Meta and Amazon are making billions in profit, so why are they laying off thousands of employees in late 2025? It’s not a recession, it’s a strategic shift.
We break down the real reasons behind the new wave of "quiet layoffs" sweeping Big Tech and what it means for the future of your career.
In this deep dive, you'll learn about the "Great AI Re-Allocation," how the "Year of Efficiency" became a permanent strategy, and why the jobs of the future are becoming highly specialized.
This isn't just news; it's a critical look at the new rules of the tech industry and how you can navigate them.
TIMESTAMPS
(00:00) - Introduction: Meta and Amazon layoffs despite record profits
(00:37) - Recent layoff reports at Meta and Amazon
(01:35) - The new normal: continuous strategic culling in big tech
(02:00) - Reason 1: The great AI reallocation
(02:50) - Reason 2: Year of efficiency as permanent operating philosophy
(03:40) - Reason 3: Pandemic hiring aftershocks
(04:17) - What does this mean for you?
(05:04) - Silver lining: Talent boost for startup ecosystem
(05:22) - Conclusion and call to action
KEY TAKEAWAYS
✅ Why profitable companies are still cutting staff.
✅ How AI is forcing a massive reallocation of talent and capital.
✅ The new skills that are in high demand (and which are at risk).
SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VC & STARTUP STRATEGY
VC10X breaks down the most important stories in tech, startups, and investing every week. If you want actionable insights to help you build or invest in the next great company, subscribe now.
LET'S CONNECT
Website: https://VC10X.com
X / Twitter: https://x.com/choubeysahab
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab
COMMENT BELOW
Has this new wave of layoffs affected you or your company? Let's discuss it in the comments.
#TechLayoffs #Meta #Amazon #BigTech #JobMarket #CareerAdvice #AI #VentureCapital
In this episode, we sit down with Michelle Urben, Managing & General Partner of the Synergos Fund, an innovative firm that is challenging the traditional VC model. They've launched a "continuum fund," a new structure designed to support transformative companies through their entire lifecycle, from seed to commercialization.
We dive deep into why they "don't invest for an exit," their mission to build "very durable companies that we want to own forever," and how they are tackling some of the world's biggest problems, from the global energy demand to recycling spent nuclear fuel.
⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.com
Synergos Fund - https://www.synergosholdings.com/general-7
Michelle Urben on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-boquiren-urben-0538852
🎙️ Hosted by Prashant Choubey
Follow Prashant on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab
Topics discussed:
- The Continuum Fund Model
- Conscious Capitalism and Impact Investing
- Long-Term Investment Strategy vs. Quick Exits
- Nuclear Energy and Spent Fuel Recycling
- The Evergreen Fund Structure and Investor Flexibility
& lots more
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction to Michelle Urben and Synergos Fund
(02:22) What makes a Continuum Fund different from traditional VC funds
(06:55) Solving the critical problem of access in late-stage startups
(07:30) Structure of the Continuum Fund compared to typical venture capital funds
(10:12) Defining conscious capitalism and ensuring returns for investors
(11:27) Investment deployment and flexibility for investors
(14:45) Transparency and meaningful stakes in portfolio companies
(18:02) Balancing patient capital with investor expectations
(19:04) Advantages of Washington, D.C. for the companies they're backing
(22:02) Navigating political uncertainty around clean energy and funding
(25:19) Electricity demand from AI and clean energy solutions
(27:31) Balancing active investing with community building in Washington, D.C.
(31:06) Investor reception to the new investment model
(33:02) Biggest learning from investing in startups
(34:27) Rapid fire round begins - sectors, stages, and investment approach
For sponsorship or guest appearance requests, write to prashantchoubey3@gmail.com
Subscribe to VC10X on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts.
How did Intel go from losing $18.8 billion to a $4.1 billion profit in just six months?
A legendary venture capitalist, Lip-Bu Tan took over and executed a masterclass in corporate turnaround strategy.
We break down the VC playbook that not only saved the iconic chipmaker but also convinced its biggest rival, Nvidia, to invest $5 billion.
In this deep dive, we unpack one of the most dramatic business stories of 2025. You'll learn how Intel lost its dominance, the brutal decisions their new CEO had to make, and the strategic capital moves that shocked Wall Street.
This isn't just a story about a big company; it's a goldmine of lessons for every founder, operator, and investor.
Important Note: The stock graph screenshots & figures were taken after market closing on 28 Oct '25. Not a financial advice.TIMESTAMPS
(00:00) Introduction to Intel's dramatic turnaround story(00:50) Intel's fall
(02:06) Enter The VC - Introduction of Lip-Bu Tan as new CEO
(03:18) Tan's turnaround playbook
(5:52) Q3 2025 earnings report and financial results
(7:04) Key lessons for startups and VCs:
- Lesson 1: Value of an outsider perspective
- Lesson 2: Importance of strategic capital
- Lesson 3: Focus is everything
- Lesson 4: Speed of execution
- Lesson 5: Possibility of a comeback
(8:53) Closing remarks and call to action for viewers
KEY LESSONS COVERED
✅ The power of an outsider's perspective in a crisis.
✅ How to use strategic capital (not just any capital) to validate your turnaround.
✅ The importance of radical focus and cutting non-core assets.
✅ Why execution speed is a company's greatest weapon.
SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VC & STARTUP STRATEGY
VC10X breaks down the most important stories in tech, startups, and investing every week. If you want actionable insights to help you build or invest in the next great company, subscribe now.
LET'S CONNECT
Website: https://VC10X.com
X / Twitter: https://x.com/choubeysahab
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab
COMMENT BELOW
What's the boldest corporate turnaround you've ever seen? Let's discuss it in the comments.
#Intel #VentureCapital #StartupStrategy #Turnaround #Investing #Business #TechNews #Nvidia
Jatin Desai is a Co-founder & Managing Partner at Inflexor Ventures. He is a seasoned operator turned venture capitalist who has successfully built and exited businesses in both the US and India.
In this episode, Jatin shares his playbook on investing in deep tech, the future of AI in India, and the single biggest challenge facing Indian startups.
⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.com
Inflexor Ventures - inflexor.vc
Jatin Desai on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jatin-desai-b47b183/
🎙️ Hosted by Prashant Choubey
Follow Prashant on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab
We talk about -
- Journey from Wall Street to building Inflection Ventures and achieving top decile fund performance globally
- Investment thesis across three buckets: India for India, India for the world, and emerging tech
- Cap table construction mistakes and why Indian founders dilute equity too early
- GTM as the single biggest challenge for Indian startups at different revenue stages
- Operator VC model and how real entrepreneurial experience helps portfolio companies
& lots more
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(02:53) Jatin Desai's background and story of starting Inflexor Ventures
(06:37) Inflexor Ventures' investment thesis
(08:00) Three investment buckets: India for India, India for the World, and Emerging/Deep Tech
(13:48) Different evaluation approaches for different investment categories
(15:57) HDFC AMC's commitment to their opportunities fund
(18:58) Differences between Indian, Silicon Valley, and European tech innovation approaches
(22:14) Discussion on AI innovations in India
(25:44) Exciting sectors in India for investment
(28:18) How Inflexor Ventures works with portfolio companies
(32:16) Navigating uncertainty with global tariffs and policies
(35:00) Biggest learnings from years of venture investing
(38:19) Rapid-fire round of questions about Inflexor Ventures' investment strategy
For sponsorship or guest appearance requests, write to prashantchoubey3@gmail.com
Subscribe to VC10X on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
Harish Chandramowli, Co-Founder of Flaire, he transitioned from Lead Engineer at MongoDB to building fashion ERP software despite having zero industry background.
We dive into his journey from cybersecurity engineer to fashion-tech founder, the bold decisions that shaped his company's growth, and his contrarian views on the future of enterprise software in the AI era.
⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.com
Flaire - https://www.flairesoftware.com/
Harish Chandramowli - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scharish
🎙️ Hosted by Prashant Choubey
Follow Prashant on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(02:11) Validating the Flaire idea without a fashion background
(04:53) Operating in stealth mode with design partners
(06:00) Challenges in getting demos and converting customers
(08:14) Using AI to solve real workflow problem
(10:11) Learning curve of transitioning from tech to sales
(11:25) Approach to product-market fit and go-to-market strategy
(13:08) Building a product that adapts to macro changes in fashion workflows
(16:15) Dealing with the urge to radically pivot
(17:22) Unique metrics for fashion ERP
(18:18) Approach to fundraising as a technical founder
(19:26) Building defensibility and moats in the age of AI
(21:38) Most vulnerable moment building the startup
(22:22) Pivotal decision that changed Flaire's growth trajectory
(25:17) Transition from employee to founder and impact on lifestyle
(27:01) Contrarian view on the future of fashion tech and ERP
(29:04) Strategic decision to complement Shopify
(31:16) Biggest learning as a founder
(33:34) Closing remarks and where to follow Harish's journey
For sponsorship or guest appearance requests, write to prashantchoubey3@gmail.com
Subscribe to VC10X on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts.
Shaw Walters is the founder of ElizaOS—the popular GitHub repository for AI agent development that is powering over $20 billion in projects, all built without venture funding.
We dive into whether AI will end civilization, what are multi-agent systems, why Shaw chose open source over proprietary AI, and his prediction that we'll need nuclear power plants for next-gen AI. This conversation will challenge how you think about our AI future.
⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.com
ElizaOS website - https://elizaos.ai/
ElizaOS tutorial - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8Ghq3cvD9g
🎙️ Hosted by Prashant Choubey
Follow Prashant on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab
We talk about:
- Open source strategy for AI development versus proprietary approaches
- Multi-agent systems and how AI agents communicate and coordinate with each other
- Current limitations of AI agents and their potential for complex task execution
- Whether AI will end human civilization and existential risks of artificial intelligence
- Energy requirements for future AI development and the need for nuclear power infrastructure
& more
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(02:40) Origin of ElizaOS and the problem it aims to solve
(05:18) Reasons for keeping ElizaOS open-source
(09:32) Explanation of multi-agent simulation framework
(13:47) Deeper dive into how agents interact and reason
(16:17) Discussion about potential risks of AI and robot civilization
(22:51) Conversation about AI learning and data collection
(31:25) Brief discussion about AI trying to avoid being shut off
(34:36) Broader implications of AI on society and jobs
(39:44) How to build an AI agent and current challenges
(47:07) ElizaOS's integration with Web3 and Solana blockchain
(53:45) Speculation about the future of AI and agents
(54:13) Shaw's prediction for the next five years in technology
(58:40) Closing remarks and how to learn more about ElizaOS
For sponsorship or guest appearance requests, write to prashantchoubey3@gmail.com
Subscribe to VC10X on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts.
Santosh Sharan is the founder of Zeer.ai and a go-to-market veteran with over 20 years of experience.
Santosh believes we're at an inflection point where the traditional SaaS model is fundamentally broken.
In our conversation today, we explore why the old playbooks don't work anymore, how AI is reshaping startup economics, and Santosh's vision for agent-to-agent interactions replacing traditional sales processes.
⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.com
Zeer AI website - https://zeer.ai/
Santosh Sharan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ssharan
🎙️ Hosted by Prashant Choubey
Follow Prashant on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab
In this episode, we talk about -
- Building AI startups versus traditional SaaS startups
- The breakdown of traditional go-to-market strategies and rising customer acquisition costs (CAC)
- Platform versus point solutions and the future of venture capital
- Agent-to-agent interactions and buyer-led go-to-market approaches
- Creating defensible moats through data flywheels and proprietary datasets
& more
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(03:05) Santosh Sharan's background and introduction to Zeer AI
(05:34) Differences between building AI startups and traditional SaaS startups
(07:51) The challenges of building AI products and the importance of going beyond being a wrapper
(11:57) The rapid changes in the tech industry and the need for founders to be ready to pivot quickly
(15:05) Impact of low-cost software development on business margins and valuations
(20:17) Thoughts on venture funding and raising capital for AI startups
(22:43) Platform solutions vs. point solutions in the current market
(27:38) Creating a moat in the AI startup ecosystem
(31:44) Changes in go-to-market strategies and traditional sales approaches
(38:37) The future of buyer-seller interactions and agent-to-agent communication
(41:49) Using LinkedIn for prospecting and generating interest
(44:21) Cutting through the noise in the AI market and standing out
(46:23) Predictions for the future of B2B interactions in five years
(49:09) Overview of Zeer AI's buyer concierge concept
For sponsorship or guest appearance requests, write to prashantchoubey3@gmail.com
Subscribe to VC10X on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts.
Rishi Taparia is a seasoned operator turned investor who brings a unique perspective from his time in the trenches at companies like Poynt and Legion. Now, as the Co-founder of Garuda Ventures, he invests in the next generation of B2B software companies.
In this episode, we dive deep into the seismic shifts happening in the world of B2B SaaS, thanks to AI. We'll explore how the rules of software are being rewritten, what a real 'moat' looks like in this new era, and why customer trust might be the most valuable asset a company can have.
Rishi shares his 'team, market, product, vision' framework for investing and offers a candid look at the emotional rollercoaster of building a company from the ground up.
