
The Startup Podcast
A guide to the unique mindset and approach that drives Silicon Valley style disruption.
Build product, raise money, and scale your startup like the best. TSP hosts Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein share practical advice based on decades of experience at Google, Uber, and their own startups.
Latest episodes

Jun 5, 2025 • 27min
Insiders React: Meta's Luckey Military Deal + Google's Plan to Split Itself, Europe Revives AI & Startups
Can consumer tech like Facebook and Oculus really help win wars?As governments get serious about AI and startups, Silicon Valley is being dragged—sometimes unwillingly—into the global military and geopolitical game.In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein unpack how Meta is teaming up with Anduril—the military tech startup founded by Oculus’ Palmer Luckey—to bring XR (Extended Reality) to the battlefield. They also break down how Google might preemptively split itself, how UK civil servants gained 5% productivity with AI tools, and why Europe’s startup scene may finally be waking up.In this episode, you will:Learn how Meta’s AR & VR technology is being integrated into U.S. military operationsUnderstand the strategic irony behind Palmer Luckey and Meta partnering againExplore the concept of “reverse technology transfer” from consumer tech to defenseDiscover why Google may break itself up before regulators force itSee how the UK’s use of Microsoft Copilot gave government workers a 5% productivity boostUnpack the EU’s new law that lets startups register and begin trading in under 48 hoursAssess how New York is quietly becoming Silicon Valley’s biggest challengerWhether you're a founder, operator, or just a curious mind in the startup world, this episode gives you sharp insights into how tech, defense, and regulation are reshaping the startup landscape.The Pact Honor the Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/ Follow us here on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media followingKey linksGet your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://www.tsp.show/episodes/Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/ Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/ Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang https://web-strategist.com/

Jun 2, 2025 • 1h
How the PRFAQ Made Amazon Great (And Can Do The Same for You) w/ Marcelo Calbucci (Edu)
Are you building a startup strategy—or just making it look like you have one?Too many founders mistake polished slide decks for actual strategic thinking, leading to misalignment, wasted resources, and failed products.In this episode, Yaniv Bernstein and Chris Saad are joined by Marcelo Calbucci, former Amazon director and author of The PRFAQ Framework. They dive into how Amazon’s famously effective six-page PRFAQ process forces deep thinking, aligns teams, and drives billion-dollar bets—without a single slide.They explore why most startups get strategy wrong, how to apply PRFAQs to your own company, and the real difference between outputs and outcomes.In this episode, you will:Discover why PowerPoint-based strategies often lead to shallow thinking and misalignmentLearn how Amazon's six-page PRFAQ framework drives innovation and clarityUnderstand the structure of a PRFAQ—and why it starts with a future-facing press releaseExplore the critical cultural shifts needed to make frameworks like PRFAQs workCompare PRFAQs with OKRs and PRDs—and learn when to use eachUnpack the process Amazon uses to critique and improve strategy docs in real timeHear practical advice on adapting the PRFAQ process to your startup, even as a solo founderWhether you're pre-launch or scaling fast, this episode gives you a blueprint for thinking deeper and aligning your team.The Pact Honor the Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/ Follow us here on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media followingKey linksGet your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://www.tsp.show/episodes/Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/ Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/ Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang https://web-strategist.com/

May 29, 2025 • 44min
Insiders React: Sam Altman's New $6B Partnership + Klarna's AI Backtrack, Bitcoin Over $111K
What does it mean when OpenAI gives away $6 billion worth of equity just to bring one man on board?In a world where design, brand, and user experience could determine AI dominance, are startups undervaluing human-centered thinking?In this episode, Chris and Yaniv unpack OpenAI’s jaw-dropping acquisition of Jony Ive's mysterious startup “io,” and what it means for the future of AI hardware. They also break down Claude 4’s strategic shift toward coding, Klarna’s AI misfire in customer service, and Bitcoin’s stunning return to all-time highs.In this episode, you will:Understand why OpenAI paid $6B for Jony Ive with no product in sightExplore how Claude 4 is positioning itself to dominate AI coding workflowsLearn what Klarna’s AI rollback says about the real limits of LLMs in customer serviceDiscover why prompting isn’t just for AIs—and how it applies to human leadershipCompare deterministic vs probabilistic software—and what that means for your startup stackExamine how students using AI tools are reshaping education (and why it’s not all good news)Evaluate Bitcoin’s recent surge and whether it’s becoming a lasting store of valueWhether you're building in AI, riding the crypto waves, or figuring out where human judgment still beats automation—this episode is packed with insight from real founders navigating the edge.The Pact Honor the Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/ Follow us here on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media followingKey linksGet your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://www.tsp.show/episodes/Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/ Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/ Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang https://web-strategist.com/

May 22, 2025 • 56min
Insiders React: Google Goes AI 'Beast Mode' + Airbnb's Bold Pivot, Microsoft’s Agent Strategy
Could Google be staging the biggest comeback in tech history with its AI innovations? The discussion covers Google’s AI Mode, which transforms user interactions, and the ambitious goal of Airbnb to become the ‘Amazon for services.’ The challenges of integrating AI into everyday applications are examined, alongside a look at the evolving coding landscape shaped by Microsoft and OpenAI. Additionally, NVIDIA’s strategic shifts highlight the competitive tech space as traditional roles transform, making for a thought-provoking analysis!

May 19, 2025 • 55min
From Floorplans to Full Renovations: How Maket's AI Owns the Architectural Stack (Spotlight)
Can AI really design your home? 800,000+ users have already ditched their architects thanks to Maket, a startup using AI to simplify renovations from floorplans to permits.In this Spotlight episode, Maket founder Patrick Murphy delivers a mock version of the real pitch that secured $2M in funding from top investors including Reid Hoffman’s Blitzscaling Ventures. Maket’s platform uses generative AI to help homeowners and builders create zoning-compliant floorplans, visualize renovations, and streamline the entire design process—all without needing an architect.We break down what made Maket's pitch so compelling, challenge some of Patrick’s assumptions, and unpack the real-world lessons for other founders pitching complex AI products. Along the way, we discuss the difference between simplifying a process and truly disrupting an industry—and why most tools built 'for professionals' fail to scale.In this episode, you will:Learn how Maket is automating architecture using generative AIHear how Patrick convinced VCs with a story-first pitchUnderstand the strategic value of building a proprietary modelExplore the pitfalls of targeting industry incumbents too earlyDiscover how agent-based UIs are replacing SaaS 2.0See why traction and team matter more than early monetizationGet tactical advice on presenting complex ideas to investorsIf you’re building in AI, pitching a vertical SaaS product, or just want a front-row seat to a startup reinventing home design—this one’s for you.The Pact Honor the Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/ Follow us here on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following Key linksThe Startup Podcast is sponsored by Vanta. Vanta helps businesses get and stay compliant by automating up to 90% of the work for the most in-demand compliance frameworks. With over 200 integrations, you can easily monitor and secure the tools your business relies on. For a limited-time offer of US$1,000 off, go to www.vanta.com/tsp .Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://www.tsp.show/episodes/Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/ Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/ Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang https://web-strategist.com/

May 15, 2025 • 1h 5min
Insiders React: Death of Google Search? + YC's Startup Wishlist, Trump’s Saudi AI Deals
What happens when Apple hints that Google’s search dominance may be cracking, triggering a $155 billion wipeout in Alphabet’s value?Many still think Google search is untouchable, but a shift in user behavior and a few lines in DOJ testimony may signal otherwise.In this episode, Chris Saad, Yaniv Bernstein, and Amir Shevat explore how Apple’s revelation about declining Safari search traffic could mark a turning point for Google, what’s really behind Trump’s Middle East ‘AI investment tour,’ and how YC’s latest startup wishlist shows where the next wave of disruption will come from.In this episode, you will:Understand why Apple’s testimony may be a warning shot for Google SearchLearn how AI is reshaping the definition—and monetization—of ‘search’Analyze Trump’s Saudi tech tour and its real impact on US innovationEvaluate the shift from ad-driven to subscription-based AI business modelsExplore why Y Combinator wants startups to go ‘full stack’ instead of selling to incumbentsUnpack the risks of shiny-object AI ideas vs. defensible startup modelsDiscover which overlooked AI sectors still have white space for new foundersFrom Google’s search slowdown to Trump’s headline-grabbing AI deals and YC’s startup roadmap, this episode gives you the strategic insight founders need to navigate tech’s shifting landscape.The Pact Honor the Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/ Follow us here on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media followingKey linksThe Startup Podcast is sponsored by Vanta. Vanta helps businesses get and stay compliant by automating up to 90% of the work for the most in-demand compliance frameworks.With over 200 integrations, you can easily monitor and secure the tools your business relies on. For a limited-time offer of US$1,000 off, go to www.vanta.com/tsp .Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://www.tsp.show/episodes/Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/ Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/ Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang https://web-strategist.com/

May 12, 2025 • 51min
Replay: Co-Founder Relationships - Avoiding the Big Breakup (Edu)
A strong co-founder relationship is crucial for any startup. Learn how to determine the ideal number of founders and understand the distinctions between roles and titles.Also, Chris and Yaniv explain what you must know about:The pros and cons of going solo vs. multiple founders.CEOs and Founders and the distinction between roles and responsibilities.Considerations on equity splits and vesting schedules.Co-CEO conflicts and what to do about them.How to manage breakups between founders gracefully when the relationship doesn’t work anymore.If you’re looking to have an effective founding team, this episode is packed with strong advice from personal experiences from Chris and Yaniv. The PactHonour The Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List at https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/ Follow us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@startup-podcastGive us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following. Key linksThe Startup Podcast is sponsored by Vanta. Vanta helps businesses get and stay compliant by automating up to 90% of the work for the most in demand compliance frameworks. With over 200 integrations, you can easily monitor and secure the tools your business relies on. For a limited-time offer of US$1,000 off, go to www.vanta.com/tsp.The Startup Podcast is sponsored by Rippling. Rippling is a single all-in-one platform for your global workforce, covering HR, IT, payroll, expenses, and more. For a TSP listener offer of 3 months free, go to www.rippling.com/tsp.Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2AThe Startup Podcast website: https://tsp.show Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/ Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/ Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/CreditsProducer: Justin McArthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang

May 8, 2025 • 1h 2min
Insiders React: OpenAI Bets Big on Vibe Coding + Epic Games' Victory Over Apple, Silicon Valley's Talent Crisis
OpenAI just dropped $3B on vibe coding—should software engineers be worried?And what happens now that Apple’s 30% App Store tax just took a major legal hit?In this episode of The Startup Podcast, hosts Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein are joined by seasoned founder and investor Hooman Radfar (CEO at Collective, ex-VC at Expa) to unpack three seismic shifts shaping the future of tech startups today.They dive deep into OpenAI’s $3B move into vibe coding, the ripple effects of Apple’s court-ordered App Store concession, and a sobering update on Silicon Valley's AI talent trends.Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/chA3rYD75uIIn this episode, you will:• Learn why OpenAI is acquiring AI coding startups—and what that means for developers everywhere• Understand how tools like Windsurf and Cursor are changing expectations for startup speed and headcount• Discover why SaaS margins and investor sentiment are shifting under the weight of AI-native startups• Explore how Apple’s legal defeat is reshaping the app ecosystem for founders and product builders• Hear first-hand stories about the limits of current LLM coding assistants—and why user trust may be short-lived• Unpack the growing platform risk as hyperscalers begin to own entire labor categories, not just infrastructure• Debate whether the “two-speed” startup economy (AI-native vs everyone else) is sustainable—or a bubble waiting to popWhether you’re an early-stage founder, startup operator, or just trying to make sense of the shifting AI landscape, this episode is packed with hard-earned insights and startup war stories from the frontlines.The Pact Honour The Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early-access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/ Follow us here on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following Key linksThe Startup Podcast is sponsored by Vanta. Vanta helps businesses get and stay compliant by automating up to 90% of the work for the most in demand compliance frameworks. With over 200 integrations, you can easily monitor and secure the tools your business relies on. For a limited-time offer of US$1,000 off, go to www.vanta.com/tsp.Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://www.tsp.show/episodes/Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/ Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/ Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang https://web-strategist.com/

May 5, 2025 • 52min
Finance For Founders - Why 'Playing It Safe' Is Risky w/ Michiel Boere, CFO at Remote (Edu)
Think staying profitable means you’re on the right track? Think again.Too many founders obsess over budgets and burn—but the real risk isn’t running out of cash. It’s growing too slowly to matter.In this episode, Yaniv Bernstein is joined by Michiel Boere, CFO of Remote and former CFO of Uber Eats, to demystify startup finance for non-financial founders. Drawing from his experience scaling Uber and managing 50+ audits at Remote, Michiel shares the strategic financial mindset every founder must adopt to succeed.In this episode, you will:Learn why “failing profitably” is often worse than burning cash fastUnderstand unit economics the way a CFO at Uber wouldDiscover the difference between forecasting, planning, and budgeting—and when each mattersAvoid the trap of letting budgets drive bad spending decisionsGet a practical framework for building simple, high-impact financial modelsSee why many founders misuse runway and how to forecast it properlyHear why CFOs should embrace risk at the right stage of growthIf you’re a founder who wants to build a high-growth, venture-backable business—and avoid the financial blind spots that kill startups—this episode is essential listening.The Pact Honor the Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/ Follow us here on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following Key linksThe Startup Podcast is sponsored by Vanta. Vanta helps businesses get and stay compliant by automating up to 90% of the work for the most in-demand compliance frameworks. With over 200 integrations, you can easily monitor and secure the tools your business relies on. For a limited-time offer of US$1,000 off, go to www.vanta.com/tsp.Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://www.tsp.show/episodes/Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/ Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/ Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang https://web-strategist.com/#StartupFinance #FounderAdvice #RemoteWork #TheStartupPodcast #AIStartup #StartupGrowth #VentureCapital #StartupTips

May 1, 2025 • 34min
Insiders React: Did Zuckerberg Sabotage Instagram? + Apple’s New Devices, James Cameron on AI
Instagram’s co-founder, Kevin Systrom, helped define the modern social web—now he’s calling out Zuckerberg in court.And are Apple’s smart glasses finally catching up to Meta’s AI-powered wearables?In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein react to some of the biggest headlines in tech and startup land. From explosive testimony by Instagram’s co-founder to Apple’s delayed (but intriguing) entry into foldables and wearables, the hosts unpack what these developments really mean for startup founders and operators.They also dissect Avatar director James Cameron’s surprising stance on AI and copyright, challenging how creators should think about inspiration vs. infringement in the age of LLMs.In this episode, you will:Unpack the Instagram founder’s claims that Zuckerberg sabotaged his company post-acquisitionExplore what Apple’s rumored smart glasses mean for the future of ambient computingEvaluate the practicality of a foldable iPhone and why the form factor still feels nicheHear why founders often regret selling too early—and what you should learn from itLearn how Meta may have outmaneuvered Apple in AI wearablesUnderstand James Cameron’s bold perspective on how AI “scraping” compares to human creativityRethink how copyright law might evolve in an era of generative modelsThe Pact Honour The Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early-access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/ Follow us here on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following Key linksThe Startup Podcast is sponsored by Vanta. Vanta helps businesses get and stay compliant by automating up to 90% of the work for the most in demand compliance frameworks. With over 200 integrations, you can easily monitor and secure the tools your business relies on. For a limited-time offer of US$1,000 off, go to www.vanta.com/tsp.Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://www.tsp.show/episodes/Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/ Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/ Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang https://web-strategist.com/