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 What can startup founders learn from bold leadership moves and the challenges of navigating regulatory landscapes? Join Chris Saad, Amir Shevat, Emil Michael , former Chief Business Officer of Uber, and Yaniv Bernstein in this week’s Reacts episode as they unpack the latest maneuvers shaping the tech world: Airbnb's Founder Mode Revolution : Chesky's shift to "Founder Mode" prompts founders to consider: Is direct control a winning strategy, or does it risk stifling growth? How should you balance...
Sep 04, 2024•54 min•Ep 74•Transcript available on Metacast Crafting a winning pitch isn't just about what you say—it's about how you say it. Founders often make stylistic mistakes that can sabotage their chances with investors, even if they have a great product or idea. What are these subtle yet critical errors, and how can you avoid them to secure the funding you need? In this episode, Yaniv Bernstein and Chris Saad are joined by Henry Innis, Co-Founder at Mutinex, to uncover the top 10 fatal stylistic mistakes founders make in their pitches. T...
Sep 02, 2024•41 min•Ep 73•Transcript available on Metacast Yuhki Yamashita, one of the world's top product design disruptors and Chief Product Officer at Figma, returns in this bonus episode to continue the conversation on how AI is revolutionizing the design landscape. The impact of AI on product design is becoming increasingly profound. But what does this mean for the future of designers and interfaces? And how can startups leverage AI to build products faster and more effectively? In this bonus episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein dive deeper ...
Aug 30, 2024•21 min•Ep 72•Transcript available on Metacast Can the aggressive fundraising tactics in Silicon Valley, Lynch’s mysterious yacht conspiracy, and the arrest of Telegram’s CEO help us navigate tech’s hidden dynamics of power and control? Join Chris Saad and Amir Shevat in this week’s Reacts episode as they reveal the most recent complex power plays within the tech industry: Why Silicon Valley Wins: Are VCs in Silicon Valley pushing founders to raise more to ensure success, or is it a strategic move to gain more control? Lynch’s Yacht Conspi...
Aug 28, 2024•46 min•Ep 71•Transcript available on Metacast Product design is more than just an aesthetic choice—it's a strategic asset. But many founders unknowingly sabotage their products by overlooking key design principles. How can you avoid these common pitfalls and ensure your startup stands out? In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein are joined by Yuhki Yamashita, Chief Product Officer at Figma , the world’s leading design tool, to explore the critical role of design in building successful startups. In this episode, you can: Learn th...
Aug 26, 2024•41 min•Ep 70•Transcript available on Metacast Raising capital in today's market is tough, but navigating these challenges with the right strategy can make all the difference. In this week's episode, Yaniv Bernstein and Chris Saad tackle: How you raise money in a volatile market? Why are female founders facing even steeper hurdles in securing funding? And how can AI reshape both startups and the future of education? In this episode, they dive into: Fundraising in 2024: How to adapt your approach and secure the capital you need in a r...
Aug 19, 2024•36 min•Ep 69•Transcript available on Metacast Can the latest Trump-Musk interview, Tesla’s RoboTaxi delay, and VC backlash against the FTC trigger a shift in tech innovation? Join Chris Saad and Emil Michael former Chief Business Officer of Uber, in this week’s Reacts episode as they explore how these political developments might reshape the industry. Elon and Trump: Over a billion views—Is this interview a media game-changer for tech billionaires? Tesla RoboTaxi Delay: Can Tesla overcome the challenges of scaling autonomous rides? BigCo M&...
Aug 14, 2024•48 min•Ep 68•Transcript available on Metacast 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 , to dive deep into the attention economy. In this episode, they explore: Understanding why attention is crucial for turning intention i...
Aug 12, 2024•51 min•Ep 67•Transcript available on Metacast Can the executive shakeup at OpenAI and a historic antitrust ruling against Google reshape the future of AI and tech innovation? Dive into this week’s Reacts episode as Chris Saad and Amir Shevat explore these shifts and their ripple effects across the industry. Exodus at OpenAI: Unpacking the departures of top executives and their implications for AI development. Tech Market Volatility: Analyzing recent stock and crypto downturns—temporary blip or long-term trend? Google's Monopoly Ruling: ...
Aug 07, 2024•39 min•Ep 66•Transcript available on Metacast Ready to raise your seed round but unsure how to de-risk for investors? Discover strategies to avoid pitfalls and secure early-stage funding confidently. In this week's episode, our experts hosts Yaniv Bernstein and Chris Saad explore: What a seed round truly entails 5 areas you need to de-risk your seed round Common misconceptions and mistakes founders make Why traction is not the same as revenue How to ensure your valuation reflects your startup’s potential Investor pitch tips to share the...
Aug 05, 2024•55 min•Ep 65•Transcript available on Metacast Could the launch of SearchGPT by OpenAI and Meta's AI Bots for creators redefine search engines and social media engagement? Discover how these advancements will reshape the tech landscape in this week's Reacts episode, packed with the latest AI updates. Join Ben Parr and Jeremiah Owyang as they discuss with Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein: OpenAI's SearchGPT: Implications for Google, Perplexity, and ad networks. Adoption barriers for new search models. Meta's AI Studio: Boosting ...
Jul 31, 2024•50 min•Ep 64•Transcript available on Metacast Are you shipping faster than you learn, or learning faster than you ship? Learn the risks of practicing "agile" theater and iterating your product without direction. On this week's episode, product legend John Cutler joins Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein to discuss: Why so many teams get Agile wrong Pros and cons of Agile vs. Waterfall The dangers of practicing Agile by the book vs. based on experience Combining Agile and Waterfall: “Wagile” Book Recommendation: How Big Things Get Done The import...
Jul 29, 2024•35 min•Ep 63•Transcript available on Metacast 
