Bridging government and venture capital with Yanev Suissa of SineWave Ventures

What happens when a venture capitalist brings a deep understanding of government into the startup world? Yanev Suissa, Founder and Managing General Partner of SineWave Ventures, has done just that, carving out a powerful niche by helping commercial-first startups break into government markets. His journey from NEA to the Bush and Obama administrations gives him a perspective few investors can match.

Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn:

• 00:42 Introduction and Guest Overview

• 01:24 Yanev Suissa's Background and Career Path

• 02:19 The SineWave Ventures Model

• 03:33 Navigating the Government Tech Space

• 05:42 Competing with Mega Funds

• 07:50 Investment Decision-Making Process

• 10:24 Evaluating Founders and Teams

• 16:14 Impact of AI and Investment Landscape

• 18:23 The Importance of Vision in Entrepreneurship

• 19:16 AI and Business: Making Money and Saving Money

• 19:38 Challenges and Realities of AI Implementation

• 20:20 Future Proofing and Investment Strategies in AI

• 21:16 The Role of VCs in Supporting Startups

• 22:21 Debate: The Future Landscape of AI Companies

• 25:32 VCs and Founders: Building Productive Relationships

• 29:55 The Rewards and Challenges of Being a VC

• 31:42 Timeless Advice for Entrepreneurs and Investors

In this episode,

Yanev unpacks how his background in federal investment shaped the founding of SineWave Ventures, a VC firm built to help commercial technology companies win in both the public and private sectors. He explains why many venture-backed startups overlook government as a growth engine, and how SineWave uniquely helps founders access these massive, often hidden, revenue streams. With past investments in Databricks, SentinelOne, and Evolv, Yanev shares what makes a venture truly scalable across sectors.

The conversation dives deep into the challenges of competing with mega-funds, the critical role of team dynamics in startup success, and how Yanev's firm makes concentrated bets in a crowded market. He also offers a candid perspective on the current AI supercycle; including what's hype, what's real, and how to think about sustainable ROI in enterprise AI adoption. Whether you're a founder, investor, or LP, Yanev's insights offer a playbook for navigating venture capital with both conviction and clarity.

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