VC10X - Investing, Venture Capital, Asset Management, Private Equity, Family Office

When a fintech unicorn exits to a traditional bank, the headline says “successful exit.” This video looks deeper.We analyze the acquisition of Brex by Capital One and what it signals for fintech, startup founders, and venture investors.Topics covered:- Why this exit matters beyond valuation- What it reveals about fintech business models- Why balance sheets, regulation, and distribution still matter- How fintech exit paths are changing- What founders and VCs should learn from this dealLINKSPrashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.comSubscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQVC10X website - https://vc10x.comFor sponsorship queries reach out to prashantchoubey3@gmail.comSUBSCRIBE FOR MOREVC10X breaks down the most important stories in finance, tech, and markets every week. Subscribe for actionable insights.#brex #fintech #venturecapital investing #exits

In this episode, West Point grad and Airborne Ranger Brad Harrison reveals how Scout Ventures backs frontier tech at the intersection of national security and innovation.From underwriting "impossible" breakthroughs like Casimir force energy from space vacuum to AI semiconductors deemed unfeasible by experts, Brad shares the deep diligence, non-dilutive government funding edge, and leadership playbook behind their success.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comKey Topics:- How military SOPs shaped Scout's 40th-revision investment process- Fundraising truths: "It takes a really long time to make money in the fund business unless you're raising lots and lots of money"- Culture as moat: "Culture starts with leadership" and "My job is to prevent war"- Deep tech diligence: "Ten years ago, nine out of ten physicists you talked to told you that was impossible"- Portfolio evolution: Engineering DPI in 18-year fund lives, unicorns like Unite Us, and avoiding herd mentality- Founder advice: Recruiting is the #1 gap, and "you always gotta follow your gut"Timestamps:(00:00) - Preview(01:25) - Introduction to the episode and guest, Brad Harrison.(02:51) - How Brad's military background shaped Scout Ventures.(05:09) - Pivotal firm-building decisions at Scout Ventures.(07:30) - Advice for new GPs on building a multi-fund firm.(08:24) - The importance of in-person meetings and investing in your team.(10:05) - The role of culture, leadership, and values in venture capital.(11:56) - Discussing Brad's film, "Brothers on Three".(13:10) - Key components of LP reporting for new managers.(14:59) - Building trust with LPs through communication and face time.(16:20) - Scout's sharpest edge in sourcing and winning founders.(17:56) - How to underwrite technical risk and IP strength at the seed stage.(20:05) - The process of underwriting seemingly impossible technologies like Casimir Space.(22:40) - The competitive advantage of using non-dilutive government funding.(24:04) - How frontier tech investors navigate the typical 10-year fund cycle.(26:30) - The importance of actively engineering liquidity in deep tech.(28:05) - The "Four Rs" for helping founders: Raising capital, Revenue, Recruiting, and Retention.(28:36) - Why recruiting is the most underdeveloped skill in early-stage teams.(30:27) - The hardest part of the recruiting process for founders.(31:50) - Scout's portfolio construction approach and how it has evolved.(37:15) - Using an annual portfolio review to refine investment decisions.(38:21) - Lessons learned from the flagship success of Unitus.(40:13) - Biggest learnings from investing in startups over the years.(42:00) - The danger of a "pack mentality" in venture capital.(44:11) - Start of the Rapid Fire Round.(44:27) - Sectors and regions Scout invests in.(44:40) - Typical stage of investment.(44:51) - Typical check size.(44:59) - How founders can get in touch.(45:07) - Where listeners can follow Brad Harrison.Connect with Brad:📧 brad@scout.vc💼 Bradley C Harrison on LinkedIn🌐 scout.vc Podcast Links:Prashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.comSubscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQVC10X website - https://vc10x.comFor sponsorship queries, reach out to prashantchoubey3@gmail.com#VentureCapital #DeepTech #NationalSecurity #FrontierTech #ScoutVentures #WestPoint #DefenseTech

The era of the ad-free intelligent internet is officially over. Sam Altman once famously said ads were a "last resort" for AI. Well, we have reached the last resort.In this episode of VC10X, we break down OpenAI’s "Code Red" decision to introduce ads to the free tier of ChatGPT and the new "ChatGPT Go." This isn't just about banner ads; it’s a signal that the subscription-only model for AI is failing.We analyze the 3 massive drivers behind this pivot:1. The $14 Billion Hole: The projected burn rate for 2026 forced their hands2. The Apple Failure: How losing the default Siri slot to Google Gemini crushed their distribution plans.3. Sticky Revenue: Why investors now prefer "sticky" ad revenue over high-churn $20/month subscriptions.If OpenAI, the market leader, can't make the unit economics work without ads, what does that mean for every other AI startup? We discuss the bifurcation of the market into "Ad-Tech AI" and "Privacy Premium AI."TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - The Broken Promise: "I Hate Ads"1:29 - The $14 Billion Panic: Why the Math Stopped Working2:04 - Startup Lesson: Why Ad Revenue is "Stickier" than Subscriptions4:06 - Signal for investorsLINKSPrashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.comSubscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQVC10X website - https://vc10x.comFor sponsorship queries reach out to prashantchoubey3@gmail.comSUBSCRIBE FOR MOREVC10X breaks down the most important stories in finance, tech, and markets every week. Subscribe for actionable insights.#OpenAI #ChatGPT #SamAltman #AIInvesting #TechNews #Google #VentureCapital #BusinessStrategy #ArtificialIntelligence #AdTech

In this episode, we sit down with Ashish Shanker, MD & CEO of Motilal Oswal Private Wealth, which now oversees over ₹1.9 Lakh Crore in assets under advisory. Ashish breaks down his strategy for 2026, revealing the one "non-obvious" sector poised to surprise the market, why silver might outperform gold, and how high-net-worth investors are hedging against global volatility.[Important note - This episode was recorded on December 5, 2025. Many market factors have changed since then. The content in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional financial or investment advice. The views expressed by the guest are their own. Please consult with a certified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.]We dive deep into:* Why 2026 might see a fresh uptrend after 2025's consolidation.* The "capacity paradox" of managing wealth for ultra-high-net-worth families.* Actionable advice on US market diversification and pre-IPO investing rules.Timestamps:(00:00) - Episode Teaser & Introduction(02:24) - The Non-Obvious Sector to Watch in 2026(03:56) - Hedging Portfolios Against US Tariffs(07:20) - Is the Market Pricing in Too Much Perfection for 2026?(10:34) - NIFTY 50 vs. Mid & Small Caps for Long-Term Growth(11:46) - Silver: A Strategic Allocation or a Tactical Trade?(14:30) - The Gold-to-Silver Price Ratio: Is Gold Overvalued?(15:13) - Is It Time to Go 100% Aggressive on Mid-Caps?(18:21) - Impact of Rising Japanese Interest Rates on Indian Markets(22:22) - The Role of Domestic Investments in Market Resilience(24:14) - Protecting Portfolios from Rupee Depreciation(25:49) - Most Attractive Global Markets for Indian HNIs(27:35) - Investing Beyond the $250,000 LRS Limit(28:34) - Navigating the Pre-IPO and IPO Market(34:35) - The Relationship Manager (RM) Capacity Paradox(38:15) - Risk Appetite of Young Tech Founders vs. Traditional Promoters(39:47) - Is GIFT City Gaining Traction for Global Diversification?(41:09) - Physical Real Estate vs. REITs for Investment(41:57) - Essential Estate Planning Moves Before March 2026(43:21) - Ashish Shankar's Personal Investment Philosophy(44:42) - The Secret to Motilal Oswal's Success(48:05) - The Motilal Oswal Private Wealth Client Journey(51:35) - One Asset Class to Buy and Hold Until 2030(52:42) - Where to Learn More About Motilal Oswal Private WealthLinks:Motilal Oswal Private Wealth - https://www.motilaloswalpwm.com/Ashish Shanker on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashishshanker23/Prashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.comSubscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQVC10X website - https://vc10x.comFor sponsorship queries, reach out to prashantchoubey3@gmail.com

On January 12, 2026, Apple officially announced a multi-year partnership with Google to integrate Gemini models into the next generation of Siri and Apple Intelligence. This decision marks a significant pivot in the AI landscape, as Apple bypasses OpenAI for its default system integration.In this deep dive, we analyze the strategic reasoning behind this deal, the technical implications for iOS 26.4, and the data-driven factors—including declining ChatGPT usage trends—that influenced this shift. What does this mean for the future of OpenAI, and who are the true winners in the AI infrastructure race?TIMESTAMPS0:00 – The Strategic Shift: Apple Partners with Google0:39 – Deal Structure: $1B/Year & Technical Integration1:26 – The OpenAI Challenge: Usage Declines & "Code Red"2:12 – Winners & Losers: Google, Apple, Microsoft, & Anthropic2:46 – Investment Implications: The Infrastructure Play11:00 – Conclusion: The Maturation of Enterprise AIKEY ANALYSIS✅ The Deal: Apple selected Google Gemini due to proven infrastructure reliability and scaling experience (Galaxy AI), rejecting OpenAI despite early testing.✅ OpenAI's Position: The loss of default Siri integration comes amidst a ~6% weekly decline in ChatGPT daily active users, signaling a need for a B2B pivot✅ Technical Integration: Gemini will process queries via a hybrid of Apple Silicon and Google Private Cloud Compute, preserving privacy while enhancing Siri's reasoning capabilities.✅ Market Impact: This solidifies Google Cloud's position in the mobile ecosystem while challenging the "startup model" of AI deployment in favor of established enterprise infrastructure.SOURCES & DATA- Apple/Google Partnership Announcement (Jan 2026)- SimilarWeb/Analytics Usage Data (ChatGPT Trends)- Industry Reports on AI Infrastructure & Cloud ComputingLINKSPrashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.comSubscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQVC10X website - https://vc10x.comFor sponsorship queries reach out to prashantchoubey3@gmail.comSUBSCRIBE FOR MOREVC10X breaks down the most important stories in finance, tech, and markets every week. Subscribe for actionable insights.#AppleIntelligence #GoogleGemini #OpenAI #Siri #ArtificialIntelligence #TechNews #StockMarket #MacroEconomics #GOOG #AAPL

In this episode, we sit down with Jim Curry from BuildGroup to discuss why the traditional venture capital model might be failing founders. Jim is rewriting the rules of investment with a $330 million fund backed exclusively by family offices, operating without the traditional 10-year cap. This unique "Patient Capital" structure allows BuildGroup to align with founders for the long haul, prioritizing durable growth over short-term exits.We dive deep into Jim’s background as an operator who helped scale Rackspace to $2 billion in revenue with only $25 million in funding, proving that you don't need to burn cash to build a giant. We also discuss the dangers of the "fundraising treadmill," why we are currently in a bubble era, and his contrarian take on why the future of AI lies in "Small Language Models," not just the giants.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comIn this episode, you’ll learn:- The Broken VC Model: Why the 10-year fund cycle creates misaligned incentives between investors and founders.- The Rackspace Story: How to scale to billions in revenue with extreme capital efficiency.- Patient Capital Explained: Inside BuildGroup’s $330M evergreen fund structure.- The Fundraising Treadmill: How to avoid the trap of raising too much, too fast.- The AI Bubble: Why Jim believes "Small Language Models" (SLMs) are the real opportunity for B2B businesses.- Founder Advice: The one trait Jim looks for: being a "customer of your own problem."🔗 Connect with Jim & BuildGroup:Website: https://buildgroup.comEmail: jim@buildgroup.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimncurry/🔗 VC10X Links:Prashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.comSubscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQVC10X website - https://vc10x.comFor sponsorship queries reach out to prashantchoubey3@gmail.comTimestamps:(00:00) - Introduction to Build Group's $330M Fund and Patient Capital Model(00:37) - Meet Jim Curry, Co-founder of Build Group(01:58) - How Experiences at Rackspace Inspired the Operator-First Model(03:25) - The Problem with Arbitrary 10-Year VC Fund Cycles(05:48) - The Unique Structure of Build Group's Fund(08:21) - Why Build Group Prefers to Be the Only Investor on the Cap Table(11:47) - The Challenge of Helping Companies Get Off the VC "Treadmill"(16:00) - Deployment Period and How the Investment Thesis Evolves(18:24) - Build Group's Diligence Process vs. a Typical VC(23:08) - Competing with Over-Capitalized Startups(25:17) - Lessons from Building the OpenStack Community(27:48) - Key Qualities Looked for in a Founding Team(30:55) - Harmful VC Trend: Forgetting the Lean Startup Mentality(33:18) - Why Downturns are an Opportunity for Patient Capital(35:56) - The Importance of Founders Who Genuinely Love Their Product(37:55) - The Next Foundational Tech Opportunities in AI Orchestration(40:29) - Rapid Fire Round(41:50) - Conclusion#VentureCapital #SaaS #StartupFunding #PatientCapital #BuildGroup #BusinessPodcast #AI #Entrepreneurship

A lot of people often dismissed AI advances by saying things like "tell me when it can do my laundry".Well, now, it can!Not just laundry, it can do a lot more.At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, the tech world made its biggest pivot since the smartphone, from software AI to Physical AIThis week, we break down the CES reveals that are moving artificial intelligence out of your phone screen and into your home, factory, and car:TIMESTAMPS0:00 – The CES 2026 Pivot: From Chatbots to Physical AI 0:38 – The Humanoid Invasion (Boston Dynamics Atlas, LG CLOiD) 1:20 – The New "Brains": Tesla AI5, Intel Ultra 3, NVIDIA Blackwell Ultra 2:05 – Why This Matters: Silver Squeeze Connection 10:00 – The 2026 Investment Rotation KEY TAKEAWAYS✅ Humanoids Are Here: Boston Dynamics' new Atlas uses Google DeepMind AI for real factory work. LG's CLOiD does your laundry autonomously.✅ Edge AI Chips: Tesla's AI5 is 40x faster for robot autonomy. Intel's 18A chips bring massive LLMs to your laptop.✅ The Real Driver: Physical AI explains the "Energy War" (power plants for training) and "Silver Squeeze" (conductivity for sensors) from our previous episodes.✅ Investment Shift: Money is moving from SaaS chatbots to "Hard Tech" (chips, power, materials).SOURCES- CES 2026 Live Coverage (NVIDIA, Intel, Boston Dynamics) - Elon Musk AI5 Chip Announcement - Silver Institute Industrial Demand Data - Previous VC10X episodes on Energy/SilverLINKSPrashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.comSubscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQVC10X website - https://vc10x.comFor sponsorship queries reach out to prashantchoubey3@gmail.comSUBSCRIBE FOR MOREVC10X breaks down the most important stories in finance, tech, and markets every week. Subscribe for actionable insights.COMMENT BELOWWill humanoid robots replace your job or your maid? Let us know! #CES2026 #PhysicalAI #HumanoidRobots #TeslaAI5 #Intel #NVIDIA #MacroEconomics #Investing #Silver #EnergyTransition

In this episode, Phylicia Koh, GP at Play Ventures, explains why gaming is the new operating system for consumer engagement and how "playable apps" are transforming industries from fintech to relationship wellness.Play Ventures focuses on apps that use gaming's "live operations" and in-app economies to drive user habits. These products succeed by offering controllable outcomes, intrinsic motivators, and social elements like clans or leaderboards.In early 2025, consumer in-app purchase (IAP) officially surpassed gaming IAP revenue for the first time in history. This shift indicates a massive opportunity for founders to apply free-to-play monetization models to non-gaming consumer sectors.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comWe talk about:- Overview of the $142 million early-stage fund and its specific investment thesis.- Analysis of why consumer in-app purchase spending now exceeds gaming spending.- The four key characteristics of a successful playable app.- Insights into portfolio companies like Alinea, Bible Chat, and Aria.- The difference between adding features like streaks and building a deep meta-design.- How subscriptions compare to free-to-play models in terms of lifetime value.- The impact of AI on user acquisition and creative fatigue.- How the metaverse already exists in platforms like Roblox.- The future of product discovery and the shift away from traditional search engines.- Personal game recommendations and the evolution of the gaming audience.& lots moreTIMESTAMPS(00:00) - Consumer IAP spending exceeds gaming IAP spend(00:19) - Why you can't just slap on gamification to a product(00:59) - Introduction to Felicia Ko, General Partner at Play Ventures(02:33) - Play Ventures' thesis on "Playable Apps"(03:45) - The four characteristics of a successful playable app(06:27) - Portfolio examples of gamified consumer apps(09:45) - Market trends supporting the rise of playable apps(11:15) - Why subscriptions cap lifetime value compared to free-to-play models(12:48) - How gaming founders are applying their skills to new consumer spaces(14:25) - The right stage for a company to implement gamification(17:02) - How gamification boosts retention, engagement, and virality(18:33) - What types of games Play Ventures invests in(20:44) - The much-anticipated release of GTA VI(23:59) - What makes a game a massive success like GTA or Candy Crush?(26:00) - The importance of user acquisition and finding blue ocean markets(29:22) - Game recommendations: Monopoly Go, Whiteout Survival, Roblox, and more(32:31) - Is gaming becoming a viable career path like YouTubing?(33:30) - The average gamer is in their 30s(37:00) - Does the Metaverse already exist?(38:05) - The future of gaming and playable apps in the next 5 years(41:04) - Rapid-fire round: Play Ventures' investment strategy(42:50) - How founders can connect with Phylicia KohLINKSPhylicia Koh on X - https://x.com/ppphylPhylicia Koh LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/phyliciakohPlay Ventures - https://www.play.vc/Prashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.comSubscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQVC10X website - https://vc10x.comFor sponsorship queries reach out to prashantchoubey3@gmail.com

Silver prices recently plummeted 15%, but the reasons behind this crash reveal deeper market dynamics. Margin hikes and China's export strategies are at the forefront, not diminishing demand. The future looks bright for silver, with skyrocketing needs from solar energy, AI data centers, and solid-state batteries. Notably, Elon Musk has flagged silver shortages as a critical issue. With an eight-year supply deficit looming, the market is ripe for savvy investors who can navigate the volatility ahead.

Join Rajeev Ranka, Partner at Incubate Fund, a major player in Japanese venture capital with a keen focus on Indian startups. He reveals the intriguing 'Japanese Way' of thinking in 100-year cycles and how this long-term view shapes investment strategies. Discover why Incubate took a bold bet on Captain Fresh during the pandemic, pivoting it to a global powerhouse. Rajeev also discusses the untapped potential of Middle India, why he believes quick commerce will surpass traditional e-commerce, and the essential traits he looks for in visionary founders.