The Startup Podcast

As a startup founder, are you constantly putting out fires and feeling overwhelmed? You may be falling into some common pitfalls without even realizing it. In this episode, Yaniv and Chris are joined by Alexis D’Amecour, Head of Coaching at Mochary Method, to discuss the top founder failure modes that executive coaches see - and how to avoid them. In this episode, you will: Discover why many found...

Are we witnessing the dawn of a new era in AI, or the potential erosion of democracy through unchecked technological power? In this hard-hitting episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein tackle the latest seismic shifts in the AI landscape. From Project Stargate's staggering $500 billion investment to DeepSeek's game-changing cost-effective model, they explore how these developments are resh...

Are you dreaming of launching the next unicorn startup? Before you quit your day job and pour your life savings into that brilliant idea, you might want to listen to this episode. In this episode, Yaniv Bernstein is joined by Scotty Allen, startup advisor and founder of The Product Bus, to dive deep into the realities of startup funding, the risks of bootstrapping, and the importance of knowing wh...

Is TikTok banned or not? The saga continues as Trump swoops in to "unban" the app, leaving creators and users whiplashed. But what's really going on behind the scenes in this high-stakes game of political chess? In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein are joined by special guests Shira Lazar and Elli Hanson to unpack the latest tech and political drama. From TikTok's unce...

Are you a founder struggling to figure out how to fund your startup? With so many options available - from bootstrapping to VC funding - how do you know which path is right for you? In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein break down the full spectrum of startup funding sources, exploring the pros, cons, and hidden pitfalls of each approach. Whether you're considering self-funding, equi...

Are we on the brink of Artificial General Intelligence? Has OpenAI quietly announced a breakthrough that could change everything? And how are tech giants like Google responding? In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein dive into the latest developments in AI, robotics, and the shifting political landscape as a new U.S. administration takes office. They explore the implications for startups,...

Are you making costly mistakes that could derail your startup's success? Even experienced founders fall into common traps at every stage of their journey. In this episode, Yaniv and Chris are joined by Mona Sabet, veteran Silicon Valley executive and author of "Sale to Scale," to explore founders' critical errors from launch to exit. In this episode, you will: Identify the waves of startup growth:...

As we head into 2025, we're looking back on our most popular episodes of 2024. This episode was originally published on July 29, 2024. 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:...

As we head into 2025, we're looking back on our most popular episodes of 2024. This episode was originally published on October 30, 2024. Are you ready for a world where AI agents can autonomously make purchases and monetize their services? How will commerce and payments evolve as intelligent software agents become ubiquitous? In this episode, Chris Saad is joined by Amir Sarhangi and Craig DeWitt...

As we head into 2025, we're looking back on our most popular episodes of 2024. This episode was originally published on August 12, 2024. In today's fast-paced digital world, capturing and retaining attention is the most valuable currency for startups. But how can you thrive in a hypercompetitive landscape where rejection is the default response? In this episode, Yaniv Bernstein and Chris Saad are...

As we head into 2025, we're looking back on our most popular episodes of 2024. This episode was originally published on June 17, 2024. How do the best founders build exceptional teams? Learn how a practical approach to HR can transform the culture at your startup. In this episode, Patty McCord, former Chief Talent Officer at Netflix and author of 'Powerful: Building a Culture of Freedom and Respon...

How will OpenAI’s boldest moves reshape the startup world? OpenAI’s 12 Days of Ship-mas is rewriting the playbook on AI innovation and monetization. But what does it mean for startups and founders? From ChatGPT Pro’s $200 tier to Sora’s stunning video capabilities, OpenAI is setting the pace for AI’s future. Meanwhile, David Sacks’s new role as AI and Crypto Czar raises questions about regulation...

Disrupt or Digitize? The Art of Breaking the Status Quo Why do some startups revolutionize entire industries while others just digitize legacy processes? Disruption isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a mindset and one that too many founders shy away from. Are you pre-compromising your vision before you even start? In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein break down the essence of first-principles...

How much value do VCs truly bring beyond their capital? And what makes the difference between a supportive partnership and a dysfunctional founder-investor relationship? In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein welcome Nick Crocker, General Partner at Blackbird Ventures, to explore these critical questions. Blackbird has been at the forefront of Australian venture capital, backing iconic st...

What does it really take to achieve product-market fit? For many founders, this critical milestone feels elusive, shrouded in myths and misconceptions that derail even the most promising startups. In this episode, Chris Saad and Pablo Srugo, seasoned startup advisors and founders, unravel the mysteries of product-market fit. Pablo, host of The Product-Market Fit Show and a partner at Mistral VC, s...

Do You Really Need a Co-Founder? Here’s What You Must Know. Starting a startup can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re searching for that perfect co-founder to complement your skills. But is having a co-founder truly essential? And if it is, how do you find someone who’s more partner than problem? This episode dives deep into these questions and more. In this remastered episode, Chris Saad a...

Is it possible for a startup to compete with NVIDIA, the $1 trillion behemoth dominating AI hardware? Thomas Sohmers and his team at Positron are betting they can and they're moving at lightning speed to prove it. In this episode, Chris Saad sits down with Thomas Sohmers, founder and CEO of Positron, to explore how this ambitious startup is aiming to disrupt the AI chip market currently dominated...

Are we entering a new era of deregulation and market exuberance? Or is political instability on the horizon? In this episode, Chris and Yaniv break down Donald Trump's surprising 2024 election win and explore the potential impacts on the tech industry, startup ecosystem, and broader economy. They examine how Silicon Valley power players helped shape the election outcome and what a second Trump ter...

Are you ready to disrupt an industry and change the world? In this episode, Chris and Yaniv dive deep into the art of fundraising for startups, exploring how to signal value, run an effective process, and craft the perfect ask to fuel your ambitious vision. They're joined by their own experiences raising capital to discuss the delicate dance between founders and investors in pursuit of explosive g...

Ever had someone tell you "I have this great idea for an app"? While everyone seems to have the next billion-dollar idea, the reality of startup success is far more complex than just having a clever concept. In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein explore the real value of ideas in startups and why execution matters more than ideation. In this episode, you will: Discover why "ideas are lik...

Are autonomous vehicles about to revolutionize how we get around? Waymo’s massive $5.6 billion funding round suggests big changes are coming to transportation and possibly to Uber’s dominance in ridesharing.  But that’s not the only tech shakeup in this episode. Chris Saad is joined by Hooman Radfar, founder of Collective, to explore how these developments, along with new moves in AI, could reshap...

Are you struggling to drive sustainable growth for your startup? Wondering how to build a high-impact growth team? In this episode, Chris and Yaniv are joined by Casey Winters, Chief Product Officer at Eventbrite and one of Silicon Valley's top growth experts. They explore the core principles of growth, common misconceptions, and practical strategies for implementing effective growth practices in...

Are you ready for a world where AI agents can autonomously make purchases and monetize their services? How will commerce and payments evolve as intelligent software agents become ubiquitous? In this episode, Chris Saad is joined by Amir Sarhangi and Craig DeWitt, co-founders of Skyfire, to explore the cutting-edge intersection of AI, payments, and open protocols. They discuss Skyfire's mission to...

Are you ready to navigate the treacherous waters of startup investing? Buckle up, because in this episode, Yaniv Bernstein and Chris Saad are diving deep into the world of bad investors. From predatory tactics to buzzword obsession, they're exposing the archetypes you need to watch out for. In this eye-opening conversation, our hosts explore the dark side of venture capital, sharing real-world exa...

Do you wonder why some products feel magical while others fall flat? In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein explore the art of product polish—the hidden details that separate mediocre products from brilliant ones. They explore how to refine a product to delight users, drive retention, and fuel rapid growth. In this episode, you will: Discover why telemetry is the foundation for effective...