In this week's episode, Matt talks to Melissa Cash, Co-Founder and CEO of Pok Pok. She shares her story of creating an award-winning kids' app. Melissa explains how her time at Disney and working with Snowman helped shape Pok Pok, and the challenges they faced in starting the company.Melissa talks about where the idea for Pok Pok came from and the key principles behind its design. She focuses on making the app fun and educational while keeping it safe and low-stimulation for kids. She also discusses the impact of winning big awards like the Apple Design Award and the App Store Award, which helped the company grow and attract investors, especially women.Melissa also shares her thoughts on the future of educational technology for kids, how they measure success at Pok Pok, and her hopes for the app's legacy.About Melissa Cash:Melissa Cash is the co-founder and CEO of Pok Pok, an award-winning company focused on fostering creativity and learning in children through digital play. Since its launch in May 2021, Pok Pok has received the Apple Design Award in 2021 and the App Store Award in 2023. The company's main app, Pok Pok Playroom, is known for its innovative, non-addictive approach to screen time.Before starting Pok Pok, Melissa was the Director of Operations at Snowman from February 2019 to May 2021, where she contributed to the success of the Alto series games. Her prior roles include Marketing Manager at Thriver and Product Designer for baby and toddler products at The Walt Disney Company. Melissa holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from York University and participated in an exchange program at the University of Helsinki for a Master's in Communication.In this episode, we discuss:(01:26) Melissa's journey from marketing and PR to entrepreneurship.(02:49) Melissa explains the serendipitous creation of Pok Pok.(04:07) Inspiration for educational and engaging digital experiences.(06:51) Design principles focusing on non-addictive play(08:59) Initial incubation within Snowman and learning the app business(10:14) Insights into consumer behavior and market differentiation(16:00) Collaboration with therapists and educators for app development(20:00) Winning the Apple Design Award and its impact on visibility and culture(22:00) Fundraising challenges in securing diverse investment.(31:00) Melissa's approach to balancing professional and personal life(33:52) Future of Education and Technology(41:15) Hopes for Pok Pok's lasting impact and high-quality experience(43:23) Origin of Pok Pok's NameMelissa's Fast Favorites🎙 Favorite Podcast: "We Can Do Hard Things"📰 Favorite Newsletter or Blog: "Why We Buy"📲 Favorite Tech Gadget: iPhone📈 Favorite New Trend: Democratization of AI📚 Favorite Book: "The Measure" by Nikki Erlick🤔 Favorite Life Lesson: The importance of joy and beautiful nostalgia in childhood experiencesFollow Matt Cohen and Tank Talks here!Podcast production support provided by Agentbee.ai This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

We have friend-of-the pod Jamie Rhode, now a partner at ScreenDoor, back to discuss all things emerging managers and LP investing. Jamie shares her reasons for joining ScreenDoor, and the evolution of the venture landscape since leaving the family office world. The conversation covers the changing perspectives of LPs regarding emerging managers and the unique challenges they face compared to public markets.About Jamie Rhode:Jamie Rhode, CFA, is a Partner at ScreenDoor, an investment platform that supports new and developing managers in raising early-stage institutional venture funds.Prior to Screendoor, Jamie spent over eight years at Verdis Investment Management, a single-family office, where she progressed from Investment Analyst to Principal. Jamie's work at Verdis gave her a deep understanding of the nuances of private market investments and the importance of aligning with the right LPs. Jamie's career began at Bloomberg, where she worked for four years in equity research and credit analysis.Jamie holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Marketing from Drexel University and is a licensed Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). In this episode, we discuss:(01:20) Jamie’s transition from managing multi-asset class portfolios in a family office to focusing on early-stage venture and emerging managers(02:00) The unique return profiles offered by early-stage venture and emerging managers(03:09) The challenges and psychological impact of the long feedback loops in venture capital(03:50) Jamie’s reasons for joining ScreenDoor and the opportunity to create standardization in the emerging manager space(06:18) The evolution of ScreenDoor and its purpose in the market today(07:59) Expanding ScreenDoor’s mandate to invest in funds beyond the first institutional round(10:25) Key questions LPs should ask when considering emerging managers(13:00) Importance of having an investment and decision framework that guides through all market cycles(15:15) Setting a fund target and minimum viable fund size criteria(19:13) Discussing minimum check sizes and their strategic value(21:03) Sourcing capital from family offices and the challenges they face(25:17) ScreenDoor’s approach to sourcing emerging venture funds(27:59) The role of spin-outs in the venture capital industry(29:37) Addressing the fragmentation in the seed stage investment landscape(32:29) The impact of reduced capital needs for early-stage startups(35:25) ScreenDoor’s support for portfolio GPs in various economic conditions(40:00) The role of LPs in supporting emerging managers and ensuring alignment with their objectives(41:28) The importance of understanding LP motivations and ensuring fit for long-term relationships(44:03) Tailoring pitch decks for different types of LPs(47:00) Jamie’s advice for emerging managers: staying humble, thoughtful, and transparentFast Favorites🎙 Favorite Podcast: Personal side: Tiesto's weekly podcast; Business side: 10x Capital Podcast📰 Favorite Newsletter/Blog: Embracing Emergence by Benedikt Langer📲 Favorite Tech Gadget: Walking pad for under the desk📈 Favorite New Trend: Using audiobooks to stay productive while on walks📚 Favorite Book: Unreasonable Hospitality🤔 Favorite Life Lesson: You make plans and God laughsFollow Matt Cohen and Tank Talks here!Podcast production support provided by Agentbee.ai This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

In this 200th episode of Tank Talks, host Matt Cohen reflects on the podcast's journey and the lessons learned.The episode features a discussion with John Ruffolo of Maverix Private Equity, about major events in the tech and investment world, including recent funding rounds, the impact of AI, a significant cybersecurity outage, and political developments.In this episode, we discuss:(01:04) Tips for aspiring podcasters: embrace mistakes, maintain consistency, and stay curious(01:49) Introduction to guest John Ruffolo(02:00) Discussion about Clio’s $3 billion valuation Series F round(03:00) The significance of Clio’s funding and its market implications(04:00) Insights into the role of Gen AI in Clio’s business model(05:21) Analysis of Clio’s vertical market expansion(06:00) Breakdown of the primary and secondary capital in Clio’s funding(07:48) Comparison of Clio’s funding with Cohere’s Series D round(09:17) Thoughts on asset managers investing in AI startups(11:55) Impact of the CrowdStrike outage on global cybersecurity(13:05) The importance of robust contingency plans for startups(15:22) Speculations on the political ramifications of Joe Biden’s recent actions(18:00) Potential impacts on Canada’s political landscape and its relationship with the US(22:15) Jamie Dimon’s potential role in the US governmentFollow Matt Cohen and Tank Talks here!Podcast production support provided by Agentbee.ai This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

In this episode of Tank Talks, Matt Cohen and John Ruffalo delve into the current political landscape in the U.S., the ongoing housing affordability crisis in Canada, and the burgeoning investments in generative AI.The discussion touches on the recent U.S. presidential election debate, the potential impact of a Trump administration on Canada, and the controversial proposal to tax home equity in Canada. The episode also examines Andreessen Horowitz's strategic investment in GPU capabilities and the implications of the Google acquisition of Hubspot shutdown. They conclude by discussing the challenges in the Canadian healthcare system and the potential for technology to improve access to family doctors.In this episode, we discuss:(00:26) Matt and John's reactions to the Trump vs. Biden debate and its implications.(02:35) Biden's Legacy and Future Prospects(04:01) How a Trump presidency could affect U.S.-Canada relations.(04:57) Housing Affordability Crisis in Canada(06:40) Generative AI Investment Bubble(11:55) Andreessen Horowitz's GPU Investment and its strategic implications(14:45) Analysis of why Google halted its acquisition of Hubspot talks and the broader impact on M&A activities(17:06) Explanation of the US Supreme Court's decision to overturn the Chevron Doctrine and its implications for regulatory agencies(19:22) Canadian Healthcare Access and the difficulty of finding family doctors in Canada and potential technological solutionsFollow Matt Cohen and Tank Talks here!Podcast production support provided by Agentbee.ai This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

On this week's episode, we welcome Mike McLean, CEO of Innovation Asset Collective, to talk about the importance of intellectual property (IP) for startups and Canadian companies. Mike explains how founders can prepare for IP challenges when entering global markets and how to use IP to create value.Mike talks about how the government helps Canadian tech companies protect and use their IP, and he points out that Canada is not doing as well as it should in creating and using IP, with many Canadian patents owned by foreign companies. He shares advice on building a defensive patent portfolio and using government support for IP education and protection.We also discuss the early stages of the IP process, how to create value with an IP strategy, and the importance of having experts help with IP planning. Mike explains how IP insurance works and why it’s important for companies facing legal challenges. He also talks about the importance of having clear IP terms in employee contracts and how AI is changing IP laws. Finally, Mike shares his journey in the IP field and stresses the importance of owning up to mistakes.About Mike McLean:Mike McLean is the CEO at Innovation Asset Collective, helping Canadian clean tech companies leverage intangible assets for growth and building capacity in the Canadian IP ecosystem. Previously, he served as the VP of IP Operations & Transactions and spent over a decade at TechInsights, where he connected business strategies with engineering teams and led efforts to help clients identify valuable patents.Mike's career began at Semiconductor Insights, where he provided technical intelligence to the IP and licensing community and led teams across the IP lifecycle in the electronics industry. His roles involved strategic planning, partnership agreements, and engaging with the VC and private equity communities.He has a B.Sc.E. in Electrical Engineering from Queen's University.In this episode, we discuss:(01:00) Mike McLean's background and journey in the tech and IP sectors(03:17) Using IP to drive revenue and defend market share in technology businesses(05:08) Changing how entrepreneurs think about and use IP within their businesses(07:04) Early-stage IP strategies and the importance of contracts and staff arrangements(09:59) Balancing disclosure with protection when seeking investment or customers(11:00) Key components of Innovation Asset Collective's educational programs(14:08) Challenges Canadian companies face with IP in global markets(18:21) Building a defensive patent portfolio and the role of IP insurance(22:00) Government programs supporting IP strategies for Canadian companies(28:22) Timing and strategy for building an IP portfolio in various industries(33:45) Employee contracts and IP ownership in innovation-focused startups(36:06) Importance of IP insurance and its role in scaling operations and fundraising(40:00) Case study of maximizing value through IP strategy in a company exit(41:10) Discussion on AI, IP, and the evolving legal frameworkFast Favorites🎙 Favorite Podcast: Mike does not have a favorite podcast as he prefers reading :)📰 Favorite Newsletter/Blog: James Clear's "3-2-1" newsletter📲 Favorite Tech Gadget: His smartphone (Android)📈 Favorite New Trend: Coaching youth baseball and learning hitting techniques📚 Favorite Book: "Turn the Ship Around!" by David Marquet🤔 Favorite Life Lesson: Take ownership of your mistakes and work collaboratively to find solutionsFollow Matt Cohen and Tank Talks here!Podcast production support provided by Agentbee.ai This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

This week, John Ruffolo of Maverix Private Equity is back with Matt to talk about the latest news in the tech and capital ecosystem.They discuss the surprising results of the Toronto by-election, the commercialization of AI in Canada, and strategic investment moves by pension funds. Additionally, they delve into AI's impact on Hollywood, Apple's strategic partnerships, and the European Union's fines on big tech.In this episode, we discuss:(00:23) Toronto By-Election Results(05:05) Commercialization of AI in Canada(08:09) Investment Strategies of Pension Funds(11:00) AI in Hollywood and Media(16:00) Apple’s Strategic Partnerships(17:28) European Union's Fines on Big Tech(18:48) OpenAI’s Governance Structure ChangeFollow Matt Cohen and Tank Talks here!Podcast production support provided by Agentbee.ai This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

This week, John Ruffolo of Maverix Private Equity is back with Matt to talk about the latest news in the tech and capital ecosystem.They discuss the end of the Collision Conference in Toronto, TD Bank's new initiative for tech entrepreneurs, and big moves in AI.They also cover Jerome Nycz's retirement from BDC Capital and Raquel Urtasun's new funding round for her company, Waabi.In this episode, we discuss:(00:00) Impact of Collision Conference on Toronto Ecosystem(01:33) Opportunities for Vancouver Ecosystem(05:52) TD Innovation Partners launch(08:28) Jerome Nycz' retirement from BDC Capital(10:34) Apple Intelligence Product Announcement(11:24) Partnership between Apple and OpenAI(14:54) Ilya Sutskever’s new company, Safe AI(17:35) OpenAI’s governance structure change(18:48) Raquel Urtasun's Waabi Series B fundingFollow Matt Cohen and Tank Talks here!Podcast production support provided by Agentbee.ai This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

This week John Ruffolo of Maverix Private Equity is back with Matt to talk about the news affecting the venture capital and financial sectors including Cohere's recent $450 million fundraising, featuring investments from Nvidia, Salesforce Ventures, and others. The conversation shifts to the resurgence of crypto interest, Vista Equity's write-off of Pluralsight, private equity firms targeting individual assets within companies rather than entire companies, and how that could present opportunities for venture capitalists to recover some value from underperforming investments.They also cover Canada's capital gains plan's slow progress and impact on investment stability, as well as the proposal of a new “anti-woke” Texas stock exchange, which aims to offer a more business-friendly environment free from some of the regulatory burdens seen in current exchanges.Finally, they discuss recent interest rate changes by the Bank of Canada and the European Central Bank, and their implications for the Canadian economy and inflation.In this episode, we discuss:* (00:49) Cohere's $450 million fundraising.* (02:49) Discussion on AI space valuations.* (04:28) Crypto resurgence and political implications.* (07:46) Vista Equity's write-off of Pluralsight.* (10:55) Private equity targeting individual assets.* (12:48) Canada's capital gains plan delay.* (14:24) Proposal of Texas stock exchange.* (17:05) Interest rate changes by Bank of Canada and ECB.* (19:54) Impact of interest rates on the economy.Follow Matt Cohen and Tank Talks here!Podcast production support provided by Agentbee.ai This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

This week, we welcome Rob Kumer, CEO of KingSett Capital, to share his journey from Analyst to CEO, the evolution of KingSett Capital, and the strategic moves that have shaped the firm into a $17 billion private equity real estate powerhouse.Rob provides insights into the impact of global experiences on his career, the challenges and opportunities of zero-carbon buildings, and the future of office spaces amid market bifurcation and work-from-home trends.About Rob Kumer: Rob Kumer is the Chief Executive Officer of KingSett Capital.As the chair of KingSett’s Investment Committee, Rob oversees new investment activities, shapes the project finance strategy, and steers the mortgage lending business. His leadership extends to chairing the Management Committee, where he ensures the ongoing implementation and oversight of the firm’s business strategy.Rob's academic background includes a degree in Honours Business Administration from the Ivey Business School at Western University, where he also serves on the Advisory Board. Beyond his professional achievements, Rob is dedicated to community service as a director of the Sinai Health System Foundation in Toronto.In this episode, we discuss:(01:19) Rob shares his career path from growing up in Toronto to becoming KingSett Capital's CEO(03:12) His early career in real estate development and his tenure at RioCan(04:45) His decision to join KingSett Capital and John Love's influence on his career trajectory(11:50) KingSett Capital's growth and diverse investment strategies emphasizing successful capital raising(17:55) The creation of the urban infill fund and its strategy of acquiring key street corners in Toronto(23:44) KingSett's strategic decisions during the early months of the pandemic(29:47) Insights into the current state of commercial real estate and the impact of rising interest rates(30:34) Market bifurcation and the future of office spaces, with a focus on Toronto(33:12) The performance of AAA office buildings versus lower-tier properties(37:36) The continued evolution of office space design to meet changing needs(43:26) The challenges and value creation opportunities in achieving zero-carbon buildings(48:56) Rob’s views on the proposed capital gains decisions in Canada and their potential investment impact(54:09) The importance of building relationships for success in both personal and professional lifeFast Favorites🎙 Favorite Podcast: Making Sense Podcast with Sam Harris📰 Favorite Newsletter / Blog: DealBook by Andrew Ross Sorkin📲 Favorite Tech Gadget: AutoDrive in his car, his bicycle📈 Favorite New Trend: Neckties and working from the office🤔 Favorite Life Lesson: Make relationshipsFollow Matt Cohen and Tank Talks here!Podcast production support provided by Agentbee.ai This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com

This week's guest is Nolan Bederman of Bederman Capital discusses the evolving landscape of private equity, emphasizing the importance of strategic growth, innovation, and building strong management partnerships. He highlights the need to balance technology and business operations, address regulatory challenges, and prioritize psychological insight in investment decisions. Bederman also critiques the Canadian regulatory environment, calling for a more supportive approach to entrepreneurship to drive productivity and economic growth.About Nolan Bederman:Nolan Bederman is the Executive Chair of the Lifespeak and is also the founder and managing partner of Bederman Capital Corp., a private equity business focused on investing in North American growth companies.In 2017, he formalized a partnership with New York-based Reynolds Channel Capital Partners, a private equity fund focused on making similar investments.Before founding Bederman Capital Corp., Nolan was a co-founding partner of Genuity Capital Partners, a mid-market private equity fund, where he spent almost ten years leading numerous successful private equity investments. Prior to joining Genuity, Mr. Bederman was an Executive Director in private equity at CIBC Capital Partners. Mr. Bederman was also a Vice President in the US Mergers & Acquisitions group of Merrill Lynch & Co., where he focused on advising global companies in the capital/consumer goods, transportation, food, and pharma sectors.He graduated with a combined JD/MBA program from the University of Toronto and a BA (Econ.) from the University of Western Ontario.In this episode, we discuss:(01:00) Career Transition and Private Equity Beginnings(02:25) Building and Growing Businesses(04:00) Notable Investments and Lessons Learned(08:13) Challenges and Learning from Failures(11:00) The Role of Trust in Private Equity(15:22) Engagement in Companies and Private Equity Dynamics(20:14) Psychology in Private Equity(25:17) Private Equity Landscape Changes(29:00) Advice for Aspiring Private Equity Professionals(34:35) Technological Innovation and Business Strategy(41:11) Mental Health in the Workplace(45:52) Impact of Canadian Economic PoliciesFast Favorites🎙 Favorite Podcast: Bill Maher's Club Random, Scott Galloway's Pivot (with Kara Swisher), Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History📰 Favorite Newsletter / Blog: Fast Company, Inc.📲 Favorite Tech Gadget: Miele coffee maker📈 Favorite New Trend: Walking while on conference calls📚 Favorite Book: The Birth of Loud by Ian S. Port (story of Leo Fender and Les Paul)🤔 Favorite Life Lesson: Treat everyone with respect, regardless of their position.Follow Matt Cohen and Tank Talks here!Podcast production support provided by Agentbee.ai This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tanktalks.substack.com