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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 -
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
Let us know your thoughts, questions, and who you want to hear from next!In this episode of The Exchange, EW&L Associate Adviser, Charles Troian, sits down with Matthew Browne, Founder and Managing Partner of Black Nova Venture Capital, to explore the evolution of Australia's start-up ecosystem and what it really takes to build - and back - world-class technology companies.From launching his first business at 13 to founding and exiting two successful enterprise software companies (including Y Combinator–backed Whispli), Matthew shares lessons learned from both sides of the venture table. He unpacks what separates resilient founders from the rest, why “boring” B2B software often outperforms hype-driven tech, and how Australia's venture market has matured into one of the most efficient ecosystems in the world.The conversation dives deep into Black Nova's investment philosophy - a by founders, for founders model - and the firm's focus on mission-critical, enterprise-grade software with strong fundamentals and global potential. Matthew also reflects on the future of AI, capital flows, and the importance of reinvesting in Australia's innovation economy.Whether you're an investor, founder, or adviser, this episode offers a rare look inside the mindset of one of Australia's most disciplined venture capitalists, and what it takes to identify the next generation of enduring businesses.Disclaimer: The information in this podcast series is for general financial educational purposes only, should not be considered financial advice and is only intended for wholesale clients. That means the information does not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider if the information is appropriate for you and your needs. You should always consult your trusted licensed professional adviser before making any investment decision.
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.
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?
Thanksgiving and overindulgenceA food poisoning incidentObservations on health at ThanksgivingWhat do you think of online sites offering prescriptions for hair loss via a questionnaire?
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.
Is India’s stock market truly overheating, or is this simply the new normal? From stretched small- and mid-cap valuations to the frenzy in consumption, manufacturing, defence and a flood of IPOs, this episode unpacks the signals and the noise. Host and ET’s markets editor Nishanth Vasudevan talks to veteran fund manager Prashant Jain, co-founder and CIO of 3P Investment Managers, who argues that today’s markets are still far from the euphoric highs of 1992, 2000 and 2007. Jain also weighs in on the global AI bubble, India’s market resilience, and why he believes large caps could be the most sensible bet in the years ahead whether you’re a new post-COVID investor or a seasoned market participant.Tune in: You can follow our host Nishanth Vasudevan on his social media: Linkedin & X Check out other interesting episodes like - Nobel Laureate James A Robinson On Power and Prosperity, AI and Society, Corner Office Conversation with Apollo’s Dr Preetha and Suneeta Reddy, Groww’s ₹6,600 Cr Leap - Fintech’s Big Market Test Begins , OML CEO on the Creator Economy’s Next Wave & much more.Catch the latest episode of ‘The Morning Brief’ on ET Play, The Economic Times Online, Spotify, Apple Podcasts,JioSaavn, Amazon Music and Youtube.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
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
In this episode of Collisions YYC, Tyler is joined by Paul Moore, longtime Calgary executive and author of Hitchhiking Through Management: Moore's 10 Laws for Successful Leadership. Together, they explore the often-overlooked realities of stepping into management roles, from the emotional toll to the strategic responsibility of leading teams.In this episode:Why trust is the foundation of any leadership modelThe difference between positional power and earned influenceWhat to do when you inherit underperformersNavigating the awkward first months as a new managerWhy authenticity and hard conversations matter more than charismaThe value of mentorship and self-awareness in leadership developmentThis episode is brought to you by clearmotive marketing. When it comes to marketing that truly matters to your business, clearmotive is your go-to partner. With a proven track record of more than 15 years, they understand what makes your business tick. Learn more at https://www.clearmotive.ca and discover how clearmotive can help your marketing thrive.We're on social media! Follow us for episodes you might have missed and key insights on Western Canada directly on your feeds.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collisionsyycLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/collisions-yycYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@collisionsyycWebsite: https://www.collisionsyyc.comThank you for tuning into Collisions YYC!Remember to subscribe and follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode.If you loved the episode, please leave us a 5-star review and share the show with your friends! These things really help us reach more potential fans and share everything that's amazing about Western Canada.We sincerely appreciate your support of our local podcast.Host links:Tyler's website: https://www.tylerchisholm.comTyler's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerchisholmGuest links:Paul Moore's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmoore100Collisions YYC is a Tyler Chisholm original production // Brought to you by clearmotive marketing
