Bradley Tusk on Mobile Voting, Uber’s IPO Race with Lyft, and the Dems Taking Over the House
Hello! Welcome Back to Equity
Welcome to our special holiday episode of Equity, TechCrunch’s venture capital-focused podcast. Today, we’re doing something a little different. Instead of packing into our usual podcast dungeon, I’ll be having a conversation with Bradley Tusk, a venture capitalist, philanthropist, book author, and former aid to billionaire Michael Bloomberg.
About Our Guest
Bradley Tusk has had an illustrious career in politics and technology. As the trusted advisor to Mayor Michael Bloomberg during his three consecutive terms as mayor of New York City, Tusk played a crucial role in shaping the city’s policies. After leaving politics, he became an early advisor to Uber, providing valuable insights into regulatory environments and disrupting traditional norms.
Mobile Voting: A Horrifically Bad Idea?
One of the key issues that Tusk has been advocating for is mobile voting. He supports an app called Voatz, which allows overseas citizens and military personnel to cast ballots on their phones. Although not much attention was paid to the pilot project in West Virginia last spring, when the app was used again in 24 counties during the mid-term elections, critics raised concerns about voter fraud.
Tusk’s Perspective
Not deterred by criticism, Tusk remains committed to exploring mobile voting options. He believes that this technology has the potential to revolutionize the way people participate in democracy, especially for those who are often disenfranchised due to location or mobility issues.
The Uber IPO: A High-Stakes Game
As we discussed with Tusk, Uber’s upcoming IPO is a closely watched event. With estimates of its valuation ranging from $80 billion to over $100 billion, the company’s bankers have been touting it as one of the most significant listings in recent history. But what does this mean for investors and the broader market?
The Importance of Being First
Tusk emphasizes that Uber must beat Lyft to the public market if they plan to move forward with their IPO plans. This is not just about being first, but also about establishing a precedent for other companies in the ride-hailing space.
Fintech Startups and the Democratic Takeover
With Democrats taking control of the House in a few weeks, what does this mean for fintech startups? Tusk weighs in on the potential implications of this shift in power and how it may impact the regulatory landscape for these companies.
What’s Next for Equity
We’re going to take a two-week break before returning with new episodes in January. But before we go, I’d like to thank our listeners for their continued support. We wish you all a happy holiday season and look forward to catching up with you in the new year!
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Bradley Tusk’s Bio
Bradley Tusk is a venture capitalist and philanthropist with an extensive background in politics. He served as the trusted advisor to Mayor Michael Bloomberg during his three terms as mayor of New York City. After leaving politics, he became an early advisor to Uber, providing valuable insights into regulatory environments and disrupting traditional norms.
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