Hello and welcome back to Equity, a podcast about the business of startups. We’re here to unpack the numbers and nuance behind the headlines.
This week was a special episode, as we recorded live on Twitter Spaces with some of our favorite Equity family members. It was great to hang out and chat with each other in real-time! And if you’re planning on attending Disrupt this year, make sure to use the code "EQUITY" to save 15% on your ticket.
Now, let’s get into the show notes for today’s episode:
Deals of the Week
We’ve got three exciting deals to share with you this week:
Stacked: A Web3 Twist on Twitch
- Stacked is a web3 platform that’s taking on the popular live streaming service Twitch. With a focus on community building and monetization, Stacked is looking to revolutionize the way creators engage with their audiences.
- Led by CEO Tim Li, Stacked has secured significant funding from top venture capital firms.
Astro: Connecting Latin American Developers to American Companies
- Astro is a platform that aims to connect developers in Latin America with companies in the United States. By providing a streamlined process for collaboration and communication, Astro is bridging the gap between two major tech hubs.
- With a focus on scalability and user experience, Astro is poised to make a significant impact in the global tech industry.
Anchor: Building a BaaS Platform in Africa
- Anchor is building a business-as-a-service (BaaS) platform in Africa. By providing a robust infrastructure for businesses to operate, Anchor is looking to transform the way companies do commerce on the continent.
- With a strong focus on security and compliance, Anchor is setting itself up for success in a highly competitive market.
Big Changes at Y Combinator
Y Combinator (YC) has recently undergone some significant changes. As one of the most prominent venture capital firms in the world, managing over $3.2 billion in assets, these shifts are worth noting:
- Executive Shift: Just ahead of their demo day next week, YC announced a change in leadership.
- These executive moves will undoubtedly impact the firm’s strategy and decision-making process.
Real Estate Focused Fintech Startups: Burning Too Much Money
Mary Ann walked us through some of the challenges facing real estate-focused fintech startups. One major issue is that they’re burning too much money:
- Better.com: We had to mention Better.com again, as it continues to be a topic of discussion in the fintech space.
- This company’s struggles serve as a cautionary tale for other real estate focused fintech startups.
Layoffs at Snap and Clearco
We also discussed the recent layoffs at Snap and Clearco. While vastly different companies, both stories share some common themes:
- Layoffs: Both Snap and Clearco have had to make significant cuts in their workforce.
- This trend highlights the challenges many startups are facing as they navigate a rapidly changing market.
Upcoming Events
Don’t forget that we’ll be recording live at Disrupt this year! Use the code "EQUITY" to save 15% on your ticket. We’re excited to connect with our audience and share more insights into the world of startups.
Equity drops every Monday at 7 a.m. PDT and Wednesday and Friday at 6 a.m. PDT
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If you have any feedback or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always looking for ways to improve and provide more value to our listeners.
Thank you for tuning in this week! Until next time…
Equity is hosted by Alex Wilhelm, Natasha Mascarenhas, and Mary Ann Azevedo
About the Hosts
- Alex Wilhelm: Senior Reporter at TechCrunch. He covers markets, venture capital, and startups.
- Natasha Mascarenhas: Senior Reporter at TechCrunch. She focuses on early-stage startups and venture capital trends.
- Mary Ann Azevedo: Sr. Reporter at TechCrunch. With over a decade of experience in journalism, she covers a wide range of topics including real estate, fintech, and more.
We appreciate your continued support and look forward to sharing more insights with you on the next episode!
