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On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Stephen Brittain, co-founder of InsurTech Gateway, a pioneering venture builder focused on bringing early-stage startups into the heart of the insurance world – a regulated industry that typically moves at glacial speed. Over the past decade, Stephen has helped launch and scale ventures inside one of the most regulated, risk-averse business sectors on the planet: the insurance space. He has been the spark for innovation inside large insurance corporates and the strategic partner for founders who wanted to navigate the labyrinth of regulation, procurement and distribution at scale. In other words: he has been solving the archetypal “how to innovate inside a large enterprise” question while keeping the spirit of a startup alive. KEY TAKEAWAYS I was a product /service designer, and I found myself – through building bigger and bigger products – coming up against risk, and I saw risk as a constraint. I knew that if I could only understand risk better that I might be able to do bigger and bolder and better projects. That's how I outgrew product design and moved into insurance. InsurTech Gateway's original intention was to find amazing founders and fast-track them into market with enough creative energy to survive, adapt and evolve in an environment where your first idea had to be your fixed idea. Today we give founders greater agility to learn and evolve, because no one ever knows what to do when they first start, it's a learning journey. The upside, the enthusiasm, the opportunity framing of entrepreneurialism and venturing gets everybody started, rallies people together. But, an a bad day, the downside view is actually the long-term sustainability of any new category. VCs and insurers have never sat round the table together. BEST MOMENTS ‘The opportunity was not to make insurance sexy, it was to look at the secret powers of insurance to create mutual models to work at scale, to unlock lending and put trust into ecosystems that didn't exist before.' ‘One of the biggest challenges in InsurTech is; to get a successful outcome from something that looked great on day 1 but didn't evolve into the opportunity.' ‘Pattern recognition has never been higher and the cost to entry and experimentation has never been lower. We recognise what works and what doesn't much better, but can we validate it with an insurer and get them onside? I think we still need to work out the connectivity.' ‘If you can work with innovators, and you understand risk, and you can help unlock that innovation, you can make it sustainable.' ABOUT THE GUESTS Stephen Brittain is the Co-Founder of InsurTech Gateway, the world's first authorised venture builder and fund focused on insurtech. A true pioneer at the intersection of innovation, investment, and impact, Stephen has spent the past decade turning bold ideas into scalable ventures that redefine how insurance and technology collide. ABOUT THE HOST Sabine is a corporate strategist turned entrepreneur. She is the CEO and Managing Partner of Alchemy Crew a venture lab that accelerates the curation, validation, & commercialization of new tech business models. Sabine is renowned within the insurance sector for building some of the most renowned tech startup accelerators around the world working with over 30 corporate insurers, accelerated over 100 startup ventures. Sabine is the co-editor of the bestseller The INSURTECH Book, a top 50 Women in Tech, a FinTech and InsurTech Influencer, an investor & multi-award winner. Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Facebook TikTok Email Website This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
This week on Swimming with Allocators, it's time for another discuss, debate, and question episode as Alexa Binns and Earnest Sweat dive into the evolving venture capital landscape, examining themes like LP confidence in selecting managers versus direct deals, the changing roles of fund-of-funds, the impact of AI and storytelling for differentiation, and rising pressures on women and diverse founders. The conversation also debates whether venture is still truly venture as mega funds grow, highlights the importance of authentic branding, and explores whether geographic hubs like San Francisco are essential. Listeners will take away insights on how LPs and GPs can foster meaningful relationships, the need for differentiation, ongoing diversity challenges, why clarity of purpose and resilience are more crucial than ever in today's VC ecosystem, and so much more. Don't miss this episode!Highlights from this week's conversation include:Welcome and Introduction to DDQ Episode (0:24)LP Confidence in Manager Selection and Blind Spots in Direct Deal Flow (3:01)The Push for Change in the Fund-To-Fund Model and Consolidation (6:20)Market Timing and Advice for Maintaining Portfolio Discipline (8:34)The Growing Importance of Technology Stacks for Fund Managers (9:25)How Branding and Storytelling Are Evolving in Venture Capital (12:31)Challenges of Differentiation, Authenticity, and Thought Leadership (15:05)Addressing Disparities and the Need for Collective Action (19:08)The Shift in How Founders Choose Capital Versus LP Expectations (23:02)Debating Who is the Ultimate Customer: LPs or Founders (26:50)Enriching The LP Experience With Initiatives Like Pitch Days (29:35)The Role of GPs in Supporting Founders and Their Track Records (31:03)In-Person Events, San Francisco's Significance, and Industry Presence (34:14)How LPs Rebuild Conviction After Market Downturns (37:53)Managing Fund Terms, Anchors, and Building a Minimum Viable Fund (39:39)Commitments, Angel Investing, and Highlights From Recent Deals (41:39)Final Thoughts and Takeaways (44:03)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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Venture into the shadowy realms of power and secrecy with Already Dead, where hosts Jose Galison (@towergangjose) and Austin Picard (@theatrethugawp) dissect the intricate web of conspiracy, covert operations, and the underlying political machinations that might just be pulling the strings of our society.What to Expect:Live Listener Interaction: Call in to share your theories, ask burning questions, or discuss personal experiences related to the topics at hand.In-Depth Explorations: Each episode focuses on a different conspiracy or hidden aspect of political history, offering a platform to question and analyze what's often left unsaid.Thought-Provoking Guests: We invite individuals with insider knowledge or those who've taken the red pill to discuss topics that range from the fringe to the forefront of conspiracy culture.Critical Analysis of Current Affairs: We don't just report on events; we interpret them through the lens of parapolitics, looking for patterns and hidden agendas.Join Us: Every Tuesday at 9:30 PM ET, dive into the depths of the unknown with us. Subscribe, participate in our live call-ins, and be part of a community that seeks to understand the world beyond the surface narrative.Disclaimer: This podcast thrives on speculation, hypothesis, and the examination of alternative theories. It's meant to provoke thought and encourage personal research. Not all discussed is proven fact, but rather a call to question, explore, and understand. Warning: For those not ready to challenge their worldview, tread carefully. Once you enter the world of Already Dead, you might find that the truth is often already dead to the uninitiated. Welcome aboard, where curiosity is your guide.Please consider supporting my work- Patreon- https://www.patreon.com/nowayjose2020Only costs $2/month and will get you access to episodes earlier than the public No Way, Jose! Rumble Channel- https://rumble.com/c/c-3379274 No Way, Jose! YouTube Channel- https://youtube.com/channel/UCzyrpy3eo37eiRTq0cXff0gMy Podcast Host- https://redcircle.com/shows/no-way-joseApple podcasts- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-way-jose/id1546040443Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/0xUIH4pZ0tM1UxARxPe6ThStitcher- https://www.stitcher.com/show/no-way-jose-2Amazon Music- https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/41237e28-c365-491c-9a31-2c6ef874d89d/No-Way-JoseGoogle Podcasts- https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5yZWRjaXJjbGUuY29tL2ZkM2JkYTE3LTg2OTEtNDc5Ny05Mzc2LTc1M2ExZTE4NGQ5Yw%3D%3DRadioPublic- https://radiopublic.com/no-way-jose-6p1BAO Vurbl- https://vurbl.com/station/4qHi6pyWP9B/Feel free to contact me at thelibertymovementglobal@gmail.com
I've seen the term “serial entrepreneur” thrown around a lot—but today's guest, Brian Decker, is the real deal. From mortgage banking to real estate, cryptocurrency, and now AI-driven solar energy, Brian has built, scaled, and sustained multiple companies across economic cycles. In this conversation, we go deep on what being a true serial entrepreneur actually means—not half-assing twenty things, but whole-assing one thing at a time until you've built a foundation solid enough to expand.Brian breaks down the mindset of doubling down when everyone else is running scared, how to recognize patterns in economic cycles, and why the key to real wealth is creating recurring, scalable systems instead of being your company's best employee. We also dig into leadership, delegation, and how to build a business that can outlast you — one that runs without your name being on every single deal.We Meet: Brian Decker, Soar Energy, Modern Lending, CryptochargedConnect:Connect with Rick: https://linktr.ee/mrrickjordanConnect with Brian: https://www.thebriandecker.com/ Subscribe & Review to ALL IN with Rick Jordan on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RickJordanALLINAbout Brian: Brian Decker is a serial entrepreneur with several successful exits. He is the CEO of Soar Energy, president/founder of Modern Lending, real estate investor, cryptocurrency investor/educator, and keynote speaker/creator known for his passion for empowering others to achieve financial freedom.
The hardest company to build is the one you start after you've already succeeded.After scaling Yext into a platform powering millions of businesses, Howard Lerman chose to start over with Roam, the “Office of the Future,” where humans and AI work side by side from anywhere.On Grit, he joins Joubin Mirzadegan to talk about the solitude of leadership and what happens when you stop building for Wall Street.Guest: Howard Lerman, co-founder and former CEO of Yext, and founder and CEO of RoamConnect with Howard LermanXLinkedInConnect with JoubinXLinkedInEmail: grit@kleinerperkins.comLearn more about Kleiner Perkins
S4:E196 David gives The Venture Update with a special segment on the potential impact of Quantum Tokens on the blockchain. Then Paul provides a brief update on the current status of Capital Gains Tax Exclusion for gains on Qualified Small Business Stock or QSBS with Ben Glenn, an accountant specializing in startups. The One Big Beautiful Bill substantially updated the QSBS rules, solidifying one of the key incentives for startup investing for stock issued on or after July 5, 2025. (review recorded 10.1.25)Follow David on X at https://x.com/DGRollingSouth Follow Paul on X at https://x.com/PalmettoAngel Connect On LinkedIn with David at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgrisell/ Connect On LinkedIn with Paul at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulclarkprivateequity/ We invite your feedback and suggestions at www.ventureinthesouth.com or email david@ventureinthesouth.com. Learn more about RollingSouth at rollingsouth.vc or email david@rollingsouth.vc.
Dr Katie Best, leadership coach and consultant on how to solve 10 of the toughest leadership problems. Her titular book addresses common leadership challenges, clustered into three main areas: managing oneself (avoiding burnout, making good decisions, increasing influence), managing teams (cultural issues, employee performance, staff engagement), and leading change (strategy implementation, hybrid working). With an academic background at The LSE and King's College London Business School, she explains how making good decisions, handling burnout, managing cultures in teams, is ultimately all about good communication and listening, especially in a hybrid workplace. Finally, she argues the case for her own model of SOLVE: State your problem, Open the box, Lay out your solution, Venture forth! and Elevate your learning. #Leadership #FutureOfWork
Pour la MASTERCLASS "FinTech les fondamentaux", c'est ici : http://bit.ly/3KFu9ocIn this episode, Bleuzenn Pech de Pluvinel, Managing director for Private Equity at Accenture, Leader within the Global Private Equity Practice, shares how technology and AI are reshaping the private equity industry from the inside out.We explore how the role of investors is shifting - from financial engineers to value creators - and how operational excellence, data, and digital capabilities are becoming the real differentiators in driving growth and returns.Key Topics:Bleuzenn's journey from public service to two decades in strategy consulting at Deloitte, BCG, and Accenture.How private equity has evolved from a purely financial model to one focused on operational transformation.The rise of operating partners inside funds - bridging strategy, execution, and expertise.Accenture's positioning: from due diligence to post-acquisition transformation.The growing impact of AI on portfolio company performance.How to “operationalize” AI: starting small with use case by use case.The integration of ESG criteria as true value levers, beyond compliance.The mid-market as a fertile ground for innovation and sustainable impact.A rich and forward-looking conversation about the new generation of private equity where strategy, technology, and purpose converge to redefine performance.Recommendation from Bleuzenn:
Technovation with Peter High (CIO, CTO, CDO, CXO Interviews)
6: What does it take to play the long game in innovation? Venture capitalist Brad Feld has spent four decades answering that question as a founder, mentor, and early-stage investor in companies like Fitbit, MakerBot, and Techstars. In this episode, Feld unpacks the enduring impact of mentorship, the logic behind his "Give First" philosophy, and how startups and enterprises alike can benefit from ecosystem thinking.
In this week's Quick Hits, DeAndre Coke checks in before heading to Tulum, Mexico, sharing exciting updates on upcoming speaking engagements and the latest news in the world of points and miles. He previews his visits to Secrets Tulum and a local Airbnb stay, and announces two 2026 conferences where he'll be speaking — the Chicago Points Travel Festival and the Pediatric CEO Intensive.On the travel rewards front, DeAndre covers major industry updates, including Amex's new charge card limits, Hilton and United “de-devaluations”, and Capital One's clarified Venture bonus rules. He also shares listener data points from the WhatsApp community, such as how Rove bookings impact Hyatt upgrades and how to fix Amex mailer application issues. The episode wraps up with a listener highlight featuring Tom Marsden's World Series trip, reminding everyone how points and miles can turn passions into unforgettable experiences.Key takeaways: Upcoming events: DeAndre will speak at the 2026 Chicago Points Travel Festival and Pediatric CEO Intensive.Amex limits: American Express now appears to cap personal charge cards at five per customer.Hilton rollback: Some properties, including Grand Wailea and Hermitage Bay, have reduced redemption rates after recent hikes.United Airlines update: Partner award rates dropped up to 9%, offering better value on international redemptions.Capital One clarification: You can still earn Venture X bonuses even if you've had Venture or VentureOne.Community insight: Hyatt stays booked through Rove earn status credit but can't apply suite upgrade awards.Amex mailer fix: If you see “offer in use,” try applying in incognito mode or after clearing browser cookies.Engaged community: The Boldly Go WhatsApp chat continues to offer valuable real-time data points.Interested in Financial Planning?Truicity Wealth ManagementResources:Our RoveMiles referral linkBook a Free 30-minute points & miles consultationStart here to learn how to unlock nearly free travelSign up for our newsletter!BoldlyGo Travel With Points & Miles Facebook GroupSome of Our Favorite Tools For Elevating Your Points & Miles Game:Note: Contains affiliate/sponsored linksCard Pointers (Saves the average user $750 per year)Zil Money (For Payroll on Credit Card)Travel FreelyPoint.meFlightConnections.com
Join us live as we dive into Star Trek: Khan, the brand-new scripted podcast that expands one of Trek's most legendary stories. This week, Girafe and the crew break down the finale of the series, "Eternity's Face!"Episode Synopsis: Dissent among Khan's followers threatens Venture's launch. Khan faces one last threat to his rule, and a final decision that seals his fate.Plus your thoughts on the finale and more in the mailbag!Send us a textSupport the show
Andrew Yang traces his path from failed entrepreneur to 2020 presidential candidate driven by a single realization: automation has already destroyed millions of American jobs, and the next wave will be exponentially worse. Through his work with Venture for America, he witnessed firsthand the economic devastation in Detroit, Ohio, and the Midwest—where automated manufacturing jobs created the conditions that elected Donald Trump. Yang argues that artificial intelligence will soon eliminate truck driving, retail, call centers, and even white-collar professions like law and accounting. His solution is Universal Basic Income—a $1,000 monthly Freedom Dividend for every American adult, funded by a Value Added Tax on tech companies. He dismantles objections about affordability and work ethic, revealing how the policy would grow GDP by $2.5 trillion, create 4.5 million jobs, and transform America into a human-centered economy before technological displacement pushes society off a cliff. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dave Thornton is the Co-Founder and CEO of Vested, a venture secondaries platform that provides liquidity to the long tail of startup employees whose stock options often go abandoned or ignored and seeks to deliver diversified, attractively priced exposure to the top 20% of venture-backed startups. Our conversation covers Dave's background bridging entrepreneurship and finance, the dynamics of employee stock options, and the development of Vested's investment strategy. We discuss sourcing deals, predicting success of start-ups with a quantitative model, constructing portfolios, and avoiding risks. We close by touching on the future of liquidity and indexing in venture capital. Learn More Follow Ted on Twitter at @tseides or LinkedIn Subscribe to the mailing list Access Transcript with Premium Membership Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com)
Welcome back to the EUVC Podcast — where we go deep with the people shaping European venture.Today, David sits down with Kristaps Ronis, Partner at ION Pacific, a global secondaries investor (HQ in LA, presence in Europe & Asia) focused on Series B+ tech and a specialty that's getting hotter by the month: structured secondaries.Kristaps runs ION Pacific's European practice and has been with the firm since inception (2015). In this episode, he unpacks why DPI is king, why traditional “sell-the-shares” secondaries often fall short, and how structured deals can deliver liquidity without selling or signaling — all while preserving control and upside for GPs.Whether you're a GP under LP pressure, an LP looking for distributions, or a founder trying to understand what's happening around your cap table, this one's for you.Here's what's covered:00:55 – Who is ION Pacific? Global secondaries focused on B/C/D with a European practice led by Kristaps.02:36 – What they do: Liquidity for venture via structured & traditional secondaries.04:01 – Kristaps' path: Latvia → Peking University → Hong Kong banking → co-founding ION Pacific.06:05 – What are structured secondaries (in one line).07:35 – Three big learnings in venture: lack of financial innovation, complex cap tables = silent killer, DPI is king.10:48 – Early vs. later stage instruments — why complexity hits hard post-Series B.17:16 – Why secondaries now (esp. in Europe): DPI pressure, awareness, more dedicated players.21:09 – Continuation vehicles in Europe: “2025 is the year of the EU CV.”23:31 – Where structured deals fit: liquidity without selling, pricing gaps, zero market signaling.26:20 – “What's the catch?” Educating LPs on partial upfront + future upside.28:05 – Advice for GPs & LPs: how to open the liquidity conversation.29:53 – Solving the bid–ask spread: structure beats headline discounts.31:27 – Co-investing: where others join (and where they don't).32:26 – The market gap: too big for small PE secondaries, too small for mega funds — ION's sweet spot.35:55 – Timing: don't start in year 11 of a 10+2 fund; think 6–9 months ahead.36:58 – Seller mistakes: timing, portfolio prep, governance blockers, LP comms.40:23 – Good news for emerging managers: relationships can reopen info rights.43:37 – Kristaps' bookshelf: The One Thing, Getting to Neutral, Buy Back Your Time.45:23 – How to reach Kristaps: LinkedIn + email; open to being a sounding board.
Pour la MASTERCLASS "FinTech les fondamentaux", c'est ici : http://bit.ly/3KFu9ocThis is an excerpt of Solenne's conversation with Bleuzenn Pech de Pluvinel, Managing Director for private equity at Accenture.Finscale is also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@finscale.********************Finscale is much more than a podcast. It's an ecosystem that connects key players in the financial sector through networking, coaching, and strategic partnerships.
This Sunday we celebrated Venture Church's 21st birthday and continued our Journey Through Ephesians series with a powerful message from Pastor Brandon Beals. In Ephesians chapter 2, Paul reminds us that through Jesus, the walls that once divided us are torn down. What once separated Jews and Gentiles — insiders and outsiders — has been destroyed by the cross. We are now one family, one body, and one church united by grace. Pastor Brandon teaches how grace brings unity, how division is the enemy's oldest tactic, and why the cross is what holds us — and the church — together.
This week on Swimming with Allocators, Vivek Jindal, CIO at Caprock, shares his journey from risk manager to leading allocator, offering valuable insights into building all-weather, customized portfolios for ultra-high-net-worth families. The conversation covers the evolution of venture investing, the art and science of risk management, the growing role of secondary markets, manager selection, and the importance of diversification and due diligence. Listeners will gain key takeaways on how to compound capital over decades, adapt to market changes, and identify fund managers' unique superpowers for long-term success. Also, don't miss our insider segment as Shane Goudey highlights Sidley's expansive, practical expertise in representing venture firms and emerging companies, emphasizing the firm's holistic, relationship-driven approach and ability to offer clients sophisticated legal and strategic support across the entire investment and startup ecosystem.Highlights from this week's conversation include:Welcoming Vivek Jindal to the Show (0:22)Lessons from Starting on the Risk Side and the Global Financial Crisis (1:44)Approaching Risk in Venture & Asset Allocation (5:30)Evolution of Portfolio Construction and Blurring Asset Class Lines (10:01)Strategies for Identifying Manager “Superpowers” (10:38)Caprock's Venture Investing Approach and Its Evolution (13:42)Sectors Out of Favor and Long-term Perspective (16:36)Selecting and Accessing Fund Managers (18:36)Word of Mouth, Networking, and New Venture Managers (19:06)Discussion with Sponsor Sidley's Shane Goudey (21:52)Ideal Client Profiles for Caprock (27:06)Why Alternatives—and Why Venture? (29:21)Opportunities in the Secondary Market (31:45)Trends to Watch in Venture and Growth Equity (35:22)What Makes a Good Fund Manager and Reference Checking (38:36)Final Thoughts and Takeaways (41:52)Caprock is a leading multifamily office providing independent, fiduciary advice to ultra-high-net-worth families and institutions. With a multi-asset class approach spanning traditional and alternative investments, Caprock creates fully customized portfolios designed to preserve, compound, and align wealth across generations. Learn more at www.caprock.com.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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Bike Talk with Dave: Bicycle racing, cyclocross, gravel, mountain bike, road and tech
TJ Tollakson ran his first triathlon in July 2001, and he has been a professional triathlete since 2005. In July 2011, he achieved his first Ironman victory at Lake Placid. In 2011 TJ founded his own manufacturing company Dimond Bikes in Des Moines, IA. Starting when TJ won his first Ironman at Lake Placid New York on a modified and re-branded Zipp beam bike. Since that early bike, his brand has become known as one of the fastest bikes for the time trial and triathlon, and has grown into an entire line of bikes including road, gravel and mountain bikes. Venture into the Dimond Mine at www.dimondbikes.com and see the gems on instagram and facebook! https://www.instagram.com/dimondbikesThe time has come to lock in your core4 2026 plans! Launch day is November 21 ! Get ready to jump on launch pricing at www.core4.bike. Use code CORE4LAUNCH26 for a 1st dibs deal until Dec 31st. Your adventure awaits. August 14-16, 2026.We would love it if you would consider supporting Bike Talk with Dave by rating, reviewing and sharing on your favorite podcast platform. We'd invite you to support the show financially at www.buymeacoffee.com or on Venmo @David-Mable. You'll receive a Bike Talk with Dave sticker!Follow Bike Talk with Dave on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/biketalkwithdave/ and Facebook so you don't miss any of the fun, and you can now find every episode on your computer at www.biketalk.bike. And now available on YouTube on the Bike Talk with Dave YouTube channel!And if you need any digital media work: photography, videography and editing, podcast production and editing, look no further than Mable Media. Connect at www.mablemedia.net to help grow your brand and connect with your audience!
05 Nov 2025. Dubai Holding and Palantir Technologies have launched a joint venture called Aither, aimed at driving AI transformation across the UAE’s public and private sectors. We speak to Palantir EVP Noam Perski to find out what exactly they’ve built and how it will “localise” the economic value of AI. Plus, H&M’s global CEO Daniel Ervér joins us as the retailer celebrates 20 years in Dubai and names the city a key global hub for 2025. And Untold Dubai is back - we speak to co-founder Edy Chereji about the economics behind one of the region’s biggest music festivals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of Founded & Funded, Madrona Digital Editor Coral Garnick Ducken sits down with Investor Rasik Parikh to unpack his journey from public markets to venture capital and what makes a founder stand out. Rasik shares how working across institutional investing, M&A, and now enterprise AI at Madrona has shaped his analytical mindset and founder-first approach. They dive into how to build information asymmetry as an early-stage investor, why storytelling matters more than metrics in early fundraising, and what Rasik looks for in founders. Founders building in security, agentic software, or enterprise AI — this one's for you. Watch/listen to learn: How Rasik evaluates founders and opportunities The value of tribal vs. common knowledge in startup ecosystems How early-stage fundraising and M&A share a key ingredient: Storytelling What's exciting in enterprise AI and security Chapters: (00:00) – Introduction (02:00) – Early career: Institutional investing & M&A (04:30) – Lessons from the UW Endowment (06:00) – Public vs. private markets & long-term thinking (08:50) – Applying an analyst mindset to venture (10:00) – The role of founders in early-stage investing (12:00) – Storytelling in fundraising & exits (14:00) – Rasik's connection to Madrona & Seattle's tech growth (16:00) – What Rasik looks for in founders: curiosity, awareness, urgency (18:20) – Security, enterprise AI, and what excites Rasik in tech (20:00) – Quick hits: How Rasik recharges & Seattle restaurant picks
Several weeks ago, Paul dissected the good and the bad of Artificial Intelligence (AI) from the tech side on Spirit Gym with tech consultant/UX researcher Rachel Miles.A huge question remained unanswered after that conversation: How do we retain our humanity amid the avalanche of AI tech?Venture capitalist, entrepreneur and first-time author Jeff Burninhgam embraces the answer to that very question in his book, The Last Book Written by a Human: Becoming Wise in the Age of AI.Jeff explains why the presence of AI is an important reminder to embrace our humanity and how the beauty in life is not trying to achieve perfection but to relish in its messiness and imperfection this week on Spirit Gym.Read the first chapter of Jeff's book on his website. Learn more about Jeff on social media via Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter/X, TikTok and Substack.Timestamps8:01 From traveling the Ganges River to running for governor in Utah.19:07 One blessing in disguise with AI: Reminding us of our humanity.23:04 Disruption, reflection, transformation and evolution.29:46 AI as a human crucible.36:12 “No amount of education saves anyone from the Hero's Journey.”45:00 In the presence of AI, we will need to learn how to fight to stay in human relationships.51:51 “As our machines become more intelligent, our work as humans is to become wiser.”1:04:52 The beauty of life is in the mess, the work and the process.1:12:45 “We are human beings, not human doings.”1:27:15 The origin of most existential pain in our lives.1:35:48 Emptiness.1:43:39 Social media: The baby AI.ResourcesThe Silicon SlopesPaul's Living 4D podcast on Lucifer-Christ-AhrimanFind more resources for this episode on our website.Music Credit: Meet Your Heroes (444Hz), Composed, mixed, mastered and produced by Michael RB Schwartz of Brave Bear MusicThanks to our awesome sponsors:PaleovalleyBIOptimizers US and BIOptimizers UK PAUL15Organifi CHEK20Wild PasturesKorrect SPIRITGYMPique LifeCHEK InstituteCHEK Academy We may earn commissions from qualifying purchases using affiliate links.
In this episode of Alternative Allocations, Tony sits down with Bobby to discuss the current landscape of private equity and growth equity investing. Bobby shares his insights on the market's shift post-2021, the emergence of new opportunities in areas such as AI, FinTech, and sustainable energy, and the importance of investing at a discount to public market valuations. The conversation also touches on the expected increase in exits through IPOs and M&A activity, driven by a more favorable business environment. Robert "Bobby" Stevenson is a Co-Head of Private Investing for Franklin Equity Group and Managing Director of Franklin Venture Partners, the firm's specialized investment team that invests in private opportunities, focusing on mid- and late-stage companies it believes are poised for transformative impacts across multiple industries. Bobby joined Franklin Templeton Investments in 2004. Previously he was a research analyst and portfolio manager specializing in equity research analysis within the industrials and technology sectors. His primary research coverage included the automotive, and airline industries, as well as the consumer electronics industry. His previous research coverage also included the cable/satellite and transportation industries. Mr. Stevenson was a member of the management team for Franklin Flex Cap Growth VIP Fund. He holds a B.A. in economics from UCLA. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder and a member of the Securities Analysts of San Francisco (SASF). Resources: Robert Stevenson | LinkedIn Alternatives by Franklin Templeton Tony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn
Mark shares both his career journey across some of the world's premier technology companies and how his roots growing up in a Midwest industrial town + degree in operations management gave him a unique vantage point/passion for optimizing some of the world's premier supply chains for those technology companies, details his lessons learned on what it takes to scale and lead a finance function within a hyper-growth technology company (only amplified if the dynamics of h/w + s/w business models are involved), and outlines his view on this latest wave of AI with his decades of experience watching prior key inflection points in technology.
Welcome back to the EUVC Podcast, where we gather Europe's venture family to share the stories, insights, and lessons that drive our ecosystem forward.Today we zoom in on the inner game with Seb Agertoft, former product leader turned executive coach and Partner at Evolution, a collective of ~80 coaching and leadership-development partners across the US and Europe. Seb works primarily with VC-backed founders, co-founding teams, and leadership teams. Joining me is Mike Reiner (432 Legacy), who's helping us bring more conversations like this to light. We dig into what real coaching is (and isn't), how product experience helps without turning coaching into advice, why founders need the right kind of stubbornness, and how slowing down actually improves performance.
The hardest part of transformation is knowing what to let go of.Dan O'Connell, now leading Front as CEO and formerly on the board at Dialpad, joins Joubin Mirzadegan to explore the delicate balance between legacy and innovation as he leads a decade old company through the AI revolution.He also reflects on why courage and control can coexist in leadership, and what it means to “make decisions that give you energy.”Guest: Dan O'Connell, CEO of FrontConnect with Dan O'ConnellXLinkedInConnect with JoubinXLinkedInEmail: grit@kleinerperkins.comLearn more about Kleiner Perkins
(0:00) Intro(1:25) About the podcast sponsor: The American College of Governance Counsel(2:12) Start of interview(3:01) Karen's origin story(3:44) Early Career and Transition to Technology(5:40) The Dot-Com Era and her time at Brobeck and later at Orrick.(8:50) Her transition to Prosper Marketplace (Chris Larsen's company) (9:40) Her time at Box, Inc. and Apple *Reference to E179 with Jack Lazar(13:14) Her journey to Venture Capital.(14:16) Joining B Capital (in 2019) and the firm's investment focus(16:16) The nature of B Capital's partnership with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) (19:32) Governance in Early Stage Companies(20:42) Her role as a board partner of her firm. *Reference to VCBA program(23:22) Building Trust in Governance "It starts on day one. And that trust is just, is literally earned through every conversation, every interaction, and certainly every board meeting."(25:41) Founder-Friendly Terms and Market Changes(28:43) The Importance of Governance During Crisis(31:52) CEO Succession and Leadership Transition(37:45) Advisory Boards vs. Fiduciary Boards(40:06) On board observers(44:08) Board Committees and Their Evolution(48:10) The Debate: Stay Private or Go Public(51:37) Books that have greatly influenced her life:Annie Duke's Thinking in Bets (2018)Ray Dalio's Principles (2017)Shoe Dog by Phil Night (2016)(52:00) Her mentors: David Geyer (Brobeck), Aaron Levie (Box), Howard Morgan (B Capital)(52:48) Quotes that she thinks of often or lives her life by: "never cut what you can untie". And the other is "never confuse motion with progress."(53:03) An unusual habit or an absurd thing that she loves. (53:25) The people she most admires(55:50) Diversity on Boards in Venture CapitalKaren Page is a General Partner and Board Partner at B Capital. As a Board Partner, she collaborates with portfolio company leadership, B Capital's investment team and the firm's network of advisors to provide best-in-class strategic guidance You can follow Evan on social media at:X: @evanepsteinLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/epsteinevan/ Substack: https://evanepstein.substack.com/__To support this podcast you can join as a subscriber of the Boardroom Governance Newsletter at https://evanepstein.substack.com/__Music/Soundtrack (found via Free Music Archive): Seeing The Future by Dexter Britain is licensed under a Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License
S4:E195 David gives The Venture Update and then Paul and David review BIP Venture's 2025 report on the ‘State of startups in the Southeast'. We cover the strengths, weaknesses and what's not included. (review recorded 10.22.25)Tim Higgins' WSJ article "Is OpenAI Becoming Too Big To Fail"Chris Mims WSJ article on Small Model AI State of Startups in the SoutheastFollow David and Paul: https://x.com/DGRollingSouth https://x.com/PalmettoAngel Connect On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgrisell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulclarkprivateequity/ We invite your feedback and suggestions at www.ventureinthesouth.com or email david@ventureinthesouth.com. Learn more about RollingSouth at rollingsouth.vc or email david@rollingsouth.vc.
Venture capital isn't dead — it's evolving. Carta's Head of Insights, Peter Walker, joins Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris to unpack what the data really says about the 2025 market. From the AI-fueled bifurcation to shrinking equity packages and a wave of secondaries, this episode breaks down how founders, VCs, and LPs are adapting in real time.Peter shares Carta's inside view on:The comeback of deal flow and valuationsWhy down rounds are easing but hiring hasn't reboundedHow founder dilution and equity norms have shiftedThe rise of liquidity via secondaries and fund-to-fund capitalWhat signals matter most heading into 2026If you care about where venture is heading next — this is the episode.Follow the PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/venturecapitalfm/Twitter: https://twitter.com/vcpodcastfmLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/venturecapitalfm/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7BQimY8NJ6cr617lqtRr7N?si=ftylo2qHQiCgmT9dfloD_g&nd=1&dlsi=7b868f1b72094351Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/venture-capital/id1575351789Website: https://www.venturecapital.fm/Follow Jon BradshawLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrbradshaw/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjonbradshaw/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrjonbradshawFollow Peter HarrisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterharris1Twitter: https://twitter.com/thevcstudentInstagram: https://instagram.com/shodanpeteYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@peterharris2812
Venture capitalist Aman Verjee joins Gene Tunny to explore whether artificial intelligence is fuelling the next great economic bubble. Drawing lessons from history—from the 1840s railway boom to the 1990s dot-com surge—Aman argues that even frothy markets can spark long-term progress. The conversation also covers AI's impact on jobs, productivity, and how policy can nurture innovation without strangling it.Gene would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. You can email him via contact@economicsexplored.com. TimestampsIntroduction and Guest Overview (0:00)Aman Verjee's Background and Experience (2:26)Aman's Role and Responsibilities at Practical Venture Capital (5:50)AI and Financial Bubbles (10:01)AI in Business and Everyday Life (13:30)Impact of AI on Jobs and the Economy (17:29)US Economy and Government Shutdown (21:27)Policies to Boost Productivity (27:29)Aman Verjee's Book on Financial Bubbles (37:08)Conclusion and Contact Information (43:30)TakeawaysAI may be in a “frothy” phase but not necessarily a bubble—valuations are high, yet many firms are potentially transformative.Past bubbles often produced some lasting value: the 1990s tech and 1840s railway booms birthed major industries that delivered lasting benefits after crashes.AI will reshape, not erase, jobs—disruption creates new roles as others disappear, echoing past technological revolutions.Policy matters: lower regulation, smarter taxation, and education reform are crucial for productivity growth.History's warning: bubbles fueled by debt (like the 2000s US housing boom and 1880s Melbourne land boom) are far more damaging than equity-driven ones.Links relevant to the conversationAman Verjee's firm: https://practicalvc.com/Aman's trading places podcast:https://practicalvc.com/trading-places/Regarding Melbourne house prices: “Melbourne house prices fell 51% in real terms (prices minus inflation) in the 1890s”https://www.morningstar.com.au/personal-finance/lessons-from-australias-largest-property-bustsLumo Coffee promotion10% of Lumo Coffee's Seriously Healthy Organic Coffee.Website: https://www.lumocoffee.com/10EXPLOREDPromo code: 10EXPLORED
Pour la MASTERCLASS "FinTech les fondamentaux", c'est ici : http://bit.ly/3KFu9ocDans cet épisode, je reçois Stanislas de Maistre, General Partner du fonds Belem Capital et Advisor chez MEV Capital, pour une plongée captivante dans l'univers de la finance décentralisée – la DeFi.Nous avons parlé :De son parcours, de la finance traditionnelle à la blockchain, et de sa découverte du Bitcoin et d'Ethereum dès 2018.De la création de Belem Capital, premier fonds luxembourgeois enregistré permettant aux investisseurs d'accéder à la DeFi sans clé privée ni wallet.De la manière dont Belem et MEV Capital gèrent aujourd'hui plus d'1,7 milliard d'actifs on-chain et de rendements pouvant atteindre 15 % par an.De la technologie qui garantit la sécurité des transactions via une gouvernance à signatures multiples.De la sélection rigoureuse des protocoles DeFi évalués selon une matrice de scoring digne des agences de notation.De l'institutionnalisation du secteur, avec des acteurs venant de la finance traditionnelle désormais actifs sur la blockchain.De la nature particulière des risques liés à cet écosystème.Un échange limpide et stimulant, sur la rencontre entre deux mondes – celui de la finance classique et celui de la blockchain – qui montre comment la DeFi devient aujourd'hui un espace de confiance, d'innovation et de rendement.En fin d'épisode, la recommandation de Stanislas :Syz the Future – podcast de la banque suisse Syz https://podcast.syzcapital.com/Pour aller plus loin : abonnez-vous à la newsletter sur Substack : https://finscale.substack.com/ et retrouvez l'épisode en vidéo sur YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@finscale) ou en audio sur votre plateforme préférée.Stanislas De Maistre : https://www.linkedin.com/in/standemaistre/ Liens utiles:https://www.belemcapital.com/https://aave.com/ ***************************Finscale, c'est bien plus qu'un podcast. C'est un écosystème qui connecte les acteurs clés du secteur financier à travers du Networking, du coaching et des partenariats.
Venture into the fog-shrouded Pacific Northwest, where ghostly legends, eerie folklore and strange happenings lurk behind every shadowed corner.
Ever wonder what happens when judges clash and Kardashians launch intimate health products? This episode of The Ricky Smiley Morning Show dives into the heated exchange between Judge Mathis and Judge Joe Brown after some seriously disrespectful comments. Meanwhile, Kourtney Kardashian's latest business venture has the hosts questioning everything about feminine health products, and Megan Thee Stallion is fighting back against online critics she claims are "paid bots." The show takes a hilarious turn when the conversation shifts to holiday house guests and the unspoken rules everyone should follow. From bathroom etiquette to couch-plopping offenders, the hosts and callers share their biggest pet peeves about hosting visitors. Ricky even reveals his ingenious solution for preventing kids from running through his hallways and his strict bathroom policies that'll have you laughing out loud. Whether you're planning to host family this holiday season or just love celebrity gossip, this episode delivers non-stop entertainment and practical advice. Listen now to hear Ricky's hilarious "hallway nets" solution and learn how to be the kind of guest who always gets invited back!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
TeraWulf (WULF) tapped highs it hasn't seen since early 2022 after Alphabet (GOOGL) tapped the company for a joint data center venture for Google Cloud. As George Tsilis notes, it's the latest Bitcoin mining company to get tapped for data center buildout and offers TeraWulf a huge boost for its balance sheet. He explains why smaller companies are being tapped by tech giants like Alphabet and how this deal compares to rising small and mid-cap players like CoreWeave (CRWV).======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day. Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/ About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about
Host Yolanda Fintschenko, Executive Director of Daybreak Labs and i-GATE Innovation Hub, home of the Startup Tri-Valley (STV) Initiative, sits down with Luis Martinez, PhD, Senior Venture Associate with Capital Factory and Daybreak Labs advisor. In this inspiring conversation, Luis shares his remarkable 25-year journey from a synthetic organic chemist at Harvard to a management consultant, university professor, ecosystem builder, and now venture capitalist.Luis offers invaluable insights for technical founders on what VCs really look for: capital efficiency, velocity, and the courage to be "bold crazy." He explains why not every company should pursue venture capital, the critical importance of continuous customer discovery, and how founders can build rocket ships worthy of VC investment. Luis also discusses Capital Factory's unique model as the "center of gravity for entrepreneurs outside of Silicon Valley" and the strategic advantages of the Tri-Valley ecosystem—from its proximity to Lawrence Livermore National Lab and the Bay Area to its untapped potential in energy, space, biotech, and ag tech.Tune in or watch the link to YouTube to learn why entrepreneurship is a team sport, how to leverage regional ecosystems for national impact, and what it takes to build a real business that's 10x better than the competition.
Before AI became a buzzword, a few true believers were already building.Since early 2022, Mati Staniszewski and his team at ElevenLabs have been among them, working to create voices that “actually represent emotions.”He shares with Joubin Mirzadegan how voice AI is transforming diverse fields, from delivering personalized healthcare for different age groups to amplifying creativity in filmmaking.Guest: Mati Staniszewski, co-founder and CEO of ElevenLabsConnect with Mati StaniszewskiXLinkedInConnect with JoubinXLinkedInEmail: grit@kleinerperkins.comLearn more about Kleiner Perkins
Send Mary and Kelsey a Message!Bring It On. New York Minute. Freaks and Geeks. Motocrossed. True Detective. Not Another Teen Movie. 24. These are just a few iconic films and tv shows that Riley Smith has starred in. In this episode, Mary and Kelsey catch up with *the* Dean Talon himself to discuss Riley's decades-long career, behind-the-scenes stories from these cultural heavyweights, and his current projects including his newest startup that aims to keep the things you love safe. Follow Riley on Instagram at @rileysmithofficial and check out the Pocket Buddy here: https://getpocketbuddy.comSupport the show Instagram: @whentheypoppedpodTikTok: @whentheypoppedpodEmail: whentheypoppedy2k@gmail.comWebsite: linktree.com/whentheypopped Subscribe to our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=85610411
This week, Pastor Brandon continues our Journey Through Ephesians series with one of the most powerful chapters in Scripture — Ephesians 2. Before Christ, we were spiritually dead, slaves to the world, the enemy, and our own flesh. But Paul reminds us that everything changes with two words: “But God.” Through His mercy and grace, we've been raised to life, set free, and created for good works that He prepared for us in advance. This message is a reminder that salvation isn't the end — it's the beginning. We were dead, but now we are alive in Christ! ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 – Welcome to Venture Church Online1:00 – Building expansion and generosity update2:30 – Introduction to Ephesians 23:40 – Reading Ephesians 2:1–105:00 – “Before and After” – setting up the message7:00 – Pastor Brandon's story about shoulder surgery8:30 – Who we were before Jesus10:00 – Spiritually dead and separated from God12:00 – Slaves to the world, the enemy, and the flesh14:40 – The world's pattern and influence16:00 – The deception of the enemy18:00 – Our struggle with the flesh and temptation22:00 – Deserving of wrath — the weight of sin24:30 – “But God” — the turning point26:00 – Made alive with Christ through grace28:00 – Understanding God's immeasurable love and mercy30:00 – Salvation as resurrection and new life32:00 – We are God's handiwork — His masterpiece34:00 – Created for good works prepared in advance36:00 – God's pursuit of those still in the “before”37:30 – The hope of transformation — “But God”39:00 – Invitation to follow Jesus and prayer of salvation40:30 – Closing announcements and worship night preview
S4:E194 David covers The Venture Update for the week and then Paul interviews Mike Carnes of the North Carolina Biotechnology Center about recent challenges in dealing with the Foreign Risk constraints for US Biotech Startups that win SBIR Grants. (interview recorded 9.29.25)Follow David and Paul: https://x.com/DGRollingSouth https://x.com/PalmettoAngel Connect On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgrisell/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulclarkprivateequity/ We invite your feedback and suggestions at www.ventureinthesouth.com or email david@ventureinthesouth.com. Learn more about RollingSouth at rollingsouth.vc or email david@rollingsouth.vc.
Send us a textJoin host Mark Hayward in this enlightening episode of Business Growth Talks where the intricacies of venture capitalism are dissected with the expertise of Shane Sabine. Shane isn't your average venture capitalist—stationed in Mallorca, he successfully bridges Silicon Valley with ambitious immigrant tech founders through his fund, Punch Capital. With Mark, Shane explores how a decade in Germany has played a pivotal role in shaping his mission to support these immigrant entrepreneurs often neglected by the mainstream financial systems.Throughout the conversation, Shane emphasizes the importance of taking risks and investing in unique talents, focusing on the broader impact of venture capital in tech start-ups. He highlights his distinctive method of identifying high-potential ventures, including insight into how his fund successfully co-invests with major financial entities like General Catalyst and Khosla Ventures. This episode showcases the blend of art and science behind venture capital to captivate listeners, particularly in the realm of scaling businesses and identifying crucial opportunities in immigrant-led initiatives. Shane's anecdotal insights offer a valuable glimpse into the complexities and rewards of investing in groundbreaking ideas.Key Takeaways:Shane Sabine's background in Germany heavily influenced his mission of investing in immigrant tech founders via Punch Capital.Venture capital is focused on high-risk, high-reward investments often overlooked by major financial institutions, which Punch Capital aims to support.Key to Shane's strategy is identifying innovative, early-stage companies with significant growth potential and aligning with top co-investors like General Catalyst.Shane's unique positioning in Mallorca allows him to foster transatlantic connections between European and US startup ecosystems, enhancing global entrepreneurial growth.Building trust and authenticity in relationships is a core aspect of successful venture capital investment strategies.SPONSORS:If you want to set up a call with Christine Campbell Rapin at Clear Acceleration to achieve your business goals of growth and scale go tohttps://book.christinecampbellrapin.com/more-buyers-more-sales?am_id=markhaywardResources:Punch Capital: Website (Note: Actual URL not mentioned in transcript)Book by John Grisham: "Playing for Pizza"Daniel Saks (AppDirect co-founder)Podcast by Myron Golden (for insights related to brand building)Tune into the full episode of Business Growth Talks to uncover more nuanced discussions on the challenges and intricacies of venture capital investment with Shane Sabine. Stay connected for insightful content designedSupport the showIf you want to watch the full video of this episode go to:https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalksDo you want to be a guest on multiple podcasts as a service go to:www.podcastintroduction.comFind more details about the podcast and my coaching business on:www.businessgrowthtalks.comFind me onLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hayw...Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mjh169183YouTube Shorts - https://www.youtube.com/@markhayward-BizGrowthTalks/shorts
In this special live episode of The Data Minute, recorded in San Francisco, Peter is joined by Janelle Teng from Bessemer Venture Partners for a data-driven look at the state of AI fundraising.Peter and Janelle walk through the data on everything from the AI valuation premium to the new benchmarks for growth, breaking down Bessemer's "Supernovas" and "Shooting Stars" framework. They discuss why fundraising timelines have gotten longer, how dilution remains steady despite soaring valuations, and why San Francisco is still the undisputed center of the AI boom. Plus, they take questions from an audience of AI founders on everything from calculating TAM to navigating a potential AI bubble.This is your front-row seat to the conversation every AI founder needs to hear.The State of AI 2025 - Bessemer Venture Partners:https://www.bvp.com/atlas/the-state-of-ai-2025Subscribe to Carta's weekly Data Minute newsletter: https://carta.com/subscribe/data-newsletter-sign-up/Explore interactive startup and VC data, with Carta's Data Desk: https://carta.com/data-desk/01:03 – A look back: Venture funding since 202102:35 – Pre-ChatGPT vs. Post-ChatGPT funding waves04:18 – How long should your runway be today?04:54 – "Nail it before you scale it": The philosophy of efficient growth06:15 – The new reality of Seed-to-Series-A graduation rates07:31 – Is every software company now an AI company?09:27 – The AI valuation premium at the Seed stage11:14 – AI infrastructure vs. application layer companies13:06 – Bessemer's benchmarks: "Supernovas" vs. "Shooting Stars"14:36 – Why top-line growth can be misleading17:10 – Why retention is table stakes, but gross margins can wait21:12 – The new benchmark: Revenue per employee22:48 – Advice for founders who aren't a "Supernova"26:45 – Why dilution has remained steady at ~20%30:39 – Valuation is not a badge of honor—it's a hurdle33:20 – Why the Bay Area is still the center of the AI universe35:56 – The hiring slowdown and the rise of lean teams38:51 – The soaring cost of AI/ML engineering talent40:00 – Bessemer's key takeaways on the future of AI43:13 – Audience Q&A starts43:33 – Q1: How should founders think about calculating TAM?46:44 – Q2: As a frontier tech company, how do we compete with app-layer startups?48:48 – Q3: How do we compete against incumbents who are adding native AI features?51:31 – Q4: Should VCs back fewer "good" companies to chase the "Supernovas"?55:03 – Q5: Are we in an AI bubble, and when will it pop?This presentation contains general information only and eShares, Inc. dba Carta, Inc. (“Carta”) is not, by means of this publication, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or other professional advice or services, and is for informational purposes only. This presentation is not a substitute for such professional advice or services nor should it be used as a basis for any decision or action that may affect your business or interests. © 2025 eShares, Inc., dba Carta, Inc. All rights reserved.
Wells Fargo CEO Charlie Scharf joins from the bank's new campus in Irving, Texas. Venture capitalist Bradley Tusk's solution for mitigating AI's funding issues. Plus, why Travel + Leisure says timeshares are being "rediscovered." Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
This week on Swimming with Allocators, David Zhou, Founder of the Superclusters podcast and seasoned investor, joins Alexa and Earnest to discuss the art of venture capital from the LP perspective. Topics include how allocators differentiate true signal from noise, the value of qualitative insights vs. quantitative data, strategies for evaluating fund managers, and the importance of founder relationships. The conversation also touches on best practices for standing out in VC, the evolution of the industry, and actionable advice on track records and building a lasting reputation. Listeners will gain practical wisdom and fresh perspectives on navigating today's venture landscape. You won't want to miss it. Highlights from this week's conversation include:Welcoming David Zhou to the Show (0:28)Name Origins: Superclusters & Astrophysics Analogy (1:21)David Reflects on Curiosity and Nontraditional Paths (3:35)Investing in People and Evaluating Managers (6:23)Qualitative Versus Quantitative Decision Making (7:13)Syndicate Leads: Taste Makers Versus Marketers (8:19)Identifying Signal and Network Value (10:18)Differentiating Managers and Radical Transparency (13:29)When to Engage Legal Counsel as a Fund (16:33)Placement Agents and Business Counsel Examples (20:51)GP and LP Perspectives on Metrics and Communication (22:57)Advice for Fund Managers on Pitching (24:02)Value of Relationships With Founders (27:48)The Importance of Naming and Brand (28:57)Podcasting as a Tool for Learning and Connection (30:16)The Appeal of VC and Allocator Roles in Mainstream (34:50)Final Thoughts and Takeaways (38:19)Superclusters is the podcast for emerging LPs who want to think like seasoned pros. Hosted by David Zhou, each episode explores how the world's top allocators select and back venture capital firms—and how the next generation can learn, experiment, and play their part in shaping the ecosystem. Listen at https://www.superclusters.xyz.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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Investor Nancy Brown joins us at Aspen Ideas Health to share her blueprint for impactful investments. Identify public health breakthroughs that deliver measurable cost and quality improvements — then show how they can thrive in the marketplace. You don't have to look far to see this playbook in action. One of the year's biggest health exits, Omada Health, is a digital version of the CDC's Diabetes Prevention Program. At Oak HC/FT, Nancy has partnered with entrepreneurs who are redefining how America stays healthy — and she's eager to see more people with public health roots take the leap into building impactful companies.Please note: this conversation happened before HR1 was passed, so big Medicaid cuts were a threat but not yet a reality when we spoke.In this episode, we discuss:Lessons from Todd Park in the early days of athenahealthHow to turn good ideas into great businessesNancy's advice in an era of policy disruption: keep on building and proving valueThe lesson Kaiser Permanente is still teaching usNancy reminds us that in reality, even a brilliant idea needs to have ROI built in:“We look for entrepreneurs, for innovators, who have really defined a way in which to find a cohort of patients, it could be pregnant Medicaid moms... And they have identified if they apply a certain clinical process consistently to that population, they will get a consistently good outcome, quality outcome, and they can do it in a sustainable [way] at a sustainable price.”Relevant LinksRead Oak HC/FT's AI Investment PolicyExplore businesses Nancy mentioned from Oak HC/FT's investment portfolio:Maven ClinicOshi Health About Our GuestNancy Brown is a General Partner at Oak HC/FT, a leading venture and growth equity firm investing in transformative healthcare and fintech companies. Since joining Oak HC/FT at its inception in 2014, Ms. Brown has focused on identifying and supporting technology-enabled healthcare services that deliver measurable clinical and financial impact. She focuses on growth equity and early-stage venture investments in healthcare, serving on the boards of innovative companies such as Firefly Health, Groups Recover Together, InterWell Health, Maven Clinic, Oshi Health, Regard, Unite Us, and Wayspring. Her portfolio also includes Noom, TurningPoint Healthcare Solutions, Limeade (ASX: LME), OncoHealth, and OODA Health.Ms. Brown brings over three decades of operational and leadership experience to her investment role. Prior to Oak HC/FT, she was Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at McKesson Technology Solutions and Chief Growth Officer at MedVentive (acquired by McKesson in 2012). Previously, she served as Senior Vice President of Clinical Services and Corporate Development at athenahealth, and earlier held senior roles at McKesson and Harvard Community Health Plan. She also co-founded Abaton.com, one of the first web-based clinical solution companies, which was later acquired by McKesson.A graduate of the University of New Hampshire (B.S. in Zoology) and Northeastern University (MBA), Ms. Brown is an active mentor and advisor. She serves on Northeastern's D'Amore‑McKim School of Business Dean's Executive Council and is involved in the Roux Institute's Future of Healthcare Founder Residency program.
Band teacher to NFL coach: Coach Jill Gagliardi breaks down her incredible journey from the classroom to coaching DBs with the Las Vegas Raiders. We talk mindset, game film, earning respect in a male-dominated space, and why every great coach is also a mentor, strategist, and culture builder.This one's about leadership, legacy, and showing up with confidence - even when you're the only one in the room who looks like you. Coach Jill Gagliardi is currently with the NJ HS Lawrenceville Prep, and has also coached with the NFL Las Vegas Raiders 00:00 Intro with Avaan!!06:18 How Music and the NFL entered her life. 12:30 Pop Warner Advocate for yourself17:40 Evaluating and honing in Talent as a Coach19:00 Coaching with an Elite HS + NFL Team28:20 Brian Urlacher gets love as the QB of Da Bears Defense29:00 Film Tape and Strategies That Work35:00 Let's break down a Play37:28 Unique Voice in a Common Room45:00 Short History of the NFL46:00 National Coalition of Minority Football Coaches48:00 Executive Decision-Making: Sports + IRL56:00 Mindset is the Differentiator 1:05:49 Green Bay Packers-loving Security Guard (Booo!!)1:07:21 Legacy1:11:00 Make people ‘Feel' RelevantThis episode is part of the ‘Prof P' series on the WhiskeyHue Stream. Recorded in part for my Fordham Gabelli students.Please Rate, Review, Subscribe and Share with a Friend!Means a lot to us - thank YOU! For more info on: 1. Venture, Tech, Sports and Investing, visit: Atul Prashar's - Venture Capitalist2. LinkedIN: AtulPrashar 3. Learn Venture Capital Investing for less than a dinner inNYC: “VC: IdeationThrough Execution”: https://tinyurl.com/APsVCCourse
David Cohen of Techstars joins Nick to discuss The Techstars Refresh, Why Bigger Isn't Better, Investing in the Seed-Strapping Era, and Why Quantum May Dwarf Every Tech Shift. In this episode we cover: Refocusing TechStars Programs and Deal Structure Selection Process and Follow-On Investments Successful Programs and Founder Network Geographic Distribution and AI-First Companies Seed Strapping and Capital Efficiency Vertical Networks and Emerging Technologies Future of Venture and Trends Guest Links: David's LinkedIn David's X Techstars' LinkedIn Techstars' Website The host of The Full Ratchet is Nick Moran of New Stack Ventures, a venture capital firm committed to investing in founders outside of the Bay Area. We're proud to partner with Ramp, the modern finance automation platform. Book a demo and get $150—no strings attached. Want to keep up to date with The Full Ratchet? Follow us on social. You can learn more about New Stack Ventures by visiting our LinkedIn and Twitter.
What's product-market fit like when you give people the power to do what they never thought was possible?On this rerun of Grit from April 2024, Victor Riparbelli, co-founder and CEO of Synthesia, shares how his platform gave billions a new way to create video without cameras, and explores a future where video and audio replace text as the primary way to share knowledge and content.Guests: Victor Riparbelli, CEO and co-founder of Synthesia and Josh Coyne, Partner at Kleiner PerkinsConnect with Victor RiparbelliX: https://x.com/vriparbelliLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victorriparbelli/Connect with Josh CoyneX: https://x.com/josh_coyneLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuacoyne/Connect with JoubinX: https://x.com/JoubinmirLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joubin-mirzadegan-66186854/Email: grit@kleinerperkins.comLearn more about Kleiner Perkins:https://www.kleinerperkins.com/
In episode #95 Victor Garcia joins us as we talk about Kai Kishi's Venture part, the Arbor Skateboards "Triad" video, the Deathwish "Introducing" video, Luan Oliveria off of Flip, The Nine Club Hotline and much more! Become a Channel Member & Receive Perks: https://www.youtube.com/TheNineClub/join New Merch: https://thenineclub.com Sponsored By: AG1: Get a FREE Welcome Kit worth $76 when you subscribe, including 5 AG1Travel Packs, a shaker, canister, scoop & bottle of AG Vitamin D3+K2. https://drinkag1.com/nineclub LMNT: Grab a free Sample Pack with 8 flavors when you buy any drink mix or Sparkling. https://drinklmnt.com/nineclub Woodward: Save $100 off summer camp with code NINECLUB. https://www.woodwardpa.com Bear Mattress: Delivered to your door with easy setup. Use code NINECLUB for 40% off your order. https://www.bearmattress.com Monster Energy: Monster Energy's got the punch you need to stay focused and fired up. https://www.monsterenergy.com Skullcandy: Feel the music with Skullcandy's custom-tuned audio—from the lyrics in your soul to the bass in your bones. https://www.skullcandy.com Yeti: Built for the wild, Yeti keeps you ready for any adventure. https://www.yeti.com éS Footwear: Get 20% off your purchase using our code NINECLUB or use our custom link. https://esskateboarding.com/NINECLUB Get 3 months of Full Self-Driving (Supervised) or $250 in Tesla Credits, or $400 off Solar Panel installation with my referral link: https://ts.la/chris39639 Find The Nine Club: Website: https://thenineclub.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenineclub X: https://www.twitter.com/thenineclub Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenineclub Discord: https://discord.gg/thenineclub Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/nineclub Nine Club Clips: https://www.youtube.com/nineclubclips More Nine Club: https://www.youtube.com/morenineclub I'm Glad I'm Not Me: https://www.youtube.com/chrisroberts Chris Roberts: https://linktr.ee/Chrisroberts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
(00:00) Student Loan Repayments in Pre-Med(13:53) Changes to Student Loan Repayment Plans(19:38) Navigating Student Loan Repayment Plans(29:26) Future Trends in Medical EducationUnlock the secrets to navigating the complicated world of student loans with insights from our special guest, Lauren from Student Loan Planner. Discover how to turn the tide on student debt, particularly for medical students facing unique financial hurdles. Lauren shares her personal journey into the realm of student loan repayment, inspired by a client's battle with overwhelming debt, and explores the distinct nature of student loans. We'll also uncover how recent changes in federal loan caps might bring hope for more affordable education, while also considering the role of banks in supporting high-income earners like future physicians.Stay ahead of the curve as we dive into the evolving landscape of student loan repayment plans, focusing on public service loan forgiveness for medical professionals. Lauren sheds light on the latest changes and uncertainties surrounding income-driven repayment options, revealing what these shifts mean for new physicians during their residencies. With discontinued plans being replaced by the revised IBR and WRAP plan, Lauren emphasizes the critical importance of understanding these changes, especially with the fast-approaching July 2026 deadline for new loans under the revised rules.Venture into the future of medical education as we discuss potential shifts towards a three-year curriculum, inspired by NYU's innovative tuition-free program. This model could revolutionize medical education, prompting other institutions to reconsider their costs and structures. Alongside these educational trends, we ponder how student loans might be shaped by future political landscapes. Plus, Lauren introduces Student Loan Planner as a vital resource, offering blogs, podcasts, and personalized consultations to empower students in making smart financial decisions. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and guidance at the intersection of medical education and financial planning.