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Send us a textIs it ethical to build a for-profit business based on faith? Most people think religion and Venture Capital don't mix. In this video, The creator of PRAY.COM breaks down why we raised capital not for a 5-year exit, but for a 200-year mission, and the brutal reality of scaling an app to 2 million users in the AI era.Claim your FREE Year of the Prayer.com App! When you watch the video Watch video here: https://youtu.be/kKgY8G5gUqALearn how to invest in real estate with the Cashflow 2.0 System! Your business in a box with 1:1 coaching, motivated seller leads, & softwares. https://www.wealthyinvestor.com/Want to work 1:1 with Ryan Pineda? Apply at ryanpineda.comJoin our FREE community, weekly calls, and bible studies for Christian entrepreneurs and business people. https://tentmakers.us/Want to grow your business and network with elite entrepreneurs on world-class golf courses? Apply now to join Mastermind19 – Ryan Pineda's private golf mastermind for high-level founders and dealmakers. www.mastermind19.com--- About Ryan Pineda: Ryan Pineda has been in the real estate industry since 2010 and has invested in over $100,000,000 of real estate. He has completed over 700 flips and wholesales, and he owns over 650 rental units. As an entrepreneur, he has founded seven different businesses that have generated 7-8 figures of revenue. Ryan has amassed over 2 million followers on social media and has generated over 1 billion views online. Starting as a minor league baseball player making less than $2,000 a month, Ryan is now worth over $100 million. He shares his experiences in building wealth and believes that anyone can change their life with real estate investing. ...
Join our community of unreasonable leaders achieving undeniable success: https://www.findingpeak.com Watch on YouTube: https://link.ryanhanley.com/youtube In this episode of Finding Peak, Ryan Hanley sits down with Larry Cheng, founder of Volition Capital, for a masterclass in resilience, fundraising, and brand building. Larry shares the unfiltered story of how he overcame 200 rejections to raise his first fund, the philosophy that drives his success, and why he believes a founder's personal brand is more critical than ever. This is a no-BS conversation packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone looking to level up their game. Connect with Larry Cheng Volition Capital: https://www.volitioncapital.com Larry Cheng on X: https://twitter.com/larryvc Larry Cheng on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrycheng/ Key Topics Discussed: The Power of Resilience: Larry shares the story of facing 200 rejections before securing the first investment for Volition Capital and the mindset that kept him going. Fundraising Philosophy: Learn Larry's core principle: "Don't take no's personally. Don't take yeses for granted." Venture Capital vs. Growth Equity: A clear breakdown of the different stages of private equity and what it means for founders. The Chewy Story: The inside story of how Volition Capital's investment in Chewy became a multi-billion dollar success. The Founder's Brand: Why Larry believes a founder's personal brand and community engagement are non-negotiable in today's market. Authenticity in Leadership: How to be an external and authentic leader, even if you're an introvert. --Recommended Tools for GrowthOpusClip: #1 AI video clipping and editing tool: https://link.ryanhanley.com/opusRiverside: HD Podcast & Video Software | Free Recording & Editing: https://link.ryanhanley.com/riversideWhisperFlow: Never waste time typing on your keyboard again: https://link.ryanhanley.com/whisperflowCaptionsApp: One app for all your social media video creation: https://link.ryanhanley.com/captionsappGoHighLevel: It's time to take your business workflow to the Next Level: https://link.ryanhanley.com/gohighlevelPerspective.co: The #1 funnel builder for lead generation: https://link.ryanhanley.com/perspective--Episodes You Might Enjoy:From $2 Million Loss to World-Class Entrepreneur: https://lnk.to/delkFrom One Man Shop to $200M in Revenue: https://lnk.to/tommymelloIs Psilocybin the Gateway to Self-Mastery? https://lnk.to/80upZ9 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Join our community of unreasonable leaders achieving undeniable success: https://www.findingpeak.com Watch on YouTube: https://link.ryanhanley.com/youtube In this episode of Finding Peak, Ryan Hanley sits down with Larry Cheng, founder of Volition Capital, for a masterclass in resilience, fundraising, and brand building. Larry shares the unfiltered story of how he overcame 200 rejections to raise his first fund, the philosophy that drives his success, and why he believes a founder's personal brand is more critical than ever. This is a no-BS conversation packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone looking to level up their game. Connect with Larry Cheng Volition Capital: https://www.volitioncapital.com Larry Cheng on X: https://twitter.com/larryvc Larry Cheng on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrycheng/ Key Topics Discussed: The Power of Resilience: Larry shares the story of facing 200 rejections before securing the first investment for Volition Capital and the mindset that kept him going. Fundraising Philosophy: Learn Larry's core principle: "Don't take no's personally. Don't take yeses for granted." Venture Capital vs. Growth Equity: A clear breakdown of the different stages of private equity and what it means for founders. The Chewy Story: The inside story of how Volition Capital's investment in Chewy became a multi-billion dollar success. The Founder's Brand: Why Larry believes a founder's personal brand and community engagement are non-negotiable in today's market. Authenticity in Leadership: How to be an external and authentic leader, even if you're an introvert. --Recommended Tools for GrowthOpusClip: #1 AI video clipping and editing tool: https://link.ryanhanley.com/opusRiverside: HD Podcast & Video Software | Free Recording & Editing: https://link.ryanhanley.com/riversideWhisperFlow: Never waste time typing on your keyboard again: https://link.ryanhanley.com/whisperflowCaptionsApp: One app for all your social media video creation: https://link.ryanhanley.com/captionsappGoHighLevel: It's time to take your business workflow to the Next Level: https://link.ryanhanley.com/gohighlevelPerspective.co: The #1 funnel builder for lead generation: https://link.ryanhanley.com/perspective--Episodes You Might Enjoy:From $2 Million Loss to World-Class Entrepreneur: https://lnk.to/delkFrom One Man Shop to $200M in Revenue: https://lnk.to/tommymelloIs Psilocybin the Gateway to Self-Mastery? https://lnk.to/80upZ9 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Shopify Masters | The ecommerce business and marketing podcast for ambitious entrepreneurs
Actively Black didn't start with a product—it started with a community. By building a 23,000-person audience before launch, founder Lanny Smith turned purpose-driven storytelling into a $55,000 first day and a $2 million first year. His journey shows aspiring entrepreneurs why demand-first thinking, authentic mission, and smart list-building can change everything.For more on Actively Black click hereYou'll Learn:Why Actively Black built community before developing a productThe email + SMS strategy that led to $55K in sales on launch dayHow to sell $2M+ in your first year—even with constant stockoutsWhy fast growth can be just as dangerous as no growthHow to use storytelling and cultural pride to create brand resonanceWhat it takes to build long-term customer trust without discountingHow Lanny structured partnerships with Marvel, Disney, and iconic estatesThe real math behind inventory planning at scale (and why it's so hard)How to align investors with your vision, not just your bottom lineWhy purpose is more powerful than product in competitive industriesHow Lanny's personal values fuel every decision—from pricing to hiringChapters:00:00 Introducing Lanny Smith, Founder of Actively Black01:02 How a Career Pivot Sparked a $2M Vision01:27 Building 10K Followers Before Launching a Product03:31 Why Purpose-Driven Branding Fueled $55K on Day One06:54 What Selling Out in 3 Weeks Taught Us About Manufacturing10:30 How Actively Black Landed Partnerships with Marvel, Disney & More17:52 The Traits Behind Scaling to 8 Figures and Beyond18:48 What to Know Before Entering the $1.5T Apparel Market19:54 From “No” to $2M: How to Power Through Rejection21:43 Turning a Personal Setback Into Multi-Million Dollar Growth25:35 Why Actively Black Is More Than Just Merch (And Why That Matters)29:04 How Mission and Authenticity Drive Repeat Purchases Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.
In this episode, Ben and Jay discuss a range of topics including Ben's health update, Amazon's recent AWS event focusing on AI compute, the competitive landscape with Nvidia and Google, Marvell's earnings and challenges in custom silicon, networking innovations with DPUs, Marvell's acquisition of Celestial, Nvidia's investment in Synopsys, Intel's resurgence in advanced packaging, and the leadership changes at Apple. The conversation highlights the evolving dynamics in the tech industry, particularly in AI and cloud computing.
