**Article:**
**Title: Welcome to Startup Weekly: Myth of College Dropout Founders, AI Porn Generators, and More**
**Introduction**
Welcome to Startup Weekly! If you want to receive our newsletter every Friday, make sure to register here. In this edition, we’ll be debunking the myth of founders who dropped out of college, discussing the rise of AI porn generators, and exploring the pitfalls experienced even by experienced founders. So let’s dive right in!
**Debunking the Myth of College Dropout Founders**
While Hollywood loves to glamorize the story of college dropout founders, the reality is that building a successful startup is often easier for those with a strong network, prior experience, and even a few failures under their belt. While there are some high-profile outliers, investors and the startup ecosystem have long recognized the value of a well-rounded background when it comes to entrepreneurship. It’s time to balance out the narrative and recognize that success doesn’t solely rely on dropping out of college.
**The Rise of AI Porn Generators**
As AI technology continues to advance, so do the capabilities of AI-generated content. One area where this is particularly evident is in the realm of pornography. AI-powered porn generators have become increasingly sophisticated, raising concerns about the ethical implications and potential misuse of these technologies. We recently interviewed the Unstable Diffusion team, whose work on AI porn generated significant buzz last year. This is a topic that continues to captivate and provoke discussions around the internet.
**Founders’ Pitfalls: Elmo Ruins Twitter**
Even experienced founders are not immune to making mistakes. In the latest debacle, Elmo, a social networking site, has officially changed its logo to an “X,” resulting in unintended consequences such as rebranding and name changes. This serves as a reminder that even those with extensive experience can stumble along the way. Twitter Videos, however, has resisted changing its name despite the chaos, and a social media account associated with it hints at reasons why.
**More AI: Always More AI**
AI is a hot topic in the startup world, and there’s always something new and exciting happening in this vertical. On TC+, Nick Zamanov wrote an article discussing his company’s experience using OpenAI to generate marketing strategies, which proved to be successful. OpenAI has also released a new feature for ChatGPT that allows users to set custom instructions, making writing newsletters faster and more efficient. The AI revolution continues, and it’s a topic that never fails to capture our attention.
**Bots Are Coming to Android: ChatGPT Expands**
OpenAI’s ChatGPT, an AI-powered chatbot, has made its way to Android and is now available in the US, India, Bangladesh, and Brazil. This expansion brings AI-powered conversation capabilities to a broader audience. ChatGPT’s availability on mobile devices is a significant step forward in making AI more accessible and user-friendly.
**Changes at OpenAI: Head of Trust and Security Resigns**
In a surprising turn of events, OpenAI’s head of trust and security, Dave Willner, has resigned after just 18 months in the role. This departure leaves a vacuum in the company’s leadership, but interim measures are in place with the CTO, Mira Murati, temporarily managing the team. OpenAI continues to navigate this transition and search for a suitable replacement.
**Deconstructed Raises $25 Million for Enterprise Data Tools**
Deconstructed, a startup focused on helping enterprises prepare their data for large language models, has secured $25 million in funding. The company’s tools are designed to optimize data for use in AI-powered models. This investment is a testament to the growing demand for data solutions in the AI space.
**The Art of Changing Your Mind**
The role of a founder is not easy, and sometimes, it requires making tough decisions, including replacing oneself as CEO. This week, we explored the experiences of founders who have navigated this challenging process. Additionally, we sought advice from industry experts on finding a new CEO for a startup. The ability to change one’s mind and adapt is an essential skill in the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship.
**Sequoia Capital’s Michael Moritz Transitions**
Michael Moritz, a long-standing partner at Sequoia Capital, has announced his transition from active involvement with the influential venture fund. Although he will continue to serve on several boards of directors, Moritz plans to shift most of his workload to other Sequoia partners. This change marks a new chapter in Moritz’s career while the companies he has been instrumental in shaping continue to thrive.
**Tech Startup IPO Activity**
While the tech startup IPO market has seen a recent drought, there is still significant activity taking place. Alex analyzed the numbers and discovered that there is a lot happening beneath the surface. Startups are defying the odds and making their mark in the IPO space, showcasing their potential and disrupting traditional industries.
**Impact Investing and Climate Tech Founders**
As companies increasingly focus on climate impact, impact investors are flocking to the sector. However, climate tech founders need to ask critical questions to ensure alignment with impact investors. Agnes Svensson, chief impact officer at Norrsken VC, shares five key questions that climate tech founders should consider when engaging with impact investors. While the demands and expectations may be high, the potential for positive change is immense.
**The Amazing Social Experiment of r/place**
Reddit’s r/place is a captivating social experiment where registered users can place a single pixel on a canvas every five minutes. This experiment showcases rare coordination and teamwork among users, making it a fascinating aspect of the internet. However, even in this seemingly innocent project, conflicts and disputes emerge, as demonstrated by recent API changes sparking a riot on the platform. The power and dynamics of online communities never fail to amaze.
**Aurora’s Autonomous Truck Ambitions**
Aurora, an autonomous truck company, has recently sold $820 million worth of stock as it continues to work towards launching an autonomous truck business in 2024. In contrast, Waymo has decided to halt its autonomous truck program. The autonomous truck industry is undergoing significant shifts, with different players pursuing unique strategies and approaches.
**Tesla: Car Manufacturer vs. Technology Company**
In a thought-provoking analysis, Rebecca reminds us that Tesla is ultimately a car manufacturer rather than a pure technology company. The company’s profit margins align more closely with traditional automakers like Ford rather than tech giants like Salesforce. This perspective challenges the perception of Tesla as a purely innovative and disruptive technology company.
**GM’s Changing Stance on Chevy Bolt EV**
GM has reversed its decision and announced that it will not discontinue the Chevy Bolt EV. This move is met with enthusiasm, as it promotes the development and availability of smaller, more affordable electric vehicles in the market. As the world transitions to electric mobility, diverse options are essential for widespread adoption.
**Automakers Collaborate for Massive EV Charging Network**
Seven of the world’s largest automakers have formed a joint venture to create an extensive electric vehicle charging network across North America. This collaboration is a significant step towards building a comprehensive infrastructure to support the growing EV market. As EV popularity continues to rise, charging capabilities must keep pace to ensure convenient and accessible charging options.
**Voltpost Raises Funding for Curbside EV Charging**
In smaller news, Voltpost has secured a seed round of $3.6 million to bring curbside EV charging to consumers. This funding will enable Voltpost to expand its charging network and make EV charging more accessible at convenient locations. By bringing charging stations closer to homes and businesses, Voltpost aims to further facilitate the transition to electric transportation.
**Conclusion**
In this edition of Startup Weekly, we explored the myth of college dropout founders, the rise of AI porn generators, and the challenges faced by even experienced entrepreneurs. We also delved into the latest developments in AI technology, leadership changes at OpenAI, and the growth of impact investing in climate tech. Additionally, we discussed the social experiment of r/place, the autonomous truck industry, Tesla’s identity as a car manufacturer, and developments in the electric vehicle charging space. As always, Startup Weekly covers the latest and most intriguing stories from the startup world.
**Engaging Additional Piece:**
**Title: Navigating the Startup Journey: Balancing Myth and Reality**
Introduction:
The startup world is often a breeding ground for myths, misconceptions, and sensational stories. From the popular narrative of college dropout founders becoming overnight successes to the portrayal of AI technology as a panacea for all problems, it can be challenging to separate fact from fiction. While there are, undoubtedly, remarkable stories of extraordinary achievements, it’s crucial to balance these narratives with the realities and nuances of the startup journey.
Debunking the Myth of College Dropout Founders:
The myth that successful founders must drop out of college has been perpetuated by media and pop culture. However, research and data show that the majority of startup founders have educational backgrounds and prior experience that contribute to their success. While dropping out can work for some outliers, it’s essential to acknowledge the value of well-rounded backgrounds and diverse skill sets in building a startup.
The Rise of AI Porn Generators: Ethical Implications and Challenges:
AI-powered technology has made significant advancements in generating realistic content, including pornographic material. This raises important ethical concerns regarding consent, privacy, and the potential for misuse. As AI technology continues to evolve, it’s crucial for society to navigate the ethical implications and establish robust frameworks to ensure responsible development and use of AI-generated content.
Founders’ Pitfalls: Learning from Failures and Mistakes:
Even experienced founders are not immune to failures and mistakes. It’s essential to acknowledge that setbacks and challenges are an integral part of the entrepreneurial journey. By learning from failures and adapting strategies, founders can navigate hurdles and ultimately achieve success. The recent Elmo-Twitter logo fiasco serves as a reminder that even well-established companies can make missteps, highlighting the importance of staying vigilant and adaptable.
AI’s Prominence: Addressing the Hype and Practical Implications:
The prominence of AI in the startup landscape is undeniable. However, it’s crucial to address the hype surrounding AI and strike a balance between its potential and practical implications. While AI offers transformative possibilities across industries, it’s important to approach its implementation thoughtfully and ethically. OpenAI’s recent developments, such as ChatGPT’s availability on Android, highlight the ongoing advancements in AI technology and its potential to enhance various aspects of our lives.
Adapting Leadership and Embracing Change:
Founders are often faced with difficult decisions, including stepping down from leadership roles or seeking replacements. This highlights the need for self-reflection and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Just as Sequoia Capital’s Michael Moritz transitions after his influential tenure, founders must be willing to evolve and empower new leaders to drive their startups forward.
The Complex Landscape of Tech IPOs:
While the tech startup IPO market may appear quiet on the surface, there is still a considerable amount of activity happening. Startups continue to make their mark and prove their worth, challenging traditional industries and offering innovative solutions. Understanding the dynamics and trends within the IPO space can help entrepreneurs make informed decisions about their own growth strategies.
Climate Tech: The Intersection of Impact and Innovation:
As the world grapples
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Welcome to Startup Weekly. Register here to receive it in your inbox every Friday.
not get everything GrumpyManScreamsInTheCloud.gif, but I’m getting pretty tired of the myth of founders who dropped out of college. Investors, and the broader ecosystem, have long known that while there are some high-profile outliers, it’s much easier to build a startup if you have a fat Rolodex, some experience and maybe a few failures under your belt. I know Hollywood doesn’t think it’s such a good story, but… . . maybe it would be nice to balance things out a bit on that front.
Speaking of intrusion: those bots have been hard at work generating obscenities, and Kyle reports that As AI Porn Generators Get Better, The Stakes Raise. Perhaps as a result of that story (and the internet hitting a fever pitch with AI porn), an interview we did with the Unstable Diffusion team Last year it trended again at TechCrunch.
Speaking of an even bigger meddle: It seems that even very experienced founders get quite a bit wrong from time to time, too: It seems that Elmo isn’t done ruining Twitter. This week, the burning remains of a social networking site officially changed its logo to X. That has had some, er, curious side effects, including a bunch of rebranding and name changes. Linking the themes of obscenity and social media, Twitter Videos has so far resisted changing its name, and a social media account (NSFW) seems to hint at why.
More AI. Always more AI
Image Credits: nadia_bormotova/Getty Images
I know, it seems like there’s always an AI section on Startups Weekly right now. Don’t blame me, blame the hot news coming out of that vertical right now.
On TC+, Nick Zamanov wrote an article about how his company tried to use OpenAI to generate marketing strategies — and was delighted to find that it worked.
In the meantime, OpenAI has just released a cool feature that introduces custom instructions for ChatGPT. Instead of having to write “write me a three section newsletter à la TechCrunch’s Startups Weekly, and some really dumb jokes”, you can set that as the default behavior. Writing newsletters will be very fast in the future, I swear. (Just kidding: I’ve tried. ChatGPT’s attempts to write this were as boring as dishwater. My job is safe for another week or two.)
Bots are coming to androids: ChatGPT comes to Androidand soon became available in the US, India, Bangladesh and Brazil. OpenAI plans to launch the app in more countries very soon.
I’m sure it wasn’t a stressful job.: After just 18 months on the job, OpenAI’s head of trust and security Dave Willner resigns. The company’s CTO, Mira Murati, will manage the team on an interim basis while they find a replacement.
Let’s translate this from corporate language to the language of bots: a startup that is creating tools to help prepare enterprise data to be gobbled up in large language models, Deconstructed raises $25 million.
The art of changing your mind
Image Credits: Images by Christina Kilgour/Getty Images
This week, I’ve been thinking a lot about the work of a founder. I already mentioned the TechCrunch+ article I wrote about startups are not just a youth gameand I spoke with a founder who decided to replace himself as CEO of his own company. Earlier this week, I also spoke with DeeDee Deman, who has spent the last 50 years looking for CEOs, to get some advice on how he can think about Finding a new CEO for your startup.
On the subject of replacements — Sequoia Capital’s Michael Moritz moves on, almost 40 years after joining the influential venture fund. He will continue to serve on the board of directors with a handful of companies, but plans to shift most of the workload to other Sequoia partners.
The companies remain publicly traded. Just not startups: There’s been a drought in the tech startup IPO space, but at TC+, Alex crunched the numbers and realized there’s still a lot of activity going on, and it’s make startups look dumb as hell.
Optimized for impact: More and more companies are thinking about the climate, and impact investors are flocking to the segment. that scares me a littlebut Agnes Svensson, chief impact officer at Norrsken VC, shares five key questions climate tech founders need to ask impact investors.
One of the most amazing social experiments.: Reddits r/place is an amazing experiment, where a registered user can place a single pixel on a canvas every 5 minutes. It’s one of my favorite things about the Internet, because it requires something absolutely rare: coordination and teamwork. Of course, redditors used this year’s game evolution to shout loudly about API changes that have sparked a riot on the social networking site.
Pulling at the pit stop
Image Credits: Bryce Durbin/TechCrunch
Autonomous truck company Aurora sells $820 million worth of stock to continue its drive towards launching an autonomous truck business in 2024. Around the same time, Waymo halts its autonomous truck program.
Meanwhile, taking a look at Tesla’s business fundamentals, Rebecca reminds us that the company is a car manufacturer, not a technology company – and that its margins look a lot more like Ford than, say, Salesforce.
It’s time for another U-turn: We’ve been kicking around this for a while, but it looks like GM has changed its mind yet again, saying that It’s Not Going to Kill the Chevy Bolt EV After All. Personally, I think that’s great. We need smaller, more affordable electric vehicles.
playing the zap: Seven of the world’s largest automakers today announced a joint venture to create a massive electric vehicle charging network through North America.
recharge at home: In smaller cargo news, Voltpost raised a seed round of $3.6 million to bring EV charging to the curb.
Top reads at TechCrunch this week
In addition to some of the heavy hitters sprinkled above, here are some of our must-see stories of the week:
Maybe he’s just taking a nap?: I argued that Virtual reality as a category is dead and couldn’t find a killer app. AR is picking up the mantle, but we’ll see if he can do better.
I don’t know, maybe hide better?: Zack reports that North Korean Hackers Target JumpCloud they may have forgotten to mask their IP addresses properly, the researchers say.
Buy it, then kill it: Aria reports that SpaceX has made only one acquisition to date (that we know of), but Swarm Technologies is halting sales of new devices. It seems the acquisition may have been a hire here, as Swarm’s founders are finding senior positions at SpaceX.
stalking for cash: Zack had a couple of popular articles this week. He reported that Spyhide stalkerware is spying on tens of thousands of phonesand delved into how TheTruthSpy stalkerware made millions.
enough already: It’s getting more and more frustrating to report this, but startups with all-female founding teams raised just $1.4bn in first halfreports Dominic-Madori. That’s a paltry 1.6% of all hedge funds invested. Mixed gender teams got 28%.
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