This Week in Startups

This Week in Startups

By Jason CalacanisTechnology
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This Week in Startups episodes

  • StoneAlgo's Devin Jones on "Zillow for diamonds" + Mar Hershenson on the art of picking | E1766

    This Week in Startups is presented by:

    iConnections is a platform to connect and meet with elite capital allocators through their online platform and bespoke events. The first 25 VC funds to sign up for iConnections Miami 2024 event in January of next year will receive a 20% discount! Head to iConnections.io/twist to sign up today!

    Crowdbotics. Great ideas can change the world, and Crowdbotics is the fastest way to turn those ideas into code. Get a free scoping session for your next big app idea at crowdbotics.com/twist.

    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.

    *

    Today's show:

    First, StoneAlgo CEO Devin Jones joins Jason for a jam session on scaling his startup, which is building "Zillow for diamonds" (4:38). Then, Mar Hershenson gives a presentation on "The Art of Picking." (38:19)

    Mar's talk was recorded live at LAUNCH Angel Summit.

    *

    Follow StoneAlgo: https://twitter.com/stonealgo

    Follow Mar: https://twitter.com/MarHershenson

    *

    Time stamps:

    (0:00) Cold intros DO work!

    (1:30) Jason explains what LAUNCH looks for in startup investments

    (4:38) Jason intros StoneAlgo CEO Devin Jones, who breaks down his startup: "Zillow for Diamonds"

    (14:27) iConnections - Get 20% off iConnections Miami 2024 event at http://iconnections.io/twist

    (15:58) Bootstrapping StoneAlgo as a side project, never underestimating categories, understanding the diamond market

    (26:10) Crowdbotics - Get a free scoping session for your next big app idea at crowdbotics.com/twist

    (27:37) Capital efficiency, frugality, how Devin scored an investment off of a cold email

    (37:13) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist

    (38:19) Pear VC's Mar Hershenson gives a talk on "The Art of Picking" live from LAUNCH Angel Summit

    *

    Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo: https://www.launch.co/four

    Apply for Funding: https://www.launch.co/apply

    Buy ANGEL: https://www.angelthebook.com

    Great recent interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt

    Check out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

    *

    Follow Jason:

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/jason

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

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

    *

    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

    1 hr 3 min
  • EyeRate CEO Ray Weisberg on scaling from $0 to $10M + Steve Jurvetson on disruptive tech | E1765

    This Week in Startups is presented by:

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

    VEED makes it super easy for anyone (yes, you) to create great video. Filled with amazing features like templates, auto subtitles, text formatting, auto-resizing, a full suite of AI tools, and much more, VEED gives you the tools to engage your audience on any platform. Head to VEED.io to start creating incredible video content in minutes.

    Fin can't burn its mouth on hot pizza. Or wave at someone who wasn't waving at them. Fin can resolve half of your customer support tickets instantly before they reach your team. Meet Fin. A breakthrough AI bot by Intercom – ready to join your support team today. Visit intercom.com/fin.

    *

    Today's show:

    First, EyeRate CEO Ray Weisberg joins Jason to break down his startup's business model (4:55), category creation and framing (13:32), how they plan on scaling from $10M to $100M (22:51), and more. Then, Steve Jurvetson gives a presentation on discovering and identifying disruptive new technologies. (36:34)

    Steve's talk was recorded live at LAUNCH Angel Summit.

    *

    Follow EyeRate: https://twitter.com/EyeRateBusiness

    Follow Steve: https://twitter.com/FutureJurvetson

    *

    Time stamps:

    (0:00) Great founders sometimes means very little contact!

    (1:42) Jason explains LAUNCH's investment strategy and ownership targets

    (4:55) EyeRate CEO Ray Weisberg breaks down EyeRate's early pivot, how they help real-world businesses increase customer engagement, and how the business is scaling

    (12:10) LinkedIn Marketing - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at https://linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups

    (13:32) Lessons learned from scaling from $0 to nearly $10M in revenue, "category creation," and framing

    (21:19) Veed - Sign up and engage your audience on any platform at https://www.veed.io

    (22:51) Thoughts on scaling from $10M to $100M, understanding market pull, content marketing ideas, hiring C-suite "bar raisers," write-first culture

    (35:52) Fin - Try Fin, Intercom's new AI customer support chatbot, at https://intercom.com/fin

    (36:34) Steve Jurvetson gives a talk on finding and investing in disruptive technologies

    (1:00:37) Steve takes a couple of questions from Jason and the audience

    *

    Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo: https://www.launch.co/four

    Apply for Funding: https://www.launch.co/apply

    Buy ANGEL: https://www.angelthebook.com

    Great recent interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt

    Check out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

    *

    Follow Jason:

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/jason

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

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

    *

    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

    1 hr 5 min
  • Gavin Baker on AI platform shift, upside vs downside, extinction risk, Nvidia outlook & more | E1764

    This Week in Startups is presented by:

    Hampton. Are you a startup founder or CEO seeking expert advice? Join Hampton, the private, highly vetted community for high-growth founders. Get invaluable insights, connections, and support to accelerate your business at joinhampton.com/twist today!

    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.

    .Tech domains are the go-to namespace to build anything in tech… and home to the world's most innovative startups. Secure your .Tech domain today and lock down a 1-year domain for $10, or a 5-year domain for $50 at go.tech/TWIST!

    *

    Today's show:

    Atreides Management's Gavin Baker joins Jason to break down the current macro picture, the AI platform shift, and the reshuffling of the entire tech deck. (1:27) They also cover the potential impact of AI recursively improving itself and extinction risks (15:06) before discussing chip demand, Nvidia's outlook, and more! (25:13) Then, Embroker's Chief Insurance Officer David Derigiotis explains how to differentiate your business with cybersecurity! (40:24)

    Gavin's fireside chat was recorded live at LAUNCH Angel Summit in Napa.

    *

    Time stamps:

    (0:00) Gavin and Jason on joining the resistance!

    (1:27) Current macro picture, the AI platform shift, and how AI is reshuffling everything in tech

    (13:42) Hampton - Join Hampton's community of high-growth founders today at https://joinhampton.com/twist

    (15:06) Exponential compounding of generative AI, AGI chances, recursive AI improvement

    (23:55) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/TWIST

    (25:13) Chip demand, Nvidia's outlook, which high-end fields might be most at risk, extinction risks

    (39:02) .Tech Domains - get a 1-year domain for $10 or a 5-year domain for $50 at https://go.tech/TWIST

    (40:24) Embroker Chief Insurance Officer David Derigiotis gives a talk on how to differentiate your business with cybersecurity

    *

    Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo: https://www.launch.co/four

    Apply for Funding: https://www.launch.co/apply

    Buy ANGEL: https://www.angelthebook.com

    Great recent interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt

    Check out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

    *

    Follow Jason:

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/jason

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

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

    *

    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

    *

    All opinions expressed in this episode are solely the speakers' own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of any firm affiliated with the speakers. This episode is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions. Clients of the speakers' firms may maintain positions in the securities discussed.

    1 hr 6 min
  • Reddit CEO Steve Huffman on mod revolt, building a legendary community & more | E1763

    This Week in Startups is presented by:

    Trovata. Starting up is hard. Trovata makes managing cash easy. Start automating your cash management at Trovata.io/TWIST. Use Code TWIST for 30% off one full year of premium features like AI forecasting.

    Embroker. The Embroker Startup Insurance Program helps startups secure the most important types of insurance at a lower cost and with less hassle. Save up to 20% off of traditional insurance today at Embroker.com/twist. While you're there, get an extra 10% off using offer code TWIST.

    Eight Sleep. Good sleep is the ultimate game changer. Now you can add the Pod Pro Cover to any mattress! Go to eightsleep.com/twist to check out the Pod Pro Cover and get $150 off at checkout!

    *

    Today's show:

    Reddit CEO and Co-Founder Steve Huffman joins Jason to discuss building a platform that serves Reddit's community (13:33), addresses the situation with third-party apps and moderators (35:00), and much more!

    *

    Time stamps:

    (00:00) Reddit CEO Steve Huffman joins Jason

    (2:40) The evolution of Reddit and its community

    (4:10) The tailwinds powering Reddit and Steve's thoughts on speech mitigation

    (12:00) Trovata - Use code TWIST at https://trovata.io/twist for 30% off one year of premium features, like AI forecasting

    (13:33) The Reddit "Keep it real" ethos and the importance of allowing open debate

    (17:47) Authoritarianism and challenging orthodoxies

    (24:29) Embroker - Use code TWIST to get an extra 10% off insurance at ⁠https://Embroker.com/twist

    (25:44) Steve's optimism for AI and why this is only the beginning

    (35:00) The response to Reddit's API use in various LLMs

    (37:57) Eight Sleep - Go to https://eightsleep.com/twist to check out the Pod Pro Cover and get $150 off at checkout!

    (39:29) Going in-depth on Reddit's situation and API history

    (48:03) What it comes down to for third-party apps

    (56:20) What changed Steve's opinion on advertising

    *

    Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo: https://www.launch.co/four

    Apply for Funding: https://www.launch.co/apply

    Buy ANGEL: https://www.angelthebook.com

    Great recent interviews: Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt

    Check out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

    *

    Follow Jason:

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/jason

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

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

    *

    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

    1 hr 5 min
  • How AI is making influencers bionic with Forever Voices CEO John Meyer | E1762

    This Week in Startups is presented by:

    The Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub helps all founders build a better startup, at a lower cost, from day one. Startups get up to $150K in Azure credits, access to free OpenAI credits, free dev tools like GitHub, technical advisory, access to mentors and experts, and so much more. There is no funding requirement, and it only takes minutes to join. Sign up today at http://aka.ms/thisweekinstartups.

    Crowdbotics. Great ideas can change the world, and Crowdbotics is the fastest way to turn those ideas into code. Get a free scoping session for your next big app idea at crowdbotics.com/twist

    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

    Today's show:

    Forever Voices CEO John Meyer joins Jason to discuss becoming a Thiel fellow (2:48), how his AI technology can make influencers and celebrities bionic (15:26), how it enables universal interaction (23:37), and more!

    Follow John: https://twitter.com/BEASTMODE

    Time stamps:

    (0:00) Forever Voices CEO John Meyer joins Jason

    (2:48) John discusses becoming a Thiel fellow

    (9:25) Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub - Apply in 5 minutes for six figures in discounts at http://aka.ms/thisweekinstartups

    (10:58) John explains what led to his decision to start Forever Voices

    (15:26) How this technology will evolve over time

    (18:05) The use of AI in grief counseling

    (22:28) Crowdbotics - Get a free scoping session for your next big app idea at ⁠https://crowdbotics.com/twist

    (23:37) Thoughts on expanding past celebrities and influencers

    (24:38) What CarynAI is and its impact on society

    (37:21) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at ⁠https://openphone.com/twist

    (38:50) Developing these AI models and preventing addiction on this platform (45:46) Will the AI variants be developed by others (48:25) Jason's advice for founders on raising capital

    *

    Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo: https://www.launch.co/four

    Apply for Funding: https://www.launch.co/apply

    Buy ANGEL: https://www.angelthebook.com

    Great recent interviews: Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt

    Check out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

    *

    Follow Jason:

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/jason

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

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

    *

    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

    54 min
  • Reddit communities revolt + Brad Gerstner on state of private and public markets in 2023 | E1761

    This Week in Startups is presented by:

    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.

    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.

    iConnections is a platform to connect and meet with elite capital allocators through their online platform and bespoke events. The first 25 VC funds to sign up for iConnections Miami 2024 event in January of next year will receive a 20% discount! Head to iConnections.io/twist to sign up today!

    *

    Today's show:

    First up, Jason does a full breakdown of what's going on at Reddit, and why this is happening now (1:21). Then, Brad Gerstner joins to break down the state of the markets in 2023 (18:28), his "Time to Get Fit" letter to Meta (30:06), and more!

    Brad's fireside chat was recorded live at LAUNCH Angel Summit in Napa.

    Follow Brad: https://twitter.com/altcap

    *

    Time stamps:

    (0:00) Jason tees up today's segments!

    (1:21) Breaking down the Reddit situation: Why 2000's-era web companies relied on third-party apps built on their API

    (3:10) Origin and current state of the Reddit revolt, CEO Steve Huffman's AMA and comments

    (10:27) Jason's hot takes on how to solve the third-party app API pricing issue, Reddit's IPO price, and more

    (17:00) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://linkedin.com/twist

    (18:28) Brad Gerstner joins live from Angel Summit! Importance on non-consensus conviction, first-party research, how Brad first invested in Facebook

    (29:00) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist

    (30:06) Brad breaks down the greatness in Zuckerberg and Meta's reaction to his "Time to Get Fit" letter

    (34:08) Current state of the markets

    (38:05) iConnections - Get 20% off iConnections Miami 2024 event at http://iconnections.io/twist

    (39:48) Predicting what the AI innovation cycle will look like when compared to past cycles: pc, internet, mobile, cloud; why now is the most important time for AI investing

    *

    Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo: https://www.launch.co/four

    Apply for Funding: https://www.launch.co/apply

    Buy ANGEL: https://www.angelthebook.com

    Great recent interviews: Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt

    Check out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

    *

    Follow Jason:

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/jason

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

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

    *

    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

    54 min
  • Apple Vision Pro, Meta's MusicGen, Waitroom demo & more with Vinny Lingham and Sunny Madra | E1760

    This Week in Startups is presented by:

    MasterClass. Learn from the world's best minds - anytime, anywhere, and at your own pace. Get 15% off an annual membership to MasterClass at https://masterclass.com/startups.

    Merge. Let your developers get back to their core product. Merge is a single API to add hundreds of integrations to your app. Integrate up to 3 customers for free today at https://merge.dev/twist

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

    *

    Todays show:

    Vinny and Sunny are back! First, Vinny demos Waitroom (2:12), before the group breaks down Apple's new Vision Pro headset (41:10), then, Sunny demos a suite of new AI tools, including Meta's MusicGen model(19:53).

    Follow Vinny: https://twitter.com/vinnylingham

    Checkout Waitroom: https://waitroom.com/

    Follow Sunny: https://twitter.com/sundeep

    Checkout Definitive: https://definitive.io/

    *

    Time stamps:

    (00:00) Vinny and Sunny join Jason (2:12) Waitroom's features (5:38) Waitroom's design for VC's and Sunny's thoughts (9:42) Features to add to next (13:43) Masterclass - Get 15% off an annual membership to MasterClass at ⁠https://masterclass.com/startups.⁠ (19:53) Meta's MusicGen (24:26) Creating music with AI (29:03) Merge - Integrate up to 3 customers for free today at ⁠https://merge.dev/twist (30:35) Exploring authenticity as AI becomes more prevalent (32:27) Sunny demos LumaLabs (36:55) Jason AI interviews Steve Jobs (39:45) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist (41:10) Apple's Vision Pro headset (42:32) The key differences between Oculus Meta Quest and Apple's Vision Pro (49:49) The effects of headsets in the workplace (52:53) Using ControlNet to create artwork for QR codes (56:39) Developing code using Replit

    *

    Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo & Apply for Funding

    Buy ANGEL

    Great recent interviews: Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt

    Check out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

    *

    Follow Jason:

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/jason

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

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

    *

    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

    1 hr 3 min
  • DoorDash Co-Founder Stanley Tang on founding story, lessons + First-time fund manager panel | E1759

    This Week in Startups is presented by:

    Embroker. The Embroker Startup Insurance Program helps startups secure the most important types of insurance at a lower cost and with less hassle. Save up to 20% off of traditional insurance today at Embroker.com/twist. While you're there, get an extra 10% off using offer code TWIST.

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

    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.

    *

    Today's show:

    The contents of this episode were recorded live at LAUNCH Angel Summit in Napa.

    DoorDash Chief Product Officer and Co-Founder Stanley Tang joined Jason live on stage at Angel Summit to discuss DoorDash's founding story, avoiding ZIRP distractions, and the cloud kitchen movement (1:23).

    Then, Jason sits down with Kelli Fontaine of Cendana Capital, Sophia Amoruso of Trust Fund, and Paige Doherty of Behind Genius Ventures to chat about becoming and investing in first-time fund managers (36:49).

    Follow Stanley: https://twitter.com/stanleytang

    Check Out DoorDash: https://www.doordash.com/

    Follow Kelli: https://twitter.com/kells_bells

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

    Follow Paige: https://twitter.com/paigefinnn

    Check Out Behind Genius Ventures: https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/

    Follow Sophia: https://twitter.com/sophiaamoruso

    Check Out Trust Fund: https://www.trustfund.vc/

    *

    Time stamps:

    (0:00) Nick kicks off the show

    (1:23) DoorDash's founding story with Stanley Tang

    (11:06) Embroker - Use code TWIST to get an extra 10% off insurance at https://Embroker.com/twist

    (12:20) The Palo Alto delivery experiemnt

    (16:07) DoorDash's first delivery

    (18:21) The era of excess

    (23:00) LinkedIn Marketing - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at https://linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups

    (24:23) Avoiding ZIRP distractions

    (26:44) Navigating through the pandemic

    (30:59) The Cloud Kitchen movement

    (35:31) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/TWIST

    (36:49) Defining a fund of funds and selecting managers with Kelli Fontaine of Cendana Capital

    (44:00) Raising a private fund with Paige Doherty of Behind Genius Ventures

    (48:14) The origin story of Trust Fund with Sophia Amoruso

    (53:42) The prevalence of startup funds

    (59:35) Advice for first-time fund managers and having the ability to say no

    (1:04:36) Running a small fund in a sustainable matter

    *

    Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo & Apply for Funding

    Buy ANGEL

    Great recent interviews: Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt

    Check out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

    *

    Follow Jason:

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/jason

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

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

    *

    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

    1 hr 10 min
  • How AI companions can help solve loneliness with Replika's Eugenia Kuyda | E1758

    This Week in Startups is presented by:

    Crowdbotics. Great ideas can change the world, and Crowdbotics is the fastest way to turn those ideas into code. Get a free scoping session for your next big app idea at crowdbotics.com/twist

    The Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub helps all founders build a better startup, at a lower cost, from day one. Startups get up to $150K in Azure credits, access to free OpenAI credits, free dev tools like GitHub, technical advisory, access to mentors and experts, and so much more. There is no funding requirement, and it only takes minutes to join. Sign up today at aka.ms/thisweekinstartups

    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

    *

    Today's show:

    Replika Co-Founder and CEO Eugenia Kuyda breaks down her startup's origin story and purpose (1:43), the relationships users have with its AI chatbot (10:21), the potential of AI therapists, Replika's new chatbot Blush, and more! (35:10)

    Follow Eugenia: https://twitter.com/ekuyda

    Check Out Replika: https://replika.ai/

    *

    Time stamps:

    (0:00) Eugenia joins Jason

    (1:43) Replika's origin story

    (8:54) Crowdbotics - Get a free scoping session for your next big app idea at crowdbotics.com/twist

    (10:21) Replika's purpose and their current user base

    (16:21) Relationships within the app

    (20:25) Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub - Apply in 5 minutes for six figures in discounts at http://aka.ms/thisweekinstartups

    (21:58) Creating happiness with AI

    (26:26) Avoiding addiction

    (29:25) Demographics within the AI field

    (33:42) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at https://openphone.com/twist

    (35:10) Crafting LLMs to envoke thought-provoking questions and AI therapy

    (49:53) Replika's new AI chatbot, Blush

    (1:01:05) The loneliness crisis and specific cases for using these AIs

    *

    Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo & Apply for Funding

    Buy ANGEL

    Great recent interviews: Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt

    Check out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

    *

    Follow Jason:

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/jason

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

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

    *

    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

    1 hr 7 min
  • Using AI to diagnose Dementia with Vistim Labs James Hamet + Jason LIVE at iConnections | E1757

    This Week in Startups is presented 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://coda.io/twist to get a $1,000 credit!

    Miro. Working remotely doesn't mean you need to feel disconnected from your team. Miro is an online whiteboard that brings teams together - anytime, anywhere. Go to https://miro.com/startups to sign up for a FREE account with unlimited team members.

    VEED makes it super easy for anyone (yes, you) to create great video. Filled with amazing features like templates, auto subtitles, text formatting, auto-resizing, a full suite of AI tools, and much more, VEED gives you the tools to engage your audience on any platform. Head to VEED.io to start creating incredible video content in minutes.

    *

    Today's show:

    CEO and Founder of Vistim Labs James Hamet joins Jason, as they discuss the current roadblocks with diagnosing dementia (1:18), before James breaks down how they use AI to detect signs of neurological disease (23:29). Then, Jason sits down with Kaitlin Malin at SALT iConnections New York, to discuss the keys to angel investing and AI (40:52).

    Follow James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jchamet/

    Check Out Vistim Labs: https://vistimlabs.com/

    *

    Time stamps:

    (0:00) James joins Jason

    (1:18) The faults with how we diagnose Dementia today

    (6:46) Visitim Labs' product

    (9:25) Coda - Get a $1,000 startup credit at https://coda.io/twist

    (10:46) Test trials and patient demographics

    (12:53) Vistim's go-to-market strategy

    (18:24) Miro - Sign up for a free account at https://miro.com/startups

    (20:32) James shares a video demoing Vistim Labs' capabilities

    (23:29) James' previous startup, Neurable

    (27:02) Catching Alzhimers' early, habits that prevent neurological disease and the four horseman

    (39:23) Veed - Sign up and engage your audience on any platform at https://www.veed.io

    (40:52) Jason's sits down with Kaitlin Malin at SALT iConnections New York

    (46:03) Raising a 506-C fund'

    (52:13) Jason's keys to becoming a successful angel

    (58:27) Jason's thoughts on AI

    *

    Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo & Apply for Funding

    Buy ANGEL

    Great recent interviews: Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt

    Check out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

    *

    Follow Jason:

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/jason

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

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

    *

    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

    1 hr 9 min

About This Week in Startups

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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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