
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

Sep 16, 2024 • 42min
Conviction - The Essential Ingredient For Focus & Scale (Edu)
In the brutal world of startups, conviction is your greatest weapon. It fuels momentum, sharpens decisions, and separates thriving startups from those that fade away.
Conviction isn’t blind faith or passion. It’s clarity of purpose and commitment to a path, even when challenges arise. Without it, you risk losing focus and becoming a "technology-backed services company" or, worse, facing a slow startup death.
In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein explore why conviction is vital for startup survival and how founders can build, sustain, and spread it within their teams.
In this episode, you will:
Discover why conviction is more than just passion—and how they differ.
Learn the 7 essential elements of conviction, from vision and constraints to intuition and leadership.
Understand why startups must move fast and how conviction fuels speed and momentum.
Find out how failing fast with conviction is better than drifting in "zombie mode."
Explore how faith in your team and your ability to execute is crucial to maintaining conviction.
Hear how smart constraints sharpen your focus and make your startup a "sharp knife" that can cut through the noise.
Learn why conviction helps you ignore distractions, push against short-sighted advice, and stay true to your original vision.
Join Chris and Yaniv as they explore the nuances of conviction and provide actionable advice to help you build and maintain conviction in your 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

Sep 11, 2024 • 20min
Insiders React: Nvidia Stock Plummets | The Future is Here in SF w/ Emil Michael
Is the AI hype crashing along with Nvidia’s stock, or are we just witnessing a temporary correction in the tech sector? And what can San Francisco, a city already living in the future, tell us about where innovation is heading?
Join Chris Saad and Emil Michael former Chief Business Officer of Uber, in this week’s Reacts episode as they break down the latest movements in the tech world:
Nvidia Stock Plummets: Nvidia’s stock has taken a significant hit, raising questions about the longevity of the AI boom. Is this the beginning of the end, or just a market reset? Chris and Emil unpack what this means for investors and the broader AI ecosystem.
The Future is Here in SF: San Francisco continues to be a playground for cutting-edge technologies, from AI to driverless cars. Chris and Emil explore how living in this tech-forward city provides a glimpse into the future and why the rest of the world may be falling behind.
Stay tuned as they dive into what these developments mean for founders, investors, and the future of innovation.
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

Sep 9, 2024 • 53min
Crafting Pitch Decks: The Art of Pitching Like A Pro (Replay)
What if one perfect slide could get you funded?
In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein reveal the pitch deck formula that can turn investor skepticism into funding.
Whether it’s the top 9 pitch secrets or the one slide that seals the deal, they break down every element to help you avoid critical mistakes and win investor trust.
In this episode, you will:
Discover the essential slides that attract investors.
Learn the top 9 pitch deck secrets at every slide every founder needs.
Avoid fatal pitch mistakes that could cost you funding.
Unlock the one-slide hack that seals the deal.
Originally published as 'Edu: Fundraising Basics Part 3 - Crafting your pitch', April 2022.
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

Sep 4, 2024 • 54min
Insiders React: Unpacking Airbnb's Founder Mode | Brazil Bans X, Freezes SpaceX Assets | iPhone 16: Yay or Meh? w / Emil Michael
What can startup founders learn from bold leadership moves and the challenges of navigating regulatory landscapes?
Join Chris Saad, Amir Shevat, Emil Michael, former Chief Business Officer of Uber, and Yaniv Bernstein in this week’s Reacts episode as they unpack the latest maneuvers shaping the tech world:
Airbnb's Founder Mode Revolution: Chesky's shift to "Founder Mode" prompts founders to consider: Is direct control a winning strategy, or does it risk stifling growth? How should you balance vision with management?
Brazil Bans X, Elon Hits Back: As Musk challenges Brazil's ban on X, founders must think about the balance between innovation and regulation. What are the lessons for managing global market risks?
iPhone 16: Worth the Upgrade?: Apple’s latest release asks whether consistent, small changes can sustain a brand's market leadership. Should your startup pursue incremental gains or bold, disruptive moves?
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

Sep 2, 2024 • 41min
10 Fatal Pitch Style Mistakes w/ Henry Innis (Edu)
Crafting a winning pitch isn't just about what you say—it's about how you say it.
Founders often make stylistic mistakes that can sabotage their chances with investors, even if they have a great product or idea. What are these subtle yet critical errors, and how can you avoid them to secure the funding you need?
In this episode, Yaniv Bernstein and Chris Saad are joined by Henry Innis, Co-Founder at Mutinex, to uncover the top 10 fatal stylistic mistakes founders make in their pitches.
They explore why these mistakes can signal inexperience or misunderstanding to potential investors and how to communicate more effectively to build trust and interest.
In this episode, you will:
Discover the 10 most common pitch style mistakes that can turn investors away.
Learn the importance of precise language and why terms like "IT" vs. "Engineering" matter.
Understand why a lengthy pitch deck can harm your credibility and what to include instead.
Find out why founder-led sales and certain "badges of honor" might be red flags.
Understand the dangers of describing your product as "innovative" or "revolutionary" without evidence, and learn more effective ways to communicate your unique value proposition.
Hear why dismissing your competition or claiming you have none can backfire your investors.
Gain insights into the power of clarity of thought and how it directly impacts your pitch's effectiveness.
Learn what investors are looking for in a pitch from firsthand stories and practical advice from Henry Innis on navigating the investor landscape.
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

Aug 30, 2024 • 21min
The Future of Product Design w/ Figma's Yuhki Yamashita (Bonus)
Yuhki Yamashita, one of the world's top product design disruptors and Chief Product Officer at Figma, returns in this bonus episode to continue the conversation on how AI is revolutionizing the design landscape.
The impact of AI on product design is becoming increasingly profound. But what does this mean for the future of designers and interfaces? And how can startups leverage AI to build products faster and more effectively?
In this bonus episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein dive deeper with Yuhki Yamashita to explore the transformative potential of AI in product design.
In this episode, you will:
Engage with Yuhki’s perspectives on whether AI will replace designers or simply augment their creative abilities.
Understand how AI is reshaping the landscape of design tools like Figma and what this means for the future of product development.
Discover strategies from Yuhki on how to leverage AI to build products faster and increase efficiency.
See how AI can make user interfaces more natural, intuitive, and responsive, improving the overall user experience.
Explore Yuhki’s perspective on the balance between aesthetics and objectivity in design.
If you want to expand on his insights from the previous episode, click here:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6dBA0jtNLyRimRZFL9cwZ5?si=023892f06e084688
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

Aug 28, 2024 • 46min
Insiders React: Why Silicon Valley Wins | Telegram CEO Arrested | Mike Lynch Yacht Conspiracy | Musk’s Grip on Space
Can the aggressive fundraising tactics in Silicon Valley, Lynch’s mysterious yacht conspiracy, and the arrest of Telegram’s CEO help us navigate tech’s hidden dynamics of power and control?
Join Chris Saad and Amir Shevat in this week’s Reacts episode as they reveal the most recent complex power plays within the tech industry:
Why Silicon Valley Wins: Are VCs in Silicon Valley pushing founders to raise more to ensure success, or is it a strategic move to gain more control?
Lynch’s Yacht Conspiracy: The mysterious death of Mike Lynch, a UK tech entrepreneur entangled in a legal fight with HP, raises suspicions. Was it just bad timing, or is it a deeper conspiracy involving corporate espionage at work?
Telegram CEO Arrested: Pavel Durov's arrest in France spotlights the clash between digital privacy and state control. Is it justified or a political move to target encrypted platforms?
Elon’s Expanding Influence in Space: Elon’s Space Influence: With Boeing's failure, SpaceX steps in to rescue astronauts. Is Musk now the top power in space, or does this raise concerns about too much influence?
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

Aug 26, 2024 • 41min
Design-Led Startups w/ Figma’s Yuhki Yamashita – Don't Sabotage Your Product (Edu)
Product design is more than just an aesthetic choice—it's a strategic asset. But many founders unknowingly sabotage their products by overlooking key design principles. How can you avoid these common pitfalls and ensure your startup stands out?
In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein are joined by Yuhki Yamashita, Chief Product Officer at Figma, the world’s leading design tool, to explore the critical role of design in building successful startups.
In this episode, you can:
Learn the most frequent errors founders make in product design and how to avoid them.
Understand why prioritizing design can be the difference between success and failure.
See how adopting a user-centric mindset enables you to create products that truly resonate with your audience.
Discover best practices for fostering a culture of innovation and alignment within your team.
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

Aug 19, 2024 • 36min
Listener Q&A: Fundraising Predictions | AI in Schools | 'MVP' Branding
Raising capital in today's market is tough, but navigating these challenges with the right strategy can make all the difference. In this week's episode, Yaniv Bernstein and Chris Saad tackle: How you raise money in a volatile market? Why are female founders facing even steeper hurdles in securing funding? And how can AI reshape both startups and the future of education?
In this episode, they dive into:
Fundraising in 2024: How to adapt your approach and secure the capital you need in a rapidly changing market.
AI's Role in Startups and Education: Why AI isn't just a buzzword but a game-changer that every founder should consider integrating into their business.
The Gender Funding Gap: An exploration of the troubling decline in funding for female founders and what needs to change.
Post-MVP Branding: Practical advice on evolving your brand after launching your MVP, and how to ensure your brand grows with your product.
Listener Questions Answered:
Mark Orchard (CEO of Planet Startup): "What’s the best way to approach fundraising in this tricky market?"
Toby Tank (Salient): "Why are female founders getting less funding, and what can we do about it?"
Nishita Seeker (LinkedIn): "How should you brand your product after launching an MVP?"
Nicholas: "How will AI be integrated into the education system, and what should we consider for the future?"
Whether you're a first-time founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, this episode will equip you with the insights you need to navigate the complexities of fundraising, branding, and embracing AI in your startup journey.
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

Aug 14, 2024 • 48min
Insiders React: When Musk Met Trump | Tesla Delays Robo Taxis | VCs Target FTC Chair | Harris Crowd 'AI' Hoax w / Emil Michael
Can the latest Trump-Musk interview, Tesla’s RoboTaxi delay, and VC backlash against the FTC trigger a shift in tech innovation?
Join Chris Saad and Emil Michael former Chief Business Officer of Uber, in this week’s Reacts episode as they explore how these political developments might reshape the industry.
Elon and Trump: Over a billion views—Is this interview a media game-changer for tech billionaires?
Tesla RoboTaxi Delay: Can Tesla overcome the challenges of scaling autonomous rides?
BigCo M&A Freeze: The FTC's crackdown could stall Silicon Valley’s growth. What does this mean for startups and VCs?
AI in the 2024 Election: Trump claims AI faked Kamala’s crowd photos. How is AI shaping the election narrative?
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