30) MedServ's solution to drug dispensing and diversion

(1:23:05) Economic challenges and solutions for smaller facilities

(1:26:50) MedServe cabinet features and use case demonstration

(1:29:51) Cybersecurity and physical security of MedServe systems

*

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Check out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.com

Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

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Follow Etched:

Website: https://www.etched.com/

X: https://x.com/Etched

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/etched-ai/

*

Follow MedServe:

Website: https://medserverx.com/

X: https://x.com/MedServeRX

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/medserverx/

*

Follow Skyflow:

Website: https://www.skyflow.com/

X: https://x.com/SkyflowAPI

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skyflow/

*

Follow Alex:

X: https://x.com/alex

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm

*

Follow Lon:

X: https://x.com/Lons

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Thank you to our partners:

(10:06) Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist

(20:28) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST

(30:32) Fidelity Private Shares℠ - Visit https://www.fidelityprivateshares.com ⁠ Mention our podcast and receive 20% off your first-year paid subscription.


Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

*

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

*

Follow TWiST:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups

Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

*

Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

27 Jul 2023Market dynamics, RIFs, and AI’s role in law with Becki DeGraw | Wilson Sonsini Startup Legal Basics00:30:49

Today’s show:

Wilson Sonsini Partner Becki DeGraw joins Jason on the latest edition of Startup Legal Basics! In this episode, they discuss the contrast between late-stage and seed-stage investing (2:52), repricing stock options (5:48), the adoption of AI in the legal industry (23:29), and much more!

*

Time stamps:

(0:00) Wilson Sonsini Partner Becki DeGraw joins Jason

(1:19) The increase in tech layoffs and AI startups

(2:52) Late-stage vs. early-stage investing and the seed-stage value chart

(5:48) Repricing stock options when underwater

(14:05) Disclosing revenue, burn rate, and growth rate

(18:08) RIFs and knowing your employees

(20:57) The long-term effects of remote work

(23:29) The use of AI and chatbots in law

*

Check out Wilson Sonsini: https://www.wsgr.com

*

Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo: https://www.launch.co/four

Apply for Funding: https://www.launch.co/apply

Buy ANGEL: https://www.angelthebook.com

Great recent interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

*

Follow Jason:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jason

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

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Follow TWiST:

Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin

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Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

09 May 2024Today's Space Tech Boom with Apex's Ian Cinnamon and Mark Suster | E194600:59:53

Squarespace - Turn your idea into a new website! Go to http://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST for a free trial. When you’re ready to launch, use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

LinkedIn Ads - To redeem a $100 LinkedIn ad credit and launch your first campaign, go to http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups

Dot Tech Domains - Dot Tech domains are the go-to namespace to build anything in tech… and home to the world’s most innovative startups. Keep an eye out for our “Jam Session with JCal” contest… coming soon! Be sure to secure your .Tech domain today at https://get.tech/jason

*

Todays show:

Ian Cinnamon joins guest host Mark Suster to discuss all things space tech; including: the importance of building Apex in L.A. (4:49), the drastic change in costs for satellites (16:03), their first Aries Satellite bus on it’s maiden voyage (30:29), and more!

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Ian Cinnamon joins guest host Mark Suster.

(1:53) Why space is a hot sector right now with startups and investors.

(4:49) The importance of building Apex in L.A.

(6:44) Ian’s background and what brought him to the space industry.

(9:52) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at http://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST

(11:13) Origin story and perfect fit with Apex co-founder Max Benassi.

(13:25) What Apex does and why Max’s manufacturing skillset matters.

(16:03) Cost of satellites then and now.

(19:55) LinkedIn Ads - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups

(21:25) Details about the sateliilite bus at Apex.

(23:43) The differences and business implications of LEO, MEO and GEO.

(29:15) Dot Tech Domains - Be sure to secure your .Tech domain today at https://get.tech/jason

(30:29) Their first Aries Satellite bus on it’s maiden voyage and a selfie from space.

