Best Jason Scharf Podcasts (2025)

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Jason A Scharf: Illumina's Life Science Accelerator 45:11

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5d ago45:11

45:11

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…

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Ben Parr: General Partner, Theory Forge Ventures 48:09

4h ago48:09

48:09

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 …

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Lynn Greenberg: Autonomy Ventures 56:41

2d ago56:41

56:41

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 mobi…

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Sergey Balasanyan: Longevity Card 54:44

3d ago54:44

54:44

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 …

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Jack Levy: More Ventures 51:37

4d ago51:37

51:37

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 Regist…

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Jacob Mahaffey: Cowboy Technologies 52:45

6d ago52:45

52:45

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 transfor…

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Brian Ruszczyk: Earth First Ventures 57:05

9d ago57:05

57:05

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 B…

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Tess Hau: Tess Ventures 59:52

10d ago59:52

59:52

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 Stanf…

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Ladi Greenstreet: Accenture Ventures 56:56

9d ago56:56

56:56

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Rob Eloff: Lateral Capital 50:03

12d ago50:03

50:03

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 Goldma…

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Troy Rosales: Connexa Capital 1:00:00

15d ago1:00:00

1:00:00

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 …

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John Lunn: Ex Paypal Ventures 1:01:41

16d ago1:01:41

1:01:41

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 seemingl…

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Matt Snow: Mass Ventures 54:56

17d ago54:56

54:56

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 …

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Zachary Levi | Can Austin Build an Ark for Human Creativity? 1:23:38

15d ago1:23:38

1:23:38

How do we nurture and protect the most human endeavors of creation and discovery? Zachary Levi joins us to discuss calling, technology, and a creative Ark in Austin. We move from one’s life mission to concrete plans for land and film incentives. The central question of our time is whether we ride the AI tsunami or get swept under it. Highlights 00:…

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Atin Batra: Twenty Seven VC 53:19

18d ago53:19

53:19

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 invest…

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Andrew Ackerman : Dreamit VC 58:28

19d ago58:28

58:28

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 powerf…

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Steven Saltzstein: FORCE Wealth 54:12

20d ago54:12

54:12

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 navi…

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Neil Datta: Forbes Family Trust 48:54

21d ago48:54

48:54

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. N…

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Harshad Lalit: Rockefeller Capital 53:35

22d ago53:35

53:35

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 r…

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Trish Spurlin: Investments Director: Babson College 54:57

23d ago54:57

54:57

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 pivo…

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Kfir Kachlon: AnD Ventures 54:50

24d ago54:50

54:50

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 techno…

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Is Austin a Music Incubator? | Terry Lickona, Austin City Limits 57:48

22d ago57:48

57:48

Austin exports culture the way it exports tech. Terry Lickona, longtime executive producer of Austin City Limits, argues Austin is a music incubator, not the music industry, and that’s a feature. We map venues, economics, the tech crossover, and what keeps the scene original. Highlights 01:12 Austin Music Today: vibrant, original, authentic. 06:49 …

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Rishi Ratan: Venture Associate at In-Q-Tel (the CIA's Venture Fund) 58:58

25d ago58:58

58:58

What happens when the mission-driven world of intelligence meets the breakneck speed of Silicon Valley? In this episode, we go behind the veil with Rishi Ratan, a Venture Capital Associate at In-Q-Tel—the unique, strategic investment arm famously backed by the CIA. Founded at the dawn of the digital revolution, In-Q-Tel was created with a critical …

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Arun Krishnakumar: Partner, Greenshores Capital 42:56

26d ago42:56

42:56

What does it truly take to build a successful career in venture capital, and how do you maintain your mental fortitude in a high-stakes industry? This episode, we sit down with Arun Krishnakumar, Partner at Greenshores Capital, for a deeply personal and strategic conversation about the VC landscape. Arun pulls back the curtain on the art of relatio…

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Shwetank Verma: General Partner, Leo Capital 53:41

27d ago53:41

53:41

Venture capital is evolving, and nowhere is this more evident than in the dynamic markets of India and Southeast Asia. This week, we sit down with Shwetank Verma from LEO Capital to pull back the curtain on how capital is really moving behind the scenes. We dive deep into the critical differences between investing through a traditional venture fund…

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James Sore: SuperSeed Ventures 1:01:56

28d ago1:01:56

1:01:56

How do you evaluate a cutting-edge medical device, a breakthrough in green tech, and a new e-commerce platform with the same sharp eye? This week, we sit down with James, a Chief Investment Officer and Fund Manager who has evaluated a staggering 180 early and growth-stage companies across nearly every sector imaginable. James has a rare superpower:…

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Lance Quek: Gamerforce Ventures 1:02:51

29d ago1:02:51

1:02:51

Ever wondered what it takes to build and sell a tech company, then step to the other side of the table to fund the next generation of innovators? This week, we’re sitting down with Lance Quek—published author, experienced angel investor, and Founding Managing Partner of Gamerforce Ventures. Lance brings a truly unique perspective, having successful…

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David Gardner: Co-Founder of The Motley Fool 56:45

1M ago56:45

56:45

For three decades, David Gardner, Co-Founder of The Motley Fool, has been famous for his prescient stock picks—like calling Nvidia long before it became a household name. How does he consistently spot the world-changing companies of tomorrow? In this episode, David breaks down the philosophy behind his groundbreaking new book, Rule Breaker Investin…

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Vanessa Cheung: Impact Investor at Accys 48:46

1M ago48:46

48:46

Ever wondered how top investors truly value a company in the fast-evolving world of cleantech and sustainable investing? This episode is a masterclass in modern valuation, featuring Vanessa Chung. We move beyond the buzzwords of ESG and dive into the hard numbers, breaking down the essential tools every investor needs. Vanessa guides us through the…

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Zach Firestone: Shadow Ventures 46:50

1M ago46:50

46:50

What does it take to build a startup from the ground up, and how does that experience change your approach to venture capital? We're sitting down with Zach Firestone, who runs the NYC office for Shadow Ventures, to get a operator's perspective on investing. Zach has been on both sides of the table—as a co-founder struggling to get a startup off the…

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Akash Bajwa: Augmentum Ventures 1:02:59

1M ago1:02:59

1:02:59

How do you break into one of the most exclusive industries in the world when you haven't even hit your thirties? This week, we're sitting down with Akash Bajwa, one of the youngest VCs in the business, to decode his incredible journey. We dive into the unconventional path he took to land a coveted seat at the venture capital table, bypassing the tr…

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Jacqueline Bennett: Highlands Venture Partners 1:03:44

1M ago1:03:44

1:03:44

Where should savvy investors be looking to find the next explosive growth category? We're sitting down with Jacqueline Bennett, Partner at New York City-based Highlands Venture Partners, to explore the frontier of emerging markets. Jacqueline and her firm operate at the fascinating intersection of cutting-edge science and mainstream consumer demand…

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Wen Shiau: Single Family Office (Cypress Capital Group) 1:00:11

1M ago1:00:11

1:00:11

How does a trader who co-headed a $31 billion sales & trading desk in Asia apply global macro instincts to the world of real estate? This week, we sit down with Wen Shiau, the Founder & Managing Partner of Cypress Capital Group, for a masterclass in long-term, multi-generational investing. With a remarkable 25-year career spanning the trading floor…

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Patrick Schneider: Beast Ventures 56:05

1M ago56:05

56:05

What mythical beast best symbolizes a successful investment strategy? For Patrick, a venture capitalist with a formidable transatlantic track record, the answer is the Manticore—a powerful hybrid with a lethal tail. In this episode, Patrick brings that hybrid vigor to the mic, breaking down the key differences and surprising similarities between th…

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Jesse Bloom: Senior Associate at Alpha Partners. 1:01:14

1M ago1:01:14

1:01:14

Ever wonder how the best venture capital firms find their next billion-dollar deal? This episode, we go inside the engine room of a VC firm with Jesse, a Senior Associate at Alpha Partners who orchestrates their entire network and deal flow. But Jesse brings a unique perspective to the high-stakes world of startup investing. He started his career o…

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From Wristbands to AI: A New Cancer Playbook | Suzanne Stone, CEO, Livestrong 1:03:24

1M ago1:03:24

1:03:24

How do you go from a cultural icon like the yellow wristbands to building AI products? Livestrong’s CEO Suzanne Stone argues that the through line is a focus on survivorship, the life you live from diagnosis onward. This is the leap from story to community to software and back again. Highlights 01:34 Mission: Survivorship Over Cures 06:18 The Wrist…

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Herston Powers: 1982 Ventures 1:04:59

1M ago1:04:59

1:04:59

Southeast Asia is one of the most explosive fintech markets on the planet, but what does it really take to win there? We go on the ground with Herston Powers, Managing Partner and Co-founder of 1982 Ventures, an early-stage firm dedicated to funding the next wave of financial innovation. Herston pulls back the curtain on the unique opportunities an…

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Max Gokhman - Pacific Life Fund Advisors 1:04:28

1M ago1:04:28

1:04:28

In a world of constant market noise and economic uncertainty, where should savvy investors be looking for opportunity and how should they be thinking about risk? We cut through the chaos with Max Gokhman, of Pacific Life Fund Advisors, who helps steer the strategy for one of the world's largest and most respected financial institutions. Max brings …

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James Tannahill, MBA: Plocamium Holdings (SFO) 46:38

1M ago46:38

46:38

Ever wonder how private equity uncovers hidden gems in the gritty, essential industries that power our world? We dive deep with James Tannahill, President of Private Equity at Plocamium Holdings, who operates at the fascinating intersection of global industry and national security. James brings his expertise from the lower middle market, a space ri…

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Rachel Hirsch: Managing Partner - Wellness Growth Ventures 27:59

1M ago27:59

27:59

What does it truly take to build a successful brand in the explosive wellness industry? We're sitting down with Rachel Hirsch, Managing Partner of Wellness Growth Ventures, who brings a powerful dual perspective: she's both a funder and a founder. In this episode, Rachel pulls back the curtain on how her fund identifies the next generation of disru…

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Did Austin Turn Soda Into Fashion? | Stephen Ellsworth, Co-founder, Poppi 52:51

2M ago52:51

52:51

Poppi is a fashion brand that happens to be soda. Stephen Ellsworth, Co-founder of Poppi, joins us to walk through the operating choices behind turning a vinegar problem into a modern soda badge. It’s how you build, scale, and exit a consumer brand. It’s another signal that Austin’s flywheel is real and accelerating. Highlights 01:48 Dark days, PMF…

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Suman Talukdar: Founding Partner at AiSprouts 54:57

1M ago54:57

54:57

How do you go from being on the inside of five major Silicon Valley exits to picking the next generation of winners? We sit down with Suman Talukdar, a rare breed of investor who has been in the trenches as a venture-backed operator and now sits on the other side of the table as a Founding Partner at AiSprouts. Suman pulls back the curtain on what …

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Doug Benowitz: Colle Capital 48:00

2M ago48:00

48:00

What does it take to spot the next billion-dollar tech startup? We go behind the scenes with Doug Benowitz, Principal at Colle Capital Partners, who lives on the frontier of early-stage investing. But Doug's unique edge doesn't just come from his finance background; it's forged from a surprising blend of disciplines. We unpack how his award-winning…

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Sasha Datta: Senior Director at GE Vernova 1:06:25

2M ago1:06:25

1:06:25

What to look forward to in this episode: Ever wonder what happens to your pension when a corporate giant like GE splits in two? We sit down with Sasha Datta, the financial powerhouse steering the retirement future for thousands at the new energy titan, GE Vernova. We dive deep into the monumental task of untangling and securing pension plans during…

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Blake West: Private Equity Investor 46:38

2M ago46:38

46:38

On this podcast, you’ll get a front-row seat to how private equity investors think about building businesses, scaling operations, and creating long-term value. Expect deep dives into the lower middle market, lessons learned from real investments, and practical insights for entrepreneurs, operators, and aspiring investors. Blake, our guest, is an ex…

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Autonomy’s Moment Is Now. Austin Is the Autonomy Capital | Jeff Cavins, Outdoorsy Group 59:02

2M ago59:02

59:02

Autonomy’s moment is now as the operating stack goes live across software, hardware, availability, and insurance. Outdoorsy Group CEO Jeff Cavins joins the show to unpack how RoboTaxis integrate with marketplaces, city systems, and the consumer experience. Austin’s talent, technology, and risk appetite are making it the Autonomy Capital. Highlights…

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Sarah Leners: Bull City Venture Partners 55:52

2M ago55:52

55:52

In this episode, Joel Palathinkal chats with Sarah Leners about her venture capital journey at Bull City Venture Partners. They explore Bull City's investment strategy, deal sourcing, and managing differing opinions in deal flow. Sarah offers advice for first-time fundraisers, discusses tools for sourcing deals, and shares insights on venture capit…

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Oscar Ramos: SOSV China 1:01:24

2M ago1:01:24

1:01:24

In this episode, Oscar Ramos shares his journey to China and his diverse background leading to his role at SOSV. He discusses his early career in R&D, challenges in China, and the evolving startup community there. The conversation compares tech ecosystems in Europe and China, touching on entrepreneurship and risk perception. Oscar explores adapting…

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Kate Brodock: W Fund 1:01:57

2M ago1:01:57

1:01:57

In this episode, Joel Palathinkal and guest Kate Brodock of W Fund, explore venture capital with a focus on underrepresented founders. Kate discusses launching a VC fund and building a community at scale. Topics include early-stage founders' needs, accelerator structuring, and virtual vs. in-person event dynamics. They cover strategies for engaging…

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Tracy Chadwell: 1843 Ventures 56:34

2M ago56:34

56:34

In this episode, Joel Palathinkal is joined by Tracy Chadwell of 1843 Ventures to explore the intersection of autonomous transportation and venture capital. Tracy shares her journey from law to finance, highlighting the significance of 1843 and Ada Lovelace. They discuss cross-border investments in Asia and the role of angel investing and venture p…