TheTop.VC

Sponsored by Chargebee, subscription and revenue management → check out their startup offer: https://www.chargebee.com/startups Mike Choi, Founder of Koah Labs https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikejschoi/ - Koah Labs, founded by Mike Choi, is an AI-native ad network that helps AI applications monetize through sponsored experiences, focusing on tasteful ad integration for end users. - The company was initially bootstrapped, pivoted to the AI ads idea after strong market pull, and quickly built and launched its first product in early 2025. - Koah Labs has raised approximately $22–$25.5 million, with a seed round led by Forerunner and a Series A led by Theory Ventures; other investors include South Park Commons and AppLovin co-founder Andrew Karam. - The company operates with a squad model, prioritizing end user experience as its North Star, while balancing the needs of publishers and advertisers. - Mike Choi emphasizes the importance of founder well-being, rapid learning, and building trust with investors, which contributed to their successful fundraising and company culture.

Sponsored by Chargebee, subscription and revenue management → check out their startup offer: https://www.chargebee.com/startups - Samar Abbas, Founder of temporal.io https://www.linkedin.com/in/samar-abbas-381997/   - Samar Abbas, co-founder of Temporal.io, shares the journey of building an open-source platform that ensures durable execution of code, allowing developers to focus on business logic instead of handling failures and reliability. - Temporal.io originated from years of experience at companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Uber, where Samar and his co-founder iterated on workflow and state management systems, eventually creating a new category called "durable execution." - The company's open-source approach led to rapid community adoption, with major companies like Snap using Temporal for mission-critical workloads, validating the product's value and scalability. - Temporal.io monetizes by offering a fully managed cloud service with a consumption-based pricing model, aligning customer costs with the value delivered. - The company has raised significant funding, including a $300M Series D led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), with participation from Lightspeed Venture Partners and Sapphire Ventures, reaching a $5B valuation.

Sponsored by Chargebee, subscription and revenue management → check out their startup offer: https://www.chargebee.com/startups Jeff Gibson, Founder of Kintsugi https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgibsonsf/?utm_source=chatgpt.com - Kintsugi, founded by Jeff Gibson, provides an AI-driven platform that automates global indirect tax compliance (VAT, GST, sales tax, etc.) for internet businesses, handling tax calculation, collection, and remittance. - The company targets SMBs and mid-market companies selling online, offering a simple, automated solution to a complex, high-risk compliance problem, resulting in high customer retention and low churn. - Kintsugi's founding insight came from the realization that businesses were paying more for tax compliance than for billing solutions, and that the market was underserved, especially for SMBs and mid-market companies. - The company raised a $2M pre-seed round in September 2023 from angels, followed by an $18M Series A led by Vertex.  - Jeff emphasizes the importance of founder conviction, qualifying investors for deep understanding of the problem, and building trust with customers in a “boring but essential” fintech space.

  - Lava, founded by Mitchell Jones, makes it easy for businesses to adopt AI-driven, measurement-based pricing, helping companies track usage and convert it into flexible pricing plans. - Mitchell emphasizes constant iteration on the elevator pitch and product, using customer feedback and discovery calls to refine both messaging and features. - The company's core insight is that traditional seat-based SaaS pricing breaks down in the AI era, where usage—not seats—drives value and cost, requiring new pricing models. - Mitchell shares lessons on founder discipline: focus on real customer pain, avoid feature creep by staying true to your ideal customer profile, and trust micro-signals and iteration to reach product-market fit.

Thank you Auth0 for Startups, a sponsor of TFI Checkout their → 1-year free https://auth0.com/startups/vip Auth0 is an adaptable authentication and authorization platform that helps you secure your apps and AI agents. It delivers convenience, privacy, and security so you can focus on building a great UX.   FOUNDER PROFILE: Saurav Bubber, Founder of FuseAI https://www.linkedin.com/in/sauravbubber/

- Rocketlane, founded by Srikrishnan Ganesan, spent its first year deeply researching the professional services automation (PSA) space, interviewing over 170 prospects and building conviction around unmet needs for customer-facing project management. - The team identified a key pain point: companies struggled with the gap between contracted and live ARR, making effective onboarding and project delivery a board-level priority, especially for mid-market and upmarket tech companies. - Rocketlane differentiated itself by building an all-in-one PSA platform tailored for services teams, integrating project management, customer collaboration, project accounting, and new AI-powered features like Nitro to automate and execute services work. - Early traction came from targeting Series B+ tech companies and leveraging community-building, with their first paying customer coming via a VC referral and subsequent growth fueled by a successful Product Hunt launch. - Rocketlane has raised a total of $105 million from investors including Insight Partners, 8VC, Matrix Partners India, and Nexus Venture Partners, with the latest $60M Series C led by Insight Partners.

Sponsored by Chargebee, subscription and revenue management → check out their startup offer: https://www.chargebee.com/startups Pankaj Patel, Founder of Nile https://www.linkedin.com/in/pankajpspatel/

Sponsored by Chargebee, subscription and revenue management → check out their startup offer: https://www.chargebee.com/startups   Jonah Midanik, Managing Partner of Forum Ventures https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonahmidanik/

Sponsored by Chargebee, subscription and revenue management → check out their startup offer: https://www.chargebee.com/startups   Kris Rudeegraap, Founder of Sendoso https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudeegraap

Sponsored by Chargebee, subscription and revenue management → Founders, check out their upcoming $100k buyer pitch at Fort Mason in San Francisco: https://luma.com/beelieve   Helen Hastings, Founder of Quanta https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenbhastings/

Sponsored by Chargebee, subscription and revenue management → check out their startup offer: https://www.chargebee.com/startups   Harish Abbott, Founder of Augment https://www.linkedin.com/in/habbott/

Sponsored by Auth0 for Startups → 1-year free https://auth0.com/startups/vip Auth0 is an adaptable authentication and authorization platform that helps you secure your apps and AI agents. It delivers convenience, privacy, and security so you can focus on building a great UX. FOUNDER PROFILE: Ilya Levtov, Founder of Craft https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilya-levtov/

Sponsored by Chargebee, subscription and revenue management → check out their startup offer: https://www.chargebee.com/startups Roberto Salcedo, Founder of Baubaphttps://www.linkedin.com/in/roberto-salcedo-nieto/?originalSubdomain=mx

Danny Tomsett, Founder of UneeQ Digital Humanshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-tomsett/"

Sponsored by Chargebee, subscription and revenue management → check out their startup offer: https://www.chargebee.com/startups Sunil Dhaliwal, General Partner of Amplify Partners https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunildhaliwal/

Sponsored by Chargebee, subscription and revenue management → check out their startup offer: https://www.chargebee.com/startupsJake Stauch, Founder of Servalhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jakestauch/

Sponsored by Chargebee, subscription and revenue management → check out their startup offer: https://www.chargebee.com/startups James Wall, Founder of Phases.ai https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-m-wall/

Sponsored by Chargebee, subscription and revenue management → check out their startup offer: https://www.chargebee.com/startups FOUNDER PROFILE:Scott Stevenson, Founder of Spellbookhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/scottas

Sponsored by Auth0 for Startups → 1-year free https://auth0.com/startups/vip Auth0 is an adaptable authentication and authorization platform that helps you secure your apps and AI agents. It delivers convenience, privacy, and security so you can focus on building a great UX. FOUNDER PROFILE:Gil Feig, Founder of Mergehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/gilfeig/

Sponsored by Auth0 for Startups → 1-year free https://auth0.com/startups/vip Auth0 is an adaptable authentication and authorization platform that helps you secure your apps and AI agents. It delivers convenience, privacy, and security so you can focus on building a great UX. FOUNDER PROFILE:Rick Bente, Founder of Indomohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-bente/

Sponsored by Auth0 for Startups → 1-year free https://auth0.com/startups/vip Auth0 is an adaptable authentication and authorization platform that helps you secure your apps and AI agents. It delivers convenience, privacy, and security so you can focus on building a great UX. VC PROFILE: Jeremy Burton, Founder of Platform Venture Studio https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremymburton

Sponsored by Auth0 for Startups → 1-year free https://auth0.com/startups/vip Auth0 is an adaptable authentication and authorization platform that helps you secure your apps and AI agents. It delivers convenience, privacy, and security so you can focus on building a great UX. FOUNDER PROFILE: Tom Firth, Founder of Cotera https://www.linkedin.com/in/tdfirth/

Sponsored by Auth0 for Startups → 1-year free https://auth0.com/startups/vip Auth0 is an adaptable authentication and authorization platform that helps you secure your apps and AI agents. It delivers convenience, privacy, and security so you can focus on building a great UX. FOUNDER PROFILE:Krish Subramanian, Founder - Chargebee - https://www.linkedin.com/in/krishs/Guy Marion, CMO - Chargebee- https://www.linkedin.com/in/guymarion 

Sponsored by Auth0 for Startups → 1-year free https://auth0.com/startups/vip Auth0 is an adaptable authentication and authorization platform that helps you secure your apps and AI agents. It delivers convenience, privacy, and security so you can focus on building a great UX. FOUNDER PROFILE:Rebecca Hu, Founder of Glacier Roboticshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccabhu

Sponsored by Auth0 for Startups → 1-year free https://auth0.com/startups/vip Auth0 is an adaptable authentication and authorization platform that helps you secure your apps and AI agents. It delivers convenience, privacy, and security so you can focus on building a great UX. VC PROFILE: Dave Lambert, Founder of Right Side Capital Management https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlambert55/

Sponsored by Auth0 for Startups → 1-year free https://auth0.com/startups/vip Auth0 is an adaptable authentication and authorization platform that helps you secure your apps and AI agents. It delivers convenience, privacy, and security so you can focus on building a great UX. VC PROFILE: Alexei Agratchev, Founder of RetailNext https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexeiagratchev/

Sponsored by Auth0 for Startups → 1-year free https://auth0.com/startups/vip Auth0 is an adaptable authentication and authorization platform that helps you secure your apps and AI agents. It delivers convenience, privacy, and security so you can focus on building a great UX. FOUNDER PROFILE:Nalin Senthamil, Founder of Storylanehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nalinpradeep

Sponsored by Auth0 for Startups → 1-year free https://auth0.com/startups/vip Auth0 is an adaptable authentication and authorization platform that helps you secure your apps and AI agents. It delivers convenience, privacy, and security so you can focus on building a great UX. FOUNDER PROFILE:Oliver Keh, Founder of Gleamhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-keh COMPANY: https://joingleam.com/Gleam automatically extracts data from any source, intelligently validates it against protocol, eliminates queries before they occur, and instantly populates your EDC—accelerating database lock and shortening trial timelines. 

Sponsored by Auth0 for Startups → 1-year free https://auth0.com/startups/vip Auth0 is an adaptable authentication and authorization platform that helps you secure your apps and AI agents. It delivers convenience, privacy, and security so you can focus on building a great UX. FOUNDER PROFILE:Andrew Yates, Founder of Dropbox, Promoted.aihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-yates-0217a985

Sponsored by Auth0 for Startups → 1-year free https://auth0.com/startups/vip Auth0 is an adaptable authentication and authorization platform that helps you secure your apps and AI agents. It delivers convenience, privacy, and security so you can focus on building a great UX. VC PROFILE:Nate DaPore, Founder of Roo Capitalhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/natedapore/

Sponsored by Auth0 for Startups → 1-year free https://auth0.com/startups/vip Auth0 is an adaptable authentication and authorization platform that helps you secure your apps and AI agents. It delivers convenience, privacy, and security so you can focus on building a great UX. FOUNDER PROFILE: Conor Brennan-Burke, Founder of Hyperspell (YC F25) https://www.linkedin.com/in/conorbrennanburke

Sponsored by Auth0 for Startups → 1-year free https://auth0.com/startups/vip Auth0 is an adaptable authentication and authorization platform that helps you secure your apps and AI agents. It delivers convenience, privacy, and security so you can focus on building a great UX. VC PROFILE:Seema Amble, Partner at Andreessen Horowitzhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/seema-amble-b404126/

Sponsored by Auth0 for Startups → 1-year free https://auth0.com/startups/vip Auth0 is an adaptable authentication and authorization platform that helps you secure your apps and AI agents. It delivers convenience, privacy, and security so you can focus on building a great UX. FOUNDER PROFILE:Claire Tomkins, Founder of Future Familyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-tomkins-b122422/

Sponsored by Auth0 for Startups → 1-year free https://auth0.com/startups/vip Auth0 is an adaptable authentication and authorization platform that helps you secure your apps and AI agents. It delivers convenience, privacy, and security so you can focus on building a great UX. VC PROFILE: Ram Venkatesh, Founder of Sema4.ai https://www.linkedin.com/in/ram-venkatesh-34166/

Sponsored by Auth0 for Startups --> 1-year free https://auth0.com/startups/vipAuth0 is an adaptable authentication and authorization platform that helps you secure your apps and AI agents. It delivers convenience, privacy, and security so you can focus on building a great UX.FOUNDER PROFILE:Arvind Parthasarathihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/arvindparthasarathi/  

Sponsored by Auth0 for Startups --> 1-year free https://auth0.com/startups/vipAuth0 is an adaptable authentication and authorization platform that helps you secure your apps and AI agents. It delivers convenience, privacy, and security so you can focus on building a great UX. VC PROFILE:Micahel loffe, Founder of Aristhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelaioffe/

Sponsored by Auth0 for Startups --> 1-year free https://auth0.com/startups/vipAuth0 is an adaptable authentication and authorization platform that helps you secure your apps and AI agents. It delivers convenience, privacy, and security so you can focus on building a great UX. VC PROFILE:Promod Haquehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/promodhaque/ 

Get 1-year free of Auth0 (authentication and authorization platform)--> https://auth0.com/startups/vipAuth0 is an adaptable authentication and authorization platform that helps you secure your apps and AI agents. It delivers convenience, privacy, and security so you can focus on building a great UX. FOUNDER:Joseph Krausehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/josephfkrause/ 

EPISODE DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE What does a real pitch in Silicon Valley look like? This might be as close as you can get without being here yourself! VC PROFILE Mercedes Bent, ex Lightspeed Ventures, Partner https://www.linkedin.com/in/mercedesbent/ FOUNDER PROFILE: Sandra Bustos, Founder of Meshly.ai https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrabustos/

In this episode, Robert, co-founder of Wordware, shares the story of turning a sauna brainstorm into one of the largest seed rounds in YC history. He walks us through the early pivots, the highs and lows of YC interviews, and how a viral Twitter Roast fueled their momentum. This is a raw look at conviction, timing, and how founders can compound small wins into historic outcomes. FOUNDER PROFILE: Robert Chandler https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertjhchandler/

FOUNDER PROFILE: Ben Kim, Nitrode's Co-Founder https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-yoonsung-kim/

What's it like to pitch an actual VC in Silicon Valley? We recorded a real one to show you :) This was not scripted and it was the first time the pitched this VC! Vignesh Ravikumar Partner at Sierra Ventures https://www.linkedin.com/in/vravikumar1/ Ajay Gulati Founder of Kitecyber https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaygulaticloud/

How to build a unicorn in under 2-years? Not exactly a step-by-step playbook, but you will learn something from a founder who actually did it! You will also hear a VC's perspective from Kevin Weber, Managing Director at Amex Ventures! Boom. Jesse Zhang Founder & CEO of Decagon https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejessezhang/ Kevin Weber Managing Director at Amex Ventures https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-weber-b77b8028/

Will, Founder of Phonely, shares his raw journey into Y Combinator—including sleeping in his car before a 3AM interview. He reveals how founders should interpret investor rejections, the real path to product-market fit, and top lessons a long the way. A must-listen for anyone navigating the early-stage PMF journey or getting funded! Will Bodewes https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-bodewes/

EPISODE DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE What really matters when applying to YC? How to get your first $1 top learnings from fundraising FOUNDER PROFILE: Brooke Hopkins https://www.linkedin.com/in/bnhop/

How do you close $100M from VCs like a16z & Sequoia? Nic shared what he did and his most shocking learnings. FOUNDER PROFILE: Nic Kopp https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-kopp/

SUMMARY In this episode, Gil shares the raw journey of building Metadata — from validating the idea through consulting, to nearly running out of cash, to eventually raising a $35M+ Series B. He explains how doubling prices unlocked product-market fit, why retention beats new logos, and how adopting AI transformed the company. This is a candid look at the highs, lows, and lessons every founder needs to hear. FOUNDER: Gil Allouche https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilallouche/

Teddy, founder of Fizz, shares how a side project at Stanford exploded into one of the fastest-growing Gen Z social platforms. From rejecting VC money at first to eventually raising $40M, Teddy explains how focusing on students' needs fueled growth. This episode dives into product-market fit, the power of community launches, and building without chasing money. Founder profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/teddy-solomon-85a183188/

What's do VCs ask during a pitch conversation? Here's a real pitch in San Francisco with a $25B AUM VC. This is unscripted and it's the first time they met. NEA Partner: Andrew Schoen https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewaschoen/ YC Founder: Berni Hausleitner https://www.linkedin.com/in/hausleitnerb/

Gaurav Mishra, Founder of Proshort, shares how a single conversation led to his first big customer win and set the foundation for a multi-million-dollar raise. In this candid conversation, he breaks down the biggest growth unlocks, the vision that inspired investors, and the hype cycle pitfalls that every founder faces. If you're on the journey to PMF, this is the episode for you.