The Fabric

In this episode of The Fabric, Buddy sits down with James and Alexa Hirschfeld, the sibling co-founders of Paperless Post. From the company's early days in 2009 to its role today as a go-to platform for designing and managing meaningful events, James and Aleksa share the personal and entrepreneurial journey that brought Paperless Post to life.We go beyond metrics and markets to uncover what drives their vision—from crafting beautiful digital experiences to navigating the challenges of startup life as family and business partners. You'll hear about the traits, decisions, and moments of serendipity that helped them build a business that continues to redefine how we gather.Whether you're planning your next event or building your next company, this conversation unravels the fabric of what makes a modern founder story so compelling.

What if you could build powerful AI-driven applications—without writing a single line of code? In this episode of The Fabric, host Buddy, General Partner and Co-Founder of Lobby Capital, sits down with Bernard Aceituno, the visionary behind Stack AI, a groundbreaking no-code platform that's changing how businesses harness artificial intelligence. As a proud portfolio company of Lobby Capital, Stack AI is on a mission to democratize AI, making it accessible to companies of all sizes.Bernard's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From growing up in Venezuela amidst political and economic turbulence to diving deep into the world of AI and machine learning, his story is a masterclass in resilience, curiosity, and innovation. We explore his early fascination with technology, the moments that shaped his entrepreneurial mindset, and how Stack AI is redefining automation for modern enterprises.Tune in for an inspiring conversation about breaking barriers in AI, the mindset of a founder, and the thrill of solving problems that matter. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, entrepreneur, or just love a great origin story, this episode is packed with insights and energy you won't want to miss.

In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Selina Tobaccowala, a seasoned entrepreneur and venture partner at Lobby Capital. From co-founding Evite, the groundbreaking online invitation platform, to her leadership roles at Ticketmaster and SurveyMonkey, Selena has consistently leveraged technology to make a real-world impact. Now, with her latest venture, HomeBoost, she's empowering homeowners to improve comfort and reduce energy costs through innovative solutions.Join us as Selena reflects on her entrepreneurial journey, the power of teamwork, and the lessons learned from scaling globally recognized brands. From creating viral consumer experiences to navigating acquisitions and building culture-driven teams, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.Tune in to learn how Selena's career exemplifies the essence of weaving innovation, resilience, and purpose into the fabric of success.

On this episode of The Fabric, host Buddy Arnheim sits down with Suzanne Spaulding, a national security expert and board member at Hidden Level (one of Lobby Capital's portfolio companies), to explore the qualities that make a great board member and the serendipitous moments that have shaped her extraordinary career. Suzanne reflects on how chance opportunities—like a colleague connecting her to a role at the CIA—have influenced her path through national security, private practice, and policy-making. She shares valuable lessons on effective communication, collaboration, and adaptability, essential traits for boardroom success.The conversation also delves into Suzanne's work in cybersecurity, where she emphasizes the need for public engagement to drive policy changes. She highlights how informed citizens can demand stronger transparency and resilience from both the government and businesses in the face of growing cyber threats.Tune in to hear Suzanne's inspiring career journey, her insights on being an impactful board member, and her call for more active public participation in shaping cybersecurity policy—all on The Fabric podcast by Lobby Capital.

In this episode, Alex Cyriak and Shobin Uralil share how their long-standing friendship and deep familial connections became the bedrock of their successful partnership in founding Lively. With roots in South India and years of shared experiences, their relationship was built on mutual respect and unwavering trust. From angel investments to confiding in one another during challenging times, their bond transcended business, proving that blind trust in each other's work ethic and character can lead to remarkable success. Tune in to hear how their shared values of hard work, commitment, and family shaped their entrepreneurial journey.

On this episode of The Fabric, Buddy Arnheim interviews James Everingham, VP of Engineering at Meta, and venture partner at Lobby Capital. They discuss the unpredictable paths to successful entrepreneurship and the combination of past experiences, relationships, serendipity, and personal characteristics that shape achievements. Join them as they unravel the fabric of successful entrepreneurs and explore the world of early-stage software businesses.

In this episode of The Fabric podcast by Lobby Capital, host Buddy Arnheim interviews Mohamed Elgendy, founder and CEO of Kolena. Mohamed's journey to AI mastery is a testament to following one's instincts and seizing opportunities as they arise. Hear how his instinctual choices and willingness to explore new fields led to the creation of Kolena, an AI quality platform that supports the rapid deployment of AI products with confidence. Tune in to learn about the pivotal moments and decisions that shaped Mohamed's successful career in AI.

Join us on this episode of "The Fabric," presented by Lobby Capital, as we delve into the remarkable journey of Travis Bogard, the founder and CEO of PhononX and a true pioneer in the tech industry. Starting from his innovative days at AOL, where he addressed critical system issues, to his strategic shifts at TellMe, Travis has consistently demonstrated mastery in seizing opportunities and directly confronting challenges. This episode explores how Travis's unique approach to problem-solving, his willingness to embrace risks, and his relentless pursuit of new challenges reshaped his career path and expanded his professional horizons. This episode highlights how Travis's unconventional choices and proactive mindset not only propelled him to establish PhononX but also provided invaluable lessons for anyone looking to navigate their own career with agility and vision. Tune in for an inspiring narrative on how Travis has navigated the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Join us on this episode as we delve into the remarkable life journey of Vitaly Gordon, whose diverse experiences span continents, careers, and cultures. Born in Baku, Azerbaijan, within the former Soviet Union, Vitaly's early life was marked by the rich engineering legacy of his family, against the backdrop of a city known for its stark societal contrasts. This episode uncovers the profound impact of his upbringing and the subsequent emigration of his family to Israel following the Soviet Union's collapse.In Israel, Vitaly's path took a pivotal turn as he served in an elite Israeli intelligence unit, akin to the American NSA. We explore how this high-pressure, high-stakes environment fostered a unique blend of leadership, responsibility, and the ability to make critical decisions under duress—skills that would later define his entrepreneurial spirit.Transitioning from military to civilian life, Vitaly entered the tech industry, starting at LivePerson in Israel before making a significant leap to Silicon Valley, joining the data science team at LinkedIn. This segment of his journey offers listeners an insider's perspective on the tech scenes in both Israel and Silicon Valley, revealing how these experiences shaped his entrepreneurial journey and led to the founding of Faros AI.Throughout the episode, we dissect how Vitaly's diverse background—from the disciplined environment of the Israeli military to the innovative ecosystems of Israel's tech industry and Silicon Valley—equipped him with a unique set of skills and perspectives. These experiences not only influenced his approach to entrepreneurship and leadership but also highlighted the importance of embracing challenges and opportunities for personal and professional growth.Don't miss this inspiring exploration of how Vitaly Gordon's journey from the Soviet Union to the forefront of the tech industry embodies the transformative power of pursuing one's passions, adapting to new environments, and continually seeking out new challenges.

In this episode of The Fabric podcast, host Buddy Arnheim sits down with Mike Dougherty, the co-founder and CEO of Remix, one of Lobby's portfolio companies. They delve into Mike's background and the journey that led him to start Remix. They also discuss the impact of technology on industries like music and photography, and the exciting possibilities that AI and Web3 bring to the creative world. Join them as they unravel the fabric of successful entrepreneurship.

In this episode of The Fabric, Buddy explores Sina Afrooze's entrepreneurial story from his early life in Iran to co-founding Apera AI. We discuss his academic and career achievements, including a significant role at Avigilon and its acquisition by Motorola Solutions. The episode highlights Sina's dedication, risk-taking, and passion for robotics and AI, pivotal in his journey as a successful entrepreneur. Join them as they explore the intricacies of entrepreneurship and the factors that contribute to its success.

In this latest episode, I am on the hot seat! My partner David Hornik turns the table and interviews me! David somehow gets me to open up about my early days in school and the swimming pool, my first crush (who happens to be my wife), my legal career journey, the founding of Titan Aerospace and SpinLaunch, and my path into venture capital. We also reminisce about our early days working together during the DotCom Boom, and we banter about how we at Lobby Capital evaluate investment opportunities; what we look for, what we find interesting, and what turns us off. We could have chatted for hours, but cut it off just short of an hour. Enjoy and comments are welcome!

Join us on The Fabric, a podcast by Lobby Capital, for an inspiring conversation with Collin Wallace, our newest partner. In this episode, our host Buddy Arnheim, chats with Collin to explore how his remarkable entrepreneurial journey brought him to join the Lobby Capital team. From his formative years in Baltimore, his adventures in China, and his tenure at Lexmark, Collin shares the pivotal moments that have sculpted his entrepreneurial path. You'll get a firsthand look at his innovative concept, FanGo, and its eventual merger with Grubhub. Tune in to learn how Collin's curiosity and diverse experiences uniquely positioned him for his role at Lobby Capital. Discover the story of how his entrepreneurial journey seamlessly led him to become our fund's newest partner. Don't miss this captivating conversation as we unravel the incredible journey of Colin Wallace, right here on The Fabric!

In this episode of "The Fabric," Eric Carlborg, co-founder of Lobby Capital, takes us on a journey through his life and career. From his childhood in Illinois to his time as a high-flying investment banker at Merrill Lynch, and later as the CFO of Einstein Noah Bagels, Eric shares the experiences and lessons that shaped his path. We delve into his transition into the world of venture capital, including his role as CFO of authorize.net and his time at Continental Investors. Join us as we unravel the fabric of Eric Carlborg's journey and gain insights into the mindset and experiences that have led to his success as an entrepreneur and investor.

Join host Buddy Arnheim as he welcomes his Lobby Capital co-founder, David Hornik, in this episode of “The Fabric”. Together, they explore David's unique path, from his musical passions and legal career to his transition into venture capital.  The duo reflects on the importance of lifelong relationships, delves into the creation of the influential Lobby Conference, and ends with David's love for contemporary art. This episode is a fascinating glimpse into how passions can shape a multi-faceted career.

Welcome to the sixth episode of The Fabric Podcast, where we explore what drives entrepreneurial success. This episode features a compelling conversation with Frank Rohde, the forward-thinking Founder and CEO of Ownify. Ownify is a trailblazing company that emerged from the very heart of the real estate and mortgage industries. Amid rising home prices, escalating mortgage rates, and the burden of student debt, the team at Ownify identified an opportunity to change the narrative. They understood the challenges and pain points of first-time homebuyers and committed to make homeownership more attainable. Frank, with his extensive experience building mortgage-pricing software, alongside his dedicated team, set out to revolutionize the path to homeownership. Ownify's unique approach lies in fractional ownership, a new concept that is making waves and raising a lot of interest in the industry.  In our conversation, Frank not only enlightens us about this innovative approach, but also his commitment to creating a platform that guides homeowners every step of the way. From education to empowerment, and from revitalizing neighborhoods to delivering financial returns to investors, Ownify's mission is not only about making a profit, but also about leaving a lasting impact. This episode peels back the layers of Frank's journey, his startup career, and the genesis of Ownify. We dive deep into how Ownify is navigating the complexities of the housing market while maintaining an unwavering commitment to customer service, detail, and most importantly, their customers - affectionately referred to as "Ownis".  Join us for an enlightening discussion with an exceptional entrepreneur, who is not just determined to change the landscape of homeownership but also committed to creating a world where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered.

In our fifth episode of The Fabric, I have the delightful opportunity to sit down with the warm and inspiring Carla Small, the co-founder and CEO of our portfolio company EarlyBird. EarlyBird is a revolutionary educational platform dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children with dyslexia.As a former strategy consultant and Director of Innovation at the Digital Health Accelerator at Boston Children's Hospital, Carla brings a wealth of experience and unique insights into the EdTech sector. With a personable touch, she discusses her path in starting EarlyBird while at the Boston Children's startup accelerator, as well as the opportunities and challenges for early-stage tech startups in the EdTech sector. Carla's boundless optimism, intelligence, and genuine passion make her story both captivating and inspiring. Carla is most excited about the chance to transform children's lives by saving them from the downstream anxiety and self-esteem issues often associated with poor reading ability.Please join me for this fascinating and heartfelt conversation with an exceptional entrepreneur who is dedicated to making a difference in education!

In our fourth episode of The Fabric, I have the good fortune of sitting down with Ezz Fayek, the founder and CEO of our portfolio company WaffarX. WaffarX is Lobby Capital's first international investment: a cash-back rewards platform serving Egypt and eventually the entire MENA region (basically the eBates of MENA), and Ezz is boundless optimism and intelligence. During our conversation Ezz shares what it was like growing up in Cairo Egypt, his time working in the UAE, and his return to Cairo right before the Arab Spring. He also talks about his unique path in starting WaffarX, and the opportunities and challenges for early-stage tech startups in MENA. Please join me for this fascinating conversation! 

In our third published episode, I sat down and talked with Sid Saxena, the co-founder and CEO of our portfolio company, Docyt. Based in Silicon Valley, Docyt is enabling much faster decision-making by enabling real-time accounting and significant cost savings. Sid talks about the origin of this exciting business, as well as his entrepreneurial roots growing up in Western India, attending college in Bloomington, Indiana, and finally making his way out to Silicon Valley. Charming, self-effacing, and unwaveringly ambitious, Sid talks about the challenges and opportunities he sees for tech entrepreneurs in today's environment.

In this next episode, I sat down with Marcus Segal, the founder and CEO of ForeVR Games (https://www.forevrgames.com/). ForeVR Games has built a VR game development platform that brings amazing art, multiplayer and social functionality, and in-experience monetization to VR/MR games. Currently, with four top-selling games in the market (bowling, darts, cornhole and pool), ForeVR seeks to entertain gamers who are increasingly migrating to the ever-expanding VR headsets hitting the market, and enabling game developers to dramatically improve the quality of the games they are publishing. As one of the more charismatic CEOs, Marcus shared his very diverse and somewhat unorthodox background and what led him to launch this latest startup. He also pontificated a bit on the future of virtual reality, augmented reality/mixed reality, and the gaming market. It was a fantastic conversation, and one I hope you enjoy!

For our first episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Jeff Cole, who shared his entrepreneurial journey and his poignant learnings to date. Jeff is the co-founder and CEO of Hidden Level, an inspiring startup that is revolutionizing low altitude detection with its Airspace Monitoring Service (or AMS). AMS is a cost-effective and scalable solution for the incredibly complex challenge of high-resolution low-altitude detection for drones and other flying objects. It's a passive detection methodology with unrivaled resolution and ease of use, and a foundation enabler for drone delivery, eVTOL, and urban air mobility. In addition to sharing what he sees as the future for these novel services, Jeff also shares his learnings about the importance of partnering, board construction and management, and workplace transparency. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did! 

The Fabric, a podcast from Lobby Capital, explores what drives entrepreneurial success. Through in-depth interviews and case studies Buddy Arnheim, a general partner and co-founder of Lobby Capital, explores the unique motivations, characteristics, experiences, connections, and luck that propel these courageous people to challenge the status quo, push the limits, and achieve success. Engaging and uniquely insightful, the Fabric provides an inside look into the amazing people behind the next generation of industry-changing businesses and reaffirms the bespoke nature of entrepreneurial success.