Startup Project: Build the future

Join host Nataraj as he speaks with Emily Gerber, founder and principal of SixEastern, a PR firm specializing in startups and tech companies. Emily shares her expertise on crafting effective PR strategies for early-stage startups and navigating the evolving media landscape.About the Episode:This episode demystifies the world of PR for tech founders. Emily differentiates PR from marketing, emphasizing the importance of earned media and credibility. She provides actionable advice on when to engage a PR firm, the types of media to target, and how to manage expectations. The conversation explores alternative strategies beyond traditional tech publications, including podcasts and new media platforms. Emily highlights the increasing importance of founders building their social profiles and telling authentic stories. She shares real-world examples of successful PR campaigns and offers valuable insights into navigating crisis communications.About the Guest and Host:Emily Gerber: Founder and Principal of SixEastern, a PR firm for startups and tech companies. Previously at Uber and Box. Connect with Emily: → Website: https://www.sixeastern.com/Nataraj: Host of the Startup Project podcast, Senior PM at Azure & Investor. → LinkedIn:   /natarajsindam  → Twitter: https://x.com/natarajsindam→ Email updates: ⁠https://startupproject.substack.com/⁠→ Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://thestartupproject.io⁠⁠⁠Timestamps:00:02 - Introduction and Guest Introduction00:45 - Emily's Background and PR for Tech Startups01:17 - PR vs. Marketing: Understanding the Difference03:13 - When to Engage a PR Firm: Seed vs. Series A05:40 - The Unique Landscape of AI Startup PR06:19 - Top Tier PR Firms and Their Specializations08:39 - Setting Expectations and Measuring PR Success09:18 - Pitching Podcasts vs. Traditional Media14:21 - The Problem with Automated PR Pitches16:42 - Storytelling for Series A to Series C Startups17:44 - Crafting the Founder's Message for Podcasts21:08 - The Trend of Founders Going Direct on Social Media24:15 - Why Elon Musk's Strategies Don't Work for Everyone25:26 - Concrete Examples of Successful PR Campaigns29:21 - Why Traditional Media Still Matters for Startups31:12 - Pitching to New Media Platforms32:00 - Organic vs. Strategic PR: Behind-the-Scenes Tactics34:12 - SEO for AI Search Engines and the Future of PR37:18 - PR Plus Marketing: Integrating Services38:47 - Emily's Current Media Consumption: TBPN42:39 - Mentors and Their Influence44:38 - Lessons Learned in PR45:40 - Crisis Communications at Uber48:16 - Ignored Sectors in Startup PR: Enterprise SoftwareSubscribe to Startup Project for more engaging conversations with leading entrepreneurs!→ Email updates: ⁠https://startupproject.substack.com/⁠#StartupProject #PR #PublicRelations #Startups #Tech #Media #Marketing #Communications #Founders #Entrepreneurship #TechCrunch #WallStreetJournal #Podcast #YouTube #AI #SixEastern

Join host Nataraj as he sits down with Todd Bracher, founder of BetterLab, an industrial design firm partnering with scientists and innovators to create game-changing products. Previously Executive Creative Director and Design Partner at Human Scale, Todd has also collaborated with iconic brands like Issey Miyake, Herman Miller, and 3M. A two-time International Designer of the Year and recognized by Wallpaper Magazine as a Top 100 Global Design Influencer, Todd shares his insights on the intersection of design, science, and technology.About the Episode:This episode explores the world of industrial design through the lens of Todd Bracher's extensive experience.  The conversation delves into building a successful design firm and the critical importance of human-centered design. Todd recounts his journey from art school to becoming a leading industrial designer, emphasizing the role of manufacturing, materials, and understanding market needs. He highlights the shift towards sustainability in design, including the use of recycled materials and circularity principles. The discussion covers BetterLab's innovative projects, such as glasses designed to combat myopia using full-spectrum light and a UVC light-based hand sanitizer called Lightwash. Todd also shares his perspective on digital design, the influence of Japanese design principles, and his role as a design advisor with Antler, a pre-seed stage firm. He touches upon products he admires, including the Leica M camera, and the importance of integrating design early in the product development process.About the Guest and Host:Todd Bracher: Founder of BetterLab, an industrial design firm. Former Executive Creative Director and Design Partner at Human Scale.  Connect with Todd: → Website: https://betterlab.com/Nataraj: Host of the Startup Project podcast, Senior PM at Azure & Investor. → LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam/→ Twitter: https://x.com/natarajsindam→ Email updates: ⁠https://startupproject.substack.com/⁠→ Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://thestartupproject.io⁠⁠⁠Timestamps:00:01 - Introduction and Guest Introduction00:55 - Todd's Background and Entry into Design01:45 - The Definition of Industrial Design03:22 - Early Influences and Drawing04:27 - Examples of Industrial Design Projects06:06 - Admired Technology Products (Beyond Apple)09:14 - Trends in Industrial Design: Sustainability vs. Consumable Products12:02 - Todd's Take on IKEA's Design and Business Model14:37 - Admired Brands: VITSO and Dieter Rams15:54 - Sustainability and Longevity in Well-Designed Products17:05 - The Business of Running a Design Firm: BetterLab19:39 - Products from BetterLab: Myopia-Correcting Glasses24:48 - Sustainability Project: UVC Light Hand Sanitizer (Lightwash)28:44 - Working with Antler: Advising Early-Stage Startups30:08 - Day-to-Day Products Todd Uses and Admits31:53 - Modern Design Aesthetics and Globalization36:01 - Todd's Take on Digital Design37:46 - Trend Back into Hardware40:01 - What Makes Japanese Design Unique42:00 - Design Hubs in the US44:13 - Current Consumption (Books, Podcasts, etc.)45:39 - Mentors and Influences: Charles Darwin46:55 - Lessons Learned: The Importance of Business AcumenSubscribe to Startup Project for more engaging conversations with leading entrepreneurs!→ Email updates: ⁠https://startupproject.substack.com/⁠#StartupProject #IndustrialDesign #DesignThinking #BetterLab #ToddBracher #Sustainability #ProductDesign #Innovation #HumanCenteredDesign #TechDesign #Manufacturing #Materials #DesignTrends #Myopia #UVCLight #Antler #VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #YouTube #Tech #Innovation

Join host Nataraj as he sits down with Zach Lloyd, the founder and CEO of Warp, a company developing an intelligent terminal aimed at modernizing the command line experience for developers. Zach, a former principal engineer at Google, having worked on Google Sheets and Docs, and co-founder and CTO of Selfmade, shares his insights on the future of software development, the evolution of the terminal, and AI's role in building new products.In this episode, they discuss:How Warp leverages AI to improve developer productivityThe challenges of building an AI-powered developer toolThe future of coding and the evolution of the terminalBridging the gap between traditional terminals and modern IDEsThe current AI hype cycle and its impact on the developer communityGuest:Zach LloydFounder and CEO of WarpFormer Principal Engineer at GoogleCo-founder & CTO of SelfmadeWebsite: https://www.warp.dev/Host:NatarajHost of the Startup Project podcastSenior PM at Azure & InvestorLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam/Twitter: https://x.com/natarajsindamEmail Updates: https://startupproject.substack.com/Website: https://thestartupproject.ioTimestamps:00:01 - Introduction and Guest Introduction00:55 - What is Warp?02:59 - How Developers Use Warp04:56 - Warp's Compatibility with Existing Developer Tools05:21 - Warp's Intelligence and Features06:31 - Integrating Existing Developer Nuances into Warp07:24 - Warp's AI-Powered Enhancements10:06 - The Future of IDEs and Terminals13:50 - The Evolution of Abstraction in Software Development16:37 - The AI Hype Cycle and Developer Productivity18:07 - Developer Feedback and Adoption of Warp20:30 - Go-to-Market Strategy and Customer Acquisition21:33 - Leveraging LLMs in Warp23:28 - The Role of AI Agents in Software Development25:49 - Cost and Sustainability of AI-Powered Tools27:17 - Warp's Pricing Model and Margins30:04 - Open-Source Models and Profitability32:43 - Key Metrics for Warp's Success34:45 - Go-to-Market Motion and Acquiring Customers37:40 - Using AI in Building Warp39:15 - The Impact of AI on Developer Demand41:00 - The Current State of AI and Developer Productivity43:31 - The Importance of Context and Knowledge in AI44:31 - What Zach is Consuming45:40 - Zach's Mentors46:25 - Lessons Learned as a FounderSubscribe:Subscribe to Startup Project for more engaging conversations with leading entrepreneurs!https://startupproject.substack.com/Tags:#StartupProject #Warp #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Terminal #DeveloperTools #Coding #Productivity #SoftwareDevelopment #DevOps #VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #YouTube #Tech #Innovation

Join Nataraj on Startup Project as he interviews Jennifer Jeronimo, CEO of Gaingels, a venture capital syndicate that has deployed over $900 million into 2,500 startups.About the Episode:Jennifer shares Gaingels' unique journey from an investment club focused on LGBTQ+ founders to one of the largest venture capital syndicates globally, with a diverse community of over 4,000 accredited investors. Learn about their investment strategy, focusing on co-investing alongside top-tier VC firms like Sequoia and Greycroft, and their mission to democratize venture capital by providing access to high-potential deals.Discover how Gaingels sources deals, conducts due diligence, and supports its portfolio companies. Jennifer also discusses the current venture landscape, offering insights into market trends, diversification strategies, and the importance of building a balanced portfolio over time.  She also discusses her mentors and books that inspired her journey.About the Guest and Host:Jennifer Jeronimo: CEO of Gaingels, former banking executive, and advocate for diversity in venture capital.→ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-jeronimo1/Nataraj: Host of the Startup Project podcast, Senior PM at Azure & Investor.→ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam  → Twitter: https://x.com/natarajsindam→ Email updates: ⁠https://startupproject.substack.com/⁠→ Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://thestartupproject.io⁠⁠⁠Timestamps:00:01 - Introduction and Guest Introduction00:59 - J-Engels: A Venture Capital Syndicate01:28 - How J-Engels Works & Its Mission02:58 - Evolution from AngelList Syndicate04:41 - Deal Flow Sources07:17 - Securing Allocation in Competitive Deals08:39 - J-Engels' Organizational Structure10:38 - Deal Evaluation Process13:47 - The Strength of Community in Venture18:44 - Role of Venture Partners20:09 - Navigating Market Corrections and Trends23:35 - Portfolio Diversification Strategies28:15 - J-Engels' Vision for the Future30:20 - What Jennifer is Consuming Now31:59 - Jennifer's Mentors34:15 - Investing Advice for BeginnersSubscribe to Startup Project for more insightful conversations with leading investors and entrepreneurs!→ Email updates: ⁠https://startupproject.substack.com/⁠#StartupProject #VentureCapital #Investing #Syndicate #Diversity #Startups #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #YouTube #Tech #Innovation #PortfolioDiversification #MarketTrends #AngelInvesting

Join host Nataraj on Startup Project as he sits down with Vanessa Larco, Partner at NEA, to discuss the transformative impact of AI on startups and venture capital.About the Episode: This episode delves into the evolving landscape of tech investing, exploring how AI is reshaping business models, pricing strategies, and the future of work. Vanessa, a former Director of Product at Box and co-founder of Funloop, shares her insights on:* The shift towards AI in venture capital* The commoditization debate surrounding LLMs* The evolving pricing models in the age of AI* Common mistakes startups make when fundraising* How to identify and secure promising deals* Vanessa's personal journey and mentorship experiencesAbout the Guest and Host:Vanessa Larco: Partner at NEA, investing in Series A and Series B technology companies. Former Director of Product at Box and co-founder of Funloop. Connect with Vanessa:→ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessalarcoNataraj: Host of the Startup Project podcast, Senior PM at Azure & Investor.→ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam/→ Twitter: https://x.com/natarajsindam→ Email updates: https://startupproject.substack.com/→ Website: https://thestartupproject.ioTimestamps:00:01 - Introduction and Guest Introduction01:01 - AI's Impact on Venture Capital04:12 - The Commoditization of LLMs08:57 - The SaaS Subscription Model and AI16:04 - AI-Enabled Investment Ideas18:50 - Life as a Partner at NEA23:42 - Working with Series A & B Companies25:40 - Traction Metrics for Series A27:59 - Case Studies: Majoree & Rewind33:04 - Common Startup Mistakes36:37 - Sourcing Deals in Venture Capital38:57 - What Vanessa is Consuming Now40:20 - Mentors in Vanessa's Career41:38 - Lessons Learned in Venture InvestingSubscribe to Startup Project for more engaging conversations with leading entrepreneurs!→ Email updates: https://startupproject.substack.com/#StartupProject #NEA #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #VentureCapital #Startups #SaaS #PricingModels #Fundraising #ProductMarketFit #Investing #Podcast #YouTube #Tech #Innovation

Join host Nataraj as he sits down with Karthee Madasamy, the Managing Director of MFA Partners, to discuss his journey from chip designer to venture capitalist in the world of deep tech.About the Episode:This episode explores Karthee's transition from a technical background in semiconductors and wireless communication to a successful career in venture capital. He shares his experiences at Qualcomm Ventures, where he led investments in companies like Waze and MapMyIndia, and discusses his current focus on deep tech companies at MFA Partners. Karthee provides valuable insights into the evolution of venture capital, the challenges of raising a fund, and the exciting potential of technologies like AI, robotics, and quantum computing.Karti dives into the nuances of investing in deep tech, sharing his investment thesis for MapMyIndia and highlighting the importance of understanding technology commoditization. He also discusses the incentive structures within corporate venture capital versus traditional VC firms, and offers advice for those considering a career in the field.About the Guest and Host:Karthee Madasamy: Managing Director of MFA Partners, previously Managing Director and Vice President at Qualcomm Ventures. → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kartheemfv/Nataraj: Host of the Startup Project podcast, Senior PM at Azure & Investor. → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam/→ Twitter: https://x.com/natarajsindam→ Email updates: ⁠https://startupproject.substack.com/⁠→ Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://thestartupproject.io⁠⁠⁠Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction00:51 - Karthee's Journey into Venture Investing02:46 - First Job in Venture Capital04:52 - Early Deals and Learnings07:34 - Identifying Technology Commoditization09:56 - Investment Thesis for MapMyIndia13:32 - Incentives in Corporate vs. Traditional VC18:09 - Starting MFA Partners and Fundraising Challenges23:37 - Lessons Learned from Fundraising25:01 - The State of Deep Tech32:42 - Investing in PsiQuantum and the Future of Quantum Computing43:34 - Staying Updated and Influential Content45:54 - Key Learnings about InvestingSubscribe to Startup Project for more engaging conversations with leading entrepreneurs!→ Email updates: ⁠https://startupproject.substack.com/⁠#startupproject #deeptech #venturecapital #investing #qualcommventures #mfapartners #ai #robotics #quantumcomputing #technology #innovation #entrepreneurship #podcast #youtube #tech #mapmyindia #waze #psiquantum #semiconductors

Join Nataraj on Startup Project as he talks to Aatish, CEO and founder of EquityZen, a secondary market for private equities. They discuss the evolution of secondary markets, EquityZen's business model, the value proposition of secondary equity platforms, investor strategies, and the nuances of investing in secondary shares. They'll also delve into various IPO types and their pros and cons for investors, providing a glimpse into the future of secondary markets and IPOs by 2025.About the Episode:This episode explores how EquityZen created a market for secondary shares, connecting founders, employees, and early investors with individuals seeking pre-IPO investment opportunities. Aatish shares his personal journey from quant hedge fund employee to entrepreneur, highlighting how EquityZen helps late-stage private companies provide liquidity to shareholders. The conversation also covers:- Evolution of secondary markets- EquityZen's business model and platform- Investing in secondary shares- Different investor strategies- IPO types and their impact on investors- The future of secondary markets and IPOs in 2025About the Guest and Host:Aatish: CEO and founder of EquityZen, former co-founder and CTO of Nullsoft, and VP of product at Ampush.  Connect with Aatish:→ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atishdavda/→ Website: https://equityzen.com/Nataraj: Host of the Startup Project podcast, Senior PM at Azure & Investor. → LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam → Twitter: https://x.com/natarajsindam→ Email: ⁠https://startupproject.substack.com/⁠→ Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://thestartupproject.io⁠⁠⁠Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:10 - What is EquityZen and How Did It Start?04:19 - The Evolution of Secondary Markets09:00 - Standardization in Secondary Transactions14:44 - Portfolio vs. Individual Company Investments20:10 - EquityZen's Business Model: Fees & Carry22:21 - EquityZen's Stats and User Base24:34 - EquityZen's Relationship with Companies and Issuers27:17 - Rights of First Refusal and Blocking Rights30:36 - Navigating the Secondary Market: Legitimacy and Risk33:33 - How EquityZen Uses Data37:14 - Marketing EquityZen in a Regulated Industry40:19 - IPOs vs. Direct Listings: What's the Difference?44:04 - Outlook for IPOs and Secondary Markets in 2025Subscribe to Startup Project for more engaging conversations with leading entrepreneurs!→ Email updates: ⁠https://startupproject.substack.com/⁠#StartupProject #EquityZen #PrivateEquity #SecondaryMarket #PreIPO #Investing #IPO #VentureCapital #Stocks #Finance #Podcast #YouTube #Tech #Innovation #Entrepreneur"

