Join hosts Eric Marquette and Steve Furth in this episode of Founder Mode as they dive into the fascinating journey of Whatnot—a pioneer in the livestream shopping space. Learn how co-founders Grant LaFontaine and Logan Head built Whatnot from a collectibles-focused platform to the largest livestream shopping hub in the U.S. Discover the challenges they faced, their growth to a $3.7 billion valuation, and their plans for European expansion and luxury fashion. Packed with insights on startup perseverance, community building, and innovation, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving world of online commerce.

• https://research.contrary.com/company/whatnot
• https://www.ycombinator.com/companies/whatnot
• https://www.modernretail.co/technology/whatnot-co-founder-grant-lafontaine-on-the-livestream-shopping-platforms-plans-for-2023/
• https://www.inc.com/alexa-von-tobel/grant-lafontaine-whatnot-founders-project.html

In this episode of Founder Mode, Amelia and Eric dive into the world of Polymath Robotics, a YC-backed startup transforming industrial automation. Discover how their plug-and-play autonomy software is revolutionizing vehicles in agriculture and mining, boosting efficiency and safety without requiring complex tech overhauls. Join us as we explore Polymath's journey, their unique approach to Robotics-as-a-Service, and the impactful partnerships driving their growth. If you're curious about how automation is shaping traditional industries, this episode is a must-listen!

In this episode of Founder Mode, Morra Levine and Graham Tarsus dive into Exa AI, a startup revolutionizing web search for AI-driven applications. They explore how Exa AI empowers developers and businesses to refine their AI models through complex, precision-driven internet searches. Learn about Exa’s talented founding team, including Will Bryk and Jeff Wang, their impressive backgrounds in AI and data infrastructure, and how they’re shaping the future of industries like healthcare and finance. Join us as we unpack Exa AI’s mission, technology, and potential to transform global knowledge access. https://exa.ai/