Hello and welcome back to Equity, a podcast about the business of startups where we unpack the numbers and nuance behind the headlines. This is our Monday show, where we dig into the weekend and take a peek at the week that is to come. We’ll talk more about it Wednesday, but this is Y Combinator Demo Day week, so expect a deluge of startup news.
Diving into the Latest News
On the podcast today, we dug into the latest news from Discord that indicates it is moving towards opening its gates for advertisements. As I wrote back in 2022, this is the standard practice for tech companies that get big, even if we don’t love it as consumers (Just look at YouTube’s ad load, for example).
Discord Advertisements: A Shift Towards Monetization
Discord has been a staple of gaming communities and online interactions. With its growing user base and increasing revenue, the platform is now exploring ways to monetize its services. This move towards advertising could change the way users experience Discord.
While some might see this as a negative development, it’s essential to consider the business side of things. As companies grow and mature, they often need to find new ways to generate revenue. For tech giants like Google (YouTube) or Facebook, advertisements have become an integral part of their business model.
AT&T Passcode Resets: A Security Concern
We also got into a super-neat startup round concerning trucking, TechCrunch’s latest cybersecurity scoop, which is big news for AT&T customers. A recent security breach at AT&T has left many users concerned about their passcodes. The incident highlights the importance of robust security measures in today’s digital age.
In an era where data breaches are increasingly common, it’s crucial to have adequate safeguards in place. As companies like AT&T collect and store sensitive information, they must prioritize user security above all else.
Android Podcasting Ecosystem Changes
Lastly, we touched on upcoming changes to the Android podcasting ecosystem that will see YouTube Music gain even more prominence inside of Alphabet’s consumer empire. These shifts in the market could have significant implications for users and developers alike.
As tech giants like Google continue to push their own services, it’s essential to monitor these developments closely. The changing landscape of podcasting on Android will undoubtedly bring about new opportunities and challenges.
A Deluge of Startup News
This week marks Y Combinator Demo Day, which means we can expect a deluge of startup news in the coming days. Stay tuned for more insights and analysis from TechCrunch’s Equity team as we dive into the latest stories from the world of startups.
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Full Interview Transcript
For those who prefer reading over listening, you can access the full interview transcript or check out our full archive of episodes over at Simplecast: https://simplecast.com/show/equity
About Alex Wilhelm
Alex Wilhelm is 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.
Connect with Alex on Twitter at @alexAlex: https://twitter.com/alexwilhelm
Equity Team
The Equity team consists of seasoned journalists and experts in the startup world. Our team includes:
- Alex Wilhelm: Senior Reporter, covering markets, venture capital, and startups.
- Other contributors: Regular guests and hosts who share their insights and expertise on various topics.
Recent Episodes
Check out our latest episodes for more stories from the world of startups:
- "2024: Founder mode, AI, and the ‘Rise of the Broligarchs’"
- "Fundraising: Are AI companies just defense tech now?"
- "Building physical tech is back in fashion thanks to AI, robotics, and defense"
- "It’s the end of the road for Cruise, and Bluesky is still taking off"
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