Links:
⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.com
Garuda Ventures website - https://www.garuda.vc
Garuda Ventures newsletter - https://garuda.substack.com/
Brick by Brick podcast - https://www.youtube.com/@brickxbrickpod
Rishi Taparia on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rktaparia/
Rishi Taparia on X - https://x.com/taps
Taps Notes (Rishi's newsletter) - https://taps.substack.com/
Arpan Punyani on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/arpanpunyani/
Arpan's newsletter - https://arpanpunyani.substack.com/
🎙️ Hosted by Prashant Choubey
Follow Prashant on X - https://x.com/ChoubeySahab
Follow Prashant on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab
We talk about:
- Operator-turned-investor journey: From early employee at Point and Legion to founding Garuda Ventures
- AI disruption of B2B SaaS: Changing pricing models, margin profiles, and the build vs. buy decision
- Trust as the new competitive moat: Customer credibility and brand reputation in the AI era
- TMPV investment framework: Team, Market, Product, Vision evaluation criteria for early-stage deals
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(03:12) Rishi Taparia's background as an operator and investor
(07:08) Investment thesis and focus on B2B SaaS
(10:22) Impact of AI on B2B software and business models
(14:06) Evaluating founding teams in the AI era
(17:34) Vertical SaaS and competition from large AI companies
(21:24) Changing nature of moats in the AI world
(23:33) Discussion on customer trust and retention
(26:02) Key factors in evaluating early-stage investments
(28:29) Interesting AI application themes
(30:16) Evolution of commerce infrastructure
(34:01) Building credibility with founders
(37:14) Garuda Ventures' podcast "Brick by Brick"
(40:41) Managing time and priorities as a VC
(43:08) Exciting portfolio companies
(45:03) Rapid-fire round about Garuda Ventures' investment approach
For sponsorship or guest appearance requests, write to prashantchoubey3@gmail.com
Subscribe to VC10X on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts.
We're joined by a truly inspiring guest who is changing the face of angel investing. Sarah Turner, the founder of Angel Academe, is on a mission to bring more women into the world of startups, both as investors and as founders.
What started as an observation about the lack of women in investment rooms has grown into a thriving community of over a thousand investors.
In this episode, we'll hear Sarah's incredible story, from the challenges of building this ecosystem to the shocking realities of funding disparities in the VC world. We'll also dive into the future of investing, the impact of AI, and what it really takes to succeed as an entrepreneur.
Links:
⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.com
Angel Academe website - https://www.angelacademe.com/
Sarah Turner on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahturneruk/
🎙️ Hosted by Prashant Choubey
Follow Prashant on X - https://x.com/ChoubeySahab
Follow Prashant on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab
In this episode, we talk about -
- Angel Academe's founding story and growth to 1,000+ investors
- Investment screening process and evaluation criteria
- Gender differences in entrepreneurship and venture capital
- AI's impact on startups and potential bias concerns
- Portfolio success stories and lessons from angel investing
& lots more
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(02:33) Sarah's initial observations about lack of women in angel investing
(03:41) Growth of Angel Academe to over 1,000 investors
(05:37) Investment screening process and what they look for in startups
(07:54) Differences in investing in female vs. male founders
(11:09) Discussion on low percentage of VC funding going to female founders
(12:14) Challenges of building investor network and attracting female founders
(15:49) Importance of men taking responsibility to add more women to leadership positions
(17:15) Launching the EIS fund and its timing
(18:26) Portfolio success story - Bare Fertility
(20:10) Learnings about supporting founders through different growth stages
(22:55) Impact of AI on startup landscape and investing process
(27:29) Personality traits of successful founders
(29:33) Vision for Angel Academe in the next five years
(31:54) Rapid-fire round - sectors and regions of investment
(35:38) How founders can get in touch with Angel Academe
For sponsorship or guest appearance requests, write to prashantchoubey3@gmail.com
Subscribe to VC10X on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts.
Sam Libby is a veteran healthcare investment banker and the founder of TCB Capital Advisors. After a long career, he's now dedicated to a single mission: making a real, tangible impact on patient care.
Links:
⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.com
TCB Capital Advisors website - https://www.tcbcapitaladvisors.com/
Sam Libby on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-libby-b4530b48/
🎙️ Hosted by Prashant Choubey
Follow Prashant on X - https://x.com/ChoubeySahab
Follow Prashant on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab
In this episode, we talk about -
- AI Evolution in Healthcare
- Predictive & Prognostic Medicine
- Holistic Patient Care Approach
- Healthcare Startup Investment & Funding
- Patient Data Democratization
& lots more
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(02:21) Sam's career journey and motivation for founding TCB Capital Advisors
(04:06) Significant transformations in the healthcare space
(04:19) The evolution of AI in healthcare
(06:01) Proactive and preventative healthcare trends
(08:09) Holistic wellness and patient care approach
(10:30) Digital health and technology trends
(13:31) The potential relationship between AI and doctors
(17:21) Data privacy and security in healthcare AI
(19:35) Acceleration of innovation in healthcare and biotechnology
(21:38) Evaluating the investability of healthcare businesses
(24:12) Go-to-market approach for healthcare startups
(28:29) Strategies for early-stage healthcare companies
(31:38) Building trust and credibility in healthcare sales
(32:16) Navigating the reimbursement maze for healthcare innovations
(35:46) Advice for founders passionate about patient care
(38:17) Rapid-fire round about investments
For sponsorship or guest appearance requests, write to prashantchoubey3@gmail.com
Subscribe to VC10X on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts.
Scott Hauck is an operator-turned-investor and the founder of Legacy Capital and Hawk Capital.
Scott is challenging the typical 'strip and flip' model by focusing on what he calls the 'silver tsunami'—a massive wave of legacy businesses from retiring owners. We'll discuss his 'white glove' approach to preserving the soul of these companies while driving growth.
But that's not all. We'll also hear the fascinating story of his 'accidental' fund, Hawk Capital, and how it's positioned to capitalize on the UAE's massive one-hundred-billion-dollar push into AI.
⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.com
Legacy Capital - https://legacycap.pro/
Hawk Capital - https://hawkcap.pro/
We talk about -
- The "Silver Tsunami" & Legacy Business Investing
- A New, Empathetic Private Equity Model
- Hawk Capital & The UAE's $100B AI Opportunity
- High-Volume Deal Sourcing
- Green & Red Flags in Founders
- The 120-Day Post-Acquisition Plan
- Strategy for High LP Returns
& lots more
For sponsorship or guest appearance requests, write to prashantchoubey3@gmail.com
Subscribe to VC10X on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts.
Eva Yazhari is the founder of Beyond Capital Ventures, who believes that the "high risk, high return" philosophy we all take for granted is actually a myth.
She's taken her Wall Street hedge fund background and built a VC firm focused on emerging markets in India and East Africa - and believes her portfolio is actually less risky than Silicon Valley VC.
⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.com
Beyond Capital Ventures Website - https://www.beyondcapitalventures.com/
Eva Yazhari on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eva-yazhari
We talk about:
- Eva's journey from Wall Street hedge funds to impact venture capital
- Why "high risk, high return" is a myth in investing
- Conscious leadership framework for evaluating founders
- Investment criteria: post-revenue, local teams, stakeholder focus
- Emerging markets opportunity in India and East Africa
- Abundance mindset vs scarcity mindset in capitalism
- Sharing carry with portfolio founders
& lots more
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(02:24) Eva's background from Wall Street to impact investing
(04:20) Challenges and learnings in transitioning to impact-focused venture capital
(07:21) Discussing the myth of high-risk, high-return philosophy
(10:05) Deal diligence process and investment criteria
(12:42) Approach to evaluating exit potential for portfolio companies
(16:12) Emerging markets opportunity in India and East Africa
(19:17) Identifying founders aligned with conscious leadership values
(22:10) Being a preferred investor and building strong founder relationships
(25:10) Abundance mindset in investing
(27:23) Sharing carry with founders
(29:24) Interesting portfolio companies and their solutions
(31:30) Biggest learning from investing in startups
(34:09) Rapid fire round begins - discussing investment sectors and stages
For sponsorship or guest appearance requests, write to prashantchoubey3@gmail.com
Subscribe to VC10X on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts.
Max Buchan is the Co-founder & CEO of Valarian, a dual-purpose defense tech company that emerged from stealth with a $20M seed funding round.
⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.com
Valarian website - https://www.valarian.com/
Max Buchan LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxbuchan
🎙️ Hosted by Prashant Choubey
Follow Prashant on X - https://x.com/ChoubeySahab
Follow Prashant on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab
Key Topics:
- Technology: Secure enclaves ("Acro") deployed from public cloud to battlefield hardware in Pelican cases
- Defense Pivot: Approached by US government; co-founder Josh brings 12 years at Palantir + 18 years in US special operations
- Dual-Use Market: Same platform serves airlines/banks, enterprises and Department of Defense
- Funding: Backed by early Palantir investors, Scout Ventures, MD1, and Gokul Rajaram (Coinbase/Pinterest board)
Key Insights:
- European nations increasingly need digital sovereignty solutions independent from American software
- Mission-driven hiring can compete with higher-paying tech giants
- Dual-use technology requires different go-to-market strategies for enterprise vs. government
- Building critical infrastructure creates natural competitive moats
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(03:07) Max's background at CoinShares and founding of Valarian
(05:59) Explanation of Valarian's core technology and dual-purpose approach
(08:31) Cybersecurity and digital infrastructure focus
(10:29) Building trust and credibility with government and enterprise clients
(14:14) Go-to-market strategies for enterprise and government sectors
(17:47) Challenges of selling to government clients
(21:00) Fundraising approach and investor selection
(24:41) Capital allocation strategy
(26:28) Hiring strategy and attracting top talent
(29:23) Finding high-quality talent from smaller companies
(31:24) Building a moat and defensibility for the company
(33:32) Product market fit considerations
(35:30) Key metrics for tracking company performance
(38:30) Organizational structure for managing enterprise and government segments
(40:49) Learning and seeking advice as a first-time founder
(43:03) Managing mental health and maintaining relationships
(44:49) Most pivotal decision in Valarian's journey
(46:12) Closing remarks and ways to follow Max
For sponsorship or guest appearance requests, write to prashantchoubey3@gmail.com
Subscribe to VC10X on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts.
Today we're joined by Mike Collins, founder and CEO of Alumni Ventures, a firm that's quietly built one of the most unique and successful venture capital models in the industry.
Mike has scaled Alumni Ventures to over $1.5 billion in assets under management by doing something most VCs thought was impossible—building a venture firm primarily around individual investors.
⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.com
Alumni Ventures website - https://www.av.vc/
Mike Collins on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-collins-362100/
🎙️ Hosted by Prashant Choubey
Follow Prashant on X - https://x.com/ChoubeySahab
Follow Prashant on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab
In our conversation, Mike shares:
- How he validated and scaled Alumni Ventures to over $1.5 Billion in AUM & over 20 funds
- Network-driven approach to deal sourcing and value add
- How their referral network generates 3.2x multiples on invested capital
- How a team of 45 investment professionals manage over 20 funds
- His bold predictions about the profound period of innovation and disruption we're entering
& lots more..
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(03:27) Mike's background and early career in venture capital
(10:32) Finding product-market fit for Alumni Ventures
(14:47) Organizational structure with 10 investment teams
(20:24) Investment decision-making process
(21:30) Referral network and deal flow generation
(25:14) Flat fee model and LP alignment
(30:16) Investor base composition
(33:38) Potential expansion to institutional investors
(36:19) Operational challenges in scaling the firm
(39:08) Current venture ecosystem and AI's impact
(42:42) Liquidity and exit strategies
(48:37) Investment sectors and regions
(51:04) Investment stages and check sizes
(52:19) How founders can connect with Alumni Ventures
(54:02) Closing remarks and wrap-up
For sponsorship or guest appearance requests, write to prashantchoubey3@gmail.com
Subscribe to VC10X on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts.
Elizabeth Weil, founder and managing partner of Scribble Ventures, just closed an $80 million Fund III focused on AI-native startups.
She spent seven years at Twitter during hypergrowth from 60 to 2,500 employees, then built the Market Development team at Andreessen Horowitz.
⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.com
Key Topics discussed:
The Scribble Network
- 100+ operators and executives providing deal flow and portfolio support
- Strategic angels helping companies scale
- "Unfair advantages" through warm connections
AI Investment Philosophy
- Backing "AI-native" founders who "grew up" with the technology
- Focus on proprietary data and unique workflows
- Moat matters more than ever in a noisy landscape
Bold Predictions
- Every person will have a personalized tutor in their pocket
- Digital immortality: preserving knowledge beyond physical existence
- AI transforming healthcare, education, and daily behaviors
Founder Evaluation
- Key question: "Why are you the team on this planet that is going to be able to build this company?"
- Looking for "guttural desire" vs. whiteboard solutions
- Warm introductions as primary signal
Fund Details
- $80M Fund III for pre-seed and seed
- $750K - $1.5M initial checks
- Can lead, co-lead, or follow rounds
- Intentionally generalist despite AI focus
Contact:
- Website: scribble.vc
- Email: hello@scribble.vc
- X: @elizabeth
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(02:39) Elizabeth's journey from Stanford to Twitter
(03:08) Early career and how she got into tech and startups
(08:57) The Scribble Network and how it helps portfolio companies
(12:21) Definition of AI-native companies and key characteristics of founding teams
(14:17) Assessing the defensibility of a startup's data strategy
(15:39) Learnings from operating at Twitter and Andreessen Horowitz
(18:08) Key factors for investing at pre-seed and seed stages
(20:13) Fundraising experience for Fund Three and navigating the LP landscape
(23:03) Approach to valuations in the AI startup ecosystem
(24:28) Exciting AI sub-sectors and areas with potential
(30:15) Evaluating startups in a rapidly evolving AI landscape
(31:51) Advice for early-stage founders on building their venture
(34:08) Rapid fire round of questions about Scribble Ventures' investment strategy
For sponsorship or guest appearance requests, write to prashantchoubey3@gmail.com
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In this episode, I sit down with Shivendra Nigam, CFO of Cantabil, one of India's most successful and enduring apparel brands. Cantabil, founded in 2000, has scaled to over 600 stores across 20 states—while remaining debt-free and laser-focused on sustainable, profitable growth.
The conversation covers bold expansion strategies, secrets of margin protection in a fiercely competitive fashion market, the brand's unique positioning in India's family apparel segment, and why disciplined retail operations matter more than chasing numbers.
⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.com
Cantabil website - https://cantabilshop.com/
🎙️ Hosted by Prashant Choubey
Follow Prashant on X - https://x.com/ChoubeySahabFollow
Prashant on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab
We talk about:
- Cantabil’s journey: Lessons from 25+ years in Indian retail
- The pros and cons of a debt-free growth model
- Why Cantabil shuns discounts—and how that impacts brand value
- The power of tier 2, 3, and 4 city expansion in India
- Growing e-commerce to complement a dominant brick-and-mortar presence
- Homegrown success metrics: store selection, inventory discipline, and profitability
- The evolving Indian appetite for fashion—and Cantabil’s vision for the future
Connect with Us:
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For guest requests and feedback, email us at prashantchoubey3@gmail.com
Loretta Tioiela is the founder of Next Sequence, a venture capital firm at the forefront of one of the most exciting fields in science and technology: the convergence of artificial intelligence and synthetic biology.
With a rich background in deep tech, holding strategic leadership positions at global giants like Huawei and Samsung, and working as Chief Product Officer at cloud innovator Scaleway, Loretta possesses a unique and powerful perspective.
⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.com
Next Sequence website - https://www.thenextsequence.vc/
Loretta Tioiela on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorettatioiela/
🎙️ Hosted by Prashant Choubey
Follow Prashant on X - https://x.com/ChoubeySahab
Follow Prashant on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab
In this episode, we talk about:
- The Dawn of "TechBio" and Programmable Life
- The Convergence of AI and Biotech
- Redefining Health, Aging, and Disease
- Rewiring the Brain and a New Look at Psychedelics
- The Future of Computing and Data
- The Importance of Open Collaboration In BioTechnology
& lots more
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(02:40) Defining tech bio and its significance
(03:42) Next Sequence Ventures' investment thesis
(06:11) Convergence of AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology
(09:23) Programmable humans and potential applications
(13:16) Current stage of longevity research and potential for extending human lifespan
(16:07) Exploration of psychedelics and their potential applications
(22:19) OpenSynthBio and the importance of open-source collaboration in biotechnology
(28:18) Portfolio companies and investment strategy
(36:18) Challenges and perspectives as a woman in tech and venture capital
(43:26) Potential breakthroughs in synthetic biology and tech bio for the next few decades
(45:49) Rapid-fire round of questions about investing and the accelerator program
For sponsorship or guest appearance requests, write to prashantchoubey3@gmail.com
Subscribe to VC10X on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts.
Jack Leeney is a Co-Founder and Managing Partner at 7GC, a venture capital firm with a unique cross-border approach that bridges the innovation ecosystems of the US and Europe.
Before founding 7GC, Jack was at the forefront of some of the most iconic tech IPOs of our time during his tenure at Morgan Stanley, including Tesla, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.com
7GC website - https://7gc.co
Jack Leeney on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-leeney
🎙️ Hosted by Prashant Choubey
Follow Prashant on X - https://x.com/ChoubeySahab
Follow Prashant on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab
In this episode, we talk about -
- 7GC's Unique Investment Philosophy
- How and when should US Startups think about expanding into Europe
- Evaluating Growth-Stage Companies and Valuations
- The Transition from Startup to Scale-up CEO
- Leveraging AI in Portfolio Companies and Venture Capital
& lots more
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(02:46) Jack's background and career journey before co-founding 7GC
(03:02) Inspiration behind founding 7GC and their unique investment philosophy
(07:13) Discussion on when and how US startups should expand into European markets
(15:25) Regulatory challenges and considerations for expanding into Europe, using Hims as an example
(18:12) Strategies for targeting specific European markets
(19:19) Key factors 7GC looks for when investing in growth-stage companies
(25:15) Discussion on valuation multiples and investment approach
(32:05) Advice for founders seeking growth-stage funding
(38:06) Challenges of transitioning from startup CEO to scale-up CEO
(43:30) Use of AI in 7GC's portfolio and within the venture capital industry
(49:04) Rapid-fire round with quick questions about 7GC's investment strategy
For sponsorship or guest appearance requests, write to prashantchoubey3@gmail.com
Subscribe to VC10X on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts.
Dominique Levin is a 2x CEO, a go-to-market architect, and a wildly successful investor with over a billion dollars in exits. She’s seen it all, and she has a playbook for a lot of challenges founders face while building their companies.
⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.com
Links-
Dominique Levin on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominiquelevin
Book that Dominique Levin:
1. Survival to Thrival: She mentioned this is a two-book series written by Bob Tinker and Tae Hea Nahm.
* Book 1: Survival to Thrival: Building the Enterprise Startup (The Company Journey)
* Book 2: Survival to Thrival: Change or Be Changed (The People Journey)
2. The Machine That Changed the World: The Story of Lean Production by James P. Womack, Daniel T. Jones, and Daniel Roos.
