Podcasts about consumer tech

What does it really take to thrive as a first-time fund manager in today's challenging investment landscape, especially when you're building a venture fund from scratch while championing diversity and innovation? This episode delves into the real experiences behind the headlines, inviting listeners to consider the often unseen hurdles and triumphs that define entrepreneurial journeys. Our guest, Laurel Mintz, is the founder of Fabric VC—a new venture capital fund spun out of her extensive 17-year run as the leader of a successful marketing agency. With a background that includes corporate M&A law, entrepreneurship, and marketing, Laurel Mintz brings a unique and practical perspective to the venture capital world. Her approach blends deep sector knowledge with a commitment to supporting underrepresented founders and championing women's health, fintech, and consumer tech sectors. In this update, listeners get an inside look at the nuts and bolts of raising and deploying Fabric VC's first fund—just under $8 million, already largely deployed across 23 portfolio companies. Laurel Mintz shares candid insights on the emotional rollercoaster of fundraising, the critical importance of diversity, and the creative approaches to supporting women-led companies, such as accepting investments via donor-advised funds and retirement accounts. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring investors, founders, or anyone interested in how real change is being made within venture capital. It's raw, motivating, and packed with unfiltered advice on how to show up, take risks, and put capital to work for the next generation.   To get the latest from Laurel Mintz, you can follow her below! LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurel-mintz/ https://www.fabricvc.com/ Laurel's first appearance on The Angel Next Door    Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing! Website: www.marciadawood.com Learn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.com And don't forget to follow us wherever you are! Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.apple Spotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotify LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

Want to know how the reigning Best Technology Reviewer at the Lizzies goes about his work? Then don't miss out on Influencing Insider next Thursday, 11th June at 2 pm AEST when GadgetGuy Editor Chris Button joins the show to discuss: How does Button craft his award-winning reviews?What Consumer Tech topics are most likely to resonate with Button and his colleagues Chris' pitching preferences and bugbears. About Chris Button Christopher Button is the Adelaide-based Managing Editor at GadgetGuy, having held the role since October 2022. There, he provides his reviews on a range of Consumer Tech gadgets and Gaming titles, while also filing daily news items. Button has also recently won Best Technology Reviewer at the 24th Annual Samsung Australian IT Journalism Awards. About GadgetGuy GadgetGuy is one of the leading Consumer Technology publications first founded in the mid 1990s by Peter Blasina. Currently, the title is run by Theory of Invention's Valens Quinn, with Button helming the news desk. There are more contributions from Adam Turner, Angus Jones, Jay Marshall and Alice Clarke.

What if the strongest moats in the AI era aren't algorithms, but the data those algorithms depend on?In the second episode of the Consumer Tech Napkin series, Andreas Munk Holm speakes with Renato Circi and Rafaël Michali, Co-Founders at Sava, and Joe Seager-Dupuy, Director, Investment at True, to discuss how founders should think about defensibility when technology is becoming easier to build.SAVA is developing advanced biosensing technology designed to access bodily information in a painless, real-time and affordable way. Their core belief is that while AI may accelerate software development, the hardest problems and the most valuable companies will be built around scarce data, difficult infrastructure and bottlenecks that cannot easily be replicated.Together, they explore what separates static moats from dynamic ones, why patents and regulatory approvals are often just the starting point and how the best companies create advantages that strengthen as they scale.Topics coveredWhy the best moats are often non-consensusStatic versus dynamic moatsWhy patents and regulation are not enoughIdentifying bottlenecks that create lasting valueAI, proprietary data and defensibilityBuilding platforms instead of productsWhy user experience can be a moatEurope's advantage in deep techTimestamps(00:00) Why moats matter in consumer technology(02:00) Introducing Sava and the future of health monitoring(06:00) What a moat actually is(09:00) The Apple Watch question and non-invasive sensing(12:00) Consumer experience versus incumbent medical devices(15:00) How great companies sequence moats(18:00) From patents to platforms(22:00) Bundling, ecosystems and long-term defensibility(24:00) Static versus dynamic moats(27:00) Why patents only buy time(29:00) Owning bottlenecks in health data(31:00) Why AI increases the value of proprietary data(36:00) Europe's deep tech advantage(40:00) The biggest misconceptions about moats(43:00) Why the best moats are often non-consensusConsumer Tech Napkin is brought to you in partnership with True.Subscribe to EUVC, the home of European tech, for more insights.

What actually gets a consumer company funded in Europe? Fewer things than most founders think.This is one of the questions the first episode of Consumer Tech Napkin explores, with Andreas Munk Holm joined by Sameer Singh (Partner with Speedinvest's Marketplaces and Consumer team), Susan Lin (Partner and Investor at Felix Capital) and Joe Seager-Dupuy (Director, Investment at True).The conversation covers engagement as the real leading indicator, why a decade of cheap capital let weak products hide behind paid acquisition, what behavioural signals actually move investors and why AI is not the defensibility play most founders assume it is.If you're building consumer, this one's worth your time.Key highlightsEngagement is the strongest signal in consumer software, not monetisationGrowth can hide weak businesses when retention and organic acquisition are missingAI alone is not a moat and thin wrappers are easy to replicateConsumer is underfunded in Europe despite producing many of its biggest outcomesBlitzscaling only works when companies already have defensibilityTimestamps(00:00)⁠ What actually gets a consumer company funded in Europe?⁠(02:40)⁠ Why AI is not a platform shift⁠(04:15)⁠ Thin AI wrappers and defensibility in consumer software⁠(07:30) AI-enabled consumer opportunities in health, therapy and financial services⁠(10:00)⁠ What investors actually look for in consumer startups⁠(11:20)⁠ Why engagement is the strongest signal that something is working⁠(15:10)⁠ Why behaviour matters more than surveys or narratives⁠(19:00)⁠ Why consumer remains underweight in European venture⁠(27:00)⁠ Marginal costs, pricing power and scalable business models⁠(34:30)⁠ Why blitzscaling only works when companies already have a moat⁠(39:00)⁠ Paid acquisition, defensibility and sustainable growth⁠(41:30)⁠ Felix Capital's consumer investing scorecardSubscribe to EUVC, the home of European tech, for more insights: https://www.eu.vc/subscribe

A parade of earnings from U.S. consumer and tech firms begins today with Coca-Cola, UPS, and others ahead of mega-caps late Wednesday. The Fed is seen pausing rates tomorrow. Important Disclosures This material is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The {securities, investment products and investment strategies mentioned are not suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decisions. For illustrative purpose(s) only. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal, and for some products and strategies, loss of more than your initial investment. Supporting documentation for any claims or statistical information is available upon request. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Diversification and rebalancing strategies do not ensure a profit and do not protect against losses in declining markets. Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses and cannot be invested in directly. For more information on indexes, please seeschwab.com/indexdefinitions. The policy analysis provided by the Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party. Digital currencies [such as bitcoin] are highly volatile and not backed by any central bank or government. Digital currencies lack many of the regulations and consumer protections that legal-tender currencies and regulated securities have. Due to the high level of risk, investors should view digital currencies as a purely speculative instrument. Cryptocurrency-related products carry a substantial level of risk and are not suitable for all investors. Investments in cryptocurrencies are relatively new, highly speculative, and may be subject to extreme price volatility, illiquidity, and increased risk of loss, including your entire investment in the fund. Spot markets on which cryptocurrencies trade are relatively new and largely unregulated, and therefore, may be more exposed to fraud and security breaches than established, regulated exchanges for other financial assets or instruments. Some cryptocurrency-related products use futures contracts to attempt to duplicate the performance of an investment in cryptocurrency, which may result in unpredictable pricing, higher transaction costs, and performance that fails to track the price of the reference cryptocurrency as intended. Please read more about risks of trading cryptocurrency futures here. Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed income investments are subject to various other risks including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications, and other factors. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic or political conditions. Data contained herein from third party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed. Schwab does not recommend the use of technical analysis as a sole means of investment research. The Schwab Center for Financial Research is a division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.Apple Podcasts and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Google Podcasts and the Google Podcasts logo are trademarks of Google LLC. Spotify and the Spotify logo are registered trademarks of Spotify AB. (0130-0426) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Podcast: Nexus: A Claroty Podcast (LS 32 · TOP 5% what is this?)Episode: Tiffany Wilson on the Security Crisis of Consumer Tech in HealthcarePub date: 2026-04-19Get Podcast Transcript →powered by Listen411 - fast audio-to-text and summarizationTiffany Wilson, the founder of Wilson Inclusive Solutions (WINS), a disability accessibility consulting firm, joins the Nexus Podcast to discuss the proliferation of consumer technology into healthcare infrastructure. This technology—smart speakers that help manage medications or cameras that monitor vulnerable individuals—often handles patient data and safety, and operates in a regulatory void. Wilson advocates for frameworks that manufacturers and distributors can use to protect patient information and safety, given that most of this assistive technology functions as healthcare infrastructure without existing oversight and protection given healthcare technology. Subscribe and listen to the Nexus Podcast here. The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Claroty, which is the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Listen Notes, Inc.

