Inc. Uncensored

This week, Inc. looks back on some of their favorite stories of 2017, from the decline of the tech IPO to an innovative contraceptive business, and then to the money-making side of August's solar eclipse.

This week, Inc. writers and editors discuss the rapid growth of Halo Top, the once hated-on ice cream company that now pulls in $100 million in sales. Plus, they explore how the Trump Administration's immigration policies may inadvertently be sending business to Canada. 

This week, Inc. editors and writers discuss their 2017 company of the year, MailChimp. Plus, they explore what the repeal of net neutrality rules could mean for small businesses, and dive into Apple’s recent acquisition of the 18-year old music app Shazam. 

This week, Inc. editors and writers talk about how the proposed tax bill could give the largest permanent tax breaks to big corporations while many small businesses wouldn’t qualify for tax relief. The group also talks about how toy scalpers are using computer programs to buy up popular toys to sell them to desperate parents at inflated rates during the holiday crush and why toy companies are powerless to fight it. Lastly, the group interviews the founders of identity management company Okta about what it was like to bring the company public. 

This week, Inc. writers and editors discuss Evan Spiegel’s plan to improve Snapchat by separating the social and media aspects of the app. They also look at Small Business Saturday and the impact it’s had on independent companies. Finally, Jen Rubio, the co-founder of the luggage company Away, shares her tips and tricks for traveling during the holidays. 

This week, Inc. writers and editors talk about how e-commerce fashion service Stitch Fix went public last week but investors are skeptical about the company's prospects with the shadow of Amazon dominating everything e-commerce. The group also talks about the digital media industry and about how Buzzfeed and Vice missed revenue goals, while Mashable sold for almost the same amount of money it raised a few years ago. During the Exit Interview segment, Jaron Lukasiewicz talks about how he sold his bitcoin exchange Coinsetter. 

This week, Inc. editors and writers talk about how climate change, and the companies trying to mitigate its effects, was a big topic at this year’s Web Summit in Lisbon, Portugal. The group also talked about how holiday-themed businesses survive in spring and summer. Lastly, the crew discusses how a consumer product safety testing company found concerning security flaws in four of this season’s popular toys. 

This week, Inc. editors and writers talk about how Silicon Valley was shaken by the arrest of prominent billionaire investor Prince Alwaleed bin Talal’s arrest in Saudi Arabia and leaked documents known as the "Paradise Papers” that revealed Facebook and Twitter received major investments from the Kremlin. The group also discusses how Sean Parker and other prominent figures in tech are talking out against the power and influence companies like Facebook and Google have over the world. Lastly, the crew interviews Stuart McClure about how he sold his cyber security company to McAfee in 2004. 

This week, Inc. editors and writers talk about how Amazon acquired 12 wholesale pharmacy licenses in different states to distribute medical and surgical equipment, devices, and other healthcare equipment. Is the tech giant dipping its toes into the market to eventually do home delivery of prescription drugs? The group also talks about Evofem, which is developing a contraceptive gel that could be the biggest breakthrough in birth control since 1960s. Lastly, the group discusses initial coin offerings and how some companies are using celebrities to promote cryptocurrency fundraising scams. 

This week, Inc. writers and editors discuss what happens when retailers shrink their physical spaces in an effort to recoup funds, and the fast-growing companies that are buying the empty storefronts. They also look at the startups trying to tackle the opioid crisis in America. Finally, they examine Memphis Meats, the startup creating chicken and beef without slaughtering animals. 

This week on Inc. Uncensored, editors and writers discuss the recent allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination by movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, and how businesses across the country are responding to the aftermath. Plus, they explore the crazy lengths that some cities are going to in order to win over Amazon for its next headquarters. Finally, they look back at the first season of the hit ABC series ‘Shark Tank,’ and what lessons the initial contestants took with them. 

This week, Inc. editors and writers talk about how the U.S. Justice Department is ramping up a call against encryption technology, citing the security protocols provide criminals with “warrant-proof” communications tools. The gang also dives into how Facebook admitted to selling ads to Russian operatives during the presidential campaign. Lastly, the crew talks about Elon Musk and questions his big, pie-in-the-sky promises to change the world.  

This week, Inc. editors and writers talk about Amazon’s strategy with Whole Foods after buying the grocery chain this summer. The group also talks about how legislation is now on the Senate floor to get self-driving cars on the roads. Lastly, the crew  explores the rise of women-only business-oriented networking groups and the growing trend of all-female co-working spaces. 

This week, Inc. editors and writers talk about the Inc. Women’s Summit and why Kevin O’Leary, Shark Tank investor, says women-led companies in his portfolio have higher returns. The group also talks about how about a dozen companies are racing to build the first practical (and affordable) drone taxi service. Lastly, the group interviews Sascha Simon, the founder of Sfara, an emergency alert service and AI platform for drivers.

This week, Inc. editors and writers talk about the burgeoning cyber security insurance policy market and how the industry might not be ready for a cyber catastrophe. The group also talks about how entrepreneur Polina Raygorodskaya built Wanderu, a $100 million startup that connects travelers with the best options for bus, train, and ferry transportation. Lastly, the group interviews John Valiton, co-founder and CEO of ReemoHealth, which makes health-monitoring wearables for elderly people that provides real time data to  designated family members and medical practitioners.