We kick off our crypto series with Dune Analytics CEO and Founder Frederik Haga about crypto on-chain analytics (37:23). But first, Jason covers Uber’s piloting long-distance travel bookings in the UK, Twitter’s edit button announcement, Open AI’s new Dall-E 2 product, and does a quick CNN Plus review! (00:00) Jason intros the show (01:44) Uber testing long distance travel (07:34) Twitter adding edit button (14:30) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist (15:3...
Apr 06, 2022•1 hr 11 min
Antonio Garcia Martinez (Chaos Monkeys, The Pull Request) and Zach Coelius (Investor, Coelius Capital) join to discuss a wide range of news topics including Antonio's trip to Ukraine, the one-click company Fast closing down, Elon Musk joining Twitter's board, Apple taking on Facebook in ads (and how it will impact the battle for Ar/VR), crypto regulation and more! (00:00) Intro (01:08) Jason catches up with AGM & Zach Coelius (11:03) Vanta - Get $1,000 off automating your SOC 2 at https://va...
Apr 06, 2022•1 hr 44 min
First, Jason and Molly discuss Elon buying a 9.2% stake in Twitter (01:50). Then, Dave Samuel of Freestyle VC joins (23:18) for a discussion on early stage investing. Freestyle invested early in startups including Airtable, Patreon and Intercom. We talk about how fund size dictates strategy, how to give feedback to founders (especially when it's a no) and more. (00:00) Jason and Molly intro today’s show (01:50) Elon takes 9.2% stake in Twitter, TWTR stock up ~28% today (11:09) Masterworks - Skip...
Apr 05, 2022•1 hr 2 min
Sunday double-header! In the opening VC Sunday School segment, Jason discusses deal flow (1:43), you will learn: 1. Inbound vs. outbound deal flow 2. Tactics VCs use to streamline their deal flow 3. Jason's philosophy on responding to founders - Your process is my opportunity Then, Molly chats with Jason Jacobs of My Climate Journey about scaling climate tech investing, inspiring people to solve climate problems and the tangible value of community (21:27). (00:00) Jason and Molly introduce the s...
Apr 03, 2022•1 hr 7 min
First Jason and Molly discuss instant delivery company GoPuff and 1-click checkout company Fast making layoffs (2:22). Then, Bradley Tusk of Tusk Ventures joins to discuss Uber’s Taxi strategy in NYC, sports betting and tech regulation (40:06). Then in our Ok Boomer segment Rachel talks to Akash Raju, co-founder of Glimpse, brands pay Glimpse a subscription fee for the products to be featured in short-term rentals (1:36:47). (00:00) Jason and Molly intro the show (02:22) GoPuff to layoff ~3% of ...
Apr 01, 2022•1 hr 51 min
Lon Harris joins us for This Week in Streaming to break down WeCrashed episode 4 AND The Dropout episode 6 (1:54). Then, we have David Rodolitz, the CEO and Co-Founder of FlyFish Club, which is NYC’s first NFT restaurant (45:20). (00:00) Jason and Molly intro the show (01:54) Lon Harris on WeCrashed (12:23) Odoo - Get your first app free and a $1000 credit at https://odoo.com/twist (13:33) The persuasive power of Adam Neuman (16:09) Shifting to discuss The Dropout (22:55) OpenPhone - Get an extr...
Mar 31, 2022•1 hr 14 min
First up, Taylor Lorenz joins to talk about her newest scoop for the Washington Post: Facebook hired a GOP firm to trash TikTok (2:18)! Then, we discuss the SEC considering cracking down on SPACs (39:40), lastly we cover Fast, a 500-person one-click checkout startup, reportedly generating less than $1M in revenue (1:01:14). Read Taylor's Article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/03/30/facebook-tiktok-targeted-victory/ Taylor Lorenz’s book: www.goodreads.com/book/show/58818667-extre...
Mar 30, 2022•1 hr 12 min
First we explain the $625M hack of Axie Infinity’s Ronin Bridge (1:34), then we discuss the engineers at Twilio who allegedly insider traded (17:30). Next we discuss Robinhood extending its trading window by four hours a day (29:50) and wrap with our startup of the day is Subject, a company providing high school courses for credit online (37:39). 00:00 Molly tees up today's topics 01:34 Axie Infinity’s Ronin blockchain was hacked for over $600M 13:31 Wealthfront - Get your first $5,000 managed f...
Mar 30, 2022•55 min
All news show. First, we recap the Oscars, including "The Slap" and Apple winning Best Picture (02:17). Then, we discuss $32B crypto derivate exchange FTX not having investors on its Board of Directors (42:45), Apple's reported hardware subscription (01:02:12) and Jason's Hot Tub story (01:09:57). (00:00) Jason and Molly intro the show (02:17) Talking about the 2022 Oscars slap: initial thoughts, reactions, etc. (11:47) LinkedIn - Post your first job for free at https://linkedIn.com/twist (13:18...
Mar 29, 2022•1 hr 14 min
Sunday Double-header! First, in VC Sunday School, Jason explains non-dilutive funding's impact on startups (2:18). Then, Molly interviews Continuum Ag Founder Mitchell Hora. His company helps farmers analyze their soil and create a roadmap improve it via a holistic approach known as regenerative agriculture (21:33). (00:00) Jason and Molly tee-up the show (02:18) VCSS: Discussing non-dilutive funding (12:37) Intercom - Get advanced Intercom features and Early Stage Academy at a 95% discount http...
Mar 27, 2022•57 min
Another Friday variety show! First up, Jason and Molly break down the 16-year old hacking phenom who was allegedly behind the recent hacks at Microsoft, Nvidia and Okta, and might have just been caught (1:13). Then, the duo covers Molly's induction into LIBSYN's Podcasting Hall of Fame (6:46) and reminisces on the early days of podcasting including their first podcast together over 16 years ago (11:19). Finally, Producer Rachel is back with another edition of OK Boomer, this time with Miami Hack...
Mar 26, 2022•50 min
Lon Harris joins Molly and Jason to talk WeCrashed, The Dropout and Super Pumped! First, they play a round of "Boff, Marry, Kill" between the three shows (1:16), before breaking down the first three episodes of WeCrashed (16:15) and the two lead performances (24:25). They finish with a quick chat on The Dropout and examine the potential of a "tech cinematic universe" (34:15).
Mar 25, 2022•1 hr 3 min
Jason and Molly take on another Five in Five! Five stories in (a little over) five minutes each: Katie Haun's record-breaking $1.5B debut web3 fund (2:50), Yuga Labs raising $450M at a $4B valuation (12:42), Apple's potential BNPL play (25:23), Worldcoin's $100M raise and privacy concerns (29:59) and Nothing's new iPhone competitor (40:13). Then, Molly talks to ChroniFI Founder & CEO Ben Miller on building a consumer software product that helps people plan for financial independence. (48:59)...
Mar 24, 2022•1 hr 1 min
Tuesday news day! Jason and Molly break down the following stories: Apple's "new" creator tools, and brainstorming on how they could dominate podcasting again (2:23), Jeff Bezos' letter to shareholders from 2000, when Amazon's share price was down ~80% from its dot-com bubble peak (16:02), understanding search funds and why elite MBA grads are raising them (38:23). Finally, they wrap with a WLiTF segment about the FDNY purchasing a couple of Boston Dynamics "robodogs" to help with search and res...
Mar 23, 2022•55 min
Monday news! Jason and Molly have some big stories to discuss: Sequoia's new "catalyst" program, called Arc (2:37), SEC considering mandating climate disclosures from public companies (19:21), another Startup of the Day (33:28), and they wrap by covering some interesting ongoings at Disney regarding its new CEO and Bob Iger (41:13). 0:00 Jason and Molly intro today’s news: Sequoia debuts Arc, SEC to vote on disclosures of emissions/climate risks, Startup of the day: Heirloom, Disney's CEO fallou...
Mar 22, 2022•59 min
Sunday Double-header! First, in VC Sunday School, Jason discusses and defends his pro rata strategy (1:26). Then, Molly interviews ClimateCheck founder Cal Inman. His company analyzes and risk-rates real estate based on expected changes to the world’s climate (14:43)! Show Notes (00:00) Pro Rata VC Sunday School + Assessing Climate Risk (01:26) Why some investors warn against Super Pro Rata (08:02) Is there an advantage to having more investors on the cap table? (13:27) Embroker - Get an extra 1...
Mar 20, 2022•45 min
First, Jason and Molly rip through the news (1:44). They cover looming layoffs at two Chinese tech giants (2:31), Google getting back into the AR glasses race with a new acquisition (7:27), chaos in the instant delivery space (13:15), and Yuga Labs launching $APE coin, a BAYC token. (24:58) Then, Producer Rachel interviews Smirk founder Preson Attebery on mobile gaming, the future of social gaming, and more! (33:00) 0:00 Jason and Molly tee up today's topics! 1:44 Rapid fire news! 2:31 Alibaba &...
Mar 20, 2022•1 hr 8 min
We chat film expert, podcaster, and Inside.com writer Lon Harris to talk about tech's latest streaming series The Dropout and Super Pumped! After that conversation, Molly sits down with LAUNCH founder Nick McHenry for a quick interview about his startup OneShop (1:08:00). Show Notes: (00:00) Jason and Molly intro today’s show: Reviewing shows “The Dropout” and “Super Pumped” with Lon Harris, interview w/Nick McHenry of OneShop (02:07) Catching up w/OG TWiST cast member Lon Harris (09:31) Vanta -...
Mar 18, 2022•1 hr 19 min
We wrap up Angel Season 6 on First Time Funds with Pharrell Williams-signed rocker turned investor D.A. Wallach of TimeBio Ventures (32:23). But first, we do 4 rapid-fire news topics: Spotify spent ~$307M on FC Barcelona naming rights (2:56), AMC acquired a 22% stake in gold miner (10:29), Ex-Disney CEO Bob Iger joins the NFT avatar company Genies’ Board (16:14) and we break down the anatomy of two alleged NFT grifts (22:35). (00:00) Jason and Molly intro the show: Spotify & FC Barcelona, AM...
Mar 17, 2022•1 hr 30 min
First, we discuss a new Layer 1 blockchain called Aptos, valued at $1B in a recent round led by a16z (2:42). Then discuss MetaMask’s parent Consensys raising 450M at a $7B valuation (39:47). Our startup of the day is Mojo, which is building a stock market-like product to “bet on athletes” (51:35). Next, we do a post-mortem for our "shutdown of the day," Zero Grocery, a grocery delivery company that closed down this month after announcing raising $12M a month ago (59:06). To wrap, Jason chats wit...
Mar 16, 2022•1 hr 29 min
It's an all-news show. We discuss Blue Origin selecting Pete Davidson to go space (2:47), Clearview AI offering their facial recognition services to the Ukrainian government (24:58), the NYT launching a Telegram channel and semiconductor slowdowns forcing Ford to ship Explorers without rear AC controls (44:00). Show Notes: (00:00) Jason and Molly intro today’s topics: Blue Origin & Pete Davidson, NYT Telegram, Clearview AI (02:47) Blue Origin sending Pete Davidson to space 3/23 (14:41) Lemon...
Mar 15, 2022•53 min
Sunday double-header. First, Jason and Molly discuss the impact of large funds on the startup ecosystem, how fund size influences firm strategy and why big funds often seed smaller funds (2:21). For the This Week in Climate Startups segment, Molly chats with Taj Ahmad Eldridge from Include Ventures (29:42). They discuss: 1. How Taj's experience with negative health impacts from pollution helped guide his investing focus 2. Include Venture's unique fund of funds and direct investment strategy 3. ...
