The Self-Driving Unicorn You Need to Meet & MicroStrategy's Bitcoin Bet | E2052

Join us as we chat with Alex Kendall, Co-Founder & CEO of Wayve, about their unique approach to autonomous driving and AI technology. We dive into the LiDAR vs. camera-first debate, exploring economic and strategic considerations for autonomous vehicles. Discover Wayve's deployment plans, future market scenarios, and the autonomy subscription model. We also discuss AI driving behavior, driving culture, and provide a Twist 500 update. The episode shifts to MicroStrategy's Bitcoin strategy, including a convertible debt analysis. We wrap up with insights into complex business models and investor advice, along with an invitation to Michael Saylor for future discussions.

TWiST News: Startups & Wealth Taxes, The Bitcoin Boom, and The OpenAI Browser | E2051

This episode begins by examining Norway's proposed exit and unrealized capital gains taxes, exploring their impact on startup formation and the broader economic landscape. We delve into the implications of Norway's wealth tax, the exodus of top taxpayers, and the paradox it presents. The discussion shifts to Dune Analytics' revenue growth and new product launch, alongside Norway's international branding and Bitcoin's regulatory stance. We analyze Michael Saylor's Bitcoin strategy, market risks, and crypto wealth diversification. The episode also covers OpenAI's new browser project, CoreWeave's IPO, and Bitcoin market dynamics, concluding with a preview of upcoming topics.

How Startups Can Crush Enterprise AI Sales | E2050

This episode explores the transformative role of AI in modern workflows, starting with Yahoo's evolution and Anthropic's recent funding. We examine AI spending trends in enterprises, particularly in healthcare and legal sectors, and highlight popular AI use cases. The discussion shifts to the role of large language models in content creation and workflow automation, followed by advances in generative AI applications. We address enterprise generative AI spending, ROI, and budget expansion, offering insights into selecting tools and opportunities for AI-first startups. The episode concludes with a look at AI training for market verticals, the future of AGI, and a recap of enterprise AI trends, ending with a lightning round on personal investments.

TWiST News: Nvidia's AI Edge, Google Might Have to Sell Chrome, and Founder Fridays Updates | E2049

This episode starts with a tech news overview, then delves into Google's antitrust case and the DOJ's proposed remedies. We discuss Nvidia's strong market performance and its AI chip development, including the Blackwell architecture. The episode also covers Google's dominance in advertising, potential Chrome divestiture, and Brave browser's privacy-focused competition. We examine AI's role in search technology and the DOJ's impact on smaller search engines. Finally, we share insights into Google's growth strategies, founder culture, and highlights from the Founder Fridays initiative, featuring experiences from Longview, Texas with Kitty and Coco.

TWiST News: Venture-Backed Defense Startups, Anti-Drone Guns, and Querio's AI Data Platform | E2048

Jason and Alex dig into why Nvidia's latest earnings report is such a big deal, and how the chip giant could help keep the AI hype alive. Or, how it could poke a hole in market enthusiasm. The pair also welcome the CEO of Allen Control Systems to discuss building venture-backed defense companies. Then, the CEO of Querio joins the show to show off what his company has built.

TWiST News: Netflix Goes Live, The FCC Revamp, Free Speech, and Regulatory Shifts | E2046

Alex Wilhelm joins Jason to discuss Netflix's 'fight' night, exploring content rights, media models, and the fragmentation of sports. They then covered Brendan Carr's promotion to FCC chair, a win for satellite Internet but raising concerns about business interference. The conversation shifted to global social media regulation before examining the tech community's excitement about Emil Michael potentially leading the Department of Transportation.

Misaligned Incentives Between GPs and Founders with Altimeter's Jamin Ball | E2045

In this episode, Jamin Ball and Alex Wilhelm explore the intricate dynamics between venture capitalists and founders, focusing on incentive alignment and the demand for venture capital allocation. They compare returns from small versus large venture funds and discuss the effects of rapid fundraising cycles on founders. The conversation delves into the impact of venture capital on startup M&A activity and the valuation disparities between public and private markets. They offer insights on the future of startup liquidity, AI's role in startup growth, and trends in SaaS multiples. Jamin shares his investment outlook and expectations for IPOs and startup exits in the coming year, highlighting promising companies and market differentiation.

TWiST News: Face Robots, Solar's Growth, The Polymarket Mess, and more | E2044

Jason and Alex host Phil Deutch, CEO of NGP Energy Tech Partners, to discuss solar power’s potential in the energy crunch fueled by data center growth. They then explored the FBI's raid on Polymarket’s CEO, and wrapped up with Y Combinator’s latest startup requests, including Alex’s space venture dreams and Jason’s interest in AI-proof jobs.

TWiST News: Underwater Drones, Robot Swarms, and Klarna's Going Public | E2043

Join Jason Calacanis and Alex Wilhelm as they chat with Nelson Mills from VATN Systems about the Torsk's role in defense, highlighting cost efficiency and speed. They delve into military drone applications and the strategic importance of Rhode Island's shipbuilding. The discussion covers fundraising in defense tech amid global tensions, underwater drone tech, and communication hurdles. They also explore LG's stretchable screens, Deep Robotics' quadruped robot, and the role of robotics in warfare and cybersecurity. Lastly, they analyze the fintech market, Klarna's IPO, political impacts on valuations, and AI's effect on jobs and the economy.

TWiST News: Serve Robotics, High Skill Immigration, and the Trump Trade | E2042

Alex Wilhelm joins Jason to discuss Serve Robotics’ self-driving robots, delivery economics, and building while public with CEO Ali Kashani. Then, the pair dug into high-skill immigration under the upcoming administration and massive price gains in stocks and crypto assets. Alex wondered if the stock market isn't overvalued, full-stop, but both hosts agreed that enthusiasm is hot heading into the new year.

TWiST News: Reddit Earnings, Apple Intelligence, and more AI money | E2041

Alex Wilhelm joins Jason to discuss Apple’s on-device AI and its privacy implications, Reddit’s earnings, and Amazon’s multi-billion dollar investment interest in Anthropic with strategic chip conditions. They also discuss economic indicators like inflation’s impact on voter sentiment and what metrics will define success for the next administration. Finally, they explore how product velocity has been key to Toast’s SaaS success and share valuable lessons for startup growth.

TWiST News: Skydio's Drones, High-Skill immigration, and M&A Unleashed | E2040

This episode delves into the post-election landscape, examining economic and policy concerns. Adam Bry, CEO of Skydio, discusses the role of autonomous drones in public safety and defense, highlighting Skydio's position as a leading US drone manufacturer amid Chinese sanctions. The conversation addresses the future of drone technology, cybersecurity, and geopolitical impacts on American companies. The episode also analyzes Trump's political victory, exploring its implications for entrepreneurship, high-skilled immigration, and antitrust policies. Additionally, it covers startup liquidity, secondary markets, and the future of search engines under Trump's presidency.

Insane Demands of AI & Datacenters: Exowatt’s Mission for Affordable, Sustainable Power| E2039

In this episode, host Alex sits down with Exowatt’s Hannan Parvizian to explore how the company is addressing the massive energy demands of AI and datacenters. They discuss Exowatt's mission to deliver affordable, sustainable power solutions that meet the needs of a rapidly expanding tech landscape. Together, they dive into the challenges and innovations shaping the future of clean energy for data-heavy applications.

AI in Gaming, Nvidia and GPU Clouds, Nuclear Energy Challenges, and Waymo Updates E2038

The episode explores AI's role in gaming with Descartes' AI-generated video game and its potential impact. Jason discusses viral growth strategies for startups and Runway AI's video creation innovations. Financial topics include NVIDIA's market value and Amazon's nuclear power ambitions.

Grape-picking robots, startup investing for all, and the earnings numbers you need to know | E2037

The episode begins with a look at election prediction markets. Jason and Dr. Chang Liu from Extend Robotics discuss the challenges of real-world automation, focusing on robotic grape picking and human-in-the-loop AI. They explore teleoperation and the future of robotic harvesting. The conversation then shifts to AI's impact on global remote work, salary standards, and UK tech dynamics. The episode also covers OpenAI's latest announcements, Google's financials, and AI's role in democratizing education. A lively audience Q&A wraps up the discussion, exploring sectors where AI could have a significant impact.

Fast growth, big capital, and how Moniepoint is building a fintech unicorn in Africa | E2036

Moniepoint made waves this week by raising a massive $110 million Series C. For a startup in a category (fintech) that has seen its venture fortunes falter and a company building for the African market (which has seen its venture inflows slow), Moniepoint is an outlier – twice. Three times if you consider how quickly the company has grown in recent years. How did its round come together? How was it priced? And why aren’t more investors putting capital to work in Africa? Tune in, we have answers.

AI-Driven Auto Shops with Mastertech.ai and Data Observability with Monte Carlo | E2035

Alex Wilhelm interviews leaders from Monte Carlo and Mastertech.ai, exploring their roles in data observability and AI applications. Linda Gray shares her journey founding Mastertech.ai and highlighting AI's transformative role in auto shops. Monte Carlo's Lior Gavish discusses the importance of data downtime and AI's influence on data monitoring.

TWiST News: The Startup Redefining Sonos, Influencers, Elections and Google's next AI push | E2034

Sonos director Mattias Scheek joins Jason & Alex to discuss his journey in audio technology and Sonos acquisition. Then, Jason and Alex dive into election security (34:57), influencer marketing, Google’s upcoming AI release, and more!

Merge's Unified API Bet in the AI Era | E2033

Alex is joined by Shensi Ding from Merge to discuss her transition from finance to tech, focusing on the critical role of integrations in today's business landscape. They explore the challenges of building and maintaining integrations, identifying market gaps, and the advantages of standardized data models. The conversation delves into partnership building, particularly with Salesforce, and overcoming resistance. They also discuss enhancing integration observability, customer support, and expanding Merge's integration list alongside AI applications. The episode concludes with insights on financial efficiency, growth strategies, pricing, and Merge's future plans beyond its API focus.

AI for Investors, Publisher Rewards, Sleep Tech & More – 2024 Jam with JCal Recap | E2032

In this episode we look back at all the Jam with JCal sessions from 2024. This is where startups pitch their groundbreaking ideas to Jason, covering everything from AI-driven investor tools and gamified publisher rewards to sleep tech and architecture compliance software. Watch as these innovative founders get unfiltered feedback and game-changing advice! Don’t miss these exciting pitches that could be the next big thing.