In this episode, we sit down with Ben Parr, General Partner at Theory Forge Ventures and President/Co-founder of Octane AI. A former editor at Mashable and author of "Captivology," Ben brings a unique lens to the world of AI investing and entrepreneurship. We dive into his journey from journalism to founding a profitable AI platform, the future of AI in editorial and e-commerce, and his tactical advice for founders on achieving product-market fit, storytelling, and resilience. Ben shares invaluable insights from the front lines of AI venture capital, discussing why "AI founders backing AI founders" is a powerful model and how tenacity is the ultimate founder superpower. A must-listen for anyone in tech, startups, or investing.

The race to build a self-driving future is on, but who is funding the brains behind the bots? This episode, we sit down with Lynn Greenberg of Autonomy Ventures, a New York-based VC that has been betting on intelligent machines since 2016.We dive deep into the world of early-stage investing in artificial intelligence, robotics, and autonomous mobility. Lynn pulls back the curtain on what it takes for a seed or Series A startup to stand out in these complex, capital-intensive fields. How does she separate true technological breakthroughs from mere hype?From the sensors that guide a self-driving car to the AI that powers an autonomous warehouse, we explore the critical challenges and massive opportunities that define this sector. Get an insider's view on the trends shaping the next wave of automation and the foundational tech that will power our autonomous future.Key Takeaways:The Early-Stage Edge: Why Autonomy Ventures focuses on seed and Series A and how they identify foundational tech in AI and robotics.Beyond Self-Driving Cars: Exploring the vast landscape of autonomous mobility, from logistics and drones to last-mile delivery.The Founder's Playbook: The key traits Lynn looks for in teams tackling the immense technical and regulatory hurdles of autonomy.The New York Tech Scene: How a flagship NYC firm is carving out a niche in a field often associated with Silicon Valley.The Future is Now: Insights into the most promising and overlooked applications of AI and robotics that are poised for growth.

What if your bank account could help you live a longer, healthier life? This episode, we sit down with Sergey Balasanyan, the CEO of Longevity Card, who is on a mission to completely redefine the purpose of banking.We dive into his vision for the world's first age-tech bank, a platform that merges financial health with physical well-being. Sergey explains how Longevity Card uses data science and AI to create financial products specifically designed for people planning to live longer, more vibrant lives. This isn't just another mobile banking app; it's a proactive system aimed at helping you maintain your financial stability and physical health for decades to come.Get ready for a fascinating conversation about the future of fintech, the intersection of health and wealth, and how Sergey's team is building a safer, easier, and more personalized banking experience for the era of human longevity.Key Takeaways:The Longevity Bank Revolution: An inside look at the first bank designed from the ground up to serve a 100-year lifespan.Health Meets Wealth: How your financial data and health habits can be integrated to create personalized products and insights for a longer, higher-functioning life.The Age-Tech Ecosystem: Exploring the convergence of AgeTech, HealthTech, and Data Science within a financial services framework.The Future of Personal Finance: A look at the new financial products being developed for a generation that expects to live and work longer than any before it.Building a Mission-Driven Fintech: The strategy and vision behind creating a banking experience that is safer, easier, and fundamentally focused on your long-term well-being.

What does it take to build a thriving startup ecosystem far from Silicon Valley? This episode, we sit down with Jack, a founding partner at More Ventures, who has been helping build Israel into a global tech powerhouse for over two decades.Jack brings a unique operator's perspective, having lived through the highs of a NASDAQ IPO as a VP at Register.com. He reveals how that experience shapes his approach as a VC today—not just as a source of capital, but as a trusted advisor and a dedicated recruiter for the founders he backs. We explore his investments in companies like WeissBeerger (acquired by AB InBev) and Emefcy, and learn why he considers helping young talent launch their careers one of his most rewarding jobs.From coaching little league in Israel to chairing a community school, Jack also shares how his passions outside of venture capital enrich his work and his life, creating a powerful model for a fulfilling career.Key Takeaways:The Operator-Investor Edge: How the firsthand experience of a NASDAQ IPO informs a deeply empathetic and practical approach to venture capital.Building the Israeli Tech Miracle: An insider's perspective on two decades of investing in and contributing to Israel's vibrant startup ecosystem.The Talent Scout: Why Jack considers recruiting and mentoring young talent for portfolio companies a core part of his VC strategy and a personal passion.The Trusted Advisor Role: What it means to be a true partner to founders, going beyond the boardroom to support teams through the entire journey.Life Beyond the Deal: How community involvement, like coaching and education, creates a more balanced and impactful life and career.

The future of healthcare is here, and it's being written at the intersection of big data and human biology. In this episode, we sit down with Jason, a strategist and angel investor who is guiding companies through this seismic shift.We dive into how the industry is evolving to consume a massive spectrum of data—from genomics to economic trends—and use AI to deliver real-time clinical interventions. Jason breaks down his rigorous process for helping companies build an executable vision, shift their business models, and create unshakeable competitive differentiation.As a co-fund manager of the San Diego Angel Conference and a mentor with the NexCubed Digital Health Accelerator, Jason also provides an insider's view of the startup ecosystem. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand how data, strategy, and investment are converging to create the next generation of healthcare breakthroughs.Key Takeaways:The Data-Driven Healthcare Revolution: How the fusion of clinical, genomic, and behavioral data is creating a new paradigm for treatment and prevention.The Strategy Playbook: Jason's framework for building fact-based strategic plans that move companies from anecdotal decision-making to data-driven execution.Cultivating Innovation: How to identify and build transformative partnerships that sit at the convergence of data and clinical action.The Angel Investor's Lens: What a seasoned angel looks for in early-stage digital health, pharma, and med tech startups.Navigating Industry Shifts: Key insights on helping companies pivot business models, accelerate product innovation, and withstand intense competitive pressure.

How does a major university turn groundbreaking academic research into world-changing companies? This episode, we go inside the engine of innovation at Oklahoma State University with Jacob Mahaffey, Assistant Director of the Cowboy Technologies seed fund.Jacob reveals the playbook for identifying technologies buried in university labs and transforming them into viable, venture-backed startups. We explore the entire journey, from securing initial sponsored research funding and navigating non-dilutive grants to preparing for a seed round and accessing a powerful mentor network.This is a masterclass in the unique world of university venture creation. Learn how Jacob and his team validate product-market fit, mentor student and faculty founders through customer discovery, and build the scalable business models that attract serious investment. If you're curious about the future of tech transfer and academic entrepreneurship, this episode is for you.Key Takeaways:From Lab to Launchpad: The step-by-step process of identifying and commercializing university technologies with high-growth potential.The University Venture Studio: How Cowboy Technologies provides a unique blend of capital, advising, and facilities to de-risk academic startups.The Customer Validation Playbook: Jacob's framework for mentoring teams to pivot their value proposition and achieve true product-market fit.Funding the Journey: A breakdown of the capital stack for university startups, from non-dilutive grants and sponsored research to seed investment.Educating the Next Generation: How teaching and programs like the I-Corps Site are building a sustainable pipeline of student entrepreneurs.

How are the world's wealthiest families using their capital to build a better, more sustainable food system? This episode, we pull back the curtain on Earth First Food Ventures (EFFV), a unique investment platform built for ultra-high-net-worth families to co-invest in and launch the most ambitious food tech companies of tomorrow.We're joined by Brian Ruszczyk, whose 25-year career at the helm of JP Morgan, Citi, and Deutsche Bank has given him a masterclass in global finance and emerging markets. He now applies that extensive experience to a singular mission: identifying and scaling companies with a sustainable, social impact edge in the food technology space.From their global headquarters in the Cayman Islands to their expanding presence in Geneva, Athens, and Brazil, we explore how this unique firm is leveraging a truly international perspective to find and fund the bold ideas that will redefine our relationship with food.Key Takeaways:The Family Office Edge: An inside look at a unique platform that allows global families to co-invest directly in groundbreaking food tech ventures.The Sustainable Food Revolution: Explore the most promising and impactful investment opportunities in the food technology sector.From Wall Street to Food Tech: How Brian's experience running complex international operations for major banks informs a disciplined, global investment strategy.The Latin American Opportunity: Insights into the unique potential of the Latin American market from an expert who has worked in the region for decades.Building a Global Network: The strategy behind EFFV's expanding physical presence and how a multi-jurisdictional team spots trends and opportunities ahead of the curve.

How does a globally-recognized investor identify and empower the extraordinary founders who are building the future? This episode, we sit down with Tess Hau, a true force in the venture capital world and the founder of Tess Ventures.Tess brings a wealth of expertise from her diverse roles as a Venture Partner at Spike Ventures, an advisor to Stanford, and a champion for global expansion. She pulls back the curtain on her investment strategy, which has led to successful exits in frontier technologies like virtual reality, construction tech, and personalized medicine.We dive into her current focus on blockchain, IoT, and healthcare, and explore her powerful advocacy for women's leadership and diversity. This is a conversation about seeing potential where others don't, the importance of cross-cultural connections, and building a legacy that goes far beyond returns.Key Takeaways:The Global Investor's Lens: How Tess identifies high-performing startups and extraordinary founders across different markets and sectors.Frontier Tech Deep Dive: Insights into her investments in blockchain, IoT, and personalized medicine, and what makes a frontier tech company a compelling bet.The Solo & Syndicate Strategy: The rationale behind being a sole investor versus joining a syndicate, and how Tess Ventures structures its deals.Beyond Capital: Tess's passionate work as an international champion for women's leadership, diversity, and mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs.The Operator's Advantage: How her experience as a COO and Chairwoman provides a unique, operational perspective when advising founders.

How do you bridge the gap between a corporate giant and the most agile startups? This episode, Joel Palathinkal sits down with Ladi Greenstreet of Accenture Ventures and other special guests to explore the art of corporate venture capital.We dive into their personal entrepreneurial journeys, uncovering how they secured their first customers and how the power of storytelling is critical in sales and fundraising. The conversation pulls back the curtain on running a corporate accelerator, building crucial internal networks, and the unique strategies for generating revenue and supporting seasoned founders.Packed with advice for aspiring VCs and founders alike, this episode tackles how to identify a winning startup, the key traits of resilient founders, and how the pandemic permanently reshaped the tech landscape. Get an insider's view on the future of tech markets and the scaling opportunities that lie ahead.Key Takeaways:The Corporate Venture Playbook: An inside look at how Accenture Ventures operates, from its accelerator program to strategic investments.The Founder's Journey: Personal stories of securing that crucial first customer and transitioning from entrepreneur to corporate innovator.The Art of the Narrative: Why storytelling is the most underrated skill in both sales and venture capital.Building from the Inside: Strategies for navigating a large organization, building internal alliances, and driving change.Future-Proofing Your Strategy: Insights on identifying successful startups, key founder traits, and the lasting impact of COVID-19 on tech.

What does it take to identify and back the next generation of world-changing companies in the world's most dynamic emerging markets? This episode, we sit down with Rob, a co-founder of Lateral Capital, whose entire career has been dedicated to living and investing in developing economies.Rob takes us from the trading floors of JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs in Johannesburg and Moscow to the front lines of venture capital in sub-Saharan Africa. He shares the lessons learned from a decade of navigating complex markets across Africa, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, and how that global perspective shapes his investment thesis today.We dive deep into the unique challenges and monumental opportunities of building a venture ecosystem in emerging markets, the philosophy behind his evergreen fund, Frontier Dawn Partners, and why a background in philosophy and economics is the ultimate foundation for a life in frontier finance.Key Takeaways:The Emerging Market Edge: An on-the-ground perspective on the unique risks, opportunities, and growth potential of investing in sub-Saharan Africa and other frontier markets.From Wall Street to Venture Capital: How experience in global capital markets and private equity provides a distinct advantage in structuring deals in emerging economies.Building an Evergreen Future: The philosophy behind Frontier Dawn Partners and the case for patient, flexible capital in early-stage tech ecosystems.The Founder's Mindset: What Rob looks for in the pioneering tech teams brave enough to build companies in complex environments.The Unlikely Toolkit: Why a degree in philosophy is a secret weapon for analyzing market dynamics and building a successful, long-term career in finance.

How do you go from community college to the pinnacle of high finance? This episode, we sit down with Troy Rosales of Connexa Capital, who shares his incredible journey from a non-traditional academic path to roles at elite firms like Houlihan Lokey and Platinum Equity.Troy pulls back the curtain on the critical differences between venture capital and private equity, offering a masterclass in how to break into these competitive fields. He provides a tactical guide on everything from transferring to top-tier universities and acing finance interviews to developing the analytical skills that firms truly value.For investors and operators alike, Troy dives deep into his framework for early-stage investing, revealing the key metrics he tracks, how to balance market hype with fundamental value, and his strategies for minimizing losses in a volatile market. This is an inspiring conversation about calculated risk-taking and building a career on your own terms.Key Takeaways:The Non-Traditional Path to Finance: Troy's blueprint for leveraging community college, transferring to an Ivy League school, and breaking into top-tier finance roles.VC vs. PE Demystified: A clear-eyed comparison of the strategies, mindsets, and career paths in venture capital and private equity.The Interview Playbook: Actionable advice for standing out in finance sector interviews and the essential skills to develop now.The Early-Stage Investment Framework: The key metrics for evaluating startups and a disciplined approach to balancing hype with durable fundamentals.The Risk-Taker's Mindset: Why calculated risks are essential for career growth and how to build a portfolio designed for resilience.

How does a marine biologist end up as a key figure in the world of venture capital and payments? This episode, we sit down with the incredible John Lunn, whose journey weaves through PayPal, founding his own startup (Gravy), and investing with PayPal Ventures.John pulls back the curtain on his unique career path, revealing how skills from seemingly unrelated fields can become a superpower in tech. He shares invaluable, hard-earned wisdom on the art of networking, the rigorous process of due diligence, and the non-negotiable traits he looks for in successful founders.We also dive into the practicalities of building in the payments space with Gravy, compare the vibrant tech ecosystems of Canada, the UK, and the US, and tackle big questions from the audience on bootstrapping and the future of super apps. This is a masterclass in building a dynamic career at the intersection of operations, entrepreneurship, and investing.Key Takeaways:The Unconventional Path: How a background in marine biology provides a unique problem-solving lens for tech and venture capital.The Operator-Investor Mindset: John's firsthand perspective on the journey from founding a startup (Gravy) to becoming an investor at PayPal Ventures.The VC Tool Kit: The essential skills for breaking into venture capital, from building a powerful network to mastering due diligence.Inside the Founder's Mind: The key traits of successful founders and a fresh look at early-stage job titles and work-life balance.Global Tech Landscapes: A comparative look at the opportunities and challenges within the Canadian, UK, and US tech and VC ecosystems.

How is the world of venture capital evolving to fund the most complex, world-changing technologies? In this episode, we sit down with Matt Snow to trace his unique journey from education to entrepreneurship and into his role at Mass Ventures, where he tackles the unique challenges of deep tech and quantum computing.We dive into the future of fund structures and how new rules are democratizing access for a new class of accredited investors. Matt breaks down the specific criteria for betting on high-risk, high-reward sectors and shares invaluable strategies for startups navigating the very different worlds of selling to governments versus businesses.Packed with practical advice—from maintaining deal flow momentum during the holidays to essential networking tips for aspiring VCs—this episode is a masterclass in understanding the next frontier of technology investing.Key Takeaways:The Deep Tech Dive: An inside look at the risks, trends, and massive opportunities in sectors like quantum computing from an investor on the front lines.Democratizing Venture Capital: How new fund vehicles and crowdfunding are changing who can invest and where capital is flowing.The GovTech & B2B Sales Playbook: Key strategies for startups looking to sell to government entities versus traditional enterprise businesses.The Unconventional Path: How a background in education and entrepreneurship provides a unique lens for evaluating founders and technologies.Career Crossroads: Practical advice on breaking into VC, the pros and cons versus an industry role, and how to build a powerful network.

How can a foundation of curiosity and operational experience make you a better investor? In this episode, we explore a remarkable career shift into venture capital, driven by a desire to understand what makes transformative companies tick. Our guest breaks down how they navigated family expectations, why hands-on operational experience is an investor's secret weapon, and the art of building trust with limited partners.Then, we pivot to one of the most critical sectors being reshaped by technology: education. We dive deep into the future of EdTech, from innovative content delivery and financial solutions for student debt to the role of virtual reality in the classroom. We'll also explore the urgent need for emotional intelligence and work-readiness skills in modern curricula, and how the pandemic permanently altered the learning landscape.This is a compelling conversation for anyone interested in the intersection of investing, technology, and building a more effective future for education.Key Takeaways:The Curious Investor: How intellectual curiosity and operational experience create a powerful foundation for a career in venture capital.Building the Fund: Insights into VC trends and the nuanced process of building strong, lasting relationships with Limited Partners (LPs).The Future of Learning: An exploration of cutting-edge EdTech, from AI and VR to new models for tackling student debt and improving peer learning.Educating the Whole Person: Why the next wave of educational innovation must include financial literacy and emotional intelligence.The Pandemic's Lasting Impact: How global regulations and remote learning have permanently reshaped content delivery and the definition of a classroom.

What happens when a founder becomes a venture capitalist? In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Ackerman, who brings his unique founder's perspective to his role at Dreamit Ventures. We trace the evolution of Dreamit's focused strategy on prop tech and urban tech, and unpack how empathy—forged in the trenches of startup building—creates a powerful advantage in the investor-founder relationship.Andrew shares incredible stories from the front lines, from navigating the funding landscape post-9/11 to the unexpected revenue pivots that save startups. He provides a masterclass on the nuances of working with corporate venture capital, managing complex board dynamics, and the art of the term sheet.This is a must-listen for any founder or aspiring VC, packed with tactical advice on everything from Dreamit's famed sprint process to how to properly research and align with the right investors for your journey.Key Takeaways:The Founder's Edge: How Andrew's experience as a founder shapes his empathetic and effective approach to venture capital at Dreamit.Inside Urban Tech & PropTech: Why these sectors are ripe for disruption and how Dreamit identifies the most promising startups.The Corporate VC Playbook: Strategies for successfully engaging with corporate venture capital funds and navigating investor board dynamics.The Dreamit Sprint: A behind-the-scenes look at their intensive process for preparing, matching, and supporting startups long after the sprint ends.Tactical Deal Advice: Actionable tips on valuation, term sheets, and how founders can intelligently research and choose their VC partners.

How does a modern family office build a resilient and impactful portfolio in a world of constant change? This episode, we sit down with Steven Saltzstein, founder of Force Wealth, for a comprehensive look at the strategies shaping the future of private wealth.Steven pulls back the curtain on the core pillars of his investment philosophy, from navigating the classic debate between generalist and specialist approaches to harnessing the power of co-investments. We explore the pressing trends of today, including the rise of ESG, the integration of charitable goals into investment theses, and how generational shifts are reshaping client expectations.This conversation is packed with actionable insights on everything from fundraising and investor relations to coaching founders and building a powerful professional network. Steven also tackles listener questions on emerging markets and shares his outlook for the future.Key Takeaways:The Modern Family Office Blueprint: Key investment strategies, the importance of diversity, and how to select the right deals.Generalist vs. Specialist: The pros and cons of each approach and how market volatility influences this critical choice.The Impact Imperative: How ESG trends and charity-driven investments are becoming central to portfolio construction.The Art of Relationships: Expert advice on client management, investor relations, and effective pitch coaching.Building Your Network: Proven strategies for networking, selecting service providers, and maintaining discretion in a connected world.

What does it take to build a resilient investment strategy that withstands market crises—and then use that knowledge to become an entrepreneur? This episode, we sit down with Neil Datta, who shares his incredible journey from joining Ardn Asset Management during the heart of the financial crisis to launching his own venture, the Maritas platform.Neil provides a masterclass in portfolio construction and manager selection, breaking down the critical differences between direct and fund investments. He then reveals how this deep investment expertise inspired him to build Maritas, detailing the platform's unique features and its benefits for the investment community.This is a conversation about the powerful synergy between investing and entrepreneurship, the adoption of new asset classes like SPACs, and how to navigate a successful career through periods of extreme volatility. Neil also shares invaluable life advice gleaned from his journey.Key Takeaways:Crisis-Tested Strategies: How starting his career during the 2008 financial crisis shaped Neil's approach to resilient portfolio construction and risk management.The Art of Allocation: A deep dive into manager selection and the strategic balance between direct investments and fund commitments.From Investor to Innovator: The story behind building the Maritas platform—its inspiration, features, and future enhancements.Career Navigation: Insights into progressing through the complex worlds of multifamily offices and specialized healthcare funds.Life and Investment Wisdom: Key lessons on adapting to market changes, embracing entrepreneurship, and building a meaningful career.

What does a journey from engineering to finance reveal about the future of investing? In this episode, Joel Palathinkal engages with Harshad Lalit for a deep dive into the evolving world of impact investing and the powerful intersection of technology and finance.Harshad brings a unique perspective, shaped by his engineering roots, a PhD, and his role at Rockefeller Capital Management. He shares how a technical mindset applies to developing sophisticated investment strategies and unpacks the complex world of ESG. We cut through the jargon to explore the real role of data, accounting standards, and indices in measuring corporate responsibility.This is a forward-looking conversation on the trends shaping impact investing, the parallels between a PhD and the startup grind, and how algorithms can be tuned for both profit and purpose. If you're curious about how finance is being redefined, this episode is for you.Key Takeaways:From Code to Capital: How an engineering and PhD background provides a unique, analytical edge in the world of high finance.Demystifying ESG: A clear-eyed look at the data, metrics, and standards behind impact investing and corporate social responsibility.The Rockefeller Strategy: Insights into how a legendary name in finance is adapting its investment approach for a values-driven future.The PhD vs. Startup Mindset: Exploring the surprising parallels between academic research and the challenges of building a business.Algorithms with a Conscience: How quantitative strategies are being applied to navigate social issues and generate sustainable returns.

How do you build a thriving career by betting on yourself? This episode, Joel Palathinkal sits down with Trish Spurlin, a seasoned capital allocator with a fascinating journey from institutional investing at Babson College to launching her own fractional CFO consulting business.Trish opens up about the mindset shifts required for major career pivots, sharing why calculated risk-taking and building unwavering trust are the bedrocks of success in both finance and entrepreneurship. We dive into the practicalities of launching and managing an investment business, the unspoken rules of breaking into the competitive worlds of private equity and venture capital, and why empathy is a superpower in client relationships.Packed with actionable advice on networking, handling tough conversations, and leveraging problem-solving skills, this conversation is a masterclass in building a career with purpose and resilience.Key Takeaways:The Career Pivot Playbook: How to successfully transition from a secure institutional role to the uncertainty and reward of entrepreneurship.The Human Side of Finance: Why empathy, relationship-building, and trust are the true currencies of a successful fractional CFO and investor.Breaking into PE & VC: The essential skills and networking strategies you need to land a role in competitive capital allocation.The Fractional CFO Blueprint: Key insights on building a consulting business centered on solving clients' biggest financial challenges.Navigating Difficult Conversations: Practical advice for managing high-stakes discussions with clients, partners, and investors with confidence.

What does it take to spot the next groundbreaking startup in the world's most dynamic tech ecosystem? This episode, we sit down with Kfir Kachlon, who leads investments at AnD Ventures, a firm dedicated to uncovering early-stage gems in the Israeli startup scene.Kfir brings a truly unique perspective to venture capital. With a background in technology law, specializing in the intricate details of IP and M&A, he understands how to de-risk a deal from the ground up. He also knows the founder's journey firsthand, having built his own consumer product company from scratch.We dive into what makes the Israeli tech ecosystem so special, how his legal expertise and operational experience shape his investment philosophy, and why he's so passionate about taking an active role in helping visionary founders build category-defining companies.Key Takeaways:Inside the Israeli Tech Miracle: An expert's view on what makes Israel a perpetual hub for world-class innovation and how to navigate its early-stage landscape.The Legal Edge in VC: How deep expertise in IP, M&A, and contracts provides a critical advantage in evaluating and structuring early-stage investments.Founder-Led Investing: Why Kfir's experience building L’etape Cycling Apparel allows him to connect with and support founders on a deeper level.Sector Agnostic Insight: Lessons from leading investments in diverse fields, from Cannabis and AgriFood tech to deep tech and consumer products.The Active Investor: What it means to go beyond capital and take a truly hands-on approach to enable the growth of portfolio companies.