Afleveringen
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On the latest episode of Skin in the Game VC, Saxon and Tom sit down with Rohan Shah, co-founder of Extend, for a conversation that blends grit, humor, and sharp insight into building in tech. Rohan shares his journey from growing up in the Bay Area with entrepreneurial parents to launching his first startup out of Stanford, and eventually co-founding Extendâa platform modernizing the extended warranty and protection plan space.
He dives into the early challenges of startup life, why his time at BCG taught him how to build for the enterprise, and how a Sunday football lineup and a conversation with a DraftKings exec sparked the idea behind Extend. What started as a playful concept around insuring fantasy sports lineups evolved into a fast-scaling company that now partners with major brands like Peloton and Brilliant Earth.
Rohan gets candid about raising $260M from SoftBank during the ZIRP era, making hard calls early, and steering Extend toward profitability.
Whether youâre a founder, investor, or just love a great startup storyâthis oneâs worth a listen.
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In this episode of the Skin in the Game podcast, we sit down with Stu Sjouwerman, founder and CEO of KnowBe4, to discuss how he built one of the worldâs most successful cybersecurity startups from the ground up.
KnowBe4, headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, is a cybersecurity training company focused on mitigating human risk through simulated phishing, user training, and real-time alerts. Today, it generates over $500 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR)âbut it started in a 10x10 office, with no external funding.
Stu breaks down how he identified a massive market gap: most cyberattacks arenât due to software vulnerabilitiesâtheyâre the result of social engineering and human error.
He shares how ransomware attacks in 2013 created a turning point for KnowBe4, propelling the startup into hypergrowth. His strategy? Move fast, market smart, and keep the product simple and sticky.
Stu also dives into:
The future of SaaS in the age of AIHow KnowBe4 is evolving into a platform companyWhy AI and quantum computing will trigger âcompany extinction eventsâHis belief that LLMs are already a commodity, and the future lies in vertical AI agentsFor founders and VCs alike, the episode offers a wealth of insights on startup scaling, product-market fit, and what investors should look for in repeat entrepreneurs.
Whether you're a founder, cybersecurity professional, or angel investor, this conversation with Stu Sjouwerman is a must-listen.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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In the latest episode of Skin in the Game VC, hosts Tom Wallace and Saxon Baum sit down with Jenny Friedman, the solo General Partner of Four Acres Capital, to discuss her path into venture capital, investment strategy, and whatâs happening in todayâs fast-moving startup world.
From Goldman Sachs to Running Her Own VC Fund, Jennyâs journey into venture capital wasnât linear. After growing up in New York City, attending Horace Mann, and studying at Penn, she began her career in investment management at Goldman Sachs. But she quickly realized that traditional finance wasnât for her and pivoted to the startup world, joining MiniBar Delivery, a liquor marketplace. This hands-on tech experience gave her the edge she needed to transition into venture capital.
While pursuing her MBA at Columbia Business School, Jenny networked relentlessly, eventually landing a role at ENIAC Ventures, a leading seed-stage VC firm. She later joined Supernode Ventures, where she helped raise their first institutional fund. During the pandemic, she took a leap of faith and launched Four Acres Capital as a solo GP, giving her full control over investments and fund strategy. Tune in to hear the full episode.
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What if we could map the Earthâand even the moonâwith pinpoint accuracy from space? In the latest episode of Skin in the Game VC, Saxon Baum sits down with Clint Graumann, CEO of NUVIEW, to talk about how his company is making it possible.
Clintâs journey into space tech started with a winding road through optical satellites and Earth observation, ultimately leading to NUVIEW and a game-changing focus on space-based LiDAR. LiDAR technology uses lasers to measure distances with astonishing precision, but until now, itâs mostly been limited to airplanes and drones, covering small areas. NUVIEW is taking it globalâliterallyâby putting this technology into satellites to collect data on a planetary scale.
Clint doesnât just see LiDAR as a tool for Earth. With NUVIEWâs recent selection for a European Space Agency mission to map the moon, the company is helping humanity take its next big step toward understanding and utilizing space.
This episode isn't just about LiDAR. Clint offers his insights on the state of the space industry, comparing it to âthe first inning, bases loaded, no outs.â He highlights Floridaâs growing role as a hub for aerospace innovation and discusses how companies like SpaceX have completely reshaped the game.
From revolutionizing Earth data collection to mapping the moon, NUVIEWâs story is a testament to how the space frontier is becoming more accessible and practical than ever before. Tune in to this fascinating conversation and catch a glimpse of the future
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In the latest episode of Skin in the Game VC, Tom Wallace and Saxon Baum welcomed Brent Saunders, Chairman and CEO of Bausch & Lomb, to share his journey and insights into leadership, healthcare innovation, and the power of investing in groundbreaking ideas. From his early days as student body president at the University of Pittsburgh to overseeing multi-billion-dollar deals in the healthcare industry, Brentâs career is a masterclass in strategic thinking and execution.
