OK, don't fear: The long shots are still getting venture funding

Hello and welcome back to Equity, a podcast about the business of startups, where we unpack the numbers and nuance behind the headlines.

This is our Wednesday show, where we niche down to a single topic, think about a question and unpack the rest. This week, Natasha and Alex asked: How do founders hold two ideas in their heads: both that there is an economic downturn, but also that things are looking up for many industries?

After a series of episodes about the tensions within the downturn, this is a "good news, despite" episode.

• We started with a vibe check based on recent interviews with recently venture-backed founders, before getting into the bright spots from Q2 2022 data.

• Then we spent some time talking about specific sectors enjoying fresh cash right now, including climate and European edtech.

• Geographically, Africa continues to be one to watch. The continent is set to have its best year yet.

• In the second half of the show, lean back and enjoy the riffing: We talk VC vacation homes, good news and somehow end with tater tots.

We had a great time, and hope you like this show. We’re back Friday with our regular news roundup!

Equity drops every Monday at 7 a.m. PDT and Wednesday and Friday at 6 a.m. PDT, so subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify and all the casts.