Brian Webster, President and CEO of Kestra Medical Technologies (Nasdaq: KMTS), joins Medtech Talk to discuss his 30-year career in cardiac defibrillation and the road to founding Kestra. With host Swaril Mathur, Webster unpacks learnings from leading through decades of repeated acquisitions, divestitures, and restructurings — and keeping the team motivated through it all. Their conversation explores what it takes to commercialize a rental fleet model with outsourced manufacturing, revenue cycle management, and payer contracts, as well as closing with the decision to IPO and staying steady in volatile markets by focusing on execution fundamentals. Subscribe, share this with a MedTech operator who's scaling something hard, and leave a rating or review with the leadership lesson that hit you most. Medtech Talk Links:  Cambridge Healthtech Institute   Medtech Talk  Gilde Healthcare  MicroTransponderLinks: MicroTransponder Kestra Medical Technologies: Kestra Medical Technologies  

Tiffany Wilson, the founder of Wilson Inclusive Solutions (WINS), a disability accessibility consulting firm, joins the Nexus Podcast to discuss the proliferation of consumer technology into healthcare infrastructure. This technology—smart speakers that help manage medications or cameras that monitor vulnerable individuals—often handles patient data and safety, and operates in a regulatory void. Wilson advocates for frameworks that manufacturers and distributors can use to protect patient information and safety, given that most of this assistive technology functions as healthcare infrastructure without existing oversight and protection given healthcare technology. Subscribe and listen to the Nexus Podcast here. 

News and Updates: BYD's Next-Gen Battery: BYD revealed its second-generation Blade battery, featuring 5% higher energy density and significantly improved efficiency compared to the original lithium iron phosphate packs. Windows 12 Speculation: Rumors suggest a late 2026 Windows 12 launch focused on AI and modular design, though experts remain skeptical of this aggressive release timeline. Server 2016 Sunset: Microsoft announced that extended support for Windows Server 2016 ends January 2027, urging users to migrate to Azure or upgrade to Server 2025. Deepfake Removal Tool: YouTube is piloting a likeness detection tool allowing politicians and journalists to request the removal of AI-generated deepfakes that use their faces. The Upgrade Slowdown: A 2026 study reveals 73% of consumers now prioritize "tech that works" and longevity over flashy new features or annual status-symbol upgrades.

A.M. Edition for Feb. 17. A growing shortage of memory chips is squeezing the makers of phones, laptops and games consoles, sending prices skyrocketing. WSJ's Tim Martin explains how non-AI buyers are having to choose between raising prices, trimming margins or reducing device memory. Plus, the U.S. government is emerging from the holiday weekend partially shut down. And we look at why this winter is worse and weirder than usual. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most startup advice tells you how to grow, but Brian Lee is here to tell you how to survive. In this episode, the legendary founder of LegalZoom and The Honest Company reveals the "one truth" that separates elite CEOs from those who run out of runway.Whether you're a first-time founder or a seasoned operator, the role of a CEO is often misunderstood. Brian Lee (Managing Partner at BAM Ventures) joins us on Demo Day to strip away the fluff and deliver a masterclass in operational discipline. From his early days building LegalZoom and ShoeDazzle to his current work with Arena Club, Brian has seen the same patterns lead to both billion-dollar exits and total failures.In this episode, we break down "The CEO Playbook," including:The "CE-No" Philosophy: Why your primary job is saying no to good ideas so you can focus on the great ones.The Survival Mandate: Brian's #1 rule for every founder—treat money like gold and never, ever run out.Building Your Inner Circle: Why you must "hire fast and fire faster" to protect the culture of a high-growth startup.Founder Likability: Why being "likable" is actually a strategic superpower for fundraising and leadership.The VC Perspective: What BAM Ventures looks for in the pre-seed and seed stages of consumer tech.Brian also shares deeply personal insights into his transition from operator to venture capitalist, explaining how his time in the trenches allows him to spot "the signal in the noise" better than professional VCs who have never run a company. If you are looking for startup tips, fundraising advice, or a reality check on your founder success metrics, this is the one conversation you cannot afford to miss.

Trăim într-o lume în care viitorul nu mai vine în salturi mari, ci în update-uri aproape invizibile.Marian Hurducaș discută cu invitatul său, care a fost prezent la CES 2026, despre ce e nou, ce e exagerat și, mai ales, ce ne va afecta viața fără să ne dăm seama în următorii ani.Florin Cașotă este Consumer Tech & Gaming Editor la start-up.ro. Are peste 10 ani în mass-media, specializat în tehnologie și gaming. Din 2019, face parte din echipa start-up.ro, iar în ultimii ani s-a concentrat pe segmentul de tehnologie și review-uri de gadgeturi. De-a lungul carierei, a colaborat precum Business Magazin, GQ și playtech.ro Binențeles, dacă nu era clar deja, este pasionat de gadgeturi, jocuri video, fotografie și producție video.

Check out host Bidemi Ologunde's new show: The Work Ethic Podcast, available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.In this episode, host Bidemi Ologunde unpacks OpenAI's newly released ChatGPT Health and what it signals about the future of consumer-facing healthcare AI. What exactly is "ChatGPT Health," and why is OpenAI moving from general chat to a dedicated health experience? When an AI gives the wrong answer in a high-stakes setting—medical advice, airline refunds, legal citations—who owns the liability: the user, the company deploying the chatbot, or the model-maker? How are regulators in the U.S., Europe, and beyond approaching AI in healthcare—and what counts as "wellness" versus "medical" software? Bidemi also explores the realities of AI error, hallucinations, and bias, and asks what these tools could mean for underserved and minority populations worldwide— including Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, and communities in low-resource health systems.Email: bidemiologunde@gmail.comSupport for The Bid Picture Podcast comes from Intuit QuickBooks. If you're running a business, a side hustle, or just trying to stay on top of your money, QuickBooks helps you track income and expenses, send invoices, and see where things stand—without living in spreadsheets. It's tech that's meant to give you time back, so you can spend more of your attention on your life, not your tabs. If you're asked how you heard about QuickBooks, please mention The Bid Picture Podcast. Learn more at quickbooks.intuit.com.Support for The Bid Picture Podcast comes from VIZZ. If age-related blurry near vision—also called presbyopia—has you holding your phone farther away or avoiding the small print, ask your eye doctor about VIZZ, a once-daily prescription eye drop for adults that treats blurry near vision. Do not use VIZZ if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. The most common side effects are eye irritation, temporary dim or dark vision, headache, and eye redness. Be careful driving at night or doing activities that require clear vision until your vision returns to normal. If you're asked how you heard about VIZZ, please mention The Bid Picture Podcast. Learn more at vizz.com.Support for The Bid Picture Podcast comes from Rula. If you're trying to build a healthier relationship with tech—setting boundaries, breaking burnout patterns, or feeling more present—therapy can help, and Rula makes it easier to find licensed mental health providers and meet by video on a schedule that fits your life. If you're asked how you heard about Rula, please mention The Bid Picture Podcast. Learn more at rula.com.Support the show

Gary Shapiro has spent decades at the center of the global consumer technology industry, leading the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) and building CES into one of the most important stages for innovation, policy, and deal-making on the planet. In this first episode of 2026, Gary joins Charlie, Rony, and Ted to preview CES, unpack the explosion of AI across every category, and deliver unusually blunt takes on tariffs, China, manufacturing, and U.S. innovation policy. He explains how CES has evolved from a TV-and-gadgets show into a global platform where boards meet, standards are set, and policymakers, chip designers, robotics firms, and health-tech startups all collide.In the News: Before Gary joins, the hosts break down Nvidia's $20 billion “not-a-deal” with Singapore's Groq, the stake in Intel, and what that combo might signal about the edge of the GPU bubble and the shift toward inference compute, x86, and U.S. industrial policy. They also dig into Netflix's acquisition of Ready Player Me and what it suggests about a Netflix metaverse and location-based entertainment strategy, plus Starlink's rapid growth and an onslaught of “AI everything” products ahead of CES.Gary walks through new features at this year's show: CES Foundry at the Fontainebleau for AI and quantum, expanded tracks on manufacturing, wearables, women's health, and accessibility, plus an AI-powered show app already fielding thousands of questions (top query: where to pick up badges). He also talks candidly about his biggest concern—that fragmented state-level AI regulation (1,200+ state bills in 2025) will crush startups while big players shrug—and why he believes federal standards via NIST are the only realistic path. The discussion ranges from AI-driven healthcare and precision agriculture to robotics, demographics, labor culture, global supply chains, and what CES might look like in 2056.5 Key Takeaways from Gary:AI is now the spine of CES. CES 2026 centers on AI as infrastructure: CES Foundry at the Fontainebleau for AI + quantum, AI training tracks for strategy, implementation, agentic AI, and AI-driven marketing, and an AI-powered app helping attendees navigate the show.Fragmented state AI laws are an existential risk for startups. Over 1,200 state AI bills in 2025—including proposals to criminalize agentic AI counseling—could create a compliance maze only large incumbents can survive, which is why Gary argues for federal standards via NIST.Wearables are becoming systems, not gadgets. Oura rings, wrist devices, body sensors, and subdermal glucose monitors are starting to be designed as interoperable families of devices, with partnerships emerging to combine data into unified health services.Robotics is breaking out of the industrial niche. CES will showcase the largest robotics presence yet, moving beyond factory arms and drones to humanoids, logistics, social companions, and applied AI systems across sectors.Tariffs, alliances, and AI will reshape manufacturing. Gary is skeptical of “Fortress USA” strategies that try to onshore everything, pointing instead to allied reshoring (Latin America, Europe, Japan, South Korea) and the long-term role of AI-powered robotics in changing labor economics and global supply chains.This episode is brought to you by Zappar, creators of Mattercraft—the leading visual development environment for building immersive 3D web experiences for mobile headsets and desktop. Mattercraft combines the power of a game engine with the flexibility of the web, and now features an AI assistant that helps you design, code, and debug in real time, right in your browser. Whether you're a developer, designer, or just getting started, start building smarter at mattercraft.io.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Recently, a16z General Partner Anish Acharya joined Ollie Forsyth on NEW ECONOMIES. They talked about why consumer tech is surging again, how AI is enabling 100M-user products at unprecedented speed, and what founders need to understand heading into 2026 — from distribution shifts to founder mindset to the mechanics behind the fastest product cycle in tech history. Resources:Follow Ollie: https://x.com/ollieforsythFollow Anish: https://x.com/illscience Stay Updated:If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share with your friends!Find a16z on X: https://x.com/a16zFind a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16zListen to the a16z Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5bC65RDvs3oxnLyqqvkUYXListen to the a16z Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a16z-podcast/id842818711Follow our host: https://x.com/eriktorenbergPlease note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see http://a16z.com/disclosures. Stay Updated:Find a16z on XFind a16z on LinkedInListen to the a16z Podcast on SpotifyListen to the a16z Podcast on Apple PodcastsFollow our host: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

