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rational vc

Latest episodes

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Jan 11, 2021 • 31min

#011 - Cyrus and Iman's talk at the McKinsey Early Stage Investor Conference: Startup Scaling

Cyrus and Iman were invited to the McKinsey Early Stage Investor Conference. They held a working session with a series of startups across two days where they outlined their approach to building efficient and successful startups. This is a snippet of one of their sessions. They talk about go-to-market strategy, startup scaling, developing product, and fundraising. They also touch on actionable tips, metrics, and top mistakes. This podcast provides weekly content on technology investing and technology building. We also write long-form memos on all things tech investing and building. You can sign up for these monthly memo newsletters on the website: https://www.rationalvc.com/ We've already reached 100+ monthly newsletter subscribers in just a few weeks and are now looking to get to 200 monthly memo subscribers by the end of Jan 2021 - please help us reach this milestone! Thanks! We break everything down to first principles, to simplify the complex technology world. We aim to bring you content that is insightful, logical, and rational. We cover tech products and tech companies across the lifecycle, from pre-seed to seed, Series A to D+, to IPOs and beyond. We also cover all investing methods including Angel Investing, Venture Capital, Private Equity, Hedge Funds, Public Markets, SPACs etc. For more information on Cyrus, Iman and the channel, check out: https://www.rationalvc.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrusyari/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/imanolya1/ https://twitter.com/CyrusYari https://twitter.com/iman_olya Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/rational-vc/id1537462327 Your feedback and comments are very welcome. We hope you enjoy listening as we embark on a journey to understand this space; clearly, and rationally, of course. --- Disclaimer: The materials provided are solely for informational purposes and do not constitute investment or legal advice. All opinions expressed by hosts and guests are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of their employer(s).
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Dec 28, 2020 • 55min

#010 - Michael Ginzo: Starting a Company in a Pandemic & Raising VC Funding (Hofy.co)

Cyrus talks to Michael Ginzo, Co-Founder of Hofy, a leading remote working B2B subscription startup. Hofy enable companies to set up home offices for their employees online in just a couple of clicks. Michael discusses the early days of setting up Hofy, achieving product-market fit, scaling, Hofy tech, closing large clients, advice on raising VC funding, the future of remote work, efficiency hacks, and the mental models he uses as a successful COO. Hofy: https://www.hofy.co/ Michael's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelginzo/ This podcast provides weekly content on technology investing and technology building. We also write long-form memos on all things tech investing and building. You can sign up for these monthly memo newsletters on the website: https://www.rationalvc.com/ We've already reached 100 subscribers in less than a week and are now looking to get to 200 monthly memo subscribers by Jan 2021 - please help us reach this milestone! Thanks! We break everything down to first principles, to simplify the complex technology world. We aim to bring you content that is insightful, logical, and rational. We cover tech products and tech companies across the lifecycle, from pre-seed to seed, Series A to D+, to IPOs and beyond. We also cover all investing methods including Angel Investing, Venture Capital, Private Equity, Hedge Funds, Public Markets, SPACs etc. For more information on Cyrus, Iman and the channel, check out: https://www.rationalvc.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrusyari/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/imanolya1/ https://twitter.com/CyrusYari https://twitter.com/iman_olya Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/rational-vc/id1537462327 Your feedback and comments are very welcome. We hope you enjoy listening as we embark on a journey to understand this space; clearly, and rationally, of course. --- Disclaimer: The materials provided are solely for informational purposes and do not constitute investment or legal advice. All opinions expressed by hosts and guests are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of their employer(s).
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Dec 21, 2020 • 55min

#009 - SPACSMAS SPECIAL: Everything You Need to Know About Investing in SPACs

SPACs seem to be the hot topic of investing at the moment, with big names like Chamath and Bill Ackman setting up their own SPACs. Retail investors have access to this opportunity too. So Cyrus and Iman look into SPACs to see what all the hype is about and to test their relative merits vs traditional methods of raising capital. Merry Christmas! This podcast provides weekly content on technology investing and technology building. We also write long-form memos on all things tech investing and building. You can sign up for these monthly memo newsletters on the website: https://www.rationalvc.com/ We've already reached 100 subscribers in less than a week and are now looking to get to 200 monthly memo subscribers by Jan 2021 - please help us reach this milestone! Thanks! We break everything down to first principles, to simplify the complex technology world. Whether you're a newbie in the tech space and just want to know how the market works, or you're a seasoned tech investor / founder, we aim to bring you content that is insightful, simple and rational. We cover tech products and tech companies across the lifecycle, from pre-seed to seed, Series A to D+, to IPOs and beyond. We also cover all investing methods including Angel Investing, Venture Capital, Private Equity, Hedge Funds, Public Markets, SPACs etc. For more information on Cyrus, Iman and the channel, check out: https://www.rationalvc.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrusyari/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/imanolya1/ https://twitter.com/CyrusYari https://twitter.com/iman_olya Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/rational-vc/id1537462327 Your feedback and comments are very welcome. We hope you enjoy listening as we embark on a journey to understand this space; clearly, and rationally, of course. --- Disclaimer: The materials provided are solely for informational purposes and do not constitute investment or legal advice. All opinions expressed by hosts and guests are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of their employer(s).
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Dec 14, 2020 • 1h 3min

#008 - Andi Kazeroonian: Leading UK FinTech VC Talks Key Criteria for Investing (Outward VC)

Cyrus and Iman interview Andi Kazeroonian: Investment Manager at leading UK FinTech venture fund Outward VC. Andi discusses what he looks for in investments, the future of European tech, and investing in Primary Bid early on, in addition to participating in their follow-on round of £50M (Series B). He also talks through what key criteria he looks for in founders he invests in, and the state of UK FinTech. Outward VC are a FinTech focused VC fund with a distinct strategy addressing a clear value gap, typically at post-seed to Series A. Average ticket sizes are £1m and being long-term investors, the majority of Outward's funds are reserved for follow-on. These follow-ons average £2m-6m. Outward VC: https://outwardvc.com/ Andi's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andi-kazeroonian-64444968/ Andi's direct e-mail: andi.kazeroonian@outwardvc.com This podcast provides weekly content on technology investing and technology building. We break everything down to first principles, to simplify the complex technology world. Whether you're a newbie in the tech space and just want to know how the market works, or you're a seasoned tech investor / founder, we aim to bring you content that is insightful, simple and rational. We cover tech products and tech companies across the lifecycle, from pre-seed to seed, Series A to D+, to IPOs and beyond. We also cover all investing methods including Angel Investing, Venture Capital, Private Equity, Hedge Funds, Public Markets, SPACs etc. For more information on Cyrus, Iman and the channel, check out: https://www.rationalvc.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrusyari/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/imanolya1/ https://twitter.com/CyrusYari https://twitter.com/iman_olya Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/rational-vc/id1537462327 Your feedback and comments are very welcome. We hope you enjoy listening as we embark on a journey to understand this space; clearly, and rationally, of course. --- Disclaimer: The materials provided are solely for informational purposes and do not constitute investment or legal advice. All opinions expressed by hosts and guests are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of their employer(s).
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Dec 7, 2020 • 56min

#007 - Matteo Franceschetti: Raising $70 million from Founders Fund, Khosla Ventures, YC (Eight Sleep)

Cyrus and Iman interview seasoned founder: Matteo Franceschetti - CEO and Co-Founder of Eight Sleep, the leaders in sleep technology. Through their patented technology, Eight Sleep make products that leverage machine learning and artificial intelligence to improve your sleep through thermoregulation and analytics. The company is not just focused on sleep. They are now growing into a digital health company. Since launching in 2015, Matteo and his co-founders (Alexandra Zatarain and Massimo Andreasi Bassi) have raised c. $70.1m from reputed names in the industry such as Founders Fund, Khosla Ventures, Y Combinator and angel investors such as Jason Calacanis. Eight Sleep: https://www.eightsleep.com/ Matteo's Twitter: https://twitter.com/m_franceschetti This podcast provides weekly content on technology investing and technology building. We break everything down to first principles, to simplify the complex technology world. Whether you're a newbie in the tech space and just want to know how the market works, or you're a seasoned tech investor / founder, we aim to bring you content that is insightful, simple and rational. We cover tech products and tech companies across the lifecycle, from pre-seed to seed, Series A to D+, to IPOs and beyond. We also cover all investing methods including Angel Investing, Venture Capital, Private Equity, Hedge Funds, Public Markets, SPACs etc. For more information on Cyrus, Iman and the channel, check out: https://www.rationalvc.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrusyari/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/imanolya1/ https://twitter.com/CyrusYari https://twitter.com/iman_olya Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/rational-vc/id1537462327 Your feedback and comments are very welcome. We hope you enjoy listening as we embark on a journey to understand this space; clearly, and rationally, of course.
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Nov 30, 2020 • 1h 1min

#006 - Go-To-Market & Effective Product Management

Many founders often focus on the wrong things in the early stages. Iman and Cyrus cover all things on go-to-market strategy from a strategist's point of view, and how to set up an effective product management function, what to track, and biases to be aware of so you don't get caught up in the traps of inefficiency. This is the last of our 6 MVP episodes - lookout for a big step up from next week with world-class guests and improved production quality!   This podcast will provide weekly content on technology investing and technology building. We break everything down to first principles, to simplify the complex technology world. Whether you're a newbie in the tech space and just want to know how the market works, or you're a seasoned tech investor / founder, we aim to bring you content that is insightful, simple and rational. We cover tech products and tech companies across the lifecycle, from pre-seed to seed, Series A to D+, to IPOs and beyond. We also cover all investing methods including Angel Investing, Venture Capital, Private Equity, Hedge Funds, Public Markets, SPACs etc. For more information on Cyrus, Iman and the channel, check out: https://www.rationalvc.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrusyari/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/imanolya1/ https://twitter.com/CyrusYari https://twitter.com/iman_olya Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/rational-vc/id1537462327 Your feedback and comments are very welcome. We hope you enjoy listening as we embark on a journey to understand this space; clearly, and rationally, of course.
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Nov 23, 2020 • 43min

#005 - Rolling Funds Are Changing Venture Capital

There's a revolution coming in tech investing. Rolling funds are making early-stage investing more accessible to the masses. They're also making it easier for anyone to set up a fund. Cyrus and Iman cover everything you need to know, including what they are, the problem they solve, differences vs. traditional venture, pros, cons, and the future. This podcast will provide weekly content on technology investing and technology building. We break everything down to first principles, to simplify the complex technology world. Whether you're a newbie in the tech space and just want to know how the market works, or you're a seasoned tech investor / founder, we aim to bring you content that is insightful, simple and rational. We cover tech products and tech companies across the lifecycle, from pre-seed to seed, Series A to D+, to IPOs and beyond. We also cover all investing methods including Angel Investing, Venture Capital, Private Equity, Hedge Funds, Public Markets, SPACs etc. For more information on Cyrus, Iman and the channel, check out: https://www.rationalvc.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrusyari/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/imanolya1/ https://twitter.com/CyrusYari https://twitter.com/iman_olya Consider our first 5 episodes as the MVP before we step up our production quality; apologies if the video or audio quality is not great! Our following episodes will be much better quality. Your feedback and comments are very welcome. We hope you enjoy listening as we embark on a journey to understand this space; clearly, and rationally, of course. --- Major credit to those with rolling funds facilitating this advancement OR those mentioned in our podcast, including: Naval Ravikant, Cindy Bi, Sahil Lavingia, Immad Akhund, AngelList, Jesse Draper
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Nov 16, 2020 • 33min

#004 - Where Would You Invest and Why? A 20-Year View

Cyrus and Iman break down the most interesting industry verticals for long-term investment and explain why these make a strong case for a 20-year hold. They also challenge each other on the future of these spaces and how disruption will occur. This podcast will provide weekly content on technology investing and technology building. We break everything down to first principles, to simplify the complex technology world. Whether you're a newbie in the tech space and just want to know how the market works, or you're a seasoned tech investor / founder, we aim to bring you content that is insightful, simple and rational. We cover tech products and tech companies across the lifecycle, from pre-seed to seed, Series A to D+, to IPOs and beyond. We also cover all investing methods including Angel Investing, Venture Capital, Private Equity, Hedge Funds, Public Markets, SPACs etc. For more information on Cyrus, Iman and the channel, check out: https://www.rationalvc.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrusyari/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/imanolya1/ https://twitter.com/CyrusYari https://twitter.com/iman_olya Consider our first 5 episodes as the MVP before we step up our production quality; apologies if the video or audio quality is not great! Our following episodes will be much better quality. Your feedback and comments are very welcome. We hope you enjoy listening as we embark on a journey to understand this space; clearly, and rationally, of course.
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Nov 10, 2020 • 41min

#003 - Breaking Into Venture Capital: Advice for 18-35 Year Olds

After receiving a number of messages, Cyrus and Iman share their thoughts on entering the technology ecosystem and navigating career paths in this space. Do any of the below apply to you or someone you know? Send them this video if so! 1) You've just graduated high school and you don't know what to do. But you're interested in technology and investing because you always see interesting stories in the news and online. 2) You've just graduated from university and want to explore career options in finance, start-ups, or technology. You're unsure how to get started or where to apply. 3) You've just got your MBA and are looking to pivot away from Investment Banking or Consulting into Startups, Venture Capital, or Angel Investing. 4) You're a professional at a Startup (technical or non-technical) or in a corporate and you're looking to enter the investing world. In this episode, Cyrus and Iman talk through options for entering the technology ecosystem across the four scenarios above. They also talk through generic advice for investing using mental models and carving out a successful career path. This podcast will provide weekly content on technology investing and technology building. We break everything down to first principles, to simplify the complex technology world. Whether you're a newbie in the tech space and just want to know how the market works, or you're a seasoned tech investor / founder, we aim to bring you content that is insightful, simple and rational. We cover tech products and tech companies across the lifecycle, from pre-seed to seed, Series A to D+, to IPOs and beyond. We also cover all investing methods including Angel Investing, Venture Capital, Private Equity, Hedge Funds, Public Markets, SPACs etc. For more information on Cyrus, Iman and the channel, check out: https://www.rationalvc.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrusyari/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/imanolya1/ https://twitter.com/CyrusYari https://twitter.com/iman_olya Consider our first 5 episodes as the MVP before we step up our production quality; apologies if the video or audio quality is not great! Our following episodes will be much better quality. Your feedback and comments are very welcome. We hope you enjoy listening as we embark on a journey to understand this space; clearly, and rationally, of course.
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Nov 2, 2020 • 40min

#002 - Venture Capital is a Game

Have tech valuations ever baffled you? Are you sceptical of why Tesla is worth so much? Is the Venture Capital space confusing? In this episode we talk through the confusing world of venture capital and tech investing. We answer some of these questions and more. This podcast will provide weekly content on technology investing and technology building. We break everything down to first principles, to simplify the complex technology world. Whether you're a newbie in the tech space and just want to know how the market works, or you're a seasoned tech investor / founder, we aim to bring you content that is insightful, simple and rational. We cover tech products and tech companies across the lifecycle, from pre-seed to seed, Series A to D+, to IPOs and beyond. We also cover all investing methods including Angel Investing, Venture Capital, Private Equity, Hedge Funds, Public Markets, SPACs etc. For more information on Cyrus, Iman and the channel, check out: https://www.rationalvc.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrusyari/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/imanolya1/ https://twitter.com/CyrusYari https://twitter.com/iman_olya Consider our first 5 episodes as the MVP before we step up our production quality; apologies if the video or audio quality is not great! Our following episodes will be much better quality. Your feedback and comments are very welcome. We hope you enjoy listening as we embark on a journey to understand this space; clearly, and rationally, of course.

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