Will We Reach Artificial General Intelligence Before Stripe’s Anticipated Public Listing?
Introduction
Hello, and welcome to Equity, a podcast about the business of startups, where we unpack the numbers and nuance behind the headlines. This is our Friday episode, when we dig back through the most critical stories and themes from the week.
Stripe’s Valuation Recovers
As part of a tender offer, Stripe is now worth $65 billion. The company’s valuation has been on an up-and-down path in recent years as the company works to make its massive bulk fit into the private markets. Alex has thoughts on when it should go public, as you might imagine.
Stripe’s Valuation: A Rollercoaster Ride
Stripe’s valuation has been a subject of much discussion in the tech industry. The company’s worth has fluctuated over the years, with periods of rapid growth followed by periods of decline. Despite this volatility, Stripe remains one of the most valuable private companies in the world.
The tender offer that resulted in Stripe’s current valuation of $65 billion is just the latest development in the company’s ongoing efforts to manage its finances and grow its business. As Alex noted, the company’s decision to go public will be a crucial moment for Stripe and its investors.
Fervo Energy’s $200M+ Round
What if the solution to our energy problems was not in the stars, but beneath our feet? And no, I am not talking about carbon-based fuels. No, instead, what if geothermal energy is what we’ve been waiting for? Fervo wants to make that question into a reality.
Fervo Energy has raised over $200 million in funding as it looks to develop its geothermal energy technology. The company’s innovative approach could potentially provide a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional forms of energy production.
Why VCs Are Investing in Companies That Shut Down
With more startups than usual heading for closure, there’s a mountain of work ahead for founders and backers to shutter companies. Now some angels and other investors are putting their own capital into several companies that specialize in helping other firms close. Grim, but necessary.
The rise of startup closures has created a new opportunity for venture capitalists (VCs) to invest in companies that help others shut down. These VCs recognize the importance of supporting founders through this difficult process and are using their expertise to guide them through the closure process.
AI and the Law
Microsoft’s move to invest in French AI company Mistralis is not a bad way to spread its bets. Or potentially fend off regulatory scrutiny that is building. AI in general is having a bit of a time-sorting out rights— or lack thereof — that some training data may retain.
The increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) has raised important questions about the role of law and regulation in this space. Microsoft’s investment in Mistralis is one example of how companies are responding to these challenges by diversifying their investments and exploring new opportunities.
Coming Up This Weekend
We have an interview with Nubank’s CEO coming up this weekend, and another great interview planned for the weekend after! Chat soon!
Conclusion
This week on Equity, we explored the latest developments in the tech industry, from Stripe’s valuation to Fervo Energy’s innovative geothermal energy technology. We also touched on the growing importance of AI and its implications for law and regulation.
Equity Drops at 7 a.m. PT Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
TechCrunch’s Equity podcast drops every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7 a.m. PT. Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify, and all the casts.
About Our Hosts
Alex Wilhelm: Senior Reporter
Alex Wilhelm was a senior reporter for TechCrunch covering the markets, venture capital, and startups. He was also the founding host of TechCrunch’s Webby Award-winning podcast Equity.
Theresa Loconsolo: Audio Producer
Theresa Loconsolo is an audio producer at TechCrunch focusing on Equity, the network’s flagship podcast. Before joining TechCrunch in 2022, she was one of two producers at a four-station conglomerate where she wrote, recorded, voiced, and edited content, and engineered live performances and interviews from guests like lovelytheband.
Mary Ann Azevedo: Sr. Reporter
Mary Ann Azevedo has more than 20 years of business reporting and editing experience for publications such as TechCrunch, Forbes, and Bloomberg. She is a seasoned journalist with a deep understanding of the tech industry and its trends.