Startup Success: A Podcast for Founders & Investors

In this episode of Startup Success, host Kate sits down with Tony Jamous, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Oyster, and Hadi Moussa, the company’s newly appointed CEO, for a refreshingly honest conversation on scaling a global company— and knowing when it’s time to bring in new leadership.Tony shares the personal journey behind one of the hardest decisions any founder can make: stepping aside as CEO, and why putting the mission ahead of ego sets great founders apart. And Hadi explains how he’s approached the transition to ensure a successful handoff.We discuss:The moment Tony knew it was time to hand over the CEO roleHow to manage leadership transitions with intention and transparencyCommunicating the change in a way that builds trust and signals strengthWhy global hiring is a competitive advantage in the age of AIWhether you're navigating growth, thinking about leadership evolution, or rethinking how to build a distributed team, this episode offers a thoughtful look at what it really takes to scale—with the right people, in the right roles, at the right time.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! Learn more about Oyster at https://www.oysterhr.comThis episode is produced by Brenda Hernández Jaimes of Ellas MediaPost-Production by Angela R. Chong of Amplify Podcasts

Casey Woo, CEO & Founder of Operators Guild and GP & Founder of FOG Ventures, joins us on Startup Success to discuss how scaling a startup has changed and why founders need “horizontal generalists,” or scalers, on their early teams.After helping scale several high-profile startups, Casey built Operators Guild, a global community for the operators who thrive in early-stage chaos, and later FOG Ventures, its venture capital arm. He’s seen firsthand why this new breed of operator is essential in today’s AI-driven world.Casey breaks down how these operators fuel hypergrowth and why early-stage founders should prioritize hiring them. He explains this mindset isn’t learned—it’s in your DNA. Curious, impatient, and energized by ambiguity, scalers are wired differently.We discuss:How AI is reshaping how startups hire and scale, and why adaptable, strategic thinkers matter more than ever.The new operational model that is essential to high-growth startups.How to spot a scaler on a resume and what signals to look for in the interview process.How the office of the CFO and COO has changed and what that means for today's startups.This episode blends insight and practicality—a must-listen for founders building teams in an increasingly complex landscape.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! Learn more about Fog Ventures at: https://www.fog.ventures/Learn more about Operators Guild at: https://www.operators-guild.com/

What does the startup landscape look like right now—and what to expect in Q2?In this episode of Startup Success, Steve Lord, Chief Knowledge Officer and COO at Burkland, returns for his quarterly breakdown of the venture capital ecosystem. Together, we unpack what shaped Q1 2026 and why fundraising remains an uphill battle for many founders since it is highly concentrated, with most capital flowing to AI companies from a small group of top VC firms.Steve explores the latest macro forces—oil prices, AI hype, and interest rates—impacting the market and weighs in on whether the economy's resilience will hold.We tackle the big questions:What was fundraising like in Q1 and what is the outlook for Q2?What’s on the horizon for interest rates?Will AI deals continue to dominate investment activity?How can founders prepare for what’s next?As usual, Steve combines optimism with practical advice: stay focused on what matters, manage runway, know your numbers, and be ready to fundraise at any moment. A grounded reminder that execution still wins, even in uncertain times.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn!

In this episode of Startup Success, Kate sits down with Marlena Sarunac, co-founder and fractional CMO at The Company Advice, a marketing firm for startups. They help startups clarify their category, sharpen their messaging, and build go-to-market strategies that actually convert. After leading marketing from Series A to Series B at Particle Health and driving go-to-market across highly technical industries, Marlena now helps founders turn complex products into compelling narratives that resonate with buyers and drive growth. She explains how tighter capital and AI-informed buyers are reshaping startup marketing — and what founders need to do differently today.We dive into:Why the traditional startup go-to-market playbook no longer works and what to do insteadThe risks of not clearly defining your market categoryHow to develop consistent messaging that builds trust with both buyers and AI search modelsWhy shared KPIs are key to aligning teams — from engineering to marketing — around growthHow to uncover your startup's hidden growth blockers with their Friction Finder toolThis episode offers practical frameworks for founders trying to break through crowded markets and build sustainable traction. If you’re working on refining your positioning, improving your go-to-market tactics, or scaling beyond founder-led sales, this one’s a must-listen.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 🔗 Check out the Friction Finder tool here https://www.thecompanyadvice.com/friction-finder

In this episode of Startup Success, Kate sits down with Marshall Hawks, author of Venture Debt Deals and a venture lending leader with two decades of experience, including 16 years at Silicon Valley Bank, helping founders fund growth with less dilution.Drawing on real-world case studies, Marshall breaks down what venture debt really is, why it has become an increasingly important part of startup capital strategies, and how founders can use it to extend runway while minimizing dilution. He also shares a behind-the-scenes look at how lenders evaluate startups, what to expect during due diligence, and the difference between banks and private credit providers — and when to work with each.Marshall addresses:What venture debt is and where it fits within your startup’s capital strategyCommon mistakes startups make when pursuing venture debtWhat founders should expect during the screening processThis episode is a clear and thorough overview of venture debt financing. If you’re considering venture debt to support your startup’s growth or want to learn more about it, this is a must-listen. ----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 🔗 Learn more at www.venturedebtdeals.com

In this episode of Startup Success, Kate sits down with Joseph Rutakangwa, Co-Founder and CEO of Rwazi, a decision AI platform that helps enterprise teams drive growth. Joseph shares his remarkable journey—from growing up in multiple countries and finding his unique niche in global market intelligence, to building Rwazi without outside funding and scaling it into a multi-million-dollar ARR business serving Fortune 500 companies.Joseph breaks down the real problem enterprises face today: not a lack of data, but an inability to turn fragmented data into clear, actionable decisions. Rwazi’s decision AI and its copilot, Sena, help leaders see what’s really happening in the market, understand the impact on their business, decide what to do next, and execute—without guesswork, outdated reports, or expensive consultants.We discuss:How to scale by prioritizing customer acquisition above all else Profitability before funding? Rwazi shows it’s possible—and how they did it How Rwazi uses AI to turn business decision chaos into growth Advice for founders. Why you must build your entire business around the customerThis episode is a must-listen for founders, operators, and investors interested in AI, enterprise SaaS, and building scalable businesses grounded in real customer needs.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 🔗 Learn more about Rwazi at https://rwazi.com

