
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

Feb 5, 2025 • 48min
Insiders React: Trump’s DOGE Disaster + Open Source OpenAI, Bluesky Beats Twitter
Is the AI landscape about to be turned on its head? Are we witnessing the birth of a new social media giant?
In this episode, Yaniv Bernstein, Shira Lazar, and Amir Shevat dive into the latest tech developments that are reshaping industries and sparking heated debates.
In this episode, you will:
Analyze the impact of DeepSeek on the AI industry and OpenAI's surprising response
Explore how Trump's tariff policies could affect tech companies and startups
Examine concerns about Doge's approach to running the US government and its potential consequences
Discover why BlueSky is gaining traction as a Twitter alternative and its unique features
Learn about the importance of moderation in social media platforms
Understand the potential shift towards open protocols in social networking
Gain insights into the challenges of transitioning from running companies to governing countries
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. 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.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
Content Strategist: Carolina Franco
Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang

5 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 59min
Founder Mistakes – Why Most Founders Fail (and How Coaching Helps You Succeed) w/ Alexis d'Amecourt
In this engaging conversation, Alexis d'Amecourt, Head of Coaching at Mochary Method, shares insights from his journey as a three-time tech founder. He discusses common pitfalls that lead to founder failures, stressing the importance of self-awareness and effective delegation. Alexis emphasizes the need for clear communication of vision and maintaining a balance between ambition and well-being. He also explores overcoming imposter syndrome and the transformative potential of coaching, offering valuable tips for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Jan 29, 2025 • 48min
Insiders React: AI's DeepSeek Freakout + Trump's $500B AI Power Play, Elon Plays Footsie With Fascism
Are we witnessing the dawn of a new era in AI, or the potential erosion of democracy through unchecked technological power?
In this hard-hitting episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein tackle the latest seismic shifts in the AI landscape. From Project Stargate's staggering $500 billion investment to DeepSeek's game-changing cost-effective model, they explore how these developments are reshaping the industry and raising critical ethical questions about the future of technology and society.
In this episode, you will:
Decode the true implications of Project Stargate's massive AI investment and its potential impact on US technological dominance
Analyze how DeepSeek's breakthrough could democratize AI development and challenge tech giants' monopolies
Examine the geopolitical chess game unfolding between the US and China in the race for AI supremacy
Evaluate the potential market disruption for industry leaders like NVIDIA and OpenAI
Scrutinize the alarming behavior of tech leaders and discuss the parallels to historical fascist movements
Explore the ethical responsibilities of AI developers in an increasingly polarized world
Gain actionable insights on how to navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape as a founder, investor, or industry professional
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. 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.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
Content Strategist: Carolina Franco
Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang

Jan 27, 2025 • 44min
Types of Capital - The Hidden Risks of Bootstrapping That Could Sink You w/Scotty Allen (Edu)
Are you dreaming of launching the next unicorn startup? Before you quit your day job and pour your life savings into that brilliant idea, you might want to listen to this episode.
In this episode, Yaniv Bernstein is joined by Scotty Allen, startup advisor and founder of The Product Bus, to dive deep into the realities of startup funding, the risks of bootstrapping, and the importance of knowing which "game" you're playing as a founder.
In this episode, you will:
Understand the risks and challenges of bootstrapping vs seeking funding
Learn why validation is crucial before building a full product
Recognize the importance of knowing your strengths and weaknesses as a founder
Discover how to "know the game you're playing" in the startup world
Identify the dangers of falling into the sunk cost fallacy
Gain perspective on realistic startup success rates
Appreciate the value of failing fast and learning from failures
Explore strategies for efficient idea validation and prototyping
Consider alternative paths to building successful businesses outside the VC model
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. 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.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
Content Strategist: Carolina Franco https://www.linkedin.com/in/francocarolina/
Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang

Jan 22, 2025 • 57min
Insiders React: TikTok Trolls USA + Trump’s Crypto Scam, OpenAI's Agent Strategy, AI VCs
Is TikTok banned or not? The saga continues as Trump swoops in to "unban" the app, leaving creators and users whiplashed. But what's really going on behind the scenes in this high-stakes game of political chess?
In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein are joined by special guests Shira Lazar and Elli Hanson to unpack the latest tech and political drama. From TikTok's uncertain fate to Trump's meme coin launch, the team explores how these developments impact founders, investors, and the future of technology.
In this episode, you will:
Decode the TikTok ban flip-flop and its implications for US-China relations
Analyze Trump's meme coin launch and what it reveals about his approach to tech and finance
Explore the latest AI breakthroughs, including OpenAI's O3 mini model and new Tasks feature
Discuss the potential of AI agents like Bordy.ai and their impact on industries like venture capital
Gain insights on how founders can navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape
Examine the ethical considerations of AI development and deployment
Consider the future of human-AI interaction and its societal implications
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. 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.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
Content Strategist: Carolina Franco

Jan 20, 2025 • 1h 5min
Startup Funding - VC, Bootstrapping, or Debt? The Funding Spectrum Explained (Edu)
Are you a founder struggling to figure out how to fund your startup? With so many options available - from bootstrapping to VC funding - how do you know which path is right for you?
In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein break down the full spectrum of startup funding sources, exploring the pros, cons, and hidden pitfalls of each approach. Whether you're considering self-funding, equity financing, or debt, you'll gain crucial insights to make an informed decision.
In this episode, you will:
Discover the key differences between revenue-based, equity, and debt financing
Understand the pros and cons of bootstrapping vs raising external capital
Learn about alternative funding sources like float and cross-subsidies
Gain insights into the risks of over-relying on self-funding as a founder
Explore strategies for allocating and deploying capital efficiently
Understand how different funding approaches impact your startup's growth trajectory
Learn how to balance frugality with bold investment in scaling your business
Get advice on choosing the right funding mix for your specific startup
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. 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.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
Content Strategist: Carolina Franco https://www.linkedin.com/in/francocarolina/
Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang

Jan 15, 2025 • 51min
Insiders React- Altman: AGI Almost Here! + Zuck and Bezos Kiss Trump's Ring, Rise of the Robots
Are we on the brink of Artificial General Intelligence? Has OpenAI quietly announced a breakthrough that could change everything? And how are tech giants like Google responding?
In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein dive into the latest developments in AI, robotics, and the shifting political landscape as a new U.S. administration takes office. They explore the implications for startups, innovation, and the future of technology.
In this episode, you will:
Analyze OpenAI's latest O3 model and its potential AGI-level capabilities
Discover how Google is catching up in the AI race with Gemini 2.0
Explore why 2025 could be a breakthrough year for robotics
Examine how tech leaders like Mark Zuckerberg are aligning with the new Trump administration
Understand the changes happening at Meta, including the removal of fact-checking and DEI programs
Consider the lack of nuance in political discourse around tech and innovation
Evaluate the potential impacts on regulation and growth in the tech sector
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. 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.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
Content Strategist: Carolina Franco
Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang

Jan 13, 2025 • 1h 2min
Unforced Errors – Avoiding Mistakes At Every Stage w/ Mona Sabet (Edu)
Are you making costly mistakes that could derail your startup's success? Even experienced founders fall into common traps at every stage of their journey.
In this episode, Yaniv and Chris are joined by Mona Sabet, veteran Silicon Valley executive and author of "Sale to Scale," to explore founders' critical errors from launch to exit.
In this episode, you will:
Identify the waves of startup growth: launch, pivot, scale, and exit
Discover why falling in love with solutions (not problems) can doom your startup
Learn how to build the right MVP and avoid scaling too soon
Understand the pitfalls of false commitments during pivots
Recognize when it's time to transition from startup to scale-up mentality
Explore the changing role of the founder/CEO as the company grows
Gain insights on balancing confidence with openness to change
Uncover strategies for navigating the launch, pivot, and scale waves
More episodes on scaling up from TSP:
Product-Market Fit – 5 Proven Steps to Exponential Growth w/ Pablo Srugo
https://www.tsp.show/videos/product-market-fit-5-proven-steps-to-exponential-growth-w-pablo-srugo/
Edu: Scale-up Execution Overview - Avoiding Founder Sabotage
https://www.tsp.show/edu-scale-up-execution-overview-avoiding-founder-sabotage/
Edu: Scaling Up - Insights From A Unicorn Founder w/ Immad Akhund
https://www.tsp.show/edu-scaling-up-insights-from-a-unicorn-founder-w-immad-akhund/
Clip: Removing Founder CEOs
https://www.tsp.show/videos/founder-ceos-maximise-startup-advantages/
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. 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.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
Content Strategist: Carolina Franco https://www.linkedin.com/in/francocarolina/
Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang

Jan 6, 2025 • 35min
Best of 2024 #4 – Agile vs. Waterfall: Stop Practicing Agile Theater w/ John Cutler
In this enlightening conversation, product expert John Cutler discusses the crucial differences between Agile and Waterfall methodologies. He shares insights on why many teams fail to execute Agile effectively, warning against the perils of 'Agile theater.' Listeners learn about the importance of strategic planning and the evolving blend of Agile and Waterfall, dubbed 'Wagile.' Cutler also emphasizes the need for a clear vision and adaptive practices to avoid iterative dead-ends, ensuring teams learn faster than they ship.

Dec 30, 2024 • 1h 3min
Best of 2024 #3 – VC Pitch: PayPal for Agents – Skyfire Powers AI-to-AI Commerce at Scale
As we head into 2025, we're looking back on our most popular episodes of 2024. This episode was originally published on October 30, 2024.
Are you ready for a world where AI agents can autonomously make purchases and monetize their services? How will commerce and payments evolve as intelligent software agents become ubiquitous?
In this episode, Chris Saad is joined by Amir Sarhangi and Craig DeWitt, co-founders of Skyfire, to explore the cutting-edge intersection of AI, payments, and open protocols.
They discuss Skyfire's mission to become the "Visa for AI" by enabling seamless financial transactions between autonomous agents.
In this episode, you will:
Discover how Skyfire is building an open protocol for AI agent payments
Learn about the challenges of creating a new payments network for machine-to-machine transactions
Understand Skyfire's strategy for solving the "chicken and egg" problem of supply and demand
Explore potential use cases for agent-to-agent payments in areas like data access, marketing, and recruiting
Gain insights into Skyfire's business model and approach to monetization
Hear the founders' vision for how AI agents will transform internet commerce
Special Thanks to Llama Lounge - the #1 AI event - for introducing us to to these founders.
Learn more about the startup
Skyfire Website: https://skyfire.xyz/
Follow Amir Sarhangi on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asarhangi/
Follow Craig DeWitt on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdewitt/
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. 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.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
Content Strategist: Carolina Franco https://www.linkedin.com/in/francocarolina/
Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang
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