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Hello and welcome back to Equity, a podcast about the business of startups, where we unpack the numbers and nuance behind the headlines.
This week, Natasha was joined by Mary Ann Azevedo and Rebecca Szkutak to talk about the latest and greatest in tech. Before we get into what we got up to, can we just say how great it is to be back? It feels therapeutic to be back on the mic to digest the news in terms of trends and startup happenings; and we hope you feel right about the same.
Without further ado, our show touched on a lot this week:
Deals of the week include Inflow, which has developed a self-help app designed to help people manage their ADHD, Cartograph Ventures, a new venture fund run by an ex-Juul operator, and the latest lawsuit and layoffs happening over at Carta.
The plethora of fintech M&A that took place this week, including Fidelity's acquisition of a startup called Shoobx (we couldn't pronounce its name either) and Deel's buyout of Capbase.
Microsoft's deal with ChatGPT OpenAI which, we'll admit, has a structure that stumps even us. Plus, we talk about how Pittsburgh's expertise in AI may help give its startup scene a boost.
There's Sam Altman, and then there's Sam Bankman-Fried, which brings us to our last theme. We talk about SBF's new Substack, the Kardashian method of distraction and why the legal world isn't a fan of levity. As Becca said so aptly, maybe billionaires (or former billionaires) should stop trying to be cute.
We'll end with a reminder that the TechCrunch podcast network is now a machine that produces content, daily, from the most diverse slate of hosts in the tech pod world. Proud of our fellow co-hosts, and for those of you who may be starting a resolution or habit-stacking to start 2023, consider giving our other shows a try.
Equity drops at 10:00 a.m. PT every Monday and at 7:00 a.m. PT on Wednesdays and Fridays, so subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify and all the casts. TechCrunch also has a great show on crypto, a show that interviews founders, one that details how our stories come together, and more!
World View, a company developing stratospheric balloons for Earth observation and tourism, is heading to the public markets. The company announced Friday that it would merge with special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) Leo Holdings Corp. II in a deal worth $350 million, as it seeks to build out what it calls “the stratospheric economy.” The deal, which is expected to close in the second quarter of this year, will provide the combined company with up to $121 million in gross proceeds, plus an option to enter into additional equity financing agreements for up to $75 million.
FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried is writing about the collapse of FTX on Substack. He's out on a $250 million bond while awaiting trial on federal fraud and conspiracy charges. If convicted, he faces up to 115 years in prison.
US stocks have closed higher, extending recent gains as data showing a fall in consumer prices in December bolstered expectations of less aggressive interest rate hikes from the Federal Reserve.US consumer prices fell for the first time in more than two-and-a-half years in December, the report released on Thursday shows, giving some hope that inflation is on a sustained downward trend.
The NSW Premier has avoided a major fine, despite his party recently passing legislation for the specific offence he has admitted to. This is what you need to know.
The stiffest penalty Donald Trump's company could receive when it is sentenced by a New York judge for helping its executives dodge taxes is a $US1.3 million) fine – not even enough to buy a Trump Tower apartment.
With these six steps you could set up a bulletproof money game plan for 2023. Find out more here.
Saving on your health insurance is easier than you'd think. Find out how you can get an instant price cut here.
Have you received a message claiming to be from your dad needing some quick cash? Think twice before sending the money.
Who said Sydney property prices are out of control? Take a look inside the luxe $24 million apartment overlooking one of Australia’s most famous beaches.
Young Australians are far more likely to lift themselves out of a poor economic status than those in the US. But things are expected to get more difficult.
This three-bedroom home has been described as ready for a renovation. Would you spend this much on a home with no walls?
Lisa Marie Presley died today at the age of 54, but just how much money has the only child of Elvis Presley left behind?
Aussies looking to travel around the country will have a new budget-friendly option. Here’s what we know about Bonza.
Aussies are well positioned to improve their lot in life, and a new budget airline gets the green light. This is your Friday morning wrap.
The S&P; 500 and Nasdaq have finished at their highest levels in a month, with shares of JPMorgan Chase and other banks rising following their quarterly results, which kicked off the earnings season.All three major indices also registered strong gains for the week, leaving the S&P; 500 up 4.
