As we head into 2025, we're looking back on our most popular episodes of 2024. This episode was originally published on October 30, 2024. Are you ready for a world where AI agents can autonomously make purchases and monetize their services? How will commerce and payments evolve as intelligent software agents become ubiquitous? In this episode, Chris Saad is joined by Amir Sarhangi and Craig DeWitt, co-founders of Skyfire, to explore the cutting-edge intersection of AI, payments, and open protoco...
Dec 30, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Transcript available on Metacast As we head into 2025, we're looking back on our most popular episodes of 2024. This episode was originally published on August 12, 2024. In today's fast-paced digital world, capturing and retaining attention is the most valuable currency for startups. But how can you thrive in a hypercompetitive landscape where rejection is the default response? In this episode, Yaniv Bernstein and Chris Saad are joined by Ben Parr, acclaimed author of Captivology: The Science of Capturing People’s Attention , t...
Dec 23, 2024•51 min•Ep 103•Transcript available on Metacast As we head into 2025, we're looking back on our most popular episodes of 2024. This episode was originally published on June 17, 2024. How do the best founders build exceptional teams? Learn how a practical approach to HR can transform the culture at your startup. In this episode, Patty McCord, former Chief Talent Officer at Netflix and author of 'Powerful: Building a Culture of Freedom and Responsibility,' shares her wisdom on fostering a high-performance culture. Patty, Yaniv and Chris discuss...
Dec 16, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep 102•Transcript available on Metacast How will OpenAI’s boldest moves reshape the startup world? OpenAI’s 12 Days of Ship-mas is rewriting the playbook on AI innovation and monetization. But what does it mean for startups and founders? From ChatGPT Pro’s $200 tier to Sora’s stunning video capabilities, OpenAI is setting the pace for AI’s future. Meanwhile, David Sacks’s new role as AI and Crypto Czar raises questions about regulation in a fast-accelerating tech world. In this episode, Chris and Hooman dive into the biggest news in A...
Dec 11, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep 101•Transcript available on Metacast Disrupt or Digitize? The Art of Breaking the Status Quo Why do some startups revolutionize entire industries while others just digitize legacy processes? Disruption isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a mindset and one that too many founders shy away from. Are you pre-compromising your vision before you even start? In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein break down the essence of first-principles thinking and how startups can challenge legacy constraints to create truly disruptive solutions. Dra...
Dec 09, 2024•38 min•Ep 100•Transcript available on Metacast How much value do VCs truly bring beyond their capital? And what makes the difference between a supportive partnership and a dysfunctional founder-investor relationship? In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein welcome Nick Crocker, General Partner at Blackbird Ventures, to explore these critical questions. Blackbird has been at the forefront of Australian venture capital, backing iconic startups like Canva, SafetyCulture, and Culture Amp. Drawing from Nick’s deep experience, this convers...
Dec 04, 2024•55 min•Ep 99•Transcript available on Metacast What does it really take to achieve product-market fit? For many founders, this critical milestone feels elusive, shrouded in myths and misconceptions that derail even the most promising startups. In this episode, Chris Saad and Pablo Srugo, seasoned startup advisors and founders, unravel the mysteries of product-market fit. Pablo, host of The Product-Market Fit Show and a partner at Mistral VC, shares five proven steps founders can take to avoid costly mistakes, navigate pivots, and find true m...
Dec 02, 2024•53 min•Ep 98•Transcript available on Metacast Do You Really Need a Co-Founder? Here’s What You Must Know. Starting a startup can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re searching for that perfect co-founder to complement your skills. But is having a co-founder truly essential? And if it is, how do you find someone who’s more partner than problem? This episode dives deep into these questions and more. In this remastered episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein explore the intricacies of co-founder dynamics. Drawing from their combined decad...
Nov 27, 2024•42 min•Ep 97•Transcript available on Metacast Is it possible for a startup to compete with NVIDIA, the $1 trillion behemoth dominating AI hardware? Thomas Sohmers and his team at Positron are betting they can and they're moving at lightning speed to prove it. In this episode, Chris Saad sits down with Thomas Sohmers, founder and CEO of Positron, to explore how this ambitious startup is aiming to disrupt the AI chip market currently dominated by NVIDIA. In this episode, you will: Discover how Positron achieved working hardware in just 18 mon...
Nov 25, 2024•45 min•Ep 96•Transcript available on Metacast Are we entering a new era of deregulation and market exuberance? Or is political instability on the horizon? In this episode, Chris and Yaniv break down Donald Trump's surprising 2024 election win and explore the potential impacts on the tech industry, startup ecosystem, and broader economy. They examine how Silicon Valley power players helped shape the election outcome and what a second Trump term could mean for everything from crypto regulations to AI development. In this episode, you will: An...
Nov 20, 2024•44 min•Ep 95•Transcript available on Metacast Are you ready to disrupt an industry and change the world? In this episode, Chris and Yaniv dive deep into the art of fundraising for startups, exploring how to signal value, run an effective process, and craft the perfect ask to fuel your ambitious vision. They're joined by their own experiences raising capital to discuss the delicate dance between founders and investors in pursuit of explosive growth. In this episode, you will: Discover powerful signaling techniques to attract top investors Le...
Nov 18, 2024•51 min•Ep 94•Transcript available on Metacast Ever had someone tell you "I have this great idea for an app"? While everyone seems to have the next billion-dollar idea, the reality of startup success is far more complex than just having a clever concept. In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein explore the real value of ideas in startups and why execution matters more than ideation. In this episode, you will: Discover why "ideas are like assholes - everyone's got one" Learn how to identify truly valuable problems worth solving Underst...
Nov 13, 2024•34 min•Ep 93•Transcript available on Metacast Are autonomous vehicles about to revolutionize how we get around? Waymo’s massive $5.6 billion funding round suggests big changes are coming to transportation and possibly to Uber’s dominance in ridesharing. But that’s not the only tech shakeup in this episode. Chris Saad is joined by Hooman Radfar, founder of Collective, to explore how these developments, along with new moves in AI, could reshape our lives and the future of work. Analyze Waymo's funding and its potential impact on Uber and the ...
Nov 11, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep 92•Transcript available on Metacast Are you struggling to drive sustainable growth for your startup? Wondering how to build a high-impact growth team? In this episode, Chris and Yaniv are joined by Casey Winters, Chief Product Officer at Eventbrite and one of Silicon Valley's top growth experts. They explore the core principles of growth, common misconceptions, and practical strategies for implementing effective growth practices in your organization. Casey shares invaluable insights from his experience leading growth at Pinterest,...
Nov 04, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep 91•Transcript available on Metacast Are you ready for a world where AI agents can autonomously make purchases and monetize their services? How will commerce and payments evolve as intelligent software agents become ubiquitous? In this episode, Chris Saad is joined by Amir Sarhangi and Craig DeWitt, co-founders of Skyfire, to explore the cutting-edge intersection of AI, payments, and open protocols. They discuss Skyfire's mission to become the "Visa for AI" by enabling seamless financial transactions between autonomous agents. In t...
Oct 30, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep 90•Transcript available on Metacast Are you ready to navigate the treacherous waters of startup investing? Buckle up, because in this episode, Yaniv Bernstein and Chris Saad are diving deep into the world of bad investors. From predatory tactics to buzzword obsession, they're exposing the archetypes you need to watch out for. In this eye-opening conversation, our hosts explore the dark side of venture capital, sharing real-world examples and practical advice for founders looking to secure funding without falling prey to these comm...
Oct 28, 2024•35 min•Ep 89•Transcript available on Metacast Do you wonder why some products feel magical while others fall flat? In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein explore the art of product polish—the hidden details that separate mediocre products from brilliant ones. They explore how to refine a product to delight users, drive retention, and fuel rapid growth. In this episode, you will: Discover why telemetry is the foundation for effective product polish Learn strategies for creating seamless onboarding experiences Understand the importan...
Oct 21, 2024•51 min•Ep 88•Transcript available on Metacast What if you could build and deploy a full app in minutes, without writing a single line of code? In this episode, Chris Saad and Ray Dargham, Co-Founder and CEO at Step, discuss the latest tech news shaping the future for founders and investors. From crypto policy shifts to groundbreaking space tech and AI-powered coding, we explore the innovations transforming industries. In this episode, you will: Analyze Kamala Harris's new crypto framework and its implications for the industry Explore SpaceX...
Oct 16, 2024•52 min•Ep 87•Transcript available on Metacast Is Tesla's latest announcement a game-changer for autonomous vehicles, or just another empty promise? As the tech world buzzes with excitement, many are left wondering if Elon Musk can deliver on his bold claims. In this special bonus mini reacts episode of the Startup Podcast, hosts Yaniv and Chris dive deep into Tesla's recent unveiling of their new RoboTaxi, the CyberCab. They explore the implications of this announcement and provide a critical analysis of Tesla's ambitious plans. In this epi...
Oct 15, 2024•14 min•Ep 86•Transcript available on Metacast Are you struggling with decision-making bottlenecks in your fast-paced startup? Do you find your teams hesitant to bring problems to leadership? It's time to embrace the power of escalation. In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein dive deep into the critical role of escalation in modern, autonomous organizations. They explore why it's essential, why it's often avoided, and how to create a culture that encourages and rewards effective escalation. In this episode, you will: Discover the fo...
Oct 14, 2024•54 min•Ep 85•Transcript available on Metacast Are we on the brink of a privacy apocalypse, or is this just the next step in our technological evolution? As smart glasses become more advanced, the line between helpful augmentation and invasive surveillance grows increasingly blurry. In this episode, Chris and Yaniv dive into the recent hack of Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses by Harvard students, exploring the implications for privacy, AI, and the future of augmented reality. They also discuss the unexpected connection between nuclear power and ...
Oct 09, 2024•43 min•Ep 84•Transcript available on Metacast In this remastered episode of The Startup Podcast, Yaniv Bernstein and Chris Saad dive deep into the most critical concept for early-stage startups: execution. The harsh truth? Your MVP (Minimum Viable Product) probably sucks, but that's okay. Chris and Yaniv break down the myths, missteps, and the right approach to iterating and refining your MVP until it becomes a product that users can’t live without. In this episode, you will: Discover why execution, not ideas, is where the real magic happen...
Oct 07, 2024•46 min•Ep 83•Transcript available on Metacast Are you ready for a world where AI and AR are seamlessly integrated into our daily lives? The pace of innovation in these fields is accelerating rapidly, with major announcements from tech giants like OpenAI and Meta reshaping the landscape. In this episode, Chris Saad and Amir Shevat dive deep into the latest developments in AI and AR, exploring their implications for startups, developers, and society at large. In This Episode, You Will: Discover the latest revelations from OpenAI’s Dev Day and...
Oct 02, 2024•48 min•Ep 82•Transcript available on Metacast Are you struggling to close deals, even when you know your product is the best fit? Do you find yourself losing to prospects who freeze up and don't make a decision at all? In this episode, Yaniv and Chris are joined by April Dunford, author of "Obviously Awesome" and "Sales Pitch," to explore the art of crafting the perfect sales pitch. They dive deep into why buying is hard, common pitching mistakes, and how to structure a pitch that truly resonates with your prospects. In this episode, you wi...
Sep 30, 2024•53 min•Ep 81•Transcript available on Metacast In this week’s Reacts episode, Chris Saad is joined by Yaniv Bernstein to discuss the latest tech and business trends: from the Federal Reserve’s rate cuts and what it means for startups, to the shocking mass resignation at 23andMe, and the release of Snap’s new AR glasses. Together, they break down the biggest headlines: Fed Rate Cuts: Is the Startup Funding Winter Over? How cheaper capital could kickstart startup funding again and whether we’re about to enter a new economic chapter for founder...
Sep 25, 2024•39 min•Ep 80•Transcript available on Metacast One of the toughest challenges in early-stage startups is managing employee career development. Unlike big corporations, startups thrive on chaos, ownership, and self-driven growth, meaning traditional professional development programs often fall flat. In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein break down the harsh realities of career development in startups and explain why founders must rethink how they motivate and retain talent. In this episode, you'll hear about: Why startups don’t ...
Sep 23, 2024•53 min•Ep 79•Transcript available on Metacast Is AI getting smarter, and what does that mean for the future of work? Plus, how is Zuckerberg's new public persona shaking things up at Meta? In this week’s Reacts episode, Chris Saad is joined by Jordan Crook, former deputy editor at TechCrunch and current partner at Betaworks, along with Amir Shevat, a seasoned tech executive and investor. Together, they break down the latest tech and business trends: OpenAI O1: The Smartest AI Ever? OpenAI’s groundbreaking new O1 model is changing the la...
Sep 18, 2024•52 min•Ep 77•Transcript available on Metacast In the brutal world of startups, conviction is your greatest weapon. It fuels momentum, sharpens decisions, and separates thriving startups from those that fade away. Conviction isn’t blind faith or passion. It’s clarity of purpose and commitment to a path, even when challenges arise. Without it, you risk losing focus and becoming a "technology-backed services company" or, worse, facing a slow startup death. In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein explore why conviction is vita...
Sep 16, 2024•42 min•Ep 76•Transcript available on Metacast Is the AI hype crashing along with Nvidia’s stock, or are we just witnessing a temporary correction in the tech sector? And what can San Francisco, a city already living in the future, tell us about where innovation is heading? Join Chris Saad and Emil Michael former Chief Business Officer of Uber, in this week’s Reacts episode as they break down the latest movements in the tech world: Nvidia Stock Plummets : Nvidia’s stock has taken a significant hit, raising questions about the longevity of th...
Sep 11, 2024•20 min•Ep 76•Transcript available on Metacast What if one perfect slide could get you funded? In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein reveal the pitch deck formula that can turn investor skepticism into funding. Whether it’s the top 9 pitch secrets or the one slide that seals the deal, they break down every element to help you avoid critical mistakes and win investor trust. In this episode, you will: Discover the essential slides that attract investors. Learn the top 9 pitch deck secrets at every slide every founder needs. Avoid fat...
Sep 09, 2024•53 min•Ep 75•Transcript available on Metacast 
