Podcasts about vcs

We're running another ACX Grants round! If you already know what this is and just want to apply for a grant, use the form here (should take 15 - 30 minutes), deadline August 15. If you already know what this is and want to help as a funder, VC, partner charity, evaluator, or friendly professional, click the link for the relevant form, same deadline. Otherwise see below for more information. What is ACX Grants? ACX Grants is a microgrants program that helps fund ACX readers' charitable or scientific projects. Click the links to see the 2022 and 2024 cohorts. The program is conducted in partnership with Manifund, a charity spinoff of Manifold Markets, who handle the administrative/infrastructure side of things. How much money is involved? I plan to contribute $200K. I expect (but cannot guarantee) an additional $800K from other donors, for a total of about $1 million. Most grants will probably be between $5,000 and $50,000, with a rare few up to $100,000. Depending on how much external donor interest there is, we will probably give between 10 and 50 grants. What's the catch? There's no catch, but this year we plan to experiment with replacing some grants with SAFEs, and others with convertible grants. That means that if you're a startup, we (ACX Grants as an nonprofit institution, not me personally) get some claim to future equity if you succeed. If you're not a startup, you'll sign an agreement saying that if your project ever becomes a startup, then we'll get the equity claim. We're still working on the exact details of this agreement, but we intend to have pretty standard terms and err in the favorable-to-you direction; obviously we'll show you the final agreement before you sign anything. We're doing this because some of our previous grantees became valuable companies, and it seems foolish to leave that money on the table when we could be capturing it and reinvesting it into future grants rounds. Please don't let this affect your decision to apply. Our top priority remains charity, and we'll continue to select grantees based on their philanthropic value and not on their likelihood of making us money. If you're not a startup and don't plan to become one, none of this should affect you. And if you have a good reason not to want to sign these agreements - including “I'm not savvy enough to know what this means and it makes me nervous” - then we're happy to opt you out of them. What's the timeline? We'd like to have grants awarded by October 1 and money in your hands by November 1. This is a goal, not a promise. What will the application process be like? You fill out a form that should take 15 - 30 minutes. If we have questions, an evaluator might email or call you, in a way that hopefully won't take more than another 15 - 30 minutes of your time to answer. If you win a grant, Manifund will send you the money, probably by bank wire. Every few years, we might ask you to fill out another 15 - 30 minute form letting us know how your project is doing. What kind of projects might you fund? There are already lots of good charities that help people directly at scale, for example Against Malaria Foundation (which distributes malaria-preventing bed nets) and GiveDirectly (which gives money directly to very poor people in Africa). These are hard to beat. We're most interested in charities that pursue novel ways to change complex systems, either through technological breakthroughs, new social institutions, or targeted political change. Among the projects we've funded in the past were: Development of oxfendazole, a drug for treating parasitic worms in developing countries. A platform that lets people create prediction markets on topics of their choice A trip to Nigeria for college students researching lead poisoning prevention. A group of lawyers who sue factory farms under animal cruelty laws. Development of software that helps the FDA run better drug trials. A startup building anti-mosquito drones to fight tropical disease A guide for would-be parents on which IVF clinics have the highest successful rate of successful implantation. A university lab working on artificial kidneys You can read the full list here and here, and the most recent updates from each project here. Is there anything good about winning an ACX Grant other than getting money? You'll get my support, which is mostly useful in getting me to blog about your project. For example, I can put out updates or requests for help on Open Threads. I can also try to help connect you to people I know. Some people who won ACX Grants last year were able to leverage the attention to attract larger grantmakers or VCs. You can try to pitch me guest posts about your project. This could be a description of what you're doing and why, or just a narrative about your experience and what you learned from it. Warning that I'm terrible to pitch guest posts to, I almost never go through with this, and I'm very nitpicky when I do. Still, you can try. We're working on gathering a network of friendly professionals who agree to provide pro bono or heavily discounted support (eg legal, accounting, business advice, cloud compute) to ACX grantees. We've only just begun this process and it might not actually materialize. There are occasional virtual and physical meetups of ACX grantees; these don't always result in Important Professional Connections, but are pretty interesting. What if I want those nonfinancial benefits for my project, but don't need money? Apply for a grant of $1. But we're pretty nervous about giving very-low-cost grants because it's too easy to accept all of them and dilute our signaling value; for this reason, it might be harder to get a grant of $1 than a grant of $5,000, and we expect these to make up only 0 - 10% of our cohort. You might be better off coming up with some expansion of your project that takes $5,000 and applying for that. What are the tax implications of an ACX Grant? Consult your accountant, especially if you live outside the US. If you live inside the US, we think it's ordinary taxable income. If you're an individual, you'll have to pay taxes on it at your usual tax rate. If you're a 501(c), you'll get your normal level of tax exemption. I want to fund you, how can I help? For bureaucratic reasons, we're currently looking for donations mostly in the $5,000+ range. If that's you, fill out the Funder Application Form. If we've already talked about this over email, you don't need to fill out the form, but we encourage you to do so anyway so we know more about your interests and needs. What's the story behind why you have $200K to spend on grants every year, but are still asking for more funding? Some generous readers sent me crypto during the crypto boom, or advised me on buying crypto, or asked to purchase NFTs of my post for crypto. Some of the crypto went up. Then I reinvested it into AI stocks, and those went up too. I think of this as unearned money and want to give some of it back to the community, hence this grants program. I have a lot of it but not an unlimited amount. At the current rate, I can probably afford another ~5 ACX Grants rounds. When it runs out, I‘ll just be a normal person with normal amounts of money (Substack is great, but not great enough for me to afford this level of donation consistently). My hope is that I can keep making these medium-sized donations, other people can add more to the pot, and we'll be able to drag this out at least five more rounds, after which point maybe we'll come up with another plan. I'm a VC, how can I help? Some of our applicants are potentially-profitable startups, and we decide they're a better match for VC funding than for our grants. If you're willing to look these over and get in touch with any that seem interesting, fill out the VC Application Form. It will ask for more information on what kind of opportunities you're interested in funding. I'm a philanthropist or work at a philanthropic foundation; how can I help? Some of our applicants are good projects, but not a good match for us, and we want to shop them around to other philanthropists and charities who might have different strengths or be able to work with larger amounts of money. If that's you, please fill out the Partner Charity Application Form I'm good at evaluating grants, or an expert in some specific field; how can I help? If you have experience as a grantmaker or VC, or you're an expert in some technical field, you might be able to help us evaluate proposals. Fill out the Evaluator Application Form. By default we expect you'll want us to send you one or two grants in your area of expertise, but if you want a challenge you can request more. If we've already talked about this over email, you don't need to fill out the form, but we encourage you to do so anyway so I know more about your interests and needs. We expect to get more volunteers than we need, and most people who fill in the evaluator form won't get contacted unless we need someone from their specific field. I'm a professional who wants to do pro bono work for cool charities, how can I help? Fill out the Friendly Professional Application Form. If we get enough applicants, we'll compile them into a directory for our grantees. I participated in the Impact Certificate Market last year, did you forget about me? Yes until Austin Chen reminded me last month No! Request final oracular funding by filling in the Impact Applicant Form. Sorry, I forgot, where do I go to apply for a grant again? See form here. Please apply by 11:59 PM on August 15th. https://www.astralcodexten.com/p/apply-for-an-acx-grant-2025

Elizabeth Weil, founder and managing partner of Scribble Ventures, just closed an $80 million Fund III focused on AI-native startups.She spent seven years at Twitter during hypergrowth from 60 to 2,500 employees, then built the Market Development team at Andreessen Horowitz.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comKey Topics discussed:The Scribble Network- 100+ operators and executives providing deal flow and portfolio support- Strategic angels helping companies scale- "Unfair advantages" through warm connectionsAI Investment Philosophy- Backing "AI-native" founders who "grew up" with the technology- Focus on proprietary data and unique workflows- Moat matters more than ever in a noisy landscapeBold Predictions- Every person will have a personalized tutor in their pocket- Digital immortality: preserving knowledge beyond physical existence- AI transforming healthcare, education, and daily behaviorsFounder Evaluation- Key question: "Why are you the team on this planet that is going to be able to build this company?"- Looking for "guttural desire" vs. whiteboard solutions- Warm introductions as primary signalFund Details- $80M Fund III for pre-seed and seed- $750K - $1.5M initial checks- Can lead, co-lead, or follow rounds- Intentionally generalist despite AI focusContact:- Website: scribble.vc- Email: hello@scribble.vc- X: @elizabethTimestamps:(00:00) Introduction(02:39) Elizabeth's journey from Stanford to Twitter(03:08) Early career and how she got into tech and startups(08:57) The Scribble Network and how it helps portfolio companies(12:21) Definition of AI-native companies and key characteristics of founding teams(14:17) Assessing the defensibility of a startup's data strategy(15:39) Learnings from operating at Twitter and Andreessen Horowitz(18:08) Key factors for investing at pre-seed and seed stages(20:13) Fundraising experience for Fund Three and navigating the LP landscape(23:03) Approach to valuations in the AI startup ecosystem(24:28) Exciting AI sub-sectors and areas with potential(30:15) Evaluating startups in a rapidly evolving AI landscape(31:51) Advice for early-stage founders on building their venture(34:08) Rapid fire round of questions about Scribble Ventures' investment strategyFor sponsorship or guest appearance requests, write to prashantchoubey3@gmail.comSubscribe to VC10X on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts.

Episode 171: Get our no-fluff training on how to build a profitable online business: https://app.digitaltrailblazer.com/register-launch-scaleGetting noticed in a crowded and oversaturated market is difficult. No matter how much content you create, you get lost in the noise, making it hard to build credibility and reach new audiences.In this episode, Ishveen Jolly teaches us how to leverage influencer partnerships even on a small budget. She reveals how to find authentic connections between athletes/celebrities and your coaching or course business, negotiate deals starting as low as $250 or even product exchanges, and repurpose that content across multiple channels for maximum impact.Ishveen also shares creative partnership models beyond simple promotions, including co-creating specialized courses and building long-term affiliate relationships that can transform your marketing strategy.About Ishveen Jolly: Ishveen is a trailblazer in the sports marketing industry having built OpenSponsorship.com into the world's largest marketplace connecting brands to athletes for digital marketing campaigns.Her accolades include getting on the Forbes 30U30 sports list, Inc's top 100 female Founders list and raising over $5M for the company including from NBA team owners, athletes such as Serena Williams, notable VCs and her Alma Mater Oxford University.The marketplace has 17,000 athletes, 60% are managed by the major sports agencies and 40% is athletes direct. They have done 10,000 deals including for brands like Walmart, Footlocker, ESPN, Fanduel, Western Union, and 100s more.Connect with Ishveen:https://opensponsorship.com https://instagram.com/opensponsorshipWant to SCALE your online business bigger and faster without the endless hustle of networking, referrals, and pumping out content that nobody sees?Grab our Ultimate Ad Script for Coaches, Agencies, and Course Creators.Learn the exact 5-step script we teach our clients that allows them to generate targeted, high-quality leads at ultra-low cost, so you can land paying customers and clients without breaking the bank on ad spend. Grab the Ultimate Ad Script right HERE - https://join.digitaltrailblazer.com/ultimate-ad-script✅ Connect With Us:Website - https://DigitalTrailblazer.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/digitaltrailblazerTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@digitaltrailblazerTwitter: https://twitter.com/DgtlTrailblazerInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/DigitalTrailblazer

Bevor wir in eine kurze Sommerpause gehen, haben wir noch eine besondere Episode für euch! Heute spricht David Wortmann mit Till Stenzel, Partner bei SET Ventures, einem der erfahrensten europäischen VCs für den Energiesektor. Till bringt fast 20 Jahre Erfahrung als Investor, Gründer, Strategieberater und Politikexperte mit und teilt seine Sicht darauf, wie Europa seine Energiezukunft schneller gestalten kann. Wir sprechen über: ⚡ Warum die Technologien für ein klimaneutrales Energiesystem bereits existieren, aber nicht verbunden sind ⚡ Wo die größten Blockaden in der Umsetzung liegen, Netze, Marktstrukturen und fehlende Geschwindigkeit ⚡ Die Rolle von Software und Geschäftsmodellen, um bestehende Technologien systemisch zu verbinden ⚡ Europas Chancen und Schwächen im globalen Rennen um die Energiewende ⚡ Wie SET Ventures Start-ups begleitet - über Kapital hinaus mit Netzwerken, Expertise und Unterstützung Eine Folge für alle, die sich fragen, wie wir aus Technologien funktionierende Systeme machen!

Alistair Ross, creator of Al's Retro Geek Lab and the Back to the BBS documentary series, joins Alex to trace a life in computers from Atari 2600/VCS, ZX Spectrum, and IBM PC XT to today's maker scene, and to explain how modern cybersecurity practice shapes the way he runs and protects vintage systems. We talk nostalgia's pull (the smells, sounds, and CRT glow), the move from Scotland to New Zealand and what that meant for access to gear (hello, rare Poly-1), and even why the famously beefy UK plug reflects a tradition of safety‑first engineering, much like the internet standards that still underpin the modern net.Alistair unpacks the BBS resurgence: disappointment with a homogenized, corporate web drove hobbyists back to sysop‑run spaces where community matters. Modern boards run over Telnet/SSH and can bridge to APIs for news, weather, and chats; clients like SyncTERM and Netrunner make dialing in easy.From a security lens he recommends containerizing BBS services, strict least privilege, and favoring Linux for isolation; user access should start at low levels and only be elevated after trust is earned. For home labs: split traffic with two SSIDs and VLANs, keep retro boxes on untrusted segments, and remember old machines often can't do SSH - so plan defenses around clear‑text Telnet where needed.We cover counterfeit parts (how to spot sanded/re‑marked ICs, why to verify with ROM dumps, and when to buy from Mouser vs. eBay/AliExpress/Temu) and celebrate a community that helps each other, from FujiNet's fast hardware/software iteration to Perifractic's bid to revive the Commodore brand, plus forums like VCFed and Vogons.Asked which late retro icon he'd most like to interview, Alistair chooses Gary Kildall, outlining how CP/M's APIs and BIOS abstraction seeded the microcomputer era and how history often gets the story wrong. He also recalls lessons from interviews with Ken & Roberta Williams (Sierra): pioneers built from passion; today's breakthroughs feel iterative except for inflection points like AI.Media that shaped him? BBC's push around the BBC Micro with serious engineering, Econet networking, and classroom focus, plus magazines that taught kids to type, debug, and learn. He argues for hands‑on, offline-first learning again.On building for old platforms, Alistair mixes joyfully simple QuickBasic with modern workflows: write on a fast machine, cross‑compile with OpenWatcom or DJGPP, test in DOSBox, then copy to real hardwae and even draft small games with Gemini CLI before refining. He notes id Software's Doom used a similar cross‑compile workflow on NeXT.Future collabs he'd love? Deep hardware/firmware projects with teams like FujiNet, and admiration for projects such as PicoGUS and PicoMem that extend 8‑bit ISA machines, ideally while keeping upgrades removable so the original hardware (and smells!) remain. He also walks through software preservation, flux‑level imaging with Greaseweazle, sharing drivers to archive.org, and his balanced view on abandonware vs. active copyrights.Finally, Alistair offers guidance for newcomers: try emulation first, then step into hardware as budget allows (prices are rising); participate in forums; contribute images, manuals and code so others can restore machines tomorrow.

Host Gil Bashe welcomes Sally Ann Frank the Microsoft for Startups Mentor of Microsoft. She is the global leader for health and life sciences at Microsoft for Startups, responsible for strategy, programs, and portfolio, accelerating the development of innovative, market-making companies. With more than 25 years of experience in high-tech business development, sales, and marketing, she is passionate about helping health and life sciences companies and startups use Microsoft technology to provide better, more-cost effective care. As the WW Lead for Health & Life Sciences at Microsoft for Startups, she work directly with founders, VCs, M12 and others in the industry to partner with Microsoft and accelerate their development and growth. To stream our Station live 24/7 visit www.HealthcareNOWRadio.com or ask your Smart Device to “….Play Healthcare NOW Radio”. Find all of our network podcasts on your favorite podcast platforms and be sure to subscribe and like us. Learn more at www.healthcarenowradio.com/listen

The brutal truth about why Silicon Valley is blowing billions on glorified autocomplete while pretending it's the next iPhone. We're diving deep into the AI investment circus where VCs who can't code are funding companies that barely understand their own technology. From blockchain déjà vu to the "ChatGPT wrapper" economy—this episode will make you question every AI valuation you've ever seen. Fair warning: We're naming names and calling out the hype. Don't listen if you work at a "revolutionary AI startup" that's just OpenAI's API with a pretty interface.   #AIBubble #VentureCapital #TechReality #StartupBullshit  

Founded in 2018, Dragonfly has quickly become one of the most prestigious crypto VCs. Dragonfly was one of the first to adopt a global approach to backing founders and disruptive tech, all while building a strong brand that allowed them to secure top-tier deals. Join us for a fascinating discussion with Haseeb Qureshi, managing partner at Dragonfly, to learn the secrets behind running a top-tier crypto VC and what made Dragonfly succeed where others have failed.Topics covered in this episode:Haseeb's background, from poker to cryptoEffective altruismCrypto investmentDeveloping judgementThe vision behind DragonflyConsensus vs. non-consensus dealsKPIsPeople, Product & MarketsThoughts on the current crypto marketThe evolution of crypto VCsAdvice for crypto foundersThe importance of disciplineIs the golden era of crypto investing sunsetting?Episode links:Haseeb Qureshi on XDragonfly on XSponsors:Gnosis: Gnosis builds decentralized infrastructure for the Ethereum ecosystem, since 2015. This year marks the launch of Gnosis Pay— the world's first Decentralized Payment Network. Get started today at - gnosis.ioChorus One: one of the largest node operators worldwide, trusted by 175,000+ accounts across more than 60 networks, Chorus One combines institutional-grade security with the highest yields at - chorus.oneThis episode is hosted by Brian Fabian Crain.

In this episode of Grow Everything, hosts Karl and Erum dive into the world of community biology with Dr. Casey Lardner, Executive Director of Genspace. They explore how this groundbreaking Brooklyn lab is reimagining who gets to participate in science — and how. From radical accessibility and inclusive education to the launch of Gotham Foundry, Casey shares how Genspace is cultivating a culture of curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. This is a conversation about science as a shared resource, where artists, bioengineers, and everyday citizens all have a seat at the bench.Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing?Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.messaginglab.com/groweverything⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Chapters:00:00:00 - Welcome to Grow Everything: Where Bio Meets the World00:00:25 - Guest Co-Host Sabriya Stukes Drops In — Backyard BBQ to Biotech00:01:18 - What's Buzzing in Biotech: Founders, VCs & Sound Baths00:03:48 - Redefining Community: Beyond Buzzwords in Bio00:06:38 - Genspace Unveiled: Brooklyn's Portal to Public Science00:10:41 - From Chemistry to Community: Casey's Unexpected Path to Genspace00:13:40 - Inside Genspace: Culture, Creativity, and the Curious00:22:06 - Radical Access: Building Biotech for Everyone00:28:55 - Live from Ilmar 2025: Big Ideas, Big Shifts00:37:35 - What's Next? Introducing Gotham Foundry00:39:25 - Fueling Founders: How Genspace Sparks Startups00:40:23 - Why NYC is the Place to Grow Bio Right Now00:41:53 - Stay Curious: The Secret Ingredient in Science00:43:26 - Can AI Help Democratize Biology? Genspace Thinks So00:46:51 - Where Art Meets Genome: The Power of Story in Science00:51:28 - Bold Visions: What the Future Looks Like at Genspace00:55:49 - The Pulse of NYC Biotech: Reflections and Real TalkLinks and Resources:Genspace OpenPlant Genspace - growing your own insulin?Asilomar ReportsGotham FoundryIndieBioNewLab BioLabsBioFab Fair: Use promo code: GROW10 Story ColliderCaveat Facts MachineTopics Covered: biotech, community biotech, community hub, biomaterials, bio-based ingredients, GenspaceHave a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grow Everything⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: groweverything@messaginglab.comMusic by: NihiloreProduction by: Amplafy Media

In this episode of Investor Connect, Hall T. Martin welcomes Anshuman Sinha, a veteran entrepreneur, angel investor, and fundraising strategist who's making waves in the Southern California startup scene. As co-founder of Startup Steroid and a leader at TiE SoCal Angels, Anshuman shares how these organizations are reshaping early-stage investing through technology, syndication, and a global network. With 68 chapters in 14 countries and over $1 billion invested over the past three decades, TiE has become a powerhouse in fostering innovation. Anshuman details how syndication is driving speed and efficiency in funding, with some deals closing in as little as three weeks thanks to collaborative diligence and shared investment infrastructure. The conversation dives deep into Startup Steroid's role in centralizing deal flow and standardizing the investment process. Anshuman explains how tools like the Ready Score help founders gauge their investor-readiness while giving angel groups a fast, structured way to screen and syndicate deals. He also outlines how platforms like Startup Steroid enable investor groups—ranging from family offices to micro VCs—to partner more effectively, streamline cap tables with series LLCs, and bring promising startups into the U.S. market by setting up Delaware C-corps. With deals sourced from all over the world and evaluated through a centralized system, Startup Steroid is enabling smarter, faster decision-making for investors while easing the burden on founders. As the discussion turns to angel education, Anshuman highlights the value of groups like the Angel Capital Association and stresses the importance of mentorship for new investors. He and Hall also touch on the rising use of AI in due diligence and the need for a more unified approach to cross-border investing. Looking ahead, Anshuman proposes LinkedIn Live AMAs to connect with global founders—especially those unfamiliar with the U.S. market—and help them navigate the path to capital more confidently.  Visit Startup Steroid at Reach out to at ,   Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding. Let's go startup something today. _______________________________________________________ For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at:   Check out our other podcasts here:   For Investors check out:   For Startups check out:   For eGuides check out:   For upcoming Events, check out    For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group    Please , share, and leave a review. Music courtesy of .

Supercell is one of Europe's leading video game companies — with enduring hit titles like Clash of Clans and Brawl Stars under its belt. But, as CEO and cofounder Ilkka Paananen explains on this episode of Startup Europe — the Sifted Podcast, developing new and popular games is a tough business.He sits down with Amy Lewin to explain how Supercell tries to foster creativity by empowering its game development teams by giving them maximum autonomy, and by taking the fear out of failure through celebrating the lessons learnt with less successful game releases.Paananen also lays out why he's bullish on European tech, how AI will change gaming and how VCs can help his industry grow even more.

Im Kanton St. Gallen kommt das Referendum gegen die Kantonsstrasse zum See zustande. Wie das Komitee, das unter anderem aus den Umweltverbänden Pro Natura und WWF, dem VCS sowie den Parteien Grüne und SP besteht, mitteilt, wurden 5'200 Unterschriften gesammelt. Weitere Themen in der Sendung: · Ein Immobilienexperte ist von den Massenkündigungen der Mieterinnen und Mieter eines Churer Hochhauses überrascht. Wegen einer Sanierung müssen die Bewohnerinnen und Bewohner von rund 70 Wohnungen bis Ende April 2026 ausziehen. · Der Kaminfeger Rolf Elmer ist im Kanton Glarus unterwegs – vom Tal bis zur höchsten Alp und mit den unterschiedlichsten Fortbewegungsmitteln.

Gravity - Discover prospects with time-based signals https://bit.ly/40ALy6G Check out Dub --> https://www.dubapp.com/ Check out Steven Wang, Co-Founder of Dub https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenzwang/

In this episode of Mission Matters, Adam Torres chats with Andrew Chan, founder of Atas VC, as part of the Milken Global Conference series. They discuss the unparalleled networking opportunities at the Milken conferences and Chan's experiences with the Young Leader Circle. Chan shares insights into his venture capital firm, focusing on making VC accessible to a broader population, investing in heavy industries and critical technologies often overlooked by traditional VCs. He also talks about the rising trend of asset aggregation in the VC space and emphasizes the importance of selecting founders who are visionary and can inspire their teams. Andrew highlights his unconventional journey into venture capitalism and his focus on deploying AI in critical sectors. This interview is part of the Milken Global Conference coverage by Mission Matters. Big thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Milken Institute⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for inviting us to cover the conference. 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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More FREE content from Mission Matters here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Mission Matters, ⁠Adam Torres⁠ chats with ⁠Andrew Chan⁠, founder of Atas VC, as part of the Milken Global Conference series. They discuss the unparalleled networking opportunities at the Milken conferences and Chan's experiences with the Young Leader Circle. Chan shares insights into his venture capital firm, focusing on making VC accessible to a broader population, investing in heavy industries and critical technologies often overlooked by traditional VCs. He also talks about the rising trend of asset aggregation in the VC space and emphasizes the importance of selecting founders who are visionary and can inspire their teams. Andrew highlights his unconventional journey into venture capitalism and his focus on deploying AI in critical sectors. This interview is part of the Milken Global Conference coverage by Mission Matters. Big thanks to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Milken Institute⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for inviting us to cover the conference. 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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More FREE content from Mission Matters here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jeremy Au explores how exponential tech progress is reshaping the future, why Southeast Asia is positioned for a surge in unicorns, and how venture capitalists evaluate founders. From AI relationships to realistic startup odds, this discussion challenges assumptions about the next 100 years of innovation and entrepreneurship. 01:15 100 Years of Progress: Jeremy compares sampans to reusable rockets to illustrate the speed of change in the last century. He asks if anyone in 1924 could have predicted the internet and cat GIFs in 2024. The message is clear, by 2124, what feels absurd today may become normal. 02:26 AI Companions as Real Startups: Jeremy shares that the latest wave of venture-backed startups in California are focused on building AI-powered romantic partners. What started as a joke has become a funded reality, forcing us to consider how digital relationships could redefine human connection. 04:01 Unicorn Odds and Reality: Many students are surprised to learn that seed-stage startups have a 1 in 40 chance of becoming unicorns. Jeremy emphasizes that while the journey requires effort and resilience, the odds are better than most assume and worth pursuing with intent. 04:34 Southeast Asia's Golden Era: Asia Partners believes the next 50 years will bring more unicorns in Southeast Asia. Jeremy highlights that local universities like NUS are producing many of these founders, signaling strong homegrown potential in the region. 10:00 VCs as Elite Talent Scouts: Jeremy explains that venture capitalists are not teachers or advisors, but high-performance coaches who are assembling winning teams. They focus on backing the best early, not out of charity, but to generate home runs that deliver massive returns. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/billion-dollar-futures 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

Howard is back with a jam-packed episode of Trends With Friends featuring the first guest of summer, longtime friend and inception-stage VC killer, Ed Sim of Boldstart Ventures. From the death of moats to the rise of AI-native founders, Ed breaks down the absurd speed of today's startup landscape and why VCs must now be part therapist, part operator, and part AI-optimist. The trio (Howard, Michael Parekh, and Ed) cover why founders are ditching the old playbooks, how big tech is strip-mining startups for talent, and why infrastructure is the name of the game. Plus, deep dives into BYD vs Tesla, the “Autonomous Enterprise,” vibe coding, degenerate economies, and how Alpaca is building the brokerage rails for the rest of the world. If you care about the future of capital markets, startups, and where the next great returns will come from, don't miss this one.Where to find our guests: Howard Lindzon - https://stocktwits.com/howardlindzonMichael Parekh - https://stocktwits.com/MParekhEd Sim - https://x.com/edsimJoin Our Community! https://stocktwits.com/Sign up for our daily FREE newsletter to keep in touch with the market: https://thedailyrip.stocktwits.com/Disclaimer:All opinions expressed on this show are solely the opinions of the hosts' and guests' and do not reflect the opinions of Stocktwits, Inc. or its affiliates. The hosts are not SEC or FINRA registered advisors or professionals. The content of this show is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Please consult with your financial advisor before making any investment decision. Read the full terms & conditions here: https://stocktwits.com/about/legal/terms/

Welcome back to the Fintech Takes podcast. I'm Alex Johnson, joined by Evan Weinberger, Bloomberg Law reporter and bank regulation whisperer (and the rare guest who can quote both Caddyshack and Empire Strikes Back in a single episode, enjoy). This week's show unpacks the JP Morgan Chase open banking fee bombshell (they're now charging for access to their open banking APIs) — the story Evan himself and Bloomberg colleague Paige Smith broke — and the ripple effect it's having across fintech, data aggregators, and regulators who seem genuinely unprepared for how fast it's all moving. If there's a central theme, it's this: When the banks move first, everyone else scrambles. We dig into Chase's strategy, the pricing breakdowns, and what the “value capture” narrative says about the future of open finance. But that's just the start. Highlights include: -Why the CFPB is simultaneously gutting its rulebook and losing most of its staff -Why regulators are quietly abandoning disparate impact and what it means for fair lending -Why the Trump administration is targeting CDFIs (even though they serve many rural Southern areas aligned with the GOP) -How a data fight might unite crypto VCs and big box merchants (yes, really) This episode has it all: open banking drama, more regulatory whiplash, and fintech caught in the middle wondering what the hell just happened. Sign up for Alex's Fintech Takes newsletter for the latest insightful analysis on fintech trends, along with a heaping pile of pop culture references and copious footnotes. Every Monday and Thursday: https://workweek.com/brand/fintech-takes/ And for more exclusive insider content, don't forget to check out my YouTube page. Follow Evan Weinberger: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-weinberger-3746aa4/ X: https://x.com/reporterev  Follow Alex Johnson:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJgfH47QEwbQmkQlz1V9rQA/videos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexhjohnson X: https://www.twitter.com/AlexH_Johnson

Haun Ventures CMO Rachael Horwitz breaks down how crypto is going mainstream through stablecoins and why the industry needs better storytelling to reach broader audiences.Haun Ventures CMO Rachael Horwitz shares insights on branding in crypto, from navigating market volatility to building long-term conviction. Drawing on leadership roles at Twitter, Facebook, Google, and Coinbase, she breaks down how crypto challenges conventional tech narratives—and why VCs must rethink how they position themselves in a rapidly evolving space. A strategic lens on the future of venture and Web3.Links mentioned from the podcast: Rachael's TwitterHaun Ventures WebsiteWatch this episode on video:YouTubeCoinDeskFollow us on Twitter: Sam Ewen, CoinDeskFrom our sponsor:Midnight is a privacy-enhancing blockchain introducing vital, programmable privacy and selective disclosure capabilities. It means dApps can allow users to control what information is revealed without putting sensitive data on-chain, allowing you to break free from the limitation of choosing between utility or privacy. We deserve more when it comes to privacy. Experience the next generation of blockchain that is private and inclusive by design. Break free with Midnight, visit midnight.network/break-free.-"Gen C" features host Sam Ewen. Executive produced by Uyen Truong.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you're walking investors through your pitch deck slide-by-slide. Hiding the biggest risk in your business until the very end or treating meetings like job interviews, you're making the same mistakes that keep founders stuck in the endless cycle of “we'll pass for now.”    Fundraising isn't just about your traction or your vision. It's about breaking the pattern-recognition bias VCs use to filter out anything that doesn't look like their last big win.    If you want to raise serious capital, you have to show them why you're the outlier worth betting on.    Alexander Wulff has raised over $20 million (including an $8 million seed round) by doing the opposite of what founders are usually told. Today, he's building Nume, an AI CFO built to replace the spreadsheet chaos founders like you deal with every week.    Why do we need to work hard for warm intros? Does presenting our pitch deck actually work against us?    In this episode, Alexander shares what actually works when you're raising capital, especially when your model doesn't fit the mold. You'll learn how to lead with your biggest risk (instead of trying to hide it), and how to reframe the pitch deck as a teaser.   Topics Covered; How Alexander raised $20M+, including an $8M seed round The “tech plus service” strategy that scared off most VCs What 100+ failed VC pitches taught him about objection-handling Why cold outreach almost never works (and how to get warm intros fast) How to structure a pitch that starts with your biggest risk Why “average energy” founders rarely win VC money Why passion, performance, and “controlled craziness” matter more than polish Smart ways to use AI to make financial ops proactive, accurate, and founder-friendly Guest Bio   Alexander Wulff is the co-founder and CEO of ScaleUp Finance, which began as a CFO-as-a-Service platform combining technology and human expertise to help startups manage their financial operations. Today, that vision has evolved into Nume—the world's first true AI CFO, built to eliminate the spreadsheet chaos and reactive reporting that holds founders back. Alexander's entrepreneurial journey started early. He published a bestselling book at just 19 and launched his first venture at 20, turning dormant university-held patents into a funded startup. His experience spans fundraising, fintech innovation, and scaling high-growth companies, and he brings a unique mix of operational insight and bold, contrarian thinking to everything he builds. Visit https://www.scaleup.finance/ to learn more and connect with Alex on LinkedIn.  About Your Host   Jayla Siciliano, Shark Tank entrepreneur turned real estate investor, excels in building brands, teams, and products. CEO of a bi-coastal luxury short-term rental company, she also hosts the Seed Money Podcast, where she's on a mission to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality!    Connect: Website: https://seedmoneypodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaylasiciliano/ Subscribe and watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@seedmoneypodcast/   

Send us a textFrancisco Quartin de Macedo shares his journey from sports betting at 14 to managing millions in crypto trading, and how his pursuit of meaning led him to create a purpose-driven hedge fund after achieving financial freedom.• Starting with sports betting at 14 years old provided financial independence and a different relationship with money• Questioning purpose after financial success led to deep work with psychologists and neuroscience exploration• Being neurodivergent (ADHD) provides hyper-focus capabilities but requires conscious management• Shifting from quantity to quality in relationships has paradoxically expanded his network more effectively• Leadership evolution from reactive impatience to strategic patience through self-awareness• Creating a hedge fund focused on using profits for positive change rather than luxury consumption• Finding Bitcoin investors share values of freedom and consciousness beyond just financial returns• Web3's problems stem from human nature, not the technology itself• Balancing ruthless execution with being present for his children remains his ongoing challengeConnect with Francisco on LinkedIn to learn more about his fund at NHD Capital. For an intimate gathering of founders, VCs and creators in Portugal, check out the Sintra Synergies retreat at www.sintrasynergies.com.This episode was recorded during a walk in Sintra on June 18, 2025. Read the blog article and show notes here: https://webdrie.net/money-meaning-and-mindfulness-redefining-success-in-crypto

Check out Alex Gurevich, Managing Director of Javelin Ventures https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexg79/ https://www.javelinvp.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Ty Wang, co-founder and CEO of Angle Health, is working to ensure that anyone can access healthcare in a convenient and efficient way. Tune into this episode of Breaking Health, where host Steve Krupa speaks with Wang about shifting from engineering and government to healthcare and creating a platform that delivers comprehensive healthcare benefits while removing administrative barriers. Wang discusses the value proposition Angle Health is putting forth and what member experience is like on the platform, as well as shares advice for entrepreneurs that are at the early stages of starting their own company.  Conversations between VCs and entrepreneurs typically occur in boardrooms or coffee shops. In the Breaking Health Podcast, you get a seat at the table. Healthcare Chief Executive Officer Stephen Krupa, HealthEdge Software, Inc., brings his more than 20 years' investor experience insight to revealing conversations with the most disruptive CEOs in healthcare. Listen to understand how these leaders are building the companies—and fostering the cultures—that will change everything.  Links from this episode:  HealthEdge  Angle Health   

Haun Ventures CMO Rachael Horwitz breaks down how crypto is going mainstream through stablecoins and why the industry needs better storytelling to reach broader audiences.Haun Ventures CMO Rachael Horwitz shares insights on branding in crypto, from navigating market volatility to building long-term conviction. Drawing on leadership roles at Twitter, Facebook, Google, and Coinbase, she breaks down how crypto challenges conventional tech narratives—and why VCs must rethink how they position themselves in a rapidly evolving space. A strategic lens on the future of venture and Web3.Links mentioned from the podcast: Rachael's TwitterHaun Ventures WebsiteWatch this episode on video:YouTubeCoinDeskFollow us on Twitter: Sam Ewen, CoinDeskFrom our sponsor:Midnight is a privacy-enhancing blockchain introducing vital, programmable privacy and selective disclosure capabilities. It means dApps can allow users to control what information is revealed without putting sensitive data on-chain, allowing you to break free from the limitation of choosing between utility or privacy. We deserve more when it comes to privacy. Experience the next generation of blockchain that is private and inclusive by design. Break free with Midnight, visit midnight.network/break-free.-"Gen C" features host Sam Ewen. Executive produced by Uyen Truong.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I sit down with Shivendra Nigam, CFO of Cantabil, one of India's most successful and enduring apparel brands. Cantabil, founded in 2000, has scaled to over 600 stores across 20 states—while remaining debt-free and laser-focused on sustainable, profitable growth. The conversation covers bold expansion strategies, secrets of margin protection in a fiercely competitive fashion market, the brand's unique positioning in India's family apparel segment, and why disciplined retail operations matter more than chasing numbers.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comCantabil website - https://cantabilshop.com/

A surge in private market investment has Fools wondering: is it time to bet bigger on biotech? Tim Beyers and Karl Thiel discuss: - The rise in biotech funding from VCs and wealthy individuals. - The key attributes of an investable biotech. - Which is the better biotech: Viking Therapeutics or Eli Lilly? Companies discussed: VKTX, LLY, MRK Host: Tim Beyers and Karl Thiel Producer: Anand Chokkavelu Engineer: Dan Boyd, Natasha Hall Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the real secret behind Netflix's success wasn't movies… but data?In this episode of Demo Day, Sean Goldfaden sits down with Petra Griffith, Managing Director at Wedbush Ventures and a former product leader at Netflix and Yahoo, to uncover the hidden strategies that helped Netflix rise to the top—and the lessons every founder needs to know.Petra shares:- How Netflix became a data company (and why most startups overlook this advantage)- The traits great founders share and the red flags that make VCs say no- Why market pull matters more than your idea (and how to know if you've found it)- The #1 mistake early-stage founders make when trying to scale- How she's helping shape the next generation of LA's startup ecosystemWhether you're starting a company, raising venture capital, or investing in early-stage startups, this episode is packed with insights you can't afford to miss.#Netflix #Startups #VentureCapital #FounderAdvice #DemoDayPodcast

Gravity - Discover prospects with time-based signals https://bit.ly/40ALy6G Learn about JoinBlok.co and their recent raise: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/tcharman_im-excited-to-announce-were-coming-out-activity-7348767950427832321-RhBh?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAKE4P0B3kRfnC9MVuMcDibUIwodKep97GA Check out Tom Charman, Co-Founder of Blok https://www.linkedin.com/in/tcharman/

Simon Schmincke, Partner bei Creandum, spricht über die wichtigsten Kriterien für eine erfolgreiche Series A. Mit Investments in Unternehmen wie N26 und Trade Republic teilt Simon, worauf VCs wirklich achten, warum Umsatz nicht alles ist und wie man als Gründer den Fundraising-Prozess richtig timed. Was du lernst: Die zwei wichtigsten Kriterien für Series A Investoren Wie du den Fundraising-Prozess richtig strukturierst Warum Produkt-Love wichtiger sein kann als früher Umsatz Wie du mit Term Sheets und Timing umgehst ALLES ZU UNICORN BAKERY: https://zez.am/unicornbakery  Mehr zu Simon: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonschmincke/  CREANDUM: https://www.creandum.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/ 

Three former VCs turned coaches walk into a room…Steve Schlafman of the podcast Downshift sits down with Joe Hudson and Jerry Colonna (author of Re-Boot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up) to explore the journey of living one's purpose, especially in times of uncertainty and change. They share personal experiences and wisdom on navigating fear, grief, trust, and discovering deeper authenticity and fulfillment from three different stages of life.They explore:- Navigating uncertainty with clarity and compassion- Embracing grief as a pathway to deeper personal transformation- Building trust from an authentic and human-centered place- The difference between transactional and transformative coaching- How to authentically live and express one's purposeSend us your questions on Twitter, through our website, or in our Circle community! Joe on X: @FU_JoeHudson Brett on X: @airkistler AOA on X: @artofaccomp Visit Us: www.artofaccomplishment.com We invite you to experience our work. Reserve your spot at www.view.life/explore

In this episode of More or Less, we dive into the shifting landscape of AI, attention, and business models. From the rise of ChatGPT as both productivity tool and entertainment, to the coming collision between commerce and AI-driven recommendations, the Morins and Lessins debate what's hype, what's real, and where the next big opportunities are for startups and VCs. Plus: the truth about local news, why coding is fun again, and a pop culture corner you won't want to miss. Chapters:01:30 – Wedding Stories & The Early Jackson Hole Days03:00 – Interviewing Mark Zuckerberg Goes Wrong09:30 – Building Audiences: Why Longer is Better (and Sponsors Are Lining Up)14:00 – Is AI for Productivity or Personal Use? The Real Data16:00 – Big Tech vs. Startups: Who Wins Consumer AI?20:00 – Can AI Save Local News? The Verticalization Debate24:00 – The Real Business of Local Data: City Councils and Real Estate28:30 – AI Business Models: Advertising, Affiliate, or Something New?31:00 – Is AI Stealing Attention from Instagram? The Frenetic Race33:00 – Commerce, Discovery, and the Death of Search37:00 – The Productivity Trap: Why Margins Go to Zero39:00 – How Are VCs Really Using AI? The Memory Game40:30 – AI as Entertainment: Coding vs. Netflix43:00 – The Future of Commerce: Push vs. Pull, Meta vs. OpenAI46:00 – Google, Gemini, and the Battle for Relevance47:30 – Late Night Coding: Why Claude Is Addictive53:00 – Pop Culture Corner: Lena Dunham, AI Bands, and WimbledonWe're also on ↓X: https://twitter.com/moreorlesspodInstagram: https://instagram.com/moreorlessSpotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moreorlesspodConnect with us here:1) Sam Lessin: https://x.com/lessin2) Dave Morin: https://x.com/davemorin3) Jessica Lessin: https://x.com/Jessicalessin4) Brit Morin: https://x.com/brit

Alex Benik, Partner / Founder at Encoded Ventures, discusses the fund's investment thesis. Great discussion on how we each view the disruptions AI is causing on multiple fronts. VCs investing today have to think about the next 5-7 year window and what changes are likely to come.

Gilad Uziely is the co-founder and CEO of Sequence, the all-in-one money OS automating cash flow for small businesses and consumers. Launched in 2024, Sequence has already moved over $750 million, hit 1.5 million in ARR, grown 600% YOY, and raised $15 million from top VCs. Gilad is a serial fintech builder with deep experience in launching data-driven tech companies, and now helps thousands master their money through smart automation. Based in Tel Aviv, Gilad's entrepreneurial journey is a testament to grit, risk-taking, and building tools that truly empower others. On this episode we talk about: Gilad's first business: the classic lemonade stand outside his childhood home in Israel The rise of Tel Aviv's tech scene and why it's become a global startup powerhouse Fundraising in Israel's VC-rich environment and the challenge of selling new ideas to investors Lessons learned from earlier ventures—including raising capital for boutique hotels in Italy and navigating the risks of unconventional startups The importance of choosing the right venture partners, understanding cap tables, and protecting yourself as a founder Sequence's core mission: Making it effortless to automate your cash flow, savings, investing, and financial goals with customizable rules and smart triggers How to build intentional financial habits, protect your downside, and use automation to free up mental energy The psychology of money: why separating funds, paying your future self first, and “working like you're broke” are game-changing Sequence users' creative approaches to saving—whether for starting a business, IVF, travel, or building a true safety net Advice for entrepreneurs: balancing business growth with personal finance, risk tolerance, and taking deliberate steps toward freedom Top 3 Takeaways Automate to Win: Setting up simple, intentional automation for your money removes human error, builds better habits, and gives you the peace of mind needed to take bigger risks and grow your business. Intentional Planning Beats Random Spending: Building financial “maps” (like saving automatically for trips, investments, or your next business) ensures you live life now while planning for the future. Connect, Ask, and Learn: Don't wait for perfection—reach out to experienced founders for help with cap tables or decisions, and always dig your well before you're thirsty (network before you need it). Notable Quotes “Automation can really change the trajectory of your life. We think of Sequence as a fitness app that goes to the gym for you.” “Be intentional. Even if your plan is simple, it's 90% of the work—just start, automate it, and tweak as you go.” “If you don't give your money a job, it'll find a job somewhere else for you.” Connect with Gilad Uziely & Sequence: Website: use.getsequence.io/travischappell Discount code: TRAVIS25 Email: gilad@getsequence.io (offering free support for founders and those struggling with cap table issues)

What happens when 3,500 staffers lose their jobs due to FDA layoffs, venture capital (VC) term sheets shrink, and AI drug-discovery startups raise $600 million rounds? Executive recruiter William Holodnak (ex-Fidelity, global biotech headhunter) breaks down 2025's wild hiring market—and how founders can still build A-teams.In this episode you'll learn:- Why the April-1 FDA layoffs could delay approvals—and open new career doors for ex-regulators. - The three traits VCs demand in first-time biotech CEOs during a funding slump. - How AI-driven platforms like Isomorphic Labs raised mega-rounds in a down market. - Immunology's surge and why oncology startups are pivoting. - Board-level recruiting tactics that de-risk your Series B.

Jeremy Au breaks down the hidden math behind venture capital: why only a few startups matter, how VCs double down or walk away, and what real exits look like. Using the case of Instacart and Southeast Asia IPOs like SEA, Grab, and GoTo, he explains what separates paper value from cash returns, and why timing is everything. 01:07 VC Fund Economics and Decision Making: Covers how venture capitalists allocate time and support across their portfolio. Highlights the paradox where top performers need little help, while struggling startups consume the most resources. 04:04 Instacart IPO Case Study: Breaks down how early and late investors in Instacart performed. Shows how investment timing, conviction, and follow-on decisions shape actual returns. 08:34 Instagram vs. Snapchat: Acquisition Decisions: Compares two founders who faced billion-dollar buyout offers. One sold early and built long-term value inside a larger company. The other kept control but faced a bumpier ride. 11:20 VC Fund Performance and Metrics: Explains how to interpret MOIC and DPI. Focuses on the gap in Southeast Asia where paper returns look strong but real liquidity is still limited. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/paper-vs-profit 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

Shaq, Partner at Lux Capital, talked to a top robotics founder about his business. What follows is a deep dive into platform strategy, defensibility, and value capture in general-purpose robotics. If you're building a startup, this is a must-watch for understanding how top-tier VCs think. VC Shaquille Vayda, Partner at Lux Capital https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaquillevayda/ https://www.luxcapital.com/ FOUNDER Hoa Mai Founder, Feather Robotics https://www.linkedin.com/in/whoishoa/ HELP WITH YOUR PITCH?

Leicester On #BlockDAG Removing Vesting For New Buys #Crypto #Cryptocurrency #podcast #BasicCryptonomics #BlockDAG @BinanceStuff Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.CryptoTalkRadio.net⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@ThisIsCTR⁠⁠⁠⁠ Discord:⁠⁠⁠⁠ @CryptoTalkRadio⁠⁠⁠⁠ Chapters (00:00:00) - Binance throws out all vesting on Coinone(00:03:17) - Let the VCs cash out early(00:08:12) - CryptoTalk FM: Get rid of vesting(00:09:15) - X10 mining: How many miners are mining with X10?

Loretta Tioiela is the founder of Next Sequence, a venture capital firm at the forefront of one of the most exciting fields in science and technology: the convergence of artificial intelligence and synthetic biology.With a rich background in deep tech, holding strategic leadership positions at global giants like Huawei and Samsung, and working as Chief Product Officer at cloud innovator Scaleway, Loretta possesses a unique and powerful perspective.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comNext Sequence website - https://www.thenextsequence.vc/Loretta Tioiela on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorettatioiela/

Riley Kaminer is the Founder of ClearCritical, a team of storytellers and strategists helping VCs amplify their vision. They turn investment theses and portfolio successes into compelling narratives that engage LPs and elevate their firms' brands. An experienced tech journalist, Riley's research and writing has appeared in Forbes, The Times (UK), Rest of World, Cities Today, Refresh Miami, and many more. Through his coverage of 400+ startups – and ghostwriting for dozens more – he is keenly aware of what gives stories long-term impact. Riley leverages his experience as a journalist to empower startups to build their own media ecosystem. His bespoke content strategy will enable you to become a thought leader and spread your ideas at scale. Ultimately, this content creation helps your company gain credibility, lock down leads, and drive sales. As a founder, your insights can change the world. But these ideas won't go anywhere unless you create content. Work with Riley and unlock your inner thought leader. You can also watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/XZaLosM6V2k You can learn more about Riley Kaminer at: https://rileykaminer.com Find his company ClearCritical at: https://www.clearcritical.com Follow the Agents of Innovation podcast on: Instagram: / innovationradio Twitter: / agentinnovation Facebook: / agentsofinnovationpodcast You can support this podcast and our Fearless Journeys community on our Patreon account: www.patreon.com/fearlessjourneys You can also join our network -- and our group trips -- through the Fearless Journeys community at: https://www.fearlessjourneys.org 0:00 Episode Intro 1:47 Introduction of Riley Kaminer 3:04 Growing up with an international mindset 5:58 Attending College in the UK / Scotland 8:54 Studying abroad in Madrid 10:18 Comparing to U.S. college experience 13:10 Degrees in Business, Spanish, and Latin American Studies 14:58 Becoming a Writer Requires Collecting Experiences 16:18 Working for a Film Distributor in the UK 18:00 Moving to Spain with a Digital Nomad Visa 18:59 Living and Working in South Florida Post-Pandemic 23:03 Writing about Tech for Refresh Miami 25:17 Freelance writing for a variety of publications 25:48 First job develops work ethic 28:12 What sparked early interest in journalism 31:58 Founding ClearCritical to tell stories in a different way 35:21 Repurposing your skills in a rapidly changing economy 39:59 How ClearCritical can help you 41:28 The importance of repetitive storytelling 47:52 Choosing to live and work from Madrid 51:48 Personal benefits of entrepreneurship

Episode OverviewIn this July 2025 episode of Marks on the Markets, we dive deep into the venture capital landscape with two battle-tested VCs who've weathered the storm from COVID boom to AI revolution. Key Themes ExploredThe "Quiet Freakout" PhenomenonWhy even well-funded startups are secretly terrified about the next 6-18 monthsHow AI has created a "boxing match during an earthquake" for entrepreneursThe unprecedented uncertainty facing venture founders in 2025The Great Liquidity CrisisWhy LPs haven't seen distributions in years and what it means for new fundingThe IPO market's slow reopening and what it signals for exitsHow the DPI (distributions to paid-in capital) drought is reshaping the industryAI's Seismic ImpactWhy this technological shift dwarfs previous internet revolutionsThe emergence of AI-native companies and what it means for traditional softwareWhy we're likely underestimating AI's transformative powerThe Hardware RenaissanceHow software commoditization is driving investment toward "hard tech"The rise of American dynamism and defense technology startupsWhy friction is becoming the new competitive moatFaith-Driven InnovationLearning from social media's mental health failuresWhy Christian entrepreneurs feel called to shape AI's developmentBiblical frameworks for understanding technology's role in societyStandout Quotes"Everybody is quietly freaking out. You might have money in the bank, you might have venture backers, and yet everybody's quietly freaking out because you just don't know what's going to happen in three months, six months, three years." - Jake Thomsen"We are on the precipice of what could be the biggest series of technological changes in human history... more radical than at any point in history." - John Coleman"I continue to believe we are much more likely to underestimate the impact of AI than we are to overestimate it." - Rob Go"We kind of missed the boat in social media... We can't miss the boat with AI. Believers have to step in." - Jake ThomsenDeep Dive SegmentsThe Venture Market Transformation (03:22-15:36) Jake Thomsen provides a masterclass overview of venture's roller coaster ride from pre-COVID normalcy through the 2021-22 bubble, the 2022 crash, banking crisis, and today's AI-driven uncertainty.Four Forces Reshaping Early-Stage Investing (15:36-25:00) Rob Go breaks down the industry's permanent structural changes: maturation and concentration, Y Combinator's dominance, mega-fund competition, and the AI supercycle's 20-30 year horizon.The Optimist vs. Realist Debate (25:00-35:00) John Coleman makes the bull case for venture while Rob and Jake wrestle with ground-level challenges, exploring the disconnect between macro optimism and micro struggles.Hardware's Moment (35:00-45:00) Why the pendulum is swinging from pure software plays to capital-intensive "hard tech" solutions, and whether this represents a fundamental shift or temporary trend.Faith and Technology (45:00-49:07) A powerful discussion on how Christian entrepreneurs are approaching AI development with lessons learned from social media's unintended consequences.Guest ProfilesJake Thomsen - Partner at Sovereign's Capital, focusing on faith-driven founders and early-stage ventures. Previously worked in venture capital and strategic consulting.Rob Go - Co-founder and Partner at NextView Ventures, a seed-stage VC firm. 15+ years in venture capital with investments spanning consumer, enterprise, and frontier tech.Key Takeaways for InvestorsThe Power Law is Real: Top quartile VCs still dramatically outperform public markets, but the gap between best and worst performers has widened to 2,000+ basis points.Timing Matters: We're in the infrastructure phase of the AI revolution—similar to early internet days where enabling technologies capture initial value before applications flourish.Defense Through Friction: As software becomes commoditized, companies with hardware, services, or regulatory moats may prove more defensible.Liquidity Patience Required: The venture asset class needs patient capital as exit timelines extend and public market windows remain selective.Values-Driven Advantage: Founders building with clear ethical frameworks may have competitive advantages in an AI-dominated future.Resources MentionedHallow (Catholic prayer app)"God Looks Like Jesus" by Greg BoydAll-In PodcastY CombinatorReindustrialized Conference (Detroit)Connect with Our GuestsJake Thomsen: Sovereign's CapitalRob Go: NextView Ventures

I am joined by Blakely Graham, who is a board advisor to Left Main REI, host of the Not All Business Podcast, Founder and former CEO of TaskRay⁠. This one was a long time coming. On a personal note, my time at TaskRay was some of my most formative. I found a balance while there between my previous experience of excellence with true work life balance and a focus on values that stays with me. I am so grateful that Blakely and team took a chance in hiring me for a role that I was almost kind of qualified for and her friendship since then.I'll do my best to summarize this episode, but it's more than worth a listen because I don't have enough characters to summarize it all. Blakely's Salesforce journey starts in 2001 and spans a ton of roles and experiences. We dig deep into her experience founding TaskRay 15 years ago in 2010 as Bracket Labs as one of the early ISVs on the AppExchange where VCs told her that her business was not investable and it was "a lifestyle business" at best because the Salesforce ecosystem was too small. She grew it in spite of that and by the time they sold the business, they were getting endless inbound interest.We talk about culture and values and why they were so important to her and the team at TaskRay. One of the core values was Connection that was the inspiration for Project Connection where the founders and I went to 5 cities and sat across the table from over 20 customers without an agenda outside of learning how our customers used the app. It drove focus for years to come that had nearly endless valuable outcomes like clarity of product roadmap, dramatically reduced churn, drove brand/marketing strategy, and much more. She shares how founder conflict snuck up on her with Eric Wu as well as how they (eventually) resolved it. As we switched gears to talk about gtm, Blakely shares how TaskRay evolved from the primary source of leads being the AppExchange with mostly SMB customers to more enterprise selling with content strategies, partnership motions, events, and more knobs we turned. The lesson is you are going to try stuff - some will work, some won't but you have to innovate and measure.We talk about how to select and what you can expect from an advisor. At TaskRay, we rolled an advisor program out modeled after a talk Blakely listened to from Andy Wilson, founder of Logikcull. Shoutout to Phil Stern who was my sales leader advisor at TaskRay who helped me avoid many mistakes.Show notes:Jolene Chan's LinkedIn where she was talking about a personal board of directors: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jolenec/Not All Business podcast with Heather Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/company/not-all-business/Podcast with Andy Wilson from Logikcull where he discusses his advisor program that we modeled TaskRay's after: it starts at 14:05 and lasts 4 minutes  starts at 14:05 and lasts 4 minutes -https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saastr-236-logikcull-ceo-andy-wilson-on-%240-to-%2410m/id1089973241?i=1000439148009This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠Invisory⁠⁠⁠. Invisory is designed to meet you where you are: in your cloud marketplace journey through a strong go-to-market strategy that helps drive prospect and co-sell opportunities with Salesforce, AWS, Microsoft, and Google. 

Can doing good in the world be quantified like ROI? Peter Winick sits down with Nick Cooney, founder and managing partner of Lever VC, to explore how a venture capitalist measures moral return alongside financial return. Nick's not your typical VC—he's also the author of "What We Don't Do: Inaction in the Face of Suffering and the Drive to Do More", a book that fuses analytical thinking with a deep commitment to reducing suffering. Nick reveals how dictating thoughts during a long car ride led to a full-fledged book deal with Simon & Schuster. But this isn't just a passion project—it's a strategic move. Nick shares how writing the book expands his credibility with mission-driven founders and impact-minded investors. You'll hear how he uses the “Brady Rule”—a nod to NFL legend Tom Brady—to challenge philanthropists to pursue giving with the same intensity as professional athletes pursue greatness. And how the overlap between financial rigor and moral responsibility creates a powerful (and rare) kind of leader. Peter and Nick dive into the strategic value of thought leadership for VCs: from deal flow to LP trust, to long-game positioning. Plus, Nick shares what he's learned from marketing the book, why the publishing timeline misses the mark, and what feedback surprised him most. This is a conversation for anyone looking to align meaning with metrics—and use content to drive serious business outcomes. Three Key Takeaways: • Thought Leadership Can Power Business Strategy Nick's book isn't just a personal project—it's a tool to build credibility, drive deal flow, and attract like-minded investors and founders. A well-positioned book can serve as your most powerful business card. • Impact and Analytics Aren't Mutually Exclusive Nick bridges the gap between rigorous financial thinking and doing good. He argues that applying ROI-based decision-making to philanthropy and impact can dramatically increase the effectiveness of our efforts to reduce suffering. • You Can—and Should—Train for Good Like an Athlete One standout idea from Nick's book is the “Brady Rule”—a call for people to approach doing good in the world with the same intensity, discipline, and optimization mindset as elite athletes do their sport. If Nick Cooney's episode got you thinking about how doing good can be measured, optimized, and scaled—then you'll want to dive into our conversation with Dr. Moshe Engelberg. Like Nick, Moshe challenges traditional business thinking by bringing purpose and values into the spotlight. In his episode, we explore how love—yes, love—can be a strategic business advantage, driving both culture and performance. Both Nick and Moshe offer bold frameworks for leaders who want to align their success with meaningful impact. If you're rethinking ROI to include humanity, ethics, and long-term value, this is the perfect next listen: Love from Thought Leadership with Moshe Engelberg

Most entrepreneurs think raising VC money means they've "made it."But Tom Dillon learned something different during his years in investment banking and running a PE-backed company.After analyzing countless deals and experiencing the pressure firsthand, he discovered that VC money comes with a specific expectation: IPO-level returns."For a lot of VCs, they kinda look at things in terms of roulette table. They really need one of those to hit big."The problem? Most successful businesses exit through M&A, not IPOs.So if you're building a profitable company that could sell for $20-50M in a few years, VC funding might actually work against you.Tom now helps founders as a fractional CFO, matching funding strategies to realistic business goals rather than chasing the biggest check.In this episode, we explore:• Why thinking multiple rounds ahead is crucial for any capital raise • Alternative funding sources that align with M&A exits • The growing trend of buying your first business instead of starting one • How to set realistic valuation expectations • The mindset shifts that separate successful founders from those who strugglePerfect for entrepreneurs evaluating funding options and business owners planning exit strategies.• • •FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE:https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/tomdillon• • • FOR MORE ON TOM DILLONhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tomdilloncfa/ https://fracfinance.com/ FOR MORE ON COREY KUPFERhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/https://www.coreykupfer.com/ Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast.Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today!

Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Do you invest in training high-potential employees to grow into leadership roles—or do you prefer to hire seasoned pros from the start? There's no one-size-fits-all approach to building a great team, but today's featured guest has a clear philosophy: when it comes to agency growth, he prefers to develop A-players from within. For him, building the bench is just as important as building the business. Hamlet Azarian is the founder and CEO of Azarian Growth Agency, an agency that works with mid-market venture-backed startups helping them build their go-to-market strategies. He discusses his agency's "build them up" strategy, focusing on continual learning and curiosity through an academy, webinars, and internships, rather than solely hiring seasoned professionals. He'll address the common agency challenge of talent retention, noting that positive experiences can still lead to future referrals and positive word-of-mouth, even if employees eventually move on. It's an interesting episode where we dive into the importance of human capital and fostering a supportive, value-driven environment for agency success. In this episode, we'll discuss: Growing talent from scratch. Promote those who are ready to shine. The secret to employee retention.  Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources E2M Solutions: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by E2M Solutions, a web design, and development agency that has provided white-label services for the past 10 years to agencies all over the world. Check out e2msolutions.com/smartagency and get 10% off for the first three months of service. From Go-to Fixer to Full Agency Before he was running his own growth agency, Hamlet was the go-to fixer for venture-backed startups in the trenches of pre-product chaos. VCs brought him in as a high-paid consultant to help fragile startups figure out product validation and go-to-market traction — a risky sandbox where there's barely a product and hardly any money. As the companies he touched turned into multi-million-dollar powerhouses, word got around, more VCs lined up, and the Azarian Growth Agency was born. So as he recalls, it wasn't exactly an accidental start, but considering he was helping startups that could barely write a check, he could not see it turning into a full agency in the beginning. A Culture of Relentless Learning One thing Hamlet doesn't compromise on is curiosity. If you run an agency, you know yesterday's marketing tactic is today's LinkedIn meme. So instead of hiring only ‘seasoned experts,' He invests in creating lifelong learners. How? He built Azarian Growth Academy, which trains up-and-coming marketers on the exact growth strategies his agency deploys for high-stakes startups. Add to that a monthly Growth Lab webinar, Udemy courses (4,000+ students and counting), and a robust internship pipeline — and you get a team that knows not just what to do, but why it works. Education is really central for Hamlet so his people don't just follow checklists — they evolve with the market because they understand the principles behind the tactics. Growing Talent from Scratch (and Letting Them Fly) Does it work? Hamlet shares a story that answers that better than any hiring manifesto. One intern joined as a college senior, left, and rejoined when Hamlet officially hung out his agency shingle. When he saw her application, Hamlet immediately hired her, as she knew her aptitude, passion, and even her weaknesses. Within 6 months, she was running paid ads. By year one, she was pitching clients solo. By year two, she was leading teams and today she's a senior department head. The lesson here is drive and curiosity should be backed with training, opportunity, and real trust. The payoff is massive loyalty and in-house expertise that's molded to your agency's playbook — not someone else's. Promotion by Performance, Not the Calendar Forget annual reviews and rigid promotion ladders. Hamlet's approach is simple: Learn fast, deliver results, get rewarded. To him, some people shine faster than others and, as the agency owners, you don't to limit that potential. Of course, you want to prepare them for the new role, so he tests emerging talent on internal agency projects before putting them on client accounts. If they mess up, the agency learns — not the client's bank account. It's a safe sandbox for risk-taking and skill-building, with performance as the only true gatekeeper to moving up. Flexibility: The Secret Sauce to Keeping Good People How can you keep that talent from jumping ship the second they hit senior level? You don't always. And Hamlet says that's perfectly fine. Even with AI evolving daily, Hamlet's clear that an agency's real moat is people — smart, motivated, curious people who feel trusted and supported to do their best work. Tools change. Channels come and go. But the humans who run them? That's your agency's real asset. In his view, the agency's success is predicated on the owner's ability to bring in talented people on to the team and provide a great environment that encourages them to stay. And the definition of “great” in this case may vary from individual to individual, but Hamlet finds that more than  perks or a foosball table or free LaCroix, it's about freedom. People need room to live their lives — whether that's hopping on a plane to Italy with the kids, or working flexible hours so family time doesn't clash with client deadlines. When people feel understood and trusted, they stay longer. And if they do leave? They become allies, not competitors. Many send referrals back. Some boomerang and return. And nearly all say, “That's where I learned how to do great work.” That reputation becomes your best recruiting tool — a self-feeding loop of great people wanting in. Experience vs. Fresh Eyes: A Never-Ending Balancing Act There's a million ways to grow an agency and there are no easy answers when it comes to hiring. Even if you hire the “experienced pro,” they can become rigid and slow to adapt — a death knell for early-stage growth marketing where experimentation rules. Hamlet's advice is don't bet the farm on resumes alone. Bet on mindset. Surround yourself with good people who share the same values. Look for curiosity, a love of learning, and the ability to fail, recover, and share lessons. Skills can be taught. Hunger can't. Define what you believe. Hire for it relentlessly. Train for skill, reward growth, and build an environment people don't want to leave — and if they do, they still sing your praises. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.

Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:04:19) - Entering the VC space (00:08:38) - Pilot-fund theories (00:12:50) - Risk tracking (00:19:56) - Finding LP alignment (00:22:39) - Arkady's fund thesis (00:47:12) - Creating the index of solutions to problems (00:57:18) - The TAM for VC in 2025 (01:00:29) - How founders can increase the odds of being funded by Arkady (01:03:36) - False signals in VC Links: Arkady on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/arkady-kulik/ Arkady on X - https://x.com/arkady_kulik Rpv.global - https://rpv.global/ To support the costs of producing this podcast:  >> Buy a copy of the Navalmanack: www.navalmanack.com/  >> Buy a copy of The Anthology of Balaji: https://balajianthology.com/ >> Sign up for my online course and community about building your Personal Leverage: https://www.ejorgenson.com/leverage  >> Invest in early-stage companies alongside Eric and his partners at Rolling Fun: https://angel.co/v/back/rolling-fun >> Join the free weekly email list at ejorgenson.com/newsletter >> Text the podcast to a friend >> Or at least give the podcast a positive review to help us reach new listeners! We discuss: How speaking the language of scientists helps Arkady build real trust with founders. The AI tournament model he uses to identify 300 hidden human needs. Focusing on problems first, then funding an index of possible solutions. What he looks for in both founders and LPs. Why honesty beats hype every time. Why DPI is the only VC metric that actually matters. Quotes from David: “You don't prove your worth as a VC until you return capital to your LPs. DPI is the only metric that matters.” “The VC game is full of false positives—in evaluating companies and in how LPs evaluate VCs.” “The best thing an investor can do is give a quick yes; the next best is a quick no. Lingering maybes are the worst.” “Our technical unlock was agentic AI—it lets us evaluate hundreds of emerging needs for humanity in days, not years.” “We want to be the first check because what matters most is building deep trust with the founder, not just valuation.” “If you sold LPs on a strategy and you quietly abandon it, that's a breach of trust—it's like cheating in a marriage.” “A lot of people go into VC for ego or fast money. They won't survive. This is a long, emotionally volatile game.” “Stop wasting your life and start making a difference. If you're a founder, build what only you can build.” “There's nothing wrong with saying no—it's how you say it that matters.” “The founder's mistake is assuming your investors will make money just because you do.” “Great founders don't oversell—they're clear, calm, and self-aware.” Important Quotes from the podcast on Business and Entrepreneurship   There is no skill called “business.” Avoid business magazines and business classes. - Naval Ravikant   You have to work up to the point where you can own equity in a business. You could own equity as a small shareholder where you bought stock. You could also own it as an owner where you started the company. Ownership is really important.     Everybody who really makes money at some point owns a piece of a product, a business, or some IP. That can be through stock options if you work at a tech company. That's a fine way to start. 

Produced by Foundersuite (for startups: www.foundersuite.com) and Fundingstack (for VCs: www.fundingstack.com), "How I Raised It" goes behind the scenes with startup founders and investors who have raised capital. This episode is with with Renata Quintini of Renegade Partners, an early stage VC fund that supports companies during the high-stakes phase between early traction and significant growth. Learn more at https://www.renegadepartners.com/ In this wide-ranging episode, we talk about the rise of micro-VCs (she was previously at Felicis Ventures and Lux Capital), tips for raising Fund I, the evolution and challenges of graduating to Fund II, tips for sourcing and communicating with LPs, how to create FOMO, and much, much more. Renegade most recently raised a $128 million Fund II from LPs including Los Angeles Fire & Police Pension System, Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, and Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation among other institutional LPs. How I Raised It is produced by Foundersuite, makers of software to raise capital and manage investor relations. Foundersuite's customers have raised over $21 Billion since 2016. If you are a startup, create a free account at www.foundersuite.com. If you are a VC, venture studio or investment banker, check out our new platform, www.fundingstack.com

Are you ready to invest in sectors that are shaping the future, but often overlooked by traditional VCs?   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene speaks with Emily Dinu, founder of Numinous Capital, who shares her journey of building a venture capital firm that focuses on long-term, high-impact investments in overlooked industries such as defense tech, biotech, and energy. With a patient capital approach and an emphasis on visionaries, Emily is driving innovation in sectors with significant growth potential. Join us as she discusses the challenges and opportunities of funding unconventional ventures that can bring about real, lasting change.   Key Takeaways: → The importance of non-dilutive funding and pacing capital for long-term growth. → Understanding the differences between typical software startups and more complex, scientific ventures. → Why it's crucial to approach investment with a mindset focused on exit, not just growth. → The challenge of helping entrepreneurs pitch their vision as a company, not a science project. → How becoming a successful entrepreneur requires more than charisma.   Emily Dinu is the Founding Partner of Numinous Capital, an early-stage venture firm that supports founders who address generational challenges with intelligence, boldness, and precision, especially in overlooked markets like the American South and along the coasts. Her career started in operations, where she built companies and tackled issues others had neglected. Today, she invests in companies that create jobs, push the boundaries of possibility, and challenge complacent capital. Numinous' philosophy is based on strategic advantages and economic renewal. Emily believes the strongest returns come from those underestimated by the market but proven in execution.   Connect With Emily: Website   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices