Podcasts about Venture capital

Alexandre Lazarow isn't your typical VC.He's the author of Out-Innovate, a global venture capitalist, and the founder of Fluent Ventures.In this episode, we talk about what founders in Nairobi, São Paulo, and Jakarta know that Silicon Valley often misses.We unpack why the best ideas are coming from unexpected places, how fintech is shaking up the global economy, and what the future of VC looks like beyond the Bay Area.If you're building something big outside the bubble, this one's for you.Hosted by Shane Ray Martin, investor, author, and certified peace mediator helping founders build, scale, and raise with purpose.

In this episode Jack Altman, CEO of Lattice and host of Uncapped, interviews Marc Andreessen on how venture capital is evolving — from small seed funds to billion-dollar barbell strategies — and why today's most important tech companies don't just build tools, they replace entire industries. They cover:The end of “picks and shovels” investingWhy missing a great company matters more than backing a bad oneThe power law math behind fund size and asymmetric returnsAI as the next computing platform — and a test for Western civilizationPreference falsification, media power, and what founders can't say out loudThis is a conversation about ambition at scale, the structure of modern venture, and the deep forces reshaping startups, innovation, and power.Resources: Listen to more from Uncapped: https://linktr.ee/uncappedpodFind Jack on Xhttps://x.com/jaltmaFind Marc on X: https://x.com/pmarcaFind Uncapped on X: https://x.com/uncapped_podTimecodes: 00:00 What You Can't Say  01:20 Founders, Funders, and the Future  02:00 Fund Size and Power Law Math  06:45 From Tools to Full Stack Startups  10:00  Market Sizing and Asymmetric Bets  13:00 Public Markets Mirror Venture Dynamics  17:00 The Barbell Strategy in Venture  20:00 The Conflict Dilemma in Venture  25:00 Staying in Early-Stage Venture  29:30 The Death of the Middle  32:00 Why It's So Rare to Build a New Top VC Firm  35:00 The Case for Power in Venture  37:45 Limiting Factors for Big Companies  41:00 AI as the Next Computing Platform  45:30 Betting on Startups, Not Incumbents  48:00  How a16z Thinks About Risk  51:00 Building a Top-Tier GP Team  55:00 Taste, Timing, and Getting Into the Scene  57:00 Raising Capital Is the Easy Part  1:00:30 AI's Existential Stakes  1:05:00 Autonomous Weapons, Ethics, and War  1:11:00 Tech, Government, and Power  1:13:00 Media, Mistrust, and Narrative Collapse  1:24:00 Preference Falsification and Cultural Cascades  1:32:00 The Thought Experiment  1:33:00 Career Advice for Young Builders  1:35:00 Marc vs. the Huberman Protocol  1:39:30 What Would Prove You Right?  Stay Updated: Let us know what you think: https://ratethispodcast.com/a16zFind a16z on Twitter: https://twitter.com/a16zFind a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16zSubscribe on your favorite podcast app: https://a16z.simplecast.com/Follow our host: https://x.com/eriktorenbergPlease 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.

This week on Swimming with Allocators, Earnest and Alexa welcome Evan Finkel and Charlotte Palmer from Integra Global Advisors. Evan and Charlotte discuss their approach to venture capital investing, focusing on emerging managers while also sharing insights into evaluating new fund managers, emphasizing the importance of transparency, unique investment theses, and consistent communication. The conversation also covers challenges in the current VC landscape, including the competitive fundraising environment and the need for succession planning. Key takeaways include the value of building strong LP-GP relationships, the potential of smaller funds to generate alpha, and the critical role of motivation and differentiation for emerging managers. Also, don't miss our insider segment as Jason Kropp from Sidley discusses the complexities of cross-border venture capital investments, highlighting the importance of tax optimization, international investment structures, and navigating regulatory uncertainties in the current global investment landscape.Highlights from this week's conversation include:Evan's Background and Journey (1:09)Charlotte's Journey to Allocator (3:04)Integra Overview and Differentiation (4:41)Geographic Focus of Clients (8:24)Motivation and Competitive Landscape for Emerging Managers (11:13)Market Correction and Emerging Manager Archetypes (15:29)Diligencing Differentiated Perspectives (19:37)Off-List References and Deeper Diligence (23:51)Insider Segment: Complexities of Cross-Border Investments (24:48)LPAC Involvement and Value (28:56)How LPs Should Give Feedback (31:00)Questions GPs Should Ask LPs (34:18)Assessing LP Commitment and Stickiness (38:40)Succession Planning in VC Firms (42:55)Lessons Learned as LPs (47:31)Final Thoughts and Takeaways (50:00)Integra Global Advisors is a registered investment advisor (RIA) functioning like a multi-family office. The firm invests across the entire investable universe but on the venture side, the team specializes in early-stage investments across the U.S., Israel, Latin America, and Europe. Focused exclusively on emerging managers, Integra provides capital and strategic partnerships, actively engaging in LPAC positions to help funds succeed. Learn more at www.integraga.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.

Stacy and Rob Morier met over 25 years ago at Julius Baer Investment Management, long before podcasting, LinkedIn, and fund manager personal brands were even a thing.Fast forward to today, and Rob's resume reads like an adventure novel. He's done it all. From Wall Street, to teaching the next generation about all things VC as a Professor at Drexel University, he knows a thing or two about how asset managers can go from scrappy startups to stable, growth-ready firms.In this Episode, Rob and Stacy dig into: Rob's backstory – how a history major with dreams of being a teacher ended up on Wall StreetLessons learned at a boutique firm with $1.6 billion AUM that grew to $76 billionRob's “middle innings” specialty: helping emerging managers bridge the gap from scrappy to institutionalWhy being able to “ride the bike while building it” matters for emerging managersWhat he learned about developing resilience and a founder's mindset through researching teenage lifeguards How raw, hard conversations with his mom behind the mic led him to host the Dakota Live! podcastThis is a conversation about growth, grit, and the power of coming home to yourself. Tune in and meet Rob! More About Rob Morier:Rob Morier is a professor at Drexel University, where he teaches courses on venture capital, early-stage finance, and private markets. With 25 years in business development and investor relations, he's passionate about empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and investors.His research explores environmental factors in ocean lifeguarding and entrepreneurship, studying how lifeguard training fosters resilience, leadership, and decision-making. His work, based in Wildwood Crest, NJ, has been featured in Entrepreneur & Innovation Exchange, Financial Times, and the Philadelphia Inquirer.Outside academia, Rob co-founded Twelve Pound Productions LLC and hosts the Dakota Live! Podcast, where he interviews leading investors and shares insights on business and leadership. He also advises asset managers on fundraising strategies, leveraging his experience raising billions in assets.Rob lives in Philadelphia with his family and enjoys rowing, running, and biking.Want More Help With Storytelling? +  Subscribe to my newsletter to get a weekly email that helps you use your words to power your growth:https://www.stacyhavener.com/subscribe   - - -Make The Boutique Investment Collective part of your Billion Dollar Backstory. Gain access to invaluable resources, expert coaches, and a supportive community of other boutique founders, fund managers, and investment pros. Join Havener Capital's exclusive membership - - -Thinking about expanding your investor base beyond the US? Not sure where to start? Take our quick quiz to find out if your firm is ready to go global and get all the info at billiondollarbackstory.com/gemcap- - -Make The Boutique Investment Collective part of your Billion Dollar Backstory. Gain access to invaluable resources, expert coaches, and a supportive community of other boutique founders, fund managers, and investment pros. Join Havener Capital's exclusive membership

Postmodern Patrimonialism. That's the term Brookings Institution scholar Jonathan Rauch uses to describe Trump's second presidency, arguing it represents a 21st century model of running government as if it's his own personal property. Rauch describes Trump 2's "everything everywhere all at once" strategy as a venture capital-like approach: launching numerous initiatives simultaneously to overwhelm opposition, expecting some to succeed while recognizing that others will fail. Noting that this strategy has slowed since March due to court challenges and declining approval ratings, Rauch discusses the institutional breakdown of Congress, the emergence of Gavin Newsom as the apex of the resistance to Trump 2, and identifies Stephen Miller and Russell Vought as key strategic masterminds behind the administration's coordinated assault on universities, law firms, and democratic norms. Five Key Takeaways * Patrimonialism, Not Fascism: Rauch has shifted from describing Trump as fascist to "patrimonial"—running government as personal property and family business. This model is less organized than fascism but equally corrosive to democratic institutions.* "Everything Everywhere All at Once" Strategy: Trump's administration deliberately overwhelms opposition by launching simultaneous attacks on multiple fronts (universities, law firms, agencies, individuals), making coordinated resistance nearly impossible.* Congressional Institutional Collapse: America has effectively moved from a three-branch to two-branch government, with Congress absent as a check on executive power—a more fundamental threat than Trump himself.* Democratic Governors as Resistance Leaders: Figures like Gavin Newsom are emerging as the most effective opposition voices, using states' rights to challenge federal overreach in ways Congress cannot.* Miller and Vought as Strategic Masterminds: Stephen Miller (immigration/security) and Russell Vought (domestic policy/OMB) are identified as the key architects behind the administration's coordinated assault on democratic institutions.Jonathan Rauch is a senior fellow in the Governance Studies program at the Brookings Institution and the author of eight books and many articles on public policy, culture, and government. He is a contributing writer of The Atlantic and recipient of the 2005 National Magazine Award, the magazine industry's equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize. His many Brookings publications include the 2021 book “The Constitution of Knowledge: A Defense of Truth”, as well as the 2015 ebook “Political Realism: How Hacks, Machines, Big Money, and Back-Room Deals Can Strengthen American Democracy.” Other books include “The Happiness Curve: Why Life Gets Better after 50” (2018) and “Gay Marriage: Why It Is Good for Gays, Good for Straights, and Good for America” (2004). He has also authored research on political parties, marijuana legalization, LGBT rights and religious liberty, and more.Named as one of the "100 most connected men" by GQ magazine, Andrew Keen is amongst the world's best known broadcasters and commentators. In addition to presenting the daily KEEN ON show, he is the host of the long-running How To Fix Democracy interview series. He is also the author of four prescient books about digital technology: CULT OF THE AMATEUR, DIGITAL VERTIGO, THE INTERNET IS NOT THE ANSWER and HOW TO FIX THE FUTURE. Andrew lives in San Francisco, is married to Cassandra Knight, Google's VP of Litigation & Discovery, and has two grown children.Keen On America is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keenon.substack.com/subscribe

