Podcasts about general partners

Welcome to The Chopping Block – where crypto insiders Haseeb Qureshi, Tom Schmidt, Tarun Chitra, and Robert Leshner chop it up about the latest in crypto. In this episode, the gang is joined by Paul Grewal, Chief Legal Officer at Coinbase, for a wide-ranging conversation on crypto's next big frontier: tokenized stocks. From Robinhood's controversial attempt to tokenize SpaceX and OpenAI shares to the legal and structural hurdles around pre-IPO derivatives, the crew dives deep into what it really takes to bring Wall Street on-chain. They also unpack the regulatory momentum behind the Genius and Clarity Acts, the return of ICO mania with Pump.fun's $1B token raise, and the absurdly viral drama of Suitgate on Polymarket. Is this a new era of regulated innovation—or are we just recreating old problems on new rails? Tune in for sharp takes, legal insight, and a few laughs along the way. Show highlights

In this special edition of Tech Exits, we will attempt to answer the questions:  What do tech investors prioritize when evaluating opportunities?  What is the impact of AI on investment strategies?  When should entrepreneurs seek investment versus considering an M&A exit?    This discussion took place during the WFS Flagship Conference, Growth & Exit Strategies: HealthTech on April 3rd, 2025.  The panel lineup includes:  David Gardner, Founding Partner, Cofounders Capital Daniel O'Mahony, Partner, Seroba Life Sciences  Robbi Allen, General Partner, Triangle Tweener Fund  Moderating this panel is David Levine, Regional Managing Director of the Corum Group.   

Welcome to The Chopping Block – where crypto insiders Haseeb Qureshi, Tom Schmidt, Tarun Chitra, and Robert Leshner chop it up about the latest in crypto. In this episode, the gang is joined by Paul Grewal, Chief Legal Officer at Coinbase, for a wide-ranging conversation on crypto's next big frontier: tokenized stocks. From Robinhood's controversial attempt to tokenize SpaceX and OpenAI shares to the legal and structural hurdles around pre-IPO derivatives, the crew dives deep into what it really takes to bring Wall Street on-chain. They also unpack the regulatory momentum behind the Genius and Clarity Acts, the return of ICO mania with Pump.fun's $1B token raise, and the absurdly viral drama of Suitgate on Polymarket. Is this a new era of regulated innovation—or are we just recreating old problems on new rails? Tune in for sharp takes, legal insight, and a few laughs along the way. Show highlights

Katherine Boyle is a General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz and cofounder of its American Dynamism practice, investing in sectors such as defense, aerospace, manufacturing, and infrastructure. She serves on the boards of Apex Space and Hadrian Automation, and is a board observer for Saronic Technologies and Castelion. Previously, she was a partner at General Catalyst, where she co-led the seed practice and backed companies like Anduril Industries and Vannevar Labs. She was also a reporter at The Washington Post. Katherine holds a BA from Georgetown, an MBA from Stanford, and a Master's from the National University of Ireland, Galway. She sits on the boards of The Free Press and the Mercatus Center. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: https://americanfinancing.net/srs NMLS 182334, nmlsconsumeraccess.org https://tryarmra.com/srs https://betterhelp.com/srs This episode is sponsored. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/srs and get on your way to being your best self. https://meetfabric.com/shawn https://shawnlikesgold.com https://hillsdale.edu/srs https://masachips.com/srs – USE CODE SRS https://paladinpower.com/srs – USE CODE SRS https://patriotmobile.com/srs https://rocketmoney.com/srs https://ROKA.com – USE CODE SRS https://trueclassic.com/srs https://USCCA.com/srs https://blackbuffalo.com Katherine Boyle Links: Website - https://a16z.com/author/katherine-boyle X - https://x.com/KTmBoyle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Bits + Bips, we examine how rising global trade tensions could impact macro conditions, the Fed's next move, and market stability. We also explore how investors should position themselves with inflation cooling and an uncertain policy path at the Fed. We then look at what's happening on the crypto side: volume shifting to tokenized public equities, the growing number of corporate stablecoin plans, and whether the promise of tokenization is matched by meaningful traction. Joining hosts Joe McCann, Ram Ahluwalia, and Steve Ehrlich is Rob Hadick of Dragonfly, who shares his perspective on product-market fit in crypto, shifting market structure, and where real adoption may emerge. Sponsor: Bitwise Joe McCann, Founder, CEO, and CIO of Asymmetric Ram Ahluwalia, CFA, CEO and Founder of Lumida Steve Ehrlich, Executive Editor at Unchained Rob Hadick, General Partner at Dragonfly LINKS: WSJ: Trump Faces Crucial Week for Reaching Trade Deals EU Still Hopes for Initial U.S. Trade Deal Before Deadline Reuters: Japan, South Korea face 25% tariffs as Trump ramps up trade war in letters to 14 nations CNN: Trump announces new tariffs of up to 40% on a growing number of countries University of Washington: OBBB Signed Into Law Unchained:  OpenAI Says Robinhood's Stock Tokens Are Not Equity Tron Is Now More Expensive Than Ethereum. Will That Hurt Justin Sun's New Company? AI Crypto Tokens Swoon as Nvidia Reaches a New All-Time High CoinDesk: CoreWeave to Acquire Core Scientific in $9B All-Stock Deal The Block: Bit Digital swaps entire treasury into Ethereum, says it's now a top public ETH holder after a $173 million splurge Timestamps:

In this episode of Bits + Bips, we examine how rising global trade tensions could impact macro conditions, the Fed's next move, and market stability. We also explore how investors should position themselves with inflation cooling and an uncertain policy path at the Fed. We then look at what's happening on the crypto side: volume shifting to tokenized public equities, the growing number of corporate stablecoin plans, and whether the promise of tokenization is matched by meaningful traction. Joining hosts Joe McCann, Ram Ahluwalia, and Steve Ehrlich is Rob Hadick of Dragonfly, who shares his perspective on product-market fit in crypto, shifting market structure, and where real adoption may emerge. Sponsor: Bitwise Joe McCann, Founder, CEO, and CIO of Asymmetric Ram Ahluwalia, CFA, CEO and Founder of Lumida Steve Ehrlich, Executive Editor at Unchained Rob Hadick, General Partner at Dragonfly LINKS: WSJ: Trump Faces Crucial Week for Reaching Trade Deals EU Still Hopes for Initial U.S. Trade Deal Before Deadline Reuters: Japan, South Korea face 25% tariffs as Trump ramps up trade war in letters to 14 nations CNN: Trump announces new tariffs of up to 40% on a growing number of countries University of Washington: OBBB Signed Into Law Unchained:  OpenAI Says Robinhood's Stock Tokens Are Not Equity Tron Is Now More Expensive Than Ethereum. Will That Hurt Justin Sun's New Company? AI Crypto Tokens Swoon as Nvidia Reaches a New All-Time High CoinDesk: CoreWeave to Acquire Core Scientific in $9B All-Stock Deal The Block: Bit Digital swaps entire treasury into Ethereum, says it's now a top public ETH holder after a $173 million splurge Timestamps:

On this episode, taken from The Ben & Marc Show, a16z co-founders Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz dive deep into the unfiltered story behind the founding of Andreessen Horowitz—and how they set out to reinvent venture capital itself. For the first time, Marc and Ben walk through the origins, strategy, and philosophy behind building a world-class venture capital firm designed for the future—not just the next fund. They reveal how they broke industry norms with a bold brand, a full-stack support model, and a long-term commitment to backing exceptional builders—anchored in the radical idea that founders deserved real support, not just checks. Joining them to guide the conversation is Erik Torenberg—Andreessen Horowitz's newest General Partner—who makes his Ben & Marc Show moderating debut. Erik is a technology entrepreneur, investor, and founder of the media company Turpentine.Together, they explore: - Why traditional VC needed reinvention - How a16z scaled with a platform model, not a partner model - The "barbell strategy" reshaping venture capital today - Why venture remains a human craft, even in the age of AI Timecodes: 00:00 - Intro 01:00 - Why Traditional Venture Capital Was Broken 03:05 - Marc on Discovering VC and Its Legends 05:12 - Surviving the Dot-Com Crash and Angel Investing Collapse 07:05 - Helping Founders Raise Venture / Fix VC Relationships 08:47 - The a16z Strategy: Building a Support Platform 12:07 - First Fund Wins: Skype, Instagram, Slack, Okta 12:50 - Building a 'World-Dominating Monster' 15:00 - The Sushi Boat VC Problem 18:07 - Treating LPs Differently 21:40 - Marc and Ben's Working Relationship 23:30 - Updating a16z's Media Strategy for the Social Era 27:20 - History of the Decentralized Media Environment30:36 - Decline of Corporate Brands and Going Direct 36:06 - Naming the Firm 40:13 - Building the a16z 'Cinematic Universe' of Talent 42:16 - Creating a Federated Model 51:02 - Deciding to Market the Firm 53:26 - Recruiting General Partners 56:33 - Evolution to Full-Stack Companies 01:03:53 - The Barbell Theory: The Death of Mid-Sized VCs01:11:50 - Why Venture Capital Should Stay Overfunded 01:19:50 - When a16z Knew It Could Be Top Tier 01:25:58 - Venture Capital is an Art, Not a ScienceResources:Marc on X: https://twitter.com/pmarca Marc's Substack: https://pmarca.substack.com/Ben on X: https://twitter.com/bhorowitz Erik on X: https://x.com/eriktorenberg Erik's Substack: https://eriktorenberg.substack.com/

Are you sure your startup should be raising venture capital?Most founders assume VC is the goal—but for many, it's the wrong fuel entirely. In this episode, we bust that myth wide open.Join Yaniv Bernstein and Chris Saad as they sit down with Amir Shevat, General Partner at Darkmode Ventures (ex-Google, Slack, Twitter), to unpack the seven most damaging mistakes founders make when raising early-stage capital. With over 65 investments under his belt and a front-row seat to the inner workings of Silicon Valley, Amir offers a brutally honest, insider view into what separates fundable startups from fundraising disasters.In this episode, you will:Discover why some startups should never raise VC in the first placeLearn how to avoid “dumb money” and pick the right investorsAvoid cap table disasters that scare away future capitalUnderstand the dangers of under- or over-raising and how to size your roundSpot red flags in investor side letters that could poison your futureMaster the art of time-boxing your raise and managing investor timelinesBuild stronger investor relationships—even when they say “no”This is a must-listen for any founder preparing to raise capital—or wondering if they should at all.The Pact Honor the Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/ Follow us here on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media followingKey linksGet your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://www.tsp.show/episodes/Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/ Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/ Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang https://web-strategist.com/#VC #VentureCapital #StartupFunding #Funding #TheStartupPodcast #SiliconValley #TechStartup

Wyatt Lonergan is a General Partner at VanEck Ventures, where he drives the firm's strategic investments in emerging technologies and innovative ventures. He joined VanEck in 2024, bringing a wealth of experience in corporate investment and venture capital. Before joining VanEck, Wyatt led the corporate investment team at Circle Ventures, where he played a pivotal role in identifying and nurturing high-growth opportunities in the digital asset and blockchain space. Wyatt holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Business & Management from Dickinson College.In this conversation, we discuss:- Tokenized equities- Stablecoins- Robinhood tokenizing stocks - Working at Circle- Fintechs are “verticalizing backwards” - Crypto VC in 2025 - Crypto products moving from early pilots to investable products with real compliance rails  - Stablecoins embedded in wallets and payment apps are best positioned for scale - Stablecoin distribution is now both the business model and the regulatory moat- VanEck VenturesVanEck VenturesWebsite: www.vaneck.comX: @vaneck_usLinkedIn: VanEckWyatt LonerganX: @Wyatt_LonerganLinkedIn: Wyatt Lonergan--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This episode is brought to you by PrimeXBT. PrimeXBT offers a robust trading system for both beginners and professional traders that demand highly reliable market data and performance. Traders of all experience levels can easily design and customize layouts and widgets to best fit their trading style. PrimeXBT is always offering innovative products and professional trading conditions to all customers.    PrimeXBT is running an exclusive promotion for listeners of the podcast. After making your first deposit, 50% of that first deposit will be credited to your account as a bonus that can be used as additional collateral to open positions. Code: CRYPTONEWS50This promotion is available for a month after activation. Click the link below:PrimeXBT x CRYPTONEWS50

Dan Nathan and Joe Marchese, General Partner at Human Ventures, discuss the implications of AI on the media and advertising industries. Joe reflects on his trip to Cannes, highlighting the dominance of tech giants like Meta, Amazon, Google, and YouTube in the creative space and the shifting media landscape due to AI. They explore the challenges publishers face with AI-induced content scraping and the potential for toll booths to manage bot traffic. Furthermore, they consider the future of search advertising, e-commerce, and retail media in an AI-influenced world. The conversation also touches on the strategies of major tech companies like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta, and their varying degrees of risk and opportunity in the face of AI advancements. Joe also shares insights on his new board role at Breakaway, a leading touring music festival, emphasizing the importance of real-world experiences in an increasingly digital age. —FOLLOW USYouTube: @RiskReversalMediaInstagram: @riskreversalmediaTwitter: @RiskReversalLinkedIn: RiskReversal Media

Welcome to The Chopping Block – where crypto insiders Haseeb Qureshi, Tom Schmidt, Tarun Chitra, and Robert Leshner chop it up about the latest in crypto. This week, we're joined by Jon Charbonneau and Ryan Watkins to unpack the bombshell news of Robinhood Chain—an Arbitrum-based network debuting tokenized U.S. stocks, 3× crypto perps, and that head-scratching $500 K liquidity cap. From riffing on whether proof-of-stake yields are just “money in a box,” to debating Solana's first U.S. staked ETF, to sizing up the looming perp wars between Robinhood and Coinbase, the crew maps a common thread: corporate chains and regulatory work-arounds are colliding with crypto's decentralization ideals, forcing builders, traders, and even ETF hawks to rethink where real security, fairness, and opportunity will live next. Show highlights

Welcome to The Chopping Block – where crypto insiders Haseeb Qureshi, Tom Schmidt, Tarun Chitra, and Robert Leshner chop it up about the latest in crypto. This week, we're joined by Jon Charbonneau and Ryan Watkins to unpack the bombshell news of Robinhood Chain—an Arbitrum-based network debuting tokenized U.S. stocks, 3× crypto perps, and that head-scratching $500 K liquidity cap. From riffing on whether proof-of-stake yields are just “money in a box,” to debating Solana's first U.S. staked ETF, to sizing up the looming perp wars between Robinhood and Coinbase, the crew maps a common thread: corporate chains and regulatory work-arounds are colliding with crypto's decentralization ideals, forcing builders, traders, and even ETF hawks to rethink where real security, fairness, and opportunity will live next. Show highlights

On this episode of Best Ever CRE, Joe Cornwell interviews Troy Zimmerman, general partner at Missional Capital Group. Troy shares his 20+ year journey from managing inherited triple net lease properties to building a low-leverage, cash-flow-focused multifamily portfolio in Northwest Alabama. He discusses transitioning from single-family homes to multifamily and multi-tenant retail, emphasizing the importance of controlling NOI and protecting downside risk. Troy also highlights his values-based approach to investing, including tenant-first management and giving back through charitable initiatives tied to each acquisition. Troy Zimmerman Current role: General Partner at Missional Capital Group Based in: Charleston, South Carolina Say hi to them at: https://missional.group Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at ⁠https://www.stamps.com/cre⁠. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Post your job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/BRE. Terms and conditions apply. Join the Best Ever Community  The Best Ever Community is live and growing - and we want serious commercial real estate investors like you inside. It's free to join, but you must apply and meet the criteria.  Connect with top operators, LPs, GPs, and more, get real insights, and be part of a curated network built to help you grow. Apply now at ⁠www.bestevercommunity.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vietnam's rapid economic transformation is reshaping its future. Valerie Vu, General Partner at Ansible Ventures, joins Jeremy Au to explore how Vietnam is shifting from export dependence to a tech-driven, domestic growth model. They discuss the rollback of anti-corruption campaigns, intensified U.S. trade negotiations, and how food safety scandals are driving transparency reforms. Valerie also explains Resolution 68, a blueprint promoting private sector innovation and deep tech, and what this means for founders and investors. 03:00 The Anti-Corruption Campaign and Its Implications: The government quietly walks back its Burning Furnace crackdown by releasing powerful tycoons to restore stability and accelerate economic revival. 06:27 Tariff Negotiations and Their Impact on Trade: U.S.–Vietnam trade talks intensify, focusing on tariffs, defense cooperation, and pressure to enforce IP rights, block transshipments, and raise commercial standards. 10:09 Food Safety Scandals and Consumer Trust: Authorities expose counterfeit cooking oil and infant formula, prompting widespread crackdowns on fake goods to rebuild public confidence and meet international expectations. 13:53 The Shift Towards Domestic Consumption: As Vietnam faces an aging workforce and uncertain exports, it begins shifting to a consumption-led economy powered by local demand and entrepreneurship. 18:37 Resolution 68: A New Economic Model for Vietnam: This reform blueprint aims to elevate private enterprises, reduce state-owned dominance, and bet on AI, semiconductors, fintech, and data to power long-term growth. 25:23 Future Prospects: Infrastructure and Economic Growth: Valerie explains how Vietnam targets 8% GDP growth through credit expansion, zero-interest loans, and improved infrastructure while FDI remains on hold pending tariff clarity. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vietnams-new-frontier Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Sue Malone is a recognized advocate for small businesses, having helped fund over 30,000 companies since 2010. As the founder of Strategies For Small Business, Sue has authored several loan and equity programs and has ranked #1 in the country for the SBA Community Express and Patriot Express loan programs. She is a fierce supporter of entrepreneurs, particularly those navigating the challenges of capital access.Brandon Bruce is the co-founder and General Partner of Market Square Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm. He has co-founded several tech companies, including Uncat and Evasive, and served as the Managing Director for Techstars Industries of the Future Accelerator. Brandon is also a founding member of the Knoxville Technology Council and a passionate outdoors enthusiast.Why This MattersIn the world of entrepreneurship, money isn't everything, but it certainly makes the journey a lot smoother. In this episode, Chris, Sue, and Brandon dive into Capital Intelligence—the unique understanding of how to make a business not just investable, but inevitable in the eyes of investors and customers. Whether you're an entrepreneur trying to secure funding or an investor seeking the next big idea, the insights shared here are crucial for navigating the complexities of funding, business growth, and strategic pivots.This conversation covers everything from debt vs. equity to the art of pitching and even managing life-work balance through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Get ready to hear real, actionable advice on what it takes to make a business succeed—even when the odds are stacked against you.Key Takeaways:Resilience is Key: It's not about avoiding failure—it's about how you bounce back after hitting the wall.Money Alone Won't Save You: Your business has to be inevitable in the eyes of investors, and that's built on grit, innovation, and a solid customer focus.The Power of Storytelling: How you pitch your idea can be the difference between being heard or being overlooked.Capital Is Just One Piece: Investors are looking for more than just a good idea—they want to see that you can sell it, market it, and scale it.Why It Matters to YouIf you're an entrepreneur looking to grow your startup, or if you're considering stepping into the world of investing, Sue and Brandon's stories will shed light on what makes a business not just survive, but thrive. You'll learn the critical importance of having a solid plan, revenue focus, and the right mindset to secure both capital and long-term success.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Listen to all episodes of the Big Ideas Welcome podcast, available now on your favorite streaming platforms, YouTube, and at bigideaswelcome.com. This Big Ideas Welcome podcast is brought to you by Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, hosted and curated by KEC Chief Experience Officer Chris McAdoo, and produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co. A special thanks to K BREW for making this episode possible. Original theme music “Thinking of You” courtesy of and copyright Kelsi Walker.

