Somewhat Frank

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster), and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics:

The Established Network's Monthly Innovation Circle kicked off on March 20th with some great featured speakers and we'll be hosting a new one on the third Thursday of every month. The next one is set for April 17th at 3pm ET. Sign up at: est.us/TheMIC2025

Frank got a chance to talk with Jenny Fielding, an investor from Everywhere Ventures, about her new book Venture Everywhere. Check out the interview here: https://podcast.startupofyear.com/0135-jenny-fielding-on-venture-everywhere-and-investing-in-global-startups

PepsiCo buys prebiotic soda brand Poppi for nearly $2 billion – will this make the M&A market pop right open for other startups? - PepsiCo's $1.95 Billion Deal: PepsiCo acquired prebiotic soda brand Poppi for $1.95 billion, which includes $300 million in anticipated cash tax benefits, resulting in a net purchase price of $1.65 billion.

Google to Acquire Cybersecurity Company Wiz for $32 billion - Alphabet, Google's parent company, has agreed to acquire cybersecurity startup Wiz for $32 billion, marking its largest acquisition to date.

Celtics Sold To Private Equity-Led Group For $6.1 Billion - Biggest Sports Sale In U.S. History - The Boston Celtics have been sold for $6.1 billion, setting a new record for the highest price paid for a U.S. sports team, surpassing the $6.05 billion sale of the NFL's Washington Commanders in 2023.

NASA astronauts who were supposed to be in space for nine days returning to Earth after nine months on ISS - NASA astronauts Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita "Suni" Williams are returning to Earth after an extended nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube

As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: [email protected]

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics:

We are hosting the Established House in Austin on Friday, March 7th, with a couple of featured conversations, a barista spinning our delightful lattes and teas and lots of opportunities to connect with one another. If you'll be in Austin, please join us! RSVP at: est.us/house25

AI Is Changing How Silicon Valley Builds Startups - The traditional Silicon Valley model of heavy fundraising and large headcounts is being replaced by AI-driven efficiency, with companies like Anysphere and ElevenLabs reaching $100M revenue with under 50 workers. Also, here is Frank's take on it: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7299885251869196288/

Mice have been genetically engineered to look like mammoths - Colossal Biosciences genetically engineered mice with mammoth-like fur by altering up to five genes, though only one matches the mammoth genome exactly. Here are some more thoughts on the animal/human hybrid topic: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/japan-approves-first-human-animal-embryo-experiments/

Digg is coming back, thanks to its founder Kevin Rose — and Reddit's success - Digg is relaunching with Kevin Rose as chair, Alexis Ohanian as an adviser, and Justin Mezzell as CEO, aiming to revive its "homepage of the internet" legacy.

A Private Space Mission Just Successfully Landed on the Moon for the First Time - Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lunar module became the first private company's lander to successfully touch down on the moon, landing on March 2, 2025.

We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube

As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: [email protected]

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), and Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster) discuss the following topics:

Egg Prices Are Sky High - Avian flu is back and hitting close to home, impacting poultry farms and sending egg prices soaring.

DeepSeek Shakes Up the AI Landscape - Chinese AI company DeepSeek dethroned ChatGPT as the #1 free app on the App Store. Markets reacted sharply, despite no independent verification of DeepSeek's claims.

What to know about 'Stargate,' the $500 billion AI infrastructure project - A $500 billion AI infrastructure initiative led by OpenAI, Oracle, SoftBank, and MGX to expand U.S. data centers.

The First Solar Data Center on the Moon - A Florida startup, Lonestar, is setting up the first-ever lunar data center.

Boom Supersonic - Boom Supersonic successfully tested its prototype jet, reaching supersonic speeds over the Mojave Desert.

Apple & SpaceX Team Up for Starlink on iPhones - Apple & SpaceX partnering to bring satellite connectivity to iPhones, which eliminates dead zones, providing coverage in remote areas.

We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode at: https://soty.link/ESTYouTube

As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: [email protected]

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics:

CES 2025 Recap - The annual Consumer Electronics Show brings together the latest in technology product announcements. Earlier this month Las Vegas was once again full of robotics and AI-based systems. At CES 2025, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang also unveiled several significant advancements

Two Private Space Launches In One Day - On Thursday, January 16, 2025, both Blue Origin and SpaceX conducted significant rocket launches with mixed outcomes.