In this episode of Startup Success, Kate talks with Tanya Van Court, Founder and CEO of Goalsetter, an award-winning financial education platform transforming how people learn about money.Inspired by a personal financial setback and her leadership experience at Nickelodeon, Discovery, and ESPN, Tanya built a mission-driven startup that closes a critical knowledge gap by making financial education engaging, accessible, and relevant.We discuss:Unlocking product-market fit by building products with customers at the centerStaying grounded through the highs and lows of startup lifeWhy healthy dissent makes teams strongerDon’t miss this conversation on entrepreneurship, building products that truly engage customers, and growing companies that do well by doing good.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 🔗 Learn more about Goalsetter at https://goalsetter.co/

VC pioneer Mike Collins built his firm around his passionate belief that venture capital investing shouldn’t be limited to a select few. In this episode of Startup Success, host Kate sits down with Mike Collins, Founder and CEO of Alumni Ventures, to discuss how one of the most active VC firms in the world is redefining access to venture investing, along with his advice for today’s founders and his perspective on the evolving startup ecosystem.  Alumni Ventures takes a unique approach to venture capital, investing alongside top-tier firms while drawing capital from a network of individual accredited investors. With more than 11,000 investors, over $1.5B raised, and 1,000+ portfolio companies, the firm has built a powerful ecosystem that benefits both founders and investors.Tune in to learn:What Mike and Alumni Ventures look for when evaluating startupsWhy AI is transformative—but not the only sector worth watchingMike’s key advice to founders, summed up in 3 wordsWhat sets Alumni Ventures apart from other VC firmsTune in to hear Mike’s perspective on the future of venture capital, why we’re in a golden age of innovation, and how Alumni Ventures leverages its extensive network to help founders succeed.Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 🔗 Learn more about Alumni Ventures at av.vc

We’re kicking off 2026 with a returning favorite: Steve Lord, Burkland's COO and Head of Knowledge Share. He joins us to unpack what really happened in 2025—and what founders should be paying attention to now for 2026.In this wide-ranging conversation, we dive into the economy, interest rates, inflation, tariffs, market volatility, and venture capital, and what it all means for startups navigating fundraising, hiring, and growth. This episode gives founders must-have guidance on what to expect in 2026 and how to tackle the challenges ahead.We discuss:Why Steve predicts a rebound in early-stage fundingInterest rate outlook for 2026 and what could trigger cutsEconomic outlook for 2026 and what founders should be watchingM&A trends and consolidation moves founders can’t afford to ignoreWhy clean books, taxes, and cap tables matter more than everFor startup founders trying to make sense of the macro noise and wondering what to expect in 2026, this episode delivers grounded perspective, practical advice, and a cautiously optimistic outlook for the year ahead.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 

From power washing in Kansas to translating 30 languages in real time—Kevin Turpin’s entrepreneurial journey is anything but ordinary.In this episode of Startup Success, we welcome Kevin Turpin, CEO and founder of Weavix, for an inspiring conversation on the power of solving a problem close to your heart and leading with integrity.Hear how Kevin and his brothers built Walt, a groundbreaking smart radio that’s saved their clients billions of dollars by empowering workers to communicate and solve problems faster. We discuss:Kevin’s philosophy on scaling with trust and why culture is just as critical as product-market fitHow they are uniquely positioned to be one of the leading worker products for AIThe remarkable way Weavix is transforming industrial workplaces and elevating the value of workersWhether you’re an early-stage founder or a seasoned business leader, Kevin’s passion for solving real problems and lifting people up will leave you rethinking how you approach growth, leadership, and innovation.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! Learn more about Weavix here: https://weavix.com/

Where innovation meets purpose—HOPE Hydration is proving that sustainability can be both smart and scalable. In this episode of Startup Success, host Kate sits down with HOPE Hydration co-founders Jorge Richardson and Cristina Gnecco, the visionary team behind smart water refill stations designed to make clean drinking water universally accessible—and free. HOPE Hydration is pioneering a model where advertising funds sustainability, turning water stations into connected platforms that benefit both cities and brands. The company recently raised a $20M Series A, marking a major step in their mission to bring smart hydration to urban centers worldwide.We discuss:How AI has helped to fuel HOPE Hydration’s successTheir creative strategies for driving consumer adoptionWhat it means to operate as a certified B CorpHow they stay true to their mission while delivering value to investorsTune in to hear how Jorge and Cristina are blending technology, trust, and purpose to make every refill count—and build a movement toward a more sustainable, hydrated future. And if you’d like a HydroStation in your area, they’d love to hear from you!----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 🔗 Learn more about HOPE Hydration at https://www.hopehydration.com/

(00:00:00) How to Build High-Performing Teams at Every Stage of Your Startup (00:00:17) Introduction (00:01:00) Lidiya’s Background (00:01:44) Focus of Build It Labs (00:02:54) Three Components of Operations (00:04:12) The Importance of Getting “People” Right (00:05:10) Hiring Across Startup Stages (00:08:00) Early-Stage Hiring Challenges (00:10:13) Hiring Pitfalls and Structured Interviewing (00:14:42) Combining Data and Intuition (00:16:05) Defining Success Up Front (00:19:18) Tactical Interview Tips (00:22:29) The Roundtable Decision Process (00:25:55) Final Words of Wisdom for Founders In this episode of Startup Success, we sit down with Lidiya Becker, a seasoned operator and founder of Build It Labs, who’s helped countless startups navigate the challenges of rapid growth. She’s been in the trenches and knows what it really takes to build operational processes and teams that can scale effectively.Our conversation focuses on teams, and Lidiya walks through her Purpose, People, and Process framework—a simple but powerful way for startups to grow sustainably and build high-performing teams. She also shares must-hear advice on avoiding the hiring mistakes so many founders make, like failing to define the ideal candidate before interviews begin or skipping a rigorous interview process.We discuss:Who to hire at each growth stage of your startupHow to approach interviews as an investigation, not a vibe checkLidiya’s “Hell Yes” rule for hiringIf you’re a founder gearing up to scale or preparing for your next mission-critical hire, you won’t want to miss this conversation.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 🔗 Learn more about Build It Labs: builditlabs.comChapters:00:17 – Introduction01:00 – Lidiya’s Background01:44 – Focus of Build It Labs02:54 – Three Components of Operations04:12 – The Importance of Getting “People” Right05:10 – Hiring Across Startup Stages08:00 – Early-Stage Hiring Challenges10:13 – Hiring Pitfalls and Structured Interviewing14:42 – Combining Data and Intuition16:05 – Defining Success Up Front19:18 – Tactical Interview Tips22:29 – The Roundtable Decision Process25:55 – Conclusion & How to Connect

What does it take to build a biotech startup tackling one of the toughest challenges in women’s health? In this episode of Startup Success, we sit down with Oriana Papin-Zoghbi, Founder and CEO of AOA, whose company is pioneering a novel approach to detecting early-stage ovarian cancer.Oriana shares her journey to founding AOA, the mission-critical lessons she learned from scaling her team too fast, and why she believes “doing the hard things the right way” is the key to long-term success.She offers candid insights on:Her incremental approach to fundraising as a first-time founderThe realities of hiring and why not everyone is a good fit for startup lifeHow scaling consciously can save your startup from chaosWhat it took to recover when rapid growth nearly broke the companyIf you’ve ever questioned what it really takes to turn an idea into a thriving company, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about growth, grit, and what it means to build something that lasts.Chapters:00:18 – Welcome and Introduction00:51 – Oriana’s Career Background03:00 – Inspiration for AOA Dx and Ovarian Cancer Diagnostics05:00 – From Concept to Funding07:54 – Current Stage of AOA Dx08:12 – Challenges Along the Way09:41 – People-First Philosophy12:44 – Building a Robust Hiring Process14:07 – Balancing Learners and Guides in a Startup15:56 – Scaling Consciously18:16 – Organizational Systems and Operational Infrastructure21:02 – Final Words of Wisdom for Founders23:02 – Where to Find AOA Dx----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! Learn more about AOA, visit: https://aoadx.com/

On this episode of Startup Success, Kate sits down with Itamar Novick, Founder and General Partner of Recursive Ventures, who has been named one of Business Insider’s Top 100 Global Seed Investors for five years running. Unlike many VCs, Itamar brings a unique operator’s perspective, having helped scale Life360 from pre-seed to IPO and been part of multiple major exits. He reflects on what he’s learned from 25 years in the startup ecosystem, from the failures of his first company to his early bet on AI way back in 2012. And while Recursive Ventures is “all in” on AI, Itamar candidly shares his concerns about its potential risks to society.We discuss:What he looks for when investing in a startupHis use of “anti-patterns” to teach founders how to avoid failureWhat it takes to build an AI company that will survive the long haulItamar’s top advice for founders: jump on the wave first, embrace disruption, pivot quickly, and keep adapting. Founders who last aren’t the ones who play it safe. ----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! Learn more about Recursive Ventures here, Itamar’s Blog here, and Itamar’s LinkedIn here.

Most founders know they need marketing to build their business—but few know where to start.In this episode of Startup Success, host Kate sits down with Jacqueline Basulto, Founder & CEO of SeedX, a full-service digital marketing agency helping startups scale with clarity and strategy.Jacqueline shares her path to launching SeedX, and how she’s grown the company to a 65-person team supporting clients across industries. Together, they dive into the fundamentals every founder needs to know about building a strong digital presence.We cover a lot in a short time, including: How AI and “no-click marketing” are reshaping customer acquisitionWhy your website is your #1 asset—even in the age of AIThe smart way to use email marketing to stand out from your competitorsModern marketing tactics that leverage AIIt’s the kind of conversation you’ll want to bookmark and come back to whenever you need a quick marketing refresher. ----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! Learn more about SeedX at seedx.us and at LinkedIn 

With Q3 behind us, the headlines continue to be pessimistic—but Steve Lord,  Burkland's COO and Head of Knowledge Share, says the story is more complicated and less alarming.Steve joins us at the close of each quarter for an update on the startup ecosystem. This quarterly episode is another must-listen, providing a much-needed reality check, insights into the current state of the economy, and guidance on what founders need to know about the venture capital landscape as we approach the end of 2025.We cover:The real story behind the Fed’s recent rate cut—and what’s nextWhy the U.S. economy is stronger than headlines suggestThe lagging impact of interest rates and tariffsWhat founders should NOT do in this fundraising environmentSmart bets for raising capital right nowHow to adapt your pitch deck to today’s market realitiesDon’t buy into the hype that venture is broken. Steve reminds us that this industry is inherently cyclical. What feels like a slowdown today is part of a larger pattern. Founders who recognize macro trends, prepare early for their next raise, and aren’t afraid to communicate with their investors will be best positioned for the upswing ahead.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn!Learn more about Burkland at burklandassociates.com.

Ivan Montoya is a venture capitalist with a fresh perspective on the typical VC–founder relationship. He and his firm, NuMundo Ventures, take an unusually hands-on approach with pre-seed and seed-stage founders—providing a level of support typically reserved for Series A and B stage startups.They often form close bonds with founders even before investing, actively helping with fundraising, pitch decks, go-to-market strategy, and everything in between.On this episode of Startup Success, we explore how Ivan’s trajectory from startup operator to angel investor to VC shaped his approach to backing founders, and how he’s helping the next generation of LatAm entrepreneurs achieve remarkable growth and gain traction in the US.We discuss:How to make your startup stand out at an early stageThe power of working with the right VC partnerLatAm’s startup boom and why their ecosystem is ripe for disruptionWhether you’re a founder, investor, or part of the global startup community, this episode takes you inside an emerging tech scene and reveals a new blueprint for the VC-founder relationship.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn!Learn more about NuMundo Ventures here: https://numundoventures.com/

Materials development touches all startups—driving technological progress and innovation across every industry.  In this episode of Startup Success, host Kate Adams sits down with Joseph Krause, Co-Founder & CEO of Radical AI, a groundbreaking startup that's accelerating the discovery of new materials by using AI to transform the traditionally slow and costly R&D process.Fresh off a $55M seed raise, Joseph shares his inspiring startup journey and reveals the secret to building a fast-moving, mission-driven team. Joseph’s top advice for founders: build a ridiculous bias to action into everything you do!Tune in to hear:Radical AI’s plan to remove barriers to innovationHow they deliberately designed a culture that drives them forwardThe payoff of their relentless focus on iterationThis episode is a fascinating listen for any founder as Joseph lays out Radical AI's approach to building a truly revolutionary startup. Plus, if you’re curious about how AI could dramatically change materials development, this interview won't disappoint!----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 

In this episode, host Kate Adams sits down with Julia Austin—Executive Fellow at Harvard Business School, startup advisor, executive coach, and author of After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup. With decades of experience leading teams at Akamai, VMware, and DigitalOcean, Julia brings tactical wisdom and deep empathy to the messy, high-stakes realities of startup life.Together, they unpack what really happens after the check clears: from managing investor relationships and board dynamics to building operationally sound companies that can scale. Drawing on frameworks from her book and real-world examples, Julia gives founders clear guidance on how to stay in the driver’s seat—even in the face of strong investor opinions.Highlights includeHow and when to communicate with your investors after the "check clears"Productive ways to disagree with your investors and still build trustStrategies to get the most value out of your board member’s network & expertiseThe gap most startup books miss—and how After the Idea fills itJulia also lays out a strong case for why figuring out the “culture and people stuff” is essential to a startup’s survival. Whether you’re working towards product market fit, building a team, or navigating early-stage chaos, this is your crash course in leading with intention, not reaction.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! Purchase your copy of After the Idea here!

In this episode of Startup Success, we sit down with Ian Bateman, co-founder and CEO of Highscore, a startup on a mission to bring more games to more people—especially long-neglected Mac users—by enabling PC games to work on any device.Ian shares his startup journey—from building a tech startup in college that led to a successful acquisition, to turning his lifelong frustration as a Mac gamer into the inspiration for his current startup, Highscore. With a lean five-person team, a thriving Discord community of users, and a deeply personal connection to the problem they’re solving, Ian offers an honest and energizing look into early-stage startup life.We explore:Highscore’s early pivot that resulted in a win for users and investors The inner workings of their Alpha launch powered by an active user feedback loopHow complementary co-founders can supercharge a startupIan’s take on the gaming industryWhether you're a founder, a gamer, or just love a good startup story, this episode will leave you inspired by what’s possible when passion meets product-market fit.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 🔗 Learn more at highscore.com or join the conversation on Discord: discord.gg/highscore📱 Follow High Score on Twitter/X: @highscore

Most founders say they value customer feedback—but few know how to truly hear it, let alone act on it. On today’s episode, we are excited to welcome serial founder and CEO Eli Portnoy of Backengine.ai, a platform revolutionizing how businesses capture and act on customer feedback. With over $66M in successful exits behind him, Eli shares the lessons only repeated startup journeys can teach—most critically, why leaning into customer feedback isn't optional, it's foundational to a startup's success.Eli walks us through:Why your startup’s success hinges on aggregating customer feedback across all channelsHow to drive revenue and prevent churn by staying close to customers’ needsWhy many startups fail by ignoring negative customer signalsCritical advice on why CEOs need to meet with customers regularly and assign an owner of customer feedbackEli doesn't just share important learnings around customer feedback, but also what he has learned founding multiple successful startups.  If you're a founder trying to scale, or find product market fit, without losing sight of your customer, this conversation is your blueprint.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 🔗 Learn more at backengine.ai📫 Contact Eli: [email protected]

With Q2 in the rearview mirror, we welcome back one of our most popular guests, Steve Lord, COO & Head of Service Delivery at Burkland. Steve joins us for a macro view of the startup and VC ecosystem—and the message is clear: uncertainty still reigns.From geopolitical instability to unpredictable trade policies and inflation, Steve breaks down what founders and investors need to know right now and provides expert tips on how to raise and extend capital in today’s market. We discuss:Why the Fed has not cut interest rates yet and when that will changeHow global uncertainty is chilling startup investmentSmart ways to fundraise (hint: SAFE notes)The episode also includes actionable advice for founders on how to defend your valuation and present a “buttoned-up investment opportunity” that makes it easier for VCs to say yes!----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn.🔗 Plus, don’t miss Steve’s blog posts and tools for extending cash runway and strategic planning at burklandassociates.com.

We’re thrilled to welcome back Feras Alhlou—seasoned entrepreneur, startup coach, and co-founder of Start Up With Feras—for another insightful episode of Startup Success.In this candid conversation, Feras dives into what it really takes to build and scale a successful startup. He shares hard-earned lessons from his own journey, including how to focus on what matters most during each phase of the startup lifecycle and why founders must learn to delegate! And he offers his take on giving back to your team and your community.We discuss:The importance of “outsourcing the headache” Common mistakes founders make when trying to scaleWhy only great things come from networkingAdvice for founders out there who are strugglingWhether you're just starting out or gearing up for a major growth spurt, this episode is packed with wisdom you won’t want to miss.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 🔗 Resources & Tools:Get the Founder Focus Organizer, Feras’s free newsletter, and info on 1:1 coaching at startupwithferas.comConnect with Feras on LinkedIn or subscribe to his YouTube channel @StartUpWithFeras💬 Bonus: Feras offers free 20-minute “Ask Feras” sessions for founders who need clarity. No pitches—just help.

In this episode, we sit down with Merrill Lutsky, Co-Founder and CEO of Graphite, a breakout startup redefining code review for the AI era. Originally built solely as an internal code review tool, Graphite unexpectedly attracted a huge amount of interest from the developer community, prompting the team to pivot their startup to focus entirely on that tool.Today, Graphite’s AI developer productivity platform is helping engineering teams at companies like Ramp, Figma, and Shopify ship code up to 40% faster.We discuss:Graphite’s remarkable user-driven pivotHow they achieved product-market fitThe highly responsive and scalable user feedback loop that propels their successPros & cons of using AI in software development Startup founders – don’t miss this episode packed with lessons on product-market fit, building for a passionate user base, and driving rapid growth in a competitive space.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! Explore Graphite at graphite.dev and their AI-powered code review agent at diamond.graphite.dev.

If you’re a founder gearing up to raise capital, this episode of Startup Success is your ultimate fundraising playbook. We’re joined by Nathan Beckord, CEO of Foundersuite and Fundingstack, and host of the How I Raised It podcast. Nathan has helped hundreds of startups navigate every stage of the fundraising process—and he’s sharing his top strategies to help you maximize your next raise.We explore the full fundraising journey—from building a strong investor pipeline to closing the round—and zoom in on how to make your pitch deck truly stand out.Nathan breaks down:How to craft a compelling narrative that sticks with investorsStrategies to target the right investors (not “spray and pray”)Your pitch deck - the essential slides you must includeAnd the #1 mistake most founders make when pitchingWhether you’re pitching VCs or prepping for a demo day, this episode is packed with actionable insights and straight talk from a true fundraising expert.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! Learn more about Foundersuite at https://www.foundersuite.com and Fundingstack at https://fundingstack.com.

What makes a co-founder relationship thrive—or fall apart? In this episode of Startup Success, we’re joined by Tim He, Founder of Cherrytree, a company helping startup co-founders navigate the tricky terrain of working together. Tim draws on his personal experience co-founding a startup with four friends and explains how that journey led him to launch a newsletter and private coaching practice for startup founders.We dive deep into the questions most founders overlook: Should you go into business with a close friendDo you really need a co-founder agreementWhy being “too trusting” is often a bigger issue than distrustHow dividing co-founders into technical and non-technical roles can lead to a power imbalanceTim challenges common assumptions about trust, communication, and compatibility, offering a fresh take on how to actually work on your co-founder relationship—just like you would a marriage or friendship.If you’re ready to work on your co-founder relationship, not just your startup, this one’s for you!----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! Learn more about Cherrytree visit their website at https://cherrytree.beehiiv.com/

What makes a startup board really effective? How do you build one that will truly benefit your startup? How do you conduct board meetings that are helpful and not just a quarterly scramble to put together a deck? In this episode of Startup Success, we dive deep into a topic we’ve never explored before: the real role and power of a startup board. Your board can be a game-changer for your startup—if done the right way.Joining us are Matt Blumberg, CEO of Acrolinx, and Mahendra Ramsinghani, the Managing Director of Secure Octane Investments —two of the co-authors of Startup Boards: A Field Guide to Building and Leading an Effective Board of Directors. Together, sharing the operator and investor perspectives, they give practical advice for startup boards and board meetings that you can use today. In this episode, we discuss:The purpose of a startup board and its role in your startup’s successHow to put together your board - selecting and recruiting the right directors, and how to change that mix as you scaleEffective board meetings - practical advice - ranging from the agenda to slides to seating arrangements -  that will improve your meetings Whether you’re building your first board, wanting to optimize the one you have, or are looking to greatly improve your board meetings, this episode is a masterclass in getting it right.🛠️Grab your copy of Startup Boards for even more insights.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 

In this episode of Startup Success, we welcome Arielle Lechner, Executive Coach and Founder of NewPo, to discuss the crucial role of decision-making and leadership in early-stage startups. Arielle, a mentor for TechStars and former startup operator, shares insights on how founders can move faster, avoid burnout, and create a thriving company culture.We dive into how founders can distinguish between upstream and downstream problems, the power of thinking like a scientist when iterating, and Arielle’s Lift and Thrust model for balancing team motivation and momentum.Tune in to learn how to:Stop wasting time on the wrong issues and focus on the upstream problemsCreate a culture that propels your team forward even in difficult timesMove away from the mindset and assumptions that limit your startup’s potential to scaleDon’t miss this episode packed with actionable takeaways on how to successfully navigate the hard decisions and complex challenges that come with leading a startup.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! To learn more about NewPo visit https://www.newpo.io/

Finding startup success outside of Silicon Valley is possible – it just requires some ingenuity.We couldn’t think of anyone who knows more about this topic than Rick Turoczy.With three decades of experience supporting founders, Rick Turoczy, GM and Co-founder of PIE (Portland Incubator Experiment), is the ultimate connector and an expert at helping startups turn ideas into reality. In this episode, we sit down with Rick to explore how startups outside of the Bay Area can find support in their community and he gives us an inside look at the fundraising landscape beyond the Valley.We discuss:Creative fundraising strategies outside of Silicon ValleyTactics for leveraging local resources to help scale your startupHow to pick the right accelerator for your startupWhy the lack of easily accessible capital combined with the proliferation of AI could be a perfect storm for innovationIf you're a founder looking to find startup success in your own community, this episode is a must-listen!----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! To learn more about PIE visit https://www.piepdx.com/

Join us for a Q1 update! Kicking off 2025, many anticipated a return to the "good old days" of economic optimism, but the reality has been more complex. In this episode of Startup Success, we sit down with Steven Lord, Burkland’s COO, to get a pulse on the startup ecosystem and the broader economic landscape as Q1 comes to a close.We discuss:What’s going on with interest rates?Trends in startup valuations and venture capitalThe latest on inflation and the declining consumer confidence indexSteps founders can take now to be prepared for what’s next AI continues to dominate investment conversations, but we’re seeing a shift toward niche AI applications and industry-specific use cases. Meanwhile, economic uncertainty has created a turbulent environment for startups reliant on government grants and regulatory stability, leaving many clean energy, healthcare, and fintech founders in limbo.Tune in for a deep dive into the forces shaping startup success in 2025, and what founders, investors, and business leaders should watch for in the months ahead -- plus a quick PSA moment on protecting your startup against hackers!----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 

In this episode of Startup Success, we explore the data privacy considerations that all founders need to address, not ignore, with Katharine Tomko, Partner at First Ascent Ventures. Katharine fully understands all the priorities and stresses founders face, so she lays out a clear roadmap for them with small, actionable steps they can take now that will help them down the road with privacy.With an intriguing background that spans from her first job as a parole officer to the early days of data protection programs at Facebook and now her work in venture capital, Katharine is a true authority on data privacy. She “gets” the mindset of founders and knows what they need to do today around privacy and data collection.Katharine offers perspective on:The big dangers of not prioritizing privacy in the AI eraWhy more is not better when it comes to collecting customer dataDoes data mapping solve privacy?What VCs can learn about a founder by how they manage privacyFounders and VCs – don’t miss this deep dive into a topic that’s becoming non-negotiable in the startup world!----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 

Pricing and packaging can make or break a startup, yet many founders struggle to get it right. In this episode of Startup Success, we sit down with Fynn Glover, Co-Founder and CEO of Schematic, to explore his journey from startup founder to pricing and packaging expert. Fynn shares lessons from his first startup—how a pivot led to an acquisition, the challenges of scaling, and what sparked his fascination with pricing.And we dive into:How to get a deep understanding of your market's willingness to payThe big upside of having pricing and packaging that can evolve as fast as your product roadmapWhy decoupling pricing from the engineering function allows for more creativity around monetization Whether you're starting a new venture or scaling a business, this episode offers valuable insights on monetization, customer pricing dynamics, and conquering common pricing challenges![01:42] Fynn’s First Startup, Pivot, and Acquisition[05:29] Founding Schematic[08:00] Challenges and Insights in Pricing and Packaging[10:00] Schematic's Approach and Early Success[17:17] Advice for Startup Founders----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn!

In this episode of Startup Success, we are joined by Daniel Loreto, founder of Jetify, who dives into his journey from working at tech giants like Google, Twitter, and Airbnb to launching his own startup. Daniel shares how his passion for accelerating software development led to the creation of Jetify and how AI is transforming the way developers bring ideas to life.Highlights:Daniel’s candid advice on raising a successful seed roundHis careful approach towards scaling and spending moneyStrategies for creating the right company culture and building a high-performing teamHow AI agents like Jetify’s Test Pilot are revolutionizing the software development lifecycleThis episode is packed with valuable insights on navigating the startup ecosystem, leveraging AI, turning your passion into a business, and more! Tune in now to hear Daniel’s journey and his vision for the future of software development!----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 

There is no getting around the power of customer feedback in building a successful startup.In this episode of Startup Success, we sit down with Luke Kim, founder and CEO of Liner, an AI-powered search tool revolutionizing the way researchers, students, and knowledge workers find reliable information. As a child during the dot-com boom, Luke dreamed of one day starting his own company. Right out of college, he turned his dream into reality by founding Liner, which is now one of the top AI search tools in the world.Luke shares his incredible journey and highlights his team’s successful strategy for harnessing the power of customer feedback to build a highly engaged and passionate user base that drives growth organically.We discuss:How his team maintains a close connection to customer pain points and heavily relies on user feedback to drive product developmentLiner’s recent $22M Series B funding and their strategy for scaling globallyTheir quick pivot to AI search within a week of ChatGPT’s API original releaseLuke’s insights into building a 100% customer-centric team provide invaluable lessons for startup founders at any stage.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn!

In this episode of Startup Success, we're joined by Manish Patel, founding partner at Nava Ventures and self-described accidental venture capitalist. Manish shares his fascinating journey into venture capital, including the challenges and rewards of running a Series A-focused fund and his firm’s thesis-driven approach to investing.We discuss:What Manish looks for when investing in Series A startups and foundersAdvice on preparing for and raising a Series A roundThe current state of the startup ecosystem and why Manish is excited about 2025Important areas a startup founder should focus on besides the usual benchmark metrics This not-to-be-missed episode is packed with actionable advice for startup founders and thought-provoking perspectives on the art and science of venture capital.Key Moments:🔹[00:06:05-00:07:42]  Nava Ventures’ Investment Philosophy🔹[00:07:42-00:09:40]  Their Pain Points Driven Thesis🔹[00:09:38-00:11:12]  Challenges of Fundraising🔹[00:11:12-00:12:33]  Evaluating Series A Companies🔹[00:13:33-00:14:55]  Venture Capital Misconceptions🔹[00:14:25-00:15:30]  Founder-Investor Relationships🔹[00:15:30-00:18:24]  Building In-House Capabilities🔹[00:18:32-00:18:50]  All Revenue is Not Equal ----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 

The Trump 2.0 era will reshape the startup landscape. Is your startup prepared for what’s next?In this insight-packed episode of Startup Success, we welcome back one of our favorite guests, Steven Lord, Burkland’s Managing Director of Service Delivery and Chief Learning Officer. Steve dives deep into the state of the startup ecosystem as we close out 2024 and enter a pivotal year.We explore the long-awaited resurgence of venture capital activity, the shifts in valuations, and the much-anticipated reopening of exit pathways like IPOs and M&A deals. Steven shares his thoughts on how the incoming administration will impact startups across all sectors, including AI, energy, fintech, crypto, and SaaS.We discuss:Why now is the time to prepare for a more favorable fundraising environmentImportant tax and regulatory changes founders should have on their radarThe many reasons Steve is optimistic about the 2025 economy How startups play a critical role in job creation and are essential to economic growthWhether you're a founder, investor, or startup enthusiast, this episode is packed with actionable advice and forward-looking perspectives to help you navigate 2025 and beyond. Don't miss it!Key Moments: 🔹 [00:02:31] Discussion of the recovering economy post-2024 challenges 🔹 [00:08:16] Regulatory and Policy Impacts🔹 [00:14:31] Venture Capital Trends🔹 [00:20:46] The Role of Startups in Job Creation🔹 [00:26:01] Fundraising Strategies for Startups🔹 [00:32:41] Advice for Startup Leaders----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 

In this episode of Startup Success, we sit down with Surojit Chatterjee, the CEO and founder of Ema, a generative AI platform poised to transform the future of work. With a career spanning high-level roles at Google and Coinbase, Surojit shares his journey from building billion-dollar businesses to creating Ema’s Universal AI Employee, designed to automate tedious tasks and empower employees to focus on high-value work.Surojit explains the concept of AI employees and illustrates Ema’s ability to learn, adapt, and evolve to tackle complex, repetitive tasks across enterprises.We discuss:The critical safeguards and trust-building features that make Ema a standout in generative AIThe barriers to enterprise AI adoption and how Ema overcame those hurdlesHow technology like Ema could make it easier for founders to start companies in the futureTune in to discover the next frontier of automation that’s fueling a more agile and efficient workplace! ----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn!

In this episode of Startup Success, we dive into the incredible entrepreneurial journey of Russ d’Sa, Co-Founder and CEO of LiveKit, a startup that evolved from a pandemic side project into an open-source development stack that powers real-time AI. The wildly varied use cases for LiveKit’s technology range from voice conversations with ChatGPT to saving lives on 911 emergency calls.It's a fascinating listen that spotlights the broad range of services we use every day that are now powered by AI!Russ shares:How he and his co-founder navigated unexpected twists, including scaling their open source project that went viral on GitHub and pivoting to a business model they were genuinely passionate aboutWhy taking the to time learn what customers really want was essential to LiveKit’s success and the lessons there for other foundersThe lightbulb moment when he realized his team was building “core infrastructure for the future of where computing is going”A must-listen for aspiring and seasoned founders, Russ shares key lessons he learned along his winding path to startup success. Tune in to learn how LiveKit is revolutionizing real-time communication and empowering developers worldwide.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 

In this episode of Startup Success, host Kate Adams sits down with Vlad Voroninski, CEO and co-founder of Helm.ai, an AI software startup that is developing the world's safest and most advanced autonomous driving systems at scale. Vlad gives us a fascinating look into Helm.ai's innovative approach to addressing previously unsolved problems in the self-driving car space, detailing how his company leverages unsupervised learning and generative AI to create scalable, robust solutions for real-time autonomous vehicle operations. We explore:Helm.ai’s bold approach to fundraising that paid off bigHow Vlad's academic background in applied mathematics helped him create technology that is transforming the automotive industryHow he knew it was the right time to finally launch his own companyThe technology that got them a foot in the door at major automakers and a sneak peek at Helm.ai’s partnership with Honda Join us for a deep dive into the challenges and breakthroughs in the autonomous driving field and discover what sets Helm.ai apart from its competitors in this fast-moving space. ----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 

What if the powerful nutritional compounds in breast milk could be harnessed to improve the health of people of all ages? Today, we’re sitting down with Laura Katz, CEO and founder of Helaina, a groundbreaking biotech startup that’s pushing the boundaries of what food can do for health. Helaina’s technology platform replicates functional proteins found in the human body, making them available as new nutrients that enhance immunity, gut health, and cognitive function.Laura shares her fascinating journey from a food scientist, who initially didn't even know what a venture capitalist was, to pioneering a new era of nutrition and raising $83 million in funding.Our conversation touches on:Lessons Laura learned from her hard-fought fundraising successesThe hardest part of being a founder and why it surprised herLaura’s methodology for turning her vision into a realityThe challenges of being a solo founder and starting a company in the biotech spaceThe tremendous value of having a mentor and a supportive networkGet ready to be inspired by Laura's incredible story of innovation and persistence as she brings the future of health to life—one protein at a time.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 

What if your inspiration for starting a company came from solving a problem you experienced first-hand as an engineer at a tech giant like Uber?  In this episode, we welcome Anish Dhar, Co-Founder and CEO of Cortex, to share his incredible journey from an engineer at Uber to founding Cortex, the internal developer portal that addresses a massive gap in engineering processes and recently raised a $60M Series C round.Anish reflects on how he and his co-founders identified a critical pain point that they knew countless engineers experienced but no one had tried to solve yet. Being “close to the pain” motivated them and was a huge factor in their startup’s fundraising success.Our expansive discussion touches on:What VCs are looking for at Seed, Series A and beyondAnish’s experience applying (and getting rejected the first time) at Y Combinator and how persistence paid offWhy being close to the pain point your product is trying to solve gives founders an advantageThe engineering challenges that inspired CortexIn Anish’s words, starting a company is “truly one of the most gratifying and impactful experiences that you can have. It's painful, but it's worth it!”Don’t miss Anish's story of innovation, resilience, and building a product that’s transforming the way engineers manage complex systems.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 

For startups, even software startups, figuring out what is worth patenting is one of the most important moves a founder needs to make.That’s where our guest today comes in. Jeff Schox, Founding Partner and Patent Attorney at Schox Patent Group, is a patent expert who’s helped hundreds of very successful startups navigate this rocky terrain.Jeff joins us to give startup founders a basic primer on everything they need to know about patents – an often misunderstood and overlooked area. Right off the bat, Jeff dispels the three biggest myths about startup patents (1. Software isn't patentable / 2. If we can't enforce the patent, it doesn't have value / 3. The biggest costs of a patent portfolio are the legal fees). And he explains how startups can take a strategic approach to patent filing that safeguards future innovation and fuels future growth.We also discuss:All the key components around patents a founder must knowThe value of filing a provisional patent, especially for startupsWhy determining the valuation of patents is so trickyHow a good patent attorney’s key role is strategic partnerThe strict deadline after which you can never pursue a patentThis episode is truly a must-listen as it gives founders valuable knowledge on patents and patent strategies for ensuring long-term success.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 

We explore some weighty questions on this episode of Startup Success, including:What would the world look like if half the venture capital dollars were in women-led funds? Is VC funding the golden ticket or just another hurdle for startups? How do we overcome the biggest limiting factor to success – ourselves?Why is the bulk of venture capital still not in the hands of women?Sutian Dong, Partner at Multitudes and a pivotal figure in venture capital, joins us to tackle these topics and to share profound insights on the dynamics that guide VC’s decision making process, how that impacts startups, and why she started her own fund.Known for her work supporting female founders and investors, Sutian is the founder of Global Women in VC, the world’s largest global community for women in venture capital. Her firm, Multitudes, is built on the thesis that the next generation of innovation will be different than the last, and they invest in and incubate projects that explore the edge of human consciousness.Join us for this enlightening discussion on the future of investing, the value of diverse perspectives, and the strategic decisions every founder should consider.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 

To celebrate the 100th episode of Startup Success, we have two exceptional guests: Peter Reinhardt, CEO and co-founder of Charm Industrial (and the former co-founder/CEO of Segment), and Jeff Burkland, CEO and founder of Burkland.Peter and Jeff take us behind the scenes of Segment, the hugely successful startup that was acquired by Twilio for $3.2 billion in 2020. They recount their time working together at Segment, where Jeff came on board early as the fractional CFO.Jeff and Peter candidly discuss:How Peter overcame the early stage challenges that almost ended SegmentThe struggle to find product-market fitJeff’s take on what makes a great fundraising pitch (and why Peter is a natural)The pricing model that was a game-changer for SegmentFinally, Peter touches on his latest venture Charm Industrial, a carbon removal technology startup that raised  $100 million last year and has a long list of renowned US companies as customers. Tune in for practical advice, insightful stories, and real-world lessons learned from their startup experiences. Whether you're in the early stages of your startup or looking to scale, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways!----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 

In the rapidly evolving world of AI, standing out requires more than just innovation; it demands leadership and a clear vision. Enter Lin Qiao, the driving force behind Fireworks AI, who is redefining the limitations of speed, value and scale in generative AI.With a $52M Series B secured earlier this summer, Fireworks AI has quickly become a major player after launching their public platform just one year ago. Lin, their CEO and Co-Founder, joins us to share the invaluable lessons she’s learned along her journey from leading Meta’s AI platform development team to founding an industry-disrupting startup.We explore:Fireworks AI’s customer obsessed culture and deep belief that “if our customers are successful, we will be successful”  How their product iterations flowed organically from their customers’ evolving needsWhy moving fast and prioritizing for speed is key to their successWhere AI is headed as it becomes more sophisticated and the industry maturesLin offers advice for founders on everything from how to avoid the “paralysis of analysis” in decision-making to strategies for driving down the cost of AI. Don't miss this insightful conversation with one of the leading voices in AI innovation.For more information about Fireworks AI, visit fireworks.ai.----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 

Amid high interest rates and election uncertainty, navigating the startup landscape has never been more challenging. Fortunately, our special guest, Steve Lord, is here to offer a broader perspective that may help ease your mind.As a member of Burkland’s Leadership Team, Steve serves as Managing Director of Service Delivery and Chief Knowledge Officer. Steve has been in the trenches for a while and his knowledge of the startup and venture capital ecosystem runs deep.He joins us today to discuss the current state of the startup and venture capital ecosystems and what to expect as we progress through 2024.Steve expands on:The macro factors that are making the startup landscape and fundraising more difficult right nowThe pros and cons of using Venture Debt to extend your cash runwayWhy a rigorous due diligence process that addresses all the “Gotchas” is a good thing for your startupFinding investors who are allies and who can make your company betterThe value of delegating to subject matter experts so you can stay focused on your productThe cyclical nature of VC funding and the strategic responses startups can take Tune in for practical tips on how to survive and even thrive in today’s startup environment. ----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 

In this episode of Startup Success, we welcome Jaclyn Chen, Co-Founder and CEO at Benepass, a platform that solves real-world pain points for both employees and employers in the benefits space.Jacyln dives into her experience working with Y Combinator early on and how she approached fundraising during very different economic climates. And she shares some truly great advice for fellow startup founders!Highlights from our discussion include: Strategies that increase your odds of securing fundingThe parallels between enterprise sales and raising venture capitalThe evolution of the founder role from selling the vision to building a team and scaling the companyIdeas on how founders can make the due diligence process more seamless for VCsThis episode is packed with valuable insights for early-stage startup founders looking for a competitive edge. ----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 

Dr. Misti Ushio, Managing Partner at Digitalis Ventures, joins us in the studio today. Misti’s entrepreneurial journey took flight with the formation of TARA Biosystems, a groundbreaking startup that developed “heart-on-a-chip” technology. From raising $20 million in venture financing to navigating the complexities of scaling a biotech startup, Misti shares the highs and lows of her journey and discusses how her talent for commercializing cutting-edge research is a perfect fit for her most recent role as a VC.Misti offers valuable advice for startup founders on a variety of topics, including:How to put together a board of directors that will best serve your startup now and in the futureThe often-overlooked impact of branding and business development on a startup's successMethods for reining in the conflicting demands of running a fast-growing startupTune in for a conversation filled with wisdom, insights, and inspiration!----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 

Our guest today is Stasia Obremskey, Co-Founder and Managing Director at RH Capital, an impact-first venture capital fund that invests in the future of women's health.Stasia provides an in-depth look at the types of innovations RH Capital is passionate about and shares examples of how their portfolio companies are dramatically improving health outcomes, affordability and health equity. Listeners will learn about the potential for outsized returns in this is a large, underserved, rapidly growing market.We also discuss:The critical importance of managing every penny of your available cash, especially in this marketStasia’s advice for founders on securing fundingThe pivotal role of a CFO at a startupJoin us for this fascinating conversation and discover how RH Capital is a driving a paradigm shift in women’s healthcare.Visit RH Capital at rhcapital.vc to learn more about their mission and investment criteria. Startups pioneering change in women’s health are encouraged to submit a pitch via the Pitch Us form on their website. ----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn! 

We’re thrilled to have Tanya Beja, General Partner at AlleyCorp, in studio for the latest episode of Startup Success. Join us for a fascinating conversation about their unique approach to investing and incubating that will strike a chord with startup founders looking to make a positive impact on society.Tanya introduces us to AlleyCorp Impact, a fund dedicated to backing founders who are intentionally building for middle or low income Americans - the 80% of families who power our economy. Impact specifically looks for compelling ideas that use tech to solve big social challenges, accelerate upward mobility, and generate strong returns.We also discuss: How AlleyCorp combines incubation and early-stage investment to build category-defining companiesReal-world examples of how their portfolio companies are impacting a wide range of human needs, such as health equity and economic securityTheir new philanthropically funded ENG(INE) program that pairs nonprofits with a team of engineers to build tech that advances social & economic opportunityTanya’s advice for founders on the importance of having a North Star, hiring amazing people, and how to pick the right investorsDon't miss this episode packed with insights and inspiration for anyone interested in the world of venture capital and impact-driven investing.For more information on AlleyCorp and to stay updated with their latest ventures, visit allycorp.com and follow them on LinkedIn. Nonprofits interested in applying for ENG(INE) can learn more at nonprofitengine.org/----Stay connected with our host, Kate Adams, here on LinkedIn!