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Jason Calacanis

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.

This Week in Startups

Today’s show:

Is Sora not just a copyright-killer but a TikTok-killer? Hear our review!

The “This Week in Startups” team has been playing around inside OpenAI’s viral app, which just hit #1 in the iOS Store. See all of Lon’s creations, explore the land beyond the Uncanny Valley, and find out why the hottest new social app could stand to be a bit more social.

PLUS Brave surpasses 100M MAUs… why Jason would sell ALL his OpenAI shares right away, Apple pulls the ICEBlock app from the App Store, AND how one founder hacked his local coffee shop to network and even get face time with a few VCs! It’s all happening of a fast-paced Friday TWiST.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Why Jason started an Executive Training program at LAUNCH

(05:17) Perplexity’s Comet browser is now FREE to use; Jason unpacks their strategy

(10:02) Monarch Money - Get 50% Off Monarch Money, the all-in-one financial tool at www.monarchmoney.com/TWIST

(13:42) PLUS browser/search engine Brave passed 100M MAUs!

(17:44) How a founder “hacked” his local coffee shop

(20:06) Alphasense - Get deeper insights into your business with the power of AI search and market intelligence. Start with a free trial at https://www.alpha-sense.com/twist

(21:35) You need to make it EASY for people to give you feedback!

(25:41) A look at the leanest startups around and how companies are doing more with less

(30:11) LinkedIn Ads: Start converting your B2B audience into high quality leads today. We’ll even give you a $100 credit on your next campaign. Go to http://LinkedIn.com/ThisWeekinStartups to claim your credit.

(30:38) Why Jason would sell ALL his OpenAI shares right away!

(38:56) Lon stops by to review the Sora app; the good, the bad, and the remixes!

(48:45) Apple pulled the ICEBlock app… is this a free speech issue?

(56:11) A new startup wants to fight gov’t corruption… and keep a share of the proceeds

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 Lon:

X: https://x.com/lons

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:

 • Monarch Money - Get 50% Off Monarch Money, the all-in-one financial tool at 
www.monarchmoney.com/TWIST • Alphasense - Get deeper insights into your business with the power of AI search and market intelligence. Start with a free trial at 
https://www.alpha-sense.com/twist • LinkedIn Ads: Thanks to our partner @LinkedInMktg. Start converting your B2B audience into high quality leads today. We’ll even give you a $100 credit on your next campaign. Go to 
http://LinkedIn.com/ThisWeekinStartups • to claim your credit.

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

Sora app review, Perplexity’s Comet is FREE, and which AI tools reign supreme? | E2188

Today’s show:

Sora 2 will generate a video of whatever you like and respects no IP (unless they opt out)

On a brand new TWiST, Jason and Alex check out Sora 2, the latest text-to-video app from TWiST 500 mainstays OpenAI, and look at some of the video videos that have already emerged from the TikTok-style scrolling video app. (TikSlop?)

THEN we’re considering the case of “AI actress” Tilly Norwood, and whether her big debut is a legit shift in the world of entertainment or just a marketing gimmick-slash-sales pitch.PLUS Jason’s thoughts on the Wealthfront IPO, how Spotify shifted the entire music economy, Jason’s pitch for making bets with stock purchases, why Americans need more financial literacy, AND another check-in with the sharps over at Polymarket.

Timestamps:

(0:00) What does the government shutdown mean for startups? Not much?

(04:21) Jason’s an investor in Wealthfront… hear his thoughts on their potential IPO

(08:14) Why Jason thinks the death of Boomers will boost crypto

(10:21) Northwest Registered Agent - Form your entire business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes. Get more privacy, more options, and more done—visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist today!

(17:26) Why is everyone so excited for Sora… but not Meta’s app?

(19:49) CLA - Get started with CLA's CPAs, consultants, and wealth advisors now at https://claconnect.com/tech

(28:38) Is Tilly Norwood just a gimmick or Hollywood’s next hot ingenue?

(29:15) Perspective.ai - Real insights, straight from your customers, and your first two months are on us. Just go to getperspective.ai/twist.

(35:58) POLYMARKET: When is OpenAI’s browser coming out?!

(40:17) How Spotify changed the entire economy of music… and when a Founder/CEO should hang it up.

(47:24) Why Jason thinks Americans need better financial education and literacy

(49:39) Audience Q: What’s the best place to buy secondaries?

