Clock Speed with Shamus Madan

In this episode, Shamus Madan talks to Ritwik Pavan about his journey from creating his first app, Flappy Yeeke, to establishing Linker Logic Technologies. They discuss Ritwik's transition to Vade, the inception of Krava, its role in addressing the housing crisis, and future goals. Ritwik shares his long-term vision and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. "American homeowners have been lied to. The housing market has been plagued by inflating construction costs from labor shortages, supply chain bottlenecks, and volatile pricing for basic materials." - Ritwik Here's how Ritwik Pavan is working to solve the problem with Krava Twitter of Host (Shamus Madan): @mbitpodcast Twitter of Guest (Ritwik Pavan): @ritwikpavan Learn more about Krava here: https://getkrava.com (0:00) Introduction and request for podcast support (0:53) Early life and experiences of Ritwik Pavan (3:13) The inception of Ritwik's entrepreneurial spirit and his first app, Flappy Yeeke (5:24) Establishment and growth of Linker Logic Technologies (7:59) Transition from Linker Logic Technologies to Vade and the birth of Krava (9:19) Addressing the housing crisis through Krava (12:18) Process, challenges, and future goals of Krava (16:32) Ritwik's long-term vision for Kraava and the construction industry (20:08) Ritwik's advice to his younger self and the importance of taking risks (21:23) Closing remarks and guest sign-off

In this episode, Shamus Madan interviews Kat Cole, discussing her early life, work experiences, and decision to drop out of college. They delve into overcoming stereotypes, imposter syndrome, and the challenges of being a young executive. The importance of financial education and self-love are also discussed, with Cole offering advice on independence and personal growth. When Kat Cole was nine years old, she was living with her single mother and two siblings with less than $10/week for food. Today she serves as the President & COO of Athletic Greens. Here's how she did it. Twitter of Host (Shamus Madan): @mbitpodcast Twitter of Guest (Kat Cole): @KatColeATL Learn more about Athletic Greens here (0:00) Introduction and guest introduction: Kat Cole (4:06) Kat Cole's early life and work experiences (10:16) Kat Cole's life goals and decision to drop out of college (15:28) Kat Cole's unusual academic journey and overcoming stereotypes (19:03) Discussion on imposter syndrome and the challenges of being a young executive (24:32) The importance of financial education and lessons for the next generation (28:01) Kat Cole's advice on self-love, independence, and the role of failure in personal growth (29:58) Wrapping up the interview with Kat Cole

Emil Michael, former Chief Business Officer of Uber, shares valuable insights on the lessons he learned from his mentor, the importance of prioritizing problems in startups, the role of competition in mergers and acquisitions, Uber's international ambitions, and advice for startups on making fast decisions and practicing conservative financial management.

In this episode, Shamus Madan interviews Hussein Fazal, discussing his entrepreneurial journey, the transition from bootstrapping to VC funding, and breaking into a duopolistic market. They also talk about Steph Curry's investment, remote work culture, and traits of successful entrepreneurs. The year is 2008. Hussein Fazal just quit his tech job to co-found AdParlor, which built marketing campaigns to run on Facebook. He didn’t know if it would work but decided to give it a shot. Hussein sold the company in 2011, stayed on as CEO for a few years, and then, in 2016, launched Snaptravel, a discount hotel reservation service that has saved consumers well over $150 Million. But unlike most companies, for their first 100 customers Hussein didn’t write a single line of code. Today, he joins to share his journey as an entrepreneur and how he even got Steph Curry to back his company. Twitter of Host (@mbitpodcast): Shamus Madan Twitter of Guest (@hussein_fazal): Hussein Fazal Learn more about Super.com at well...you guessed it...Super.com (0:00) Introduction to Hussein Fazal and his journey as an entrepreneur (7:16) Risk and fear in entrepreneurship: Advice and personal experiences (13:18) Transition from bootstrapping to VC funding: Impact and strategies (21:43) Targeting an underserved demographic and breaking into a duopolistic market (30:46) Steph Curry's investment and the importance of company culture in a remote working environment (39:11) Traits of a successful entrepreneur and the power of resilience (43:21) Final advice for first-time entrepreneurs and interview wrap-up

In this episode, Shamus Madan speaks with Jason Shuman about the challenges of entrepreneurship, from dealing with self-doubt to choosing business locations. They discuss strategies for building a strong VC network, the difficulties of raising capital, and how to handle business failure. The conversation wraps up with Jason's approach to seed investing and his interest in prop tech. Six years ago, Jason Shuman was driving for Uber with $400 in his bank account. Today, he is a general partner at Primary, a $1 billion AUM firm in NYC. How did he do it? He had to make himself invaluable. If you want to learn how you can make yourself invaluable listen to Jason's full story. Twitter of Host (Shamus Madan): @mbitpodcast Twitter of Guest (Jason Shuman): @JasonrShuman Learn more about Primary Venture Partners here. (0:00) Introduction to the episode and Shamus Madan's journey (5:32) Advice for aspiring founders dealing with health struggles and self-doubt (11:17) Discussion on executing business ideas and choosing business locations (25:10) Building a strong network in venture capital and making oneself invaluable (35:20) Struggles of raising venture capital and the importance of admitting what you don't know (37:50) Dealing with business failure and transitioning careers (42:15) Strategy for successful seed investing and interest in prop tech (43:12) Jason's personal mission and wrap up of the interview

In this episode, Shamus Madan chats with Bob Muglia about his career from early digital communication to Microsoft and beyond. They discuss startup expansion, cloud computing, AI, and the importance of focus and values in business. The conversation also delves into the future and risks of AI, societal implications, and Bob's book "The Data Pernoor." Bob Muglia has been at the forefront of the most innovative and significant evolutions within the data technology industry. As the Former President of Microsoft, he worked with some of the biggest names in tech, including Bill Gates. Bob also was the Former CEO of Snowflake, a cloud computing data company, where he took the startup from near zero to a $1.5 Billion valuation in just a few years. What you'll learn in this episode: The three most important lessons Bob learned at Microsoft and building Snowflake How AI can determine the truth Why a call for a 6-month pause for AI development will NOT work, and what should be done instead How AI can evolve into superintelligence and what that would mean for the world Twitter of Host (Shamus Madan): @mbitpodcast Twitter of Guest (Bob Muglia): @Bob_Muglia Learn more about The Datapreneurs here. (0:00) Introduction to Bob Muglia (2:05) Bob Muglia's career journey and experience with early digital communication (4:22) Bob's transition to Microsoft and the evolution of Windows (7:22) Bob's advice for startup expansion and the impact of cloud computing and AI (12:57) The role of focus, values, and a healthy dose of paranoia in running successful organizations (15:44) The future of AI: From answer bots to action bots and the challenge of truth detection (23:51) The existential risks and regulation of AI development (26:14) The societal implications of AI: Content regulation and job creation in the AI revolution (34:24) Introduction to Bob Muglia's book, "The Data Pernoor" and the opportunity for entrepreneurs in the AI era (36:27) Conclusion and promotion of "The Data Pernoor"

In this episode, Shamus Madan interviews Matt Higgins, discussing his journey from poverty to becoming the youngest press secretary in history. They delve into topics like self-reliance, the relationship between opportunity and data, and the importance of supportive partnerships. The conversation also touches on personal growth through depression, career advice for young people, and the process of writing a narrative business book. Lastly, they explore the value of risk-taking, building a legacy, and Matt's book recommendations. Matt Higgins grew up in Queens, New York, but his upbringing was very untraditional compared to other kids. When he was just 16 years old, his mother was disabled, and his family could only afford to eat government cheese. In addition to attending school full time, he worked overnight at a deli, making as little as $3.75 an hour, walking home with a butterfly knife to protect himself in case he was jumped. Matt eventually made the tough decision to drop out of high school and get his GED to further support himself and his mother. On the last day of high school, as he walked out the door, Matt's teacher told him, "I'll see you at McDonald's. What a waste." But he didn't let that get to his head. He was driven to accomplish what others thought he couldn't and reach financial security. On April 2nd, 2001, he did it. He became the youngest press secretary in history, making over $100,000/year. But it was too late. That same morning, his mother died. "We are all victimized at some point in our life. But the number one job you have when you are a victim is to not protect or worry about your reputation. It's to heal." Today Matt is the author of the book Burn The Boats, and to hear his full story to becoming a Shark on Shark Tank, listen to the full interview. Twitter of Host (Shamus Madan): @mbitpodcast Twitter of Guest (Matt Higgins): @mhiggins Learn more about Burn The Boats here.. (0:00) Introduction and Background of Matt Higgins (1:56) Matt Higgins on Self-reliance and Radical Decisions (8:18) The relationship between Opportunity and Data (11:55) Discussion on Depression and Personal Growth (16:56) Matt's Journey from Poverty to Youngest Press Secretary in History (21:27) Career Advice for Young People (25:33) The Importance of Supportive Partnerships in Life (27:15) Process of Writing a Narrative Business Book and Self-awareness (33:21) Value of Taking Risks and Starting Early (38:22) Building Legacy, Intentionality, and Success Advice (46:02) Book Recommendation and Conclusion

In this episode, Shamus Madan interviews Neil Blumenthal, co-founder of Warby Parker. They discuss Blumenthal's journey from Vision Spring to Warby Parker, the importance of customer experience, and the company's expansion strategies. They also delve into the future of glasses industry, Warby Parker's social impact, and key takeaways for entrepreneurs. At Neil Blumenthal's little league baseball game, there was a shootout where a man was shot three times. His mother was the first to run over to provide assistance and help save his life. From this point on, he knew what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. Serve others and have a positive impact on the world. And he did just that when he partnered with David Gilboa in 2010 to found Warby Parker. Warby Parker is a retailer of prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contacts that offers high-quality products at an affordable price. For every pair of glasses or sunglasses sold, a pair of glasses is distributed to someone in need. So far, that's 13 million pairs and counting. If you found this interview valuable, share it with a friend. Follow the host (Shamus Madan): @mbitpodcast Follow the guest (Neil Blumenthal): @NeilBlumenthal Learn more about Warby Parker here: https://www.warbyparker.com/ (0:00) Introduction and Background of Neil Blumenthal (3:27) Neil's Influences and Experiences at Vision Spring (10:00) Neil's Journey to Warby Parker: Rejection, MBA, and the Birth of an Idea (15:08) Importance of Customer Experience in Warby Parker's Growth (20:30) Risk Management and the Inflection Point in Warby Parker's Business (25:11) Branding and the Decision to Open Physical Stores (29:55) Expansion Strategies: Word-of-Mouth and Strategic Store Locations (32:41) Future of the Glasses Industry and Opportunities for Businesses (35:31) Social Impact: Partnership with NYC Public Schools and the Effect of Glasses on Education (36:21) Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs and Innovations in Customer Experience (38:16) Conclusion and Acknowledgements

In this episode, Shamus Madan converses with Ben Lamm about his journey from early life to becoming the founder of Colossus Biosciences. They discuss the company's mission, the inspiration behind it, and the challenges of biodiversity loss and raising funding. They also talk about balancing investor advice, the role of celebrity involvement, and dealing with regulatory and ethical issues. The episode concludes with Ben's aspirations beyond Colossal Biosciences. Colossal Biosciences aims to bring back extinct species and restore biodiversity. Prior to Colossal, Ben was the founder of Hypergiant Industries, a leading AI company that works with Fortune 500 clients and the US government. He also founded Conversable, which was acquired by LivePerson, and Chaotic Moon Studios, which was acquired by Accenture. He is a serial entrepreneur, now working to support the restoration of healthy ecosystems. And one of the ways he is working to do that is by bringing back to life the Woolly Mammoth and The Dodo. Twitter of Host (Shamus Madan): @mbitpodcast Twitter of Guest (Ben Lamm): @federallamm Learn more about Colossal here. (0:00) Introduction: Ben Lamm on the podcast (2:05) Discussion on Ben Lamm's Early Life and Influences (3:48) Ben Lamm's First Business Venture and Transition to Professional Life (6:06) Introduction to Colossus Biosciences and its Mission (10:26) Inspiration Behind Colossus Biosciences and Why Dinosaurs Can't be Brought Back to Life (16:39) The Debate Over Interfering with Biodiversity Loss and Raising Funding for Colossal (22:53) Balancing Investor Advice and Control in Company Operations (25:32) Role of Celebrity Involvement in Raising Awareness and Funding for Colossal Biosciences (27:51) Dealing with Regulatory and Ethical Issues in De-Extinction (32:30) Ben Lamm's Life Accomplishments and Aspirations Beyond Colossal Biosciences (35:44) Wrapping up and where to learn more about Colossal Biosciences

In this episode, Shamus Madan converses with Josh Felser about his entrepreneurial journey, the importance of pioneering in new technologies, and the role of AI in climate tech. They delve into Felser's leadership style, transition from entrepreneurship to venture capitalism, and the significance of investing in Climate Tech. The episode also touches on circularity in industries, integrating sustainability, and the story behind Travis Kalanick's choice between Formspring and Uber. The episode concludes with an introduction to Climatic VC. Today we have to talk about climate change. There’s more carbon dioxide in our air than at any time in human history. And it could end up being irreversible if corrective action isn’t taken. Today, Josh Felser joins the podcast to discuss his new firm, Climactic, investing in enterprise and mobility climate solutions. Prior to Climactic, Josh was the founder of Spinner, which he co-founded with his business partner Dave Samuel. It was one of the first online music and entertainment services that he sold to AOL for $320 Million. He also co-founded Crackle with Dave and sold that company to Sony for $65 Million. After being in the entrepreneurial world for a while he decided to launch his own fund Freestyle, investing in companies like Airtable and Patreon. He recently left to launch Climactic. Twitter of Host (Shamus Madan): @mbitpodcast Twitter of Guest (Josh Felser): @joshmedia Learn more about Climactic here. (0:00) Introduction of guest, Josh Felser, and his journey in entrepreneurship (7:21) The significance of being a pioneer in new technologies and AI's role in climate tech (13:19) Insights into Josh Felser's leadership style and the art of negotiation in business (16:22) Transitioning from entrepreneurship to venture capitalism: The dynamics and common mistakes (25:52) The importance of investing in Climate Tech and introduction to promising startups (37:28) Discussion on circularity in industries and its role in combating climate change (40:27) Reflections on integrating sustainability into all aspects of business and personal regrets (41:52) Travis Kalanick's choice between Formspring and Uber, and fear of lawsuits in business ventures (43:59) Introduction to Climatic VC and what they look for in startups (44:47) Wrapping up the episode with Josh Felser