Buckle up for a raw, unfiltered journey of transformation that'll make your entrepreneurial soul IGNITE!From a rough San Francisco neighborhood to selling his financial advisory firm, building groundbreaking tech, and now revolutionizing sports content with Bench, Dasarte Yarnway is the embodiment of creating your own destiny. This isn't just another success story—it's a masterclass in turning trauma into triumph, authenticity into opportunity.In this electrifying episode, Dasarte breaks down:How losing his father at 12 became the fuel for his entrepreneurial fireThe power of being unapologetically yourself in a world that tries to dim your lightTurning personal pain into a mission to change generational financial narrativesInsider secrets from his journey through Fisher Investments, Altruist, and beyondWhether you're a budding entrepreneur, a sports fan, or someone hungry for real-world wisdom, this conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about success.Connect with Dasarte:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dasarte-yarnway-b3b39443/Instagram: @dasarteyarnway

My guest today is Bill Gurley. Bill was the general partner at Benchmark Capital. He joins me for his sixth time on Invest Like the Best with his most comprehensive market analysis yet, examining the realities reshaping venture capital. Bill tackles the uncomfortable math underlying today's venture returns, with companies staying private for far longer. He also walks through why no one—from GPs to LPs to founders—has proper incentives to mark assets accurately, creating a system-wide coordination problem. And, we dig into the investment implications of AI as a platform shift, ranging from evaluating AI revenue quality to international competitive dynamics. Bill offers crucial perspective on playing the game both as it exists today and as it may evolve. Please enjoy my conversation with Bill Gurley. For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page⁠⁠⁠⁠ here.⁠⁠⁠⁠ ----- This episode is brought to you by⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ramp⁠⁠⁠⁠. Ramp's mission is to help companies manage their spend in a way that reduces expenses and frees up time for teams to work on more valuable projects. Go to⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ramp.com/invest⁠⁠⁠⁠ to sign up for free and get a $250 welcome bonus. – This episode is brought to you by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ridgeline⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Ridgeline has built a complete, real-time, modern operating system for investment managers. It handles trading, portfolio management, compliance, customer reporting, and much more through an all-in-one real-time cloud platform. Head to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ridgelineapps.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more about the platform. –  This episode is brought to you by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Arcana. Arcana is the world's most advanced portfolio intelligence platform, trusted by institutional investors managing trillions in AUM — including market neutral, long-short, long-only, and capital allocators. Arcana enables portfolio managers, risk teams, analysts, and CIOs to drill into exposures and idio, construct optimal portfolios, and decompose performance at incredible granularity. Visit arcana.io to request a demo and learn more. ----- Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠⁠⁠⁠). Show Notes: (00:00:00) Welcome to Invest Like the Best (00:05:23) State of the Union: Venture Capital Edition (00:07:58) The Rise of Mega VC Funds (00:09:38) Zombie Unicorns: The Overvalued Giants (00:17:29) The IPO and M&A Market Stalemate (00:24:08) The AI Wave and Its Impact (00:26:03) Private Markets and LP Liquidity Issues (00:29:57) The Future of Capital Markets (00:37:49) Advice for Founders in a Changing Landscape (00:39:27) The High-Stakes Game of Capital Battles (00:41:35) AI: The New General Purpose Technology (00:42:57) Challenges and Opportunities in AI Revenue Models (00:44:37) The Role of Founders in the AI Revolution (00:46:44) The Impact of Time and Liquidity on Venture Capital (00:50:35) Navigating the Future of Venture Capital (00:58:45) International Dynamics in the AI Race (01:13:58) Advice for Founders in the AI Era

This is a preview of a premium episode. To get access to the full episode, head to our Substack: https://designbetterpodcast.com/p/christopher-lyons Some careers have clear through lines: pick a college major, get a job in that industry. Others take serendipitous turns. Christopher Lyons is the latter, but with some surprising twists. Chris started his career as a music producer with Jermaine Dupri, founder of So So Def records in Atlanta, a role that honed his eye for recognizing talent and helping them reach their potential. Then, he joined renowned venture capital team Andresen Horowitz where he helped connect talent to business opportunities by creating the Cultural Leadership Fund. Eventually, he became a general partner at the firm. We talk to Chris about why he thinks EQ is far more important than IQ in a successful career, how he connects creative thinkers to business opportunities, and the common threads he sees across all creative disciplines. Bio Christopher Lyons is a visionary leader and President of Web3 Media at a16z crypto. Since joining a16z in 2013 as chief of staff to Ben Horowitz, he has helped shape the firm's strategic direction—most notably by launching the Cultural Leadership Fund (CLF) in 2018 and co-founding a16z's $400M Seed Fund in 2021. The CLF broke ground as Silicon Valley's first venture fund with an all-Black LP base, bridging cultural leaders from sports, music, and entertainment with the tech world while advancing opportunities for Black builders and creators. Lyons began his career as a sound engineer, working with Grammy-winning producer Jermaine Dupri before founding PictureMenu, a mobile menu platform. He now serves on the boards of Yuga Labs, the James Beard Foundation, the Black Economic Alliance, and New Story Charity. A Kauffman Fellow and founder of Lyons Wine, he brings a spirit of craftsmanship and mentorship to everything he does, including his continued involvement with Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. *** Premium Episodes on Design Better This is a premium episode on Design Better. We release two premium episodes per month, along with two free episodes for everyone. Premium subscribers also get access to the documentary Design Disruptors and our growing library of books. You'll also get access to our monthly AMAs with former guests, ad-free episodes, discounts and early access to workshops, and our monthly newsletter The Brief that compiles salient insights, quotes, readings, and creative processes uncovered in the show. Upgrade to paid ***

Geoff Ralston, founder of SAIF (Safe Artificial Intelligence Fund), and former President of Y Combinator, shares his vision for building a safer AI future. Geoff discusses the risks and promise of AI as a force beyond traditional tools, posing AI as a set of entities that will reshape the way we work, live, and relate to each other. He talks about biosafety, interpretability, and misinformation as key focus areas for innovation. Geoff also shares advice for founders navigating this fast-evolving landscape and reflects on how thoughtful investment today can shape the future of humanity.In this episode, you'll learn:[02:05] Why Geoff believes AI is not ‘just' a tool but a cognitive force reshaping humanity[06:29] The subtle but profound difference between tools and intelligent agents[13:56] Who wins and who loses in an AI-driven future, and what roles must investors play?[20:36] Can we still design a utopian future with AI?[24:06] The types of founders Geoff wants to back through SAIF[26:30] Why mission-aligned safety startups still need product-market fit[28:46] What happens when AI does everything—and what humans will still choose to doThe nonprofit organization Geoff is passionate about: AI Venture LabAbout Geoff RalstonGeoff Ralston is the founder of SAIF (Safe Artificial Intelligence Fund) and former President of Y Combinator. A longtime startup investor, entrepreneur, and thought leader, Geoff previously founded Imagine K12, an edtech accelerator later merged with YC. With decades of experience launching and scaling category-defining startups, Geoff now focuses on funding companies that ensure AI becomes a force for good, addressing challenges around safety, security, and the future of human work.About SAIFSAIF (Safe Artificial Intelligence Fund) is a venture capital firm dedicated to building a safer future with AI. Founded by Geoff Ralston, SAIF invests in startups focused on AI safety, biosafety, interpretability, and information integrity. The firm supports mission-driven founders creating scalable solutions to counteract risks and ensure that AI technologies empower rather than endanger society.Subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode.

Luis Poggi is the CEO and Co-Founder of HouseWhisper, a startup at the intersection of real estate and generative AI, building tools that transform how homes are marketed and sold. A seasoned tech executive with deep experience in product, marketing, and sales, Luis previously held leadership roles at Zillow and Expedia, where he helped scale industry-defining platforms in PropTech and travel.Now focused on shaping the AI revolution in real estate, Luis blends entrepreneurial vision with hands-on execution. He also shares insights on AI and business strategy through his newsletter at substack.com/luispoggi.(01:50) - Luis' Zillow journey & lessons(02:53) - The Birth of House Whisper(04:30) - The power of zero onboarding & personalization(05:11) - AI Agents & the Future of Real Estate(09:19) - Challenges & opportunities in AI for Real Estate Agents like Serhant(14:09) - Distribution strategy(16:29) - Will AI replace Real Estate agents like travel agents?(17:48) - Feature: CREtech: Join CREtech New York 2025 on Oct 21-22 for the largest Real Estate meetings program. Qualified Real Estate pros get free full event pass plus up to $800 in travel and hotel costs. See if you qualify and apply by emailing tangentcommunity@gmail.com.(19:14) - Avoiding the freemium pricing trap(22:48) - Usage & retention: 8K+ paying agents(29:22) - Collaboration Superpower: Andrej Karpathy (OpenAI Co-founder, Wiki)

Keshia Theobald-van Gent, Vice President of BDev Ventures, joins EisnerAmper's TechTalk host Fritz Spencer to explore the strategic role of venture capital in shaping the future of startups. Her investment firm, BDev Ventures, focuses on fast-growing B2B software companies in the U.S. and LATAM, from Seed to Series B. In this episode, discover how the firm drives success beyond capital injection by using its proprietary lead-generation platform, WinDifferent, and providing hands-on mentorship. Tune in to learn about how BDev Ventures is committed to delivering unparalleled value to founders in a systematic way.