(53:30) The current scale and expected growth at Apex.

(56:19) Competitions in the “space” space.

*

Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

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Check out Apex: https://www.apexspace.com

*

Follow Ian:

X: https://twitter.com/IanCinnamon

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iancinnamon/

*

Follow Mark:

X: https://twitter.com/msuster

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marksuster/

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Thank you to our partners:

(9:52) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at http://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST

(19:55) LinkedIn Ads - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups

(29:15) Dot Tech Domains - Be sure to secure your .Tech domain today at https://get.tech/jason

*

Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

*

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

*

Follow TWiST:

Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups

*

Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

25 Apr 2023Spotify earnings, Grimes takes AI-based music approach + Cafe X CEO Henry Hu | E172800:55:06

Jason starts the show by breaking down Spotify’s latest earnings report before discussing pop star Grimes taking to Twitter to announce a new business model for her AI-generated music (1:44). Then, Cafe X CEO Henry Hu joins Jason to discuss their latest equity crowdfund and being resilient, surviving a downturn, and more (18:22).

(0:00) Jason kicks off the show

(1:44) Spotify Earnings

(8:25) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/TWIST

(9:56) Grimes takes an AI-based music approach

(16:57) LinkedIn Marketing - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at https://linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups

(18:22) What is Cafe X?

(26:20) Advantages of a robot arm

(31:10) Brilliant.org - Get 20% off an annual subscription at http://brilliant.org/twist

(32:40) Cafe X’s pivot

(38:07) Pricing of the Cafe X system

(40:54) Cafe X’s OS 

(42:42) Raising equity crowdfunding

(43:11) Navigating edge issues 

(45:22) Finding success and Cafe X’s current focus 

(50:38) Inventing menu items and other use cases


FOLLOW Henry: https://twitter.com/supergeek18

FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis


Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes:

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30 Aug 2024Episode 2000! Epic guests, huge news, and how to build a media legacy in 14 short years | E200001:37:19

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

Squarespace. Turn your idea into a new website! Go to https://www.squarespace.com/twist for a free trial. When you’re ready to launch, use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

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*

Todays show:

Jason and Alex kick off episode 2000! They reflect on TWiST’s origins and early episodes (1:48), highlighting notable guests and memorable moments (22:31). They also share fan messages, and insights from cohosts (46:05), and wrap up celebrating standout moments (1:04:14).

*

Timestamps:

(0:00) Jason and Alex kick off the show

(1:48) The origins and early days of TWiST

(9:50) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST

(11:03) Recollections of the first TWiST episodes

(20:53) LinkedIn Ads - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at https://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups

(22:31) Highlighting notable guests and memorable early episodes

(30:33) Brex. Get the business account trusted by 1 in 3 US startups at https://www.brex.com/twist24

(32:02) More on standout guests and the TWiST studio evolution

(38:37) David Sacks makes his first appearance on TWiST

(46:05) Messages from TWiST fans and cohosts

(1:05:14) Celebrating standout moments and key highlights on the show

(1:28:02) A special message from the Launch team

*

Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.com

Check out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.com

*

Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

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Mentioned on the show:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZX4fUYo6C0&list=PL24nOpPUQlbZcij2Jo-KNUpWFDSrrQKtH

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3bmpMX2qQ4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SP7B0oWTR3o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cdrCYrZIvI

https://youtu.be/wM0pVE_b1KU?si=NM1pK-pz9tUQFOqr&t=1366

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=550X5OZVk7Y

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VOQnK7O2To

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1_z9oOdytA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aM1DDVq3_vs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYA_vdHSD8w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwhP7K3bFRI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3seTmyRbcHU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANGHOQ2Cqtc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HL2wWE27CUI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXEO3oJKINA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43MgbwQBDik

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfJtIibCx78

*

Follow Alex:

X: https://x.com/alex

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm/

*

Follow Jason:

X: https://twitter.com/Jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

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Thank you to our partners:

(9:50) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST

(20:53) LinkedIn Ads - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at https://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups

(30:33) Brex. Get the business account trusted by 1 in 3 US startups at https://www.brex.com/twist24

*

Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

*

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

*

Follow TWiST:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups

Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

*

Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

17 Feb 2022Keith Rabois of Founders Fund + AirBnB's earnings & evolving customer base, SF BOE recall | E138801:17:24

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


03 Nov 2023The hard lessons from building three startups with Maven’s Gagan Biyani | E184000:58:30

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

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The Embroker Startup Program helps startups secure the most important lines of insurance, at a lower cost, and with less hassle. For guaranteed 10% off on premiums (& up to 20% depending on quote) go to www.embroker.com/twist.

Brave is an internet privacy company on a mission to protect your personal info online. Try the Brave Search API at http://www.brave.com/jason

Today’s show:

Maven Co-Founder and CEO Gagan Biyani joins Jason to break down his startup's live, cohort-based education model (2:28). Then, Gagan dives into his past journeys at Udemy, where he was eventually fired but wound up revolutionizing online learning and going public (35:08), and Sprig, a food-delivery startup that went on to raise $60M and scale to $20M in revenue, but ultimately failed (47:36).

*

Time stamps:

(0:00) Gagan Biyani, CEO of Maven, joins Jason to discuss the future of online learning.

(2:24) Maven: the evolution of online learning.

(3:23) Exploring Maven's elite courses offered by a diverse pool of passionate professionals.

(6:57) Analyzing who is leveraging Maven for education and the cost dynamics of online learning.

(10:30) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://www.vanta.com/twist

(11:36) How Maven's live cohort-based learning emphasizes accountability and interactivity for higher success rates.

(13:15) Comparing the outdated cost structures of traditional education with modern alternatives.

(23:10) Embroker - Use code TWIST to get an extra 10% off insurance at https://www.Embroker.com/twist

(26:31) Unveiling the potential earnings for educators in the online learning marketplace.

28:27) The online educational landscape featuring insights on Coursera, Udemy, and others.

(30:56) Brave - Try the Brave Search API at http://www.brave.com/jason

(33:40) Jason built the “pit” at TechCrunch50, where he and Gagan first met.

(35:08) How Udemy's early days were shaped by the Founder Institute and Adeo Ressi.

(41:28) Gagan shares his personal story of being fired from Udemy and his lessons learned.

(47:33) The trials, tribulations, and ultimate closure of the food delivery startup, Sprig.

(53:39) Discussing the most effective methods for scaling and growing a product.

(55:02) The world of fundraising and understanding the power law in venture capital.

Check out Maven: https://www.maven.com

Follow Gagan:

https://twitter.com/gaganbiyani

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaganbiyani * Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo: https://www.launch.co/fourApply for Funding: https://www.launch.co/applyBuy ANGEL: https://www.angelthebook.com

Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

*

Follow Jason:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jason

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

*

Follow TWiST:

Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin

*

Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast


18 Nov 2022Managing a recession, housing market insights & more with Redfin's Glenn Kelman + OK Boomer | E161600:57:06

Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman joins Jason to discuss the current downturn, operating in a recession, layoffs, the housing market and more. (1:31) Then, Producer Rachel is joined by Volv Co-Founders Shannon Almeida and Priyanka Vazirani. (33:46)

(0:00) J+M tee up today's segments!

(1:31) Glenn Kelman joins Jason to break down the current downturn, operating in a recession, layoffs, and more

(14:30) FanDuel Sportsbook - Sign up with promo code TWIST to place a $1000 risk-free bet at https://sportsbook.fanduel.com 

(16:02) State of the housing market

(29:10) Zapier - Try for free today at https://zapier.com/TWIST 

(30:43) Molly and Producer Rachel tee up this week's OK Boomer!

(33:46) Volv Co-Founders Shannon Almeida and Priyanka Vazirani join Producer Rachel to discuss their nine-second articles media concept

FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis

FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood

FOLLOW Glenn: https://twitter.com/glennkelman

FOLLOW Rachel: https://twitter.com/_rachelbraun

FOLLOW Priyanka: https://twitter.com/Priyanka_Vaz

FOLLOW Shannon: https://twitter.com/shannonsalmeida

Check out Volv: https://www.volvmedia.com

Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes:

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11 Oct 2023State of early-stage VC, finding PMF, Caroline Ellison testifies & more with Zach Coelius | E182601:10:32

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

Fount. Do you want access to the performance protocols that pro athletes and special ops use? With Fount, an elite military operator supercharges your focus, sleep, recovery, and longevity, all powered by your unique data. Want a true edge in work and life? Go to fount.bio/TWIST for $500 off.

Coda. A new doc that brings words, tables and teams together. All your valuable data, plans, objectives, and strategies in one place. Go to https://coda.io/twist to get a $1,000 credit!

Miro. Working remotely doesn’t mean you need to feel disconnected from your team. Miro is an online whiteboard that brings teams together - anytime, anywhere. Go to https://miro.com/startups to sign up for a FREE account with unlimited team members.

*

Today’s show:

Zach Coelius joins Jason to discuss the phases of early-stage startups (2:01), break down the state of VC (13:17), answer live questions from the audience (22:36), and much more!

*

Time stamps:

(0:00) Zach Coelius joins Jason

(2:01) The three phases of early-stage startups

(10:00) Fount - Get $500 off an executive health coach at https://fount.bio/twist 

(11:31) Advantages that Builder/Founder startups possess

(13:17) The state of VC: The LP and GP relationship, post-ZIRP, and startup soft landings

(21:10) Coda - Get a $1,000 startup credit at https://coda.io/twist 

(22:36) Question: How do you describe PMF in the simplest terms possible

(29:20) Question: How hard is it for first-time founders to raise pre-seed?

(39:46) Miro - Sign up for a free account at https://miro.com/startups

(41:11) Question: I will be in the Bay Area for two weeks… any advice on how to efficiently meet VCs to pitch my startup?

(45:56) Question: What are attributes of companies that are getting funded today? More stable and breakeven? Different industries? What is working today?

(54:49) Breaking news: Caroline Ellison, CEO of Alameda Research testifies for first time today in SBF’s trial

(1:01:49) Cruise robotaxi fleet deployed in San Francisco

*

Follow Zach: https://twitter.com/zachcoelius

*

Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo: https://www.launch.co/four

Apply for Funding: https://www.launch.co/apply

Buy ANGEL: https://www.angelthebook.com

Great recent interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

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Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

14 Jan 2022Oath Keepers indicted from Signal messages, U.S. House subpoenas tech platforms + Alex Masmej: selling a personal token | E136100:49:28

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

27 Jul 2022How to supercharge your network + $GOOG & $MSFT earnings & $SHOP layoffs with Deirdre Bosa | E151901:03:29

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

28 Aug 2022How VCs think about deploying reserves & follow-on funding + Quaise CEO Carlos Araque | E154600:49:44

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

FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis

FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood

Subscribe to our YouTube to watch all full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkkhmBWfS7pILYIk0izkc3A?sub_confirmation=1

08 Jan 2025Meta's Moderation and Nvidia's Domination | E206901:07:32

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

Gusto. Get three months free when you run your first payroll at http://gusto.com/twist

*Gusto pricing shown in ad is based on pricing prior to March 2025

Oracle. TWiST listeners can try OCI and save up to 50% on your cloud bill at https://w⁠⁠⁠⁠ww.oracle.com/twist⁠⁠⁠

Squarespace. TWiST listeners: use code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain:https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST


Today’s show: Jason and Alex discuss Meta’s moderation announcement, Nvidia’s seeming domination in the processor space, Anthropic’s $2B raise and some fun products coming out of CES.


(0:00) Jason and Alex kick off the show.(5:15) Fire in Pacific Palisades and Malibu: Insurance and Startup Opportunities(9:48) Gusto. Get three months free when you run your first payroll at http://gusto.com/twist(17:32) Meta's New Content Moderation Strategy and Zuckerberg's Motivations(20:09) Oracle. ⁠⁠TWiST listeners can try OCI and save up to 50% on your cloud bill at https://w⁠⁠⁠⁠ww.oracle.com/twist⁠⁠⁠

(22:35) More on Zuck’s motivations and what the new president can do(30:30) Squarespace. TWiST listeners: use code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain:https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST(40:26) NVIDIA's AI Supercomputer Chip and Tech Industry Innovations(49:15) Lenovo's Rollable Laptop and Slack's iOS Integration(56:31) BYD's Supercar and Anthropic's Valuation(1:02:45) Jason's Experience with Luxury Japanese Minivans


Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.com

Check out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.com

Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp


Follow Alex:

X: https://x.com/alex

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm


Follow Jason:

X: https://twitter.com/Jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis


Thank you to our partners:

(9:48) Gusto. Get three months free when you run your first payroll at http://gusto.com/twist

*Gusto pricing shown in ad is based on pricing prior to March 2025(20:09) Oracle. ⁠⁠TWiST listeners can try OCI and save up to 50% on your cloud bill at ⁠⁠https://w⁠⁠⁠⁠ww.oracle.com/twist⁠⁠⁠(30:30) Squarespace. TWiST listeners: use code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain:https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST

Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara,Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta,Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland


Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis


Follow TWiST:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups

Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com


Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

22 Sep 2023How Replit is using AI to supercharge IDEs with Amjad Masad | E181401:10:55

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

LinkedIn Jobs. A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters. Go to https://LinkedIn.com/TWIST to post your first job for free. Terms and conditions apply.

.Tech Domains has a new program called startups.tech, where you can get your startup featured on This Week in Startups. Go to https://startups.tech/jason to find out how!

Supergut is the only nutrition brand clinically-proven to improve digestion, balance blood sugar, sustain energy, and manage weight. Save 25% on their delicious shakes, bars, and prebiotic mix at https://Supergut.com with code TWIST.

*

Today’s show:

Replit CEO Amjad Masad joins Jason to discuss the latest developments in IDEs (3:04), leveraging AI for coding (11:48), Replit’s Ghostwriter (23:40), and much more!

*

Time stamps:

(0:00) Replit CEO Amjad Masad joins Jason

(3:04) The origin of integrated development environments (IDEs) uses and importance for developers

(6:44) IntelliSense, Replit's Ghostwriter and other debugging tools

(10:28) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://linkedin.com/twist

(11:48) Leveraging AI in suggestion tools and coding platforms

(14:17) The role of autonomous agents in startup development

(19:20) Replit's Bounties platform and Replit's mission to build artificial developer intelligence (ADI)

(22:25) .Tech Domains - Apply to get your startup featured on This Week in Startups at https://startups.tech/jason

(23:40) Amjad Masad demos Replit's Ghostwriter and other apps

(31:46) Getting more people to become developers and low-code platforms

(36:35) Supergut - Get 25% off with code TWIST at https://supergut.com

(38:06) “Make Something Wonderful” Steve Jobs in his own words

(43:56) The human mind and the origin of Amjad's passion for computers

(48:22) Embracing AI and the resulting changes at Replit

(55:27) Paradigm shifts in Hollywood and tech

(1:03:06) thebrain.com

*

Check out Replit: https://replit.com

Follow Amjad: https://twitter.com/amasad

*

Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo: https://www.launch.co/four

Apply for Funding: https://www.launch.co/apply

Buy ANGEL: https://www.angelthebook.com

Great recent interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

*

Follow Jason:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jason

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

*

Follow TWiST:

Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin

*

Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

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