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
(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
How Is Aqua Membranes Scaling 3D-Printed Water Membranes Spacers from Garage Startup to 200,000 Square Foot Manufacturing Facility? Let's find out!More #water insights? Connect with me on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoinewalter1/
In this episode of The SaaS Revolution Show, Alex Theuma speaks with Audrey Soussan, General Partner at Ventech, about how the early-stage SaaS landscape is evolving and what founders need to understand if they're looking to raise. Audrey shares insights from 15+ years investing across Europe, including: - Why AI is no longer a vertical but an expected layer in every SaaS product. - The difference between truly “AI-native” startups and mature SaaS companies adapting their stack. - What VCs like Ventech look for now at seed and Series A. - How founders should think about tech debt, market shifts, and timing. - Lessons from the InSided journey, from bootstrapping to acquisition by Gainsight. - How Ventech supports founders beyond capital, what collaborative board work looks like, and the importance of community. Audrey also discusses competitive dealmaking in AI, why expertise and unique datasets matter, and practical advice for founders raising in the current environment, and how to pitch if you're not building a pure-play AI product. Guest links: Linked - https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrey-soussan-0309b818/ Website - https://www.ventechvc.com/ Check out the other ways SaaStock is helping SaaS founders move their business forward:
What makes some cities flourish with entrepreneurial activity while others struggle to get started? This episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast dives deep into that question, as host Marcia Dawood welcomes back Nicola Corzine, CEO & Executive Director of the NASDAQ Entrepreneurial Center, to reveal powerful new research on the factors that drive innovation economies forward.Nicola Corzineis a leader in helping entrepreneurs worldwide, with a decade of experience in building communities, designing free programs, and rallying support from top foundations. In this episode, she shares the Center's latest findings from a five-year research journey, spotlighting the data and stories behind the top-performing U.S. regions for high-growth entrepreneurship.Listeners will hear the real ingredients for building a thriving innovation ecosystem—from angel investor networks and supportive policy makers to the vital role of education and industry diversity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who cares about entrepreneurial success, economic development, and creating communities where everyone has the chance to rise. Listen until the end to see if your city made the list! To get the latest from Nicola Corzine, you can follow her below!https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolacorzine/https://nasdaqcenter.org/Nicola's Previous Angel Next Door Episode - Revolutionizing Startup Support: Insights into Angel Investing and Entrepreneurial Empowerment Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!Website: www.marciadawood.comDo Good While Doing WellLearn more about the documentary Show Her the Money: www.showherthemoneymovie.comAnd don't forget to follow us wherever you are!Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.appleSpotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotifyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood
Jian Lian is an expert on China's political economy, industrial development, and technological development. He graduated from Peking University with a bachelor's and master's degree in economics. Starting out as an industry analyst at a Chinese investment bank, he participated in the "Made in China 2025" initiative as a Chinese venture capitalist, working for a state-owned fund. He is the author of "The Truth About Capital" 资本的真相 (2016), which contains major predictions about technology, economy, and society in China, most of which have since come true.Jian and Steve discuss the origins of the industrial party movement (discussed in an earlier episode with Kyle Chan), which culminated in the "industrial maximalism" view of development adopted by the PRC government. They also discuss the development of supply chains in China, and the role that US sanctions had in accelerating the Chinese semiconductor industry.Kyle Chan episode:https://www.manifold1.com/episodes/kyle-chan-on-the-future-of-us-china-competition-94Chinese industrial maximalism: https://www.high-capacity.com/p/chinese-industrial-maximalism(00:00) - Introduction (00:49) - Jian Gaokao score was 23rd in all of Fujian = Econ at Beida, not Genomics! (05:21) - China's Industrial Policy and Innovation (24:19) - Domestic supply chain strategy; How Huawei became a national champion due to US sanctions (34:13) - Venture Capital in China (36:13) - Hard Tech Investments (37:40) - Regulations of Tech Giants (44:28) - Future of China Technological Development –Steve Hsu is Professor of Theoretical Physics and of Computational Mathematics, Science, and Engineering at Michigan State University. Previously, he was Senior Vice President for Research and Innovation at MSU and Director of the Institute of Theoretical Science at the University of Oregon. Hsu is a startup founder (SuperFocus.ai, SafeWeb, Genomic Prediction, Othram) and advisor to venture capital and other investment firms. He was educated at Caltech and Berkeley, was a Harvard Junior Fellow, and has held faculty positions at Yale, the University of Oregon, and MSU.Please send any questions or suggestions to manifold1podcast@gmail.com or Steve on X @hsu_steve.
Alumni Ventures is one of the most active venture firms in the world and under Mike's leadership has reimagined the venture capital model—connecting accredited investors with professionally managed portfolios through the power of alumni communities. With over $1.5 billion in assets under management and more than 1,400 portfolio companies, Mike's mission to democratize access to venture investing is transforming how innovation gets funded. In this episode, we dive into the future of venture capital, how networks unlock opportunity at scale, and Mike's hot take on the impact of AI to investment and the world
This week on Swimming with Allocators, Jay Rongjie Wang, Founder and CEO of Primitiva Global, shares her journey from her pioneering upbringing shaped by her mother's tech entrepreneurship to becoming a leading venture investor bridging Silicon Valley, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Jay discusses the importance of authenticity and “congruence” in investment decisions, her “impossible triangle” theory for evaluating AI opportunities, and cross-border fundraising strategies. Listeners will gain actionable insight into aligning personal strengths with business practices, understanding global LP/GP dynamics, and balancing boundless curiosity with focused execution in the rapidly evolving world of tech and venture capital. Also, don't miss our insider segment as Idan Netser and Jason Kropp from Sidley discuss key tax incentives for venture funds, including carried interest treatment and Qualified Small Business Stock benefits, as well as recent FDA regulatory changes impacting biotech and medtech startups, offering timely guidance for VC investors and founders.Highlights from this week's conversation include: Welcoming Jay to the Episode (0:22) Impact of Parenting on Risk, Creativity, and Early Career Choices (5:24) Lessons Learned from Running Community Website: Career Preparation (7:17) Discussion of Gender Dynamics, Over-Preparation, and Confidence (10:00) Traits for Successful Fund Managers: Concept of Congruence (11:38) Practical Framework for Identifying "Winner Energy" and Reference Checks (17:55) Consistency in Feedback About GPs (21:46) Regulatory Topics: Carried Interest, Tax, and FDA Insights (23:54) Energy Management, Executive Capacity, and Inner Focus (28:48) Impossible Triangle Theory on AI Progress and Investment Filtering (30:27) Applying the Theory: GPU and Data Center Investments (36:06) Fundraising Successes Outside the US and Motivations of International LPs (39:09) Balancing Curiosity with Focus for Investors (41:20) Personal Advice on Career Methodology and Venn Diagram Specialization (44:24) Final Thoughts and Takeaways (45:15) Primitiva Global is a family office and investment platform operating across Silicon Valley and Hong Kong. Primitiva backs first-check venture managers and invests in companies expanding the frontiers of artificial intelligence, deep technology, and global innovation. The firm combines deep research, top-down analysis, and hands-on partnership to support the next generation of builders and allocators. Learn more at www.primitivaglobal.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.
What happens when a former gaming founder takes a hard look at his marriage — and realizes the biggest problem isn't love, it's routine?In this episode, we sit down with Offer (Founder & CEO of ARYA) and Phylicia Koh (General Partner at Play Ventures) to unpack how a single moment — “Babe… what happened to us?” — sparked a new category in relationship wellness.We dive into:Why routine is the “final boss” in every relationshipHow game design and psychology can rebuild intimacyThe real meaning of gamification (and why most people get it wrong)Why consumer apps struggle with engagement — and how free-to-play mechanics fix itHow AI can responsibly support human connectionThe blue-ocean opportunity in taboo or overlooked marketsFrom a Typeform MVP that people actually paid for… to the deeper science behind staying in love, this episode blends tech, human behavior, VC insight, and real vulnerability.Whether you're building products, building relationships, or both — this convo 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
It's rare to find someone whose career spans 18 years in automotive manufacturing and venture capital, but Charly Mgwani, Partner at Eclipse Ventures, has done exactly that. His journey from the factory floor at Toyota, Nissan, Tesla and Rivian to backing hard tech companies gives him a perspective many VCs don't have.We sit down with Charly to explore how first principles thinking (questioning assumptions and getting back to root causes) drives real innovation in manufacturing.He walks us through Tesla's early days when they were asking questions nobody in the automotive industry had thought to ask, like whether robots could be programmed to work faster or if there was a better way to design for manufacturing.The conversation covers what Eclipse looks for in the founders they support, why being scrappy can lead to better manufacturing decisions, and why old manufacturing principles need rethinking as the industry flows in the opposite direction.In this episode, find out:How first principles thinking challenges manufacturing assumptions and unlocks innovationWhy asking “why not?” opens possibilities that “that's how it's always been done” closes offThe critical relationship between product design and manufacturability that many companies overlookWhat Charly learned about manufacturing during his time at Toyota and NissanWhy being capital-constrained can force creativity and focus in manufacturingThe questions Tesla asked that nobody in automotive had thought to ask beforeWhat Eclipse Ventures looks for in the founders they back and why that matters for hard tech companiesEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“I was ten years into my career when Elon was asking questions that had never been asked in automotive before. By forcing us to think about things from a first principle, we started identifying levers like part consolidation that are now commonplace in manufacturing today.”“Most folks design a factory as just what's inside the shell, but then you end up with over-built systems that don't speak to each other. If you design it as one product, like how a vehicle would be designed, there are more synergistic opportunities to simplify the utilities and make them complimentary.”“Manufacturing until recently has always flowed towards low labor costs and consolidation in pursuit of economies of scale. But now it's flowing in the other direction, so that means you can't depend on previous principles and how manufacturing has always been designed.”Links & mentions:Eclipse Ventures, partnering with entrepreneurs boldly transforming the essential industries that define and propel economies. Nexiforge, reindustrializing America with AI-Powered factories for contract manufacturing.Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.
Stephen Wemple, Principal at Spero Ventures, shares how he backs mission-driven founders building enduring companies aligned with purpose and profit. From investing in hardware startups like Telo Trucks to backing social impact ventures such as Juno, Stephen explains why conviction and alignment between founders and investors matter more than ever. He reflects on his journey from Fulbright Fellow in Vietnam to venture capitalist in Silicon Valley, the lessons he's learned from working with founders, and how smaller, concentrated funds like Spero bring focus and depth back to early-stage investing.In this episode, you'll learn:[01:00] - Stephen's journey from Fulbright Fellow in Vietnam to venture capitalist at Spero Ventures[04:30] - How Spero spun out of Omidyar Network to back purpose-driven founders[08:10] - Investing early—with proof points that show real-world traction[11:10] - Why mission and authenticity matter more than hype in founder evaluation[14:00] - The story behind Spero's investment in Juno and the value of long-term relationships[17:00] - How founders should work with junior investors inside VC firms[19:00] - Why conviction and alignment matter when founders choose their investors[22:00] - Stephen's take on the concentration of capital and the future of small, focused fundsNonprofit highlight: AchieveKidsAbout Stephen WempleStephen Wemple is a Principal at Spero Ventures, where he invests in mission-driven founders building companies for a healthier, more sustainable, and fulfilling future. He has led investments across sectors such as healthcare, climate, and frontier technologies, backing founders who combine purpose with commercial ambition.Stephen began his career in early-stage venture capital, investing in emerging markets across Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and South Asia. A Fulbright Fellow in Vietnam, he worked with the U.S. State Department to support entrepreneurship initiatives before joining Spero Ventures in its formative years. Stephen believes the best entrepreneurs are those who find and stay true to their mission.About Spero VenturesSpero Ventures is a Silicon Valley-based early-stage venture capital firm that backs mission-driven founders building companies for a healthy, sustainable, and fulfilling future. The firm leads or co-leads seed and Series A rounds with $2–4 million investments and maintains a concentrated portfolio to closely support each founder. Its team, which includes former operators from Tesla, eBay, and Stripe, has invested in companies like Juno (child disability insurance), Telo Trucks (electric pickup trucks), Tiny Health (gut health solutions), Euclid Power (renewable energy software), and Gencove (genome sequencing platform), reflecting its belief that purpose-driven startups can create both outsized impact and venture-scale returns.Subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode.
The conversation explores the dynamics of market competition, particularly focusing on AMD's position and the strategies of hyperscalers. The discussion delves into game theory as a framework for understanding potential future scenarios in the tech industry. They also discuss key neocloud earnings and engage in a conversation on if these companies are REITs or neoclouds.
