The Startup Podcast

Is firing a founder CEO ever the right move? Learn about how startup founders and their boards can work together effectively to avoid the worst. In this week's episode of The Startup Podcast, hosts Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein explain: Founder Knows Best: Why removing a founder CEO is usually undesirable, given their deep vision and commitment. All Above Board: Why board accountability is necessary when a leadership change becomes essential. Evolving Ambitions: How founder CEOs must grow along with their companies, setting goals, seeking coaching and mentorship, and engaging with stakeholders through regular updates. Support Before Severance: Why boards should exhaust all supportive measures, like setting clear improvement plans and providing targeted coaching, before considering dismissal. The Empty Seat: Know the risks you might face if you leave the CEO position vacant for too long. Tune in for the full discussion on the delicate balance of power between a startup's founder CEO and their board. 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 app Subscribe 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-podcast⁠⁠ Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following Key links The Startup Podcast is sponsored by Trilligent. Trilligent is your startup's one-stop-shop for regulatory, PR, and international expansion advisory. Their unique startup-friendly offering is essential for any startup looking to go beyond their home shores or deal with complex regulatory environments. Go to ⁠⁠https://trilligent.com⁠⁠ and book a call with their COO Laura to learn more – tell her we sent you! The Startup Podcast is also 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. Go to ⁠⁠www.vanta.com/tsp⁠⁠ for 20% off their incredible offer. Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: ⁠⁠https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A⁠⁠ The Startup Podcast website: ⁠⁠https://tsp.show⁠⁠ Learn more about Chris and Yaniv Work 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/⁠⁠ Credits Editor: ⁠⁠Justin McArthur⁠⁠ Intro Voice: ⁠⁠Jeremiah Owyang⁠⁠

Why didn't Rabbit R1 and Humane AI live up to the hype? Learn how even the biggest names in tech – from TikTok to Tesla – can falter. In this week's Reacts episode, insiders Yaniv Bernstein, Emil Michael former Chief Business Officer of Uber, and Leah Mahtani discuss: Bad Bunny: Why Silicon Valley funding explains the disappointing launches of AI hardware Rabbit R1 and Humane AI. Bumpy Road Ahead: How Uber's success can inform the debate around autonomous vehicles like Waymo, Cruise, and Tesla's Robotaxi. Tick, Tock: What the TikTok ban means for the US-China relationship, TikTok creators, and other industry players like YouTube, Instagram, and Spotify. Non-Compete Defeat: The Federal Trade Commission cuts non-compete clauses loose. Soul Search: Google fires 50 employees after protests over a $1.2bn Israeli government contract. Don't miss this timely and controversial discussion! 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 app Subscribe 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-podcast⁠ Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following Key links The 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. Go to ⁠www.vanta.com/tsp⁠ for 20% off their incredible offer. Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: ⁠https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A⁠ The Startup Podcast website: ⁠https://tsp.show⁠ Learn more about Chris and Yaniv Work 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/⁠ Credits Editor: ⁠Justin McArthur⁠ Intro Voice: ⁠Jeremiah Owyang⁠

Do your plans stand strong when things go wrong? Hosts Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein discuss the concept of 'graceful degradation' and its critical role in planning for a robust business. They share tips on: Understanding Graceful Degradation: Why it's important to fail-safe your business plan to avoid collapse in a crisis. Visionary Planning: How a clear, unconstrained vision can guide decision-making as challenges arise. Making Smart Compromises: Ensuring each step aligns closely with your core vision, even when the ideal path is impossible. This episode is packed with great advice for anyone looking to enhance their decision-making framework and ensure their business remains agile and resilient. Tune in to learn how to protect your vision and make pragmatic choices in the face of adversity. 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 app Subscribe 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-podcast⁠ Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following  Key links The 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. Go to ⁠www.vanta.com/tsp⁠ for 20% off their incredible offer. Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: ⁠https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A⁠ The Startup Podcast website: ⁠https://tsp.show⁠    Learn more about Chris and Yaniv Work 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/⁠ Credits Editor: ⁠Justin McArthur⁠ Intro Voice: ⁠Jeremiah Owyang⁠ 

Australia’s startup ecosystem is about to be hit by an asteroid of awesomeness, and hardly anybody is talking about it. Learn why the recent Canva secondary round means Australia finally has its own “mafia” to rival the PayPal, Google, and Facebook mafias—and what it means for tech in Australia. Also in this bonus Aussie Q&A episode: how to think about SAFE notes as a local founder or investor. 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 app Subscribe 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-podcast⁠ Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following Key links The 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. Go to ⁠www.vanta.com/tsp⁠ for 20% off their incredible offer. Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: ⁠https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A⁠ The Startup Podcast website: ⁠https://tsp.show⁠ Learn more about Chris and Yaniv Work 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/⁠ Credits Editor: ⁠Justin McArthur⁠ Intro Voice: ⁠Jeremiah Owyang⁠

The insiders return this week to discuss the latest in AI startups: 💡 Investments and Optimism: A16z's huge raise suggests an optimistic outlook for tech IPOs. 🤖 Electric Atlas: Boston Dynamics' latest robot raises questions about the future of robotics, but does it have real world utility? 🍏 Siri's Major Update: Siri has the potential for transformative updates, including multi-modal interactions and integration across Apple devices like AR glasses, enhancing Apple's AI strategy. 🔍 Meta's Open-Source Strategy: Uncover Meta's strategy behind open-sourcing their powerful LLAMA3 language model, aiming to challenge mobile giants and fuel innovation. 🧬 OpenCRISPR AI: Explore the groundbreaking developments in DNA editing by OpenCRISPR, examining the promising and risky potential of AI in medicine and material sciences. Make sure to join Chris Saad, Emil Michael, former Chief Business Officer of Uber, and Amir Shevat for an in-depth discussion on how these innovations are shaping our world. 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 app Subscribe 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 on YouTube Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following  Key links The 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. Go to ⁠⁠www.vanta.com/tsp⁠⁠ for 20% off their incredible offer. Follow us on YouTube for full-video episodes: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@startup-podcast⁠⁠ Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: ⁠⁠https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A⁠⁠ The Startup Podcast website: ⁠⁠https://tsp.show⁠⁠    Learn more about Chris and Yaniv Work 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/⁠⁠ Credits Lovingly handcrafted for the global startup community by: Editor: ⁠⁠Justin McArthur⁠⁠ Intro Voice: ⁠⁠Jeremiah Owyang⁠⁠ 

Are you protecting your superpower? 🦸 In this Listener Q&A, Chris and Yaniv discuss: 🧠 Expanding Your Engineering Mindset: How to gain empathy and strengthen your team with diverse skill sets. 🎯 Building Valuable Products: Focus on solving real customer problems with strategic feature prioritization. 🚀 Crafting Ambitious Yet Grounded Pitches: Find the balance between a startup vision that's aspirational and grounded in practical plans. 🔗 Aligning Product and Company Strategy: Develop a clear, agreed-upon company strategy with a strong leadership stance. 💼 Fostering Cross-Departmental Empathy: Bridge understanding between finance and product teams to enhance collaboration. 🛠️ Practical Founding Advice: Aim high but stay realistic, focusing on iterative strategy and empathetic communication. Don't miss out on these invaluable insights! Tune in now and hear the answers you need to navigate the complexities of the startup world. 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 app Subscribe 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 on YouTube Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following  Key links The Startup Podcast is sponsored by Trilligent. Trilligent is your startup's one-stop-shop for regulatory, PR, and international expansion advisory. Their unique startup-friendly offering is essential for any startup looking to go beyond their home shores or deal with complex regulatory environments. Go to ⁠https://trilligent.com⁠ and book a call with their COO Laura to learn more – tell her we sent you! The Startup Podcast is also 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. Go to ⁠www.vanta.com/tsp⁠ for 20% off their incredible offer. Follow us on YouTube for full-video episodes: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@startup-podcast⁠ Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: ⁠https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A⁠ The Startup Podcast website: ⁠https://tsp.show⁠    Learn more about Chris and Yaniv Work 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/⁠ Credits Lovingly handcrafted for the global startup community by: Editor: ⁠Justin McArthur⁠ Intro Voice: ⁠Jeremiah Owyang⁠ 

The insiders return this week to explore the rapidly evolving world of AI startups: 🤖 AI Company Trends at Y Combinator: More startups are branding themselves as AI-focused during Demo Day, regardless of their true engagement with the technology. 🧠 Competing AI Models: New AI models are challenging GPT-4, like Claude 3 Opus and Mistral. Will one player come to dominate the market? 🍏 Tech Giants and AI: How Google and Apple's rich consumer data and device integration give them an edge in AI innovation. 🔄 VCs Make Amends: The insiders reflect on venture capitalists apologizing to previously criticized founders and the shifting perspectives in societal outrage. 🚗 Tesla's Troubles: A look at Tesla's workforce cuts, sales declines, and how Elon Musk's actions have impacted the company. Tune in to form your own opinions on the future of technology and entrepreneurship. Don't miss out—watch the full episode now! 🎧 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 app Subscribe 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 on YouTube Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following  Key links The 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. Go to ⁠www.vanta.com/tsp⁠ for 20% off their incredible offer. Follow us on YouTube for full-video episodes: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@startup-podcast⁠ Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: ⁠https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A⁠ The Startup Podcast website: ⁠https://tsp.show⁠    Learn more about Chris and Yaniv Work 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/⁠ Credits Lovingly handcrafted for the global startup community by: Editor: ⁠Justin McArthur⁠ Intro Voice: ⁠Jeremiah Owyang⁠ 

Could bootstrapping be your golden ticket to success?💡 This week, Chris and Yaniv are joined by Rob Walling, a seasoned entrepreneur with a wealth of startup wisdom to share. Rob Walling is an entrepreneur, author, and podcaster known for his contributions to the startup ecosystem. He is the co-founder of TinySeed, the first startup accelerator designed for bootstrappers, and he also co-founded Drip, an email marketing automation platform for ecommerce businesses, which was later acquired by Leadpages. Alongside his entrepreneurial ventures, Rob is the host of the popular podcast "Startups for the Rest of Us," where he shares insights and advice for founders building and growing startups outside the traditional Silicon Valley model. Together, they dive deep into the critical aspects of startups like: The importance of ambition and risk-taking in startup ventures 🚀 Understanding the different paths to success: bootstrapping vs. venture capital 💼 Factors to consider when deciding the trajectory of your startup, including market size and scalability 📈 Exploring the dichotomy between problem-focused founders and outcome-focused entrepreneurs 🎯 The influence of personal background and psychology on entrepreneurial decision-making 💭 Ready to gain valuable insights into building successful startups?  Don't miss out on the full episode - tune in now! 🎧 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 app Subscribe 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 on YouTube Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following  Key links The 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. Go to www.vanta.com/tsp for 20% off their incredible offer. Follow us on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@startup-podcast Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://tsp.show    Learn more about Chris and Yaniv Work 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/ Credits Lovingly handcrafted for the global startup community by: Editor: Justin McArthur Associate Producer: Aidan Cousins Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang 

The insiders return this week to discuss the latest strides in Google's AI innovations: Google unveiled groundbreaking AI advancements at Cloud Next, showcasing Gemini 1.5's impressive capabilities. Their focus on enterprise AI customers signals a strategic shift for Google. Updates to Vertex and Google Workspace introduce new AI features, enhancing productivity and model-building. The revelation of the "XZ backdoor" vulnerability underscores the risks inherent in open-source software.  Despite initial lag, Google's methodical AI approach reflects their commitment to leveraging strengths responsibly. Google's poised to dominate enterprise AI, but vigilance is crucial amid AI and open-source pitfalls.  This conversation illuminates both the promise and perils of AI, emphasizing responsible innovation. Don't miss this episode! Tune in now to explore the world of AI and enterprise technology. 🎙️🔍 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 app Subscribe 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 on YouTube Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following  Key links The Startup Podcast is sponsored by Trilligent, global advisory power tailored for startups. Go to www.trilligent.com and book a meeting with their COO Laura to learn more. The 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. Go to www.vanta.com/tsp  for 20% off their incredible offer. Follow us on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg   Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://tsp.show    Learn more about Chris and Yaniv Work 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/ Credits Lovingly handcrafted for the global startup community by: Editor: Justin McArthur Associate Producer: Aidan Cousins Growth Marketer & Associate Producer: Lautaro Diaz Mella Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang 

Last week we had Clementine Jacoby on the podcast to discuss enterprise sales. Chris was unfortunately unwell. But he’s back! And he’s ready for round 2! This week with Yaniv Bernstein they discuss: - How enterprise customers' demands can disrupt product roadmaps. - Why underestimating costs of custom work for enterprises can be costly. - How partnering with champion customers fosters customization within a product-led framework. - Educating customers on best practices ensures long-term product sustainability. - Balancing power between sales and product teams is crucial for roadmap decisions. - Managing enterprise relationships requires strong product leadership and discipline. This is a must watch sequel to last week’s entertaining episode with Clementine. You do not have to have listened to the previous episode to understand the topics discussed today. Don’t miss out on another masterclass with Chris and Yaniv! 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 app Subscribe 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 on YouTube Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following  Key links The Startup Podcast is sponsored by Trilligent. Trilligent is your startup's one-stop-shop for regulatory, PR, and international expansion advisory. Their unique startup-friendly offering is essential for any startup looking to go beyond their home shores or deal with complex regulatory environments. Go to https://trilligent.com and book a call with their COO Laura to learn more -- tell her we sent you! The 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. Go to www.vanta.com/tsp  for 20% off their incredible offer. Follow us on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg   Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://tsp.show    Learn more about Chris and Yaniv Work 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/ Credits Lovingly handcrafted for the global startup community by: Editor: Justin McArthur Associate Producer: Aidan Cousins Growth Marketer & Associate Producer: Lautaro Diaz Mella Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang