Insatiably Curious

Discover how Apple's latest tech release, "Apple Intelligence," integrates AI to enhance user experience, from photo management to personal productivity. Learn about its implications for the tech industry and venture capital practices like pay to play. Explore the new opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs in this evolving landscape.

Explore how 2024 market trends, inflation, Fed policies, and global economic shifts are shaping the investment landscape for savvy investors.

Phuong delves into the crucial strategies for acquiring initial customers when launching a B2C (business-to-consumer) product.

Diversified portfolios are the key to success. I recently discussed the topic of diversification with Chris Zhang, CIO and partner at Ascend Interplay. We explored the endowment model, which focuses on alternative assets like private equity and real estate, and its benefits for ultra-high-net-worth families and individuals with long-term investment horizons. Chris shared insights on the limitations of traditional measures like volatility and correlation, and we discussed the scarcity of true uncorrelated assets in the current macro environment.

Recruiting and team construction are pivotal for company culture and success. In this episode, Phuong joins me to discuss the crucial role of hiring in startup development. Phuong offers insights into assessing team needs, crafting job descriptions, conducting interviews, and evaluating candidates based on qualities like grit, humility, and integrity. We stress the importance of prioritizing human skills alongside technical qualifications, as each team member influences organizational culture and success. Additionally, we introduce the Superman Analysis tool used at Interplay to assess team needs and identify skill gaps, ensuring effective team structure and staffing.

Todd Saunders, CEO of Broadlume, and Chetan Narain, co-founder and CTO of Pepper, join us to delve into vertical SaaS applications across industries. We examined how Broadlume and Pepper utilize vertical SaaS in flooring and food distribution, emphasizing the significance of customer relationships and industry-specific data. Our discussion highlighted vertical SaaS's evolution, advantages, and potential for expansion beyond software into high transaction volume markets. Furthermore, Saunders and Narain discussed AI's impact on their businesses, focusing on its role in enhancing efficiency, customer experience, and profitability, underscoring AI's broader implications for productivity and shareholder value.

Mike and I discussed current events and their impact on the innovation economy. We highlighted successful tech IPOs like Reddit and Estera, signaling a strong demand for tech companies in the public market, potentially spurring more listings and investments. We also examined a significant settlement in the real estate industry, which could shift capital to homeowners and disrupt the brokerage sector. Finally, we addressed Boeing's challenges, reflecting on management issues and the potential for new players to enter the aviation industry, suggesting opportunities for innovation and competition.

I recently spoke at The Annual Columbia Business School Real Estate Symposium, invited by the Paul Milstein Center for Real Estate. My talk centered on the transformative impact of AI across industries, including its convergence with augmented reality, robotics, and quantum computing. I highlighted the challenges and opportunities AI presents in real estate and emphasized the importance of adapting to this changing landscape. Ultimately, I stressed the need for responsible AI usage and expressed gratitude to Columbia Business School for providing a platform to share these insights.

Phuong is back on the podcast this week to discuss the importance of doing things that don't scale in startups.This concept popularized by Paul Graham of Y Combinator, involves manual processes to acquire customers and refine products before scaling. We emphasize prioritizing learning and validation over rapid growth in the early stages, as it helps founders gain profound insights crucial for long-term success.

Chris is back on the podcast this week, joining me to discuss recent market shifts. Our overall assessment is that the year started with uncertainties but seems to be stabilizing, with tech companies performing well and equity markets thriving. However, despite positive signs, there's concern over a potential commercial real estate crisis, as refinancing becomes challenging. The episode concludes with plans for future discussions on wealth management.

Phuong is back for her first appearance in 2024, where she shares insights on effectively conducting user testing for MVPs. We discuss the importance of learning from customer behavior, gathering a small group of dedicated users, setting clear objectives, tracking engagement metrics, and using various feedback methods like observing user interactions and conducting interviews and surveys. Overall, it's a valuable discussion on the iterative process of refining MVPs based on user feedback.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Alan Feld, Founder & Managing Partner of Vintage Investment Partners, a renowned venture firm managing around $4 billion. Alan's extensive experience has allowed him to deeply understand the essence of successful companies, which he applies to foster growth within Vintage. We delved into topics such as team dynamics, humility, and character, drawing insights from his perspective. Additionally, we explored the impact of conflict on Israel's startup ecosystem, with Alan providing valuable insights and updates. This conversation transcends blame, focusing instead on the repercussions of conflict on an otherwise thriving entrepreneurial environment. I thoroughly enjoyed our discussion and extend special thanks to Alan for his participation.

In chatting with Dylan Taylor, CEO and chairman of Voyager Space, we discussed the company's contract to build America's next space station, STARLAB, in collaboration with NASA. Dylan, a significant figure in the space industry, emphasizes the importance of space beyond the Mars mission narrative, highlighting its potential for scientific research, manufacturing, and societal advancement. He details Voyager's mission to scale up space infrastructure projects and recent milestones achieved with Airbus and SpaceX. Additionally, we explore the implications of privately owned space infrastructure and the emergence of two distinct space ecosystems led by the US and China, with Dylan stressing the benefits of privatization in advancing the industry. Dylan also shares his personal journey from a real estate executive to involvement in space exploration, underscoring the importance of following one's passion.

Explore top 2024 predictions for startups and investments, including AI's impact, rising CAC, talent retention strategies, and market trends. Insights from industry experts to shape your strategy.

Discover the Federal Reserve's recent policy changes and their global impact. Learn how businesses and investors can navigate the market with strategic adjustments and capitalize on emerging opportunities in 2024.

Explore the best tech tips and productivity hacks for entrepreneurs in 2023. Learn about new Apple features, must-read books, and essential software tools to stay competitive and efficient.

Explore the essential traits of successful founders, including grit, execution, humility, and integrity. Learn how to develop these qualities to thrive in the startup ecosystem.

Understand how Federal Reserve policies, job market trends, and global conflicts affect market dynamics. Key insights for investors and entrepreneurs.

Discover insights from Interplay's market recap, where Mark Peter Davis and Chris Zhang discuss the Federal Reserve's policies, job market trends, and the effects of global conflicts on economic dynamics. Learn what investors should watch in the coming months.

Discover key insights into market dynamics from Interplay's latest podcast with Mark Peter Davis and Amy Rubenstein. Understand job market trends, Federal Reserve actions, and how global conflicts impact the economy. Get expert advice on real estate investment strategies and stay informed on economic indicators.

Master board dynamics with expert insights from Interplay's podcast. Learn how to build a strong board, set clear expectations, and maintain effective communication to leverage your board's strengths and navigate business challenges.

Discover how to navigate the venture ecosystem, understand IPO market trends, and explore funding strategies in this detailed analysis from Interplay's podcast.

Gain expert advice on startup pivoting from Interplay’s podcast. Mark Peter Davis and Phuong discuss when and how to pivot effectively, helping entrepreneurs adapt their business strategies to achieve a better product-market fit and sustainable growth. Read on for actionable insights and best practices.

Discover insights on how interest rate changes affect the venture ecosystem. In this Interplay podcast episode, Mark Peter Davis and Chris Zhang discuss the implications for equity markets, real estate, and consumer behavior, offering actionable advice for entrepreneurs and investors.

Explore the fascinating connection between nutrition and mental health in this episode of the Interplay podcast. Zak Williams, founder of PYM, discusses how dietary changes can improve mental well-being and shares insights from his personal journey. Discover the role of neurotransmitters, research-backed nutritional approaches, and strategies to overcome mental health challenges.

Discover strategies to reignite business momentum post-summer and refine your value proposition. This article, based on a podcast with Interplay’s Mark Peter Davis and guests, offers valuable insights on market recovery, fundraising, and crafting compelling value propositions. Essential reading for entrepreneurs aiming to stay ahead in a dynamic market.