TikTok Prepared for US Shutdown - TikTok was preparing to shut down its app for U.S. users on Sunday, January 19, 2025. However, the ban was short lived and TikTok is now back up and running…for now.

We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube

As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: [email protected]

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics:

Here are some tips for the winter and how to beat seasonal depression - Bright light boxes can mimic natural light, which is especially helpful on dark winter days.

Paul vs. Tyson Fight/Debacle That Brings Down Netflix - The boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson on November 15, 2024, drew significant global attention.

Bitcoin Surges Above $94,000 to All-Time High. What's Behind the Surge - Bitcoin has reached an unprecedented high of nearly $95,000, marking a 35% increase since the November 5th election.

Have you seen the Banana Art? - Maurizio Cattelan's artwork "Comedian", featuring a banana duct-taped to a wall, is going to auction at Sotheby's in New York.

Speaking of Fruit — Have you ever had a PawPaw? - Pawpaws, a fruit native to North America, are seeing renewed interest as climate change allows them to grow in areas previously unsuited to their tropical flavor and requirements.

A Writer for The NY Times Let AI Make All decisions for a Week, Here's What Happened

AI being used to understand what Pigs are saying - Researchers in Europe have developed an AI algorithm to decode emotional expressions in pig sounds, aimed at improving animal welfare.

Whoopi Goldberg Is Looking To Change The Way We View Women's Sports With A Newly Launched Channel That Will Focus On Ladies, And Ladies Only - Whoopi Goldberg announced she's launching the All Women's Sports Network (AWSN), the first global channel exclusively dedicated to live women's sports.

We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube

As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: [email protected]

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics:

OpenAI unveils experimental 'Swarm' framework, igniting debate on AI-driven automation - OpenAI introduced Swarm, an experimental framework for multi-agent AI networks that can collaborate on tasks autonomously.

Nvidia released an open-source LLM to rival GPT-4 - Nvidia, which builds some of the most highly sought-after GPUs in the AI industry, has announced that it has released an open-source large language model that reportedly performs on par with leading proprietary models from OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta, and Google.

Why WordPress founder Matt Mullenweg has gone 'nuclear' against tech investing giant Silver Lake - Matt Mullenweg, founder of WordPress and CEO of Automattic, is in a public dispute with WP Engine, backed by private equity firm Silver Lake, over alleged trademark violations and misuse of WordPress branding. This has resulted in lawsuits and legal threats from both sides. WordPress powers roughly 40% of all websites.

NFL Helmet Caps - NFL players are wearing Guardian Caps during practice and games to reduce head impact. These caps provide added protection by absorbing shock during collisions.

Two people communicate in dreams: Inception movie-styled sci-fi turned into reality - The most intriguing aspect is the creation of the "Remmyo" language, which allows the decoding of sounds produced in dreams. This opens the door for future advancements, including the possibility of real-time, interactive conversations during lucid dreams.

Superhuman - an email client designed to improve productivity and efficiency for users. It is primarily known for its speed, sleek interface, and powerful features that enhance the email experience beyond what traditional email clients like Gmail offer.

We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube

As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: [email protected]

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics:

Frank was in Baltimore for the EcoMap Technologies' inaugural event, the SuperConnect conference, which aims to bring ecosystem builders from all over the country together. Click here to read Frank's recap.

Running five days a week reduces cellular aging

Chronic stress accelerates cellular aging by shortening telomeres, potentially aging the body by 9 years, but physical exercise and stress management techniques can help mitigate these effects, as shown in a study of 63 women.

A tiny town just got slammed by Helene. It could massively disrupt the tech industry

Hurricane Helene's flooding of quartz mines in Spruce Pine, North Carolina threatens to disrupt tech manufacturing, particularly microchips and renewable energy technologies, with potential shortages and price increases for sectors like automotive and electronics, and a lengthy recovery process ahead.

Open AI Raises largest VC round in history $6.6B

OpenAI is raising $6.6B, the largest VC round in history, valuing the company at $157B, as it considers spinning off parts of its business to improve efficiency, support long-term AI research, and address the pressure to increase profitability while balancing ethical AI considerations in a competitive market.

CBInsights Venture Capital Q3 report is out

Venture capital deal activity has slowed for the third consecutive quarter, with global market uncertainty causing a significant drop in exit value below $40 billion, cautious fundraising from limited partners, and downward trends in both U.S. and global markets as investors await interest rate cuts.

AI Replacing Teachers In The Classroom At UK-Based Dave Game College

David Game College has introduced the UK's first AI-powered classroom, using AI to enhance student engagement and personalize learning in STEM subjects through a hybrid model where AI facilitates lessons, adapts to individual learning styles, and assists teachers by handling routine tasks and analyzing student progress.

XHab 3D — 3D printing concrete construction buildings

XHAB 3D is revolutionizing industries like automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and consumer goods with next-generation 3D printing technology that enhances manufacturing speed and flexibility while prioritizing environmental sustainability, collaborating with industry leaders to offer scalable solutions and investing in continuous innovation through research and development.

We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube

As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: [email protected]

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics:

Apple 'Glowtime' event sees iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, Apple Watch unveilings

Apple just wrapped up an event at its headquarters in Cupertino, California, where it unveiled new versions of the iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch.

Founder Mode vs Manager Mode

Paul Graham distinguishes between "Founder Mode" and "Manager Mode" in running companies. In founder mode, leaders remain deeply involved in day-to-day operations, while manager mode focuses more on delegating tasks and relying on middle management.

The Silent Venture Capital & Startup Recession

The data is clear: startups and venture capital are in a recession that is as bad as the recession of 2008.

Andreessen Horowitz Is Closing Miami Office After Two Years

Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) closed its Miami Beach satellite office just two years into a five-year lease due to disuse.

Mosquito Virus Dangers

As climate change progresses, there has been an uptick in diseases spread by mosquitoes, such as West Nile virus, dengue fever, and Zika, posing more significant health threats globally.

We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube

As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: [email protected]

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics:

The Automated Lawn Care Robot from OtO - OtO has released an automated lawn care robot that is smart, easy to set up, and eco friendly. Say goodbye to watering your own lawn the old fashioned way.

Is Yard Work Considered Exercise - Activities like mowing, raking, and digging engage multiple different muscle groups. But does it count as "Exercise"?

VCs Continue to Invest in AI - With a Concentration in Fewer Ventures - Investments in generative AI startups remain strong even as generative AI startups are not yet profitable, with investors taking long-term strategic bets despite potential market bubble risks.

TechStars Annual Innovation Survey Reveals Entrepreneurial Optimism - TechStars Second Annual Survey reveals optimism among entrepreneurs even in the midst of challenging market conditions

An Unprecedented July in the US Presidential Race - Following a disastrous debate performance, Joe Biden is out of the 2024 Presidential Race and Kamala Harris is in. In the midst of this, former President Donald Trump survives an assassination attempt.

What happened with CrowdStrike? - A faulty update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike led to massive disruptions, affecting approximately 8.5 million devices globally, including those used by airlines, hospitals, and more.

Open AI is Launching SearchGPT - ChatGPT creators Open AI will be releasing SearchGPT, a search engine built from the ground up to utilize the power of Artificial Intelligence. The search engine market could get a lot more competitive.

We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube

As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: [email protected]

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: @jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics:

This Smiling Robot Face Made Of Living Skin is an Absolute Nightmare Fuel - Researchers have been exploring the attachment of actual living skin to robots, moving beyond traditional artificial surfaces.

A Seaweed Crop Finds a Spot in Maine Waters - Atlantic Sea Farms CEO Briana Warner talks about the new moves to cultivate seaweed in the U.S., from ocean to plate.

Waymo Robotaxis Now Open To All In SF - Waymo has removed the waitlist for its San Francisco robotaxi service, allowing anyone to download the app and immediately hail a ride.

GPS Threats - Researchers report that more than 60,000 commercial flights have experienced bogus GPS signals this year, posing significant risks to navigation and safety.

Utah Governor Declares Phone-Free Fridays - The initiative aims to foster real-life connections by reducing screen time and increasing face-to-face interactions among Utahns.

Harvard Scientists Claim Aliens Are Living Among Us - Harvard scientists claim aliens could be 'walking among us' and it's freaking people out (Good)

The Conor Cawley Comedy Special - https://youtu.be/GdkXyEBfcE8?si=ewPg-ZvmyF__igSA

The Rubik Cube turns 50 - https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/01/science/rubiks-cube-puzzles.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube

As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: [email protected]