StartUp is an American podcast from Gimlet Media hosted by Alex Blumberg and Lisa Chow. While the first two seasons follow stories of starting businesses – Season 1 about the starting of Gimlet Media itself,[2] and Season 2, a dating company called "Dating Ring" – the third season follows one business per episode. Season 4 began by following Gimlet Media again, then aired episodes focusing on other companies. Season 6 followed the making of the TV series created about the podcast. The most recent season covers the founding of Success Academy Charter Schools in New York City.[3] The final season of Startup premiered in late 2019 and covered the process of selling Gimlet Media to the streaming media company Spotify.[4]
The first episode was released on September 5, 2014, featuring Alex Blumberg pitching his company to venture investor Chris Sacca.[5][6]