with @cdixon @illscienceWelcome to web3 with a16z crypto. Today's episode digs into the forces shaping the next generation of consumer software — from AI-driven tools to the new economics of apps.Joining is Chris Dixon, a16z crypto founder and managing partner and one of the firm's original consumer investors. He sits down with a16z General Partner Anish Acharya to explore how exponential forces — like Moore's Law, composability, and network effects — help determine which products ultimately win.They talk about what it takes to build enduring consumer apps, how tools evolve into networks, and why niche communities like early crypto and open source movements can trigger massive technological shifts.Topics covered:- What exponential forces define tech progress- Moore's Law, composability, and network effects- How tools evolve into networks- The new economics of paid consumer software- Investing in “movements” — from 3D printing to crypto- What makes niche communities powerful- AI as a platform shift and the “idea maze”- Native vs skeuomorphic tech — and what's next for AI interfaces- The future of open-source AI and decentralizationFollow a16z crypto on...X: https://x.com/a16zcryptoLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/a16zcrypto/posts/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pMZvsNXEnb0CYcPiDQywEApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/web3-with-a16z-crypto/id1622312549Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@a16zcrypto

In this episode hosts Michael LeBlanc and Steve Dennis from The Remarkable Retail Podcast welcome XRC Ventures' Managing Director Pano Anthos, for a deep dive into the future of retail innovation, investment strategies, and overcoming the systemic challenges that keep great technology from scaling.Pano shares his journey from serial entrepreneur to leading a venture fund focused on pre-seed and seed-stage investments at the intersection of retail, consumer behavior, and technology. With over 150 investments since 2015, XRC Ventures targets transformative sectors including retail media networks, the consumerization of healthcare, commerce enablement, and new distribution channels. Pano highlights examples of groundbreaking innovations—from AI-driven financial automation to diagnostics that detect autism in under two hours—that are redefining operational efficiency and customer impact.A major focus of the conversation is retail's organizational dysfunction, where siloed leadership and competing P&Ls create “warring tribes” that hinder adoption of transformative solutions. Pano argues that true progress requires structural change—appointing an operational leader with end-to-end responsibility for traffic and sales across all channels. The discussion also explores the promise of retail media, particularly in-store applications with untapped margin potential, and spatial intelligence, which can bring the precision of e-commerce analytics into physical stores. Pano shares candid insights on startup strategy, stressing that early-stage companies must demonstrate material ROI—significant EBITDA or revenue growth—to make it into a retailer's short list of investment priorities. About UsJennifer MarloHead of Content, CommerceNextJennifer Marlo drives industry-leading programming at CommerceNext, drawing on experience from Ascendant Network and iMedia Connection, where she spearheaded content strategies to inspire retail, brand and agency marketing leaders. Guided by the belief that “a rising tide lifts all boats,” Jennifer uses in-person and digital platforms to educate and foster industry collaboration. Steve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, top retail influencer, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.

In this episode, a16z's Anish Acharya joins Kevin Rose for an in-depth, fast-paced conversation on the rebirth of consumer technology, and how AI is reshaping what it means to build, invest, and create.They talk about why AI has reignited the consumer renaissance, what it means to build “weird and working” products, and how the next wave of apps will blend emotion, utility, and creativity in entirely new ways. From AI companions and “emotional interfaces” to the tools making it possible to build entire startups solo, Kevin and Anish explore what's emerging at the edge of culture and code.This is a conversation about the future of creation, where consumer tech meets human feeling, and why the next big ideas will come from people bold enough to be weird. Resources:Follow Kevin on X: x.com/kevinroseFollow Anish on X: x.com/illscience Stay Updated: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share with your friends!Find a16z on X: https://x.com/a16zFind a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16zListen to the a16z Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5bC65RDvs3oxnLyqqvkUYXListen to the a16z Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a16z-podcast/id842818711Follow our host: https://x.com/eriktorenbergPlease note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures. Stay Updated:Find a16z on XFind a16z on LinkedInListen to the a16z Podcast on SpotifyListen to the a16z Podcast on Apple PodcastsFollow our host: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Apple's new line of technology has begun to hit store shelves, including the launch of the iPhone 17 with integrated artificial intelligence. However, the new products come with hefty prices. We ask viewers if they're still motivated to buy new gadgets, as freelance tech journalist Andy Baryer and CBC business columnist Rubina Ahmed-Haq join the show.

Most vertical AI companies fail because they're building features, not businesses. Rachel ten Brink, GP at Red Bike Capital and former Scentbird co-founder (scaled to 500K+ subscribers, $29M raised), breaks down how to build defensible vertical AI that survives the regulatory gauntlet. She reveals her operator's test for distinguishing product businesses from services wrappers, explains how winning data network effects emerge from proprietary processing of public data, and shares the specific go-to-market playbook that works for enterprise AI sales cycles.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Visit thedigitalslicepodcast.com for complete show notes of every podcast episode. Influencer and affiliate marketing decoded! Join Brad Friedman & Tye DeGrange to explore tools and tactics that drive real business growth. Tye DeGrange is the Founder and CEO of Round Barn Labs, a leading growth marketing agency specializing in affiliate and influencer marketing for top tech brands, including Grammarly, Nextdoor, Meta Quest, and Atlassian. With 20 years of experience in performance marketing, Tye has driven growth for startups and Fortune 500 companies across e-commerce, B2B SaaS, and Consumer Tech. A graduate of UC Santa Barbara with a degree in History, Tye began his career at Sequoia-backed AdBrite, one of the first ad networks. Under his leadership, Round Barn Labs has earned accolades such as Boutique Agency of the Year and recognition as a Top 30 Global Affiliate Marketing Agency.  Based in Austin, TX, Tye is passionate about building growth-focused teams and identifying innovative revenue opportunities. Outside of work, he enjoys playing tennis, exploring Austin with his wife Blaine, and spending time with their two young children, Hayward and Gray. The Digital Slice Podcast is brought to you by Magai. Up your AI game at https://friedmansocialmedia.com/magai

In this episode of the Remarkable Retail podcast, hosts Michael LeBlanc and Steve Dennis welcome XRC Ventures' Managing Director Pano Anthos, for a deep dive into the future of retail innovation, investment strategies, and overcoming the systemic challenges that keep great technology from scaling.Pano shares his journey from serial entrepreneur to leading a venture fund focused on pre-seed and seed-stage investments at the intersection of retail, consumer behavior, and technology. With over 150 investments since 2015, XRC Ventures targets transformative sectors including retail media networks, the consumerization of healthcare, commerce enablement, and new distribution channels. Pano highlights examples of groundbreaking innovations—from AI-driven financial automation to diagnostics that detect autism in under two hours—that are redefining operational efficiency and customer impact.A major focus of the conversation is retail's organizational dysfunction, where siloed leadership and competing P&Ls create “warring tribes” that hinder adoption of transformative solutions. Pano argues that true progress requires structural change—appointing an operational leader with end-to-end responsibility for traffic and sales across all channels. The discussion also explores the promise of retail media, particularly in-store applications with untapped margin potential, and spatial intelligence, which can bring the precision of e-commerce analytics into physical stores. Pano shares candid insights on startup strategy, stressing that early-stage companies must demonstrate material ROI—significant EBITDA or revenue growth—to make it into a retailer's short list of investment priorities. About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

