This Week in Startups: Ex-FB Diem team builds Aptos blockchain, Metamask parent ConsenSys raises $450M, Mojo's athlete betting market, Zero Grocery shutdown | E1409

First, we discuss a new Layer 1 blockchain called Aptos, valued at $1B in a recent round led by a16z (2:42). Then discuss MetaMask’s parent Consensys raising 450M at a $7B valuation (39:47). Our startup of the day is Mojo, which is building a stock market-like product to “bet on athletes” (51:35). Next, we do a post-mortem for our "shutdown of the day," Zero Grocery, a grocery delivery company that closed down this month after announcing raising $12M a month ago (59:06). To wrap, Jason chats with JJ Foster, a listener who did some show notes for us (01:11:05).

Show Notes

(0:00) Jason and Molly intro the show

(02:42) Former Facebook employees raise $200M to build out blockchain

(14:55) OpenPhone - Get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at https://openphone.com/twist

(16:13) Thoughts on Facebook and centralized currency

(28:22) Mercury - Banking built for startups. See more at https://mercury.com/twist

(29:40) Breaking News: Bain Capital Crypto hires woman partner

(36:27) Gun.io - Get $250 off your first developer hire at https://Gun.io/twist!

(39:47) ConsenSys raised $450M Series D valued at $7B

(51:35) Startup of the day: Mojo

(59:06) Shutdown of the day: Zero Grocery

(1:11:05) 05 Jason mentors noti gang member JJ Foster about his career

Check out The TWIST Podcast Notes: https://www.thisweekinstartups.com/notes

FOLLOW JJ: https://twitter.com/j_foster_j

FOLLOW Jason: https://linktr.ee/calacanis

FOLLOW Molly: https://twitter.com/mollywood