Seed to Harvest

Send us a textIn this episode, James Evans, co-founder of Command AI (acq by Amplitude), shares his entrepreneurial journey- from childhood ambitions to launching a startup in college and scaling it through YC. He talks about turning a side project into a venture-backed company, navigating the startup grind, and eventually getting acquired by Amplitude. James breaks down the realities of startup life, including hiring, sales vs. product-led growth, and the psychological weight of being a founder. He also walks through the acquisition process, post-acquisition integration, and how he’s continuing to grow in a new role. This episode is packed with candid insight into early-stage building, decision-making, and what comes after the “win.”00:00 Starting a Company: The Myth vs. Reality 00:08 Interview with James Evans: Early Life and Entrepreneurial Aspirations 01:41 College Days: The Birth of Command AI 02:50 From Side Project to Startup 04:31 Entering Private Equity After Graduation 05:34 The YC Experience and Why Speed Matters 13:26 Marketing and Growth: What Actually Works 16:32 Conserving Innovation and Picking the Right Bets 16:54 Remote Work as a Strategic Choice 17:48 Marketing: From Popups to Planes 19:17 Avoiding Overthinking and Moving Fast 20:30 Angel Investing and Operating Insights 22:38 Hiring, Firing, and Early Team Building 26:02 The Amplitude Acquisition: How It Happened 30:14 After the Exit: Integration and Personal GrowthConnect with Paige 🌱💜Behind Genius Ventures blog | https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/Personal Blog | https://paigefinndoherty.com/Twitter | https://x.com/paigefinnn Links 🔗 James Evans – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesbevans/ 🔗 CommandBar – https://www.commandbar.com/ 🔗 Y Combinator – https://www.ycombinator.com/ 🔗 Amplitude – https://amplitude.com/Support the show

Send us a textHi everyone! In this episode, I’m doing something a little different — walking you through the three phases of self-publishing my first book, Seed to Harvest, a children’s book about venture capital. I’ll share the full behind-the-scenes: how I came up with the idea, what the writing and publishing process looked like, how much money I made (real numbers!), and how this book helped launch Behind Genius Ventures.In this episode, I cover:How to validate book ideas like a startupWhat it actually costs to publish a book (and how I crowdfunded it)How writing Seed to Harvest helped me raise a $5M venture fundHow being online (especially on Twitter) played a major role in all of thisWhat I’d do differently next timeWhether you’re curious about writing a book, starting a fund, or just love a good build-in-public story, I hope this helps you take the leap on your own creative project.📍Follow me: Twitter (X): @paigefinnn Email: paige@behindgeniusventures.com Website: behindgeniusventures.comBook: Seed to Harvest: A Simple Explanation of Venture Capital available on AmazonSupport the show

Send us a textTom McLeod isn’t your typical founder or investor.He bootstrapped a SaaS to 100k users, built a League of Legends app used by millions, sold it to Tencent, and now backs businesses at the intersection of identity, community, and cashflow. Think: car clubs, not cloud infra.In this episode of Seed to Harvest, Tom breaks down:• The 3 founder archetypes he’s seen across cycles• Why he hires founders (even though they always leave)• What he learned going from bootstrapped to venture-backed• How he thinks about underwriting non-venture-scale returnsIt’s a fresh take for anyone rethinking capital models or scouting overlooked operator talent.Connect with Paige 🌱💜Behind Genius Ventures blog - https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/Personal Blog -  https://paigefinndoherty.com/Twitter -  https://twitter.com/paigefinnnConnect with Tom 🌱💜Email- Tom@saltwater.com Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/tmcleod/?hl=enTwitter- https://x.com/tmcleod3?lang=enSupport the show

Send us a textIn this special series of 'What It Takes,' Paige and analyst Chinwuba interview founders who have sold their companies for more than $1B. Our first episode features Mark Weiss and Jeff Weiss, the founders of NJOY, a billion-dollar e-cigarette company. They dive into the entrepreneurial journey, starting from their upbringing in a family of lawyers and athletes to the unique inception of NJOY after discovering electronic cigarettes through a mentor. Mark explains the challenges NJOY faced, including the legal battles with the FDA, which they successfully overcame, allowing them to pioneer in the e-cigarette market. Jeff shares insights into the company's significant pivots, financial struggles, and eventual recovery post-bankruptcy. They also discuss substantial investments from prominent figures like Peter Thiel and Sean Parker, navigating regulatory hurdles, and NJOY's eventual acquisition by Altria. The episode highlights lessons learned, the importance of adaptability, and reflects on the rewarding yet turbulent journey of building a groundbreaking company.Connect with Paige and Chinwuba 🌱💜Behind Genius Ventures blog | https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/Personal Blog | https://paigefinndoherty.com/Twitter | https://twitter.com/paigefinnnLinkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chinwubaezesike/00:00 Introduction to the Series and Guests00:32 Growing Up in a Big Family02:36 The Birth of NJOY06:08 Early Challenges and Breakthroughs12:50 Legal Battles with the FDA20:48 Financing and Growth23:16 The Rise of NJOY24:13 Challenges Leading to Bankruptcy25:23 The Pivot to Flavors and Nicotine Salts27:08 The Bankruptcy and Downsizing28:09 The Struggle with Investors and Market Share30:42 Emotional and Strategic Reflections33:15 Reemergence and Fresh Start39:24 Acquisition by Altria42:54 Lessons Learned and Final ThoughtsSupport the show

Send us a textIn this episode of 'Seed to Harvest,' hosted by Paige Finn Doherty, delve into the intricate world of Broadway with five-time Tony Award-winning Broadway producer, Sue Gilad. Sue shares her journey from a childhood love of theater to becoming a major Broadway producer. She offers a detailed look at the production process, including the roles behind-the-scenes, financing, and the impact of COVID-19 on the Broadway industry. Highlights include the making of 'Moulin Rouge! The Musical,' insights into fundraising and producing, and the excitement of winning a Tony Award. Tune in to learn about the business side of bringing Broadway magic to life and the similarities between venture capital and Broadway production.Connect with Paige 🌱💜Behind Genius Ventures blog | https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/Personal Blog | https://paigefinndoherty.com/Twitter | https://twitter.com/paigefinnn00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement00:53 Sue Gilad's Early Love for Theater02:35 Behind the Scenes of Broadway Productions04:18 The Business Side of Broadway08:21 The Journey of Moulin Rouge! The Musical13:20 Impact of COVID-19 on Broadway16:31 Role and Responsibilities of a Broadway Producer19:31 Producing Shows in the UK vs. Broadway21:00 The Unpredictability of Producing Shows21:22 Discovering New Productions22:18 Fundraising for Theatre22:52 The Risks and Rewards of Investing in Theatre26:13 The Thrill of Winning a Tony30:32 Industry Jargon and Favorite Tools34:40 Navigating Age and Success in the Industry39:17 Final Thoughts and RecommendationsMoulin Rouge! The Musicalhttps://moulinrougemusical.comThe Outsiders Musical (including upcoming tour dates)https://outsidersmusical.comBroadway.com (for general show info, tickets, and news)https://www.broadway.comTKTS Discount Tickets (for half-price Broadway tickets)https://www.tdf.org/discount-ticket-programs/tkts-by-tdfBroadwaySF (for touring Broadway productions in SF)https://www.broadwaysf.comSupport the show

Send us a textFrom Mold Toxicity to Million Dollar Startup: Ariana Thacker's Inspiring Journey with MoldCoIn this episode of 'Seed to Harvest,' host Paige Finn Doherty welcomes back Ariana Thacker of MoldCo. They discuss Ariana's journey from discovering toxic mold in her home while running Conscience VC to founding MoldCo, a healthcare platform tackling mold toxicity. Ariana shares her personal health struggles, the deep research into mold-related toxicity, her innovative healthcare solutions, and raising a $3 million pre-seed round. They also delve into the misconceptions about mold, the process of treating mold toxicity, and the importance of having a resilient and value-driven approach in building a startup.A call to action for those who might be affected by Mold Toxicity: MoldCo is now available in Texas and Florida, with a planned nationwide rollout by the end of the year. If you or someone you know is affected by Mold Toxicity, Ariana recommends signing up on MoldCo's waitlist at moldco.com and ordering a $99 MoldCo Standard lab Panel to get clarity on your symptoms. https://access.moldco.com/labs00:00 Welcome Back to Seed to Harvest00:36 Ariana's Mold Journey Begins01:22 Discovering the Mold Problem06:14 Meeting the Messiah of Mold08:21 Launching MoldCo13:42 Understanding Mold Illness16:44 The Science Behind Mold Illness20:50 The Role of AI in Mold Research25:42 Personal Values and Company Culture36:36 Reflections and Future PlansSupport the show

Send us a textThe Technical Storyteller: A Founder ArchetypeIn our April 2024 Fund II launch, featured in Fortune magazine, we made it clear that we back the best storytellers. Some might assume that when we say “storytellers,” we mean people who are skilled at talking. But in our view, storytelling is far more about listening and deeply understanding context. The best storytellers help us see the invisible — they show us the unseen paths to success.To expand on this thesis, we want to dive deeper into the type of storyteller we believe in: the technical storyteller. This founder archetype combines technical expertise with the ability to narrate a compelling vision, while adapting to the complexities of their landscape.In this short solo episode, I'll cover: What is a Technical Storyteller?A Metaphor: Building and Navigating a VehicleWhy the Landscape Matters MostAre technical storytellers born or made? You can also read more at https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/post/technical-storytellerWe'll be publishing our next episode soon, welcome back! Support the show

Send us a textToday, I am joined by Ben Lerer, the Managing Partner at Lerer Hippeau, an early stage venture firm based in New York that invests in iconic companies that rattle the status quo. Ben shares insights into his journey from founding digital media company Group Nine Media, including the creation of Thrillist, to transitioning into full-time investing after selling his business. Ben highlights how his background in media and operating companies influences his approach to venture capital, emphasizing the excitement, challenges, and rewards of being on the investor side of the table.Seed to Harvest is a podcast focused on stories & tactics from a diverse array of investors, founders, and creators, hosted by Paige Finn Doherty, a founding partner at Behind Genius Ventures and author of Seed to Harvest, an illustrated children's book for adults.Connect with Paige 🌱💜Behind Genius Ventures blog | https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/Personal Blog | https://paigefinndoherty.com/Twitter | https://twitter.com/paigefinnn00:00 Welcome to Seed To Harvest: Ben Lerer 02:02 becoming a full-time investor04:40 challenges with a growing company06:25 investing more into fund l08:22 intuition changing from qualitative to quantitative10:28 the trick of this market12:32 Ben’s founder process15:28 delineating a good design from a great design18:37 lessons learned from Bob Pittman22:37 what Ben been learning recentlyShow notes:Ben Lerer | https://twitter.com/benjlerer?lang=enLerer Hippeau | https://www.lererhippeau.com/Group Nine Media | https://twitter.com/groupninemedia?lang=enThrillist | https://www.thrillist.com/Bob Pittman | https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-pittman/POPSUGAR | https://www.popsugar.com/entertainmentBrian Sugar | https://www.linkedin.com/in/briansugar/Sugar Capital | https://sugarcap.com/Support the show

Send us a textIn today's episode, Missy Oei, winner of the BGV winter break college essay contest and senior at the University of Dayton studying entrepreneurship & marketing, shares her journey from realizing the significant impact of fast fashion on her generation to aspiring to break into venture capital with a focus on impact investing. Missy’s winning essay dives into the environmental ramifications of fast fashion, a topic borne out of her personal transition from a lover of shopping to an advocate for sustainability. Her narrative not only reflects a personal commitment to change but also signals a wider generational shift towards sustainability and ethical business practices, underscoring her ambition to leverage venture capital for positive global impact.Seed to Harvest is a podcast focused on stories & tactics from a diverse array of investors, founders, and creators, hosted by Paige Finn Doherty, a founding partner at Behind Genius Ventures and author of Seed to Harvest, an illustrated children's book for adults.Connect with Paige 🌱💜Behind Genius Ventures blog | https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/Personal Blog | https://paigefinndoherty.com/Twitter | https://twitter.com/paigefinnn00:00 Welcome to Seed To Harvest: Melissa Oei01:01 writing “Fighting Fast Fasion”02:42 the environmental impact of fast fashion03:17 companies investing in multimodal AI04:13 COVID’s effects on the fashion industry07:07 how social media impacts fast fashion07:55 Missy’s peer-to-peer clothing rental app11:28 the role of technology shaping consumer behavior12:53 Missy’s dream rental scenario15:15 the gap between intention and buying behavior19:07 prioritizing sustainability in the fashion industry20:37 nano trends in the fashion industry22:50 Missy’s big dreams for impact investing24:21 my perspective on fast fashionShow notes:Melissa (Missy) Oei | https://www.linkedin.com/in/oeimelissa/Gen Z VCs | https://www.genzvcs.com/Shein | https://us.shein.com/Pickle | https://shoponpickle.com/Good on You | https://goodonyou.eco/Reformation | https://www.thereformation.com/clothingFor Days | https://fordays.com/H&M | https://www2.hm.com/en_us/index.htmlSupport the show

Send us a textIn today's episode, we discuss the transformative world of Multimodal AI, an advanced form of artificial intelligence that integrates and processes multiple data types—text, images, audio, and video—to emulate human-like perception. Unlike text-based AI models such as ChatGPT, which specialize in generating text-based responses, Multimodal AI offers a more comprehensive understanding by processing diverse data inputs, mirroring the way humans utilize multiple senses to interact with their environment. The essence of Multimodal AI lies in its ability to converge various forms of data to present a more holistic view, though it faces significant challenges in terms of technical complexity, data integration, and privacy concerns. Despite these obstacles, Multimodal AI stands on the brink of revolutionizing technology and daily life, with potential applications across entertainment, healthcare, and education. Today, we explore the importance of investing early in this rapidly advancing field, emphasizing the need for caution and diligence to navigate the fast-paced world of AI innovation, where Multimodal AI is poised to make significant strides in the coming years.Seed to Harvest is a podcast focused on stories & tactics from a diverse array of investors, founders, and creators, hosted by Paige Finn Doherty, a founding partner at Behind Genius Ventures and author of Seed to Harvest, an illustrated children's book for adults.Connect with Paige 🌱💜Behind Genius Ventures blog | https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/Personal Blog | https://paigefinndoherty.com/Twitter | https://twitter.com/paigefinnn00:00 Welcome to Seed To Harvest: Paige Doherty00:41 introduction to multimodal AI01:29 defining multimodal AI03:17 companies investing in multimodal AI03:49 the difference between text-based AI and multimodal AI05:20 the convergence of multimodal AI06:40 the inherent technical complexity of multimodal AI08:35 roadblocks of multimodal AI11:43 possibilities for disruption12:55 BGV’s investments in multimodal AI14:50 the perfect solution for multimodal AI Show notes:Our Approach to Investing in Early Stage AI Companies | https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/post/ai-investingour approach to investing in early stage AI companies | ep75 | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9BxDkTCE2IProf Jim | https://www.profjim.com/Hearth Display | https://hearthdisplay.com/The Last Gameboard | https://lastgameboard.com/Aviron | https://www.avironactive.com/Lotus Labs | https://www.getlotus.com/Humane's AI Pin Tab | https://hu.ma.ne/aipinSupport the show