How to Startup

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.

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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...