Brent reflected on his experience leading companies like Allergan and Bausch & Lomb, where he navigated complex mergers and acquisitions totaling nearly $300 billion. His approach centers on aligning deals with a strong strategic rationale and financial discipline, ensuring long-term value creation rather than short-term gains.
A recurring theme throughout the conversation was Brentâs passion for leveraging technology to tackle inefficiencies in healthcare. He highlighted the potential of AI to transform drug discovery and streamline clinical trials, sharing how his company uses AI to identify solutions for challenging diseases. Brent also emphasized the need for universal, portable medical records to improve patient outcomes and reduce systemic inefficienciesâa vision that remains elusive but vital for the future.
As an active investor, Brent shared his enthusiasm for backing startups that prioritize innovation and have strong, experienced teams. He cited Roam, a Miami-based tech startup led by Howard Lerman, as an example of a company combining cutting-edge ideas with proven leadership. Brent underscored the value of working with founders who have âclimbed the hill before,â noting that their experience and resilience often set them apart.
Looking to the future, Brent offered predictions on market trends, including the growing influence of AI and the expected resurgence in mergers and acquisitions as regulatory conditions evolve. His optimism about technological advancements was balanced by a thoughtful caution regarding overuse in areas like pharmaceuticals, emphasizing the importance of weighing benefits against risks.
The episode was not just a window into Brentâs accomplishments but also a reminder of the power of innovation, the importance of adaptability, and the need to continually refine oneâs craft. For anyone navigating the intersection of technology, business, and leadership, Brentâs insights provide both inspiration and actionable guidance.
Be sure to tune in to Skin in the Game VC for more conversations with trailblazing leaders and investors shaping the future.
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The latest episode of Skin in the Game VC Podcast featured an inspiring conversation with Tom Wallace, Saxon Baum, and the dynamic sister duo, Amy and Shannon Wu. As founders backed by Florida Funders, Amy and Shannon shared their unique entrepreneurial journeys, highlighting the resilience and innovation shaping their paths in the tech world. Their story is a testament to the power of collaboration, as they support and inspire one another while carving out success in competitive markets.
Amy Wu, founder of Manifest, and Shannon Wu, founder of Open Home, have both built groundbreaking companies leveraging the transformative potential of AI. Manifest addresses Gen Zâs mental health challenges through personalized, AI-driven tools, creating bite-sized wellness interactions to combat loneliness and anxiety. Meanwhile, Open Home is revolutionizing smart speakers, enabling more intuitive and seamless voice interactions across a wide range of devices. Both sisters emphasized how AI allows lean teams to achieve significant impact, unlocking personalized solutions that enhance human connection and creativity.
Their journey reflects a shared commitment to innovation and a deep bond that has guided them through challenges and triumphs. They credit their early experiences at Stanford and the personalized support from Florida Funders as key drivers of their success. Florida Fundersâ hands-on approach contrasts with the broader yet less personal resources of larger VC firms, offering a uniquely curated experience that has helped Amy and Shannon thrive.
As these visionary founders continue to push boundaries, their work underscores the exciting potential of AI and the importance of fostering meaningful human connections in an increasingly digital world. Startups like Manifest and Open Home showcase how technology can be a tool for empowerment, solving real-world challenges with creativity and purpose. Tune in to this latest episode of Skin in the Game.
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In our latest episode of the Skin in the Game VC Podcast, we explored the multifaceted journey of Ann Berry, Founder and Managing Partner of Threadneedle. From Wall Street to private equity, venture capital, and operating, Annâs career path is a testament to adaptability and innovation.
Annâs professional journey began at Goldman Sachs, where she specialized in leveraged buyouts. Her transition to private equity allowed her to lead as a CEO, navigating a hospitality portfolio company through the COVID-19 crisis. This experience solidified her love for operational leadership and reshaped her investment philosophy. Ann now focuses on leveraging technology to modernize traditional industries.
Notable investments include Yuv, a company revolutionizing the hair salon industry with personalized hair color technology; Airship, providing software solutions for HVAC and plumbing contractors; and Reality Defender, tackling deepfake risks in cybersecurity. Annâs approach emphasizes bridging innovative startups with legacy industries that stand to gain from technological advancements.
Beyond investing, Ann has embraced content creation, partnering with Morning Brew to develop Brew Markets. Through her media work, she highlights the interconnectedness of public and private markets, emphasizing the value of storytelling in leadership and entrepreneurship. âStorytelling is endemic in everything we touch,â Ann shared, reinforcing its importance for founders and investors alike.
