This Week in Startups

Today’s show: Alex sits down with two CEOs from companies freshly added to the TWIST500. We get a masterclass from Bob van Luijt of Weaviate, on vector databases helping AI and LLMs do what they do. An then Philip Johnston from Lumen Orbit explains his vision of building data centers in space!

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Alex kicks off the show.
(0:58) Supreme Court ruling on TikTok and key market numbers
(3:49) Interview introduction with Weaviate and Lumen Orbit CEOs
(4:06) Deep dive into vector databases with Weaviate's Bob van Luijt.
(8:23) Lemon. TWiST listeners get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist
(11:35) Exploring deep learning, vector indexing, and Weaviate's open-source significance
(18:03) Northwest Registered Agent. For just $39 plus state fees, Northwest will handle your complete business identity. Visit ⁠https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist⁠ today.

(19:32) Discussion on vector databases use cases and retrieval augmented generation (RAG)
(27:17) Weaviate's business model, revenue streams, and growth
(28:12) Vanta. TWiST listeners automate your SOC2 and get $1,000 off at http://www.vanta.com/twist
(32:52) The future of AI, agentic architectures, and enterprise adoption
(40:50) Lumen Orbit's vision for space-based data centers
(42:54) Philip Johnston on the technical aspects of Lumen Orbit
(49:12) Satellite demonstrators, technology challenges, and VC interest
(53:26) Addressing chip obsolescence and cost advantages in space
(56:21) Deployment strategies and competition in the space data center market
(1:00:12) Strategies for staying ahead of competition and future plans for Lumen Orbit

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Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.com

Check out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.com

Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

Check out Weaviate: https://weaviate.io/

Check out Lumen Orbit: https://www.lumenorbit.com/

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Follow Bob:

X: https://x.com/bobvanluijt

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobvanluijt

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Follow Philip:

X: https://x.com/johnstonphil

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstonphilip/

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Follow Alex:

X: https://x.com/alex

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm

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X: https://twitter.com/Jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

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Thank you to our partners:

(8:23) Lemon. TWiST listeners get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist
(18:03) Northwest Registered Agent. For just $39 plus state fees, Northwest will handle your complete business identity. Visit ⁠https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist⁠ today.
(28:12) Vanta. TWiST listeners automate your SOC2 and get $1,000 off at http://www.vanta.com/twist
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Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

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Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

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Follow TWiST:

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups

Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

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Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

PrizePicks. TWiST listeners, download the app today and use code TWIST to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup!
Go to: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/TWIST PrizePicks - Run your game.

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Today’s show: Jason and Alex interview Aarush Selvan, lead PM at Google Gemini Deep Research, and discuss their groundbreaking work. They also took a moment to cover TikTok’s dire situation and AI investment to start the year.

(0:00) Show Teaser

(1:26) Jason Calacanis shares his Japan skiing experience
(6:18) Arush Selvan from Google Gemini team background discussion
(9:26) PrizePicks. TWiST listeners, download the app today and use code TWIST to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup!
Go to: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/TWIST PrizePicks - Run your game.
(14:23) Deep research demonstration and server resource usage
(19:42) Coda. TWiST listeners get 6 months at https://www.Coda.io/twist
(22:11) Google's business model and AI-generated research reports
(29:55) Fitbod. Get 25% off your Fitbod subscription or try out the app for FREE when you sign up: fitbod.me/TWIST
(32:00) Personalized data integration and content permissions in AI tools
(34:22) Differentiation and hallucinations in AI-generated content
(44:11) Business models for AI search engines and OpenAI's new task feature
(54:30) Synthesia's AI-generated video tool demo and privacy in biometric payments
(59:36) Investments in AI companies and TikTok's potential ban
(1:04:17) Chinese government influence and US rule of law in tech
(1:07:29) Irony of migrating to Little Red Book and upcoming inauguration
(1:08:02) Staying updated with This Week in Startups

Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.com

Check out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.com

Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

Check out Google Gemini Deep Research: https://blog.google/products/gemini/google-gemini-deep-research/

Check out Open AI Scheduling: https://help.openai.com/en/articles/10291617-scheduled-tasks-in-chatgpt

Check out Synthesia: https://www.synthesia.io/

Follow Aarush:

X: https://x.com/AarushSelvan

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aarush-selvan-3a376a8b/

Follow Alex:

X: https://x.com/alex

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm

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X: https://twitter.com/Jason

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Thank you to our partners:

(9:26) PrizePicks. TWiST listeners, download the app today and use code TWIST to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup!
Go to: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/TWIST PrizePicks - Run your game.
(19:42) Coda. TWiST listeners get 6 months at https://www.Coda.io/twist
(29:55) Fitbod. Get 25% off your Fitbod subscription or try out the app for FREE when you sign up: fitbod.me/TWIST

Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

Follow TWiST:

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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups

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Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

Today’s show: Alex covers Mark Zuckerberg’s Joe Rogan interview, OpenAI’s economic pitch and the pending IPO of India’s Groww. Our guests include two companies freshly added to the TWIST500: James Cadwallader from Profound and Martin Rehak from Resistant AI.

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Alex kicks off the show!
(2:51) A look at key moments from this week’s Mark Zuckerberg interview on Rogan.
(8:08) James Cadwallader, Co-Founder and CEO of Profound join Alex.
(10:05) Northwest Registered Agent. For just $39 plus state fees, Northwest will handle your complete business identity. Visit ⁠https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist⁠ today.
(11:23) Comparing Profound’s approach to SEO and looking and how problemism impacts search.

(20:21) Paddle. Go to https://www.paddle.com/twist to get started with your exclusive listener fee-free period.
(24:48) Building Profound in NYC, business model, and managing LLM costs
(30:51) Squarespace. TWiST listeners: use code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain: https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST
(32:15) Introduction to Resistant AI's mission and building an AI startup
(34:18) Resistant AI's approach to fraud detection and criminal techniques evolution
(41:17) Shift in the landscape of digital threats and security solutions ROI
(51:39) Synthetic fraud detection demonstration and business growth
(58:01) The Biden administration's AI diffusion plan and OpenAI's policy recommendations
(1:04:25) Groww: India's largest retail stock broker and tech IPO landscape

Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.com

Check out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.com

Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

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Check out Profound: https://www.tryprofound.com/

Check out Resistant AI: https://resistant.ai/

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Follow James:

X: https://x.com/thejamescad

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jsca

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Follow Martin:

X: https://x.com/rehakmar

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinrehak/

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Follow Alex:

X: https://x.com/alex

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm

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Follow Jason:

X: https://twitter.com/Jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

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Thank you to our partners:

(10:05) Northwest Registered Agent. For just $39 plus state fees, Northwest will handle your complete business identity. Visit ⁠https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist⁠ today.
(20:21) Paddle. Go to https://www.paddle.com/twist to get started with your exclusive listener fee-free period.
(30:51) Squarespace. TWiST listeners: use code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain: https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST
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Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

Follow TWiST:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups

Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

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Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

Northwest Registered Agent. For just $39 plus state fees, Northwest will handle your complete business identity. Visit ⁠https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist⁠ today.

Atlassian. Head to Atlassian.com/Startups/TWiST to see if you qualify for 50 free seats for 12 months.

LinkedIn Ads. To redeem a $100 LinkedIn ad credit and launch your first campaign, go to http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups

Today’s show: Jason and Alex cover the LA wildfires and their eventual total cost, as well as the U.S. jobs report and the rise of static team size in tech.

(0:00) Jason and Alex kick off the show.
(1:45) Jason’s trip to Japan
(3:09) Ski industry disputes and resolutions
(9:51) Northwest Registered Agent. For just $39 plus state fees, Northwest will handle your complete business identity. Visit ⁠https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist⁠ today.
(11:07) Ongoing fires in LA, federal aid, and insurance challenges
(18:18) Startup Stand Insurance's wildfire risk simulation

(20:18) Atlassian. Head to Atlassian.com/Startups/TWiST to see if you qualify for 50 free seats for 12 months.
(24:48) Could people sue the state of California over the wildfires?
(29:32) Analysis of California government competence
(29:37) LinkedIn Ads. To redeem a $100 LinkedIn ad credit and launch your first campaign, go to http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups
(34:56) Economic impact of job report, inflation, and Trump administration policies
(42:31) Inflation's psychological effects and tech industry responses
(46:03) Static team size and its effect on the labor market
(50:13) Impact of automation and AI on startups and the job market
(54:08) TikTok's Supreme Court case begins

Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.com

Check out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.com

Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

Follow Alex:

X: https://x.com/alex

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm

Follow Jason:

X: https://twitter.com/Jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

Links to topics that were discussed on the show:

Iwanai Ski Resort: https://iwanairesort.com/

Stand Insurance: https://www.inc.com/bruce-crumley/how-a-startup-plans-to-offer-coverage-to-high-risk-homeowners-dropped-by-big-insurers/91067831

U.S. Jobs Report: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm

Salesforce Job Freeze: https://www.businesstoday.in/technology/news/story/this-big-tech-company-has-stopped-hiring-coders-due-to-boost-provided-by-ai-460260-2025-01-10

Thank you to our partners:

(9:51) Northwest Registered Agent. For just $39 plus state fees, Northwest will handle your complete business identity. Visit ⁠https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist⁠ today.
(20:18) Atlassian. Head to Atlassian.com/Startups/TWiST to see if you qualify for 50 free seats for 12 months.
(29:37) LinkedIn Ads. To redeem a $100 LinkedIn ad credit and launch your first campaign, go to http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups

Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

Follow TWiST:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups

Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

Gusto. Get three months free when you run your first payroll at http://gusto.com/twist

Oracle. TWiST listeners can try OCI and save up to 50% on your cloud bill at https://w⁠⁠⁠⁠ww.oracle.com/twist⁠⁠⁠

Squarespace. TWiST listeners: use code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain:
https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST

Today’s show: Jason and Alex discuss Meta’s moderation announcement, Nvidia’s seeming domination in the processor space, Anthropic’s $2B raise and some fun products coming out of CES.

(0:00) Jason and Alex kick off the show.
(5:15) Fire in Pacific Palisades and Malibu: Insurance and Startup Opportunities
(9:48) Gusto. Get three months free when you run your first payroll at http://gusto.com/twist
(17:32) Meta's New Content Moderation Strategy and Zuckerberg's Motivations
(20:09) Oracle. ⁠⁠TWiST listeners can try OCI and save up to 50% on your cloud bill at https://w⁠⁠⁠⁠ww.oracle.com/twist⁠⁠⁠

(22:35) More on Zuck’s motivations and what the new president can do
(30:30) Squarespace. TWiST listeners: use code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain:
https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST
(40:26) NVIDIA's AI Supercomputer Chip and Tech Industry Innovations
(49:15) Lenovo's Rollable Laptop and Slack's iOS Integration
(56:31) BYD's Supercar and Anthropic's Valuation
(1:02:45) Jason's Experience with Luxury Japanese Minivans

Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.com

Check out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.com

Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

Follow Alex:

X: https://x.com/alex

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm

Follow Jason:

X: https://twitter.com/Jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

Thank you to our partners:

(9:48) Gusto. Get three months free when you run your first payroll at http://gusto.com/twist
(20:09) Oracle. ⁠⁠TWiST listeners can try OCI and save up to 50% on your cloud bill at ⁠⁠https://w⁠⁠⁠⁠ww.oracle.com/twist⁠⁠⁠
(30:30) Squarespace. TWiST listeners: use code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain:
https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST

Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

Follow TWiST:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups

Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

PrizePicks. TWiST listeners, download the app today and use code TWIST to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! Go to: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/TWIST PrizePicks - Run your game.

Lemon.io. TWiST listeners get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist

Vanta. TWiST listeners automate your SOC2 and get $1,000 off at http://www.vanta.com/twist
Today’s show: Jason and Alex cover Sam Altman’s fusion proclamation and the age of abundance we’re approaching, rural investment and subsidies with austerity on the horizon, and applied AI.

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Timestamps:

(0:00) Jason and Alex kick off the show.
(1:33) The new interactive live show docket
(4:34) The Vail Resorts Epic Pass controversy

(10:16) PrizePicks. TWiST listeners, download the app today and use code TWIST to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! Go to: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/TWIST PrizePicks - Run your game.
(12:10) Critique of Vail Resorts' management and stock performance
(14:39) Sam Altman's interview on fusion energy
(18:03) US oil production, energy innovation, and the importance of risk-taking
(20:54) Lemon.io. TWiST listeners get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist
(23:07) Ro Khanna on rural business subsidies
(29:59) Vanta. TWiST listeners automate your SOC2 and get $1,000 off at http://www.vanta.com/twist
(31:29) Debating government subsidies and the impact on rural living
(35:10) Government debt and austerity measures
(39:47) Chinese hacking into US infrastructure and cybersecurity concerns
(47:10) China's economic challenges and the importance of domestic production
(55:10) SF Smashburger spot review and handling online criticism
(1:02:21) Security precautions for public figures and the decline of empathy online

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Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.com

Check out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.com

Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

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Follow Alex:

X: https://x.com/alex

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm

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Follow Jason:

X: https://twitter.com/Jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

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Check out the following articles and companies mentioned in the episode:

U.S. State-by-State AI Regulation

UPS Service Centers Close in Rural America

Salt Typhoon Hack (via Washington Post)

Density.io

Deep Sentinel

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Thank you to our partners:

(10:16) PrizePicks. TWiST listeners, download the app today and use code TWIST to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! Go to: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/TWIST PrizePicks - Run your game.
(20:54) Lemon.io. TWiST listeners get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist
(29:59) Vanta. TWiST listeners automate your SOC2 and get $1,000 off at http://www.vanta.com/twist
*

Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

*

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

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Follow TWiST:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups

Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

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Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

Paddle. Wherever you want to take your business, go there with Paddle. Go to paddle.com/twist to get started with your exclusive listener fee-free period.

Fitbod. Get 25% off your Fitbod subscription or try out the app for FREE when you sign up now at fitbod.me/TWIST.

LinkedIn Ads. Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit: http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups

Todays show: Jason and Alex discuss the over saturation of venture capital, how to fix the high-skill immigration issue, including an interview with Lisa Wehden of Plymouth, and the pressing question of who should buy Lyft?

(0:00) Jason and Alex kick off the episode
(1:56) Jason and Alex discuss their New Year holidays and resolutions
(6:25) Jason shares tips for mindfulness and meditation
(8:01) Reflecting on family moments and making memories
(10:13) Paddle. Go to paddle.com/twist to get started with your exclusive listener fee-free period.

(11:27) Jason and Alex delve into venture capital and Instacart's funding rounds
(17:41) Jason announces focus on early-stage investments and Founder University
(19:12) Fitbod. Get 25% off your Fitbod subscription or try out the app for FREE when you sign up now at fitbod.me/TWIST.
(21:05) Venture capital fundraising concentration and strategy
(25:40) Impact of large funds on seed rounds and venture capital immigration
(29:08) LinkedIn Ads. Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit: http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups
(31:05) Social media weaponization, self-censorship, and high-skilled immigration
(36:45) Criticisms, reforms, and solutions to H1B visa issues
(45:40) Consultancy costs and Jason's simple solutions for H1B visa reform
(50:05) The rise and fall of Bench and Level; predictions for startup failures by 2025
(56:21) Potential mergers in on-demand and autonomous sectors; viability of an Amazon-Lyft merger
(1:03:08) Expanding the Mag 8 to reduce tech giant dominance
(1:04:33) Valuations of major tech companies
(1:05:26) Overview and support offerings of Founder University and getstartupcredits.com

Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.com

Check out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.com

Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

Follow Lisa Wehden:

X: https://x.com/lisawehden

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-wehden

Follow Alex:

X: https://x.com/alex

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm

Follow Jason:

X: https://twitter.com/Jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

Thank you to our partners:

(10:13) Paddle. Go to paddle.com/twist to get started with your exclusive listener fee-free period.
(19:12) Fitbod. Get 25% off your Fitbod subscription or try out the app for FREE when you sign up now at fitbod.me/TWIST.
29:08) LinkedIn Ads. Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit: http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups

Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

Follow TWiST:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups

Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

Squarespace. TWiST listeners: use code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain:
https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST

OpenPhone. TWiST listeners can get 20% off your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist

Notion: TWiST listeners can try it for free at https://notion.com/twist

Todays show: The 2024 TWISTY Awards are here! Jason and Alex look back at the year and dole out awards for Best CEO, Bag Securer of the Year, and more; plus a look back at the best TWIST moments.

(0:00) Jason and Alex kick off the episode
(1:36) Twisty Awards 2024 Overview
(2:06) Breakout Startup of the Year Nominations and Winner
(5:53) Pre IPO Startup of the Year Nominations and Winner
(10:03) Squarespace. TWiST listeners: use code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain:
https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST
(15:06) Main Character of the Year Nominations and Winner
(19:10) Bag Secure of the Year Nominations and Winner

(20:07) OpenPhone. TWiST listeners can get 20% off your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(22:05) CEO of the Year Discussion (not Elon Musk)
(24:43) Twist Interview of the Year Highlight
(29:34) Notion: TWiST listeners can try it for free at https://notion.com/twist
(31:07) Best Venture Capital Guest Feature
(33:32) Defunct Startup of the Year Category
(35:46) News Topic of the Year Debate
(43:00) Best Tech Product of the Year Nominations
(45:07) Funniest Twist Moment of the Year
(48:05) Episode of the Year

Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.com

Check out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.com

Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

Follow Alex:

X: https://x.com/alex

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm

Follow Jason:

X: https://twitter.com/Jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

Thank you to our partners:

(10:03) Squarespace. TWiST listeners: use code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain:
https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST
(20:07) OpenPhone. TWiST listeners can get 20% off your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist
(29:34) Notion: TWiST listeners can try it for free at https://notion.com/twist

Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

Follow TWiST:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups

Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

Oracle. TWiST listeners can try OCI and save up to 50% on your cloud bill at ⁠⁠https://w⁠⁠⁠⁠ww.oracle.com/twist⁠⁠⁠

DevSquad. TWIST listeners can get 10% off at http://devsquad.com/twist

Ramp. TWiST listeners, get $250 when you join Ramp today at https://www.ramp.com/twist

Todays show: Jason & Alex discuss Palantir’s valuation, possible opt-in empire building for the United States and the incoming presidents appointments pulling from tech and VC.

(0:00) Jason and Alex kick off the show
(0:22) Approaches to population growth: immigration and opt-in empire building
(1:40) Live streaming and show schedule
(2:09) Introduction of Alex Wilhelm and seasonal greetings
(3:41) Jason's Twitter controversy regarding Palantir
(7:06) Palantir's financial analysis and market comparison
(10:27) Oracle.TWiST listeners can try OCI and save up to 50% on your cloud bill at ⁠⁠https://w⁠⁠⁠⁠ww.oracle.com/twist⁠⁠⁠
(13:41) Deeper dive into Palantir's valuation and growth
(18:18) Memestock caution and market dynamics
(19:03) DevSquad. TWIST listeners can get 10% off at http://devsquad.com/twist
(20:21) Jeff Bezos' fake wedding and Michael Saylor's Bitcoin strategy
(22:17) Cultural takes on weddings and Michael Saylor's media attention
(22:55) Defense tech: Palantir and Anduril's consortium
(27:18) The rise of entrepreneurs in defense technology
(28:45) Ken Howery's ambassadorship and US geopolitical strategies
(29:49) Ramp. TWiST listeners, get $250 when you join Ramp today at https://www.ramp.com/twist
(31:13) Funding ambassadorships and their significance
(34:10) "Opt-in" empire building for US growth
(42:40) Government's recent strategic hires
(43:45) Evaluating new government hires and their impact
(50:30) AI policy advisory and Surem Krishnan's role
(56:09) Investment accreditation and securities law evolution
(1:02:15) Modernizing securities laws for new assets
(1:03:59) Emil Michael appointed under secretary for research and engineering
(1:06:45) Michael Kratzios and emerging technology assistance

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Check out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.com

Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

Follow Alex:

X: https://x.com/alex

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm

Follow Jason:

X: https://twitter.com/Jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

Thank you to our partners:

(10:27) Oracle**.** TWiST listeners can try OCI and save up to 50% on your cloud bill at ⁠⁠https://w⁠⁠⁠⁠ww.oracle.com/twist⁠⁠⁠
(19:03) DevSquad. TWIST listeners can get 10% off at http://devsquad.com/twist
(29:49) Ramp. ****TWiST listeners, get $250 when you join Ramp today at https://www.ramp.com/twist

Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

Follow TWiST:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups

Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

This Week in Startups is brought to you by…

Squarespace. Turn your idea into a new website! Go to https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST for a free trial. When you’re ready to launch, use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

LinkedIn Ads. To redeem a $100 LinkedIn ad credit and launch your first campaign, go to http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups

PrizePicks - Run your game. THE BEST place to get real money action while watching your favorite sports! Download the app today and use code TWIST to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup!

Todays show:Jason & Alex chat with Varun Mohan, founder & CEO of Codeium, the revolutionary AI-powered coding platform backed by Kleiner Perkins & Founders Fund. Varun shares insights on pivoting to greatness, scaling enterprise solutions, and launching Codeium's new IDE, Windsurf.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Jason and Alex kick off the show
(0:30) Failure examples and Star Wars character confusion
(1:38) Introduction to the episode, guests, and Perplexity AI
(4:36) Varun Mohan and Codium's journey in AI and IDE development
(11:01) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST
(12:29) The challenge of moderate success and building 10x better experiences
(19:48) LinkedIn Ads - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups
(21:21) Alex Wilhelm's Cascade demo and Codium's capabilities
(24:49) Codium's pricing and the future of no code development
(31:45) PrizePicks - Run your game. Download the app today and use code TWIST to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup!
(33:31) Satya Nadella on SaaS's future and AI replacing agents
(36:00) AI's impact on developer jobs, salaries, and remote work
(41:27) Elite developers, hiring strategies, and in-person vs. remote work
(46:03) Twist 500, upcoming events, and what VCs seek in startups
(53:02) Hyper competition in AI services and niche market strategies
(58:26) Audience Q&A and closing remarks

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Check out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.com

Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp

Follow Varun:

X: https://x.com/_mohansolo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/varunkmohan

Check out: https://codeium.com

Follow Alex:

X: https://x.com/alex

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm

Follow Jason:

X: https://twitter.com/Jason

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis

Thank you to our partners:

(11:01) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST

(19:48) LinkedIn Ads - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups

(31:45) PrizePicks - Run your game. Download the app today and use code TWIST to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup!

Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland

Check out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis

Follow TWiST:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups

Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916