(52:49) Why you should bet small while you’re learning

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 Lon:

X: https://x.com/lons

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:

 • Northwest Registered Agent - Form your entire business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes. Get more privacy, more options, and more done—visit 
https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist • today!
 • CLA - Get started with CLA's CPAs, consultants, and wealth advisors now at 
https://claconnect.com/techPerspective.ai • - Real insights, straight from your customers, and your first two months are on us. Just go to 
getperspective.ai/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

Sora 2, Tilly Norwood, and the New Slop Era | E2187

Today’s show:

How do you get investors excited about jets when they’re hyper-focused on new AI tools?

In a fresh TWiST 500 interview, Alex sits down with Blake Scholl of Boom Supersonic to talk about the Overture, the world’s fastest plane that recently broke the sound barrier over the Mojave Desert. (That’s a first for a private company, rather than a military or government.)

Hear about the secrets to avoiding a noisy and disruptive sonic boom, using satellites to set the most efficient routes, designing the Overture’s complex engine, dispelling the common myth that hardware startups are money pits and much much more.

PLUS we’ve got two brand new companies entering our Gamma Pitch Deck Competition. Time to see how they stack up to our first impressive entrant, Where2Wheel.

Timestamps:

(02:22) Introducing Blake Scholl from Boom Supersonic

(04:03) How Boom is improving on the classic Concorde experience

(08:29) How hyper-fast Overture flights could change passenger behavior

(10:02) Gusto. Check out the online payroll and benefits experts with software built specifically for small business and startups. Try Gusto today and get three months FREE at Gusto.com/twist.

(11:10) The long road to breaking the speed barrier

(14:34) How satellites could help guide Boom’s planes

(16:37) The next milestones to check off Blake’s list

(19:13) Breaking up the jet engine duopoly

(20:57) Nexos.ai Stop Shadow AI in its tracks with the unified platform for secure AI adoption and productivity. Try it with a free 14-day trial at nexos.ai/twist.

(24:28) How 3D printing speeds up the R&D process

(30:26) DevStats translates complex engineering metrics into a shared language everyone at your company can understand. Get 20% off by going to https://www.DevStats.com/twist(34:10) Gamma Pitch Deck Competition: Confy vs. The Drive AI

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 Lon:

X: https://x.com/lons

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:

 • Gusto. Check out the online payroll and benefits experts with software built specifically for small business and startups. Try Gusto today and get three months FREE at 
Gusto.com/twist • .
Nexos.ai • Stop Shadow AI in its tracks with the unified platform for secure AI adoption and productivity. Try it with a free 14-day trial at 
nexos.ai/twist • .
 • DevStats translates complex engineering metrics into a shared language everyone at your company can understand. Get 20% off by going to 
https://www.DevStats.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

Breaking the Sound Barrier with Blake Scholl from Boom Supersonic | E2186

Today’s show:

Friend’s new AI pendant just wants to be your new pal. So why do New Yorkers hate them?

On a brand-new TWiST, Jason and Alex consider the Friend AI pendant, which listens to everything you say all day and then sends you snarky texts about it.

WIRED says it’s unhelpful and will make your friends hate you. New Yorkers are so sick of their aggressive subway ads, they’re tagging them with graffiti. But what do Jason and Alex think of the wearable companion?

PLUS the value of bringing your last team with you to your new project… why partnerships often lead to purchases… Producer Claude got an upgrade… two fresh TWiST 500 companies… the rise and fall and further fall of Tai Lopez… AND Jason explains the rules of private jets.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Jason congratulations the Eagles while wondering what’s going on with Philly fans

(03:23) New Yorkers are not in love with these Friend AI pendants and their subway ads

(10:08) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST

(11:28) Show Continues…

(13:49) Are people actually using AI agents? Is it still too early?

(17:01) Startup Lesson: The value of bringing your last team with you

(19:27) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist

(20:43) Anthropic released the new Claude… can they catch back up with Grok?

(27:13) Why Circle’s community app is blowing up all of the sudden

(29:23) AWS Activate - AWS Activate helps startups bring their ideas to life. Apply to AWS Activate today to learn more. Visit https://www.aws.amazon.com/startups/credits

(30:48) How startups SHOULD measure growth and profitability. And why you need to show your work.

(36:42) Why human writers are about to be MORE valuable in the age of AI Slop.

(42:20) TWO new startups are joining the TWiST 500… Jason’s thoughts on Phia and Huxe

(46:23) Influencer and bookshelf haver Tai Lopez is under investigation by the SEC! A look back at a viral superstar…

(54:11) Jason explains the rules of flying in private jets

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 Lon:

X: https://x.com/lons

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:

 • Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at 
https://www.Squarespace.com/TWISTLemon.io • - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at 
https://Lemon.io/twist • AWS Activate - AWS Activate helps startups bring their ideas to life. Apply to AWS Activate today to learn more. Visit 
https://www.aws.amazon.com/startups/credits

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

Why New Yorkers hate AI Friends, Producer Claude gets an update, and the value of human writers in the Age of Slop | E2185

Today’s show:

Factory, a Sequoia-backed producer of AI agents for programming, raised $50 million at a $300 million valuation. So Jason and Alex are wondering… how much capital is TOO MUCH?

