Best Early Stage Entrepreneur Essentials Podcasts (2025)

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Transform Sick Care to Healthcare 37:28

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1d ago37:28

37:28

Amit Garg, co-founder and managing partner at Tau Ventures, shares how he backs startups at the intersection of healthcare, enterprise, and automation.. Drawing from his experiences as an operator, VC, and nonprofit founder, Amit offers a pragmatic and deeply thoughtful perspective on what makes a venture-backable company, and why doing the right t…

1
Secondaries are Essential for the Venture Capital Market 39:52

15d ago39:52

39:52

Dave McClure, founder of Practical Venture Capital and co-founder of 500 Startups, dives deep into the growing role of secondaries in venture capital. Dave explains how today’s longer startup cycles and liquidity droughts have created opportunities (and confusion) around secondary markets. He breaks down what secondaries actually are, how Practical…

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A Better Food Future Starts with Founders Who Get It 42:37

29d ago42:37

42:37

Brian Frank, the founder and general partner at FTW Ventures, shares why he left his founder career to invest in startups solving real-world problems starting with the global food system. He explores the climate risks, supply chain fragility, and health challenges driving the need for innovation in food and agriculture. From AI and biotech to autom…

1
Stop What Could Go Wrong and Build a Safer AI Future 34:00

1M ago34:00

34:00

Geoff Ralston, founder of SAIF (Safe Artificial Intelligence Fund), and former President of Y Combinator, shares his vision for building a safer AI future. Geoff discusses the risks and promise of AI as a force beyond traditional tools, posing AI as a set of entities that will reshape the way we work, live, and relate to each other. He talks about …

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Don’t Just Pitch; Connect with Investors Through Vision 27:25

2M ago27:25

27:25

Nadav Eylath, founder and managing partner of at.inc, shares his philosophy of early-stage investing rooted in trust, long-term thinking, and technical rigor. Nadav talks about backing founders at the very inception of their startup journey—sometimes even before they’ve left their jobs. He explains how asking questions like “What kind of company wi…

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Don’t Suffer to Succeed, A Peaceful Mind Will Take You Further 31:04

3M ago31:04

31:04

Tomoko Ishikura, Managing Partner at Kicker Ventures, shares her unique perspective on investing in the future of healthcare. She talks about building a venture firm rooted in empathy, humility, and measurable impact. Tomoko explains how Kicker Ventures seeks science-backed innovations that move the heart, not just the market, and why strong commun…

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Ship Fast, Sell Faster, Validate Deeply 38:12

3M ago38:12

38:12

Mahesh Ram, serial entrepreneur and former Head of AI at Zoom, shares his journey from building pioneering companies in education and AI to helping launch FUNDA, a vibrant founder-to-founder community. He discusses the evolution of AI-first startups, lessons from working closely with Zoom founder Eric Yuan, and what it takes to build enduring tech …

1
Master Your Technical Edge, Solve the Right Problem, and Scale Big 33:07

4M ago33:07

33:07

Andrew Cleland, Chief Investment Officer at Techstars, shares how the world’s leading accelerator invests in early-stage startups. He breaks down what makes a great founder, how Techstars selects startups from tens of thousands of applicants, and why a strong technical differentiator is crucial. Andrew reveals the most common reasons startups get r…

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Enable Children with Special Needs to Thrive (Special Podcasthon episode) 34:18

4M ago34:18

34:18

Stephen Crook, Executive Director at Achieve Kids, explains how the organization supports students with special needs through individualized education, behavioral support, and vocational training. For over 60 years, Achieve Kids has provided a structured and supportive environment where students can develop independence. By working closely with sch…

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Build a Local Startup, Dream Global Impact 39:01

5M ago39:01

39:01

Allen Taylor, Managing Partner at Endeavor Catalyst, shares how Endeavor is fueling the rise of world-class startups in emerging markets—places often overlooked by traditional venture capital. Allen reveals how Endeavor identifies and supports high-potential founders before investing, why scaling talent is just as critical as scaling products, and …

1
Show Real Traction, Not Just Projections 30:22

5M ago30:22

30:22

Connor Ryan, Partner at Bridge Venture Fund, shares his insights on investing in overlooked markets and the importance of sustainable unit economics. He explains why he prioritizes revenue quality over aggressive growth, the difference between projected and demonstrated product-market fit, and how Bridge Venture Fund supports startups tackling inef…

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Build Relationships with Investors to Create Game‑Changing Companies 40:03

6M ago40:03

40:03

David Hornik, founding partner at Lobby Capital, shares insights from his 25-year journey in the industry. David discusses the evolution of venture capital, the growing importance of relationships over transactions, and his structured yet practical approach to investing. He highlights how liquidity challenges impact founders and early investors. Da…

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Look for Early Believers, Not Just Capital Providers 36:32

6M ago36:32

36:32

Pablo Srugo, partner at Mistral Venture Partners and host of The Product Market Fit Show, shares his journey from co-founding startups like Gymtrack to becoming a venture capitalist focused on seed-stage investments. He reflects on the lessons learned through his and other founders' entrepreneurial highs and lows, including raising $6 million for a…

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Latam Entrepreneurs Use Venture Capital Networks to Expand Globally 32:52

7M ago32:52

32:52

Felipe Camposano, Managing Partner at Taram Capital, shares his journey as a pioneer in Chile's venture capital ecosystem and his efforts to support startups across Latin America. He discusses his transition from entrepreneur to investor, emphasizing his focus on mission-driven founders and leveraging networks for deal sourcing and evaluation. Feli…

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Build What the World Needs, Not Gratuitously 34:57

8M ago34:57

34:57

Neil Devani, founder of Necessary Ventures, shares his journey from healthcare and healthcare policy to venture capital, focusing on mission-driven startups tackling societal challenges. He discusses his investment strategy, offering insights into evaluating startups for transformative potential, talent retention, capital efficiency, and impactful …

1
Build AI Solutions for Overlooked Legacy Industries 25:05

8M ago25:05

25:05

Dave Anderson, founding general partner at Beat Ventures, discusses his approach to investing in tech startups targeting overlooked legacy industries. He highlights the role of AI in revolutionizing these industries, giving examples of predictive AI application in meat processing and generative AI in finance. Dave stresses the importance of buildin…

1
Do Great Work. VCs Will Find You. 30:10

8M ago30:10

30:10

Yiğit Ihlamur, co-founder and general partner at Vela Partners, shares his unique venture capital approach, which combines data analysis with personal connections to identify exceptional founders. At Vela Partners, an algorithmic scan of companies helps narrow down investment choices, but final decisions hinge on assessing founder resilience and mo…

1
Use Your Superpowers, Don’t Dilute Your Efforts 30:34

9M ago30:34

30:34

Jessie Guo, an investment partner at Next Legacy Partners, shares her journey from early life in the northern China town of Dingxiang to a chance meeting with co-founder Russ Hall and joining the team at Next Legacy Partners. The firm supports mission-driven, early-stage tech startups and funds. Jessie discusses their approach to backing both emerg…

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Water Conservation to Venture Capital Through Arranged Marriage 26:51

9M ago26:51

26:51

Lochan Alagh, co-founder of VC Nest, shares her journey from India to Silicon Valley, her work with nonprofits, and her transition into entrepreneurship and venture capital. She explains how VC Nest is addressing gaps in the VC ecosystem by supporting emerging fund managers through collaboration, networking, education, and thought leadership. Locha…

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Grit and Passion are Important; Ideas are a Dime a Dozen 31:36

10M ago31:36

31:36

Shreesha Ramdas, a successful serial entrepreneur and angel investor, shares his investment approach, which focuses on the individual stories of entrepreneurs rather than just their business ideas. He discusses the changing face of entrepreneurship in India and highlights the significance of community for founders through the story of how Funda, a …

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Learn How to Take Advice from the Right People at the Right Time 30:59

10M ago30:59

30:59

Rajan Maruthavanan, Cofounder and Managing Partner at Upekkha, shares deep insights into the dynamics of building B2B startups from India for global markets, particularly in the US. He discusses the strengths and challenges of Indian founders, such as thriving in vertical, niche markets versus struggling with infrastructure and dev tools for global…

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Impact a Billion and Make a Billion 29:40

11M ago29:40

29:40

Raed Masri and Rama Chakaki, general partners at Transform VC, discuss their unique approach to venture capital, focusing on impact-driven investments and supporting diverse, underrepresented founders. Drawing from their diverse backgrounds as entrepreneurs and investors, they discuss how they evaluate startups, form investment convictions, and cha…

1
Build Businesses to Make Everyone’s Lives Better 24:30

11M ago24:30

24:30

Aaron Webster, Managing Director at Cameron Ventures, shares his experience in the dynamic world of venture capital, with a focus on InsurTech, FinTech and Enterprise Technology investments at seed and Series A. He explains the evolving trends within these sectors and emphasizes the critical role of data infrastructure in driving innovation. Aaron …

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Believe in People Early, Earn Lifelong Trust 30:50

12M ago30:50

30:50

Ben Black, co-founder and managing director of Akkadian Ventures, shares insights into the venture capital secondary market. He highlights the distinct approach Akkadian Ventures takes, focusing on businesses with proven customer economics and strong technology moats. Ben elaborates on their strategy of gradually increasing positions and leveraging…

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Patiently Teach Investors What You Know to Win Them Over 26:49

1y ago26:49

26:49

Venktesh Shukla, Founder and General Partner at Monta Vista Capital, shares his journey from a reluctant immigrant to a successful entrepreneur and venture capitalist. He outlines his investment strategy at Monta Vista Capital, emphasizing deep due diligence, expert validation, adaptability, continuous learning, and leveraging networks. Additionall…

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Prioritize Innovation Using Artificial Intelligence, Don't Fear AGI 32:27

1y ago32:27

32:27

Gayathri Radhakrishnan, partner at Hitachi Ventures, shares profound insights from her journey and perspectives on venture capital and technology. Gayathri reflects on her early life in India and how her competitive spirit and supportive family shaped her path to challenging norms in male-dominated fields. She delves into her focus on impactful inv…

1
Courageous Entrepreneurs Are Heroes, Not Consensus Seekers 32:14

1y ago32:14

32:14

Dan Kimerling, founder and managing partner at Deciens, talks about key principles that shape his current approaches to startup investments. He explains Deciens' strategy of leading financing deals with a concentrated portfolio, allowing for deep partnerships with entrepreneurs. Dan critiques the average venture capital returns and promotes a bold,…

1
VC is a Truth Seeking Exercise 31:28

1y ago31:28

31:28

Vishal Tripathi, investor at Next Legacy Partners, delves into venture capital dynamics, spotlighting Next Legacy Partners' unique blend of philanthropy and athlete-focused strategies. Vishal shares his journey into venture capital, underscoring the industry’s allure for innovation and human connection. He also discusses key insights including the …

1
Make Sustainability Cool to Appeal to the Human Side 32:20

1y ago32:20

32:20

Atlas Berry, founder and general partner at Mission One Capital, delves into funding mission-driven founders who focus on frontier technology solutions to sustainability challenges. Atlas discusses the significance of sustainability to him personally, highlights the specific areas of climate tech his venture capital firm targets, and explores curre…

1
Founders Are Made, Not Born. You Can Learn the Craft 26:49

1y ago26:49

26:49

Chris McKelvy, founder of K. Ventures and military veteran, recounts his journey from the military to tech companies like Oculus VR and Meta, culminating in establishing his own venture capital firm. Chris talks about his early involvement in JFK family's non-profit initiatives and getting inspired to start K. Ventures, focusing on the disabilities…

1
Family Office with Three Sisters Finds Alpha Through VCs 30:16

1y ago30:16

30:16

Alexa Binns, a seasoned investor and marketer, takes us through her remarkable journey from non-profit roots to establishing herself as a venture capital investor, overseeing her family office alongside her three sisters. Drawing from her dual roles as an angel investor and limited partner, Alexa provides invaluable insights for founders and ventur…

1
Engage With Customers Sooner Than Later When You Build AI Solutions 26:15

1+ y ago26:15

26:15

Vijay Reddy, partner at Mayfield, talks about the latest innovations and trends shaping the artificial intelligence (AI) landscape. He shares his venture capital journey and describes Mayfield's unique focus on cognitive plumbing and Cognition-as-a-Service (CaaS), unraveling what these concepts entail. Vijay also offers practical advice for startup…

1
Keep It Simple and Embrace Uncertainty 39:35

1+ y ago39:35

39:35

Philip Edmundson, founder of Corvus Insurance (recently acquired by Travelers), shares the captivating journey of Corvus, from its inception to its recent acquisition. He discusses the company's unique approach to cyber risk and its mission to revolutionize commercial insurance with advanced data science and an AI-driven approach. Philip also discu…

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Don’t Let the Curse of Knowledge Drag You into Details 26:56

1+ y ago26:56

26:56

Tommy Leep, founding partner at Jetstream, shares insights on climate tech investing and nurturing startups for a sustainable future. He delves into climate tech trends, opportunities for startups, and challenges that early-stage investors face (such as greenwashing). Tommy also advises founders on articulating their vision, avoiding the "founders'…

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Experienced VCs Investing in Under-crowded Markets with Concentrated Portfolios Win 34:17

1+ y ago34:17

34:17

Eric Sippel of Sippel Farb Family Office delves into the intricacies of investing in emerging managers. Eric outlines his meticulous emerging manager selection criteria, emphasizing his preference for specialists over generalists. He highlights key challenges of identifying good VCs as a Limited Partner (LP), and offers insights into the shifting v…

1
Path to Success is Never Linear 36:00

1+ y ago36:00

36:00

Aakar Vachhani, Managing Partner at Fairview Capital Partners, explores the crucial role of limited partners (LPs) in the venture capital ecosystem. He delves into the distinctive characteristics of venture capital as an asset class and sheds light on Fairview's role as a fund of funds, culture, investment strategy, areas of focus, and bullish stan…

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Make Venture Capital Work for Everyone, Including LGBT Founders and Investors 35:56

1+ y ago35:56

35:56

Lorenzo Thione, Managing Director at Gaingels, shares his journey from Italy to the U.S. and the pivotal life event inspiring his advocacy for inclusive venture capital representation. He delves into Gaingels' investment philosophy, emphasizing its focus on supporting diverse founders and investors. Lorenzo also offers insights for today's founders…

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A Global Village of Luminaries Help Founders Unleash Potential 29:11

1+ y ago29:11

29:11

Anne Dwane, a Partner at Village Global, shares her commitment to supporting amazing entrepreneurs working on big ideas. Leveraging her background as an entrepreneur-turned-investor, Anne underscores the significance of establishing networks early and explores the feasibility of launching a company during economic downturns. Moreover, she sheds lig…

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Founders, and All Leaders, Need a Coach 37:02

1+ y ago37:02

37:02

Patrick Mork, founder and CEO of LEAP, shares his career journey and underscores the pivotal role of coaching in nurturing founder success. Drawing from his extensive leadership and coaching experience, Patrick imparts valuable advice to founders and leaders, addressing the intricacies of entrepreneurship and leadership. Topics covered include prof…

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Attract High-Quality Limited Partners Who Value Your Experience 32:00

1+ y ago32:00

32:00

Justin Dyer, Chief Investment Officer at AWM Capital, shares insights into AWM's venture strategies and human-centered approach to athlete wealth management. He talks about the critical role of networks in VC and gives useful tips for choosing the right limited partner. In this episode, you’ll learn: [6:13] AWM Capital's human-centered approach to …

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Work With Your Investor to Build Strategic Partnerships 34:46

1+ y ago34:46

34:46

Steve Pretre, partner at World Innovation Lab (WiL), takes us on an extraordinary journey from his upbringing in Silicon Valley to becoming a key player in the insurtech and venture capital worlds. He shares the thrilling journey of starting Metromile and leading it through the IPO stage, highlighting some of the biggest challenges of starting an i…

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VC is an Important Asset Class for Endowments to Generate Alpha 39:12

1+ y ago39:12

39:12

Miles Dieffenbach, Director of Investments at Carnegie Mellon University Endowment, offers valuable insights, personal anecdotes, and perspectives on the fundamentals of venture capital. He covers topics such as GP commit, navigating the denominator effect, and the broader economic trends that impact the venture capital industry. In this episode, y…

1
Concentrated Investments Can Generate Top Tier Returns, While Diversified Index Aims for Average 38:35

1+ y ago38:35

38:35

Aram Verdiyan, Partner at Accolade Partners, offers a comprehensive exploration of the LP landscape and the strategies that drive success in the world of venture capital. Aram emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with VCs and sheds light on how general partners (GPs) think. He also discusses his views on returns generation, co…

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Understand Nuances of Culture to Build Useful Products 24:42

2y ago24:42

24:42

Theresa Blissing, founder of Accelerating Insurance and the Asia InsurTech Podcast, delves into the transformative potential of emerging technologies in the insurance sector. She offers valuable insights for founders aiming for success in the insurance industry, irrespective of their operational geography. Additionally, she sheds light on noteworth…

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Put Moolah in the Coolah 30:53

2y ago30:53

30:53

Chris Douvos, founder of Ahoy Capital, discusses venture capital investing as a limited partner (LP). He explores how venture capital fits in an investor's portfolio, shares his investment philosophy, and reveals how he identifies nonconformist VC investors, especially emerging managers. Chris also reflects on recent VC landscape changes and offers…

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US-India Startup Ecosystem is Booming 31:33

2y ago31:33

31:33

Priya Ramachandran, founder and managing partner at Foster Ventures, recounts her remarkable odyssey from the tech world in India to her venture capital journey in the heart of Silicon Valley. She candidly discusses her evolution as a VC, starting as an angel investor, and passionately elaborates on the core values and principles that underpin the …

1
Create New Industry Categories 27:14

2y ago27:14

27:14

Eric Ver Ploeg, founding partner of Tunitas Ventures, talks about how his seed-stage venture firm is helping entrepreneurs raise the best possible Series A. He shares his inspiring career journey into venture capital and expounds on the three key things he looks for in a potential investment. Additionally, he offers insights into the transformative…

1
Software Will Solve Broken Systems in Every Aspect of Healthcare 32:55

2y ago32:55

32:55

Scott Barclay, Managing Director at Insight Partners, delves into the potential of software to revolutionize healthcare's flawed systems. He explores the dynamics of VC firms operating across various stages in the ecosystem, weighing the pros and cons of seed-stage investments for larger firms. Additionally, Scott shares insights on why now is an o…

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VCs Help Startups Recruit Great Candidates and Catch Liars 28:51

2y ago28:51

28:51

Oren Zeev, Founding Partner at Zeev Ventures, shares his one-man VC experience, and lessons from investing in so many successful companies. Oren reveals the secrets behind his renowned Silicon Valley builder-investor approach. He also gives his perspectives on the dynamic role of a VC in supporting founders, as well as his thoughts on trends shapin…

1
No Means Not Now; Keep Trying 37:17

2y ago37:17

37:17

David York, a founder and managing director of Top Tier Capital Partners, provides invaluable insights into the intricacies of fund of funds (FOF). Delving into the dynamic nature of FOFs within the venture capital ecosystem, he sheds light on three distinct methods of investing in venture capital. Furthermore, David offers a comprehensive overview…