Startups Decoded

In this episode of Startups Decoded, I’m joined by Mike MacCombie, partner at Generous Ventures, a NYC-based VC fund known for investing in founders who build with behavioral design in mind.We explore how human behavior shapes startup success and dive deep into the subtle forces that guide (and misguide) founder decisions, from social anchoring to pattern recognition, from frameworks that help to those that hold you back.The big conversations centered around;What early-stage VCs really look for in decision-makingThe traps founders fall into by following trendsWhy "easy" paths often lead to dead endsHow to make better products and hiring calls by understanding behavioral cuesThe difference between one-way vs. two-way doors in startup choicesThis episode isn’t about theory, it’s about how psychology meets startup execution and how founders can challenge conventional wisdom to build smarter, faster, and more intentionally.Mike MacCombieMike MacCombie is a behavioral science-driven investor and community builder focused on accelerating startup growth. As a Partner at Generous Ventures, he works closely with early-stage founders to scale their companies, refine business development strategies, and navigate hiring and later-stage fundraising. With a deep passion for entrepreneurial communities, Mike has mentored at Techstars NYC and Quake Capital, helping emerging leaders sharpen their communication and connection-building skills. A self-proclaimed “community geek,” he specializes in curating opportunities that drive meaningful connections and business impact in the startup ecosystem.Generous VenturesGenerous Ventures is a $10M pre-seed and seed-stage venture capital fund based in NYC, backing companies across the US and selectively abroad. They invest in founders with lean, iterative mindsets who prioritize distribution leverage as a key element of their company success.They focus on applied behavioral design principles in the companies they back: building with the grain of human behavior for leverage in adoption at the customer level, distribution at the business level, and more efficient paths to revenue. SHOW NOTESMusic Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)Chapters00:00 Foundations of Curiosity and Learning05:34 Behavioral Science in Startups11:36 Founder Types and Decision Making13:06 Navigating Information Overload15:33 The Rise of Bootstrap Founders19:36 The Validation of Fundraising20:09 The Role of External Validation22:05 Understanding Internal and External Anchoring25:40 The Dance of Intuition and Data27:55 Mastering Decision-Making and Fear of Failure32:05 One-Way vs. Two-Way Decisions35:52 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Founding41:08 Building Communities and Networking for Success

In a compelling discussion, Ben Yoskovitz, a founding partner at Highline Beta and co-author of Lean Analytics, shares his extensive insights into venture studios and their impact on corporate innovation. He highlights how data-driven decision-making propels startup growth and contrasts venture studios with traditional approaches. The conversation dives into lessons learned from GoInstant's success leading to its acquisition by Salesforce, the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, and the essential collaboration needed between startups and enterprises for meaningful success.

The startup funding game is changing fast, and so is the early-stage VC model. So… is it time for a reset?In this episode of Startups Decoded, I sit down with Jeff Becker — investor, entrepreneur, and partner at Antler, the fastest-growing global VC firm, to unpack what’s really going on in early-stage venture capital.We explore everything from the decline of the traditional fund model to the rise of rolling capital agreements, counter-cyclical strategies, and new ways of backing durable founders. Jeff shares lessons from his journey at LinkedIn through hyper-growth, his hands-on experience building startups, and Antler’s bold mission to launch 10,000 companies in the next decade.We also dig into the “hidden years of inception”, how AI is reshaping go-to-market, why resilience is the ultimate founder trait, and how Antler is rewriting the global venture playbook — with community, culture, and capital all under one roof.If you’re a founder or investor trying to make sense of today’s VC market, this one’s unmissable.Jeff BeckerJeffrey Becker is a venture investor, entrepreneur, and builder of businesses that scale. Starting his career valet parking and interning at startups, he honed his sales skills at Xerox before joining LinkedIn, where he played a role in its explosive growth—from 100M to 770M members, IPO to Microsoft acquisition, and $600M to $10B in revenue. Alongside, he co-founded a DTC brand that served 250,000 customers and partnered with Best Buy and Daymond John.Since 2016, Jeffrey has focused on angel investing in companies driving health, wealth, and happiness. By 2018, he was mentoring at emerging funds, setting the stage for his career in VC. Now at Antler, he’s on a mission to help launch 10,000 companies in a decade, fueling the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Early Stage Venture Capital03:05 The Hidden Years of Inception05:58 The Role of Founders in Early Stage Investing08:50 Culture and Community in Startups11:57 Resilience and Solution Orientation in Founders15:07 The Dichotomy of Building: Fast vs. Durable18:02 Navigating the AI Landscape in Venture Capital25:19 Outsourcing and AI in Business Growth29:01 Trends in Venture Capital and Founders' Perceptions30:36 Counter-Cyclical Investment Strategies34:12 Identifying Durable Founders and Their Vision39:03 Follow-On Strategies and Rolling Capital in Early Stage Investing48:13 Navigating the Antler Application ProcessMusic Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)

Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have. As businesses face growing pressure to align with climate targets, the demand for green skills is skyrocketing. In this episode of Startups Decoded, I sit down with Neil Yeoh, CEO of OnePointFive, to discuss how companies can bridge the gap between climate science, finance, and strategy. We’ll explore the rise of the "Climate Expert-in-Residence," why upskilling in sustainability is a competitive advantage, and how startups and corporations alike can embed climate action into their core operations.Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)Neil YeohNeil Yeoh is the CEO of One Point Five, dedicated to helping individuals and businesses unlock their full potential for the greatest good. Once feeling stuck in the oil & gas sector, Neil found his purpose in the climate movement, leveraging the right skills and mindset to drive meaningful change. From overcoming personal and academic hurdles to becoming a Forbes and WEF contributor, Ironman finisher, and founder, his journey is a testament to the power of transformation. Now, he empowers others to break through barriers and achieve their good growth.One Point FiveOnePointFive is a Climate Expert-in-Residence, helping organizations and individuals future-proof through sustainability. With its Advisory & Academy, it bridges the gap between science, finance, and green skills, providing actionable solutions to embed sustainability into strategy, operations, and careers. Whether aligning with the 1.5°C climate target or upskilling teams, OnePointFive drives sustainable growth.https://themethod.substack.com/

Redefining normal: how brands can challenge culture and win.In this episode, we sit down with Andy Miller, co-founder and CEO of Heaps Normal, to explore how brands can go beyond selling products to reshape cultural norms. Andy shares how Heaps Normal is redefining Australia’s drinking culture, the power of purpose-driven branding, and what it takes to build a movement that resonates. We discuss his launch into California through a major partnership with Whole Foods. Whether you're a founder, marketer, or brand strategist, this conversation will challenge you to think bigger about your brand’s impact.Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)Andy MillerAndy is the co-founder and CEO of Heaps Normal. With a background in strategy, communications and marketing, Andy came to Heaps Normal armed with 15 years of experience working in industries including FMCG, health, liquor, automotive, marketplaces and arts & music. After a five-year stint heading up marketing for some of the country’s best known craft beer brands, where he oversaw Y-o-Y growth, Andy co-founded Heaps Normal — a non-alcoholic beer brand on a mission to change Aussie drinking culture.Heaps NormalWe reckon some things in life are too good to be wasted, like having a good time, a good chat and a good drink. We believe in play as a powerful form of wellness but forget the preaching. We’re the weirdos redefining normal for the better and celebrating people who do the same. We also make drinks, but we don’t care how much or how little you’re drinking unless it’s water (yuck).SHOW NOTESIn this episode of Startups Decoded, Andy Miller, co-founder and CEO of Heaps Normal, shares his journey from a diverse career to launching a successful non-alcoholic beer brand. He discusses the purpose behind Heaps Normal, the shift in drinking culture, and the importance of community engagement. The conversation explores the brand's unique position in the market, the changing perceptions of non-alcoholic beverages, and the company's expansion into the US market. Andy emphasizes the significance of authenticity, joy, and genuine connections in both business and personal life.Chapters00:00: Introduction to Heaps Normal and Andy Miller01:16: Andy Miller's Diverse Career Path05:34: The Purpose Behind Heaps Normal07:49: Changing Drinking Culture11:37: The Shift in Non-Alcoholic Beverage Perception16:36: The Role of Purpose in Brand Strategy18:34: Community Engagement and Support for Artists23:23: Building Brand Relevance Through Music30:25: Expansion into the US Market37:21: Future Plans and Exciting Developments

In this episode I sit down with Nick Sgobba to discuss the evolution of product management in the age of AI. We explore how AI tools are transforming product design, development, and validation processes, emphasizing the need for critical thinking and human creativity in a landscape increasingly dominated by technology.The conversation also touches on the democratization of product design, the challenges of competition, and the changing dynamics of investment in startups, forecasting a future where early exits become more common as founders leverage new tools to bring products to market faster.Nick Sgobba is a seasoned product leader with over a decade of experience shaping digital products across startups, venture capital, and global enterprises. Specializing in AI, patents, and emerging technologies, he has a proven track record of aligning product strategy with market needs to drive growth. As a startup advisor and international speaker, Nick brings deep insights into scaling products, navigating evolving trends, and building customer-centric solutions.Don't miss this deep dive into the future of startup product strategy! Tune in to hear Nick Sgobba's expert insights and get actionable takeaways for 2025.Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)Nick SgobbaProduct leader with 10+ years of experience from multinationals to startups and venture capital across Europe, the Middle East, and North America. Proven ability to deliver user-centric digital products, with a specialization in AI and patents, and a passion for emerging technologies. Adept at strategic thinking, and relationship building, and deeply committed to aligning product development, customer needs, and market opportunities. Strong track record of envisioning, developing, managing, and scaling products. Speaker at international conferences. Startup and VC advisor.EvalifyEvalify is an AI-powered platform that analyzes almost 200M patent documents from over 170 jurisdictions to uncover legal risks from startup pitch decks or product briefs in minutes.TakeawaysProduct management as we know it is over due to AI.AI tools are revolutionizing product development processes.The democratization of product design has both benefits and risks.Critical thinking remains essential in the age of AI.Founders must navigate increased competition in product markets.Investment trends are shifting towards faster exits.Building products is easier now, but scaling them is challenging.Human creativity is irreplaceable in product design.AI can assist in prototyping but should not replace human input.The future of product management will be shaped by AI and human collaboration.Chapters00:00 - Introduction to Product Evolution05:30 - The Shift in Product Management10:01 - AI and Prototyping Workflows15:30 - Democratization of Product Design19:52 - Navigating Competition in Product Development24:10 - The Role of Critical Thinking in AI28:29 - The Future of Product Management33:28 - Investment Trends and Market Dynamics