We’re going deep on a question that often perplexes founders: How would weigh a HUGE potential market against STIFF pre-existing competition.

PLUS that Neon app that records your calls deleted itself, why AI ISN’T taking away all the radiology jobs yet, how inherent biases impact everyone’s view of the economy, ChatGPT may be getting ads very soon, and MUCH MUCH MORE.

Timestamps:

(0:00) The Neon app: why would anyone let an app record all of their phone calls?

(04:43) Another -slop term… What is THINKSLOP?!

(09:46) .TECH: Say it without saying it. Head to get.tech/twist or your favorite registrar to get a clean, sharp .tech domain today.

(11:25) Why is TikTok US only worth $14 billion?!

(17:10) Wait, why ISN’T AI taking jobs away from radiologists?

(20:06) Public - Take your investing to the next level with Public. Build a multi-asset portfolio and earn 4.1% APY on your cash—with no fees or minimums. Start now at public.com/twist

(28:38) How can xAI afford to sell AI to the US gov’t for 42 cents?

(29:37) Alphasense - Get deeper insights into your business with the power of AI search and market intelligence. Start with a free trial at https://www.alpha-sense.com/twist

(33:44) How inherent biases impact everyone’s view of the economy.

(46:29) Why is everyone dunking on Meta’s new SlopTok app?

(53:37) It certainly seems like ChatGPT is going to get ads soon…

(03:49) The first entry in our Gamma Pitch Deck Competition is II off-roading marketplace Where2Wheel

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 Lon:

X: https://x.com/lons

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:

 • .TECH: Say it without saying it. Head to 
get.tech/twist • or your favorite registrar to get a clean, sharp .tech domain today.
 • Public - Take your investing to the next level with Public. Build a multi-asset portfolio and earn 4.1% APY on your cash—with no fees or minimums. Start now at 
public.com/twist • Alphasense - Get deeper insights into your business with the power of AI search and market intelligence. Start with a free trial at 
https://www.alpha-sense.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

Is there an AI coding bubble? Plus Meta’s new SlopTok product, Neon’s divisive app shuts down, and more | E2184

Today’s show:

What is “workslop”? And is it already slowing you down at the office?

On a new This Week in Startups, we’ve got full co-host quorum with JCal, Alex, AND Lon tackling a meaty docket of news at the cross-section of tech, startups, and pop culture.

For starters: A new Harvard/Stanford study suggests that AI isn’t massively improving workplace efficiency because SOME workers aren’t using it properly. Are low-quality, lazily-assembled AI outputs costing US enterprises millions in lost productivity? It’s certainly possible based on these results.

PLUS, why YouTube invited back all those banned creators… a deep-dive into CA’s new social media law that’s dividing tech and civil rights advocacy groups… what we can learn from Stripe’s mega-share buyback… a look at what Polymarket’s sharps think will happen with the US TikTok deal… and much more.

Timestamps:

(0:00) Intro. What will South Park have to say about prediction markets?

(06:06) Alibaba’s new AI model will turn you into any celebrity… can you still believe what you see?

(09:49) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://www.vanta.com/twist

(11:03) Show Continues…

(19:42) AWS Activate - AWS Activate helps startups bring their ideas to life. Apply to AWS Activate today to learn more. Visit https://www.aws.amazon.com/startups/credits

(21:02) Is CA’s new proposed law a boon for civil rights, or a weapon against free speech?

(29:47) Northwest Registered Agent - Form your entire business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes. Get more privacy, more options, and more done—visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist today!(32:21) Why YouTube invited banned creators back

(41:24) What is Workslop? And is it costing companies MILLIONS?

(48:42) PolyMarket asks… when will the US TikTok deal go down?

(52:27) Would Jason invest in Tether?

(01:01:29) Why Stripe is buying back so many shares… and what the future may hold.

(01:12:16) Another Reddit Rapid Response: should startups do pilot programs?

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 Lon:

X: https://x.com/lons

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:

 • Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at 
https://www.vanta.com/twist • AWS Activate - AWS Activate helps startups bring their ideas to life. Apply to AWS Activate today to learn more. Visit 
https://www.aws.amazon.com/startups/credits • Northwest Registered Agent - Form your entire business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes. Get more privacy, more options, and more done—visit 
https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist • today!

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

The rise of “workslop,” Alibaba’s insane new deepfake model, Tether’s MASSIVE valuation, and more | E2183

Today’s show:

New proposal on H-1B visas… and it’s pretty similar to Jason’s pitch from last month!

On a new TWiST, Jason and Lon wonder if the White House is watching the pod and borrowing some of our best ideas! Specifically, the new $100K H-1B visa proposal sounds a lot like Jason’s suggestion from August… with a few significant tweaks.

PLUS we’re looking at the latest news about the US TikTok entity, why Jason’s not concerned about the new algorithm, the explosion of major data centers in Scandinavia, the European Commission’s scaling back of anti-cookie regulations, AND the first big marketing push from virtual assistant startup Howie! That’s a packed show!

Timestamps:

(0:00) Alex is out today so Jason and Lon introduce the show.

(04:11) Did they borrow their new H-1B visa proposal from JCal?

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

(11:28) Show Continues…

(19:21) Public - Take your investing to the next level with Public. Build a multi-asset portfolio and earn 4.1% APY on your cash—with no fees or minimums. Start now at public.com/twist

(20:28) Show Continues…

(26:42) Answering YOUR pressing H-1B questions.

(30:13) Stripe Startups - Stripe Startups offers early-stage, venture-backed startups access to Stripe fee credits and more. Apply today on stripe.com/startups.

(31:30) Show Continues…

(32:51) The Murdochs are likely joining the TikTok deal…

(34:38) Why Jason’s not concerned about TikTok being in the hands of mostly Trump allies

(39:29) A look inside the Nordic data center boom and why it’s happening

(01:03:32) Checking out Howie’s first ad… how much did it cost to make?

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 Lon:

X: https://x.com/lons

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:

 • Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at 
https://www.Squarespace.com/TWIST • Public - Take your investing to the next level with Public. Build a multi-asset portfolio and earn 4.1% APY on your cash—with no fees or minimums. Start now at 
public.com/twist • Stripe Startups - Stripe Startups offers early-stage, venture-backed startups access to Stripe fee credits and more. Apply today on 
stripe.com/startups • .

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

Jason’s H-1B pitch, the latest on the TikTok deal, and Howie’s first ad | E2182

Today’s show:

On an action-packed TWiST, Alex and Jason check out Meta’s latest wearables, which promise to fix the “constantly staring down at your phone” problem and prevent you from blocking that little light letting others know you’re filming them. Think the upgrade is worth $799 of your hard-earned money?

PLUS, Lovable CEO Anton Osika stops by to answer YOUR questions, talk about how people are using the iconic vibecoding app, balancing accessibility and user engagement with the need to actually bring in revenue, and why Stockholm has become arguably Europe’s leading tech hub.

AND Beehiiv joins with Discord, Google bakes Gemini into Chrome, and MORE of the week’s biggest tech news. Check out all this and more in a brand-new “This Week in Startups”!

Timestamps:

(0:00) Why Jason thinks Meta’s new $799 Smart Ray Bans, which covertly record people in 3K, are creepy!

(04:14) Why, in the technology business, not quitting is how you succeed.

(09:47) .TECH: Say it without saying it. Head to get.tech/twist or your favorite registrar to get a clean, sharp .tech domain today.

(10:54) Show Continues…

(17:02) Anton Osika from Lovable calls in from Stockholm: Why he thinks it’s Europe’s biggest tech hub.

(20:37) Sentry - New users get 3 months free of the Business plan (covers 150k errors). Go to http://sentry.io/twist and use code TWIST

(21:44) A look at Lovable’s new security features, to make founders feel more confident in their vibe coding

(27:31) How Lovable is balancing engagement with the need to make money

(29:55) Alphasense - Get deeper insights into your business with the power of AI search and market intelligence. Start with a free trial at https://www.alpha-sense.com/twist

(31:03) Show Continues…

(42:29) Anton’s tactical advice for founders who want to build a community around their product.

(49:14) A viewer asks: Is vibe coding CHEATING?

(59:01) Google is baking Gemini into Chrome… but how will it work? And what about privacy?

(01:05:05) Beehiiv links up with Discord. Why Alex has a few concerns!

(01:11:01) Responding to some of YOUR comments. (Leave us reviews and comments on Apple and Spotify!)

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 Lon:

X: https://x.com/lons

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:

.TECH: Say it without saying it. Head to get.tech/twist or your favorite registrar to get a clean, sharp .tech domain today.

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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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Meta’s “creepy” new Ray Bans, Beehiiv teams with Discord, AND a visit from Lovable CEO Anton Osika! | E2181

Today’s show:

Jason sits down with Wilson Sonsini partner Chris Paniewski for part two of our Startup Legal Basics series on AI law — this time tackling the question every founder is asking: who owns the output of AI systems?

Chris has advised on some of the biggest AI deals in history, and in this episode he helps break down how intellectual property law is colliding with generative AI.

Jason and Chris cover:

 • What kinds of IP rights might apply to AI-generated output (
copyrights, patents, trade secrets • )
 • Why human authorship is central to copyright law
 • Whether prompts are protectable IP
 • How GenAI platforms’ terms of service affect ownership
 • Real-world examples from Star Wars to Wirecutter to Warhol
 • What startups should document when using AI in development
 • How investors diligence AI companies on IP strategy

If you’re a founder, investor, or operator trying to understand how to responsibly use AI without losing your IP, this conversation is essential.

*

Timestamps:

(0:00) Jason introduces part two of Startup Legal Basics with Chris Paniewski

(1:20) Star Wars example: using LLMs to generate existing IP

(3:10) Human authorship requirement in copyright law

(5:25) Prompts, super-prompts, and the role of creative control

(7:45) Photography analogy & the “monkey selfie” case

(10:00) Patents, inventorship, and AI-generated inventions

(12:05) Startups balancing speed to market vs. protectable IP

(14:15) How to layer human creativity on top of AI output

(16:20) Fair use, derivative works, and investor diligence

*

Check Out Wilson Sonsini: https://www.wsgr.com

Check out all of the Startup Basics episodes here: https://thisweekinstartups.com/basics

*

Follow Chris:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-paniewski-09331a59/

*

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

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Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com

Who Owns the Output? AI Copyright & IP Explained w/ Chris Paniewski | Startup Legal Basics

Today’s show:

Hear why Eric Jackson thinks Opendoor is the new Carvana, and how he’s planning to bring Drake on board as an investor (plus Jason’s Bestie Chamath).

On a brand-new TWiST, Jason and Alex are chatting with Jackson of EMJ Capital about his hunt for elusive 100 baggers (stocks that return 100-to-1).

PLUS we’re chatting with Weave Robotics’ Kaan Doğrusöz about designing practical domestic robots RIGHT NOW, rather than prototypes for 2030. Hear about how they got Isaac to fold laundry like a pro.

All that and… how Jason would turn around TechCrunch, why board members should always have skin in the game, that Waymo motorcycle accident, AND Uber and Tesla’s first team-up to haul freight!

Timestamps:

(0:00) Jason is worried about the next generation facing the end of apprenticeship; here’s his advice for young workers

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(11:30) Kaan Doğrusöz of Weave Robotics joins to talk about getting his laundry-folding robot, Isaac, into customer’s homes

(18:01) Isaac doesn’t have hands; here’s how Weave makes it work with grippers

(20:44) Stripe Startups - Stripe Startups offers early-stage, venture-backed startups access to Stripe fee credits and more. Apply today on stripe.com/startups.

(21:48) Show Continues…

(24:51) Checking out some of Weave’s competitors… how did they settle on Isaac’s design?

(30:01) Miro - Help your teams get great done with Miro. Check out miro.com to find out how!

(31:10) What’s going on with TikTok?

(36:15) Jason’s pitch is “BOYA”: Bring Your Own Algorithm

(38:54) Eric Jackson of EMJ Capital stops by to talk up $OPEN and why he wants Drake to invest

(40:14) Eric’s early YouTube career as an activist Yahoo! Investor

(44:42) Lessons Eric learned from Carvana and how that informed his $OPEN bet

(01:00:30) Why bringing Keith Rabois back was Eric’s ultimate dream for Opendoor

(01:03:02) Why board members should always have “skin in the game” and why $OPEN wants Chamath back

(01:07:26) Tesla and Uber are finally working together… They said it was impossible!

(01:09:31) A look at YouTube’s new AI podcasting features

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

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Follow Lon:

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

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

Thank you to our partners:

 • Northwest Registered Agent - Form your entire business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes. Get more privacy, more options, and more done—visit 
https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist • today!
 • Stripe Startups - Stripe Startups offers early-stage, venture-backed startups access to Stripe fee credits and more. Apply today on 
stripe.com/startups • .
 • Miro - Help your teams get great done with Miro. Check out 
miro.com • to find out how!

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

Who Owns the Output? AI Copyright & IP Explained w/ Chris Paniewski | Startup Legal Basics

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