Join host Nataraj as he sits down with Aviel Ginsberg, the founder of Simply Measured (acquired by Sprout Social), managing director at Amazon's Alexa Accelerator, general partner at Founders Co-op, and now co-founder of Foundations, a shared workspace and accelerator designed to bolster Seattle's VC ecosystem.About the Episode:This episode explores Aviel's journey through the Seattle tech scene, from his arrival during the 2007 recession to his current venture. He discusses the evolution of Founders Co-op, their investment strategies, and the challenges faced by startups in the Pacific Northwest. Aviel shares insights into his investment philosophy, emphasizing the importance of founders' motivations and the long-term vision for their companies.Aviel also delves into the creation of Foundations, a community-driven space aimed at connecting founders, investors, and mentors. He discusses the need for such an anchor in Seattle's ecosystem and how it addresses the unique challenges faced by startups in the region. The conversation touches upon the changing landscape of venture capital, the impact of large language models, and the future of Seattle's tech community.About the Guest and Host:Aviel Ginsberg: Co-founder of Foundations, founder of Simply Measured, managing director at Amazon's Alexa Accelerator, and general partner at Founders Co-op. → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avielginzburg/→ Website: https://seattlefoundations.org/Nataraj: Host of the Startup Project podcast, Senior PM at Azure & Investor. → LinkedIn: / natarajsindam→ Twitter: https://x.com/natarajsindam→ Email updates: ⁠https://startupproject.substack.com/⁠→ Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://thestartupproject.io⁠⁠⁠Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[00:30] What is Foundations?[00:51] Aviel’s journey with Founders Co-op[01:21] Navigating the 2007 Recession[03:22] Early days in the Seattle tech scene[03:36] Transitioning from employee to founder[06:46] Founders Co-op’s current focus[08:16] Evolving investment thesis[08:45] The art of investing in founders[10:47] The importance of people over product[11:07] Investing strategies and FOMO[14:23] Deal makers and breakers[14:36] The motivation of founders[16:47] De-risking entrepreneurship and motivation[18:56] The rise and fall of first-time funds[20:18] Exaggerated opportunity sizes[21:16] The realities of early-stage investing[22:20] The distortion of valuations[22:57] Winners bias and trillion-dollar companies[23:13] The illusion of constant growth[26:37] The Ally acquisition and Microsoft Viva Goals[27:50] Was the acquisition a fund returner?[28:32] The Clubhouse story[29:23] The importance of knowing when to sell[30:20] The trend of secondaries[30:50] Incentivizing founders[31:25] The future of secondaries[32:50] The vision behind Foundations[38:33] What else does Seattle need?[39:05] The need for pre-accelerators[40:38] Lack of pre-seed funds[41:02] Accessing Bay Area capital[42:41] What are you consuming?[43:14] Podcasts, books, and movies[44:31] What do you wish you knew about investing?[44:39] The long feedback loops of investingSubscribe to Startup Project for more engaging conversations with leading entrepreneurs!→ Email updates: ⁠https://startupproject.substack.com/⁠#startupproject #seattle #startupecosystem #venturecapital #founders #foundations #simplymeasured #founderscoop #amazon #alexaaccelerator #techstars #innovation #entrepreneurship #podcast #youtube #technology #investing  #davidishim #readai #ai #artificialintelligence #meetings #productivity #hybridwork #remotework

Jacob Bank, founder and CEO of Relay.app, former product lead at Google, discusses the transformative role of AI agents in modern workflows. He shares insights on Relay's evolution from a workflow tool to an AI-driven automation platform and the significance of robust integrations. Jacob emphasizes customer acquisition through community building and usage-based pricing models. Additionally, he reflects on entrepreneurial lessons, the future of AI in business, and the dynamic shifts it brings to team structures and productivity.

Join host Nataraj on the Startup Project podcast as he sits down with David Blumberg, a seasoned investor with over three decades of experience in early-stage tech companies. From his early days at T. Rowe Price to founding Bloomberg Capital, David shares his unique journey and insights into the world of venture capital.About the Episode:This episode explores David's evolution as an investor, from his initial interest in government to his realization that business and entrepreneurship were the true drivers of positive change.  He discusses his early investments in Israeli tech companies, his time at Claridge, a prominent family office, and the lessons he learned along the way.David shares his investment philosophy, emphasizing the importance of strong teams, large market potential, and minimal competition. He highlights his experience with successful companies like Double Verify and Nutanix, emphasizing the value of repeat founders and the power of building strong relationships.The conversation also delves into David's personal investment strategy, his passion for energy humanitarianism, and his belief in the potential of AI to revolutionize various industries. He shares his insights on the evolving landscape of venture capital, the importance of continuous learning, and the impact of regulatory changes on the business world.About the Guest and Host:David Blumberg: Founder and Managing Partner of Blumberg Capital, a venture capital firm focused on early-stage and growth investments. → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjblumberg→ Website: https://blumbergcapital.com/Nataraj: Host of the Startup Project podcast, Senior PM at Azure & Investor. → LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam/→ Twitter: https://x.com/natarajsindam→ Email updates: ⁠https://startupproject.substack.com/⁠→ Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://thestartupproject.io⁠⁠⁠Timestamps:00:01 - Introduction and Guest Introduction00:42 - David's Location and Work Model00:54 - David's Career Journey and Interest in Tech Investing01:22 - Early Influences and the Importance of Entrepreneurship05:10 - First Tech Investment and Israeli Tech Ecosystem09:22 - Israel's Tech Growth and the Yozma Program13:45 - Government's Role in Fostering Innovation17:53 - The Israeli Military's Influence on Entrepreneurship19:54 - Experience at Claridge and Transition to Bloomberg Capital24:34 - The Evolution of Venture Capital and Bloomberg Capital's Strategies27:15 - Working with Repeat Founders30:40 - Decision-Making in Pre-Seed Investing34:19 - Defining Talent in Early-Stage Founders39:32 - Importance of Domain Expertise41:11 - Lawyers in Leadership Roles43:15 - Bloomberg Capital's CIO Innovation Council48:29 - Personal Investment Strategy and Energy Humanitarianism51:39 - Admired Investors and the Venture Capital Landscape56:06 - Current Consumption (Books, Podcasts, etc.)01:00 - Mentors and Their Influence01:01 - Advice for Young InvestorsSubscribe to Startup Project for more engaging conversations with leading entrepreneurs!→ Email updates: ⁠https://startupproject.substack.com/⁠#StartupProject #VentureCapital #Investing #TechInvesting #Israel #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #YouTube #Tech #Innovation #Energy #Humanitarianism #AI #CIO #BloombergCapital