🎙️ Hosted by Prashant Choubey
Follow Prashant on X - https://x.com/ChoubeySahab
Follow Prashant on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab
In this episode, we talk about -
- Why founders should sell before they build
- The "SAFER" Note: A radical new funding model for founders who want to avoid the VC treadmill.
- The secret behind her success as a VC with over $1 Billion in exits
- Why the future isn't about work-life balance, but building a company that lets your team lead multiple lives
- Remote work, how should leaders think about it, and how it promotes inclusivity
& lots more
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(02:38) First discussion on go-to-market strategy
(02:57) Common mistakes founders make in go-to-market strategy
- Worrying about go-to-market too soon
- Having multiple go-to-market motions
- Mismatch between go-to-market motion and product/contract value
(05:33) Definition of product-market fit
- Solving a "hair-on-fire" problem
- Validating by selling before building
- Customers willing to pay for a solution
(07:18) Approaching product development
- Think big but act small
- Solve a specialized, unaddressed problem
- Be 10X or infinitely better than existing solutions
(08:53) Fundraising advice for early-stage founders
- Focus on customers first
- Have at least three paying customers
- Traction is the most important thing for investors
(10:26) Building repeatable and scalable revenue processes
- Treat sales as a process or "revenue factory"
- Align marketing, sales, and customer success
- Use AI to optimize go-to-market motion
(13:11) AI applications in go-to-market strategies
- SEO/LLM content creation
- Lead generation
- Prospecting research
- Sales engineering support
(15:57) Investing approach and philosophy
- Looking for unfair competitive advantage
- Leveraging unique relationships and information
(19:15) Balancing product development with sales and customer success
- Sell first, build later
- Minimum effort to prove solving a critical problem
(20:15) Building high-performance teams
- Outward mindset- Focus on customer impact
- Clear mission and vision
(23:10) Transitioning from startup to scale-up
- Different leadership styles at different stages
- Adapting to company growth
(25:31) AI and automation in SaaS
- Becoming AI-native
- Potential for customer-funded businesses
- Alternative funding models
(27:42) One-and-done funding model- SAFE-R (Simple Agreement for Future Equity with Repayment)
- Aligning investor and founder interests
(30:40) Building and managing remote companies
- Challenges of hybrid work
- Importance of in-person interactions
- Maintaining team productivity
(37:31) Flexibility in remote work
- Project-based roles
- Portfolio careers
- Accommodating personal life and work
(43:00) Work-life balance and parental leave
- Personal experiences with parental leave
- Challenges for working parents
(47:35) Rapid-fire round about investing
- Sectors, stages, and investment approach
For sponsorship or guest appearance requests, write to prashantchoubey3@gmail.com
Subscribe to VC10X on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts.
Itamar Novick is a solo capitalist and the founder of Recursive Ventures, a pre-seed & seed fund focused on fintech, AI and emerging tech startups. Itamar has been on all sides of the startup table: as a founder and executive, an institutional VC, and an angel investor. He has supported over 50 successful startups, including Deel, HoneyBook, Placer, Credible among others.
⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.com
Itamar Novick on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/itamarnovick
Itamar's blog - https://www.itamarnovick.com/
Recursive Ventures website - https://www.recursiveventures.com/
🎙️ Hosted by Prashant Choubey
Follow Prashant on X - https://x.com/ChoubeySahab
Follow Prashant on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab
In this episode we talk about -
- What does it mean to be a solo-capitalist?
- His learnings from Life360 and Gigya
- How AI is enabling him to 10x himself
- The one man unicorn made possible with AI
- His biggest learning investing in startups over the years
& lots more
Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(02:22) Itamar's story of becoming a solo capitalist
(04:08) Difference between solo GP and solo capitalist model
(05:07) Story of investing life savings in Life360
(07:28) Initial journey at Life360 and role in the company
(09:36) How operational experience shaped investing philosophy
(12:01) Investment decision-making process at pre-seed stage
(14:50) Exciting themes and sectors for investment
(17:12) Thoughts on AI models potentially replacing application layer startups
(20:35) Patterns of startup success and anti-patterns
(23:41) Using AI to enhance VC processes and decision-making
(27:52) Current market perspective - "have and have-nots
(29:58) Approach to valuation and investment in AI startups
(32:01) Investment instruments - SAFEs vs priced rounds
(34:38) Biggest learning from investing in startups - founder grit and determination
(36:47) Rapid fire round begins - sectors and regions of investment
For sponsorship or guest appearance requests, write to prashantchoubey3@gmail.com
Subscribe to VC10X on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts.