This Week in Startups

Jason Calacanis
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Nov 24, 2021 • 58min

Zoom’s revenue tops $1B, valuation falls + Startup Checklist: how to prepare for fundraising | E1333

First Jason covers Zoom's Q3 earnings and reflects on broader tech valuations (01:53). Then, Jason does a Startup Checklist episode on how to get your startup ready for an investment (16:10). The episode covers the basics like making sure you have the right structure (18:06), the ways you can fundraise (39:33) and more.
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Nov 24, 2021 • 1h 27min

Turner Novak: Turning memes into a $10M VC fund | E1332

Banana Capital's Turner Novak joins to discuss breaking into venture, starting his own fund (11:08), what it's like being an emerging manager, rising valuations, and crypto (45:10). Turner also makes the case for quick commerce, group grocery buying in Latin America (1:04:03) and more!
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Nov 23, 2021 • 47min

Nikola Motors update, El Salvador launches $1B bond to build “Bitcoin City” on a volcano | E1331

Full news show today! First, a quick update on Nikola and Trevor Milton's situation (1:35). Then, Jason reacts to a video of Jordan Peterson getting "orange-pilled" (23:10) and the announcement of El Salvador's Bitcoin City (31:51). To wrap up the show, we do another "We Live in the Future" segment about a speeder hover-bike by Japan's A.L.I. Technologies (46:46).
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Nov 19, 2021 • 1h 36min

A DAO bids $40M on the Constitution, Startup Checklist: Operational best practices, Gen Z VCs | E1330

First, Jason covers ConstitutionDAO attempt to buy one of the remaining 13 copies of the constitution at Sotheby's (01:56). Then, he does 10 points from the Startup Checklist on operational excellence (34:54). To close out the show, Producer Rachel speaks with Meagan Loyst, a VC at Lerer Hippeau who leads a group called Gen Z VCs (01:04:00).
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Nov 19, 2021 • 1h 19min

Tarantino sued over NFTs + Twitch Co-Founder Justin Kan: YouTube, Entrepreneurship, Investing | E1329

First Jason explains why Miramax is suing Quentin Tarantino over his Pulp Fiction NFT collection (2:31). Then Twitch Co-Founder & GP at Goat Capital Justin Kan joins (19:19) to discuss lessons from entrepreneurship, what he looks for when investing, his YouTube channel, podcast and more!
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Nov 18, 2021 • 1h 7min

Why Sam Lessin is using the VC model to invest in individuals + Jason funds a startup on air | E1328

First, Sam Lessin of Slow Ventures joins to discuss how he is applying the venture model to invest in individuals, he just placed a $1.7M bet on a YouTube creator (4:10). Then, Jason brings on Chris Niblett, who is going through Founder University (41:40). They discuss Chris's company Bizzly, which is a "Patreon for small businesses," what can be improved, and Jason invests live on the show!
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Nov 17, 2021 • 1h 25min

Ohio sues FB + Bradley Tusk “The Fixer,” Uber, startups navigating politics, mobile voting | E1327

First, Jason covers the Ohio Attorney General suing Meta (2:05). Then, Tusk Venture's Bradley Tusk joins to discuss the strategy he developed to help Uber overcome cities trying to ban it (17:43), what actually motivates politicians (23:02), mobile voting (31:07) the advice he would give Mark Zuckerberg (48:28) and more!
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Nov 15, 2021 • 25min

How to hire anywhere in the world (legally) | Finance Basics with Kruze Consulting’s Scott Orn | E1326

Remote work unlocked massive hiring opportunities for startups, but also creates new compliance challenges. In this episode, Kruze Consulting COO Scott Orn joins to explain how startups should navigate remote work. They discuss PEOs, sales tax, and tax credits.
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Nov 13, 2021 • 1h 53min

The greatest CNBC hit of all time, YouTube hides dislikes + Ready Games CEO David Bennahum | E1325

First up, Jason showcases what he calls the greatest CNBC hit of all time (01:46). Then he covers YouTube hiding the downvote counter (18:49). In the interview segment, Ready Games CEO David Bennahum about his new fashion Icon NFT marketplace game (27:31) and the transition from walled gardens to open source. We wrap with another edition of "OK Boomer" (01:07:00) where Rachel is reporting on Emily Herrera, a 22 year old who started her own Angel syndicate while still in college (01:20:24).
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Nov 11, 2021 • 1h 15min

Breaking down Rivian’s IPO & $100B valuation + DAO deep dive with OpenLaw’s Aaron Wright | E1324

First, Jason analyzes Rivian's IPO and gives his thoughts on the current valuation (2:05). Then, Aaron Wright from OpenLaw joins (22:13) to discuss Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs). At OpenLaw Aaron has helped launch 9 DAOs by providing legal structure, tooling and infrastructure. They talk digital contracts, why Aaron thinks DAOs are better for investment decisions and more!

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