Tech Brew Ride Home Thu. 08/03 – Pandemic High Fliers Crash To Earth
Aug 3, 2023
The podcast dives into the downfall of pandemic darlings Hopin and Vanmoof, highlighting layoffs and bankruptcy struggles. It examines the continuing interest in NFTs despite declining trading volumes, while also discussing the IRS's shift to digital tax filing. Concerns arise over WorldCoin's suspension in Kenya due to safety issues and iris scan requirements. Lastly, tensions surface in the Apple-Goldman Sachs partnership, raising questions about the future of tech-finance collaborations.
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Hopin's Downfall
- Hopin, a virtual events startup, achieved a $7.75 billion valuation during the pandemic but is now selling off units and its CEO is stepping down.
- This highlights the boom and bust cycle of pandemic-era startups.
VanMoof Bankruptcy
- VanMoof, an e-bike company, is facing bankruptcy, leaving customers concerned about proprietary parts and app-dependent features.
- This illustrates the risks of relying on a single company for essential product functionality.
IRS Digitalization
- The IRS plans to digitize all tax forms by 2025, enabling faster refunds and eliminating paper processing.
- This shift towards digitalization aims to improve efficiency and customer service.