Mar 13, 2022•1 hr 7 min
It’s a variety show. First Jason and Molly do six rapid fire news topics (2:10) including: Rivian’s lowered guidance, Biden briefing TikTok influencers on Ukraine, declining NFT volume, creator economy wins, Biden’s Crypto executive order and Peloton’s new pricing pilot. Then, hard-tech investor Jai Malik of Countdown Capital joins (42:22) for Angel Season 6 “First Time Funds.” Finally, producer Rachel has another edition of OK Boomer, this time she talks viral marketing and new ways of fundrais...
Mar 12, 2022•2 hr 13 min
Jason and Molly discuss Ryan Breslow's new startup Love.com (2:03), Bain Capital Crypto’s new $550M fund announcement that backfired on Twitter (14:49). Then, Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman join to discuss the current real estate market and how policies are are promoting a nation of renters (54:28). Plus, Glenn turns the tables on Jason and Molly to ask them a few questions. Show Notes: 00:00 Jason and Molly intro the show: Ryan Breslow news, Bain Capital Crypto’s unaware tweet, diversity in the workpl...
Mar 10, 2022•2 hr 10 min
First Jason and Molly recap the Apple event, including the new Mac Studio release (1:53). Then they discuss Pony AI's $8.5B Series D (34:41). Next, Cruise CEO Kyle Vogt joins to discuss launching their driverless service in SF (46:40), their custom-built zero-emission shared vehicle the "Origin" (1:01:06), and self-driving maturity. Show Notes: (00:00) Jason and Molly intro today’s topics: thoughts on new Apple products, interview with Kyle Vogt of Cruise (01:53) Jason and Molly talk about the M...
Mar 09, 2022•1 hr 31 min
"Sequoia Capital is the greatest venture capital firm of all time. It's indisputable." - Jason Jason chats with Sequoia's Doug Leone, a leader who shepherded the firm for four decades. They discuss great founders, governance, Sequoia's global expansion, mentoring the next generation of investors and more. (00:00) Jason intros today’s legendary interview w/ Doug Leone of Sequoia Capital (01:14) When Doug Leone got his start (11:00) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first pur...
Mar 09, 2022•1 hr 14 min
First, Jason and Molly cover the news of Alumni Ventures Group getting charged by the SEC for misleading investors about their management fees (1:56). AVG had to repay $4.7M to investors and paid $800,000 in a settlement. Next, we briefly touch on Index Ventures stopping their investments in Russia (24:56). Then, Radiant Energy Fund Managing Director Mark Nelson joins to make the case for nuclear power and explain why many countries have chosen to decrease their nuclear capacity (40:03). (00:00)...
Mar 08, 2022•1 hr 31 min
Another Sunday double-header edition! First Jason leads a VC Sunday School session on how to react when companies try and skip steps and raise larger rounds (2:51). Plus, how Pegasus (or Alicorn) companies can end up being much better investments than traditional Unicorns. Then, for This Week in Climate Startups, Molly chats with Andrew Beebe of Obvious Ventures (18:47). You will learn: 1. Andrew's focus within climate tech (electric mobility, carbon and carbon markets) 2. How Andrew's first sta...
Mar 06, 2022•58 min
First Jason and Molly cover Google is bringing employees back to the office three times per week starting in early April (1:41), Snowflake dropping 15% after reporting strong earnings, Slack’s slowing growth within Salesforce. After the news, Molly sits down with Alyse Killeen of Stillmark to continue Season 6 of Angel: First-time funds (38:10). We wrap with Producer Rachel's interview with Kai Han of Pallet, which is building a platform for creators to curate job boards (1:11:50). 00:00 Jason a...
Mar 04, 2022•1 hr 55 min
Cana is back on the podcast, previously David Friedberg teased the "molecular beverage printer" on E1365. This time, we speak and to CEO Matt Mahar about pricing, their go-to-market plans, their cartridge subscription process, Cana's potential climate impact, current flavors and more! Molly was the first outsider to tour their facility and she tried a whole bunch of beverages from the Cana One . (0:00) Jason and Molly tee up today’s topics: a deep dive on the just-launched Cana product! (1:30) M...
Mar 03, 2022•1 hr 6 min
