Tank Talks By Ripple Ventures

On this week's episode, we welcome John Li, CEO and Co-Founder of VimCal. John shares the rollercoaster of starting VimCal, from the initial struggles to gaining traction through a product-led approach, particularly appealing to like identifying and appealing directly to its most influential users—executive assistants.Plus, hear about the extreme loyalty VimCal has inspired, including one user's permanent tribute with a VimCal tattoo.This a candid conversation about resilience, user-focused development, and the importance of customer feedback in building a product that people not only use but love.Also, we have John Ruffolo to discuss the week’s news. Note the news rundown was recorded before the Federal Budget proposal was released, for a full breakdown of the budget go here. About John Li:John Li co-founded Vimcal in 2018 and serves as its CEO. Vimcal is a fast calendar app that helps people manage many meetings and was in Y Combinator. It has features like time zone conversion and keyboard shortcuts. The company introduced Vimcal EA for Executive Assistants, saving time for users at companies like Kleiner Perkins and Dropbox.Before Vimcal, John worked at Twitter as a software engineer from 2016 to 2018, after his company, Peer was bought by Twitter. He started his career with an internship at Apple.John studied at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned degrees in Computer Science, Business Administration, and French.In this episode, we discuss:(0:02:36) Public reactions to the growth of the public sector and concerns about Canada's economic policies favoring public sector employment over entrepreneurship(0:04:17) Inefficiency in government and the significant decline in productivity among remote public sector workers(0:07:34) The upcoming federal budget will lean heavily on tax increases and the mobility of wealthier individuals and the potential for them to leave Canada due to high taxation(0:15:25) John Li shares his entrepreneurial background, mentioning his early career moves, including working at Twitter and an internship at Apple, which influenced his product development perspective(0:18:21) The moment he and his co-founder decided to start their venture after realizing they enjoyed working together on technology projects outside their corporate jobs(0:20:35) The initial concept for their AR startup, aiming to integrate native advertising into AR environments, and how this idea was ultimately too premature for the market(0:21:51) Pivoting from their initial AR idea during YC after feedback that the market timing was off, describing the emotional challenge of shifting away from an idea that defined their entrepreneurial identity(0:25:56) The shift to VimCal, born out of the frustrations with scheduling during their fundraising. He emphasizes the importance of building a product that the founders themselves would use(0:33:48) The enthusiastic reception of VimCal within the YC community and how personal onboarding calls helped refine the product and convert users into paying customers.(0:43:16) A memorable encounter with a VimCal fan who demonstrated his loyalty through a permanent tattoo of the VimCal logo, highlighting the passionate user base of the product.(0:56:23) The future focus of VimCal on enhancing team features for both internal and external scheduling, aiming to simplify complex scheduling scenarios and expand team collaboration toolsFast Favorites:* 🎙- Favorite Podcast: My First Million* 📰- Favorite Newsletter / Blog: James Clear* 📲- Favorite Tech Gadget: Sous Vide* 📈-  Favorite New Trend: Living At Home Into Your 20s* 📚- Favorite Book: Animal Farm* 🤔 - Favorite Life Lesson: Learning how to deal with emotional triggers on a daily basisFollow 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

Financial expert John Ruffolo and entrepreneurship advocate Matt Cohen discuss the implications of the federal budget on investors and founders. They focus on the increase in the capital gains tax, lack of appreciation for business owners, and potential negative effects on innovation and the startup ecosystem. The conversation explores next steps and solutions.

