Ben Ling of Bling Capital (prev. Khosla Ventures), shares strategies from 100+ investments & 9 unicorns, qualities of great founders & teams, assessing market opportunities, the art of startup valuations, Google's early days, the future of AR/VR, & lessons from leading change in consumer behavior

E26: “Angel” podcast: Ben Ling of Bling Capital (prev. Khosla Ventures), shares strategies from 100+ investments & 9 unicorns, qualities of great founders & teams, assessing market opportunities, the 

Jason Calacanis covers startups, tech, markets, media, and all the hottest topics in business and technology. He also interviews the world’s greatest founders, operators, investors, and innovators.

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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. By popular demand, NetSuite has extended its one-of-a-kind flexible financing program for a few more weeks! Head to https://www.netsuite.com/liquidity
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
HiddenLayer. Generative AI is revolutionizing industries. HiddenLayer’s AI Detection & Response Solution secures your Generative AI & LLMs from malicious attack. Helping you generate more – by enabling seamless & secure Generative AI. Visit https://www.HiddenLayer.com/TWiST to learn more.
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Todays show:
David Weisburd hosts Jeff Richards, Ryan Denehy, and Jason Calacanis to discuss down rounds in startups (5:26), changing operations in response to market shifts (23:07), and impact of AI & remote work on job availability (1:02:17).
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Timestamps:
(0:00) David Weisburd intros Jeff Richards, Ryan Denehy, and Jason Calacanis
(5:26) Down rounds and cram down rounds in VC deals
(13:06) NetSuite - By popular demand, NetSuite has extended its one-of-a-kind flexible financing program for a few more weeks! Head to ⁠https://www.netsuite.com/liquidity
(14:22) The terms of investment and the importance of good business fundamentals
(21:67) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at http://www.openphone.com/twist
(23:24) Changing operations in response to market shifts
(30:20) Increasing deal flow and setting ambitious goals
(35:32) HiddenLayer. HiddenLayer’s AI Detection & Response Solution secures your Generative AI & LLMs from malicious attack. Visit https://www.HiddenLayer.com/TWiST to learn more
(37:26) AI adoption in startups and businesses
(1:02:33) The role of remote work in shaping the global economy and the potential of offshore hiring
(1:09:34) Comparing the fundraising process pre and post COVID
(1:14:30) Wrap up: Jeff's latest 3 investments and Ryan's company, https://www.Electric.ai
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Follow Jeff:
X: https://twitter.com/jrichlive
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrichards
Check out: https://notablecap.com/
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Follow Ryan:
X: https://twitter.com/denehyxxl
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandenehy
Check out: https://www.electric.ai/
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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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Thank you to our partners:
(13:06) NetSuite - By popular demand, NetSuite has extended its one-of-a-kind flexible financing program for a few more weeks! Head to ⁠https://www.netsuite.com/liquidity⁠
(21:67) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at http://www.openphone.com/twist
(35:32) HiddenLayer. HiddenLayer’s AI Detection & Response Solution secures your Generative AI & LLMs from malicious attack. Visit https://www.HiddenLayer.com/TWiST to learn more
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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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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups
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Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

How AI and remote work is coming for your job | E1940

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…
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://www.coda.io/twist to get a $1,000 credit!
Northwest Registered Agent. When starting your business, it's important to use a service that will actually help you. Northwest Registered Agent is that service. They'll form your company fast, give you the documents you need to open a business bank account, and even provide you with mail scanning and a business address to keep your personal privacy intact. Visit - http://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/ twist⁠ to get a 60% discount on your next LLC.
NetSuite. The number one cloud financial system, bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, and HR, into ONE platform. Giving you ONE source of truth. By popular demand, NetSuite has extended its one-of-a-kind flexible financing program for a few more weeks! Head to http://www.NetSuite.com/twist
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Timestamps:
(0:00) Edward Brawer joins Jason to dive into PodcastAI
(3:25) Introduction and origin story of Edward Brawer's entry into the podcasting AI technology
(5:42) Discussion on the features and benefits of PodcastAI, including its ability to automate podcast production processes
(9:40) Finding product-market-fit for PodcastAI
(11:38) Coda - Get started for free at https://www.coda.io/twist
(13:06) The success of their original cold calls to find those first first customers
(15:04) Main features and outline of PodcastAI version 1.0.
(20:19) Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at http://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist
(21:51) Hot feature they just launched: viral moments of your pod
(29:20) NetSuite - has extended its one-of-a-kind flexible financing program for a few more weeks! Head to http://www.NetSuite.com/twist
(31:33) A feature they made specifically from feedback from the All-in pod
(34:33) The hilarious origin story of Edward and Jason revolved around an AI version of Jason that, in turn, created an AI version of David Sacks
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Check out Podcast AI: https://podcastai.com
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Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp
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Follow Edward:
X: https://twitter.com/edwardbrawer⁠
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardbrawer/
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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:
(11:38) Coda - Get started for free at https://www.coda.io/twist
(20:19) Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at http://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist
(29:20) NetSuite - has extended its one-of-a-kind flexible financing program for a few more weeks! Head to http://www.NetSuite.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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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups
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Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

PodcastAI: Edward Brawer is here to be your podcast’s arms dealer! | E1939

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…
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HubSpot. If you’re fundraising, be sure to check out the Million Dollar pitch competition from Hubspot for Startups & HubSpot Ventures. Apply now at https://www.hubspot.com/milliondollarpitch
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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
*
Follow Charles:
X: https://twitter.com/cduhigg
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesduhigg/
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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:
(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
*
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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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups
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Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast
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Founder University: Cohort 8 begins May 9th. Apply here: https://www.founder.university

The power of super communication with Charles Duhigg | E1938

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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.
Mercury. 90% of startups fail. Just 10 out of every 100 make it. Mercury exists to close that gap — helping companies succeed with banking and credit cards engineered for the startup journey. Join over 100,000 companies banking with Mercury at http://www.mercury.com⁠
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Todays show:
Jason kicks off Ask Jason live! 5 live guests ask questions on key topics, including finding job opportunities (1:43), the “likely winner” and “definitive winner” framework (26:19), how a non-AI startup with traction can stand out to potential investors (1:04:05), and more!
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Timestamps
(0:00) Jason kicks off another Ask Jason with 5 live guests!
(1:43) Dustin asks about how to find job opportunities and market his generalist skills
(9:50) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at http://www.vanta.com/twist
(10:42) Dustin asks about how to find job opportunities and market his generalist skills
(24:57) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/twist
(26:19) Francis asks about defining the terms "likely winner" and "definitive winner" in a strategic framework using specific metrics
(39:15) Mercury - Join 100K+ startups banking with Mercury at http://www.mercury.com⁠
(40:17) Mathew asks about choosing between mission-aligned sponsors and more lucrative, unrelated advertising opportunities for his podcast
(52:23) Jason asks whether to continue low-cost growth strategies or seek seed funding to boost growth through advertising, as their product is the advertising itself
(1:04:05) Douglas asks about how a non-AI startup with traction can stand out to potential investors
(1:15:37) Host or join Founder Fridays! Go check out https://founderfridays.tech
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Send us your questions for the next episode of Ask Jason LIVE! http://www.thisweekinstartups.com/askjason
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X: https://twitter.com/Jason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis
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Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp
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Thank you to our partners:
(9:50) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at http://www.vanta.com/twist
(24:57) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/twist
(39:15) Mercury - Join 100K+ startups banking with Mercury at http://www.mercury.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 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
*
Founder University: Cohort 8 begins May 9th. Apply here: https://www.founder.university

Ask Jason LIVE!: Navigating startup growth with Real-Time Q&A | E1937

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 http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups
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!
Zendesk. The best customer experiences are built with Zendesk. Qualifying startups can join their Startup program and get Zendesk products free, for six months! Visit http://www.zendesk.com/twist today to get started.
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Timestamps:
(0:00) Sunny joins Jason to dive into this week’s AI news and demos.
(2:03) Examination of Facebook's Llama 3 model, its impact on the AI community, and its superior performance compared to GPT-4 despite being a smaller model.
(4:45) Open source vs. commercial products
(9:14) LinkedIn Ads - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups
(10:42) Three big projects where Facebook has affected the open community.
(15:38) US Air Foruce staging dogfights with AI-flown fighter jets.
(19:09) Curotec - Check out http://www.curotec.com/twist and get $5000 off
(21:06) Looking at Grok’s capabilities in first-party research.
(27:35) Zendesk - Get six months free at http://www.zendesk.com/twist
(29:08) Jason asks Grok a more “spicey” question regarding Trump.
(40:46) Sunny demos Marblism.
(45:33) Sunny demos Lumona
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Check out Marblism: https://www.marblism.com
Check out Lumona:https://www.lumona.ai
Article “US Air Force stages dogfights with AI-flown fighter jet” https://www.defensenews.com/air/2024/04/19/us-air-force-stages-dogfights-with-ai-flown-fighter-jet
Check out Groq: https://groq.com
Check out qobuz: https://www.qobuz.com/ca-en/discover
Article: Meta is opening up Horizon OS to third parties, Asus and Lenovo first with new headsets https://www.gsmarena.com/meta_is_opening_up_horizon_os_to_third_parties_asus_and_lenovo_first_with_new_headsets_-news-62561.php
Check out Waymo: https://waymo.com
Check out Founder Fridays: http://www.thisweekinstartups.com/meetups
Check out Bubble: https://bubble.io
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Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp
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Follow Sunny:
X: ⁠https://twitter.com/sundeep⁠
LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/sundeepm
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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:
(9:14) LinkedIn Ads - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups
(19:09) Curotec - Check out http://www.curotec.com/twist and get $5000 off
(27:35) Zendesk - Get six months free at http://www.zendesk.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

E26: “Angel” podcast: Ben Ling of Bling Capital (prev. Khosla Ventures), shares strategies from 100+ investments & 9 unicorns, qualities of great founders & teams, assessing market opportunities, the

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