Podcasts about ventures

Climate tech companies face a range of structural challenges to securing the mid stage investment needed to scale their solutions. The lack of capital at this stage prevents many viable, potentially transformative technologies from going mainstream and eliminating gigatons of emissions. That's why we've been running a series of episodes on the Missing Middle in Climate Tech in partnership with Spring Lane Capital. If you haven't heard our previous three episodes in this series, check them out at investedinclimate.com, and if you have ideas of other topics that warrant a Deep Dive series please reach out through the contact form on our website. For the fourth episode in our series, I'm joined by Spring Lane Capital Co-Founder and Partner Rob Day who guest hosts the conversation with Blackhorn Ventures Managing Partner Melissa Cheong. On today's episode, we cover:2:23 – Introducing Blackhorn Ventures & Melissa Chong3:31 – Melissa's Path to Venture Capital & Impact Investing8:44 – Surprises & Learnings in Venture Capital10:13 – Overview of Blackhorn Ventures' Investment Focus & Strategy13:55 – Addressing the Missing Middle: Digital vs. Hardware Solutions17:18 – Leveraging Accepted Hardware & Digital Solutions19:09 – The Role of Vertical Data Pools in Construction and Energy21:03 – AI, Utilities, and the Urgency for Digital Solutions25:10 – Building Resilience & Anti-Fragile Mindsets in Climate Tech28:14 – Exploring New Financing Instruments & Insurance32:21 – Portfolio Example: Formic – Robotics as a Service36:37 – Portfolio Example: King Energy – Solar for Multi-Tenant Properties38:55 – Lessons from Community Solar & Smart Billing40:00 – Takeaways: The Evolving Role of Venture Capital in Climate Impact43:24 – Closing RemarksResources MentionedSpring Lane CapitalBlackhorn VenturesFormicKing EnergyConnect with usRob DayMelissa CheongJason RissmanKeep up with Invested In ClimateSign up for our NewsletterLinkedIn

Digital banking, supply chain, and tokenised finance are converging faster than expected Bitcoin, stablecoins, and tokenised instruments are here to stay Institutional adoption needs robust, trustworthy infrastructure From lonely beginnings to a maturing, bank-grade digital asset ecosystem Partnerships, patience, and discipline are key to building lasting ventures Powered by Phoenix Group The full interview is also available on my YouTube channel: YouTube: http://bit.ly/3ImJ71I

From negotiating with world leaders to partnering with top entrepreneurs, businessman and investor Jared Kushner has traveled the unique path of bringing private sector knowledge to government work and back again. Jared Kushner joins Sarah Guo and Elad Gil to cover a wide range of topics, from his founding of investment firm Affinity Partners, to his time in government, to his new AI venture BrainCo. Jared discusses Affinity Partners' mission and strategy, how he has leveraged his government experience in business and investing, and the geopolitics of technological advancements like AI. Plus, he makes a case for why private sector talent should do “tours of duty” in government. Sign up for new podcasts every week. Email feedback to show@no-priors.com Follow us on Twitter: @NoPriorsPod | @Saranormous | @EladGil | @jaredkushner Chapters: 00:00 – Jared Kushner Introduction 00:30 – Starting Affinity Partners Post-Government 01:59 – Value of Global Perspective 03:34 – Ventures with Affinity 05:14 – Evaluating Investments Via Macro Trends 09:09 – Undervalued Countries 12:32 – Origins of BrainCo 16:50 – BrainCo Use Cases 23:49 – BrainCo's Biggest Challenge 24:47 – Determining Customer Fit 26:39 – AI and Policy 30:03 – Middle East and AI 31:59 – Jared's Experience in Middle East Diplomacy 40:16 – Brokering Peace Post-October 7th 43:52 – Making Deals with Middle Eastern Partners 47:14 – Jared and Ivanka's Partnership 49:18 – Benefits of Joining Public Sector from the Private Sector 52:07 – Jared's Pitch for Serving in Government 56:25 – Jared's Leadership Style 58:24 – Conclusion

This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.----------------------------------------In this episode of the Investing in Impact podcast, I sit down with Yigal Kerszenbaum, Managing Partner at JFF Ventures, to explore how a mission driven investment fund partners with a national nonprofit to expand access, skills, and quality jobs for working adults.Yigal shares his immigrant journey and why it fuels his commitment to opportunity creation.The conversation covers the structure that aligns JFF's nonprofit mission with a return driven venture fund, the rise of AI in the workforce, and concrete portfolio examples that move people from learning to earning.Jobs for the Future is a forty year old national nonprofit focused at the intersection of education and work. Its North Star is to help tens of millions of adults transition into quality jobs. The organization has deep on the ground expertise, with hundreds of practitioners working across all fifty states and strong relationships with community colleges, employers, and public agencies.JFF Ventures is the investment arm aligned to that mission. It operates as a traditional venture capital fund with an impact thesis, backing founders who build products that increase economic mobility for adults earning less than fifty thousand dollars per year. The fund invests in pre seed and seed rounds, typically with an initial check near five hundred thousand dollars and reserves for follow on.Key takeawaysJFF is a forty year old nonprofit with deep networks in education and workforce, JFF Ventures is its aligned venture fundThe fund backs products that move adults from learning to earning, with a focus on those earning under fifty thousand dollars per yearPortfolio companies like Pace AI, Manifest, and Major League Hacking show the thesis in actionAI can both disrupt and enable, the opportunity is to use it to widen access, lower training costs, and improve job performanceThe structure shares financial upside with the nonprofit, reinforcing the mission as companies scale ----------------------------------------Investing in Impact is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you're launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:Bookkeeping, Accounting & Tax Management – Organized, compliant, and transparent financials managed by licensed professionals (CPAs, CFAs, CMAs, and lawyers) to drive smarter decision-making.Growth & Marketing – Data-driven strategies across branding, web, advertising, CRM, and sales enablement—all optimized for measurable ROI.Outsourced CFO – Flexible financial leadership covering cash flow, forecasting, and strategic planning.Entity Management – Stay compliant and ready for scale with expert corporate governance and compliance support.Operations, HR & Admin – Streamlined infrastructure to boost team efficiency and keep your business running smoothly.IT & Security – Safeguard your data and operations with best-in-class infrastructure, compliance, and protection.Technology Consulting – Build the right tech stack with expert support across NetSuite, QuickBooks, Avalara, and more.Management Consulting – Unlock growth with industry-specific advisory services focused on metrics, operations, and scalability.As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.

Welcome back to another episode of Upside at the EUVC Podcast, where Dan Bowyer, Mads Jensen of SuperSeed, Andrew J Scott of 7percent Ventures, and Lomax unpack the forces shaping European venture capital.This week, veteran journalist Mike Butcher (ex-TechCrunch Europe, The Europas, TechFugees) joins the pod. From the creator economy eating media brands, to Europe's fragmented ecosystem and the capital gap that just won't die, we dive into EU-Inc, Draghi's unfulfilled reforms, ASML's surprise bet on Mistral, Europe's defense awakening, Klarna's IPO, and quantum's hot streak.Here's what's covered:00:01 – Mike's ResetTechCrunch Europe closes; Mike reflects on redundancy, summer off, dabbling in social and video.03:00 – Media Evolution & Creator EconomyFrom '90s trade mags → TechCrunch → The Europas & TechFugees. Blogs as early social media; today's creators (MrBeast, Bari Weiss, Cleo Abram) echo that era. Bloomberg pushes reporters front and center as media becomes personality-driven.06:45 – Europe's Ecosystem & Debate CultureEurope isn't Silicon Valley's 101 highway — it's dozens of fragmented hubs. Conferences like Slush, Web Summit, VivaTech anchor the scene, but the missing ingredient is debate. US VCs spar on stage then grab a beer; Europe is still too polite.12:00 – All-In Summit DebriefMads' takeaways from LA: Musk on robotics (the “hand” bottleneck), Demis Hassabis on AGI (5–10 yrs away), Eric Schmidt on US–China AI race, Alex Karp on Europe's regulatory failures. The Valley vibe captured, but it's only one voice.17:00 – EU-Inc & Draghi ReportDraghi's 383 recommendations, just 11% implemented. €16T in pensions sit mostly in bonds; only 0.02–0.03% flows into VC (vs 1–2% in the US). Permitting bottlenecks: 44 months for energy approvals. Panel calls for a Brussels “crack unit,” employee stock option reform, and fixing skilled migration.35:00 – Deal of the Week: ASML × MistralASML leads a €2B round in Mistral at €11B valuation. Strategic and cultural fit (Netherlands ↔ Paris) mattered more than sovereignty. Mads: 14× revenue is a bargain vs US peers. Andrew: proof Europe's VCs are too small — corporates must fill the gap. Lomax: ASML knows it's a one-trick pony with 90% lithography share; diversifying into AI hedges risk.49:00 – Defense & Industrial BaseRussian drones hit Poland, NATO urgency spikes. UK pledges defense spend to 2.5% GDP by 2027, but procurement bottlenecks persist. Poland cuts red tape under fire; UK moves at peacetime pace. Andrew: real deterrence is industrial capacity. Mike: primes must be forced to buy from startups; dual-use innovators like Helsing show the way.59:00 – Klarna IPO & the Klarna MafiaKlarna IPOs at $15B (down from $46B peak). Oversubscribed; Sequoia nets ~$3.5B; Atomico 12M → 150M. A new “Klarna Mafia” of angels and operators will recycle liquidity back into Europe's ecosystem.01:03:00 – Quantum's Hot StreakPsiQuantum ($7B, Bristol roots), Quantinuum ($10B, Cambridge), IQM (Finland unicorn), Oxford Ionics' $1B exit. Europe has parity in talent but lacks growth capital. Lomax: “Quantum is hot, but a winter will come.” Andrew: Europe can win here — if the money shows up.01:05:00 – Wrap-upThe pod ends on optimism: Europe may not own AGI, but in quantum it has a fair fight.

In this special episode of StartUp Health NOW, recorded in front of a live virtual audience of StartUp Health community members, Unity Stoakes sits down with Vishal Vasishth, Co-founder & Managing Director of Obvious Ventures. Listeners get to hear not only Vishal's insights on purpose-driven investing but also questions from community members who joined the conversation in real time. Vishal shares how Obvious Ventures backs founders building companies that align human, planetary, and economic health. From pioneering startups reversing Type 2 diabetes to biotech companies harnessing AI to decode biology, he explains why the most valuable businesses of tomorrow will be those solving humanity's biggest challenges. This conversation goes beyond capital, digging into the role of optimism, authenticity, and creativity in fueling sustainable innovation. If you want to understand how values-based investing is reshaping healthcare and the economy, this is a must-listen. Tune in to learn: How Obvious Ventures integrates purpose into early-stage investing Why healthcare innovation is central to systemic change How AI and generative science are accelerating new solutions The future of outcomes-based models and sustainable growth Whether you're an investor, founder, or changemaker working to improve health, you'll come away with fresh insights on building with purpose. And if you join the StartUp Health community, you can attend Fireside Chats like this one in real time and ask your own questions directly.   Do you want to participate in live conversations with industry luminaries? When you join the StartUp Health Network – a new private community for investors, buyers, and industry leaders to connect year-round with top health entrepreneurs – you are invited to a full calendar of interactive Fireside Chats with the most influential leaders shaping health innovation. Come with questions, learn what is working right now, and connect with industry icons. » Learn more and join today. Want more content like this? Sign up for StartUp Health Insider™ to get funding insights, news, and special updates delivered to your inbox.  

In this episode of Tank Talks, host Matt Cohen sits down with Nikunj Kothari, Partner at FPV Ventures, to explore his journey from product leader at LinkedIn, Opendoor, and Meter to early-stage investor. Nikunj shares candid insights on why the best companies thrive under benevolent dictatorships, how AI is reshaping SaaS pricing models, and what makes founders truly exceptional.From his early years growing up in India to becoming one of the most thoughtful voices in venture, Nikunj opens up about his decision to leave operating roles, his angel investing beginnings, and his transition to VC at storied firm Khosla Ventures before joining FPV. He also dives deep into evaluating founders, navigating hypergrowth, and why outcome-based pricing may define the next decade of SaaS.Whether you're a founder looking to scale, an investor trying to spot the next breakout company, or simply curious about how AI is rewriting business models, this episode is packed with hard-earned lessons and bold ideas.A Quick Word from our Sponsor, FaskenAt Fasken, our clients don't wait for the future. They build it. As the first and largest dedicated emerging tech practice in Canada, our team is composed of founders, ex in-house counsel, developers and business advisors who have guided clients from startup, to scale-up, to exit. The trust of our clients has enabled us to consistently rank at the top of every major Canadian M&A, Capital Markets and Venture Capital league table. With deep industry knowledge and experience across all areas of emerging and high growth technology including ClimateTech, MedTech, Artificial Intelligence, Fintech, and AgTech we're your partners within the innovation ecosystem as you transform the landscape of what's possible.Tomorrow starts here. Own it with us.For more information, visit fasken.com/emergingtech and follow us on LinkedIn.From India to Silicon Valley: Nikunj's Early Journey (00:08:21)How his blend of engineering, design, and business led him to product management at LinkedIn and startups.Learning From Hypergrowth at LinkedIn and Opendoor (00:011:23)Why talent density and ambitious missions drive scaling organizations.The Investor's Lens: Spotting Latitude in Founders (00:013:32)Nikunj's framework for evaluating founder vision and depth at the earliest stages.Why the Best Companies Are Benevolent Dictatorships (00:015:39)How companies like Shopify and Coinbase thrive under strong, opinionated leaders.The Tension for Non-Founders in Dictatorship Environments (00:21:09)Nikunj's personal lessons as a PM executing a founder's vision.The Pivot to Investing: From Angel Checks to Khosla Ventures (00:23:26)Why he left operating roles, and what he had to unlearn as he became a VC.Joining FPV Ventures and Betting on Founder POVs (00:27:18)How FPV approaches concentrated early-stage investing with diligence and conviction.Gross Margins, Kingmaking, and the VC Trap (00:32:09)Why focusing on revenue quality matters more than chasing top-line growth.AI and the Future of SaaS Pricing Models (00:39:31)How outcome-based and usage-based pricing will disrupt per-seat SaaS models.Navigating Enterprise AI Adoption (00:44:22)The role of champions in enterprise sales and lessons from scar tissue in early adoption.Competing in Crowded Markets: The Series A Challenge (00:47:31)Why exceptional founders and market depth matter more than being first.Hot Takes: Solo Founders in the AI Era and the Future of IPOs (00:54:24)Nikunj's contrarian views on solo founders and whether Canva will go public.About Nikunj KothariNikunj Kothari is a Partner at FPV Ventures, where he focuses on early-stage investments with a founder-first approach. Previously, he was a product leader at LinkedIn, Opendoor, and Meter, where he helped scale hypergrowth startups and navigate tough product challenges. Nikunj began angel investing while at Opendoor and later joined Khosla Ventures, before moving to FPV to pursue concentrated, high-conviction seed and Series A investments. Known for his sharp writing on venture and product strategy, Nikunj has become a leading voice on topics ranging from benevolent dictatorships to the future of SaaS pricing.Connect with Nikunj Kothari on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikunjkVisit the FPV Ventures website: https://fpvventures.com/Connect with Matt Cohen on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/matt-cohen1Visit the Ripple Ventures website: https://www.rippleventures.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

At the EUVC Summit 2025, the Firm of the Year award didn't go to a household name—or a partner of the presenter. It went to a firm that's quietly built one of the most impactful portfolios in European venture over the past decade:Credo Ventures – winner of this year's Firm of the Year Award.And the irony? They didn't see it coming.“I never really liked awards like this… but maybe I'm ready to reconsider.”Credo Ventures' rise hasn't always been center stage. Based in Central and Eastern Europe, they've long bet on founders and ecosystems that many in mainstream venture overlooked.But the results speak for themselves—category-defining companies, global expansion stories, and a consistent track record of backing ambitious founders early.“Maybe having such an award can be a new KPI for us—right next to DPI.”The Credo team kept the moment light, thanking not just their founders and LPs—but even the investors who didn't back them.“Thank you, Thomas, for not investing in us. Maybe that pushed us forward even more.”This self-awareness is part of what's made Credo so beloved in the ecosystem: no arrogance, no buzzwords—just clear conviction, strong founder relationships, and outcomes that speak louder than headlines.This award wasn't just about Credo—it was a signal to every fund building off the beaten path:That it's possible to build world-class performance from anywhereThat recognition follows consistencyAnd that humility and humor are strengths, not liabilities“The real credit goes to the founders we've backed. Their success is why we're here today.”Congratulations to Credo Ventures—EUVC Firm of the Year 2025.May DPI stay high, and KPIs stay fun.Building Beyond the SpotlightA Touch of Humility. A Lot of Performance.A Win for the Underdogs

Title: Fundraising in College AthleticsSeries: The Huddle on Sports Business VenturesGuest: Maria Mullan, ASU Athletics

This episode of “What Is the Right?” features a conversation on the coalition of newcomers who have moved to the right in recent years. In response to the Black Lives Matter movement, the erosion of free speech on the left, and the rise of gender ideology, many who would not have formerly considered themselves conservative […]

How to build a unicorn in under 2-years? Not exactly a step-by-step playbook, but you will learn something from a founder who actually did it! You will also hear a VC's perspective from Kevin Weber, Managing Director at Amex Ventures! Boom. Jesse Zhang Founder & CEO of Decagon https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejessezhang/ Kevin Weber Managing Director at Amex Ventures https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-weber-b77b8028/

As an Amazon Affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional price to you.Hello again Vinyl Crew, this week we're talking about the PRICE of albums! We don't do that much, but as Jay is going through and tallying his own collection, he brought some records to let everyone know how much they can really cost! And John is there too I guess...Take a look!FanSite(Community, Merch, and more)https://vinylventurespod-shop.fourthwall.comListen to our podcast on other platforms -Subscribe and Watch Podcasts and other video content on our Youtube Channel -https://youtube.com/@vinylventures5943YouTube Music -https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB-B79XM3gz_nEiESH3_duyGPeZlWgYgN&feature=share Apple Podcasts -https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vinyl-ventures/id1495409282Follow us! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/vinylventures_podcast/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/vinylventurespodcast/#vinylcommunity #music #vinylrecords #vinylcollecting

In this episode, Aki Anastasiou speaks with Martha Lamola, Operations Director for Vodacom Business Ventures and Partnerships, about how Vodacom is driving innovation while ensuring operational excellence across its enterprise ventures. Martha explains how Vodacom combines “basic brilliance” with forward-looking technologies to deliver trusted solutions that businesses can rely on. She highlights how trust, infrastructure, and innovation work together to build long-term partnerships with clients. The conversation explores real-world examples of Vodacom's impact, such as IoT-driven solutions in energy management and agriculture that are transforming industries in South Africa and beyond. Martha also shares insights on the future of enterprise telecommunications, including the role of cloud migration, AI, cybersecurity, and 5G in shaping growth opportunities across the continent.

We love to hear from our listeners. Send us a message. On the Business of Biotech this week, Sahir Ali, Ph.D., founder and general partner at Modi Ventures, a family office investing at the intersection of technology and biology, talks about adapting the Markowitz model to improve returns and balance risk, his concept of the "biostack" for making direct investments into life sciences companies, and the revolutionary potential of scientific super intelligence. Ali explains why Houston, Texas is an underrated ecosystem for life sciences, and what AI will mean for medicine and the future of healthcare consumption.  Access this and hundreds of episodes of the Business of Biotech videocast under the Business of Biotech tab at lifescienceleader.com. Subscribe to our monthly Business of Biotech newsletter. Get in touch with guest and topic suggestions: ben.comer@lifescienceleader.comFind Ben Comer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bencomer/

Daniel Ibri | Mindset Ventures | Co-Founder & Managing Partner  We're kicking off the very first Investor's Corner episode of the TechExits Podcast with Daniel Ibri, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Mindset Ventures.  Daniel shares his view on the surge in venture-backed tech exits, how today's M&A market compares to past cycles, and the role VCs play in guiding founders through the exit process. He also talks about where most exits are happening—M&A, IPOs, or secondaries—and which sectors excite him most right now.  This debut Investor's Corner is a must-listen for founders, CEOs, and investors who want to understand tech M&A through the eyes of a leading VC. 

AI Takeover (via Notebook LM)(Part of Blockchain DXB AI Series)

In this episode of The Jira Life, we're joined by Chris Cooke to talk about CollabSoft Ventures and their role at TEAM '25 Europe.Chris shares how CollabSoft is investing directly into the Atlassian ecosystem, including initiatives that provide funding and support for small Marketplace vendors who want to grow, innovate, and scale their apps. As Chris put it, they're essentially “handing out free money to small vendors.”We'll dive into what this means for the community, how vendors can get involved, and why CollabSoft Ventures believes in building up the next generation of Atlassian Marketplace innovators.If you're an app builder, vendor, or partner curious about new opportunities, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.Thank you to Revyz for backing us up and making The Jira Life possible. https://www.revyz.io/The Jira Life=====================================Having trouble keeping up with when we are live? Sign up for our Atlassian Community Group!https://ace.atlassian.com/the-jira-life/Or Follow us on LinkedIn! / the-jira-life Become a member on YouTube to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/@thejiralife/...Hosts:Alex "Dr. Jira" Ortiz / alexortiz89 / @apetechtechtutorials Rodney "The Jira Guy" Nissen / rgnissen https://thejiraguy.comSarah Wright / satwright Producer:"King Bob" Robert Wen / robert-wen-csm-spc6-a552051 Executive Producer: Lina OrtizMusic provided by Monstercat:=====================================Intro: Nitro Fun - Cheat Codes / monstercat Outro: Fractal - Atrium / monstercatinstinct

You don't need a Stanford degree or a flashy deck to raise a pre-seed, seed or Series A, but you do need to show investors that you've put in the work. 645 Ventures co-founder Nnamdi Okike shares practical advice for founders who are prepping to raise capital, including what he looks for in pitch meetings, how to uncover “earned secrets,” and why chasing hot categories can backfire. We also dig into how 645 uses outbound sourcing and proprietary software to spot overlooked talent — and what it really takes to stand out if you don't fit the typical founder mold. RUNTIME 58:08 EPISODE BREAKDOWN (2:18) Nnamdi describes his path from operator to investor. (5:00) Stage by stage: What sets 645 Ventures apart from other firms? (12:33) What signals and sectors suggest strong alignment with 645? (21:04) “We do have some solo founders in the portfolio.” (25:49) His take on CEOs who promote a hard-charging, aggressive culture. (31:20) Why he favors founders solving real problems, not just chasing trends. (37:02) One thing he wishes more first-time founders understood about the early-stage ecosystem. (43:55) What kind of proof or evidence he looks for in companies raising capital. (49:20) Which early assumptions he and his team have since modified —or thrown out. LINKS Nnamdi Okike Aaron Holiday 645 Ventures Pattern Breakers Karen Moon SUBSCRIBE

In this episode of Investor Connect, Hall Martin speaks with Rachna Dayal, a global health biotech and venture investment expert, founder of Sugati Ventures.  Rachna shares her transition from corporate roles at Johnson & Johnson and Philips to founding and running a venture fund focused on transformative health tech startups. She talks about the major differences between working in large corporations and managing a small VC fund, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and addressing high unmet needs in healthcare through innovative solutions in medical devices and AI-enabled platforms.  Rachna highlights her investment thesis around consumer-first, purpose-led brands, particularly focusing on life-saving devices and enhancing quality of life, and discusses the crucial role of founder-market fit and diverse backgrounds in fostering innovation in the healthcare space. She also touches on current trends such as the rise of AI in healthcare and the impact of economic conditions on venture capital, offering advice for new investors and emphasizing the need for perseverance during tough times in the investment landscape.  Visit Sugati Ventures at Reach out to at   _______________________________________________________ For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at:    Check out our other podcasts here:   For Investors check out:   For Startups check out:   For eGuides check out:   For upcoming Events, check out    For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group    Please , share, and leave a review. Music courtesy of .

Ihar Mahaniok is Managing Partner at Geek Ventures. We have an excellent discussion on AI trends and startup opportunities.

Wealth isn't just about what you say yes to, it's also about knowing when to say no. The most successful people protect their time, energy, and capital by being highly selective with their ventures.Learn how to invest in real estate with the Cashflow 2.0 System! Your business in a box with 1:1 coaching, motivated seller leads, & softwares. https://www.wealthyinvestor.com/Want to work 1:1 with Ryan Pineda? Apply at ryanpineda.comJoin our FREE community, weekly calls, and bible studies for Christian entrepreneurs and business people. https://tentmakers.us/Want to grow your business and network with elite entrepreneurs on world-class golf courses? Apply now to join Mastermind19 – Ryan Pineda's private golf mastermind for high-level founders and dealmakers. www.mastermind19.com--- About Ryan Pineda: Ryan Pineda has been in the real estate industry since 2010 and has invested in over $100,000,000 of real estate. He has completed over 700 flips and wholesales, and he owns over 650 rental units. As an entrepreneur, he has founded seven different businesses that have generated 7-8 figures of revenue. Ryan has amassed over 2 million followers on social media and has generated over 1 billion views online. Starting as a minor league baseball player making less than $2,000 a month, Ryan is now worth over $100 million. He shares his experiences in building wealth and believes that anyone can change their life with real estate investing. ...

Albert Azout is the Co-founder and Managing Partner of Level Ventures, combining first-principles thinking with state-of-the-art data science to back and build top seed-stage firms and their breakout companies.Venture investing is hard, and this conversation covers all their research unpacking exactly how to generate alpha.We also talk about how Level picks and backs emerging venture managers to invest in, and Albert gives a demo of the custom internal software they've built.Thank you to Jake Kupperman, Sasha Kaletsky, Nathan Benaich, Amanda Robson, and Dave Fontenot for helping brainstorm topics for the conversation. Special thanks to Ramp for supporting this episode. It's the corporate card and expense management platform used by over 40,000 companies, like Shopify, CBRE and Stripe. Time is money. Save both with Ramp. Get $250 for signing-up here: https://ramp.com/ThePeelTry Hanover Park - the modern, AI-native fund admin https://www.hanoverpark.com/TurnerTimestamps:(5:01) Top 3 forms of alpha in VC(10:11) Other ways to generate alpha(12:47) Avoiding false positives(17:11) Optimal fund size and portfolio construction(22:25) The role of Luck(23:55) Spin-out vs outsider funds(25:43) Level's backchannel reference process(29:29) Finding alpha in Criticality Investing(34:45) Why capital flows drive all returns(43:53) Early, consensus investing has the most alpha(48:46) Networks are more persistent than performance(52:03) The strongest and weakest networks(58:41) Demo of Level's internal software(1:04:48) Building a Fund of Funds around their data(1:10:01) Ideal LP GP relationship(1:12:39) Benchmarks are relative(1:15:39) VC funds using AI(1:17:43) How venture will change in the next 10 yearsReferencedLevel Ventures: https://levelvc.com/Level's Research Papers: https://levelvc.com/research/Follow AlbertLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/albertazout/Newsletter: https://albertazout.substack.com/ Follow TurnerTwitter: https://twitter.com/TurnerNovakLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/turnernovakSubscribe to my newsletter to get every episode + the transcript in your inbox every week: https://www.thespl.it/

This summer, join host David Mandell as he revisits and highlights episodes from Season 3 and 4 of The Wealth Planning for the Modern Physician podcast, in our 2025 Summer Rewind Series. "I genuinely believe there is a lot of information to gain from all of our episodes deliver, but for the summer, I've handpicked a few that offer intriguing ideas and a unique perspective for physicians in 2025," says David. "I hope you enjoy this Season encore series. Have a great summer!" Episode 4.1 | Originally Released: September 21, 2023 To kick off Season 4 of the podcast, David welcomes a very special guest – his father, radiologist Dr. Charles Mandell.  David begins by asking Charlie, as he does with all physician guests, where he is from and what led him to become a physician in general and a radiologist in particular. Charlie shares a bit about his first job out of training and his move to become chairman of a group radiology practice after a few years, including what he learned about the business of medicine. David and Charlie discuss Charlie's various entrepreneurial business ventures during this phase of his career, including real estate development and alternative energy. Charlie then talks about the second phase of his career – a locums practice that has allowed him to travel around the U.S. and maintain an ideal work-life balance for him and his wife. He relates some advice to other physicians who may consider this option. Charlie also discusses the telemedicine-medical software firm he co-founded, which continues to operate and grow today. The episode concludes with Charlie sharing some insights from 50 years in practice, why he still works and enjoys it, and what younger physicians should ponder when they consider their future retirement.  Learn more and listent to this and past episodes by visiting www.physicianswealthpodcast.com.

What does it really take to build billion-dollar beverage brands — and spot the next ones before anyone else?Danny Stepper, co-founder and CEO of L.A. Libations and co-founder of Taste Tomorrow Ventures, joins us to share his insights from the cutting edge of beverage innovation. If you've ever wondered how to get your drink on the shelf at Kroger, Walmart, or Sprouts, or what separates founders who make it from those who don't, this episode is worth a listen.We discuss:How Stepper went from Coke merchandiser to creating an incubator that's helped build brands like Zico, Core, and BodyArmor — with exits in the billionsThe playbook behind breaking Gatorade's exclusive deals at 7-Eleven, Walmart, and Costco, unlocking BodyArmor's path from $100M to $1B+Why L.A. Libations' role as “emerging category captain” with retailers is one of the most powerful positions in beverages — and how to pitch for placement of your brandThe traits he sees in the most successful founders — red flags that make him pass every timeThe trends retailers are making more shelf space for right now, including protein-fortified drinks, adult non-alc, and what Stepper calls the “fourth category” Why he launched Taste Tomorrow Ventures, a $30M fund investing in founder-first brands right nowFrom near bankruptcy to billion-dollar exits, Danny Stepper has lived the highs and lows of this industry — and his lessons could change the way you think about your own brand's path to growth.Last Call: Pitching a distributor can make or break a drinks brand. But most founders are making the same mistakes — losing opportunities before they've even started. On our latest sponsored Last Call, Alex Cherniavsky, managing partner at SWIG Partners, joined us to share how to avoid those pitfalls and stand out in a crowded market.Don't miss our next episode, dropping on September 10.For the latest updates, follow us:Business of Drinks:YouTubeLinkedInInstagram @bizofdrinksErica Duecy, co-host: Erica Duecy is founder and co-host of Business of Drinks and one of the drinks industry's most accomplished digital and content strategists. She runs the consultancy and advisory arm of Business of Drinks and has built publishing and marketing programs for Drizly, VinePair, SevenFifty, and other hospitality and drinks tech companies.LinkedInInstagram @ericaduecyScott Rosenbaum, co-host: Scott Rosenbaum is co-host of Business of Drinks and a veteran strategist and analyst with deep experience building drinks portfolios. Most recently, he was the Portfolio Development Director at Distill Ventures. Prior to that, he was the Vice President of T. Edward Wines & Spirits, a New York-based importer and distributor.LinkedInCaroline Lamb, contributor: Caroline is a producer and on-air contributor at Business of Drinks and a key account sales and marketing specialist at AHD Vintners, a Michigan-based importer and distributor.LinkedInInstagram @borkalineSPONSOR: SWIG Partners is exclusively offering $100 off their supplier-distributor matchmaking fee when you mention the Business of Drinks podcast, or inquire via this link: ⁠https://www.swigpartners.com/businessofdrinksIf you enjoyed today's conversation, follow Business of Drinks wherever you're listening, and don't forget to rate and review us. Your support helps us reach new listeners passionate about the drinks industry. Thank you!

In this episode, we welcome Kasey Kelly—ACP Ambassador, military spouse, and owner of Lily Rock Farms. Kasey shares her journey of building a business rooted in passion, resilience, and community, while balancing the unique challenges of military family life. She opens up about the lessons learned through trial and error, the importance of adaptability in entrepreneurship, and how embracing both successes and setbacks has shaped her path forward.Tune in to hear Kasey's inspiring story of growth, grit, and purpose, and discover how her experience can encourage and guide others on their own entrepreneurial journeys.Support the show

This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.----------------------------------------The climate challenge has become the defining issue's of our era, unlocking trillions of dollars in climate finance and creating an unprecedented opportunity for bold ideas. But how capital is deployed and the types of founders it backs will determine whether we see systemic change or just incremental improvements.That's where Cerulean Ventures comes in.Co-founded by Matthew Stotts, Cerulean is a pre-seed venture capital firm investing in founders applying AI and advanced technologies to build exponential solutions for nature.Rather than chasing status-quo climate investments or one-off moonshots, Cerulean seeks leverage points where software, data, and fintech can radically transform entrenched systems.I recently sat down with Matthew to dive into his journey, Cerulean's unique investment lens, and the transformative startups reshaping everything from agriculture to renewable energy. ----------------------------------------Investing in Impact is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you're launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:Bookkeeping, Accounting & Tax Management – Organized, compliant, and transparent financials managed by licensed professionals (CPAs, CFAs, CMAs, and lawyers) to drive smarter decision-making.Growth & Marketing – Data-driven strategies across branding, web, advertising, CRM, and sales enablement—all optimized for measurable ROI.Outsourced CFO – Flexible financial leadership covering cash flow, forecasting, and strategic planning.Entity Management – Stay compliant and ready for scale with expert corporate governance and compliance support.Operations, HR & Admin – Streamlined infrastructure to boost team efficiency and keep your business running smoothly.IT & Security – Safeguard your data and operations with best-in-class infrastructure, compliance, and protection.Technology Consulting – Build the right tech stack with expert support across NetSuite, QuickBooks, Avalara, and more.Management Consulting – Unlock growth with industry-specific advisory services focused on metrics, operations, and scalability.As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.

Garrett Marshall brings over 22 years of expertise in driving growth within the wellness industry, with a proven track record across strategy and innovation, executive leadership, business development, strategic partnerships, and technological product development. At a time when health awareness and digitization are at unprecedented levels, Garrett Marshall specializes in creating practical, high-value solutions that empower individuals to improve their well-being. By combining cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of market dynamics, Garrett transforms challenges into scalable opportunities that deliver measurable impact. Garrett has played a pivotal role in the success of multiple ventures, contributing to two IPOs and earning six Inc. 1000 FGC Awards. Recognized as IHRSA's Rising Star, Garrett consistently drives remarkable results, achieving $5M in ARR within 36 months in each of the last three SaaS startups. -- Critical Mass Business Talk Show is Orange County, CA's longest-running business talk show, focused on offering value and insight to middle-market business leaders in the OC and beyond. Hosted by Ric Franzi, business partner at REF Orange County.

"The way to discover how God wants to work is to venture out in faith. Step out and see what the Lord might do. But as we step out in faith, there has to be a guard against presumption. A lot of people make a serious mistake by falling back on human effort when God's hand obviously is not in it... God will do the work, but you have the opportunity to be the vessel through which God works." (pp. 123, 135)

On today's Legally Speaking Podcast, I'm delighted to be joined by Alex Baker. Alex is the Founder of Legal Tech Collective and Legal Tech Foundry. With 20 years of experience in launching and building companies in the UK, Europe, Asia and North America, Alex is currently supporting start-ups in the legal and financial sector. He is passionate about building the future of legal services.So why should you be listening in? You can hear Rob and Alex discussing:- The Urgency for Legal Tech Adoption- The Importance of Empowering Legal Tech Founders- What It Means to Be an AI-Native Law Firm- The Challenges for Traditional Firms- The Cost of Inaction (COI)Connect with Alex here - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/alexpbaker

Europe has just gained its first unapologetically defense-first venture fund. Archangel Ventures, led by Nicholas Nelson and Daniel Carew, is not here to hedge, not here to play dual-use semantics, but to put defense front and center.Nic brings the lived experience of government, strategy, and deployments, with the policy networks to match. Daniel comes from a deep tech/DARPA-inspired investing background, obsessed with the frontier of what technology can achieve. Together, they're building a fund that rejects the hype cycle and instead anchors itself in Europe's sovereignty, resilience, and the urgent reality of our geopolitical moment.Why Estonia? Why now? Because the frontier matters. From Tallinn to Vilnius to Warsaw, the tyranny of geography makes defense personal. Partnering with Superangel, Archangel is embedding itself in the heart of the Baltics—a region that already knows what it means to digitize, mobilize, and defend.Archangel Ventures is a platform, a coalition of the willing, a bet that Europe can and must build its own defense ecosystem. As they put it, defense is not a bubble, not a passing Ukraine-driven hype cycle. It's the crucible where the next generation of European technology—and deterrence—will be forged.We're proud to have launched this journey with them on the pod. Tune in: 01:00 Origins of Archangel — Nic on why he wouldn't start with just any partner.04:00 Why they teamed up — Daniel recalls NATO roots and complementary skillsets.08:30 Why defense-first matters — Nic explains why dual-use doesn't work at seed.11:00 The timing challenge — Daniel on NATO's long horizon investing.14:00 Portfolio construction — Nic's three buckets: unmet needs, future needs, unknown unknowns.20:00 Filling the ecosystem gap — Daniel on bridging startups and primes in Europe.27:00 Why Estonia — Nic on geography and teaming with Superangel.33:00 Personal ties — Daniel on his Estonian family and NATO links.41:00 On working with primes — Nic pushes back on the “dinosaurs” narrative.53:00 Risks ahead — Nic on what happens if the war in Ukraine ends tomorrow.

“ That's also quite daunting as an investor to be able to put money into something that is perfect for now, but will it last three to five years? Will it even last three to six months?” Ripple Ventures managing partner and podcaster Matt Cohen joins to discuss the insane revenue numbers generated by the new cohort of AI startups, and how VCs are navigating the froth by updating their evaluation criteria (and hoping the growth continues). Grab your calculator and let's dig in. The BetaKit Podcast is presented by The BetaKit Innovation Leaders program: designed for incubators, accelerators, and innovation orgs across Canada. Members gain access to monthly media training, weekly office hours, and ongoing brand recognition on BetaKit. You'll also receive strategic promotional support: sponsored content, newsletter amplification, and event marketing, to help your stories reach the right audience. If you're looking to better support the innovators in your network, learn more at betakit.com/innovation-leaders. Related Links: AI is changing startup math a16z: What “Working” Means in the Era of AI Apps

The New Wave of AI-First SaaS Companies Serving SMBs w/ Cooper Simson of Martell Ventures - AZ TRT S06 EP16 (278) 8-24-2025       What We Learned This Week: ·         Political & product risk can kill a business overnight. ·         AI is lowering barriers to software creation while eliminating low-value roles. ·         SMBs are ripe for AI adoption, especially in workflow automation & marketing. ·         The best AI businesses solve real problems — not just add shiny features. ·         Future-proofing means building where the “puck” is going, not where it's been.     Guest: Cooper Simson https://www.linkedin.com/in/cooper-simson-896957b1/ Website: https://martellventures.com Contact Cooper -  Instagram: @Coop_Doggy_Dog  Dan Martell's portfolio manager and business partner at Martell Ventures. Cooper talks about what they're building around AI and SaaS software, companies they work with, and the products for SMBs.   Show Notes Guest: Cooper – Entrepreneur & AI Venture Builder Bio ·         Started with a finance degree but never pursued traditional finance. ·         First venture: lead-gen & marketing agency (failed when partner left). ·         Pivoted through freelance work → launched a business helping people apply for government grants using AI. ·         Business collapsed overnight due to political risk when U.S. policy changed. ·         Backed by Dan Martel, who later brought Cooper into Martel Venture Studio AI. ·         Lessons learned: Always maintain control of the product and build businesses that can withstand outside risks.     Segment 1: AI + SMB Software Companies ·         Martel Ventures works with AI-first SaaS companies solving real business problems for SMBs (0–100 employees, $1M–$50M+ in revenue). ·         Examples of portfolio companies: o    Precision Connect – cleans and organizes business data dashboards. o    Atlas AI – AI voice agent that can call leads, nearly indistinguishable from a human caller. o    Hero – recruitment tool powered by AI. ·         AI is the middleman killer → entry-level tech jobs (SDRs, data analysts) most at risk. ·         Core question for any AI product: Does it solve a real problem, or is it just an AI feature? Segment 2: Dan Martel & Martel Ventures ·         Dan Martel: 27+ years in tech, 3 major software exits, 5M+ followers. ·         Founder of SaaS Academy (coached 6,000+ students). ·         Author of Buy Back Your Time. ·         Martel Ventures (founded 2024): o    Invests in and advises AI SaaS startups. o    Target: 10–12 portfolio companies per year. o    Provides equity, funding, and advisory services to accelerate growth & marketing. ·         Martel Ventures' niche: AI + SaaS companies with clear use cases and revenue potential. ·         Cooper's biggest takeaway: “Skate to where the puck is going” — build for future AI demand, not yesterday's. Segment 3: The AI Shift in Business ·         Cost transformation: AI drastically reduces software development and coding costs. ·         AI enables SMBs to: o    Automate workflows & reduce repetitive tasks. o    Boost employee efficiency → turns “C players” into “B+ players.” o    Increase ROI per employee by shifting them to higher-value work. ·         SMB Examples: Local service providers, agencies, or firms generating $1M–$50M annually with 5–200 employees. ·         Key insight: If you can't identify the customer and the problem solved in 5 seconds, the product likely won't succeed. AI Use Cases in Marketing & Ops ·         Lead research automation. ·         Retargeting: AI can read your website, identify IPs, and find who visited. ·         Ad research: analyze competitor ads with AI agents. ·         Campaign automation: compresses timelines from weeks to days. ·         Contact management: AI can segment and organize lists for sharper targeting. Cooper Philosophy: Frameworks & Systems ·  The "Founding 50" framework walkthrough ·  How to diagnose bottlenecks and build fast paths to MRR ·  Distribution engine strategies that accelerate growth Contrarian Takes ·  "Distribution beats capital — especially when your offer hits" ·  Why founders waste time perfecting products instead of selling ·  Red flags he spots instantly in founders AI Market Insights ·  What makes AI-first companies different from traditional SaaS ·  Why SMBs are the sweet spot for AI products right now ·  How venture landscape is changing for AI companies Leadership & Scaling ·  "Lighthouse, not tugboat" guidance approach ·  Speed over perfection in execution ·  People-first, action-oriented leadership style     Dan Martell – Bio info https://www.danmartell.com/ventures/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmartell/?originalSubdomain=ca https://www.saasacademy.com/author-dan-martell Dan Martell is a renowned coach and founder of SaaS Academy, celebrated for his expertise in scaling B2B SaaS businesses and significant contributions as an angel investor. Dan Martell is a Canadian entrepreneur, angel investor, and coach known for his expertise in the SaaS (Software as a Service) industry. He's founded, scaled, and successfully exited three technology companies. He's also a prominent figure in the SaaS coaching space, having founded SaaS Academy. Additionally, Martell is an Ironman athlete, philanthropist, and author.  Book – Buy Back Your Time     Biotech Shows: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Biotech-Life+Sciences-Science   AZ Tech Council Shows:  https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=az+tech+council *Includes Best of AZ Tech Council show from 2/12/2023   Tech Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Tech-Startup-VC-Cybersecurity-Energy-Science  Best of Tech: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/size/5/?search=best+of+tech   ‘Best Of' Topic: https://brt-show.libsyn.com/category/Best+of+BRT      Thanks for Listening. Please Subscribe to the AZ TRT Podcast.     AZ Tech Roundtable 2.0 with Matt Battaglia The show where Entrepreneurs, Top Executives, Founders, and Investors come to share insights about the future of business.  AZ TRT 2.0 looks at the new trends in business, & how classic industries are evolving.  Common Topics Discussed: Startups, Founders, Funds & Venture Capital, Business, Entrepreneurship, Biotech, Blockchain / Crypto, Executive Comp, Investing, Stocks, Real Estate + Alternative Investments, and more…    AZ TRT Podcast Home Page: http://aztrtshow.com/ ‘Best Of' AZ TRT Podcast: Click Here Podcast on Google: Click Here Podcast on Spotify: Click Here                    More Info: https://www.economicknight.com/azpodcast/ KFNX Info: https://1100kfnx.com/weekend-featured-shows/     Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the Hosts, Guests and Speakers, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent (or affiliates, members, managers, employees or partners), or any Station, Podcast Platform, Website or Social Media that this show may air on. All information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes. Nothing said on this program should be considered advice or recommendations in: business, legal, real estate, crypto, tax accounting, investment, etc. Always seek the advice of a professional in all business ventures, including but not limited to: investments, tax, loans, legal, accounting, real estate, crypto, contracts, sales, marketing, other business arrangements, etc.  

Welcome back to another episode of the EUVC Podcast, where we gather Europe's venture family to share the stories, insights, and lessons that drive our ecosystem forward.Today we welcome David Vlerick, Founding Partner at Bluegrass Ventures, to discuss how LP capital can be mobilised with meaning, why a platform approach makes venture more accessible, and what it takes to shift mindsets in a conservative market like Belgium.Bluegrass Ventures backs top-decile, small-to-mid-sized VC funds globally, while giving investors flexibility and transparency through a platform model. In this conversation, David shares his journey from law and private equity into venture, the philosophy behind Bluegrass, and why he believes primary capital is one of the most powerful forces for shaping a brighter future.

Space Kinetic received an investment from CerraCap Ventures, a firm known for supporting technology and health sector startups. The funding is aimed at advancing Space Kinetic's development of orbital logistics solutions to improve the movement of materials and equipment in space. This investment is expected to accelerate technological progress in the space industry and expand Space Kinetic's role in the growing market for space-based services.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Player Driven, Greg talks with Joe Pace, VP at ASICS Ventures, about the company's surprising leap into virtual reality with DISC, a brand-new competitive sport built for Meta Quest. They explore what it means to build community before code, how fitness and gaming are converging, and what studios can learn from a 70-year-old brand embracing LiveOps. If you're thinking about building something new — or building it differently — this episode is for you.Timestamps: 02:00 – Why ASICS is getting into gaming (and why now) 06:00 – The DISC origin story: air hockey meets VR 16:30 – Why they launched on Discord before they launched the game 21:00 – Surprising lessons from the VR community 38:00 – What's next: arcade mode, cosmetics, and social scalingGuest Bio:Joe Pace is the VP at ASICS Ventures, where he leads new product strategy across emerging digital platforms. Previously at Runkeeper, LL Bean, and Legendary Entertainment, Joe's work spans fitness, technology, and innovation. LinkedInKey Topics: VR game development Community-first strategy Meta Quest platform Fitness and gamification LiveOps in non-traditional gaming studios Social dynamics in VR ASICS's innovation model Building new sports for virtual platformsRelevant Links: disc.asics.comCredits:Hosted by Greg Posner, founder of Player Driven — a podcast about the business of games and how smart people scale them.

It's a strange kind of numbness—waking up each day, clocking in, and wondering if this is all there is. You trade your energy for a paycheck, but after bills and burnout, there's not much left for what actually matters to you. Somewhere along the line, the idea of freedom got swapped for just getting by. And while the thought of building something different feels risky, staying stuck starts to feel like the bigger gamble. Avi Vatsa is an entrepreneur blending law, tech, and marketing, with ventures ranging from a digital agency to an AI startup. He's launching a book, You Can Do It All, in December and a podcast, Founder Mode, this month. Today, he shares his journey and introduced Dial Laura, an AI voice agent for automating bookings and lead follow-up. He emphasized building systems that enable freedom—not just profit—and mastering key skills without losing focus. His message: you don't have to choose one path—you can design your own. Stay tuned! Quotes: “I build businesses to dismantle the systems that take advantage of people. My end game is financial, spiritual, and personal freedom.” “Everybody has a finite amount of time, and either you trade time for money, or you do something with leverage where you can buy back your time.” “Humans had to adapt to computers to do things with them. Now, computers adapt to humans.” Resources: Avi Vatsa — Entrepreneur, Human Rights Leader, Tech Visionary, Author, and Founder of “Founder Mode” Podcast. Follow Avi Vatsa on Facebook Connect with Avi Vatsa on LinkedIn

At the EUVC Summit 2025, Mehmet Atici from Bek Ventures aimed a popular narrative—that Europe is underperforming as a tech region. Not because it's untrue, but because it's incomplete.“Yes, there's catching up to do. But you can't argue there's no dynamism in Europe—it's just not evenly distributed.”And once you look closer, the picture changes fast.Much of the “Europe must act” discourse comes from the continent's largest economies—France, Germany, and the UK. But productivity data tells a different story:Poland and Bulgaria are growing steadily.Ecosystems in Tallinn, Lisbon, and Barcelona are booming—fueled in part by digital nomad visas.Eastern European founders are making waves well beyond their borders—with names behind global giants like Databricks and Snowflake.“Building a business isn't a lifestyle choice for them. It's a global ambition from day one.”These founders bring international exposure, capital efficiency, and hunger—without the insular networks that often define more mature markets.Sure, improving regulation—around stock options, company formation, or funding incentives—helps. But as Mehmet put it:“That's medicine without a proper diagnosis.”The bigger issue isn't operational—it's strategic positioning.The U.S. remains the most attractive market: a single language, deeper capital markets, and cultural cohesion.Europe's software market is just 23% of global share, compared to 43% in North America.So even if we fix the mechanics, the gravitational pull of the U.S. won't go away. And in some cases, a European identity may actually slow access to that market—not speed it up.What if fragmentation wasn't our weakness—but our untapped advantage?“The most thriving tech ecosystems are the most politically cohesive—because they serve founders, not flags.”Europe doesn't need to copy the U.S. to succeed. It needs to recognize excellence wherever it emerges, connect the dots, and support founders wherever they're starting from.In Mehmet's words:“Our opportunity is to transcend borders—not erase them.”“Let's not forget: the original EU model was ‘United in Diversity.'”It wasn't a flaw. It was a feature.Europe's next wave of global founders may not come from the centers you expect—but they're already building. Our job is to back them, bridge them, and help them win on a global stage.Let's get to it.Not Just Paris, London, BerlinEurope's Problem Isn't Just PolicyFrom Fragmentation to SuperpowerThe Original European Model Still Applies

Tune is as Nick is joined by Johanna Wolfson, co-founder and General Partner of Azolla Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in breakthroughs that have the potential to avert catastrophic climate change. Together, Nick and Johanna explore Azolla Ventures' unique approach to combining catalytic capital—philanthropic and risk-tolerant funding designed to prioritize impact over returns—with traditional venture capital to fill critical early-stage gaps left by traditional investors and accelerate innovation in and adoption of climate tech solutions. Johanna also explores how this approach enables her and her team to support “big swings” in climate solutions—including in under-discussed and under-supported areas of technological innovation—by bridging high-risk deployments from ideation and spin-out stages through commercialization, particularly for technologies often considered too risky.Further, they discuss: Urgency and opportunity in methane emissions mitigation: Nick and Johanna reflect on a common appreciation and excitement for opportunities to slow global warming by supporting methane mitigation technologies and approaches, which other investors across climate tech and energy often overlook. Further, Johanna offers a portfolio company example to ground this discussion in tangible terms.Long-termism and adaptability in climate investing: Nick and Johanna iterate on and advocate for a longer-term approach to climate investing, emphasizing planning horizons of 2050 and beyond to foster greater durability across policy shifts and macroeconomic trends. They also emphasize the need for adaptability in response to rapid technological and market changes. Other underserved technological and policy-focused opportunities: Johanna encourages entrepreneurs and funders to review and adjust their theories of change continually and to look globally for “where the action is”—including emerging opportunities in international regulations, such as new global carbon taxes for shipping, stratospheric aerosol injection, and the importance of government research funding in advancing early-stage solutions.Timestamps:00:01:28 – Introductions and Azolla Ventures' investment strategy00:05:39 - Portfolio companies: Sublime Systems and lower-carbon cement production00:10:15 - Role of catalytic capital in climate tech startups formation and scaling00:11:19 – Portfolio companies: Zanskar Geothermal & Minerals00:14:25 – The primacy of long-term climate tech investment perspectives00:16:58 - Current climate tech investment environment across geographies00:22:36 - Balancing short-term realities with long-term goals00:25:23 - Methane moonshots and a focus on Biolumic00:27:24 – Massive opportunities in methane and nitrous oxide mitigation00:29:02 - Stratospheric aerosol injection and other emerging climate interventions00:30:30 - Final thoughts and calls to actionLearn more about Johanna's work and Azolla Ventures by following both on LinkedIn and exploring Azolla Ventures' website and portfolio here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johannawolfson/ + https://www.linkedin.com/company/azolla-ventures/ + https://azollaventures.com/If you love listening to The Keep Cool Show, please leave mea 5-star review on Rate My Podcast: https://ratethispodcast.com/keepcoolPlus, you can stay up to date on all things Keep Cool here: https://keepcool.co/ and follow Nick on...

Unlocking Innovation: The Alzheimer's Insights AI Prize and Its Impact on Healthcare There are currently more than 55 million people worldwide living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Recent breakthroughs in new treatments and diagnostics provide hope, but there is potential to accelerate the pace of discovery and development. Last year, StartUp Health, in partnership with the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation's (ADDF) Diagnostics Accelerator (DxA) and Gates Ventures, the private office of Bill Gates, launched the Alzheimer's Moonshot. This initiative breaks down silos and fosters meaningful collaboration between mission-aligned founders, funders, and partners, accelerating progress in preventing, managing, and curing Alzheimer's and related dementias through the support of entrepreneurial innovation. Now, the Alzheimer's Disease Data Initiative (AD Data Initiative) is backing visionary AI solutions to accelerate Alzheimer's research with the launch of a new million-dollar prize competition. The goal is to leverage agentic AI – AI that can plan, reason, and act autonomously – to help drive breakthroughs in  Alzheimer's disease and related dementias research. Gregory Moore, MD, PhD, senior advisor to Gates Ventures and the Alzheimer's Disease Data Initiative, sat down with us to share how you can join the competition to harness AI to radically accelerate Alzheimer's disease research. The Alzheimer's Insights AI Prize offers $1M to the winner for the agentic AI solution that can generate a powerful leap in the pace, scale, and reach of ADRD research. Drawing from his unique background in both engineering and medicine, Dr. Moore discusses how AI could dramatically accelerate drug discovery and clinical trials by up to 50%. The initiative aims to break down traditional research barriers by harmonizing diverse data sets, from genomics to neuroimaging, making breakthroughs more accessible to the global scientific community. The Alzheimer's Insights AI Prize competition semi-finalist teams will be selected to present at a pitch event alongside the Clinical Trials on Alzheimer's Disease (CTAD) Conference in San Diego this December, where innovators worldwide will present their ideas to a distinguished panel of judges from tech, academia, and venture capital. From there, up to three finalist teams will be invited to a final event at the AD/PD International Conference next March in Copenhagen, Denmark. With travel support available for participants, this initiative ensures global accessibility and collaboration. Ready to learn how AI could revolutionize brain health research to potentially detect Alzheimer's earlier, improve treatments, and work toward prevention and cures? Listen to this inspiring episode that bridges technology and medicine in the fight against dementia. Then visit Alzheimer's Insights AI Prize to learn more and apply by September 12, 2025.     Do you want to participate in live conversations with industry luminaries? Members of our Health Moonshot Communities are leading startups with breakthrough technology-driven solutions for the world's biggest health challenges. Fireside Chats, Expert Office Hours, and Peer Circles are benefits of our Health Moonshot Community Membership. To get involved, submit our three-minute application. If you're mission-driven, collaborative, and ready to contribute as much as you gain, you might be the perfect fit. » Learn more and apply today. Want more content like this? Sign up for StartUp Health Insider™ to get funding insights, news, and special updates delivered to your inbox.

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1786: Jen Hayes explains why blogging stands out as a flexible, low-cost, and highly scalable side hustle that can adapt to any lifestyle. She highlights how blogging offers creative freedom, long-term passive income potential, and the ability to grow at your own pace without the burnout common in other gigs. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.jenhayes.me//why-blogging-best-side-hustle/ Quotes to ponder: "Blogging is flexible and can be done anytime, anywhere." "You can work on it for just a few hours a week or turn it into a full-time business." "Once you've built up your blog, you can earn passive income while you sleep." Episode references: The Millionaire Next Door: https://www.amazon.com/Millionaire-Next-Door-Thomas-Stanley/dp/1589795474 Your Money or Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Money-Life-Transform-Relationship/dp/0143115766 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Zenergy Podcast! Today, Karan has the honor of speaking with Pajani Singah, Co-Founder of Amazonia Impact Ventures. The company's website shares their mission best with a homepage statement of: “Amazonia Impact Ventures is an impact investor taking action to mitigate climate change and enhance biodiversity by protecting the Amazon rainforest and improving the lives of its people.” On this episode, we learn what inspired Pajani to launch Amazonia and what the early days of Amazonia looked like, including where they allocated their first 1 million dollars. We discuss Pajani's leadership style, the challenges his company faced, and where he sees Amazonia going in the next 5 years. If you like today's episode, don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes. Credits:Editing/Graphics: Desta Wondirad, Wondir Studios

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Burningham, entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author of the thought-provoking book "Becoming Wise in the Age of AI." Jeff shares his journey from running for governor to writing a book that explores the existential implications of AI on humanity. 00:00 - Introduction00:25 - Jeff's journey to writing the book01:07 - The book's unique approach and title01:38 - Why Jeff felt compelled to write03:22 - The evolution of Jeff's writing process05:07 - The dream that changed Jeff's perspective07:22 - The message and impact of the book10:04 - The role of AI in human evolution13:20 - The importance of human connection in the age of AI16:06 - Reforming institutions for human flourishing19:06 - The hero's journey and AI's role22:31 - The future of AI and human wisdom25:06 - Jeff's reflections on his personal journey31:13 - What's next for Jeff Burningham35:54 - Similarities between launching a book and a startup39:33 - Jeff's thoughts on running for office again44:05 - The serendipitous journey of the book's creation If you enjoyed this video and want to support us please leave a LIKE, write a comment on this video and Share it with your friends. Subscribe to our channel on YouTube and click the icon for notifications when we add a new video. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions.  Our website:https://www.siliconslopes.comShow Links:http://www.jeffburningham.com/Apple Podcasts -https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/silicon-slopes-the-entrepreneur-capital-of-the-world/id1698150372Spotify Podcasts -https://open.spotify.com/show/2ZdYnWYKPXOqH2fgJ2UJ2N?si=5890c63a145a4a3e Social:Twitter -https://twitter.com/siliconslopesInstagram -https://www.instagram.com/siliconslopes/LinkedIn -https://www.linkedin.com/company/silicon-slopes/YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aEtQ1KJrWhJ3C2JnzXysw

Bio: Ross is a founder, engineer, and early-stage technology investor who focuses on helping significant ideas scale up. He believes in working with "amazing people who build products indistinguishable from magic." His unique strength lies in connecting people. Episode Summary: In this episode, we sit down with Ross Fubini to discuss his journey from building companies to investing in them. Ross shares how he developed the thesis for XYZ, a fund that invests in founders tackling big problems across sectors like public policy, fintech, and climate. We'll explore what it means to make "seismic shifts in society" and what sets founders who "make doing the work their unfair advantage" apart from the rest. Key Discussion Points: From Builder to Investor: What inspired Ross to transition from engineering to venture capital. The XYZ Thesis: A deep dive into the fund's investment strategy and how it differs from other early-stage firms. The "2nd Derivative of Investments": Ross explains this unique investment concept and how he applies it to his decision-making. Public Sector Impact: How the public sector ecosystem influences private sector investment decisions. LP Reporting: Ross shares insights on how to structure effective quarterly reports and what Limited Partners truly value. The Deal Review Process: A look at the critical factors Ross evaluates when deciding to invest in a founder. Founder Mindset: The non-negotiable behaviors and traits Ross looks for in an early-stage founder. Investing in Volatility: A discussion on how funds can pivot and refine their strategies in a challenging macro environment. Learn More About Ross and XYZ: Ross Fubini's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fubini/ XYZ Venture Capital Website: http://www.xyz.vc The views expressed are for informational purposes only and not financial or legal advice. Opinions are my own and do not reflect those of Finalis Inc. or Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. Consult a professional for your specific situation.

Christian thought has long been intertwined with political life in America, and churches have long played a central role in civic life and in social movements. Groups like Moral Majority and the Christian Coalition were essential to conservative victories, both at the ballot box and in policy during the '80s and the '90s. And sometimes […]

In this episode of the Tacos & Tech Podcast, Neal Bloom sits down with Larsen Jensen, former Olympian, Navy SEAL, and now Managing Partner of Harpoon Ventures, an early-stage venture firm backing founders building in the national interest. Larsen shares the journey from serving Team USA to launching a venture fund focused on what he calls the Freedom Stack - critical technologies like AI, autonomy, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing that shape not just industry, but national security and global stability. They explore how Harpoon was early to the intersection of tech and geopolitics, why San Diego is uniquely positioned to lead in hardtech and defense innovation, and how founders can better navigate the path to working with the U.S. government through Harpoon's new initiative: Black Flag Incubator. Key Topics Covered: Larsen's Olympic and Navy SEAL background, and how it shaped his service-driven mission in venture The original thesis behind Harpoon Ventures - and how the market caught up Defining the "Freedom Stack": AI, cyber, energy, compute, defense, and more The rise of government demand for critical technologies Black Flag Incubator: helping founders navigate government engagement Why San Diego is poised for hardtech and national security innovation Advice for early-stage founders working in dual-use or deep tech The importance of founder communities, ecosystem building, and paying it forward Larsen's go-to taco spot (hint: it's inside Petco Park) Links & Resources: Harpoon Ventures Black Flag Connect with Larsen & Neal: Larsen Jensen on LinkedIn Neal Bloom on LinkedIn Follow @NealBloom on X

Bob Mould, whose records with Hüsker Dü had such impact on Nirvana and Pixies, is back on tour again, both solo and with a band. “I've built this tiny soap box - and if you don't like it, it's been nice knowing you!” He talks to us from San Francisco about … … March 30 1979: “the day that changed my life” … over-refreshment on the bus to see Rush and Aerosmith, aged 16 … the influence of Hüsker Dü on Nirvana, Pixies and My Bloody Valentine – “it's a game of hot potato. YOU take this sound now!” … seeing the Ramones opening for Iggy Pop – “simplistic on the surface but I got all their ‘60s pop references” … the art of the three-song set-opener … playing Buzzcocks and Ventures covers in ‘three-two' bars … opening for the Foo Fighters, playing for 100,00 people – and for crowds wearing masks during Covid … “the more the production, the less the spontaneity” … visual clues playing solo to let the audience know where the beat is … “I'm one of those others”: inter-song riffs about politics, protest and oppression Order Bob Mould tickets here: https://bobmould.com/Find out more about how to help us to keep the conversation going: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello again Vinyl Crew, this week we're talking about the PRICE of albums! We don't do that much, but as Jay is going through and tallying his own collection, he brought some records to let everyone know how much they can really cost! And John is there too I guess...Take a look!FanSite(Community, Merch, and more)https://vinylventurespod-shop.fourthwall.comListen to our podcast on other platforms -Subscribe and Watch Podcasts and other video content on our Youtube Channel -https://youtube.com/@vinylventures5943YouTube Music -https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB-B79XM3gz_nEiESH3_duyGPeZlWgYgN&feature=share Apple Podcasts -https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vinyl-ventures/id1495409282Follow us! Instagram https://www.instagram.com/vinylventures_podcast/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/vinylventurespodcast/#vinylcommunity #music #vinylrecords #vinylcollecting

How are innovators driving sustainable ventures to transform Medicaid and improve care for underserved populations? During May's Digital Healthcare Innovation Summit, Zeena Johar, entrepreneur in residence of Frist Cressey Ventures; Chris Johnson, founder and CEO of Bluebird Kids Health; Aditi Mallick, former CMO of Medicaid and director of Minority Health at CMS; and Jenny Ismert, CEO of Community Plan of Kansas at UnitedHealthcare Community & State gathered to discuss scalable solutions, funding strategies, and the role of technology in addressing complex challenges within Medicaid. Moderated by .406 Ventures' Payal Agrawal Divakaran, the panel provided insights into creating lasting impact while navigating the evolving digital health and policy landscape. 

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Hannah Dittman speaks with Jason Sherman, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Top Shelf Ventures, an early-stage fund specializing in alcohol and vice brands. Jason shares his journey from Harvard Law to leading billion-dollar investments at AB InBev, to building and selling one of the fastest-growing alcohol companies in the United States, and ultimately launching Top Shelf Ventures to back the next generation of disruptive brands. Drawing on over a decade of operational and investment experience, he offers a candid look at what founders need to know to succeed in this unique category.Gain valuable insights into identifying the right markets, avoiding costly expansion mistakes, and understanding the key metrics that matter most to investors, such as velocity, retention, and operational efficiency. Jason explains why many alcohol industry exits occur earlier than in other CPG sectors, shares practical fundraising strategies, and outlines how to effectively position a brand for acquisition. He also discusses what differentiates Top Shelf Ventures in a competitive funding landscape and how his team works closely with founders to support growth.Tune in to learn how to stand out to investors, grow strategically, and set your brand on the path to a profitable exit. Listen in as they share about:Top Shelf Ventures OverviewDefining “Vice” & Category BoundariesStage, Check Size, and MetricsDistribution StrategyExamples of Successful ApproachesMargins & ProfitabilityFundraising GuidanceFirst Investor Meeting Best PracticesExit Strategies & Acquisition DynamicsEpisode Links:LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/topshelfventures/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasondsherman/ Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Hannah's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.comEpisode music by Super Fantastics