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How Many Startups Will Survive Anthropic and OpenAI?

Watch on YouTube ↗  |  May 13, 2026 at 16:30  |  1:21:58  |  This Week in Startups
Speakers
Dave McClure — Venture Capitalist
Jason Calacanis — Angel Investor / Founder, LAUNCH
Sam Lessin — Venture Capitalist

Summary

A panel of VCs discusses Anthropic and OpenAI's crackdown on SPV secondary trading, the broader secondary market, and how AI is disrupting startups. Dave McClure pitches Tesla's Optimus robot as a long-term hold, Jason Calacanis advises selling concentrated private AI positions into index funds, and warns ZoomInfo is threatened by AI. The group also debates valuation fundamentals, IPO liquidity, and the future of venture capital.

  • Anthropic and OpenAI crack down on unauthorized SPV sales, potentially cleaning up bad actors.
  • Dave McClure argues single-layer authorized SPVs remain fine; lawsuits may increase regulation.
  • Jason Calacanis recommends selling concentrated private AI holdings for diversified index funds.
  • Dave McClure highlights Tesla's Optimus robot as a revolutionary product with unlimited TAM.
  • Jason Calacanis predicts ZoomInfo will face severe AI disruption and need to cut staff.
  • The panel debates whether AI token prices will become a commodity commoditized business.
  • Wealth inequality and growth of the upper middle class are discussed as drivers of private market demand.
  • Jenny Fielding notes seasoned founders returning capital after realizing AI will displace their product.
Ideas
Dave McClure Venture Capitalist 35:24
Tesla is the future Optimus robot.
Dave believes Tesla's future is driven by the Optimus robot, which will sell a billion units and generate massive recurring revenue through hourly charging. He argues the valuation disconnect from current auto business makes it a must-hold asset with unlimited TAM, and that investors have no choice but to hold it forever.
TSLA HIGH
Jason Calacanis Angel Investor / Founder, LAUNCH 51:40
Diversify into index funds from AI.
Jason advises investors who are concentrated in private AI giants like SpaceX, Anthropic, and OpenAI to sell those positions and put the proceeds into broad market index funds. He argues that token prices are plummeting due to open-source, better hardware, and competition, making the business a potential commodity, while index funds provide diversification and a rock-solid financial foundation.
SPY HIGH
Jason Calacanis Angel Investor / Founder, LAUNCH 61:55
ZoomInfo will struggle with AI disruption.
Jason believes ZoomInfo is severely threatened by generative AI that can automate lead generation and sales development. He expects the company will have a 'heck of a time' and will need to cut half its staff, making it unattractive for investors.
GTM HIGH
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This This Week in Startups video, published May 13, 2026, features Dave McClure, Jason Calacanis discussing TSLA, SPY, GTM. 3 trade ideas extracted by AI with direction and confidence scoring.

Speakers: Dave McClure, Jason Calacanis  · Tickers: TSLA, SPY, GTM