Rippling Targets $16B, Market Chaos, TikTok Timeout, and Office Hours | E2107
Today’s show: Jason and Alex dive into the startup world’s latest chaos — from Nasdaq’s slide and Trump’s tariffs to Klarna’s IPO pause and Rippling’s $16B target. They break down what founders really need to know: tightening CIO budgets, longer sales cycles, but easier hiring. Plus, TikTok’s ban gets another delay (with Bezos possibly lurking?). In Office Hours, they chat with two sharp founders: Luke Belbina from PodEngine, who's building AI for podcasters and doubling revenue, and David Moscatelli from Abacus, who’s bringing secure, on-prem AI to banks and just hit $1M ARR. Don’t miss it! 👇*Timestamps:(0:00) Jason kicks off the show![3:37] Cloud stocks dip: What it means for startups[5:31] Trump's tariffs: A new startup recession?[7:01] Retail’s reaction to tariff pressure[10:16] LinkedIn Ads - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups[12:35] Supply chains & startup struggles[14:53] What’s still getting funded in VC[17:21] Layoffs looming? What founders should prep for[19:10] AI, macro takes & market signals[21:32] Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist[23:21] European tech cooling off?[24:36] Hiring freezes vs. easier recruiting[27:39] Startup strategies in tough markets[29:34] Vapi - Go to https://vapi.ai/twist and get 1000 minutes free per month - for life.[31:38] How to communicate tough changes[33:33] TikTok ban delayed… again[39:38] Trump’s China playbook: Startup impact[42:12] Office Hours: Luke from PodEngine[47:31] Automating with AI & driving sales[55:53] Pricing, lead gen & scaling tips[1:06:30] Office Hours: David from Abacus[1:08:32] On-prem AI for banks + hitting $1M ARR[1:14:42] Team building & founder strategy*Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp*Links from the show:Check out PodEngine: https://www.podengine.ai/Check out Abacus: https://www.goabacus.co/*Follow Luke:X: https://x.com/lukebelbinaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukebelbina/*Follow David:X: https://x.com/DaveMoscatelli*Follow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm*Follow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:[10:16] LinkedIn Ads - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups[21:32] Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/twist[29:34] Vapi - Go to https://vapi.ai/twist and get 1000 minutes free per month - for life.Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason’s suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.com*Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916
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