TikTok Deals? Visa Rules?

Sep 22, 2025 21m

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Episode Description

Once again, I THINK a TikTok deal is happening, so updates on that. Why lots of folk in the tech industry are worried about new H-1B visa rules. Might those annoying cookie consent checkboxes be going away? And why the real land grab in data center building is happening in Scandinavia. Inside Trump's deal to save TikTok (Axios) Startup leaders warn new $100K H-1B visa fee will hurt U.S. entrepreneurship and innovation (GeekWire) Big Tech companies, foreign governments scramble after Trump slaps $100,000 fee on H-1B visas (CNBC) Europe’s cookie law messed up the internet. Brussels wants to fix it. (Politico) Oura Ring Maker to Become $11 Billion Company With Latest Raise (Bloomberg) Coinbase CEO: We Want To Become A Super App (CoinDesk) Nordic Data Center Boom Fueled by Low Prices, Empty Land and Cool Weather (Bloomberg) My most recent AI content experiment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI-Generated Summary

TikTok Deal Updates

The episode begins with speculation about a potential deal involving TikTok, where the White House indicates that a new US entity for TikTok would lease a version of ByteDance's algorithm, retrained by Oracle. Although there is optimism about the deal being secured, details remain unclear, particularly regarding the arrangement of the new board and investor group including prominent names like Michael Dell and Rupert Murdoch.

H-1B Visa Fee Concerns

The discussion shifts towards new H-1B visa rules introduced by President Trump, which impose a one-time $100,000 fee for new applicants. This hefty fee raises concerns among tech industry leaders as it may deter startups from sponsoring talented overseas workers, subsequently driving talent to other countries like Canada and the UK. Comments from various industry leaders highlight the potential adverse effects on US competitiveness in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Cookie Consent Regulations in Europe

The podcast touches on changes to European cookie consent laws, with the European Commission planning to alleviate the burdensome cookie consent banners under the E-Privacy Directive. The aim is to streamline regulations to benefit both users and companies, suggesting that users should set preferences once rather than repeatedly on every visit.

Nordic Data Center Boom

The episode describes a growing trend of building data centers in Scandinavia, driven by their cooler climates and lower energy costs. The demand for data centers is expected to quadruple by 2032 due to these favorable conditions, and utilities in the region are poised to see significant earnings growth as a result.

Aura's Impressive Growth

The segment highlights Aura, a smart ring manufacturer, that is raising significant funding at a high valuation due to their robust sales and innovative product range. With projections indicating financial growth fueled by consumer interest, the discussion points towards Aura's competitive position in the evolving wearables market.

Coinbase's Vision as a Super App

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong articulates the company's ambition to transform into a financial super app, integrating crypto services with traditional banking. The goal is to provide a holistic financial platform that shapes everyday finance, competing directly with traditional banks.

AI Content Experiment

The episode concludes with a personal note from the host about a new AI content experiment, creating an engaging documentary-style video about the making of The Simpsons, illustrating the potential for AI to generate personalized content.