# Startups on The No Agenda Show Startups comes up in 39 chapters across 39 episodes of The No Agenda Show, from September 2010 to September 2026. - **Chapters:** 39 - **Episodes:** 39 - **Discussed:** September 2010 – September 2026 - **Related topics:** [Silicon Valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [Venture Capital](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/venture-capital.md), [Austin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austin.md), [Jason Calacanis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jason-calacanis.md), [Flying Cars](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/flying-cars.md), [Google](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google.md), [Techcrunch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/techcrunch.md), [Advertising](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/advertising.md), [Agi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/agi.md), [Alef Aeronautics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/alef-aeronautics.md) ## Chapters 1–20 of 39 ### YouTube as a Podcast Player and Endemic Advertising Models - **Episode:** [1905: Nerdballs](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1905-nerdballs.md) - **Published:** 2026-09-20 - **Time:** 8:27–11:08 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1905-nerdballs/chapter/youtube-as-a-podcast-player-and-endemic-advertising-models.md Jason Calacanis argues that YouTube has effectively become the primary podcast player for "terminally online" generations who keep the app running in the background. He details the business model of his long-running show, This Week in Startups, which generates significant revenue through endemic SaaS and legal service advertising. Adam Curry questions the high price points of these ad slots compared to the value-for-value model. Keywords: [youtube](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/youtube.md), [spotify](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/spotify.md), [apple podcasts](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/apple-podcasts.md), this week in startups, saas, [advertising](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/advertising.md) ### Todd Drenth, Sir Todd and Dame Carlye Knighting - **Episode:** [1888: In The Mourning](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1888-in-the-mourning.md) - **Published:** 2026-07-24 - **Time:** 4:27:24–4:28:49 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1888-in-the-mourning/chapter/todd-drenth-sir-todd-and-dame-carlye-knighting.md Todd Drenth shares how Dvorak gave him personal encouragement when he was starting his own company. He and his wife Carlye, who listen to the show together, request to be knighted as Sir Todd of The Dale and Dame Carlye of The Chicago Skyline. Keywords: todd drenth, carlye, [grand rapids](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/grand-rapids.md), [knighting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighting.md), startup advice ### Sam Altman on Economic Utility, AI Startups - **Episode:** [1850: Error Bars](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1850-error-bars.md) - **Published:** 2026-03-12 - **Time:** 1:44:34–1:48:47 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1850-error-bars/chapter/sam-altman-on-economic-utility-ai-startups.md OpenAI CEO Sam Altman claims the world has crossed a threshold into "major economic utility" for AI, particularly in coding and science. He observes a mental shift in startups that prioritize "compute" and "tokens" over hiring human employees to avoid slowing down their operations. Keywords: [sam altman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sam-altman.md), [openai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/openai.md), [agi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/agi.md), [startups](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/startups.md), [compute](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/compute.md) ### Plant-Based Eggs, Food Startup Investment - **Episode:** [1848: Podcaster Down!](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1848-podcaster-down.md) - **Published:** 2026-03-05 - **Time:** 34:50–37:19 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1848-podcaster-down/chapter/plant-based-eggs-food-startup-investment.md Investors are pouring billions into food startups, including an Israeli company developing the first plant-based fried egg. A taste test comparison between real, dehydrated, and plant-based eggs suggests that while the science is advancing, the flavor and texture of alternatives often resemble potatoes or soggy vegetables. Keywords: plant-based eggs, [israel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/israel.md), [food science](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/food-science.md), [protein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/protein.md), [startups](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/startups.md) ### Alef Aeronautics, Flying Cars, FAA Certification - **Episode:** [1837: Moral Injury](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1837-moral-injury.md) - **Published:** 2026-01-25 - **Time:** 2:31:19–2:35:29 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1837-moral-injury/chapter/alef-aeronautics-flying-cars-faa-certification.md Alef Aeronautics is promoting its "Model A" flying car, claiming 3,500 pre-orders at $300,000 each. However, skeptics point out that the vehicle is currently a lightweight prototype with bicycle-style wheels and limited road capabilities. The FAA's "airworthiness certificate" for the vehicle is limited to experimental testing at airfields, contradicting claims that it is ready for public use. Keywords: [alef aeronautics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/alef-aeronautics.md), [flying cars](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/flying-cars.md), [faa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/faa.md), [ev](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ev.md), [startups](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/startups.md) ### European Union Savings and Investment Union Proposal - **Episode:** [1749: Gynocracy](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1749-gynocracy.md) - **Published:** 2025-03-23 - **Time:** 6:56–9:47 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1749-gynocracy/chapter/european-union-savings-and-investment-union-proposal.md The European Union is proposing a Savings and Investment Union to prevent 1.4 billion euros in annual European savings from flowing into American markets. The initiative seeks to unify fragmented capital markets to provide better returns for citizens and increased capital for European startups. Keywords: savings and investment union, [capital markets](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/capital-markets.md), [startups](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/startups.md), [investment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/investment.md), [banking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/banking.md) ### GigaWatt Coffee Roasters and Small Batch Marketing - **Episode:** [1616: Buying Quiet](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1616-buying-quiet.md) - **Published:** 2023-12-17 - **Time:** 2:53:30–2:57:15 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1616-buying-quiet/chapter/gigawatt-coffee-roasters-and-small-batch-marketing.md Producer Eli the Coffee Guy shares the story of launching GigaWatt Coffee Roasters just before the 2020 lockdowns. The show praises the high-quality packaging and "top drawer" marketing of the small-batch, air-roasted coffee, offering a discount code to the No Agenda community. Keywords: [gigawatt coffee](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gigawatt-coffee.md), [startup](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/startup.md), air roasted coffee, [marketing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marketing.md), [entrepreneurship](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/entrepreneurship.md) ### Silicon Valley Venture Capital, SVB Banking Covenants - **Episode:** [1537: Dig Up Canada!](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1537-dig-up-canada.md) - **Published:** 2023-03-12 - **Time:** 32:31–35:30 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1537-dig-up-canada/chapter/silicon-valley-venture-capital-svb-banking-covenants.md The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank reveals the "incestuous" nature of the tech ecosystem, where venture capital firms like Sequoia Capital and Kleiner Perkins often mandated that their startups bank exclusively with SVB. This concentration of risk meant that a significant majority of VC-backed firms globally were exposed to the bank's failure. The resulting liquidity crisis is expected to lead to a "culling of the herd" as unprofitable startups struggle to meet payroll without their lines of credit. Keywords: [sequoia capital](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sequoia-capital.md), [kleiner perkins](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kleiner-perkins.md), wilson sonsini, [venture capital](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/venture-capital.md), svb, [startups](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/startups.md) ### Ukrainian Startups at CES, USAID Funding, Eco-Friendly Innovations - **Episode:** [1519: Freeze Peach](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1519-freeze-peach.md) - **Published:** 2023-01-12 - **Time:** 1:32:55–1:35:57 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1519-freeze-peach/chapter/ukrainian-startups-at-ces-usaid-funding-eco-friendly-innovations.md A dozen Ukrainian startups showcased products at CES 2023, including paper made from fallen leaves and coffee cups made from recycled grounds. The Ukrainian Startup Fund, which supports these ventures, is noted to be financed by USAID. The hosts characterize the presentation of these low-tech items at a major electronics show as a "psyop" or a joke intended to maintain public support for Ukraine. Keywords: ces 2023, [ukraine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ukraine.md), [usaid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/usaid.md), relief, rekava, [startups](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/startups.md) ### Startup Opportunities, Anti-Competitive Behavior in Tech - **Episode:** [1314: Gnarler](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1314-gnarler.md) - **Published:** 2021-01-21 - **Time:** 38:00–42:10 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1314-gnarler/chapter/startup-opportunities-anti-competitive-behavior-in-tech.md Jason Calacanis suggests that the de-platforming of services like Parler will create a new class of startup opportunities for investors to back "free speech" alternatives, including competitors to Amazon Web Services (AWS). The hosts argue that this stance is hypocritical and anti-competitive, as it cheers the destruction of existing competitors while simultaneously proposing new investments in the same space. Keywords: [jason calacanis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jason-calacanis.md), [startups](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/startups.md), [free market](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/free-market.md), [anti-competitive](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anti-competitive.md), [aws](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aws.md) ### Drop.io, Data Loss, Venture Capital Models - **Episode:** [1286: Rory's Dad](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1286-rory-s-dad.md) - **Published:** 2020-10-15 - **Time:** 1:28:39–1:32:04 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1286-rory-s-dad/chapter/drop-io-data-loss-venture-capital-models.md The loss of historical show notes and artwork occurred when the startup Drop.io was acquired and shut down by Facebook. This experience led to a policy of never relying on "free" third-party corporate servers for critical data. Most modern tech startups are viewed as being built specifically to be acquired by giants like Google or Facebook rather than to establish sustainable business models. Keywords: [drop.io](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/drop-io.md), [facebook](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/facebook.md), [google](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google.md), [startups](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/startups.md), [data storage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/data-storage.md) ### Microsoft Teams Market Dominance Over Slack - **Episode:** [1270: Twindemic](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1270-twindemic.md) - **Published:** 2020-08-23 - **Time:** 42:02–43:44 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1270-twindemic/chapter/microsoft-teams-market-dominance-over-slack.md Microsoft is aggressively "flooding the zone" to gain market share for its Teams integration, offering deep discounts to corporations. While startups remain loyal to Slack, Microsoft's bundled approach is winning over larger enterprises. Zoom is viewed as a potentially weak long-term stock play. Keywords: [microsoft teams](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/microsoft-teams.md), [slack](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/slack.md), [zoom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/zoom.md), [enterprise software](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/enterprise-software.md), [startups](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/startups.md) ### Army Futures Command Moves to Austin - **Episode:** [1074: Boo You](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1074-boo-you.md) - **Published:** 2018-10-05 - **Time:** 1:41:58–1:42:40 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1074-boo-you/chapter/army-futures-command-moves-to-austin.md The Army Futures Command has officially established its headquarters in Austin, Texas, bringing 500 personnel and a reported $16 billion to invest in local startups. The hosts note the increasing concentration of military, intelligence, and tech giants like Google and Amazon in the Austin area. Keywords: army futures command, [austin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austin.md), [startups](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/startups.md), [venture capital](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/venture-capital.md), [military](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/military.md) ### Japanese Rocket Failure, Pencil Rocket Glitch - **Episode:** [1049: Rent Men](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1049-rent-men.md) - **Published:** 2018-07-08 - **Time:** 2:07:08–2:09:05 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1049-rent-men/chapter/japanese-rocket-failure-pencil-rocket-glitch.md A private space startup in Japan experienced a major failure when its "pencil rocket" crashed seconds after liftoff. The rocket was intended to reach an altitude of 100 kilometers but suffered what the media described as a "glitch" in its main engine. The hosts mock the use of the word "glitch" to describe a catastrophic explosion. Keywords: [japan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/japan.md), [rocket](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rocket.md), space startup, [engine failure](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/engine-failure.md), [glitch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/glitch.md) ### Listener Feedback, Rihanna and Career Success Stories - **Episode:** [1047: Congrats Canada](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1047-congrats-canada.md) - **Published:** 2018-07-02 - **Time:** 1:13:35–1:19:51 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1047-congrats-canada/chapter/listener-feedback-rihanna-and-career-success-stories.md Listeners shared personal updates, including one producer who sold a digital engagement startup to a major pharmaceutical company. The hosts discussed their musical preferences, noting that Rihanna has replaced Green Day in their current rotation. The segment concludes the first half of the donation acknowledgments, focusing on "Jobs Karma" and the "Value for Value" funding model. Keywords: [rihanna](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rihanna.md), [green day](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/green-day.md), [startups](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/startups.md), [pharmaceutical](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pharmaceutical.md), [jobs karma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jobs-karma.md), [executive producers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/executive-producers.md) ### Uber Air Taxi Vision, Financial Instability and Aviation Realities - **Episode:** [1032: Going Vertical](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1032-going-vertical.md) - **Published:** 2018-05-11 - **Time:** 1:49:34–1:55:53 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1032-going-vertical/chapter/uber-air-taxi-vision-financial-instability-and-aviation-realities.md Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi unveiled a vision for "Uber Air," a network of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) taxis. Industry experts dismiss the project as a publicity stunt intended to attract investors, noting that Uber loses billions annually and that aircraft certification for urban environments typically takes over 15 years. Keywords: uber air, dara khosrowshahi, [aviation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aviation.md), [flying cars](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/flying-cars.md), startup debt ### Gimlet Media and Startup Podcast Inspiration for Alex Inc - **Episode:** [1028: Roscoe!](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1028-roscoe.md) - **Published:** 2018-04-26 - **Time:** 37:47–40:55 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1028-roscoe/chapter/gimlet-media-and-startup-podcast-inspiration-for-alex-inc.md The TV series Alex Inc is identified as being based on the story of Alex Blumberg and the founding of Gimlet Media, rather than the hosts' personal experiences. The show's dialogue regarding the "alchemy" of podcasting and the process of pitching shows via cards is dismissed as inaccurate. The discussion concludes that while the network model can be monetized, the TV adaptation fails to capture the reality of the medium. Keywords: alex inc, [gimlet media](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gimlet-media.md), alex blumberg, startup podcast, [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md) ### Management Style, Adam Curry's Punctuality Enforcement - **Episode:** [1008: Ghost Guns](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1008-ghost-guns.md) - **Published:** 2018-02-18 - **Time:** 1:01:48–1:03:21 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1008-ghost-guns/chapter/management-style-adam-curry-s-punctuality-enforcement.md An anecdote from the Mevio era describes Adam Curry's strict enforcement of punctuality, where he would personally monitor the entrance and question employees arriving after 8:30 AM. This management style was intended to address a culture where staff arrived at their own discretion without guidance. The story highlights the tension between startup flexibility and the operational requirements of running a business. Keywords: [mevio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mevio.md), [management](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/management.md), punctuality, office culture, [startup](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/startup.md) ### Listener Donations, De-douching Ceremony and Career Karma - **Episode:** [969: Sock Puppet Media](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/969-sock-puppet-media.md) - **Published:** 2017-10-01 - **Time:** 1:04:49–1:08:58 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/969-sock-puppet-media/chapter/listener-donations-de-douching-ceremony-and-career-karma.md Donors from Singapore and elsewhere receive "de-douching" acknowledgments and "career karma" for their financial support. A brief tangent covers the cleanliness of Keurig coffee machines and a personal mishap involving a granola container. Keywords: [singapore](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/singapore.md), [keurig](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/keurig.md), granola, [startup](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/startup.md), [de-douching](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/de-douching.md) ### Unlimited Vacation Policies, Silicon Valley Employment Trends - **Episode:** [923: Terror Put](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/923-terror-put.md) - **Published:** 2017-04-23 - **Time:** 1:15:44–1:17:17 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/923-terror-put/chapter/unlimited-vacation-policies-silicon-valley-employment-trends.md A donor shares a warning about "unlimited vacation" policies in Silicon Valley startups. Because employees do not accrue specific days, companies are not required to pay out unused vacation time upon termination or resignation. The hosts advise listeners to negotiate for traditional accrued vacation days to avoid losing financial benefits. Keywords: unlimited vacation, [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [severance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/severance.md), [employment law](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/employment-law.md), [startups](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/startups.md) [Next page](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/startups.md?offset=20) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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