The Venture Variety Show

In this episode of The Venture Variety Show, Alastair Goldfisher speaks with Chia-Lin Simmons, CEO of LogicMark, about what it really takes to modernize an old safety category and build AI-driven health technology inside a public company.LogicMark began in the traditional personal emergency response space, often associated with reactive “I’ve fallen and can’t get up” alerts. Simmons explains how the company is shifting toward predictive and preventative care using AI, connected devices, and multi-sensor data, while operating under the transparency and accountability required of public markets.The conversation also explores leadership lessons for founders and operators, including how public company discipline can coexist with startup urgency, why AI projects fail when they start with hype instead of human problems, and how technology can help families and caregivers navigate the growing pressures of an aging population.This episode is especially relevant for founders, investors, and operators working at the intersection of AI, startups, healthtech, and leadership.Sound bites“We’re like a startup with a ticker symbol.”“Implementing cool tech without knowing what you’re trying to solve is burning cash.”“Technology should help bring us closer together.”Chapters with timestamps00:00 Meet Chia-Lin Simmons01:05 What LogicMark Does and Why the Category Is Changing03:10 Becoming a Pivot CEO at a Public Company05:10 From Reactive Alerts to Predictive Care08:10 How AI Learns Behavior and Reduces False Positives11:00 Building New Technology Inside an Old Business13:40 Public Company Accountability vs Startup Hype16:20 Advice for Founders Building with AI18:40 The Human Impact of Caregiving Technology21:30 Final TakeawaysKeywords AIstartupspublic companieshealthtechleadershipfoundersventure capitalcaregiving technologyaging at homepredictive technology Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

I’ve spent a lot of time this year writing about how AI is changing the rhythm of work.In September, I covered new research from Read AI showing that workers using AI tools were far more likely to start Mondays with clarity instead of stress, and that Fridays were becoming more productive. Since then, I wanted to go deeper and hear directly from the people building these tools.That’s why I sat down with David Shim, CEO and co-founder of Read AI. This conversation originally ran on The AI Cognitive Shift channel, and I wanted to re-air it here on The Venture Variety Show because it puts into context the data I wrote about earlier.This episode isn’t about available AI tools. It’s about how AI is already changing how work actually gets done.The End of Taking NotesOne of the ideas behind Read AI is also one of the more revealing.For years, meetings relied on memory, scattered notes and the hope that someone would follow through. As Shim pointed out in the podcast, that approach never really worked at scale.“Why would you go in and use your memory where you’re going to forget it because you’ve got five meetings in a row?” Read AI started by removing that friction. Instead of assigning one person to capture what happened, AI quietly creates a shared record of the conversation and the next steps.Shim described this shift as moving away from hoping people remember what was decided toward building a system of record for productivity, one that connects meetings, emails and messages in context.Once teams experience that change, resistance drops fast. Not because AI is flashy, but because it solves a problem no one actually wanted to own in the first place.Why Mondays and Fridays Feel DifferentShim and I discussed the Read AI research that I wrote about earlier this year.Shim said that people dread Mondays less because AI eliminates the cold start. Instead of wondering what they forgot over the weekend, workers begin the week a better view of what’s unfinished and what matters most.Fridays have changed, too. That’s because by Thursday, people already know what remains open, which does away with the late-afternoon scramble and the feeling that something important slipped through the cracks.As Shim put it, a lot of workplace stress comes from uncertainty. AI reduces that.Why This Conversation MattersThis episode builds on the reporting I did earlier this year, but it adds something data alone can’t.AI isn’t arriving as a dramatic overhaul. It’s becoming infrastructure. Fewer notes. Fewer follow ups. Clearer weeks. Less mental drag.If you want to hear the original version of this conversation, you can find it on The AI Cognitive Shift channel.And you can watch or listen to the newly edited full episode on The Venture Variety Show, which is also available on YouTube, as well as Apple Podcasts and Spotify.If this sparked ideas, share it with someone rethinking how work actually gets done.And if you want more conversations like this, subscribe to The Venture Variety Show here on Substack. Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Venture Variety Show, Raj Singh, VP of Product at Mozilla and a two-time AI founder, explains why AI agents work in demos but fail inside real organizations.Raj breaks down the gap between hype and execution, the mindset shift teams need before automation can take hold, and why the AI era is rewarding high-agency generalists over deep specialists. We also get into job design, organizational change, and the classic founder mistake of leading with AI instead of the problem.This is a grounded look at what AI can and cannot do today — and why the next wave of builders will need sharper judgment, not bigger models.Sound Bites“A lot of these agents that are getting deployed in the enterprise… they're just not good enough.”“The real unlock in organizations is not about building agents, it's about unlocking that mindset shift.”“Everyone within an organization needs to shift into this mindset of becoming a super individual contributor.”KeywordsAI agents, startups, automation, founders, generalists, product development, Mozilla, workflow design, future of work, organizational changeChapters00:00 Meet Raj Singh (Mozilla)00:26 How AI Is Reshaping the Browser03:20 Why Content Consumption Has Changed06:18 The Problem With Most AI Agents09:20 What AGI Debates Miss12:00 Job Security and the AI Shift14:40 Generalists vs Specialists in the AI Era17:55 Rethinking How Teams Work19:30 The Founder Mistake: Leading With AI21:40 Raj’s Advice for Builders22:55 Closing Thoughts Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

Reinvention Is a SkillSummaryThis episode goes deep on reinvention and leadership. Cathy Brooks has built a career across journalism, Silicon Valley, dog training, coaching, construction, and brand work. She explains how to carry your skills into a new chapter, why reinvention is a learned skill, and how to approach career change with intention.We also talk about how AI fits into the process. Cathy uses AI to sort skills, identify patterns, and point toward roles that match those strengths. But she warns against letting AI define your voice. Her point is clear. AI is a tool, not a crutch.The conversation also touches on boundaries and why clear communication and consistency create more freedom for teams and individuals. Cathy shares real stories from her work with leaders and from running a dog training facility, which serve as sharp examples of behavior, structure, and human dynamics.This is a different kind of episode for the show, but it lands at a time when many people across Silicon Valley and beyond are navigating change.Key ThemesReinvention as a learned skillCareer navigation at any agePen-to-paper frameworks for clarityAI as a practical tool, not a shortcutWhy structure and boundaries create freedomLeadership vs managementHow communication patterns shape teamsResilience during job searchesEarly career decisions and intentional choicesTakeawaysReinvention is not a crisis. It is a repeatable process.Your skills move with you. Your job title does not define you.Boundaries build safety and trust inside teams.Clarity and consistency matter more than charisma.AI can help you categorize skills and refine your resume. It cannot replace your voice.Career growth starts with honest lists of what you do well and what you avoid.Intentional choices beat reactive ones, no matter your age or stage.Direct Quotes“Don’t just swing like Tarzan and grab the next vine. Be intentional about it.”“Do not generate your resume using AI. Use AI to give you bullet points and then be a human and talk like a person.”“Humans are so lazy.”“Leaders empower. Leaders elevate.”Chapters 00:00 Cold open on early career decisions00:32 Intro and welcome01:12 What do you do and why the question is flawed02:30 Reinvention and how career identity changes04:55 Carrying your skills across different arcs06:39 Self awareness and honest assessment07:21 Reinvention, community, and modern work09:08 Adaptability and early-career patterns10:28 Trusting your instincts in career decisions11:17 The job search reality12:33 Why online applications rarely work13:05 Pen to paper. A practical reinvention method14:11 Younger workers and intentional choices14:52 Using AI as a tool, not a shortcut16:29 Why humans lean on shortcuts17:40 Dog training and leadership behavior18:36 Boundaries, clarity, and team culture19:51 Leadership vs management20:48 Structure creates freedom21:55 Outro Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

Why Fewer Seed Rounds Get Covered — and What Founders Can Do About ItDescription:PR strategist Katy Goldstein, founder of KG Comms, joins The Venture Variety Show to explain why fewer seed-stage companies are getting coverage in 2025 and how founders can adapt. She shares original research showing only about 10% of seed funding announcements make it into tier-one publications, and she breaks down the four traits that improve the odds: funding size, founder story, macro alignment and traction. We also discuss how the rise of independent media is changing the game and why smart founders are broadening their strategy. Whether you’re raising a round or pitching a story, this episode is a reality check you’ll want to hear.Chapters:00:00 – The new PR landscape for startups01:26 – Katy’s background and why she started KG Comms03:08 – More startups, fewer reporters: the PR mismatch04:15 – What percent of seed rounds make the news?05:44 – Four traits that improve your media chances08:39 – Why diverse founders face structural coverage gaps10:05 – Why it's still hard to get into WSJ or Bloomberg11:11 – Picking the right outlet based on your goals13:42 – Founder FOMO and misaligned expectations14:30 – Why funding size still matters most16:16 – Constant media layoffs and consolidation17:16 – The rise of podcasts, newsletters, and indie media19:12 – What independent media can do that legacy can’t21:13 – Crystal ball: where media and PR go from here Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

How DVC Rebuilt Venture: 170 LPs, No Analysts, and an AI-Powered ApproachIn this episode of The Venture Variety Show, husband-and-wife founders Nick Davidov and Marina Davidova share how their firm DVC is redefining venture capital by connecting a 170-member LP community through AI.They discuss how this model helped early investments like Perplexity AI, why founder well-being is as critical as funding, and how community can transform the VC–founder relationship.DVC’s story isn’t just about efficiency — it’s about empathy, resilience, and the human energy behind innovation.Sound Bites“Instead of hiring analysts, we hired very good LPs.”“Be attentive to what you eat, don’t drink alcohol — that’s how you conquer the world.”“We can have a partners’ meeting while doing the dishes.”Keywordsventure capital, DVC, AI, community, startup support, diversity, mental health, founder resilience, LPs, investment strategies, startups, founders, early-stage, future of workChapters00:00 Find Your Tribe — Cold Open00:26 Meet Nick & Marina Davidov02:30 Why Traditional VC Is Broken06:38 Inside DVC’s LP Community Model09:45 How LPs Help Founders Succeed12:44 Founder Health & Resilience in the AI Era16:07 Energy Levels and Leadership Culture18:31 Working Together — and Doing the Dishes19:21 AI as the New Infrastructure for Venture23:33 The Smell of Product-Market Fit25:21 Final Takeaways — Find Your TribeShow SummaryNick and Marina Davidov, co-founders of DVC, join The Venture Variety Show to discuss how they’ve reimagined venture capital as a community-first, AI-enabled system. Instead of analysts, they rely on 170 active LPs — mostly engineers and founders — to help portfolio companies grow through hiring, partnerships, and technical guidance.They also share how mental health, physical energy, and strong relationships fuel startup success — plus a story from their teenage daughter that perfectly captures what “product-market fit” really smells like. Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I talk with Christina Farr about why storytelling has become a leadership skill — not a marketing exercise. Christina shares lessons from her new book The Storyteller’s Advantage and her work advising founders and CEOs. We discuss how storytelling shapes company culture, drives recruiting, and strengthens relationships with investors and teams.Christina also explains why every leader — from startup founder to Fortune 500 CEO — needs to own their narrative and why “storytelling now appears in CEO job descriptions.”Key TakeawaysStorytelling is infrastructure for leadership, not fluff.The best CEOs and founders use narrative to recruit, inspire, and build culture.Personal stories can unify teams and strengthen trust.Communications belongs next to the CEO, not buried under marketing.Anyone can learn to be a better storyteller with intention and practice.Chapters00:00 – Meet Christina Farr02:28 – Why Leaders Need Stories04:56 – From Reporting to Advising07:32 – Storytelling as a Leadership Skill10:09 – Anyone Can Learn Storytelling13:18 – Vulnerability and Control16:41 – Owning Your Narrative19:48 – Final Takeaways Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

In my recent story on voice AI ("AI Finds Its Voice), I wrote about how the technology is changing the customer-support playbook. In this follow-up episode of The Venture Variety Show, the voice AI story goes deeper with Tom Chen, Chief Product Officer at Aircall.Chen talks about how AI is moving beyond chat to transform live conversations, helping human agents respond faster, stay on script and deliver better service. He also points out that AI is giving managers better insights, from automatic call grading to coaching prompts that improve performance around the clock.As he puts it, “If you don’t have always-on, AI-powered communication in the next five years, you’ll be at a competitive disadvantage.” He also predicts that the next leap will come from voice-to-voice models, systems that understand tone, emotion and context directly from speech.In addition to Substack, you can watch Episode 37 of The Venture Variety Show, featuring Tom Chen of Aircall, on YouTube, as well as Apple Podcasts and Spotify.The podcast was originally recorded for The AI Cognitive Shift, produced in collaboration with AiNews.com. Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

Carrie Rich isn’t chasing trends. She’s backing people — especially overlooked founders solving real-world problems.As co-founder of The Global Good Fund and Global Impact Fund, Rich has helped fund and coach hundreds of underrepresented entrepreneurs. In this episode, she explains how to raise capital without warm intros, why resilience matters more than revenue, and what founders can do to get investors to believe in them.We also talk about what sets impact companies apart, and how she helped Asusu — now a unicorn — get their first check.Whether you’re a founder forging your own path or an investor looking beyond the usual suspects, this one’s for you.Chapters00:00 Cold Open: Overlooked Founders = Big Opportunity 00:26 Intro to Carrie Rich and Global Good Fund 01:15 How the Fund Got Started 02:57 Evolution of Social Enterprises 03:44 Who They Target and Why 05:07 The Asusu Case Study 08:30 How the Impact Fund Grew from a Pilot 10:09 Fundraising Advice for First-Time Founders 12:05 Resilience, Teams, and Storytelling 13:44 Raising Outside the Traditional VC System 15:12 How to Build Relationships Without Warm Intros 16:51 Misconceptions About Impact and Returns 18:13 Final Thoughts and Book Tease 20:39 Outro Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

SummaryIn this episode of The Venture Variety Show, Alastair Goldfisher speaks with Liz Tarullo, co-founder and CEO of Nolia Health. After her father’s stroke, Tarullo experienced firsthand the challenges of family caregiving — an experience shared by more than 53 million Americans. That personal crisis inspired her to launch Nolia, a tech-enabled healthcare startup that blends clinical expertise with AI-powered support to help caregivers manage the daily realities of aging in place.We discuss why Tarullo believes “our healthcare system is at a breaking point,” how AI can act as a force multiplier without replacing human connection, and why new federal billing codes are opening the door for caregiver-focused startups.This conversation is essential listening for founders, investors, and operators interested in how AI, policy, and human-centered design are reshaping the future of healthcare.Sound Bites“The healthcare system is at a breaking point.”“Technology can standardize and make things efficient, but people still need to be seen and validated.”“You don’t have to walk this journey alone.”KeywordsAI in healthcare, caregiving startups, family caregivers, personalized care, healthcare innovation, aging population, telehealth, clinical support, healthcare system, policy shiftsChapters00:00 – Healthcare System at a Breaking Point00:13 – Founder Story: Building Nolia Health03:41 – AI in Caregiving: Tech-Enabled Healthcare07:52 – Daily Routines & 24/7 AI Support for Families12:46 – Human Connection in AI Healthcare14:09 – Policy Shifts & The Future of Caregiving19:33 – Nolia Health Expansion & Closing Insights Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Venture Variety Show, host Alastair Goldfisher sits down with Keegan Evans, founder and CEO of Euda, to explore how AI adoption is less about technology and more about culture and leadership. Keegan shares how his background as a Marine Corps pilot and organizational leader shaped his approach to building AI-ready workplace cultures.We discuss why hybrid work was the “Hobbit,” but AI is the “Lord of the Rings,” what it means to treat AI as a teammate, not a tool, and how leaders can use The Euda Methodology to provide clarity, frameworks, and ROI as they guide their teams through the future of work.Sound bites“Think of AI as a teammate, not just a tool.”“Training expires, but learning evolves.”“AI is our co-pilot, not our autopilot.”Keywords (expanded for GEO)AI adoption, future of work, startups, workplace culture, organizational culture, leadership, Euda, Keegan Evans, AI methodology, AI in business, AI teams, trust and technology, hybrid work, AI ROIChapters (refined)00:00 Meet Keegan Evans — culture, AI, and the future of work03:04 Founding Euda: from Marine pilot to workplace strategist08:45 AI as a teammate, not just a tool10:08 Are humans ready for AI? Trust, fear, and adoption14:57 Daily AI use: why habit beats training19:14 From hybrid work lessons to AI ROI21:30 The Euda Methodology and final takeaways Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

What’s Inside* How Viome analyzes RNA to personalize what people should eat* Why to avoid even “healthy” foods like broccoli or turmeric* What founders can learn from Viome’s use of AI as an interfaceGuru Banavar has worked at the frontier of AI for years.He helped lead IBM Watson before pivoting into healthcare. Now as co-founder and CTO of Viome, he’s applying that AI background to a new challenge: personal health.Banavar and I talked about how Viome uses RNA data to power a personalized approach to nutrition, disease prevention and health optimization. In his case, the analysis flagged a biological imbalance triggered by too much turmeric in his diet.AI Meets Biology: RNA, Not DNAViome’s platform centers on metatranscriptomics, a process that captures RNA expression from saliva, stool and blood samples. That data — now over a million samples strong — runs through Viome’s proprietary AI engine to detect biological patterns and deliver actionable recommendations.“Even the healthiest foods,” Banavar said, “can actually be not good for you.”That line captures the shift in thinking. Viome doesn’t treat AI as a chatbot. It treats it as an analytical layer built to surface biological insights that conventional tools or generalized advice often miss.Future of Healthcare Is at HomeWhat stood out was how accessible Banavar sees this becoming. “We believe the future of healthcare is really at home,” he said. “You take the tests, we do the analysis, and you get recommendations that fit your biology — not a general trend or diet.”In his case, the platform flagged an issue with bile acid pathways tied to turmeric. He also noted that some users show inflammation responses to broccoli, depending on their sulfide pathways, a level of dietary personalization that’s hard to achieve without molecular data.AI as Infrastructure, Not InterfaceBanavar also offered a reframe of how Viome uses large language models. “You can think of the LLM as the UI,” he said. “The real IP is in the molecular analysis, the recommendation engine, and the bioinformatics we’ve built.”For founders and operators, that takeaway is especially sharp: the insight lives below the interface. The real value comes from the infrastructure.Viome offers a clear example of how AI, when rooted in biology and delivered at scale, can offer something far more useful than general advice: actionable personal agency.Don’t Miss Out on More ContentThis episode originally aired on The AI Cognitive Shift, a show I co-host with AiNews.com. You can watch the original video version on YouTube or subscribe to The Venture Variety Show here on Substack, as well as my own YouTube channel.And if this conversation sparked ideas or reframed something for you, feel free to share it. Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

The Venture Variety Show, Episode 32: Scott Sage, Crane Venture PartnersPlatform is no longer a perk. It is the work. Scott explains why early GTM help and sharp positioning matter more than ever, how founders should approach the “machete phase,” and why AI will compress firm operations while raising the bar for investors and teams.Chapters00:00 Meet Scott Sage02:42 Why platform is a “have to have.”04:21 Platform as GTM: position problems, not features05:24 Where they’re the go-to-market partner07:57 Founders using AI08:52 The “machete phase” to first customers12:31 AI & VC: efficiency gains, leaner teams, back office15:35 We are human first17:00 Founder advice19:36 Final takeawaysFive takeawaysPlatform starts at positioning and early sales, not events.Founder-led selling comes first; AI tools amplify a proven playbook.Position problems, not features. Earn permission to advance the sale.Qualify investors like customers, and use the associate as your inside champion.AI will push startups and firms to operate leaner without losing the human core.About the guestScott Sage is co-founder of Crane Venture Partners, an early-stage firm focused on data, AI, infrastructure, and developer-focused software across Europe and the U.S.CTAIf this episode helped, share it with a founder or investor. Subscribe on Substack or YouTube to get future conversations when they publish. Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

SummaryEntrepreneur, investor and author Sharmin Ali joins The Venture Variety Show to talk about why vision and storytelling matter more than product features, and how founders can leverage AI to run lean, focused teams. Drawing on her experience building and selling AI startups, Sharmin explains why “prompt engineering is overhyped,” how founders can use general-purpose AI tools to create strategy and content, and why avoiding “me-too” products is essential for survival.This conversation is a candid playbook for founders and investors navigating today’s AI-driven startup landscape. Sharmin shares lessons on raising capital without a product, surviving burnout, and launching her new book and courses designed to help entrepreneurs go from zero to one.Sound Bites“A CEO’s job is to sell the vision.”“Prompt engineering is the biggest b******t ever.”“Don’t be another me-too AI startup.”Chapters00:00 Meet Sharmin Ali02:34 Storytelling Beats Features06:24 Vision > Features: The Steve Jobs Lesson08:10 Using AI to Build Lean Teams14:48 Founder Survival and Avoiding Burnout18:54 The Book, Establish.club, and What’s Next20:47 Final TakeawaysKeywordsAI startups, storytelling, founder survival, lean teams, venture capital, personal branding, Sharmin Ali, entrepreneurship, automation, future of work Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

What Founders Get Wrong About Picking VCswith Greg Sands, Founder & Managing Partner at Costanoa VenturesSummaryGreg Sands joins The Venture Variety Show to break down what early-stage founders often miss when choosing investors. From how to vet a VC beyond the pitch to why platform support only matters if it’s rooted in real context, Greg offers hard-won insights from decades in venture. We also discuss board dynamics, reference checks, and how to spot the difference between “founder-friendly” branding and actual long-term partnership.Key TakeawaysTreat choosing a VC as seriously as they treat picking foundersCall references — especially when the company didn’t succeed“Founder-friendly” is incomplete; look for company-aligned partnersPlatform support is only valuable if tied to execution and contextNot all board seats are helpful — and some can hurtTrust, learning velocity, and storytelling matter more than check sizeTopics CoveredChoosing the right investor for your companyVetting VCs through reference checksWhat BuilderOps and platform support should actually deliverEarly-stage board composition and the 20/40/40 ruleCommon fundraising misconceptionsWhy now is still a great time to buildChapters00:00 Meet Greg Sands, Costanoa Ventures01:58 What Founders Miss When Choosing a VC06:21 How to Vet a VC Beyond the Pitch09:06 What “Value-Add” Should Really Mean10:26 Inside Platform Ops17:01 Board Seats, Bad Advice, and What to Watch For20:15 Final TakeawaysKeywordsventure capital, startup fundraising, platform teams, founder advice, board dynamics, Costanoa Ventures, reference checks, early-stage investing, VC value-add, storytelling Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

What happens when AI “breaks” the old model of education?In this episode of The Venture Variety Show, Alastair talks with Frank Fusco, co-founder of Silicon Society, about how learning and work are being reshaped in real time. From why homework no longer works, to the rise of generalist specialists, Frank shares how careers are shifting into skills and what founders, investors and operators need to know about adapting in the AI era.KeywordsAI, future of work, education, learning, skills, startups, venture capital, generalist specialists, job transformation, critical thinking, technology adoptionSound bites"The old model of homework is broken.""AI can't do everything for you.""We need to be generalist specialists."Chapters00:00 Meet Frank Fusco (Silicon Society)03:35 Can We Still Trust What We’re Learning?06:24 Learning Like a Guild Again09:47 From Careers to Micro-Trades12:29 Are We Becoming Generalist Specialists?16:11 The Future of Learning = The Future of Work16:50 Final Takeaways Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Venture Variety Show, Alastair Goldfisher speaks with Arjun Dev Arora, a venture advisor and investor with a rare 360° view of the startup ecosystem. They cover how AI is transforming startup operations, how fund managers are adapting to tougher conditions, and what LPs are doing differently as capital slowly returns to the market.Arjun shares sharp insights on navigating today's venture landscape — from seed-stage efficiency to Series B survival, from the rise of one-person billion-dollar startups to the quiet resilience of emerging managers. This episode connects the dots between founders, fund managers, and LPs — and what each group needs to watch for in the months ahead.Topics CoveredHow AI is reshaping the cost and structure of early-stage startupsWhy Series B and C companies are stuck — and how they're staying aliveThe rise of “agentic” startups and vertical AI applicationsWhat emerging fund managers are learning in real timeHow LPs are approaching co-investments and new allocationsThe long-term upside of deep tech, defense, and the built worldKey TakeawaysAI is enabling faster, leaner startup formationFounders need to align with market realities — and show a path to profitabilitySeries B/C companies are relying on cost-cutting, bridge rounds, and creative financingEmerging fund managers are gaining resilience through constraintLPs are cautiously reentering venture, with more focus on education and co-investingDeep tech and physical innovation are bright spots on the horizonKeywordsAI startups, venture capital trends, fundraising strategies, emerging managers, limited partners, startup operations, profitability, deep tech investing, co-investing, generative AIChapters00:00 – The Billion-Dollar One-Person Startup?02:16 – What’s Actually Happening in Venture Right Now05:45 – Why AI Changed the Fundraising Game08:02 – Arjun’s Advice for Founders in This Market11:05 – AI Impact and The Creation of The Billion-Dollar Startup13:06 – Emerging Managers and Grit Over Glamour15:29 – The LP Landscape and the Long Game17:48 – On LPs and Co-Investing19:14 – Final Takeaways and Optimism and Deeptech Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

Summary:In this episode of The Venture Variety Show, Alastair Goldfisher talks with Olivia O’Sullivan, Partner and COO at Forum Ventures, about how the role of platform teams in venture is evolving and why founders should treat fundraising like a two-way interview. They discuss the professionalization of platform functions, how AI is reshaping startup dynamics and investor workflows, and why the future of VC may be both more automated and more human.Top Takeaways:Olivia O’Sullivan leads platform at Forum Ventures, a B2B SaaS-focused VC firmPlatform teams are now central to deal flow and founder supportFounders are using AI to stay lean, delaying hires and optimizing early growthVC firms are experimenting with AI tools for sourcing, modeling, and opsDespite tech advances, authentic founder support still hinges on people and trustChapters:00:00 – Cold Open: Ask Better Questions00:40 – Meet Olivia O’Sullivan from Forum Ventures02:27 – What “Platform” Means in Venture04:09 – How Forum Builds Founder Loyalty08:55 – Founders: You’re Choosing Investors Too12:31 – How VC Platforms Are Changing15:31 – AI’s Impact on Startup Teams18:09 – How VC Firms Are Using AI21:43 – Tech Meets Humanity in the Future of Venture23:08 – Thanks for ListeningKeywords:venture capital, platform teams, startup fundraising, AI in VC, founder experience, community building, tech-enabled VC, investment strategy, Olivia O’Sullivan, Forum Ventures Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

AngelQ and the AI Mission to Protect Kids OnlineKeywordsAI safety, child protection, AngelQ, AI parenting tools, digital safety, GenAI for kids, ethical AI, AI and mental health, online risk, Tim Estes, AI agents, safe search alternativesEpisode SummaryIn this episode of The AI Cognitive Shift, host Alastair Goldfisher speaks with Tim Estes — AI entrepreneur and founder of AngelQ — about the urgent need to protect children online using emerging AI tools.Drawing from his work in national security, anti-trafficking tech, and AI systems design, Tim shares how AngelQ is reimagining how kids interact with the internet — starting with replacing traditional search and shielding them from harmful content.They also explore how social media is impacting youth mental health, why parents are overwhelmed, and how ethical AI agents could create safer digital environments for future generations.Key TakeawaysAngelQ uses AI agents to proactively safeguard kids online — beyond just filters or parental controlsSocial media is fueling a youth mental health crisis — and platforms aren't built to protect kidsThe web's current ad-based model is part of the problem — and AI might disrupt it entirelyEthical design is critical when building AI for vulnerable users like childrenParents want tools that give them visibility and peace of mind, not just surveillanceSound Bites“It’s become a full-on mental health crisis — and tech has played a role.”“AI is killing the business model of the web — and that’s not a bad thing.”“We built AngelQ because the internet wasn’t made for kids — and they deserve better.”Chapters00:00 Welcome to The AI Cognitive Shift01:06 Meet Tim Estes: From National Security to AngelQ04:27 The Tragedy of Nylah Anderson and Platform Responsibility05:32 Rethinking Search: What Comes After Google?06:29 Inside AngelQ: AI Agents for Digital Safety09:21 Social Media, Youth, and the Attention Economy11:03 Good vs. Bad AI: Parenting Tools or Babysitters?13:20 Who Benefits from AI Search — and Who Gets Harmed?16:36 A Safer Internet for Kids: AngelQ’s Vision18:38 What AI Can Do for Adults (and Parents)20:43 Final Thoughts: Designing AI with Empathy Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

Episode: Aaron Panzer on Powering the AI Era: National Grid’s $100M BetSummaryIn this episode of The Venture Variety Show, Alastair Goldfisher talks with Aaron Panzer, Head of Venture Acceleration at National Grid Partners, about how AI is reshaping the energy landscape.Aaron shares why NGP committed $100 million to AI investments earlier this year—and what it means for startups, infrastructure, and the growing strain on the grid. From optimizing capacity to rethinking storage and transmission, this conversation covers the future of utilities, venture collaboration, and the urgent need to power the AI era.Oh—and yes, we talk gigawatts and Back to the Future too.KeywordsNational Grid Partners, Aaron Panzer, AI in energy, utility innovation, AI infrastructure, venture capital in climate tech, clean energy startups, grid capacity and demand, long-duration energy storage, corporate venture capital, energy startupsWhat You’ll LearnWhy National Grid Partners committed $100M to AI innovationHow utilities are preparing for AI’s massive energy appetiteWhere founders and startups fit into this transformationPull Quotes“The grid is the greatest engineering marvel of the 20th century. AI might be the greatest of the 21st. These two are now completely intertwined.” — Aaron Panzer“We need to build everything. Not just power plants—batteries, infrastructure, smarter systems. Right now, we’re not ready.” — Aaron PanzerChapters00:00 Cold Open + Meet Aaron Panzer01:52 National Grid Is Betting on Startups03:44 $100M for AI Innovation in Energy08:07 AI’s Exploding Energy Appetite11:11 15 Gigawatts? Great Scott!11:43 What We Actually Need to Build18:31 What Comes Next for AI and Utilities20:56 Aaron’s Optimism + Startup Callout21:59 Wrap-Up + How to ConnectKey Takeaways🔶 National Grid Partners committed $100M to AI-focused innovation in March 2025🔶 AI is becoming essential to how utilities plan, scale, and operate the grid🔶 Data center growth is pushing demand beyond what current systems can handle🔶 Startups have a critical role to play in solving long-duration storage and infrastructure gaps🔶 Despite the challenges, Aaron is optimistic that AI will help us get thereWant More Like This?Thanks for listening to The Venture Variety Show. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a rating, or share it with someone who cares about where innovation meets infrastructure.And don’t miss my other podcast, The AI Cognitive Shift, co-hosted with AiNews.com, where we explore how AI is shaping society and the future of work.Until next time,– Alastair Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

Episode #24 The Venture Variety ShowWhat Founders Really Want From Their VCsWith Cherae Robinson, Head of Platform & Marketing at FlybridgeIn this episode, I talk with Cherae Robinson about what founders really want from venture capital—and how the platform role inside VC firms is evolving fast to meet those needs.Cherae shares her journey from bootstrapping a travel startup to leading platform and marketing at Flybridge, where she now supports hundreds of early-stage founders. We talk about building trust, founder connectivity, go-to-market strategy, and how VCs can actually deliver on more than just a check.She also breaks down why firms are hiring more specialized platform talent, including embedded GTM roles, and offers clear advice for founders navigating today’s competitive landscape.And yes—we also talk music. Cherae’s a DJ who once turned Flybridge’s rooftop Founders Week into a proper party.Timestamps and topics:00:00 Intro01:52 Why Flybridge Invests in AI03:37 From Travel Founder to VC Platform07:38 Building the Role Around Her10:53 What a Platform Leader Actually Does13:49 Trust, Community, and Founder Support17:57 What Founders Need in This Market23:06 DJing and Being MultifacetedKey TopicsWhy platform roles are no longer “nice-to-have” in VCHow Cherae built trust with founders after shutting down her own startupWhat Flybridge looks for in AI investments (infra, vertical, and native AI)The rise of go-to-market specialists inside VC firmsHow to use community as a founder edge—not just a vibeTips for early-stage founders on fundraising, hiring, and staying relentlessWhat it means to have an “earned secret” in your startupFeatured Quote“You're starting to see firms specifically hire people for things like go-to-market… They’re leaning on operators who are experts in that space.”BonusFind out what Cherae spins at her DJ sets—and how music and platform building actually overlap more than you think. Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Venture Variety Show, I talk with Tony Stubblebine, CEO of Medium, about the power of writing in a noisy, AI-driven world.Tony shares why storytelling is still the most underrated skill in entrepreneurship—and how Medium is helping real voices rise above the noise. We dive into writing as a strategic edge, how platforms shape behavior, and why user-generated content still matters more than ever.“You are an expert in your own life.”“Writing gives you an opportunity to clarify your thoughts, to research something, and then to demonstrate that you're really smart.”Whether you're a founder, investor, platform specialist, or just trying to cut through the content clutter, this one’s for you.Key Takeaways🔶 Why writing remains a founder superpower🔶 How Medium supports real voices—not clickbait🔶 What AI can’t replace in storytelling and context🔶 Why lived experience > performance content🔶 How to stand out without being an internet hustlerChapters00:00 – Welcome + Meet Tony01:11 – Bootstrapping vs. VC: What founders learn02:53 – The emotional power of writing05:36 – Writing as a founder’s strategic edge09:02 – Why AI summaries fall short12:09 – Medium’s mission: Make amateur writing cool again14:45 – Finding your niche & owning your voice18:04 – The future of blogging and lived experience20:48 – How to get started on Medium21:34 – Wrap-up and final thoughtsKeywordsstorytelling, entrepreneurship, writing, Medium, AI, blogging, platforms, user-generated content, startup strategy, content creation, differentiation Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

Multi-Sapiens Teams: Managing AI Agents in the Real World with Tatyana MamutKeywordsAI agents, Wayfound, multi-sapiens teams, future of work, human-AI collaboration, team structure, trust in AI, workplace culture, AI leadership, anthropology, AI operationsSummaryIn this episode, I talk with Tatyana Mamut, co-founder and CEO of Wayfound, about how AI agents are already reshaping teams, operations, and leadership. With a background in anthropology and product leadership, Tatyana brings a unique perspective to managing AI agents in the workplace.We explore how AI agents interact with each other, how they’re embedded into real company workflows, and why building a “multi-sapiens” workplace — where humans and AI agents work side by side — is essential for the future of work.Key Takeaways🔶 Wayfound helps businesses manage AI agents alongside human teams🔶 AI agents are handling operational tasks like investor updates and customer research🔶 Agents interact — and sometimes argue — much like human teammates🔶 Managing AI agents requires trust, oversight, and clear role definitions🔶 Fear of AI can hold companies back, but adaptability unlocks new opportunities🔶 AI agents free up humans to focus on relationships, leadership, and creative work🔶 The future of work is “multi-sapiens” — humans and AI agents collaborating as part of the same teamSound Bites“We’re building a multi-sapiens workplace — humans and AI agents side by side.”“AI agents can argue, correct themselves, and interact — just like humans.”“We should not enslave AI. That never ends well.”“The future belongs to those who move forward with adaptability, optimism, and imagination.”Chapters00:00 — Intro: AI’s impact on work and leadership01:05 — Managing AI agents: Wayfound’s approach03:00 — Real-world examples of AI agents in operations05:30 — Agent-to-agent interactions and surprising dialogue08:45 — Why Wayfound avoids anthropomorphizing AI10:00 — Building trust between humans and AI agents13:30 — AI agents free humans to focus on relationships and strategy16:00 — Fear, job displacement, and lessons from history19:15 — Cultural evolution and the rise of multi-sapiens teams22:40 — The future of AI agents — and the choices ahead Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

Alternative Titles:— Entrepreneur-Led Funds Are Changing the Future of Venture— How VC, PE, and Corporate Investors Are Converging — And What It Means for StartupsKeywords:emerging managers, venture capital, private equity, fund administration, corporate venture, diversity in venture, liquidity, founder-led funds, fundraising trends, investment landscapeEpisode Summary:In this episode of The Venture Variety Show, Braughm Ricke, founder and CEO of Aduro Advisors, joins the conversation to share insights from over two decades in venture capital and private equity.With his firm supporting more than 600 funds managing $140 billion in assets, Braughm offers a unique view of how the investment world is evolving — from the rise of entrepreneur-led funds to the growing overlap between venture capital, private equity, and corporate investors.Key Takeaways:— Why more founders and investors are launching funds like startup— How venture capital and private equity are blending, reshaping funding and liquidity options— The evolving role of corporate venture arms and their strategic value-add beyond capital— Diversity trends in fund management and emerging managers— What founders, fund managers, and startups should know about today's market dynamicsNotable Quotes:"Building a firm is very much a startup in and of itself." — Braughm Ricke"The lines between VC and PE are blurring.""CVCs are stepping up with real strategic value, not just capital."Chapters:00:00 — Intro to Braughm Ricke and Aduro Advisors02:15 — The rise of emerging managers and founder-led funds05:22 — Corporate venture arms evolving beyond just capital08:20 — Diversity in fund management and venture leadership10:18 — How VC and PE are blending together13:51 — Market outlook, fundraising trends, and new capital sources18:30 — Challenges and opportunities for emerging managers Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

Episode Title: From Deep Tech to Ikigai to Yoga – A VC’s Purposeful Path with Kira NoodlemanSummary:In this episode of The Venture Variety Show, host Alastair Goldfisher sits down with Kira Noodleman, partner at Bee Partners, to explore what it means to invest at the edge of innovation and humanity. Kira shares her nontraditional path into venture capital, her thesis on deep tech and “machines will win,” and how Bee Partners supports early-stage founders with more than just capital. From discussing AlphaFold and AI's impact on R&D to reflecting on yoga, founder psychology, and building with intention, this conversation spans strategy, soul, and science.Topics Covered:Deep tech, AI, and the "super cycle" of innovationKira’s product background and path into ventureHow Bee Partners supports early-stage foundersThe importance of founder psychology and human connectionWhy yoga, storytelling, and personal journey matter in ventureDEI in startups and modifying term sheets for equityHow regional ecosystems (SF, Denver, NYC) shape the startup experienceWhat the future of lean, AI-powered startups looks likeChapters:00:00 – Intro01:13 – Kira's Path Into Venture03:51 – Machines Will Win05:47 – Deep Tech Deltas Defined08:32 – AI Converging with Deep Tech09:50 – AlphaFold10:25 – Supporting Entrepreneurs12:55 – Pathfinders Podcast15:11 – Looking for Ikigai and Pathfinders17:56 – Getting to Know Founders via Yoga18:39 – SF vs. Denver vs. NYC23:16 – Supporting the Underrepresented25:19 – Importance of DEI26:16 – Outlook in Venture27:39 – Connect with Kira28:27 – OutroKey Takeaways:Kira’s venture path began in global product management.Deep tech investing requires patience, partnership, and technical risk mitigation.AI is accelerating innovation cycles and changing how early-stage companies operate.Bee Partners values collaboration, founder well-being, and long-term support.Kira’s Pathfinders podcast highlights the personal side of the founder journey.DEI isn’t just a talking point — it’s built into Bee’s team, term sheets, and community work.NYC’s density of customers offers a different kind of opportunity than SF or Denver.The next unicorn may be built by 5 people and 100 AI agents.Sound Bites:"We believe machines will win.""It’s about timing and execution.""We’re calling it a super cycle.""Sometimes digitizing is innovation."Connect with Kira:Find her on LinkedIn or visit https://beepartners.vc/ Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

Episode Title:How Overlap Helps Frontier Tech Founders Scale SmarterWith Justin Stevens, Founder & CEO of Overlap HoldingsKeywordsFrontier Tech, Debt Financing, Venture Capital, Capital-Intensive Startups, Fundraising Strategy, Equity vs Debt, Startup Advice, Relay Race Funding, Financial StructuringEpisode SummaryWhat if your cap table isn’t your only tool for growth?In this episode, Justin Stevens — founder of Overlap Holdings — explains why founders in capital-intensive sectors like climate, robotics, and life sciences need more than just equity to scale.With nearly 20 years of experience on Wall Street (including 18 years at Apollo), Justin shares how Overlap combines traditional venture investing with a capital solutions business that helps startups raise smart, non-dilutive capital from a network of over 200 lenders.If you're raising a Seed, Series A, or B — or just planning what's next — this episode offers a tactical breakdown on how to think more strategically about capital.Top TakeawaysFounders often over-rely on equity — even when debt may be cheaper and more flexibleOverlap’s hybrid model combines VC checks with hands-on capital strategy supportThere are four key types of startup debt — and understanding them is a competitive edgeLenders are pattern matchers — and Overlap helps you find the right fitFundraising is a relay race — founders need to plan ahead for who takes the next legSound Bites“We think of capital the way most founders think of product: deliberately, strategically, and iteratively.”“Every lender has a tiny underwriting box — line up 200 of them and you cover the whole waterfront.”“Venture equity is often the most expensive capital you’ll ever take.”Chapters00:00 — Intro01:16 — What is frontier tech — and why it needs a different capital model07:59 — The four types of debt startup founders should understand13:21 — Capital solutions: Overlap’s second line of business20:45 — Advice for founders navigating capital-intensive growth24:00 — The relay race metaphor for funding strategy25:00 — Why Overlap blends Wall Street structure with startup energy Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

Episode SummaryIn this episode of The AI Cognitive Shift, host Alastair Goldfisher interviews Andy Mowat, founder of Whispered, a platform reinventing how executives find their next role. They discuss the hidden job market, the growing role of AI in recruitment, and why personal relationships still carry more weight than résumés. Andy explains how Whispered blends AI with a human-first approach to help leaders navigate their career journeys.KeywordsAI recruiting, executive search, Whispered, unposted jobs, networking, job market trends, hiring tech, career strategy, future of work, VC talentKey TakeawaysMost executive roles are never posted publicly—they're shared through personal networks.AI is helping screen and organize applicants but can’t replace human decision-making.Whispered uses AI to scale executive coaching and unposted role discovery.Networking remains one of the most effective ways to land a new opportunity.Many résumés are now AI-generated, making it harder for candidates to stand out.AI can assist with interview prep and targeting, but not with authentic connection.Recruiters are overwhelmed by application volume and often avoid posting senior roles.The future of hiring lies in a hybrid model—AI-powered efficiency with human intuition.Suggested TitlesYour Next Job Won’t Be Posted — It’ll Be WhisperedAI, Hidden Roles, and the Human Side of HiringThe Unposted Job Market: Andy Mowat on the Future of Executive RecruitingSound Bites“Companies are overloaded with AI applications.”“Your next role won’t be posted — it’ll be whispered.”“AI is changing recruiting, but relationships still drive outcomes.”Chapters00:00 — Introduction: AI and the future of hiring02:00 — What Whispered is and how it works06:00 — Running lean with AI instead of full-time staff08:30 — The flood of AI-generated applications10:45 — Why most VP and C-level roles are unlisted14:00 — Advice for standing out in the age of AI20:00 — What VC talent teams are missing24:43 — Final thoughts on AI, recruiting, and the road ahead Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

Beyond the Honeymoon: How Honeyfund Is Growing Up and Gearing Up with AI🎙️ Sara Margulis on staying scrappy, building a $10M business, and why AI is the next leap for love techEpisode Summary:Sara Margulis founded Honeyfund nearly 20 years ago—before the iPhone, before “crowdfunding” was a thing, and long before AI was on every startup’s roadmap. In this episode, we talk about what it takes to not just launch, but last. From a DIY registry idea to a $10M business, Sara walks us through how Honeyfund stayed relevant, adapted through crisis, and is now integrating AI to serve couples planning their next adventure.We discuss bootstrapping through the early years, the company’s pandemic pivot, lessons in remote leadership, and why Sara calls AI a “competitive necessity”—not a luxury. She also shares what elevator operators can teach us about AI adoption, and what it really means to support couples beyond the honeymoon.Topics Covered:The founding story: From Noe Valley to Fiji to the webThe power of community-funded growth (including a Shark Tank moment)Why mission clarity came after growthHow Honeyfund is training an LLM on two decades of honeymoon dataCompany culture in a fully remote, Gen Z-inclusive teamWhat’s next: anniversaries, baby registries, and beyondKey Quotes:“Honeyfund didn’t even have a mission statement until about three years ago.”“We outlasted Twitter.”“AI isn’t just a competitive advantage. It’s a necessity.”Chapters:00:00 – Introduction and Honeyfund’s early days06:19 – Growth, community, and crowdfunding11:04 – Surviving the pandemic and rethinking the mission17:10 – How AI will shape the next phase of Honeyfund22:05 – Managing a modern team and the future of work26:59 – What’s next for Honeyfund (and why it matters) Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

Podcast Title:Venture in the Age of AI: Don Butler on Jobs, Tools, and the Future of VCRefined Description:Don Butler has seen a few cycles. He joined Thomvest Ventures in February 2000—just as the dot-com bubble was about to burst. Now, 25 years later, he’s watching another massive shift take hold: AI.In this episode of The Venture Variety Show, Don and I dive into how artificial intelligence is changing the way venture capital firms operate—from sourcing and diligence to hiring decisions and team structure. We explore the tools Thomvest is using today, how they're thinking about staffing in an AI-first world, and why solo GPs backed by AI assistants might be the new normal.We also talk about the human side of this transformation: what jobs are at risk, where new roles are emerging, and how behavior is already shifting in response to AI-powered systems.If you’re a founder, investor, or just curious how AI is rewiring the VC industry from the inside out, this episode is for you.Key Topics:Why Thomvest no longer hires analystsThe rise of AI agents and what they’re replacingHow generational wealth transfer is transforming wealth managementWhat “AI Associates” mean for firm structure and solo GPsWhy understanding model drift matters in agentic systemsBehavioral surprises from voice agents and what they reveal Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

Show Notes – The AI Cognitive Shift: Xiaoyin Qu, heyBossAIGuest: Xiaoyin Qu, founder of heyBossAIHost: Alastair GoldfisherLength: ~30 minutesOriginally recorded for The AI Cognitive Shift (in collaboration with AiNews.com)In this episode:Xiaoyin Qu made headlines by stepping down as CEO of heyBossAI and handing the role to an AI agent named Astra. In this conversation, she shares the thinking behind that bold decision—and what it means for the future of leadership, automation, and trust.We discuss:Why Astra was outperforming human execs on key tasksWhat it’s like to lead a team of AI “employees”How heyBossAI serves customers in 30+ languages—at lightning speedWhy some clients still want the human touch, even in an AI-first companyThe legal and ethical limits of AI in leadership rolesKey Takeaways:Astra builds full websites in minutes—design, backend, copy, SEO, and hostingAI can simplify entrepreneurship by lowering the barrier to launchHuman oversight remains essential for compliance, contracts, and nuanceTransparency tools (like a Slack simulation) help build customer trustThe model raises big questions about the future of work and what leadership looks like in an AI-led orgSound Bites:“AI is the new CEO.”“We are 10x cheaper, 100x faster.”“AI can replace entire teams.” Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

Episode Title: Unlocking the Power of Storytelling in Venture — with Beck BambergerSummary:In this episode of The Venture Variety Show, I chat with Beck Bamberger — founder of BAM and author of the new book Flack Fairy. We dive into why storytelling is such a critical (and often overlooked) skill for venture-backed founders, how to navigate the tricky world of PR and media, and what role AI is starting to play in marketing and communications.Beck pulls no punches: while AI tools can help draft and shape content, she believes the essence of PR, fundraising, and media success still hinges on authentic human relationships. We also explore the shifting landscape of venture capital, marketing roles, and how founders can sharpen their narrative edge.Takeaways:🔶 Storytelling is a must-have skill for founders — not a nice-to-have🔶 AI can help, but it can’t replace human connection in PR🔶 The current VC environment is more cautious, making clear narratives even more important🔶 In-person connections and genuine relationships are more valuable than ever🔶 Founders who can “nail their narrative” stand outChapters:00:00 – Intro with Beck and Alastair04:12 – BAM and Flack Fairy06:59 – Nailing Your Narrative11:45 – The Impact of AI21:11 – Venture Outlook27:56 – OutroSound Bites:• “PR isn’t magic — it’s strategy plus relationships.”• “Founders often underestimate how much time it takes to build media momentum.”• “The best founders aren’t just fundraising — they’re storytelling constantly.”• “In a cautious VC market, clarity wins.”• “Flack Fairy is the guide I wish every founder had before their first PR push.”• “Media love a good story — they don’t love a sloppy pitch.”• “The VC world is always chasing what’s next, but the fundamentals of trust and relationships haven’t changed.”• “PR should amplify what’s real, not spin what’s fake.” Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Venture Variety Show, Alastair Goldfisher talks with Doug Levin — founder of Black Duck Software, Harvard lecturer, startup advisor, investor, and author of Lessons from a Startup Life on Substack.They explore how the post-ChatGPT boom has reshaped the startup world, why investors are drawn to small, nimble AI teams, and why product-market fit is a continuous process, not a one-and-done milestone. Doug also shares practical advice for founders on raising capital, avoiding common mistakes, and why you should always be thinking about your exit strategy.Topics covered:Startup lessons from Doug Levin’s entrepreneurial journeyHow generative AI is fueling a wave of new companiesFundraising strategies in today’s competitive venture marketThe evolving role of AI product managersBest practices for planning a successful exitFor more founder insights and venture trends, subscribe to The Venture Variety Show.🎧 Subscribe and follow:For more founder insights, venture trends, and conversations at the intersection of startups, AI, and investing, subscribe to The Venture Variety Show on Substack, or follow on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube.Thank you for listening!— Alastair Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

Title:AI, Lawsuits, and the Death of the Billable Hour? | Alon Shwartz, TrellisShow Notes:In this episode of The Venture Variety Show, I sit down with Alon Shwartz, co-founder and COO of Trellis, to explore how AI is transforming one of the oldest professions: law.Trellis is a legal tech startup using generative AI to make state trial court data searchable and accessible. Alon shares how this shift is affecting everything from legal research and billing models to the role of junior associates—and why data, not just prompts, is the real moat for AI-driven startups.This episode originally aired as part of The AI Cognitive Shift, a podcast I co-host in collaboration with AiNews.com. You can watch more episodes over on the AiNews YouTube channel.In this episode:Why legal research is now “a commodity”How AI is forcing law firms to rethink the billable hourWhat makes Trellis’ dataset so powerful—and defensibleWhy picking a model and sticking with it mattersThe challenge of training the next generation of lawyersWhat founders should ask before building with AIGuest:Alon Shwartz – Co-Founder & COO, TrellisFor more podcast episodes and posts on how AI is reshaping venture, platforms, and storytelling, subscribe to The Venture Variety Show.—Chapters:00:00 – Intro: AI and the Legal Profession01:12 – The Fragmentation of Court Data04:14 – AI’s Impact on Research, Billing & Jobs08:52 – Why Trellis’ Data Moat Matters15:14 – Future Trends and the Ethics of AI in Law—Key Quotes:“Research has become a commodity now.”“What problem are you solving with AI?”“AI will help attorneys do more.”Keywords:AI, legal industry, Trellis, legal tech, generative AI, state court data, legal research, billing models, data moat, startup strategy, future of work, platform tools Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

🎧 Episode: “The Exit Bottleneck and the Path Forward”In this episode of The Venture Variety Show, I talk with Louis Lehot, a Silicon Valley-based attorney at Foley & Lardner who works closely with startups, investors, and acquirers across the venture ecosystem.We dig into what’s really holding back venture capital right now—and what might finally break things loose in 2025.In this episode, Louis shares insights on:Why DPI is stalling the VC flywheelHow founders can raise capital creatively—without waiting for the market to “settle”What’s needed for the IPO window to truly reopenThe role of risk, interest rates, and macro pressure in the return of exitsWhy debt capital and customer revenue are smart plays right nowSound bites from Louis:“2025 ought to be the year of the IPO.”“The best capital is the money that comes from customers.”“The levers of the venture capital system have been gummed up.”This was recorded before the recent tariff flare-up, but Louis’ perspective still holds up—and his advice for founders is especially sharp.🎙️ Be on the lookout for more from Louis soon—I’ll be featuring him again in an upcoming post about AI's impact on the legal profession.👉 Subscribe to The Venture Variety Show on Substack📺 Watch on YouTube | 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc. Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

Episode Title: The Artist AI Didn't Replace - A Conversation with Daniel AmbrosiDescription: Join host Alastair Goldfisher for the inaugural episode of "The AI Cognitive Shift," a podcast series brought to you in collaboration with AiNews.com. This series delves into how artificial intelligence is reshaping our cultural and societal landscapes through intimate conversations with innovators at the intersection of technology and creativity.In this episode, we explore the intriguing world of AI and art with Daniel Ambrosi, a renowned digital artist who has harnessed AI to expand the horizons of traditional landscape photography into what he calls "AI-assisted" art. Daniel shares his journey from traditional to digital artistry, his collaboration with tech giants like Google and NVIDIA, and his thoughts on the recent controversial Christie’s auction "Augmented Intelligence."Key Highlights:Daniel's Transition to AI-Assisted Art: How a seasoned landscape photographer embraced AI to enhance the depth and emotion of his artworks.The Christie's Auction Controversy: Insights into the debate over AI-generated vs. AI-assisted art, highlighting Daniel's participation in this landmark event.Impact on Artists: Daniel discusses how AI technologies are influencing both fine and commercial artists differently.Future of Art and AI: A look at the potential advancements and ongoing challenges at the nexus of AI and creative expression.Key Quotes:"I'm an accidental AI artist. My work is not AI-generated but AI-assisted.""There's nowhere to go but up for fine artists in the age of AI.""You don’t have to worry one iota about AI affecting the livelihood of fine artists."Timestamps:00:00 | Introduction to 'The AI Cognitive Shift'01:15 | Meet Daniel Ambrosi: Journey to AI-assisted Art05:00 | Inside the Christie's "Augmented Intelligence" Auction10:30 | The Impact of AI on Art: Commercial vs. Fine Artists15:45 | The Future of AI in Artistic Expression20:00 | Closing Thoughts and What's NextCall to Action:Visit Daniel Ambrosi’s Art: Explore more of Daniel’s transformative works on his website.See Daniel’s Work in Person: If you're in the San Francisco Bay Area, check out his piece at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View.Subscribe for More: Don't miss an episode of The AI Cognitive Shift—subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube to stay updated on how AI continues to influence our world.Keywords: AI, Art, Daniel Ambrosi, Computational Photography, Christie's Auction, AI Controversy, Fine Art, Commercial Art, Future of AI, Podcast Series Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

Title: Emily Peters on Art, AI, and the Future of Health EquitySummary:In this episode, Alastair Goldfisher speaks with Emily Peters, a healthcare brand strategist and author of "Artists Remaking Medicine," about the intersection of art, technology, and healthcare. Emily shares insights from her work in the digital health space, her personal journey as a patient, and her belief in the power of creativity to drive innovation in healthcare. The conversation also explores the potential of AI to address administrative challenges and the importance of health equity, highlighting Emily's upcoming participation in the Health Equity Innovators Summit.  Key Takeaways:Healthcare is a universal concern.  AI offers opportunities to reduce administrative burdens in healthcare.  Art can foster creative problem-solving and a deeper understanding of power dynamics in healthcare.  Personal experiences, like Emily's, can motivate individuals to advocate for change in the healthcare system.  Incremental changes can lead to significant improvements in healthcare.  Community engagement and addressing systemic flaws are crucial for achieving health equity.   Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

Podcast Title: The Venture Variety Show: How AI is Reshaping Venture Capital with Fred Campbell of TRAC.vcShow Notes:Episode Description:Is AI the future of venture capital? In this eye-opening episode of The Venture Variety Show, host Alastair Goldfisher dives deep into the data-driven revolution transforming the investment landscape. Alastair interviews Fred Campbell, Managing Partner and Co-founder of TRAC.vc, a venture firm at the forefront of AI-powered investing.  Fred, a self-described "reluctant VC" and former tech entrepreneur, shares his unique journey and TRAC's groundbreaking approach to identifying and funding high-potential startups.  This episode explores how TRAC uses AI to analyze market trends, evaluate startups, and make investment decisions, offering invaluable insights for entrepreneurs navigating the evolving world of venture capital.  Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs and Investors:The Rise of AI in Venture Capital: Discover how AI and data analytics are changing how venture firms source deals, conduct due diligence, and make investment decisions.  TRAC.vc's AI-Driven Model:TRAC stands out as a 100% AI data-driven VC, where "data is our investment committee."  Learn how their technology analyzes market data and identifies promising startups with a high probability of success.  Discover TRAC’s emphasis on market timing, product-market fit, and "collective intelligence" in predicting startup success.  Crucial Advice for Entrepreneurs:Learn why claiming "no competition" is a major red flag for investors and how to effectively position your company in a competitive market.  Understand the importance of building a strong media footprint to attract investor interest.  Master the art of storytelling in pitches, combining emotional appeal with data-driven evidence.  The Evolving Venture Landscape:Explore how data-driven approaches are changing the dynamics of venture capital, potentially leading to increased efficiency and reduced failure rates.  TRAC's Unique Approach to Finding "Smart Money":Learn how TRAC’s AI identifies "SuperTRACers" - high-performing investors whose involvement significantly increases a startup's probability of success.  Quotes:Fred Campbell: "I'm a reluctant VC."  Fred Campbell: "As far as I know, TRAC is the only 100% AI data-driven VC."  Fred Campbell: "Data is our investment committee."  Fred Campbell: "Turn the equation around."  Fred Campbell: "The story is everything."  Call to Action:Listen to the full episode of The Venture Variety Show with Fred Campbell for more in-depth insights into AI-driven venture capital and actionable advice for entrepreneurs.Visit TRAC.vc to learn more about their investment strategy and access their investor research tool.  Subscribe to The Venture Variety Show for more interviews with leading voices in the venture and startup ecosystem. Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

keywordsventure capital, marketing strategy, storytelling, consistency, earned media, video content, podcasting, founder support, work-life balance, authenticitysummaryIn this episode of The Venture Variety Show, Alastair Goldfisher interviews Kayla Liederbach, a seasoned VC marketing expert. Kayla shares her journey into venture capital, her experiences at SOSV, and the importance of consistency in marketing strategies for VC firms. She discusses the significance of owned and earned media, the role of video and podcasting, and what founders should look for in a VC firm. Kayla emphasizes the need for authenticity and maintaining a work-life balance while navigating the fast-paced world of venture capital.takeawaysKayla Liederbach transitioned into venture capital from a tech startup.Consistency in marketing is crucial for VC firms.Creating effective content strategies can help VC firms grow.Owned media is essential for building a VC brand.Video content adds a human touch to marketing efforts.Founders should seek VCs that offer more than just financial support.Work-life balance is important in the demanding VC industry.Authenticity attracts the right clients and partners.Alignment with personal values enhances professional success.Networking and community building are vital for VC marketing.titlesNavigating the Venture Capital LandscapeThe Art of VC MarketingSound Bites"The importance of consistency in marketing""Having a work-life balance is crucial""Alignment was my word of the year"ChaptersKeys to Successful Marketing in VCBest Practices for VC MarketingThe Role of PR in Venture CapitalEmerging Trends in Content CreationValue of Marketing for InvestorsWhat Founders Should Look for in VCsWork-Life Balance in Venture CapitalFinal Thoughts and Contact Information Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

keywordsAI, robotics, technology, investment, labor force, productivity, industrialization, manufacturing, defense tech, automationsummaryIn this conversation, Marvin discusses his shift in investment focus towards AI, robotics, and manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of re-industrialization in America. He reflects on the implications of technology on the labor force, acknowledging both job displacement and the creation of new opportunities. Marvin also highlights how AI can enhance productivity, allowing smaller teams to achieve greater results.takeawaysMarvin has shifted his investment focus towards AI and robotics.Re-industrialization of America is crucial for economic growth.Technology can displace jobs but also creates new opportunities.AI can enhance productivity significantly in various sectors.Investing in defense tech and manufacturing is becoming increasingly important.The implications of AI and robotics are often overlooked.Marvin emphasizes the need to rethink investment strategies in tech.Automation in factories is changing the nature of work.AI tools can help small companies achieve large-scale productivity.The future of work will involve leveraging technology for efficiency.titlesThe Future of AI and RoboticsInvesting in Tomorrow's TechnologySound Bites"I'm very, very heavy into AI.""Technology eats jobs.""AI is like your assistant."Chapters00:00Introduction to Marvin Leo00:05Marvin's Investment Journey00:05The Importance of Writing00:05Lessons from Entrepreneurship00:05Returning to Core Values of Silicon Valley00:05The Role of Mentorship00:05Changes in the Investment Landscape00:05Connecting with VCs01:11Investing in AI and Robotics03:38Impact of Technology on Jobs05:33Future of Investments and Startups Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

AI Show Noteskeywordscoaching, leadership development, Sounding Board, executive coaching, venture capital, technology in coaching, democratizing coaching, pandemic impact, coaching trends, healthcare coachingsummaryIn this conversation, Alastair Goldfisher interviews Christine Tao, co-founder and CEO of Sounding Board, a company that provides executive coaching services. They discuss the founding story of Sounding Board, the evolution of coaching in organizations, and how technology has made coaching more accessible. Christine shares insights on the democratization of coaching, its role in venture capital, and the impact of the pandemic on coaching practices. The conversation highlights the importance of coaching in leadership development and the trends shaping the future of coaching.takeawaysCoaching is now a core service offered by venture capital firms.The pandemic accelerated the adoption of virtual coaching models.Coaching is being democratized without losing quality.A coach serves as a thought partner for executives.Many founders experience an 'aha moment' with coaching.Technology has made coaching more scalable and affordable.Coaching is now utilized across various industries and levels.Companies are increasingly deploying coaching to support employee development.Sounding Board has evolved to offer both coaching and technology solutions.titlesUnlocking Leadership Potential with CoachingThe Journey of Sounding Board: A Founder's StorySound Bites"We call it an aha moment.""A coach is a thought partner.""The pandemic changed everything for coaching."Chapters00:00 The Evolution of Coaching in Organizations04:06 Coaching for Founders and Emerging Managers07:16 The Shift to Virtual Coaching Models10:27 New Chapter Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

AI Show Noteskeywordsentrepreneurship, investment, Silicon Valley, personal development, startup advice, venture capital, networking, writing, core values, building startupssummaryIn this episode of The Venture Variety Show, Alastair Goldfisher interviews Marvin Liao, a seasoned investor and entrepreneur. They discuss the importance of personal development in entrepreneurship, the current investment landscape, and the need to return to Silicon Valley's core values. Marvin shares insights on how entrepreneurs can connect with investors, the significance of writing and sharing knowledge, and the challenges and opportunities present in today's startup environment.takeawaysEntrepreneurship is fundamentally about personal development.Investors and founders need to return to core values.Networking is essential for entrepreneurs to connect with investors.Writing helps clarify thoughts and share knowledge.The investment landscape is changing, and adaptability is key.Understanding unit economics is crucial for startups.The highs and lows of entrepreneurship can be extreme.Building a startup is a long-term grind.Paying it forward is important in the entrepreneurial community.Now is a great time to build startups with available tools.titlesNavigating the Investment Landscape with Marvin LiaoThe Personal Development Journey of EntrepreneursSound Bites"You have to keep people even keeled.""Pay it forward mentality is crucial.""Do your research and do your homework."Chapters00:00Introduction to Marvin Leo00:34Marvin's Investment Journey00:49The Importance of Writing02:18Lessons from Entrepreneurship04:37Returning to Core Values of Silicon Valley07:19The Role of Mentorship08:53Changes in the Investment Landscape09:31Connecting with VCs15:46Future of Investments and Startups Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

Episode Title: Navigating the Bifurcation of Venture Capital with Courtney McCreaEpisode Summary: In this Valentine’s Day episode of The Venture Variety Show, Alastair Goldfisher talks with Courtney McCrea, co-founder of Recast Capital. They discuss the challenges and opportunities for emerging managers in the venture capital industry, which is increasingly dominated by large, established firms.What You’ll Learn:Background and Mission of Recast Capital: Discover the origins of Recast Capital, founded by Courtney McCrea and Sara Zulkosky, focusing on supporting and investing in diverse, emerging venture managers.The Current VC Landscape: An exploration of the stark division in the U.S. venture capital market, where a few large firms control a significant portion of the funds, leaving emerging managers fighting for a smaller share.Challenges Facing Emerging Managers: Insight into the hurdles that new managers face, including competition for capital and the impacts of a liquidity drought on their ability to raise funds.The Importance of Diversity: Courtney discusses the strides Recast Capital has made in promoting diversity within the venture capital community, with a significant percentage of their funds managed by women or non-binary individuals and people of color.Support Systems for Emerging Managers: How Recast Capital provides crucial support to emerging managers, helping them to thrive in a competitive environment.Featured Quotes:Courtney McCrea: “We are not only investing in emerging managers but are also providing them with a support system often only accessible to established players.”Alastair Goldfisher: “Emerging managers often bring unique perspectives and deep market insights, making them invaluable for startups at the earliest stages.”Call to Action:🎧 Listen to the episode to gain a deeper understanding of how emerging managers are shaping the future of venture capital.💬 Have ideas for future guests or topics? Reach out directly via [Your Contact Information]—your suggestions help us keep the show vibrant and relevant!Subscribe and Follow Us:Follow The Venture Variety Show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube to never miss an episode about the latest trends and insights in venture capital. Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

keywordsGavin Myers, venture capital, built world, AI in construction, M&A activity, investor relations, technology investments, entrepreneurship, private equity, communication with LPssummaryIn this conversation, Gavin Myers shares his journey from investment banking to founding Prudence, a venture capital firm focused on the built world. He discusses the importance of technology in real estate and construction, the rise of AI solutions, and the current trends in M&A activity. Gavin emphasizes the significance of honest communication between investors and entrepreneurs, highlighting the need for transparency and alignment in their relationships.takeawaysGavin Myers emphasizes the importance of making one good investment at a time.The built world is a massive sector with significant opportunities for technology adoption.AI is transforming the construction industry by automating workflow tasks.M&A activity is expected to increase as companies seek growth through acquisitions.Brutal honesty in communication is crucial for successful investor-entrepreneur relationships.Investors should focus on understanding the ground truth of a company before investing.The construction sector is facing a labor shortage, creating a demand for technology solutions.Vertical AI is becoming essential for completing workflow tasks in construction.Founders should build relationships with larger companies for potential partnerships.In-person communication remains vital for deep understanding and relationship building.Sound Bites"We try to make one good investment at a time.""We are locked at the arms once we invest.""One investment at a time."Chapters00:00 Gavin Myers' Journey to Prudence05:27 Investing in the Built World13:06 The Role of Technology in Construction17:43 Trends in Venture Capital and M&A24:40 Investor-Entrepreneur Relationships Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Venture Variety Show, I sit down with Jodi Lomask, founder of Creative Journey, to explore how psilocybin and guided nature-immersive retreats are helping high achievers unlock creativity, clarity and vision.On the podcast, Lomask shares how she transitioned from decades as a professional choreographer to guiding startup founders, VCs and innovators through transformative psychedelic experiences. These journeys aren’t just about altered states. They’re about breaking mental patterns, embracing fresh perspectives and authoring the future.In this podcast, we discuss:* The growing interest in psychedelics among professionals like Sam Altman and others in leadership.* How guided macrodose experiences differ from the microdosing trend.* Why creativity and vision are critical for leaders shaping tomorrow’s world.* The importance of post-journey integration for long-term growth.I hope you find the conversation is more than just a talk about psychedelics. It’s about rethinking how we tap into our full creative potential.🎧 Listen to the full episode here and follow The Venture Variety Show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube.🔗 For a deeper dive into the use of psilocybin, check out my accompanying Substack article on the growing trend of psychedelics in leadership and innovation. Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

In this special short episode of The Venture Variety Show, Alastair Goldfisher reflects on 2024 and shares exciting updates about what’s coming in the new year.Highlights from This Episode:A big thank you to our listeners for supporting the launch of The Venture Variety Show this year.Updates on the upcoming lineup of incredible guests, including founders, VCs, LPs, artists, marketing professionals, and attorneys.A sneak peek into a conversation with Jodi Lomask, founder of Creative Journey, where we explore the intersection of creativity, leadership, and psychedelics.Key Topics Covered:What to expect in 2025: consistent podcast releases featuring inspiring guests and actionable insights.How The Venture Variety Show explores trends, platform innovations, and stories of growth in the venture capital and startup world.The value of creativity and unrealized potential, as shared by Jodi Lomask in a teaser from an upcoming episode.Call to Action:Don’t miss out! Subscribe now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube to stay updated on new episodes.Have a guest or topic idea? Drop Alastair a note—he’d love to hear your suggestions for 2025!Check out The Venture Lens, Alastair’s newsletter on Substack, for more insights and updates. Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Venture Variety Show, we meet with Christine Tao, co-founder and CEO of Sounding Board, a tech-enabled coaching and mentoring platform.Christine shares her journey from her previous work at Tapjoy, Google and YouTube, to partner with Lori Mazan to launch Sounding Board, a venture-backed startup that has raised almost $50 million in funding.Christine and I chatted about the transformative power of coaching, exploring how it has evolved from a tool for derailed executives to a vital resource for leaders across all levels and industries. It was amazing to hear her talk about how coaching is used not just by execs and startup founders, but also for nurses and university student affairs staff.In the podcast, Christine discusses the innovative ways Sounding Board leverages technology to make high-quality coaching accessible and scalable.If you've ever wondered how coaching can accelerate your professional development or the impact it can have on an organization, this episode is for you!Listen in as we uncover valuable insights and “aha moments” to show how you can benefit from coaching, whether you're a first-time entrepreneur or an established leader.Future Podcasts from TVVSThe Venture Variety Show aims to showcase the inside baseball of venture firms, focusing on platforms, current trends in VC, data-driven reports, expert opinions and more.If you have suggestions for future guests, I’d love to hear from you. Just reach out!You can also follow The Venture Variety Show on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

In this conversation, Alastair Goldfisher and Scott Brown discuss the evolution and significance of platform roles in venture capital. Scott emphasizes the importance of value addition beyond capital, the impact of relationships, the changes brought about by the pandemic and advice for those looking to get into a platform role. Scott also shares insights on best practices for VC platforms and offers advice for entrepreneurs seeking investment from firms. Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to The Venture Variety Show! I’m Alastair and this is an intro to my video podcast. This podcast will explore the intersection of venture capital, startups, media and platforms. Join me as we dive into trends, strategies and success stories that shape the startup and venture communities. Expect engaging conversations and golden nuggets of wisdom to help you level up! Get full access to The Venture Lens at theventurelens.substack.com/subscribe