John Ruffolo and Matt Cohen survived the eclipse and are back discussing the week’s news.Topics discussed:(01:08) Canada's new $2.4 billion AI initiative, positioning the country as a future AI powerhouse with a comprehensive investment plan(07:13) Jamie Dimon's enthusiastic endorsement of AI's transformative potential in his shareholder letter, emphasizing JP Morgan's massive AI investment and ambitious plans(12:56) Paddy Cosgrave's return to Web Summit after a brief hiatus what’s the impact on his reputation and the event's future(14:46) Queen's University introduced a lottery system for medical school admissions to foster diversity, reflecting on the evolving role and value of higher education amidst changing student prioritiesFollow 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

Topics John Ruffolo and Matt Cohen discuss:* (00:00) Cohere's significant fundraising efforts, competing in the LLM space, and the notable involvement of Canadian pension funds at a valuation of $5 billion.* (03:29) Canada's strategy in artificial intelligence emphasizes the critical role of government in education and talent development, but is direct governmental involvement in AI businesses effective?* (06:09) A $4.5 billion lawsuit has been filed against major social media companies by four Canadian school boards* (11:15) Canadian public tech companies like Nuve and Lightspeed consider privatization to avoid public market scrutiny and leverage private investment strategies* (17:00) FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried sentenced to 25 years for fraud what will the implications be for investor compensation and the broader crypto industryFollow 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 Tank Talks, we're joined by Pascal Britt-Cote from Export Development Canada (EDC). Pascal breaks down how EDC supports Canadian tech globally, far beyond just physical goods, aiding software and service sectors with knowledge, connections, and financial support to scale internationally.EDC's initiatives include specialized tech units, engagement at key tech events, and partnerships with tech bankers and associations. Utilizing its worldwide offices, EDC connects Canadian firms with global partners and customers. Pascal also highlights EDC's investment matching program for midsize companies, providing targeted financial support based on growth plans.About Pascal Britt-Cote:Pascal Britt-Cote works as the Regional Director, Mid-Market Business for the technology sector for the province of Ontario. He supports a team of talented Relationship Managers located in Ottawa, Toronto and Kitchener / Waterloo. During his 16 years at EDC he's had the opportunity to be part of different teams including underwriting EDC's three suites of products: International Financial Guarantee (IFG), International Trade Guarantee (ITG) and Account Receivable Insurance (ARI). He started his EDC career in 2007 as an Account Manager.He has a BCom with a specialization in Management from the University of Ottawa and also holds an MBA from the University of Montreal.In this episode, we discuss:(01:38) Started working at EDC 17 years ago, interested in international trade and finance. Worked in various roles within EDC, currently leads the Ontario tech mid-market team.(03:02) EDC supports companies that export goods, services, or software. Focuses on five key subsectors including software and B2B.(04:46) Since 2018, EDC has focused on the tech sector, creating tech units in Ontario and Quebec to understand and support the sector better.(07:13) Describes EDC as evolving and more engaged with tech companies. Initial meeting with companies to understand their needs and how EDC can support them.(09:21) EDC can assist founders and sales leaders looking for international partners and customers.(11:47) Explains that every country has an Export Credit Agency (ECA) like EDC; the U.S. equivalent is EXIM.(12:31) EDC's mid-market team handles accounts with sales from $10M to $300M. Criteria for support include having an export angle and a signed equity term sheet.(20:13) EDC helped companies during COVID by providing bonds and standby letters of guarantee to ease supplier payment terms.(26:20) EDC supports companies with knowledge on expanding internationally, including understanding local markets, legal and tax compliance.(30:59) EDC aims to connect with as many tech companies as possible, offering knowledge, connections, and financial solutions.(32:26) Highlights the Indo Pacific region's growing importance and EDC's focus on sectors with the highest growth potential.Fast Favorites:* 🎙- Favorite Podcast: All In* 📰- Favorite Newsletter / Blog: BetaKit* 📲- Favorite Tech Gadget: AirTag* 📈-  Favorite New Trend: Polar plunges* 📚- Favorite Book: Can’t Hurt Me* 🤔 - Favorite Life Lesson: Never take anything for granted.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 Randy Garg, Founder and Managing Partner of Vistara Growth. Randy shares his journey from his beginnings at PwC and Discovery Capital to co-founding Beedie Capital in 2010, and launching Vistara Growth in 2015 with support from the Beedie family as his first LP.Randy discusses the challenges tech companies face in securing growth capital and how Vistara Growth offers a mix of Growth Debt and Growth Equity to meet these needs, highlighting successful investments in companies like Zafin and Kore.ai. He delves into the state of private credit, public tech companies, and Vistara's fundraising strategies for its funds, including the transition from family office LPs to institutional LPs with Fund Five.Additionally, Randy talks about the importance of having a credit mindset, distinguishing growth debt from venture debt, and shares strategies for businesses to achieve sustainable growth and overcome scaling challenges. He also emphasizes leadership's role in growth and shares personal recommendations for podcasts, newsletters, and books, along with his life lesson on the importance of self-belief.About Randy Garg:Randy Garg is Founder and Managing Partner of Vistara Growth which provides creative and tailored Growth Debt & Growth Equity financing solutions to mid-later stage technology companies across North America. Vistara's typical investment size ranges from $10 million to $30 million for companies that have scaled or are scaling past $10 million+ in revenues. To date Vistara has raised $600M and is currently investing out of its fifth fund.Prior to launching Vistara, Randy co-founded and was Managing Partner of family office group Beedie Capital (2011-2015). During that time he sourced, completed and managed numerous growth capital financings with particular emphasis on the technology sector.Randy received his BBA from York University, his MBA from UBC, and holds a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.In this episode, we discuss:(01:00) Randy shares his extensive background in venture capital, private equity/debt investing, and his significant experience in corporate finance and M&A(03:58) His role as Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Beedie Capital Partners (05:55) Founding Vistara Growth to provide flexible Growth Debt and Growth Equity financing solutions to mid-later stage technology companies across North America(07:48) His stint at PwC Corporate Finance leading the firm’s corporate finance activities across Western Canada for the technology practice(08:44) Vistara Growth's investment philosophy, emphasizing flexible growth capital to support companies as they scale past $10 million+ in revenues(10:21) The current state of private credit and public tech company valuations, identifying opportunities despite market challenges(11:08) Vistara Growth's investment in Zafin(16:45) The broader state of private credit, venture capital retreats, and the impact on companies seeking financing(20:21) The dynamics of the Canadian public market for small-cap tech companies, contrasting it with private financing strategies(23:02) Kore.ai's growth, from significant early achievements to becoming a leader in enterprise-grade virtual assistant platforms(25:52) Explains the unique offering of growth debt and the concept of "rental equity," differentiating Vistara Growth's approach from traditional venture debt(27:09) Future opportunities and strategies for Vistara Growth, focusing on the expanded market gap for flexible capital solutions(31:41) Discusses Vistara Growth's investment strategy and focus areas, including sector-specific strategies and the firm's approach to supporting portfolio companies(35:22) Concludes with future plans for Vistara Growth, emphasizing raising the rest of Fund Five, deployment strategies, and team growth.Fast Favorites:* 🎙- Favorite Podcast: Invest Like The Best* 📰- Favorite Newsletter / Blog: Bloomberg, Wall Street Journal, Globe and Mail, TechCrunch* 📲- Favorite Tech Gadget: Peloton Bike+* 📈-  Favorite New Trend: Focusing on health* 📚- Favorite Book: Outlive* 🤔 - Favorite Life Lesson: Always been that on yourself.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

We are excited to have Alex Kolicich, the founding partner of 8VC, on the pod this week. Alex shares his journey from working at Google and Palantir to joining Peter Thiel's hedge fund, Clarion Capital, and later co-founding 8VC. Alex discusses 8VC’s mission to significantly impact their portfolio companies by leveraging their unique blend of industry insight and investment expertise. And we get Alex's take on the recent AI boom in venture capital, dissecting the mega funding rounds in the AI space and providing a forward-looking perspective on startups and fundraising.We also have a news round-up with John Ruffolo.About Alex Kolicich:Alex Kolicich is a Founding Partner at 8VC, where he focuses on IT and Bio-IT investments.Prior to 8VC, Alex was a Partner at Formation 8 and also worked with Peter Thiel as a Principal at Mithril Capital Management, a growth-stage venture fund, where he helped lead investments in AppDirect, C2FO, and Helion Energy.Before his career as an investor, Alex worked as an engineer and early-product advisor at Clarium, Palantir, and Google. He was an early member of the Clarium Capital quantitative engineering team (with Joe Lonsdale) and a close advisor/collaborator with the early Palantir team; advising on product design and contributing to the product. At Google Research, Alex worked on Google Street View before and during its launch and also worked on the development and launch of the Google Checkout.In this episode, we discuss:(01:35) The trend of U.S. private equity firms acquiring Canadian tech companies and the benefits of currency arbitrage(03:17) The difference in capital competition between the U.S. and Canada, indicating a more vibrant private equity scene in the U.S.(06:04) Why John is bullish on Ethereum(08:28) How former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney's policies shaped the current political and business landscapes(12:45) Alex shares his journey from engineering at Google to venture capital, emphasizing the culture of innovation at Google(14:22) The shift from Google to venture capital, underlining the pivotal role of working with Peter Thiel(17:25) The founding principles of 8VC, focusing on investing in companies that leverage technological advancements(20:05) The potential of AI, Alex predicts its significant impact on the venture capital landscape(23:15) Alex’s his decision to pivot to venture capital, inspired by the opportunity to work with Peter Thiel and invest in deep technology(27:05) Alex discusses the significance of Canadian tech innovations and his motivation to invest in Canadian companies(33:14) Fundraising in 2024 requires growth and capital efficiency(37:25) A future where AI augments knowledge work, leading to societal shifts towards community-oriented living(49:30) Reflecting on Canada's role in the AI revolution, Alex emphasizes the need for proactive policies to attract and nurture talent, positioning Canada as a leader in AI innovation and applicationFast Favorites:* 🎙- Favorite Podcast: Meb Faber* 📰- Favorite Newsletter / Blog: Interconnects* 📲- Favorite Tech Gadget: Airpods Pro* 📈-  Favorite New Trend: The rebirth of Silicon Valley* 📚- Favorite Book: 1984* 🤔 - Favorite Life Lesson: Put yourself in a position where you work with the most talented peopleFollow 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 are joined by Elio Narciso, founder of ScaleStack, who discusses his journey as an entrepreneur and the challenges of building and selling companies.He shares insights from his time at AWS and the lessons he learned about go-to-market strategies. Elio explains the creation of ScaleStack AI and the importance of problem-solving before incorporating AI. He emphasizes the significance of founder-led sales and building trust with customers. Finally, Elio introduces the Revenue Engine Masters podcast and its focus on revenue operations and sales operations professionals.About Elio Narciso:Elio Narciso, the Co-Founder and CEO of Scalestack, leads a team focused on innovating sales operations. Before founding Scalestack, Elio worked at AWS as a Principal BD and Program Manager, developing a GTM program that helped startups like Notion, Webflow, and Zapier.His operator background includes starting and selling two mobile internet companies and taking on advisory and investment roles in startups such as Bitbrand and Instal.Elio earned his MBA from MIT Sloan, concentrating on entrepreneurship and finance, and is fluent in three languages.In this episode, we discuss:(01:25) Elio recounts his journey from Italy to the U.S. for an MBA at MIT, where his entrepreneurial aspirations took root.(06:19) His experiences building Mobave, learning from its acquisition, and the importance of co-founders(13:19) The creation and legacy of the AWS Global Startup Program(23:11) Why his startup Measure It's failed due to a focus on technology over market needs(25:07) The thrill of seeing users engage with and love a product, underscoring the importance of creating valuable solutions.(26:32) Why founder-led sales in early-stage startups is critical for direct learning and ensuring product-market fit(33:43) The importance of personal communication, like texting, in building deeper customer relationships.(37:57) ScaleStack's approach to automating sales processes, emphasizing efficiency and the use of AI(41:18) Elio’s podcast targets rev ops and sales ops professionals, focusing on efficiency and innovation in sales.Fast Favorites:* 🎙- Favorite Podcast: Lex Fridman* 📰- Favorite Newsletter / Blog: Money Stuff* 📲- Favorite Tech Gadget: Phone, Sonos* 📈-  Favorite New Trend: Productivity gains* 📚- Favorite Book: Guns, Germs, and Steel* 🤔 - Favorite Life Lesson: Be A Better ListenerFollow 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

Lots of news to discuss with John Ruffolo and Matt Cohen:(00:21) The significant downturn in venture capital, the early reset signs, and the impact of a conservative approach to business and fundraising in 2023, especially in Canada(02:09) The fate of companies that struggled to raise funds in 2023 and the shift towards supporting perceived winners and the inevitable challenges for "B" companies(05:29) Private equity's large market and diverse opportunities(06:48) Foundry Group's shutdown and the lack of structure for succession in VC(09:20) The effectiveness of CEO shakeups and the high-risk nature of founders returning to their companies, questioning such moves.(12:23) AI's explosive growth and why investing in foundational AI technologies is the best approach and the potential for major shifts in enterprise applications and cost reductionsFollow 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 dive into the exciting world of defense tech with Jake Chapman from Marque Ventures. Jake shares his journey into VC, why Marque Ventures was born, and how shifts in geopolitics and advancements in AI, cybersecurity, and autonomous tech are driving VC interest in defense tech.He opens up about the hurdles of long development cycles, regulatory landscapes, and ethical dilemmas while offering insights into DoD procurement strategies, the importance of a defense-first approach, and the power of public engagement for raising sector awareness.Wrapping up, Jake touches on the significance of strategic partnerships and the evolving M&A scene, highlighting a future with a broader range of buyers in the defense tech space.About Jake Chapman:Jake Chapman is managing director at Marque Ventures, an early-stage VC firm focused on defense and dual-use technologies. He has played pivotal roles in various companies, leveraging technology to enhance national security. Jake focuses his investments on sectors like AI, robotics, aerospace, and quantum computing.In addition to investing, Jake is a co-host of "The Merge," a podcast making defense technology accessible and engaging. He also is a writer, where he shares insights on technology's future and venture capital, contributing to major publications like TechCrunch and WIRED.Jake has a BS and JD from the University of California, Berkeley.In this episode, we discuss:(01:16) Jake's transition from law to venture capital was sparked by his passion for sci-fi and a desire to be closer to technology and entrepreneurship(02:07) Launching Marque Ventures, Jake aimed to bridge the gap between startups and the complexities of DOD procurement, drawing on his rich background in tech and legal expertise(03:05) His endeavor to reform Army Venture Capital led to the creation of Marque Ventures, targeting the underexplored niches of defense technology(06:23) Why the geopolitical climate and innovation in AI, cybersecurity, and autonomous systems for the increased interest in defense tech from generalist VCs(11:59) The unique challenges of DOD procurement, and why startups should align their solutions with DOD needs from the outset(17:12) The importance of securing sufficient funding and understanding the long-term commitment required(20:23) Why Marque Ventures focuses on filling the Series A funding gap in defense tech(22:00) Discussing portfolio synergies, Jake mentions GoTenna's mesh networking as a prime example of integrating technologies for enhanced defense capabilities(23:23) Jake reflects on the changing dynamics of military engagement, stressing the need for cost-effective solutions in contemporary conflicts(25:06) The flaw in cost-plus contracting model, advocating for a shift towards more economically viable defense procurement strategies(28:48) The need for innovation in defense manufacturing, Jake envisions a TSMC-like platform to support the scalability of defense tech startups(35:38) The concept of 'dual use' in defense tech, citing SpaceX as an exemplary model for successfully navigating and scaling in this sector(37:13) The global defense market's potential, encouraging startups to look beyond the US for opportunities(40:44) What its like to co-host his own podcast, The MergeFast Favorites:* 🎙- Favorite Podcast: The Pitch* 📰- Favorite Newsletter / Blog: The Merge Newsletter, Defense Tech and Acquisition* 📲- Favorite Tech Gadget: iPhone, Switch* 📈-  Favorite New Trend: Generative AI* 📚- Favorite Book: Tuxedo Park* 🤔 - Favorite Life Lesson: You don't get what you don't ask for.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