Nvidia tops Microsoft, FTC sues Adobe, weight loss startups, and more! | E1968

Jason and Alex kick off the show rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(00:00:00)

• Jason Calacanis and Alex Wilhelm introduce the show.
• They discuss their backgrounds and interests in startups, technology, and business.
• Nvidia's market cap surpasses Microsoft's for the first time.
  • Nvidia's market cap reached $814 billion, while Microsoft's was at $809 billion.
  • This is a significant milestone for Nvidia, which has seen rapid growth in recent years due to the demand for its graphics processing units (GPUs) used in gaming, data centers, and artificial intelligence.
• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sues Adobe over its subscription business practices.
  • The FTC alleges that Adobe's subscription model for its creative software, such as Photoshop and Illustrator, is anti-competitive and harms consumers.
  • The FTC is seeking to force Adobe to change its subscription practices and pay penalties.
• Weight loss startups are facing increased scrutiny and criticism.
  • Some weight loss startups have been accused of making false or misleading claims about their products and services.
  • There is growing concern about the potential health risks associated with some weight loss products and diets.
• Other news:
  • New Twist 500 members are announced.
  • Vanta, a compliance and security platform for startups, is offering a $1,000 discount to Twist listeners.
  • Lemon.io, a platform for hiring remote developers, is offering 15% off the first week of developer time to Twist listeners.

Nvidia's rise as the most valuable company rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(00:02:34)

• Nvidia has surpassed Microsoft to become the world's most valuable company by market capitalization.
• Alphabet, Google's parent company, is losing its innovative edge due to over-reliance on search advertising revenue and a management style that hinders long-term innovation.
• Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) are ineffective and should be replaced with immediate termination of underperforming employees, especially in startups and companies competing with tech giants like Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, and Satya Nadella.
• Google faces challenges in reversing the "crappification" of search due to near-term result concerns and the rise of AI-driven software.
• Amazon's AWS growth momentum has slowed, making it less attractive as a top investment choice.
• Potential top investment picks include Saudi Aramco, TSMC, Berkshire Hathaway, Meta, Broadcom, Eli Lilly, and Novo Nordisk.
• Novo Nordisk's success in the GLP-1 market has significantly boosted Denmark's GDP, leading to monetary supply issues in the country.
• Tesla is ranked 13th on the list with a valuation of $587-$588 billion.

Nvidia tops Microsoft, FTC sues Adobe, weight loss startups, and more! | E1968 rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(00:00:00)

• Nvidia's market cap surpassed Microsoft's, making it the most valuable U.S. company.
• Adobe is being sued by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for anti-competitive practices related to its acquisition of Figma.
• Weight loss startups are facing increased scrutiny from regulators due to deceptive marketing practices.
• The U.S. economy added 517,000 jobs in January, exceeding expectations.
• The Bank of England raised interest rates by 0.5%, the highest level since 2008.
• The European Central Bank raised interest rates by 0.5%, the highest level since 2011.
• The U.S. Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates by 0.25% at its next meeting.
• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned of a potential global recession in 2023.
• The World Bank lowered its global growth forecast for 2023 to 1.7%.
• The Russian economy is expected to contract by 3.9% in 2023.
• The Chinese economy is expected to grow by 4.4% in 2023.
• The Indian economy is expected to grow by 6.1% in 2023.
• The Brazilian economy is expected to grow by 1.0% in 2023.
• The Mexican economy is expected to grow by 1.2% in 2023.
• The Argentine economy is expected to grow by 2.0% in 2023.

Eli Lilly and the GLP-1 Phenomenon rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(00:11:50)

• Kevin Rose, who struggled with weight gain and obesity-related health issues, found success in losing weight and improving his overall health through GLP-1 drugs.
• Eli Lilly's weight loss drug, Mounjaro (Tirzepatide), has been highly successful, leading to a significant rise in the company's stock.
• Mounjaro has the potential to become one of the best-selling pharmaceuticals of all time, and Eli Lilly is working on a pill form that could triple its market reach.
• The speaker proposes a theory that some individuals may have a chemical imbalance causing constant hunger, leading to weight gain and addiction, and suggests that AI could help discover compounds to reduce cravings.
• Peptides are mentioned as a potential solution for weight loss and muscle building, with the speaker expressing interest in trying the "Wolverine protocol" for enhanced healing and muscle growth.

Nvidia tops Microsoft, FTC sues Adobe, weight loss startups, and more! | E1968 rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(00:00:00)

• Nvidia's market cap surpasses Microsoft's, making it the most valuable U.S. chipmaker.
• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) files a lawsuit against Adobe, alleging anti-competitive practices in the digital design market.
• Weight loss startups are facing increased scrutiny from regulators and consumers, with some companies being accused of deceptive marketing practices.
• The U.S. economy adds 517,000 jobs in January, exceeding expectations and signaling a strong labor market.
• The Bank of England raises interest rates by 0.5%, marking the tenth consecutive hike in an effort to combat inflation.
• The European Union agrees on a landmark deal to ban the sale of new gasoline and diesel cars by 2035, accelerating the transition to electric vehicles.
• The James Webb Space Telescope captures stunning images of Jupiter, providing new insights into the planet's atmosphere and moons.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) declares the end of the COVID-19 pandemic emergency phase, while emphasizing the need for continued vigilance.

Telehealth and its future rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(00:25:08)

• Telehealth services gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering convenience and cost-effectiveness for patients to access healthcare remotely.
• Startups in digital health are exploring the development of GLP-1-based foods and lifestyle products to complement weight loss treatments.
• Compounded medications, especially those from China, require increased regulation to ensure safety and quality.
• Expanding telehealth services can reduce healthcare costs and improve accessibility, but challenges remain in complying with HIPAA regulations and ensuring patient privacy.
• Chat GPT's impact on Chegg, a bookstore that expanded into question-and-answer services and tutoring, caused its market cap to drop significantly.
• Potential losers in the GLP-1 world include Weight Watchers, diet programs, and health gurus on Instagram due to GLP-1's impact on weight loss.
• Intermittent fasting and GLP-1 adoption may lead to decreased junk food and fast food consumption, resulting in smaller check sizes and reduced alcohol consumption.

Nvidia tops Microsoft, FTC sues Adobe, weight loss startups, and more! | E1968 rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(00:00:00)

• Nvidia's market cap surpasses Microsoft's, making it the most valuable U.S. company.
• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) files a lawsuit against Adobe, alleging anti-competitive practices in the digital design market.
• Weight loss startups are facing increased scrutiny from regulators due to deceptive marketing practices.
• The U.S. economy is showing signs of resilience despite global economic challenges.
• The Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates again in an effort to combat inflation.
• The tech industry is experiencing layoffs and hiring freezes as companies adjust to the changing economic climate.
• The U.S. government is considering new regulations to address the growing power of Big Tech companies.
• The global energy crisis is driving up prices and causing economic instability in many countries.
• The war in Ukraine continues to have a significant impact on the global economy and geopolitical landscape.
• The COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, but many countries are lifting restrictions and returning to normal.

FTC sues Adobe rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(00:34:21)

• The Department of Justice and FTC are taking legal action against Adobe and two executives for failing to disclose important information to consumers regarding their annual paid monthly plan, including hefty termination fees and difficulties in canceling the subscription.
• The FTC is known for intervening in tactical issues that negatively impact consumers and competition, and their actions are seen positively as they address specific unfair practices, such as Adobe's subscription practices and the Wall Street Journal's complicated cancellation process.
• California's renewal law requires clear disclosure and acknowledgment of subscription renewals, which is seen as a positive step in protecting consumers.
• The FTC is taking action against companies that make it difficult for consumers to cancel subscription services, and Adobe is being sued for allegedly violating California's automatic renewal law.
• The FTC's action is seen as a positive step towards protecting consumers and promoting fair competition, but they should take more action against companies that engage in deceptive or unfair practices, such as privacy violations, fake billing, and blocking competition.
• Framework laptops are modular and customizable, offering easy customization and upgradability with components like keyboards and expansion cards, similar to the old PCMCIA cards.
• The EU is pushing for USB-C standardization on the iPhone 15, reducing electronic waste and promoting interoperability.
• Adobe is facing a lawsuit from the FTC for violating the Restore Online Shopper Confidence Act (ROSCA) at the federal level, with potential additional state law violations.

New TWIST500 Companies rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(00:47:09)

• Color, a biotech company, has partnered with OpenAI to use AI in analyzing medical data, particularly for early-stage cancer detection. They are developing an oncology-specific co-pilot for general practice doctors to improve preventative medicine.
• Neowiz, a South Korean company known as the "Google of Korea," is preparing for an upcoming Tech IPO. Despite its revenue growth, Neowiz faces challenges in user growth and varying ARPO (Average Revenue Per User) across different countries. Neowiz operates a platform where users can read and post comics, similar to a creative version of YouTube. The company has paid out $2.8 billion to creators and owns Wattpad, a platform where people write and publish fanfiction.
• Webtoon acquired Wattpad, which was previously owned by Naver. Webtoon sees a significant market opportunity in IP adaptations, estimating a potential worth of $900 billion.
• Voleo is planning to launch high-resolution imaging satellites in very low Earth orbit (VLEO) for cheaper imaging and thermal imaging. Voleo's satellites will use electronic propulsion and will be refueled by "gas station" satellites in orbit. Dawn Aerospace, a company that specializes in satellite propulsion systems, is developing reusable jet rocket planes that can reach low Earth orbit. The combination of cheaper imaging, refueling in orbit, and reusable space planes will open up new opportunities in space exploration and commercial applications.

Would Amazon buy TikTok? rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(01:18:22)

• Amazon, Walmart, and Target are potential buyers of TikTok due to its existing infrastructure and potential for e-commerce integration.
• TikTok's strict moderation policies make it an easier acquisition compared to other platforms.
• Amazon's acquisition of TikTok could lead to potential controversies, such as censorship of conservative content.
• Instagram and Threads are reducing the visibility of political content on their platforms, which has angered journalists.
• YouTube is trying to push political content and encouraging creators to pick a side to gain more views and followers.
• TDK, a company known for making cassette tapes, is now involved in solid-state battery development.