How to Startup

Traditional corporate training is outdated, clunky, and inefficient. But what if workplace learning could be smarter, more dynamic, and deeply personalized? In this episode of The Startup Brief, we explore how Sana, an AI-powered learning platform, is transforming how companies share and consume knowledge.

Beta University helps first-time founders turn their ideas into VC-ready companies with real, actionable insights from the heart of Silicon Valley.

Reach out to lilly@betauniversity.org to learn more about how we can support your startup in the fundraising journey: www.betauniversity.org

Photo editing can be time-consuming and complex—but what if AI could do the heavy lifting for you? In this episode of Startup Brief, Fei, founder of Beta University, explores how Photoroom is transforming the way we edit images. Whether you're an e-commerce seller, content creator, or just someone who wants professional-quality photos without the hassle, Photoroom’s AI-powered tools make editing faster, easier, and more accessible. Tune in to discover how Photoroom is redefining the future of visual content creation!

Beta University helps first-time founders turn their ideas into VC-ready companies with real, actionable insi...

In this episode of The Startup Brief, we explore CoreWeave, a rising powerhouse in the cloud computing space specializing in AI, high-performance computing, and GPU-powered workloads. While tech giants like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud dominate the industry, CoreWeave takes a different approach, backed by NVIDIA and major investors, CoreWeave is rapidly positioning itself as the go-to cloud provider for AI-driven companies. Will it disrupt the cloud market, or will the big players close the gap? Tune in to find out.

Beta University helps first-time founders turn their ideas into VC-ready companies with real...

Hugging Face is revolutionizing AI by making it open, accessible, and collaborative—just like GitHub did for software development. In this episode, we explore how Hugging Face is leveling the playing field for AI developers, its business model, market impact, and future challenges. Tune in to learn why this $4B startup is at the heart of the AI revolution.

Beta University helps first-time founders turn their ideas into VC-ready companies with real, actionable insights from the heart of Silicon Valley.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://beta-university.beehiiv.com/subscribe

In this episode of Startup Brief, we dive into Figure AI—a company pioneering humanoid robots designed to work alongside humans in real-world industries. With AI-driven adaptability and advanced mobility, these robots aim to tackle global labor shortages and redefine automation. But can they scale? And how do they stack up against competitors like Boston Dynamics and Tesla? Join me as we explore Figure AI’s potential, the market opportunity, and what’s next in the race for intelligent robotics.

Beta University helps first-time founders turn their ideas into VC-ready companies with real, actionable insights from the heart...

How is Anthropic shaping the future of AI? In this episode, we explore their groundbreaking work not only on their flagship model, Claude, but also on AI safety and Constitutional AI. Learn how they’re competing with OpenAI and Google while prioritizing ethics and reliability.

Beta University helps first-time founders turn their ideas into VC-ready companies with real, actionable insights from the heart of Silicon Valley.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://beta-university.beehiiv.com/subscribe

In this episode of Startup Brief, we break down MistralAI, a rising star in the AI industry that's helping businesses automate decision-making, analyze massive data sets, and work smarter. We’ll dive into their technology, their impact across industries like finance and healthcare, and why investors are betting big on their future. How does MistralAI stand out in a competitive AI landscape? And what does their latest funding round mean for their growth? Tune in as we explore why this startup is making waves and why you should keep it on your radar.

Beta University he...

Beta University helps first-time founders turn their ideas into VC-ready companies with real, actionable insights from the heart of Silicon Valley.

From refining your business model to perfecting your investor pitch, we provide hands-on guidance from experienced founders, operators, and venture capitalists who’ve been in the trenches. Whether you're launching your first startup or looking to sharpen your fundraising skills, Beta University gives you the proven know-how to navigate the competitive world of startups.

Apply now to our 8-week pre-accelerator program and start building a fundable, high-growth company: https://www.betauniversity.org

Beta University helps first-time founders turn their ideas into VC-ready companies with real, actionable insights from the heart of Silicon Valley.

From refining your business model to perfecting your investor pitch, we provide hands-on guidance from experienced founders, operators, and venture capitalists who’ve been in the trenches. Whether you're launching your first startup or looking to sharpen your fundraising skills, Beta University gives you the proven know-how to navigate the competitive world of startups.

Apply now to our 8-week pre-accelerator program and start building a fundable, high-growth company: https://www.betauniversity.org

Beta University helps first-time founders turn their ideas into VC-ready companies with real, actionable insights from the heart of Silicon Valley.

From refining your business model to perfecting your investor pitch, we provide hands-on guidance from experienced founders, operators, and venture capitalists who’ve been in the trenches. Whether you're launching your first startup or looking to sharpen your fundraising skills, Beta University gives you the proven know-how to navigate the competitive world of startups.

Apply now to our 8-week pre-accelerator program and start building a fundable, high-growth company: https://www.betauniversity.org

Beta University helps first-time founders turn their ideas into VC-ready companies with real, actionable insights from the heart of Silicon Valley.

From refining your business model to perfecting your investor pitch, we provide hands-on guidance from experienced founders, operators, and venture capitalists who’ve been in the trenches. Whether you're launching your first startup or looking to sharpen your fundraising skills, Beta University gives you the proven know-how to navigate the competitive world of startups.

Apply now to our 8-week pre-accelerator program and start building a fundable, high-growth company: https://www.betauniversity.org

Beta University helps first-time founders turn their ideas into VC-ready companies with real, actionable insights from the heart of Silicon Valley.

From refining your business model to perfecting your investor pitch, we provide hands-on guidance from experienced founders, operators, and venture capitalists who’ve been in the trenches. Whether you're launching your first startup or looking to sharpen your fundraising skills, Beta University gives you the proven know-how to navigate the competitive world of startups.

Apply now to our 8-week pre-accelerator program and start building a fundable, high-growth company: https://www.betauniversity.org

Beta University helps first-time founders turn their ideas into VC-ready companies with real, actionable insights from the heart of Silicon Valley.

From refining your business model to perfecting your investor pitch, we provide hands-on guidance from experienced founders, operators, and venture capitalists who’ve been in the trenches. Whether you're launching your first startup or looking to sharpen your fundraising skills, Beta University gives you the proven know-how to navigate the competitive world of startups.

Apply now to our 8-week pre-accelerator program and start building a fundable, high-growth company: https://www.betauniversity.org

In this episode, we’re excited to host Charlotte Xia, an investor at Fusion Fund, to explore how startups are driving innovation in AI infrastructure and industrial transformation. At Fusion Fund, Charlotte has worked with pioneering companies like Otter AI, Proscia, and Accern, helping them scale with strategic expertise.

With a background in R&D at SmileDirectClub and materials science at Formlabs, Charlotte brings a unique perspective on applying advanced technology to real-world challenges. Her work has supported billion-dollar growth stories, including Formlabs’ success in serving industry leaders like Google and Mayo Clinic.

Join us to u...

In this episode, we’re thrilled to host Maurice Russo, an Investor at Lerer Hippeau, a leading venture capital firm known for backing iconic companies that redefine industries. With a portfolio boasting breakout successes like Warby Parker, Casper, Glossier, Allbirds, and Zipline, Lerer Hippeau has consistently demonstrated an unparalleled ability to identify and support transformative startups.

Maurice shares insights on how their team identifies category-defining companies and the strategies they employ to help founders achieve long-term success. From navigating early-stage challenges to scaling with purpose, this conversation offers invaluable lessons for founders looking to make a lasting im...

In this episode, we welcome Nik Milanović, General Partner at The Fintech Fund and a prominent figure in the fintech ecosystem, to explore the intersection of AI and financial technology. Drawing on strategic experience from Google Pay, Petal, and Funding Circle, Nik offers an insider’s perspective on what it takes to drive innovation in this fast-evolving space.

At The Fintech Fund, Nik focuses on early-stage investments that are redefining finance, with portfolio successes like Rainforest ($20M Series A), Navro (£11.1M Series A), and Coast ($27.5M Series A). As the founder of This Week in Fintech, Nik has...

In this episode, we are joined by Duncan Davidson, General Partner and Co-Founder of Bullpen Capital, a distinguished early-stage investment firm based in Silicon Valley. Bullpen Capital is renowned for its strategic focus on high-potential startups at the seed and Series A stages, with a portfolio featuring companies like RippleMatch, SpotHero, and SpaceIQ.

Duncan brings a wealth of experience as a serial entrepreneur and venture capitalist. He founded Covad Communications, the leading independent DSL provider, which went public and reached a market value of $9 billion. He also founded Sky Pilot Networks, a developer of outdoor wireless mesh...

In this episode, we are excited to introduce Xfund, a venture capital firm known for backing visionary entrepreneurs across disciplines. With notable investments in groundbreaking companies like Robinhood, Plaid, SpaceX, and Gusto, Xfund embodies the spirit of innovation and lateral thinking.

Brandon Farwell, General Partner at Xfund, is joining us. With a distinguished career that includes investments in transformative companies like Box, Twilio, and Planet, Brandon shares invaluable insights into what it takes to succeed as a startup founder. From frontier technology to disruptive software, his expertise offers a roadmap for entrepreneurs navigating early-stage funding and growth.<...

In this episode, we welcome Brad Schnitzer, Managing Director at Techstars, to share behind-the-scenes insights from one of the world’s most renowned startup accelerators. With a portfolio of over 3,500 startups that have collectively raised more than $23 billion, Techstars is at the forefront of identifying and nurturing the next generation of high-potential founders.

Brad will explore how founders can position themselves for success in a competitive landscape, collaborate effectively with accelerators, and navigate the challenges of early-stage scaling. This is your opportunity to learn how Techstars evaluates startups, builds growth pathways, and empowers entrepreneurs to stand out in...

In this episode, we’re excited to host Timothy Chen, General Partner at Essence Venture Capital, for an in-depth discussion on reshaping enterprise solutions with cutting-edge technology. With a career spanning influential roles at Grid.ai, Tendermint, Cloudera, and Microsoft, Timothy brings unparalleled expertise in developer tools, data infrastructure, and AI/ML innovation.

At Essence VC, Timothy spearheads early-stage investments in transformative startups, including Noteable, Basis, and Tabular—acquired by leading companies like Confluent, Digits, and Databricks, respectively. As an advisor to companies like Rupert and Bessemer Venture Partners, Timothy shares unique insights into building and scaling ente...

In this episode, we welcome Simon, a partner at Cathay Innovation, to delve into the intricacies of venture capital and what it takes to succeed in today’s fast-evolving startup ecosystem. Leading U.S. investment efforts at a global VC firm managing over $2.5 billion in AUM, Simon specializes in software, fintech, digital healthcare, and consumer sectors, providing invaluable guidance to founders across all growth stages.

With a proven track record in M&A and investment strategy, Simon shares lessons learned from Cathay Innovation’s portfolio successes, including Alkemics, drivy, and Tuhu. From his roots in technology investment bank...

In this thought-provoking episode, we host Adam Besvinick, founder and managing partner of Looking Glass Capital, for an inside look at how venture capital is driving innovation in health, climate, and social empowerment. With a career spanning investments from pre-seed to Series C, Adam has a proven track record of identifying and supporting transformative startups like Transfix, BigID, Invisible Universe, and Rebel (acquired by Salesforce).

Adam shares his journey from investing in early-stage companies at Deep Fork Capital to leading growth-stage investments at Anchorage Capital Group, offering invaluable advice for founders navigating the complexities of fundraising and...

In this compelling episode, we host Aaron Michel, Partner at 1984 Ventures and founder of Relentless Capital, for an insider’s perspective on what venture capitalists truly seek in startups. With a proven track record of top-quartile returns across consecutive funds and a history of successful investments in innovative companies like Reggora, BlueCargo, and DeepScribe, Aaron shares invaluable advice for founders navigating the startup ecosystem.

Key takeaways include how VCs evaluate startups beyond the pitch deck, the importance of market understanding and founder resilience, and actionable insights for building a scalable MVP. Aaron’s experience as a successful entr...

In this episode, we host Brooks Hosfield, Partner at SciFi VC, for a deep dive into the strategies behind successful fundraising for early-stage founders. Brooks shares his journey from Chief of Staff at Affirm to partner at SciFi VC, offering invaluable insights on navigating the startup ecosystem, building defensible companies, and understanding what top VCs look for in their investments.

Brooks’ expertise in fintech, AI, and marketplace startups, along with his experience scaling Affirm from 200 people to IPO, brings practical and strategic advice that’s essential for founders at the pre-seed and seed stages. Whether you’re gearin...

In this thought-provoking episode, we host Kenneth Stanley, author of Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned and former AI researcher at OpenAI, for an insightful conversation on redefining success, creativity, and innovation in the age of AI. Kenneth shares lessons from his journey, insights on AI’s expanding role across industries, and advice for founders on embracing unconventional paths.

Key takeaways include the transformative potential of AI beyond tech, OpenAI’s culture of ambition, and how innovation flourishes without rigid objectives. Kenneth’s reflections encourage founders to pursue unique niches, take calculated risks, and leverage open-ended exploration for person...

In this episode, we sit down with Cody Sugarman, Principal at Antler, the world’s top seed-stage VC. Cody brings valuable insights into what it takes to launch and grow a successful startup in today’s tech-driven landscape. Drawing from his experience at Antler and his prior role leading Data Science at General Catalyst, Cody shares practical guidance on building focus, choosing the right investors, and validating your product with genuine customer feedback.

For founders navigating the early stages, Cody’s advice underscores the power of clear priorities, fast execution, and aligning with investors who share your vision...

Are you an AI founder preparing to fundraise? Or perhaps an AI enthusiast building your own startup? If so, we’re excited to invite you to a conversation with Shyam Mani from AIX Ventures.

This is a unique opportunity to gain insider knowledge from AIX Ventures, the powerhouse behind Hugging Face and Perplexity. Hear from Shyam Mani, Principal at AIX Ventures, who brings deep experience from Kleiner Perkins and Bain Capital.

Learn what it takes to stand out in the AI landscape and secure top-tier investment.

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00:00 - Shyam Mani fr...