Learn how entrepreneurs can effectively navigate the summer lull with strategies for fundraising, maintaining mental health, and balancing parenthood. Get insights from Interplay's Mark Peter Davis, Mike Rogers, and Phuong Ireland on refining unit economics, timing your fundraise, and the importance of quality time with your kids. For more entrepreneurial strategies, listen to Interplay's podcasts or join the Interplay Incubator.

Explore the future of remote work with Adam Nathan, CEO of Almanac. Learn strategies for team collaboration, productivity, and addressing the challenges of remote work. Discover the importance of simple tools and the potential for new solutions to build real connections in a distributed work environment. For more entrepreneurial insights, listen to Interplay's podcasts or join their incubator.

Discover strategies for building your first startup team and navigating the AI hype cycle. Learn key hiring tips, AI investment opportunities, and the importance of patience in the entrepreneurial journey. Get insights from Interplay's Mark Peter Davis and partners on creating a strong foundation for your business. For more insights, listen to Interplay's podcasts or join their incubator.

Understand the importance of KPIs for startups with insights from Interplay's podcast. Learn how to choose and utilize key metrics to drive your business success. Discover actionable tips on setting goals, avoiding analysis paralysis, and becoming a data-driven leader. Read more for practical advice on effective KPI tracking.

Discover the impact of the debt ceiling, market signals, and crypto regulations on the financial landscape. Gain insights on navigating market uncertainty, understanding bond and equity market divergences, and the role of crypto as a hedge against fiat currency risks. Learn how to balance regulation and innovation in the evolving crypto space. For more details, read our comprehensive guide.

Discover how Seth Levine of Foundry Group has shaped the venture ecosystem. Explore Foundry's strategy, the challenges of transitioning firms, and the rise of diverse entrepreneurs. Learn how intentional support for emerging managers and fostering a diverse entrepreneurial landscape can drive innovation and growth. Read more for in-depth insights and expert advice.

Discover how to test your MVP successfully with insights from Interplay. Learn to define test objectives, recruit testers, gather feedback, and iterate on your product to achieve product-market fit. Understand the importance of observing user behavior and conducting multiple testing rounds. For more detailed guidance, read our comprehensive guide.

Discover how Upper 90 provides innovative venture debt solutions for early-stage startups. Learn the benefits, differences from traditional venture debt, and when to consider it for your business. Gain insights on optimizing your capital strategy with expert guidance from Billy Libby.

Discover the pros and cons of bootstrapping versus raising capital for your startup. Gain valuable insights from the Interplay podcast, including practical tips on achieving sustainable growth and making informed financial decisions. Learn how to navigate funding choices and optimize your business strategy.

Discover China's impressive economic growth over the last 25 years, surpassing the world average in GDP per capita and improving living standards. Learn how China’s advancements in healthcare, infrastructure, and technology have shaped its modern economy. Understand the common misconceptions about Chinese technology and the reality of its innovative capabilities. For more insights, listen to Interplay’s podcast and explore their incubator program.

Discover why a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is essential for entrepreneurs. Learn how to define, develop, and test an MVP to save time, gather customer feedback, and refine your product efficiently. Understand the common challenges and benefits of iterating on your MVP, and explore how an incubator can support your startup journey.

Explore the transformative impact of AI on search engines like Google and Bing. Learn how AI is changing SEO, digital marketing, and user experience, and understand the broader implications for businesses and consumers. For more insights and entrepreneurial strategies, visit Interplay's Blog and explore their Incubator Program.

Discover strategies for empowering future generations through entrepreneurship and value creation. Learn how to shift from wealth preservation to human capital focus, ensuring long-term success and self-actualization. Get insights from the latest episode of Interplay’s podcast. For more entrepreneurial strategies, visit Interplay's Blog and explore their Incubator Program.

Discover strategies for building and compensating sales teams, the impact of technology on the restaurant industry, and how to empower future generations. Insights from Interplay’s podcast featuring experts Phuong Ireland, Brett Palatiello, and Vivian Wang.

Discover how entrepreneurs can navigate bank runs, diversify funds, and leverage advisor relationships. Insights from Interplay's podcast offer practical advice on robust risk management strategies, maximizing advisor benefits, and understanding the impact on the crypto market. Learn how to safeguard your startup and thrive in uncertain times.

Discover key strategies for entrepreneurs to handle bank run crises, diversify funds, and leverage advisor relationships. Insights from Interplay's podcast cover practical risk management steps, the impact on the crypto market, and advice on maximizing advisor relationships. Learn how to safeguard your startup and thrive in uncertain times.

Get essential tax tips for entrepreneurs from Interplay's podcast. Learn about key tax deadlines, the benefits of filing extensions, state nexus, R&D tax credits, and the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC). Optimize your business’s financial health with expert advice on maintaining clean books and navigating complex tax regulations.

Explore the evolution of Luxe Capital and gain valuable insights into building a successful venture capital firm. From focusing on frontier tech to embracing adaptability, this article highlights key lessons from Peter Hebert’s journey. Learn how long-term vision, flexibility, and a collaborative culture can drive success in the VC world. For more insights, listen to our podcasts or join our incubator program.

Explore how insights from the latest podcast can refine your venture strategy. Topics include the impact of Tesla's recall, the future of self-driving cars, and blockchain’s integration. Learn about emerging technologies and best practices for startups.

Discover the latest trends in venture capital, including a shift towards profitability, the rise in early-stage deals, and adjustments companies are making in response to economic changes. This comprehensive guide provides essential insights for both entrepreneurs and investors looking to navigate the evolving market landscape.

Strategic partnerships can be a game-changer for startups, offering benefits like increased credibility, expanded audience reach, and improved brand positioning. Learn from experts Phuong Ireland and Mark Peter Davis as they share insights on selecting complementary partners, building long-term relationships, and effective collaboration strategies. Discover how to leverage social media, cross-promotions, and in-person events to drive startup success. Explore more on the Interplay Blog and our Incubator Program for further resources and support.

Explore effective B2B pricing strategies in our latest podcast episode featuring Mark Peter Davis and Fong Ireland. Learn how to engage customers, simplify pricing structures, and regularly adjust strategies to optimize your business’s pricing approach.

Explore how venture capital navigated 2022's market corrections and what lies ahead in 2023. Discover insights on federal cannabis legalization, AI's impact on work, and economic trends. Learn how founders can prepare for uncertainties and the importance of mental health. Get expert advice on maintaining discipline during market highs and the benefits of support communities like Venwise. Stay ahead with our comprehensive guide to venture capital trends and strategies.

Dive into the latest in AI breakthroughs, economic trends, and founder dynamics. Discover how ChatGPT-3 is transforming industries, the impact of inflation on tech companies, and strategies for maintaining strong co-founder relationships. Learn how geopolitical factors and evolving COVID-19 strategies affect the global tech landscape.

Discover the latest in the venture market, blockchain developments, and community building for startups. Understand how inflation impacts tech companies and how Apple's new blockchain policies are stirring debate. Learn effective strategies for building a robust startup community and stay updated on economic trends affecting the tech industry. For more insights, visit Interplay's blog and check out our incubator program.

In this episode of Innovation with Mark Peter Davis, Mark discusses the transformative power of data in medicine, the latest on Elon Musk's Twitter strategy, and blockchain's role in financial transparency. Learn about the opportunities for entrepreneurs at the intersection of AI, big data, and healthcare, and get expert tips on creating effective social media strategies for businesses.

Explore the reasons behind recent tech layoffs at companies like Twitter and Facebook. Understand the economic slowdown's impact, shifts in investor priorities, and what this means for the broader industry. Learn how venture capital and incubators can help affected employees and startups navigate these challenges.

Discover why major tech companies like Twitter and Facebook are experiencing layoffs. Learn about the economic slowdown, shifts in investor priorities, and the broader implications for the tech industry. Find out how venture capital and incubators like Interplay support startups and laid-off employees during these challenging times.

Discover how integrating sustainability into core business strategies can drive innovation, efficiency, and profitability. Tensie Whelan, Director of the Center for Sustainable Business at NYU Stern, shares insights on aligning environmental and social goals with business success. Learn practical steps for businesses, the unique challenges for industries like oil and gas, and the role of startups and venture capital in fostering sustainable practices. For more insights, listen to podcasts from Interplay and explore their incubator program for startup support.

Deciding whether to bring on a co-founder is crucial for your startup's success. Learn about the benefits and drawbacks, and get tips on finding the right co-founder to complement your skills and vision. Based on insights from venture capital experts on the Interplay podcast, this article helps you navigate the co-founder decision.

QED Investors is a leading venture capital firm focusing on FinTech. Discover their investment strategy, key trends in FinTech, and how they support startups from early-stage to growth. Learn how QED's global approach and high-conviction investments drive innovation in the financial sector.

Explore the concept of work-life integration, its benefits, and how to implement it effectively. Learn how Interplay fosters a balanced work environment through flexible policies and technology. Get insights on blending personal and professional lives harmoniously.

Explore how Nodal, founded by Dr. Brian Levine, is revolutionizing the surrogacy industry. This innovative platform connects intended parents with surrogates, significantly lowering costs and improving accessibility. Learn about Nodal's technology-driven approach, legal support, and commitment to inclusivity, making surrogacy a viable option for more people. Discover how Nodal empowers surrogates, simplifies the matching process, and addresses industry challenges with compassion and understanding.

The venture capital market is in a transitional phase, with a mismatch in valuation expectations between founders and VCs leading to a slowdown in deals. Investors are cautious due to market sentiment and economic headwinds. Meanwhile, blockchain and Web3 technologies are gaining traction, with companies like Starbucks and Warner Music Group integrating NFTs into their business models. Learn more about the market dynamics, investor strategies, and the importance of building the right team for success.

Explore how Muck Rack, a pioneering PR software suite founded by Gregory Galant, revolutionized public relations by helping PR teams find journalists, track relationships, and build impactful reports. Discover its origins, unique features, and the advantages of bootstrapping a business. Learn why Muck Rack stands out in the PR industry and its future aspirations.

Explore Freddie Huynh's deep dive into credit scoring, focusing on FICO scores. Understand how FICO scores are calculated, their impact on financial decisions, and the challenges in disrupting this established system. Learn about the importance of credit scores, the factors influencing them, and ways to improve your score for better financial opportunities.

Chiper, founded in 2018, is transforming the corner store supply chain in Latin America by offering over 3,000 consumer packaged goods (CPG) with next-day delivery. Operating in Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil, Chiper supports independent retailers by optimizing logistics between suppliers and stores, ensuring efficient delivery and improved business success. This article delves into Chiper's journey, scaling logistics, and its impact on the Latin American market.

Like last year, we’re not going to release any new episodes for July and August, so I just wanted to let you know that we’re not leaving you hanging. New episodes to come in the fall.

Explore Overtime's transformation from a social media-focused sports content platform to owning innovative sports leagues like Overtime Elite (OTE) and OT7. Understand how they leverage social media, streaming, and new technologies to engage younger audiences and shape the future of sports entertainment. Learn about their journey, challenges, and the impact of technological advancements on their growth. Dive into the dynamic world of sports media with Overtime.

Explore Grayscale's journey from a single-product firm to the world's largest digital currency asset manager. Founded in 2013 by Barry Silbert, Grayscale has made investing in Bitcoin and other digital currencies accessible and secure. Learn how their innovative investment vehicles like the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) provide ease of access through traditional brokerage accounts. Discover the advantages, fee structures, and diverse investor base of Grayscale's products, and understand the future of cryptocurrency investment shaped by technological advancements and strategic leadership.

Learn how Black Crow's real-time machine learning platform is transforming e-commerce. Founded by Richard Harris, Black Crow provides predictive analytics that help brands like The Farmer's Dog and Daily Harvest optimize marketing efforts and improve customer engagement. Discover the technology behind it, its applications, and the future of predictive analytics in various industries.

Discover how MicroAcquire is transforming the startup acquisition landscape. This platform simplifies selling software companies with zero commissions, over 150,000 buyers, and streamlined processes. Learn how it democratizes acquisitions, caters to diverse buyers, and plans to expand beyond software. Get insights from founder Andrew Gazdecki and understand MicroAcquire's innovative approach and future plans.

Learn how Arch is transforming private investment administration by automating data management and streamlining processes. Co-founder Ryan Eisenman shares insights on how Arch provides a comprehensive dashboard, automates document collection, and ensures accuracy and security. Ideal for private investment firms, family offices, and individual investors, Arch simplifies managing investments and enhances overall efficiency.

Parallel is transforming support for students with learning differences by providing accessible, high-quality virtual services. The platform offers psychological assessments, therapy, tutoring, and coaching, ensuring personalized care for conditions like dyslexia, ADHD, and anxiety. Learn how Parallel collaborates with schools and uses technology to streamline processes and improve outcomes for students.

Explore how Bessemer Venture Partners, a century-old venture capital firm, is revolutionizing investment strategies, talent development, and support for startups. Learn from Jeremy Levine's insights on their unique approach and industry impact.

Explore how MARGIN is transforming healthcare supply chain management for surgery centers. Learn about their innovative approach to cost savings and efficient inventory management.

Thunder is transforming the investment banking landscape for early-stage ventures. This tech-enabled platform uses AI to streamline fundraising, providing founders with targeted investor matches and helping VCs vet and analyze deal flow efficiently. Learn how Thunder's unique approach and advanced rating system benefit both established and emerging investors, and explore their innovative LP-GP connection functionality. Discover more about how Thunder is revolutionizing capital raising and investment processes.

Explore Minotaur's comprehensive solutions for NFT creation and management. Offering both white-glove services and a self-service platform, Minotaur helps creators build successful NFT projects. Discover how their unique approach, advanced technology, and strong community support are transforming the blockchain experience for artists and brands.

Learn how FJ Labs, led by Fabrice Grinda, invests in marketplaces with a founder-friendly approach. Discover their unique investment philosophy, how they evaluate startups, and the value they provide to founders through operational expertise and fundraising support. Dive into their high-volume portfolio strategy and understand why FJ Labs is a significant player in venture capital.

Ophelia is at the forefront of tackling opioid addiction with evidence-based treatment methods. This article explores how Ophelia's innovative approach is breaking down barriers to care, making life-saving treatment more accessible, and providing a better alternative to traditional rehab programs. Learn about the challenges in the current addiction treatment landscape and how Ophelia is making a significant impact.

GoingVC is transforming the venture capital landscape by providing aspiring VCs with education, hands-on experience, and a robust support network. Discover how GoingVC's innovative approach is breaking down barriers and helping individuals succeed in the VC industry.

SumZero, founded by Divya Narendra, is transforming investment research by offering a platform for unbiased, professional-grade insights. This article explores SumZero's impact on the investment community, the unique opportunities it provides, and its rigorous vetting process to ensure high-quality research. Learn how SumZero's transparent platform and ancillary services are making a significant difference in the financial world.

Learn how Tovala's smart oven and chef-prepared meal service are transforming home cooking by eliminating the hassle of meal preparation. Founded by David Rabie, Tovala offers a convenient, time-saving solution that delivers nutritious meals in just 20 minutes.

Explore Chris Yeh's insights on "Blitzscaling," a strategy prioritizing speed over efficiency to achieve rapid growth. Learn how it applies to both venture-backed and traditional businesses, the risks and rewards involved, and real-world examples of success. Dive into how these principles can transform your approach to business growth and management.

Learn how EasyKnock, led by CEO Jarred Kessler, offers groundbreaking financial solutions that enable homeowners to unlock their home equity without moving out. Discover EasyKnock's mission-driven approach and its impact on the real estate market.

Explore how Movable Ink, under CEO Vivek Sharma, is transforming personalized marketing by leveraging data to create engaging, tailored content. Learn about their innovative solutions, the challenges faced by enterprises, and how Movable Ink enhances customer experiences and drives higher conversion rates.

This is just a quick update for all the listeners out there. First, thank you for joining me on this journey. Second, we're taking a break for the next month. New episodes will come in mid-January. See you in '22!

Slumberkins, co-founded by Callie Christensen and Kelly Oriard, pioneers in children's emotional wellness. Learn how their storybooks and plush characters help children develop emotional intelligence and resilience. Discover their journey, products, and community-driven approach.

Stephen Kuhl is the Co-Founder and CEO of Burrow, a furniture company for the modern age that delivers the most convenient customer experience in the industry. During the interview Stephen shared a ton of great insights into the world of manufacturing. If you’re building a DTC business or a company that relies on manufacturing this is worth a listen.

Mike Rudoy is the Co-Founder and CEO of Jetty, a financial services platform that helps make renting a home more affordable and flexible. In addition to helping renters get into homes, Jetty's services helps landlords and real estate managers manage their properties. During our chat we discussed the business model behind Jetty, Mike's entrepreneurial journey, the general state of housing in America and much more.

CoVenture’s has found an interesting synergy between debt financing and venture capital. In addition to making venture investments, they provide balance sheet capital to innovative companies that are financing new asset classes.

Numerade is creating the TikTok for STEM education by using short form videos and artificial intelligence tutors. During the chat, Nhon shared his extremely inspiring personal journey and if you follow the thread of his story it seems as though he was destined to start this company. We discussed the intricacies of Numerade, how learning varies by states and countries, how education is evolving in the US and so much more.

Jason Saltzman is the Co-Founder, an app that helps people navigate the craziness when dealing with debt. During this chat we discussed the intricacies regarding debt in America, what it takes to build a strong community and strategies to make winning content on TikTok.

Nihal Mehta is the Co-Founder of Eniac Ventures, a successful seed venture firm that has invested in unicorns like AirBnb and Boxed. Before becoming a VC, Nihal was a serial operator which has helped him become the successful startup player-coach he is today.

Maureen Farrell is a reporter at the New York Times and the co-author of The Cult of We, a book all about the WeWork saga. During our chat we discuss WeWork and extract business lessons from its story + how founders can build and maintain media relationships.

Sam is, in the truest sense, a Silicon Valley insider. He’s a part of the Harvard tech mafia, friends with Zuckerberg and has built a few different tech startups. During our chat we discussed how he sees the VC model changing (he has some strong opinions on this which are great), the evolution of media and its business models, the differences between US and China government strategies towards tech and a whole lot more.

Zheng Huang is the President of the Committee of 100, a US based non-profit leadership organization of about 100+ prominent Chinese Americans in a plethora of industries with a mission to help Chinese Americans thrive in the U.S. and to develop stronger relationships with China.

Angela Lee is the Founder of 37 Angels, an investment network that activates female investors through an educational bootcamp. She is also a professor at the Columbia Business School where she focuses on teaching about venture capital.

Hal Callais is a pivotal member of the startup and innovation scene in New Orleans and its surrounding area. We talk about everything from tech and innovation in New Orleans to the evolution of this ecosystem post Hurricane Katrina.

NYSERDA was established in 1975 to support clean energy and protect the environment. They're the government entity in the state of New York that is taking the lead to help drive innovation in the CleanTech ecosystem.

Mike Tarullo is the COO at Banza, a food company making comfort foods using chickpeas. During our chat we do a deep dive into the world of food startups.

As you can tell from the title, this isn’t a normal episode. I just wanted to give a couple of quick updates.

Jed Katz is the Managing Director at Javelin Venture Partners. Javelin is a premier VC firm that has invested in a ton of successful companies including a bunch of unicorns like Master Class and Thumbtack.

On this week’s episode I chat with Alex Taub. Alex is the Co-Founder & CEO of Upstream, a digital platform that is redefining professional networking.