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How I Raised It - The podcast where we interview startup founders who raised capital.
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 Rachel Epstein, CEO of Pulse Charter Connect, an organ transport logistics startup that helps move hearts and livers and kidneys and other critical organs around the country via air. To fund her business, Laura went through 7 different accelerator programs and so we talk about how to make the most of accelerators, demo day tips, questions to ask investors to make sure they have capital to deploy, tips for communicating noteworthy events to investors, how she used Foundersuite to manager her investor pipelines, and more. The Company most recently raised $2 million in seed funding, which brings their total funding to $3.3 million. The oversubscribed round was led by Ivy Ventures and Simplex Ventures, with participation from Cedars Sinai Health Ventures, Belal Badat Ventures, Techstars, and angel investors 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
Welcome to a new episode of the EUVC podcast, where Dan Bowyer and Mads Jensen of SuperSeed and Lomax from Outsized Ventures, gather to unpack the macro forces and micro signals shaping European tech and venture.This week, the trio tackles one of the most geopolitically charged, capital-heavy, and morally complex episodes yet:
In a slight departure from our usual building performance themes joining us for this episode we have Richard Muscat, a man who has experienced the world of investment and tech from a fascinating range of angles and is seeking ways to do things differently.In essence, we're looking at the way venture capital and climatetech are organised in ways that aren't conducive to delivering the impact that's promised. We're not just picking on VCs, we're using them as a means of highlighting a bunch of systemic economic issues—chief among them is how unrealistic goals for growth (in its myriad forms) almost always leads to failed impact. Perversely, it's a bug in the impact investment space that's a feature of the broader investment system.We also get into concepts of degrowth and economic biodiversity.Good Homes Alliance eventLaunch event of our a best practice guide to ‘Water Efficiency and Reuse in Housing' on Thursday 10 July.Notes from the showRichard Muscat on LinkedinThe Untangled websiteRichard's recent LinkedIn post that we mentionThe Project Drawdown websiteHuman flourishing doesn't require perpetual growth; it requires sufficiency, by Jason HickelSmarter Finance 4 EU — the project Jeff's been working on and promoting because green home certification is about not just energy use, or IAQ, etc, but how residents live their lives once they leave the front door i.e. nature + cycling + public transport + climate resilience etc. all matter**SOME SELF-PROMOTING CALLS TO ACTION**We don't actually earn anything from this, and it's quite a lot of work, so we have to promote the day jobs.Follow us on the Zero Ambitions LinkedIn page (we still don't have a proper website)Jeff and Dan about Zero Ambitions Partners (the consultancy) for help with positioning and communications strategy, customer/user research and engagement strategy, carbon calculations and EPDs – we're up to all sortsSubscribe and advertise with Passive House Plus (UK edition here too)Check Lloyd Alter's Substack: Carbon UpfrontJoin ACANJoin the AECB Join the IGBCCheck out Her Retrofit Space, the renovation and retrofit platform for women**END OF SELF-PROMOTING CALLS TO ACTION**
Back by popular demand, Rick Segal—venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and trusted advisor to countless startups—returns to The Willpower Podcast for a deeper dive into the evolving role of VCs in a founder's journey.In this candid and insightful conversation, Rick unpacks what founders often misunderstand about venture capital, how great VCs add real value beyond the check, and why alignment between investors and entrepreneurs is more critical than ever.We cover:What VCs really look for before investingThe red flags founders should watch for in investor relationshipsHow to navigate power dynamics and preserve your visionThe shift from transactional capital to strategic partnershipsWhether you're raising your first round or scaling toward exit, this episode is a must-listen for founders who want to build smarter, faster, and with the right people by their side.
Today's show:In this powerhouse VC roundtable, @Jason sits down with Sequoia's Doug Leone and Cyberstarts' Gili Raanan to share brutally honest insights on startup recruiting, evaluating second-time founders, and how to truly find product-market fit. They break down why big-tech résumés can be misleading, how to structure early teams, and what separates “missionary” talent from mercenaries. Plus, the myth of early ARR, the art of founder-board trust, and how AI is (and isn't) reshaping startup velocity. Must-watch for founders, VCs, and anyone building from 0 to 1.Timestamps:(03:25) The origins of Wiz and how VCs know when to invest(05:17) What qualities are investors looking for in founders and entrepreneurs?(09:53) LinkedIn Ads - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups(18:40) How to know when you've reached true Product Market Fit: the experts sound off(19:20) Notion - Try it for free today at https://notion.com/twist(25:39) The secrets of recruiting top talent(29:54) CLA - Get started with CLA's CPAs, consultants, and wealth advisors now at https://claconnect.com/tech(39:38) Judging a startup's revenue quality and “founder vs. salesman” deals(53:38) Is venture capital kind of a SCAM?(55:00) Seed Investing: “Pick them right and early”Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpFollow Lon:X: https://x.com/lonsFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:(09:53) LinkedIn Ads - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups(19:20) Notion - Try it for free today at https://notion.com/twist(29:54) CLA - Get started with CLA's CPAs, consultants, and wealth advisors now at https://claconnect.com/techGreat TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.comSubscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916
In today's solo episode, Coach Debbie dives deep into a hidden root cause of chronic fatigue, brain fog, stubborn weight gain, and premature aging—CIRS, or Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. If you've ever felt stuck in survival mode despite doing all the “right” things, it may not be your fault. Your mitochondria may be trapped in a Cell Danger Response, driven by exposure to biotoxins, mold, or chronic infections like MARCoNS. You'll learn how this complex immune response damages your gut, disrupts hormones, impairs your brain, and stalls fat metabolism—all accelerating the aging process. I'll walk you through the core labs I use with clients, including VCS screening, MARCoNS nasal testing, and mitochondrial support panels, plus how to connect these to functional thyroid patterns, leaky gut, and cognitive decline.
10X Success Hacks for Startups, Innovations and Ventures (consulting and training tips)
In this episode of Pitch Cafe, we sit down with Jeel Patel, a young and ambitious entrepreneur who, just 1.5 years out of college, is already working on his third startup, FieldCamp. His latest venture is building the first fully AI-powered software for SMBs, tapping into a $3 billion market that even VCs struggle to understand. But what makes jeel confident in his success? It's not just the idea—it's his deep industry knowledge, his experienced team, and his ability to leverage real connections with SMBs. Tune in to hear jeel's insights on AI, startup challenges, and why this time, he's betting big! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ✨ ABOUT ME ✨ Hello, my name is Vidyangi (Vida) Patil. I am a mindset coach, author, and speaker. Five years ago when I started understanding success hacks for individuals, startups, and larger organizations little did I know I would end up working with mentors hail from Silicon Valley at Stanford University, MIT Media Lab, Singularity University, and incubators and accelerators. All the way from guiding AI/ML startup founders in winning pitch competitions, and bagging investor appointments to helping youth entrepreneurs and women land their dream job or promotion, I plan to spill the beans of wisdom to launch you higher wherever you are in your life. I have successfully coached communities in social impact initiatives during COVID. Every week you will see new videos from me on career, personal growth, and technology trends to onboard your rocket ship to success!
This is the brutally honest startup story every founder needs to hear. Benedetta shares how she built a fintech app to half a million users and raised $10M—yet still failed. You'll learn why chasing big partnerships can backfire spectacularly, how a seemingly successful startup can quietly fall apart, and how to set yourself up to avoid common but deadly fundraising mistakes. This isn't just another success story; it's a real guide on how not to fail.Why You Should ListenDiscover why even rapid growth and millions raised might not save you.Find out the hidden dangers of relying on corporate VCs.Learn why equal founder equity splits might not be a good idea.Hear the biggest fundraising mistakes early-stage founders make (and how to avoid them).Get practical advice on how to truly validate your startup before building tech.Keywordsstartup failure, fundraising mistakes, fintech startup, founder lessons, corporate VC, startup partnerships, product validation, founder equity split, early-stage fundraising, startup growth challenges00:00:00 Early Days at Uber and Moving into Fintech00:07:00 Launching a Consumer Fintech App in Europe00:13:37 Validating Without Tech Building an MVP by Hand00:19:22 Why US Startup Models Don't Work in Europe00:23:07 Raising Money Quickly—and the Hidden Costs00:28:56 Running Out of Cash When COVID Hit00:32:15 Tough Decisions Layoffs, Sales, and Shutdown00:37:53 How Big Partnerships Can Sink Your Startup00:43:41 Staying Optimistic Even When Everything Falls Apart00:46:38 Crucial Fundraising Advice for Early-Stage FoundersSend me a message to let me know what you think!