Looking ahead, Ann predicts a resurgence in the IPO market by 2025 and highlights the untapped potential of AI applications, particularly in industries reliant on proprietary data. However, she cautions that overhyped AI startups must prove their scalability and real-world value.
This episode offers invaluable insights for founders and investors, from navigating leadership challenges to understanding the role of storytelling in building and scaling businesses. Tune in to hear Annâs visionary take on the future of venture capital and entrepreneurship.
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Joe Hogue started his career as a traditional equity analyst and venture capitalist but left the corporate world in 2013 to gain more autonomy. By 2017, he had transitioned into content creation, launching his YouTube channel, Letâs Talk Money, which now has over 650,000 followers.
Joeâs mission is to make investing accessible, blending entertainment with education to empower retail investors. Beyond content creation, heâs innovated by tokenizing his YouTube ad revenue, raising over $250,000 and engaging 700 investorsâpioneering blockchain use in the creator economy.
In this episode of Skin in the Game VC, Joe shares insights on his journey, the future of markets, and the role of creators in finance. His story is a testament to leveraging innovation to educate, inspire, and redefine industries.
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Dave Sachse is the founder of Family VC and a leader in the world of family office investing, where he helps family offices navigate venture capital by building networks, sharing resources, and creating opportunities for collaboration. With a background in managing his own family's single-family office in Wisconsin, Dave has a deep understanding of the unique challenges family offices face when investing in early-stage tech companies. He founded Family VC to connect like-minded family offices, fostering a community of over 200 members who share deal flow, best practices, and strategic insights in venture capital.
Dave is passionate about tech innovation and values-aligned investing, favoring pre-seed to Series A stages where family offices can add real value beyond funding. His approach is hands-on and collaborative, leveraging partnerships with experienced VCs and investing in diverse tech sectors across the U.S. Family VC aims to make family offices a lasting force in the venture world, helping these investors move beyond traditional asset classes to become impactful players in early-stage tech.
Tune into this episode of Skin in the Game VC to hear more of Daveâs insights on the shifting landscape of venture capital and the role family offices are playing in supporting the next generation of innovation.
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In the latest episode of the Skin in the Game VC podcast, hosts Tom Wallace and Saxon Baum sit down with Jeff Gigante, co-founder of Next Level Brands and a major player in Tampaâs restaurant scene. This conversation dives deep into Jeffâs entrepreneurial journey, starting with his first pizzeria at Florida State to now running some of the hottest restaurants in Florida.
Jeff shares how his passion for creating unique dining experiences has shaped his career, and heâs candid about the challenges along the wayâwhether it was opening his first restaurant with a phone tutorial from Italy or navigating the complexities of growing a business during the pandemic.
Whatâs really exciting is how Jeff, Tom and Saxon explore the impact of technology on the restaurant industry. From AI answering systems to cloud-based POS systems and even robotics, it's clear that tech is revolutionizing how restaurants operate. Yet, Jeff reminds us that hospitality is still about human connection, something he believes will always be central to full-service dining.
If youâre into startups, tech innovation, or just curious about what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights. Plus, itâs always inspiring to hear from someone like Jeff, who not only talks about success but also how important it is to care for your investors and build lasting relationships.
This is a great listen for anyone looking to learn from someone whoâs been through it all and come out stronger on the other side.
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Ever wondered how a military leader transitions to the world of venture capital? In our latest episode of Skin in the Game, we sat down with retired Four-Star General Tony Thomas to discuss his incredible journey. From leading special operations forces to investing in cutting-edge technologies, General Thomas shares his unique insights on leadership, innovation, and the intersection of the military and the private sector. Listen now to hear about his experiences, his thoughts on dual-purpose technology, and his perspective on the world stage
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In this podcast episode, we delve into the world of AI and its transformative potential for the construction industry. Our guest, Patrick Murphy, a former U.S. Congressman and construction industry veteran, shares insights on his company Togalai, which utilizes AI to automate the estimating process in construction.
Murphy discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, emphasizing the importance of data and domain-specific expertise. He also addresses the ethical and legal implications of AI in construction, highlighting the potential for both job creation and displacement.
The conversation extends to explore the applications of 3D printing and sustainable building materials like RENCO. Murphy outlines Togalai's future goals, including global expansion and the development of new AI features.
Overall, this episode provides a valuable perspective on the future of AI in construction, its potential benefits, and the challenges that lie ahead. Tune in to hear the whole episode.
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Join us for an insightful episode of the Skin in the Game VC Podcast with Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, discussing the city's thriving tech ecosystem, strategic growth during COVID, and the role of AI in governance. Mayor Castor highlights Tampa's appeal as a tech hub, the importance of organic growth in the tech scene, and the city's focus on talent and innovation. Tune in to learn how Tampa is positioning itself for continued success in the tech industry!
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The episode features Zaid Rahman, CEO of Flex, a Florida Funders portfolio company. Zaid discusses his entrepreneurial journey, Flex's rapid growth in providing financial services to small and medium businesses, and their expansion plans. He shares insights on talent acquisition, customer marketing, and creating a comprehensive financial platform for mid-market businesses.
In a rapid-fire Q&A, Zaid offers his optimistic outlook on the future, predicting AI as a job creator, Bitcoin's rise, Tesla's dominance in transportation, Miami becoming a major tech hub, and even Jake Paul's victory in his upcoming fight against Mike Tyson.
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Discover the fascinating journey of Frank Smith, from YouTube sensation to Multimedia Mogul, in the latest episode of the Skin in the Game pod. Join Saxon Baum as he dives into a captivating conversation with Frank, tracing his evolution and success in the multimedia landscape. From crafting short-form sports videos on TikTok to navigating the complexities of influencer marketing trends, Frank shares invaluable insights and strategies. Explore the rise of personal brands in sports media and the future of content consumption with Frank's astute observations. Witness the emergence of Frank Smith as a trailblazer, pushing the boundaries of creativity and engagement in the digital age. Don't miss out on Frank's revolutionary projects and follow him across platforms to stay updated on his groundbreaking work.
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Tune in to the latest episode of the Skin in the Game VC Podcast featuring Charmel Maynard, Chief Investment Officer of the University of Miami. Gain invaluable insights into university asset management and the journey that led Charmel to his prestigious position. Discover the strategies and decisions driving investments, and learn about the dynamic nature of his role overseeing three distinct pools of capital. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just curious about finance, this episode offers valuable perspectives on responsible asset stewardship. Don't miss out on Charmel's wisdom and expertise!
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Delian Asparouhov, a Bulgarian-born, self-made software engineer, dives into the rollercoaster of a journey from being an MIT dropout to earning the Thiel Fellowship. Delian discusses his initial reservations about a career in venture capital and how early exposure to the field via an internship at Square, a student-run VC, helped change his mind and led him closer to his purpose. Delian touches on how he accidentally fell into a full-time venture capital role and how, over time, his skepticism ignited into a passion. Delian also covers his experience as a partner at Founders Fund.
This episode explores recent pullbacks in the crypto market â and what these changes spell out for investors â but also gets into the space-born industry and Varda, a first-of-its-kind orbital manufacturing platform, where Delian serves as co-founder. Tune in to hear Tom Wallace and Saxon Baum on Skin in the Game.
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In this podcast episode, Lucy Guo, a prominent entrepreneur and Thiel Fellow, shares her remarkable journey from receiving a Thiel Fellowship at the age of 20 to becoming the second wealthiest self-made female in the United States. Lucy discusses her experiences with ventures such as Scale AI, her transition from venture capitalist to entrepreneur, and the evolution of her venture fund, HF0.
The conversation explores Lucy's latest venture, Passes, a platform for content creators, where she emphasizes the importance of investing in engineers and discusses the role of AI in the creator economy. Lucy reflects on her move to Miami, highlighting the differences in the tech landscape and the need for increased capital in the ecosystem. Listen to find out more.
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This episode focuses on Steve MacDonaldâs unique experience of spending a year in Florence, Italy, while exploring the cultural and historical aspects, as well as insights into the local tech scene.
Steve shares that the decision to move to Florence was driven by a long-standing desire to experience life abroad with his family. He reflects on the cultural differences, the historical richness of Florence, and the challenges of adapting to a different lifestyle. Steve also highlights his travels within Europe during this period.
The podcast delves into the tech scene in Italy as well a noting cultural nuances affecting entrepreneurship. In contrast to the U.S., failure is not culturally acceptable in Italy, making it a challenge for startups. Additionally, Steve provides insights into the venture capital landscape in Europe, noting the conservative approach and a lack of angel investors.
Upon returning to the U.S., Steve shares his observations on the current market environment, emphasizing the prolonged timeline for startup exits and the impact of changing economic conditions on valuations. He stresses the importance for startups to focus on profitability and cash preservation.
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In this particular episode, Tom and Saxon touch on various subjects, such as the bankruptcy of WeWork, the impact of EVs on traditional automakers, and the changing landscape of commercial real estate due to remote work trends. Guest speaker, David Goldberg, a partner at Alpaca Ventures, talks about his background, the branding of Alpaca Ventures, and their approach to venture capital.
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