Prodcricle with Mudassir Mustafa

This podcast, titled "Raising Only What You Need: Avoiding the Valuation Game with Mark McNally of Nobody Studios," features Mark S. McNally, founder of Nobody Studios. McNally shares his entrepreneurial journey and the importance of having the right team, execution, and a clear vision for success. He discusses the evolving role of founders and CEOs, emphasizing passion and skillset over experience. Company culture is highlighted as crucial, and establishing it early is recommended.The VC landscape is explored, with a shift towards larger funds writing bigger checks alongside the emergence of smaller, more agile funds.  McNally offers insights into Nobody Studio's unique approach to passive investing and evaluating ideas.-------------------------------------------------*Prodcircle Insider*Join ~15,000+ founders and VCs in the US. Build better, Raise better, Exit Better.* Your First Startup Journey: https://www.prodcircle.com/newsletter-----------------------------------------------------------Takeaways1. Having the right people, execution, and a clear vision are crucial for success in building and scaling startups.2. Passion fit and skill sets are more important than previous experience when it comes to distinguishing between a founder and a CEO.3. Establishing a strong culture early on is essential for a company's growth and success.4. The speed of innovation and disruptions in the market make mid-stage exits more favorable than aiming for unicorn status. Founders should raise only the necessary amount of capital and focus on building a viable business model.5. The valuation game can be misleading and founders should not get caught up in it.6. The VC landscape has shifted, with larger funds writing bigger checks and the emergence of smaller, more agile funds.7. Nobody Studio takes a unique approach as passive investors, focusing on building a portfolio of early stage companies.-----------------------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Trailer01:20 Story Of Mark07:45 The Importance of People, Execution, and Vision17:00 How to build culture21:36 The Role of Founders and CEOs25:56 Timing and Evaluation of Exits30:07 Founders Raise Only What You Need37:36 The Creation of the VC Market45:11 Who should raise VC and bootstrap50:31 The Importance of a Viable Business Model55:57 Ritual57:25 Conclusion-----------------------------------------------------------

SummaryWelcome to the podcast! In this episode, Denis a venture debt investor at Flashpoint, shares insights on venture debt and the qualities he looks for in founders. Venture debt exists as a form of capital that is lower risk than equity and becomes available to companies at a certain level of maturity.Denis discusses various aspects of venture growth debt in this conversation and shares insights into the venture capital industry. He explains the dividend yield and DPI of funds, the management of deal flow, and the importance of taking board seats.Takeaways1. Venture debt is a form of capital that becomes available to companies at a certain level of maturity and is lower risk than equity.2. Denis looks for companies with clear product-market fit, revenues of at least $5 million, and evidence of growth.3. Unit economics is the fundamental profitability and efficiency of a business or product.4. Flashpoint's deals include a debt instrument with an equity kicker, but they do not co-invest with their equity fund.5. Denis values founders who are resilient, tenacious, and able to pivot in difficult situations. Venture growth debt allows companies to optimize their capital structure and reduce dilution for early investors.6. Deal flow in venture capital can come from various sources, including companies approaching the firm, relationships with other VCs, data-driven analysis, and partnerships with advisors and scouts.7. Taking board seats is important for venture growth debt providers, especially during challenging times, as it allows for better communication and decision-making.8. Raising a fund in the current market is challenging, and stability in the global economy is crucial for making fundraising easier.Chapters00:00 Trailer01:18 Introduction Of Denis04:20 What is venture debt13:55 The Importance of Unit Economics in Assessing a Business16:10 What he looks in founder before investment20:50 Structuring Deals: Debt Instruments with Equity Kickers27:06 Fund Size, Check Size, and DPI30:25 Taking Board Seats in Venture Growth Debt and Deal Flow34:33 Challenges and Trends in Raising a Fund37:15 Our Subscribers Questions47:30 Ritual49:15 ConclusionConnect with Mudassir

SummaryWelcome to the podcast! In this episode, we dive into Sharon Grewal's entrepreneurial journey and her path to startup success. Sharon shares her early influences, including her admiration for her working mother, and how her background in journalism led to a successful transition into the startup world. She discusses the advantages and challenges of corporate hiring and startup growth, offering valuable insights and lessons for new entrepreneurs.Sharon highlights the rise of entrepreneurship, the evolving landscape of venture capital, and the importance of understanding founder exits. We get an exclusive look at her book, "The Empathetic Entrepreneur," and the privilege of doing what you love.Takeaways1. Early influences and experiences can shape an individual's career path.2. Working at a startup offers unique opportunities for growth and impact.3. Skills gained from unrelated jobs can be valuable in entrepreneurship.4. Understanding the dynamics of venture capital and founder exits is crucial for entrepreneurs.5. The rise of entrepreneurship is influenced by factors such as technology and access to resources.6. Doing what you love can be a privilege, but it is also possible to find fulfillment outside of work.7. Selling a company is a structured process that involves creating a marketing deck, reaching out to potential buyers, and conducting due diligence.8. Bootstrappers should cultivate relationships with potential customers, offer free high-value advice, and consider custom projects to win early champions.Chapters00:00 Trailer01:20 Sharing Journey07:35 Lessons from Working as a Serving09:12 The Rise of Entrepreneurship24:02 The Empathetic Entrepreneur Book28:08 Privilege vs Right to Do What You Love30:15 Thought Process Behind Selling the Company37:55 Understanding Private Equity and M&A Bankers41:20 Types of Businesses That Can Be Sold45:00 Deal Structuring and Negotiation52:30 Advice for Bootstrappers57:55 Ritual Time59:40 ConclusionConnect with Mudassir

SummaryAnton, a laser physicist turned VC, shares his journey from studying physics to working in finance and trading stocks and bonds.This podcast episode with Anton Fedorov of Flashpoint VC is a goldmine of insights for first-time founders, from the challenges of launching a fund to the qualities he looks for in founders. Anton also discusses the risks and challenges of down rounds and messy cap tables. He highlights the significance of data-driven decision-making and the need for transparency during due diligence.Takeaways1. Articulating the size of the market is crucial for founders when pitching to investors.2. The ability to hire and build a strong team is an important factor for investors.3. Founder-market fit is becoming increasingly important in a saturated startup ecosystem.4. Understanding the fund cycle and the stage at which a VC invests is important for founders when approaching investors.5. Flashpoint VC offers different products like venture debt and growth debt to provide additional funding options for startups. Understand yourself and double down on your strengths6. Invest in founders building global companies with potential for efficiency7. Look for companies with built teams and revenue generationBe cautious of down rounds and messy cap tables8. Data-driven decision-making and transparency are crucial during due diligenceChapters00:00 Trailer01:33 Anton Life Context12:24 What value YC provides to VC company14:18 Startup ecosystem needs more YC'S15:40 According to VC'S founders make this mistake in pitch deck20:45 Founders should be care about FUND CYCLE31:26 Founder should be include this in pitch deck38:11 What differentiate a founder from a CEO'S / Thoughts on hiring CFOs CMOS42:05 Advice to founder who takes down rounder and liquidation.45:07 Learn how you set cap tables48:15 What's the least risky series51:25 Investment decision process at flasho56:56 Ritual1:00:40 EndingConnect with Mudassir

SummaryIn this episode of our podcast, "How to Raise from a16z and Sequoia Capital? with Wes Kao (Founder of Maven & altMBA)," we dive deep into the world of startups, education, and personal branding with our guest Wes Kao, a renowned founder and entrepreneur. We also explore the topics of leadership, entrepreneurship, and fundraising. Wes emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and leveraging one's strengths when starting a company. She also highlights the value of credibility indicators in fundraising and the need to find the right fit with investors. The conversation provides insights into the process of pitching to venture capital firms like Andreessen Horowitz. In this conversation, Wes Kao shares insights on fundraising, building a personal brand, and the challenges of scaling as a founder. Finally, Wes talks about her approach to writing newsletters and the importance of thinking deeply about the topics you write about.Takeaways1.Self-awareness and leveraging one's strengths are crucial when starting a company.2.Credibility indicators, such as fundraising from well-known venture capital firms, can provide a boost in the ecosystem.3.Leadership is learnable, and there are different ways to be a leader.Entrepreneurship can be learned, but it's important to have a point of view and an unfair advantage.4.The fundraising process should focus on finding the best fit with investors who can support the company's growth. Credibility and experience are crucial in fundraising, and first-time founders should not compare themselves to veteran founders.5.Creating a sense of inevitability in your storytelling can instill confidence in investors and de-risk your venture.6.Marketplaces like Maven differ from publishers like Reforge in the cohort-based learning space.7.Consistently sharing your ideas and insights online can unlock various opportunities and help build a personal brand.8.Writing newsletters requires deep thinking and a focus on providing valuable insights and frameworks.Chapters00:00 Trailer02:00 Who is Wes Kao05:50 Lessons from Seth Godin08:55 Shipping Fast Is Important16:20 Why Wes Kao Pickup Education Sector20:42 Can leaders and enterpreuners are by birth24:40 Unfair Advantage27:00 Fundraising and the Importance of Credibility41:51 Building a Personal Brand (Complete Guide)48:00 The Art of Writing Newsletters54:15 Ritual56:35 ConclusionConnect with Mudassir

SummaryIn this Startup Business Podcast, learn how to scale a $100 million ARR SaaS company using strategies like founder-led sales and b2b vs b2c saas models. Expert insights from leaders in the industry!This podcast episode also dives a packed with valuable insights for founders starting their entrepreneurial journey. Mudassir sits down with Kevin Van Gundy, a seasoned tech industry veteran with experience at Neo4j, Trey, and Vercel. Uncover strategies for crafting winning pricing models. Understand the importance of segmentation, catering to different customer needs, and the potential of enterprise packages. Keep it simple and focus on clarity for easy customer understanding.Takeaways1Leadership and mentorship play a crucial role in personal and professional growth.2. Startups go through different phases, and it's important to adapt and learn from each stage.3. SaaS pricing requires iteration and flexibility, and it's important to prioritize goals and understand the market. Differentiate your pricing models based on the needs and buying motions of different customer segments.4. Consider offering enterprise packages for B2B products to cater to larger companies and drive higher average contract values.5. Simplify your pricing model to make it intuitive and easy for customers to understand and forecast costs.6. Product-led growth and sales-led growth are both valuable approaches, and the choice depends on the nature of your product and target market.7. Scale is not just about revenue growth; it involves managing complexity in various aspects of the business.8. When building a go-to-market strategy, founders should be willing to engage in founder-led sales to gain valuable experience and build important communication and leadership skills.9. B2C SaaS is more challenging than B2B SaaS due to the randomness and unpredictability of the market.Chapters00:00 Trailer02:07 Sponsored03:20 Kevin Van Gundy's Journey in the Tech Industry09:40 Lessons Learned from Neo4j, Trey, and Vercel21:30 Differentiating Pricing Models29:40 B2B Products and Enterprise Packages32:40 The Complexity of Pricing38:45 What to Include and Exclude in Pricing47:00 Understanding Scale51:10 Building a Go-To-Market Strategy56:00 The Challenge of B2C vs. B2B SaaS59:45 Maintaining Culture as a Company Scales01:05:00 The Blueprint for Starting a B2B SaaS Business01:16:11 Ritual01:18:12 ConclusionConnect with Mudassir

SummaryHow Much Money You Should Actually Raise? Playfair Venture Capital FundEver wondered how much money your startup should actually aim to raise? This episode spills the tea on venture capital fundraising. We'll chat with an investor about the rollercoaster founders go on, from getting funded to dealing with tough situations. You'll learn how investors pick which startups to back, how to build a strong relationship with them, and how to avoid common fundraising mistakes. Basically, this episode will give you the inside scoop on getting the cash you need to make your startup a success.TakeawaysFinding a problem worth solving is crucial when starting a business.Venture capital is driven by power law returns, with a few companies generating the majority of the returns.Portfolio construction involves considering factors such as dilution, round size, and ownership.own rounds can be challenging, and founders often have limited options.Investing in a few companies allows for a deep relationship and focus on each investment.Evaluation of founders involves assessing their expertise, assumptions, and fit with the business.Balance depth and length of answers during pitches.Look for founders with passion, energy, determination, and creativity.Consider equity allocation and fundraising challenges.Focus on distribution and pricing in crowded markets.Maintain open communication with founders.Chapters00:00 Trailer01:20 Introduction04:06 Henrik's Experiences: Angel Investment, Crowdfunding, and Investment Banking07:47 Starting a SaaS or B2C Business15:10 Why join playfair?17:55 Optimizing for Power Law Returns in Venture Capital21:48 The Power Law Distribution and Portfolio Construction23:45 Valuation and Raising Funds27:25 Dealing with Financial Challenges and Down Rounds34:15 Why Investing in Few Companies and the Evaluation Process40:55 Giving Candid Feedback to Founders50:26 Founders Common Mistakes52:52 Measuring Equity Allocation55:15 Evaluating Businesses in Different Verticals57:20 The Relationship Between Fund Size and Strategy1:00:16 The Importance of Distribution and Go-to-Market Strategy01:02:30 Doing Things That Don't Scale in Go-to-Market01:04:24 The Importance of Pricing in a Marketplace01:06:30 The Most Common Piece of Advice for Startups01:09:58 Investing in First-Time Founders vs Second-Time Founders01:11:30 Ritual Time01:14:02 ConclusionConnect with Mudassir

SummaryDiscover the real reasons behind Airtable's success in this podcast episode! From their innovative pitch deck to their unique distribution strategy, learn how Airtable became a venture capital sensation.Early-stage founders, this podcast decodes the secrets to startup success! Learn from a VC investor's journey, craft a winning go-to-market strategy, and discover the power of distribution innovation. We'll guide you through pre-seed funding, pitch deck mastery, and the VC ecosystem. Plus, we'll debunk investment myths and explore the future of AI in VC. Get ready to transform your startup from hopeful idea to soaring success story!Takeaways1. Distribution innovation is crucial for startups, and founders should consider it from the beginning.2. Collaboration in the VC ecosystem depends on the business model and the stage of investment.3. Building a go-to-market strategy requires understanding the product-market fit and the right distribution channels.4. The value of a VC firm lies in its ability to increase the likelihood of raising the next round of funding. Meaningful investment from a VC firm involves more than just a financial contribution; it requires a partner who is aligned with the founder's vision and actively supports the growth of the business.5. Fund size is an important factor in determining a VC firm's investment strategy and the level of commitment they can provide to portfolio companies.6. Starting a small VC fund requires building a track record, proving differentiated access or picking ability, and gradually scaling up while maintaining alignment with the fund's strategy.7. Pre-seed and seed funds play a crucial role in the startup ecosystem by providing early-stage capital and support to founders who may struggle to raise money from larger funds.8. Key slides in a pitch deck include those that clearly articulate the problem the business is solving and the founder's vision for the future.Chapters00:00 Trailer01:13 Early Life and Journey to VC05:22 Investing in 50 Companies and Providing Help08:41 Effective Use of Funding15:30 Building a Go-to-Market Strategy19:00 Distribution Innovation14:26 Early Days at Airtable17:10 Building a Go-to-Market Strategy20:30 Innovating Distribution26:40 Edge of Ex-Founders in VC29:00 Collaboration and Chasing Deals32:45 Working with Sequoia and Brand Value37:43 The Relationship Between Fund Size and Investment Strategy42:27 The Overrated Investment Thesis45:27 Starting a Small VC Fund49:55 The Need for Pre-Seed and Seed Funds56:30 How much time spending in looking pitch deck57:10 Key Slides in a Pitch Deck01:08:00 Ritual Time01:11:10 EndingConnect with Mudassir

SummaryThis podcast dives into the world of venture capital (VC) with a focus on early-stage startups, particularly those in the B2B SaaS space. Elizabeth Yin, founder of Hustle Fund, shares her insights on democratizing wealth creation through startups, the power of content marketing for VCs, and the importance of investing in first-time founders with strong product-market fit. The episode explores the challenges and considerations for VCs, including investment theses, market saturation, and deal evaluation criteria. Listeners gain valuable takeaways on navigating the VC landscape and the key factors that influence startup success.TakeawaysHustle Fund aims to democratize wealth through startups by providing capital, knowledge, and networks to early-stage founders.Content marketing, particularly through platforms like Twitter, can be a powerful tool for attracting deal flow and building a brand.Lessons learned from Elizabeth Yin's startup experience include the importance of validating ideas before building, prioritizing company culture and values, and effective management.For B2B SaaS companies, it may be better to back first-time founders with lower entry point valuations, as the exit potential may not be significantly higher for serial entrepreneurs.Most B2B SaaS companies do not need a large amount of capital and can bootstrap or raise smaller rounds until they reach a revenue stage that justifies larger investments.Investment theses are important for VC firms to differentiate themselves and attract investors, as they help investors understand the fund's focus and expertise.B2B SaaS companies are favored by VCs due to their predictable revenue streams, high retention rates, and stability compared to consumer-focused businesses.The SaaS market is becoming crowded, and investors are looking for differentiated ideas and industries off the beaten path to avoid high customer acquisition costs.VCs spend less than 30 seconds reviewing a pitch deck and focus on the founding team, idea differentiation, and a deep understanding of the problem being solved.The valuation of a startup is influenced by factors such as market size, team expertise, idea differentiation, and the potential for repeatability and scalability.Chapters00:00 Trailer01:25 Introduction and Early Influences05:27 Why Starting a VC Firm08:33 Science behind Concept of Hustle Fund10:12 The Need for More Early Stage Funds12:10 Deal Flow and VC Strategies13:50 The Power of Content Marketing16:50 Why Investing in First-Time Founders / 3 Biggest Lessons I Startup24:42 Venture Capital Business Model and Funding Challenges31:35 The Gambling Nature of VC Investments33:22 The Importance of Investment Theses for VC Firms34:58 The Appeal of B2B SaaS Companies to VCs38:00 The Potential SaaS Bubble40:45 How Deep Tech Investers Makes Money42:30 VC Evaluation Criteria and Attention Span47:00 Market Size And Valuation52:30 Evolution of Investment Acumen55:35 Post-Money and Pre-Money Safes59:00 Consequences of Not Tracking Cap Table01:03:15 PrepStacks and Growth Stage Deals And Impact on Early Stage Investors01:06:05 Disagreement with Market Sizing Exercises01:08:28 Ritual Time01:09:25 ConclusionConnect with Mudassir

SummaryIn this video, Somi Arian shares what it takes to build a billion-dollar company. Learn about scalability, agencies, and more! If you're wondering how to make your business successful, this video is a must-watch!TakeawaysWhen starting a business, think about what people want and how you can provide it to them in a more efficient way than your competitors.Building a personal brand on LinkedIn involves creating valuable content, listening to what resonates with your audience, and associating with industry experts.Even with limited resources, it is possible to build a good enough personal brand by taking risks, being consistent, and focusing on content creation.The choice between running a bootstrapped company or a venture-backed unicorn depends on personal preferences and the stage of life one is in.Investors should consider the potential of female founders and not let biases or polished pitches overshadow their potential for success.Chapters00:00 Trailer01:30 Who is Somi Arian 06:30 Understanding Scalable vs Non-Scalable Businesses11:30 Why agency business are not scalable 14:50 Competing in the SaaS Market18:40 Building a Network of VCs and LPs20:20 Building Successful Businesses in Different Verticals23:55 Giving People What They Want26:25 Building a Personal Brand on LinkedIn31:35 Building a Personal Brand on a Limited Budget37:07 Choosing Between a Bootstrapped Company and a Venture-Backed Unicorn40:19 EndingConnect with Mudassir

SummaryWant to know how VCs pick founders to back or not? Join us as Pearse Coyle of Deepseed Fund VC shares insights on deep tech startups, venture capital due diligence, and more. If you're a startup looking for funding, this video is a must-watch!Takeaways1. Market discovery is crucial for startups to identify potential customers and validate their product or service.2. Cap table issues often arise in university spinouts, with tenured academics expecting a larger stake than full-time founders.3. A standardized scorecard can help evaluate startups based on market traction and customer interest.4. Investors should look for startups that have engaged customers and a clear path to market.Building a strong founding team is crucial for startups and spin-outs. It requires the commitment of the scientists or entrepreneurs involved and the involvement of individuals who are familiar with the technology.5. Measuring traction in startups can be challenging, especially in deep tech ventures. It is important to define tangible stages in the sales process and track the progress of potential customers.6. Becoming a VC in the deep tech space requires experience and understanding of the investment process. It is recommended to gain a track record through angel investing or successful entrepreneurship.7. The deep tech sector is expected to shape the future of technology and innovation. With the potential decline in the software business, there will be a shift of capital towards deep tech ventures, leading to new opportunities and challenges for the VC industry.Chapters00:00 Trailer 01:12 Introduction / Venture Investing and Consulting22:33 What kind of cap table screw up and importance of scorecard?33:04 Building a Better Founding Team41:03 What matrics are used to evaluate startups 47:45 Becoming a VC in the Deep Tech Space46:14 Measuring Traction in Startups53:55 Becoming a VC in the Deep Tech Space55:35 Emerging Trends in the Deep Tech Sector01:01:03 Ritual Time ( What's the worst decision he made )01:02:31 Ending Connect with Mudassir

SummaryJoin us as we dive into the world of product market fit with Aaron Michael of 1984 Ventures. In this episode, we discuss the importance of finding product market fit for startups and the role venture capital plays in the process. Tune in for valuable insights and advice from a investor!Takeaways1. The key to success when starting a company is learning and iterating quickly.2. Finding product-market fit requires speed and the ability to pivot when necessary.3. VCs provide support to founders through advice, founder therapy, and assistance with hiring and fundraising.4. Investing in unsexy industries can offer unique opportunities for growth and success.5. Competition can be both beneficial and challenging, and the first mover advantage varies depending on the market dynamics.Chapters00:00 Trailer01:30 Who is Aaron Michael04:00 How you find product market fit (Espacially for early stage)15:00 Venture capilalist Raising money criteria and Vc gives support to founder19:33 1984 Ventures' Investment Thesis25:00 The Pitfalls of Hype and investing in Unsexy Industries33:23 The Value of Competition and the First Mover Advantage38:18 How Vc's Calculating Total Addressable Market (TAM)43:44 Evolution of Pitch Decks46:30 Evaluation Method and Favorite Slides49:30 Importance of the Team54:30 Pitch Deck and Cap Table Red Flags58:30 Disagreement with Venture Capital Industry01:04:02 Three Things for First-Time Founders01:06:32 Bridge Rounds, Down Rounds, and Valuations01:09:17 Transparent and Honest Feedback01:11:37 Being Contrarian as a VC01:13:50 Ritual01:15:35 EndingConnect with Mudassir

SummaryAre you a first-time founder with a brilliant startup idea but unsure how to get the funding to make it a reality?  This podcast is your roadmap to success!Join Eva who is a seasoned VC industry professional as she empowers you with the knowledge and practical steps to secure funding for your venture. We'll delve into everything from venture capital and alternative funding methods to crafting a killer pitch deck and negotiating the right valuation.Takeaways1. The VC world has a dark side, with risks including boosting businesses that are not economically viable.2. Creating an effective pitch deck involves structuring it properly and focusing on problem and target market slides, solution and competitive advantage slides, and market size and financial projections.3. Building a waitlist can be a valuable strategy for startups, as it demonstrates market interest and potential customer demand.4. Success stories often emerge from down markets, and being the second runner up can lead to great success.5. Founders should carefully consider metrics, valuation, and cap table management to ensure fundraising success.Chapters00:00 Trailer01:30 Who is Eva 04:44 Are you qualify for VC money? (First time founder MUST LISTEN) 08:00 Eva Key Takeaways from Working in Startups13:35 Why Agency Models Are Not Venture-Backed16:35 What other raising methods founder should look26:40 What Value of Incubators and Accelerators in first time founder life38:40 How Eva helping to raise money and what valuation to give (MUST LISTEN) 45:50 The Dark Side of the VC World50:20 How to create an effective pitch deck01:06:35 Metrics Founders Should Care About01:10:42 When to use Convertible Notes or Safe Notes01:12:37 How Eva Navigating Valuation01:17:45 Cap Table Red Flags01:25:21 Is Fundraising a Success?01:19:45 Ritual Time 01:21:13 Ending Connect with Mudassir

SummaryConfused about "cap tables" and fundraising? This episode is your guide! We explain what a cap table is and why it's important for startups. Plus, VC expert Jeff Crusey reveals the warning signs investors look for in a cap table.  Learn how to avoid these red flags and build a cap table that sets your startup up for success!  This episode is perfect for first-time founders and anyone interested in venture capital.Takeaways1. Background in the industry is important for VC investors in deep tech2. Deep tech startups often remain in stealth mode to retire engineering risk3. Traction in deep tech varies depending on the business model and industry4. Valuation of deep tech companies is influenced by fund size and risk profile5. Being the first money in can provide an edge for VC investors6. Founder chemistry is crucial for the success of a startup7. Post-money SAFEs have drawbacks, including dilution and lack of due diligence8. Venture studios and accelerators can vary in their effectiveness and support9. YC has been popularized but may have some hype surrounding it10. The best and worst pitches can vary in terms of insight and executionCahpters00:00 Trailer‍01:40 Introduction‍06:02 Question Unclear‍07:24 What Is Investment Thesis of 7%‍09:41 Why deep tech startup stay in stealth mode / How VC's evaluate of deep tech ideas‍14:10 How VC's track good pitch deck. (First time founder need to listen)‍15:32 Understand the though process of VC's (Must listen if you want funding)‍28:10 Failure rate in deep tech catagoery according to VC‍29:37 Difficulties in building humanite and biotech products‍31:37 How much management team and founders expertise are required‍33:23 Jeff favourate pitch deck slides‍36:07 Cons of Post-Money SAFE‍37:25 Opinion on Venture Studios and Accelerators‍42:10 Best and Worst Pitches‍47:00 Raising money is success metrics‍49:28 Cap Table Red Flags‍52:08 Did VC's providing clear feedback to founders‍53:25 Ritual Time‍54:39 ConclusionConnect with Mudassir

SummaryToday's guests is Francesco Petricarari of Silicon Roundabout Ventures who primarily invests in Deep Tech and Hard Tech. Francesco is an early stage deep tech VC who shares the importance of founding team, VC founder fit, having the right board member, and a lot more. Takeaways1.Founder-led funds provide advantages in terms of understanding the challenges faced by founders and offering relevant support.2. Deep tech encompasses companies that focus on technology development rather than just business growth.3. Evaluation of deep tech startups requires a focus on the team, their expertise, and their ability to build a sustainable business.4. The team slide in a pitch deck is crucial as it showcases the founders' strengths and their potential to execute their vision. The team and their unique qualifications are crucial in a startup pitch.5. Key slides in a pitch deck include the team, market opportunity, and technology.6. Deep tech and hardware startups are on the rise due to increased demand for security and climate solutions.7. Moving from prototype to mass production in hardware startups requires building the right supply chains and finding the right advisors.8. AI in deep tech should go beyond current systems and offer unique applications.Chapters00:00 Trailer‍01:50 Introduction‍05:00 What is Deep Tech and why is it exciting?‍09:00 How experienced founders help early stage founders in Deep Tech with investing‍12:50 Achieving the right VC-Founder Fit (Crucial insights for new founders)‍16:36 Why the era of Unicorns has ended‍20:50 The 40 Rule's importance and how VCs judge businesses‍24:20 Why VCs really like SAAS startups‍29:25  Why many companies fail after getting lots of VC money‍33:15 Strategies for building a sustainable business in Deep Tech‍38:22 What VCs look for in a Pitch Deck for Deep Tech Startups and How He Evaluate‍53:21 In-depth analysis of Deep Tech trends and insights‍58:50 Challenges that founders of hardware companies need to know about‍1:04:40 Strategies for generating innovative Deep Tech ideas‍1:08:40 Deep Tech and AI‍1:13:00 Ritual TimeConnect with Mudassir

SummaryLearn how VCs evaluate your idea from early stage founder and investor Sam Marchant of Hambro Perks. Get insider tips on how to craft a successful pitch deck and stand out as a first-time founder in the competitive world of startup and CPG brands. Don't miss this valuable advice from an experienced entrepreneur!Takeaways1.Observing entrepreneurship in childhood can have a significant impact on one's career path.2.Consumer product goods (CPG) startups face unique challenges, including the need for innovation and the difficulty of standing out in a crowded market.3.Consumer companies often require more time and capital to scale, making them less attractive to VC investors.4.The VC industry has evolved, with a wider range of investors and a focus on different types of returns.Chapters  00:00 Trailer 01:48 Who is Sam Marchant 08:00 Learning from SAM: Building to Sold Startup Journey 13:30 Why Not Work with Friends and Family / Deep Insights about CPG Brands 26:23 - How VCs add value to startups? 30:50 Venture Capitalists' Judgment of Founders: An Operator's Perspective 34:52 Important Characteristics for First-Time Founders 38:40 VC Pitch Deck Selection Process: A Challenge for Early-Stage Founders (Very Important) 55:30 How to Create a Pitch Deck: Lessons from a VC 1:02:10 Calculating Market Size 1:05:55 Why Venture Capital Money Is SEXY 1:11:15 Deal Negotiation with Venture Capitalists for Early-Stage Founders 1:16:50 Most Common Questions from First-Time Founders (Must Watch) 1:23:10 Ritual Time: Previous Guest's Question for Sam 1:25:20 EndingConnect with Mudassir

Summary In this conversation, Alyona Mysko discusses her journey in finance and the motivation behind building a financial management product. She shares her early interest in math and economics, as well as the inspiration she received from professors and corporate finance professionals. Alyona emphasizes the importance of making finance accessible and easy to understand for both financial and non-financial people. She also highlights the current demand for financial management solutions and the company's evolution from offering services to building a product.Takeaways1. Alyona's passion for finance and her background in managing finance led her to build a financial management product.2. The company's goal is to make finance accessible and easy to understand for both financial and non-financial people.3. There is a high demand for financial management solutions, especially during periods of financial downturn.4. The company started by offering services in financial management and evolved to build a product based on customer needs.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:18 Who Is Alyona Mysko03:40 What is Fuel Finance06:52 How to validate idea and how much time it takes 10:20 First time founder guide on hiring people16:50 What's the metric to identify product success18:55 What is revenue per employee21:23 How first time found raise venture capital and what are the strategies25:25 How to look right investor 26:06 What is the right way to write PITCH DECK30:50 What is Goto Market strategy31:58 How to lead a team as a leader36:50 Learning points for first time founders39:03 Enterpreunership, Fin Tech and Startup trends in 2024 41:22 Fuel finance launches42:26 Recent Guest Question for Alyona Mysko 43:16 ConclusionConnect with Mudassir

Looking to build a $100 million business? Join startup business podcast with our guest Daniel Priestley. He shares his insights on how to build a $100 million business. From finding your niche to creating a solid business plan, Daniel will cover the key steps to building a successful startup. Don't miss out on this valuable advice from one of the top business minds in the industry!-------------------------------------------------*Prodcircle Insider*Join ~15,000+ founders and VCs in the US. Build better, Raise better, Exit Better.* Your First Startup Journey: https://newsletter.prodcircle.com/profile-------------------------------------------------Chapters00:00 Introduction and Early Life03:45 Entrepreneurship and Starting a Business06:17 Why Start a Business and Scaling a Business10:03 Managing Multiple Businesses12:51 Hiring Great Talent15:46 Acquisitions and Exits25:31 Starting a Business and Building Value32:53 Starting a Business Today38:19 Agency Businesses vs. D2C or SaaS Businesses40:50 The Importance of Demand Generation43:18 The Journey of an Entrepreneur45:52 Building a Personal Brand54:07 Who Should Raise Money and Why58:24 Venture Capital and Entrepreneurship01:01:04 When to Raise Money01:05:34 Daniel's Experience with Boom and Bust01:15:46 Impact of Daniel's Books01:16:14 The Role of Luck in Business Success01:19:09 The Future of AI-Enabled SaaS Businesses01:22:31 Dealing with Negative Comments and Feedback01:23:59 The Power of Writing a Book for Entrepreneurs01:28:41 The Step-by-Step Process of Starting a Successful Business01:31:53 Starting a New Business in 202401:38:15 The Influence of Having Kids on Business01:42:06 Preparing Children for the Future of AI-----------------------------------------------------------

60% startups dont split equity 50-50The conversation with Peter Walker covers various topics related to startups, including structuring compensation packages, equity distribution among early hires, co-founder splits, raising capital, startup failure rates, and alternative financing options. Peter shares insights based on data from Carta, providing valuable information for founders and investors. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities in the startup ecosystem, particularly in the context of the changing landscape in 2023. Overall, the discussion provides valuable insights into the world of startups and venture capital. In this conversation, Peter Walker discusses various aspects of venture capital and startup funding. He provides insights into different funding rounds, including pre-seed, seed, and series A. He also highlights the changing valuations in the venture capital landscape. Peter shares his thoughts on concerns about investment in SaaS startups and the differences between B2B and B2C SaaS companies. He discusses the trends he is excited about in 2024, including the shift towards capital-efficient startups and the growth of hard sciences. Peter emphasizes the importance of data storytelling and shares his perspective on the future of AI. He also discusses red flags to watch out for in cap tables.Chapters00:00 Introduction00:38 Understanding Peter Walker's Background02:21 The Best and Worst Parts of Peter's Job03:44 Structuring Compensation Packages in 202307:11 Equity Distribution Among First Five Hires10:45 Factors Influencing Co-Founder Split and CEO Background15:09 The Impact of 2023 on Startups19:11 Raising Capital as a Success Metric21:34 Startup Failure Rates and Reasons for Closure25:24 Exploring Alternative Financing Options29:18 Evaluating Startups and Factors Influencing Valuation34:13 The Use of SAFEs in Fundraising36:25 Raising Multiple SAFEs and Conversion39:46 Comparison of Valuations in Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A Rounds41:28 Pre-Seed and Angel Rounds42:28 Seed Rounds43:26 Series A44:46 Later Stage Rounds45:29 Investor Concerns about SaaS Startups46:43 B2B vs B2C SaaS Companies48:44 Future of Crypto, Web3, and AI50:43 Trends in 202456:19 Importance of Data Storytelling58:55 Cap Table Red FlagsConnect with Mudassir

If you're an early-stage startup founder and want to take your startup to the next level with venture capitalist funding, even if you've failed to secure funding in the past, don't worry! In today's episode, we're joined by Jenny Fielding venture capitalist who will teach you how to get venture capital (VC) funding, including: how to pitch them, what qualities they want, and other things venture capitalists look for before investing in any startup. No matter your past experience, this episode will equip you with the knowledge and strategies you need to attract VC funding and launch your startup to success.*About Podcast Episode*Jenny Fielding, Managing Director at Techstars and Founder of Everywhere Ventures, shares insights on evaluating founders and their ideas, the unique structure of Everywhere Ventures, managing a large community of founders, and the impact of 2023 on startups and venture capital. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, vision, and responsiveness in founders, and highlights the need for founders to focus on the future and the market opportunity. Jenny also discusses the value of working with founders from zero to one and the challenges and opportunities in the venture capital industry. In this conversation, Jenny discusses the challenges of venture capital and the need for resilience and grit in the industry. She shares her personal experience of almost opting out of venture capital before achieving success. The conversation also touches on the topic of preparing children for the future, emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded education. Finally, the conversation concludes with a reflection on the turbulent year of 2023 and a question for the next guest about their word for 2024.Takeaways*Resilience, vision, and responsiveness are key qualities to look for in founders.*Investing in future-oriented ideas requires understanding the market opportunity and the founder's vision.*The unique structure of Everywhere Ventures, with a community of founders as LPs, provides a collaborative and supportive environment.Managing a high volume of pitches requires asynchronous and automated processes.*Founders should focus on inspiring investors and sharing their vision, rather than getting bogged down in the details.*Founders should optimize their business for customers rather than investors, and consider alternative funding options if venture capital is not the right fit.*The challenges faced by startups and venture capital in 2023 have led to a focus on resilience and fundamentals.*Pitch decks are important for providing an overview of the business, but the narrative and story are what distinguish a good deck.*The role of institutional money in startups depends on the founder's goals and the scalability of the business.*Working with founders from zerCreate Your New Podcast StrategyGet the free PodCentral Strategy KitListen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify SKEPTIC'S GUIDE TO INVESTINGStraight Talk for All, this is what Steve Davenport, CFA and Clem...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyConnect with Mudassir

SummaryIn this conversation, Preston Rutherford discusses his early life, memories, and how his upbringing shaped him as an entrepreneur. He shares the reasons behind building Chubbies and Loop Returns, emphasizing the importance of using personal experiences as fuel for entrepreneurship. Preston also provides insights into the concept of branding, explaining that it goes beyond logos and design elements. He discusses the role of advertising for established brands and startups, highlighting the need for a balance between transactional ads and storytelling. Lastly, he shares how he and his co-founders maintained a successful business partnership by dividing roles and responsibilities and fostering open communication. In this conversation, Preston Rutherford shares insights and experiences from his journey as a co-founder of Chubbies Shorts and Loop Returns. He discusses the organic process of finding co-founders and the importance of respect and alignment in a founding team. Preston also talks about building and scaling a team, emphasizing the significance of culture and values. He addresses the challenges faced by venture-backed CPG businesses and the lessons that can be learned from the SaaS industry. The conversation concludes with a question for the next guest about their biggest setback and how they chose to persist.TakeawaysFinding co-founders should be an organic process based on shared ideas, feedback, and excitement.Respect and alignment among co-founders are crucial for a successful partnership.Building and scaling a team requires a balance between being a family and a team.Consumer product businesses take time to grow and require a strong brand and trust from customers.Lessons from the SaaS industry, such as the importance of brand and trust, can be applied to CPG businesses.Connect with Mudassir

SummaryJason Kirby shares his entrepreneurial journey and the challenges he faced in raising venture capital. He emphasizes the importance of determining if a business is venture backable and when to raise money. Jason also discusses the role of growth stage investors and the strategies they employ. He highlights the need for founders to explore non-venture capital routes and the support Thunder.VC provides in navigating complex capital structures. In this conversation, Jason Kirby shares insights and advice on various aspects of venture capital and entrepreneurship. He discusses the value that advisors can bring to founders, the importance of determining the right funding amount and approach, strategies for building a strong founding team, red flags for VCs when evaluating startups, and a fundamental belief in venture capital that he disagrees with. He also poses a thought-provoking question for the next guest.TakeawaysDetermining if a business is venture backable requires considering the potential for scale and the need for significant capital.Founders should carefully evaluate when to raise money and explore non-venture capital options if their business doesn't require large-scale funding.Late-stage VCs have shorter time horizons and aim for lower multiple returns, focusing on companies that are closer to a liquidity event.Liquidation preferences can impact early investors, and founders should be aware of the potential consequences.Thunder.VC provides tools and resources to help founders navigate the fundraising process and make informed decisions.Chapters00:00 Jason Kirby's Entrepreneurial Journey04:03 The Decision to Raise Money06:04 When to Raise Money and Why08:49 Determining if a Business is Venture Backable14:37 The Challenges of Raising Venture Capital17:27 How Thunder.VC Helps Founders21:36 The Common Denominator in Successful Fundraising23:34 Exploring Non-Venture Capital Routes29:51 The Investment Strategies of Late-Stage VCs36:33 Liquidation Preferences and Impact on Early Investors38:44 Helping Founders Navigate Complex Capital Structures39:16 Providing Value to Founders41:13 Determining Funding Amount and Approach44:21 Building a Strong Founding Team47:00 Red Flags for VCs51:17 Disagreement with Fundamental Belief in Venture Capital53:16 Question for Next GuestConnect with Mudassir

Dreaming of building a powerhouse brand, but your bank account whispers sweet nothings about marketing budgets? Fear not, scrappy startup warriors! This video is your secret weapon, packed with winning strategies to propel your brand to success, even on a shoestring budget.Forget fancy agencies and sky-high ad spends. We're diving deep into the world of DIY branding magic, showing you how to craft a powerful brand identity that resonates with your audience, all without breaking the bank. We'll unveil the secrets of low-cost marketing tactics that can turn your social media channels into lead magnets and your content into brand-building gold.From social media branding hacks to free design tools that work wonders, we'll equip you with the practical know-how to build a visually stunning and strategically sound brand. You'll discover how to harness the power of storytelling to connect with your customers on an emotional level and turn them into loyal brand advocates.This video is more than just a collection of tips and tricks; it's a battle cry for bootstrapping entrepreneurs. We'll share the inspiring stories of real startups who defied the odds and built iconic brands with nothing but grit, creativity, and our very own "Brand on a Budget" playbook.So, ditch the excuses and dust off your bootstrapping boots. This video is your roadmap to branding domination, proving that even the smallest spark can ignite a brand inferno. Get ready to unlock your brand's hidden potential, conquer the market, and achieve startup success – all without breaking the bank!Are you ready to join the "Brand on a Budget" revolution? Click play and let's get started!*Don't forget to smash that like button and subscribe for more startup wisdom. And remember, sharing is caring, so spread the word and let's help every entrepreneur build a brand they can be proud of!-----------------------------------------------------------

This conversation explores the rise and fall of Theranos, the credibility of visionary leaders, the influence of media, and the changing landscape of entrepreneurship. The discussion highlights the importance of cohorts and the role they play in determining the success and viability of companies. It also delves into the impact of education and elitism in the entrepreneurial world. The conversation concludes with insights into the passion for problem-solving and the enjoyment derived from helping others. In this conversation, Seth Yakatan shares his insights on various topics related to entrepreneurship and venture capital. He discusses the importance of investing in the right cohorts and avoiding projects that are part of saturated cohorts. He also expresses his concerns about the rapid advancement of AI and robotics, emphasizing the importance of human empathy. Seth highlights the value of building a personal brand on LinkedIn and the benefits it can bring in terms of networking and business opportunities. He also points out common mistakes made by young entrepreneurs and shares his perspective on going public and the consequences it entails. Lastly, Seth challenges the notion that entrepreneurship can be taught, suggesting that it is an innate quality rather than a learned skill.TakeawaysThe failure of Theranos highlights the dangers of believing in visionary leaders without questioning their claims and ensuring the validity of their technology.Media plays a significant role in shaping public perception and can contribute to the rise and fall of high-valuation companies.The credibility of Forbes and similar publications may be questioned due to their association with individuals and companies that later turn out to be fraudulent.The entrepreneurial landscape has evolved over the years, with increased access to capital and a larger pool of entrepreneurs, making it more competitive.Cohorts are important in assessing the viability and fundability of companies, and understanding where a company stands within its cohort can provide valuable insights. Investing in the right cohorts is crucial for success in entrepreneurship and venture capital.The rapid advancement of AI and robotics raises concerns about the loss of human empathy and the potential risks to humanity.Building a personal brand on LinkedIn can be a valuable tool for networking and creating business opportunities.Common mistakes made by young entrepreneurs include forcing outcomes, not listening to feedback, and using inaccurate comparable valuations.Going public can provide access to capital and liquidity, but it also comes with the challenges of managing public expectations and quarterly earnings.Entrepreneurship may be an innate quality that cannot be taught, and success often depends on the ability to sell and navigate the entrepreneurial landscape.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background00:38 The Story of Theranos04:03 The Failure of Theranos06:14 Belief in Visionary Leaders09:05 Credibility of Forbes and Media Influence11:25 The Rise and Fall of High-Valuation Companies18:55 The Role of Education and Elitism in Entrepreneurship24:43 Passion for Helping and Problem Solving32:55 The Changing Landscape of Entrepreneurship37:20 Understanding Cohorts and Innovation43:27 Investing in Cohorts44:23 The Importance and Nebulousness of AI45:03 Concerns about AI and Robotics49:38 Building a Personal Brand on LinkedIn54:09 Mistakes Young Entrepreneurs Make59:58 Going Public: Reasons and Consequences01:08:42 Contrarian View on Connect with Mudassir

Raymond Luke shares his early context, growing up with teacher-entrepreneur parents, and the decision to wind down Year One Labs. He discusses the qualities of a good advisor and the problem with media and information on fundraising. Raymond emphasizes the importance of critical thinking in consuming advice and shares his perspective on who should raise money and when. He also explains the thesis behind Flow Ventures and HockeyStick and highlights the differences between the Canadian and US fundraising markets. The conversation covers topics such as venture studios vs. venture capital, the pros and cons of SAFE notes, the role of gaming and simulations in entrepreneurship, common mistakes in pitching, traction metrics for early-stage startups, common mistakes and misunderstood terms in cap tables, and the timing of IPOs. In this conversation, Raymond and Mudassir discuss the challenges of early investing, the impact of AI on fundraising, the role of pitch decks in fundraising, what investors look for in founders, and a contrarian opinion on the future of entrepreneurial finance.TakeawaysVenture studios provide a different approach to venture capital, focusing on building interesting products rather than just raising money.Entrepreneurs should consider the benefits of venture studios and accelerators when starting a company.Understanding the mechanics of SAFE notes is crucial for founders to make informed decisions about fundraising.Gaming and simulations can be effective tools for teaching entrepreneurship and fundraising concepts.Pitch decks should focus on what makes the company special and unique, rather than just following a standard checklist.Early-stage startups should emphasize traction metrics that demonstrate a strong grip on the market, even if traditional growth metrics are not yet available.Founders should have a solid understanding of cap tables and ownership dynamics to make informed decisions about fundraising and control.The timing of an IPO depends on various factors, including market conditions and the company's growth trajectory. Early investors often face challenges such as being diluted or pushed out of a company during later funding rounds.AI has the potential to radically change fundraising by improving efficiency and providing better deal flow for both VCs and entrepreneurs.Pitch decks are still important in fundraising as they serve as a standardized way for VCs to screen potential investments and help founders articulate their vision.Investors look for founders who have a genuine passion and purpose behind their business, as this is what drives long-term success.The future of entrepreneurial finance may see a rise in companies with one owner and no employees, leveraging AI to create smaller, lighter, and more efficient businesses.Chapters00:00Introduction and Early Context03:00Growing Up with Teacher-Entrepreneur Parents06:00Year One Labs and the Decision to Wind Down34:35The Thesis Behind Flow Ventures and HockeyStick47:08Opinion on Y Combinator01:10:02Common Mistakes and MiX-Health.show - meet the future of healthcareKill your pain once& for all, program human cells to cure cancer, mitigate dementia & moreListen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyConnect with Mudassir

In this video, Katie Dunn provides valuable perspectives and highlights challenges faced by entrepreneurs who are often marginalized in the funding landscape. This video serves as an important contribution to the ongoing conversation about fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities in the business and investment sectors.Katie Dunn spent 25+ years financing over $10 billion in commercial real estate for various banks and financial institutions. She has now pivoted full-time to focusing on her global angel investment portfolio, funding underrepresented founders in CPG and tech, and helping founders get funded faster by advising them on their pitch, deck, and fundraising strategy as a partner in Power To Pitch. She also sits on the board of an Irish spirits company, Outcast Brands.✨

Get unfiltered insights on entrepreneurship and startup fundraising from 6x founder Shay Houser. In this raw interview, Shay shares lessons learned from his extreme highs and lows over 20+ years building tech startups.He explains why many founders are underprepared for institutional VC money and how it can be a "curse" if taken too early. Shay stresses the importance of founder-investor fit, realistic capital planning, and building an empowering startup culture.Other topics include:- Shay's winding journey from military college to VC- Why you shouldn't blindly pursue brands like YC or a16z- How to clearly communicate your startup's vision and needs to investors- Shocking data on low unicorn success rates - even for top accelerators- The redemptive story of Shay's addiction, recovery, and finding purposeThis unfiltered founder interview is a must-listen for anyone in the startup world. Shay Houser offers hard-earned lessons for fundraising, leadership, culture, and maintaining perspective.✨

The Art of Building a Purpose-Driven Consumer Brand | How To Build A BRAND? Learn from Simple Modern co-founder Mike Beckham as he shares his playbook for building a purpose-driven consumer brand and company culture. In this transparent interview, Mike explains Simple Modern's mission-focused approach and how they create outsized value for customers.Mike stresses the importance of enjoying each stage of the journey rather than fixating on goals. He shares tactics for strengthening company culture, gathering customer insights for rapid iteration, and establishing brand loyalty even in a commoditized market.Key topics include:- Mike's origin story and how his nonprofit experience shaped Simple Modern's values- Ways to breed a sense of ownership in culture so it scales gracefully- Actionable strategies for constant product improvement based on user feedback- How to build emotional connections and brand affinity with customers- Why it's critical to find meaning and purpose in exactly where you're situatedMike also shares his stream-of-consciousness approach if he were starting a new D2C brand today.Whether you're building a purpose-driven company or aspire to become a thoughtful business leader, don't miss the tactical insights from Mike Beckham.-----------------------------------------------------------

Raise Capital Like a Pro | Insider Tips from a VC By Esther Romanoff (Podcast # 26)Step into the fast-paced world of venture capital and startup funding with Esther Romanoff, an experienced VC investor. In this gripping podcast, Esther lifts the curtain on the mysterious ways VCs evaluate and choose which startups to invest in.Get ready to learn the inside scoop! Esther breaks down what VCs really look for in founders and their teams, how they decide if a product fits the market and is gaining traction, and the differences between early-stage (seed) and growth (Series A) funding.But hold on, there's even more! Esther dishes out practical tips for entrepreneurs on creating killer pitch decks, steering clear of classic fundraising blunders, charming potential investors, and validating those groundbreaking startup ideas.Whether you're an aspiring business owner aiming to secure funding or just someone curious about how the minds of VCs tick, this chat is packed with real-world advice. Esther's candid conversation is your shortcut to understanding the ABCs of VC fundraising. It's all about unlocking practical insights that bridge the gap between startup dreams and successful funding journeys.-----------------------------------------------------------

In this enlightening podcast episode, we had the privilege of hosting Lesya Arnold, the CEO and Founder of A-Players, a pioneering recruitment agency on a mission to transform the world's money-first culture into an impact-first one. With a keen focus on hiring A-Players, the top 5% of talent, for mission-driven companies such as Grammarly, Wix, Mindvalley, Veriff, and numerous early-stage startups, Lesya brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to the table.The conversation delves deep into the realm of hiring and team-building, exploring topics such as the "Price of Hiring Mistakes" and how you can significantly reduce the chances of making them. Lesya makes a compelling case for A-Players, explaining who they are and why companies benefit immensely from having them on board.In this captivating podcast episode, you'll gain profound insights into:1. The staggering "Price of Hiring Mistakes" and how to minimise them drastically.2. The defining characteristics of A-Players and their immense impact on company success.3. Strategies to optimise your hiring process and attract A-Players with precision.4. The art of managing A-Players and empowering them to drive your business forward.5. The economic benefits of hiring talent from Eastern Europe without compromising quality.Lesya's expertise and practical advice will equip you with the tools and strategies to transform your hiring game and cultivate high-impact teams that propel your organisation to unprecedented heights.If you're ready to elevate your company's culture, enhance your hiring practices, and unleash the power of A-Players, this podcast episode is a valuable resource. Join us as we unlock the secrets to achieving remarkable success in your business.Connect with Mudassir

Dan provides an inside look at VC investing, explaining why it's like gambling and the brutal power law dynamics. He advises founders on crucial term sheet details, building their personal brand, raising the right amounts, and more.Other topics include:- The context behind Dan's diverse life and career- Why working in startup sales is the best learning experience- What Dan looks for in founders during fundraising- His views on crypto, the metaverse, and overvalued startups- How hands-on he is with portfolio companies- Red flags when meeting founders for the first time- Ideal pitch decks and what grabs his attention- Why most founders make poor CEOs and get replaced- His advice for people looking to start a VC firmIf you want an honest take on VC investing, don't miss this eye-opening discussion!According to Dan, one of the biggest red flags is when customers don't seem to care about a product. He advocates for founders having self-awareness around their skills as not all great founders transition into great CEOs. Dan also unpacks why he steers away from "nonsense" areas like crypto, the metaverse and overhyped trends.While he finds VC economics distasteful at times, Dan is motivated by meeting impressive founders, helping them grow, and hopefully making a positive impact. He shares advice for anyone looking to break into the VC world, stressing the importance of differentiation and niche themes.

Funding is one of the biggest challenges facing startups and entrepreneurs. In this episode, serial entrepreneur Matt Watson shares his advice on bootstrapping vs raising venture capital based on his experience building and selling multiple companies.Matt explains how he bootstrapped his first company VinSolutions to $35 million in revenue before selling it for $150 million. He discusses the pros and cons of bootstrapping and when it makes sense to seek outside funding.Matt also shares what VCs look for in potential investments, how to know if your business is “investable,” and how much equity you may need to give up. He advises first-time founders to consider having a co-founder when starting out.Some of the key topics covered include:- Bootstrapping successfully vs raising VC money- Validating your business before fundraising- How much of your company you may need to give up- Ideal criteria for venture capital investments- Advice for technical founders who want to become CTOs- Transitioning from coder to manager as your startup grows- How to scale your startup and build a profitable businessIf you're an entrepreneur trying to figure out how to fund your early-stage startup, this episode is full of practical insights from someone who has built companies with and without external funding. Matt shares hard-earned lessons from his 20+ years of startup experience.

Learn the keys to scaling your startup from $1 million to $100 million and beyond with investor and mentor Jeremy Barr. In this episode, Jeremy explains what it takes to build a $100M company, the major differences between running a $1M vs $100M vs $1B business, and what investors really look for in startup founders.Jeremy shares proven strategies for attracting top talent, quantifying your purpose as a founder, acing investor pitch meetings, and maintaining control of your company through rapid growth. Discover how to develop the grit, leadership capabilities, and elite communication skills needed to turn your big idea into a billion dollar startup success story.Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your company to the next level, Jeremy lays out an actionable playbook for dramatically increasing your startup's value and achieving your biggest goals in business and in life. Don't miss these tangible takeaways that can help unlock your full potential as an entrepreneur and founder.

Discover the fascinating journey of Miguel Fernandez, the co-founder of Capchase, as he shares his story and the lessons he learned from failed startups. From growing up in Madrid to working in investment banking and eventually founding Capchase, Miguel's entrepreneurial spirit and curiosity have driven him to success. Join us as we delve into the story of the next billion-dollar startup and gain valuable insights along the way. Don't forget to subscribe for more inspiring stories and entrepreneurial tips!WHO IS MIGUEL?Miguel Fernandez is the CEO and co-founder of Capchase, the revenue acceleration platform for SaaS companies. Before Capchase, Miguel earned a business degree and worked in mechanical and energy engineering. After working several engineering and R&D internships, he did consulting and worked with a Series A startup. While a consultant he tried starting two startups, both failed early, but learned a ton from the experience. Mostly about finding product market fit, about focus and about addressable markets. He applied the learnings from his background to identify an opportunity to help SaaS companies manage the friction between vendors and buyers to begin Capchase. Since it's founding three years ago, Capchase has worked with more than 4,000 SaaS startups in almost a dozen countries, and made nearly $2 billion in funding available to the industry.

In this unfiltered video interview, serial entrepreneur Seth Yakatan shares open and honest lessons from his 20+ year career starting, investing in, and exiting companies. He covers topics like:- The role of luck and timing in startup success- How repeated failures and mistakes inform future wins- Fundraising tips for entrepreneurs- Evaluating potential team members and co-founders- Common mistakes startups make during M&A- Launching and marketing consumer brandsSeth also tells crazy stories from his career, including hiring the disastrously wrong CEO and anti-climactic victories. His raw and authentic advice makes this a must-watch for any aspiring entrepreneur or founder. It's especially useful for those interested in biotech, cannabis, consumer products, fundraising, hiring, or marketing. Seth's unfiltered perspective sheds light on the messy reality of entrepreneurship and startup life.

