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 …

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 da…

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: Disco…

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…

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 …

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 essen…

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, e…

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 …

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 t…

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 …

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 Star…

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 developm…

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. Toget…

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-bac…

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 in this week’s Reacts episode as they break down the latest movements in the tech world: …

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 epi…

What can startup founders learn from bold leadership moves and the challenges of navigating regulatory landscapes? Join Chris Saad, Amir Shevat, Emil Michael, 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 founde…

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…

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? …

​​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 …

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 F…

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 th…

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 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 t…

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 …

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…

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 fou…

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…

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 o…

Could the rise of Kamala Harris as the new Democratic candidate impact the tech industry in significant ways? Find out how her presidency, Crowdstrike's massive outage, and Sam Altman's UBI experiment could shape the future of your tech startup in this week's insightful Reacts episode. On this week's episode, Ben Parr and Emil Michael join Chris Sa…

A strong co-founder relationship is crucial for any startup. Learn how to determine the ideal number of founders and understand the distinctions between roles and titles. Also, Chris and Yaniv explain what you must know about: The pros and cons of going solo vs. multiple founders. CEOs and Founders and the distinction between roles and responsibili…

There's only one big topic in the headlines this week – the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. What will it mean for the future of tech? On this week's episode, Elli Hanson joins Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein to discuss: Knee Jerk Reactions: Immediate thoughts in the aftermath of the assassination attempt on Donald Trump. Bide 'n' Seek: What…

Angel investing is a high-risk, high-reward investment option. But is it right for your portfolio? In this episode, Chris and Yaniv discuss: Better Angels: What makes a good angel investor, and who should consider becoming one. A Slice of Heaven: The mechanisms behind direct angel investments, syndicates, and SPVs. Under Your Wing: The challenges a…

Could the rise of robotics lead to reduced immigration in Western countries? Learn about the latest events that will affect your tech startup in this week's politically charged Reacts episode. Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein discuss: Bubble Wrap: A recent article from Sequoia summarizes the risks of a potential AI investment bubble and its implicati…

Impostor syndrome plagues many founders – but why? Founder and podcaster Mike Scott shares his own journey and the practical tools he's developed to overcome imposter syndrome. In this episode, Mike Scott (SMB Mastery, 'How to be Moderately Successful') joins Chris and Yaniv to discuss: Fool's Gold: Why impostor syndrome is common among founders, a…

Who are the winners and losers from this week in AI? Learn how Perplexity, Google, Facebook, and the state of California are handling (or not handling) the latest developments in tech. In this week's episode, Amir Shevat and Emil Michael join Yaniv to discuss: License to Crawl: The ethics and practical implications of Perplexity AI ignoring the rob…

Do you really understand sales? Learn how great startups grow from founder led origins to dynamic regional teams while maintaining a shared company DNA. In this episode, sales team hyper-scalers Matt Loop (Rippling, Slack, LinkedIn, Salesforce) and Matt Plank (Rippling, Zenefits) explain how to build a sales team that doesn't suck. Matt, Matt, and …

What lies at the intersection of 'diversity' and 'meritocracy'? Learn how Silicon Valley insiders defy polarized pop narratives to build talented teams with diverse perspectives. In this week's episode, Amir Shevat joins Chris and Yaniv to discuss: Tipping the Scale: The seasonal 'meritocracy vs. diversity' debate returns to Silicon Valley. Scale A…

Why is optimizing your ops crucial for startup success? Learn how your business can better bridge the gap between software and operations. On today's show, Chris and Yaniv discuss: Up And Atom: Understanding the difference between 'typical business' ops and 'product enablement' ops, including the Uber concept of 'bits and atoms'. Top of the Ops: Cr…

Is marketing more art than science? Should VC-backed startups push for profitability? Learn from Eucalyptus founder Tim Doyle as he tackles two highly debated topics in the startup world: Brand Loyal: In the generational battle between performance marketers and brand storytellers, Tim advocates for a resurgence in compelling brand narratives. Worsh…

Are Amazon workers fighting the inevitable? Learn how founders, investors and industry leaders are responding to the big trends in AI. In this week's episode, Chris and Yaniv discuss: Amazon Warriors: The Amazon Labor Union have joined the Teamsters. But how will warehouse worker representation matter amidst rising automation and AI? A Common Threa…

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 an…

Do we dare to imagine: what if Siri was actually good? In this week's episode, tech insiders Elli Hanson and Amir Shevat join Chris and Yaniv to discuss: AI @ WWDC2024: Apple unveils 'Apple Intelligence,' Siri improvements, and updates to products like Apple Wallet and Vision OS. Saving Private Data: How will Apple's reputation for privacy clash wi…

What happens when your product has succeeded and you're finally ready to explore those adjacencies? Find out how to take your startup to the next level. In this episode, Tim Doyle, founder of brand engine Eucalyptus (and subsidiary healthcare brands Pilot, Kin, Software, Normal, and Juniper), joins Chris and Yaniv to discuss the process of expandin…

What's happened to B2B SaaS – and will NVIDIA eat OpenAI's lunch? Learn the latest movements in tech startups from industry insiders. In this week's episode, Chris, Emil and Yaniv discuss: B2B, Or Not To Be: Disappointing guidance from industry giants like Salesforce, Cloudflare and UiPath bodes poorly for the future of enterprise B2B SaaS business…

Why do big, established companies struggle when faced with disruption from agile startups? In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein explain: Don't Look Up: How tech advancements, regulatory changes, and shifts in cultural norms create opportunities for smaller players. Stuck in the Mud: Why entrenched cultures, rigid business models, and inc…

This is a Sponsor Showcase episode, sponsored by Vanta. Security and compliance are so important. But as a founder, sometimes they can seem like an expensive distraction. What if we told you there are ways to massively reduce the cost of building strong security in your product? And even better, to turn that investment into a selling point to help …

Can NVIDIA keep their unprecedented run going? Learn what's driving their stunning earnings – and whether they're really on track to become the biggest company in the world. In this week's episode, Emil Michael and Yaniv Bernstein discuss: Betting with Chips: NVIDIA's remarkable earnings continue a run of historic, Wall Street-defying growth. Grok …

Are you struggling to fund your startup? Learn how to make your idea investable – and avoid the fearsome 'zombie zone'. In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein discuss: Quarter Masters: Explore a simple four-quadrant model that categorizes startups based on their margin, volume, and startup costs. Plain Old Profits: Learn when and why to co…

Two-time unicorn founder Jason Cohen (WP Engine, Smart Bear) returns to discuss his Twitter 'koans', exploring their implications for founders. In this bonus episode, Yaniv Bernstein, Chris Saad, and Jason Cohen discuss: Half-Baked Ideas: The pitfalls of working on too many projects (or cakes). Work/Work Balance: What even is a 'lifestyle business'…

How can Google avoid Google+ 2.0? Learn who will win the AI Game of Thrones – and why branding is only one piece of the puzzle. In this week's episode, Amir Shevat and Yaniv Bernstein discuss: The Demo Dilemma: Why OpenAI’s live demo of ChatGPT-4o was more impressive than Google’s highly polished event. G Suite Dreams: How could Google improve the …