Episodes

Nov. 21, 2024

How to Craft a WINNING Startup Pitch in 2024 with Kris Childress

In the latest Understanding VC podcast, Kris Childress shares why many startups struggle with fundraising, often due to weak pitch storytelling. He emphasises that the entrepreneur, not just the pitch deck, is key to delivering an authentic and persuasive presentation. …

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Nov. 3, 2024

The ULTIMATE Series A Fundraising Playbook | Christian Meermann from …

In this episode of the Understanding VC podcast, Christian Meermann, Founding Partner at Cherry Ventures, shares essential metrics and strategies for seed-stage startups to successfully raise Series A funding. He emphasizes the importance of charging for products early, achieving product-market …

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Oct. 9, 2024

Why AI Isn't Where We Thought It Would Be | Itamar Novick from Recurs…

In the latest episode of the Understanding VC, Itamar Novick from Recursive Ventures examines the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI), likening it to the late 1990s tech boom. Itamar highlights AI's ability to enhance productivity in sectors like consumer …

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Sept. 30, 2024

How a Frog Logo Revolutionised Southeast Asian Startups | Hugh Mason …

In the latest episode of Understanding VC, Hugh Mason discusses his experience founding JFDI, Southeast Asia's First Startup Accelerator. He shares insights on the importance of branding, the challenges of building an entrepreneurial ecosystem and the role of venture capital …

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Aug. 7, 2024

How to Build a Strong Founder-VC Relationship | Akshay Mehra from Hum…

In this episode of Understanding VC, host Rahul explores the intricacies of the relationship between VCs and founders with guest Akshay Mehra from Hummingbird Ventures. Akshay discusses the importance of trust, transparency, and alignment of vision for a successful partnership. …

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July 17, 2024

How to Break into Venture Capital | Arun Pai from Monk's Hill Ventures

In this episode of Understanding VC, host Rahul engages in a comprehensive discussion with Arun Pai, Principal at Monk's Hill Ventures, on how to break into venture capital. Arun shares his personal journey from engineering to investment banking and finally …

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July 14, 2024

Corporate Venturing Reimagined: Sebastien Picard from xcube on Ecosys…

In this episode of Understanding VC, host Rahul talks with Sebastien Picard, founder of xcube, a Singapore-based corporate venture studio, about the unique ecosystem approach to building ventures. They delve into the challenges of corporate entrepreneurship, the differentiation of xcube …

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June 30, 2024

Seeing Big Markets: Insights from Hustle Fund's Shiyan Koh

In this episode of the Understanding VC podcast, host Rahul converses with Shiyan Koh, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Hustle Fund, a global pre-seed venture fund. They delve into the critical importance of identifying large addressable markets for venture-backed businesses. …

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May 6, 2024

A VC's Guide to Managing Startup Finances | Manoj Agarwal from SeaFund

Join us for the latest episode of the Understanding VC podcast with Manoj Agarwal, Co-founder & Managing Partner of SeaFund. In this episode, Manoj shares essential fundamentals for founders, including finance management and pricing strategies. He discusses the impact of …

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April 28, 2024

Inside a Pitch Meeting w/ Michael Blakey & Aleks Farseev | PitchMeNot…

In this episode of PitchMeNot, host Rahul and VC Michael Blakey explore SoMin, an AI-powered SaaS marketing platform founded by Alex Farseev. SoMin optimizes digital advertising and competitor monitoring, reducing costs and boosting sales. They discuss SoMin's journey, product offerings …

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April 10, 2024

Rise of the India-US SaaS Corridor | Chanchal Bhoorani from WestBridg…

In the latest episode of the Understanding VC podcast, Chanchal Bhoorani from WestBridge Capital delves into the burgeoning US-India SaaS corridor. The discussion covers the advantages of developing software in India, early go-to-market strategies for startups, and how Indian SaaS …

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March 29, 2024

Investing Together: How Oded Hermoni’s VC Strategy is Changing the Ga…

In the latest episode of the Understanding VC podcast, Oded Hermoni, Managing Partner of J-Ventures Fund provides insights into their unique VC model. Throughout the episode, Oded discusses J-Ventures' distinctive approach to onboarding LPs, managing the community of LPs, and …

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March 18, 2024

Tackling Founder Conflicts with Will Klippgen

In the latest episode of the Understanding VC podcast with Will Klippgen, the discussion delves into the intricacies of founder conflicts and their impact on startups. Will, an entrepreneur and venture capitalist, draws from his extensive experience to shed light …

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March 12, 2024

Inside Venture Studios with Sam Hall

In the latest episode of the Understanding VC podcast, Sam Hall, an entrepreneur, venture builder, and investor, shares insights on venture studio and their impact on startup success. Sam delves into the origins of venture studios and their differentiation from …

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Feb. 20, 2024

Photonic Computing: Breakthroughs, Challenges and Insights with Denis…

In the latest episode of the Understanding VC podcast featuring Denis Kalinin, the discussion delves into Optical Computing. Denis covers various aspects, including the potential of optical processors compared to current technology, the distinct features of photonic computing, challenges faced …

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Jan. 16, 2024

Talent Investing in Building Successful Startups | Rahul from Entrepr…

In the latest episode of the Understanding VC podcast, Rahul Samat, Partner & India Head at Entrepreneur First discussing the essential traits Talent Investors seek and shares insights on identifying the right founders. Rahul discusses pivotal qualities of a great …

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Dec. 13, 2023

Understanding the Shifting Landscape of Fundraising Negotiations in I…

In the latest episode of Understanding VC, Mehak Khanna, a seasoned corporate lawyer with extensive experience, delves into critical aspects of the startup ecosystem. She explores topics ranging from startup convertible notes and challenges in Indian startup regulations to foreign …

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Dec. 4, 2023

Building a VC Firm to Last | Hussein Kanji from Hoxton Ventures

In the latest episode of Understanding VC, Hussein Kanji, Partner at Hoxton Ventures, shares invaluable insights on building an enduring VC firm. From navigating the challenges of transitioning from a boutique to an enduring institution to the nuances of partnership …

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Nov. 30, 2023

Understanding Voluntary Carbon Markets with Maryanna Saenko from Futu…

In this episode of the Understanding VC podcast, I engage in an enlightening conversation with Maryanna Saenko, the Co-founder and Partner at Future Ventures, about the voluntary carbon markets. We examine the importance and potential of voluntary carbon markets, differentiating …

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Nov. 28, 2023

Transforming Indian Agriculture: Navigating Challenges and Seizing Op…

In the latest episode of Understanding VC, we explore the intricacies of Indian agriculture with Mark Kahn. We uncover historical insights and contemporary challenges, delving into the impact of COVID and unique opportunities for tech investment. Kahn highlights life sciences' …

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Nov. 14, 2023

Accelerate to Success: Decoding Startup Accelerators with Michael Car…

In this episode of the Understanding VC podcast, I discuss startup accelerators, and their role in supporting startups, with Michael Cardamone, CEO and Managing Partner at Forum Ventures. We discuss the pros and cons of joining an accelerator, including the …

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Nov. 7, 2023

Why solo capitalists are winning with Itamar Novick from Recursive Ve…

In the latest episode of the Understanding VC podcast, Itamar Novick, founder of Recursive Ventures, discusses the world of solo capitalists, exploring their benefits for founders, challenges they face, and the evolving landscape of venture capital. The conversation delves into …

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Oct. 12, 2023

7 Strategies to Build a Powerful Board to Drive Startup Success with …

Dive into the world of startup boards with Joe Leech in this illuminating discussion. Learn the key distinctions between board governance and decision-making, discover the core responsibilities of directors, and identify the ideal timing for forming a board. Uncover the …

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Oct. 4, 2023

Understanding Due Diligence for Early Stage Startups with Caroline Ca…

In the latest episode of the Understanding VC podcast with Caroline Casson, Partner at VITALIZE Venture Capital, Caroline shares her insights on the critical aspects of due diligence for early stage startups in venture capital. She emphasizes its importance for …

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