Today, we're speaking with Cole Ashman, the CEO and founder of Pila Energy. Pila is democratizing access to battery backup systems through industrial-grade, consumer-priced batteries that are simply plug-and-play. No electricians, no permitting, just reliable power.Pila's innovative approach is disrupting the home energy market, from enabling demand response programs to making backup power accessible and affordable for everyone. Listen today to hear how they are reshaping energy reliability and demand response access. Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket CastsSelect Quotes From This Episode:"Controlling loads... shutting off your air condition, technically great, but who wants their AC shut off on the hottest day of the year?" "We're able to turn entire apartment complexes into batteries by coordinating up to hundreds of these distributed batteries." [Sponsor] ErthTech Talent: Affordable CleanTech Search FirmTo build a successful CleanTech startup, you need the right people. Affordable: Our search fee is 12-15% of first-year base salary (most charge 25-30%).Specialized: We ONLY work with CleanTech startups. Proven: 70+ placements since 2020 (Aypa Power, ChargeScape, QCells, & more). Save time and money when you work with ErthTech Talent. Plus, Silas runs it, so you already know him. — Reach out today and tell him you saw this ad.LinksCole Ashman | Pila EnergyConnect with Somil on LinkedIn | Connect with Silas on LinkedInFollow CleanTechies on LinkedInThis podcast is NOT investment advice. Do your homework and due diligence before investing in anything discussed on this podcast.Support the showIf you're gonna change the world, you're gonna need a world-class team. Partner with ErthTech Talent to help you do that, for less. 70+ Placements 5+ Years (exclusively in CleanTech) The Lowest Fees in the Market (12-15% of first-year salary) 90-day placement guarantee It's really hard to say no to that. Wait?! -- The best service is also the cheapest? Seems too good to be true, but it's the entire reason we started this company. We believe that Climate entrepreneurs are doing important work, and there should be a firm to help them find the best talent, without it breaking the bank. Reach out today for a free assessment of your hiring process. hello@erthtechtalent.com

SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 22Episode Overview:Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred Podcast! Today, we have a true titan in the world of digital marketing and growth—a master architect of scale renowned for transforming data into undeniable results. If you're a business professional or entrepreneur seeking your next breakthrough, looking to optimize customer acquisition, or aiming to understand the mechanics of sustainable scaling, you're in for a treat.Our guest is the visionary founder of Round Barn Labs, a growth marketing agency that has been instrumental in scaling some truly impressive businesses. He is also the brilliant mind behind the "Always Be Testing" podcast and the insightful "Flywheel" blog on Beehiiv. He lives and breathes experimentation, data-driven decisions, and building lasting momentum. Join me now for my conversation with Tye DeGrange.Guest Bio: Tye DeGrange is the Founder and CEO of Round Barn Labs, a leading growth marketing agency specializing in affiliate and influencer marketing for top tech brands, including Grammarly, Nextdoor, Meta Quest, and Atlassian. With 20 years of experience in performance marketing, Tye has driven growth for startups and Fortune 500 companies across e-commerce, B2B SaaS, and Consumer Tech. A graduate of UC Santa Barbara with a degree in History, Tye began his career at Sequoia-backed AdBrite, one of the first ad networks. Under his leadership, Round Barn Labs has earned accolades such as Boutique Agency of the Year and recognition as a Top 30 Global Affiliate Marketing Agency. Based in Austin, TX, Tye is passionate about building growth-focused teams and identifying innovative revenue opportunities. Outside of work, he enjoys playing tennis, exploring Austin with his wife Blaine, and spending time with their two young children, Hayward and Gray.Resource Links:Website: https://www.roundbarnlabs.com/Product Link: https://www.roundbarnlabs.com/services-2/affiliate-marketing-agencyInsight Gold Timestamps:01:28 Your motto line, Elevate Trust and Embrace Influence03:46 What's the evolution that you've seen and where do you see it moving to?07:00 Are you monetizing effectively in a competitive way?07:43 Is this juice worth the squeeze for you, all in, not just media costs11:09 Your podcast is called Always Be Testing 14:08 First and foremost, you want to have kind of a solid tracking platform14:18 Trust is really essential to everything we do17:37 If it was taken away, would you have gotten that customer anyway?18:06 Priced right is half sold22:05 On paid search, is that still relevant24:20 I also read Jim Collins' book, Good To Great29:23 You might have a bigger impact than you realize32:30 Affiliate tends to be a lot of cat herding, a lot of moving parts34:28 You talk about embracing a culture of relentless experimentation and learning36:10 The website is

Even in a highly uncertain business environment, companies that build new businesses and develop new offerings, processes, and business models are better able to capture growth opportunities and hedge against disruption. Our recent survey of more than 1,000 companies around the world reflected this, with the largest share of respondents identifying the ability to innovate as their most important strategic factor for generating growth over the coming 12 months. To discuss the survey and talk about the innovation activities top performers are focusing on today, Sean Brown is joined by Rebecca Doherty, Matt Banholzer, and Clayton O’Toole. Rebecca co-leads our Strategic Growth and Innovation practice and is a partner in our San Francisco office. She works extensively with health care, industrial, and technology clients to define and execute growth road maps. Matt co-leads our Global Strategic Growth and Innovation practice with Rebecca and is a senior partner in our Chicago office. He also sits on the leadership team of our business-building practice, and serves organizations on innovation strategy across a range of sectors, including energy, materials, and agriculture. Clayton is a leader in our Strategy & Corporate Finance and Consumer Tech and Media practices in North America and is a partner based in our Minnesota office. He serves a wide range of clients including media organizations, sports leagues; food, apparel, and hardlines retailers; consumer packaged goods companies, and principal investors. Related Insights How top performers use innovation to grow within and beyond the core The eight essentials of innovation Revolutionary innovations propelling growthSupport the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Stock markets have been surprisingly resilient this year. Despite global trade chaos, war in the Middle East, Russia's extended invasion of Ukraine and domestic political strife, major equity markets around the world have rallied near record levels. Investors are finding a lot to like from India to South Korea, where domestic growth stories, technology and AI investment, and diversified supply chains leave plenty of room for growth, says Jessica Tea, JPMorgan emerging markets and APAC equities investment specialist. She joins John Lee and Katia Dmitrieva from Singapore to discuss consumption strength across Asia — highlighted by the popularity of Labubu dolls — investing in the backend of EVs and finding returns amid uncertainty.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest episode of the Inside Forbes India podcast, Naini Thaker talks about the new special, which explores India's evolving startup landscape. While consumer tech thrives, deep tech is emerging, driven by founders tackling unique Indian challenges. From InMobi's AI pivot to EV tractors by Moonrider and rapid-charging batteries by Exponent Energy, Indian startups are innovating for scale. The podcast discusses how optimism and patient capital are fueling a new wave of ambitious entrepreneurs.

In this episode, a16z General Partner Erik Torenberg is joined by the a16z Consumer team—General Partner Anish Acharya and Partners Olivia Moore, Justine Moore, and Bryan Kim—for a conversation on the current state (and future) of consumer tech.They unpack why it feels like breakout consumer apps have slowed down, how AI is changing the game, and what might define the next era of products. Topics include:The rise of AI-native consumer tools and companion appsWhy users are now spending $200+/month on AI productsThe missing AI-powered social graphWhy speed and iteration may matter more than traditional moatsAnd what it means to build for a world where software touches everythingFrom shifting business models to new behavior patterns, this is your pulse check on where we are—and where consumer is heading next.Timecodes:00:00:00 – Introduction to Consumer AI00:01:00 – The Evolution of Consumer Breakouts00:03:18 – The Shift in Consumer Spending00:08:00 – The Future of Social Networks with AI00:13:00 – Enterprise Adoption of AI00:20:42 – The Rise of Voice Technology00:23:06 – AI's Role in Enterprise Conversations00:25:25 – AI in Education and Personal Development00:26:34 – AI Companions: The New Norm00:31:52 – The Future of AI Companions00:38:50 – Speculating on New AI Platforms00:42:07 – The Social Norms of AI IntegrationResources: Find Anish on X: https://x.com/illscienceFind Olivia on X: https://x.com/omooretweetsFind Justine on X: https://x.com/venturetwinsFind Bryan on X: https://x.com/kirbyman01Stay Updated: Let us know what you think: https://ratethispodcast.com/a16zFind a16z on Twitter: https://twitter.com/a16zFind a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16zSubscribe on your favorite podcast app: https://a16z.simplecast.com/Follow our host: https://x.com/eriktorenbergPlease note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.

The dollar will lose its status as the world's reserve currency & the greatest wealth transfer in history is already underway - warns the founder of one of India's fastest-growing unicorns!In this episode, Deepak Garg, founder of Rivigo and AnywhereJobs shares why Rivigo's iconic Relay model succeeded, and what ultimately limited it. He predicts Zomato's dominance, questions funding choices of startups and shares why India may miss the AI revolution without a radical energy shift.From Bitcoin vs. gold and Trump's potential Nobel Peace Prize to Tesla becoming a $30 trillion company, Deepak's predictions are bold and grounded in years of pattern recognition.If you're a founder, investor, or macro nerd, this is an episode you won't forget.0:00- Rivigo & Anywhere Jobs02:16 – When your business outgrows the market04:18 – Capital raising is a Double-edged sword05:02 – Which ideas truly need funding?07:33 – Build teams with Accuracy, not Kindness09:39 – How to know if you've chosen the right market?10:41 – Why Zomato is India's best Consumer tech bet16:00 – How the Power is shifting b/w nations today?20:18 – Will Dollar cease to be a Reserve currency?22:36 – Is Bitcoin better than Gold?26:59 – Who will be the Next global Superpower?31:56 – India in the Next 20 years34:22 – When 2 players control 80% of India's Private sector35:52 – Why China is far ahead of India in Nuclear Energy?40:17 – Will Trump win a Nobel Peace Prize in 2025?42:01 – How Tesla could become a $30 trillion company?47:15 – Wealth transfer from Wall Street to Main Street50:30 – Where India should focus in AI-------------​​India's talent has built the world's tech—now it's time to lead it.This mission goes beyond startups. It's about shifting the center of gravity in global tech to include the brilliance rising from India.What is Neon Fund?We invest in seed and early-stage founders from India and the diaspora building world-class Enterprise AI companies. We bring capital, conviction, and a community that's done it before.Subscribe for real founder stories, investor perspectives, economist breakdowns, and a behind-the-scenes look at how we're doing it all at Neon.-------------Check us out on:Website: https://neon.fund/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theneonshoww/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beneon/Twitter: https://x.com/TheNeonShowwConnect with Siddhartha on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siddharthaahluwalia/Twitter: https://x.com/siddharthaa7-------------This video is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the individuals quoted and do not constitute professional advice.Send us a text

This episode of Two by Two was first published on 17th April 2025.Premium subscribers of The Ken have full access to ALL our premium audio. They are available exclusively via The Ken's subscriber apps. If you don't have them, just download one and log in to unlock everything. Get your premium subscription using this link.Not a Premium subscriber? You can subscribe to The Ken Premium on Apple Podcasts for an easy monthly price (Rs 299 in India). The channel includes ALL our premium podcasts.-Today's episode is about something you wouldn't have heard of – search funds. Initially, we thought this would be something arcane and boring, but the more we read about it, the more it started to sound like an arrangement that sounds too good to be true.Search funds invert and twist all our conventional ideas of how people start, build, scale and fund businesses in India. It's an old model that has been somewhat popular in more developed markets and is just starting to get some traction in India. For the tens of thousands of small and medium businesses in India that have achieved a level of success and want to go to the next level, the answer may just be…search funds. This episode is about a model that's full of contradictions. It's about entrepreneurs who aren't founders. It's about VCs who spend the first few years raising money and then spend the next few years actually running the business they raise money for. It's also about operators who decide first that they want to become CEOs and then search for the companies they are going to lead.And plot twist…all of these are the same person.And in today's episode, we have two wonderful guests who are here to tell us how they're doing this.Anurag Sinha is the Managing Partner at Milestone Search Capital, one of the pioneers of the Search Fund model, and his bio says, “Looking to buy a great business”.Anurag's journey as a business leader began with entrepreneurship at the age of 17, where he spent his formative years building ventures across Healthcare, Consumer Tech, and Retail.In his latest role, Anurag was the CEO of Raam Group, an automotive retail conglomerate in India. Anurag oversaw businesses generating a topline of $100 million and managing a workforce of over 800 people. With over 12 years of experience spanning entrepreneurship, rapid-scale startups, and leadership roles in traditional business models, Anurag is now embarking on a new chapter: acquiring and scaling a promising business.Anurag holds an MBA from INSEAD, where he studied across both the France and Singapore campuses. Prior to that, he earned a B.Com (Hons) from Delhi University.Rehan Netarwala is the founder and managing partner at Okintek Capital, where he's looking for an SME business to grow and scale. His bio says, “Looking for a great SME business to acquire and grow”.Prior to starting Okintek Capital, Rehan was the co-founder of Savage and Palmer, where he helped SME entrepreneurs run and scale their businesses with our wide range of solutions right from Digital Marketing to Accounting & Taxation. Rehan is a graduate of the Indian School of Business and has a B.E. from Mumbai University.In this week's episode of Two by Two, co-hosts Rohin Dharmakumar and Praveen Gopal Krishnan sit down with Anurag Sinha and Rehan Netarwala to break down why and how search funds do what they do.Welcome to episode 38 of Two by Two.–Get you tickets here – https://the-ken.com/event/building-unique-career-lattices/–First Principles is back with a new season.Listen to the first episode with Vidit Aatrey, co-founder and CEO of Meesho – https://the-ken.com/podcasts/first-principles/vidit-aatrey-on-building-a-problem-first-mindset-into-meeshos-culture/–This episode of Two by Two was produced by Hari Krishna. Rajiv CN, our resident sound engineer, mixed and mastered this episode.If you liked this episode of Two by Two, please share it with your friends and family who would be interested in listening to the episode. And if you have more thoughts on the discussion, we'd love to hear your arguments as well. You can write to us at twobytwo@the-ken.com.

You've surely heard of the term of the term enshittification? In case you haven't, it was coined by blogger and journalist Cory Doctorow. He defined it as the pattern in which online products and services decline in quality over time.This decline or decay has started to show in Indian Consumer tech products as well, resulting in an experience for customers that is much worse than what was promised. From seemingly unharmful dark patterns to unnecessary cross-selling, the spectrum lies wide sour digital experiences for a customer today.And why they're doing this is quite simple.These products first got your trust and managed to delight you by delivering on their promise. Then, they made that promise available for a price. Fair enough, if it's good, then surely the promise has a price you should be willing to pay. Now, we seem to have arrived at a point where they're asking more to deliver that same promise. They want to extract more money from a customer's wallet. What forces them to do so becomes the next question.This enshittening and many more ways in which many of the platforms we use have aged badly was the core of the discussion in this week's episode of Two by Two. Joining hosts Rohin Dharmakumar and Praveen Gopal Krishnan are Aditya Suresh, head of India equity research at Macquarie, and Abhishek Madan, ex-VP of Product at Paytm*Aditya brought the market's perspective to the discussion with his sharp insights, how the experience could be different based on whether a company is public or private, and what gets talked about in both contexts. Abhishek, in his third time on the podcast, added the flavour by explaining why and how the platform decay came about.Welcome to episode 36 of Two by Two.–Help us find interesting women guests by filling out this survey – https://theken.typeform.com/to/KH0EOLGo–Listen to the episode trailer available on all podcast streaming platorms:  Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | Youtube–Additional reading:Enshittification is coming for absolutely everything – https://www.ft.com/content/6fb1602d-a08b-4a8c-bac0-047b7d64aba5Phonepe spent millions to rival Policybazaar. Its users couldn't care less – https://the-ken.com/story/phonepe-spent-millions-to-rival-policybazaar-its-users-couldnt-care-less/Swiggy needs to reclaim its past glory – https://the-ken.com/newsletters/two-by-two/swiggy-needs-to-reclaim-its-past-glory/How will Ola and Uber avoid ‘death by a thousand cuts'? – https://the-ken.com/newsletters/two-by-two/how-will-ola-and-uber-avoid-death-by-a-thousand-cuts/First, Cult.fit's group classes got everyone's attention. Now “Cult injuries” do – https://the-ken.com/newsletters/two-by-two/how-will-ola-and-uber-avoid-death-by-a-thousand-cuts/Additional listening:Should you invest the first two years of your career in strategy consulting? – https://the-ken.com/podcasts/two-by-two/should-you-invest-the-first-two-years-of-your-career-doing-strategy-consulting/How will Ola and Uber avoid ‘death by a thousand cuts'? – https://the-ken.com/podcasts/two-by-two/how-will-ola-and-uber-avoid-death-by-a-thousand-cuts/Swiggy needs to reclaim its past glory – https://the-ken.com/podcasts/two-by-two/swiggy-needs-to-reclaim-its-past-glory/–This episode of Two by Two was produced by Hari Krishna. Rajiv CN, our resident sound engineer, mixed and mastered this episode.If you liked this episode of Two by Two, please share it with your friends and family who would be interested in listening to the episode. And if you have more examples of enshittification, do tell us about them. You can write to us at twobytwo@the-ken.com.

Are we nearing the end of the smartphone era?In this episode, a16z Growth General Partner David George talks with Meta CTO Andrew “Boz” Bosworth about what comes after apps and touchscreens. From smart glasses to AR headsets, Boz shares how AI is powering a new wave of computing—one that's ambient, agentic, and driven by human intent.They explore what it takes to build for this future, the risks of changing interaction models, and why the next big platform shift may already be in motion.This episode is part of our AI Revolution series, where we explore how industry leaders are leveraging generative AI to steer innovation and navigate the next major platform shift. Discover more insights and content from the AI Revolution series at a16z.com/AIRevolution. Resources: Find Boz on X: https://x.com/boztankFind David on X: https://x.com/davidgeorge8 Stay Updated: Let us know what you think: https://ratethispodcast.com/a16zFind a16z on Twitter: https://twitter.com/a16zFind a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16zSubscribe on your favorite podcast app: https://a16z.simplecast.com/Follow our host: https://twitter.com/stephsmithioPlease note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.

In this episode, Tracy Holland sits down with powerhouse entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and longevity thought leader Abby Miller Levy — Founder and Managing Partner of Primetime Partners, a VC firm investing in innovative companies serving the 50+ demographic. Abby's mission? To challenge everything we think we know about aging and to turn longevity into one of the most exciting growth sectors of our lifetime. Together, they unpack what it looks like to thrive in your next chapter — not just survive it. Episode Highlights The shocking reality of the aging population and why it's a $multi-trillion market opportunity. Abby's lessons from working with Arianna Huffington at Thrive Global & scaling SoulCycle. How aging parents sparked her passion for solving the gaps in senior care, healthcare, and retirement. The real future of work: why we should plan to work well beyond 50 for health, wealth, and purpose. What investors look for in founders (hint: commercial velocity & network power matter more than ever). The power of redefining aging — moving away from fear & decline toward energy & reinvention. Why mental health, financial planning, and community are critical pillars of healthy aging. How AI and tech are accelerating startup creation — and why that increases the pressure on execution. Key Takeaways Aging is not the end — it's the next frontier for entrepreneurs, innovators, and creators. The biggest opportunities of the next decade lie in serving the rapidly growing population of adults over 50 with smarter, more human-centered solutions. If you're building for wellness, healthcare, fintech, or lifestyle — pay attention. The future is ageless - make sure you catch this episode. Connect with Us: Subscribe to our newsletter: Potential to Powerhouse Follow us on Instagram: @PotentialToPowerhouse Connect with Tracy: @tracy_holland_mindset Loved this episode? Your feedback means everything to us!

In this episode of Hashtag Trending, host Jim Love discusses the potential repercussions of new US tariffs on global IT spending and consumer tech prices. Research from IDC predicts a significant reduction in IT expenditure and possible project delays due to the tariffs announced by the Trump administration. The episode also explores how these tariffs could increase prices for popular consumer electronics, including iPhones and Android devices, and disrupt pre-orders for products like Nintendo's Switch Two. Additionally, Hyundai Motor Group's move to integrate tens of thousands of robots into their manufacturing processes is highlighted, raising questions about the future of jobs in automated factories. The episode concludes with a call for empathy and rational discourse amidst these challenging times. 00:00 Introduction and Headlines 00:23 Impact of US Tariffs on Global IT Spending 02:36 Consumer Tech Price Hikes 05:15 Hyundai's Robotics Revolution 06:23 The Future of Jobs and Automation 07:00 Final Thoughts and Advice

You've surely heard of the term of the term enshittification? In case you haven't, it was coined by blogger and journalist Cory Doctorow. He defined it as the pattern in which online products and services decline in quality over time.This decline or decay has started to show in Indian Consumer tech products as well, resulting in an experience for customers that is much worse than what was promised. From seemingly unharmful dark patterns to unnecessary cross-selling, the spectrum lies wide sour digital experiences for a customer today.And why they're doing this is quite simple.These products first got your trust and managed to delight you by delivering on their promise. Then, they made that promise available for a price. Fair enough, if it's good, then surely the promise has a price you should be willing to pay. Now, we seem to have arrived at a point where they're asking more to deliver that same promise. They want to extract more money from a customer's wallet. What forces them to do so becomes the next question.This enshittening and many more ways in which many of the platforms we use have aged badly was the core of the discussion in this week's episode of Two by Two. Joining hosts Rohin Dharmakumar and Praveen Gopal Krishnan are Aditya Suresh, head of India equity research at Macquarie, and Abhishek Madan, ex-VP of Product at Paytm*Aditya brought the market's perspective to the discussion with his sharp insights, how the experience could be different based on whether a company is public or private, and what gets talked about in both contexts. Abhishek, in his third time on the podcast, added the flavour by explaining why and how the platform decay came about.Welcome to episode 36 of Two by Two.-Additional reading:Enshittification is coming for absolutely everything - https://www.ft.com/content/6fb1602d-a08b-4a8c-bac0-047b7d64aba5Phonepe spent millions to rival Policybazaar. Its users couldn't care less - https://the-ken.com/story/phonepe-spent-millions-to-rival-policybazaar-its-users-couldnt-care-less/Swiggy needs to reclaim its past glory - https://the-ken.com/newsletters/two-by-two/swiggy-needs-to-reclaim-its-past-glory/How will Ola and Uber avoid ‘death by a thousand cuts'? - https://the-ken.com/newsletters/two-by-two/how-will-ola-and-uber-avoid-death-by-a-thousand-cuts/First, Cult.fit's group classes got everyone's attention. Now “Cult injuries” do - https://the-ken.com/newsletters/two-by-two/how-will-ola-and-uber-avoid-death-by-a-thousand-cuts/Additional listening:Should you invest the first two years of your career in strategy consulting? - https://the-ken.com/podcasts/two-by-two/should-you-invest-the-first-two-years-of-your-career-doing-strategy-consulting/How will Ola and Uber avoid ‘death by a thousand cuts'? - https://the-ken.com/podcasts/two-by-two/how-will-ola-and-uber-avoid-death-by-a-thousand-cuts/Swiggy needs to reclaim its past glory - https://the-ken.com/podcasts/two-by-two/swiggy-needs-to-reclaim-its-past-glory/-This is a free 10-minute trailer streaming on all podcast streaming platforms. If you'd like to listen to the full episode, you can do so by becoming a Premium subscriber to The Ken or by subscribing to Two by Two on Apple Podcasts via a separate standalone subscription.This episode of Two by Two was produced by Hari Krishna. Rajiv CN, our resident sound engineer, mixed and mastered this episode.If you liked this episode of Two by Two, please share it with your friends and family who would be interested in listening to the episode. And if you have more examples of enshittification, do tell us about them. You can write to us at twobytwo@the-ken.com.

Follow Building in Public Podcast: https://x.com/builtnpublicpodConnor sits down with Evan Tong from Monad to discuss the evolving intersection of crypto and AI agents. They explore how agents could become the new websites, democratizing digital interactions much like WordPress did for website creation. Evan highlights Monad's mission to build a high-performance, EVM-compatible Layer 1 blockchain, enabling smoother experiences for developers and users. The conversation delves into the importance of parallel execution environments for multi-agent systems, predicting a future with billions of on-chain agents before billions of human users. They also discuss the role of ecosystem building, flexibility in adapting to the crypto industry's rapid changes, and supporting founders and innovative projects. Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction00:33 - Exploring AI-Driven User Experiences in Crypto08:19 - Performance and Compatibility in the EVM 11:36 - Lessons in Ecosystem Building in Crypto14:42 - Comparing Early Blockchain Experiences16:13 - Bringing Professional Standards to Crypto18:47 - Building a Founder-Friendly Ecosystem at Monad20:35 - Innovations in DeFi, Consumer Tech, and AI25:26 - Engaging Founders and CommunitiesDisclaimer: The hosts and the firms they represent may hold stakes in the companies mentioned in this podcast. None of this is financial advice.

Nightlife Tech Guru Peter Marks, a software developer and technology commentator from Access Informatics, joined Philip Clark on Nightlife to discuss the latest news in technology. 

Craig Shapiro of Collaborative Fund joins Nick to discuss The Villain Test, Lessons from an OG at Sequoia, Spotting Superstars at Seed, Mastering Follow-on, and the Future of Consumer Tech. In this episode we cover: Mission-Driven Founders and Impact Investing Future of Consumer Products and Personalization Consumer Behavior and Building Long-Term Brands Data Privacy and Consumer Behavior Later-Stage Investing and Identifying Breakouts Hiring and Talent Development The Villain Test and Consumer Decision-Making Guest Links: Craig's LinkedIn Collab Fund's LinkedIn Collab Fund's Website Twitter/X Collab Fund Twitter The host of The Full Ratchet is Nick Moran of New Stack Ventures, a venture capital firm committed to investing in founders outside of the Bay Area. Want to keep up to date with The Full Ratchet? Follow us on social. You can learn more about New Stack Ventures by visiting our LinkedIn and Twitter. Are you a founder looking for your next investor? Visit our free tool VC-Rank and we'll send a list of potential investors right to your inbox!

“ Instincts are not wrong — intellect can only capture so much of instinct. It has is a much bigger part of the funnel.” Srikant Nayak is Google's Director of Marketing in APAC for the Play Store, Chrome, Chromebooks, and Google One. Srikant has spent 18+ years as a marketing leader working on billion dollar brands across industries in Asia, from Consumer Tech to QSR and CPG. Prior to Google, Srikant served as Yum! Brand Asia's Chief Marketing Officer & Chief Strategy Officer. Srikant got his career start at P&G working in Fabric Care & Baby Care across India and ASEAN Markets. Srikant has a personal passion for being a culture champion and growing people. You'll enjoy this candid conversation on honing and trusting our instincts to navigate those sliding door moments in our careers and lives. This episode is hosted by P&G Alum Sudha Ranganathan, who's spent over 19 years in diverse Marketing leadership roles at companies like P&G, PayPal, and LinkedIn where she's honed her passion for customer-centric marketing and talent development.

Join Unity Stoakes and Logan Plaster for a special podcast episode dedicated to their experience at CES 2025 in Las Vegas this past week. Hear their insights on: The rise of health tech at the world's largest consumer electronics show Key trends observed in the AARP AgeTech Collaborative and Eureka Park The future of innovation in areas like wearable technology and assistive devices The role of events like CES in advancing health moonshots This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and healthcare. Tune in now to gain valuable insights from CES 2025! Are you ready to tell YOUR story? Members of our Health Moonshot Communities are leading startups with breakthrough technology-driven solutions for the world's biggest health challenges. Exposure in StartUp Health Media to our global audience of investors and partners – including our podcast, newsletters, magazine, and YouTube channel – is a benefit of our Health Moonshot Community Showcase Membership. To schedule a call and see if you qualify to join and increase brand awareness through our multi-media storytelling efforts, submit our three-minute application. If you're mission-driven, collaborative, and ready to contribute as much as you gain, you might be the perfect fit. Learn more and apply today. Want more content like this? Sign up for StartUp Health Insider™ to get funding insights, news, and special updates delivered to your inbox.

Julia Krieger is an experienced venture investor and startup founder who recently co-founded PariPassu, a private investor app that gives fellow founders, operators, and accredited investors access to angel invest in the most highly competitive deals in the venture ecosystem and be a part of the village that helps these founders succeed. As Managing Partner at Pari Passu Venture Partners (PPVP), a founder-led, founder-backed early-stage venture firm investing in the future of commerce, SaaS, and consumer tech, Julia has backed 19 companies to date. Previously Julia founded and ran VillageLuxe, a venture-backed peer-to-peer luxury rental marketplace, for which she was awarded the Forbes 30 Under 30 accolade. She was also an investor at Insight Partners, investing over $100M in SaaS and marketplace companies globally. Julia serves on the board of YPO Metro New York and is active in the Harvard alumni communities.

On this episode of the Crazy Wisdom Podcast, host Stewart Alsop welcomes Swati Chaturvedi, CEO of Propel X, to explore the world of deep tech, frontier technology, and the forces shaping the future of human progress. Swati shares her decade-long journey in deep tech, reflecting on how the term evolved as a response to the "tech startup" boom, and discusses her focus on companies leveraging breakthroughs in science and engineering for humanity's advancement. The conversation touches on the role of government support, the power of hypothesis-free experimentation, and the critical importance of partnerships between startups and large corporations. They also discuss transformative technologies like AI, autonomous drones, bioinformatics, robotics, and the possibilities and perils of human augmentation. For more insights from Swati, visit Propel X at www.propelx.com or connect with her on LinkedIn, where she shares her thoughts on innovation, R&D, and the future of technology.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation!Timestamps00:00 Introduction to the Crazy Wisdom Podcast00:16 Defining Deep Tech and Its Evolution03:06 Challenges and Philosophical Insights in Deep Tech07:07 AI's Role in Engineering and Bioinformatics14:22 Future Shock and Human Augmentation14:35 The Evolution of Science and Technology22:58 The Future of Work and Social Dynamics24:06 Exploring Sci-Fi Genres: Cyberpunk vs. Solarpunk25:25 Exploring Solar Punk and Human Problems26:01 The Promise and Limitations of Deep Tech26:39 Economic Realities of Technological Advancements27:16 Future Impact of Emerging Technologies28:58 Challenges in Ag Tech and Environmental Concerns29:30 Global Environmental Change and Human Activity33:53 The Role of Modeling in Predicting Climate Impacts36:22 Scientific Method and Industry Collaboration39:23 Government's Role in Early Stage Research42:34 Investment Strategies in Deep Tech46:27 Consumer and Corporate Markets for New Technologies49:12 Conclusion and Future DiscussionsKey InsightsThe Rise of Deep Tech as a Distinct Category: Swati Chaturvedi explains how the concept of "deep tech" emerged as a response to the overuse of the term "tech startup" during the heyday of consumer technology. Unlike simple software apps like photo-sharing or delivery platforms, deep tech focuses on companies leveraging scientific and engineering breakthroughs to solve fundamental human challenges. This includes innovations in fields like AI, robotics, life sciences, space technology, and advanced materials. Her 2014 blog post defining deep tech has since become a widely referenced resource in the field, signaling a shift in focus from digital consumer solutions to tangible, science-based advancements.The Role of Hypothesis-Free Experimentation: Traditional scientific research follows a hypothesis-driven approach, where scientists predict outcomes before testing. Swati highlights the transformative potential of "hypothesis-free" experimentation, where AI and machine learning allow for large-scale experimentation without predefined assumptions. This approach mirrors the randomness of evolution, enabling faster discovery of unexpected results. Companies like Helix are applying this method in drug discovery, where AI-driven processes identify new therapeutic compounds. This shift could significantly accelerate R&D timelines and reduce costs in fields like pharmaceuticals and materials science.The Power of Government Support in Early-Stage R&D: Swati emphasizes the essential role of government funding in de-risking early-stage research. Through programs like SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) grants, government agencies like the NSF (National Science Foundation) and the Department of Defense (DoD) fund exploratory research at universities and small businesses. These grants act as the "seed fund of America," investing billions annually into high-risk, high-reward projects. Companies that receive these grants often have their private sector investments matched by government dollars, providing significant leverage for investors and entrepreneurs. This public-private funding model enables startups to bridge the "valley of death" between research and commercialization.The Critical Role of Corporate-Startup Partnerships: Swati highlights the importance of partnerships between startups and established corporations, especially in deep tech. These joint development projects allow startups to access resources, validate their markets, and co-develop products with corporate customers. While some founders worry about protecting their intellectual property (IP), Swati believes that the benefits of corporate partnerships outweigh the risks. Corporate collaborations offer crucial early traction and revenue, helping startups de-risk their path to market. This is especially vital in sectors like healthcare, robotics, and clean energy, where the cost of developing and commercializing products is exceptionally high.AI as a Force for Human Augmentation: The episode explores AI's role as an augmentative force rather than a replacement for human intelligence. Swati notes that AI is best understood as a tool that allows humans to multiply their cognitive abilities—processing vast amounts of information, identifying patterns, and making faster connections. This augmentation goes beyond software, extending into physical augmentation with devices like robots and smart tools that help humans accomplish physical tasks. While AI-driven tools like ChatGPT may lead to job displacement, Swati sees it as a natural progression, requiring humans to upskill and shift to higher-value tasks.The Promise and Risks of Climate and Environmental Technologies: Swati identifies climate change and global environmental degradation as existential challenges that even the most advanced deep tech may struggle to address. Technologies like atmospheric water generation, carbon capture, and agtech are making strides, but she notes that they are not yet sufficient to solve global challenges like water scarcity, food security, and air pollution. Drawing from her personal experience with air pollution in India, Swati argues that we need to better price and internalize the "cost of the commons"—the shared environmental resources that are often depleted for private gain. Without a clear economic incentive to prevent environmental harm, she warns that climate issues will continue to escalate.The Future of Space Tech and Human Exploration: Swati expresses optimism about the commercialization of space technology, noting its growing impact on daily life. Technologies like satellite internet (e.g., Starlink) are already improving connectivity in remote areas worldwide. The use of satellites for earth observation, weather tracking, and resource management is also becoming essential for sectors like agriculture and disaster response. Looking ahead, Swati is bullish on the potential for space colonization on the moon and Mars, although she acknowledges the immense technical and ethical challenges involved. While space tech once felt like science fiction, companies like SpaceX have made it tangible and real.

Yash Murali Yash Murali is the Chief Technology Officer at Therabody, a leading wellness technology company known for inventing percussive massage therapy devices. With experience as both a CIO and CTO, Yash has a track record of leading technology teams in private equity-backed companies, driving growth and efficiency. He brings expertise in areas like e-commerce,...

In this episode of Crazy Wisdom, I'm Stewart Alsop, and my guest is Nathan Mintz, CEO and co-founder of CX2. We explore the fascinating world of defense technology, the evolution of electronic warfare, and how consumer tech is reshaping the battlefield. Nathan shares insights from his experiences, including his work with CX2, a company focused on building affordable, scalable electronic warfare systems for modern conflicts. We also touch on military tech's impact on broader societal trends and dive into the complexities of 21st-century warfare. You can find more about Nathan and CX2 at CX2.com. Nathan also writes on his Substack, Bow Theseus, which you can access via his LinkedIn.Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation!Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:23 The Gundo vs. El Segundo Debate01:32 Tech Hubs in the US: San Francisco vs. LA02:41 Deep Tech and Hard Tech in Various Cities04:59 Military Tech: Software vs. Hardware09:54 The Rise of Consumer-Scale Warfare13:32 Nathan Mintz's Background and Career22:17 The Evolution of Military Strategies26:57 The Evolution of Air Combat Tactics28:29 Vietnam War's Impact on Military Strategy29:23 Asymmetric Warfare and Modern Conflicts31:43 Technological Advances in Warfare34:16 The Role of Drones in Modern Combat38:38 Future of Warfare: Man-Machine Teaming45:13 Electronic Warfare and CX2's Vision46:44 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsKey InsightsThe Rise of Consumer-Scale Warfare: Nathan Mintz discusses how warfare has reached a "consumer scale," with small, affordable, and widely available technologies like drones playing a massive role in modern conflicts. In Ukraine, for instance, inexpensive drones are regularly used to take out much larger, multi-million-dollar military assets. This shift shows how accessible tech is transforming the nature of warfare.The Importance of Spectrum Dominance: A central theme of the conversation is the increasing importance of controlling the electromagnetic spectrum in modern warfare. Mintz explains that the ability to maintain secure communications, disrupt enemy signals, and ensure the operation of autonomous systems is critical. As battlefields become more technologically complex, controlling the spectrum becomes as important as physical dominance.Hard Tech's Role in Military Innovation: Nathan highlights the growing importance of hard tech—physical hardware solutions like satellites, drones, and electronic warfare systems—in the defense industry, especially in regions like LA. While software has dominated in areas like San Francisco, LA has become a key hub for aerospace, space tech, and hard tech innovations, crucial for the future of defense technology.Dual-Use Technologies in Defense: A significant insight is the role of dual-use technologies, where products developed for consumer or commercial markets are adapted for military use. Technologies like drones, which have everyday applications, are being repurposed for the battlefield. This shift allows for more cost-effective, scalable solutions to military challenges, marking a departure from traditional defense industry practices.The Future of Manned-Unmanned Teaming: Nathan describes how the future of military operations will involve manned-unmanned teaming, where humans will act as "quarterbacks" managing a fleet of autonomous drones and systems. This strategy is designed to leverage the strengths of AI and automation while keeping humans in the loop to make critical decisions in contested or unpredictable environments.Electronic Warfare as a Key Battlefield Domain: One of Nathan's key points is that electronic warfare is becoming a primary battlefield domain. Modern warfare increasingly involves not just physical attacks but also the disruption of enemy communications, navigation, and targeting systems. This form of warfare can neutralize advanced technologies by jamming signals or launching cyber-attacks, making it a vital aspect of future conflicts.Innovation in Warfare through Startups: Nathan discusses how small defense tech startups like CX2 are becoming crucial to military innovation. These companies are building nimble, affordable solutions for modern challenges, contrasting with the traditional defense contractors that build massive, expensive systems. This shift allows for quicker development and deployment of technologies tailored to the changing face of warfare.

Today, Clark hosts digital advisor Kim Komando to discuss online security including passwords, followed by answers to some tech questions. Komando On Tech Security: Segment 1 Clark Asks Kim Your Tech Questions: Segment 2 Mentioned on the show: 5 Tips To Protect Your Digital Privacy Keeper Security: Password and Secrets Management 1Password: Top-Rated Password Manager for Personal … Dashlane: Password Manager for Home, Mobile and Business What are passkeys? Everything you need to know about the death of passwords California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) What is GDPR, the EU's new data protection law? Appy Pie  /  Thunkable  /  Bubble: The full-stack no-code app builder DuckDuckGo — Privacy, simplified. Startpage - Private Search Engine. No Tracking. Brave: The browser that puts you first The greenest browser on Earth - Ecosia Proton Mail: Get a private, secure, and encrypted email account Hushmail - Encrypted Email, Web Forms & E-Signatures StartMail: Private, Secure and Encrypted Email You Can Trust Phone Plan Finder – Find the Best Plan For You - Clark.com Tech news, tips and tricks | Komando.com Clark.com resources Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's episode is packed with M&A talk, how one YouTuber succeeded at the creator economy, why Twitch is still losing money and an autonomous vehicle company that is making a comeback.First up, Rebecca took a look at fintech giant Stripe's acquisition of four-year-old competitor Lemon Squeezy. The buy will allow Stripe to beef up its merchant of record selling “in a big way,” according to Stripe CEO Patrick Collison. Deal terms weren't disclosed, but Lemon Squeezy has a reputation for turning down other offers, including a $50 million Series A. The company's founder said he was holding out for the right partner to take the business to the next level, and apparently Stripe was it.This comment led Rebecca to explore the idea of M&A as an exit strategy. Does this practice create perverse incentives in venture capital, where investors are becoming more risk-averse and looking for a surer path to regaining capital, at the long-term expense of competition? Other startups have turned down such opportunities so they can go it alone. Just look at Wiz's decision not to get acquired by Google for $23 billion, something we discussed on last Friday's episode. Next, Rebecca touched on MatPat, the first big YouTuber to successfully exit his company, Theorist Media. Matthew Patrick turned his successful video series, The Game Theorists, into a full-fledged media business called Theorist, with 40 million subscribers across channels. But he was getting tired of the ceaseless content uploading, and found a way to convince investors that the business could go on without him. Now, he's in Capitol Hill educating politicians about what creators need to succeed as small businesses. Speaking of creators and acquisitions, Rebecca pulled up a Wall Street Journal report that found that after 10 years, Twitch is still losing Amazon money. Amazon bought Twitch for $1 billion in 2014, but the company still isn't profitable. And will it ever be? Twitch in 2023 generated about $667 million in ad revenue and $1.3 billion in commerce revenue, but that accounted for less than 0.5% of Amazon's total 2023 revenue. Amazon defended its buy, saying Twitch has a long-term path to profitability. But broader trends that seem to favor short-form videos over watching someone play an entire video game live say otherwise. Finally, while we're on the subject of comebacks, autonomous delivery startup Nuro is gearing up for one of its own. Nuro has been quiet for the past year or so after two big rounds of layoffs. Once the darling of the AV industry with over $2 billion in funding from high-profile investors, Nuro was burning money fast as it tried to scale and commercialize all at once. Now, Nuro is back with better AI and a new vehicle, the R3, which it will be testing later this year in the Bay Area and Houston.Equity is TechCrunch's flagship podcast, produced by Theresa Loconsolo, and posts every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify and all the casts. You also can follow Equity on X and Threads, at @EquityPod. For the full episode transcript, for those who prefer reading over listening, check out our full archive of episodes over at Simplecast. Credits: Equity is produced by Theresa Loconsolo with editing by Kell. Bryce Durbin is our Illustrator. We'd also like to thank the audience development team and Henry Pickavet, who manages TechCrunch audio products.

To kick off this week's news roundup, Kirsten walked us through Elon Musk's recent declaration of his intent to move both SpaceX and X's headquarters out of California to Texas. Whether or not he'll see those plans through remains to be seen, but of course, the Equity crew had thoughts.We then got into the deals of the week. First up, we talked about Sequoia Capital's emailing LPs in funds raised between 2009 and 2011 with an offer to buy up to $861 million worth of shares in Stripe. The move is notable for two reasons. For one, it's evidence that LPs are increasingly antsy for liquidity in this dry IPO market. (2024 thus far has delivered just four venture-backed tech IPOs — Reddit, Astera Labs, Ibotta and Rubrik — in March and April.) The Equity team also discussed how Sequoia's gesture reflects that the firm is confident not only of Stripe's future, but in its ability to eventually exit in a way that will reward investors handsomely.Next up, Rebecca Bellan led a discussion as to how Andrej Karpathy, former head of AI at Tesla and researcher at OpenAI, is launching Eureka Labs, an “AI native” education platform. We had a lively discussion on Karpathy's new initiative and when and how AI is appropriate in the classroom.We closed out the deals segment with Mary Ann's scoop on PartnerOne's acquisition of HeadSpin, a company whose founder was sentenced to prison for fraud earlier this year. Employees were upset that they got nothing for their options as part of the buyout, which Marina Temkin this week reported was valued at a mere $28 million.The group then got into an in-depth conversation about Silicon Valley's involvement in the election this year. Former President Donald Trump this week picked Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as his running mate, as he runs to reclaim the office he lost to President Joe Biden in 2020. Vance, who's best known for his memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy,” spent years as a venture capitalist before leaving the industry when elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022. We also talked about Andreessen Horowitz's controversial vocal support of Trump and the startup-related reasons why its leaders are backing the Republican nominee. We wrapped up Equity with a look at Latin America's startup scene and how it rebounded in funding in the second quarter, boosted by late-stage funding in the fintech sector.It was a great episode, so give it a listen!Equity is TechCrunch's flagship podcast, produced by Theresa Loconsolo, and posts every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify and all the casts.You also can follow Equity on X and Threads, at @EquityPod. For the full episode transcript, for those who prefer reading over listening, check out our full archive of episodes over at Simplecast. Credits: Equity is produced by Theresa Loconsolo with editing by Kell. Bryce Durbin is our Illustrator. We'd also like to thank the audience development team and Henry Pickavet, who manages TechCrunch audio products.

Chris explains why folks might want to consider commercial or consumer grade technology. Plus Apple green lights Epic Games Store. And the robotization of warehouse operations continues in Japan with help from the UK's Ocado.Starring Tom Merritt, Chris Ashley, Roger Chang, Joe.Link to the Show Notes.

Chris explains why folks might want to consider commercial or consumer grade technology. Plus Apple and Epic Games Store tussle over buttons. And the robotization of warehouse operations continues in Japan with help from the UK's Ocado. Starring Tom Merritt, Chris Ashley, Roger Chang, Joe. To read the show notes in a separate page click here! Support the show on Patreon by becoming a supporter!

CES preview The NY Times Lawsuit Against OpenAI A New Kind of AI Copy Can Fully Replicate Famous People. The Law Is Powerless. Elon Musk Has Used Illegal Drugs, Worrying Leaders at Tesla and SpaceX Microsoft's keyboards and mice will live on under a unique new partnership A physical keyboard for your iPhone RIP: Software design pioneer Niklaus Wirth Host: Leo Laporte Guests: Amy Webb, Christina Warren, and Devindra Hardawar Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-tech Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: lookout.com drata.com/twit NetSuite.com/TWIT bitwarden.com/twit