In this episode, sales and go-to-market expert Carol Malakasis breaks down the essential components of a winning go-to-market strategy. We explore how startups can align sales with the customer journey, prioritize pain points, and repurpose old GTM strategies for new products. Carol also shares best practices for setting realistic launch goals based on sales forecasts. Whether you're a founder or an early sales leader, this conversation will give you actionable insights to refine your GTM approach and scale predictably.Tune in as I sit down with Carol Malakasis to break down the GTM strategies startups need to scale—covering market definition, sales strategy, and how to align with the customer journey. Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)Carol Malakasis - De-risking sales | GTM coach to 100+ YC founders and founding sales teams Carol Malakasis is a startup sales expert specializing in scaling revenue for Seed to Series A companies. With 15 years in startup sales, she has built and led GTM teams, trained hundreds of reps, and helped over 100 YC companies reach their first $1M ARR. As a GTM consultant, she de-risks early-stage growth by refining sales strategies, optimizing processes, and enabling founders to sell effectively.(LINKEDIN)

In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscape, brand strategy is more crucial than ever. As consumer expectations shift and competition intensifies, modern brands must redefine their approach to stand out and drive sustainable growth. Danish Chan, co-founder of Untangld and founding partner of ‘by The Network,’ brings a wealth of experience in reshaping how brands connect with their audiences. In this podcast, we’ll explore the importance of developing a robust, adaptable brand strategy that not only speaks to today’s consumer but also sets a foundation for long-term success. From building authentic connections to navigating the digital age, we’ll dive into the key principles that enable brands to not just survive, but thrive in a competitive market.Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)Danish Chan (LinkedIn)Co-founder of strategy shop Untangld, and Founding Partner of the international creative network, 'by The Network'. I'm also a regular judge at the Effies and Warc Awards and a sometimes contributor for global and local marketing publications.Untangld (Website)Untangld is a brand and customer strategy studio, working with businesses around the world to redefine how they win.Chapters00:00: Introduction to Brand Strategy01:35: Understanding Untangled and Its Mission03:10: Defining Brand Strategy05:36: The Evolution of Brand and Founder DNA10:44: Stages of Startup Growth and Brand Strategy11:40: Foundational Elements for Early Stage Startups15:10: Transitioning to a More Rigorous Brand Strategy18:11: Differentiating Brand Messaging from Product Messaging20:15: The Importance of Emotional Connection in Branding26:45: Brand Fame and Its Impact33:08: Conclusion and How to Reach Untangled

Neal Ghosh, an economist turned venture builder, shares his insights on the legitimacy of venture studios. He highlights how these entities differ from incubators and funds, emphasizing their unique structures and operational support. Ghosh explores the challenges of fundraising and the critical role of strategic leadership in startup transitions. He delves into essential equity splits, the importance of aligning incentives, and shares his vision for the future of venture studios in driving innovation and collaboration.

Venture capital isn’t just about writing checks, it’s about creating value. In this episode, we dive into the crucial role of VC platform teams in driving returns. From connecting portfolio companies with key hires and strategic partners to support their growth with tailored resources, platform teams are transforming how VCs deliver value beyond capital. It is important to explore each firm's distinct approach to community and platform to truly understand the impact. Whether you’re a founder, investor, or aspiring VC professional, this episode will unpack the often-overlooked strategies that make platform teams indispensable to modern venture capital.Are you a founder wondering how your VC can help you beyond funding? Or an investor curious about evolving trends in venture support? Tune in to discover how platform teams are shaping the future of venture capital.Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)Joel ConnollyCreative Director and Head of the Blackbird Foundation, where he shapes the brand, culture, and community-driven venture capital approach. He leads initiatives to inspire creativity in young people through the Foundation and oversees branding efforts at Blackbird. Before joining Blackbird, Joel founded a talent management business representing bands like The Rubens and Cloud Control, and created Sydney Craft Beer Week. With a background in communications and theatre, Joel believes culture and creativity are key to success.LinkedInBlackbirdBlackbird is a venture capital firm based in Australia and New Zealand, backing ambitious startups across various industries, from software to space. With a portfolio valued at over $7B, it supports companies from early stages through IPO. Blackbird prioritizes founder-first relationships, long-term investments, and fostering community. Their initiatives, such as Giants and The Sunrise Festival, encourage innovation and mentorship. The firm values creativity, integrity, and impact, investing in founders' life missions to solve the world's greatest problems.Blackbird VC.VC PlatformOur 2,100+ members at 1,000+ funds across 43 countries fuel the entrepreneurs and teams their firms back.Website