This Week in Startups

Two electric vehicle startups have controversially secured PPP loans while many small businesses struggle. The ethics of large corporations tapping into government aid during crises is hotly debated. The podcast examines the stark contrasts between the failures of new EV companies and the triumphs of Tesla. Additionally, it critiques government bailouts, spotlighting Virgin Australia's collapse and advocating for competition over fiscal favoritism. Intriguing insights into the automotive industry's shifting landscape keep listeners engaged.

Quincy Larson, founder of freeCodeCamp, shares his inspiring journey from teaching to revolutionizing coding education through a non-profit platform. He discusses how anyone can learn to code and the impressive success stories from users. The conversation highlights the importance of practical skills over traditional degrees and newer pathways into tech, such as mobile development. Quincy also addresses the impact of COVID-19 on user growth and the global nature of freeCodeCamp, emphasizing the community's role in fostering collaboration and support for aspiring developers.

In this discussion, Steve Barsh, Managing Partner at Dreamit Ventures, sheds light on the powerful role of accelerators in shaping startups. He shares insights into Dreamit’s selective focus on health tech, secure tech, and urban tech while detailing their unique 14-week program. Learners will discover practical tips for excelling in accelerator interviews and how mentorship often trumps funding. Steve highlights notable success stories like SeatGeek, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and strategic support in navigating the startup landscape.

In this engaging discussion, the hosts tackle the art of talent sourcing during crises, emphasizing the power of personalized outreach and equity incentives. They explore strategies for building a robust corporate culture remotely and the challenges that come with it. The conversation shifts to the growing trend of distributed startups and the critical nature of market timing in achieving success. Additionally, they share insights on pricing strategies and empowering remote teams, blending humor with professionalism to keep morale high.

Alex Wilhelm, Senior Editor at TechCrunch, and Sam Lessin, Partner at Slow Ventures, dive into the complexities of remote work during COVID-19. They discuss the potential privacy risks of tech giants' contact tracing efforts and its implications for personal data. The duo reflects on the contrasting outlooks between optimistic public investors and cautious private ones, while hinting at a looming threat for early-stage investors. Lastly, they explore the effects of a shift away from luxury tech campuses and how market dynamics are changing in the wake of the pandemic.

David Hassell, CEO of 15Five, shares his expertise on remote work, emphasizing the critical role of trust in maintaining employee engagement. He discusses the challenges of transitioning teams to remote work and offers practical tips for leaders navigating crisis communication, including transparency about potential layoffs. Hassell highlights how 15Five fosters trust to minimize turnover and explores the evolving dynamics of remote work, revealing insights into employees' feelings about returning to the office post-pandemic.

David Sacks, an entrepreneur and investor known for his impactful roles at PayPal and Yammer, shares his insights on the current state of the world. He discusses the mixed perspectives within his poker group regarding the pandemic, the U.S. government's response, and the effectiveness of public health measures. Sacks critiques bureaucracy, questioning the decision-making around mask mandates and the handling of Chloroquine as a treatment, while highlighting the cultural clash between scientific experts and entrepreneurs in navigating this crisis.

Listeners explore whether launching a startup in an economic crisis can be beneficial. Strategies for attracting investors and leveraging equity offerings are discussed. The podcast emphasizes the vital role of advisors and how to compensate them to enhance credibility. Insights into marketing spend, especially for no-code startups, reveal adaptive approaches during downturns. There's also a discussion on how COVID-19 has impacted food delivery services and innovative solutions like cloud kitchens. Jason shares thoughts on tackling unemployment challenges in today’s market.

Shawn Carolan, Managing Partner at Menlo Ventures, is known for his early investments in unicorns like Uber and Roku. In this conversation, he discusses the changing venture capital landscape, especially with the influx of new funds. Shawn shares valuable insights on recognizing high-value startups even at steep valuations. He recounts his experiences with dynamic founders like Travis Kalanick and reflects on his strategic shifts amid the pandemic, as well as the lessons learned from investments in Siri and JUMP Bikes.

Roy Bahat, Head of Bloomberg Beta, and Zach Coelius, Managing Partner at Coelius Capital, dive into the tech landscape's response to the COVID-19 crisis. They discuss the timeline for returning to normal, how startups can access crucial loans, and the potential bounce back of VC funding. Concerns about Zoom's security and the shocking fall of Luckin Coffee highlight the risks in today's market. The duo also explores Notion's impressive $50M raise, signaling optimism in tech investments amidst uncertainty.