

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

Oct 30, 2024 • 1h 3min
VC Pitch: PayPal for Agents – Skyfire Powers AI-to-AI Commerce at Scale
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

Oct 28, 2024 • 35min
VC Failure- 6 Toxic Investor Types That Will Destroy Your Startup
Are you ready to navigate the treacherous waters of startup investing?
Buckle up, because in this episode, Yaniv Bernstein and Chris Saad are diving deep into the world of bad investors. From predatory tactics to buzzword obsession, they're exposing the archetypes you need to watch out for.
In this eye-opening conversation, our hosts explore the dark side of venture capital, sharing real-world examples and practical advice for founders looking to secure funding without falling prey to these common pitfalls.
In this episode, you will:
Identify the "Midwit" investor who focuses on the wrong metrics
Recognize the predatory tactics used by some investors to gain unfair advantages
Understand the dangers of the "Term Sheet Tease" and how it can impact your startup
Learn to spot the "Ghost" investor who disappears without explanation
Discover why some investors are all talk and no action (the "Big Hat" archetype)
Uncover the risks of working with "Buzzword Butterfly" investors who chase trends
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

Oct 21, 2024 • 51min
Product Polish - 15 Tactics to Reduce Churn & Drive Network Effects (Edu)
Do you wonder why some products feel magical while others fall flat?
In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein explore the art of product polish—the hidden details that separate mediocre products from brilliant ones. They explore how to refine a product to delight users, drive retention, and fuel rapid growth.
In this episode, you will:
Discover why telemetry is the foundation for effective product polish
Learn strategies for creating seamless onboarding experiences
Understand the importance of responsive design and error handling
Explore how to leverage notifications and configuration options
Uncover ways to build network effects into your product features
Master the art of marketing automation to guide users to value
Gain insights on elevating your customer support experience
Learn retention tactics to reduce churn when users try to leave
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

Oct 16, 2024 • 52min
Insiders React: SpaceX’s Big Win + Kamala Backs Crypto, Dubai’s Tech Rise, Replit AI Changes Coding
What if you could build and deploy a full app in minutes, without writing a single line of code?
In this episode, Chris Saad and Ray Dargham, Co-Founder and CEO at Step, discuss the latest tech news shaping the future for founders and investors.
From crypto policy shifts to groundbreaking space tech and AI-powered coding, we explore the innovations transforming industries.
In this episode, you will:
Analyze Kamala Harris's new crypto framework and its implications for the industry
Explore SpaceX's historic Starship landing and how it's reshaping space economics
Uncover Starlink’s strategic role in funding and supporting SpaceX’s deep-space ambitions.
Discover how Replit's AI agent is democratizing software development
Gain insights on Dubai's rise as a global tech and startup hub
Examine the potential impacts of AI coding tools on software careers and business models
Consider the broader implications of democratizing technology access
Learn about upcoming tech conferences and networking opportunities
Step Conference: https://stepconference.com/ hosted by guest Ray Dargham
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

Oct 15, 2024 • 14min
Insiders React: Elon’s Robotaxi FAIL (Bonus)
Is Tesla's latest announcement a game-changer for autonomous vehicles, or just another empty promise? As the tech world buzzes with excitement, many are left wondering if Elon Musk can deliver on his bold claims.
In this special bonus mini reacts episode of the Startup Podcast, hosts Yaniv and Chris dive deep into Tesla's recent unveiling of their new RoboTaxi, the CyberCab.
They explore the implications of this announcement and provide a critical analysis of Tesla's ambitious plans.
In this episode, you will:
Discover the key features of Tesla's newly announced CyberCab
Analyze the potential challenges facing Tesla's RoboTaxi implementation
Compare Tesla's approach to existing autonomous vehicle solutions like Waymo
Examine the logistics and operational hurdles of running a self-driving taxi fleet
Evaluate Elon Musk's presentation style and the event's overall impact
Understand the current state of Tesla's autonomous driving technology
Explore the hosts' perspectives on Tesla's future in the autonomous vehicle market
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

Oct 14, 2024 • 54min
Escalation Culture – Driving Alignment in Cross-Functional Teams (Edu)
Are you struggling with decision-making bottlenecks in your fast-paced startup? Do you find your teams hesitant to bring problems to leadership? It's time to embrace the power of escalation.
In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein dive deep into the critical role of escalation in modern, autonomous organizations. They explore why it's essential, why it's often avoided, and how to create a culture that encourages and rewards effective escalation.
In this episode, you will:
Discover the four main types of escalation and when to use them
Learn why escalation is crucial for maintaining alignment in autonomous teams
Understand the cultural and psychological barriers that prevent effective escalation
Gain practical tips for escalating issues well and receiving escalations as a leader
Explore strategies for creating a company-wide culture that values and rewards escalation
Learn how to build a consensus-driven culture that still enables fast decision-making.
Recognize the importance of clear organizational structures in facilitating escalation
Hear real-world examples of how effective escalation can positively impact your career and company
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

Oct 9, 2024 • 43min
Insiders React: WP Engine Feud Explodes + Harvard Hacks Meta Glasses, Zuckerberg’s Porsche Flex, Microsoft’s Nuclear Power Bet
Are we on the brink of a privacy apocalypse, or is this just the next step in our technological evolution? As smart glasses become more advanced, the line between helpful augmentation and invasive surveillance grows increasingly blurry.
In this episode, Chris and Yaniv dive into the recent hack of Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses by Harvard students, exploring the implications for privacy, AI, and the future of augmented reality.
They also discuss the unexpected connection between nuclear power and AI, Mark Zuckerberg's changing public persona, and the ongoing drama in the WordPress community.
In this episode, you will:
Discover how Harvard students turned Meta's smart glasses into powerful surveillance tools
Explore the ethical implications of AI-powered facial recognition in everyday life
Learn about the growing link between nuclear power and AI data centers
Find out why Zuckerberg is flaunting his wealth and what it means for tech culture.
Understand the ongoing conflict between WordPress and WP Engine
Examine the challenges of maintaining mental health as a successful founder
Gain insights into the evolving relationship between open-source projects and commercial entities
Consider the impact of COVID-19 and social changes on tech leadership styles
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

Oct 7, 2024 • 46min
Early Execution Overview - Your MVP Sucks (Replay)
In this remastered episode of The Startup Podcast, Yaniv Bernstein and Chris Saad dive deep into the most critical concept for early-stage startups: execution.
The harsh truth? Your MVP (Minimum Viable Product) probably sucks, but that's okay.
Chris and Yaniv break down the myths, missteps, and the right approach to iterating and refining your MVP until it becomes a product that users can’t live without.
In this episode, you will:
Discover why execution, not ideas, is where the real magic happens in startups
Learn how to create a true MVP that validates your riskiest assumptions
Understand the crucial difference between pivoting and simply starting over
Explore the counterintuitive approach to risk that successful startups embrace
Recognize the signs that it's time to pivot or shut down your startup
Gain insights into common execution mistakes made by early-stage founders
Develop strategies for overcoming emotional barriers to making tough decisions
If you're stuck in the early stages of your startup or need help to take your MVP to the next level, this episode is for you!
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

Oct 2, 2024 • 48min
Insiders React - Exec Exodus: What’s OpenAI's Dirty Secret? + DevDay, Google Hires AI Rockstar, Meta's AR Glasses
Are you ready for a world where AI and AR are seamlessly integrated into our daily lives?
The pace of innovation in these fields is accelerating rapidly, with major announcements from tech giants like OpenAI and Meta reshaping the landscape.
In this episode, Chris Saad and Amir Shevat dive deep into the latest developments in AI and AR, exploring their implications for startups, developers, and society at large.
In This Episode, You Will:
Discover the latest revelations from OpenAI’s Dev Day and why the new developer tools, like the Speech-to-Speech API and image fine-tuning, could be a game-changer for startups.
Learn about the 98% cost reduction in AI models and how it could drastically lower barriers for developers.
Unpack the ongoing drama at OpenAI, including the mass resignation of executives and speculation surrounding Sam Altman’s control of the company.
Understand the impact of OpenAI’s shift to a B Corp structure and what it means for the future of AI and mission-based goals.
Dive into Google’s $2.7 billion rehire of an AI rockstar and why top-tier talent is driving astronomical valuations.
Explore Meta’s Orion AR glasses and consider their potential to replace smartphones—could this be the beginning of a new tech era?
Consider how augmented reality will change our daily interactions and whether the future of AI lies in wearable tech like glasses and earbuds.
Get insights into the cultural shift AR glasses may bring and the ethical considerations of such pervasive tech in our lives.
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 30, 2024 • 53min
Perfect Enterprise Sales Pitches – Overcome Buyer Anxiety To Win More Deals w/ April Dunford (Edu)
Are you struggling to close deals, even when you know your product is the best fit? Do you find yourself losing to prospects who freeze up and don't make a decision at all?
In this episode, Yaniv and Chris are joined by April Dunford, author of "Obviously Awesome" and "Sales Pitch," to explore the art of crafting the perfect sales pitch.
They dive deep into why buying is hard, common pitching mistakes, and how to structure a pitch that truly resonates with your prospects.
In this episode, you will:
Discover why buying is often harder than selling, especially in B2B contexts
Learn about the anxiety and fear that drives many purchasing decisions
Understand why common pitch formats like feature walkthroughs and problem-solution frameworks often fall flat
Explore the concept of being a "trusted guide" for your prospects
Learn how to structure a pitch around your unique market insight
Discover how to reverse-engineer your differentiated value proposition
Understand the importance of aligning product, marketing, and sales efforts
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