What does it take to go from advising founders to becoming one?On this week's special Reverse Grit episode, we flip the script and put our Grit podcast host Joubin Mirzadegan in the guest seat.Joubin recently founded Roadrunner, where he is now co-founder & CEO. Roadrunner is building an AI‑native CPQ to modernize the quote‑to‑cash stack, drawing on years of conversations he's had with enterprise revenue leaders.Stepping into the host role, Mamoon Hamid joins Joubin to talk about his transition from sales leader to founder, how Roadrunner came together, and why it became our first incubation since Glean.Roadrunner is hiring! Check them out: https://www.roadrunner.ai/Guest: Joubin Mirzadegan, Partner, Kleiner PerkinsConnect with MamoonXLinkedInConnect with JoubinXLinkedInEmail: grit@kleinerperkins.comLearn more about Kleiner Perkins
The Haves & Have-Nots Of 2025 | Threshold Ventures Co-founder Emily MeltonThis week for our 2025 recap, we're joined by VC Emily Melton, co-founder of Threshold Ventures. Melton highlights her reflection of 2025, which splits the market into "haves and have-nots" with nothing in between, noting the concentration of venture dollars on "high flyers" and the indifference shown to established companies with respectable revenue.We cover:
246 | Muss der Spotify-Gründer Angst vor einem AI-Startup haben, das alle 2 Wochen soviel Musik erzeugt wie insgesamt auf Spotify verfügbar? Nein! Von AI Slop über Europas Chancen in 2026 bis zu Kinderkotze ist alles drin in dieser Folge.Partner dieser Folge: Clockodo: https://www.clockodo.com/optimisten, Gutschein-Code: optimisten25 Finde eine Geschäftsidee, die perfekt zu dir passt: digitaleoptimisten.de/quizMehr zum Pitch Deck von Suno: https://archive.is/7uNePKapitel:(00:00) Intro(02:00) Sunos geleaktes Pitch Deck - keine guten Nachrichten für AI Startups(14:40) Liquidationspräferenzen - der leise Killer von Startups(20:15) ST. Gallen Ökosystem Rising(29:05) Europe First oder europäischer Patriotismus(32:20) Startup-Deutschland: Loser Mentalität?(41:09) Roast my Geschäfsidee: Autositz Reinigung(51:17) Geschäftsidee von Samuel: Offline Club(57:55) Geschäftsidee von Alex: Meeting-TamagotchiMehr Kontext:In dieser Folge von Unicorn Ideas diskutieren Alex Mrozek und Samuel Schneider den AI-Musik-Hype rund um Suno, den Vergleich zum Metaverse und warum viele Venture-Capital-Modelle wertvolle Startups zerstören. Samuel stellt den HSG Startup Accelerator in St. Gallen vor und zeigt, warum Deep Tech Europa eine echte Chance hat. Außerdem: ein Reality-Check für die Longevity-Bewegung rund um Brian Johnson, eine Roast-Idee „Car Seat Heaven“ und zwei neue Pitches – Offline Membership Clubs und das Meeting-Tamagotchi für bessere Arbeitskultur.Keywords: AI Musik, Suno, AI Slop, Metaverse, Deep Tech Europa, Venture Capital, Liquidationspräferenz, HSG Accelerator, Iron Energy, Forkis, Longevity, Brian Johnson, Digital Detox, Offline Club, Tamagotchi Meetings, Digitale Optimisten, Unicorn Ideas Podcast.
In this episode we explore the importance of timing, simplicity, and passion in crossing the chasm from early adopters to mass market adoption for any company or product. We also talk about personal branding and storytelling in business success.TakeawaysThe importance of timing in market adoption is crucial for success.Simplicity in product and message helps in crossing the chasm.Passion of the founder is key to engaging customers and building trust.Personal branding and owning your domain are essential in today's digital age.Podcasts are a powerful medium for entrepreneurs to share their stories.Taking photos with others can help expand your network and reach.The cascade theory emphasizes the need for a product to be easily shareable.Entrepreneurs should focus on grassroots marketing strategies.Building a business with passion can lead to success without large budgets.About Jim JamesJim has spent over 25 years running his own PR and Marketing Firm, EastWest Public Relations. He sold his firm and now helps Founders/Entrepreneurs get noticed in the noisy world we live in.You can find him and his podcast, the Unnoticed Entrepreneur at: https://www.jimajames.com CONNECT WITH USGet Your Weekly EDGE Newsletter. It's FREE.Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF)Brandon writes a weekly email newsletter called EDGE that over 22,000 people rely on for an edge to achieve their best selves in business and life.ContentBrandon writes about what he knows...lessons from 2x exits, 20+ strike outs Venture Capital, Marketing at AOL, writing a #1 Amazon Best Seller, Podcasting, Angel Investing, Philanthropy, Public service, Fitness and peak performance.Who it's forPeople that want to achieve their full potential.Claim your edge with others who have been getting a step ahead. Link to sign up: https://edge.ck.page/bea5b3fda6 A Podcast for entrepreneurs and peak performersPart of the Best Podcast Network: Productivity Podcast, Marketing Podcast, Business Plan Podcast, 401k Podcast, Car Accident Lawyer Podcast,
Key highlightsHow Backed grew from a $30M first fund to a newly closed $100M Fund III, with top-quartile returns and 5 unicorns across 100 investments.The founder traits they optimize for: deep competitiveness, speed under uncertainty, and “PQ” - a founder's magnetic pull on top talent and early believers.Why the biggest outcomes come from betting early on markets that look strange, overlooked, or technically impossible.How events became Backed's secret weapon — sourcing better deals, meeting founders earlier, and building a tight-knit community through 40+ events a year.What it means to run a venture firm where portfolio founders also become LPs, and why this deepens alignment across every new fund.The frontier-tech themes they're betting on now: financial services, manufacturing, and biotech — all at the edge of engineering and scientific breakthroughs.Why Backed is expanding their US presence while keeping the core of their thesis focused on European founders.This episode is a masterclass for early-stage founders and investors navigating fast-moving markets, deep tech, and high-ambition company building.Tune in to learn how Backed spots founders, builds community at scale, and chooses markets long before they become obvious.Recorded live at Slush 2025 in Helsinki. Be sure to follow Sesamers on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X for more cool stories from the people we catch during the best Tech events!
The Twenty Minute VC: Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch
AGENDA: 04:20 Thrive and OpenAI Partnership 07:14 Databricks Raising $5BN at $134BN Valuation: Cheap or Not? 17:39 Eventbrite Acquired by Bending Spoons for $500M 21:39 Pagerduty's $1BN Market Cap, Just 2x Revenue 26:59 The TAM Trap: Why SaaS Is Like Japan 37:42 Lessons from Companies Hitting $100M ARR 44:57 The Future of Labour Markets is F****** 52:10 The Importance of Compounding in Investments 56:45 The Relevance Game in Venture Capital 01:05:01 Supabase at $5BN or Lovable at $6BN: Which One?
Legendary Stanford immunologist Dr. Ed Engleman helped create the foundations of modern cancer treatment. From early breakthroughs in immune-cell training to a brand-new discovery, Engleman explains how the immune system can now be switched on and off like circuitry, with implications for cancer, autoimmune disease, infections and more. He also breaks down his role at Vivo Capital, the global life-sciences venture firm where he evaluates and guides new biotech startups. Engleman describes how Vivo's more conservative, data-driven investment style matches his own approach: digging deep into the science, waiting for real clinical signals, and backing teams that can translate discoveries into actual drugs. A rare conversation with a scientist-founder-investor whose discoveries and companies have reshaped medicine — and who's still chasing the next breakthrough. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
While there are now some notable Latin American “Unicorns,” the region has lagged behind others when it comes to developing a venture economy. Then still, within Latin America, Colombia has until recently punched below its weight in attracting venture dollars. This may be changing now, and some intrepid Venture Capital firms are betting on Colombian talent and the country's technology infrastructure to produce results.Htwenty Capital is one of those early stage venture firms. During a recent event organized by the City of Medellín's investment promotion agency, ACI Medellín, Loren Moss, executive editor of Finance Colombia and Cognitive Business News was able to spend some time with the investment fund's Platform Lead, Jimena Cortés to discuss the unique challenges—and opportunities that Colombia presents when it comes to funding and growing high potential startups.Read the full article on Finance Colombia: Jimena Cortés Shares Why HTwenty Capital is Placing Venture Bets in Colombia Despite Unique ChallengesSubscribe to Finance Colombia for free: https://www.fcsubscribe.com/Read more at Cognitive Business News: https://cognitivebusiness.news/More about Loren Moss: https://lorenmoss.com/writeContact us: https://unidodigital.media/contact-un...Read more at Finance Colombia: https://www.financecolombia.com/ Subscribe to Finance Colombia for free: https://www.fcsubscribe.com/ Read more at Cognitive Business News: https://cognitivebusiness.news/ The place for bilingual talent! https://empleobilingue.com/ More about Loren Moss: https://lorenmoss.com/write Contact us: https://unidodigital.media/contact-unido-digital-llc/
Alex Modon is CEO and Co-founder of Unlimited Industries, a company transforming infrastructure development through AI-driven automation. Unlimited tackles one of the biggest bottlenecks in climate and industrial innovation: the outdated, risk-averse world of engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC). Traditional EPCs are often misaligned with the needs of first-of-a-kind projects. Unlimited flips the script by using AI to generate thousands of design permutations, drastically cutting feedback loops, iteration time, and overall cost. Alex shares how his background in software, combined with childhood exposure to industrial environments, inspired him to take on this hard problem—and why he believes the only way to build faster is to rebuild the entire system from the ground up.Episode recorded on July 29 (Published on Dec 3)In this episode, we cover: [03:15] An overview of EPCs[05:05] How EPCs make money[07:06] Why FOAK projects face EPC challenges[10:02] Reducing marginal cost of engineering design with AI[12:35] Alex's pivot from software to infrastructure[15:39] Why EPCs resist adopting AI tools[19:14] Unlimited's capital projects platform explained[23:41] How Unlimited manages physical construction[26:36] The company's vision of fully autonomous construction in the future[28:08] Why physical abundance drives Alex 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
Venture Unlocked: The playbook for venture capital managers.
Follow me @samirkaji for my thoughts on the venture market, with a focus on the continued evolution of the VC landscape.Welcome back to another episode of Venture Unlocked, the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of the business of venture capital.In this episode, I sit down with Lior Susan from Eclipse to explore his journey from building companies in the physical world to founding and scaling a unique venture firm. We discuss the importance of high-conviction investing, assembling elite teams from operator backgrounds, and staying adaptable in a rapidly shifting market shaped by technology and AI. Lior shares lessons on discipline, honesty, and the realities of venture investing, offering actionable insights for anyone interested in building resilient companies or understanding what it takes to succeed in today's venture landscape.Thanks for listening to another episode of Venture Unlocked. We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Lior. If you'd like to get Venture Unlocked content straight to your inbox, go to ventureunlocked.substack.com and sign up, or go to Apple Podcasts or Spotify and subscribe. Thanks again for listening.About Lior SusanLior Susan is the founder and managing partner of Eclipse, a venture capital firm focused on backing entrepreneurs who are building companies to transform physical industries. He began his career as a co-founder of Intucell, a software-defined networking startup that was acquired by Cisco in 2012. After that, he led the hardware investment platform Lab IX at Flextronics, deploying capital across energy storage, additive manufacturing, robotics, and wireless infrastructure. In 2015, Lior launched Eclipse to invest in startups transforming critical industries like manufacturing, logistics, supply chain, transportation, energy, and on. He draws on experience as an operator, investor, and former Israeli special forces serviceman to support founders tackling complex, real-world problems.Eclipse is a firm headquartered in Palo Alto (with a New York presence) that partners with entrepreneurs building category-defining companies in physical industries. The firm builds and invests in companies at all stages, combining hardware, software, and systems to modernize “bits and atoms.” Since its founding in 2015, Eclipse has built and backed over 100 companies and helped accelerate startups like Bedrock, VulcanForms, True Anomaly, and Cerebras — companies driving innovation in construction, digital manufacturing infrastructure, defense capabilities, and AI infrastructure.During the conversation, we discussed:* Lior's Career Path and Founding Eclipse (3:38)* Reflecting on the Fund's Origins and Initial Fundraising (6:46)* Adjusting Firm Size and Strategy as Opportunities Grow (9:49)* High-Conviction, High-Ownership Investment Approach (12:45)* Decision-Making Process and Team Dynamics (14:57)* Patterns Among Founders of Large Companies (17:27)* The Evolution of Eclipse's Value Proposition (20:23)* Operator-to-Investor Transitions and Internal Training (24:49)* Market Shifts and Macro Changes in Venture Capital (27:07)* Exit Challenges, IPOs, and Long-Term Private Markets (30:27)* Alignment Between LPs and Managers Around Exits (33:44)* Lior's Investment Lessons and Reflections on Power Law (35:17)* Thoughts on Deglobalization and Future Predictions (36:32)I'd love to know what you took away from this conversation with Lior. Follow me @SamirKaji and give me your insights and questions with the hashtag #ventureunlocked. If you'd like to be considered as a guest or have someone you'd like to hear from (GP or LP), drop me a direct message on X. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ventureunlocked.substack.com
Earlier this year I heard Doug Cobb speak about the organization he leads, The Finishing Fund, and I was intrigued. The Finishing Fund is like a venture capital fund for evangelical work around the world. Like a venture capital fund in the secular space, it doesn't fully fund a work, but provides seed capital to get the work started. It works through partners “on the ground” in some of the most remote and hostile areas on the planet. I liked what I heard for a variety of reasons that are important to us here at MinistryWatch. For one, The Finishing Fund exercised a high degree of accountability and transparency. It was nimble. It could fund a group in weeks or months, and if the projects went well, it could make follow-on investments. And, equally important, if things were not working out, it could pull the plug on that project just as quickly. I wanted to have Doug on the program to discuss this innovative model for missions and philanthropy. He's my guest today. Doug Cobb is himself a major investor in the Fund and volunteers as its managing partner. An entrepreneur from Louisville, Kentucky, Doug has been working with Finishing the Task and the Issachar Initiative for a decade. We had this conversation via zoom. The producer for today's program is Jeff McIntosh. I'm Warren Smith. And I'd like to remind you that we are in the midst of our year-end fundraising campaign. Here at MinistryWatch we get more than a third, nearly 40 percent, of our budget in the past two months of the year. For us, that means about $190,000. If you are able to contribute, click here. Until next time, may God bless you.
Kenneth Hochhauser is Partner and Head of Data and Analytics at RTL. His background includes roles as a retail executive at Macy's and GNC and as a small business and economic development officer for the City of New York. He has advised both tenants and landlords on site selection, trade area analysis, and retail strategy, including introducing Chipotle to the New York metro market and representing Duxiana nationally. His past assignments span major projects such as Brookfield Place, Trump Place, and Columbia University's Manhattanville and Morningside campuses.(02:39) - Ken's Journey(04:59) - Retail Market Trends(06:05) - Retail vs. Office Innovation(07:53) - Shopping Trends and Retail Insights(08:31) - Retail Challenges in Manhattan(10:05) - Retail's Historical Context and Future(12:14) - Tenant Preferences(17:33) - Experiential Retail & Unique Locations(20:56) - Non-Traditional Retail (23:21) - Feature: Blueprint - The Future of Real Estate - Register for 2026: The Premier Event for Industry Executives, Real Estate & Construction Tech Startups and VC's, at The Venetian, Las Vegas on September 22nd-24th, 2026. As a friend of Tangent, you can save $300 on your All-Access pass(28:11) - Retail Tech & Data Utilization(34:29) - Location Indicators & Retail Expansion(38:29) - Collaboration Superpower: an economist(40:08) - US Gov. Shutdown Impact
Microsoft Reporter Aaron Holmes talks with TITV Host Akash Pasricha about why Microsoft is lowering AI agent sales quotas and what this signals for the broader generative AI market. We also talk with Finance Editor Ken Brown about why credit ratings agencies are becoming central to the AI debt story, and Nnamdi Okike, Managing Partner and Co-Founder at 645 Ventures, on why VC fundraising is trending toward a decade low. Lastly, we get into the future of travel tech with Johannes Reck, Co-Founder & CEO of GetYourGuide, who discusses the European market and competition with Airbnb and Booking Holdings.Articles discussed on this episode: https://www.theinformation.com/articles/microsoft-lowers-ai-software-sales-quotas-customers-resist-newer-productshttps://www.theinformation.com/articles/s-p-takes-ai-debt-deals-crypto-giantsTITV airs on YouTube, X and LinkedIn at 10AM PT / 1PM ET. Or check us out wherever you get your podcasts.Subscribe to: - The Information on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theinformation- The Information: https://www.theinformation.com/subscribe_hSign up for the AI Agenda newsletter: https://www.theinformation.com/features/ai-agenda
The venture capital model of the last two decades, characterized by the "30-minute rule" and the race to a quick IPO, is obsolete. We are witnessing a fundamental decoupling of capital from geography and a restructuring of how liquidity is manufactured. In this episode, Andrew Romans of 7BC Venture Capital argues that we have entered a new era where geopolitical friction is forcing a renaissance in hard tech, hedge funds have permanently altered the growth stage, and the "Series A" playbook has been rewritten by the realities of a market where companies stay private indefinitely.Highlights01:05 Why 30 Firms Control the Market09:49 "Stay Private Forever" & The Secondary Market 19:51 Geopolitics, Supply Chains, & Defense Tech30:30 Hedge Fund Tourists & Founder-Led VCs37:11 The Death of the "30-Minute Rule" 47:35 Beyond "Silicon Hills" Guest LinksAndrew Romans: LinkedIn, X7BC Venture CapitalFireside with a VC: Apple, Spotify, YouTube -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack
Steve Kim, Partner at Verdis Investment Management, shares his unique take on venture capital investment through a data-driven, diversified portfolio strategy. With a focus on early-stage investments and emerging managers, Steve discusses why diversification is key to optimizing venture returns and building enduring funds. He offers insights from his transition from technology leadership to investments, his commitment to backing emerging managers, and how this strategy benefits both LPs and founders in the long run.In this episode, you'll learn:[01:18] Steve's background and transition into venture capital[06:15] Using data to drive decisions in venture investments[09:06] Comparing concentrated and diversified portfolio strategies[15:30] Understanding and meeting founders' needs[20:00] The role and support of emerging managers in venture capital[30:00] Evolution of the venture capital ecosystem and future perspectivesThe nonprofit organization Steve is passionate about: International BaccalaureateAbout Steve KimSteve Kim is a Partner at Verdis Investment Management, where he champions a data-driven and diversified approach to venture capital investments. With over two decades of experience, Steve backs emerging managers at the earliest stages, leveraging data to optimize returns while reducing risk. His career began in technology, where he held leadership roles at companies like Walt Disney and Alcatel before transitioning to investments.About Verdis Investment ManagementVerdis Investment Management, LLC (“Verdis”) is a Registered Investment Advisor under the Investment Advisors Act of 1940. Registration as an Investment Advisor does not imply any level of skill or training. The views expressed in this episode reflect those of Verdis as of the date of recording. Any views are subject to change at any time based on market or other conditions, and Verdis disclaims any responsibility to update such views. This commentary is not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results or investment advice. Because investment decisions are based on numerous factors, these views may not be relied upon as an indication of trading intent on behalf of any portfolio or strategy. The information contained herein has been prepared from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed by Verdis as to its accuracy or completeness. This information does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, an interest in any jurisdiction in which it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation. Certain information contained herein has been obtained from other parties. While such sources are believed to be reliable, neither Verdis nor its respective affiliates assume any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such information presented.Subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode.
In venture these days, it pays to be small and scrappy or huge and swimming in fees. Anywhere in between is a hard slog. Bradley walks through the changing VC landscape, using his own fund history as Exhibit A, and going into detail on his return to an “equity for services” model. Plus, why AOC should run for President rather than the US Senate, how AI could be utilized to revolutionize classrooms, and a fresh theory on why we can't resist TV villains.This episode was taped at P&T Knitwear at 180 Orchard Street — New York City's only free podcast recording studio.Send us an email with your thoughts on today's episode: info@firewall.media.Be sure to watch Bradley's new TED Talk on Mobile Voting at https://go.ted.com/bradleytusk.Subscribe to Bradley's weekly newsletter and follow Bradley on Linkedin + Substack + YouTube.
Bolivia is facing a severe economic crisis. The country is literally running out of dollars. Their foreign reserves have collapsed from $15 billion a decade ago to just $50 million today. In June 2024, Bolivia legalized cryptocurrencies, and digital asset transaction volume exploded - growing over 500 percent in the past year.To participate in the global economy, businesses are turning to stablecoins for access to dollar assets. From Binance peer-to-peer trading to stablecoin-powered credit cards, we explore how people survive when their country runs out of dollars, and how stablecoins are being used for global spending. Watch the full episode on YouTube.00:00 - Bolivia ran out of dollars02:06 - Stablecoins to the rescue03:25 - How did Bolivia get here?04:11 - Bolivia's parallel economy06:24 - Meru09:55 - What happens when a country runs out of dollarsOur Links -
SRI360 | Socially Responsible Investing, ESG, Impact Investing, Sustainable Investing
My guest is Mark Kahn, Managing Partner at Omnivore, a $295 million venture capital firm investing in startups across agriculture, food, and the rural economy in India, focused on climate risk resilience.In this episode, we talk about how venture capital can be redesigned to fund climate adaptation in the real economy, and still deliver real returns.Mark shares what he's learned from over a decade investing in agritech and climate adaptation in India, and why institutional investors continue to underestimate the opportunity in emerging markets.We also discuss:how Omnivore balances financial returns with measurable impactwhy fintech for inclusion is key to rural transformationwhy fund managers need to build for climate resilience, not just growthTune in to hear why India may be the most logical and overlooked bet in climate-smart venture capital. And why it's time to fund adaptation before it's too late.—Intro (00:00)Childhood shaped by global curiosity and diversity (03:57)Disappointment with Penn's pre-professional culture (10:51)Burned out from early political consulting career (13:07)Harvard project with ITC ignites India focus (18:40)Omnivore's origin and spinout from Godrej Agrovet (27:26)Omnivore - high-level overview (35:09)Climate adaptation over mitigation in India (41:35)Investment strategy organized around four business models (43:24)Impact measurement - standardized IMM and field surveys (51:29)Agritech startups must mature into agribusinesses (58:21)Global capital still overlooks India's VC opportunities (01:02:20)India's life sciences sector limited by talent shortages (01:06:06)Alternative protein is culturally irrelevant for India (01:10:41)Agricultural subsidies need replacing with direct transfers (01:14:17)Rapid-fire questions (01:19:58)Contact info (01:23:31)— Discover More from SRI360°:Explore all episodes of the SRI360° Podcast Sign up for the free weekly email update —Additional Resources:Mark Kahn LinkedIn Omnivore Website
Fifteen years in, it can still feel like “we're just getting started.”Michelle Zatlyn, co-founder of Cloudflare, returns to Grit with Joubin Mirzadegan to share how Cloudflare secures the internet for millions, with a vision built to last generations.She also shares why staying close to reality and to customers becomes harder as success compounds, and how Cloudflare is helping content creators regain control in an AI driven internet.Guest: Michelle Zatlyn, co-founder and President of CloudflareConnect with Michelle ZatlynXLinkedInConnect with JoubinXLinkedInEmail: grit@kleinerperkins.comLearn more about Kleiner Perkins
This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.----------------------------------------In episode 93 of the Investing in Impact podcast, I sit down with Nick Dilks, Co Founder and Managing Partner of Ecosystem Investment Partners (EIP), a firm that has quietly become one of the most important players in large scale ecological restoration in the United States.Nick grew up splitting time between Philadelphia and a family farm on the Chesapeake Bay. That early exposure to land and water shaped a life long focus on conservation. After a decade at The Conservation Fund structuring complex land deals, he co founded EIP in 2006 to answer a simple but difficult question.Can you use private capital, at scale, to restore degraded ecosystems while still meeting the financial expectations of institutional investorsOver almost twenty years, EIP has shown that the answer is yes.The firm acquires degraded land, restores wetlands, streams, and habitats, then sells mitigation credits to public and private developers that are required by law to offset their environmental impacts. It is a space where environmental protection, infrastructure, housing, and finance all intersect.In this conversation, Nick explains how mitigation banking actually works, why these markets are fully regulated and compulsory, how a new 400 million dollar fund will expand EIP's work, and why he believes more young people should bring serious financial skills into the environmental sector. ----------------------------------------Investing in Impact is powered by Causeartist, a nonprofit media company dedicated to bridging the gap between capital and culture by spotlighting founders, investors, and organizations reimagining how business can serve people and the planet.Through storytelling, events, and open-access education, Causeartist helps create a shared language of impact, inspiring more founders to build with purpose and more funders to invest with intention.By amplifying ideas and innovations across industries, Causeartist transforms awareness into action and cultivates a community where paying it forward is part of the foundation for growth.
In this episode of Tank Talks, Matt Cohen is joined by Samir Kaji, CEO and Co-Founder of Allocate, to break down the explosive growth of private market investing and why trillions in new capital are about to reshape the entire wealth ecosystem. Fresh off a $30.5M Series B, Samir unpacks how Allocate is building the missing infrastructure connecting fund managers, RIAs, and the next generation of investors, solving the painful workflows, broken data pipes, and manual processes still holding the industry back. From intelligent deal discovery and auto-filled subscriptions to AI-powered diligence and portfolio personalization, Samir explains how technology will unlock access, efficiency, and liquidity at scale for both advisors and allocators.He also dives deep into the current venture cycle, the AI valuation frenzy, and the widening gap between mega-funds and emerging managers. Samir gives an unfiltered look at where the real opportunities lie, why liquidity is the next trillion-dollar unlock, how secondaries will redefine private markets, and what investors should be watching heading into 2030. If you want to understand where private markets, wealth management, and alternative investing are truly headed, this episode is essential listening.The Origin Story: 25 Years Watching the Market Shift (03:09)* Samir's work at SVB and First Republic observing the decline of IPOs* Cloud computing's impact on fund proliferation* Early signs that private markets needed new infrastructure* How HNWIs and family offices began demanding access decades before the rails existedWhy Allocate Exists & What It Actually Solves (07:04)* The fragmented “dark forest” problem of GP RIA connectivity* Why wealth advisors can't scale alt allocations using PDFs and lawyers* The three pillars of AllocateHow Advisors Use Allocate to Scale 10x Without Adding Headcount (14:18)* Auto-filled subs, KYC, allocation setup, client mapping* Helping advisors serve all 150 clients, not just the top 20%* Improving revenue while slashing operational dragUnlocking Liquidity: The Biggest Missing Piece of Private Markets (21:16)* Why secondaries are essential for opening the wealth channel* Borrowing against private fund positions* How tech will reduce massive bid-ask spreads* Why liquidity options will double alt allocations from 5% → 10-30% over timeAI's Real Role in Private Markets (25:20)* AI as the intelligence layer for discovery, diligence & personalization* Uploading 10 fund decks → receiving full breakdowns in minutes* Why workflows, not chatbots, will unlock trillions* Execution, payments & portfolio modeling going from days to secondsThe State of Venture Capital in 2025 (32:17)* Why today's market is “the extreme Tale of Two Cities”* AI startups raising at insane velocity vs. great non-AI companies starving* Why 90% of AI companies won't justify valuations* Seed funds getting squeezed by mega-funds writing “option checks”* How emerging managers can still win (go earlier or niche down hard)Founder Discipline, Revenue per Head, & the New Efficiency Era (40:06)* Revenue-per-employee as the new defining KPI* Why scarcity birthed a healthier generation of founders* Companies going from 5 → 50 → back to 20 employees* Running lean with AI as leverage instead of headcountAbout Samir KajiSamir Kaji is the Co-Founder and CEO of Allocate, a platform revolutionizing how investors access and manage private market investments. With a career in venture banking spanning over two decades at Silicon Valley Bank and First Republic, Samir has an unparalleled view of the venture capital and private equity landscapes. He is also a Kauffman Fellow, the host of the Venture Unlocked podcast, and a personal investor in companies like Carta and Reddit. He remains dedicated to Allocate's mission of making the private markets as transparent and responsible as the public markets.Connect with Samir Kaji on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samirkajiVisit the Allocate website: https://allocate.co/Connect with Matt Cohen on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/matt-cohen1Visit the Ripple Ventures website: https://www.rippleventures.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com
Join us for an insightful episode of Keepin' It A Bean! In this episode, I sit down with Jordan Bradley, CEO and Founder of HighNote. Discover the inspiring story behind Highnote's inception, the challenges and triumphs of navigating venture capital, and what it truly means to be a Black entrepreneur today. Don't miss out on valuable insights from a trailblazer in the business world! Don't forget to like and subscribe OR leave a rate + review. Follow Jordan on IG: https://www.instagram.com/jordn.bradley/?hl=enCheck Out Highnote: https://www.highnote.fm/companyFollow Marquise: @MarquiseDavon across all social media.
"The VC model is just fundamentally the wrong fit for Africa."In this episode of Limitless Africa, Claude Grunitzky and Dimpho Lekgeu speak with American investor Luni Libes, founder of Africa Eats and Fledge, and Tanzanian entrepreneur Haika Mtei, CEO of Golden Pot. Together, they explore how long-term thinking, patient capital, and culturally adapted funding models are reshaping business across the continent. Plus: How one woman is building the go-to cereal brand in Tanzania
Breaking into VC is harder than breaking into professional sports — literally. In this episode, Intuit Ventures investor Tanvi Lal explains why VC recruiting is so broken, why most people don't actually know why they want to be in venture, and how she finally cracked the code after dozens of rejections.We dive into: • Why VC hiring is a “barter system of social capital” • The #1 mistake candidates make when trying to break in • How corporate VC really works behind the scenes • Why AI + accounting might be fintech's wildest opportunity • How founders should think about taking CVC money • The difference between real ARR vs “founder math”If you're exploring VC, raising from VC, or trying to understand AI's impact on finance — this conversation hits.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
In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, Ben Murray welcomes Duncan Barrigan, founder and CEO of Lunos, to share his story and expertise. Drawing on a decade of fintech experience—including scaling GoCardless into a multi-billion dollar company—Duncan Barrigan discusses his journey from consulting to launching his own venture. Tune in to hear how Lunos is tackling the longstanding challenges of B2B payments and receivables. Duncan Barrigan explains how AI workers are reshaping the manual processes of accounts receivable, making it easier for businesses to get paid with less effort and greater speed. Whether you're a SaaS CFO, finance professional, or startup founder, you'll gain practical insights into fundraising, go-to-market strategy, and lessons learned from the trenches of building a fintech startup. Don't miss this energizing conversation packed with actionable advice and real-world experience! Show Notes: 00:00 GoCardless Growth Journey 06:09 "Swinging Big with Venture Capital" 10:06 "Similar Questions, Divergent Answers" 13:07 "Direct Motion and SaaS Solutions" 15:56 "Two-Model Service Approach" 17:12 "Optimizing Onboarding and Efficiency" 20:20 Instant Value via AR Scanning Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/lunos-ai-secures-5-million-pre-seed-round Duncan Barrigan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duncanbarrigan/ Lunos AI's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lunos-ai/ Lunos AI's Website: https://www.lunos.ai/ To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben's daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben's SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray
Vom Bastler zum Millionen-Umsatz: Max Grimm hat mit 19 Jahren das Hardware-Startup MARO Coffee gegründet. Im Inside Talk spricht er darüber, wie man ohne Venture Capital den konservativen Markt für Siebträgermaschinen aufmischt, warum Software den perfekten Espresso macht und wie man eine High-End-Produktion in Deutschland aufbaut.
Thanksgiving and overindulgenceA food poisoning incidentObservations on health at ThanksgivingWhat do you think of online sites offering prescriptions for hair loss via a questionnaire?
My granddaughter suffers from menstrual cramps. Do you have any suggestions?Do you recommend nicotinamide daily to prevent recurrence of basal cell cancers?What works best to lower fibrinogen?I've been on Ozempic for a year and have diarrhea every morning!Is bypass surgery still being done?Would you recommend Bergamot for fatty liver?
Neste episódio do Canary Cast, Kristian Huber, General Partner do Canary, conversa com Mariano García, Founder e CEO da Axenya, empresa que está transformando como as empresas brasileiras gerenciam a saúde de seus colaboradores por meio de dados, tecnologia e um modelo de negócio alinhado aos interesses de todos os atores da cadeia. A Axenya nasceu de uma tese simples, mas poderosa: o mercado de saúde precisa ser atualizado, e não há melhor momento para iniciar essa mudança do que agora. Criado em 1935 para lidar principalmente com doenças agudas (curta duração e alta intensidade), o sistema de saúde sofre hoje com mais de 85% dos custos relacionados a doenças crônicas — um volume para o qual ele não foi desenhado e que acaba desequilibrando as contas de diversos elos da cadeia, recaindo principalmente sobre os pagadores. Enquanto a tecnologia médica avançou significativamente no tratamento de doenças agudas, a expectativa de vida aumentou, a ocorrência de doenças crônicas se estendeu ao longo da vida e o sistema não se adaptou para acompanhar necessidades como monitoramento contínuo, prevenção e intervenção no momento certo. O resultado? Hoje, aproximadamente 50% dos custos de saúde estão relacionados a ineficiências de monitoramento e falta de ação preventiva — não ao volume de atendimentos, medicamentos ou procedimentos médicos em si. A solução que Mariano desenvolveu com a Axenya, apoiado em seus muitos anos na indústria de saúde, foi construir uma plataforma de gestão que agrega dados de múltiplas fontes (wearables, registros médicos, comportamento), os processa em tempo real e identifica populações em risco para intervir antes que doenças se agravem. Hoje, com uma população de 100 mil vidas sob monitoramento, a Axenya realiza mais de 95 milhões de análises clínicas por mês — um volume que seria impossível de executar mesmo se todos os médicos do Brasil trabalhassem exclusivamente para a empresa. No episódio, Mariano compartilha sua trajetória de 25 anos no setor de saúde — passando por Pfizer, Warburg Pincus, Bausch, Empresas de Biotecnologia e Advent — e como essa experiência o levou a identificar a oportunidade de reinventar a forma como empresas compram e gerenciam planos de saúde. Ele explora os principais desafios do mercado, como o desalinhamento de incentivos entre corretoras, planos e pacientes, e como a Axenya está rompendo esse ciclo ao se remunerar apenas pelo valor que entrega — e não pela comissão sobre o que é gasto.Destaques do episódio: 00:00 – 02:20 Introdução do episódio e apresentação do convidado02:28 – 07:20 Trajetória de Mariano Garcia no setor de saúde: de Pfizer a empreendedor07:22 – 09:40 O início da tese da Axenya a partir da ascensão do volume de dados em saúde09:44 – 14:35 As dores do setor de saúde: quais são os principais vetores de custo e o desalinhamento de incentivos14:35 – 17:33 Por que empreender com saúde no Brasil especificamente17:33 – 19:11 O que Mariano aprendeu como investidor, executivo e empreendedor que leva para a Axenya19:23 – 21:30 Complexidade de dados e os pontos de inflexão que permitem a solução da Axenya existir21:37 – 24:50 Proposta de valor da Axenya: como entrega valor para cada elo da cadeia (empresa, plano, paciente)25:00 – 27:00 O paradoxo da Axenya: mais consultas e exames, mas 50% menos de custos28:00 – 31:25 Quem é o cliente Axenya hoje e como quebra a resistência do mercado tradicional31:27 – 32:13 Modelo de negócio: monetização por success-fee em vez de comissão32:14 – 34:54 Quebrando a dinâmica anual de troca de planos: modelos de alinhamento de incentivos34:55 – 38:12 Os impactos da Axenya: redução de sinistralidade, eficiência de custos e NPS de 95+38:13 – 41:40 A visão de futuro: de otimizador de planos para plataforma completa de gestão de saúde41:42 – 44:30 Maiores erros, acertos e aprendizados sobre times e cultura44:48 – 47:10 A importância de pensar diferente do mercado: first principles vs. playbook47:16 – 48:19 Conselho para o Mariano do passado48:30 – 50:50 Conteúdos recomendados51:00 – 51:49 Conclusão do episódioConteúdos recomendados no episódio:"Redefining Healthcare: Creating Value-Based Competition on Results" de Michael Porter Livro seminal que introduziu o conceito de value-based healthcare há mais de 20 anos."Software is eating the world, yet healthcare remains INEDIBLE: How to Build the Modern, Tech-Enabled, Healthcare Experience" de Mariano García ValiñoMariano destaca que Porter escreveu sobre saúde baseada em valor de forma teórica, mas hoje, com as ferramentas tecnológicas disponíveis (como as que a Axenya usa), é possível colocar essas ideias em prática. É quase uma homenagem a Michael Porter, mas com a tecnologia que ele não tinha à época. "The Innovator's Prescription: A Disruptive Solution for Health Care" de Clayton Christensen Do mesmo autor que criou o conceito de "disrupção" e escreveu "The Innovator's Dilemma", este livro explora como inovação pode resolver os problemas estruturais da saúde. Apesar de ter cerca de 15 anos, mantém sua relevância e é essencial para entender dinâmicas de inovação em saúde. "The Cold Start Problem: Using Network Effects to Build Great Products" de Andrew Chen Livro focado em como construir marketplaces e ativar network effects. Essencial para quem está construindo plataformas que dependem de múltiplos atores (empresas, planos, pacientes, provedores) e precisa entender a dinâmica de como fazer todos os lados funcionarem simultaneamente. Glossário de termos mencionados ao longo do episódio: Doenças Crônicas — Condições de saúde de longa duração (diabetes, hipertensão, obesidade, doenças cardiovasculares) que exigem monitoramento contínuo e não têm cura, apenas controle. Doenças Agudas — Condições de saúde de curta duração e alta intensidade (infecções, fraturas) para as quais o sistema de saúde foi originalmente desenhado em 1935-1940. Sinistralidade — Percentual do prêmio de seguro que é gasto efetivamente em saúde. Exemplo: 75% de sinistralidade significa que de cada 100 reais em prêmio, 75 são gastos com saúde. Wearables — Dispositivos (smartwatches, pulseiras) que coletam dados de saúde em tempo real, como frequência cardíaca, passos, sono, etc. Monitoramento Remoto — Acompanhamento contínuo da saúde de pacientes sem necessidade de presença física, usando tecnologia e dados. Lead Qualification / Qualificação de Leads — Identificar e priorizar pacientes em risco que precisam de intervenção preventiva. NPS (Net Promoter Score) — Métrica que mede a satisfação e lealdade do cliente, variando de -100 a +100. B2B (Business-to-Business) — Modelo de negócio entre empresas. No caso da Axenya, vende para empresa → plano de saúde → paciente. Corretora de Seguros — Intermediária tradicional que vende planos de saúde para empresas, geralmente cobrando comissão sobre o valor do plano. Success-Fee — Modelo de remuneração baseado em resultados: a empresa paga apenas pela economia ou valor entregue, não por comissão fixa. Inflação Médica — Crescimento dos custos de saúde que é 2,5x maior que a inflação geral da economia. Modelo de Negócio Alinhado — Quando os incentivos financeiros de todos os atores (empresa, plano, paciente, provedor) apontam para o mesmo objetivo: melhor saúde com menor custo. Fragmentação de Dados — Situação em que dados de saúde estão espalhados em múltiplos sistemas sem integração, dificultando análises e ações. Interoperabilidade — Capacidade de diferentes sistemas e fontes de dados se comunicarem e compartilharem informações. Algoritmos Preditivos — Modelos matemáticos que usam dados históricos para prever eventos futuros, como o risco de um paciente desenvolver diabetes. Processamento de Dados em Tempo Real — Análise e ação sobre dados conforme são gerados, não em lotes posteriores. Aderência (Medicamentosa) — Capacidade do paciente de seguir corretamente o tratamento prescrito (tomar medicamentos no horário, na dose correta). Estatinas — Classe de medicamentos usados para controlar colesterol, uma das prescrições mais comuns no mercado. Retinopatia — Complicação da diabetes que afeta a visão e pode levar à cegueira se não controlada. First Principles — Abordagem de resolução de problemas que volta aos fundamentos básicos em vez de seguir convenções ou playbooks estabelecidos. Playbook — Conjunto de estratégias e processos padronizados que o mercado segue tradicionalmente. IPO (Initial Public Offering) — Oferta pública inicial; quando uma empresa abre seu capital na bolsa de valores. Private Equity — Modelo de investimento onde fundos adquirem empresas privadas para operá-las e depois vendê-las com lucro. Venture Capital — Tipo de investimento focado em startups de alto potencial de crescimento.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From losing his $25,000 life savings on his first startup investment to democratizing venture capital for everyday investors, Gerry Hays shares proven strategies for making early-stage investing accessible through VentureStaking while teaching founders outside traditional tech hubs how to raise capital and build sustainable businesses. In this episode of the DealQuest Podcast, host Corey Kupfer sits down with Gerry Hays, founder and CEO of Doriot and Senior Lecturer at Indiana University's Kelley School of Business. Gerry has made 75+ startup investments, taught venture capital for 20 years, and built multiple companies from zero to exit, including HomeYeah.com and Charlie Biggs Food Company. His current mission focuses on expanding venture capital access beyond coastal hubs through innovative funding models. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: In this episode, you'll discover how to participate in early-stage startup investing with as little as $10 through the VentureStaking model, why the right to invest later in winning companies proves more valuable than over-investing today, and how collapsing startup costs are fundamentally changing capital requirements for founders. Gerry shares strategies for avoiding what he calls "the fool's tax" when making your first investments, the critical importance of backing founders over ideas, and why venture investing resembles poker more than roulette. You'll also learn about building venture ecosystems within universities where students and alumni can collaborate on funding and growth, navigating the decision between raising capital versus bootstrapping your business, and the difference between venture-appropriate businesses versus lifestyle companies. The conversation explores tokenization's potential to create an ownership economy, why cultivation mindset beats consumption thinking for long-term wealth building, and what freedom from scarcity truly means in both dealmaking and life. GERRY'S JOURNEY: Gerry's path into venture capital came through painful education. After leaving law practice after just six months, he made his first investment at age 27, putting his entire life savings of $25,000 into a hazardous waste processing technology. He knew the space intimately from running lobbying for Indiana's Department of Environmental Management. The technology made sense. The market opportunity was clear. But the founder couldn't execute, and Gerry lost everything. That lesson kept him away from startup investing for a decade. Instead, he became a founder himself, launching HomeYeah.com during the dot-com boom. He acquired a small Indianapolis company with 25 lawn signs and built it into the 11th largest real estate company in Indianapolis by transactions, growing from zero to $1.8 million in revenue in just 20 to 24 months. The company sold to Help-U-Sell Real Estate in 2003, but not before Gerry experienced the challenge of raising capital outside traditional tech hubs. After the HomeYeah.com exit, Indiana University invited him to teach a new venture capital course. He's been there since 2004, creating what he calls a bridge between academic theory and real-world startup practice. Meanwhile, he co-founded Charlie Biggs Food Company, scaling it from zero to $10 million in revenue with distribution in over 1,000 retail locations before exiting through a private equity deal. FIRST INVESTMENT LESSONS: That initial $25,000 loss taught Gerry what he calls "avoiding the fool's tax." The fundamental insight was simple but profound. When you invest, you're really investing in founders more than ideas. He was simply a bad picker of founders at that point. The technology expertise didn't matter. Market knowledge didn't matter. What mattered was identifying founders who could execute through inevitable obstacles and pivots. This lesson shaped everything that followed. Gerry wouldn't touch startup investing again for ten years after that loss. When he did return, his approach centered on cultivating relationships with founders over time, watching how they respond to challenges, and building diversified portfolios that acknowledge most investments will fail. VENTURESTAKING MODEL: The VentureStaking approach emerged from Gerry's years of teaching and investing. The model allows investors to participate with as little as $10 in early-stage founders. Instead of writing large checks for immediate equity, venture stakers provide small grants to founders just getting started. If those founders break out and raise a real equity round, the stakers get invited to invest at 10 times their initial stake. The math works elegantly. Out of 25 investments of $10 each totaling $250, you might only see three worth backing in a real round. But when winners emerge, you've earned the right to participate in meaningful equity rounds without the traditional barriers to entry. This democratizes access while maintaining sophisticated portfolio construction principles. Gerry likens venture investing to poker rather than roulette. You play many hands with small amounts. You fold most of them. But when you spot real winners, you bet heavy. This is cultivation versus consumption, a long-term wealth-building game that Warren Buffett exemplifies, having created 99% of his wealth after age 65. THE COLLAPSING COST OF STARTING: One of the most profound shifts Gerry identifies is how startup costs have collapsed. What required $5 million to build ten years ago can now be created in a day for $50 thanks to AI agents, no-code platforms, and cloud services. This changes everything about capital requirements and who can be a founder. This trend combines with tokenization to create what Gerry calls an ownership economy. Instead of owning a few stocks generating passive income, people could hold tokens in 150 companies, each generating small amounts of passive income without traditional barriers to entry. The infrastructure for this future is being built now through blockchain technology and regulatory evolution. UNIVERSITY VENTURE ECOSYSTEMS: Gerry's work brings the VentureStaking model to universities, creating ecosystems where students, alumni, and faculty can participate in funding and building the next generation of startups. Indiana University has 70,000 students and 800,000 alumni. Imagine creating an arena where students pitch ideas, alumni back them with small stakes, and the community participates in the upside when founders succeed. Shared information, shared risk, shared prosperity. This approach captures innovation traditional VCs miss entirely. Founders outside coastal hubs gain access to capital. Alumni gain access to investment opportunities typically reserved for accredited investors with six-figure minimums. Students learn by doing rather than just studying theory. The model scales to any university willing to build the infrastructure. KEY INSIGHTS: Geographic location shouldn't determine access to capital. Gerry experienced this firsthand with HomeYeah.com in Indianapolis. He wasn't in California. He didn't have the right connections. That challenge drives his current work at Doriot, focused on democratizing venture capital for founders and investors outside traditional hubs. The Sam Altman example illustrates how network effects compound. Altman invested $15,000 in Stripe in 2009, now worth $650 million. That wealth creates access to more deals. Those deals create more wealth. The rich get richer not because they're smarter but because they have access. VentureStaking aims to expand that access. Contracts matter, but people matter just as much. Gerry's experience shows that when something seems too easy, like tenants responding unusually quickly to lease documents without redlines for 10-15 year commitments, it raises red flags. You can have perfect legal documents but still face challenges if you're working with the wrong people. THE SHARK TANK STORY: Gerry shares his Shark Tank experience where his former student pitched a business and received a $250,000 offer from Mark Cuban for 35% equity. Gerry advised him that existing SAFEs would push him below 50% ownership. The founder turned down Cuban's offer. That "no" to Mark Cuban kicked off Season 4 of Shark Tank and generated publicity that proved more valuable than the deal itself. The company continued growing without the investment. CULTIVATION VERSUS CONSUMPTION: One of Gerry's most powerful insights addresses how society trains people for consumption rather than cultivation. We've made sports betting legal. Prediction markets are booming. We're training young people about fast-moving money and dopamine hits. But venture investing is a cultivation game. You're dropping seeds into the ground and watching what the universe brings back. He gave a student $5,000 who wanted to build something in the travel industry. The founder pivoted to AI and Shopify and just raised $8 million at a $55 million valuation. That $5,000 investment is now worth over $200,000. The bet wasn't on the idea. It was on a founder who wouldn't quit. That's something you discover by playing the game, getting yourself into wealth-building activities where you're patient, watching, and learning. FREEDOM FROM SCARCITY: When asked about freedom, Gerry's answer cut to something fundamental. Being free from a scarcity mindset is profoundly important. Everything around us reinforces scarcity. But when you let go of that and realize how abundant things really are, it changes how you see opportunities. You can afford to be patient. You can take calculated risks. You can help others succeed knowing there's enough to go around. This mindset applies to venture capital, to dealmaking, to entrepreneurship, and to life. When you operate from abundance rather than scarcity, you see opportunities differently. Capital formation is evolving. The question is whether that evolution will democratize opportunity or concentrate it further. Gerry's betting on democratization. Perfect for investors curious about venture capital but feeling locked out of traditional opportunities, founders outside coastal tech hubs seeking capital, university administrators exploring venture ecosystem development, and anyone interested in how capital formation is evolving to become more accessible while maintaining sophisticated portfolio construction principles. FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE: https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/gerryhays FOR MORE ON GERRY HAYS:https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerryhays/ https://doriot.com FOR MORE ON COREY KUPFERhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/https://www.coreykupfer.com/ Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast. Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today! Episode Highlights with Timestamps [00:00] - Introduction to Gerry Hays and the VentureStaking model [02:15] - Growing up around real estate and finding it boring initially [04:30] - The $25,000 first investment loss and avoiding the fool's tax [07:45] - Launching HomeYeah.com during the dot-com boom and growing to $1.8 million [10:20] - Capital raising challenges outside traditional tech hubs [12:30] - Selling HomeYeah.com to Help-U-Sell Real Estate in 2003 [14:15] - Teaching venture capital at Indiana University since 2004 [16:45] - Building Charlie Biggs Food Company from zero to $10 million in revenue [19:30] - The VentureStaking model explained with $10 minimum investments [22:15] - Why venture investing is poker, not roulette [25:00] - The collapsing cost of starting companies from millions to dollars [27:30] - Tokenization and the ownership economy vision [30:45] - The $5,000 investment now worth $200,000 after founder pivoted to AI [33:20] - Sam Altman's $15,000 Stripe investment now worth $650 million [36:00] - Building venture ecosystems within universities [39:15] - The Shark Tank story where student turned down Mark Cuban [42:00] - Cultivation versus consumption mindset for wealth building [44:30] - Warren Buffett creating 99% of wealth after age 65 [46:45] - Freedom from scarcity mindset in dealmaking and life Guest Bio Gerry Hays is the founder and CEO of Doriot, a platform focused on democratizing venture capital by expanding access for entrepreneurs outside traditional coastal hubs. He is also a Senior Lecturer at Indiana University's Kelley School of Business, where he has taught Venture Capital and Entrepreneurial Finance since 2004. Gerry began his career in politics and law before founding HomeYeah.com, an online real estate platform that grew from zero to $1.8 million in revenue in 20-24 months and became the 11th largest real estate company in Indianapolis by transactions. The company was acquired by the private equity firm behind Help-U-Sell Real Estate in 2003. He co-founded Charlie Biggs Food Company, growing it to over $10 million in annual revenue with distribution in over 1,000 retail locations before exiting through a private equity deal. He also co-founded Apparel Media Group, later acquired by Custom Ink. An active investor, Gerry has backed 75+ early-stage companies, several of which have raised over $20 million or achieved profitability. He has been investing in Bitcoin and Bitcoin Layer 2 infrastructure since 2013. Gerry is the author of The First-Time Founders Equity Bible and has led student venture immersion trips to Asia for over a decade. Host Bio Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker with more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast. Show Description Do you want your business to grow faster? The DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer reveals how successful entrepreneurs and business leaders use strategic deals to accelerate growth. From large mergers and acquisitions to capital raising, joint ventures, strategic alliances, real estate deals, and more, this show discusses the full spectrum of deal-driven growth strategies. Get the confidence to pursue deals that will help your company scale faster. Related Episodes Episode 350 - Tom Dillon on Fractional CFOs and Alternative Funding Sources: Learn how fractional CFO services help companies explore diverse funding options beyond traditional venture capital. Episode 351 - Solocast on Deal Structures Beyond M&A and Capital Raising: Explore joint ventures, strategic alliances, licensing agreements, and other creative partnership models that expand growth options. Episode 89 - Sherisse Hawkins on the Capital Raising Journey: Discover the practical realities of securing investment as a founder and navigating the funding landscape. Episode 85 - Nick Adams on Seed Stage Venture Capital Funds: Understand how traditional VCs evaluate early-stage deals and what metrics matter most to institutional investors. Episode 175 - Natasha Miller on Developing Strategic Partnerships: Master the concepts of shared risk, shared resources, and creative collaboration structures that bring communities together. Episode 185 - Maximilian Rast on How to Raise Capital for Your Company: Build the fundamentals of capital raising that apply across venture, real estate, and business growth strategies. Social Media Follow DealQuest Podcast:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/Website: https://www.coreykupfer.com/ Follow Gerry Hays: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerryhays/ Company: https://doriot.com Twitter: @gerryhays Keywords/Tags venture capital democratization, VentureStaking model, early stage investing, startup funding alternatives, university venture ecosystems, tokenization investing, accredited investor alternatives, cultivation mindset wealth building, venture capital accessibility, startup investment diversification, capital raising strategies, founder backing strategies, angel investing, entrepreneurship education, blockchain tokenization, ownership economy, portfolio diversification, founder selection strategies, dealmaking strategies
We all know that huge sums of money are invested in creating new, more effective weapons of war. Brian Abrams sees an opportunity to invest instead in what he calls "peace tech," emerging businesses using technologies and creative methods designed to prevent war from happening in the first place. He's created a new firm, B Ventures, and in this Blue Sky episode he describes with infectious optimism his exciting vision for the future. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Brian Abrams Bill Burke introduces Brian Abrams, founder of B Ventures Group, an investment fund focused on global peacebuilding and conflict resolution through "peace tech." Brian's extensive background in managing over $1 billion in assets and his human-centric investment philosophy are highlighted. 02:09 From Founder to Venture Capitalist Brian shares his career journey, starting as an entrepreneur in India where he experienced failure, which led him to realize his strength in spotting opportunities rather than operationalizing them. He then transitioned to venture capital in Israel, building a fund from $2 million to over $1.2 billion, emphasizing the role of luck and a pivotal moment in fostering peace initiatives. 08:28 The Genesis of Peace Tech Brian reflects on his past experiences, including a startup's condition to include Palestinian teammates during an acquisition, which planted the seed for his current work. He explains his philosophy of using money to serve people and approaching problems from a bottom-up perspective, leading him to focus on peace tech as an alternative to military tech. 10:17 The Rationale for Peace Tech Drawing inspiration from Thich Nhat Hanh's philosophy of 'interbeing,' Brian articulates why war is illogical and a form of collective self-harm. He emphasizes the enormous economic cost of violent conflict, totaling $19 trillion annually, and how venture capital's bottom-up, experimental approach can offer innovative solutions for peacebuilding. 15:28 AI in Crisis Simulation Brian describes an investment in a startup founded by a Harvard researcher who developed an AI-powered crisis simulation platform. This technology aims to anticipate and prevent future conflicts, like potential World War III over Taiwan, by running thousands of scenarios daily, far exceeding traditional war games. 21:32 Business Model for Peace Tech Brian explains the twofold business model for peace tech startups: selling to friendly governments and to companies for competitive landscape analysis. He emphasizes that a for-profit model ensures scalability and continuous funding, unlike grants, allowing for exponential growth and a virtuous cycle to prevent major conflicts. 29:23 Peace Tech: Agile and Ethical Brian highlights the agility of venture-backed peace tech companies compared to traditional government or academic initiatives, citing an example of a startup rapidly forming after the dismantling of the US Institute of Peace. He defines peace tech as anything that preempts, mitigates, or resolves violent conflict, adhering to a 'first do no harm' principle. 34:26 Peace Tech Investments and Ecosystem Brian discusses additional investments, including a company creating digital twins of societies to understand and model civil conflicts like those between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He describes the growing Peace Tech ecosystem, drawing parallels to the private space industry's exponential growth, and aims to build a global community of founders and investors. 41:12 Conclusion and Call to Action Bill Burke reflects on how technology's ability to show the grim reality of war might increase the fervent desire for peace. Brian encourages listeners to connect via LinkedIn and join the Peace Tech community, expressing his strong optimism for the future impact of this movement.
This week on Swimming with Allocators, Apurva Mehta, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Summit Peak Investments, joins Earnest and Alexa to share his unique journey from institutional portfolio management to building a venture fund of funds. The discussion covers building strong networks and communities for allocators and GPs, adapting to the evolving and increasingly crowded venture landscape, and maintaining discipline in fund size and valuations. Key takeaways include the importance of deep relationships and responsiveness, rigorous diligence in a noisy market, and the advantages of staying nimble to deliver consistent returns and foster long-term partnerships. Also, don't miss Shane Goudey of Sidley as he discusses venture funds practice, building a robust, full-service legal team for venture capital clients and the current surge in fund formation and liquidity as the venture market heats up at the end of 2025. Highlights from this week's conversation include: The Journey of Apurva Mehta in Allocations and Investing (0:32) How Apurva Built A Network-First Allocator Community (3:54) The Inception of Summit Peak and Entrepreneurial Spirit (7:46) The Importance of Being the Central Node in Venture (11:09) Identifying New GPs and Evolving Venture Networks (15:13) On The Challenges of Filtering and Iterating for Success (19:20) The Legal and Fund Formation Landscape with Shane Goudey (22:57) Fund Manager Trends and What Surprises Apurva (27:53) Concerns About Market Valuations and Fund Size Discipline (30:39) Impact of Market Dynamics on Growth Deal Approaches (34:18) Being Proactive Versus Passive in Co-Investing (38:28) Trends and Predictions for the Next 10 Years in Allocations (41:49) Summit Peak's Vision For Success and Staying Nimble (44:57) Summit Peak Investments is a venture-focused investment platform backing the next generation of exceptional managers. With a dual strategy of investing in top-performing pre-seed and seed-stage funds alongside targeted Series B+ co-investments, Summit Peak partners with GPs and founders to generate long-term, outsized returns. Learn more at summitpeakinv.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How can biotech startup founders navigate the intersection of science, technology, and data to build truly durable companies? In this episode, host Elaine Hamm, PhD, talks with Cain McClary, MD, Founder and Managing Partner of KdT Ventures, a seed-stage venture firm investing at the convergence of science and technology. A Tulane alumnus and “supply chain junkie,” Cain shares how curiosity, data-driven insight, and strategic storytelling can set biotech innovators apart. In this episode, you'll learn: The biggest mistakes biotech startups make—and how to avoid them. Why understanding incentives, storytelling, and systems is key to scaling innovation. How AI, data ownership, and new consumer health models are reshaping the future of biotech. Tune in to discover how KdT Ventures is rethinking biotech investment—and what it takes to turn scientific insight into lasting impact. Links: Connect with Cain McClary, MD, and check out KdT Ventures. Connect with Elaine Hamm, PhD, and learn about Tulane Medicine Business Development and the School of Medicine. Learn more about PathAI. Check out our fireside chat with Walter Isaacson. Connect with Ian McLachlan, BIO from the BAYOU producer. Check out BIO on the BAYOU. Learn more about BIO from the BAYOU - the podcast. Bio from the Bayou is a podcast that explores biotech innovation, business development, and healthcare outcomes in New Orleans & The Gulf South, connecting biotech companies, investors, and key opinion leaders to advance medicine, technology, and startup opportunities in the region.
An investor explains the "buy, fix, and hold" model employed by Bending Spoons and similar companies that buy distressed startups. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Kevin Shtofman is the Global Head of Alliances and Corporate Development at Cherre, a real estate data platform powering over $3.3 trillion in AUM. With 20+ years of experience across real estate, finance, and consulting, Kevin leads global initiatives to integrate and contextualize data from systems, third parties, and JV partners, helping investors, operators, and asset managers make smarter decisions. At Cherre, he also oversees strategic partnerships, global expansion, and the innovation roadmap. Prior to joining Cherre, Kevin held leadership roles across the industry, including Chief Operating Officer at NavigatorCRE, and Global Real Estate Technology Strategy Lead at Deloitte, where he advised clients on emerging technologies like AI, automation, and blockchain. A recognized voice in real estate innovation, Kevin brings two decades of experience bridging data, operations, and technology across global real estate markets. Outside of work, Kevin is a golf enthusiast, occasional Ironman, and proud father of three daughters.(02:05) - Kevin's Background(05:19) - Challenges in Real Estate Data Management(06:52) - Cherre's Approach to Data Integration(13:48) - Evolution of Cherre's Platform(21:41) - Client Success Stories(24:58) - Future of Real Estate and AI(25:23) - Feature: Blueprint - The Future of Real Estate - Register for 2026: The Premier Event for Industry Executives, Real Estate & Construction Tech Startups and VC's, at The Venetian, Las Vegas on September 22nd-24th, 2026. As a friend of Tangent, you can save $300 on your All-Access pass(29:58) - Introducing Cherre AI Agent Marketplace(33:58) - AI Use Cases(40:06) - The Future of Real Estate Data(42:29) - Affordable Housing and Investment(47:37) - Collaboration Superpower: William Levitt (Wiki) & Larry Brown (Wiki)
In this episode of The Venture Capital Podcast, Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris sit down with Costas Papaikonomou, co-founder of the $200M Una Terra Early Growth Fund, to unpack what it really takes to scale the circular economy.Costas shares how his background in engineering, innovation consulting, and a successful exit to Accenture shaped Una Terra's thesis: backing “drop-in” solutions that plug into existing industrial infrastructure instead of trying to rebuild the world from scratch.They get into: • Why packaging, waste and food ingredients are massive, underrated VC markets • How regulation in Europe is reshaping single-use plastics and recycling • Why Una Terra focuses on real-world unit economics first, impact second (but still runs as an Article 9 impact fund) • Case studies: pulp-based bottle packaging, Greyparrot's AI for waste sorting, and circular fashion brand Another Tomorrow • Power law vs “normal distribution” returns, and why most exits will be strategic acquisitions, not unicorn IPOsIf you care about climate, industrial innovation, and non-SaaS venture opportunities, this one's loaded.Follow the Unaterra HQ: www.Unaterra.vc Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/una-terra-vs Costas Book (Disruption Fallacy): www.re8el.com 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
Coca-Cola is… sugar water. And somehow it's also America, Christmas, summertime, friendship and happiness. Today we tell the story of how The Coca-Cola Company amazingly transmogrified a beverage into emotion in all of our collective psyches, and ALSO built one of the most incredible scale economy businesses of all-time. And oh yeah, there's also cocaine, WW2, Mad Men, Warren Buffett, James Dean, Bill Cosby, Michael Jackson, Michael Ovitz, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, McDonald's and Monsanto. So cozy up to the fire with your favorite images of Santa Claus and Polar Bears and enjoy an ice-cold episode of Acquired — always delicious, always refreshing.Sponsors:Many thanks to our fantastic Fall ‘25 Season partners:J.P. Morgan PaymentsWorkOSShopifySentry — Link to ACQ Cassette Players, use code “audiophile”Links:Sign up for email updates and vote on future episodes!The Hilltop ad / Mad Men finalePepsi Challenge commercialsPepsi's Michael Jackson commercialsCoke's Bill Cosby commercialsTwo liter bottles inflatingWorldly Partners' Multi-Decade Coca-Cola StudyFor God, Country, and Coca-ColaSecret FormulaAll episode sourcesCarve Outs:SkiErgSuper Smash Bros. UltimateClaudeNike Vomero PlusHermanos GutiérrezMore Acquired:Get email updates and vote on future episodes!Join the SlackSubscribe to ACQ2Check out the latest swag in the ACQ Merch Store!Note: Acquired hosts and guests may hold assets discussed in this episode. This podcast is not investment advice, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any financial transactions.
Screens have pulled families apart. Brynn Putnam set out to bring them back together with Board, the world's ‘first face-to-face game console.'On Grit, she tells Joubin Mirzadegan how every venture she's built, including Mirror, started as a personal need, and how her true edge is the ability to strip an idea down to what actually matters.Guest: Brynn Putnam, founder and CEO of BoardConnect with Brynn PutnamXLinkedInConnect with JoubinXLinkedInEmail: grit@kleinerperkins.comLearn more about Kleiner Perkins
In this conversation, Ben Bajarin discusses the recent innovations surrounding NanoBanana and its new feature, Notebook LM, which has significantly impacted the way infographics are created. He highlights the ease with which users can transform data and text into visually appealing infographics, showcasing the power of AI in data visualization.
(0:00) Intro(1:30) About the podcast sponsor: The American College of Governance Counsel(2:16) Start of interview(3:01) Erik's origin story(6:10) His role at the Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa.(7:49) Exploring his book Catching Cheats(9:39) About the field of forensic economics(11:00) The Challenge of Private Market Data and Fraud *Reference to our Startup Litigation Digest(16:24) Board Responsibilities in Fraud Detection(19:03) Challenges for private company boards(21:22) Insights and red flags from the Madoff Case(26:30) Insider Trading and Its Challenges(31:29) The Role of Whistleblowers in Fraud. Reference to E142 with Tyler Shultz and E130 with Mary Inman (whistleblower attorney)(35:44) Cultural Perspectives on White-Collar Crime(39:59) The Intersection of Vision and Fraud(41:27) Fraud problems in academia(44:00) The Impact of AI on Fraud Dynamics *suggested read: The Trillion Dollar Governance Reckonings(49:46) The role of directors in the stock backdating scandals "they were happy beneficiaries"(51:03) Books that have greatly influenced his life:Animal Farm by George Orwell (1945)Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer (1997)(53:45) His mentors *discussion about the Norges Bank Investment Mgmt Fund ($2T AUM) and its ethical issues.(56:23) Quotes that she thinks of often or lives her life by.(57:10) An unusual habit or an absurd thing that she loves. (58:08) The living person he most admires: Bill Gates.Erik Lie is the Amelia Tippie Chair in Finance and Professor at the Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa. His new book, Catching Cheats: Everyday Forensics to Unmask Business Fraud, offers a compelling look at how forensic economics and data-driven analysis can help identify wrongdoing that remains hidden in plain sight. 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
(Presented by Material Security (https://material.security): We protect your company's most valuable materials -- the emails, files, and accounts that live in your Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 cloud offices.) Three Buddy Problem - Episode 73: The buddies react to Google's release of Gemini 3 and its early performance, new Chrome interface changes landing on users' machines, and major highlights from CYBERWARCON. We revisit the long-running debate over APT naming conventions, examine Amazon's latest threat-intel reporting on Iranian activity, and walk through the Cloudflare outage that briefly knocked chunks of the internet offline. Plus, new APT reports from ESET, Positive Technologies, and SecurityScorecard, and China's CN-CERT (now validated claim) that the U.S. government seized billions in Bitcoin tied to the Lubian mining-pool hack. Cast: Juan Andres Guerrero-Saade (https://twitter.com/juanandres_gs), Ryan Naraine (https://twitter.com/ryanaraine) and Costin Raiu (https://twitter.com/craiu).
Sharon Ayalon is the co-founder and CEO of UrbanMix, a next-gen platform using AI and 3D to streamline real estate operations. An architect by training, she previously taught at Columbia GSAPP and led advanced housing simulations at Cornell Tech. Sharon pioneered Roosevelt Island's Digital Twin and XR transit experience. Her Ph.D. was awarded the President of Israel's Grant for Scientific Excellence. This is episode was recorded live at Blueprint Vegas 2025. Sharon has been helping shape Gowanus Wharf, a groundbreaking Brooklyn development led by Charney Companies turning a former Superfund site into over 1,000 apartments, parks, and public waterfront. It's one of the most ambitious examples of how environmental cleanup, zoning reform, and innovative tools can unlock transformative urban development.
Why community is the most powerful tool for transformation.Community isn't just a feel-good buzzword. According to Gina Bianchini, it's a catalyst for personal and collective transformation.Bianchini is the CEO and founder of community-building platform, Mighty Networks, and author of the book Purpose: Design a Community and Change Your Life. "Community is when people come together, and every single member has something to give and something to receive," she explains. In contrast to the one-directional dynamic of a speaker and their audience or a creator and their following, Bianchini argues that the power of community lies in two-way exchanges, where each member benefits the group and benefits from it. "Community is the single most effective way to get results and transformation you just can't get on your own," she says.In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Bianchini joins host Matt Abrahams to discuss how to unlock the potential of purposeful communities. She shares strategies for finding your tribe during times of transition, the "people magic” created when we facilitate deep connections, and how creating community enables us to create the world and lives we imagine.To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium.Episode Reference Links:Gina BianchiniGina's Book: PurposeEp.174 Fix Meetings: Transform Gatherings Into Meaningful Moments Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:17) - Defining Community vs. Audience (04:05) - Community as a Catalyst for Transformation (06:41) - Finding the Right Community (10:29) - The Future Story Framework (13:22) - People Magic & Facilitation (19:07) - The Final Three Questions (24:59) - Conclusion ********Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smart
The Twenty Minute VC: Venture Capital | Startup Funding | The Pitch
AGENDA: 04:47 Cursor Raises $2.3BN at $29BN Valuation 11:36 What Gemini 3 Means for Lovable, Cursor and Replit 30:54 Peter Thiel and Softbank Sell NVIDIA: The Bubble Bursting? 48:54 Oracle Credit Default Swaps: The Risk is Increasing 01:07:22 Stripe Does Tender at All-Time High: Why the Best Companies Will Never IPO 01:19:18 Why Retail WIll Cause a Surge of Capital into VC Funds
Please enjoy this encore of Career Notes. Founder and general partner of Rain Capital, Chenxi shares her story and how she conquered and got over the obstacle of fear to reach her goals in life. " I realized a lot of times my obstacle is my own fear rather than a real obstacle" Wang states, she also shares her story of breaking glass ceilings as a female founder and working in the field of cybersecurity. She hopes to be remembered for being a kind person and developing her own venture fund, as she shares her story to the top, she states what she does and how she got to be where she is today. We thank Chenxi for sharing her story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices