This Week in Startups
This Week in Startups
Jason Calacanis covers startups, tech, markets, media, and all the hottest topics in business and technology. He also interviews the world’s greatest founders, operators, investors, and innovators.
Jason Calacanis
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Jony Ive Joins OpenAI, Waymo Hits 10M Rides, and How to Launch a Marketplace from Scratch | E2129

E2129 • May 21, 2025 • 65 mins

Today’s show: Jason and Alex Jony Ive's $6.5B deal with OpenAI and what it means for the future of AI hardware, Tesla’s push into robotaxis vs. Waymo’s 10M paid rides, and Microsoft’s latest move partnering with xAI. We dive into the GENIUS Act and what it means for stablecoin regulation, explore practical, gritty tactics for launching and scaling a marketplace from scratch, and debate the ethics of AI-powered smart glasses and always-on recording. Plus, Jason reflects on the legacy of Scott Adams and the power of systems thinking.

Key Points

  • The longevity of human drivers in the ride-sharing industry may be extended by five years due to the integration of autonomous vehicles, but a significant portion of people might still refuse to adopt autonomous cars.
  • OpenAI's acquisition of Johnny Ive's design firm, Love From, for $6.5 billion in an all-stock deal, indicates a strategic move to enhance their hardware design capabilities, potentially leading to a significant increase in the company's value.
  • The Genius Act aims to provide a regulatory framework for stablecoins in the U.S., with different tiers of regulation based on the amount of assets under management, potentially leading to a more structured and secure environment for stablecoin operations.
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