In der 2. Folge unseres neuen Podcast-Formats spricht unser Geschäftsführer Matthias Lais mit Nikolaus D. Bayer (Business Angels Deutschland e.V.) über die aktuelle Lage auf dem VC-Markt und die Auswirkungen von Trump, Klarna & Co.00:00-Intro00:49-Vorstellung Nikolaus03:04-Aktueller Blick auf den VC-Markt05:37-Thema Secondaries - Wie stehst du dazu?09:31-KI in Startups - Brauchen wir noch VCs?12:24-KI-Nutzung bei VCs14:38-Was ist der BAND?20:19-Wie ist das Sentiment zur neuen Regierung?22:26-Sind die Begriffe VC und Business Angel in der Politik bekannt?27:33-Kapitalprobleme in Deutschland?29:46-Europäische Startups in Delaware31:22-Themen, die Nikolaus im Dealflow hatAbonniert uns direkt hier oder folgt uns auf LinkedIn, um keine Episode zu verpassen.Alles weitere über unseren Podcast findet ihr hier: neosfer Podcast.
This week on Swimming with Allocators, Earnest and Alexa welcome Brian Brackeen, Managing Partner at Lightship Capital. Brian shares his unconventional journey from tech founder to venture capital allocator. He discusses his vision for democratizing venture capital by investing in overlooked regions like the Midwest and challenging traditional investment biases, and emphasizes the importance of founder-focused investing, leveraging AI in fund management, and creating opportunities beyond coastal tech hubs. Key insights include his critique of performative DEI efforts, the potential transformative impact of AI across industries, and his belief that smaller funds in underserved regions can generate significant returns. Also, don't miss our insider segment as Idan Netser from Sidley law firm discusses how legal firms can serve as valuable connectors and advisors in the venture capital ecosystem, helping GPs and LPs network, make introductions, facilitate deal opportunities, and provide strategic guidance beyond traditional legal services.Highlights from this week's conversation include:Brian's Journey into Tech and VC (0:40)Motivation for Starting Anchor Fund (6:27)Geographic and Diversity Challenges in VC (8:13)Investment Strategy and Diligence Process (9:38)Fund Size, Target LPs, and Support Services (11:50)Decision-Making and Fund Selection (13:17)Insider Segment: Benefits of Legal Firms for VCs (15:57)Trends in VC and LP/GP Terms (20:18)How LPs Should Approach Emerging Managers (23:51)Traits and Diligence for Fund Managers (25:56)AI in Fund Diligence and Operations (29:36)AI's Future Economic Impact (32:52)Transferable Skills and Workforce Evolution (39:58)Anchor Fund's Long-Term Vision (44:54)Final Thoughts and Takeaways (45:50)Lightship Capital Anchor Fund is a fund-of-funds strategy dedicated to driving economic growth by investing in small businesses through venture funds and direct investments. With a focus on diversity and measurable outcomes, Anchor Fund supports fund managers across the Americas, Africa, and Europe, ensuring long-term financial success and community impact. Learn more at www.lightship.capital/anchorfund.Sidley Austin LLP is a premier global law firm with a dedicated Venture Funds practice, advising top venture capital firms, institutional investors, and private equity sponsors on fund formation, investment structuring, and regulatory compliance. With deep expertise across private markets, Sidley provides strategic legal counsel to help funds scale effectively. Learn more at sidley.com.Swimming with Allocators is a podcast that dives into the intriguing world of Venture Capital from an LP (Limited Partner) perspective. Hosts Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat are seasoned professionals who have donned various hats in the VC ecosystem. Each episode, we explore where the future opportunities lie in the VC landscape with insights from top LPs on their investment strategies and industry experts shedding light on emerging trends and technologies. The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this podcast are for general informational purposes only.
VCs not responding to you? I'll review your deck & send you a detailed video with my actionable recommendations: Submit here: https://airtable.com/appBXetKIMsy5r3bE/pagQlrExmVx38bk6W/form GUEST: Mark Terbeek https://www.linkedin.com/in/markterbeek/ TOPICS DISCUSSED 1. Founder-Market Fit Is Everything Mark emphasized the importance of a founder's unique insight and experience into the problem they're solving. The most compelling cold emails show why this founder is one of one — uniquely suited for this mission. 2. Timing + Thematic Fit = Fast VC Response Greycroft often researches themes (like AI or automation) before founders reach out. When a startup pitches within an active theme — even unknowingly — and pairs it with founder-market fit, they're more likely to get a fast response. 3. "Intelligent RPA" Is a Hot Area One current theme Mark is excited about is Intelligent RPA (Robotic Process Automation) — AI-powered software that replaces outsourced business processes (e.g., call centers, payment processing) with scalable, intelligent agents. 4. Warm Intros Trump Cold Emails Greycroft rarely invests from cold outreach. Most deals come via: Founders they've already backed Thematic outbound sourcing Personal or trusted referrals Founders should invest in their network to access firms like Greycroft. 5. What Greycroft Looks for in Founders Strong founding teams typically have: Deep technical talent (especially in infrastructure and AI) A track record of shipping product The ability to recruit top-tier talent A relentless, iterative approach to execution 6. Stage Fit Matters Mark personally focuses on seed to Series A, though Greycroft invests from pre-seed to pre-IPO. If you only have an idea and no traction, it's better to wait or get a warm intro. 7. VCs Sell Themselves Too Once Greycroft sees an exceptional founder, they flip into “selling mode” — trying to prove why they are the best long-term partner. Mark wishes he could bottle up founder references because those stories say more about the firm than any pitch.
In this episode of Couchonomics with Arjun, we sit down with Tim Levene, CEO of Augmentum Fintech, the UK's only publicly listed fintech venture capital firm.From going public to backing infrastructure instead of hype, Tim shares what permanent capital allows that traditional VC structures don't and why he believes the next decade of fintech will be won with discipline, not just disruption.What we cover:
From humble beginnings in Tulsa to launching his own venture capital firm, Kevin Moore's story is one of resilience, grit, and vision.In this episode of Demo Day, host Sean Goldfaden sits down with Kevin Moore, Managing Partner at Serac Ventures, to uncover the mindset, habits, and experiences that helped him go from engineer to successful VC — and what every founder and aspiring fund manager needs to hear.- Learn how Kevin turned fear into fuel- Why “doing what you know” leads to real progress- What most first-time VCs get wrong about fundraising- How Serac Ventures uses AI to evaluate startup founders- And the #1 red flag that keeps investors from writing checksWhether you're building a startup, thinking about launching your own fund, or looking for inspiration to keep going — this episode is packed with insight.
Welcome to a new episode of the EUVC podcast, where Dan Bowyer and Mads Jensen of SuperSeed and Lomax from Outsized Ventures gather to unpack the macro forces and micro signals shaping European tech and venture.This week, the trio tackles one of the most geopolitically charged, capital-heavy, and morally complex episodes yet:The global reshuffling of power: Israel, Iran, Russia, and UkraineWhy defense is back—and what it means for VCsEurope's space ambitions and what the ESA's new satellite project signalsChina's trade plays and Europe's vulnerability in rare earthsAI, IPOs, and why founders might want to stay private longerSurgical robots, ambient AI, and who's building the future of healthcarePlus: Daniel Ek gets flak, SPACs sneak back, and why VCs are now speed-running $15B deals in one week.Here's what's covered:02:00 War & Markets: Iran, Israel, oil prices & Bank of England holds06:00 Defense Budgets: Why Europe is (finally) spending10:00 VC Taboo: Why investing in weapons gets complicated fast15:00 EIF Restrictions: Sex, gambling, and no defense20:00 The Rise of Helsing: Europe's $12B defense unicorn24:00 Strategic Autonomy: Europe's new military satellite constellation30:00 ESA vs. Starlink: Earth observation gets serious34:00 China, Trade Wars & Rare Earths: Why Europe's exposed40:00 EU-US Tariffs & Trump's Pharma Threat42:00 IPO Boom: Chime, Circle, and the SPAC comeback47:00 CMR Surgical: UK's $4B robot exit—is that enough?53:00 Lessons from Intuitive Surgical & deeptech M&A56:00 Deal of the Week: Nabla's AI for clinicians, Helsing, and Scale AI's lightning-fast cash01:02:00 Founders in Government: Alex DePledge & Matt Clifford's impact01:05:00 Meta's AI Transfers: Zuck goes full football transfer window
Cloudastructure has raised over $57 million to transform video surveillance from a passive recording tool into an active crime prevention platform. What started as a solution born from a laptop theft in a South of Market office has evolved into an AI-powered service that protects multifamily properties across the country. In this episode of Category Visionaries, we spoke with Rick Bentley, founder of Cloudastructure, about his unconventional path to building a category-defining company—from working at the legendary General Magic to self-funding his startup by working as a contractor in Baghdad. Topics Discussed: How a laptop theft incident revealed the fundamental flaws in traditional video surveillance systems The breakthrough moment when Google open-sourced TensorFlow in 2015 and its impact on computer vision Cloudastructure's pivot from broad security applications to finding product-market fit in multifamily properties The company's unique crowdfunding success, raising $35 million from 13,000 individual investors Building a hybrid AI-human monitoring system with guards operating from India The technical evolution from basic object detection to holistic, cross-camera intelligence using LLM-like systems GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Timing technology waves requires patience and resourcefulness: Rick spent over a decade keeping his cloud video vision alive before the infrastructure caught up. He recognized that Moore's Law would eventually make broadband faster than video files would grow larger, solving the technical constraints. He funded the company through consulting work, including a dangerous stint in Baghdad, demonstrating that sometimes founders need to get creative about survival during technology transition periods. B2B founders should identify self-resolving technical limitations and prepare to bridge the gap through alternative revenue streams. Vertical expertise beats broad horizontal approaches: Cloudastructure's breakthrough came when they hired Whitney, a VP of sales with deep multifamily industry relationships. She brought not just contacts but intimate knowledge of purchasing processes, budgets, and pain points specific to property management companies. Rick noted, "She knew what their budgets were, what their approval processes were, what their pain points were." B2B founders should prioritize hiring salespeople with vertical domain expertise over generalist sales talent when targeting specific industries. Product-market fit emerges from pain intensity, not market size: The multifamily space proved ideal not because of its size, but because of the acute pain property managers experience. Rick explained the stark difference: "The next morning you could have a dozen people in your leasing office because their cars got broken into last night" versus "an email that says these guys showed up, we did a talk down, they ran away." B2B founders should prioritize markets where their solution prevents catastrophic scenarios over those with mild inconveniences, even if the latter appears larger. Crowdfunding can validate B2B concepts when VCs miss the opportunity: After traditional VCs dismissed Cloudastructure as too late to market, Rick raised $35 million through crowdfunding with 13,000 individual investors. This approach not only provided capital but validated market demand from a broader audience. The success came from clearly articulating the value proposition to non-technical investors who could understand the basic premise of preventing crime versus just recording it. B2B founders facing VC skepticism should consider alternative funding sources that might better appreciate their value proposition. Build the full stack when integration creates competitive advantage: Cloudastructure didn't just provide software—they built the entire monitoring infrastructure, including training guards, developing custom interfaces, and managing the complete service delivery. Rick emphasized, "You can't just hop on Fiverr or whatever and say, I need someone to do this. You need to build the tools for them." This vertical integration created defensible value that pure software solutions couldn't match. B2B founders should consider owning more of the value chain when seamless integration significantly improves customer outcomes. // Sponsors: Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe. www.GlobalTalent.co // Don't Miss: New Podcast Series — How I Hire Senior GTM leaders share the tactical hiring frameworks they use to build winning revenue teams. Hosted by Andy Mowat, who scaled 4 unicorns from $10M to $100M+ ARR and launched Whispered to help executives find their next role. Subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/53yCHlPfLSMFimtv0riPyM
“HR Heretics†| How CPOs, CHROs, Founders, and Boards Build High Performing Companies
Over the next few weeks, we're bringing you some Heretics 101 content - important refreshers on taboo topics that are core to navigating the CPO seat.For today's episode, we're revisiting an early conversation about how to fire C-suite executives that we had with CJ Gustafson from the Run the Numbers podcast. If you're in this business long enough, you're either going to have to fire an executive, or you're going to be the one getting fired. That's just reality. What started as a simple question turned into one of our most candid discussions about severance packages, golden parachutes, and layering. *Email us your questions or topics for Kelli & Nolan: hrheretics@turpentine.coFor coaching and advising inquire at https://kellidragovich.com/HR Heretics is a podcast from Turpentine.Support HR Heretics Sponsors:Planful empowers teams just like yours to unlock the secrets of successful workforce planning. Use data-driven insights to develop accurate forecasts, close hiring gaps, and adjust talent acquisition plans collaboratively based on costs today and into the future. ✍️ Go to https://planful.com/heretics to see how you can transform your HR strategy.Metaview is the AI assistant for interviewing. Metaview completely removes the need for recruiters and hiring managers to take notes during interviews—because their AI is designed to take world-class interview notes for you. Team builders at companies like Brex, Hellofresh, and Quora say Metaview has changed the game—see the magic for yourself: https://www.metaview.ai/hereticsKEEP UP WITH CJ, NOLAN + KELLI ON LINKEDINCJ: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cj-gustafson-13140948Nolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/—TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) Intro(00:52) The First Steps: When to Exit a C-Suite Executive(02:46) Decision vs. Discussion: Framing the Conversation(05:29) The Fourth Scenario: Growth Outpacing Talent(08:04) Compensation: The Spicy Details(10:36) Pre-Negotiated Severance: Red Flag or Smart Move?(14:50) Sponsors: Planful | Metaview(17:49) Golden Parachutes: The Biggest Payouts(20:47) Equity Acceleration and Exercise Windows(22:35) Rest and Vest: The Perverse Incentive Problem(24:12) Garden Leave Explained(24:51) VCs and CEO Firings: The Reputation Game(27:00) Advice for the Departing Executive(30:13) Controlling the Narrative(31:43) Wrap This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hrheretics.substack.com
Samir Kaji is the Co-founder and CEO of Allocate.This conversation is a deep dive into the private markets, the evolution of venture capital as an asset class, and how there are now 10x more private investment firms than public companies.We also unpack why 90% of venture funds simply can't raise capital right now, advice for anyone raising a fund today, how to stand out as an emerging manager, why secondaries have become a primary driver of liquidity in venture, and how to navigate SPVs as a GP and LP.We also talk through the AI products they built to evaluate fund managers at Allocate, and how AI is changing venture and company building.A special thanks to Bolt and Warp for supporting this episode.Bolt: Join the world's largest hackathon - up to $1m in prizes. Sign-up here.Warp: Automates payroll, handles multi-state tax compliance, and streamlines international contractor payments, so founders can focus on building, not busywork. Try it here.Timestamps:(5:31) Evolution of the private markets(17:55) VC markets post-2020(21:09) Risk / return profiles of various fund sizes(24:04) Secondaries will drive future venture returns(33:17) Creative ways to return capital(36:27) “Curiosity Revenue” in AI(41:52) Allocate's Beyond Summit(43:42) Samir's AI fund analyzer(46:15) Fintech only 1% of financial services revenue(50:13) Triple-layered SPVs(54:50) Breaking down returns in venture(58:27) How to gauge a fund manager's access(1:00:14) Determining appropriate fund size(1:05:02) 90% of venture funds cannot raise right now(1:09:50) How to raise a fund today(1:15:37) ChatGPT roasts Banana Capital(1:19:56) Traits of the best VCs(1:22:41) Vetting grit, hustle, and obsession(1:31:12) Why using AI is table stakes(1:36:49) Value of podcastsCheck out AllocateThe Peel episode with Eric Vishria Samir's Venture Unlocked PodcastFollow SamirTwitterLinkedInFollow TurnerTwitterLinkedInSubscribe to my newsletter to get every episode + the transcript in your inbox every week.
Ilya Kravtsov, Co-Founder of Ringkas, joins Jeremy Au to unpack the rise and fall of Indonesia's lending wave, the ripple effects of the eFishery scandal, and the hard lessons founders must absorb to build sustainable startups. They examine how early hype misaligned business models, how fraud damages more than just a company, and why radical transparency is key to long-term leadership. Ilya shares how Ringkas scaled without lending, why developer partnerships unlocked bank adoption, and how he carefully built a diversified cap table to preserve founder control. 03:00 Indonesia's VC ecosystem matured: In 2012, only three VCs wrote 20,000 dollar checks and most people used BlackBerrys. By 2021, founders raised 5 million dollar pre-seeds with no product. 05:24 Lending distorted metrics: Startups wrongly recorded loan disbursements as revenue and used inflated valuation multiples on their loan books. 08:27 Growth hacks vs. fraud: Ilya draws the line at legality and disclosure. He says growth hacks are common and acceptable only if transparent. 13:32 Ecosystem fallout from eFishery: Ilya dismisses the defense that fraud was standard practice. He says many founders now face reputational damage, blocked financing, and collateral damage from one high-profile failure. 14:10 Ringkas avoided lending: Rather than lend directly, Ringkas built infrastructure between banks and developers. 17:38 Banks adopted due to volume: Traditional banks opened up to Ringkas under pressure from digital banks and low mortgage penetration. 20:41 Cap table strategy: Ilya capped investor ownership below 10 percent, preferring a wide base of angel and neutral investors. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/ilya-kravtsov-truth-over-hype 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
Ajay Prakash, Co-Founder & CEO of Rinse shares his story getting raising $70M and how they launched to hit product-market fit! 03:06 – Ajay explains how he wasted three months pitching Series A firms for a seed round. 05:03 – Don't try to predict who will write a check — talk to everyone qualified, but do it in a tight time frame to keep momentum and focus. 06:03 – Their first capital came from a rolling friends & family round — with no set close — raising ~$500–600K before institutional funding. 07:04 – Ajay's co-founder saw declining traffic at his parents' dry cleaning store — they tested an idea within two weeks and got paying customers. 09:02 – Rinse didn't solve one big issue — it solved many small ones. That made the case for building a better, end-to-end dry cleaning experience. 12:14 – Unlike Uber's urgent need, laundry is a chronic pain. Rinse focused on reliability and consistency, not instant gratification. 15:22 – They focused their launch in three SF zip codes to manage operational complexity and ensure quality service before scaling. 16:04 – Ajay and James only began paying themselves once the $2.5M seed round closed in December 2014. 20:07 – He spent Spring 2014 chasing Series A investors with no success — a misalignment that wasted valuable time and delayed their seed raise. 29:06 – Don't let VCs drag things out with vague interest. You need clarity to survive as an early-stage startup. Rinse is creating a seamless dry cleaning & laundry experience for our customers through a combination of technology, incredible customer service, and strong back-end partnerships. www.rinse.com
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Hyperliquid is one of the most talked-about platforms in crypto right now. It's an onchain perpetuals exchange that sidestepped VCs, built a deeply loyal user base, and launched with transparency most rivals avoid. But it's also staring down some massive challenges—from incoming competitors like Coinbase and Robinhood, to the technical hurdles of decentralizing its core exchange engine. Arthur Hayes, CIO of Maelstrom and one of crypto's most iconic traders, and Hanson Birringer of Flowdesk discuss: What actually drove Hyperliquid's success How a user-first approach is outpacing venture-backed models Whether the James Wynn saga was legit Why the HIP-3 proposal could be the “holy grail” for DEXes And whether Hyperliquid can survive its next big test: the entrance of giants Visit our website for breaking news, analysis, op-eds, articles to learn about crypto, and much more: unchainedcrypto.com Thank you to our sponsors! Xapo Bank Bitwise Guests: Arthur Hayes, CIO of Maelstrom Hanson Birringer, Head of US Sales at Flowdesk Links Stats: CoinGlass: Total BTC Futures Open Interest Hyperliquid Stats James Wynn Unchained: Hyperliquid Trader Makes $87M in 70 Days, Loses It In Five James Wynn's address Transparency Hyperliquid's founder's post on X saying that he felt like transparency results in better execution for whales compared to on private venues. Hyperliquid vs Binance: Unchained: Hyperliquid Saved Itself a $15 Million Loss, but Sparked Criticism Arthur Hayes' tweet on whether $HYPE perp volumes will flip Binance's this cycle. CZ's tweet on dark pool DEXs Cointelegraph: Binance co-founder CZ proposes dark pool DEXs to tackle manipulation Tokenomics: DL News: Hyperliquid's token buyback machine just hit $1b — is it sustainable? HIP-3: Hyperliquid Docs: HIP-3: Builder-Deployed Perpetuals Timestamps:
What happens when your viral moment finally comes — and you're not ready for it?Aliett Buttleman, co-founder of Fazit, only had 300 TikTok followers when she said her goal was to get Taylor Swift to wear her product. And she made it happen. But that moment wasn't luck. It was the result of two scrappy founders, a small but strategically allocated budget, and years of rejection, pivots, and TikTok experiments. Host Andrea Marquez unpacks the strategy behind how Aliett made a viral celebrity moment happen and why she keeps leaning into discomfort to keep growing. You'll learn how to build buzz without a big budget, why your wildest ideas might be your best ones and how to stay ready so that when your big moment comes, you're not just hoping it works. You're ready to make it count.Got a bold leap of your own? Share it with us in an Apple Podcasts review, Spotify comment, or email us at thisissmallbusiness@amazon.com – you might hear it in a future episode.In this episode you'll hear:(02:07) Ever felt lost in your career or like you don't quite fit into a single box? Here's why Aliett started her own company.(04:50) Why start a business when you've seen how hard it is? Aliett's early consulting work almost convinced her not to become a founder – here's what changed her mind.(07:25) How do you kickstart sales with a small budget and no team? The scrappy TikTok strategy Aliett used to grow an audience and why 30 million views didn't lead to a single sale.(09:11) What keeps you going when investors say no again and again? Aliett opens up about the emotional toll of 150 VC rejections and why she kept going.(12:20) Curious how to raise money for your startup when VCs say no? Hear how Aliett and her co-founder Nina pushed through rejection, won a competition, and raised their first $200,000.(15:50) What do you do when retailers and investors aren't interested even when you've gone viral? For Aliett and Nina, it meant pivoting and moving on to the next product.(19:01) Is it crazy to imagine Taylor Swift wearing your product one day? That's exactly what happened to Aliett. And here's how that surreal moment unfolded and how Aliett capitalized on it.(25:17) How do you get Taylor Swift to wear your product? It's not luck and Aliett reveals the behind-the-scenes scramble and marketing strategy that turned a viral moment into a lasting brand.(29:45) What does it take to succeed without a Plan B? Aliett reflects on discomfort, delusion, and why chasing safety never built anything bold.
At the EUVC Summit, Will McQuillan of Frontline delivered a keynote that flipped the script on the increasingly popular narrative of Europe needing to "decouple" from the US. With data points, historical context, and a call to action, Will urged VCs and founders to resist isolationist instincts and double down on building global companies, despite rising geopolitical noise.Rather than succumbing to isolationist trends, this talk urges the venture community to reclaim a global mindset, reminding us that the best companies are built across borders, not within them.Whether you're in venture, policy, or portfolio support, this is your reminder that global ambition still matters—and it's up to investors to make it possible.Here's what's covered:00:50 US Revenue Reliance: A warning or a reality check?02:30 The Case Against Isolationism: Why Europe can't afford to go it alone04:15 Historical Proof of Collaboration: From deep-sea cables to the Large Hadron Collider06:00 Policy vs Practice: Why builders must rise above political narratives08:10 VC's Role in the Globalization Equation: Making international scale possible again
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/
Why you should listenLearn how Kathryn scaled from solo freelancer to a strategic RevOps firm serving VC-backed SaaS companiesDiscover the real impact of AI on RevOps—and why data hygiene is more critical than everHear how Kathryn balances strategy, tech, and team building to retain clients for 18+ monthsSaaS companies grow fast—and Kathryn Castle knows how to keep their revenue operations from falling apart along the way. In this episode, she shares how she went from independent contractor to founder of Candybox, a RevOps and tech strategy firm serving B2B SaaS companies backed by VCs and PE firms.We talk about niching down, what's changed in RevOps over the last six years, and how AI is pushing more strategic conversations about data, integration, and platform selection. Kathryn also opens up about team building, long-term retainers, and the realities of consulting in fast-paced environments.About Kathryn CastleKathryn Castle is the founder of Candybox CRM, a RevOps consultancy that helps B2B tech scale-ups build clean, scalable go-to-market systems around Salesforce and HubSpot. Kathryn works remotely from Mexico, where she spends her free time catering to her five cats' whims and learning to dance salsa.Resources and LinksCandyboxcrm.comKathryn's LinkedIn profilePrevious episode: 615 - How to Use Twitter DMs to Book More B2B Sales Calls with Alex PeñuñuriCheck out more episodes of the Paul Higgins PodcastSubscribe to our YouTube channel: @PaulHigginsMentoringJoin our newsletterSuggested resources
Listen as Jay reveals the strategic approach he took that led to a successful pre-seed funding round in just 4 weeks! Jay Kriner, a Shark Tank alum turned tech entrepreneur, shares his methodical 9-month strategy for building investor relationships before ever making an ask. His approach centers on authentic networking, professional preparation, and timing—spending months connecting with VCs, angel investors, and wealth management professionals on LinkedIn without revealing his funding intentions. By the time he launched his official raise, he had built a network of 1,000+ qualified connections who were already familiar with his name and progress. The result? A funding commitment within weeks of launching his campaign. Jay's story demonstrates that successful fundraising isn't about cold outreach—it's about relationship building, consistent value delivery, and strategic patience that pays off when you're ready to make your move. The episode is packed with Jay's real stories—the good, the messy, and everything in between. If you're tired of hearing the same old "perfect your pitch deck" advice and want to know how relationships actually get built before you need the money, this one's for you. Connect with Jay and learn more about Gale Project here: Gale Project website: https://www.galeproject.com and Linkedin: Connect with Jay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayktx/ 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/
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/
Wes Spencer, co-founder of Empath, a training and education platform for managed service providers (MSPs), discusses a unique funding model that diverges from traditional venture capital. Instead of seeking investment from typical VCs, Empath successfully raised $2 million from industry insiders, primarily MSPs themselves. This approach fosters alignment and advocacy among investors, who are also customers, but it raises important questions about scalability and governance. The conversation delves into the implications of having investors who are directly involved in the product's development and direction.The investment structure utilized by Empath is based on Y Combinator's SAFE notes, which allow for a straightforward and fair investment process without changing control of the company. Spencer explains the importance of ensuring that investors are qualified, adhering to SEC regulations to protect non-professional investors. This structure not only simplifies the investment process but also limits the amount each investor can contribute, ensuring a diverse group of stakeholders who are genuinely invested in the company's mission.Spencer highlights the demographics of their investors, primarily consisting of CEOs from established MSPs with significant revenue. These investors are motivated by a desire to influence the vendor ecosystem positively and to have a say in the direction of the platform they use. The governance model established by Empath ensures that while these investors have a voice, they do not have control over the company's day-to-day operations, allowing for a balance between investor input and the leadership team's vision.As Empath continues to grow, Spencer acknowledges the potential need for future funding rounds, including the possibility of engaging with venture capitalists. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining transparency with investors and being responsible stewards of their contributions. The conversation concludes with Spencer expressing confidence in the company's trajectory, aiming for sustainable growth while remaining committed to the community-driven approach that defines Empath. All our Sponsors: https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ Do you want the show on your podcast app or the written versions of the stories? Subscribe to the Business of Tech: https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe/Looking for a link from the stories? The entire script of the show, with links to articles, are posted in each story on https://www.businessof.tech/ Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mspradio/ Want to be a guest on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights? Send Dave Sobel a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech Want our stuff? Cool Merch? Wear “Why Do We Care?” - Visit https://mspradio.myspreadshop.com Follow us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079/YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech
Today on Inevitable, we're joined by three guests to focus on the clean energy tax provisions currently at risk in the Congressional budget reconciliation process—what's being called the One Big Beautiful Bill. This is our second episode on this topic this week. Our guests are Jeremy Harrell, CEO at the right-of-center clean energy policy firm ClearPath; Spencer Nelson, Director of Federal Affairs at Form Energy; and Vikrum Aiyer, Head of Global Public Policy and External Affairs at Heirloom.The goal of this conversation is to get to the root of the proposed changes in the legislation passed by the House and now under consideration in the Senate. We also explore which amendments are on the table and how those of us working in climate and energy innovation can help influence the outcome.In this episode, we cover: [01:06] Why this bill matters for climate tech[03:19] Jeremy's background in conservative energy policy[04:08] Spencer on Form's long-duration batteries[05:40] Vikrum explains Heirloom's DAC technology[08:44] What the reconciliation process actually means[13:42] Why the FEOC rule could block progress[17:41] Why startups need credit transferability[25:01] 60-day window threatens new projects[27:36] What's at stake for solar and storage[31:32] Energy cost risks if credits vanish[35:42] How founders and VCs can take action[41:56] Tips for contacting your senator directlyEpisode recorded on June 6, 2025 (Published on June 12, 2025) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at info@mcj.vc.Connect with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant
How I Raised It - The podcast where we interview startup founders who raised capital.
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 Marlon Nichols of MaC Venture Capital, a a seed-stage venture capital firm that invests in technology startups leveraging shifts in cultural trends and behaviors. Learn more at https://macventurecapital.com/ In this episode, we discuss Marlon's path to becoming a VC, details of raising his previous fund Cross Culture with Troy Carter, lessons learned from the Kauffman Fellows program, how he tapped mentors such as Freada Kapor and Jason Green to learn the VC trade, why it's so important to "do what you say you will do" when building relationships with LPs, tips for cold outreach and much more. 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
There are No Checklists or Frameworks on HOW TO BE A VC?So how do you even know if it's the right path for you?Unlike most jobs, venture capital comes with an extremely long feedback loop. It can take years before you know whether the bets you made actually worked out. That's why most seasoned VCs say: only choose this path if you're in it for the long haul.This conversation will help you think through that choice. Whether you're considering VC as a career, love building businesses, or just want to understand who really calls the shots on a cap table.On The Neon Show, we have with us two operators turned investors:Gaurav Ranjan, Principal at Prime Venture Partners, has led deals including Dozee, Hitwikcet, Poshn and Gallabox.Naman Lahoty, Partner at Stellaris Venture Partners has been part of investments like Zouk, Nestasia, Dashtoon and Lumio.They share lessons from evaluating thousands of startups - what they've unlearned about pattern-matching in investing, why Excel projections mostly fail and why founder empathy might be the most underrated edge in venture capital.It's truly a conversation between three VCs on what it really takes to be a VC today.0:00 – Stellaris Partners X Prime Ventures0:43 – How Founders Turn Into VCs4:19 – Do VCs Need an MBA or Consulting Background?6:32 – Why Startup Projections Rarely Come True8:43 – Are VCs Naturally Good Founders?11:19 – Startups we Evaluated & Founders we Met14:51 – From First Pitch to Deal Close19:02 – Why VC Feedback Loops Are Extremely Long21:00 – No Checklists. No Frameworks.25:27 – Why On-Demand Rebranded as Quick Commerce Won?29:20 – The Stellaris Framework to Evaluate Founders35:53 – Why Indian VCs Must Think Independently38:28 – Rapid Fire: The Big One We Missed39:16 – The One We Loved But Didn't Back42:23 – Startups We Wish We'd Invested In43:55 – Investors We Admire the Most47:20 – Do We Believe Peter Thiel's Theory?52:35 – Startup Stories: Slack, Flickr, Dozee, Rupicard57:15 – The GTM Hack That Led to Product Discovery58:15 – Babygogo & Atomic Work59:55 – All-Nighter Code Sprint for the Demo1:00:55 – Lessons Founders Taught Us1:06:30 – What We Miss About Being a Founder1:10:28 – When Do You Decide If You Are a Good VC?1:13:28 – Building a Fund V/S Building a Startup-------------India's talent has built the world's tech—now it's time to lead it.This mission goes beyond startups. It's about shifting the center of gravity in global tech to include the brilliance rising from India.What is Neon Fund?We invest in seed and early-stage founders from India and the diaspora building world-class Enterprise AI companies. We bring capital, conviction, and a community that's done it before.Subscribe for real founder stories, investor perspectives, economist breakdowns, and a behind-the-scenes look at how we're doing it all at Neon.-------------Check us out on:Website: https://neon.fund/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theneonshoww/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beneon/Twitter: https://x.com/TheNeonShowwConnect with Siddhartha on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siddharthaahluwalia/Twitter: https://x.com/siddharthaa7-------------This video is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the individuals quoted and do not constitute professional advice.Send us a text
Today's show: Alex moderates a TWIST VC Roundtable with Jason, Paige Doherty (Behind Genius), and Altimeter's Megan Reynolds about the state of early-stage venture capital. They break down the rise of secondary markets as a key liquidity path for VCs, analyze the resurgence in M&A activity from major players like Meta, Databricks, and OpenAI, and question whether inflated ARR figures from YC startups are distorting valuations. Jason shares his year-zero investment thesis and offers tactical advice on secondary structuring and identifying high-quality revenue. Whether you're raising, investing, or building, this episode delivers essential insights into the evolving early-stage landscape.Timestamps:(0:00) Episode Teaser(1:28) Meet our panelists!(2:37) Will secondaries replace traditional M&A?(10:10) LinkedIn Ads - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups(14:28) Has M&A actually bounced back?(20:06) Pilot - Visit https://www.pilot.com/twist and get $1,200 off your first year.(25:35) Secondary market advice, just for founders(30:10) Retool - Visit https://www.retool.com/twist and try it out today.(32:49) Why is it so hard for emerging managers to raise funds?(38:28) Seed funds: the math is not mathing(52:07) Why early investors become “collateral damage”(56:31) The importance of revenue quality in early-stage startups(1:06:43) Quick Fire Question Round!Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpLinks from episode:Altimeter: https://www.altimeter.com/homeBehind Genius: https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/Follow Meghan:X: https://x.com/MeghanKReynoldsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghankreynolds/Follow Paige:X: https://x.com/paigefinnnLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paigedoherty/Follow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:(10:10) LinkedIn Ads - Get a $100 LinkedIn ad credit at http://www.linkedin.com/thisweekinstartups(20:06) Pilot - Visit https://www.pilot.com/twist and get $1,200 off your first year.(30:10) Retool - Visit https://www.retool.com/twist and try it out today.Great TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.comSubscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916
With federal funding at risk and VCs increasingly focused on de-risked assets, academia is facing unprecedented headwinds despite rapid advancements in innovation. One potential bright spot: Pharma, which is turning to academia to access first-in-class innovation. But many in pharma complain it is difficult to work with academia.On a special Grand Rounds edition of the BioCentury This Week podcast, BioCentury analysts and special guests discuss a new way of thinking and a new era of collaboration between academia and industry.View full story: https://www.biocentury.com/article/656177#biotech #biopharma #pharma #lifescience #Discovery #Translation #BioCenturyGrandRounds00:00 - Introduction02:38 - Key Findings07:42 - Collaboration and Opportunities 25:52 - BioCentury Grand Rounds EuropeTo submit a question to BioCentury's editors, email the BioCentury This Week team at podcasts@biocentury.com.Reach us by sending a text
Anamitra Banerji is the Co-founder of Afore Capital, an SF-based VC firm that specializes in investing in pre-seed stage companies.Our conversation gets into the evolution of Pre-Seed as a category, why Pre-Seed is more than option checks, what Afore looks for when backing founders before they even have a product, how to skip your Seed and go straight to a Series A, and how to run a fundraise process.We also get into Afore's Founder in Residence program, why every VC started an accelerator, how AI is changing venture, joining Twitter as the first PM, and how Oprah helped create the legendary verified checkmark.Thanks to Gaurav Jain and Derrick Li at Afore for their help brainstorming topics for Anamitra.And special thanks to Bolt and Warp for supporting this episode.Bolt: Help them break a world record for the largest hackathon - up to $1m in prizes. Sign-up.Warp: Automates payroll, handles multi-state tax compliance, and streamlines international contractor payments, so founders can focus on building, not busywork. Try it here.Timestamps:(4:00) Afore: Starting in 2016 to build the pre-seed category(8:11) The unstructured data Afore underwrites at pre-seed(11:21) Pre-seed is determining bronze from gold(16:03) Why pre-seed is more than option checks(20:33) The secret to raising a Series A(23:20) Running a tight fundraise process(32:05) Skipping your Seed round(34:01) How to measure obsession in a founder(39:20) Knowing when to follow-on(40:54) Figuring out what really matters in a business(42:36) Afore's Founder in Residence program(49:44) Pros / Cons of more access to capital for founders(52:27) Two reasons YC made every VC launch an accelerator(1:01:05) Why AI is forcing VCs to invest earlier(1:06:55) Will AI commoditize software?(1:08:29) Growing up in India, starting his first company(1:10:39) Coming to the US for school, joining Overture + Yahoo(1:14:05) Joining Twitter as first PM, creating the Verified check for Oprah(1:18:55) Building Twitter's first ad product(1:20:28) Why non-founders can't take foundational risks(1:23:02) Starting Afore for the Pre-Seed opportunity(1:27:47) Raising Afore Fund 1(1:31:14) How to raise your first fund(1:33:33) Was Turner the best Afore intern ever?ReferencedAfore CapitalK9 CapitalAfore's Founder in Residence Program: SpeedrunPearXNeo AcceleratorGammaDevelop HealthFollow AnamitraTwitterLinkedInFollow TurnerTwitterLinkedInSubscribe to my newsletter to get every episode + the transcript in your inbox every week.
Two founders, two wildly different paths to $100M ARR: Arvind Jain, founder of Glean, walked away from a unicorn to start over—raising $15M without revenue and ignoring lean startup rules. Kyle Hanslovan, founder of Huntress, faced brutal rejection, slept in his car, maxed out credit cards, and still crushed it. This episode is packed with raw lessons on fundraising, product-market fit, and why relentless hustle alone won't save you. If you're a founder chasing growth, stop everything and listen.Why You Should ListenLearn exactly what top founders did to get from zero to $100M ARRWhy chasing perfection won't work (and how to stop)The secret to surviving brutal fundraising rejections (over 60 VCs said no to Kyle)Why hustle culture isn't enough—here's what matters moreKeywordsproduct-market fit, startup fundraising, unicorn startups, founder hustle, lean startup method, scaling startups, early-stage growth, AI startups, SaaS growth, venture capital adviceChapters(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:05) Quitting a Unicorn to Start Again(00:05:09) From NSA Hacker to Startup Founder(00:09:18) Ignoring the Lean Startup(00:12:59) Knowing When to Launch(00:16:32) Finding Product Market Fit(00:18:01) Final Advice for FoundersSend me a message to let me know what you think!
The Big Unlock Podcast · Scaling With Autonomous AI for Diabetic Retinopathy Screening – Podcast with Alvin Liu In this episode, Dr. T.Y. Alvin Liu, Inaugural Director, James P Gills Jr MD and Heather Gills AI Innovation Center at Johns Hopkins Medicine shares his journey in healthcare AI, with a focus on image analysis and real-world applications. Dr. Liu discusses the FDA-approved autonomous AI system for diabetic retinopathy screening, which enables early detection in primary care settings and improves screening adherence. He outlines successful AI implementations at Johns Hopkins, including prior authorization pilots using generative AI and the importance of operational understanding in deployment. He also discussed the intersection of value-based medicine and artificial intelligence, and the challenges of implementing successful AI programs. At the enterprise level, Dr. Liu emphasizes the need for strong AI governance to assess safety, effectiveness, and ROI. He outlines key challenges for AI startups, especially around reimbursement and regulation, and urges them to pursue sustainable business models. He also suggests closer collaboration among startups, VCs, and integrated health systems to bridge the gap between innovation and real-world adoption, essential for scaling AI responsibly and delivering long-term value in healthcare. Take a listen.
In this episode, Adriana Stan is joined by Jon Coker, founding partner at Eka Ventures, to unpack how the team behind the £68M Fund I has backed 21 early-stage companies driving systemic change in consumer health and sustainable consumption.They dive into the team's shift from MMC Ventures to launching a new kind of impact fund, the lessons learned from backing 3 unicorns, and why founder learning velocity is Jon's No. 1 metric for long-term success.Eka Ventures is an early-stage VC fund with a clear mission: to back the founders building a more equitable, sustainable future with business models that scale both shareholder value and societal return.Here's what's covered:01:50 Jon's journey from analyst to co-managing partner at MMC05:15 Launching Eka Ventures: why impact needs its own home08:30 Choosing the themes: consumer health & sustainable consumption12:45 Building conviction around shared value16:00 Distribution in health: why access is half the battle19:25 Generalist vs. Specialist: where Eka fits in23:10 Fund I analysis: what worked and what didn't27:45 Operating in the “real world”: why it's harder, but worth it30:10 Lessons from unicorns and founder growth34:00 The problem with how VCs evaluate “team”
In this special episode of The Plastic Surgery Revolution, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Steven Davis recaps his experience at the Vegas Cosmetic Surgery (VCS) Meeting, one of the most influential events in the aesthetics industry. Dr. Davis shares highlights from the cutting-edge presentations, hands-on workshops, and peer discussions that took place—covering everything from advanced tummy tuck techniques to the latest developments in hair transplants, skin rejuvenation, injectables, and more. Whether you're a patient interested in upcoming trends or simply curious about the future of cosmetic surgery, this behind-the-scenes peek into VCS offers a fresh perspective on where the industry is headed. Tune in as Dr. Davis shares takeaways that are shaping aesthetic care both in South Jersey and around the globe. Don't miss this episode—listen now and be sure to subscribe, rate, and share The Plastic Surgery Revolution wherever you get your podcasts!
Starting a venture capital fund sounds glamorous — but the reality? It's a long, grueling, high-stakes journey. In this episode of the Demo Day Podcast, we sit down with Rick Smith, Co-Founder of Crosscut Ventures, to unpack why most first-time VCs fail, how to navigate the emerging manager landscape, and what it really takes to build a lasting VC career.Rick shares hard-won lessons from 25+ years in venture, including:- What makes or breaks a fund's first few years- How to raise capital from LPs when no one knows your name- Why early-stage VCs need to swing bigger- The hidden emotional toll of transitioning out of a firm- How Crosscut almost didn't survive Fund IWhether you're a founder, emerging fund manager, or aspiring venture capitalist, this episode is packed with tactical insights, emotional honesty, and behind-the-scenes stories from one of LA's most respected investors.#VentureCapital #StartupFunding #EmergingManagers #VCAdvice #RickSmith #CrosscutVentures #DemoDayPodcast #Founders #TechStartups #FundraisingTips
What do national security and venture capital have in common? A lot more than you'd think.In this episode, Shane Ray Martin sits down with Rebecca Gevalt, Managing Partner at Dcode Capital and former CIA officer, to explore how intelligence training shaped her approach to investing in tech startups.From decoding risk to spotting innovation before it hits the mainstream, Rebecca reveals how her past in espionage gives her an edge in the startup ecosystem. ✅ What You'll Learn:Why CIA skills are perfect for venture investingHow to assess risk like an intelligence proRebecca's take on the future of defense techWhat most VCs get wrong about working with governmentHow to break into venture capital with a non-traditional backgroundHosted by Shane Ray Martin — Investor, Author, LinkedIn Top Voice in Negotiation, and Certified Peace Mediator — helping PeaceTech startups scale and secure funding.
Episode 714: Shaan Puri ( https://x.com/ShaanVP ) sits down with Matt Mazzeo ( https://x.com/Mazzeo ) about using AI agents as your go-to-market. — Show Notes: (0:00) Intro (3:30) AI as the Go-to-Market (8:50) The Billion Dollar Secret (12:03) Mario Kart Theory (18:55) Being a Tinkerer/Supabase (25:38) Amjad Masad/Replt (28: 41) Taste (36:44) Agents replacing VCs (37:57) Agent Employees (42:28) Story Game — Links: • Want Sam's guide to use ChatGPT? Get it here: https://clickhubspot.com/wpv • Supabase - https://supabase.com/ • Replit - https://replit.com/ • Clay - https://www.clay.com/ • Alpha Go Movie - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXuK6gekU1Y — Check Out Shaan's Stuff: • Shaan's weekly email - https://www.shaanpuri.com • Visit https://www.somewhere.com/mfm to hire worldwide talent like Shaan and get $500 off for being an MFM listener. Hire developers, assistants, marketing pros, sales teams and more for 80% less than US equivalents. • Mercury - Need a bank for your company? Go check out Mercury (mercury.com). Shaan uses it for all of his companies! Mercury is a financial technology company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Column, N.A., and Evolve Bank & Trust, Members FDIC
Logan sits down with Bipul Sinha, CEO and co-founder of Rubrik and former VC at Lightspeed and Blumberg Capital. Bipul shares what he learned transitioning from investor to founder, why intuition beats expertise, and how he built Rubrik into a category-defining business by betting on uncool ideas. They talk product-market fit in the AI era, what most VCs get wrong today, and why the enterprise IT market is still just getting started. It's a conversation packed with hard-earned wisdom and bold takes on building lasting companies. (00:00) Intro (01:42) Transitioning from VC to Founder (02:27) The Genesis of Rubrik (03:30) Navigating Uncertainty in Business (06:57) Product Market Fit and Early Success (08:56) Evolving with the Market (13:14) AI and Data Security (18:53) Leadership and Intuition (28:34) Building a Transparent Culture (31:52) Handling Tough Questions in Board Meetings (33:28) Changing Perspectives Over Time (34:57) Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs (36:46) The Future of Venture Capital and Startups (40:38) Balancing Forward and Lateral Motion in Business (42:35) The Impact of AI on Various Industries (01:00:28) The Evolution of Work and Technology (01:02:52) Fostering a Collaborative Company Culture (01:04:56) Looking Ahead: The Future of Rubrik Executive Producer: Rashad Assir Producer: Leah Clapper Mixing and editing: Justin Hrabovsky Check out Unsupervised Learning, Redpoint's AI Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@UCUl-s_Vp-Kkk_XVyDylNwLA
Keywords: mergers, acquisitions, management consulting, technology, startups, venture capital, incubators, sports management, entrepreneurship, COVID-19, broadcast technology, mergers and acquisitions, problem solving, AI in business, scalable business models, business integration, technology adoption, small business growth, operational efficiency, entrepreneurial strategies Summary: In this episode, Charles Sims shares his extensive experience in management consulting, technology, and venture capital, focusing on mergers and acquisitions. He discusses his journey from working with small businesses to becoming the CTO of the LA Clippers and the United Talent Agency. Charles emphasizes the importance of technology in business operations and the role of effective communication in securing investments. He also highlights common mistakes startups make and the differences between angel investors and venture capitalists, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the industry. In this conversation, Charles Sims discusses the evolution of broadcast technology, the importance of problem-solving approaches in chaotic situations, and the impact of AI on small businesses. He emphasizes the need for modular and scalable business models, the significance of navigating complexity in business systems, and the creative deal-making process in mergers and acquisitions. The discussion also highlights the advantages small businesses have in adapting quickly to changes and leveraging technology for operational efficiency. Takeaways Charles started in management consulting, focusing on operational and IT strategies. He served as CTO for the LA Clippers, revolutionizing their technology. At United Talent Agency, he developed a passion for mergers and acquisitions. Charles launched Investimate, a platform for business planning and investment analysis. He emphasizes the importance of a well-packaged narrative for startups. Startups often fail by dumping too much information into their pitches. Investors prioritize operators over ideas when making decisions. Angels have more tolerance for failure compared to VCs. COVID accelerated technological advancements in the industry. Transparency with investors can lead to valuable support and connections. Broadcast technology has evolved significantly post-COVID. The hurricane approach involves structured problem-solving in chaos. Staying agnostic and modular in technology choices is crucial. AI's growth is linked to the API ecosystem. Small businesses can move quickly to capitalize on opportunities. Creative deal-making is essential in mergers and acquisitions. Scalability in business models is key to long-term success. Avoid relying solely on people; focus on product scalability. Utilizing existing blueprints can save time and effort. Embrace technology to automate and streamline business processes. Titles Navigating Mergers and Acquisitions with Charles Sims From Consulting to CTO: Charles Sims' Journey The Intersection of Technology and Business Operations Investing in Ideas: The Role of Operators Building a Virtual Incubator for Startups Sound Bites "Every business is a software business." "We can move very quickly from idea to MVP." "Ideas are free." "Your investors are there to help you." "Don't hide, be transparent." "COVID helped us launch our music side." "We had to quickly build on top of it." "Stay as agnostic and modular as you can." "We could get you from zero to 60." "Don't reinvent the wheel." "You don't have to go to MBA school." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Charles Sims and M&A 03:03 Charles's Journey in Management Consulting 05:51 CTO Experience with LA Clippers 09:01 Transition to United Talent Agency 11:58 Launching Investimate and VC Insights 14:50 Building a Virtual Incubator 17:55 Common Mistakes of Startups 21:04 The Role of Angels vs. VCs 23:52 Impact of COVID on Business 27:08 Lessons from Acquiring the Forum 28:03 The Evolution of Broadcast Technology 34:24 The Hurricane Approach to Problem Solving 40:08 Navigating Complexity in Business Systems 46:04 The Impact of AI on Small Businesses 52:54 Creating Scalable Business Models 58:11 Engaging with Charles Sims
Today I'm joined by Monik Pamecha, CEO and founder of Toma. We unpack why they embedded in Oklahoma dealerships for months, how that groundwork attracted top VCs, and why Toma refuses to build one-size-fits-all AI. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Toma - If your BDC or Service Advisors are buried in calls, it's time for a smarter solution. Toma builds custom AI agents that answer 100% of your dealership's inbound calls and handle tasks like booking service, checking recalls, and scheduling test drives—without tying up your team. Dealers using Toma are saving 30–40 staff hours a week and booking 100+ extra appointments every month. Exclusive for CDG Listeners: Start your no-risk, 1-month free trial at http://www.toma.com/cdg 2. Lotlinx - Get the best possible market advantage on every vehicle transaction. Optimize operations and boost profits using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Learn more @ https://lotlinx.com/ 3. Qmerit - Selling EVs can have a lot of friction points. But home charging installation shouldn't be one of them. That's why dealers and automakers trust Qmerit—the go-to expert for home charging installations. Join Qmerit's dealership partner program and start earning referral incentives on every installation. Visit @ http://www.qmerit.com/carguy to learn more. Need help finding top automotive talent? Get started here: https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ Interested in advertising with Car Dealership Guy? Drop us a line here: https://cdgpartner.com Interested in being considered as a guest on the podcast? Add your name here: https://bit.ly/3Suismu Topics: 00:33 Why switch from healthcare to auto? 02:29 Biggest auto retail challenges today? 04:31 Why focus on automotive AI? 05:49 How AI improves customer experience? 07:54 Customizing AI for dealerships how? 11:20 Will customers accept AI solutions? 13:36 How secured $17.2M funding? 16:46 Plans for deploying capital? 26:55 Future AI-driven dealership experience? Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: CDG News ➤ https://news.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Jobs ➤ https://jobs.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Recruiting ➤ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ My Socials: X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions.
Jacob Mullins, Venture Partner at Village Global, sits down with Ezra Roizen, General Manager of Advsr and author of "The Magic Box Paradigm," to demystify the world of startup mergers and acquisitions (M&A) on Jacob's private podcast, VC Mastermind, which we are cross-posting on the Village Global podcast. Drawing on decades of experience as both an entrepreneur and investment banker, Ezra shares his unique framework for maximizing M&A outcomes, emphasizing that successful startup exits are driven not by a traditional sales process, but by building strategic relationships and unlocking future value for acquirers.Ezra introduces the "Magic Box Paradigm," a visual and practical approach that helps founders and investors focus on the unique value their company can unlock for specific buyers—what he calls the "purple boxes." He explains why M&A is fundamentally different from fundraising, how to avoid the pitfalls of a sales-driven mindset, and why starting early with strategic relationship-building is key. The conversation covers actionable advice for VCs and board members on how to guide their portfolio companies, the importance of thought leadership, and how to navigate both strategic and private equity exits.Listeners will come away with a fresh perspective on startup M&A, including when to bring in advisors, how to structure deals creatively, and why conventional wisdom—like relying on competitive bidding or rushing to term sheets—often falls short. Whether you're a founder, investor, or board member, this episode offers a masterclass in preparing for and executing high-impact M&A outcomes.VC Mastermind is a private podcast for VC Managing Partners. Designed for senior decision-makers at VC firms managing $50 million to $5 billion of institutional capital, VC Mastermind delivers premium insights, peer exchange, and operational best practices across all stages of a firm's life cycle. It was founded by Jacob Mullins (@jacob on X / twitter) – a 20-year veteran of the Silicon Valley startup tech and venture capital industry based in San Francisco.Thanks for listening — if you like what you hear, please review us on your favorite podcast platform.Check us out on the web at www.villageglobal.vc or get in touch with us on Twitter @villageglobal.Want to get updates from us? Subscribe to get a peek inside the Village. We'll send you reading recommendations, exclusive event invites, and commentary on the latest happenings in Silicon Valley. www.villageglobal.vc/signup
Olivia Landau, Co-Founder and CEO of The Clear Cut—the largest digitally native natural diamond jewelry company in the United States—shares how a side hustle selling engagement rings through Instagram DMs transformed into a $100M company. Despite being dismissed by venture capitalists and warned by her family not to become an entrepreneur, Olivia Landau chose to bet on herself. Alongside her then-boyfriend (now husband and co-founder), Kyle, she took a leap of faith, walking away from the safe path and rejecting startup “best practices” that didn't feel aligned. Instead of following the noise, she doubled down on what felt right: human connection, deep education, craftsmanship, and building slow and intentionally. Her voice is a powerful reminder of what can happen when you block out the noise, trust your gut, and build your way—even when everyone says you're doing it wrong. Key Takeaways and Topics: How The Clear Cut started as an educational blog and Instagram side hustle Olivia's generational roots in the diamond industry and how that shaped her approach The myths around lab-grown vs. natural diamonds—and why she refuses to sell lab-created stones Fundraising rejection: Why no VCs would invest and how they raised $700K from angels and customers instead The Clear Cut's breakthrough moment during the pandemic and how their custom-built tech scaled the business Why “unscalable” things are worth doing first The emotional toll and impostor syndrome that come with fundraising and startup leadership How Olivia navigates being a new mom, co-founder, and CEO Debunking ethical misconceptions about natural diamonds—and why the real story matters Why having a personal brand and showing your face on social media can be a competitive advantage Her advice to aspiring founders: Don't wait for perfection, just take the first step Disclaimer: Olivia shares her view that natural diamonds can be more ethical than lab-grown alternatives. This is a nuanced topic; what is “ethical” depends on your values. Natural diamonds may support economies like Botswana's, while lab-grown stones produced with renewable energy may appeal to those prioritizing environmental impact. Some stats shared from memory have been clarified: Diamonds make up 25–30% of Botswana's GDP, not 80% as mentioned (that figure refers to exports). Diamond revenues fund free primary education, subsidized secondary education, and universal healthcare in Botswana. While “stipends” aren't standard, the government provides scholarships and financial support to students and select groups. We've included these clarifications to support informed decision-making. The Failure Factor Podcast was brought to you by Off The Field Coaching. Explore working with one of our coaches at http://offthefieldcoaching.com Hosted by Megan Bruneau: therapist, executive coach, speaker, Forbes contributor, and host of The Failure Factor. For more info, visit https://meganbruneau.com Follow Olivia and The Clear Cut Her Ig: https://www.instagram.com/olivialandau The Clear Cut: https://www.instagram.com/theclearcut Follow Megan Ig: https://www.instagram.com/meganjbruneau/ In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-j-bruneau-m-a-rcc Subscribe to the podcast newsletter at https://thefailurefactorpodcast.com Themes: entrepreneurship, diamond industry, The Clear Cut, venture capital, scaling a startup, personalized luxury, ethical sourcing, tech, jewelry, women founder, e-commerce, working with a partner, motherhood, impostor syndrome, custom jewelry, resilience, lab-grown diamonds, natural diamonds, storytelling, brand building
In this episode, we sit down with Keshia Theobald-van Gent, a seasoned venture capital investor with deep expertise in fund economics, portfolio strategy, and founder alignment. Keshia shares her sharp insights into how today's most successful VCs operate and what emerging fund managers and founders need to know to succeed in this dynamic ecosystem. Whether you're a founder seeking to better understand how VCs evaluate your startup, or an emerging fund manager preparing to launch your first fund, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways and deep industry wisdom.
Wes and Scott talk with VC Dan Levine about how developers can raise venture capital, what investors look for in early-stage startups, the realities of bootstrapping vs. fundraising, and why great ideas often start as simple side projects. Show Notes 00:00 Welcome to Syntax! 00:55 Dan's background and career 03:10 Is it common for tech investors to come from a tech background? 04:40 How can developers raise money? 08:35 What investors look for 12:39 How much funding is enough? 15:41 Are founders working with multiple investors? 18:26 What can you use the money for? 22:49 How much influence do investors have in the business? 29:56 Brought to you by Sentry.io 29:56 How involved are VCs in the business? 34:22 How do you know a startup is in trouble—and what can you do about it? 38:56 How much of the company do investors own? 40:43 What's the endgame for investors? 44:02 How do acqui-hires work? 46:29 Is the AI space a real opportunity or just hype? 53:22 Sick Picks + Shameless Plugs Sick Picks Dan: Dandelion Chocolate Jules Pizza Shameless Plugs Dan: Linear Hit us up on Socials! Syntax: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Wes: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Scott: X Instagram Tiktok LinkedIn Threads Randy: X Instagram YouTube Threads
Salesforce is back in the acquisition swing. Circle is going for an IPO. Is Netflix about to lose the streaming service crown? The Holy Grail of AI Models. And is your boss more demanding of your output now that you use AI?Links:Salesforce Agrees to Buy Informatica in Deal Worth $8 Billion (Bloomberg)Stablecoin Giant Circle File for IPO on NYSE (CoinDesk)The Browser Company mulls selling or open-sourcing Arc Browser amid AI-focused pivot (TechCrunch)Cricket gives Disney-Ambani unit in India almost as many users as Netflix (Financial Times)One of Europe's top AI researchers raised a $13M seed to crack the ‘holy grail' of models (TechCrunch)At Amazon, Some Coders Say Their Jobs Have Begun to Resemble Warehouse Work (NYTimes)Khosla Ventures among VCs experimenting with AI-infused roll-ups of mature companies (TechCrunch)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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