#49 Insidious Loops in Indian Startup Ecosystem (TSP Insights)

Startup Project: Build the future

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Species Unite

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Stories that change the way the world treats animals.

2 years ago 10:10

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To stay up to date checkout thestartupproject.io & follow us on twitter: @natarajsindam

Deedy & Nataraj talk about

Why is there no criticism about Indian startups in Indian media?

What are the insidious loops in Indian startup ecosystem?

Don't forget to follow Deedy's opinions at ⁠@debarghya_das⁠!

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Past guests of Startup Project podcast include Ali Moiz (stonks.com), Kirby Winfield (Ascend.vc), Eric Bahn (Hustle Fund), and others.

98 episod

#Nataraj #Business

#49 Insidious Loops in Indian Startup Ecosystem (TSP Insights)

Startup Project: Build the future

published 2 years ago

Kongsi

MP3•Laman utama episod

To stay up to date checkout thestartupproject.io & follow us on twitter: @natarajsindam

Deedy & Nataraj talk about

Why is there no criticism about Indian startups in Indian media?

What are the insidious loops in Indian startup ecosystem?

Don't forget to follow Deedy's opinions at ⁠@debarghya_das⁠!

--------

Past guests of Startup Project podcast include Ali Moiz (stonks.com), Kirby Winfield (Ascend.vc), Eric Bahn (Hustle Fund), and others.

98 episod

#Nataraj #Business

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Startup Project: Build the future

1
Warp Dev The AI Terminal Changing Software Development | Zach Lloyd CEO & Co-Founder of Warp Dev | Startup Project #98 50:51

18 days ago50:51

50:51

Join host Nataraj as he sits down with Zach Lloyd, the founder and CEO of Warp, a company developing an intelligent terminal aimed at modernizing the command line experience for developers. Zach, a former principal engineer at Google, having worked on Google Sheets and Docs, and co-founder and CTO of Selfmade, shares his insights on the future of software development, the evolution of the terminal, and AI's role in building new products. In this episode, they discuss: How Warp leverages AI to improve developer productivity The challenges of building an AI-powered developer tool The future of coding and the evolution of the terminal Bridging the gap between traditional terminals and modern IDEs The current AI hype cycle and its impact on the developer community Guest: Zach Lloyd Founder and CEO of Warp Former Principal Engineer at Google Co-founder & CTO of Selfmade Website: https://www.warp.dev/ Host: Nataraj Host of the Startup Project podcast Senior PM at Azure & Investor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam/ Twitter: https://x.com/natarajsindam Email Updates: https://startupproject.substack.com/ Website: https://thestartupproject.io Timestamps: 00:01 - Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:55 - What is Warp? 02:59 - How Developers Use Warp 04:56 - Warp's Compatibility with Existing Developer Tools 05:21 - Warp's Intelligence and Features 06:31 - Integrating Existing Developer Nuances into Warp 07:24 - Warp's AI-Powered Enhancements 10:06 - The Future of IDEs and Terminals 13:50 - The Evolution of Abstraction in Software Development 16:37 - The AI Hype Cycle and Developer Productivity 18:07 - Developer Feedback and Adoption of Warp 20:30 - Go-to-Market Strategy and Customer Acquisition 21:33 - Leveraging LLMs in Warp 23:28 - The Role of AI Agents in Software Development 25:49 - Cost and Sustainability of AI-Powered Tools 27:17 - Warp's Pricing Model and Margins 30:04 - Open-Source Models and Profitability 32:43 - Key Metrics for Warp's Success 34:45 - Go-to-Market Motion and Acquiring Customers 37:40 - Using AI in Building Warp 39:15 - The Impact of AI on Developer Demand 41:00 - The Current State of AI and Developer Productivity 43:31 - The Importance of Context and Knowledge in AI 44:31 - What Zach is Consuming 45:40 - Zach's Mentors 46:25 - Lessons Learned as a Founder Subscribe: Subscribe to Startup Project for more engaging conversations with leading entrepreneurs! https://startupproject.substack.com/ Tags: #StartupProject #Warp #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Terminal #DeveloperTools #Coding #Productivity #SoftwareDevelopment #DevOps #VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #YouTube #Tech #Innovation…

Startup Project: Build the future

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How to Build a Scalable Venture Community | Jennifer Jeronimo CEO of Gaingels Inc| Startup Project #97 32:03

26 days ago32:03

32:03

Join Nataraj on Startup Project as he interviews Jennifer Jeronimo, CEO of Gaingels, a venture capital syndicate that has deployed over $900 million into 2,500 startups. About the Episode: Jennifer shares Gaingels' unique journey from an investment club focused on LGBTQ+ founders to one of the largest venture capital syndicates globally, with a diverse community of over 4,000 accredited investors. Learn about their investment strategy, focusing on co-investing alongside top-tier VC firms like Sequoia and Greycroft, and their mission to democratize venture capital by providing access to high-potential deals. Discover how Gaingels sources deals, conducts due diligence, and supports its portfolio companies. Jennifer also discusses the current venture landscape, offering insights into market trends, diversification strategies, and the importance of building a balanced portfolio over time. She also discusses her mentors and books that inspired her journey. About the Guest and Host: Jennifer Jeronimo: CEO of Gaingels, former banking executive, and advocate for diversity in venture capital. → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-jeronimo1/ Nataraj: Host of the Startup Project podcast, Senior PM at Azure & Investor. → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam → Twitter: https://x.com/natarajsindam → Email updates: ⁠https://startupproject.substack.com/⁠ → Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://thestartupproject.io⁠⁠⁠ Timestamps: 00:01 - Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:59 - J-Engels: A Venture Capital Syndicate 01:28 - How J-Engels Works & Its Mission 02:58 - Evolution from AngelList Syndicate 04:41 - Deal Flow Sources 07:17 - Securing Allocation in Competitive Deals 08:39 - J-Engels' Organizational Structure 10:38 - Deal Evaluation Process 13:47 - The Strength of Community in Venture 18:44 - Role of Venture Partners 20:09 - Navigating Market Corrections and Trends 23:35 - Portfolio Diversification Strategies 28:15 - J-Engels' Vision for the Future 30:20 - What Jennifer is Consuming Now 31:59 - Jennifer's Mentors 34:15 - Investing Advice for Beginners Subscribe to Startup Project for more insightful conversations with leading investors and entrepreneurs! → Email updates: ⁠https://startupproject.substack.com/⁠ #StartupProject #VentureCapital #Investing #Syndicate #Diversity #Startups #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #YouTube #Tech #Innovation #PortfolioDiversification #MarketTrends #AngelInvesting…

Startup Project: Build the future

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Startup Mistakes to Avoid: Overvaluation, Fundraising, AI & SaaS Pricing | Vanessa Larco Partner at NEA | Startup Project #96 44:48

5 weeks ago44:48

44:48

Join host Nataraj on Startup Project as he sits down with Vanessa Larco, Partner at NEA, to discuss the transformative impact of AI on startups and venture capital. About the Episode: This episode delves into the evolving landscape of tech investing, exploring how AI is reshaping business models, pricing strategies, and the future of work. Vanessa, a former Director of Product at Box and co-founder of Funloop, shares her insights on: * The shift towards AI in venture capital * The commoditization debate surrounding LLMs * The evolving pricing models in the age of AI * Common mistakes startups make when fundraising * How to identify and secure promising deals * Vanessa's personal journey and mentorship experiences About the Guest and Host: Vanessa Larco: Partner at NEA, investing in Series A and Series B technology companies. Former Director of Product at Box and co-founder of Funloop. Connect with Vanessa: → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessalarco Nataraj: Host of the Startup Project podcast, Senior PM at Azure & Investor. → LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam/ → Twitter : https://x.com/natarajsindam → Email updates : https://startupproject.substack.com/ → Website : https://thestartupproject.io Timestamps: 00:01 - Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:01 - AI's Impact on Venture Capital 04:12 - The Commoditization of LLMs 08:57 - The SaaS Subscription Model and AI 16:04 - AI-Enabled Investment Ideas 18:50 - Life as a Partner at NEA 23:42 - Working with Series A & B Companies 25:40 - Traction Metrics for Series A 27:59 - Case Studies: Majoree & Rewind 33:04 - Common Startup Mistakes 36:37 - Sourcing Deals in Venture Capital 38:57 - What Vanessa is Consuming Now 40:20 - Mentors in Vanessa's Career 41:38 - Lessons Learned in Venture Investing Subscribe to Startup Project for more engaging conversations with leading entrepreneurs! → Email updates: https://startupproject.substack.com/ #StartupProject #NEA #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #VentureCapital #Startups #SaaS #PricingModels #Fundraising #ProductMarketFit #Investing #Podcast #YouTube #Tech #Innovation…

