Check out Shopify: https://www.shopify.com
FOLLOW Tobi: https://twitter.com/tobi
FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis

Tobi Lütke on Shopify’s impact on the creator economy, COVID forcing focus, early Internet breakthroughs, evolving as a remote manager & much more | E1184

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.

Technology

Tech News

Podcasting

Gadgets

Software How-To

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.
LinkedIn Ads - To redeem a $100 LinkedIn ad credit and launch your first campaign, go to http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups
Dot Tech Domains - Dot Tech domains are the go-to namespace to build anything in tech… and home to the world’s most innovative startups. Keep an eye out for our “Jam Session with JCal” contest… coming soon! Be sure to secure your .Tech domain today at https://get.tech/Jason
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Todays show:
Ian Cinnamon joins guest host Mark Suster to discuss all things space tech; including: the importance of building Apex in L.A. (4:49), the drastic change in costs for satellites (16:03), their first Aries Satellite bus on it’s maiden voyage (30:29), and more!
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Timestamps:
(0:00) Ian Cinnamon joins guest host Mark Suster.
(1:53) Why space is a hot sector right now with startups and investors.
(4:49) The importance of building Apex in L.A.
(6:44) Ian’s background and what brought him to the space industry.
(9:52) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at http://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST
(11:13) Origin story and perfect fit with Apex co-founder Max Benassi.
(13:25) What Apex does and why Max’s manufacturing skillset matters.
(16:03) Cost of satellites then and now.
(19:55) LinkedIn Ads - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups
(21:25) Details about the sateliilite bus at Apex.
(23:43) The differences and business implications of LEO, MEO and GEO.
(29:15) Dot Tech Domains - Be sure to secure your .Tech domain today at https://get.tech/Jason
(30:29) Their first Aries Satellite bus on it’s maiden voyage and a selfie from space.
(53:30) The current scale and expected growth at Apex.
(56:19) Competitions in the “space” space.
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Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp
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Check out Apex: https://www.apexspace.com
*
Follow Ian:
X: https://twitter.com/IanCinnamon
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iancinnamon/
*
Follow Mark:
X: https://twitter.com/msuster
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marksuster/
*
Thank you to our partners:
(9:52) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at http://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST
(19:55) LinkedIn Ads -  Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups
(29:15) Dot Tech Domains - Be sure to secure your .Tech domain today at https://get.tech/Jason
*
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

Today's Space Tech Boom with Apex's Ian Cinnamon and Mark Suster | E1946

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…
⁠Equinix. The Equinix Startup program offers a hybrid infrastructure solution for startups, including up to $100K in credits and personalized consultations and guidance from the Equinix team. Go to https://deploy.equinix.com/startups to apply today.
CLA. Innovation takes balance. CLA's CPAs, consultants, and wealth advisors can help you get from startup to where you want to end up. Get started now at https://www.claconnect.com/tech
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
*
Todays show:
Extern’s Matt Wilkerson joins Jason to discuss the concept of externships and their role in bridging the gap between academic curriculum and job market reality. They delve into the demand for cybersecurity professionals (14:18), the value externships offer in career path decisions (28:43), and the impact and evolution of Extern (37:20).
*
Timestamps:
(0:00) Extern’s Matt Wilkerson joins Jason
(4:22) The concept of externships and he problem of student loans and work experience
(7:04) Equinix - Join the Equinix Startup Program for up to $100K in credits and much more at https://deploy.equinix.com/startups
(8:09) The Extern student experience
(14:18) The demand for cybersecurity professionals and the benefits of externships
(19:11) The gap between academic curriculum and job market reality
(23:58) CLA - Get started with CLA's CPAs, consultants, and wealth advisors now at https://claconnect.com/tech
(25:30) The value of externships in helping students figure out their career paths
(33:02) 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
(34:17) The impact of Extern on students and the job market
(46:04) Understanding customers and the evolution of Extern
(52:11) The mission of Extern and advice for new founders
*
Mentioned on the show:
https://www.hotjar.com/net-promoter-score
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Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp
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Follow Matt:
X: https://twitter.com/mwilker
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwilkerson/
Check out: https://www.extern.com/
*
Follow Jason:
X: https://twitter.com/Jason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis
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Thank you to our partners:
(7:04) Equinix - Join the Equinix Startup Program for up to $100K in credits and much more at https://deploy.equinix.com/startups
(23:58) CLA - Get started with CLA's CPAs, consultants, and wealth advisors now at https://claconnect.com/tech
(33:02) 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
*
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

Bridging academia and job market realities with Extern’s Matt Wilkerson | E1945

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 https://www.openphone.com/twist⁠
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
Attio - A radically new CRM for the next era of companies. Head to https://attio.com/twist⁠ to get 15% off for your first year.
*
Todays show:
David Weisburd hosts Joshua Berkowitz, Donald Stalter and Jason Calacanis to discuss xAI closed on $6B (5:02), PitchBook's report on Emerging Managers (17:32), SVB’s venture portfolio situation (44:18), and much more!
*
Liquidity Timestamps:
(0:00) David Weisburd intros Joshua Berkowitz, Donald Stalter and Jason Calacanis
(5:02) xAI raises $6B in funding
(9:49) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at https://www.openphone.com/twist⁠
(13:16) Sequoia leading a $6B round for AI
(17:32) PitchBook's report on Emerging Managers
(20:38) 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
(28:18) The impact of the surge of venture capital in 2021 and its implications for the ecosystem
(30:41) Attio - Head to https://attio.com/twist⁠ to get 15% off for your first year.
(34:42) The impact of a positive investor attitude on founders
(44:18) The Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) venture portfolio situation
(49:33) Lightning round of last 3 investments
*
Thank you to our partners:
(9:49) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at https://www.openphone.com/twist⁠
(20:38) 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
(30:41) Attio - Head to https://attio.com/twist⁠ to get 15% off for your first year.
*
Mentioned on show:
https://www.axios.com/2024/05/03/svb-venture-capital-arm
*
Follow Donald:
X: https://twitter.com/donnystalter
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donaldstalter
Check out:
https://www.fieldguide.io
https://www.permitflow.com
https://slopepay.com
*
Follow Joshua:
X: https://twitter.com/berkowitz_josh
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-berkowitz-86005b23/
Check out:
https://dexa.ai
https://powerset.co
*
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
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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
*
Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

LIQUIDITY: Major challenger to OpenAI, xAI, closing on $6B in funding | E1944

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…
Hubspot for Podcast Networks - Looking to up your marketing game? Check out the podcast: Marketing Against the Grain: https://lnk.to/h3vKHnTW. Hosted by Hubspot CMO Kipp Bodnar and Zapier CMO Kieran Flannigan. They bring you the latest in marketing trends, growth tactics and innovation. “The Best AI Tools For Marketers In 2024” episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeeVKUuEv6Y. Available on all your favorite podcast apps.
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.
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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Todays show:
Bob Moesta joins Jason to discuss important customer interview methods, such as the concept and importance of deep listening (7:21), quantitative vs. qualitative and hypothesis-building research (13:08), “The jeweller effect” and building trust (37:47), and more!
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Timestamps:
(0:00) Bob Moesta of the Re-Wired Group joins Jason.
(2:33) Jumping into Bob's origin stories and the early lessons that shaped his career.
(4:59) Unpacking the concepts of “the customer is not always right” and that they don’t actually know what they want.
(7:21) The concept and importance of deep listening.
(8:52) Bob’s use of “the death day” and learning the value of time.
(10:57) Hubspot for Podcast Networks - Marketing Against the Grain: https://lnk.to/h3vKHnTW. “The Best AI Tools For Marketers In 2024” episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeeVKUuEv6Y
(13:08) Quantitative vs qualitative and hypothesis-building research.
(16:51) Bob’s four amazing mentors and how they turned him from an illiterate eighteen-year-old into an innovation machine.
(20:16) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/twist
(21:40) The dangers of identifying personas and “the secret sauce”.
(26:08) Drawing importance from the “irrational decision”, as context drives the rationale.
(28:28) Bob explains his approach to interviews.
(31:00) Zendesk - Get six months free at http://www.zendesk.com/twist
(32:32) Applying these concepts to a customer buying a diamond or health care.
(37:47) “The jeweller effect” and how do you cause trust?
(40:48) Making people problem aware.
(47:45) Applying the fact that people learn out of routine to the electric car customer.
(54:18) The concept of nostalgia.
(1:03:08) Bob’s current book he is writing about what causes someone to leave one company and go to another.
(1:15:57) At what stage is a company that hires the Re-Wired Group?
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Check out The Re-Wired Group: https://www.anomalo.com/
Check out Bob’s website and publications: https://www.bobmoesta.com/
*
Check out Founder Fridays: https://www.founderfridays.tech/
*
Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp
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Follow Bob:
X: https://twitter.com/bmoesta?lang=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobmoesta/
*
Follow Jason:
X: https://twitter.com/Jason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis
*
Thank you to our partners:
(10:57) Hubspot for Podcast Networks - Marketing Against the Grain: https://lnk.to/h3vKHnTW. “The Best AI Tools For Marketers In 2024” episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeeVKUuEv6Y
(20:16) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/twist
(31:00) 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

Decoding Customer Insights, Trust, and the Jobs-to-be-Done Framework with Bob Moesta | E1943

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…
Eppo. Experimentation is how generation-defining companies win. Accelerate your experimentation velocity with Eppo. Visit  https://www.geteppo.com/twist
Eight Sleep. Good sleep is the ultimate game changer. Now you can add the Pod Cover to any mattress! Go to https://www.eightsleep.com/twist to check out the Pod Cover and get $200 off the pod plus free shipping!
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
*
Todays show:
Jason and Presh kick off the Founder University pitch competition (00:00), then we hear from Peter on Props AI (10:17), Alan on 2ndHandGeek (21:15), and Alex on Zweelie (37:18). Finally, Jason awards a $25K investment (), and details how to apply!
*
Timestamps:
(00:00) Jason kicks off the show!
(1:16) Jason brings on Presh to introduce today's pitches!
(9:17) Eppo. Accelerate your experimentation velocity with Eppo. Visit  https://www.geteppo.com/twist
(10:17) Peter Kirkham pitches Props AI
(19:45) Eight Sleep - Go to https://www.eightsleep.com/twist for $200 off the Pod plus free shipping
(21:15) Alan Blakeborough Pitches 2ndHandGeek
(36:16) Mercury - Join 100K+ startups banking with Mercury at http://www.mercury.com⁠
(37:18) Alex Hanna pitches Zweelie
(41:44) Jason picks the startup he will invest in!
(43:26) Advice for founders and Q&A;
*
Founder University: Cohort 8 begins May 9th! Apply here: ⁠https://www.founder.university⁠
*
We are doing Founder Fridays! Go check out ⁠https://founderfridays.tech
*
Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp
*
Follow Peter:
X: https://twitter.com/k11kirky
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-kirkham
Props AI: www.getprops.ai
*
Follow Alan:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/f3zorroblake
2ndHandGeek: https://exchange.2ndhandgeek.com
*
Follow Alex:
X: http://x.com/_alexhanna
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-hanna-founder
Zweelie: http://zweelie.com
*
Follow Jason:
X: https://twitter.com/Jason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis
*
Thank you to our partners:
(9:17) Eppo. Accelerate your experimentation velocity with Eppo. Visit  https://www.geteppo.com/twist
(19:45) Eight Sleep - Go to https://www.eightsleep.com/twist for $200 off the Pod plus free shipping
(36:16) 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

Tobi Lütke on Shopify’s impact on the creator economy, COVID forcing focus, early Internet breakthroughs, evolving as a remote manager & much more | E1184

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