What if crypto isn't just a speculative asset class—but the next foundational layer of the internet?In this episode, Chris Dixon, founding partner of a16z crypto and one of the earliest, most forward-thinking investors in the space, joins TBPN for a wide-ranging conversation on the real, long-term promise of crypto—and why we're still early.He unpacks:Why stablecoins are already functioning as internet-native moneyHow blockchains can serve as global, programmable financial infrastructureWhy programmability, not just low fees, is the real unlockThe evolving regulatory landscape and new bipartisan momentumThe rise of AI agents, decentralized platforms, and real-world crypto use casesThis episode is about long-term thinking, technical optimism, and building open infrastructure for the future of the internet.Resources: Find Chris on X: https://x.com/cdixonWatch TBPN: https://www.tbpn.com/ Timecodes:00:00 Meet Chris Dixon: Crypto Visionary00:26 The Evolution of Stable Coins02:49 The Future of Stable Coins and Global Payments06:04 Lobbying Efforts and Legislative Impact09:01 Adoption Across Different Sectors11:53 Competitive Forces in the Crypto Market14:37 The Crypto Talent Shortage15:05 Opportunities in the Crypto Space17:08 Crypto Fund Performance19:04 Venture Capital in Crypto23:30 Real World Assets on Blockchain26:34 Social Engineering and Proof of Humanity29:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Stay Updated: Let us know what you think: https://ratethispodcast.com/a16zFind a16z on Twitter: https://twitter.com/a16zFind a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16zSubscribe on your favorite podcast app: https://a16z.simplecast.com/Follow our host: https://x.com/eriktorenbergPlease 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.

Eric Yuan turned a simple belief into Zoom, the platform that kept the world moving through a once-in-a-century shutdown and redefined modern work. On this episode of Grit, the Zoom CEO shares why velocity beats size, how a family-first ethos powered his leadership during COVID, and why the coming wave of AI dwarfs the original internet boom. He details how he's refreshing Zoom's culture for 7,500 people, opting for virtual deal calls over in person meetings, settling into life as an empty-nester, and keeping Zoom nimble enough to outpace Big Tech and the next wave of AI startups.Guest: Eric S. Yuan, Founder & CEO of ZoomChapters: 00:00 Trailer00:44 Introduction01:47 Walking with swagger03:48 Extremely exciting moment10:05 Classic innovators' dilemma12:59 Laser-focused bandwidth17:56 Family first: lead by example22:09 Everybody was doing their road shows25:34 The entire world was dependent28:04 Community care31:57 Valuation and a co-founder35:17 A lot of unhappy days39:25 Building Zoom for consumers46:57 Holograms?52:01 Home53:23 Huge competition, high velocity1:00:33 Where companies get wrong1:04:52 Giving back1:13:12 Who Zoom is hiring1:13:24 What “grit” means to Eric1:14:24 OutroMentioned in this episode: Webex by Cisco, Glean, Apple, HP, Netscape, Yahoo, Brian Armstrong, Emilie Choi, Coinbase, New Limit, Elon Musk, Windy Hill, Magic Leap, Rony Abovitz, Jony Ive, OpenAI ChatGPT, Bill McDermott, ServiceNow, Carl EschenbachLinks:Connect with EricXLinkedInConnect with JoubinXLinkedInEmail: grit@kleinerperkins.comLearn more about Kleiner Perkins

Daniel Kang is the co-founder of Flobo, a fintech company focused on democratizing financial access for creators and entrepreneurs. With a compelling personal journey from a low-income immigrant family to a leader in the venture capital and fintech spaces, Daniel’s mission is rooted in making opportunities fairly accessible to all. He's also the author of The Super Upside Factor, which explores how individuals can apply venture capital’s asymmetric investing principles to accelerate personal and professional growth. Daniel is known for his innovative thinking, resilience, and commitment to leveraging technology and finance to create positive societal impact. Takeaways: Asymmetric Betting for Everyday Life: Daniel breaks down how venture capital's methods—betting big on outlier wins while managing risk—can be adapted by individuals to create outsized professional and personal results. Start Small, Stay Consistent: Success comes from executing simple principles with unwavering consistency, rather than seeking shortcuts. Daniel’s own story—winning scholarships, writing a book, and building a fintech—emphasizes starting where you are and building up momentum daily. Impact Over Mediocrity: Daniel’s drive stems from a fear of mediocrity and a strong desire to scale positive impact using technology, smart positioning, and persistent effort, rather than just working harder. Sound Bites: "Budget for a 90% failure rate—success is about surviving long enough for luck to catch up." "Every bet should be positioned for outsized, 100x outcomes—even if you only win 10% of the time, your wins will outpace the losses." "Don’t fall into ‘intellectual obesity’—the real difference is made by executing a few simple principles, not by endlessly searching for shortcuts." Quote by Mick: "Sometimes you just got to get started with what you’re doing and understand that it’s a journey. The truth of the matter is, in almost everything we do in life, it takes time." Connect & Discover Daniel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsdankang/ X: https://x.com/itsdankang?lang=en Website: https://itsdankang.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsdankang Book: The Super Upside Factor FOLLOW MICK ON:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mickunplugged/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mickunplugged/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mickunplugged LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickhunt/Website: https://www.mickhuntofficial.com Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mick-unplugged/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Starting a venture capital fund sounds glamorous — but the reality? It's a long, grueling, high-stakes journey. In this episode of the Demo Day Podcast, we sit down with Rick Smith, Co-Founder of Crosscut Ventures, to unpack why most first-time VCs fail, how to navigate the emerging manager landscape, and what it really takes to build a lasting VC career.Rick shares hard-won lessons from 25+ years in venture, including:- What makes or breaks a fund's first few years- How to raise capital from LPs when no one knows your name- Why early-stage VCs need to swing bigger- The hidden emotional toll of transitioning out of a firm- How Crosscut almost didn't survive Fund IWhether you're a founder, emerging fund manager, or aspiring venture capitalist, this episode is packed with tactical insights, emotional honesty, and behind-the-scenes stories from one of LA's most respected investors.#VentureCapital #StartupFunding #EmergingManagers #VCAdvice #RickSmith #CrosscutVentures #DemoDayPodcast #Founders #TechStartups #FundraisingTips

In this episode, Ben and Jay discuss the latest developments in the semiconductor industry, particularly focusing on Broadcom's earnings and the implications of AI on the market. They explore the growth of the semiconductor segment, the challenges in ASIC development, and the innovations in networking with the introduction of Tomahawk 6. The conversation also highlights the increasing importance of storage solutions in AI applications and anticipates upcoming events in the tech world.

Herbert L. Drayton III, a distinguished veteran of both the Marine Corps and Air Force, joins us to share his remarkable journey from a paperboy to the managing director of Highmark Capital. He discusses the critical lessons learned along the way, including the pivotal decision to leave corporate life for entrepreneurship and the importance of wealth creation in business ownership. Herbert offers a candid view on why treating a business as a side hustle might be less beneficial than many think, and he gives us an inside look into the founding of Highmark Capital—a venture capital firm with a mission to support Black-owned businesses in South Carolina.Launching Highmark Capital wasn't without its challenges. Herbert opens up about the barriers new venture capitalists face, particularly Black individuals in the industry striving to make a difference. He dives into the complexities surrounding corporate commitments to diversity and the essential role of social, moral, intellectual, and reputational capital in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Through Highmark Capital, Herbert aims to provide both financial and knowledge capital, helping businesses grow and succeed. The discussion also touches on fostering local networks and the impact that significant financial milestones can have on relationships with banks and access to exclusive opportunities.Herbert's vision goes beyond just investing; it's about creating an inclusive venture capital landscape. Aspiring to establish at least 10 minority-owned VC firms in South Carolina within the next decade, he underscores the power of representation and mentorship in nurturing future entrepreneurs, especially military veterans who bring unique skills to the table. Herbert also challenges traditional wealth-building ideas, such as homeownership, and proposes alternative paths to financial success. Join us for an episode packed with insightful strategies for aspiring entrepreneurs, seasoned investors, and anyone passionate about the intersection of business, diversity, and community impact.Support the showhttps://www.patreon.com/c/EA_BookClub

What does it take to scale a successful venture capital firm while staying aligned with founders? In this episode of Oxford+, host Susannah de Jager speaks with David Mott, Founder Partner at Oxford Capital, about his 25-year journey backing over 100 UK tech startups. David shares insights on what makes early-stage companies succeed, why founder-led teams outperform, and how Oxford Capital bridges the gap between private wealth and innovation. From pioneering EIS funds to influencing UK venture policy, David outlines the key elements that drive value creation in startups—including team structure, sector focus, and investment timing. He also explains how the UK can move towards a more integrated "supercluster" approach and why simplicity and alignment are essential in venture capital deals. Whether you're a founder, investor, or ecosystem builder, this conversation offers a masterclass in startup funding and strategy.(00:00) - Aligning Founders and Investors with David Mott, Founder Partner of Oxford Capital (00:40) - Founding of Oxford Capital (02:33) - Understanding Venture Capital (03:38) - Challenges in Growth and Scale-Up Capital (05:18) - Family Offices and Investment Opportunities (08:21) - Sector Focus and Investment Strategy (10:15) - Success Stories and Learnings (16:51) - Supporting Founders and Building Teams (23:05) - Investment Philosophy and Alignment (28:30) - Oxford Capital's Broader Investment Universe (33:03) - The Future of Venture Capital and Liquidity Solutions Action Points:Back Founders, Not Just Technology: David emphasises the importance of founder-led teams, showing that startups with original founders in leadership roles significantly outperform. Look for founders with deep conviction and ownership over the business idea to increase the chances of success.Keep Capital Structures Simple: Complex term sheets may impress on paper but often break down during tough times. Prioritise plain-vanilla deal terms that maintain alignment between founders and investors, which leads to better long-term outcomes.Invest in Sectors with Shorter Timelines: Oxford Capital favours sectors like SaaS, AI, and FinTech where companies can scale quickly. Focus on businesses that don't require years of development before reaching the market.Facilitate Strategic Co-Investments: Effective syndicates with complementary investors bring more than just money. Build a network of co-investors who can contribute sector expertise, global reach, or future funding capacity.Use Early Data and Engagement Signals: In the absence of financial metrics, look at user engagement and team dynamics. Early product testing and strong team rapport can indicate future traction and success.David Mott: Founder Partner at Oxford Capital, David has spent 25 years investing in UK startups across sectors including AI, SaaS, FinTech, and digital health. A seasoned voice in venture capital policy, he has advised both UK and EU bodies and champions the role of private wealth in fuelling innovation.Connect with David on LinkedInSusannah de Jager: Susannah is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience in UK asset management. She has worked closely with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials to shape the conversation around domestic scale-up capital.Connect with Susannah on LinkedInSubscribe to the Oxford+ Newsletter for exclusive content.Oxford+ is hosted by Susannah de Jager and supported by Mishcon de Reya and Oxford North.Produced and edited by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.

Today's show: Jason and Alex dicuss stories shaping the tech and startup world: Circle's explosive IPO and what it signals about crypto regulation and public market sentiment, the potential for tokenized venture capital funds to bring liquidity and transparency to startup investing, and Cursor's extraordinary growth—scaling to over $500M in ARR in just six months.Timestamps:(0:00) Episode Teaser(2:25) Circle's IPO is Soaring and What This Means for Tech(10:21) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/twist(12:00) Is Tokenization the Future of Venture Capital?(20:20) Coda - Empower your startup with Coda's Team plan for free—get 6 months at https://www.Coda.io/twist(22:40) Oh, THAT'S Why Anthropic Cutoff Windsurf(27:06) Can the Rippling - Deel Saga Get Anymore Bizarre?(30:22) Sentry - New users get 3 months free of the Team plan (covers 150k errors). Go to http://sentry.io/twist and use code TWIST(34:08) Cursor Just Keeps on Winning(43:10) Polymarket: What Will Jerome Powell Do?Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.comCheck out the TWIST500: https://www.twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcpFollow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelmFollow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanisThank you to our partners:(10:21) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://www.linkedin.com/twist(20:20) Coda - Empower your startup with Coda's Team plan for free—get 6 months at https://www.Coda.io/twist(30:22) Sentry - New users get 3 months free of the Team plan (covers 150k errors). Go to http://sentry.io/twist and use code TWISTGreat TWIST interviews: Will Guidara, Eoghan McCabe, Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Bob Moesta, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarlandCheck out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanisFollow TWiST:Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartupsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartupsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisweekinstartupsSubstack: https://twistartups.substack.comSubscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@founderuniversity1916

TopicsThe Gorge movie is soft disclosure of supersoldier programs dating back to the WW2 era. https://x.com/MichaelSalla/status/1928854147073208792Even organizations pushing limited hangouts that UFOs are a national security threat, etc., are being purged on Wikipedia. https://x.com/MichaelSalla/status/1929239227490791651Jared Isaacman's nomination for NASA Administrator was pulled just as he was on the verge of being confirmed by the US Senate. https://x.com/MichaelSalla/status/1929242597937070359President Trump dropped a truth bomb by reposting a claim that Joe Biden had been executed and cloned. https://x.com/MichaelSalla/status/1929288973505163613Psychic Communications, 12-Strand DNA and the future of Humanity: Interview with Brad Johnson https://x.com/MichaelSalla/status/1929506095753540066Dr. John Brandenburg's book, Death on Mars: The Discovery of a Planetary Nuclear Massacre provides compelling evidence of a nuclear war on another planet using NASA data. https://x.com/MichaelSalla/status/1929677009489182898Jason Wilde raises excellent points about the Moon's history, composition, position, etc. https://x.com/MichaelSalla/status/1930234459451760798The ET Disclosure Betrayal: Galactic Federation of Worlds Agreements with Global Elites https://x.com/MichaelSalla/status/1930590153736642904JP has just publicly released a photo of himself when he was 2 years old. JP served in the US Army for 4 years and has disclosed dozens of classified missions to space, Inner Earth, etc. https://x.com/MichaelSalla/status/1930632992847777968The Why Files focuses on evidence of the Planet Maldek, its destruction, and how that impacted Mars, and how the debris affected the outer planets and Venus. https://x.com/MichaelSalla/status/1930814608492859694Chris Bledsoe says NASA asked for his help to understand ORBS that were harassing their astronauts. https://x.com/MichaelSalla/status/1930950413626249300Building a Realistic Path to Disclosure and Paradigm Shift with Venture Capital https://globalintelhub.com/building...Monthly Briefing Today—Exopolitical Implications of Trump Musk Falling Out https://x.com/MichaelSalla/status/1931000911649780202Monthly Briefing Today—Exopolitical Implications of Trump Musk Falling Out https://x.com/MichaelSalla/status/1931000911649780202

What do national security and venture capital have in common? A lot more than you'd think.In this episode, Shane Ray Martin sits down with Rebecca Gevalt, Managing Partner at Dcode Capital and former CIA officer, to explore how intelligence training shaped her approach to investing in tech startups.From decoding risk to spotting innovation before it hits the mainstream, Rebecca reveals how her past in espionage gives her an edge in the startup ecosystem.  ✅ What You'll Learn:Why CIA skills are perfect for venture investingHow to assess risk like an intelligence proRebecca's take on the future of defense techWhat most VCs get wrong about working with governmentHow to break into venture capital with a non-traditional backgroundHosted by Shane Ray Martin — Investor, Author, LinkedIn Top Voice in Negotiation, and Certified Peace Mediator — helping PeaceTech startups scale and secure funding. 

Logan sits down with Bipul Sinha, CEO and co-founder of Rubrik and former VC at Lightspeed and Blumberg Capital. Bipul shares what he learned transitioning from investor to founder, why intuition beats expertise, and how he built Rubrik into a category-defining business by betting on uncool ideas. They talk product-market fit in the AI era, what most VCs get wrong today, and why the enterprise IT market is still just getting started. It's a conversation packed with hard-earned wisdom and bold takes on building lasting companies. (00:00) Intro (01:42) Transitioning from VC to Founder (02:27) The Genesis of Rubrik (03:30) Navigating Uncertainty in Business (06:57) Product Market Fit and Early Success (08:56) Evolving with the Market (13:14) AI and Data Security (18:53) Leadership and Intuition (28:34) Building a Transparent Culture (31:52) Handling Tough Questions in Board Meetings (33:28) Changing Perspectives Over Time (34:57) Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs (36:46) The Future of Venture Capital and Startups (40:38) Balancing Forward and Lateral Motion in Business (42:35) The Impact of AI on Various Industries (01:00:28) The Evolution of Work and Technology (01:02:52) Fostering a Collaborative Company Culture (01:04:56) Looking Ahead: The Future of Rubrik Executive Producer: Rashad Assir Producer: Leah Clapper Mixing and editing: Justin Hrabovsky Check out Unsupervised Learning, Redpoint's AI Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@UCUl-s_Vp-Kkk_XVyDylNwLA

Are they breakout stars or just... confusing? Pizza wine, salmon jerky, kava & mushroom-infused drinks, Gen Z-inspired peanut butter and “cheezy” puff snacks. Why we're thumbs up – or down – on buzzworthy new concepts in CPG. This episode also spotlights two remarkable women on a mission to elevate the way we eat: Holly Arbuckle of Singing Pastures and Swati Elavia of Monsoon Kitchens. Show notes: 0:35: Last Call. Coffee Comeback? Mo' Money For David & Moment. Yes, No, Ugh? Good Data. – BevNET Live Summer 2025 is days away. Do you have your ticket? John thinks RTD coffee is back on track, but why? Ray highlights David's $75M haul and purchase of a key supplier, as well as Moment's new $5M round. What's trending in Spate's Q2 food & beverage data? Insiders already know. It's a simple yes or no question, but we can't help ourselves when it comes to new and innovative products. 39:06: Interview: Holly Arbuckle, CEO, Singing Pastures – Fresh off her win at Naturally New England's Naturally Rising pitch competition, Holly shares the story behind Singing Pastures, a premium brand of fermented, slow-smoked meat sticks rooted in regenerative farming practices. She talks about her agricultural roots, the value of nutrient-dense food, and her vision for a more sustainable meat industry. 52:08: Interview: Swati Elavia, President, Monsoon Kitchens – A nutritionist with a deep love for Indian cuisine, Swati discusses Monsoon Kitchens' journey from serving institutions to launching retail products. She reflects on the challenges of scaling, the importance of staying true to culinary traditions, and her commitment to offering clean-ingredient Indian meals. Brands in this episode: Singing Pastures, Monsoon Kitchens, Starbucks, David, Moment, Brightland, Yellowtail, Mello, Bashi, One Trick Pony, Hippeas, Like Air, IQ Bar

Send us a textIn this episode, Aaron Moncur interviews Mihir Shah, an engineer-turned-entrepreneur who shares insights from his diverse career spanning Tesla, Inspect AR, and now Tomai Engineering. Mihir discusses his journey through engineering, startup growth, investment strategies, and the importance of first principles thinking.Main Topics:Engineering career pathFirst principles thinking in businessDesign for manufacturability (DFM)Startup and acquisition experiencesHardware FYI newsletterInvestment strategies with Shaw VenturesAbout the guest: Mihir Shah is an engineer and entrepreneur with a diverse background in hardware design, startup leadership, and industrial investment. He holds electrical engineering degrees from Santa Clara University and the University of Pennsylvania. His early work included roles at Tesla and Axon. In 2018, he co-founded inspectAR, an AR tool for PCB debugging, acquired by Cadence in 2020.He currently serves as President of TOMI Engineering, a CNC machining and assembly company serving the aerospace, defense, and medical industries, where he drives growth through investments in talent and technology. Mihir is also a Principal at Shah Capital Ventures, a family investment firm with holdings in industrial businesses like Summit Interconnect and Royal Circuits.Additionally, he co-founded Hardware FYI, a growing platform with over 12,000 subscribers that supports hardware engineers through resources like newsletters, job boards, and interview guides. His broad expertise makes him well-suited to speak on engineering leadership, startups, and the future of hardware.Links:Mihir Shah - LinkedInTOMI Engineering WebsiteHardware FYI Website 

Send us a textIn this episode, a group of leading investor club experts dive deep into the best strategies for capital raisers. With years of experience in the world of investments, they share practical advice on how to successfully navigate the capital-raising process.Key insights covered include:- Building Relationships: How persistence and relationship-building lead to successful capital raising. Experts emphasize the importance of staying in touch and providing value over time.- Effective Pitching: The importance of having a clear, compelling one-liner, pitch deck, and video content to make your investment opportunity stand out.- Investment Criteria: What investors look for in opportunities, including the team, market size, and growth potential. The panel shares the key factors they consider before making investments, such as strong leadership and high-growth markets.- Startup and Growth Company Focus: How to approach emerging companies and early-stage startups, including tips on what investors are looking for in a team and business model.- Tax Strategies: How to align investment opportunities with tax-efficient strategies, particularly for high-income individuals such as physicians.- Leveraging AI for Capital Raising: The use of AI tools to create polished pitch decks and improve the overall presentation of investment opportunities.Whether you're an experienced capital raiser or just starting out, this episode offers invaluable advice from those who are actively shaping the future of investments. Tune in for expert advice, strategies, and the tools needed to elevate your investment opportunities and secure capital.

Doreen Huber, Partnerin bei EQT Ventures, gibt Einblicke in ihren beeindruckenden Weg vom Aufbau mehrerer Unternehmen – darunter Delivery Hero und Lemoncat – hin zur Rolle als Investorin bei einem der größten europäischen Venture-Capital-Fonds. Doreen teilt ihre Erfahrungen aus über 15 Jahren Unternehmertum, erklärt, warum sie sich entschieden hat, keine weiteren Startups zu gründen, und wie sie heute als Investorin Gründer unterstützt. Sie spricht über die Herausforderungen und Chancen im Venture-Capital-Bereich, die Bedeutung von AI für Startups und warum Sales-DNA für den Erfolg eines Unternehmens entscheidend ist. Was du lernst: Vom Gründen zum Investieren: Warum Doreen nach vier Gründungen den Schritt ins Venture Capital gemacht hat Die Unterschiede zwischen der Gründer- und der Investorenrolle und welche Learnings sie aus beiden Welten mitbringt Die Rolle von EQT Ventures: Wie EQT Ventures mit einem Fondsvolumen von 1,1 Milliarden Euro Startups in ganz Europa unterstützt Warum der Fokus auf B2B-Software, Deep Tech und Fintech liegt und wie EQT Ventures Startups durch das globale Netzwerk von EQT unterstützt Sales-DNA und Skalierung: Warum ein starkes Sales-Team oft wichtiger ist als das beste Produkt Wie Gründer ihre ersten Sales-Prozesse aufbauen und wann es Zeit ist, ein Team zu skalieren AI und die Zukunft von Startups: Warum AI ein Game-Changer für Unternehmen ist und wie Startups AI nutzen können, um effizienter zu arbeiten und neue Märkte zu erschließen Wie AI die Art und Weise verändert, wie Produkte entwickelt und verkauft werden Fundraising und Marktpotenziale: Warum es wichtig ist, den richtigen Investor für die eigene Vision zu finden Wie Gründer den Markt und das Potenzial ihres Produkts realistisch einschätzen sollten, um langfristig erfolgreich zu sein ALLES ZU UNICORN BAKERY: https://zez.am/unicornbakery  Mehr zu Doreen: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doreenhuber/  Website: https://eqtgroup.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/  Kapitel: (00:00:00) Warum will Doreen keine Strartups mehr gründen? (00:03:27) Doreens größte Startup-Learnings (00:06:13) Wie investiert EQT Ventures 1,1 Milliarden Euro in Startups? (00:09:36) Vor- und Nachteile Milliardenfonds (00:17:51) Kann man heute noch eine finanzierte 100 Mio.-Firma bauen? (00:19:54) Für wen ist Investorengeld geeignet und für wen nicht? (00:26:02) Entwicklung der Branche B2B-Software in den letzten 4 Jahren (00:29:39) Was sind deutsche Erfolgsbereiche und wo hängen wir hinterher? (00:33:02) Ab wann ist Internationalisierung interessant für ein Unternehmen? (00:38:42) Doreens Framework für high perfoming Sales Teams (00:46:46) Doreens Inbound Best Practices (00:50:06) Wie qualifiziere ich meine Pipeline? (00:53:23) Der Unterschied im Bau von Sales Organisationen im Vergleich zu früher (00:58:23) Von 5 auf 50 Mio.: Welche Charakteristika braucht mein Unternehmen? (01:07:09) Wann ist man ein guter Venture Capitalist?

In this explosive Tech Burst Talks episode, host Charles sits down with Andrew Staples, a battle-tested geopolitical expert who made the leap from The Economist to founding his own advisory firm, GeoPol Asia. Together, they dissect how corporations across Asia are caught in the crossfire of escalating US-China tensions, tariff wars, and supply chain disruptions. This isn't just academic analysis - it's corporate survival intelligence from the trenches.  Staples reveals how multinationals are paralysed by uncertainty, with investment plans on hold whilst executives scramble to navigate everything from Vietnam's tariff backlash to China's strategic overseas expansion. The conversation exposes the volatile landscape where Singapore battles the Middle East for innovation talent, venture capital dries up across Southeast Asia, and Western MNCs find themselves demoted to third-tier priorities by nervous headquarters. From the miscalculation risks that keep geopolitical experts awake at night to Japan's demographic time bomb spurring unprecedented innovation, this episode delivers the tactical insights C-suite leaders need to thrive when caught between superpowers. Whether you're repositioning supply chains or managing expat teams in Asia's dynamic markets, Staples provides the intelligence needed to survive the corporate crossfire of our fractured global order.   SHOW NOTES: 00:08 Introduction and Guest Background 04:17 Geopolitical Climate and Business Impact 06:44 Navigating Uncertainty in Asia 11:02 China's Strategy and Global Influence 13:57 Challenges for Western MNCs in Asia 15:54 Middle East vs. Asia: Innovation and Investment 20:05 VC Slowdown and Future Strategies 22:09 Advice for Western Expats in Asia 23:31 Networking and Curiosity in Asia 24:52 Geopolitical Risks in Asia 26:22 Future Prospects and Global Order 29:58 Personal Reflections and Predictions 37:27 The Allure of Japan 39:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Former beauty exec William Smolen turned a personal need into a business opportunity—creating the pet wellness category and scaling WagWell into a leader in just 15 months.For more on WagWell and show notes click here. Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

How close are we to making space not just the final frontier, but the next big investment opportunity? In this episode of The Angel Next Door Podcast, host Marcia sits down with Tim Maul of Balerion Space Ventures to break down the exciting—and very real—landscape of space investing, moving the conversation far beyond science fiction.Tim brings a wealth of experience from institutional investing and now plays a key role in connecting investors to groundbreaking space and defense technologies. His clear and engaging approach makes the complexities of space investing accessible for all, highlighting how this rapidly evolving sector is full of possibilities for savvy investors.From the realities of lunar mining and pharmaceutical manufacturing in zero gravity to the crucial growth of private capital in satellite infrastructure and defense, this episode covers it all. If you want a front-row seat to where innovation, entrepreneurship, and outer space intersect—and why now is the time to pay attention—this is an episode you can't afford to miss. To get the latest from Tim Maul, you can follow him below!https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-maul-62907a7/ https://balerionspace.com/  Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!Website: www.marciadawood.comLearn 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/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

In this interview, Heidrick & Struggles' Scott Bae and Alexis Hennessy sit down with Lior Susan, the founder and managing partner of Eclipse Ventures, a venture capital firm dedicated to partnering with entrepreneurs, transforming industries that are critical to people's lives and national economies, such as manufacturing, supply chain, transportation, healthcare, and defense. Susan shares the leadership traits that he believes are uniquely critical to success in start-ups in the physical industries, as well as how leaders can seamlessly adapt between start-ups and large companies, how he thinks about investing in highly regulated industries, and his perspective on AI's evolution and impact on the space. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Follow me @samirkaji for my thoughts on the venture market, with a focus on the continued evolution of the VC landscape.Welcome to another episode of Venture Unlocked. In this episode, I had the pleasure of welcoming Villi Iltchev, founder and managing partner of Category Ventures. Villi has had a long history in tech, both in operating roles at companies like Box and Lifelock, as well as investing roles at August Capital and Two Sigma, where he departed in 2024 to launch Category Ventures.We covered a lot of ground in our conversation, including his inspiration for starting a new firm and the experiences that informed his true north. We also spoke about the fragmentation of the market and what it means to win in early-stage investing in a heavily crowded market of dedicated seed funds & larger funds who are active in see and Series A. I really enjoyed the authenticity of the conversation and hope you do as well.About Villi IltchevVilli Iltchev is the Founder and Managing Partner of Category Ventures, an early-stage venture firm focused on backing category-defining enterprise software companies. With over two decades of experience as both an operator and investor, Villi has held leadership roles at Box, LifeLock, and Salesforce, where he led investments and acquisitions in companies like HubSpot, MuleSoft, Gusto, and Zapier. As a General Partner at August Capital and later at Two Sigma Ventures, he backed standout startups like GitLab—turning a $20M investment into over $900M in returns. Originally from Bulgaria, Villi brings a global perspective and a founder-first mindset to every partnership.Category Ventures is an early-stage venture firm founded in 2024 by veteran investor Villi Iltchev, focused on backing category-defining enterprise software startups. With a $160M debut fund, the firm invests in pre-seed and seed-stage companies across infrastructure, dev tools, AI, and applications. Drawing on Iltchev's track record—including early investments in GitLab, Zapier, and Gusto—Category Ventures brings deep technical and go-to-market expertise to help founders build enduring businesses. Their approach centers on hands-on support and founder-first partnership to shape the future of enterprise software.In this episode, we discuss:* Villi's Background and Journey (1:50)* Lessons from Venture Capital Firms (5:35)* Market Fragmentation in Venture Capital (8:47)* Flexible Investment Strategy (12:24)* Challenges with Traditional VC Models (13:26)* Product Market Fit and Founder Support (17:35)* Counterpoints on Large VC Firms (21:40)* Winning in Venture Capital (24:07)* Kindness and Community (26:24)* Components of Success (30:00)* Decision-Making Process (33:21)* Intellectual Honesty in Investments (36:16)* The Role of Fresh Perspectives (40:08)* Acting on Great Ideas and Final Thoughts (42:27)I'd love to know what you took away from this conversation with Villi. Follow me @SamirKaji and give me your insights and questions with the hashtag #ventureunlocked. If you'd like to be considered as a guest or have someone you'd like to hear from (GP or LP), drop me a direct message on X. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ventureunlocked.substack.com

If the legacy food giants won't evolve, Mason Dixie will do it for them – one honest, skillet-cooked meal at a time. When Ayeshah Abuelhiga founded Mason Dixie Foods in 2014, she set out to deliver what people are truly hungry for: clean, craveable comfort food made without compromise. No preservatives. No shortcuts. Just real ingredients and real flavor. Today, Mason Dixie offers a growing lineup of frozen biscuits, breakfast sandwiches, burritos, and fried chicken sandwiches – all made with fresh ingredients, real dairy, and no artificial ingredients, bleached flour or seed oils. The products are available in more than 6,000 stores across the country, including Whole Foods, Costco, Sprouts, Giant, Harris Teeter, and more. In this episode, Ayeshah shares how she's taking on the legacy CPG heavyweights by building a bold, next-generation frozen food brand. She dives into how Mason Dixie harnesses consumer insights, rigorous cost discipline and category whitespace to develop new products. She also breaks down how the brand is reshaping the definition of “natural” for modern shoppers, proving it's possible to scale with integrity, and lead with purpose, without ever compromising on what matters most. Show notes: 0:25: Ayeshah Abuelhiga, Founder & CEO, Mason Dixie Foods – Ayeshah and Ray chat about past conversations before the entrepreneur shares how operating outside traditional CPG hubs has allowed her Baltimore-based company to thrive with greater agility and efficiency, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. She reflects on Mason Dixie's buzzworthy Expo West appearance, where she dressed as Colonel Sanders to promote new products and offers a candid critique of the natural foods industry. The conversation delves into the brand's innovation strategy, including its expansion into sandwiches and burritos, and how the latter was developed to create a superior flavor and texture to existing products. Ayeshah explains how Mason Dixie benchmarks acceptable price points and only moves forward with products that can achieve cost efficiency through scale and criticizes large conglomerates like Tyson for their inefficient use of resources, while remaining open to partnerships that could help scale clean-label food. Beyond business, Ayeshah talks about how she finds purpose in the creative freedom of entrepreneurship and in mentoring underrepresented communities through nonprofit work. Brands in this episode: Mason Dixie Foods, Mike's Hot Honey, Uncrustables, Compass Coffee

Venture capital has played a big role in funding ag tech innovation — and that's a good thing, but plenty of innovations happen without it.

We sit down with Steve Ballmer, the legendary former Microsoft CEO and owner of the LA Clippers, for an epic conversation covering his 34 years at Microsoft. Steve listened to our Microsoft episodes and had some thoughts to share — and boy, did he deliver. Steve takes us point-by-point through the original IBM DOS deal that started everything, how he built Microsoft's enterprise business from scratch, and offers his candid reflections on missing mobile and search. We also cover the story behind “developers, developers, developers”, the complexities of his relationship with Bill Gates (including a year where they didn't speak), and why he ultimately decided to step down as CEO. Plus, we learn why Steve has held onto his Microsoft stock through it all — giving him arguably the best investment track record in the world over the last 10 years with his net worth growing from $20B to $130B since leaving. And of course, we couldn't resist also talking about his other passion: the Clippers and Intuit Dome. Hit play and get ready to experience the patented Steve Ballmer energy and fun on full display!Sponsors:Many thanks to our fantastic Summer ‘25 Season partners:J.P. Morgan PaymentsStatsigVercelAnthropicLinks:Join us July 15 at Radio City!More Acquired:Get email updates with hints on next episode and follow-ups from recent episodesJoin 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.

What does it take to build a venture firm from scratch—and scale it across multiple waves of technological and cultural change?In this special episode recorded at the a16z LP Summit, Marc Andreessen joins Erik Torenberg for a conversation on the origins and evolution of Andreessen Horowitz. From raising Fund I during the depths of the 2008 financial crisis to shaping the firm's multistage, multi-sector strategy, Marc reflects on how the firm was built—and rebuilt—as the tech landscape shifted.They discuss the rise of “Little Tech,” why policy now matters to startups, how scale became a strategic advantage in venture capital, and why the move from generalists to vertical specialists was inevitable.Along the way, Marc shares behind-the-scenes stories on Facebook's near-sale to Yahoo, the evolution of founder archetypes, the global talent arbitrage, and what too many people still misunderstand about tech's role in society.Resources: Find Marc on X: https://x.com/pmarcaFind Erik on X: https://x.com/eriktorenbergStay Updated: Let us know what you think: https://ratethispodcast.com/a16zFind a16z on Twitter: https://twitter.com/a16zFind a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16zSubscribe on your favorite podcast app: https://a16z.simplecast.com/Follow our host: https://x.com/eriktorenbergPlease 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.

Over the past two decades, Bret Taylor has quietly helped shape the arc of Silicon Valley.From co-creating Google Maps to steering Facebook, Salesforce, and OpenAI, he's been behind some of the most consequential products in tech. Now, with his new company Sierra, he's starting from zero—again.In this conversation, Bret opens up about how founders navigate identity, why the best ideas often come from everyday friction, and how staying relentlessly focused can unlock real momentum in AI.Guest: Bret Taylor, Co-Founder of SierraChapters:00:00 Trailer00:49 Introduction01:57 Saving OpenAI09:15 Overwhelming yet capable of a lot13:36 Father and founder16:49 History is written by the victors22:13 How you price matters35:58 Stickiest piece of software49:48 The first realtime social network55:34 Facebook CTO who rewrote Google Maps1:02:10 Least known, most impressive1:11:39 The best way to predict the future1:16:22 Most personally passionate1:21:22 Currency of reputation1:27:17 Away from work1:28:35 Who Sierra is hiring1:28:58 What “grit” means to Bret1:29:18 OutroMentioned in this episode: Google Maps, Salesforce, OpenAI ChatGPT, Meta Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Sam Altman, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Google, Marissa Mayer, Excite, MSN, AltaVista, Amazon, Harvey, Airbnb, Coinbase, Apple, John Doerr, Cursor, Codeium Windsurf, Perplexity, xAI, Kleenex, Amazon Web Services (AWS), FriendFeed, Tumblr, Kevin Gibbs, Google Maps, Yelp, Trulia, iOS App Store, Blackberry, Facebook Messenger, Marvel Avengers, Slack, Quip, Leonardo da Vinci, Clay Bavor, Microsoft, Eric Schmidt, Alan Kay, Brian Armstrong, Brian Chesky, Shopify, SiriusXM, Patrick CollisonLinks:Connect with Bret TaylorXLinkedInConnect with JoubinXLinkedInEmail: grit@kleinerperkins.comLearn more about Kleiner Perkins

Wanna start a side hustle but need an idea? Check out our Side Hustle Ideas Database: https://clickhubspot.com/thds For new startups, Venture Capital funds are harder to come by than ever. Thankfully, Josh Muccio from The Pitch podcast joins us today to give some advice on pitching and securing funds for your business. Plus: A new advance in eyewear tech and Taylor Swift regains the masters for her first six albums. Join our host Jon Weigell as he takes you through our most interesting stories of the day. Follow us on social media: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehustle.co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehustledaily/ Thank You For Listening to The Hustle Daily Show. Don't forget to hit subscribe or follow us on your favorite podcast player, so you never miss an episode! If you want this news delivered to your inbox, join millions of others and sign up for The Hustle Daily newsletter, here: https://thehustle.co/email/ If you are a fan of the show be sure to leave us a 5-Star Review, and share your favorite episodes with your friends, clients, and colleagues.

In this conversation, Jay Goldberg and Austin Lyons discuss Nvidia's recent earnings report, the future of AI and inference, and the dynamics of the AI market, including the impact of China on Nvidia's revenue. They explore the differences between consumer and enterprise workloads, the role of financing in AI server sales, and the challenges of realizing ROI from AI investments. The discussion also touches on real-world applications of AI in business and the future of AI integration in consumer products.

AGNTCY - Unlock agents at scale with an open Internet of Agents. Visit https://agntcy.org/ and add your support. What does it really take to turn cutting-edge AI research into a successful foundation model company?   In this episode of Eye on AI, we sit down with Anjney Midha, General Partner at a16z, to unpack how he helps scientists and researchers transform their breakthroughs into scalable, real-world AI businesses.    From his early backing of Anthropic to launching Mistral and Black Forest Labs, Anjney shares a behind-the-scenes look at how AI infrastructure companies are born.   We dive into the critical challenges of model reliability, evaluation beyond academic benchmarks, and the rise of hybrid architectures combining transformers with diffusion and LSTMs.   If you're building in AI or investing in it, this is the roadmap to what's next. Stay Updated: Craig Smith on X:https://x.com/craigss Eye on A.I. on X: https://x.com/EyeOn_AI   (00:00) Turning AI Research into Real Companies   (02:08) Anjney's Journey into Venture Capital   (05:44) The Birth of Anthropic   (08:26) Backing Mistral and Stable Diffusion   (13:16) Are Transformers Really Enough?   (18:36) Why AI Evaluation Is Broken   (22:10) Making AI Models More Interpretable   (28:38) The Real Potential of AI Agents   (32:43) How a16z Spots AI Breakthroughs   (37:45) Investing Like It's the 1970s   (43:31) What AI Voice Tech Needs Right Now (46:32) Models vs Products   (51:17) What's Holding Back AI Agents   (55:41) Anjney Startup Investing Strategy   

Send us a textIn this episode, Richard C. Wilson, founder of the Family Office Club, shares his expertise on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the investment landscape. Drawing from insights gathered at the AI mastermind event hosted earlier this year, where top decamillionaires and centimillionaires discussed how they are leveraging AI for growth, Richard reveals the tools and strategies that are driving success in family offices today.Throughout the episode, Richard outlines the various stages of AI adoption and explains how AI is evolving from basic applications to more sophisticated systems. He introduces several proprietary AI tools that the Family Office Club has developed to streamline due diligence, improve investment decision-making, and enhance the efficiency of investors and entrepreneurs.Here are the key AI tools Richard discusses in detail:Dewey: Instant Due Diligence Advisor – An AI-driven tool designed to assist in due diligence by analyzing 100+ checklists and white papers. Dewey can quickly digest extensive documents (like pitch decks or PPMs), identify red flags, and highlight areas of concern, offering valuable insights to investors without replacing human expertise.Billionaire Collective Intelligence – A tool built by feeding insights from 45 billionaire interviews and over 900 public talks. This tool allows users to interact with the collective wisdom of billionaires, gaining advice on scaling businesses, negotiations, and investment strategies, all tailored to the mindset of high-net-worth individuals.1 Line Capital Raising Pitch – This AI tool analyzes pitch decks based on 25 factors, offering immediate feedback on areas that need improvement. It generates multiple one-liner options based on specific criteria, helping entrepreneurs perfect their pitch to investors.Instant Partner Insight – A personality profiling and background analysis tool. This tool pulls publicly available data and offers insights into the red flags or risks associated with potential investors or partners, helping you make faster, informed decisions without a lengthy search.Investor Advantage – By feeding all the transcripts from events hosted by the Family Office Club, this AI tool serves as a powerful knowledge base, offering feedback on structuring deals, capital raising, joint ventures, and more, all based on the lessons shared by seasoned investors who have spoken at Family Office Club events.Throughout the episode, Richard emphasizes the importance of AI tools in enhancing productivity and making smarter, more efficient decisions in the fast-paced world of investing. These tools aren't just designed to replace human input but to augment it, enabling investors to leverage AI for more informed decision-making and a competitive edge.This episode is packed with insights into AI's role in family office operations, and Richard's practical approach to integrating these tools into your investment strategy. Whether you're a family office, investor, or business owner, these AI-powered solutions can help you streamline your operations, mitigate risks, and scale your business efficiently.

In this episode, we sit down with Keshia Theobald-van Gent, a seasoned venture capital investor with deep expertise in fund economics, portfolio strategy, and founder alignment. Keshia shares her sharp insights into how today's most successful VCs operate and what emerging fund managers and founders need to know to succeed in this dynamic ecosystem. Whether you're a founder seeking to better understand how VCs evaluate your startup, or an emerging fund manager preparing to launch your first fund, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways and deep industry wisdom.

Send us a textWhat does it take to break into the world of venture capital when you're starting from scratch? In this inspiring episode of the Starter Girlz Podcast, host Jennifer Loehding sits down with Maggie Vo, Managing General Partner at Fuel Venture Capital, to explore how she built a thriving VC career without money, networks, or shortcuts.From leaving Vietnam alone at 17 to becoming a leader in the U.S. financial sector, Maggie's story is one of grit, strategy, and bold vision. She shares how mindset and adaptability helped her rise in one of the most competitive industries in the world.Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, investor, or career changer, this conversation is packed with real, actionable insights on building success from the ground up.What You'll Learn in This Episode:How to get into venture capital with no connectionsKey investor mindsets and what VC firms look forWhy diversity and inclusion drive stronger teamsMaggie's shift from survival to leadership legacyPractical tips for partnerships, performance, and career growthLearn more about Maggie's firm:

In this inspiring episode of On the Brink with Andi Simon, I had the pleasure of interviewing Nicole Loftus, a powerhouse entrepreneur with a bold vision to democratize access to venture capital. As the founder and CEO of Pop Venture Enterprises, Nicole is doing more than imagining change—she's building it. Nicole's journey began, as many transformative ones do, with a disruption—not of an industry at first, but of her own life. Raised in a traditional, working-class Italian family near Chicago, Nicole was expected to follow a conventional path. But after a personal turning point, she realized she had more to offer. She turned her keen eye for observation into a career of innovation, disrupting a $26 billion industry with her first company, Zorch, and now setting her sights on venture capital itself. Disrupting an Antiquated System of Venture Capital Investments Nicole's new venture, Pop Venture, challenges a venture capital model that has long excluded the majority of Americans—especially women and people of color. With only a small number of venture dollars going to diverse founders, she saw a deeply flawed system that was gatekept by geography, identity, and elitism. Her solution: a publicly accessible, SEC-approved fund that allows anyone to invest in promising companies for as little as $25. What makes Pop Venture unique is its transparency and accessibility. The investment process is broadcasted publicly on platforms like Peacock, and viewers are invited to weigh in on the businesses that receive funding. “We make venture popular,” says Nicole. This is venture capital for the people—by the people. The Locker: Empowering Founders with Verified Diligence Pop Venture isn't just about funding—it's also about empowering founders. Nicole created The Locker, a platform where entrepreneurs can submit their companies to a rigorous but founder-friendly diligence process. The goal? To showcase viable businesses with clear value and real potential, all in a transparent format the public can trust. This creates a win-win: investors see vetted opportunities, and entrepreneurs gain access to capital without the often-demoralizing hoops of traditional fundraising. Perhaps you like to watch our podcast on YouTube. Click here: Key Takeaways from the Conversation with Nicole Loftus Innovation Begins with Observation Nicole's mantra echoes the podcast's tagline: “From observation to innovation.”She urges entrepreneurs to observe not only the market but themselves. Her breakthrough came from seeing what others overlooked—redundancies in the supply chain and outdated funding models—and being bold enough to reimagine them. Scale Requires Focus Nicole didn't scale Zorch by chasing every opportunity. She created strict criteria for prospective clients and turned down deals that didn't meet them. Her advice? Know your ideal customer, set your standards high, and stay focused. Disruptors Must Think Big Nicole's story is a testament to the power of visualization. She imagined herself as an entrepreneur when it seemed impossible. Then she imagined a billion-dollar business model—and she built it. She now urges others to dream big and write it down.Your brain needs a plan. Listen for the Pain Points Through training like the Sandler sales method, Nicole learned to ask one critical question: “What's your pain point?” This insight guided her innovations, whether for clients, suppliers, or herself. Anyone Can Be a Venture Capitalist Through Pop Venture, everyday Americans can now support the businesses they believe in—and share in their success. It's not just financial inclusion; it's financial empowerment. Why This Matters Now Nicole's work comes at a time when trust in traditional financial systems is eroding, and entrepreneurs are seeking alternatives to inequitable funding models. Pop Venture is more than a fund—it's a movement. With television access, founder-friendly tools, and crowd-powered capital, it's putting the future of business in everyone's hands. As we wrapped our conversation, I was reminded why I launched this podcast—to spotlight pioneers who see, feel, and think in new ways, and to help listeners find the courage to do the same. To Learn More: Visit www.popventure.com to invest, apply for funding, or explore their founder resources. Watch Pop Venture episodes on Peacock (free or with subscription). Explore The Locker for verified diligence tools. Final Thought: Disruption doesn't always start with technology. Sometimes it starts with a question: What if we did it differently? Nicole Loftus asked that question—and answered it with action. Want more stories like Nicole's? Visit www.andisimon.com, read our books, or contact us to explore how anthropology can help you discover your Blue Ocean. Connect with me: Website: www.simonassociates.net Email: info@simonassociates.net Books:  Learn more about these books here: Rethink: Smashing the Myths of Women in Business Women Mean Business On the Brink: A Fresh Lens to Take Your Business to New Heights Listen + Subscribe: Available wherever you get your podcasts—Apple, Spotify, Stitcher, YouTube, and more. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share with someone navigating their own leadership journey. Reach out and contact us if you want to see how a little anthropology can help your business grow.  Let's Talk! From Observation to Innovation, Andi Simon, PhD CEO | Corporate Anthropologist | Award-Winning Author Simonassociates.net Info@simonassociates.net @simonandi LinkedIn

Most founders add layers to gain control. Reed Hastings built an empire by removing them. This episode unpacks No Rules Rules—the leadership playbook behind Netflix's rise from a DVD mail service to a global entertainment powerhouse. Co-authored by founder Reed Hastings and INSEAD professor Erin Meyer, the book reveals how to scale not through policy, but through trust, talent density, and extreme transparency. But this isn't just about Netflix. It's about you—if you're building or investing in companies between Series A and IPO, where culture either compounds performance or quietly kills it. I walk you through 7 operational principles that deep-tech teams can apply now—lessons forged in crisis, growth, and reinvention. You'll learn how to sunshine mistakes, pay like a pirate, and lead without becoming a bottleneck. Each principle is translated into coaching prompts, ready to implement this week. Key Takeaways: Culture Outruns Capital: Don't optimize the engine—reinvent the vehicle.Pro Team > Family: Loyalty is earned through excellence, not tenure.Candor Drives Speed: Build feedback loops that fuel progress.Pay Top of Market: Buy peace of mind. Unlock creative flow.Bet Boldly: Seek dissent. Test. Learn. Repeat.Context Beats Control: Share the why. Let them own the how.Transparency = Trust: Open up, even when it's uncomfortable.Timestamps: (00:00) Intro – Why Netflix Scaled Faster by Removing Rules, Not Adding Them (04:30) Who Is Reed Hastings? – From Math Teacher to Global Disruptor (09:13) Book Snapshot – What Makes No Rules Rules a Real Operating System (11:35) Lesson 1: Culture Outruns Capital – How Netflix Survived 4 Disruptions, Blockbuster Didn't Survive One (17:25) Lesson 2: Build a Pro Team, Not a Family – Talent Density Over Loyalty (22:48) Lesson 3: Radical Candor = Speed – The Feedback Model That Fuels Innovation (27:34) Lesson 4: Pay Like a Pirate – Why Netflix Pays Top of Market—No Games, Just Outcomes (32:20) Lesson 5: Bet Bold, Fail Proudly – The 4-Step Innovation Cycle That Keeps Netflix Ahead (39:12) Lesson 6: Lead with Context, Not Control – Scaling Leadership Without Becoming a Bottleneck (43:28) Lesson 7: Transparency Builds Velocity – How Truth-Telling Became Netflix's Superpower (48:15) 7 Key Takeaways – The Culture Playbook Every Growth-Stage Founder Needs (50:15) Personal Reflection – What I Questioned, What I'll Steal, What Gave Me Pause (52:00) Call to Action + What's Next – Support the Show + Tease of the Next Episode Why Listen: Learn how Netflix scaled without micromanagementGet 7 principles that push your org design, talent strategy, and leadership edgeDiscover where you're still playing defense—when your culture should be your offenseUpgrade your leadership thinking with real examples and immediate applicationsFound this useful? Like, share, and follow. Every signal grows the show—and brings in more elite guests ready to share the truths behind high-growth success. Send us a textSupport the showJoin the Podcast Newsletter: Link

Big ideas, bold flavors, and unfiltered insights—welcome to Austin, where the future of CPG is being written in real time. At Taste Radio's Austin Meetup, we sat down with trailblazers and trendsetters redefining how brands are built and scaled. From Better Sour co-founder Bella Hughes to Torchy's Tacos founder Mike Rypka and Snaxshot's Andrea Hernández, these conversations explore what it really takes to innovate, connect with consumers, and lead with authenticity in a rapidly evolving industry. Show notes: 0:45: Buyers As Far As The Eye Can See. NNE FTW. Boiler Room. Caffeine, Protein & Pole-Caught Tuna. With BevNET Live just two weeks away, excitement is building as Casey's joins a strong lineup of participating retailers, including Stop & Shop, Whole Foods Market, Circle K, H-E-B, The Goods Mart, and Top Ten Liquors. John and Ray recap the recent Naturally New England Naturally Rising event, which spotlighted standout emerging brands, including Singing Pastures and Farmer Foodie. Mike and John revisit their tour of Athletic Brewing's HQ in Milford, CT, before the hosts riffed on consumer interest in dual-functionality products and a canned tuna brand grounded in sourcing transparency. 19:23: Interviews from Taste Radio's Austin Meetup – Mike Rypka, the visionary founder of Torchy's Tacos, shared his journey from launching a food trailer to building a nationally recognized franchise. Steven Santangelo of Matriarch Wealth Management discussed how his firm helps CPG founders navigate the complexities of financial planning, particularly during critical growth and exit stages. Bella Hughes, co-founder of Better Sour, reflected on building a culturally inspired candy brand and the challenges of innovation in a legacy category. Andrea Hernández, the sharp mind behind Snaxshot, delivered an unfiltered perspective on food and beverage trends, highlighting the importance of authenticity and emotional resonance in brand storytelling. And Michelle Breyer, CMO of the Texas-based accelerator SKU, shed light on how the organization nurtures early-stage consumer brands, emphasizing the pivotal role of founder mindset and market fit in driving long-term success. Brands in this episode: Better Sour, Torchy's Tacos, Farmer Foodie, Monsoon Kitchens, Inc., Granny Squibb's, TITIN, Fancypants Baking Co., Singing Pastures, Athletic Brewing, Lucky Saint, 5-hour Energy, Ascent, Pole & Line, Fly By Jing, Siete, Wildwonder, Bachan's, Daily Crunch, Leisure Hydration, BodyArmor, Vitaminwater, NoBull

V epizodi 182 je bil gost Gregor Rebolj, serijski podjetnik z obsežnim tehničnim znanjem. Soustanovitelj podjetja Klika (združenega s Sportradarjem), z izkušnjami na področju strategije in inovacij. Soustanovitelj sklada Silicon Gardens. V epizodi se dotakneva naslednjih tematik: Oblikovanje karierne poti v času umetne inteligence Pomen mreženja in izbira pravega trga za rast Prilagajanje tehnološkim spremembam in veščina vseživljenjskega učenja Vzpon indie hackerjev, AI agentov in podjetniškega načina razmišljanja Prehod iz korporativnega sveta v podjetništvo in iskanje svojega "zakaj" =================== Podkast pogovor je bil sneman na AIDEA konferenci 2025 v Four Points by Sheraton Ljubljana Mons

Send us a textIn this special recap episode, we unpack the layered impact of UTILITY 2025, a revolutionary trade space (not just a trade show) hosted by Tilit NYC. Recorded from Chicago — a city that cooks, builds, and refines — this episode explores how UTILITY prioritized culture over consumerism, exchange over exhibition, and people over products.Utility 2025 wasn't about hype — it was about healing.From honoring the emotional weight of labor to centering conversations around sustainability, equity, and mental health, UTILITY felt like a gathering for real industry change-makers.Chicago as a Co-Creator.The city didn't just host the show — it shaped it. Its influence was felt in every conversation, every connection, and every community exchange.The Pitch Competition: Venture Community over Venture Capital.More than just business ideas, each pitch was a story of resilience and reimagination. Congratulations to Charles Wong of Umamicue, the grand prize winner — and to all who made the room matter.Tilit's Quiet Leadership.Through inclusive design, sustainability, and community-first values, Tilit continues to redefine what workwear means — as both armor and advocacy.Echoes of Terms of Service.Themes from UTILITY paralleled our ethos: equity, identity, labor, and legacy in hospitality. This was culture work in action. Special thanks to Tilit NYC, Jenny Goodman, Alex McCrery, all the collaborators, and Chicago's vibrant hospitality community. Your truth, intention, and presence made UTILITY 2025 a space for real work and real change.See you out there, - The T o S Crew Need to catch up? Subscribe to our YouTube Channel here and show us some love on the reviews - wherever you get your podcasts. It matters and so do you.

On this episode of That Entrepreneur Show, we welcome back the powerhouse and mentor-in-residence at Duke University—Robbie Hardy. With 25 years in corporate leadership and over 30 years as a mentor, Robbie shares her journey from boardrooms to building a mission around empowering women founders and angel investors.In this impactful conversation, Robbie dives into:The lessons from launching her own software company after leaving corporateHer work in angel investing and the creation of the Mentor Capital SeriesHow she's helping more women claim their place in investing and leadershipRed flags female founders should watch for when fundraisingThe hidden cost of flattery and how to avoid time-sinks disguised as opportunityThis episode is a masterclass in purpose-driven entrepreneurship and the power of mentorship. If you're a woman navigating the startup or investment world—or someone eager to support them—this one's for you.

Jonathan Godwin is co-founder and CEO of Orbital Materials, an AI-first materials-engineering start-up. The company open-sourced Orb, a state-of-the-art simulation model, and now designs bespoke porous materials—its first aimed at cooling data-centres while capturing CO₂ or water. Jonathan shares how his DeepMind background shaped Orbital's “design-before-experiment” approach, why the team chose data-center sustainability as a beachhead market, and what it takes to build a vertically integrated, AI-native industrial company. The conversation explores the future of faster, cheaper R&D, the role of advanced materials in decarbonization, and the leap from software to physical products.In this episode, we cover: [02:12] Johnny's path from DeepMind to materials start-up[04:02] Trial-and-error vs AI-driven design shift[06:40] University/industry dynamics in materials R&D[10:17] Generative agent plus simulation for rapid discovery[13:01] Mitigating hallucinations with virtual experiments[18:18] Choosing a “hero” product and vertical integration[25:43] Dual-use chiller for cooling and CO₂ or water capture[32:26] Partnering on manufacturing to stay asset-light[35:58] Building an AI-native industrial giant of the future[36:51]: Orbital's investorsEpisode recorded on April 30, 2025 (Published on May 27, 2025) Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at info@mcj.vc.Connect with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

How did a 300-pound tech executive become the founder of a $20 billion biohacking industry? In this Habits and Hustle episode, Dave Asprey reveals his unconventional journey, sharing his marketing philosophy: "I do not sell. I teach."  We discuss how he bootstrapped Bulletproof to $27 million before raising capital, the venture capital challenges that led to losing control of his company, and why he believes making products that genuinely work is his true marketing secret. We also dive into his experience creating the Bulletproof Coffee phenomenon and how his desperate search to heal his own chronic health issues led to revolutionary discoveries. Dave Asprey is the founder of nine companies, including Bulletproof, Danger Coffee, TrueDark, and Upgrade Labs. He's authored bestselling books including "The Bulletproof Diet," "Head Strong," and his newest release, "Heavily Meditated." Dave is credited with creating three unique billion-dollar markets: MCT Oil, Collagen Protein, and Functional Coffee.  What We Discuss:  (01:00) Biohacking and Marketing Secrets (10:10) Uncovering the Quiet Desperation (13:19) Entrepreneur's Journey to Success (19:32) Venture Capital, Biohacking, and Longevity (30:37) Sexual Health and Biohacking Insights (42:18) Exercise, Recovery, and Hormone Optimization (49:50) Optimizing Testosterone and Peptide Use …and more! Thank you to our sponsors: Therasage: Head over to therasage.com and use code Be Bold for 15% off  TruNiagen: Head over to truniagen.com and use code HUSTLE20 to get $20 off any purchase over $100. Magic Mind: Head over to www.magicmind.com/jen and use code Jen at checkout. Air Doctor: Go to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code HUSTLE for up to $300 off and a 3-year warranty on air purifiers.  Bio.me: Link to daily prebiotic fiber here, code Jennifer20 for 20% off.  Momentous: Shop this link and use code Jen for 20% off David: Buy 4, get the 5th free at davidprotein.com/habitsandhustle.   Find more from Jen:  Website: https://www.jennifercohen.com/ Instagram: @therealjencohen   Books: https://www.jennifercohen.com/books Speaking: https://www.jennifercohen.com/speaking-engagement Find more from Dave Aspry: Website: https://daveasprey.com/  X: https://www.instagram.com/dave.asprey/?hl=en  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DaveAspreyBPR