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.----------------------------------------Welcome to episode 92 of the Investing in Impact podcast. Today you will hear from Rehana Nathoo, the Founder and CEO of Spectrum Impact. Rehana has worked across the UN, Rockefeller Foundation, Bank of New York Mellon, and the Case Foundation, giving her a rare view into how capital systems evolve and where they fall short.Her experience covers development finance, field building, and the realities of pushing impact work into traditional financial institutions. In this episode she breaks down her journey, the lessons she has carried into Spectrum Impact, and the honest truth about what it takes to design impact strategies that actually work. ----------------------------------------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.
How do companies like Salesforce and Dell scale intelligence across every cloud?Aidan Gomez, co-founder and CEO of Cohere, explains how they're building AI that works across all enterprise systems and deploys anywhere, giving companies true flexibility and security.He joins Joubin Mirzadegan for a wide-ranging conversation on why synthetic data went from dismissed to indispensable, and how the race among AI labs is really unfolding.Guest: Aidan Gomez, co-founder and CEO of CohereConnect with Aidan: XLinkedInConnect with Joubin: XLinkedInEmail: grit@kleinerperkins.comLearn more about Kleiner Perkins
Therapists entering the field face a hidden obstacle that can derail their entire career: finding affordable, accessible clinical supervision.Rachel Ledbetter, licensed marriage and family therapist and CEO of Motivo, joins Michael Fulwiler to share how her own struggle to get licensed in rural Georgia led her to build a company that's now helping thousands of therapists cross the finish line to licensure.In this candid conversation, Rachel talks about her early startup mistakes, the values that guide Motivo's pricing model, and what it's like to raise venture capital as a therapist in tech. She also reflects on the identity shifts that came with divorce and growing a mission-driven company.Listen to this episode to hear how Rachel turned one of the biggest barriers to becoming a therapist into a business that's helping others get licensed.In the conversation, they discuss:The supervision bottleneck and why so many therapists never get licensedHow Rachel bootstrapped Motivo without a technical backgroundWhat therapists get wrong about venture capital and tech startupsConnect with the guest:Rachel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelmccrickard/ Visit the Motivo website: https://motivohealth.com/ Connect with Michael and Heard:Michael's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfulwiler/ Newsletter: https://www.joinheard.com/newsletter Book a free consult: joinheard.com/consult Jump into the conversation:(00:00) Welcome to Heard Business School(00:51) Meet Rachel Ledbetter(03:00) From Bible Ministry Degree to Therapy Career(05:00) Shifting Away from Faith-Based Counseling(07:00) Working Skid Row and Post-Grad Supervision Struggles(09:00) Driving Four Hours Weekly for Supervision(11:00) Launching Motivo on Shopify with No Tech Team(13:00) Growing Fast Through Professional Association Partnerships(15:00) Why Motivo Switched to B2B Model(17:00) The Supervision Crisis Blocking Licensure for Therapists(21:00) What Most Therapists Misunderstand about Venture Capital(24:00) Why Motivo Doesn't Let Supervisors Set Rates(27:00) Learning to Give Hard Feedback as a Leader(34:00) Separating Your Identity from Your Business(42:00) Advice for Therapists Who Want to Build Tech(49:00) Rachel's Favorite Founders and Lessons from LuckThis episode is to be used for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, business, or tax advice. Each person should consult their own attorney, business advisor, or tax advisor with respect to matters referenced in this episode.
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.----------------------------------------Carbon Direct has acquired Pachama to bolster precision, transparency, and scientific rigor in carbon accounting and verification for the voluntary carbon market. Pachama, recognized for its digital platform focused on monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) of forest carbon projects, will integrate its technology with Carbon Direct's science-driven carbon management expertise.Strategic Impact of the AcquisitionThe combined platform aims to deliver higher-quality carbon credits using improved environmental data tracking, advanced digital MRV tools, and AI-powered insights.The acquisition strengthens Carbon Direct's capacity to offer comprehensive, data-driven project evaluation and transparency for both buyers and project developers.Pachama's co-founder and CEO, Diego Saez Gil, and key team members will join Carbon Direct, helping guide strategic engagement around scaling nature-based, verifiable climate solutions.Learn more → ----------------------------------------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.
En este episodio analizamos el ecosistema emprendedor de Venezuela, cómo funcionan eventos como el Tech Day Caracas y qué podemos aprender de startups como Ridery y Cashéa, que crecieron en condiciones extremas. Hablamos de cómo emprender en LATAM, cómo escalar negocios con recursos limitados y qué distingue a los founders que avanzan incluso sin acceso a capital.También revisamos en detalle las mentiras del Venture Capital, los errores más comunes al buscar inversión y las señales reales que un fondo analiza antes de invertir. Explicamos cómo piensan los VCs, qué industrias priorizan, por qué el consumo es más fácil de fondear y cuáles son las estrategias de fundraising que funcionan en 2025.Además, exploramos el debate bootstrapping vs vender tu startup, cómo cambia la vida del founder después de un exit y por qué muchos emprendedores logran más felicidad y autonomía sin inversores externos.Finalmente, hacemos un análisis de la situación global de startups y AI, incluyendo las evaluaciones récord de OpenAI, el rol de los fondos soberanos y cómo estas inversiones están transformando el mapa de oportunidades en tecnología.Ideal para emprendedores, founders, inversores, developers, y cualquier persona que quiera entender cómo construir empresas en 2026.__Links del episodio:Empire of AI: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222725518-empire-of-ai?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=JrJ0YPo7O4&rank=1A man for all markets: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30194505-a-man-for-all-marketsThe art of spending money: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/231148075-the-art-of-spending-moneyRemove Paywall: removepaywall.comVenezuela Summit: https://www.startupvenezuelasummit.com/#day-30-oct__Muchas gracias a nuestro Sponsor, Analytics Town por apoyar este episodio!¿Quieres crear un producto basado en inteligencia artificial pero no sabes por dónde empezar?En Analytics Town te ayudamos a diseñar tu nuevo producto y modelo de negocio, desde la estrategia hasta la ejecución del software con módulos de IA.Descubrimos oportunidades para tu empresa y validamos tu idea.Armamos el diseño funcional y el modelo de negocio.Diseñamos y desarrollamos tu producto potenciado con Inteligencia Artificial.Te acompañamos en todo el proceso, desde la idea hasta convertirlo en negocio rentable...Si mencionas que vienes de Indie vs Unicornio, te llevas el primer diagnóstico gratis!
Bastian Krautwald von Mitte Padel erklärt, warum sein Padel-Club-Business kein typischer Venture-Capital-Case ist und wie er stattdessen die richtigen Investoren gefunden hat. Er teilt, warum Family Offices und spezialisierte Fonds besser zu Brick-and-Mortar-Modellen passen und wie sich das Pitch Deck für Offline-Businesses unterscheidet. Was du lernst: Warum Offline-Businesses oft besser zu Private Equity als zu Venture Capital passen Welche Investoren-Typen für Brick-and-Mortar-Modelle ideal sind (Family Offices, spezialisierte Fonds) Wie sich das Pitch Deck für Offline-Cases unterscheidet - mehr Fokus auf Unit Economics Die Kernmetriken, die Offline-Investoren wirklich interessieren (Payback-Time, Marge) Wie tief du als Gründer in technische Details einsteigen musst vs. auf Experten vertrauen kannst ALLES ZU UNICORN BAKERY: https://stan.store/fabiantausch Mehr zu Bastian: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bastian-krautwald/ Website: https://www.mittepadel.com/ Join our Founder Tactics Newsletter: 2x die Woche bekommst du die Taktiken der besten Gründer der Welt direkt ins Postfach: https://www.tactics.unicornbakery.de/
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
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
Send us a textWelcome back to Laundromat Resource! In today's episode, your favorite laundromat news anchor Jordan Berry brings you the latest updates from the world of laundromats. We'll dive into the current state of Alliance Laundry's stock after their recent IPO, and what it means for operators and investors everywhere. We'll explore how the recent government shutdown is shaking up small business lending, with specific data from the SBA on how many loans are getting held up across different states.Jordan Berry also covers the ongoing impact of ICE raids on laundromat businesses, and the aftermath of New Jersey's Department of Labor's crackdown, which led to thousands in back wages for workers. Plus, we'll highlight inspiring stories of community support — like a North Omaha laundromat offering free drying to neighbors in need — and share updates on the rapid expansion of laundry franchises such as Kathy Ireland Laundry and Tide.With big money and private equity making moves in the industry, and new investments focused on sustainability, Jordan Berry explores whether the laundromat business is headed for growth or decline. Finally, we get a timely reminder about dryer fire hazards and best safety practices after a laundromat fire in Pen Hills.Tune in for the freshest news, industry insights, and tips to help you run a safer, smarter, and more community-focused laundromat. If you've got a story to share, don't forget to reach out and get featured on Laundromat News Today!Show notes: https://www.laundromatresource.com/laundromat-news-november-14-2025/Don't miss out!Subscribe so you don't miss fresh episodes, exclusive stories, and all the links mentioned in today's show. Got some news to share about your laundromat? Hit reply, or send it in to news@laundromatresource.com – we love celebrating what you're up to!Connect With UsYouTubeInstagramFacebookLinkedInTwitterTikTok
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.----------------------------------------The All Aboard Coalition is a collaborative investment fund created by a group of established venture capital and private equity firms. It aims to raise $300 million by October and begin investing before the end of the year.Unlike early-stage seed funds, this one focuses on companies that already have validated technology and are now ready to expand into full-scale production.It will make equity or convertible equity investments between $100 million and $200 million per company.In simple terms, the All Aboard Coalition is positioning itself to fill the funding gap between early venture capital and large infrastructure financing, helping climate companies move from concept to commercial scale.Read full breakdown. ----------------------------------------Investing in Impact is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you're launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:Bookkeeping, Accounting & Tax Management – Organized, compliant, and transparent financials managed by licensed professionals (CPAs, CFAs, CMAs, and lawyers) to drive smarter decision-making.Growth & Marketing – Data-driven strategies across branding, web, advertising, CRM, and sales enablement—all optimized for measurable ROI.Outsourced CFO – Flexible financial leadership covering cash flow, forecasting, and strategic planning.Entity Management – Stay compliant and ready for scale with expert corporate governance and compliance support.Operations, HR & Admin – Streamlined infrastructure to boost team efficiency and keep your business running smoothly.IT & Security – Safeguard your data and operations with best-in-class infrastructure, compliance, and protection.Technology Consulting – Build the right tech stack with expert support across NetSuite, QuickBooks, Avalara, and more.Management Consulting – Unlock growth with industry-specific advisory services focused on metrics, operations, and scalability.As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.
What if the most powerful tool for saving time, making money, and transforming your life was already right in front of you? And yet you're most likely using it incorrectly or not using it at all. That tool is AI – artificial intelligence. Have you noticed: it seems like everybody is talking about AI everywhere you turn? You're already living with it every single day, whether you notice it or not. So, you might as well be the one in charge of how you use it. That's why Mel has been searching for the right expert to come on the show to empower you, step by step, on how you can best use AI to benefit your life. That's what you'll hear today from Allie K. Miller, who Mel calls “The AI Whisperer” because she is in the ear advising some of the world's leading brands on AI. Allie launched the first multimodal AI team at IBM, was the Global Head of AI for Startups and Venture Capital at Amazon Web Services, is the most-followed AI voice on LinkedIn and one of TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in AI. And she isn't here to scare you about artificial intelligence. She's here to show you how to use it in ways that can improve your life, starting today. Allie breaks down how AI actually works, what it can do for your day-to-day life, and how you can use it to make your days better and easier. You don't need to be a coder or a tech person to follow along. Mel is right there with you as a beginner to AI. Allie explains it all clearly, with real-life examples. In fact, if you've ever felt behind on technology or overwhelmed by the hype, this episode will leave you feeling empowered. It's time for a real, human conversation about AI – one that will give you the truth, the confidence, and the step-by-step moves that will help you take control of your time, your money, and your life. For more resources related to today's episode, click here for the podcast episode page. If you liked the episode, check out this one next: How to Get Things Done, Stay Focused and Be More ProductiveConnect with Mel: Get Mel's newsletter, packed with tools, coaching, and inspiration.Get Mel's #1 bestselling book, The Let Them TheoryWatch the episodes on YouTubeFollow Mel on Instagram The Mel Robbins Podcast InstagramMel's TikTok Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes ad-freeDisclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.