This Week in Startups

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

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!

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 - https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist to get a 60% discount on your next LLC.

Ketone-IQ is a clean energy boost without sugar or caffeine. Get 30% off your first subscription order of Ketone-IQ at http://hvmn.com/TWIST

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Todays show:

Beeper's Eric Migicovsky joins Jason to discuss Beeper's mission of providing a universal chat app (1:32), Apple blocking Beeper Mini after just 3 days (13:35), fighting back against Apple as a startup founder (18:31), and much more!

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Beeper's Eric Migicovsky joins Jason

(1:32) Beeper and its mission of providing a universal chat app

(6:30) How Apple locks people into iMessage and makes it hard to switch from iPhone

(12:11) Curotec - Check out http://www.curotec.com/twist and get $5000 off

(13:35) Beeper Mini's release and Apple blocking Beeper Mini after just 3 days

(18:31) Fighting back against Apple as a startup founder

(21:24) Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at - https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist

(22:18) The fight against Apple and thoughts on the outcome

(28:01) Prior experience dealing with platform restrictions at Pebble and the differences in timelines between startups and government regulation

(35:04) Ketone-IQ - Get 30% off your first subscription order of Ketone-IQ at http://hvmn.com/TWIST

(36:17) Apple's response to recent court rulings requiring App Store changes

(38:54) Speculation on whether Apple's AR glasses will succeed

(41:35) Eric's vision for the future with open protocols for messaging and Beeper's business model

Mentioned on the show:

https://www.theverge.com/2023/12/9/23995150/beeper-imessage-android-apple-statement

https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/europe-fit-digital-age/digital-markets-act-ensuring-fair-and-open-digital-markets_en

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/getpebble/pebble-2-time-2-and-core-an-entirely-new-3g-ultra

https://37signals.com/podcast/this-again-apple/

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Follow Eric:

X: https://twitter.com/ericmigi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericmigi/

Check out: https://www.beeper.com/mini

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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:

(12:11) Curotec - Check out http://www.curotec.com/twist and get $5000 off

(21:24) Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at - https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist

(35:04) Ketone-IQ - Get 30% off your first subscription order of Ketone-IQ at http://hvmn.com/TWIST

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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

*

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

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Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

Uizard.io will help bring your vision to life in minutes, not days with the power of AI. Visit http://uizard.io/twist to get 25% off Uizard Pro for an entire year.

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 - https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist to get a 60% discount on your next LLC.

Nuts.com is offering new customers a free gift with purchase and free shipping on orders of $29 or more at http://www.Nuts.com/twist

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Today's show:

Jason kicks off the show with an update on the late-stage VC market (1:44). Then, Terra Kaffe's Sahand Dilmaghani joins to discuss Terra Kaffe's super-automatic machines (19:35), scaling the B2C business (29:59), and much more!

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Jason kicks off the show!

(1:44) Late-stage VC market update

(10:41) Uizard - Get 25% off Uizard Pro for an entire year at http://uizard.io/twist

(11:49) Sahand Dilmaghani on his decision to start Terra Kaffe

(19:35) Advantages of the Terra Kaffe machines compared to pod machines

(24:29) What is takes for a super-automatic machine to make great coffee

(29:05) Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at - https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist

(29:59) Scaling where the product is viable, offices, schools, multifamily homes

(35:27) Nuts.com - Get a free gift with purchase and free shipping on orders of $29 or more at http://www.Nuts.com/twist

(36:30) The progress in sales and experience with direct to consumer

(50:32) Founder Fridays kicks off today! - Go to https://Thisweekinstartups.com/meetups to learn more

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Mentioned on the show:

https://www.ft.com/content/18430e05-33c0-4f48-8c87-fae74ff29bbf

https://www.ft.com/content/eb2e085a-ef5a-4e91-8634-747e2a602fbe

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Follow Sahand:

X: https://twitter.com/terrakaffe

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahand-dilmaghani/

*

Follow Jason:

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/jason⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jason⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

*

Thank you to our partners:

(10:41) Uizard - Get 25% off Uizard Pro for an entire year at http://uizard.io/twist

(29:05) Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at - https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist

(35:27) Nuts.com - Get a free gift with purchase and free shipping on orders of $29 or more at http://www.Nuts.com/twist

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Check out the Launch Accelerator: https://launchaccelerator.co

*

Check out Founder University: https://www.founder.university

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Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

*

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

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Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

LinkedIn Marketing. To redeem a $100 LinkedIn ad credit and launch your first campaign, go to http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups

Squarespace. Turn your idea into a new website! Go to http://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.

Lemon.io - Hire pre-vetted remote developers, and get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://www.Lemon.io/twist

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Today's show:

Cendana's Michael Kim joins Jason for a deep dive on fund of funds (3:32), how to examine alpha, beta, and quality indices in early-stage investing (28:38), current market trends, future startup outlook (45:11), and more!

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Michael Kim joins Jason.

(3:32) Overview of Fund of Funds, their Strengths and "Achilles heel".

(7:01) Attraction factors for investors in pre-seed and seed startups.

(10:42) LinkedIn Marketing - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups

(12:04) The rise and definition of "micro VCs" with insights by Michael Kim.

(15:16) How the early seed stage carved a niche and its growing appeal to LPs.

(22:07) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at http://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST

(23:12) Fund enablers and the importance of "consistent returns".

(28:38) Examining alpha, beta, and quality indices in early-stage investing.

(34:21) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://www.Lemon.io/twist

(35:29) The significance of portfolio management as networks and building a 'why' for founders to pick you as an investor.

(41:25) The value and longevity of investor networks.

(45:11) Current market trends, future startup outlook.

(48:08) Things have shifted and Michael explains why seed is the new series-A and pre-seed is the new seed.

(52:10) Demographics of founders seeking investment.

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LINKS

Check out Cendana Capital: https://www.cendanacapital.com/

Watch other episodes with Micheal Kim:

• E1075: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSOhe-FnTJE
• E1879: https://youtu.be/1Dcu5BfnE_c?feature=shared

Check out the Liquidity Podcast: LiquidityPod.com

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Follow Michael:

X: https://twitter.com/MKRocks

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-kim-cendana-capital/

*

Follow Jason:

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/jason⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jason⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

*

Thank you to our partners:

(10:42) LinkedIn Marketing - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups

(22:07) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at http://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST

(34:21) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://www.Lemon.io/twist

*

Check out the Launch Accelerator: https://launchaccelerator.co

*

Check out Founder University: https://www.founder.university

*

Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

*

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

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

Vanta. Compliance and security shouldn't be a deal-breaker for startups to win new business. Vanta makes it easy for companies to get a SOC 2 report fast. TWiST listeners can get $1,000 off for a limited time at vanta.com/twist

MEV. Tired of the dev shop rollercoaster? Mev is your reliable technical partner, offering a well-established software development process designed to consistently deliver unparalleled value to their clients. Get $30,000 off your first three months at http://mev.com/twist!

The Paintbrush Loan is the earliest startup financing on the internet. No pitch deck, no business plan, no minimum time in business, and no warm intros. Plus, you get to keep your equity. Visit http://getpaintbrush.com to see if you qualify for a $50K startup loan in less than 2 minutes.

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Today's show:

Zest's Jake Gutstein joins Jason to discuss his journey in creating the cooking app Zest (1:37). The two dive into how the Zest team formed (10:29), finding the right tools for your startup (25:24), Jake's experience in the Launch Accelerator program (33:27), and more!

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Zest's Jake Gutstein joins Jason

(1:37) What prompted the creation of Zest and the initial concept and MVP for Zest

(9:22) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist

(10:29) The product development, initial testing, and finding a technical co-founder

(17:21) The decision to go full-time with Zest, the process of raising initial funding, and the importance of overcoming ambiguity and uncertainty

(20:54) MEV - Get $30,000 off your first three months at http://mev.com/twist

(22:05) Demo of Zest's product

(25:24) Finding the right tools and mentors and the value propositions of Zest discovered through user research

(32:35) Paintbrush - Visit http://getpaintbrush.com to see if you qualify for a $50K startup loan in less than 2 minutes

(33:27) Product launch, approach to fundraising, and experience with the Launch Accelerator program

(46:48) Future plans and goals for Zest

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Check out the Launch Accelerator: https://launchaccelerator.co

*

Check out Founder University: https://www.founder.university

*

Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

*

Mentioned on the show:

https://www.respondent.io

https://therewiredgroup.com

https://twitter.com/bmoesta

https://twitter.com/nealsales

https://twitter.com/jasonfried

https://twitter.com/dhh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LK6lKCKMQM

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Follow Jake:

X: https://twitter.com/GutsteinJake LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-gutstein Check out: https://zestapp.co

*

Follow Jason:

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/jason⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jason⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

*

Thank you to our partners:

(9:22) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist

(20:54) MEV - Get $30,000 off your first three months at http://mev.com/twist

(32:35) Paintbrush - Visit http://getpaintbrush.com to see if you qualify for a $50K startup loan in less than 2 minutes

*

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

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

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

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!

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 - https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist to get a 60% discount on your next LLC.

*

Today's show: Sunny joins Jason to celebrate their 100th demo on the show (3:03), explore Paid Leave (17:29), and comb through the X posts of Barsee (32:41), and much, much, more!

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Sunny joins Jason

(3:03) We demo MultiOn, our 100th demo on the show!

(12:01) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at http://www.openphone.com/twist

(13:30) Jason gives his grade and signs up to use MultiOn.

(17:29) Sunny demos Paid Leave powered by MOMS F1RST.

(21:04) Curotec - Check out http://www.curotec.com/twist and get $5000 off

(23:40) AI demo of Consensus.

(26:53) Consensus reminds Jason of the life and tragedy of Aaron Swartz.

(29:54) Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at - https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist

(32:41) Sunny jumps onto X to show us important advancements in AI posted by Barsee.

(35:17) Sunny demos "Depth Anything".

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This episode is dedicated to the memory of Aaron Swartz.

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Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

*

LINKS:

Check out the list of AI demos here: https://thisweekinstartups.com/AI

Check out MultiOn: https://www.multion.ai/

Check out Paid Leave: https://www.paidleave.ai/

Check out Consensus: https://consensus.app/

Rolling Stone Article on Aaron Swarts: https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/the-brilliant-life-and-tragic-death-of-aaron-swartz-177191/

Check out Barsee here: https://twitter.com/heyBarsee

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Follow Sunny

X: https://twitter.com/sundeep⁠ Check out: https://www.definitive.io/

*

Follow Jason:

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/jason⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jason⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

*

Thank you to our partners:

(12:01) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at http://www.openphone.com/twist

(21:04) Curotec - Check out http://www.curotec.com/twist and get $5000 off

(29:54) Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at - https://www.northwestregisteredagent.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

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

Ketone-IQ is a clean energy boost without sugar or caffeine. Get 30% off your first subscription order of Ketone-IQ at http://www.hvmn.com/TWIST

The Paintbrush Loan is the earliest startup financing on the internet. No pitch deck, no business plan, no minimum time in business, and no warm intros. Plus, you get to keep your equity. Visit http://www.getpaintbrush.com to see if you qualify for a $50K startup loan in less than 2 minutes.

Coda is the all-in-one doc for teams. And they introduced an AI-powered assistant to take the BUSY out of the WORK! Get started for free at https://www.coda.io/twist

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Today's show: Aileen Lee join Jason to talk about her origins and overcoming challenges as a woman in a male-dominated tech space (2:12), the Unicorn Club and the effects of the ZIRP era (11:51), predictions on which startups will maintain their unicorn status (33:09), and more!

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Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

*

LINKS:

Check out Cowboy Ventures: https://www.cowboy.vc/

Read Aileen's 2024 article here: https://www.cowboy.vc/news/welcome-back-to-the-unicorn-club-10-years-later

Read Aileen's original Unicorn article here: https://techcrunch.com/2013/11/02/welcome-to-the-unicorn-club/

Check out All Raise: https://www.allraise.org/

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Thanks to our partners:

(10:26) Ketone-IQ - Get 30% off your first subscription order of Ketone-IQ at http://www.hvmn.com/TWIST

(20:39) Paintbrush - Visit http://www.getpaintbrush.com to see if you qualify for a $50K startup loan in less than 2 minutes

(31:38) Coda - Get started for free at https://www.coda.io/twist

*

Follow Eileen

X: https://twitter.com/aileenlee

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aileenwlee

*

Follow Jason:

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/jason⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jason⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

*

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

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

Squarespace. Turn your idea into a new website! Go to 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.

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 - https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist to get a 60% discount on your next LLC.

LinkedIn Jobs. A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters. Go to LinkedIn.com/TWIST to post your first job for free. Terms and conditions apply.

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Today's show: David Weisburd hosts Elizabeth Yin, Zach Coelius, and Jason Calacanis to discuss trends in venture capital, including the growth of fund sizes (2:32), the resurgence of the Bay Area (33:42), the decrease in capital efficiency (51:12), the rise in unicorn companies but lack of liquidity (45:11), and top recent investments (57:27)!

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Timestamps:

(0:00) David Weisburd hosts Elizabeth Yin, Zach Coelius, and Jason Calacanis to dive into the state of venture funds

(2:32) Venture funds are growing in size despite the slow market

(10:37) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/twist

(11:43) Exploring the performance: smaller funds vs. larger funds

(28:56) Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at - https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist

(29:49) Hustle Fund's quantitative approach to evaluating startups

(33:42) Is the Bay Area officially back?

(43:51) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://linkedin.com/twist

(45:11) Number of unicorns has increased but liquidity has decreased

(51:12) The decline in capital efficiency over the past decade

(57:27) Rapid-fire segment on top recent investments

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LINKS:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/pro-take-why-venture-fund-sizes-rose-despite-the-slow-market-fd4c4677

https://www.cowboy.vc/news/welcome-back-to-the-unicorn-club-10-years-later

*

Thanks to our partners:

(10:37) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/twist

(28:56) Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at - https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist

(43:51) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://linkedin.com/twist

*

Follow Elizabeth

X: https://twitter.com/dunkhippo33

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethyin/

Check out: https://hustlefund.vc

Check out: https://letsgo.hustlefund.vc/raise-millions

Check out: Bruinhealth.com

Check out: Goafterwork.com

*

Follow Zach

X: https://twitter.com/zachcoelius

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachcoelius/

Check out: https://coelius.vc/

Check out: Echomark.com

Check out: Findbugzero.com

*

Follow David

X: https://twitter.com/DWeisburd

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/

Check out: https://10xcapital.com/

*

Follow Jason:

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/jason⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jason⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

Check out: Podcast.ai

Check out: Zestapp.co

Check out: getriver.io

*

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

*

Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

*

Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: ⁠https://rb.gy/v19fcp⁠

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

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 openphone.com/twist

Scalable Path. Want to speed up your product development without breaking the bank? Since 2010, Scalable Path has helped over 300 companies hire deeply vetted engineers in their time zone. Visit http://scalablepath.com/twist to get 20% off your first month.

Uizard.io will help bring your vision to life in minutes, not days with the power of AI. Visit http://uizard.io/twist to get 25% off Uizard Pro for an entire year.

*

Today's show:

Rabbit CEO Jesse Lyu joins Jason to discuss the viral launch of Rabbit's R1 AI companion device at CES, covering the ambitious product vision (1:37), unique design (23:30), custom-built OS and LLM (11:30), manufacturing logistics (49:45), and much more!

*

Timestamps:

(00:00) Rabbit's Jesse Lyu joins Jason

(1:37) Introduction and Pricing of Rabbit R1, a Pocket AI Device

(7:07) Differences between large language models and large action models

(10:03) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at https://openphone.com/twist

(11:30) Data collection process for training the Large Action Model (LAM), Neuro-symbolic algorithm vs. traditional Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

(16:08) Authentication and access to Rabbit's Web Portal, privacy considerations, and speed and latency of voice interactions

(23:30) The role of Teenage Engineering in design inspiration

(30:47) Scalable Path - Get 20% off your first month at http://scalablepath.com/twist

(32:07) Potential frustrations and limitations with the Rabbit R1 compared to smartphones

(41:30) Uizard - Get 25% off Uizard Pro for an entire year at http://uizard.io/twist

(42:38) Evaluating the Accuracy of Voice-to-Text Translations

(49:45) Product timeline, experimental features, and getting devices to early adopters

(1:12:37) Rabbit's early development, Jesse's journey, and future prospects of AI

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Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

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LINKS:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22wlLy7hKP4

https://teenage.engineering

https://www.whathifi.com/news/headphone-30-could-a-computer-in-your-ear-change-headphones-forever

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iU6K7NccXk

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Thanks to our partners:

(10:03) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at https://openphone.com/twist

(30:47) Scalable Path - Get 20% off your first month at http://scalablepath.com/twist

(41:30) Uizard - Get 25% off Uizard Pro for an entire year at http://uizard.io/twist

*

Follow Jesse

X: https://twitter.com/jessechenglyu

Check out: https://www.rabbit.tech

*

Follow Jason:

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/jason⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jason⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

*

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

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Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

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Today's show:

Sunny Madra joins Jason to demo video creation platform Hour One (9:28), meal planner Dinnerfly (26:35), a short film titled "Borrowed Time," entirely created using AI tools (49:18), and more!

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Sunny Madra joins Jason

(1:37) Exploring the dynamics of AI in the workplace, focusing on remote work management and efficiency debates.

(9:28) Sunny demos Hour One sparked from Reid Hoffman's deep fake post.

(12:06) Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at - https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist

(13:35) Sunny further demos his own use of Hour One.

(17:22) Sunny demos Bland AI.

(21:29) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://www.vanta.com/twist

(22:37) Jason and Sunny analyze "Bland AI," discussing various applications and evaluating the demo.

(26:35) Sunny demos Dinnerfly.

(31:52) Gusto - Get three months free when you run your first payroll at http://www.gusto.com/twist

(34:25) A conversation on Apple's behaviour regarding its oxygen technology in smartwatches, including a fun John Malkovich reference from the film "Rounders."

(37:42) Sunny demos AI Comic Factory.

(49:18) Sunny presents a short film entirely created using AI tools, titled "Borrowed Time."

Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

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LINKS:

Check out Hour One: https://app.hourone.ai/home

Check out Bland: https://www.bland.ai/turbo

Check out Dinnerfy: https://app.dinnerfy.com/

Check out AI Comic Factory: https://huggingface.co/spaces/jbilcke-hf/ai-comic-factory

Check out AI short film "Borrowing Time": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCIsHNQHcKQ

Check out Jason and Sunny's 2024 AI bets: http://www.thisweekinstartups/bets

Check out our AI demo clips: http://www.thisweekinstartups.com/AI

*

Thanks to our partners:

(12:06) Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at - https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist

(21:29) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://www.vanta.com/twist

(31:52) Gusto - Get three months free when you run your first payroll at http://www.gusto.com/twist

*Gusto pricing shown in ad is based on pricing prior to March 2025

*

Follow Sunny

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/sundeep⁠

Check out: ⁠https://www.definitive.io/

*

Follow Jason:

X: ⁠https://twitter.com/jason⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jason⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

*

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

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Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

The Paintbrush Loan is the earliest startup financing on the internet. No pitch deck, no business plan, no minimum time in business, and no warm intros. Plus, you get to keep your equity. Visit http://www.getpaintbrush.com to see if you qualify for a $50K startup loan in less than 2 minutes.

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 https://www.openphone.com/twist

Lemon.io - Hire pre-vetted remote developers, get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://www.Lemon.io/twist

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Today's show:

David Weisburd hosts Jason Shuman, Raja Doddala, and Jason Calacanis to dive into 2024 startup valuation trends (2:00), insights on how VCs can secure great deals in a competitive market (17:46), a detailed look at secondary deals (36:25), and more!

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Timestamps:

(0:00) David Weisburd hosts Jason Shuman, Raja Doddala Jason Calacanis to dive into the world of VCs, LPs and GPs.

(2:00) A look at the encouraging trends in startup valuations as we head into 2024.

(6:39) Delving into the intricacies of current valuation methods and key aspects investors should be cautious about.

(11:22) Paintbrush - Visit http://www.getpaintbrush.com to see if you qualify for a $50K startup loan in less than 2 minutes

(13:42) Examining the balance of demand and supply in the seed funding stage of new startups.

(17:46) Insights on how venture capitalists can secure the most sought-after deals in today's competitive market.

(22:00) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at https://www.openphone.com/twist

(23:29) Discussion about M.A.N.G., a rising player in the venture capital scene.(28:26) Exploring the unique and often controversial practice of round-tripping in the venture capital industry.

(33:03) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://www.Lemon.io/twist

(36:25) A detailed look at Lexington's successful raising of $22.7 million in secondary investments.

(57:24) Observing the recent increase in mergers and acquisitions activity within the industry.

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Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

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Check out Churchill Asset Management here: https://www.churchillam.com/

Check out Primary Ventures here: https://www.primary.vc/

Check out David's other podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCncFI0XEvTu7k4er6BgVN9g

*

Thanks to our partners:

(11:22) Paintbrush - Visit http://www.getpaintbrush.com to see if you qualify for a $50K startup loan in less than 2 minutes

(22:00) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at https://www.openphone.com/twist

(33:03) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://www.Lemon.io/twist

*

Follow at:

X:

https://twitter.com/JasonrShuman

https://twitter.com/rdoddala

https://twitter.com/DWeisburd

https://twitter.com/Jason

*

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajadoddala

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonshuman/

*

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

*

Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast