What happens when your company wasn't born with AI, but now has to compete with those that were? In this episode of RRE POV, Raju Rishi and Will Porteous tackle what established companies should do when AI-powered competitors start knocking at the door. They break down how to protect your business while using AI to get better at everything you do. You’ll hear real company stories and experiences, plus practical advice on which AI tools to adopt right now.
Show Highlights:
(00:00) Introduction
(00:45) How do Old Companies Survive AI?
(02:00) Competing with Companies Built with AI from day one
(04:06) Smart Baby Monitor Beats AI-Native Competition
(07:00) Five Ways to Protect Your Business from AI
(12:28) Using AI to Improve Sales and Marketing
(15:06) Two Examples of AI-native Tools Driving Efficiency
(18:02) How Some Founders Are Training Agents to Code like Them.
(23:01) VoiceRun’s AI Support Breakthrough
(26:32) Why Finance is the Next Frontier of AI transformation
(31:00) How AI Is Changing Fundraising Expectations
(34:36) Why SaaS Might Be Dead
(40:12) Advice for Company Leaders Navigating AI
(40:51) Gatling Gun: Will AI Replace Us?
(44:11) How to Contact Us
This episode of RRE POV turns history into a high-stakes trivia match as Raju quizzes
Will on the 20 greatest inventions of all time. From the wheel and the compass to electricity and the computer, Will puts his historical memory to the test — nailing dates, inventors, and surprising details along the way. Together, they trace humanity’s most game-changing breakthroughs, exploring how each invention reshaped the world and paved the way for today’s technological revolutions.
Show Highlights:
(0:00) Introduction
(5:29) Writing Systems & Languages: Sumerians, Egyptians, Chinese
(7:41) The Compass: Chinese invention, global navigation
(10:53) Gunpowder: Chinese alchemists, global impact
(12:13) Printing Press: Gutenberg, mass communication
(16:06) Vaccination: Edward Jenner, public health
(18:55) Sanitation Systems: Modern sewage, clean water, public health
(25:03) Light Bulb: Edison, Swan, Davy
(25:30)Automobile: Benz, mass mobility
(26:31) Airplane: Wright Brothers, first flight
(27:16) Antibiotics: Penicillin, Alexander Fleming
(28:07) Computer: Turing, Zuse, ENIAC
(33:19) Vulcanization, PlayStation, Chick-fil-A, and other fun mentions
(36:00) Wrap-up & reflections on the impact of these inventions
The hardest startup decisions are the ones you can’t undo. In this episode of RRE POV, partners Raju Rishi and Will Porteous share the critical early choices that can make or break a company, from branding and pricing to hiring, titles, and product design.
Drawing on real boardroom experiences and founder stories, they share where startups often trip up, how to avoid costly missteps, and practical frameworks for making decisions today that won’t limit your options tomorrow.
🎧 Listen in for practical frameworks and battle-tested lessons every founder needs before making the moves that will shape their company’s future.
You’ve closed your funding round. The wire’s hit. Your team is pumped. Now what? In the latest episode of RRE POV, General Partners Raju Rishi and Will Porteous dive into the crucial early days AFTER a deal is done — when expectations are fresh, possibilities seem endless, and the real work of building a high-functioning relationship between founders and investors begins.
If you're a first-time founder or just kicked off a fresh relationship with a new VC, this episode is your playbook for getting it right from day one.
Show Highlights:
00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks
00:58 Post-Funding Expectations
02:14 First Conversations with Entrepreneurs
04:10 Onboarding and Initial Steps
07:22 Board Meetings and Communication
12:36 Establishing Board Culture
18:52 Reality Check and Adjustments
22:19 Maximizing Board Member Contributions
23:01 Engaging with Directors Beyond Meetings
24:21 Leveraging Board Members' Superpowers
26:21 Effective Communication Strategies
30:16 Handling Bad News and Financial Literacy
33:25 Worst Board Meetings and First Dates
40:14 Fun and Final Thoughts
In this episode of RRE POV, Raju and Will sit down with Samir Dutta and Noah Faro, co-founders of Farsight, an AI platform reshaping how financial institutions operate. Raju first connected with the Farsight team through a fun coincidence they all happened to be part of the same MIT fraternity, Phi Beta Epsilon. Though they were there years apart, that shared bond made teaming up on this company a natural fit. The guys dive into how Farsight helps analysts move faster by generating slide decks and models in minutes, not weeks, and how it’s already driving real revenue for clients. With proactive AI agents on the horizon, Farsight is quickly becoming a must-have tool for modern financial workflows.
In a world reliant on Zoom, Raju and Will make the case for getting on the plane. From the boardroom to baggage claim, they break down why in-person connection still drives better outcomes—especially in venture capital and high-stakes decision-making.
These two seasoned road warriors share sharp insights on building trust, reading a room, and setting the tone for in-person meetings. Plus, they drop their best travel hacks—from packing like a minimalist to leveraging your hotel concierge—and swap stories from the road.
Whether you're building a company or just trying to beat jet lag, this episode delivers both practical wisdom and plenty of laughs.
Show Highlights:
(1:45) The relationship value of in-person meetings
(4:32) The power of body language
(7:51) In-person vs. Zoom meetings
(10:35) Basing your board meetings around a meal
(13:35) Remote-only companies
(16:25) Know how a hotel actually works
(20:10) Adjust to the time zone before you get on the plane
(24:00) Out of the ordinary things to bring when traveling
(26:44) Favorite airports
(27:39) Favorite travel experiences
(31:42) Worst travel experience
A company is only as good as the people on its team. In this episode, Raju and Will talk about what it takes to retain top talent within companies. Employee retention can be an intricate problem, and they’re breaking down the important factors founders need to keep in mind if they want to be successful.
From the hidden costs that come with turnover to the significance of setting the right company culture, Raju and Will offer vital strategies for fostering a motivated, loyal, and high-performing workforce.
Show Highlights
(0:00) Intro
(1:27) The hidden cost of replacing employees
(11:07) Why most startups face compensation challenges
(22:11) Providing a healthy culture and a sense of purpose
(30:44) Tips and tricks to make sure you don’t lose your best people
(43:45) Gatling gun section
Links:
RRE POV Website: https://rre.com/rrepov
X: @RRE
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rre-pov/id1719689131
What really makes a great startup founder? In this episode, Raju and Will rank the top characteristics they believe best define successful startup founders—from grit to customer obsession—all backed by real-life stories.
They break down essentials like adaptability, salesmanship, and technical skills, while also spotlighting often-overlooked qualities like delegation and decisiveness. Whether you're a seasoned founder or just getting started, this comprehensive conversation will give you a better understanding of what it takes to excel.
Show Highlights
(0:00) Introduction
(1:01) Ranking founder traits on a scale of 1 - 10
(1:46) Grit
(5:09) Adaptability
(9:34) Startup Experience
(12:28) Domain Knowledge
(15:50) Salesmanship
(19:28) Vision
(23:52) Decisiveness
(29:02) Technical Skills
(31:56) Customer Obsession
(33:47) Delegation
(38:28) Gatling gun section
Links
RRE POV Website: https://rre.com/rrepov
X: @RRE
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rre-pov/id1719689131
In this episode of RRE POV, General Partners Raju Rishi, and Will Porteous dive into why augmented reality is poised to outpace virtual reality as the next mainstream tech platform. Raju and Will explore the near-term AR investment landscape and the kinds of apps they’d bet on today. If you're a founder thinking about what to build—or an investor scanning the horizon—this episode is your blueprint for where AR is headed and why it matters now.
Show Highlights
(00:00) Introduction
(1:15) Limitations of virtual reality (VR)
(2:09) What is augmented reality (AR)?
(3:40) Will and Raju’s earliest experiences with AR
(6:55) More recent examples of AR
(9:06) Early AR hardware
(10:31) Different iterations of smart glasses
(14:56) Fitness mirrors: AR or not?
(18:50) AR will compete with other devices for attention capture
(20:31) Early AR applications
(24:23) Foursquare’s role in anchoring mobile devices to the physical world around them
(27:01) Consumer-driven AR applications
(31:00) Enterprise-driven AR applications
(35:40) Gatling Gun Section
Links
RRE POV Website: https://rre.com/rrepov
X: @RRE
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rre-pov/id1719689131
In this episode, Raju and Will break down the high-stakes world of annual budgeting for startups—because let’s face it, a bad plan (or no plan) can sink your business before it even takes off. They dive into what founders must include in their early-stage plans, how established companies can refine their strategy, and what to do when your budget completely hits the fan.
Show Highlights
(0:00) Introduction
(1:28) The value of annual plans for entrepreneurs
(5:29) What should be a part of your early-stage plans as a founder
(12:05) What already operating companies should add to their annual plans
(20:57) What you should do if your budget “hits the fan”
(26:29) How do you pivot when you’re blowing away financial targets
(32:07) Tips on how to best plan for your annual budget
(38:32) Gatling gun section
Links
RRE POV Website: https://rre.com/rrepov
X: @RRE
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rre-pov/id1719689131
In this episode, Raju welcomes Vic Singh as the newest partner at RRE. Vic's journey comes full circle, having started his career at RRE after college. The conversation begins with their shared experiences growing up as immigrants in New York City before diving into key lessons from Vic’s entrepreneurial ventures, including NearVerse, Tracks, and Kanvas. Vic also shares insights into his latest project, Originalis, which leverages AI to transform the venture capital landscape.
Show Highlights
(0:00) Introduction
(0:53) Vic Singh's background, return to RRE, and impeccable skincare routine
(4:13) Vic's early life after immigrating to the U.S. from Guyana
(10:23) Reflecting on points in Vic's life that could have sent him down a different path
(12:59) Vic's career beginnings with NearVerse
(20:09) Starting Trax after NearVerse
(26:54) Lessons learned from working on Kanvas
(32:22) What Originalis is going to do for venture
(38:17) The three most important lessons Vic learned from working in venture capital
(45:00) Gatling gun section
Links
RRE POV Website: https://rre.com/rrepov
X: @RRE
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rre-pov/id1719689131
How can technology help you take control of your health? In this episode of RRE POV, Raju and Will dive into the evolving world of health and wellness technology. As passionate advocates for personal fitness—reflected in some of the companies they’ve invested in—they explore how tech is reshaping the way we stay active. From performance-tracking devices to cutting-edge exercise equipment, they break down the innovations that are making it easier than ever to achieve your fitness goals. Tune in to discover how these advancements will shape the future of health and wellness.
Show Highlights
(0:00) Introduction
(1:09) How Will’s athletic accomplishments have influenced Raju’s fitness goals in recent years
(5:18) An overview of the health technology services that RRE has invested in
(7:37) The future of technology and exercise equipment
(15:01) How can health companies continue to justify their subscription services to their customers
(18:41) What do fitness apps have to offer?
(25:04) Innovations happening with health measurement devices
(34:41) Gatling gun segment
Links
Tricia Han’s episode: https://share.transistor.fm/s/7c74ec4a
RRE POV Website: https://rre.com/rrepov
X: @RRE
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rre-pov/id1719689131
CES 2025 is officially in the books, and Raju was on the show floor to explore the breakthroughs and innovations from across various sectors. He chats with Will about some of the standouts from Las Vegas over this past weekend. Highlights include NVIDIA's latest AI hardware, AI-empowered TVs, sleep-enhancing smart mattresses, advanced coffee machines (Raju’s personal favorites), and futuristic automotive entertainment systems.
Show Highlights
(0:00) Introduction
(1:06) Raju’s experience at CES 2025
(2:23 Raju’s thoughts on NVIDIA’s keynote presentation and Digits
(6:59) The latest TV and display tech at CES 2025
(11:28) What’s on the horizon for the automotive industry
(13:56) Innovations from healthcare and wellness
(23:35) Raju’s favorite next-generation consumer appliances
(36:09) Gatling gun segment
Links
RRE POV Website: https://rre.com/rrepov
X: @RRE
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rre-pov/id1719689131
With President Donald Trump’s inauguration just a week away, Raju and Will delve into how his presidency could shape the landscape for startups and VC firms. They examine the potential impacts of the Trump administration on various industries, including anticipated regulatory changes and the ripple effects that may unfold over the next four years. There will be huge growth opportunities for investors and startups across the board, but as always, you must consider the full scope before you hedge your bets. Raju and Will share their insights on navigating geopolitical risks, tax reforms, and evolving market dynamics to make informed decisions in this new era.
Show Highlights
(00:00) Introduction
(0:56) How the president can influence the “headwinds” and “tailwinds” of startups
(3:46) What defense and aerospace could look like under the Trump Administration
(7:33) The potential future of financial services, regulations, and crypto
(10:51) Manufacturing and construction
(16:54) What U.S. and China Relationships mean for startups and VC firms
(22:09) President Trump’s proposed tariffs and the retail industry
(25:01) Why agriculture could be negatively impacted under President Trump
(28:41) Gatling gun segment
Links
RRE POV Website: https://rre.com/rrepov
X: @RRE
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rre-pov/id1719689131
This week, Will and Raju are joined by Gaurav Sharma, CEO and co-founder of Capitalize, an RRE portfolio company. Gaurav takes listeners through his journey from the shores of Australia to Wall Street, and ultimately to founding Capitalize. Capitalize strives to simplify the complexities of saving within America’s retirement system. Gaurav shares how he developed his entrepreneurial drive, the invaluable lessons he gained during his time in investment banking, and the insights he acquired while building Capitalize.
Show Highlights
(00:00) Introduction
(01:56) Gaurav’s backstory and what brought him to the U.S.
(3:52) What drew Gaurav into financial services
(6:47) The impetus behind starting Capitalize
(10:52) The lessons Gaurav took away from working under David Einhorn
(13:16) Capitalize and how it helps make the retirement savings market less complicated
(23:14) The business partners of Capitalize
(24:54) What’s on the horizon for Capitalize and the services it offers
(28:30) Lessons that Gaurav’s learned through trying to build Capitalize
(31:24) Gatling gun segment
Links
Capitalize: https://www.hicapitalize.com
RRE POV Website: https://rre.com/rrepov
X: @RRE
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rre-pov/id1719689131
In this week's episode, Will and Raju delve into emerging breakthrough technologies and their potential to reshape our world. They explore the future of geothermal energy and its promise to revolutionize energy markets and transform residential power consumption. The conversation shifts to advancements in space technology, focusing on SpaceX's Starship and its far-reaching implications for space exploration and commercial travel. They also examine cutting-edge innovations in solar cells and chiplet technology, highlighting their impact on energy efficiency and semiconductor manufacturing. Lastly, Will and Raju discuss groundbreaking healthcare developments, including gene editing and weight loss drugs, reflecting on their ethical and societal challenges.
Show Highlights
(00:00) Introduction
(01:35) The emergence of geothermal technology
(5:03) Fracking: short-term or long-term problem
(9:38) Space, rockets, and the SpaceX Starship
(17:06) The potential of solar cells
(24:35) Chiplets and manufacturing
(32:02) The rise of weight loss drugs
(39:28) Gene editing treatments
(45:25) Gatling gun segment
Links
RRE POV Website: https://rre.com/rrepov
X: @RRE
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rre-pov/id1719689131
Anushka Salinas joins Will and Raju to share her experience as a first-time CEO, having led RRE portfolio company Nanit for the past six months. Anushka describes her journey to the top as the textbook definition of the American Dream. The child of Indian immigrants, she cut her teeth in the fashion industry and now calls the shots on the future of parenting technology. In this week's episode, Anushka discusses Nanit’s unique products, the cultural shifts she’s driving within the organization, and her vision for empowering modern parents through innovation.
Show Highlights
(00:00) Introduction
(01:45) Anushka's background before Nanit
(04:55) The early stages of Anushka's career
(08:23) The moment Anushka knew it was time to take the next step in her career
(11:53) Rent The Runway and giving power to women in business
(15:16) Growing professionally while building up a business
(17:32) Making the decision to come to Nanit
(21:21) Looking back on the first six months as CEO of Nanit
(25:37) Making cultural changes at Nanit and establishing leadership
(28:47) The vision for Nanit going forward
(33:38) Gatling gun segment
Links
RRE POV Website: https://rre.com/rrepov
X: @RRE
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rre-pov/id1719689131
Join hosts Will and Raju on this week’s episode of RRE POV as they delve into the transformative world of applied AI. Discover how AI is reshaping industries, sparking innovation, and challenging startups and established giants. With an eye on the future, Will and Raju reveal the real-world opportunities—and the obstacles—facing companies eager to harness AI’s power.
Show Highlights
(00:00) Introduction
(01:15) Raju’s thoughts on applied AI
(06:16) Should you invest in big AI platforms right now?
(09:58) Start-ups that will thrive in the AI revolution
(12:51) How AI companies can create a sustainable advantage
(16:24) Is GenAI worth the investment?
(19:37) The headwinds of wide-scale AI deployment
(24:29) What companies need to be thinking about when it comes to AI
(27:37) The value of generating new data
(32:00) Gatling gun segment
Links
RRE POV Website: https://rre.com/rrepov
X: @RRE
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rre-pov/id1719689131
In this episode of RRE POV, hosts Will and Raju sit down with Ron Fisher, Co-Founder and CEO of Avina, one of RRE’s latest portfolio companies. Avina positions itself as offering “X-Ray Vision for Your Sales Team,” bringing together insights from Ron's diverse and innovative background. From pioneering social media advancements with the Israeli Defense Force to applying lessons from his previous startup, Ron explains why Avina is on the cutting edge (even for AI standards) and caught the attention of Will and Raju.
Show Highlights
(00:00) Introduction
(01:01) Previewing Ron’s impressive background
(02:05) Growing social media for the Israeli Defense Force
(04:36) Lessons from the IDF that Ron brought to Avina
(05:38) Stories from Ron’s time with the IDF
(06:59) Tips to grow podcast listenership and online audiences
(07:57) What Ron learned from working for Nielsen
(10:59) The origins of Bowtie
(15:20) Transitioning from Megacorps to startups
(18:49) Avina and the company’s services
(20:54) Avina’s solutions and how it stands out on the market
(27:41) How and why you should get in touch with Avina
(30:32) Ron’s thoughts on GenAI
(32:13) Gatling gun segment
Links
RRE POV Website: https://rre.com/rrepov
X: @RRE
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rre-pov/id1719689131
In this episode of RRE POV, hosts Will and Raju delve into the crucial strategies for effectively managing organizational burn. While securing substantial funding may seem like a major win, it’s important to remember that resources are finite. This discussion focuses on optimizing the use of capital during the early "tinkering" and product development phases. Additionally, they share insights on recognizing when burn rates are unsustainable and the steps required to realign your financial strategy for long-term success.
Show Highlights
(00:00) Introduction
(00:44) Managing burn as a company
(03:59) The importance of the “tinkering phase” when it comes to your budget
(08:25) Remaining financially disciplined during the product phase
(12:25) Warning signs that you’re starting to burn too much
(19:14) What do you do once you’ve burnt too much
(27:19) Tips to getting around burn management
(33:56) Gatling gun segment
Links
RRE POV Website: https://rre.com/rrepov
X: @RRE
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rre-pov/id1719689131