In this episode of the Startup CEO Show, Mark MacLeod sits down with Mark Bordo, co-founder and CEO of Vetster, to explore the world of pet telemedicine and marketplace businesses. Bordo shares the origin story of Vetster, born from a personal need and launched just before the COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses how the company quickly scaled across North America, balancing supply and demand in the veterinary marketplace.Bordo offers valuable insights into building and growing a successful marketplace business, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making and continuous optimization. He also touches on the challenges of regulatory environments in different states and provinces, and how Vetster navigates these complexities. The conversation delves into Bordo's 25-year journey as an entrepreneur, highlighting lessons learned and strategies for personal growth that have enabled him to stay ahead of his rapidly expanding businesses. From the intricacies of customer acquisition to the evolution of marketing strategies in the age of AI, this episode is packed with practical advice for aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs alike. Tune in to gain valuable knowledge on building and scaling a marketplace business in today's dynamic digital landscape.-------------------------------------Since 1999, I have sat at the right-hand side of the leaders of high growth technology companies as either a CFO, VC or deal maker. I served as CFO for software companies including Shopify (NYSE: SHOP) and Freshbooks. As a CFO I experienced outright failures, wildly profitable exits, and everything in between.I was a General Partner in Real Ventures, Canada's largest and most active seed stage fund. My investments there include the fund's largest cash on cash and highest IRR returns to date. Most recently, I founded SurePath Capital Partners the leading investment bank for SMB SaaS companies where we did hundreds of millions in financing and exit transactions.Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/Contact Mark: https://markmacleod.me/

In this episode of the Wharton Fintech Podcast, hosts Sabrina Fathi and Wesley Aster speak with Yoonkee Sull, General Partner at ICONIQ, about building category-defining fintech companies through every market cycle. Yoonkee reflects on his journey from early ICONIQ associate to GP, lessons from backing leaders like Chime, Groww, Adyen, Wealthsimple, and Ramp, and what it takes to earn trust with founders over the long term. They unpack how startups can differentiate in a crowded space, how embedded finance is reshaping distribution, and why knowing your customer better than anyone else is the ultimate moat. With thoughtful takes on unit economics, financial inclusion, and the real use cases for AI and blockchain, this conversation is a must-listen for founders, operators, and investors navigating the next chapter of fintech.

Welcome to The Chopping Block – where crypto insiders Haseeb Qureshi, Tom Schmidt, Tarun Chitra, and Robert Leshner chop it up about the latest in crypto. This week, we're joined by Vlad, the leverage legend behind Lighter, a zk-powered DEX taking aim at Hyperliquid in the rising CLOB wars. We unpack the new Token Transparency Framework from Blockworks and whether self-regulation can fix crypto's disclosure problem. Should VC wallets be public? Are market-making deals legally risky? And why do most projects still say nothing? Plus: Vlad explains how Lighter uses zero-knowledge proofs to enforce fairness and fight toxic flow—without harming retail. And Circle's stock goes full meme mode, TikTok retail piles in, and Robert reveals he's short. Is crypto finally growing up—or just evolving its chaos? Show highlights

Aleksey Chernobelskiy advises limited partners (“LPs”) on existing and future investments. He's also the founder of www.gplpmatch.com, a platform which allows LPs to see deals that match their specific investment criteria right in their inbox immediately after a GP submission. Aleksey writes weekly to 8,000 investors at www.LPlessons.co to explain how to properly vet and think about LP investments in the grand scheme of their portfolios. Aleksey also helps General Partners on matters relating to LPs, such as capital calls or feedback on investment decks. Prior to advising LPs, Aleksey ran STORE Capital's $10 billion commercial real estate portfolio and oversaw the firm's underwriting team. Aleksey graduated from University of Arizona with a quadruple major – Finance, Mathematics, Economics, and Accounting.Recommended articles:Top 15 syndication mistakes - www.lplessons.co/p/top-15-syndication-mistakes26 questions to ask your GP -  www.lplessons.co/p/26-questions-to-ask-your-gpDo sunk costs matter in capital calls? - www.lplessons.co/p/do-sunk-costs-matter-in-capital-callsRANDY SMITHConnect with our host, Randy Smith, for more educational content or to discuss investment opportunities in the real estate syndication space at www.impactequity.net, https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallsmith or on Instagram at @randysmithinvestor00:00 Intro01:40 Current Market03:29 Aleksey's Background09:19 LP's in Investing15:35 Due Diligence18:10 Deal Structure23:32 GPLP Match28:26 Fundraising30:40 Education and Resources36:00 Bucket List38:48 Outro

HedgeHog Financial Wellness has been announced as overall winner of this year's coveted AWS EdTech Accelerator, run by The Learnovate Centre in Trinity College Dublin, with the support of Amazon Web Services (AWS). Ten EdTech startups were selected to join the eight-week programme, and received support and mentoring on building a digital solution to address a learning need or problem. All participants presented their solutions to Learnovate, AWS, and industry judges at the final 'Pitch Day' showcase which took place on June 17th at the AWS Offices in Dublin. HedgeHog Financial Wellness was announced as overall winner and will receive $100,000 USD of AWS cloud credits. Judges said HedgeHog stood out for its innovative, evidence-based approach to a critical global issue: the spread of financial disinformation among young people. Through its interactive, guilt-free financial wellness workshops, HedgeHog empowers students with the real-world financial skills they need to thrive. HedgeHog is building a strong foundation for financial literacy that is inclusive, practical, and scalable. The judges praised the startup for its clear global relevance, thoughtful pedagogy, and potential to create lasting societal impact by equipping the next generation with the confidence and tools to make informed decisions in an increasingly chaotic financial world. The other nine companies who were successful in making it onto the accelerator programme were: Future Learning, Rocket Learning Rewards, Mantra Strategy, Anytime Creativity, IntegrityIQ, Cobblestone Learning, iAir Academy, ScenarioWorx and WorkJuggle. This is the second year of the successful AWS EdTech Accelerator run by The Learnovate Centre, a leading global future of work and learning research hub, and AWS. Last year's winner was ALPACA, which developed a game-based tool that identified potential reading issues in children earlier. Entry was open to early-stage startups that are developing digital solutions to problems related to education and who want to accelerate growth and scale operations. The companies also received seven full-day workshops led by experts in learning, business and technology. Learnovate Director Nessa McEniff said: "We are delighted to announce HedgeHog Financial Wellness as the winner of this year's AWS EdTech Accelerator. The programme attracted exceptional startups with innovative ideas in the learning space, reflecting the vibrant EdTech community in Ireland. With this Accelerator, Learnovate continues to provide expertise and support to the growing and vibrant community of EdTech startups in Ireland." Learnovate Commercialisation Manager Tom Pollock said: "It's been exciting to see such a strong cohort of Irish EdTech companies engaging with cutting-edge research and innovation. We're proud to support the commercialisation of impactful learning technologies through initiatives like the AWS EdTech Accelerator. This programme exemplifies how academic expertise, industry partnership, and entrepreneurial ambition can come together to develop solutions that address real educational challenges." Stephen Bonney, EdTech Account Manager, at AWS said: "The AWS EdTech Accelerator is an intensive programme designed to accelerate Ireland's most promising education technology startups. By combining AWS's cloud expertise with specialised EdTech mentoring, we're helping Irish founders build scalable solutions that transform learning." Judge Andreea Wade, General Partner at Delta Partners, said: "It was a pleasure to join the judging panel for the Learnovate and AWS EdTech Accelerator. Congrats to all the teams - the ambition and clarity of thinking were inspiring. What set HedgeHog Financial Wellness apart was its goal of tackling a globally relevant issue with precision and purpose. "The startup's solution is grounded in strong evidence, targets a clearly-defined global market, and, most importantly, confronts the rising threat of financial disinformation. In an age whe...

Send us a textMiguel Armaza interviews Steve Stagner, CEO of Crete, an AI-powered roll-up deploying $500+ million to modernize the accounting industry. Backed by Thrive Capital, Bessemer Venture Partners, and others, Crete is acquiring US accounting firms and transforming them with OpenAI-powered tools. Steve brings battle-tested insights from building Mattress Firm from a single $1,300 franchise to a $3.8 billion Fortune 500 giant.In this episode, we discuss (1) Why "People, Process, Technology" - in that exact order - is the only formula that works for AI transformation; (2) How Crete's partner equity model differs from traditional PE roll-ups, letting firms keep their culture while accessing enterprise-grade AI tools; (3) Why firms that don't embrace AI will lose and how Crete has already seen 30-50% efficiency gains through AI-powered trial balance normalization and audit testing... and a lot more!Want more podcast episodes? Join me and follow Fintech Leaders today on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app for weekly conversations with today's global leaders that will dominate the 21st century in fintech, business, and beyond.Do you prefer a written summary? Check out the Fintech Leaders newsletter and join 80,000+ readers and listeners worldwide!Miguel Armaza is Co-Founder and General Partner of Gilgamesh Ventures, a seed-stage investment fund focused on fintech in the Americas. He also hosts and writes the Fintech Leaders podcast and newsletter.Miguel on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nKha4ZMiguel on Twitter: https://bit.ly/2Jb5oBcFintech Leaders Newsletter: bit.ly/3jWIp

Ce mardi 24 juin, Lorraine Goumot a reçu Etienne Bracq, journaliste BFM Business, Audrey Soussan, General Partner de Ventech, Matthieu Ceronne, trader et fondateur de Galileo Trading, Philippe Dessertine, économiste et universitaire, Benjamin Messika, directeur juridique et conformité de Vancelian, Christian Fontaine, directeur délégué de la rédaction Le Revenu, Olivier Lechevalier, cofondateur de Defthedge, et Éric Lewin, président de EL Finance, dans l'émission Tout pour investir sur BFM Business. Retrouvez l'émission du lundi au vendredi et réécoutez la en podcast.

In this episode of the Startup CEO Show, Mark MacLeod sits down with Christine Song, a multi-time Chief People Officer with extensive experience in both established corporations and high-growth startups. They dive deep into the critical role of people and HR in scaling successful companies. Christine shares her journey from corporate HR to becoming a strategic partner for startup CEOs, offering a wealth of knowledge on building high-performance cultures, giving direct feedback, and balancing employee growth with business objectives.The conversation explores how HR has evolved from a back-office function to a key strategic role, especially in the wake of COVID-19. Christine emphasizes the importance of HR leaders earning their seat at the executive table by tying initiatives to business outcomes and being willing to have difficult conversations. She also discusses the challenges of scaling company culture, the need for honest communication about work expectations, and the value of investing in high-potential employees. Mark and Christine debate the merits of pushing people out of their comfort zones versus prioritizing employee happiness, offering valuable insights for leaders grappling with these tradeoffs.Listeners will gain practical advice on improving company communication, implementing effective coaching and talent development programs, and creating a culture of feedback and continuous improvement. The episode concludes with Christine introducing her new venture, Five to Nine Society, an exclusive network for elite operators and founders. Don't miss out on this compelling discussion - tune in now to elevate your leadership and people management skills!-------------------------------Since 1999, I have sat at the right-hand side of the leaders of high growth technology companies as either a CFO, VC or deal maker. I served as CFO for software companies including Shopify (NYSE: SHOP) and Freshbooks. As a CFO I experienced outright failures, wildly profitable exits, and everything in between.I was a General Partner in Real Ventures, Canada's largest and most active seed stage fund. My investments there include the fund's largest cash on cash and highest IRR returns to date. Most recently, I founded SurePath Capital Partners the leading investment bank for SMB SaaS companies where we did hundreds of millions in financing and exit transactions.Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/Contact Mark: https://markmacleod.me/

Welcome to The Chopping Block – where crypto insiders Haseeb Qureshi, Tom Schmidt, Tarun Chitra, and Robert Leshner chop it up about the latest in crypto. This week, we're joined by Hyperliquid founder Jeff Yan, the quiet powerhouse behind DeFi's fastest-growing exchange. With 75% of onchain perp volume, no VC money, and a $1B airdrop, Hyperliquid is rewriting what crypto protocols can be. We dive into Jeff's minimalist strategy, the cancel wars with toxic flow, and the JellyJelly controversy that sparked a feud with CZ. Plus: HIP-3 and the future of permissionless perps, SPAC-style hype vehicles taking over Wall Street, and why stablecoin regulation just triggered a 40% rally in Circle stock. Is crypto evolving—or just getting financialized to death? Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pods, Fountain, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. Show highlights

Quante volte ci siamo chiesti come sarà il futuro? Jacopo Mele ha deciso di non aspettarlo… ma di costruirlo. Visionario, imprenditore e General Partner di Moonstone.fund, da anni affianca leader e startup nella sfida più grande: usare il digitale per migliorare il mondo. In questa puntata ci racconta cosa significa investire nelle idee giuste, credere nei giovani talenti e immaginare un domani in cui tecnologia e umanità possano crescere insieme. ▫️ Qui trovi tutti i dettagli sul Digital Detox Festival!

In this episode of the Wharton Fintech Podcast, host Sabrina Fathi chats with Seth Rosenberg, General Partner at Greylock, about what it takes to build and back enduring companies at the intersection of fintech and AI. Seth shares lessons from launching Facebook Messenger, insights on founder-market fit, and how great early-stage companies validate ideas, build defensibility, and navigate market shifts. With deep takes on AI, blockchain, and the future of financial services, this episode is packed with practical wisdom for builders and investors alike.

986: In today's episode of Technovation, we feature a fireside chat from our Metis Strategy Summit, held on May 13, 2025, and moderated by Peter High. The guest is Justin Wexler, General Partner at WndrCo, a venture capital firm focused on scaling AI and enterprise innovation. In this candid conversation, Justin offers a behind-the-scenes look at how WndrCo identifies, mentors, and scales AI startups into enterprise-ready solutions. With deep involvement in companies like Writer and Netomi, he explores what separates proof-of-concept from production-grade success—and what enterprise CIOs can do to help startups land and expand.

In this episode of Hardware to Save a Planet, host Dylan Garrett sits down with Johanna Wolfson, Co-founder and General Partner at Azolla Ventures, about the critical role of catalytic capital in scaling hardware climate solutions. Johanna explains why traditional VC models often fail to support breakthrough technologies and how Azolla's mission-driven approach helps tackle high-risk projects aimed at cutting super pollutants. Whether you're a founder or climate enthusiast, this episode sheds light on financing innovation that can deliver an outsized climate impact.

In this episode of DrinksWithAVC, we sit down with Oakland-native Drew Glover, Co-Founder of Fiat Growth and General Partner at Fiat Ventures, for a masterclass on identity, resilience, and rewriting the rules of venture capital.Over green juice and kombucha, Drew reflects on growing up with civically minded parents, early lessons in code-switching, and the mindset shifts that carried him from Cal Football to operator roles at startups like Steady, to co-founding a growth consultancy and eventually becoming a mission-driven investor.You'll learn how to:Nail your fundraising story by focusing on your customer—not your egoBuild trust with investors (especially if you don't fit the “Stanford founder” mold)Spot startup opportunities that serve overlooked communitiesUse emotional intelligence as a strategic advantage in leadership and ventureMove from operator to capital allocator with clarity and intentionDevelop a go-to-market strategy and scale user acquisition using the Chime playbookDrew also offers an unflinching take on the rise and retreat of DEI in venture, why mandates miss the mark, and how his fund continues to outperform without one—because diversity is embedded in who they are.If you're building something meaningful and want to stand out in a crowded market, this is a must-listen.Episode links:www.fiat.vcwww.fiatgrowth.comEpisode timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Drinks With a VC02:34 Meet Drew Glover: The Pride of Bishop O'Dowd02:47 Choosing Green Juice Over Alcohol03:14 The Trend of Drinking Less Alcohol03:50 Drew's Drink of Choice: Vodka Martinis04:37 Digital Detox and Drinking Habits06:09 Bree's Big Reveal: Sobriety and Pregnancy07:23 Growing Up in Oakland: Drew's Background07:55 Drew's Parents: Civic-Minded and Inspirational15:24 The Importance of Code Switching18:24 Drew's Journey to Cal and Football23:56 From Football to Venture Capital25:23 Starting Fiat Growth and Fiat VC35:36 Fundraising and the Impact of DEI37:26 The Future of Venture Capital45:17 The Shift Around Race and Education45:38 Catastrophic Events and Positive Change45:57 Diversity in Venture Capital46:32 Drew's Impressive Portfolio46:55 The Importance of Representation48:46 Balancing Good and Success50:05 Future of Inclusion and Change52:03 Advice for Underrepresented Founders52:33 Building Your Own Solutions54:40 Growth Marketing Fundamentals55:15 Distribution as a Competitive Moat56:53 Fiat Growth's Unique Approach01:05:53 Understanding Customer Personas01:10:53 Diligence in Venture Capital01:15:42 Personal Insights and Reflections

Check the episode transcript hereABOUT WAYNE COURREGES IIIWayne is passionate about helping busy professionals build generational wealth by offering the opportunity to passively invest in commercial real estate syndications. His company, CREI Partners currently has over $50 million in assets under management in Texas, Louisiana, and Alabama. To build wealth for investors, Wayne focuses primarily on acquiring apartment communities and developing RV/Boat and Business Storage in areas with strong market fundamentals along with strategic partner relationships.  Based out of Central Texas, Wayne leads the investment lifecycle and investor relations for CREI Partners as the Lead Sponsor and General Partner.  Wayne started his real estate journey while serving in the US Marine Corps. After completing his service as a Marine Corps Corporal in 2007, he started a career with a Fortune 125 commercial real estate firm that spanned 16 years before focusing full-time on real estate investments.   THIS TOPIC IN A NUTSHELL: ·         From serving the Marine Corps to Real Estate Investing·         Founding CREI Partners ·         Getting into the Syndication space·         First Multifamily Acquisition ·         Direct-to-seller approach and Due diligence ·         Deal Structure & Underwriting Philosophy·         Approach to Acquisitions·         Navigating Challenges Post-Purchase and Market Dynamics·         Advice on vetting sponsors·         CREI Partners portfolio·         Connect with Wayne  KEY QUOTE: We're not in the business of winning bidding wars. We're in the business of finding value."  ABOUT THE WESTSIDE INVESTORS NETWORK   The Westside Investors Network is your community for investing knowledge for growth. For real estate professionals by real estate professionals. This show is focused on the next step in your career... investing, for those starting with nothing to multifamily syndication.     The Westside Investors Network strives to bring knowledge and education to real estate professionals that is seeking to gain more freedom in their life. The host AJ and Chris Shepard, are committed to sharing the wealth of knowledge that they have gained throughout the years to allow others the opportunity to learn and grow in their investing. They own Uptown Properties, a successful Property Management, and Brokerage Company. If you are interested in Property Management in the Portland Metro or Bend Metro Areas, please visit www.uptownpm.com. If you are interested in investing in multifamily syndication, please visit www.uptownsyndication.com.   #RealEstateSyndication #VetTheSponsor #MultifamilyInvesting #PassiveInvesting #RealEstateDeals #CREInvesting #SponsorDueDiligence #BuildWealth #FinancialFreedom #CashFlowInvesting #RealEstateStrategy #LongTermWealth #RiskManagement #EconomicResilience #AssetProtection #InvestorEducation #SmartInvesting #ApartmentInvesting #DirectToSeller #UnderwritingDeals #CRESponsors #RealEstateReturns #RealEstateCashFlow #RealEstateInvestor #CREAcquisitions #RealEstatePortfolio #WealthStrategy #GenerationalWealth #CashFlowRealEstate #InvestorRelations #EntrepreneurMindset CONNECT WITH WAYNE:Website: https://www.creipartners.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/wacourregesiiiFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/creipartnersInstagram: @creipartners   CONNECT WITH US   For more information about investing with AJ and Chris:  ·    Uptown Syndication | https://www.uptownsyndication.com/  ·    LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/71673294/admin/   For information on Portland Property Management:  ·    Uptown Properties | http://www.uptownpm.com  ·    Youtube | @UptownProperties     Westside Investors Network  ·    Website | https://www.westsideinvestorsnetwork.com/  ·    Twitter | https://twitter.com/WIN_pdx  ·    Instagram | @westsideinvestorsnetwork  ·    LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13949165/  ·    Facebook | @WestsideInvestorsNetwork  ·    Tiktok| @WestsideInvestorsNetwork  ·    Youtube | @WestsideInvestorsNetwork  

Brian Skrobonja breaks down two retirement curveballs that most people don't see coming until it's too late. He covers how your Social Security decisions can make or break your retirement, and what really happens to your income when your spouse passes away. From the math behind claiming early versus waiting, to the hidden tax traps that arise when one spouse passes away, this episode walks you through the real-life scenarios that can make or break your retirement plan. Brian starts by introducing Joe and Jane, a blend of real-life clients whose story brings clarity on the right way to claim Social Security and what happens to your income when a spouse passes away. He highlights how to understand the impact of Social Security and the math behind what you keep and what you lose. Brian explains how Social Security isn't just about retirement timing. It's about your income, your long-term tax exposure, and your ability to stay financially independent.  You've worked your whole life to earn these benefits, you shouldn't allow the tax man to take more than necessary just because of bad timing or misinformation. Why is retirement planning so important? For married couples like Joe and Jane, the right decision on when to claim benefits can be a six-figure decision.  According to Brian, filing before full retirement age means you accept a permanent reduction in your benefit.  For example, if Joe starts drawing Social Security at 65 and Jane at 62, Joe's full retirement benefit is $3,000 a month, and Jane just $2,000 a month.  But since they're drawing before their full retirement age, there's a permanent reduction. Joe gets $2,600 a month and Jane gets $1,400 a month. That's $1,400 a month total. Multiply that across 25 years and you land at about 1.2 million in lifetime benefits. Brian walks through a smarter path—Joe waits until 70, Jane until 67. With this strategy, Joe's benefit increases substantially thanks to delayed credits, while Jane locks in her full amount. The result is $5,720 per month and a total retirement income that's $172,000 higher than the early-filing option. If they both wait until age 70, their monthly income jumps to $6,200—and over the same 25-year period, that choice results in $1.398 million in total benefits. That's nearly $200,000 more than the “default” approach.  Why does this matter so much? Because those additional dollars don't just boost your lifestyle, they can help protect your surviving spouse, increase your flexibility later in life, and reduce your reliance on investment withdrawals. Every strategy has trade-offs. Waiting requires income from other sources, which means you need a plan in place. But if you can do it, the long-term gain is not just higher monthly income, it's peace of mind that you've made a decision that protects both you and your spouse for life. Brian highlights how the survivor benefit is a critical retirement planning piece that many people overlook. Brian explains how Social Security doesn't have to be a guessing game and how you can use it to design a retirement plan with confidence. Most people think retirement planning ends when you start withdrawing income from your accounts, but Brian believes that's actually where the real planning begins. He explains why it's not just about having enough money. It's about how that money behaves in retirement, how it stretches, how it responds to market shifts, and how it continues to support you when something unexpected happens. Brian shows how lower income in retirement can sometimes lead to higher effective tax rates—especially when you factor in things like Social Security taxation and Medicare surcharges. Filing status changes everything when one spouse passes away. The surviving spouse becomes a single filer, which means half the standard deduction and compressed tax brackets. Even with a smaller income, they could end up paying significantly more in taxes. Learn how Joe and Jane's provisional income pushed them into the 85% tax zone for Social Security. With IRA withdrawals and benefits combined, their adjusted gross income hit nearly $83,000. After the standard deduction, their taxable income was just under $53,000—enough to land them in the 12% bracket and trigger nearly $6,000 in federal tax. Brian emphasizes why tax planning isn't optional. You can run all the retirement projections in the world, but if you're not planning for survivorship and changing tax dynamics, you're only seeing half the picture. This is where strategies like Roth conversions come in. By converting part of your IRA while both spouses are still alive—and still filing jointly—you can lock in today's low rates. Later, the surviving spouse benefits from a source of income that's entirely tax-free. The cost of losing a spouse isn't just emotional—it's financial. And it often happens at the exact moment when a household is least equipped to absorb the hit. Without a plan, what should have been a smooth transition can become a financial scramble. One way to fill the gap is life insurance. A properly designed policy can deliver a tax-free lump sum that replaces lost income and offsets new tax liabilities. Brian encourages couples to model survivor income today. Waiting until someone passes away to find out what's left is a mistake. Knowing what the future looks like allows you to prepare now and avoid painful surprises later. He explains why your retirement plan can't rely on assumptions. It needs to function even when life doesn't go as planned. The goal is not just to survive retirement—but to do it with confidence, clarity, and control.     Mentioned in this episode: BrianSkrobonja.com SkrobonjaFinancial.com SkrobonjaWealth.com BUILDbanking.com Common Sense Financial Podcast on YouTube  Common Sense Financial Podcast on Spotify     Alternative investments may be subject to less regulation than other types of pooled investment vehicles. Alternative Investments may impose significant fees, including incentive fees that are based upon a percentage of the realized and unrealized gains and an individual's net returns may differ significantly from actual returns. Such fees may offset all or a significant portion of such Alternative Investment's trading profits. Incorporating alternative investments into a portfolio presents the opportunity for significant losses including in some cases, losses which exceed the principal amount invested. Also, some alternative investments have experienced periods of extreme volatility and in general, are not suitable for all investors. Asset allocation and diversification strategies do not ensure profit or protect against loss in declining markets. ---- BUILD Banking™ is a DBA of Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC. Benefits and guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the insurance company. Not FDIC insured. Results may vary. Any descriptions involving life insurance policies and its use as an alternative form of financing or risk management techniques are provided for illustration purposes only, will not apply in all situations, may not be fully indicative of any present or future investments, and may be changed at the discretion of the insurance carrier, General Partner and/or Manager and are not intended to reflect guarantees on securities performance. The term BUILD Banking™, private banking alternatives or specially designed life insurance contracts (SDLIC) are not meant to insinuate that the issuer is creating a real bank for its clients or communicating that life insurance companies are the same as traditional banking institutions. This material is educational in nature and should not be deemed as a solicitation of any specific product or service. BUILD Banking™ is offered by Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC only and is not offered by Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. nor Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC. ---- This content is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual's situation. Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC are not permitted to offer and no statement made during this presentation shall constitute tax or legal advice. Our firms are not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or any governmental agency. The information and opinions contained herein provided by third parties have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by Skrobonja Financial Group, LLC, Skrobonja Insurance Services, LLC, Skrobonja Wealth Management, LLC.

In this Topical Tuesday episode, I spoke with Aleksey Chernobelskiy who advises Limited Partners (“LPs”) on existing and future investments. He writes weekly to thousands of investors at LPlessons.co to explain how to properly vet and think about LP investments in the grand scheme of their portfolios. Aleksey also helps General Partners on matters relating to LPs, such as capital calls or feedback on investment decks.   Be sure to tune in if you're interested in learning about: A practical breakdown of the three-part framework LPs should use to evaluate syndications Why track record inflation is common—and what investors should really look for when assessing experience Where LPs often underestimate risk and how to think clearly about capital calls and downside scenarios The biggest mistakes investors make when relying too heavily on IRR projections To your success, Tyler Lyons Resources mentioned in the episode: Aleksey Chernobelskiy LinkedIn Twitter Website   Interested in learning how to take your capital raising game to the next level? Meet us at Capital Raiser's Edge. Learn more here: https://raisingcapital.com/cre

Sean Byrnes is a co-founder & General Partner at Near Horizon. Sean has spent the past 20 years founding and scaling companies that have defined new categories, including Flurry—the world's largest mobile analytics platform, acquired by Yahoo—and Outlier.ai, an automated data analysis leader. At Near Horizon, Sean partners hands-on with founders, combining deep operational expertise and capital to help launch the next generation of AI-powered startups. ⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comNear Horizon website - https://www.nearhorizon.vc/Breaking Point Newsletter - https://www.breakingpoint.tech/Sean Byrnes on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sbyrnes/

Erik Prince is an American businessman, former U.S. Navy SEAL, and the founder of Blackwater, a private military company established in 1997. A graduate of Hillsdale College, Prince heads Frontier Resource Group, a private equity firm, and promotes economic development in emerging markets. He hosts the podcast Off Leash with Erik Prince, launched in 2023, and founded Unplugged, a privacy-focused smartphone company. Prince, a vocal advocate for privatizing military operations and deregulation, has been linked to controversial arms deals and Trump-era political operations.  Erik Bethel is a General Partner at Mare Liberum, a fund focused on sustainability and national security in the maritime domain. He is a global finance professional with experience in the private and public sectors. In 2020, he was nominated to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Panama. Previously, he was nominated by the President and confirmed unanimously by the Senate to represent the United States at the World Bank. At the World Bank, Erik participated in the analysis and deployment of over $100 billion of capital in the developing world through grants, loans, equity investments, and other financial products. Previously, Erik spent over twenty years working as an investment banker and private equity professional at Franklin Templeton Investments, J.P. Morgan, and Morgan Stanley. Erik earned a BS in economics and political science from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis and an MBA from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. He serves on several Boards, including the United States Naval War College Foundation, is a Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and is an Advisor to Oxford Analytica - a geopolitical think tank. He speaks Spanish, Portuguese, and Mandarin. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: https://www.roka.com - USE CODE SRS ⁠https://www.betterhelp.com/srs⁠ This episode is sponsored. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/srs and get on your way to being your best self. ⁠https://www.bubsnaturals.com/shawn⁠ ⁠https://www.meetfabric.com/shawn⁠ ⁠https://www.shawnlikesgold.com⁠ ⁠https://www.helixsleep.com/srs⁠ ⁠https://hexclad.com/srs⁠Find your forever cookware @hexclad and get 10% off at hexclad.com/srs! #hexcladpartner ⁠https://www.moinkbox.com/srs⁠ ⁠https://www.paladinpower.com/srs⁠ ⁠https://uscca.com/srs⁠ Guest Links: Erik Prince X - https://x.com/therealErikP  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-prince   Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-leash-with-erik-prince Frontier Resource Group - https://www.frgroup.com Unplugged Phone - https://unplugged.com Erik Bethel LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-bethel-692604Mare Liberum - https://www.mareliberumcapital.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fundraising for Private Equity and Venture funds has slowed as interest rate have climbed. Stalled exits and reduced distributions have followed. There are 50% fewer venture companies today than just a few years ago. As a result, multiples for acquisition targets have decreased, thereby presenting an opportune time for active funds with capital to acquire companies at attractive prices. Companies in secondary and tertiary markets, in particular, can be very attractive. Mark Flickinger is General Partner and COO of BIP Capital. BIP invests in mid-market early stage companies in the Southeast and Midwest.

What if your next startup competitor doesn't have a single employee?AI agents aren't just another software trend — they're redefining the interface between humans, data, and execution, yet many founders still confuse basic chatbots with the true potential of these agents.In this episode, Chris and Yaniv are joined by Jeremiah Owyang, General Partner at Blitzscaling Ventures and host of Silicon Valley's top AI startup event, Llama Lounge. Together, they unpack Jeremiah's insider thesis on the AI Agent era — and what it means for the future of software, user experience, and startups.They explore why AI agents are replacing SaaS apps, what defines a “true agent,” and how startups should position themselves in the face of big tech platform risk.In this episode, you will:Understand the difference between LLM tools and autonomous AI agentsDiscover how Crew AI scaled to 60% of the Fortune 500 using 150 agents and minimal staffLearn why traditional apps and websites may become obsolete in the agentic futureExplore new go-to-market strategies and startup models for agent-driven businessesEvaluate how agents will access private and public data — and what that means for APIsHear how to pitch agent startups to VCs looking for viral and network-effect playsWhether you're building in the agent ecosystem or preparing for it, this conversation will reshape how you think about the future of digital interfaces and startup opportunities.The Pact Honor the Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/ Follow us here on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media followingKey linksThis episode is brought to you by Warp Development.  Are you ready to build something that matters? Visit https://warpdevelopment.com and mention The Startup Podcast for a free consultation.Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://www.tsp.show/episodes/Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/ Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/ Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang https://web-strategist.com/

In this episode, Andreas Munk Holm is joined by Joe Seager-Dupuy and Mike Martin, General Partners at True Global, a £1B investment firm focused on consumer and retail, to explore how AI transforms how consumer businesses are built, scaled, and experienced.They unpack why consumer AI is more than a buzzword - it's unlocking entirely new market categories, reshaping broken UX flows, and expanding the definition of addressable markets. From agentic software and hyper-personalized health stacks to defensibility through data, brand, and workflow, this episode offers a deep dive into how to build and invest at the intersection of frontier tech and human behavior.Here's what's covered:07:27 Exploring Consumer AI Innovations14:47 Challenges and Opportunities in Consumer AI20:27 The Path to Agentic Business Models25:27 Building Optionality in AI Products26:23 Case Study: Superhuman's Agentic Email System28:10 The Velocity of AI Announcements31:10 Defensibility in Consumer AI39:15 AI's Impact on Consumer Company Operations43:07 The Disruption of Incumbents by AI Startups

In this episode of Unicorn Bakery, Mike Mahlkow sits down with Finn Murphy, General Partner at Nebular, to discuss how Finn identifies emerging trends and invests in founders building the future. Finn shares his philosophy of investing 12-18 months ahead of the market, focusing on areas like AI, robotics, space-based data centers, and quantum computing. Finn discusses the challenges of being a solo GP, how he balances managing his fund while supporting founders, and why curiosity and a deep understanding of technology are essential to his approach. He also dives into the differences between the European and US startup ecosystems, the role of founders in driving innovation, and why building trust is essential in venture capital. What you'll learn: The Nebular Approach to Venture Capital: How Finn invests in trends 18 months ahead of the market and supports founders working on cutting-edge ideas Why Nebular focuses on early-stage startups at the pre-seed and seed stages Spotting Trends in Emerging Technologies: The importance of intellectual curiosity in identifying trends like AI applications, edge computing, and robotics How Finn evaluates founders working in niche, unexplored areas The Role of a Solo GP: The challenges of running a venture fund solo, from fundraising to supporting portfolio companies Why building trust with founders is critical to winning deals and creating long-term relationships US vs. European Startup Ecosystems: Key differences in funding, risk-taking, and founder mindsets between the US and Europe Why American investors tend to back founders earlier and take bigger risks compared to their European counterparts Support and Accountability for Founders: Why Finn believes in being a partner to founders rather than trying to impose solutions How founders can hold themselves accountable and build trust with their investors Talent and Culture in Startups: The importance of ownership and equity in attracting and retaining top talent Why creating a high-performance culture is essential for startup success ALL ABOUT UNICORN BAKERY: https://zez.am/unicornbakery  Where to find Finn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finn-murphy-16160465/  Website: https://www.nebular.vc/  More about Mike: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemahlkow/  Website: https://fastgen.com Join our Founder Tactics Newsletter: 2x die Woche bekommst du die Taktiken der besten Gründer der Welt direkt ins Postfach: https://www.tactics.unicornbakery.de/  Chapters: (00:00:00) Who is Finn Murphy and what does Nebular do? (00:06:03) Business first vs. founder first - how is Finn meeting the right people? (00:10:39) Finn's framework for prioritizing (00:15:59) Advantages of a Solo-GP (00:22:04) The European Ecosystem vs. the US-Ecosystem (00:28:44) Which founder should stay in Europe/which one should try the US? (00:36:00) The difference in terms of compensation (00:40:46) Equity & Salary: Costs, differences, problems (00:45:58) Overworking, 6-day-work-policy: The Learnings for Hiring (00:50:21) Finn's "What gets you going?"

The AI era is here – is your business ahead of the curve or playing catch-up? Willy sat down with Jeff Bussgang, Co-Founder of Flybridge Capital Partners, serial entrepreneur, and Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School. He and Willy explored key themes from Jeff's recent book The Experimentation Machine, including the importance of reinvention in the age of AI, why we need to have an abundance mindset when it comes to new technology, ethical leadership, rapid changes in tech-driven entrepreneurship, real-world startup insights, fraud detection, building a culture of experimentation, and advice for the next generation of professionals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is CC Pod - the Climate Capital Podcast. You are receiving this because you have subscribed to our Substack. Upgrade to CC+ for insider access & community or manage your subscription here.Disclaimer: For full disclosure, MoldCo is a portfolio company at Climate Capital, where Sundeep Ahuja is the Founder and General Partner. CC Pod is not investment advice and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any investment decision.Announcing the Next Phase of Climate Angels!Know someone seeking to unlock the knowledge and skills to help them become a successful investor? Send them the application for Climate Angels, an immersive program and community designed for aspiring angel investors: More hereDon't miss an episode from Climate Capital!In this insightful episode, host Sundeep Ahuja welcomes Ariana Thacker, Founder and CEO of MoldCo, who shares her personal journey from experiencing severe health issues due to mold exposure to establishing a company dedicated to helping others navigate the complexities of mold toxicity. MoldCo offers a comprehensive solution that combines specialized lab testing with personalized care, aiming to empower individuals suffering from mold-related health problems.Ariana's passion for addressing mold toxicity stems from her own struggles with symptoms that included hair loss, gastrointestinal issues, and debilitating brain fog, all linked to her exposure in a Miami apartment. This personal experience fueled her desire to create MoldCo, which provides an end-to-end service for mold recovery. The company offers a starter lab panel at an accessible price, focusing on key biomarkers indicative of mold exposure. This initial testing is designed to identify the presence of mold toxins in the body, allowing patients to understand their health status better.MoldCo's approach is further enhanced by its concierge-style medical care, which connects patients with specialized providers and delivers necessary medications directly to their homes. The treatment protocol is based on over 30 years of research, including insights from leading experts in the field, and aims to simplify the recovery process for patients.Ariana emphasizes the importance of understanding the environmental factors contributing to mold exposure, including the impact of climate change and the use of antifungal chemicals in paints that may exacerbate mold growth. As MoldCo expands its services nationwide, it seeks to raise awareness about mold toxicity as a significant public health issue, potentially affecting millions of Americans.This episode not only sheds light on the innovative solutions MoldCo offers but also serves as a beacon of hope for those grappling with the often-overlooked effects of mold exposure. With a commitment to research and patient care, MoldCo is paving the way for a healthier future, one mold recovery journey at a time.To learn more about MoldCo, visit https://www.moldco.com/.

With freshwater becoming more and more limited, our planet turns its sights to decentralized water solutions. Brian Sheng, Co-Founder and CEO of Aquaria, has developed a technology to capture the vapor in the air and turn it into liquid water. Joining Corinna Bellizzi, he shares how their Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) does its wonders to make clean water more accessible to all, from disaster relief efforts to residential homes. Brian also discusses the proper way to install, maintain, and power an AWG to maximize its output and potential.About Guest:Brian Sheng is the Co-Founder and CEO of Aquaria, building air-water infrastructure to produce scalable water systems that create clean drinking water from the air. Aquaria's mission is to safeguard and unlock global access to clean water. As a serial entrepreneur, Brian co-founded The Vanguard, Fresh VC, and he founded Asia Horizon. Additionally he served as a General Partner at The Arcview Group. Brian's seed stage portfolio is valued at over $3B with 2 IPOs, Fiscalnote and Clever Leaves. While attending Princeton University, Brian wrote his thesis on atmospheric water generation. Brian was honored as a member of Forbes 30 under 30 class of 2024, and Aquaria was named one of TIME's Best Inventions of 2024.Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-sheng/Guest Website: https://aquaria.world/Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aquariaawg/https://www.instagram.com/aquariaawgShow Notes: Raw audio00:02:35 - Brian Sheng Of Aquaria00:06:19 - How Atmospheric Water Generator Works00:12:03 - Using Air Water To Put Out Forest Fires00:14:35 - AGW Infrastructure And Energy Requirements00:19:10 - How It Compares To Municipal Water00:21:21 - Installing AGW For Home Use00:30:08 - Lessons From The Private And Public Sectors00:34:54 - Aquaria's Pursuit For A Better World00:37:06 - Becoming A Public Benefit Corporation00:41:30 - Encouraging Potential Competitors00:46:23 - Proper Maintenance Of AGW Unit00:47:46 - Pushing Forward And Legacy Building00:49:56 - Creating More Things Out Of Thin Air00:51:24 - Keeping An Optimistic And Hopeful Vision00:52:27 - Episode Wrap-up And Closing WordsJOIN OUR CIRCLE. BUILD A GREENER FUTURE:

Listen to Milken Institute Global Conference coverage. In this episode, Adam Torres and Michael Reid, General Partner & Co Founder at Deep Future, explore the VC landscape and the Milken Institute Global Conference.  Big thank you to ⁠⁠⁠Milken Institute⁠⁠⁠! Follow Adam on Instagram at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/⁠⁠⁠⁠ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://missionmatters.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Listen to Milken Institute Global Conference coverage. In this episode, ⁠Adam Torres⁠ and ⁠Michael Reid⁠, General Partner & Co Founder at Deep Future, explore the VC landscape and the Milken Institute Global Conference.  Big thank you to ⁠⁠⁠⁠Milken Institute⁠⁠⁠⁠! Follow Adam on Instagram at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://missionmatters.com/⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

My guest today is Michelle Arevalo-Carpenter, Co-Founder of IMPAQTO and General Partner at IMPAQTO Capital. Michelle is a human rights lawyer by training, a fund builder by calling, and one of the most compelling system-reimaginers I've ever had on the show.Michelle's journey has taken her from a small apartment in Quito to the halls of Oxford and the UN — and back again. What she learned along the way is that real change doesn't come from reports or elite institutions. It comes from being close to the problem — and the people.Back in Quito, Michelle started where many great entrepreneurial stories begin — with no office, no plan, just an instinct that something better could exist. Over a hundred coffees with local founders, she kept hearing the same themes: isolation, lack of support, funding that didn't fit.In response, she created IMPAQTO, Ecuador's first coworking space for social ventures, not because she had a real estate vision, but because people needed a place to belong. “They weren't paying for square meters,” she said. “They were paying to not be alone.”From there, IMPAQTO grew — into an accelerator, a research platform, a voice in policy. But the biggest problem persisted: no capital. Or rather, the wrong kind of capital.Local businesses needed $10K–$500K. They didn't want to sell equity. They wanted to grow on their own terms. Too big for microfinance, too small for venture. “That's the missing middle,” Michelle said. “That's where we live.”So in 2021, she launched IMPAQTO Capital, a revenue-based investment fund designed not to chase unicorns but to nourish sustainable growth. Michelle described it not as alternative capital, but as capital that's appropriate for the context they're operating in.Rather than chasing foreign LPs, her team went local. They raised over half their first close from Ecuadorian and Andean-region families — people with lived experience inside the very systems the fund aims to change. “Our investors aren't impact tourists,” she said. “They're system insiders.”What Michelle is building isn't just a capital vehicle. It's an ecosystem intervention — a cultural shift that treats belonging as a precondition for growth, and care as critical infrastructure. She's also a co-founder of CLIIQ, a regional research and advocacy platform focused on unlocking catalytic capital for women-led businesses.At IMPAQTO Capital, every deal is evaluated not just on returns, but on whether it preserves the dignity and agency of the founder. Every exit includes a “cap party” — a ritual of closure and celebration that says: You did it. You paid us back. We're done. And we're proud.There's a lot to learn from Michelle. About capital. About leading with trust and care. About staying rooted in a place and still seeing the whole system.But mostly, about how change happens — not from the top down, but from the inside out. Slowly. With proximity. And with people who never forgot where they started.—About the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing.—Connect with SRI360°:Sign up for the free weekly email updateVisit the SRI360° PODCASTVisit the SRI360° WEBSITEFollow SRI360° on XFollow SRI360° on FACEBOOK—Additional Resources:IMPAQTO Capital websiteIMPAQTO Ecosystem BuilderMichelle Arevalo-Carpenter websiteMichelle Arevalo-Carpenter LinkedIn

Send us a text[Original air date, April 9, 2024]  Miguel Armaza interviews Jack Zhang, CEO & Co-Founder of Airwallex, a global payments and treasury giant that moves $7 billion in monthly transaction volume and serves 100,000+ clients, including Brex, Rippling, and SHEIN.Founded in Melbourne in 2015, Airwallex was last valued at $6.2 billion and has raised over a billion dollars from Sequoia, DST, Square Peg, Greenoaks, Mastercard, Tencent, Salesforce, and many more.In this episode, we discuss:How investing in a coffee shop led him to co-found a global payments networkWhy Airwallex prioritizes people with great leadership skills who are also technicalThe impact of AI in financial servicesNew risks of AI-powered financial fraudPartnering with almost 100 banks around the world… and a lot more!Want more podcast episodes? Join me and follow Fintech Leaders today on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app for weekly conversations with today's global leaders that will dominate the 21st century in fintech, business, and beyond.Do you prefer a written summary? Check out the Fintech Leaders newsletter and join 80,000+ readers and listeners worldwide!Miguel Armaza is Co-Founder and General Partner of Gilgamesh Ventures, a seed-stage investment fund focused on fintech in the Americas. He also hosts and writes the Fintech Leaders podcast and newsletter.Miguel on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nKha4ZMiguel on Twitter: https://bit.ly/2Jb5oBcFintech Leaders Newsletter: bit.ly/3jWIp

Welcome to The Chopping Block – where crypto insiders Haseeb Qureshi, Tom Schmidt, Tarun Chitra, and Robert Leshner chop it up about the latest in crypto. In this episode, the crew tackles a triple-header of crypto's growing pains: the bizarre saga of James Wynn—a memecoin gambler whose billion-dollar positions on Hyperliquid ended in public ruin; the Ethereum Foundation's surprise rebrand into “Protocol” and its sudden embrace of hierarchy; and a bold manifesto from Miles Jennings calling for the end of crypto foundations as we know them. Is radical transparency a feature or a trap? Is Ethereum finally prioritizing execution over vibes? And are foundations just offshore theater—or necessary guardians of decentralization? The gang debates all this and more in a conversation that asks: who's really in control of crypto—and should they be? Show highlights

Follow me @samirkaji for my thoughts on the venture market, with a focus on the continued evolution of the VC landscape.Welcome to another episode of Venture Unlocked. In this episode, I had the pleasure of welcoming Villi Iltchev, founder and managing partner of Category Ventures. Villi has had a long history in tech, both in operating roles at companies like Box and Lifelock, as well as investing roles at August Capital and Two Sigma, where he departed in 2024 to launch Category Ventures.We covered a lot of ground in our conversation, including his inspiration for starting a new firm and the experiences that informed his true north. We also spoke about the fragmentation of the market and what it means to win in early-stage investing in a heavily crowded market of dedicated seed funds & larger funds who are active in see and Series A. I really enjoyed the authenticity of the conversation and hope you do as well.About Villi IltchevVilli Iltchev is the Founder and Managing Partner of Category Ventures, an early-stage venture firm focused on backing category-defining enterprise software companies. With over two decades of experience as both an operator and investor, Villi has held leadership roles at Box, LifeLock, and Salesforce, where he led investments and acquisitions in companies like HubSpot, MuleSoft, Gusto, and Zapier. As a General Partner at August Capital and later at Two Sigma Ventures, he backed standout startups like GitLab—turning a $20M investment into over $900M in returns. Originally from Bulgaria, Villi brings a global perspective and a founder-first mindset to every partnership.Category Ventures is an early-stage venture firm founded in 2024 by veteran investor Villi Iltchev, focused on backing category-defining enterprise software startups. With a $160M debut fund, the firm invests in pre-seed and seed-stage companies across infrastructure, dev tools, AI, and applications. Drawing on Iltchev's track record—including early investments in GitLab, Zapier, and Gusto—Category Ventures brings deep technical and go-to-market expertise to help founders build enduring businesses. Their approach centers on hands-on support and founder-first partnership to shape the future of enterprise software.In this episode, we discuss:* Villi's Background and Journey (1:50)* Lessons from Venture Capital Firms (5:35)* Market Fragmentation in Venture Capital (8:47)* Flexible Investment Strategy (12:24)* Challenges with Traditional VC Models (13:26)* Product Market Fit and Founder Support (17:35)* Counterpoints on Large VC Firms (21:40)* Winning in Venture Capital (24:07)* Kindness and Community (26:24)* Components of Success (30:00)* Decision-Making Process (33:21)* Intellectual Honesty in Investments (36:16)* The Role of Fresh Perspectives (40:08)* Acting on Great Ideas and Final Thoughts (42:27)I'd love to know what you took away from this conversation with Villi. Follow me @SamirKaji and give me your insights and questions with the hashtag #ventureunlocked. If you'd like to be considered as a guest or have someone you'd like to hear from (GP or LP), drop me a direct message on X. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ventureunlocked.substack.com

Public crypto treasury companies are in the news right now. Just this week, Sharplink Gaming announced a $425 million raise to create an Ethereum treasury vehicle, backed by Consensys. Meanwhile, Trump Media said it will buy $2.5 billion worth of bitcoin. And in a headline grab, GameStop revealed a $500 million Bitcoin purchase. There's even a newly launched XRP treasury company backed by Saudi royal capital. But why are these vehicles suddenly the structure of choice for accessing crypto exposure? What kinds of assets are best suited for them? And are they safe or a ticking time bomb? Pantera Capital's Cosmo Jiang joins Unchained to unpack: The structures and strategies behind these companies Why Solana is appearing more than Ethereum (and what that says) How XRP's brand power could matter more than its adoption The risks these vehicles pose to investors and to markets Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.com Thank you to our sponsors! Bitkey: Use code UNCHAINED for 20% off Focal by FalconX Guest Cosmo Jiang, General Partner and Portfolio Manager for Liquid Strategies at Pantera Capital Links Previous coverage of Unchained on bitcoin treasury companies: Why Twenty One Capital Is More About Volatility Than Bitcoin Twenty One Aims to Buy as Much Bitcoin as Possible. Can It Succeed? Unchained:  Trump Media Confirms $2.5B Capital Raise to Buy Bitcoin Consensys Leads $425M Raise for SharpLink Gaming's ETH Treasury Plans The Block: GameStop buys 4,710 bitcoin for corporate treasury: filing CoinDesk: VivoPower Raises $121M to Launch XRP Treasury Strategy With Saudi Royal Backing Bloomberg:  Cantor's $2 Billion Bitcoin-Backed Lending Arm Makes First Deals The Stock Market Loves Bitcoin Timestamps:

Welcome to The Chopping Block – where crypto insiders Haseeb Qureshi, Tom Schmidt, Tarun Chitra, and Robert Leshner chop it up about the latest in crypto. In this episode, the gang reunites to confront a troubling pattern: we're making the same mistakes all over again. From the $223 million Sui hack and validator-led censorship to Coinbase's insider data breach and the Trump token dinner spectacle, this week feels like a remix of the industry's most painful lessons. The crew reflects on how decentralization is being quietly redefined, why newer chains ignore crypto's origin story, and what it means when memecoins are the new access pass to political influence. Also: James Wynn's billion-dollar trades, fading cypherpunk values, and a creeping sense that the crypto future looks a lot like its past. Show highlights

For episode 264, Soren Gordhamer returns to the Metta Hour for our ongoing Anxiety Series. In this series, Sharon is speaking with Mental Health experts, providers and different researchers for tools to work with anxiety in increasingly challenging times. This is the fifth episode in the series. Soren Gordhamer is the founder and host of Wisdom 2.0, the premier conference exploring living with greater mindfulness, wisdom, and compassion in the modern age. He is also a Co-Founder and General Partner of Wisdom Ventures, along with Jack Kornfield and Yung Pueblo, which invests in companies creating a more just and compassionate world. Soren is also the founder of the Lineage Project in NYC, and also spent a year on the Global Walk for a Livable World, a three-and-a-half world walk. He and Jon Kabat-Zinn also co-hosted the Mitigation Retreat, which was a free 3-month course held every weekday offering meditations and teachings during Covid. Soren is the author of numerous books. His latest, The Essential: Discovering What Really Matters in an Age of Distraction, was released in May of 2025. In this episode, Sharon and Soren speak about:The context for cultural anxiety The development of social mediaBecoming aware of our storiesDo we need a new narrative?Redefining our worthRevamping our North StarHarnessing all our energiesDismantling our armorHow shame drives mental healthThe point of vulnerability Dalai Lama meeting formerly incarceratedLiving from a place of lackRam Dass' somebody-nessSoren walking the worldThe role information plays in anxietySoren closes the conversation with a guided meditation. To get a copy of Soren's new book, The Essential, visit his website right here.Listen to Soren's first appearance on the Metta House from 2020 right here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.