Startup Project: Build the future

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Deep Tech's Golden Age: Investing in Robotics, AI, and Quantum Computing | Startup Project #95 49:23

5 weeks ago49:23

49:23

Join host Nataraj as he sits down with Karthee Madasamy, the Managing Director of MFA Partners, to discuss his journey from chip designer to venture capitalist in the world of deep tech. About the Episode: This episode explores Karthee's transition from a technical background in semiconductors and wireless communication to a successful career in venture capital. He shares his experiences at Qualcomm Ventures, where he led investments in companies like Waze and MapMyIndia, and discusses his current focus on deep tech companies at MFA Partners. Karthee provides valuable insights into the evolution of venture capital, the challenges of raising a fund, and the exciting potential of technologies like AI, robotics, and quantum computing. Karti dives into the nuances of investing in deep tech, sharing his investment thesis for MapMyIndia and highlighting the importance of understanding technology commoditization. He also discusses the incentive structures within corporate venture capital versus traditional VC firms, and offers advice for those considering a career in the field. About the Guest and Host: Karthee Madasamy: Managing Director of MFA Partners, previously Managing Director and Vice President at Qualcomm Ventures. → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kartheemfv/ Nataraj: Host of the Startup Project podcast, Senior PM at Azure & Investor. → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam/ → Twitter: https://x.com/natarajsindam → Email updates: ⁠https://startupproject.substack.com/⁠ → Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://thestartupproject.io⁠⁠⁠ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:51 - Karthee's Journey into Venture Investing 02:46 - First Job in Venture Capital 04:52 - Early Deals and Learnings 07:34 - Identifying Technology Commoditization 09:56 - Investment Thesis for MapMyIndia 13:32 - Incentives in Corporate vs. Traditional VC 18:09 - Starting MFA Partners and Fundraising Challenges 23:37 - Lessons Learned from Fundraising 25:01 - The State of Deep Tech 32:42 - Investing in PsiQuantum and the Future of Quantum Computing 43:34 - Staying Updated and Influential Content 45:54 - Key Learnings about Investing Subscribe to Startup Project for more engaging conversations with leading entrepreneurs! → Email updates: ⁠https://startupproject.substack.com/⁠ #startupproject #deeptech #venturecapital #investing #qualcommventures #mfapartners #ai #robotics #quantumcomputing #technology #innovation #entrepreneurship #podcast #youtube #tech #mapmyindia #waze #psiquantum #semiconductors…

Startup Project: Build the future

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Secondary Markets Explained: How EquityZen Provides Liquidity for Pre-IPO Shares | Startup Project Podcast #94 50:32

9 weeks ago50:32

50:32

Join Nataraj on Startup Project as he talks to Aatish, CEO and founder of EquityZen, a secondary market for private equities. They discuss the evolution of secondary markets, EquityZen's business model, the value proposition of secondary equity platforms, investor strategies, and the nuances of investing in secondary shares. They'll also delve into various IPO types and their pros and cons for investors, providing a glimpse into the future of secondary markets and IPOs by 2025. About the Episode: This episode explores how EquityZen created a market for secondary shares, connecting founders, employees, and early investors with individuals seeking pre-IPO investment opportunities. Aatish shares his personal journey from quant hedge fund employee to entrepreneur, highlighting how EquityZen helps late-stage private companies provide liquidity to shareholders. The conversation also covers: - Evolution of secondary markets - EquityZen's business model and platform - Investing in secondary shares - Different investor strategies - IPO types and their impact on investors - The future of secondary markets and IPOs in 2025 About the Guest and Host: Aatish: CEO and founder of EquityZen, former co-founder and CTO of Nullsoft, and VP of product at Ampush. Connect with Aatish: → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atishdavda/ → Website: https://equityzen.com/ Nataraj : Host of the Startup Project podcast, Senior PM at Azure & Investor. → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam → Twitter: https://x.com/natarajsindam → Email: ⁠https://startupproject.substack.com/⁠ → Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://thestartupproject.io⁠⁠⁠ Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 01:10 - What is EquityZen and How Did It Start? 04:19 - The Evolution of Secondary Markets 09:00 - Standardization in Secondary Transactions 14:44 - Portfolio vs. Individual Company Investments 20:10 - EquityZen's Business Model: Fees & Carry 22:21 - EquityZen's Stats and User Base 24:34 - EquityZen's Relationship with Companies and Issuers 27:17 - Rights of First Refusal and Blocking Rights 30:36 - Navigating the Secondary Market: Legitimacy and Risk 33:33 - How EquityZen Uses Data 37:14 - Marketing EquityZen in a Regulated Industry 40:19 - IPOs vs. Direct Listings: What's the Difference? 44:04 - Outlook for IPOs and Secondary Markets in 2025 Subscribe to Startup Project for more engaging conversations with leading entrepreneurs! → Email updates: ⁠https://startupproject.substack.com/⁠ #StartupProject #EquityZen #PrivateEquity #SecondaryMarket #PreIPO #Investing #IPO #VentureCapital #Stocks #Finance #Podcast #YouTube #Tech #Innovation #Entrepreneur"…

Startup Project: Build the future

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Seattle's Ambition to Become the Next Silicon Valley | Aviel Ginsberg | Startup Project #93 47:15

10 weeks ago47:15

47:15

Join host Nataraj as he sits down with Aviel Ginsberg, the founder of Simply Measured (acquired by Sprout Social), managing director at Amazon's Alexa Accelerator, general partner at Founders Co-op, and now co-founder of Foundations, a shared workspace and accelerator designed to bolster Seattle's VC ecosystem. About the Episode: This episode explores Aviel's journey through the Seattle tech scene, from his arrival during the 2007 recession to his current venture. He discusses the evolution of Founders Co-op, their investment strategies, and the challenges faced by startups in the Pacific Northwest. Aviel shares insights into his investment philosophy, emphasizing the importance of founders' motivations and the long-term vision for their companies. Aviel also delves into the creation of Foundations, a community-driven space aimed at connecting founders, investors, and mentors. He discusses the need for such an anchor in Seattle's ecosystem and how it addresses the unique challenges faced by startups in the region. The conversation touches upon the changing landscape of venture capital, the impact of large language models, and the future of Seattle's tech community. About the Guest and Host: Aviel Ginsberg: Co-founder of Foundations, founder of Simply Measured, managing director at Amazon's Alexa Accelerator, and general partner at Founders Co-op. → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avielginzburg/ → Website: https://seattlefoundations.org/ Nataraj: Host of the Startup Project podcast, Senior PM at Azure & Investor. → LinkedIn: / natarajsindam → Twitter: https://x.com/natarajsindam → Email updates: ⁠https://startupproject.substack.com/⁠ → Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://thestartupproject.io⁠⁠⁠ Timestamps: [00:00] Introduction [00:30] What is Foundations? [00:51] Aviel’s journey with Founders Co-op [01:21] Navigating the 2007 Recession [03:22] Early days in the Seattle tech scene [03:36] Transitioning from employee to founder [06:46] Founders Co-op’s current focus [08:16] Evolving investment thesis [08:45] The art of investing in founders [10:47] The importance of people over product [11:07] Investing strategies and FOMO [14:23] Deal makers and breakers [14:36] The motivation of founders [16:47] De-risking entrepreneurship and motivation [18:56] The rise and fall of first-time funds [20:18] Exaggerated opportunity sizes [21:16] The realities of early-stage investing [22:20] The distortion of valuations [22:57] Winners bias and trillion-dollar companies [23:13] The illusion of constant growth [26:37] The Ally acquisition and Microsoft Viva Goals [27:50] Was the acquisition a fund returner? [28:32] The Clubhouse story [29:23] The importance of knowing when to sell [30:20] The trend of secondaries [30:50] Incentivizing founders [31:25] The future of secondaries [32:50] The vision behind Foundations [38:33] What else does Seattle need? [39:05] The need for pre-accelerators [40:38] Lack of pre-seed funds [41:02] Accessing Bay Area capital [42:41] What are you consuming? [43:14] Podcasts, books, and movies [44:31] What do you wish you knew about investing? [44:39] The long feedback loops of investing Subscribe to Startup Project for more engaging conversations with leading entrepreneurs! → Email updates: ⁠https://startupproject.substack.com/⁠ #startupproject #seattle #startupecosystem #venturecapital #founders #foundations #simplymeasured #founderscoop #amazon #alexaaccelerator #techstars #innovation #entrepreneurship #podcast #youtube #technology #investing #davidishim #readai #ai #artificialintelligence #meetings #productivity #hybridwork #remotework…

Startup Project: Build the future

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Revolutionizing Workflows with AI Agents | Jacob Bank | relay app | Startup Project 44:54

10 weeks ago44:54

44:54

Join host Nataraj as he sits down with Jacob Bank, founder and CEO of Relay.app, a platform building AI agents to revolutionize how we work. **About the Episode:**This conversation explores the evolution of AI agents and how Relay is solving customer problems by automating cross-tool workflows. Jacob, a former product lead at Google (Gmail, G Suite), shares his entrepreneurial journey from academic AI research to building productivity tools. He discusses the challenges of product development in the fast-paced AI landscape and the importance of integrations for a successful product.Jacob explains how Relay transitioned from a workflow tool to an AI-powered automation platform. He delves into their customer acquisition strategy, focusing on product-led growth and community building, with a strong emphasis on content and partnerships.**Key Discussion Points:*** Evolution of Relay from workflow tool to AI agent platform* Building AI agents that integrate with various tools* Prioritizing integrations and the importance of robust APIs* Balancing AI automation with human-in-the-loop capabilities* Customer acquisition and the power of community building * Usage-based pricing models for AI agents* Jacob's entrepreneurial lessons learned* Scaling strategies and fundraising considerations* The future of work with AI agents**About the Guest and Host:****Jacob Bank:** Founder and CEO of Relay.app. Former product lead at Google (Gmail, G Suite), founder of Timeful (acquired by Google).→ LinkedIn: Search for Jacob Bank (currently waiting for LinkedIn Integration)→ Website: https://www.relay.app/**Nataraj:** Host of the Startup Project podcast, Senior PM at Azure & Investor.→ LinkedIn: / natarajsindam→ Twitter: https://x.com/natarajsindam→ Email updates: ⁠https://startupproject.substack.com/⁠→ Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://thestartupproject.io⁠⁠⁠**Timestamps:*** 00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introduction* 00:58 - What is Relay and how did it get started? * 07:18 - Transitioning to an AI agent platform * 08:06 - Prioritizing tool integrations* 12:14 - Traction and company scale* 13:30 - Driving adoption and product-led growth* 19:57 - Upcoming integrations* 24:19 - Open-source integrations discussion* 26:38 - Competition and differentiation* 28:15 - Pricing models* 30:19 - Lessons from previous company* 32:35 - The future of AI agents* 38:06 - Scaling and fundraising* 41:43 - Working at Google vs. StartupSubscribe to Startup Project for more engaging conversations with leading entrepreneurs!→ Email updates: ⁠https://startupproject.substack.com/⁠#StartupProject #Relay #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Agents #AIWorkflows #NoCode #Automation #Productivity #SaaS #Integrations #CommunityBuilding #ProductLedGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #YouTube #Tech #Innovation…

Startup Project: Build the future

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Building a Billion-Dollar Portfolio: David Blumberg's Investment Strategies | Startup Project #91 56:55

11 weeks ago56:55

56:55

Join host Nataraj on the Startup Project podcast as he sits down with David Blumberg, a seasoned investor with over three decades of experience in early-stage tech companies. From his early days at T. Rowe Price to founding Bloomberg Capital, David shares his unique journey and insights into the world of venture capital. About the Episode: This episode explores David's evolution as an investor, from his initial interest in government to his realization that business and entrepreneurship were the true drivers of positive change. He discusses his early investments in Israeli tech companies, his time at Claridge, a prominent family office, and the lessons he learned along the way. David shares his investment philosophy, emphasizing the importance of strong teams, large market potential, and minimal competition. He highlights his experience with successful companies like Double Verify and Nutanix, emphasizing the value of repeat founders and the power of building strong relationships. The conversation also delves into David's personal investment strategy, his passion for energy humanitarianism, and his belief in the potential of AI to revolutionize various industries. He shares his insights on the evolving landscape of venture capital, the importance of continuous learning, and the impact of regulatory changes on the business world. About the Guest and Host: David Blumberg: Founder and Managing Partner of Blumberg Capital, a venture capital firm focused on early-stage and growth investments. → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjblumberg → Website: https://blumbergcapital.com/ Nataraj: Host of the Startup Project podcast, Senior PM at Azure & Investor. → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam/ → Twitter: https://x.com/natarajsindam → Email updates: ⁠https://startupproject.substack.com/⁠ → Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://thestartupproject.io⁠⁠⁠ Timestamps: 00:01 - Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:42 - David's Location and Work Model 00:54 - David's Career Journey and Interest in Tech Investing 01:22 - Early Influences and the Importance of Entrepreneurship 05:10 - First Tech Investment and Israeli Tech Ecosystem 09:22 - Israel's Tech Growth and the Yozma Program 13:45 - Government's Role in Fostering Innovation 17:53 - The Israeli Military's Influence on Entrepreneurship 19:54 - Experience at Claridge and Transition to Bloomberg Capital 24:34 - The Evolution of Venture Capital and Bloomberg Capital's Strategies 27:15 - Working with Repeat Founders 30:40 - Decision-Making in Pre-Seed Investing 34:19 - Defining Talent in Early-Stage Founders 39:32 - Importance of Domain Expertise 41:11 - Lawyers in Leadership Roles 43:15 - Bloomberg Capital's CIO Innovation Council 48:29 - Personal Investment Strategy and Energy Humanitarianism 51:39 - Admired Investors and the Venture Capital Landscape 56:06 - Current Consumption (Books, Podcasts, etc.) 01:00 - Mentors and Their Influence 01:01 - Advice for Young Investors Subscribe to Startup Project for more engaging conversations with leading entrepreneurs! → Email updates: ⁠https://startupproject.substack.com/⁠ #StartupProject #VentureCapital #Investing #TechInvesting #Israel #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #YouTube #Tech #Innovation #Energy #Humanitarianism #AI #CIO #BloombergCapital…

Startup Project: Build the future

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From Zero to $50 Million Read.AI's Explosive Growth | David Shim Founder of Read AI | Startup Project #90 54:02

14 weeks ago54:02

54:02

This episode of Startup Project tackles that very problem! Join host Nataraj as he sits down with David Shim, CEO of Read.ai, a company that just raised $50 million in Series B funding to revolutionize how we handle meetings and work in general.About the Episode:This insightful conversation dives deep into Read.ai's innovative AI-powered meeting summarizer. David, a repeat founder, trader, investor, and former CEO of Foursquare, shares his journey, from the initial spark of an idea during a particularly unproductive Zoom call to Read.ai's current position as a top meeting note-taker. He reveals the secrets behind their rapid growth, achieving a remarkable climb from #20 to #2 in the world in less than 18 months – all with zero dollars spent on media marketing!David discusses his unique approach, combining video analysis with text, to create meeting summaries that go beyond simple transcriptions. Learn how Read.ai analyzes sentiment, engagement, and even subtle cues like speaking pace to deliver truly insightful summaries. The conversation also touches upon the future of work, with David advocating for hybrid work models and sharing his perspective on the current AI hype cycle. He provides a compelling vision for Read.ai's evolution into a true "co-pilot" for everyone, everywhere, seamlessly integrating with various platforms to streamline workflows and boost productivity. The discussion extends to David’s own investment strategies, offering valuable insights into his approach to venture capital and angel investing.About the Guest and Host:David Shim: CEO of Read.ai, repeat founder, trader, investor, and former CEO of Foursquare. Connect with David: → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidshim/.→ Website: https://www.read.ai/Nataraj: Host of the Startup Project podcast, Senior PM at Azure & Investor. → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam/→ Twitter: https://x.com/natarajsindam→ Email updates: ⁠https://startupproject.substack.com/⁠→ Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://thestartupproject.io⁠⁠⁠Timestamps:00:02 - Introduction and Guest Introduction00:54 - David's Location and Work Model01:17 - Remote vs. Hybrid Work Models03:37 - The Origin Story of Read.ai05:50 - Read.ai's Initial Idea and Technological Challenges08:42 - Analyzing Video and Text Data11:33 - The Evolution of Read.ai's Product and Value Proposition12:41 - Overcoming Challenges in Product Adoption and User Experience14:50 - Customer Acquisition Strategy and Product-Led Growth16:58 - Word-of-Mouth Marketing and Inherent Virality19:43 - Read.ai's Expansion Beyond Meeting Notes: "Copilot Everywhere"20:16 - Vision for Read.ai as a Universal Work Copilot22:57 - Targeting Specific Verticals While Maintaining a Horizontal Approach24:55 - Foundation Models and Pricing Strategies29:15 - David's Perspective on the Current LLM Landscape30:37 - Using AI to Optimize Internal Operations at Read.ai34:09 - Thoughts on AI Agents and Their Current State36:44 - Read.ai's Vision for the Next Few Years41:11 - David's Investment Thesis and Strategies46:21 - David's Early Career in Trading50:59 - Current Consumption (Books, Podcasts, etc.)52:38 - Mentors and Their Influence54:13 - Lessons Learned as a Founder and InvestorSubscribe to Startup Project for more engaging conversations with leading entrepreneurs!→ Email updates: ⁠https://startupproject.substack.com/⁠#StartupProject #ReadAI #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Meetings #Productivity #HybridWork #RemoteWork #VentureCapital #AngelInvesting #SeriesB #Funding #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #YouTube #Tech #Innovation #AIEverywhere #Copilot…

Startup Project: Build the future

1
#89 Secret Weapon Behind Small Businesses Success | Hello Alice Co-founder Elizabeth Gore 26:19

17 weeks ago26:19

26:19

Ever wondered what it takes to build a thriving small business and secure funding in today's competitive landscape? This episode of Startup Project dives deep into the world of Hello Alice, a platform revolutionizing how small businesses access resources and capital. Join host Nataraj as he sits down with Elizabeth Gore, co-founder and president of Hello Alice, a company recently valued at $130 million! In this insightful conversation, Elizabeth shares her incredible journey, from her background in agriculture and humanitarian work to co-founding Hello Alice. Learn how she transitioned from supporting the UN to empowering 1.5 million small business owners across the US. We explore Hello Alice's innovative approach to financial technology, providing access to grants, loans, and crucial business planning services. Discover how Hello Alice itself generates revenue, beyond its mission-driven approach. Plus, we uncover the fascinating story behind their recent legal battle and how they navigated this challenge. Nataraj: Host of the popular Startup Project podcast, Nataraj brings his expertise and engaging interview style to this episode. → LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam⁠⁠ → Twitter: ⁠⁠https://x.com/natarajsindam⁠⁠ → Email updates: ⁠ ⁠⁠https://startupproject.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠ → Website: ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://thestartupproject.io⁠ Elizabeth Gore: Co-founder and President of Hello Alice, Elizabeth is a powerhouse in the small business ecosystem. Her experience and insights make this conversation invaluable for aspiring and established entrepreneurs. **Timestamps:** 00:01 - Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:07 - Elizabeth's Early Career and Background 03:13 - Hello Alice's Products and Services 04:47 - Hello Alice's Business Model and Revenue Streams 05:42 - Acquiring Early Customers and Growth Strategies 07:55 - The Main Needs of Hello Alice's SMB Customers 08:27 - Grants vs. Loans: Hello Alice's Funding Approach 09:24 - The Value of Grant Applications for Startups 10:02 - Post-COVID Trends in Small Business 12:36 - Popular Software Used by Small Businesses 14:01 - Customer Acquisition Strategies for Small Businesses 15:03 - Hello Alice's Future Plans and Growth Targets 16:26 - The Hello Alice Lawsuit and Its Impact 17:42 - AI's Role in Hello Alice and Small Businesses 19:15 - The Regulatory Environment for Small Businesses 22:14 - DEI Initiatives and Their Impact on Small Businesses 23:49 - Unique and Thriving Small Businesses 25:07 - Elizabeth's Information Consumption Habits 25:49 - Elizabeth's Mentors and Influences 26:17 - Lessons Learned as a Founder 26:51 - Advice for Aspiring Small Business Owners #StartupProject #HelloAlice #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Funding #Grants #Loans #BusinessGrowth #Fintech #AI #DEI #SmallBusinessFunding #BusinessTips #Podcast #Entrepreneurs #Innovation #ElizabethGore #Nataraj…

Startup Project: Build the future

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#88 How to Market a Database Product? | CMO of SingleStore Madhukar Kumar 50:21

18 weeks ago50:21

50:21

Madhukar Kumar is the Chief Marketing Officer at SingleStore (formerly MSQL), a cloud-native database company that has raised over $300M in funding. In this conversation, we explore the intersection of technical marketing, product-led growth, and the future of AI in marketing: In this episode, we cover: (00:02) Introduction and SingleStore overview (01:56) CMO role and marketing strategy (04:12) Marketing technical products to developers (08:21) Product-led growth initiatives (14:12) Product-led sales and enterprise marketing (17:49) Career transitions and journey (21:14) Skills needed for product marketing (26:12) Marketing spend and channel effectiveness (28:24) Admirable brands and marketing approaches (31:41) Evolution of communication in marketing (35:23) Perspectives on AGI (44:05) Career challenges and overcoming them (47:47) Current influences and recommendations (48:52) Mentors and career guidance (49:53) Key marketing lessons learned Where to find Madhukar Kumar: → Madhukar's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madhukarkumar/ Nataraj is the host & creator of Startup Project podcast, he is a full time product manager at Microsoft, early stage investor & advisor. → LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam → Twitter: https://x.com/natarajsindam → Email updates: ⁠ https://startupproject.substack.com/⁠ → Website: ⁠⁠⁠ https://thestartupproject.io Referenced: - SingleStore: https://www.singlestore.com/ - Apple Marketing - Webflow - dbrand Marketing - Pegasus Documentary - "The Beginning of Infinity" by David Deutsch #ProductMarketing #TechMarketing #SingleStore #DatabaseTechnology #DeveloperMarketing #ProductLedGrowth #MarketingStrategy #CMOInsights #B2BTech #EnterpriseMarketing #CareerTransitions #MarketingLeadership #StartupMarketing #CloudComputing #TechIndustry #BrandBuilding #AIinMarketing #MarTech #TechnicalMarketing #EnterpriseSales…

Startup Project: Build the future

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#87 DocuSign Founder on Building $16B Company | Court Lorenzini 52:13

21 weeks ago52:13

52:13

Guest: Court Lorenzini | Founder of DocuSign & FounderNexus Host: Nataraj | Senior PM at Azure, Creator of Startup Project & Angel Investor Subscribe to Startup Project Newsletter for valuable founder insights: https://startupproject.substack.com/ Join Nataraj in conversation with Court Lorenzini, co-founder of DocuSign and serial entrepreneur, as they delve into the world of startups. Court shares his incredible journey, from early engineering roles to leading DocuSign to its multi-billion dollar company. **Timestamps & Topics:** * **00:01:246 - 00:35:234:** Introduction and welcome to Court Lorenzini. * **00:40:246 - 01:16:782:** Court's background – Engineering career and early entrepreneurial ventures. * **01:50:102 - 02:05:838:** Discussion about Cisco's impact on fostering successful entrepreneurs. * **02:05:838 - 03:30:4:** Court's entrepreneurial journey: Early days of building companies and his approach to exiting around year five. * **03:34:004 - 05:06.042:** The genesis of DocuSign: Original idea, acquisition of IP, and the name's origin. * **05:06.042 - 06:35.318:** DocuSign's journey to product-market fit – a slow grind and long-term vision. * **06:35.318 - 09:46.848:** Key early customers: Microsoft and the National Association of Realtors – how these partnerships propelled DocuSign's growth and the importance of inbound vs outbound sales. * **09:46.848 - 11:22.828:** DocuSign's continued market dominance – exploring the reasons behind its success and the competitive landscape. * **11:22.828 - 14:07.594:** The core reasons for DocuSign's success: human preference for consistency and robust APIs for data integration. * **14:51.042 - 16:02.894:** Court's exit strategy from DocuSign and the incredible return on investment. * **16:10.026 - 17:12.088:** Court's ambition and his subsequent ventures, including a successful renewable energy company and a spectacular failure (Metabright). * **17:12.088 - 20:46.198:** Detailed analysis of Metabright’s failure and the lessons learned. * **20:46.198 - 23:48.586:** Court’s methodology for evaluating new opportunities – validating the idea and actively trying to kill it. * **23:48.586 - 25:01.294:** Introduction to Founder Nexus – a unique approach to supporting the next generation of founders. * **25:01.294 - 27:25.304:** The vision and purpose of Founder Nexus: increasing the odds of success for venture-scale founders. * **27:25.304 - 28:15.446:** The mathematical model of startup success and how Founder Nexus aims to improve each variable. * **28:15.446 - 29:27.704:** Comparison with similar communities like Hampton and Offline, and the importance of community curation. * **29:27.704 - 31:18.678:** Founder Nexus's unique approach to community building – focusing on lived experience and ongoing learning. * **31:18.678 - 33:26.323:** The structure and format of Founder Nexus events – short forums and rotating groups. * **33:26.323 - 35:07.126:** Traction and future plans for Founder Nexus – expansion beyond Seattle and the goal of global reach. * **35:07.126 - 37:08.072:** Court’s approach to investing in venture funds – focusing on early-stage, and often non-traditional funds. * **37:08.072 - 37:45.686:** Observations on the outperformance of women-run funds. * **37:45.686 - 40:36.635:** Thoughts on valuations and the current investment climate – focusing on early-stage deals and late-stage pre-IPO opportunities. * **40:41.27 - 42:06.304:** Court's personal investment strategies – both early-stage and late-stage pre-IPO investments. * **42:17.11 - 43:56.438:** Discussion about the surge in bio and energy companies in Seattle during the Obama administration. * **44:07.934 - 46:20.299:** Court’s decision to pursue three master's degrees and their impact on his career. * **46:36.566 - 48:25.076:** Current reading and listening – books and podcasts influencing Court's thinking.…

Startup Project: Build the future

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#86 Building RelationalAI: AI Coprocessor for Snowflake | Molham Aref CEO & Founder 59:09

22 weeks ago59:09

59:09

My guest today is Moham Aref, CEO of RelationalAI, a company that recently closed a $75 million Series B funding round. Moham shares his incredible journey spanning over 30 years in the AI and machine learning space, offering invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts alike. Moham Aref , CEO of RelationalAI, Moham brings a wealth of experience, having previously led LogicBlox and Predictix, and now spearheading Relational AI's mission to simplify intelligent application development. → Website: ⁠https://relational.ai/ → Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molham/ Nataraj is the host & creator of Startup Project podcast, he is a full time product manager at Microsoft, early stage investor & advisor. → Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam/ → Twitter: https://x.com/natarajsindam → Email updates: ⁠https://startupproject.substack.com/⁠ → Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://thestartupproject.io⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Highlights: This episode covers a wide range of fascinating topics, from Molham's extensive career journey to the intricacies of the modern data stack and the transformative potential of Relational AI's technology. We unravel the complexities of descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics, demystifying these crucial concepts for a broader audience. We also discuss the challenges of finding those first five customers in the B2B world, the strategic decision to build on Snowflake, and the potential for future competition and cannibalization by larger platforms. Molham thoughtfully shares his perspective on the current hype surrounding Generative AI and its practical applications in the enterprise space. We finish with advice on leadership, mentorship, and the overall challenges and rewards of a career in tech. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:55 - Molham Aref's Career Journey and Transition to Relational AI 08:30 - Understanding Descriptive, Predictive, and Prescriptive Analytics 12:00 - Early Use Cases and Target Customers for Relational AI 17:30 - The Decision to Build on Snowflake: Strategy and Competition 22:15 - Securing the First Five Customers in the B2B World 27:40 - The Modern Data Stack and Relational AI's Place Within It 34:30 - Generative AI: Hype, Reality, and Enterprise Applications 40:00 - Leveraging Generative AI Internally and for Customer Value 45:00 - B2B Sales Strategies: Content, Relationships, and Customer Focus 51:30 - Relational AI's Future Plans and Growth Strategy 54:00 - Molham's Consumption Habits: Historical Insights and Mentorship 58:30 - Lessons Learned as a Founder and CEO Don't forget to like and subscribe for more insightful conversations about the world of AI! → YouTube: ⁠https://youtu.be/9-J4eV8qvZg⁠ → Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Og8mbra1cokQ5cRJdjZn1?si=iqEOqKLLSqSbk8ehkniFqg⁠ → Apple podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/85-ai-should-not-be-regulated-author-ml-researcher/id1551300319?i=1000673806783⁠ → Email updates: ⁠https://startupproject.substack.com/⁠ → Others: ⁠https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/qYaG6vhTRNb⁠#ModernDataStack #RelationalAI #AI #MachineLearning #DataAnalytics #PredictiveAnalytics #PrescriptiveAnalytics #GenerativeAI #Snowflake #B2B #Entrepreneurship #TechPodcast #DataManagement #BusinessIntelligence #CloudComputing #TechLeadership #CareerAdvice #Innovation #DataStrategy…

Startup Project: Build the future

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#85 AI Should Not be Regulated - Author & ML Researcher Pedro Domingos #ai #regulation 1:21:43

26 weeks ago1:21:43

1:21:43

For video version watch the episode on: → YouTube link: https://youtu.be/9-J4eV8qvZg Join us as we dive deep into the world of AI with Pedro Domingos, a machine learning pioneer and author of the acclaimed book "The Master Algorithm." Pedro shares his insights on the current AI hype cycle, the real impact of AI on society, and how he sees the future of this transformative technology. Guest on the episode: Pedro Domingos (Author and Machine Learning Professor) → Website : pedrodomingos.org → Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedro-domingos-77b183/ → Twitter : https://x.com/pmddomingos → Read Pedro's new book 2040: https://2040novel.com/ Host: Nataraj (Investor at Incisive VC, angel investor, and Senior Product Manager) → Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam/ → Twitter: https://x.com/natarajsindam → Email updates: https://startupproject.beehiiv.com/ → Website: ⁠⁠ https://thestartupproject.io⁠⁠ In this episode, we discuss: 00:00 - Introduction:** Meet Pedro Domingos, a legend in the field of machine learning. 03:28 - Early Career:** Learn how Pedro got into machine learning in the 80s, a time when it wasn't considered "cool". 08:17 - AI vs. Machine Learning:** Pedro clarifies the difference between these two terms and explains why machine learning is the driving force behind all other AI applications. 13:26 - The AI Hype Cycle:** Pedro discusses the rapid progress of AI, but also warns of the potential for a stock market bubble if the hype exceeds the reality. 21:45 - LLMs and the Future of AI:** Pedro analyzes whether the current hype around LLMs will lead to AGI and speculates on what breakthroughs might be needed to get there. 31:44 - The Master Algorithm:** Pedro talks about the purpose and scope of his book, "The Master Algorithm," and how it offers a broader understanding of AI beyond just LLMs. 42:29 - Open AI and the Comedy of Errors:** Pedro dives into the hype surrounding Open AI and its perceived dominance in the AI space, sharing his perspective on their overestimation. 54:25 - AI Safety and the Call for a Moratorium:** Pedro dismisses the fear-mongering around AI's supposed threat to humanity and provides a rational perspective on the current AI safety concerns. 1:03:19 - AI in 2040:** Pedro discusses his satirical book, "2040," which paints a humorous, yet thought-provoking, picture of how AI might impact society. 1:14:18 - Recommendation Systems and Human Psychology:** Pedro examines the limitations of current recommendation systems and argues for a shift towards systems that give users more control over their information consumption. 1:24:38 - The Importance of Critical Information Consumption:** Pedro shares his strategies for staying informed in the age of information overload, emphasizing the need for a balanced and diverse intake of information. 1:38:59 - The Importance of Choosing the Right Problem:** Pedro stresses the importance of finding research problems that align with your passion and potential impact, rather than chasing the latest trends. Don't forget to like and subscribe for more insightful conversations about the world of AI! → YouTube: https://youtu.be/9-J4eV8qvZg → Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Og8mbra1cokQ5cRJdjZn1?si=iqEOqKLLSqSbk8ehkniFqg → Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/85-ai-should-not-be-regulated-author-ml-researcher/id1551300319?i=1000673806783 → Email updates: https://startupproject.beehiiv.com/ → Others: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/qYaG6vhTRNb #AI #machinelearning #themasteralgorithm #llm #agi #futureofai #tech #society #2040 #openai #google #facebook #recommendation #information #research #podcasts #startups #sharp ratio…

Startup Project: Build the future

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#84 From Mars Rover to Starups: Ex-aws exec khawaja shams on the art of product-market fit in b2b cloud 49:57

27 weeks ago49:57

49:57

In this episode of Startup Project, we chat with Khawaja Shams, Co-founder and CEO of Momento, a serverless caching and messaging service built for interactive applications at scale. Host: Nataraj (Investor at Incisive VC, angel investor, and Senior Product Manager) Guest: Khawaja Shams (Co-founder and CEO of Momento) Website: ⁠Momento Website⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠Nataraj's LinkedIn⁠ | ⁠Khawaja's LinkedIn⁠ [0:00 - 2:00] Khawaja shares his incredible journey—from working on image processing for Mars rovers and communications for interplanetary missions at NASA to building crucial infrastructure at Amazon Web Services (AWS) and ultimately starting Momento. [2:00 - 6:00] Khawaja provides an in-depth look at his early days at NASA, where he was inspired by the company’s mission and the potential of cloud computing. He discusses how he prototyped using public datasets on his personal credit card and the challenges of onboarding Amazon as a vendor in the early days of AWS. [6:00 - 10:00] We discuss Khawaja’s experience at Amazon, where he witnessed the company’s rapid growth and customer obsession firsthand. He details his roles in AWS product engineering and leading key teams, including DynamoDB and Elemental Technologies. [10:00 - 16:00] Khawaja talks about the inspiration behind Momento and how the need for a better caching solution for interactive applications became clear. He explains how Momento addresses the pain points of traditional caching solutions and simplifies development for users. [16:00 - 20:00] We dive deeper into Momento’s target customer base and the importance of focusing on verticals like media, gaming, and fintech. Khawaja shares valuable insights on identifying the right customers and building strong design partnerships. [20:00 - 25:00] Khawaja discusses product-market fit and how Momento validated its solution through numerous successful customers. He emphasizes the need for coherence in customer asks and how that provides confidence in the product’s direction. [25:00 - 30:00] We talk about B2B growth and marketing strategies, specifically how Momento leverages its existing customer base and focuses on finding similar companies. Khawaja stresses the importance of operational excellence and customer obsession in building trust and advocacy. [30:00 - 35:00] Khawaja shares his thoughts on Amazon's leadership principles and how Momento has cultivated its own unique culture focused on customer centricity and psychological safety. [35:00 - 40:00] We explore the challenges of attracting top talent in a startup environment. Khawaja emphasizes the importance of finding a team you enjoy working with and tackling a problem you believe in. [40:00 - 45:00] Khawaja shares his current consumption habits, including his favorite books and podcasts. He also highlights the importance of mentorship and staying connected with people you admire. [45:00 - 50:00] Khawaja discusses the importance of focus in a startup environment and how prioritizing a few key goals can lead to greater success. [50:00 - 55:00] We finish with a discussion about AI and how Momento plays a crucial role in enabling interactive applications powered by real-time data. #Startup #TechPodcast #Serverless #CloudComputing #AWS #InteractiveApps #B2BMarketing #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #AI #Fintech #MediaTech #GamingTech #ProductMarketFit #Caching #CustomerObsession #FoundersJourney…

Startup Project: Build the future

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#83 Learning Generative AI, Product Management & Upskilling your Career with Nataraj Sindam 47:01

28 weeks ago47:01

47:01

This is a special episode. We are airing an episode where Nataraj was the guest on Learn It All podcast where he talked about trends in AI, how to leverage gen AI to build new products and how to upskill your career and find the right things to work on. Links: Startup Project Podcast: https://thestartupproject.io/ Website: ⁠⁠ https://thestartupproject.io ⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam/ Twitter: ⁠⁠ https://x.com/natarajsindam…

Startup Project: Build the future

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#82 Silicon Valley Secrets: From 3x Exit Founder of Baffle io Ameesh Divatia 38:19

29 weeks ago38:19

38:19

Host: Nataraj - Investor at Incisive VC, Angel Investor, and Product Manager. Connect with us: * Website: ⁠https://thestartupproject.io⁠ * LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam/⁠ * Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/natarajsindam⁠ Guest : Ameesh Divatia - Founder and CEO of Baffle. Connect with our guest: LinkedIn : ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ameeshd/⁠ Check out Baffle : ⁠https://baffle.io/⁠ ----- Startup Project Podcast Episode 82: Building Data-Centric Security with Baffle's Mish In this episode of Startup Project, we dive into the world of data security with Ameesh Divatia, the Founder and CEO of Baffle. Ameesh brings a wealth of experience from four successful startups, including stints at Cisco during the dot-com boom. We discuss the evolution of data security from protecting the network to securing the data itself. Ameesh explains how Baffle is creating a new category of “data-centric protection” to address the growing threat of data breaches in the cloud. This episode covers: - Ameesh's entrepreneurial journey from his early days in networking silicon to building multiple successful startups. - The importance of humility and building relationships in the tech world. - Why data protection is the next frontier in security. - How Baffle is solving data security challenges in the cloud. - The impact of GDPR and other regulations on data security. - The potential of Generative AI to disrupt data discovery and security. - Key considerations for starting a new company in today's tech landscape. **Don't miss this insightful conversation with a seasoned entrepreneur who is shaping the future of data security.** ---…

Startup Project: Build the future

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#81 Coursera's Engineer No 1 on Building AI agents for knowledge workers #AI #podcast #aicode #startup 59:58

30 weeks ago59:58

59:58

Startup Project Podcast: Building AI Agents for Knowledge Workers with Lutra AI Jiquan Ngiam joins Nataraj to discuss the future of AI, from the rise of deep learning to the potential of AI agents for knowledge workers. They delve into [Guest Name]'s experiences working with Andrew Ng at Coursera and Google Brain, where he witnessed the power of scaling up compute and data in pushing the boundaries of AI. Timestamps: * **0:00 - Introduction:** Nataraj welcomes [Guest Name] to the show and introduces his impressive background. * **2:28 - Working with Andrew Ng:** [Guest Name] shares his experience working with Andrew Ng, emphasizing Ng's foresight and focus on scaling up neural networks. * **6:15 - The Importance of Data and Compute:** [Guest Name] highlights how data and compute became key drivers in the success of AI, using the example of AlexNet's breakthrough in 2012. * **12:25 - Democratizing Education with Coursera:** [Guest Name] discusses the early days of Coursera and the team's vision for democratizing access to education, especially in fields like machine learning. * **17:55 - Google Brain and the Rise of Transformers:** [Guest Name] reflects on his time at Google Brain, where he witnessed the emergence of transformers and their potential for generalizing across modalities. * **21:24 - The Limits of Scaling:** [Guest Name] questions the future of AI scaling, suggesting that we may be approaching a point of diminishing returns due to data limitations and the difficulty of creating truly effective synthetic data. * **28:13 - The Need for Data on Physical Tasks:** [Guest Name] proposes a bold idea: collecting real-world data on mundane tasks to train AI agents for robotics and other applications that require replicating human behavior. * **34:23 - Lutrei.ai: AI Agents for Knowledge Work:** [Guest Name] introduces Lutrei.ai, an AI agent designed to assist knowledge workers with tasks like research, data manipulation, and automation. * **42:49 - Different Approaches to AI Agents:** [Guest Name] compares Lutrei's approach to building AI agents with other common methods, highlighting the importance of separating data and logic for reliable and scalable solutions. * **45:38 - Choosing the Right Models:** [Guest Name] discusses the diverse landscape of AI models and how Lutrei leverages different models for different tasks, from small models for summarization to larger models for reasoning and planning. * **52:04 - AI Code Generation: Cursor vs. GitHub Copilot:** [Guest Name] shares his experience using Cursor, a code generation tool, and compares it to GitHub Copilot, highlighting the potential for AI to empower average developers. * **1:00:16 - The Future of AI Code Generation:** [Guest Name] predicts that AI code generation capabilities will become ubiquitous, and the key innovations will be in user experience and interaction design. * **1:05:43 - Consuming Information:** [Guest Name] shares his favorite sources of information, including podcasts, books, and news outlets. * **1:08:44 - Mentorship and Learning:** [Guest Name] reflects on the key mentors in his career, including Andrew Ng, Daphne Koller, and John Chen. * **1:12:34 - Advice for Early Career Professionals:** [Guest Name] advises young professionals to be voracious learners and prioritize gaining diverse experiences early in their careers. * **1:16:21 - The Motivation Behind Lutrei:** [Guest Name] explains his passion for pushing the boundaries of AI while simultaneously making it accessible and impactful for a wider audience. * **1:18:33 - Closing Thoughts:** Nataraj thanks [Guest Name] for sharing his insights and expresses his excitement for the future of Lutrei.ai. **Don't miss this episode to learn more about the exciting things happening in gen AI and how it's poised to revolutionize the way we work!**…

Startup Project: Build the future

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#80: End of Gaming PC? Ambitious Vision of Highscore for Cloud Gaming 47:44

36 weeks ago47:44

47:44

🎮 Dive into the future of gaming with Ian from High Score! 🎮 In this episode of Startup Project, we explore: - The true size of the gaming industry (hint: it's HUGE!) - How cloud gaming is revolutionizing accessibility - The story behind High Score's innovative platform - Challenges faced by cloud gaming services like Google Stadia - Future trends in game development - Advice for aspiring game developers Ian shares insider insights on: - Why gaming is now recognized as a pinnacle of artistic media - How High Score aims to bring PC gaming to any device - The bifurcation of the gaming industry between indies and AAA titles Whether you're a gamer, a tech enthusiast, or an aspiring game developer, this episode is packed with valuable insights you won't want to miss! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes featuring innovators in the startup world. Website - https://thestartupproject.io/2024/08/17/80-end-of-gaming-pc-ambitious-vision-of-highscore-for-cloud-gaming/ #Gaming #CloudGaming #StartupProject #TechInnovation #GameDevelopment #startups #cloud #opensource…

Startup Project: Build the future

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#79 Building a Scalable No-Code Backend with Xano 40:04

38 weeks ago40:04

40:04

Startup Project Podcast: Building a Scalable No-Code Backend with Xano Join Natraj as he sits down with Prakash, the founder of Xano, a revolutionary no-code backend platform that's shaking up the software development landscape. This episode dives deep into: 🔸Xano's mission: Prakash explains how Xano empowers developers and citizen developers to build complex, scalable applications without writing code. He shares his insights on the challenges of traditional back-end development and how Xano addresses them. 🔸 Product Market Fit: Discover how Xano honed its unique approach to no-code and found its sweet spot in the market. Prakash shares the key decisions that led to their success and the specific user base they cater to. 🔸 AI's Impact on Development: Prakash offers a thought-provoking perspective on the role of AI in software development. He argues that AI is a powerful tool, but it needs a visual canvas like Xano to truly unleash its potential and bridge the gap between intention and execution. 🔸 Building a Sustainable Business: Hear how Xano is driving growth through content marketing, a thriving community, and a strategic focus on enterprise partnerships. Learn how they're building a marketplace for developers and coaches. 🔸 Lessons from a Founder: Prakash shares his invaluable advice for aspiring founders, emphasizing the importance of aligning yourself with your zone of excellence and embracing the long journey to success. This is a must-listen episode for anyone interested in the future of software development, the power of no-code, and the potential of AI in building scalable applications. Don't miss out! 🔸Follow Prakash: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prakawesome/ 🔸About Nataraj: Nataraj is the host of the Startup Project Podcast, a platform dedicated to exploring exciting new technologies and innovative products. He is also an investor at Incisive VC, an angel investor, and a product manager with a passion for supporting entrepreneurs and fostering the growth of emerging businesses. 🔸🔸🔸https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam/ Find more Startup Project Podcast episodes: https://thestartupproject.io/episodes/ Blog - https://thestartupproject.io/2024/07/29/79-building-a-scalable-no-code-backend-with-xano/ #startups #nocode #xano…

Startup Project: Build the future

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#78 Securing The World's IoT Devices with Asimily 37:55

42 weeks ago37:55

37:55

🎙️ Startup Project Podcast - Episode with Shankar Somasundaram, CEO of Asimily Welcome to another exciting episode of the Startup Project Podcast! In this episode, we have Shankar Somasundaram, the CEO and founder of Asimily, a company dedicated to providing visibility and security for medical IoT and OT devices. Shankar brings a wealth of experience from his time at Symantec and Qualcomm, and he shares his journey of founding Asimily and the innovative solutions they offer. 🔍 Topics Covered: - Shankar’s background and journey from Symantec to founding Asimily. - The challenges and opportunities in securing medical IoT and OT devices. - The importance of cybersecurity in healthcare and other critical infrastructure. - Insights into the unique approaches Asimily takes to vulnerability management and incident response. - How Asimily integrates with existing systems to provide comprehensive security solutions. - Shankar’s thoughts on the future of smart cities and the role of connected devices. - The impact of regulations like HIPAA on healthcare security solutions. 💡 Key Takeaways: - The critical need for specialized security in heterogeneous environments like healthcare. - The evolution of connectivity and its implications for smart cities. - The importance of continuous innovation in the cybersecurity landscape. 📢 Guest Bio: Shankar Somasundaram is the CEO and founder of Asimily. With a strong background in product and engineering, Shankar has been at the forefront of IoT security for over a decade. 🔗 Connect with Shankar: LinkedIn: Shankar Somasundaram (https://www.linkedin.com/in/shankar-somasundaram-a7315b/) Asimily Website: asimily.com 🔗 Connect with Nataraj: LinkedIn: Nataraj Sindam (https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam/) Website: thestartupproject.io 🚀 Stay Tuned: Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated with the latest episodes of the Startup Project Podcast. Blog - https://thestartupproject.io/2024/07/01/78-securing-the-worlds-iot-devices-with-asimily/ #StartupProject #Podcast #Cybersecurity #IoT #HealthcareSecurity #Asimily #SmartCities #Innovation #TechPodcast…

Startup Project: Build the future

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#77 Learn It All Mindset with CEO Damon Lemby 42:36

45 weeks ago42:36

42:36

Damon Lemby, CEO of Learn It, a company that has trained over 1.9 million individuals, shares his journey from professional baseball to the world of education, offering insights on leadership, learning, and the future of work. The Power of the "Learn It All" Mindset Lemby argues that the key to success in today's dynamic world is not being a "know-it-all," but embracing a "learn it all" mindset. This means being humble, curious, and constantly seeking new knowledge. He emphasizes that this approach is crucial for navigating the rapid changes in the business world, especially with the rise of AI. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: A Practical Framework Recognizing that imposter syndrome is a common struggle, Lemby outlines a three-step framework for overcoming it: Identify the Source: Clearly define what you're worried about. Purposeful Awfulizing: Imagine the worst-case scenario and determine if you can handle it. Work Hard, Focus, & Let Go: Put in the effort, practice, and release the need for perfection. Navigating AI and the Future of Work Lemby believes that while AI will significantly impact the workforce, those who adapt and learn to leverage it will thrive. He advises companies to empower their employees with access to AI tools and encourage them to explore these technologies. Building Trust and Elite Teams Lemby emphasizes that a company is not a family, but a team that needs to be constantly evolving. He encourages leaders to build high-performing teams, recognizing that sometimes this may involve letting go of individuals who have reached their capacity within the organization. He also underscores the importance of giving people the benefit of the doubt, acknowledging that building trust is essential for long-term success. Invest in Your Growth: Lemby encourages listeners to invest in their own development, read biographies of successful individuals, and constantly seek new knowledge. He also shares his own investment philosophy, focusing on seed-stage companies and traditional businesses with a strong leadership team and a solid market fit. Key Takeaways: Embrace a "learn it all" mindset for success in a dynamic world. Conquer imposter syndrome with a practical framework. Leverage AI for growth and prepare for the future of work. Build elite teams and trust your employees. Invest in your own development and seek out new knowledge. This conversation with Damon Lemby offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone seeking to navigate the evolving business landscape. Blog post - https://thestartupproject.io/2024/06/09/77-learn-it-all-mindset-with-ceo-damon-lemby/…

Startup Project: Build the future

1
#76 How Product-First VC Mighty Capital is Picking great companies? 30:01

47 weeks ago30:01

30:01

In this episode of Startup Project, Nataraj sits down with SC Moatti , a serial entrepreneur, product manager, investor, and author. SC Moatti shares insights into his diverse career path, from building successful products to launching his own venture capital firm, Mighty Capital. In this episode, you'll learn: SC Moatti's journey from engineer to VC: Discover how he built a career spanning product management, entrepreneurship, and venture capital. The secret to picking winning startups: SC Moatti reveals how Mighty Capital identifies and invests in companies with a strong product vision. Essential product management skills: Get expert advice on building a great product and becoming a successful product manager. The future of AI: SC Moatti shares his thoughts on the biggest challenges and opportunities in the world of artificial intelligence. Don't miss this insightful interview! Subscribe to Startup Project for more valuable content on building successful startups. Connect with SC Moatti: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scmoatti/ Connect with Nataraj: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam/ Blog post - https://thestartupproject.io/2024/05/27/mighty-capital-product-first-vc-defies-the-odds-with-a-hit-rate-of-1-in-5/ #startup #venturecapital #productmanagement #ai #investing #siliconvalley #mightycapital #entrepreneurship #innovation…

Startup Project: Build the future

1
#75 Satya Singh - Co-Founder of Scispot on redefining modern biotech's data infrastructure 46:50

49 weeks ago46:50

46:50

Satya , co-founder of Scispot, joins Startup Project's Nataraj to share his journey from leading a platform team at Expedia to starting a biotech company that solves data challenges for life science labs. In this episode, we discuss: Satya's unique career path, from fashion startup owner to data expert. The founding story of Scispot, tackling the problem of unanalyzed data in biotech. The YC experience and its valuable lessons, including the importance of market signals. Scispot's growth and traction, serving a diverse range of lab-based businesses. The exciting future of AI in biotech and Scispot's role in empowering innovation. Challenges and strategies for prioritizing features and building a sustainable platform. Building a company in Seattle and the evolving startup ecosystem. Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs interested in biotech and the power of fresh perspectives. Tune in to learn about Scispot's vision for the future and Satya's insightful perspectives on entrepreneurship, data, and the evolving landscape of biotech. Connect with Satya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/satyaravisingh/ Connect with Nataraj: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam/ About the host: Nataraj is a Senior Product Manager and the host of the ‘ Startup Project ’ podcast. He also invests in startups with Incisive.vc and writes ‘ 100 Days of AI ’, an educational series on AI. Blog post - https://thestartupproject.io/2024/05/15/75-satya-singh-co-founder-of-scispot-on-redefining-modern-biotechs-data-infrastructure/ #biotech #startups #YC #entrepreneurship #data #AI #Seattle #SizePort #lifesciences #podcast #StartupProject…

Startup Project: Build the future

1
#74 Sajid Rahman - Angel Investor Secrets - Lessons from 1000+ Startup Investments 45:59

52 weeks ago45:59

45:59

Startup Project Podcast: Episode Notes - Navigating the Shifting Investment Landscape with Sajid Rahman Guest: Sajid Rahman - Top Angel Investor Host: Nataraj - Senior Product Manager, Investor at Incisive.vc & Startup Advisor Episode Overview: Join us as we delve into the evolving world of startups and venture capital with Sajid Rahman, a prolific angel investor with over 1000 investments. Key topics explored in this episode: Market Shift: Analyzing the transition from the funding boom to a more cautious investment environment. Exploring the prevalence of down rounds, the rise of secondary deals, and strategies for investors in the current climate. Dry Powder Explained: Demystifying the concept of dry powder – uninvested capital committed to VC funds. Understanding how and when VCs deploy capital and the implications for startups seeking funding. Web3 Deep Dive: Exploring the latest trends in the Web3 space, including the intersection of AI and blockchain, real-world asset tokenization, and the development of decentralized infrastructure. Discussing strategies for identifying promising projects and avoiding scams in this evolving landscape. AI Investment Landscape: Examining the current AI boom and the potential for both foundational models and application-layer companies. Addressing concerns about overvaluation and identifying key factors for successful AI investments. Sajid's Investment Strategies: Gaining insights into Sajid Rahman's approach to angel investing, syndicate management, and running multiple funds focused on Web3, YC companies, early-stage startups, and AI. Additional Resources: Connect with Sajid Rahman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahmansajid/ Connect with Nataraj on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam/ Follow Startup Project for more episodes and updates: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Cx7Q5r9Ow9eikxQjsJjjq?si=5d154bcf6b0541f7 #startup #investing #venturecapital #web3 #AI #angelinvesting #podcast #startupproject #secondarydeals #drypowder #blockchain #artificialintelligence #fundmanagement #YC #startupecosystem…

Startup Project: Build the future

1
#73 Brian Bell - From Product Manager to Full Time Investor 48:58

1 year ago48:58

48:58

Brian Bell is the Managing Partner at Team Ignite. Bell has experience in product development in AI at Microsoft, AWS, and startups. Full conversation includes: 🔸Transition from Product Management to full time investing 🔸Investing in YC 🔸Operating an investing Syndicate 🔸Growth hacks to grow your syndicate 🔸Is AngelList loosing its advantage? 🔸Red flags in pitch decks 🔸If money was not an object, what would you be doing? & more. Listen now 👇 Follow Brain on twitter here - https://twitter.com/brianrbell Follow Nataraj on twitter here - https://twitter.com/natarajsindam Follow 100 Days of AI here - https://thestartupproject.io/100-days-of-ai/ Subscribe now 👇 🔸Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3Cx7Q5r9Ow9eikxQjsJjjq 🔸YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs8lGcgpE7JC-alvUhMPk3g 🔸Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/startup-project/id1551300319?uo=4 #startups #angellist #investing…

Startup Project: Build the future

1
#72 Todd Bishop GeekWire Co-founder, Business and tech journalist on big tech, AI and more! 50:41

1 year ago50:41

50:41

New episode with Todd Bishop, GeekWire's co-founder. Todd is a longtime business and technology journalist who reports on subjects including AI, the cloud, startups, and health technology, plus Amazon and Microsoft, in addition to hosting GeekWire's weekly podcast. This is Todd's second appearance on the Startup Project podcast. In our conversation, we discuss: 🔸 How is a tech business journalist using AI? 🔸 Does AI live up to the hype? 🔸 Covering Big tech's AI strategy as Geekwire Editor 🔸 Amazon's ecommerce AI assistant 🔸Why hasn't Amazon integrated Alexa with an LLM? 🔸Data privacy legislation in AI 🔸Layoffs in tech 🔸TikTok Ban, will it or will it not happen? 🔸Much more Listen now 👇 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs8lGcgpE7JC-alvUhMPk3g Lister to Todd's first appearance on the podcast here. Follow Todd on twitter here - https://twitter.com/intent/user?screen_name=toddbishop Follow Nataraj on twitter here - https://lnkd.in/gUJ_Gah Follow 100 Days of AI here - https://lnkd.in/g_8T8_rZ…

Startup Project: Build the future

1
#71 Peter Mueller Founding Partner Breakwater VC about Pre Seed Investing in Seattle Tech Startups 48:07

1 year ago48:07

48:07

In this episode Nataraj talked to Peter Mueller who is the founding partner of Breakwater ventures investing in early stage tech startups in Pacific Northwest and Wester Canadian Startups. The conversation includes: - how to think about angel investing & pre-seed investing? - Seattle pre-seed ecosystem - learnings from Seachange fund - thesis for breakwater - Whats making Western Canada an interesting place to invest? - investing in AI - long tail opportunity in AI & more. Follow peter on twitter here - https://twitter.com/pjsmueller Follow Nataraj on twitter here - https://twitter.com/natarajsindam Follow 100 Days of AI here - https://thestartupproject.io/100-days-of-ai/…

Startup Project: Build the future

1
#70 Brendan Rogers From Founding WAG (NASDAQ: PET) to Investing in India 35:29

1 year ago35:29

35:29

In this episode Nataraj spoke to Brendan Rogers Ex Cofounder of Wag, a NASDAQ listed public company. Full conversation includes: - Origin story of WAG - His journey into investing in India - Why he is bullish on Indian startups? - Opinion on different sectors & more To stay in loop for future conversations check out thestartupproject.io For above average opinions on big technology sign up to https://above-average.beehiiv.com/ Follow 100 Days of AI by Nataraj at https://thestartupproject.io/100-days-of-ai/…

Startup Project: Build the future

1
#69 Direct-to-Consumer Companies & Long Tail Opportunity in AI (Above Average Newsletter) 3:11

1 year ago3:11

3:11

Welcome to 50th edition of the Above Average Newsletter. Your bi-weekly source of Above Average takes on the business of big technology written by Nataraj Sindam. Topic 1: What’s with Direct-to-Consumer Companies? What’s common among all these companies? All birdsBrilliant earth groupPelotonRent the runway They are all public direct to consumer companies whose stock is down ranging from 80 to 95% in last couple of years. If you are direct to consumer company the best time to go public was in 2021 when the pandemic has fueled an ecommerce spending spree. Once this is over, the markets realized a lot of these direct to consumer companies have no path to profitability and have unsustainable business models. So what can we learn from what is happening with direct to consumer companies - When you are willing to spend on high customer acquisition cost (CAC), you can create a short term non profitable direct to consumer company, even when industry dynamics don’t support it. If you spend enough amount of money on Facebook and Google ads you can sell any decent product. VC money was used to subsidize CAC, that is clear. But that stopped and these companies are not close to profitability and a lot of them are on the verge of bankruptcy. But if I am an investor in such brands the one thing I would look for is that the product innovation should reflect in my customer acquisition cost being low. If you are not able to get very low customer acquisition cost on your product or brand, then technically you are not creating value with your product. Your customer acquisition cost reflects whether the product/brand is actually desired by the customer & if the industry dynamics support it or not. Topic 2: Where is the AI opportunity? It’s easy to see big funding rounds in AI for foundation model companies and think AI is all about Fearsome Foursome funding Geoffrey Hinton’s ex-students or ex-open ai employees. But I think the real opportunity in AI for next couple of years is in the long tail of building specific narrow application that solve small problems that were not possible before. There is treasure trove to be exploited by teams of 1-3 developers to build SaaS applications which can generate millions in revenue. LLMs are a super power for full stack application developers. If you want to build something and are looking for such ideas feel free to reach out to me. Topic 3: 100 Days of AI experiments AI is going to impact us all, so as part of 2024’s first 100 days I am going to spend 1-2 hrs a day learning, experimenting, reading & tinkering with the latest AI models, products & content. You can follow along by following me on Twitter or here on my blog . My goal in this 100 days will be focused on what new things we can build using AI and what to expect from AI in future. The series is also published here on hackernoon . If you are listening to this and have not subscribed to the newsletter, please go subscribe. Till next time, stay above average. Nataraj…

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