Subscribe to my newsletter https://newsletter.prodcircle.com/profileIn this episode I had the previlige of sitting down with a great mind of our century. Greg Larkin, founder of Punks & Pinstripes, shares his fascinating career journey from Wall Street finance executive to startup founder and community builder for midlife entrepreneurs.In this wide-ranging discussion, Greg recounts his experience innovating within big corporations like Bloomberg, predicting the 2008 financial crisis while analyzing anomalous mortgage data, and eventually leaving finance to build his own startups.He explores the difficulties founders face when the startup image promoted by media doesn't match the gritty reality of successful entrepreneurship. Greg explains that while the media loves portraying young startup founders as glamorous, data shows the most successful founders are over 40, but they lack community support.Greg provides hard-won insights on:Why working at a corporation can provide invaluable entrepreneur training despite the challenges of innovating within bureaucratic environmentsHow to innovate within big companies without getting “fired” – Greg shares his framework for anticipating and navigating corporate obstructionistsWhy community is absolutely critical for founder wellbeing and success, but is sorely lacking for older foundersHow he predicted the 2008 financial crisis by digging into mortgage data showing a growing debt-to-income ratio trendWhy founders over 40 are statistically the most successful, yet are ignored by startup media images and lack tailored community supportGreg also shares the three most important lessons he wished he had known earlier as a founder:1. Your success depends on what you say no to – rigorously focus only on the one or two things that matter2. Feel good about yourself even if your big goals aren't met yet – don't tie your self-worth to external outcomes3. Don't try to do this alone - find your tribe and community that understands your entrepreneurial strugglesIf you're a founder over 40, tune in to gain Greg's hard-won wisdom on how to thrive and build something meaningful, rather than get caught up in pursuing glamorous media myths of entrepreneurship. This candid discussion provides an inside look at the realities of corporate innovation and startup struggles no one talks about.

How do you build a billion dollar companies? How unicorns are build? In this episode, Ihar Mahaniok shares his journey as an immigrant founder and investor. He moved from Belarus to Switzerland and then the US, overcoming challenges like culture shock and building a new network.Ihar provides invaluable advice for immigrant founders looking to break into the US startup ecosystem. He explains how his fund GeekVentures helps founders become fully embedded by introducing them to investors and helping them communicate effectively.Even if you're not an immigrant founder, Ihar shares tips all entrepreneurs can learn from. He discusses how to create pitch decks that attract investor attention, including articulating the problem, market size, and your vision.Ihar also shares what VCs look for in founders, from founder-market fit to a dynamic approach and passion for their idea. He explains red flags like being non-coachable and founders who believe they have all the answers.Additional topics include:- Transitioning from engineering to angel investing to VC- The realities of raising a VC fund- Common founder mistakes and how to avoid them- How to evaluate potential investments as a VC- Managing a portfolio of 30+ startups as a VCIhar distills over a decade of experience into this episode. If you're a founder fundraising or want to better understand the investor perspective, you'll gain unique insights from his journey.

Sardor Akhmedov's Life Story with Prodcircle!! What is the Fuel of Company Growth?Subscribe to my newsletter https://newsletter.prodcircle.com/profileSardor shares how he was able to build an 8-figure agency business after starting businesses from a young age. A key factor was learning sales - he had no sales experience when he first joined his current agency, but taught himself and credits sales abilities for their growth. Outbound sales in particular allow him to target ideal customers. He also emphasizes the importance of systematizing operations and processes to scale an agency profitably. When they rapidly grew their team, they later had to scale back because their systems couldn't support the bloat. Now they have strong operations to deliver profitably. Sardor stresses staying lean when scaling up - rather than hiring new people when demand rises, pay existing employees more to take on more work until they reach capacity. This prevents over-hiring and high burn rates.Overall, he provides valuable insights into building a successful, profitable agency business from the ground up. Key takeaways are:- Learn sales skills, even if you have no experience - this will fuel company growth- Implement systems and processes early on to enable scaling- Use outbound sales to target ideal customers instead of waiting for inbound leads- Stay lean by squeezing more out of current employees before hiring new onesSardor's story demonstrates that with the right mindset and skills like sales, you can build a highly successful agency even if you start with no capital. His lessons provide a blueprint for scalable, sustainable growth.

Subscribe to my newsletter to learn from the best entrepreneurs and VCs. https://newsletter.prodcircle.com/profileEpisode 16:  In this episode, Pete and I chatted about building great companies, starting out with just an idea, investing in the companies. what makes a great founder, and what investors look for in any business when they invest. Pete Sena is a visionary entrepreneur with a rich background in creating businesses and shaping brands. Co-Founder of the global innovation and design experience consultancy, Digital Surgeons, Pete's career spans nearly two decades of building and leading cross-functional teams that delivered successful multi-channel programs and activations for both startups and Fortune 50 companies. With a passion for innovation, Pete embodies a growth mindset and a forward-thinking approach. His areas of expertise range from marketing, branding, and entrepreneurship, to more progressive realms such as design thinking, Web3 technologies, AI, and the metaverse. This broad knowledge base has positioned him as an active thought leader, amassing over 4.2k followers on Medium and an impressive 33k followers on Twitter. Beyond his professional endeavors, Pete is known for his commitment to giving back to the academic community. He serves as a Venture Mentor at Yale University and also acts as an entrepreneur-in-residence at his alma mater, the University of Connecticut, in the Technology Incubation Program. A dedicated creator, Pete shares his insights and experiences through his own podcast, "Forward Obsessed". Here, he engages in profound conversations with successful business leaders and entrepreneurs, further enriching his perspective on the ever-evolving world of business and technology. Pete's entrepreneurial journey started in his college dorm room, where he bootstrapped his branding and marketing company into an eight-figure business. From there, he went on to become the visionary behind District, a tech and innovation campus and coworking facility located in New Haven, CT. His investments and strategic advisories have propelled numerous startups worldwide, many of which have achieved significant exits or liquidity events. Recently, Pete's focus has shifted towards the impact of AI on society, and how individuals and businesses can harness these technologies to spur growth. His narratives, shaped by a unique lens of creativity and human-centered design, make him a compelling figure in the world of entrepreneurship and technology. Given Pete's extensive accomplishments and his drive to unlock new possibilities, he continues to captivate audiences, offering valuable insights on various platforms, and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.If you are in entrepreneurial space, this is a mega episode for you. Enjoy :)

Subscribe to my newsletter to learn from the best entrepreneurs and VCs. https://newsletter.prodcircle.com/profileEpisode 14:  This is by far the most interesting episode we have recorded on the show. I had the previlige of sitting down with a great mind of this century, Alistair Croll. Alistair is a serial entrepreneur, event organizer, and bestselling author who works at the intersection of technology and society.After an early career in product management and telecommunications at Eicon, Primary Access, and 3Com, Alistair built web performance pioneer Coradiant and sold it to BMC for $135M. He launched the Year One Labs incubator, chaired O'Reilly's Strata and UBM's Cloud Connect, founded FWD50, and taught at Harvard Business School. He has co-written three books including Lean Analytics, widely considered required reading for startups, and is currently working on Just Evil Enough, the subversive marketing playbook. In this episode, we talked about the important of building purpose driven startups, creating a network that you can rely on, why marketing is more important than your product, how to use venture capital, and how to build dream companies.If you are in entrepreneurial space, this is a mega episode for you. Enjoy :)

Subscribe to my newsletter to learn from the best entrepreneurs and VCs. https://newsletter.prodcircle.com/profileEpisode 14:  This was the first CPG related podcast and we had the pleasure of hosting Glenn of Red Chocolate. In this episode we talked about finding the purpose behind the starting a company, how to build a team that lasts tougher times, what does profitability means, and so much more.  Glenn Gardone has over 30 years' experience in the Consumer-Packaged Goods industry through a diverse mix of roles that have led him to be the entrepreneur he finds himself being at this point in his career. He has worked at 4 of the top CPG companies in the world in various positions such as sales, marketing, and finance. His work has made him an award-winning entrepreneur with successful brands on retail shelves throughout the United States. Glenn's goal is to spread his entrepreneurial knowledge so that as many people as possible can thrive in their passion! He has been financially rewarded in return over the past few years, but most importantly, Glenn has been able to travel the world and spread his message in the hope of inspiring others.Enjoy :) 

Subscribe to my newsletter to learn from the best entrepreneurs and VCs. https://newsletter.prodcircle.com/profileEpisode 13:  In this episode of Prodcircle, we talked everything about entrepreneurship. How to build a team, how to raise funds, build a company, mistakes founder make and a lot more. Oscar A Jofre Co-founder, President, and CEO of KoreCon X. Oscar Jofre is a globally-recognized top-10 thought leader in equity crowdfunding and the Current co-founder of KoreConX, an all-in-one platform for private capital markets. He is also recognized as a top-10 fintech & blockchain influencer and a top-50 InsureTech influencer. As a sought-after speaker, Oscar is known for his innovative ideas and cutting insights into equity crowdfunding, blockchain, FinTech, compliance, shareholder management, alternative finance, and RegTech. Oscar also founded The BabelFish Corp, a SaaS-based multilingual translation portal, where he led a team of more than 135 individuals to provide multilingual solutions to 7,600 contractors worldwide. In 2012, he was awarded the Vision Businessman of the Year by the Toronto Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.Enjoy :) 

Subscribe to my newsletter to learn from the best entrepreneurs and VCs. https://newsletter.prodcircle.com/profileEpisode 12:  In this episode of Prodcircle, we delve deeper into the world of brand building. Chase Friedman, who is a founder of Vanquish media has a vision to help companies 'Profit with Purpose'. We talked about the Golden Circle of Why, why most companies suck at marketing, the reason behind buying from bigger brands and a lot more.Chase believe in the inherent ability of all businesses and organizations to profit with purpose. As the Founder of Vanquish Media Group, his purpose is guiding brands to unlock their greatest potential for growth and impact in the lives of their customers, communities, and the world. With over 1,500 branded content assets produced, 500 Million cumulative views, and +$45MM generated in client revenue and donations, there is proof that you can do good AND do well.Overall, this episode was a deep dive into the world of marketing and psychology. Enjoy :) 

Episode 11:  In this episode of Prodcircle, we delve deeper into the psychology of building a great founding team and startups. We also discussed what is a co-founder fit and why it's so important to find the right team member for your startup early on. Stephen was kind enough to share all the amazing tools they use to find the right team member. Stephen is the Managing Director of ETC Consult and Distributed Training. Stephen grew up in two family businesses - as well as starting a few of his own.  Having bought both family businesses from his parents and growing them internationally, Stephen learned a lot about successful succession planning - as well as making some mistakes along the way...Stephen is involved in different industries including leadership development; career guidance; succession planning; career skills and psychometric selection as well as international education and training.He has delivered keynotes and workshops; moderated panel discussions; taught at leadership academies and acted as the MC for a range of international events across Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia, and Oceana - on the topics of entrepreneurship; leadership; succession planning and more. Stephen is a succession planning coach; strategy facilitator; team development coach; leadership coach and personality profiler.Stephen spent many years fine-tuning his own "why" or core purpose to help him get more clarity around what he wants to do with his life. All of his projects, businesses, and programs feed into his core purpose "To help people Aspire to a better future and Empower them to get there".Overall, this episode was packed with valuable insights and practical tools used in psychometric evaluation. If you want to know how to build a killer team that builds great businesses, this episode is for you. Enjoy :) 

Episode 10:  In this episode of Prodcircle, we dive deep into the concept of how to manage your money. Bryan is an experienced wealth management consultant for the top 1% around the globe but he has seen a lot of people making the same mistake when it comes to investment. Bryan M. Kuderna is a Certified Financial Planner™ and the founder of Kuderna Financial Team. Named one of New Jersey's Top 10 Financial Professionals of 2021 by NJBiz, he also hosts a popular finance and business podcast—The Kuderna Podcast. He is a regular contributor to CNBC, Newsmax, Yahoo Finance, AARP, and other media. His first book, Millennial Millionaire (2016), launched Kuderna as a national speaker at colleges, hospitals, corporations, and financial institutions and paved the way for his new book, WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH MY MONEY? Economic Insights to Build Wealth Amid Chaos (McGraw Hill, 02/07/2023). Bryan has a Master of Science in Financial Services from The American College and a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics from The College of New Jersey. Overall, this episode was packed with valuable insights and practical advice for young entrepreneurs like us. It reminded us of the power of stories, the importance of creating exceptional content, and the potential impact of personal branding. Enjoy :) 

Episode 9:  In this episode of Prodcircle, we dive deep into the power of finding purpose in life, optimizing for fulfillment, and building a business around your life, not the other way around.This week it was a special collaboration episode with the founder of  @NextLevelUniversity Kevin Pamieri, who with his co-host, runs the Next Level University podcast. They are among the finest podcasters on the planet when it comes to self-improvement.  Kevin and I talked about life in general, how he nearly committed suicide, when he hit rock bottom and how he bounced back, and a whole lot more.  Enjoy :) 

Episode 8:  In this episode of Prodcircle, we dive deep into the power of storytelling, creating exceptional content, and the importance of personal branding with the founder of Goodman Lantern, Raj Goodman Anand. Raj Goodman Anand, founder of Goodman Lantern, a content marketing agency dedicated to helping businesses grow by leveraging the power of content creation. With a background in engineering, Raj has founded three startups, raised capital, and taken one venture from inception to acquisition. His experience spans not only startups but also large and mid-sized organizations. He has also won BusinessWeek's Europe's Young Entrepreneur (2007) and has been named one of Revolution Magazine's 50 Most Influential People in Digital (2009). Raj is also passionate about promoting gender equality and women's economic empowerment, with more than 80% of Goodman Lantern's team being women.A few top moments that really resonated with me were when we discussed "storytelling, worthless ideas and the power of execution." We explored how stories have the ability to inspire and motivate us, and how they play a crucial role in the success of epic tales. As young entrepreneurs, it's important for us to hear stories that can guide us on our journey and help us avoid the misconception of nonstop work. Throughout the episode, we also explored various chapters, covering topics such as the future of computational power, the importance of execution in cloning businesses, financial focus for founders, empowerment and mission-driven work, gender equality, and skill-based pay. Each chapter provided valuable insights and perspectives that can help us navigate the ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship.Lastly, we dived into the power of personal branding and how great stories shape successful leaders. While some leaders prefer to focus on the brand of their company, we discussed how personal branding, when done correctly, can make a real impact. Building a personal brand requires a great story that resonates with our audience, and it's no easy task. We also touched on the art of great storytelling and what it entails.Overall, this episode was packed with valuable insights and practical advice for young entrepreneurs like us. It reminded us of the power of stories, the importance of creating exceptional content, and the potential impact of personal branding. Enjoy :) 

Episode 7:  In this episode of Prodcircle, Richard Phu shares some insightful moments and key ideas that can help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of business. One of the top moments discussed is the importance of tailoring your approach and not giving up easily. Richard emphasizes that laziness in tailoring your strategies can hinder your success and lead to early abandonment. He expresses his excitement about the potential of AI and how it can benefit more people.Another significant moment involves a client who becomes overwhelmed during a conversation. Richard highlights the importance of effective communication and understanding. He shares how he helped the client by offering assistance and addressing the misunderstanding. This moment emphasizes the value of empathy and support in client relationships.The episode also delves into the concept of customer journey and the need to understand each stage of the process. Richard explains that businesses should define the entire customer journey and identify areas that can be automated. This approach allows for a more streamlined and efficient customer experience.Testing hypotheses and learning from mistakes is another key idea discussed in the episode. Richard emphasizes the importance of testing assumptions and understanding how situations arise. By asking the right questions and avoiding blame, entrepreneurs can gain valuable insights and improve their decision-making process.Richard also touches on the balance between tactical and strategic responsibilities in business. He suggests that entrepreneurs should seek team members who understand the business acumen and can translate strategy into execution. This highlights the significance of finding individuals who can contribute to both the tactical and strategic aspects of a business.Lastly, the episode explores the struggle of translating big ideas into action. Richard discusses how some entrepreneurs struggle to communicate their vision effectively, leading to confusion and frustration among team members. He emphasizes the importance of breaking down the vision into actionable steps and ensuring clear communication.Overall, this episode of Prodcircle provides valuable insights and practical advice for entrepreneurs. Richard Phu's experiences and perspectives shed light on various aspects of business, from tailoring strategies to understanding the customer journey and translating big ideas into action. Enjoy :)

Episode 6:  In this episode of Prodcircle with Mudassir Mustafa, I had the opportunity to sit and chat with an amazing fintech entrepreneur from New York, Andres Klaric. He is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Fuse, a next-gen loan origination system (LOS) that simplifies lending for financial institutions through self-serve customization, a low-code API builder, and a personalized agent portal. Over the last decade, Andres worked on Wall Street, investing in tech and business services. This gave him an acute awareness of the issues slowing down lenders from achieving their highest potential, ultimately leading to starting Fuse.We talked about his early years in Investment banking, wall street, and then private equity firms. We explored his financial journey and entrepreneurial spirit, eventually leading him to start his company, Fuse. We also touched on their Patented LOS technology for the lending industry, perception of crypto in wall street, building great teams, hiring the right talent, and much more. Overall, the episode provided valuable insights and strategies for building a highly successful business in fintech. Enjoy :) 

Episode 5: In this episode of Prodcircle with Mudassir Mustafa, I had the pleasure of speaking with Artemis Doupa, who shared insights from her book "Design and Grow" on building a sustainable and successful business. Doupa emphasized the importance of hiring the right team, understanding data, and creating a marketing strategy. She also highlighted the significance of sustainability and encouraged businesses to make an effort towards it.We also discussed the overlap of creative and business skills, the potential of AI, different sales models in the fashion industry, challenges in hiring the right talent for startups, balancing work and family as an entrepreneur, and sustainability and quality in the fashion industry.Doupa introduced her "Storms Method", which is a problem-solving approach born from years of experience and struggles faced by designers. The book is aimed at creatives who care about more than just sales and want to showcase their story and values through their products.We also touched on raising entrepreneurial children and insights from bestselling author Daniel Priestley. Overall, the episode provided valuable insights and strategies for building a successful and sustainable business in the creative industry. Enjoy :) 

Episode 4: Delynn Miller is a Health and Mindset Coach with a decade's experience in direct coaching and healing. Together with her husband, Dave Miller, they founded the Pursuit Institute, a platform for helping entrepreneurs and others shift their mindset blocks. Delynn's personal transformation over the years has resulted in a high-energy, high-performance lifestyle that rejects the norm. As a protégé of Bob Proctor, she developed the 2% Club, fostering a community for personal growth and self-improvement. She transitioned from a six-figure salary to a life of greater fulfillment and success.Dave Miller is an entrepreneur with twenty years of experience in creating, operating, and investing in various physical and online businesses. In 2008, Dave embarked on a 14-year career in policing, gaining experience in the court system, street crimes, and human trafficking. His combined skills from his entrepreneurial and policing background make him a valuable resource for entrepreneurs looking to start and grow their businesses.In this episode, we talked about how their lives got changed overnight, how they both lost fulfillment in their jobs, and why they started Pursuit Institute. Enjoy :)