On this week’s episode of TechCrunch’s Equity podcast, Mary Ann Azevedo and Rebecca Bellan dive into a packed week filled with tech news, deals, and drama.
Robinhood’s Crypto Ambitions
The episode kicks off with a discussion about Robinhood’s $200 million plan to buy Bitstamp, a European crypto exchange. The hosts weren’t surprised by the move, likely due to Robinhood’s growing presence in the cryptocurrency space. However, they delve into why this acquisition could be significant for both companies.
The conversation then shifts to AI-powered healthcare innovations. Rebecca Bellan breaks down Sword Health’s AI-driven virtual physical therapy solution and its recent funding round. Mary Ann Azevedo brings up Eko Health, which raised $41 million after securing FDA clearance to detect early signs of heart failure during routine exams— Talk about innovative!
Themess at Fisker
Sean O’Kane, a transportation reporter extraordinaire, takes center stage as he investigates the chaos at electric vehicle manufacturer Fisker. The hosts speculate on how such a mess could impact the company’s operations and its reputation.
AI and Fintech in Gen Z-Friendly Fashions
Mary Ann and Rebecca also touch on two interesting fintech startups focused on Gen Z: Frich (a play on "frugal") and Fizz, a Y Combinator alum that recently raised $14.4 million in a seed round led by Kleiner Perkins. Both companies aim to disrupt traditional financial services with innovative approaches tailored for younger consumers.
Upcoming Episodes
The hosts wrap up the discussion with a preview of upcoming episodes, including news on $200 million crypto bets, AI-powered healthcare innovations, and more fintech breakthroughs.
Bio Section
Mary Ann Azevedo
Sr. Reporter at TechCrunch with over 20 years in business reporting. Previously at FinLedger, Crunchbase News, Crain’s, Forbes, and the Silicon Valley Business Journal. Award-winning coverage of breaking news for The New York Times and others. MSc in Journalism from the University of Texas in Austin.
Rebecca Bellan
Sr. Reporter, Transportation | Rebecca covers transportation tech for TechCrunch. Previously at Forbes.com, where her work has been featured by CNBC, Wired, and Fast Company. She’s written about sustainability, infrastructure, and urban mobility trends.
Additional Links
- Robinhood
- Bitstamp
- Sword Health
- Eko Health
- [Frick](https://fric co/)
- Fizz