W3
1.) Facebook Work-a-verse
2.) TikTok CCP OnBoard
3.) OnlyCertainFans
4.) Topped Out by Fanatics
5.) Leaving Afghanistan

W4
1.) Prop 22 Again?
2.) VCs Makin Headspin
3.) OnlyFans Oh Wait
4.) Affirmed by Amazon
5.) Afghanistan: The End

W3:

1.) Facebook Work-a-verse: FB’s 1.0 version of the metaverse is here! The newly announced app will allow you to host VR meetings with little floating avatars. It’s kind of cute, will certainly be more immersive over time, and for work. Yay!

2.) TikTok CCP OnBoard: ByteDance, TikTok’s parent co, sold 1% of its equity to “Beijing Technology” which is owned by 3 state entities. This deal will allow the CCP to appoint a director to ByteDance’s board….and a whole new business world out East these past few months

3.) OnlyCertainFans: a massive change in policy shook the adult entertainment..err creator economy. OnlyFans announced that only certain types of content would be allowed, alienating many of their biggest earners (and customers). Who’s putting the squeeze on them? Investors? Payment providers? Something to watch..

4.) Topped Out by Fanatics: just a couple short weeks after announcing Fanatics big fundraising round, they swooped Topps’ 70 year old exclusive trading card rights relationship with MLB. How? David Rubin, for one. But they also gave MLB equity and a seat at the table. Ah the allure of equity upside!

5.) Leaving Afghanistan: a tragedy 20 years in the making. Lives lost, resources squandered and countless lessons to be learned. Thank you to the troops who served and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. One more week (?) to go until it’s all over

W4:

1.) Prop 22 Again?: ah yes, the age old war for workers rights run by special interest groups that represent a tiny minority of the majority of people who would be affected by further rulings. A Superior Court judge ruled gig economy Prop 22 unconstitutional late Fri, Aug 20th. Here we go again. Isn’t democracy fun?!?

2.) VCs Makin Headspin: Manish Lachwani, co-founder of mobile company HeadSpin, has been charged by the DOJ with fraud. The startup was making money it was just a little bit less than they told their investors. Ok just like $50M less. It’s a low interest environment! These things happen? Late stage capitalism? Yeesh

3.) OnlyFans Oh Wait: within just a week, faster than you could…change your mind on alienating the majority of your customer base OnlyFans found a solution with its banking partners who seemed to have been the one putting the squeeze on the platform. A wide range of content is OK! Carry on creators!

4.) Affirmed by Amazon: BNPL is IN! Square made their big purchase. Now Amazon has partnered with Affirm to offer BNPL on orders over $50. It doesn’t say it’s an exclusive deal, but it’s likely going to be a huge boost for Affirm regardless. Hey btw when are all these bills coming due??

5.) Afghanistan: The End: we would be remiss not to mention the sad final chapter of America’s war in Afghanistan. A suicide bomber killing 13 American troops and over 100 Afghans, many reportedly left behind unable to secure visas in time, and a world still plagued by the terrorism we sought to stamp out 😥. May we learn the lessons of our past failures