

The Startup Podcast
Yaniv Bernstein, Chris Saad
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 15, 2024 • 47min
Edu: Traditional Business vs Startups - The Essential Differences That Drive Disruption
It’s one of the first questions people ask when they hear of startups.
What makes startups different from usual businesses?
Recently Chris found himself in a debate about the differences between traditional businesses and startups.
As a result he created a document and shared it with his followers about the similarities and differences.
Fortunately, this week on The Startup Podcast he and Yaniv debate the commonalities, differences and how startups drive disruption.
Together they discuss:
📈 Objectives Clash:
Traditional businesses gravitate towards steady growth, while startups chase the adrenaline of rapid expansion and scale.
🔄 Activities Diverge:
Traditional businesses fine-tune existing products, contrasting with startups that embrace experimentation to discover elusive product-market fit.
🌐 Leadership Philosophies:
While traditional businesses thrive on consensus, startups dance to the beat of a founder's visionary rhythm.
🎲 Risk Tolerance Dynamics:
Traditional enterprises tread carefully in risk aversion, whereas startups boldly waltz through the uncertainty, seeing it as a playground for innovation.
⚙️ Execution Styles:
Traditional businesses methodically execute incremental strategies, in stark contrast to startups prioritizing agility, speed, and continuous learning.
🤝 Engaging Industries:
Traditional businesses seek partnerships within the familiar, while startups set sail to disrupt the status quo and redefine industries.
🔍 Focused vs Diversified:
Traditional businesses diversify their portfolio, whereas startups concentrate on a niche with unwavering focus.
💰 Compensation Philosophies:
Traditional businesses stick to market wages, whereas startups entice talent with the allure of equity and moderate pay.
Don’t miss this special episode!
Episode Links:
Checkout the document that Chris created that sparked this discussion: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EiFWYJpSbDoxdiKWeD_EBk26Q82Ki8NvjASQ2m_-JvY/edit
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/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
Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang

Jan 10, 2024 • 43min
Reacts: Carta Controversy, NYT Sues OpenAI & Bitcoin ETF Predictions
The Insiders are back for 2024 and hasn’t it been a big week of controversy in the tech world!
Here to break it all down is Emil, Chris and Yaniv. This week they discuss:
🔍 Carta's Privacy Clash:
Carta, a software company, faces allegations of privacy breaches, using customer data for a secondary business. The CEO's response sparks criticism, highlighting the conflict between Carta's ventures and customer interests.
🧠 AI and Copyright Dilemma:
The trio explores the tension between AI creativity and copyright protection. Using public data for AI training raises fairness concerns. Balancing creativity and protecting creators' styles necessitates novel solutions like attribution, citations, and royalties. AI's rise prompts a reevaluation of intellectual property laws.
₿ Bitcoin's Evolution:
Predicting Bitcoin's trajectory, the discussion suggests it will persist as "digital gold" due to its limited supply. Anticipating a Bitcoin ETF, the potential increase in liquidity and accessibility might affect prices. The broader impact on the crypto sphere remains uncertain, requiring blockchain to demonstrate value beyond Bitcoin.
🌐 The Battle Between Technology and Ethics:
The insightful conversation underscores the intricacies of emerging tech, ethics, and law. A nuanced perspective is essential to comprehend the profound social impacts of AI.
This week’s breaking tech news has wide reaching consequences on the tech landscape, you don’t want to miss out!
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/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
Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang

5 snips
Jan 9, 2024 • 49min
Edu: Scaling Up - Insights From A Unicorn Founder w/ Immad Akhund
Welcome to our first episode of 2024. We’re excited to be back and be sharing such a riveting episode to kick off the year!
Today we have the pleasure of welcoming special guest, unicorn founder and CEO of Mercury, Immad Akhund. Mercury offers banking and credit cards for ambitious companies and was founded in 2017.
With Chris and Yaniv, Immad shares his insights from scaling after finding product-market fit and how the journey has brought diverse challenges. In particular they discuss:
🚀 Mercury’s Strategic Launch Success:
How Mercury’s triumph was fueled by a simple, loveable product and a focus on seamless customer onboarding
💡 CEO's Adaptive Role:
Immad discusses navigating his evolving responsibilities as CEO during scaling and adapting to solving the highest-priority issues for effective leadership
🌐 Culture and Quality Hiring:
Why developing culture and hiring top-tier talent from the beginning proved pivotal to Mercury’s successful scaling
🔄 Organizational Scalability:
How to think about scaling and hiring leaders to manage teams effectively
📈 Deliberate Marketing & Investments:
How Mercury deliberately grew through word of mouth, brand campaigns, partnerships and Google ads
🌱 Scaling Success Factors, Growth Mindset and Empowerment
Finding the right strategic advisors, hiring and empowering exceptional individuals with clear priorities, swift decision-making and focus on key growth drivers
Whether you’re working at a startup or scale up, Immad’s actionable insights will be valuable to employ as your team hits the ground running for 2024.
Episode Links:
Follow Immad:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/immad
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iakhund/
Check out Mercury:
Website: https://mercury.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Mercury
IG: https://www.instagram.com/mercuryfi/?hl=en
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mercuryhq
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/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
Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang
Disclaimer:
Mercury is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group and Evolve Bank & Trust, Members FDIC.

Jan 5, 2024 • 40min
Replay: Edu - Startup Storytelling - F*ck The Slides w/ Nir Zavaro
In this episode, Nir Zavaro, a startup storytelling expert, joins the show to discuss the importance of storytelling for founders. They explore the 'trailer' and 'toilet' pitches, when to use them, and the significance of getting them right. The episode emphasizes the power of storytelling, crafting a compelling story, and being concise in presentations. They also introduce StugdotApp, a platform to teach impactful presentations and mention Nir's upcoming book 'F*ck the Slides'.

Dec 28, 2023 • 60min
Replay: Edu - Product Positioning - Make Yourself Obviously Awesome
We’re back this week with one of our most popular episodes of 2023, featuring April Dunford.
Product positioning will make or break your startup. Go toe-to-toe with multinational trillion-dollar behemoths and the likelihood of success is minute. Restructure your approach to target a different group and you can one-day “dab [your] tears with the money”.
Researched ways on how to develop your product position and still feel stuck? Don’t fret! Yaniv and Chris are back this week with a super special guest - April Dunford, author of “Obviously Awesome: How to Nail Product Positioning so Customers Get it, Buy it, Love it” and podcast host “Positioning with April Dunford”.
Sit back and get ready to take some notes as April, Chris and Yaniv break down product positioning for startup. Along the way she shares the concept of positioning baggage, the three styles of product positioning from her book, why product market fit is not a useful thing for startups - just a vibe created by VC, discuss examples of Salesforce and Snowflake and share snippets from Jack Trout’s Positioning the Battle for Your Mind and Peter Thiel’s Zero to One.
There is so much to learn from this episode we highly recommend listening to it twice!
Episode Links
Order April’s book “Obviously Awesome: How to Nail Product Positioning so Customers Get it, Buy It, Love it”: https://www.amazon.com.au/Obviously-Awesome-Product-Positioning-Customers/dp/1999023005/
Checkout April’s website: https://www.aprildunford.com/
Listen to April’s podcast “Positioning with April Dunford”: https://www.positioning.show/
Follow April on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprildunford/
Follow April on Twitter: @aprildunford
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
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/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
Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang

Dec 18, 2023 • 40min
Edu: Decision Paralysis - Eradicate Endless Debate & Accelerate Action
2023 is winding down.
You’re no doubt preparing and strategizing for 2024.
You’ve listened to our recent episode on being more efficient in 2024 but now you’re at the pointy end - making the tough decisions on what to focus on.
Feeling stuck? Not sure which way to turn?
Don’t worry, Chris and Yaniv are here to end your decision paralysis!
In this episode they cover:
🔍 Decoding Decision Challenges:
Chris and Yaniv explore the complexities of decision making in the startup world, where poor choices can lead to sluggish progress, compromised solutions, or execution roadblocks. They also cover why startups often grapple with this challenge and how to avoid the pitfalls!
🎯 Guiding Principles for Leadership:
The team identifies the root cause of decision-making hurdles – a lack of clear objectives, principles, or data. In this episode, learn how effective leadership provides the necessary guidance and a robust decision-making framework to navigate these challenges.
🌐 Strategic Clarity & Communication:
Yaniv and Chris explore the imperative need of clear strategy and communication from leadership. Discover how a well-defined strategy simplifies decision-making, making most choices straightforward for the team.
⬆️ Escalation Challenges:
What obstacles hinder effective decision escalation within teams? From unquestioning obedience to a lack of cultural encouragement, learn the critical factors influencing decision escalations - Chris and Yaniv cover it all.
💡 Leadership's Tough Choices:
Embrace the key to effective decision-making – leadership's ability to make difficult choices in defining a clear, well-structured strategy. Grasp how avoiding these challenges can lead to persistent problems.
This episode is a MUST to level-up your strategy game in 2024. Now’s the perfect time to work on improving your decision-making skills for your startup venture.
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/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
Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang

Dec 13, 2023 • 43min
Reacts: Google's Fake AI Demo, Economic Update & College Anti-Semitism
Google caught faking?
Is the economy back?
Are US colleges anti-Semitic?
There’s been some major developments in the tech ecosystem this week. Don’t worry! Emil, Chris and Yaniv are here to unpack it all including:
🤖 Google's AI Deception:
The team delve into Google's Gemini, an AI model that initially wowed with live commentary on videos but later revealed an unexpected twist—AI responses stitched together from still images, raising questions about transparency and progress.
⚖️ Google's Antitrust Battle:
The team explores the consequences of Google's antitrust loss related to Play Store policies. They further discuss the ongoing debate about the power of tech giants, their responsibilities, and the potential need for alternative app stores.
💼 Economic Insights:
Emil, Chris and Yaniv unpack the complex recovery landscape as the economy bounces back, contrasting the resurgence in the stock market and crypto with the slower recovery in venture investing, highlighting the challenges faced by startups and VC funds.
🎓 Campus Debates on Antisemitism:
The trio also discuss university presidents' responses to antisemitism, exploring the delicate balance between open debate and overcorrection. They also highlight the need for truth, debate, and ethics to maintain democratic values on campuses.
Don’t miss the latest developments in the tech ecosystem - listen to this 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/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
Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang

Dec 12, 2023 • 37min
Edu: Doing More With Less - Critical Tactics For Capital Efficiency
This episode is the MOST IMPORTANT podcast episode you will listen to in December.
Contrary to popular opinion, saving money DOES NOT mean sacrificing progress.
Planning your attack for 2024? Chris and Yaniv are here to dispel the myths and strategise for maximum output while minimizing costs in the latest episode of The Startup Podcast.
Together they discuss:
🎯 Clarifying Company Strategy:
Define a clear and focused strategy to guide your company's mission. Learn how to trim costs without losing strategic momentum.
🔄 Reorganizing Company Structure:
Explore the importance of realigning teams and roles to match your updated strategy. An efficient structure not only cuts costs but enhances productivity.
🤝 Ensuring Employee Alignment:
Discover why alignment with the company's strategy is crucial. Wasting time and money becomes inevitable without a unified workforce moving toward common goals.
💼 Hiring Efficient Employees:
Uncover the value of investing in higher-cost but more productive employees. Learn how they can outperform and replace multiple less efficient staff members.
📊 Evaluating Employee Value:
Navigate the process of evaluating employee contributions. Find out when and how to part ways with those who don't align with the new structure or provide sufficient value for the investment.
Don't miss out on practical insights to optimize your startup's efficiency. Watch the full episode for actionable tips on doing more with less.
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/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
Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang

Dec 6, 2023 • 42min
Reacts: Elon Said WHAT!?! - Paid Social Networks, EVs and Climate Crisis
What did Elon say?
Leading the Silicon Valley chatter this week are comments Elon Musk made during an interview with Andrew Sorkin. Emil, Chris and Yaniv break it down and the flow-on effects on paid social networks while also exploring:
🚀 Elon Unleashed: Emil, Chris and Yaniv discuss Elon Musk's unfiltered behavior, especially on Twitter. They also explore how his lack of self-censorship and tendency to "troll" impacts his vision of an open platform and its perception.
🔋 EV Demand Dip: The trio uncover the reasons behind the recent decline in electric vehicle (EV) demand. From cost concerns to the inadequacy of charging infrastructure, understand the challenges affecting the EV market.
🌐 China's EV Ascendancy: Emil, Chris and Yaniv discuss the emergence of Chinese automaker BYD as a significant player in the EV space. Discover how lower costs and government subsidies position China as a formidable competitor.
⚡ Energy Dilemma: The trio navigate the complex landscape of energy solutions. Acknowledge the need for increased investment in nuclear and renewable energy to combat climate change, recognizing the political polarization surrounding these discussions.
🌍 Tech's Climate Role: Emil, Chris and Yaniv explore the pivotal role of technology in addressing climate change. Gain insights into the belief that a combination of technological advancements, not just policy changes, is essential for mitigating the effects of climate change.
Don’t miss out on this action-packed episode. Watch the full episode today!
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/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 CousinsIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang

Dec 5, 2023 • 40min
Edu: VC Horror Stories - Critical Capital Catastrophes
VC fundraising.
A crucial way to rapidly expand your startup. The best VC relationships will elevate your startup to another level while poor ones can make your startup lame. This week on The Startup Podcast, Chris and Yaniv venture into the shadows of fundraising as founders expose harrowing tales of dealing with unscrupulous venture capitalists. 🕵️♂️
🤝 False Promises: Some VCs masquerade as venture studios, luring founders with promises of substantial support in exchange for hefty equity. In reality, founders are left to navigate the entrepreneurial journey alone.
🤐 Confidential Betrayal: Unethical practices emerge as certain VCs breach trust by sharing founders' confidential information with competitors, exploiting sensitive details for a competitive edge.
💸 Lowball Offers: Founders face the peril of VCs making undervalued offers, jeopardizing the startup's equity structure and hindering its path to success during critical funding rounds.
👻 Investor Ghosting: Post-investment, some VCs vanish, leaving founders in the lurch. While investor support is crucial, the absence of ongoing assistance can hinder a startup's growth.
⏳ Funding Delays: Founders experience intentional delays in funding after agreeing to term sheets, introducing pressure tactics or blocking potential competitors.
💰 Fee Excess: Unscrupulous VCs exploit founders by charging fees and claiming cuts from subsequent funding rounds, compromising equity in exchange for essential capital.
There’s a lot of horror stories out there. Don’t fret! Yaniv and Chris are here to help you through the process so you don’t have your own horror story. They explore how to get the best out of VC including:
🕵️♀️ Vetting Investors: Founders are reminded to meticulously vet potential investors, discern their priorities, and avoid falling prey to "innovation theater" or compromising their vision too quickly.
🚀 Clean Relationships: The essence of successful fundraising lies in forging transparent, straightforward relationships with investors who genuinely empower founders rather than exploiting them.
Explore the dark side of fundraising and glean insights on navigating the complex VC landscape. Watch the full episode for cautionary tales and strategic wisdom.
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/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
Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang


