Google's AI Design Tool, Salesforce's $8B Comeback Deal, and M&A Momentum Builds | E2131

In this episode, we cover three major stories shaping the startup and tech landscape. First, Google unveils Stitch, an AI-powered web design tool with one-click export to Figma—signaling a major disruption for freelance design marketplaces. Then, Salesforce returns to M&A with its $8B acquisition of Informatica, aiming to broaden its AI data stack beyond CRM. Finally, we break down the surge in startup M&A activity, with billion-dollar deals from OpenAI, DoorDash, and others—hinting at a major Q2 rebound. Don't miss Jason's insights on what these trends mean for founders and investors. (0:00) Episode Teaser (1:36) Jason's in SINGAPORE (3:14) The Power of Shame and why we need "Ozempic for screentime" (10:15) OpenPhone - Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/⁠twist (12:38) Google's latest AI breakthrough: Stitch (20:13) CLA - Get started with CLA's CPAs, consultants, and wealth advisors now at https://claconnect.com/tech (21:20) The NBA on Polymarket and what founders can learn from the Knicks (27:08) Why did Salesforce buy Informatica? (30:03) Pilot - Visit https://www.pilot.com/twist and get $1,200 off your first year. (32:42) M&A activity continues, and Jason's spicy Q2 predictions (40:57) Did tech go woke or was it just performative the whole time? (45:22) Circle, stablecoins, and the perks of being pro-business (51:27) What Trump's "golden share" of US Steel might look like (54:15) Why Jason is bullish on Joby (57:28) Episode wrap-up and upcoming events Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.com Check out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.com Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp Links from episode: ClearSpace App: https://www.getclearspace.com/ Google Stitch: https://stitch.withgoogle.com/ Joby: https://www.jobyaviation.com/ Follow Lon: X: https://x.com/lons Follow Alex: X: https://x.com/alex LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm Follow Jason: X: https://twitter.com/Jason LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis Thank you to our partners: (10:15) OpenPhone - Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/⁠twist (20:13) CLA - Get started with CLA's CPAs, consultants, and wealth advisors now at https://claconnect.com/tech (30:03) Pilot - Visit https://www.pilot.com/twist and get $1,200 off your first year. Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland Check out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis Follow TWiST: Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartups Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916