Coinbase cuts 20%, Microsoft to invest $10B into OpenAI & Ascend Elements CEO Mike O’Kronley | E1654 This Week in Startups

Molly and Jason discuss the news that Coinbase is doing another 20% RIF. (6:50) Then they discuss the announcement that Microsoft is investing $10B into OpenAI with some pretty favourable terms. (27:19) After, Molly and Jason chat about Make Sunsets’ plan to cool the planet and Enpal, a German solar panel company raising money at a $2.4B valuation. (46:56) Then we wrap with this year’s first edition of TWiCS featuring Mike O’Kronley, CEO of Ascend Elements. (1:00:56)

(0:00) M+J kick off the show

(2:10) Atmospheric rivers and the chaos in California

(6:50) Coinbase does another 20% RIF

(11:56) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://vanta.com/twist

(13:03) The future of employment in tech

(21:50) Mixpanel - Apply for $50K in credits at https://mixpanel.com/startups

(23:16) The perfect amount of founders

(27:19) Microsoft is invests $10B into OpenAI

(32:46) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/TWIST

(34:10) OpenAI going from a non-profit to a for-profit + What is roundtripping?

(46:56) Make Sunsets raises $750K to do what?!

(53:05) Enpal raises at a $2.4B valuation

(1:00:56) TWiCS: Mike O’Kronley of Ascend Elements



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