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
Mar 27, 2025 • 52min
Insiders React: Google’s $32B Cloud Power Grab + Altman: AI Now Beats Humans, 23andMe Collapses, Fake AI CEOs
Are we on the brink of an AI revolution that will fundamentally reshape society? Or are we overestimating the impact of these new technologies?In this episode, Chris Saad and Michael Jones, General Partner at Science Startup Studio in LA, explore the latest developments in AI, biotech, and tech industry M&A, unpacking their implications for business, ethics, and the future of human-AI interaction.In this episode, you will:Analyze the factors behind 23andMe's bankruptcy and what it means for biotech startupsExplore how Google's $32 billion Wiz acquisition signals a return of big tech M&AExamine the growing threat of AI impersonation and its potential for fraudUnpack key insights from Sam Altman on AI's impact on empathy, art, and scientific researchConsider how humans perceive and value AI-generated content differently from human creationsDebate the potential emergence of a separate "machine economy"Reflect on the ethical implications of AI outperforming humans in medical diagnosisThe 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/subscribeSecure 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.Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2AThe Startup Podcast website: https://tsp.showLearn 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/CreditsEditor: Justin McArthurContent Strategist: Carolina Franco Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang
Mar 24, 2025 • 43min
Kill Your Customers – The Doom Funnel That’s Hurting Your Startup (Edu)
Are you a startup founder considering a partnership with a big player in your industry? Before you sign that deal, you might want to think twice. In this eye-opening episode we dive deep into the dangers of partnering with or selling to incumbents when you're trying to disrupt an industry.Chris and Yaniv explore the concept of "killing your customers" not literally, of course, but in the sense of disrupting the very companies you might be tempted to partner with. They break down the "funnel of doom" that many startups fall into when pursuing B2B2C partnerships, and explain why going direct to end users is often the better strategy for truly innovative products.In this episode, you will:Discover the 10 steps of the "funnel of doom" for B2B2C partnershipsLearn why incumbents often struggle to understand and implement disruptive innovationsUnderstand the importance of owning your user relationships and dataExplore real-world case studies of successful direct-to-consumer disruptorsDebate the limitations of white-label and B2B business modelsGain insights on how to avoid common startup pitfalls when choosing a go-to-market strategyRecognize the value of iterating quickly and maintaining control over your productLinks mentioned in the EP:https://www.tsp.show/edu-b2c-vs-b2b2c-driving-direct-disruption-w-matt-holme/ B2B vs B2C comparison Table:https://docs.google.com/document/d/11ICK-KmnPJgzfQC1wkxz6Tf-l69pUptmk1QyKH9QB9M/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.1izb56alryedThe 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/subscribeSecure 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.Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2AThe Startup Podcast website: https://tsp.showLearn 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/CreditsEditor: Justin McArthurContent Strategist: Carolina Franco https://www.linkedin.com/in/francocarolina/Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang
Mar 20, 2025 • 53min
Insiders React: Google's New Robotics Division + OpenAI Tries to Block DeepSeek, Rippling/Deel Corporate Espionage
Are tech companies resorting to corporate espionage in the cutthroat world of AI? Is the US losing its grip on global tech dominance? Yaniv, Chris, and Elli explore the shocking lawsuit between former podcast sponsors Rippling and Deel, where allegations of corporate spying have surfaced. They also examine OpenAI's controversial call to ban Chinese rival DeepSeek, and what it reveals about the shifting landscape of AI competition and geopolitics.In this episode, you will:Uncover the details of alleged corporate espionage between HR tech rivalsAnalyze the geopolitical implications of OpenAI's attempt to ban a Chinese competitorExplore groundbreaking developments in robotics from Google and NVIDIAUnderstand why 2025 is poised to be a pivotal year for humanoid robotsLearn about the "great race" to unify company data for AI applicationsDiscuss the changing dynamics of global tech leadership between the US and ChinaConsider the privacy implications of AI-powered data aggregationThe 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/subscribeSecure 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.Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2AThe Startup Podcast website: https://tsp.showLearn 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/CreditsEditor: Justin McArthurContent Strategist: Carolina Franco Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang
Mar 17, 2025 • 43min
Replay: Getting Good At Operations - Optimise Your Startup (Edu)
[This episode was originally published on June 25, 2024.]Why is optimizing your ops crucial for startup success? Learn how your business can better bridge the gap between software and operations.On today's show, Chris and Yaniv discuss:Up And Atom: Understanding the difference between 'typical business' ops and 'product enablement' ops, including the Uber concept of 'bits and atoms'.Top of the Ops: Creating a specialized department that emphasizes continuous improvement and self-renewal, including integrating product operations roles for better collaboration. Monkey See, Monkey Do: Ensuring your ops are efficient by setting clear job descriptions, KPIs, and playbooks.Tune in for an episode packed with concrete, actionable advice for founders looking to scale their operations and ensure the smooth running of their businesses.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 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 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/CreditsEditor: Justin McArthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang
Mar 13, 2025 • 56min
Insiders React: Return of Digg + Wall Street Panic, Bitcoin Strategic Reserve, Apple Delays AI
Is the stock market's recent nosedive just the beginning of a larger economic shift? As tariffs and political uncertainty rock Wall Street, tech giants like Apple are facing unexpected hurdles in the AI race. Meanwhile, an old internet favorite is poised for a surprising comeback.In this episode, Yaniv Bernstein and Chris Saad dive into the turbulent world of tech, finance, and politics. They explore the reasons behind the stock market's sharp decline, analyze Apple's decision to delay its AI rollout, and discuss the unexpected relaunch of Digg by former competitors.In this episode, you will:Understand the factors contributing to the recent stock market downturnLearn about the U.S. government's new Bitcoin strategy and its market impactDiscover why Apple is postponing its Apple Intelligence rollout and what it means for the tech giantExplore the surprising revival of Digg and its potential impact on the social media landscapeAnalyze the trend of moving from "blurred lines" to "clear lines" in politics and policyExamine the rising importance of "revenue per employee" as a metric for AI startupsGain insights on how founders can navigate economic uncertainty and optimize for capital efficiencyThe 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/subscribeSecure 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.Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2AThe Startup Podcast website: https://tsp.showLearn 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/CreditsEditor: Justin McArthurContent Strategist: Carolina Franco Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang
Mar 10, 2025 • 27min
Product Led Marketing – Where Do Marketers Fit In? (Edu)
Are you struggling to understand how marketing fits into a product-led company? You're not alone. Many marketers wonder if their role becomes less important when product takes the lead. But what if the opposite were true?In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein explore the evolving role of marketing in product-led organizations. They discuss how marketing can become even more critical by aligning closely with product development and strategy.In this episode, you will:Understand the difference between product-led growth and product-led organizationsLearn about the five key areas marketing owns in a product-led companyDiscover the crucial role of product marketing as a bridge between product and marketing teamsExplore how marketing informs initial product decisions and adapts messaging to the product roadmapGain insights on achieving alignment between target market, product, and messagingLearn why marketing's voice becomes more important in product development, not lessUnderstand how to structure cross-functional teams for optimal collaborationRelated episodes:https://www.tsp.show/edu-product-marketing-a-love-story/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/subscribeSecure 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.Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2AThe Startup Podcast website: https://tsp.showLearn 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/CreditsEditor: Justin McArthurContent Strategist: Carolina Franco https://www.linkedin.com/in/francocarolina/Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang
Mar 6, 2025 • 50min
Insiders React: AI Voices Get TOO Real + NVIDIA’s Earnings Drama, Microsoft’s Sneaky AI Move, Alexa’s Big Update
Are you ready for AI that sounds indistinguishable from a human? The future is arriving faster than you might think.In this episode, Chris and Yaniv dive into the latest developments in AI, from NVIDIA's blockbuster earnings to Amazon's new AI-powered Alexa to eerily realistic voice models that left Chris feeling emotional. They explore the economic impacts rippling through the tech industry and beyond.In this episode, you will:Analyze NVIDIA's latest earnings and what they reveal about the state of the AI chip marketExamine potential tensions between Microsoft and OpenAI over AI model distillationEvaluate Amazon's strategy to compete in AI through Alexa, despite lacking a frontier modelExperience the uncanny valley of next-generation voice AI that sounds shockingly humanUnderstand the current impact of AI on jobs, based on Anthropic's latest reportConsider how AI is reshaping tasks within jobs rather than fully automating entire rolesReflect on whether this wave of AI disruption is truly different from past technological revolutionsLinks from the Episode:Ivan Landabaso Post on Anthropics AI & vJobs Report https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7300080128984817665/TSP Positron and Groq Spotlight Episodehttps://youtu.be/_brwk2wx8Ck 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/subscribeSecure 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.Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2AThe Startup Podcast website: https://tsp.showLearn 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/CreditsEditor: Justin McArthurContent Strategist: Carolina Franco Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang
Mar 3, 2025 • 23min
Venture Capital - What VCs Say (And What They Really Mean)
Have you ever left a VC meeting feeling confused about the feedback you received? Are you tired of trying to decipher cryptic responses from potential investors?In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein dive into the world of venture capital communication, breaking down common phrases VCs use and what they really mean. Drawing inspiration from a LinkedIn post by YC alum Nilay Modi, they explore the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways investors convey their thoughts on startup pitches.In this episode, you will:Decode common VC phrases like "not aligned with our strategy" and "need to see more traction"Understand the importance of demonstrating progress and traction to investorsLearn why founder pedigree matters and what it really meansDiscover the motivations behind VCs asking to "keep them in the loop"Gain insights on balancing grand visions with practical execution plansExplore the role of information, deal flow, network, and judgment in VC decision-makingDevelop strategies for interpreting and responding to VC feedback effectivelyLinkedin Post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/thenilaymodi_yc-demo-day-survival-guide-what-vcs-say-activity-7244767753084051456-JEuI/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 athttps://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribeSecure your official TSP merchandise athttps://shop.tsp.show/Follow us on YouTube athttps://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 towww.vanta.com/tsp.Get your question in for our next Q&A episode:https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2AThe Startup Podcast website:https://tsp.showLearn 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/CreditsEditor:Justin McArthurContent Strategist: Carolina Franco https://www.linkedin.com/in/francocarolina/Intro Voice:Jeremiah Owyang
Feb 26, 2025 • 28min
Insiders React: Creepy AI Agents Talk in Secret + Claude 3.7 Kills Jobs , Microsoft’s Quantum Leap , Robots Now Collaborate
Are you prepared for a world where robots collaborate seamlessly, AI agents communicate in their own language, and quantum computers solve complex problems in minutes? The future is arriving faster than you might think.In this episode, Chris and Yaniv explore the latest breakthroughs in AI, robotics, and quantum computing that are pushing the boundaries of what's possible. From Microsoft's groundbreaking quantum chip to humanoid robots working together, the pace of innovation is staggering.In this episode, you will:- Discover how Microsoft's new quantum chip could revolutionize computing- Witness the eerie collaboration between Figure's humanoid robots- Learn about "Gibberlink," the secret language AI agents use to communicate- Explore Claude 3.7 Sonnet's impressive coding capabilities- Understand the potential limitations of AI in specialized domains- Gain insights on effective "LLM management" as a crucial skill for the future- Reflect on the accelerating pace of AI advancements and its implicationsThe 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 app Subscribe to the TSP Mailing List athttps://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise athttps://shop.tsp.show/ Follow us on YouTube athttps://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. For a limited-time offer of US$1,000 off, go towww.vanta.com/tsp. 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/CreditsEditor:Justin McArthurContent Strategist: Carolina Franco Intro Voice:Jeremiah Owyang
Feb 24, 2025 • 47min
Technical Debt: Why It’s Inevitable and How to Handle It (Edu)
Is your startup struggling to ship new features? Are you constantly putting out fires instead of innovating? You might be drowning in technical debt without even realizing it.In this eye-opening episode, Yaniv Bernstein and Chris Saad demystify the often misunderstood concept of technical debt and its crucial role in startup success.In this episode, you will: Discover what technical debt really is and why it's inevitable for startups Learn to distinguish between good debt that fuels growth and bad debt that strangles innovation Understand how technical debt relates to financial debt and why it matters for your bottom line Explore common types of technical debt and their impact on your business Gain insights into effective strategies for paying back technical debt Master the art of making technical decisions with a business-first mindset Uncover the secret to balancing innovation and technical sustainabilityThe 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 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. 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://tsp.showLearn 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/CreditsEditor: Justin McArthurContent Strategist: Carolina Franco https://www.linkedin.com/in/francocarolina/Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang
