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Aimee Rickabus is an entrepreneur, author, and podcast host dedicated to redefining women's leadership. Author of The Manage Her and host of the podcast by the same name, Aimee highlights how the invisible labor women perform every day translates into systems thinking, problem solving, and leadership skills that transform business and community. Aimee is also CEO of Tomahawk Information Solutions, a woman- and minority-owned technology company and value-added reseller of hardware, software and services for Fortune 500s and co-founded Mohawk Network Solutions with her husband. A mother of six and lifelong advocate for women, she inspires audiences to see their potential not just as professionals, but as whole, powerful individuals.
Mike Collins is the Founder and CEO of Alumni Ventures, a leading venture capital firm that enables individual accredited investors to access diversified venture portfolios and co-invest alongside top-tier VCs. He is a serial entrepreneur and experienced venture capitalist who has founded multiple companies, including Kid Galaxy, Big Idea Group, and RDM. He also launched Green D Ventures, Alumni Ventures' first alumni fund, where he oversaw the portfolio as Managing Partner. Mike has spent his career helping investors and entrepreneurs build innovative, high-growth businesses, and holds degrees from Dartmouth College and Harvard Business School. In this episode… What does it really take to succeed in venture capital, where uncertainty is constant, and failure is often part of the process? What separates investors who consistently build strong portfolios from those who don't? For Mike Collins, a seasoned venture capitalist and serial entrepreneur, success in venture capital comes from focusing on people over pure ideas and building disciplined, diversified portfolios to manage inevitable risk. He highlights that early-stage investing is less about certainty and more about judgment, trust, and pattern recognition developed over time. A key takeaway is that long-term success stems from striking a balance between conviction and humility and accepting that many investments will fail while a few yield outsized returns. He also emphasizes the value of co-investing and leveraging a global investor community to expand access and insight. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Mike Collins, Founder and CEO of Alumni Ventures, to discuss venture capital, portfolio building, and entrepreneurial lessons. They talk about betting on people over ideas, managing risk through diversification, and lessons from sports and investing. Mike also shares insights on co-investing strategies and democratizing access to venture capital.
Send us Fan MailIn this exclusive investor panel clip, a frontier tech investor explains where smart money may flow after AI giants like OpenAI and SpaceX reached massive valuations.If trillion-dollar AI plays feel crowded, where is the next wave? His answer: humanoid robotics, plus emerging opportunities in robotics cybersecurity hardware and AI-powered infrastructure.He breaks down why many investors wait until markets show traction but before full institutional saturation — the sweet spot between early risk and late-stage pricing.Topics Covered:✅ How to invest before institutions pile in✅ Why trillion-dollar AI names may be too crowded✅ The next $10B–$50B opportunity sectors✅ Why humanoid robotics is still early✅ Robotics cybersecurity hardware plays✅ Quantum computing & nuclear trends ahead✅ Smart investor timing strategies explainedIf you invest in AI, venture capital, private equity, robotics, or future technology, this is a must-watch.
Great software companies often come from understanding pain points at a very deep level.On Grit, Aman Narang shares how Toast built trust with 171,000+ restaurant operators by helping restaurants manage everything from payments and online orders to staff scheduling and daily operations.He also reflects on lessons around product-market fit and scaling a company before it's fully ready.Guest: Aman Narang, co-founder and CEO, ToastConnect with Aman NarangLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aman-narang-155628/Connect with ToastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/toast-inc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toasttab/X: https://x.com/ToastTab?lang=enConnect with Joubin:X: https://x.com/JoubinmirLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joubin-mirzadegan-66186854/Email: grit@kleinerperkins.comFollow on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/kpgritFollow on X:https://x.com/KPGritLearn more about Kleiner Perkins:https://www.kleinerperkins.com/
Send us Fan MailIn this exclusive investor panel clip, a frontier tech investor breaks down how they invest in some of the world's hottest private companies including SpaceX, OpenAI, Anduril, and why humanoid robotics may become the biggest investment opportunity of the decade.He explains why Elon Musk says humanoid robots could be the biggest product in human history, how investors are using SPVs to access private deals, and why business-to-business robotics may outperform consumer robots first.They also discuss the next bottleneck in AI growth: energy and data centers — and where smart money may flow next.Topics Covered:✅ How investors accessed SpaceX & OpenAI early✅ Why humanoid robotics could explode in value✅ Tesla Optimus vs industrial robotics plays✅ SPV investing explained✅ AI, robotics & manufacturing trends✅ Data centers and energy as the next bottleneck✅ Best frontier tech opportunities for 2026If you invest in AI, venture capital, private equity, robotics, or future tech, this is a must-watch.
David George, General Partner at a16z, and David Clark, CIO at VenCap, discuss how AI is reshaping venture capital and the technology industry itself. They examine why today's AI companies are scaling faster than any previous generation of startups, and why the eventual outcomes may be significantly larger than most investors currently expect. The conversation covers frontier AI models, coding agents, open source competition, data center constraints, and who ultimately captures value in the AI ecosystem. They also discuss what these shifts mean for venture capital itself, including larger company outcomes, faster value creation, and the growing challenge of identifying durable winners in a market evolving at unprecedented speed. Resources: Follow David George on X: https://x.com/DavidGeorge83 Follow David Clark on X: https://x.com/daveclark85 Follow VenCap on X: https://www.vencap.com Stay Updated:Find a16z on YouTube: YouTubeFind a16z on XFind a16z on LinkedInListen to the a16z Show on SpotifyListen to the a16z Show on Apple PodcastsFollow our host: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Cedars-Sinai has evolved from a community hospital to a major academic health system with an international reputation for quality care, community service, research and education. Much of that evolution and expansion took place under the leadership of Tom Priselac, who served as President and CEO for 30 years, until his retirement in 2024.After joining Cedars-Sinai in 1979, Priselac spent nearly half a century at the organization, rising through a series of leadership roles as the institution expanded its academic mission, built an integrated medical network and adapted to major shifts in healthcare delivery. That long tenure gave him a rare vantage point on how health systems change over time, and what it takes to lead through multiple eras of disruption.In this episode of Healthcare is Hard, Priselac reflects on why the leadership job in healthcare feels more challenging now than ever. The pace of change is faster, and today's leaders are navigating a far more complicated environment shaped by financial pressures, regulatory demands, rapid technological advancement and major scientific breakthroughs. But even with all that complexity, Priselac argues that the fundamentals of leadership remain the same. He advocates for creating a culture of excellence, helping people understand why change is necessary, and making sure an organization can absorb change in a thoughtful way. Some of the topics Tom and Keith discussed include:Culture at the heart of healthcare. Priselac returns repeatedly to the importance of values, emotional intelligence and culture in healthcare leadership. In his view, an organization's culture reflects the decisions, behaviors and priorities of its leaders, and that matters even more in complex environments like academic medical centers. Whether the challenge is aligning faculty, community physicians, researchers or administrators, success depends on keeping patient care at the center and building a shared sense of mission.Pushing change too fast. One of Priselac's clearest leadership lessons is that organizations and people can absorb only so much change at once. While today's leaders face real pressure to move more quickly, he warns that some of the biggest mistakes happen when executives short-circuit the change management process. Looking back on his own career, he says some of his most important learning came from moments when he pushed for too much change too quickly.Why cost and access still keep him up at night. Even with all the promise of genomics, proteomics, cell and gene therapy, and AI, Priselac remains deeply concerned that healthcare's affordability and access problems are worsening faster than policymakers are addressing them. He points to clear signs of strain already in the system – communities losing access to care, hospitals in urban areas operating beyond capacity, and patients spending hours waiting for admission. For all the excitement around innovation, he sees cost and access as the country's most urgent unresolved healthcare challenges.To hear Keith and Tom discuss these topics and more, listen to this episode of Healthcare is Hard: A Podcast for Insiders.
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What happens when tabletop gaming meets startup culture?In this episode of BusinessRPG, Devon Chulick (co-founder of StartPlaying.games, and founder of totalpartychill.com) breaks down how he turned professional Dungeon Mastering into a scalable business platform used by thousands of players around the world.One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is how powerful niche communities can become when paired with strong systems and authentic customer experiences.Whether you're a founder, creator, gamer, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers practical insight into building something scalable around a passionate audience.startplaying.gamestotalpartychill.comdevonchulick.comConnect with Devon on IG and LinkedIn
Christina Quinn, General Partner at SSC Venture Partners, shares practical lessons from investing in first-time founders and supporting Boston College entrepreneurs through venture funding and accelerator programs. She explains how SSC Venture Partners combines community, mentorship, and early-stage capital to help founders navigate the difficult early years of company building. Christina also discusses the qualities she consistently looks for in entrepreneurs, including adaptability, resilience, initiative, and self-awareness. In this episode, you'll learn: [01:59] Christina Quinn's unconventional path into venture capital [05:36] How SSC Venture Partners supports Boston College founders [10:30] Why SSC invests at the true pre-seed stage [15:52] The founder traits Christina values most [18:14] How to tell real founder obsession from startup hype [21:01] The GiveCard story and mission-driven entrepreneurship [26:07] Common reasons founders get rejected [30:06] Advice for founders before pitching investors The nonprofit organization Christina is passionate about: Artists for Humanity About Christina Quinn Christina Quinn is a General Partner at SSC Venture Partners, where she focuses on backing early-stage founders connected to the Boston College ecosystem. Before entering venture capital, Christina built a career in marketing, communications, and private equity, developing expertise in storytelling, fundraising, and brand strategy. She previously worked with emerging venture managers through Coolwater Capital and has become known for her founder-first approach to investing, particularly with first-time entrepreneurs building mission-driven businesses. About SSC Venture Partners SSC Venture Partners is an affinity-based venture capital firm and startup accelerator focused on founders connected to the Boston College ecosystem. Founded originally as a nonprofit accelerator program, SSC has evolved into an early-stage venture platform supporting entrepreneurs through mentorship, community, and pre-seed capital. The firm invests across sectors and emphasizes founder development, resilience, and long-term company building. In addition to its venture fund, SSC operates accelerator programs designed to help first-time founders navigate product development, customer discovery, fundraising, and team building. Subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode.
(Presented by TLPBLACK: A cybersecurity intelligence platform focused on sharing curated, high-sensitivity threat insights and research with trusted security professionals.) Three Buddy Problem x Ekoparty Miami: SentinelLabs researcher Gabriel Bernadett-Shapiro hops on the mic to unpack who gets to define what "security" even means in the age of AI, why venture capital keeps funding the wrong things, and how the frontier labs quietly ate everyone's coding harness. Plus, how AI actually contributed to cracking the FAST 16 research, overcoming the guardrails, and why your domain expertise is the only thing keeping you out of full-blown rabbit-hole psychosis. Cast: Juan Andres Guerrero-Saade, Ryan Naraine and Gabriel Bernadett-Shapiro. Timestamps: 0:00 Introductory banter 4:55 Gabe returns: how the models got scary-good at code 8:45 Bay Area short-termism and the "10x in 18 months" trap 11:35 VCs as tastemakers, and why that's broken 13:00 The unpaid-labor pipeline into the AI labs 18:00 The real misunderstanding about security's moat 20:18 Bug bounties: a net negative for the industry? 22:20 The great vuln fire sale — find 50,000, fix zero 27:28 Who will maintain vetted open-source libraries? 29:29 FAST 16: how AI actually broke the case open 35:05 The rabbit-holing machine and the path to "AI psychosis" 41:05 Stuxnet, Kim Zetter, and the story we'll never be told
Will Parrish is the Co-Founder and Chief Customer Officer of Lula, a Kansas City-based proptech platform built to streamline property maintenance for property managers and their residents. Will co-founded Lula alongside CEO Bo Lais with a mission to make property maintenance smarter — pivoting the business during the pandemic to focus on property managers in the single-family rental space, a move that fueled rapid growth. Lula recently closed a $28 million Series A round and is expanding from 42 markets to 60, with heavy investment in AI and automation. Before co-founding Lula, Will spent nearly two decades in enterprise sales and business development, including a long tenure at Thomson Reuters. (00:53) - How Lula Started(02:34) - Trading Corporate for Startup Life(03:29) - Is Maintenance Archaic(05:49) - Where Work Orders Fail(07:30) - Scaling 100K Work Orders(12:28) - Building Vendor Trust & Quality(13:19) - Expanding Markets(16:16) - Flat Rate Pricing Playbook(19:15) - Ideal Rental Customers(21:54) - Integrations(25:47) - AI In Maintenance(30:21) - Future of Lula(32:14) - ROI for Property Owners & Operators(35:49) - Hardware play ahead?(39:12) - Collaboration Superpower: MacGyver
In this episode of The Circuit, hosts Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg dive into the latest tectonic shifts across the technology and semiconductor sectors, starting with a deep dive into Nvidia's recent earnings report . They analyze Nvidia's impressive numbers—including $91 billion in revenue guidance and strong gross margins—and contrast that success with the stock's stagnant post-earnings performance, comparing the current market skepticism to Apple's smartphone growth cycle around 2010 . The duo breaks down Nvidia's new segment reporting structure, debating the strategic implications of blending networking into data center revenue and splitting the segment into hyperscalers and "Neo clouds" . Ben then shares his first-hand observations from Dell Tech World, highlighting emerging enterprise trends like the financial motivations driving a shift back toward on-prem AI infrastructure to curb unsustainable cloud token spend . Finally, they wrap up the episode by examining two major recent IPO filings: Elon Musk's multifaceted SpaceX S1 and the rare, high-growth prospectus of China's largest memory maker, Chongqing Memory Technologies (CXMT) .
Updated re-release. A year ago we left one question unresolved. Where do foundational AI models end and where do the applications begin? Nick Tippmann returns in a fresh epilogue. A year on, the tension has only sharpened. Specificity is the differentiator when inches matter. Nick Tippmann, founding partner of TipTop VC, explains how vertical AI is rewriting the software industry by going deeper instead of wider. From the transition beyond SaaS to the gray zone between foundational models and high-stakes applications, we get into how vertical AI can transform laggard industries and why Austin might lead the race.The Agenda00:00 Defining vertical AI05:07 Where general AI fails09:36 Vertical AI software, not just chatbots16:44 Pricing logic after the seat model24:04 Underwriting at pre-seed and seed 27:20 Capital intensity and seed-strapping36:48 TAM analysis and the Frontiers Market example41:46 OpenAI's Instacart hire and the gray zone45:55 Austin as a vertical AI hub58:21 Epilogue: Where the models end and applications beginGuest Links and BiosNick Tippmann, TipTop VCNick Tippmann is the Founder and Managing Partner of TipTop Ventures, an early-stage venture fund focused on Vertical AI. Before becoming an investor, Nick spent nearly a decade as a founding team member and CMO at Greenlight Guru, where he helped scale the company from zero to category leader with more than 250 employees, tens of millions in ARR, and a nine-figure investment from JMI Equity.An operator turned investor, Nick now partners with founders building industry-specific AI and software businesses, bringing hands-on experience in go-to-market strategy, scaling, community building, fundraising, and company development. He has also been an active angel investor since 2021, with more than 100 startup investments. -------------------Austin Next Links: Website, X/Twitter, YouTube, LinkedInEcosystem Metacognition Substack
This week on Swimming with Allocators, growth-investor-turned-LP Yuri Lee (TMRS) joins Earnest and Alexa and explains how her global upbringing and love of technology shaped her investing philosophy and belief that talent can come from anywhere. She walks through TMRS's $3B and growing venture/growth mandate, how they split exposure between early-stage and multi-stage funds, and why they are building an aggressive 50/50 funds and co-investment program. Yuri shares what she looks for in emerging managers in clear, differentiated edge in sourcing, picking, or winning; true product–market fit between a manager's edge and fund strategy; and non-consensus, outlier ideas. Throughout, she offers candid advice on how GPs can better pitch institutional LPs, why most decks sound the same, and what it really takes to stand out in a consensus-heavy, AI-dominated market. Also, Chuck Daly of Sidley talks about how emerging VC managers should think proactively about compliance, conflicts of interest, disclosure, and performance/marketing practices under (and aligned with) the Advisers Act and SEC's marketing rule principles. Highlights from this week's conversation include: How a Global Upbringing Shapes an Investor's Worldview (0:13) Consumer Investing and Game Development Experience (2:22) Market Cycles in SaaS and Consumer Narratives (4:19) TMRS Mandate and Building a New Venture Program (6:16) Early Stage Managers and Differentiated, Non-Consensus Portfolios (9:20) What Matters Most at Early Stage vs Growth Stage (12:08) What LPs Really Want to Hear About: Companies and Decisions (14:11) How Pensions and Institutional LPs Run Diligence (17:04) Managing Portfolio Company Synergies and Conflicts (23:56) Marketing Rule Principles, Performance, and Case Studies (26:21) Why TMRS Uses Co-Invests and Target Mix With Funds (30:15) Barbell Approach: Early Stage Funds and Later Stage Co Invests (32:02) Information Gaps for LPs vs GPs and Founder Access (35:55) Consensus Rounds, Party Rounds, and Manager Profiles (38:56) Role of Non-Consensus Managers and Unique Edges (42:09) Rethinking AI Thesis and Value Capture by Model Labs (43:22) Advice For GPs Moving to LP Roles and Building Empathy (45:20) Final Thoughts and Takeaways (47:18) The Texas Municipal Retirement System is a $48+ billion public pension plan serving employees of participating Texas cities. TMRS invests across a diversified portfolio including public equities, fixed income, real assets, and private equity, with venture and growth investments forming an important component of its private markets strategy. 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
Chris Holman welcomes Ara Topouzian, Executive Director, Michigan Venture Capital Association, Bloomfield Hills, MI. The Michigan Business Beat segment features host Chris Holman interviewing Ara Topouzian, Executive Director of the Michigan Venture Capital Association (MVCA), a 20-year-old trade association representing over 100 organizations and 300–350 individual members, including venture capital firms, angel investor groups, and university partners. Topouzian notes that despite general economic uncertainty, investment activity in Michigan remains strong, with AI emerging as a major focus area at the intersection of technology and venture capital. He also highlights the MVCA Academy and its Venture Fellows Program, which supports Michigan venture firms by subsidizing salaries for junior hires and providing networking and educational opportunities, now expanded to include interns and new hires beyond the formal fellows. Topouzian mentions an upcoming member-only networking event in Grand Rapids in June, one of three hub cities — along with Detroit and Ann Arbor — that MVCA prioritizes for annual engagement. » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/
Chris Holman welcomes Chris Rizik, Founder and CEO, Renaissance Venture Capital Fund, Ann Arbor, MI. Chris Rizik, founder and CEO of Renaissance Venture Capital Fund, joins Michigan Business Beat to discuss his firm's unique "fund of funds" model, which invests in venture capital funds nationwide and then works to attract those funds to invest in Michigan startups. He highlights the firm's signature "UnDemo Day" event — a speed-dating-style format connecting Michigan startups with out-of-state VCs through hundreds of pre-arranged one-on-one meetings, held virtually in the spring and in person at Ford Field each fall — which has helped channel roughly $3 billion in investment into Michigan companies. Rizik also pushes back on the old notion that most venture-backed startups are expected to fail, arguing that a well-matched ecosystem can produce a much higher success rate across a range of company sizes. He closes by sharing that he will receive the Venture Vanguard Award, the nation's top venture capital honor, crediting his team and the broader Michigan ecosystem — including the Michigan Venture Capital Association — for helping put Michigan on the national VC map. » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/
Vanguard is the most effective vehicle ever created for participating in the fruits of American capitalism. Today it's the single largest equity owner of the majority of corporations in the S&P 500, on behalf of 50 million clients (including, likely, many of you). And yet Vanguard itself is essentially a communist organization — it has no shareholders, makes no profits, and operates more like REI than Fidelity. If you own a Vanguard fund, you own a piece of the firm itself. Any excess margin instead gets returned to clients in the form of lower fees, which since 1975 have added up to roughly five hundred billion dollars transferred out of Wall Street managers' pockets and into retail investors' savings accounts. And oh yeah, it all started as a cockamamie revenge plot by a guy who'd just been fired by his partners. Today we tell the story of communist capitalism at its finest — Vanguard.Sponsors:Many thanks to our fantastic Spring '26 Season partners:J.P. MorganWeAreDevelopers eventServiceNowVercelStatsigLinks:Sign up for email updates, get our takeaways and research photos from each episode, and vote on future topics!Our Vanguard "episode preview" in WSJStay the Course: The Story of Vanguard and the Index Revolution by John C. BogleThe Bogle Effect by Eric BalchunasWorldly Partners' Multi-Decade Vanguard StudyWorldly Partners' Article Generational Investing: The Discipline Behind 100+x OutcomesAll episode sourcesCarve Outs:Our WSJ pieces on Ferrari and VanguardMacBook Pro M5 MaxMichael MacKelvie on YouTubeThe Super Mario Galaxy MovieBrooks Vanguard sneakersMore Acquired:Get email updates and vote on future episodes!Join the SlackCheck out the latest swag in the ACQ Merch Store!00:00:00 Start00:00:41 Intro00:05:30 Jack Bogle's Early Life & Family Ruin (1929)00:12:34 Princeton Thesis & Mutual Funds Emerge (1949-1951)00:27:20 Joining Wellington Management (1951)00:30:38 The Go-Go Years & Fidelity's Ascent (1958-1965)00:40:36 Jack Takes the Reins & The Ivest Merger (1965)00:46:04 The Go-Go Bust & Jack's Crisis of Conscience (1970-1973)00:53:28 Jack is Fired: The Genesis of Vanguard (1974)01:13:03 The Journal Article That Inspired It All (1974-1976)01:35:02 Building the Fund & Early Struggles (1976-1981)01:44:32 The Rise of Indexing & Vanguard's Growth (1988-1992)01:49:06 Jack's Health & The CEO Transition (1995-1996)02:00:06 The ETF Debate & Jack's Second Firing (1999)02:24:18 The 2008 Financial Crisis: Vanguard's Moment02:30:46 The Warren Buffet Bet (2008-2019)02:41:28 Fidelity & BlackRock's Resurgence (Post-2008)02:52:04 Salim Ramji: Vanguard's First Outside CEO03:04:43 Wellington's Comeback & Mutual Ownership03:08:23 Analysis03:30:58 Quintessence03:39:35 Carve-Outs + OutroNote: 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.
Founder quality becomes more important as startups become easier to build.Trae Stephens, co-founder of Anduril and partner at Founders Fund, has spent years backing founders with strong conviction, including most recently at Roadrunner.He shares why too much capital too early can hurt startups, and why the best companies are built by teams with complementary strengths.Guest: Trae Stephens, co-founder, Anduril and Partner, Founders FundConnect with Trae StephensXLinkedInConnect with Joubin:XLinkedInEmail: grit@kleinerperkins.comFollow Grit on LinkedInFollow Grit on XLearn more about Kleiner Perkins
In this episode of the Crazy Wisdom Podcast, host Stewart Alsop sits down with Joshua Bate, founder of Bonfires.ai and DeciWorld, for a wide-ranging conversation covering knowledge management, graph technology, ontologies, decentralized science, and the future of how humans organize and share information. They break down the differences between personal and enterprise knowledge management, explore why flat ontological graphs may be the key to making diverse knowledge bases interoperable, and get into why traditional RAG systems break down at scale and how graph RAG offers a more principled solution. The conversation expands into the philosophy of categorization, the slow death of basic "gentleman science" under institutional pressures, and how decentralized protocols might restore a kind of mycelial knowledge network connecting small groups of researchers, enthusiasts, and communities — much like the original spirit of the encyclopedia before it was co-opted by institutions. You can learn more about Joshua's work at bonfires.ai and deci.world or follow him on X at @Bonfiresai and @DeSciWorld.Timestamps00:00 - Stewart introduces Joshua Bate, founder of Bonfires.ai, discussing personal versus enterprise knowledge management and their fundamental differences at scale.05:00 - Joshua explains ontologies as classifiers for knowledge structures, describing their two-year search for a perfect ontology and ultimately building a flat, ontology-less graph protocol.10:00 - Stewart connects categorization to shamanic practice and intercategorical theory, noting how major companies like Netflix and Yahoo built graph-based ontologies while the discipline remains underappreciated philosophically.15:00 - Joshua traces Bonfires origins through decentralized science, explaining how NFT community excitement inspired redirecting capital toward funding unconventional researchers locked out of institutional systems.20:00 - Joshua describes building federated knowledge networks through hackathons and conferences, comparing the vision to what Wikipedia could have been with decentralized incentive structures.25:00 - Discussion shifts toward inevitable collapse of rigid scientific institutions, debating patchwork age theory, nation-state fragmentation, and rhizomatic versus arboreal knowledge structures.30:00 - Joshua articulates the mycelial network vision, enabling direct cross-cultural information access where individuals control their own narrative lens, warning against collective we thinking and authoritarianism.Key Insights1. Knowledge management exists on a spectrum from personal to enterprise, but the founder of Bonfires argues this split is artificial. He believes knowledge itself does not respect those boundaries, and that small groups, researchers, hobbyists, and large institutions all possess knowledge that can and should interoperate with each other.2. After two and a half years of searching for the perfect ontology to structure their knowledge graph, the team concluded that no perfect ontology exists. Their solution was to build the flattest possible graph structure with only events, entities, and edges, creating a base layer others can build specialized ontologies on top of.3. Graph-based knowledge systems are more efficient than traditional databases for AI traversal because once a graph is computed, it is relatively free to query. Graph RAG combines the discovery power of vector search with the structured precision of graph traversal, solving many hallucination problems associated with standard retrieval augmented generation.4. Basic scientific research, the soil from which applied discoveries grow, is deteriorating because institutional funding structures only reward commercially viable outcomes. The founder built his platform partly to redirect community-driven capital toward researchers who are doing important work without institutional support.5. The institutionalization of science has historically blocked the open exchange of ideas that drove the original scientific revolution. The human spirit for open inquiry has not changed, but people cannot pursue it without financial support, and building decentralized infrastructure could restore that possibility.6. A federated knowledge network would allow individuals to access information from any contributor and filter it through their own preferred lens, rather than receiving information pre-filtered by centralized platforms. This represents a form of information symmetry similar to how mycelial networks distribute nutrients across a forest.7. The concern is not whether current scientific and governmental institutions will change but in what direction the rebuilding goes. Those capitalizing on the transition carry the same incentives as the previous era, which risks reproducing the same problems inside new structures.
In this episode of The Circuit, hosts Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg dive into the rapidly shifting economics and structural changes across the semiconductor and AI industries. From the recent Cerebras IPO to the massive long-term forecast visibility in wafer fabrication equipment, they analyze whether current capital cycles align with the reality of enterprise AI demand. Finally, they debate how the "Angstrom era" and the end of Moore's law are forcing a complete reinvention of chip manufacturing from scratch.
(0:00) Intro (1:47) About the podcast sponsor: The American College of Governance Counsel (2:34) Start of interview (4:12) Laurie's origin story (6:19) From Management Consulting (Accenture) to Product Innovation (Visa). "What they all had in common was that I got to start with a blank sheet of paper." (8:52) Toward Venture Capital and Board Governance. From Sun Microsystems to Packet Design to investing. (13:07) How she got interested in board governance. Her first board experience with Interactive Investor (cross-listed in US and UK) (14:27) Joining Playground Global in 2019 (16:16) Tesla's Day-Zero Board (20:15) Zoox and Autonomous Ambition (24:11) Boards Across Company Types: VC-backed companies and family businesses. Example of her time as board member at Bose. (27:57) Lessons from Church and Dwight. The roles of M&A and marketing. (30:37) Her co-authored paper on The Artificially Intelligent Boardroom (Stanford GSB) (35:30) Private Markets and Trillion-Dollar Valuations (40:28) The role of private equity in this environment, and its distinctive board structure. (42:55) Geopolitics and Supply Chains (47:20) Cybersecurity Oversight in the AI Age (50:45) Courage in the Boardroom. “As board members, we have to be courageous enough to ask the right questions at the right time, rather than sit back and hope everything will be okay.” (52:22) Books that have greatly influenced her life: Night Train to Lisbon, by Pascal Mercier (2004) The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, by Rebecca Skloot (2010) Sapiens: A Brief History of Mankind, by Yuval Noah Harari (2011) (54:14) Her mentors: Heidi Roizen Scott McNealy Peggy Johnson (56:49) Quotes that she thinks of often or lives her life by. "It is easy enough to be pleasant, when life flows by like a song, but the man worth while is one who will smile, when everything goes dead wrong." Ella Wheeler Wilcox (57:32) An unusual habit or an absurd thing that she loves. Dancing, after following research from Kelly McGonigal. Hummingbird feeders. (59:39) The living person she most admires: her husband, Ben Lenail. Laurie Yoler is a venture capital investor at Playground Global, former board member at Tesla and Zoox, and a director or advisor to more than 25 boards. She currently serves on the boards of Church & Dwight and the NACD Northern California Chapter. 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
Some books explain how the world works.Influence explains why people move.Why someone takes the meeting.Why an investor leans in.Why a customer trusts.Why a team follows.Why a board stays stuck.Why a founder keeps defending a decision that stopped making sense months ago.Robert Cialdini's Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion is one of those books that becomes more valuable the longer you build, invest, sell, negotiate, hire, and lead.Because at some point, you realize something uncomfortable:Most decisions are not made after perfect analysis.They are made under pressure.With incomplete information.With too many options.Too little time.And a nervous system looking for shortcuts.That is where Cialdini's work becomes powerful.He shows that human beings rely on recurring decision triggers: reciprocation, liking, social proof, authority, scarcity, commitment and consistency, and unity.These are not tricks.They are part of the operating system of human behavior.And if you build or invest in companies from Series A to IPO and beyond, these forces are everywhere.They show up in fundraising.In sales.In hiring.In pricing.In board meetings.In investor updates.In partnerships.In leadership.And in the quiet signals people read before they ever say yes or no.A founder can have the better product and still lose because nobody trusts the signal.A CEO can have the right strategy and still fail because the team never feels real unity.An investor can see the data and still follow the crowd because social proof feels safer than independent judgment.A service provider can have rare expertise and destroy their own value by being too available.A board can keep supporting a flawed decision because everyone wants to stay consistent with what they already said.That is why this book matters.Not because it teaches manipulation.But because it teaches respect for human nature.The best builders do not work against psychology.They work with it.They understand that a small act of generosity can open a door.That people need to like you before they seriously negotiate with you.That visible proof often matters before deep proof gets examined.That authority begins before you speak.That scarcity protects value.That commitment can create momentum — or trap you.And that the strongest companies often feel less like transactions and more like “we.”In this episode, I translate Cialdini's seven principles into practical lessons for founders, CEOs, investors, and operators building companies in the real world.Not as abstract psychology.As boardroom practice.As fundraising practice.As sales practice.As leadership practice.As reputation practice.And as a defense system against being influenced by people who understand these principles better than you do.What We CoverReciprocation Why small, right-sized generosity works better than aggressive asking.Liking Why manners, presence, and positive repeated contact still matter more than most people admit.Social Proof Why people judge you by the company you keep — and why markets often follow visible signals before they examine fundamentals.Authority Why titles, suits, posture, calmness, and credibility shape decisions before logic enters the room.Scarcity Why unlimited availability destroys value — and why thoughtful limits can increase demand.Commitment and Consistency Why small yeses become large decisions, and why founders must learn to ask: “Knowing what I know now, would I still choose this?”Unity Why the deepest form of influence is not persuasion, but the feeling that “we are in this together.”Timestamps(00:00) Introduction(02:05) Big Idea – Instant Influence: Primitive Consent for an Automatic Age(05:35) Author's Background(07:38) Reciprocation – The Old Give and Take… and Take(13:34) Liking – The Friendly Thief(18:55) Social Proof – Truths Are Us(24:41) Authority(32:10) Scarcity – The Rule of the Few(38:00) Commitment and Consistency – Hobgoblins of the Mind(45:00) Unity – We-Ness and the Power of Shared Identity(51:19) Key Takeaways(53:53) Personal Reflection(56:18) Final WordsWhy This Episode MattersIf you raise capital, this episode helps you understand why investors lean in before they fully understand the deck.If you sell, it helps you see why trust is often built before the formal pitch begins.If you lead, it helps you design cultures where people commit because they identify with the mission, not because they were told to comply.If you invest, it helps you protect yourself against false signals: fake authority, fake scarcity, fake social proof, and beautifully packaged nonsense.And if you build companies, it reminds you of something simple:Human nature is not a side issue.It is the terrain.The best founders, investors, and leaders learn to read it.Because capital does not move only toward logic.People do.Send us Fan Mail Join Christian Soschner for expert coaching. 50% Off - With 35+ years in deep tech, startups/scaleups, and public companies, Christian offers power video sessions. Elevate strategy, execution, and leadership. Book Now.Support the showJoin the Podcast Newsletter: Link
In diesem Deep Dive spricht Hannah mit Jakobus Schuster, Gründer und CEO von Notarity, einer Plattform für digitale Notartermine. Wer einen Notar oder eine Notarin braucht, kann das heute per Videocall erledigen und Dokumente digital beglaubigen oder beurkunden lassen.Die Idee entstand während Jakobus' Referendariat in einer auf Venture Capital spezialisierten Kanzlei: Beglaubigte Vollmachten aus den USA dauerten regelmäßig acht bis zwanzig Wochen. Als COVID einen regulatorischen Wandel auslöste, der notarielle Akte auch digital ermöglichte, sah er die Chance und baute mit zwei Entwicklern los.Im Gespräch geht es um seinen unternehmerischen Weg vom Jura-Studium in Hamburg zum Startup-Gründer in Wien, warum Notarity heute Kunden in über 100 Ländern hat und wie Spanien zum ersten aktiven Expansionsmarkt wurde. Außerdem: warum Deutschland für Notarity regulatorisch keine Option ist, was er vom EU Inc.-Vorschlag hält und warum er glaubt, dass AI mehr White-Collar-Jobs vernichten wird, als neue entstehen.Production: Hanna MoserMusik (Intro/Outro): www.sebastianegger.com
The Tiger Sisters share the keys to collaborative communication.Good marketing communication doesn't just go one way. As the Tiger Sisters know, building a brand is about bringing your audience into the conversation.Cherie and Jean Luo are sisters, tech and finance experts, and co-hosts of the Tiger Sisters Podcast, a show about money, power, and love. Their approach to content creation mirrors how they think about communication: know your audience, stay curious, and embrace feedback. “We often think about our community as the co-producers of our episodes,” Cherie says. “Each episode we put out is like a mini product. Once we put it out, we can get feedback on whether or not people are resonating.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, the Tiger Sisters join host Matt Abrahams, sharing how they've built a thriving brand through collaboration — with each other and with their audience. From simplifying complex topics to crafting messages that resonate, the Luo's insights show why the best communication is about healthy back and forth.Episode Reference Links:Jean LuoCherie Brooke LuoTiger Sisters PodcastConnect: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 (02:34) - The Tiger Sisters Mission (04:10) - Going Viral on TikTok (06:00) - Explaining Complex Topics (07:56) - Learning from the Audience (10:05) - Working as Sisters & Co-Founders (13:05) - Reinventing Careers (14:31) - Family Expectations (16:20) - Personal Branding (18:57) - Teaching Through Storytelling (21:02) - The Final Three Questions (26:23) - 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/smartJoin our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.
No Priors: Artificial Intelligence | Machine Learning | Technology | Startups
Securing AI dominance requires more than just semiconductors; it demands a complete overhaul of how the West manages everything that goes into them, from rare earth minerals to actuators. Enter: Pax Silica. Sarah Guo and Elad Gil sit down with US Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg to discuss the launch and expansion of Pax Silica, a 14-country economic security coalition designed to secure the entire AI supply chain. Jacob talks about the creation of a forward-deployed industrial base in the Philippines, where 4,000 acres will be developed into an “economic security zone.” He also compares and contrasts Pax Silica with China's Belt and Road initiative, explains how the US plans to reindustrialize through automation and robotics, and explores how the Trump administration envisions making these policies durable across future presidencies. Plus, we hear why Jacob believes America to be a “global underdog.” Sign up for new podcasts every week. Email feedback to show@no-priors.com Follow us on Twitter: @NoPriorsPod | @Saranormous | @EladGil | @jacobhelberg | @UnderSecE Chapters: 00:00 – Cold Open 00:41 – Jacob Helberg Introduction 01:02 – Pax Silica's Mission 03:51 – Investing in AI Chip Supply Chains 05:43 – Comparing Pax Silica to China's Belt and Road Initiative 12:38 – Pax Silica's Value Proposition 14:38 – US vs. Partnered Manufacturing 19:10 – Rare Earth Mineral Pricing 22:16 – Role of Venture Capital in Pax Silica 24:50 – Near vs. Long-Term Priorities 27:09 – Making AI Policy Durable 28:09 – How Policies Impact Entrepreneurs 31:00 – Trump's Entrepreneurial Administration 33:00 – Why America is a Global Underdog 38:00 – Conclusion
Our latest Member Spotlight podcast features David Blumberg, Founder, and Bruce Taragin, Managing Director of Blumberg Capital, a seed-stage venture firm with nearly three decades of investing together and early bets on Nutanix, Braze, and DoubleVerify. In conversation with 3i Members Co-Founder and Chairman Mark Gerson, David and Bruce unpack what it takes to build an enduring venture partnership, how they evaluate startups through their "Six Ts" framework, and why holding conviction when everyone else wants to sell is what separates good returns from great ones. They also share how agentic AI is already delivering measurable productivity gains and where Blumberg is placing its next bets. In this episode, David and Bruce share: The "Six Ts" framework (theme, team, timing, technology, terrain, and traction) and why team ranks above technology every time The DoubleVerify decision: why they passed on an 8x offer and held all the way to a 72x return at IPO Why agentic AI is producing 10x productivity gains right now, and the verticals Blumberg is backing
Rob Black is Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Economic Development Department, and Bruce Brown is Head of Strategic Climate Initiatives at the New Mexico State Investment Council, the state's $72B sovereign wealth fund. Together, they are driving one of the most ambitious state-level strategies in the U.S. to turn energy wealth into long-term climate innovation and economic growth. The conversation also features MCJ portfolio founders building in the state: Carrie von Muench, Co-founder of Pacific Fusion, developing modular fusion energy systems, and Carl Hoiland, Co-founder and CEO of Zanskar Geothermal, using AI to discover and scale geothermal resources. Together, our guests explore how sovereign capital, policy, and startups intersect—from funding venture managers and attracting hyperscale projects to enabling first-of-a-kind (FOAK) infrastructure. The episode highlights what it actually takes to build (climate) companies in a new geography, and how New Mexico is positioning itself as a hub for advanced energy and climate tech. This episode of Inevitable was recorded in front of a live audience on April 22, 2026 at the SVB Experience Center during SF Climate Week. (Published on May 12, 2026). In this episode, we cover: (0:00) Overview of New Mexico's development strategy (2:06) Becoming a climate innovation hub (4:31) An overview of the state's sovereign wealth fund: $72B capital (6:27) Investing for returns while hedging energy transition risk (10:34) Economic growth, poverty reduction, and workforce investment (14:20) Why New Mexico is betting on climate and energy (17:32) How the state supports startups: incentives and “white glove” service (20:26) The shift in strategy: from local funds to global venture partners (22:36) Scaling the model: billions into venture and new industries (25:03) Transmission, infrastructure, and enabling energy deployment (27:00) Building data centers, microgrids, and large-load demand (35:11) Pacific Fusion: building modular, scalable fusion systems (35:23) Zanskar Geothermal: AI-driven geothermal discovery and development (40:23) Why New Mexico: resource potential vs. siting strategy (45:29) What founders actually get from the state and what still needs work (50:22) Lessons for builders: permitting, incentives, and scaling fast Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at info@mcj.vc.Connect with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant
This week on Swimming with Allocators, Erik Balck Sørensen joins Earnest and Alexa to share his journey from serial founder in an almost non-existent Danish startup scene to CIO of Denmark's Export and Investment Fund, a sovereign platform backing innovation at scale. Erik explains how Denmark went from having no venture funds or ecosystem infrastructure to becoming a global player in biotech, green tech, and deep tech, and why “giving back” and tight founder communities were crucial to that evolution. He breaks down what it really means to run a sovereign wealth fund with a dual mandate, balancing financial returns for taxpayers with societal impact, and how political momentum, past missteps, and investment discipline shape their strategy. Erik also details Denmark's 2030 plan: moving faster, professionalizing as an LP and direct investor, and doubling or tripling down on stronghold verticals like life sciences, selected green technologies, quantum computing, and European growth-stage capital. Additionally, Chuck Daly explains how evolving market dynamics, LP demands, and longer-dated, more complex venture products are reshaping the regulatory landscape for VC managers, driving greater scrutiny on valuation, fund structures, and exemptions, and highlighting the value of Sidley's deep, shared institutional expertise for GPs navigating this shift. Highlights from this week's conversation include: Erik's Journey From Founder to Sovereign Wealth CIO (0:13) Community Building and Giving Back Culture (5:26) Corporates, Biotech, Green Tech, and Deep Tech (8:17) What Denmark's Export and Investment Fund Is (9:39) Balancing Political Momentum, Purpose, and Profit (12:52) Small Country Strategy and Global Fund Partnerships (15:51) 2030 Strategy to Move Faster and Smarter (19:42) Priority Verticals: Biotech, Quantum, Green Tech, Growth (32:08) Misconceptions About the Fund and New Operating Style (36:58) Infrastructure Bets: AI Supercomputer and Quantum Facility (40:48) Technological Sovereignty and Europe's Tech Dependence (44:14) Defense Technology Catch-Up with US Partners (48:47) Optimism From Founders and How to Contact Erik (51:01) Denmark´s Export and Investment Fund is a new, state-owned fund which proves a single point of contact to all Danish companies in need of state financed risk capital. We cover both the entrepreneur, small and medium-sized companies who need capital to unfold their full potential, and export companies who wish to conquer new or emerging markets. We can guide you all the way, from the company´s tentative beginnings through substantial growth to entry into the global markets with export guarantees and stock market listings, because our mission is to help to grow the Danish economy and green the globe. http://www.eifo.dk 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
Et si le vrai problème du venture capital, c'était que personne n'accompagne vraiment les startups ? C'est le pari que Jérôme Masurel a fait en 2012 en fondant 50 Partners : concentrer un maximum de ressources humaines sur un minimum de projets, pour changer les statistiques du venture.Un modèle pensé après avoir observé l'éclatement de la bulle des incubateurs londoniens en 2000, et après avoir travaillé chez Nextage et Rothschild — et qui, 14 ans plus tard, affiche des résultats remarquables avec plus de 160 startups accompagnées.Dans cet épisode, Jérôme revient sur :L'origine du modèle 50 Partners : Comment les incubateurs londoniens des années 99-2000 se sont tous effondrés avec la bulle — et pourquoi Jérôme en a retenu une leçon fondamentale sur la solidité du business model et la valeur de l'accompagnement réel.Pourquoi le venture capital affichait 0% de performance sur 20 ans : En Europe comme aux US, la moyenne du VC sur 20 ans tournait autour de 0%. Jérôme explique pourquoi, et comment 50 Partners a construit son modèle pour sortir de cette courbe en réduisant le taux de casse et en optimisant le taux de réussite.La mathématique inversée de 50 Partners : Là où Y Combinator et la plupart des accélérateurs répartissent peu de ressources sur des centaines de projets, 50 Partners fait l'inverse : 500 associés, 50 partenaires par accélérateur, 6 à 8 projets par an et par verticale. Une concentration volontaire pour délivrer une valeur réelle à chaque startup.Les 4 verticales : Tech, Web3, Santé, Impact : Comment ces verticales sont nées au fil des grandes vagues d'innovation (le digital en 2012, l'Impact en 2018, la Santé en 2021, le Web3 en 2023) et pourquoi l'IA aujourd'hui s'intègre dans la verticale Tech plutôt que de créer une nouvelle branche.Cet épisode est pour vous si : vous êtes entrepreneur en phase de croissance et vous voulez comprendre pourquoi l'accompagnement humain fait souvent toute la différence entre un projet qui tient et un projet qui se casse la figure.LIENSRencontre Mastermind : https://www.squared.eu/archives/janvier-2026-scaler-sans-vous-cramerLiens de Jérôme : https://www.50partners.fr/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmasurel/Site Squared :https://www.squared.eu/Hébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.
2026 Federal Budget - CGT Discount Replaced, Negative Gearing Curtailed, and Discretionary Trusts Hit with Minimum Tax Late on Budget night Toby Eggleston, Ryan Leslie and Nick Heggart discuss Treasurer Chalmers' budget, focused on reshaping personal tax, especially capital gains and discretionary trusts, under “intergenerational equity.” Corporate measures are smaller, including re-announced non-resident CGT changes with intended retrospectivity to 2006 and limited transitional relief for renewables to 30 June 2030, expanded VCLP/ESVCLP investment caps, and R&D offset tweaks forecast to reduce tax by $1.5b. Small business changes include making the instant asset write-off permanent, a refundable loss offset for startups from 1 July 2028, and a permanent loss carry-back for companies under $1b turnover. Major personal reforms include phasing out the 50% CGT discount from 1 July 2027 (replaced by cost-base indexation and a 30% minimum CGT tax), taxing pre-CGT assets, limiting negative gearing for post-budget residential purchases (except new builds), and imposing a 30% minimum tax on discretionary trusts from 1 July 2028 with complex impacts, especially for “bucket companies,” plus proposed restructuring rollovers amid stamp duty issues. 00:10 Budget Night Kick-off 00:41 Corporate Tax Overview 01:53 Non-Resident CGT Reboot 03:14 Venture Capital and R&D 05:16 Small Business Reliefs 06:20 Loss Carry-back Returns 08:44 Big Shift to Personal Tax 08:47 CGT Discount Ends 10:52 Tech and Startup Fallout 15:01 Negative Gearing Overhaul 16:51 Discretionary Trusts Seismic 21:37 Late Night Wrap Up
Steve Blank of Adjunct Professor at Stanford joins Nick to discuss Maintaining U.S. Dominance, Navigating Defense Tech, Prime Obsolence, and Why Your Startup is Likely DOA. In this episode we cover: Changes in Product Development and MVPs Impact of AI on Startup Success and Founder Mindset Common Missteps and Digital Twins in Startups Disruption and Adoption in Enterprise Software Fundraising and Venture Capital in the AI Era Defense and National Security Innovation Challenges for Traditional Defense Contractors The Role of Dual-Use Startups Guest Links: Steve's LinkedIn Steve's X Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation's Website The host of The Full Ratchet is Nick Moran of New Stack Ventures, a venture capital firm committed to investing in founders outside of the Bay Area. We're proud to partner with Ramp, the modern finance automation platform. Book a demo and get $150—no strings attached. Want to keep up to date with The Full Ratchet? Follow us on social. You can learn more about New Stack Ventures by visiting our LinkedIn and Twitter.
In this episode, Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg dive deep into the rapidly shifting landscape of semiconductor supply chains and the unexpected "CPU renaissance" driven by agentic AI. The duo explores the "ultimate constraint" currently bottlenecking the industry, breaks down the latest earnings from ARM and AMD, and analyzes why the "Neo Cloud" players might be facing a massive strategic deficit.Key Discussion Points:The Anhydrous Hydrogen Bromine Crisis: Jay reveals the "ultimate shortage" involving a rare gas essential for EUV lithography and memory production, involving a geopolitical tangle of Japanese refining and Israeli raw materials.+4The Death of the CPU-to-GPU Ratio: Why the industry is moving away from simple hardware ratios and toward rack-level topology and workload-specific modeling.+4ARM & AMD's "Agentic" Surge: Insights into how the need to execute AI-generated code is driving massive demand for high-core-count CPUs, far exceeding previous estimates.+4Optical Networking Timing: A reality check on the "hockey stick" growth for optical interconnects, which is projected to truly inflect around 2028.+1The Neo Cloud Challenge: A critical look at CoreWeave, Nebius, and Iron, focusing on their massive CPU-install-base deficit compared to hyperscalers.+2Breaking News: Late-session discussion on the rumored foundry deal between Intel and Apple.+1
Gründen mit Kindern als Zielgruppe
In dieser Samstagsfolge von “Alles auf Aktien” reden wir mit einem Multitalent. Insider, Investor, Gründer-Experte und Aufsichtsrats-Spezialist. Es geht zuerst um seine persönliche OMR-Bilanz, denn niemand ist so nah dran wie unser Gast. Dann verrät er die Geheimnisse des Kapitalmarktes, die Wahrheit über Venture Capital, Private Equity, den Mittelstands-Mythos und löst das 599-Euro-Rätsel. Besonders spannend wird's dann beim WhatsApp-Signal-DeepDive, der Mega-IPO-Prognose und dem Pro-Europa-Plädoyer. Ein Gespräch mit Florian Heinemann. Wir freuen uns an Feedback über aaa@welt.de. Noch mehr "Alles auf Aktien" findet Ihr bei WELTplus und Apple Podcasts – inklusive aller Artikel der Hosts. Hier bei WELT: https://www.welt.de/podcasts/alles-auf-aktien/plus247399208/Boersen-Podcast-AAA-Bonus-Folgen-Jede-Woche-noch-mehr-Antworten-auf-Eure-Boersen-Fragen.html. Hier könnt ihr den AAA-Newsletter abonnieren: https://www.welt.de/newsletter/article232797673/Alles-auf-Aktien-Der-taegliche-Boersen-Newsletter-fuer-WELTplus-Abonnenten.html Und - ganz neu: AAA gibt es jetzt auch auf Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alles_auf_aktien/ Disclaimer: Die im Podcast besprochenen Aktien und Fonds stellen keine spezifischen Kauf- oder Anlage-Empfehlungen dar. Die Moderatoren und der Verlag haften nicht für etwaige Verluste, die aufgrund der Umsetzung der Gedanken oder Ideen entstehen. Hörtipps: Für alle, die noch mehr wissen wollen: Holger Zschäpitz können Sie jede Woche im Finanz- und Wirtschaftspodcast "Deffner&Zschäpitz" hören. +++ Werbung +++ Du möchtest mehr über unsere Werbepartner erfahren? Hier findest du alle Infos & Rabatte! https://linktr.ee/alles_auf_aktien Impressum: https://www.welt.de/services/article7893735/Impressum.html Datenschutz: https://www.welt.de/services/article157550705/Datenschutzerklaerung-WELT-DIGITAL.html
This week on Swimming with Allocators, Wes Panek joins Earnest and Alexa to share his unconventional journey from consulting and international development to venture capital, and ultimately to his current role as an LP at the Astera Institute, a multi-billion-dollar foundation focused on deep tech and frontier science. Wes explains how his family background shaped his desire to make markets work for everyone, what he learned evaluating hundreds of emerging managers at Screen Door, and why he believes there is no single playbook for success in venture. He breaks down how and why Astera is adding fund investing alongside grants and research, the structural advantages of foundations backing deep tech funds, and the gaps he sees in LP coverage of technical managers. Wes also offers practical lessons on building a new fund-of-funds program from scratch, including the importance of deploying capital sooner, being highly selective with time, and leveraging flexibility without losing discipline. For LPs and GPs interested in deep tech, he shares advice on underwriting technical strategies without a PhD, the rare “unicorn” profile of ideal managers, and concrete qualifiers for funds that might be a fit for Astera's capital. Additionally, Chuck Daly of Sidley explains how today's SEC and global regulators are refocusing on core anti-fraud, valuation, conflicts of interest, and disclosure principles for venture managers, with growing state and international scrutiny—especially around process, governance, and ESG — outside the US. Highlights from this week's conversation include: Wes's Journey From Consulting to International Development and Venture (0:35) Learning GP–LP Dynamics and Two Customers in Venture (3:55) Mission of Astera Institute and Focus on Frontier Tech (5:54) Adding Fund Investing and Deep Tech Focus at Astera (7:19) Designing Astera's Deep Tech Fund Strategy as an Experiment (11:05) Regulatory Priorities for VC Managers: Communication and Anti Fraud (15:45) SEC Expectations on Valuation Process and Consistency (20:21) Global Regulatory Trends and ESG Focus for Venture (23:20) Foundation vs Fund of Funds: Flexibility, Risk, and Time Horizon (28:36) How Astera Underwrites Deep Tech Funds and Direct Investments (29:09) Do LPs Need To Be Technical and How To Skill Up (34:43) Ideal Traits of Deep Tech GPs and Wes's Bias Toward Technical Founders (39:52) Fund Parameters Wes Backs: Size, Stage, and Themes (43:20) Astera Institute is a philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing frontier science and technology for the benefit of humanity. The Institute supports in-house scientific research, grantmaking, direct investments, and fund investing to accelerate progress in areas such as artificial intelligence, neuroscience, energy, and other deep-tech domains. Learn more at asterainstitute.org. 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
In this episode of Skin in the Game, Saxon Baum sits down with Steven Walchek, Founder & CEO of Liminal, to unpack one of the most unique founder journeys in tech.Steven shares how he went from launching his first company in college—faxing loan documents by hand to building and exiting a venture-backed fintech business alongside his father. But what makes his story different is what came next: solving a problem inside his own company by starting another one.The conversation explores why most founders solve problems in other companies, but rarely their own, and how AI has completely removed the barrier to building technology. Steven dives into the mindset of “I can figure this out” and why it matters more than ever, along with the reality of startup pivots, near failure, and rebuilding from scratch. He also breaks down what Liminal is building today in secure, enterprise-ready AI infrastructure, and why distribution, customer experience, and trust are becoming more important than the technology itself.Steven also shares a powerful perspective on today's “golden age” for entrepreneurs, where domain expertise combined with AI is unlocking unprecedented opportunity.If you're a founder, operator, or investor trying to understand where technology and entrepreneurship are heading next, this episode is a must-watch.
David Haber speaks with Tony James about building enduring firms across multiple eras of finance. From joining DLJ when it was a subscale firm to helping grow Blackstone into one of the largest asset managers in the world, James reflects on the decisions, structures, and cultural principles that enabled long-term success. They discuss the origins of leveraged buyouts, the evolution of private markets, and how identifying structural opportunities early can create lasting competitive advantage. James also shares lessons from backing companies like Costco, where culture, customer focus, and long-term thinking drove exceptional outcomes. The conversation covers leadership, talent development, and the challenges of scaling organizations while maintaining performance. James also reflects on succession, firm-building, and why culture, incentives, and alignment ultimately determine whether an organization compounds or stagnates. Resources: Stay Updated:Find a16z on YouTube: YouTubeFind a16z on XFind a16z on LinkedInListen to the a16z Show on SpotifyListen to the a16z Show on Apple PodcastsFollow our host: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ian Sandler, COO of Insight Partners and co-founder of Riley's Way Foundation, engages in a deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation on leadership, venture capital, and building meaningful impact. Ian reflects on his unconventional career path, his philosophy on building organizations, and how a personal tragedy shaped his mission to empower the next generation of kind leaders. He also shares practical advice for founders and young leaders on dreaming big, understanding themselves, and building networks that matter. In this episode: [00:58] Ian Sandler's background and upbringing [03:59] From law to “wimpy entrepreneur” [06:05] Building and scaling at Insight Partners [09:27] Balancing venture capital with purpose [12:35] What makes great investors today [17:12] The story behind Riley's Way Foundation [31:33] Advice for young leaders: dream big, self-care, network [36:17] The future of Riley's Way Foundation The nonprofit organization Ian is passionate about: Riley's Way Foundation About Ian Sandler Ian Sandler is the Chief Operating Officer at Insight Partners, where he oversees the firm's non-investment operations and helps scale new strategic initiatives. Over a career spanning roles at Morgan Stanley, The Carlyle Group, and Citadel, he has built a reputation as a “builder of businesses” who specializes in identifying talent and turning ideas into scalable platforms. In parallel, he is the co-founder of Riley's Way Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to developing kind, community-driven young leaders. About Insight Partners Founded in 1995, Insight Partners is a global venture capital and private equity firm focused on high-growth software, internet, and technology companies. The firm manages over $90 billion in assets and has invested in more than 875 companies worldwide, supporting founders from early-stage growth through IPO. Its approach combines capital with hands-on operational support through its “Onsite” team, helping companies scale revenue, build talent, and execute go-to-market strategies. Subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode.
What happens when a field built on healing becomes shaped by money? In this episode, Will revisits a 2020 exploration of the business of wilderness therapy—tracing its evolution from nonprofit, mission-driven roots to a rapidly expanding, privately funded industry. From early non-profits programs to the rise of private-pay models in the 1980s and the explosive growth fueled by outside investment, this episode examines how financial forces didn't just support wilderness therapy—they fundamentally shaped its direction, priorities, and structure. And what happens when that money leaves? In a candid reflection recorded in 2026, Will revisits his earlier assumptions and confronts what's changed: the collapse of programs tied to venture capital, the shrinking of industry organizations, and the loss of research funding that once legitimized the field. As closures in recent years have come faster and more abruptly than in past downturns, this episode asks a difficult question—can a field rooted in care and connection survive the realities of a risk-averse, profit-driven system? This podcast is supported by White Mountain Adventure Institute (wmai.org), offering adventure inspired retreats and coaching for men and facilitated by Will White.
This episode of The Circuit features Jeremy Werner, SVP and GM of Micron's Core Data Center Business Unit, discussing the transformative impact of AI on the memory and storage industry. Werner explains that the industry has shifted from a traditional cyclical model to a period of sustainable growth, driven by the unique demands of AI training and inference. He highlights the emergence of a "memory wall" in inference, where massive amounts of high-speed memory and storage are required to manage expanding context windows and avoid redundant recomputation. The conversation also covers Micron's efforts to innovate across the memory hierarchy—including HBM4 and ultra-high-capacity SSDs—to solve the data center's critical bottlenecks of power and physical space.
What does it take to run a company where the business is risk itself?In conversation with Joubin Mirzadegan, Peter Zaffino shares what the role demands at AIG, including high stakes decisions, constant responsibility, and sacrifice. This episode looks at his journey as CEO ahead of his transition to Executive Chairman this June.Leading at a global scale across 200+ countries.Guest: Peter ZaffinoConnect with Peter ZaffinoLinkedInConnect with Joubin:XLinkedInEmail: grit@kleinerperkins.comFollow on LinkedInFollow on XLearn more about Kleiner Perkins
In this special episode of Tangent Proptech, Edward Cohen is on the red carpet at one of the most exclusive commercial real estate events of the year: the Real Estate Gala in New York City. This episode features rapid-fire conversations with founders, investors, brokers, developers, and operators across the proptech and commercial real estate ecosystem. A big focus of the evening was on AI. Namely, this question: how is AI being used in real estate right now? And possibly more front-and-center: what's hype and what's here to stay? From leasing and marketing to underwriting and financial modeling, this episode explores where artificial intelligence is already driving value in real estate, where it's falling short, and how we can close the gap.(00:00) - Welcome to the Real Estate Gala Red Carpet Interviews (02:30) - Cyrus Claffey (ButterflyMX): AI Across Product, Marketing, & Operations (06:00) - Zach Molzer (Molzer Development) & Madi Bremer (CBRE): Networking & AI in Leasing (08:30) - Gabe Einhorn (VryfID): Content, Consistency, and AI Efficiency (10:00) - Kaylan Knitowski (Franklin Street): AI Workflows and Competing with Experience (13:30) - David Auerbach (Hoya Capital): Driving Tech Adoption in Real Estate (14:45) - Adam Steiner (Rick, Steiner, Fell, and Benowitz): Document Automation & Bridging Tech and Business (16:45) - Humberto Lopes (HL Dynasty, Gotham Housing Alliance): A Human-First Real Estate Perspective (19:15) - Jovian Lopes (Gotham Housing Alliance): AI for Research vs Human Relationships (21:00) - Lauren O'Breza (Foresite CRE): AI in Brokerage & Underwriting (24:30) - Pablo Barreiro (Fortec): Simplifying Tech Adoption & the Future of Financing (26:00) - Shanti Ryle (Crexi): AI Data Enrichment & Storytelling Advantage (30:30) - Rameen Inayat (Ryan): AI for Admin & Property Tax Insights (32:00) - Collaboration Superpower: Priya Parker
(0:00) Intro (1:24) About the podcast sponsor: The American College of Governance Counsel (2:11) Start of interview *reference to the BRI from LCDA (3:54) Eddie's origin story (6:27) Eddie's investment focus (7:44) The rise of AI and its impact on him (9:06) Eddie's roles in investment over the past 35 years (as GP and LP). (8:32) His current endeavors: 1) Board member in mutual funds (Calvert Funds); 2) Independent director and Chair elect of Global X Venture Fund; 3) Chief Strategy Officer at Leadview Capital; and 4) Advisor at Bullpen.ai (19:38) Dealing with AI hallucinations (e.g. Sullivan & Cromwell example) (23:13) Convergence of AI, ESG, and Governance: "It's dramatic" (25:00) "Stocks will be tokenized, markets will be much more liquid." "Wall street is trying to put liquid claims on illiquid investments" *WSJ Nasdaq's Plan for 24/7 Tokenized Stock Trading (31:20) Geopolitical Challenges in Investing and for Boards. *Example of Meta-Manus breakup. "We live in a selectively connected world." (34:00) Politicization and social issues in corporations. Board Adaptation to Rapid Changes (38:19) AI and Audit Committee Responsibilities (40:30) Bridging the AI Knowledge Gap "Boards are under prepared." *References to Stanford GSB cases: Netflix Approach to Governance and the Artificially Intelligent Boardroom (46:10) Changing Dynamics in Board Practices. "It's a matter of time before companies like SAP or Microsoft move into corporate auditing, or Amazon starts offering mutual funds. The incumbents just don't see it coming." (47:10) Power Laws and Growth in Private Markets. (50:31) Books that have greatly influenced his life: The Power Broker, by Robert Caro (1974) The Tipping Point, by Malcolm Gladwell (2000) U2 by U2, by Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, Larry Mullen Jr. with Neil McCormick (2006) (52:56) His mentors. (53:56) Quotes that he thinks of often or lives her life by: "Prioritize by impact" "Recognize the good in everyone" (55:10) An unusual habit or an absurd thing that he loves: obsession with curating music playlists. (55:06) The living person he most admires: Bono and Bad Bunny. Eddie Ramos is the Chief Strategy Officer for Leadview Capital. He is also currently on the board of Morgan Stanley's Calvert Mutual Funds and Global X Venture Fund, serving as the Chairman of the Audit Committee for both. 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
Drive through cities in Africa and you're likely to see a waste problem. In the streets, the sewage, in the waterways…540 million tons of waste goes uncollected every year across sub-Saharan Africa. It's a $16 billion opportunity. But much of the infrastructure is still missing. What would it actually take to build it at scale?In Nigeria, a company called Scrapays is paying people to collect it. In Kenya, Plas-tech is turning the same plastic into cooking gas. 00:00 - Where does your waste go? 01:25 - In Lagos, Scrapay's Boluwatife Arewa is empowering informal waste pickers05:44 - In Mombosa, Plas-tech's Robin Kariuki is turning waste into cooking gas09:13 - The multi-billion dollar opportunity in wasteThis episode was produced as part of our series on climate action in Africa, The Greenprint, in partnership with Catalyst Fund and FSD Africa, with the help of UK aid.Watch more episodes of The Greenprint here.Our Links -
Did you know that out of 30 companies in any given VC fund, only one or two clear a billion dollars in value? That's not a failure rate…that's the whole model. In this episode, Alexa von Tobel, founder of LearnVest and managing partner of Inspired Capital, pulls back the curtain on the asset class that quietly built some of the biggest fortunes of the last two decades. She breaks down exactly how venture capital works, why lockup periods can stretch to 20 years, and what she looks for in that 0.01% of founders worth betting on. She also shares why the biggest white spaces in innovation right now have nothing to do with the next flashy app. If you've ever wondered whether venture capital belongs in your portfolio, or what it actually takes to build a billion-dollar company from a napkin, this is the episode to start with. For more, read Liz's column every Thursday at On The Money by SoFi, and follow Liz on Twitter @LizThomasStrat. Additional resources: On The Money: Sign up for SoFi's newsletter for intel, insights, and inspo to help you get your money right. Investing 101 Center: At SoFi, we believe investing is for everyone — which is why we've created a hub with info for beginners and experts alike. Start exploring to get investment education, advice, resources, and more. Wealth Investing Guide: Information you need to know to make your money work harder for you. This podcast should be used for informational purposes only and not deemed as a recommendation. Our Automated investing is via SoFi Wealth LLC, and is a registered investment advisor. Our Active investing is via SoFi securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. For additional disclosures related to the SoFi Invest® platforms, please visit www. SoFi.com/Legal. ©2026 Social Finance, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Shopify Masters | The ecommerce business and marketing podcast for ambitious entrepreneurs
Matthew Hassett noticed that smartphones were ruining sleep, so he built Loftie, a screen-free alarm clock, to fix it. Without venture capital or paid press, he grew the brand to more than 200,000 units sold, and earned Wirecutter's top alarm clock pick six years in a row. For more on Loftie and show notes click here Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.
Anjney Midha, founder of AMP PBC, speaks with Ben Horowitz, cofounder of a16z, about how venture capital changed from a small, relationship-driven business into a scalable system for backing new technology companies. They discuss network effects, firm design, leadership, culture, and how AI is reshaping both the capital race and the kinds of companies that can be built now. Resources: Follow Ben on X: https://x.com/bhorowitz Follow Anjney on X: https://x.com/AnjneyMidha Watch more from CS 153: Frontiers: https://www.youtube.com/@CS153Team Stay Updated:Find a16z on YouTube: YouTubeFind a16z on XFind a16z on LinkedInListen to the a16z Show on SpotifyListen to the a16z Show on Apple PodcastsFollow our host: https://twitter.com/eriktorenberg Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this energizing episode, Liz Theresa sits down with Sara Blackmer, Senior Partner at Solyco Capital and CEO of Fluid Logic. Sara brings a wealth of experience as a leader in advanced technology, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, and a true “operator” who's passionate about disruptive innovation. The conversation takes you from military career stories to tech investing, hydration science, and the importance of staying connected with your roots. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.