This Week in Startups

In this engaging discussion, Taylor Monks, CEO of BasicBlock, reveals how their innovative digital solutions are transforming the trucking industry. Max Coleman, CEO of DaoCloud, shares his journey in connecting wellness practitioners with clients, emphasizing the importance of clear communication in pitching. Kate Bradley-Chernis, CEO of Lately, discusses how AI is enhancing social media writing. Together, they reflect on their growth during the LAUNCH Accelerator, highlighting key insights and the value of collaboration and feedback in their entrepreneurial journeys.

David Friedberg, founder and CEO of The Production Board and former CEO of Climate Corporation, joins Chamath Palihapitiya and Jason Calacanis for a lively discussion on the COVID-19 crisis. They explore the delayed U.S. response and its implications, as well as the differences in infection patterns between Italy and India. Friedberg shares his presidential priorities and critiques media messaging. The trio delves into the economic fallout, discussing the need for adaptation in startups, potential market impacts, and the lessons learned for future crises.

Delve into an insightful Q&A as experts tackle the impact of social media on elections and advocate for more accountability. Learn the optimal times to join startups for maximum equity and job security. Discover key traits that make successful founders and investors stand out. Navigate the thriving opportunities in a recession, focusing on adaptability and resilience. Plus, get practical tips for aspiring podcasters, including audio quality and guest selection, to help launch your own successful show.

Nicole Quinn, a Partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners, shares her insights on investing in celebrity founders like Gwyneth Paltrow and Lady Gaga. Discover how she combines consumer appeal with innovative strategies, like Calm's celebrity endorsements. Quinn explains what attracts her to 'Force of Nature' product people and the challenges of e-commerce profitability. She also discusses the transformative power of voice assistants for user engagement and the evolving landscape of angel investing, emphasizing the significance of community and sustainability.

Jeff Housenbold, a Managing Partner at SoftBank Vision Fund and former executive at eBay and Shutterfly, shares his insights on venture capital. He discusses his recruitment by Masayoshi Son and the ambitious $100B Vision Fund. Jeff advises founders on managing massive investments and creating competitive advantages. He delves into the shift from growth to profitability in tech, lessons learned from investments like WeWork, and the future of industries such as food tech and mobility. Plus, his thoughts on navigating economic crises are particularly poignant.

Max Lobovsky, the Co-founder and CEO of Formlabs, dives into the exciting world of 3D printing after surpassing $100 million in revenue. He discusses the lucrative applications of 3D printing, including how it aids healthcare innovations and even influences Hollywood makeup effects. The conversation touches on the challenges of raising initial capital, navigating supply chain disruptions during the pandemic, and his experience at MIT's Media Lab. Lobovsky also shares fascinating insights into the future of 3D printing as depicted in science fiction.

Ajay Agarwal, Partner at Bain Capital, shares his expertise in venture investment within enterprise software. He discusses the evolution from sales-driven to product-driven company culture, emphasizing the potential profitability of software. The conversation veers into the challenges of capitalism and declining social mobility, and Ajay highlights his successful investments, such as FourKites, while lamenting missed opportunities like Pinterest. The dialogue also touches on the transformative power of entrepreneurship and the critical importance of gross margin in the software industry.

Austen Allred, CEO of Lambda School, known for his sharp insights on education, opens up about the recent controversies surrounding his school. He discusses the nuances of Income Share Agreements and their intended role against predatory loans. Katherine Boyle, a venture capitalist with a background in journalism, critiques media narratives and emphasizes the need for transparency in tech education. They also dive into the evolving challenges of journalism in the age of clickbait and reflect on the implications of major tech events, like Robinhood's market outage.

Jack Kramer and Nick Martell, co-hosts of Robinhood Snacks, bring millennial perspectives to finance. They dive into the impact of Coronavirus on public markets, weighing if the situation is dire or manageable. The duo discusses Bob Iger’s departure from Disney and whether it's a buy or sell for the company. They define 'Cult Stocks' and talk about how millennials and Gen-Z are making investment choices influenced by current events. With a mix of humor and insights, they keep finance engaging and relatable!

Sarah Tavel, Partner at Benchmark, shares her journey from operator to investor, highlighting her unique recruitment by Peter Fenton. She discusses the importance of disrupting VC gender norms from within and elaborates on her personal investments in companies like Calm and Pinterest. Tavel also tackles the nuances of transitioning from the stressful life of an operator to the anxiety of investing, while exploring the cultural contrasts between New Yorkers and West Coasters, and the challenges faced in the competitive world of venture capital.