VC10X - Investing, Venture Capital, Asset Management, Private Equity, Family Office

Most VCs talk about ownership. Few actually build it. Neil Sequeira, Co-Founder and General Partner at Defy, breaks down the unconventional strategies his firm uses to average 17 percent ownership across their seven highest marked portfolio companies — and why that number puts them up against any early stage manager in the country.Neil spent 12 years at General Catalyst before co-founding Defy a decade ago. In this conversation, he gets into why 75 percent of their deal flow never goes to market, how they made their biggest capital call on April 1st 2020 when venture investment was down 80 percent industry-wide, and why the most contentious deal at the partner meeting is usually the one that ends up doing the best.This is a masterclass in early stage conviction, portfolio construction, and what it actually means to partner with a founder for the long term.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comWe talk about -- Why Defy keeps their partnership small on purpose, and how that directly drives better early stage returns- The April 1st 2020 capital call: how they deployed 20% of Fund 2 in the quarter venture fell 80% industry-wide- The three-bucket framework for evaluating investments, and why the founder bucket outweighs market knowledge and hard work combined- How Defy averages 17% ownership across their seven highest marked companies using strategies most VCs never think to use- The one early signal that has predicted every failed investment in their portfolio, and why they no longer rationalize past it---Timestamps:(00:00) - Preview(00:28) - Introduction to Neil Sequeira and Defy(02:05) - How Decision-Making Quality Changes as VC Firms Scale(05:54) - The Speed of Conviction in Large vs. Small Firms(07:20) - The Power of Proprietary Deals(08:52) - Neil's Most Formative Investment Decisions(13:25) - Why the "Person" is the Most Critical Investment Factor(16:39) - Case Study: When an Investment Thesis Evolves Significantly(20:40) - Evolving Portfolio Construction Across Different Funds(22:30) - The Impact of AI on Investment Strategy and Check Size(24:10) - Building Company-Creation Platforms (US Defense, Crypto)(25:25) - How LPs React to Evolving Fund Strategies(28:20) - A Contrarian Approach: Investing When the Market Goes Dark(32:39) - Initial Bets vs. Doubling Down on Winners(34:35) - How Defy Owns 17% of Their Best Companies(37:34) - Patterns in Failed Investments: Lessons from Hindsight(38:25) - The Red Flag of Founder Integrity Issues(40:15) - The Danger of Market Noise and Not Controlling Your Destiny(44:03) - Start of Rapid Fire Round(44:19) - Sectors and Regions of Investment(44:53) - Typical Stage of Investment(45:47) - Leading Investment Rounds(46:28) - Typical Check Size and Ownership Goals(47:38) - How to Connect with Neil and Defy(48:45) - ConclusionLinks:Defy - https://defy.vc/Connect with Neil Sequeira - https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-sequeira-76739a40/Connect with Prashant: https://linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - ⁠https://vc10x.beehiiv.com⁠Subscribe on YouTube - ⁠https://youtube.com/@VC10X ⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986⁠Subscribe on Spotify - ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ⁠VC10X website - ⁠https://vc10x.com#VentureCapital #EarlyStageInvesting #StartupFunding #VC10X #NeilSequeira #Defy #PortfolioConstruction #FounderAdvice #VCPodcast #StartupInvesting

Anthropic has signed a major compute agreement with SpaceX — giving it access to massive AI infrastructure capacity from SpaceX’s Colossus 1 data center in Memphis.On the surface, this looks like a simple compute deal.But for investors, the signal is much bigger:The AI race is no longer just about models. It is becoming a race for compute, power, chips, data centers, and infrastructure control.In this episode, we break down what the SpaceX–Anthropic deal means for the future of frontier AI competition.Key questions we explore:– Why does Anthropic need additional compute capacity?– What does this reveal about AI infrastructure bottlenecks?– Is SpaceX becoming an AI infrastructure player?– How does this affect Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and other hyperscalers?– Why is compute becoming one of the most important moats in AI?– What should investors watch as AI labs become more capital-intensive?The key takeaway:AI demand is scaling fast — but the constraint is increasingly physical infrastructure.Chips. Power. Data centers. Cooling. Capital.For investors, the question is shifting from:Who has the best model?to:Who controls the infrastructure required to keep improving the model?LINKSPrashant Choubey - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab⁠Subscribe to VC10X newsletter - ⁠https://vc10x.beehiiv.com⁠Subscribe on YouTube - ⁠https://youtube.com/@VC10X ⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986⁠Subscribe on Spotify - ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ⁠VC10X website - ⁠https://vc10x.com⁠For sponsorship queries reach out to [email protected] channel is for asset managers, allocators, and investors who want analysis that holds up — not headlines dressed as insight.Subscribe for weekly data-driven breakdowns of the forces reshaping capital markets.---Disclaimer:This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.

Most GPs walk into LP meetings ready to prove they have access to the best deals. Iren Reznikov, Partner at Vintage Investment Partners, barely cares. In this episode, Iren breaks down what sophisticated LPs actually underwrite, how Vintage's three-strategy flywheel creates an information edge across fund of funds, direct, and secondaries, and what the Anthropic cybersecurity move really means for investors in that sector.Vintage manages $4.5B across 23 years of venture investing across the US, Europe, and Israel. This is a masterclass in how the best capital allocators think.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comWe talk about -- Why access is table stakes — sophisticated LPs underwrite picking discipline, not just deal flow- The three-strategy flywheel — how fund of funds, direct, and secondaries compound into one information edge- AI-native teams, not just products — founders who don't rebuild their orgs for AI won't compete- Anthropic and the cybersecurity supercycle — cyber wins in up markets and down markets- Size is the enemy of returns — why a $4.5B platform still refuses to raise large vehiclesTimestamps:(00:00) - Preview(00:45) - Introduction to Iren Reznikov and Vintage Investment Partners(02:18) - What makes a fund stand out in the first 10 minutes?(03:01) - The importance of a consistent, durable strategy and a manager's "right to win"(05:38) - Biggest misconceptions GPs have about what LPs actually care about(06:21) - Why disciplined decision-making matters more than just access(08:26) - Access is table stakes; picking and winning capabilities are the real differentiators(09:48) - The evolution of VC value creation and its strategic importance(12:23) - How Vintage's three-strategy flywheel (Fund of Funds, Directs, Secondaries) creates an information edge(14:50) - The power of data and "business karma" in long-term investing(16:48) - How the investment committee handles disagreements and makes decisions(17:42) - The role of partner conviction and fundamentally proof-testing assumptions(19:30) - Balancing allocations between existing and new fund managers(22:26) - Differentiating a "double-down" manager from a solid performer(23:18) - Key indicators for doubling down: consistency, grit, and genuine founder relationships(26:30) - Where is the biggest edge today: fund investing or direct deals?(27:45) - The edge in direct investing: AI-native teams and founders willing to completely rebuild(30:45) - Leveraging an information edge in the burgeoning secondary market(31:41) - How founders and VCs should approach liquidity and secondaries today(34:45) - The impact of Anthropic's move into cybersecurity on the market(36:45) - Why cybersecurity budgets remain robust in all market conditions(38:38) - The convergence of the CIO and CISO roles driven by AI(40:35) - The market bifurcation between large multi-stage platforms and smaller specialized funds(42:05) - A founder's perspective: The importance of people over brand on a cap table(44:58) - How a Fund of Funds allocates capital when established funds raise mega-funds(46:20) - Vintage's disciplined approach to fund size and manager re-ups(49:25) - Managing the extended lifecycle and DPI in a Fund of Funds model(50:45) - Strategies for accelerating DPI: smaller fund vehicles and backing top-performing managers(54:00) - The ideal fund size for VCs that Vintage backs(55:14) - Start of the Rapid Fire Round(55:53) - Where to follow Vintage and Iren ReznikovLinks:Vintage Investment Partners - https://vintage-ip.com/Connect with Iren Reznikov - https://www.linkedin.com/in/iren-reznikov/Connect with Prashant: https://linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - ⁠https://vc10x.beehiiv.com⁠Subscribe on YouTube - ⁠https://youtube.com/@VC10X ⁠VC10X website - ⁠https://vc10x.com#VentureCapital #FundOfFunds

Big Tech just reported — and for the first time, AI is clearly visible in the numbers.Cloud growth is reaccelerating. Ad performance is improving. Enterprise demand is holding up.But there’s a second story investors need to focus on:The cost of competing in AI is rising fast.In this episode, we break down the latest earnings fromMicrosoft, Alphabet, Amazon, Meta, and Nvidia — and what they signal for investors.Key themes:– AI demand is real and showing up across cloud, ads, and enterprise– Hyperscaler capex is accelerating across the board– Cloud growth is being driven by AI workloads, not traditional demand– The market is shifting from “AI narrative” to “AI ROI”– Nvidia remains the clearest beneficiary of AI infrastructure spendWe also explore the key investor question:Who can convert AI capex into durable free cash flow?Because in this phase of the cycle, spending alone is not enough.The winners will be those with: – Distribution advantages– Monetization pathways– And the ability to generate returns on massive infrastructure investmentsSubscribe to VC10X for clear, investor-first analysis on AI, venture capital, and global markets.LINKSPrashant Choubey - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab⁠Subscribe to VC10X newsletter - ⁠https://vc10x.beehiiv.com⁠Subscribe on YouTube - ⁠https://youtube.com/@VC10X ⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986⁠Subscribe on Spotify - ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ⁠VC10X website - ⁠https://vc10x.com⁠For sponsorship queries reach out to [email protected] channel is for asset managers, allocators, and investors who want analysis that holds up — not headlines dressed as insight.Subscribe for weekly data-driven breakdowns of the forces reshaping capital markets.---Disclaimer:This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.

Marlon Nichols is Co-Founder and Managing General Partner at Mac Venture Capital — a seed-stage firm that closed its first fund at $110M with institutional backing from day one and has grown to over $600M in AUM across three funds.In this episode, Marlon breaks down the fundraising arc that built Mac VC, the four-part founder framework he never compromises on, and the inside story of two portfolio companies — Pipe, which went from a $13M valuation to $2B in 18 months, and Gimlet Media, his early bet on the HBO of podcasting.Whether you're an emerging manager trying to crack institutional LP relationships, a founder wondering what top seed investors actually look for, or an LP benchmarking how the best funds are built — this conversation is essential listening.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comWe talk about -- Raising fund one with institutional LPs — no proof of concept fund required.- The four founder qualities Marlon never compromises on- Seed discipline at scale — how Mac VC stays true to stage at $600M+ AUM- What actually wins competitive deals at seed- Pipe: $13M valuation to $2B in 18 months — conviction, pivot, and recovery- Gimlet Media: betting on the HBO of podcasting before the category existed---Links:Mac Venture Capital - https://macventurecapital.com/Connect with Marlon Nichols - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marloncnicholsConnect with Prashant: https://linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - ⁠https://vc10x.beehiiv.com⁠Subscribe on YouTube - ⁠https://youtube.com/@VC10X ⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986⁠Subscribe on Spotify - ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ⁠VC10X website - ⁠https://vc10x.comTimestamps:(00:00) - Preview(01:24) - Introduction to Marlon Nichols and MaC Venture Capital.(02:58) - MaC VC's journey from Fund 1 to Fund 3.(04:53) - How MaC VC attracted institutional LPs from its first fund.(06:48) - The fundraising experience for their recent $150M fund.(07:40) - Comparing the fundraising timelines for Fund 1, 2, and 3.(10:34) - The strategy behind fund sizing and when to stop raising.(12:59) - How LP expectations change from Fund 2 (TVPI) to Fund 3 (DPI).(14:46) - A deep dive into MaC VC's portfolio construction model.(17:17) - How Marlon's investment mindset has evolved with experience.(19:01) - The four essential qualities Marlon looks for in a founding team.(21:33) - How portfolio construction strategy changed from 50 companies to 36-40.(22:47) - Defining "winning" at a fund level: Why DPI is the ultimate goal.(24:31) - What wins allocations in competitive deals.(27:13) - PIPE's journey: From initial investment to a major pivot.(31:07) - The Gimlet Media story: The bet, the growth, and the Spotify acquisition.(33:48) - Rapid Fire: Sectors and regions MaC VC invests in.🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations with family offices, fund managers, and the LPs behind the biggest names in venture.#venturecapital #vc #seedinvesting #earlystagestartups

If the cost of design and iteration approaches zero, what happens to software economics?This week, updates from Anthropic highlighted a meaningful shift: AI models are getting better at generating UI components, iterating across variations, and accelerating early-stage product design.At the same time, parts of the SaaS market saw sharp corrections.In this episode, we step back from the noise and analyze what’s actually changing — and what isn’t.Key questions we explore:– How does lower-cost design impact product velocity and iteration cycles?– Do “design slots” expand, or do constraints simply move elsewhere?– Which SaaS categories are more exposed to this shift?– Where does durable value accrue if UI becomes easier to build?– How should investors think about differentiation going forward?This is not about AI replacing designers.It’s about how reducing the cost of exploration changes: – How quickly products evolve– How defensible features remain– And how capital should be allocated across the software stackFor investors, founders, and operators, the takeaway is clear:As design becomes cheaper, advantages shift toward distribution, data, and integrated workflows.LINKSPrashant Choubey - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab⁠Subscribe to VC10X newsletter - ⁠https://vc10x.beehiiv.com⁠Subscribe on YouTube - ⁠https://youtube.com/@VC10X ⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986⁠Subscribe on Spotify - ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ⁠VC10X website - ⁠https://vc10x.com⁠For sponsorship queries reach out to [email protected] channel is for asset managers, allocators, and investors who want analysis that holds up — not headlines dressed as insight.Subscribe for weekly data-driven breakdowns of the forces reshaping capital markets.---Disclaimer:This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.

Vishal Verma's family office has been operating out of Silicon Valley for over thirty years. His father arrived from India in 1977 with eight dollars in his pocket, worked as a rocket scientist, and eventually became an entrepreneur and venture capitalist. The family formalized their office in the late nineties with early LP positions in Sequoia Fund IX and Kleiner Perkins. Today Vishal manages a portfolio split across twenty-one venture capital firms and twenty-eight direct co-investments in generational companies including Anthropic, Wiz, Stripe, and xAI.In this episode, Prashant and Vishal go deep on how a thirty-year family office actually thinks about venture capital — the vintage strategy, the concentration framework, the Anthropic bet, and why most of what you hear about the first mover advantage is wrong.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comWe talk about -– The family origin story: $8 at the border to Silicon Valley– Portfolio construction: 70/30 public to private– The vintage strategy: why you have to be at every party– Three concentrations reshaping the VC ecosystem– The Anthropic investment at $18B valuation– AI vs crypto: behavioral change is everything– Bigger funds not returning DPI is hogwash– Emerging managers: what actually earns a check– DPI reality and the IPO bottleneck– Why family offices exist and what banks can't doTimestamps:(00:00) -Preview(01:40) - Introduction to Vishal Verma and His Family's VC Legacy(03:39) - The Family Office Origin Story: From India to Silicon Valley(06:57) - Challenges and Triumphs of Early Indian-American Entrepreneurs(08:56) - Why the Indian-American Community Thrives: Hard Work, Education, and Family(10:22) - Portfolio Construction and the First Investment in Sequoia(14:15) - The Rationale Behind a 30% Allocation to Venture Capital(17:22) - How Shorter Fundraising Cycles Have Changed LP Strategy(22:25) - The Differentiator for Top-Tier VC Funds(24:34) - Understanding the "Concentration" of Returns, Capital, and Founders in VC(28:08) - Do Bigger Funds Actually Lead to Shrinking Returns?(30:17) - The "Mafias" of Silicon Valley and Their Role in Deal Flow(32:32) - The Investment Thesis for Anthropic at an $18B Valuation(36:55) - AI vs. Crypto: The Critical Difference of Behavioral Change(39:15) - First-Mover vs. Best-to-Market: Lessons from Tech History(40:32) - The Reality of Stretched DPI and Liquidity Challenges(41:35) - The Rise of "Megacorns" and the Upcoming IPO Wave(44:34) - AI Investing: When Does Conviction Become Overexposure?(48:38) - Public Market Strategy: A Tech-Heavy Portfolio(52:50) - ConclusionLinks:Edgewood Ventures - https://www.edgewoodvp.com/Connect with Vishal Verma - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-verma-551327Connect with Prashant: https://linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - ⁠https://vc10x.beehiiv.com⁠Subscribe on YouTube - ⁠https://youtube.com/@VC10X ⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986⁠Subscribe on Spotify - ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ⁠VC10X website - ⁠https://vc10x.com🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations with family offices, fund managers, and the LPs behind the biggest names in venture.#VC10x #VentureCapital #FamilyOffice #AngelInvesting #Anthropic #Silicon Valley #LP #VentureCapitalPodcast #StartupInvesting #FamilyOfficePodcast #PrivateMarkets #AIInvesting #EmergingManagers #FundInvesting #VC

In this episode of VC10X, we break down one of the most counterintuitive market moves in recent weeks.Despite the failure of the first round of Iran–US talks and rising geopolitical tensions — including increased military positioning around key oil transit routes — global equity markets have erased their losses and added several trillion dollars in market capitalization.So what are markets actually pricing in?We analyze:- Why equities are rallying despite geopolitical risk- The role of oil supply stability and the Strait of Hormuz- How institutional investors think about “contained escalation”- Why liquidity conditions continue to outweigh headline risk- What could break the current market narrativeThis is not a headline-driven view — but a framework to understand how capital is positioning itself in uncertain environments.If you’re a fund manager, allocator, or serious market participant, this episode will help you separate signal from noise.LINKSPrashant Choubey - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab⁠Subscribe to VC10X newsletter - ⁠https://vc10x.beehiiv.com⁠Subscribe on YouTube - ⁠https://youtube.com/@VC10X ⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986⁠Subscribe on Spotify - ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ⁠VC10X website - ⁠https://vc10x.com⁠For sponsorship queries reach out to [email protected] channel is for asset managers, allocators, and investors who want analysis that holds up — not headlines dressed as insight.Subscribe for weekly data-driven breakdowns of the forces reshaping capital markets.---Disclaimer:This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.#Investing #PortfolioStrategy #MiddleEastCrisis #MarketOutlook #InstitutionalInvesting #Geopolitics #OilMarkets #MacroStrategy

Most families worth $2.4 billion still struggle to govern themselves. That's not an opinion — it's what the data says.In this episode, Prashant sits down with Mark Tepsich, Executive Director of Family Office Advisory at UBS — the world's largest private wealth manager with over $4.3 trillion in AUM, serving roughly half of the world's billionaires. Mark recently led a research study of 100+ family offices and found that even the most sophisticated, multigenerational families rated their own governance weaker than expected. The reason isn't money. It's culture.We get into what actually separates families that preserve wealth across generations from those that don't — and what to do about it.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comIn this episode:- Why governance fails even the wealthiest families- How to start a family constitution without getting overwhelmed- The next gen mistake that wealth creators keep making- Family vs. institutional investment committees — a critical difference- When to build a family office and what your first hires should be- Family banks and why 60% say they drive next gen entrepreneurship- The one governance rule every family should followTimestamps:(00:00) - Preview(00:46) - Introduction to the guest Mark Tepsich and the episode's topics.(02:51) - Deeper dive into the surprising findings from the Family Enterprise Governance Report.(04:22) - Key governance challenges for mature, multi-generational families.(06:59) - How to advise families to fix governance issues.(09:02) - Where to start when building family governance.(11:09) - The key components of an effective family constitution.(13:26) - Who should lead governance conversations: family members or a neutral third party?(15:16) - Why some families hesitate to formalize their governance.(17:26) - Power dynamics within the family when building governance structures.(19:39) - At what stage should families start building a family office and governance?(22:01) - Common misunderstandings about preparing the next generation for wealth transfer.(25:32) - What separates families that successfully transition wealth from those that struggle.(28:36) - The importance of letting the next generation make low-risk financial mistakes.(31:26) - Why regular, non-financial family meetings lead to stronger governance.(33:31) - The role of investment committees and formal investment policies (IPS).(35:46) - How family office investment committees differ from institutional ones.(38:31) - Emotional dynamics that influence family investment decisions.(39:42) - Who has the final say when investment decisions get messy.(41:15) - Why don't mature families just split their capital and operate independently?(45:41) - The role and benefits of involving external professionals in governance.(47:24) - How to balance outsourcing expertise versus building in-house teams.(50:27) - The most critical first hires for a family office with a limited budget.(52:11) - How "family banks" work to fund next-generation entrepreneurship.(54:24) - What destroys family wealth: Poor investments or weak governance?(56:13) - The single most important governance rule for preserving wealth across generations.(57:31) - Where to learn more about Mark Tepsich's work at UBS.Links:UBS - https://www.ubs.com/global/enConnect with Mark Tepsich - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-tepsich-88826b33/Connect with Prashant: https://linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabVC10X newsletter - ⁠https://vc10x.beehiiv.com⁠YouTube - ⁠https://youtube.com/@VC10X ⁠Apple Podcasts - ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986⁠Spotify - ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ⁠Website - ⁠https://vc10x.com#FamilyOffice #WealthManagement #MultigenerationalWealth #UBS #FamilyGovernance

In this episode, we break down why investors should be cautious about chasing market rallies driven by fragile ceasefire headlines in the Middle East.While headlines suggest de-escalation, continued strikes in Lebanon and unresolved geopolitical tensions are keeping oil markets, inflation expectations, and global risk sentiment on edge. For institutional investors, this is not a simple risk-on or risk-off moment—it is a regime of uncertainty that demands smarter portfolio construction.We examine:- Why headline-driven rallies can be misleading- The case for barbell portfolio positioning in volatile markets- How to balance quality compounders with energy and commodity hedges- Why long-duration growth assets remain vulnerable- The strategic role of cash in uncertain geopolitical regimes- What scenario-based portfolio allocation looks like in today’s marketIf you manage capital, advise clients, or track macro risk, this episode offers a practical framework for navigating one of the most complex investing environments of the year.LINKSPrashant Choubey - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab⁠Subscribe to VC10X newsletter - ⁠https://vc10x.beehiiv.com⁠Subscribe on YouTube - ⁠https://youtube.com/@VC10X ⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986⁠Subscribe on Spotify - ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ⁠VC10X website - ⁠https://vc10x.com⁠For sponsorship queries reach out to [email protected] channel is for asset managers, allocators, and investors who want analysis that holds up — not headlines dressed as insight.Subscribe for weekly data-driven breakdowns of the forces reshaping capital markets.---Disclaimer:This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.#Investing #PortfolioStrategy #MiddleEastCrisis #MarketOutlook #InstitutionalInvesting #Geopolitics #OilMarkets #MacroStrategy

Yoni Tuchman returns to VC10x for his third appearance — and this one might be the most practical yet. If you're an emerging manager raising a fund, structuring a GP commitment, or trying to figure out what you can and can't say publicly about your fund, this episode is required listening.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comLinks to previous VC10X episodes with Yoni:1. Fund Formation 101 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eLPeQDPjCo2. The Legal Landmines Hiding Inside Your Fund Docs - https://vc10x.beehiiv.com/p/the-legal-landmines-hiding-in-your-fund-docs-yoni-tuchman-partner-dla-piperAll these episodes can be listened to independently, but if you are a GP, I recommend you listen to all 3 (in any order).We cover:— 506(b) vs. 506(c): the legal line between building in public and breaking your fund exemption— Why Yoni tells almost every client not to warehouse deals — and what to do instead— The cashless GP commitment: how cash-poor managers can fund their commitment without writing a check— Side letters: what to push back on and how to find the version that works for both sides— Removing a non-performing GP partner without blowing up the fund— Venture partner compensation: carry yes, management company equity never— Rapid fire: the most overrated legal document, the biggest Fund I money-waster, and the one clause every GP should deleteLINKS:DLA Piper - https://www.dlapiper.com/enConnect with Yoni - https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoni-tuchman-58153b5/Connect with Prashant: https://linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - ⁠https://vc10x.beehiiv.com⁠Subscribe on YouTube - ⁠https://youtube.com/@VC10X ⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986⁠Subscribe on Spotify - ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ⁠VC10X website - ⁠https://vc10x.com⁠Timestamps:(00:00) - Preview(01:02) - Introduction to the episode and guest, Yoni Tuchman.(03:00) - Deep Dive: Differentiating between 506(b) and 506(c) fundraising rules.(04:47) - Defining what constitutes a "preexisting relationship" for fundraising purposes.(07:11) - How to navigate fundraising conversations at conferences without violating 506(b).(11:03) - The mechanics of pivoting from a 506(b) to a 506(c) offering (and why you can't go the other way).(13:17) - The historical downsides of 506(c) and how recent SEC guidance has changed the calculation.(17:42) - The new, lower-friction rules for verifying accredited investors under a 506(c) offering.(21:38) - Best practices for what to say (and not say) when publicly fundraising under 506(c).(24:55) - How to legally structure warehousing deals to transfer them to the fund later.(32:00) - A streamlined alternative: Using the fund itself as the warehouse for early deals.(35:53) - Using a cashless contribution (waiving future management fees) to fund the GP commitment.(40:10) - The complexities and potential clawback scenarios of using a fee waiver.(44:01) - An LP's perspective on a cash-poor manager using a cashless contribution.(49:15) - Why LPs should be supportive of GPs using tax-efficient cashless contributions.(51:18) - The most burdensome side letter requests and how to negotiate them.(54:56) - The legal mechanism for removing a non-performing partner without disrupting the firm.(58:33) - Structuring compensation for venture partners and advisors: Fund-level carry vs. deal-specific carry.(01:00:44) - Start of the rapid-fire round.(01:01:01) - The most overrated legal document in fund formation.(01:01:12) - The biggest waste of money for a first-time fund.(01:01:44) - The one standard clause every GP should push to delete.#VentureCapital #FundFormation #EmergingManagers #VC10X #PrivateEquity #FundManager #506c

Oracle’s recent layoffs are not just another tech headline—they’re a signal of a deeper shift in how large technology companies are allocating capital in the AI cycle.In this video, we break down what actually happened at Oracle Corporation:The exact timing and structure of the layoffsWhat the internal communication saidThe scale of job cuts (and why estimates vary widely)More importantly, we analyze what this means from an investor’s perspective.These layoffs are happening alongside a significant increase in AI-related capital expenditure. That combination—rising investment and declining headcount—points to a broader reallocation of resources across the tech sector.We explore how:AI is increasing capital intensityCompanies are shifting from opex (labor) to capex (infrastructure)Higher interest rates are influencing these decisionsWorkforce restructuring fits into long-term operating modelsThis is not a discussion about layoffs in isolation.It’s about understanding how the AI buildout is reshaping cost structures, margins, and capital allocation across large-cap technology.If you’re an investor tracking AI, tech, or global capital flows, this is a development worth paying close attention to.---Topics covered: AI investing, tech layoffs, Oracle layoffs 2026, capital allocation, data centers, cost of capital, tech margins, AI infrastructure, macro + tech intersection---LINKSPrashant Choubey - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab⁠Subscribe to VC10X newsletter - ⁠https://vc10x.beehiiv.com⁠Subscribe on YouTube - ⁠https://youtube.com/@VC10X ⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986⁠Subscribe on Spotify - ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ⁠VC10X website - ⁠https://vc10x.com⁠For sponsorship queries reach out to [email protected] channel is for asset managers, allocators, and investors who want analysis that holds up — not headlines dressed as insight.Subscribe for weekly data-driven breakdowns of the forces reshaping capital markets.---Disclaimer:This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.

Most fund managers ask for two and twenty and assume the job is done. It isn't.Yoni Tuchman, Fund Formation Partner at DLA Piper, is back on VC10x for his second appearance, and this time he goes clause by clause through the legal landmines hiding inside your fund documents.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comIn this episode:- Why a poorly drafted management fee clause can cost a GP millions over the life of a fund- The three sections of your LPA you actually need to read — and why the waterfall is "the heart of the heart of the heart" of the document- What happens when an LP defaults on a capital call — and why their commitment is essentially an option until they've funded- The real story of a wire that cleared on time and turned out to be stolen money- How to draft a key person clause that actually reflects your team- The ERA exemption most VCs don't know they're already violatingIf you're an emerging manager, a GP, or building your first fund — this one is not optional.TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) - Preview(01:01) - Introduction to the episode and guest, Yoni Tuchman(01:34) - Sponsor Message: Podcast 10x(02:48) - The 2 and 20 model and management fee traps(03:22) - How management fees work in VC funds(04:42) - Investment vs. Post-Investment Periods and fee step-downs(06:08) - The risks of PE-style management fees(07:05) - Defining "invested capital" for fee calculation(08:24) - The impact of transaction fee offsets on management fees(10:25) - Are fees for services to portfolio companies considered transaction fees?(11:45) - How venture partner compensation can affect management fees(14:14) - Top 3 overlooked clauses in a Limited Partnership Agreement (LPA)(14:45) - Should GPs read the entire 80-page LPA?(16:01) - #1 Overlooked Clause: The Distribution Waterfall(17:17) - #2 Overlooked Clause: The Management Fee(17:45) - #3 Overlooked Clause: Time, Attention, and Conflicts of Interest(19:21) - What happens when a Limited Partner (LP) defaults on a capital call?(19:50) - Standard remedies for a defaulting LP(20:55) - Why remedies are only as strong as the capital already contributed(22:25) - The critical importance of verifying the source of an LP's capital(25:13) - The negotiation dynamic between GPs and LPs on default clauses(28:06) - How to negotiate the key person clause(30:20) - Key questions for drafting a key person clause(34:30) - Accounting for temporary absences (illness, vacation) in the key person clause(35:58) - Triggers for registering as a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA)(36:17) - The Venture Fund and Private Fund Adviser exemptions from registration(37:35) - How a secondary strategy can accidentally disqualify you from the venture exemption(39:55) - The downsides of registering as an RIA(41:22) - The silver lining: Investor confidence in registered advisors(42:19) - Outro and conclusionLINKS:Previous episode with Yoni - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eLPeQDPjCoDLA Piper - https://www.dlapiper.com/enConnect with Yoni - https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoni-tuchman-58153b5/Connect with Prashant:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - ⁠https://vc10x.beehiiv.com⁠Subscribe on YouTube - ⁠https://youtube.com/@VC10X ⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986⁠Subscribe on Spotify - ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ⁠VC10X website - ⁠https://vc10x.com⁠For sponsorship queries, reach out to [email protected] for more conversations at the intersection of family office investing, private markets, and emerging trends in wealth management.

On March 23rd, 2026, a single Truth Social post moved S&P 500 futures up 4% and crashed Brent crude from $109 to $92 — in under ten minutes. $1.7 trillion in equity value shifted before most investors had finished their morning coffee.What happened before that post is the real story.In the minute preceding the announcement, $580 million in oil contracts — positioned to profit from falling crude prices — were executed at 4 to 6 times normal volume. Estimated profit if held through the move: over $100 million.No charges. No confirmed coordination. But a regulatory framework that was never designed for this.In this episode, we break down the anatomy of a TACO trade (Trump Announcement Calms Oil), the trading anomalies that preceded it, the legal gap that makes accountability nearly impossible — and what it means for how you price tail risk in a market increasingly driven by executive announcements.---What we cover:- The morning of March 23rd: what moved and how fast- The TACO pattern: three occurrences, one structure- $580M in oil shorts, one minute before the post- The legal framework — and why it doesn't reach here- What this means for your portfolio---LINKSPrashant Choubey - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab⁠Subscribe to VC10X newsletter - ⁠https://vc10x.beehiiv.com⁠Subscribe on YouTube - ⁠https://youtube.com/@VC10X ⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986⁠Subscribe on Spotify - ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ⁠VC10X website - ⁠https://vc10x.com⁠For sponsorship queries reach out to [email protected] channel is for asset managers, allocators, and investors who want analysis that holds up — not headlines dressed as insight.**Subscribe** for weekly data-driven breakdowns of the forces reshaping capital markets.Sources: WSJ, CNBC, Fortune, CNN Politics, NYT, The Atlantic, Oxford Business Law Blog. All claims verified and cited in episode.#VentureCapital #MarketManipulation #InsiderTrading #Iran #CrudeOil #SP500 #MacroInvesting #VC10X #FinancePodcast #AssetManagement

Sinead Colton Grant manages investment strategy for $350 billion+ in private client assets at BNY Wealth. In this episode, she shares her full macro outlook — including a non-consensus call on the dollar, why markets are underpricing Middle East risk, and what the wealthiest family offices are doing differently right now.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comWe cover:— Why holding cash right now may be more dangerous than staying invested— The dollar thesis almost nobody agrees with coming into this year— Why gold is not the safe haven most investors think it is— The one risk markets are pricing as a tail event — but shouldn't be— Why AI memory chips are already sold out through 2027–2028— How family offices are using sports investing as an inflation hedge— Why private markets are no longer optional for long-term wealth creation— The truth about the BlackRock private credit gating storyIf you manage wealth, allocate capital, or just want to understand how the smartest money in the world is thinking right now — this is the episode.Timestamps:(00:00) - Preview(01:41) - Introduction & Sponsor Message(02:51) - BNY Wealth's Current Market Positioning & Non-Consensus Views(06:10) - Liquidity Cycles vs. Market Fundamentals(08:02) - Impact of Geopolitical Crises on Asset Allocation(09:46) - The "Dash for Cash" Strategy Among Allocators(13:00) - How Ultra-Wealthy Clients Are Investing Differently(16:55) - A Deeper Dive into Digital Asset & Crypto Investing(20:32) - Is the AI Investment Space Over-Deployed?(23:12) - Are Private Markets Becoming Too Crowded?(27:17) - Is Risk Being Underpriced in Private Credit?(29:42) - Redefining Safe Haven Assets Beyond Gold(33:03) - Alternative Hedges and Diversifiers in a Portfolio(34:33) - Passive vs. Active Investing: Which Strategy Wins?(36:40) - The Underpriced Risk of Extended Middle East Conflict(39:17) - How Global Custody Flows Influence Investment Decisions(40:30) - Practical Applications of AI in Wealth Management(42:24) - Structural Shifts in Family Office Diversification(45:36) - The Asset Class Poised to Surprise Investors(47:50) - A Framework for Investing During Uncertainty(50:47) - Where BNY is Not Investing Despite Strong Narratives(52:26) - A Tactical View on Investing in Silver(53:40) - How to Connect with Sinead Colton-GrantLINKSWebsite: bnywealth.comConnect with Prashant: https://linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - ⁠https://vc10x.beehiiv.com⁠Subscribe on YouTube - ⁠https://youtube.com/@VC10X ⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986⁠Subscribe on Spotify - ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ⁠VC10X website - ⁠https://vc10x.com⁠For sponsorship queries, reach out to [email protected] for more conversations at the intersection of family office investing, private markets, and emerging trends in wealth management.

Global money market funds just hit a record $8.24 trillion in assets — 65% above the COVID-era peak of $5 trillion. This month's Bank of America Global Fund Manager Survey recorded the single largest jump in cash allocations since March 2020. So what's driving it?In this episode, we break down the three forces behind the fastest institutional rotation to cash since the pandemic: the U.S.-Israel war on Iran and its impact on oil markets, a stagflation repricing that shifted consensus in 60 days, and private credit systemic risk that 63% of fund managers now consider the most likely source of the next credit event.KEY DATA REFERENCED→ BofA Global Fund Manager Survey, March 2026 — 210 managers, $589B AUM→ ICI / Crane Data — MMF assets $8.24T (Feb 2026)→ Brent crude: $70 → $102 in under three weeks→ Berkshire Hathaway cash: $381.7B — an all-time record→ Shiller CAPE ratio: 39.42x — only exceeded during the dot-com peak→ Private credit flagged as top systemic risk for 8 consecutive monthsSOURCESBank of America Global Research | ICI | Crane Data | IEA | Bloomberg | CNBC | Al Jazeera | Oxford Economics | World Economic Forum | IATA | AAA | FREDLINKSPrashant Choubey - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab⁠Subscribe to VC10X newsletter - ⁠https://vc10x.beehiiv.com⁠Subscribe on YouTube - ⁠https://youtube.com/@VC10X ⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986⁠Subscribe on Spotify - ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ⁠VC10X website - ⁠https://vc10x.com⁠For sponsorship queries reach out to [email protected] FOR MOREVC10X breaks down the most important stories in finance, tech, and markets every week. Subscribe for actionable insights.#VentureCapital #Investing #CashAllocation #PrivateCredit #Stagflation #OilPrice #MacroInvesting #FundManagerSurvey #RiskOff #AssetManagement

Tom Chi was a founding member of Google X — the team behind self-driving cars, Google Glass, and deep learning AI. At the peak of that career, he watched a coral reef die outside his home in Hawaii. In eight weeks, it was gone. That moment changed everything. Tom founded At One Ventures to fund companies building that future.In this episode, Tom breaks down why the climate crisis is not a political debate — it's a physics problem. And physics doesn't negotiate.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comWe cover:- The calculation Tom ran in 2012 that predicted mass fires, floods, and displacement by 2022 — and why nobody was talking about it- Why "green premium" is a myth, and how AT1 Ventures finds climate tech that is cheaper than the incumbent- The physics framework he uses to evaluate every deal: matter, energy, time, and space- Why Venezuela is a live case study in what the petrol-first worldview actually produces- The difference between sustainable, net zero, and net positive — and why only one of them is the right target- Why freshwater scarcity is a management problem, not a supply problem- What ancient civilizations in Hawaii and South Asia got right about working with nature — that we've completely forgottenTom is also the author of Climate Capital: Investing in the Tools for a Regenerative Future (Wiley, Feb 2026).Timestamps:(00:00) - Why Tom Chi left AI and robotics to focus on climate change.(00:32) - Disagreeing with Bill Gates' "green premium" concept.(01:09) - Introduction to Tom Chi's background and AtOne Ventures.(02:54) - Tom Chi on his career and the mission of AtOne Ventures.(03:58) - The personal story of watching a coral reef die and how it changed his career path.(08:00) - Using physics to predict the rise in climate volatility a decade ago.(10:45) - The realization that climate change is a time-sensitive problem that can't be delayed.(12:38) - Discussing global inaction and the influence of the fossil fuel industry on geopolitics.(14:32) - Contrasting the US's fossil fuel policy with China's dominance in green technology.(18:25) - Why climate change is a physics problem, not a political debate.(20:47) - The thesis that green technology must be cheaper, not more expensive, to scale.(21:54) - The investment framework: Using physics to find economic advantages in green tech.(26:08) - How green energy can compete against the policy influence of the cash-rich oil industry.(29:15) - The difference between "sustainable" and "net positive."(31:52) - Is freshwater scarcity a real and urgent global risk?(32:11) - Reframing the water crisis as a mismanagement of hydrological cycles, not a scarcity issue.(36:08) - The real choice: Deciding the level of human misery, not "saving the planet."(39:34) - Rapid-fire round: Investment sectors and regions.(41:19) - Typical stage and check size of investments.(42:23) - How to get in touch with Tom Chi and AtOne Ventures.(43:16) - Final thoughts on the "category error" of treating scientific truth as a political debate.🎧 Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts — links below.LINKSWebsite: atoneventures.comSocial: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thegoodtomchi/Prashant Choubey - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab⁠Subscribe to VC10X newsletter - ⁠https://vc10x.beehiiv.com⁠Subscribe on YouTube - ⁠https://youtube.com/@VC10X ⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986⁠Subscribe on Spotify - ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ⁠VC10X website - ⁠https://vc10x.com⁠For sponsorship queries, reach out to [email protected] for more conversations at the intersection of family office investing, private markets, and emerging trends in wealth management.

9.3% of investors in BlackRock's $26 billion private credit fund asked to withdraw their money. BlackRock returned half, and blocked the rest.This isn't a panic headline. It's a structural signal, and in this episode, we break down exactly what happened, why it happened now, and what it means for the $2 trillion private credit industry.We cover:— What BlackRock's HLEND fund actually is, and why it was worth $12 billion to acquire— The precise mechanics of the withdrawal gate and who it legally protects— The 3 pressure vectors that caused redemption requests to nearly double in a single quarter— How Blackstone, Blue Owl and BlackRock each handled the same pressure — differently— The 3 data points investors should be tracking in Q2 2026BlackRock's fundamentals didn't change on March 6th. But investor confidence in private credit did. Here's what that gap tells us.Sources: Bloomberg, Reuters, BlackRock Q4 2025 Earnings, Evercore ISILINKSPrashant Choubey - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab⁠Subscribe to VC10X newsletter - ⁠https://vc10x.beehiiv.com⁠Subscribe on YouTube - ⁠https://youtube.com/@VC10X ⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986⁠Subscribe on Spotify - ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ⁠VC10X website - ⁠https://vc10x.com⁠For sponsorship queries reach out to [email protected] FOR MOREVC10X breaks down the most important stories in finance, tech, and markets every week. Subscribe for actionable insights.#privatecredit #blackrock #hlend

"What does it actually take to get a family office to back you? In this episode, Prashant sits down with Slava Darkhaev, a family office investor based in Cyprus who deploys into emerging VC managers and direct deals across the US market.Slava breaks down how he evaluates first-time fund managers, what a real competitive edge looks like versus a rehearsed pitch, and why network quality matters far more than network size. They also get into portfolio construction, co-investment strategy, the emerging markets opportunity, and the biggest mistakes fund managers make when fundraising.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comTopics covered:— What "right to exist" really means for a fund manager— How to evaluate GPs before they have a track record— Why the VC power law makes network everything— LP book vs. direct co-investments — how to run both— Diversification as upside management, not downside protection— India, Southeast Asia & Latin America — the emerging market thesis— The #1 fundraising mistake GPs make repeatedly"If you're a GP raising your first or second fund — or an LP trying to build a smarter allocation strategy — this one is for you.TIMESTAMPS(00:00) - Episode Highlights(00:51) - Introduction to Slava Darkhaev & the Episode(02:19) - The 'Right to Exist' for VCs vs. Founders(05:02) - How to Identify and Back Top-Tier GPs(07:11) - Benchmarking Emerging Managers: The Insider Approach(08:42) - The #1 Trait Separating Top GPs from the Rest(11:05) - Strategy for Direct Investments vs. LP Investments(12:43) - Securing Co-Investment and Pro-Rata Rights(13:51) - A Different Take on Diversification in Venture Capital(16:07) - Investing Thesis on Emerging Trends and Macro Cycles(17:27) - Due Diligence for a Manager's Subsequent Fund(19:22) - Family Office Asset Allocation to Venture Capital(20:02) - Investing in 'Unproven' First-Time Managers(21:29) - Approach to Investing in Global Emerging Markets(24:58) - Key Advice for Fund Managers: The Power of Storytelling(25:46) - Common Mistakes Fund Managers Make When Fundraising(26:46) - Rapid Fire Round(27:51) - Conclusion & How to Connect with SlavaLINKSSlava Darkhaev - https://www.linkedin.com/in/slava-darkhaev/Prashant Choubey - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab⁠Subscribe to VC10X newsletter - ⁠https://vc10x.beehiiv.com⁠Subscribe on YouTube - ⁠https://youtube.com/@VC10X ⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986⁠Subscribe on Spotify - ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ⁠VC10X website - ⁠https://vc10x.com⁠For sponsorship queries, reach out to [email protected] for more conversations at the intersection of family office investing, private markets, and emerging trends in wealth management.

In one week, Claude went from #131 to #1 on the App Store. ChatGPT uninstalls surged 295%. And Sam Altman publicly admitted his company's communications were "opportunistic and sloppy." We break down exactly what happened — and what it means for the future of AI investment.In this episode:→ Why Anthropic walked away from a $200M Pentagon contract — and what their two specific red lines were→ The full timeline of Sam Altman's communications breakdown: the vague X post, the AMA that backfired, and the Monday admission→ Why the enterprise data is the most important story nobody is talking about (50%+ of US business AI spend)→ Anthropic's $20B revenue run rate and what the download data actually shows→ What this week means for investors watching the AI competitive landscapeLINKSPrashant Choubey - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab⁠Subscribe to VC10X newsletter - ⁠https://vc10x.beehiiv.com⁠Subscribe on YouTube - ⁠https://youtube.com/@VC10X ⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986⁠Subscribe on Spotify - ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ⁠VC10X website - ⁠https://vc10x.com⁠For sponsorship queries reach out to [email protected] FOR MOREVC10X breaks down the most important stories in finance, tech, and markets every week. Subscribe for actionable insights.#Anthropic #OpenAI #AIInvesting #Claude #ChatGPT #VC10X #VentureCapital #TechInvesting`

In the inaugural Family Office Roundtable at VC10X, host Prashant sits down with Ronald Diamond, Founder & Chairman of Diamond Wealth, and Wendy Craft, CEO of Elle Family Office, for a candid conversation on what's really happening inside family offices today.From AI tools that are already replacing analysts, to the private equity liquidity crisis, to the $124 trillion wealth transfer heading to the next generation.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comWhat we cover:- How AI is transforming deal flow, due diligence & the analyst role- Where family offices are allocating right now — and what's broken in private equity- Why after-tax returns are the only number that matters- The rise of ETFs and tax-loss harvesting as game changers for families- SFO vs. MFO — and why 85-90% of family offices shouldn't exist- Next gen wealth transfer & why most families are failing at it- The role of family office capital in solving real-world problemsTimestamps:(00:00) - Introduction: The Future of Family Offices(01:26) - Welcoming Guests: Ronald Diamond & Wendy Craft(02:18) - The Role of AI in Family Offices(03:40) - A Cautious Approach to AI Investment(04:52) - How AI is Disrupting Due Diligence(07:43) - Replacing Analysts with AI to Cut Costs(09:42) - AI Efficiency vs. The Need for Human Oversight(11:17) - Case Study: How Large Families Use AI for Efficiency(13:12) - Can AI Handle Proactive Deal Sourcing?(14:16) - The Importance of Human Networks in Deal Flow(15:58) - Portfolio Construction: Public vs. Private Markets(17:52) - The Problem with Private Equity's Long Lock-up Periods(19:57) - Contrasting Private Equity with the Family Office Model(22:30) - The Tax Angle: Liquidity vs. Long-Term Investment(24:10) - The Growing Focus on After-Tax Returns(27:00) - The Emergence of ETFs for Tax Efficiency(29:13) - Venture Capital Investing Styles for Family Offices(31:28) - Why Inexperienced Family Offices Should Outsource VC(34:26) - The Rise of OCIOs for Next-Generation Wealth Management(35:54) - The Future: Outsourcing to MFOs and OCIOs(38:22) - MFOs vs. OCIOs: What's the Difference?(41:28) - Educating and Including the Next Generation(44:20) - How the Next Generation's Investment Interests Differ(45:00) - The Philanthropic Potential of Family Offices(48:01) - Youth's Belief in AI to Solve Societal Issues(49:23) - The Negative Impact of Technology on Mental Health(54:55) - Portfolio Hedges: Gold, Silver, and Bitcoin(56:31) - The Evolution of Cryptocurrency as an Asset Class(58:13) - Skepticism and Risks in the Crypto Market(01:02:43) - Interest in Gold, Silver, and Critical Minerals(01:03:23) - Parting Advice for Family Offices(01:03:54) - Ron's Advice: Run it Like a Business or Outsource(01:04:56) - Wendy's Advice: The Efficiency of MFOs for Most Families--Guests:🔹 Ronald Diamond — Founder & Chairman, Diamond Wealth | Syndicate of 100+ Family Offices ($250M–$30B)🔹 Wendy Craft — CEO, Elle Family Office | Atlanta, GA---LINKSWendy Craft - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-craft-7281176Ronald Diamond - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronalddiamondPrashant Choubey - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab⁠Subscribe to VC10X newsletter - ⁠https://vc10x.beehiiv.com⁠Subscribe on YouTube - ⁠https://youtube.com/@VC10X ⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986⁠Subscribe on Spotify - ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ⁠VC10X website - ⁠https://vc10x.com⁠For sponsorship queries, reach out to [email protected] for more conversations at the intersection of family office investing, private markets, and emerging trends in wealth management.#FamilyOffice #PrivateEquity #WealthManagement #AI #VentureCapital #NextGen #Investing

Sam Altman recently defended AI's massive energy consumption by saying humans are energy-intensive too — consuming energy for 20 years before becoming useful. We think it deserves a harder look.In this episode, we break down why that comparison is more than a clever deflection. We examine what AI's learning actually runs on and why that changes the argument entirely, why reducing humans to an efficiency metric is a framing worth resisting, and why this particular narrative is one that venture capitalists find very easy to fund — which tells you something important in itself.We also look at what this means practically for investors: how to stress-test civilisational storytelling, which regulatory risks are being underpriced, and why energy intensity is a structural cost question as much as an environmental one.No drama. Just clear analysis of a soundbite that slipped past most people — and probably shouldn't have.LINKSPrashant Choubey - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab⁠Subscribe to VC10X newsletter - ⁠https://vc10x.beehiiv.com⁠Subscribe on YouTube - ⁠https://youtube.com/@VC10X ⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986⁠Subscribe on Spotify - ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ⁠VC10X website - ⁠https://vc10x.com⁠For sponsorship queries reach out to [email protected] FOR MOREVC10X breaks down the most important stories in finance, tech, and markets every week. Subscribe for actionable insights.

Ankur Sethi spent years at two of India's most iconic startups — Swiggy and Paytm — before leaving his operating role to found Winner Capital, a consumer-first, AI-native syndicate investing out of North America.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comIn this episode, we get into:→ Why consumer AI is massively underfunded while enterprise SaaS gets all the attention→ What "durable retention" actually looks like — and the ambassador signal every founder should watch for→ The 0→1, 1→10, 10→100 framework and how your mindset must shift at each stage→ Why unit economics are non-negotiable even at pre-seed→ The one operating principle from Swiggy & Paytm that most founders underestimate until it's too late→ Why launching a fund during a market correction is actually an advantage→ His honest take on India as a market — and when Winner Capital plans to enterIf you're a founder building in consumer tech or AI, or an operator thinking about making the leap into venture, this one is for you.🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations with the investors shaping the next generation of startups.📩 Reach Ankur at [email protected] or find him on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/1ankursethi/Timestamps:(00:00) - Two narratives of AI: Just getting started vs. over-hyped.(00:49) - Introduction to Ankur Sethi and Winner Capital.(02:21) - The market gap that led to starting a consumer-focused AI fund.(03:40) - Why Ankur believes we are just at the start of the AI revolution.(06:23) - Winner Capital's focus on the AI application layer for consumers.(07:32) - Managing fund dynamics for deep tech vs. software AI investments.(10:07) - A founder conversation that changed Ankur's conviction about a market.(15:26) - Clearest indicators of durable retention in consumer AI.(18:21) - The opportunity of launching a fund during a market correction.(20:27) - The operational shift from the 0-to-1 to the 10-to-100 million journey.(26:01) - The one operating principle from Paytm/Swiggy that founders underestimate.(30:01) - Balancing growth vs. unit economics at the seed stage.(36:08) - Ankur's perspective on India as a market and talent base.(38:57) - Start of the rapid-fire round.Podcast Links:Prashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.comSubscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQVC10X website - https://vc10x.comFor sponsorship queries, reach out to [email protected]#consumerai #venturecapital

Anthropic was founded by former OpenAI leaders who left over safety concerns.Now, Anthropic’s own safety lead is leaving over safety concerns.In the same week: • Claude Cowork wiped $285 billion off SaaS market caps• Anthropic is reportedly closing a $20 billion round at a $350 billion valuation• And an internal letter warns that the organization “constantly faces pressures to set aside what matters most”This episode breaks down the structural tension at the heart of the AI race:– Can frontier labs remain safety-first at $350B valuations?– How capital markets distort governance incentives– Why “catastrophic scenario avoided” is invisible to investors– The prisoner’s dilemma forming between OpenAI, Anthropic, and Big Tech– What this means for SaaS, labor displacement, and regulatory riskThis is not a philosophical debate.It is capital allocation risk at system scale.For fund managers, venture investors, and operators, the question is simple:Can safety survive trillion-dollar incentives?LINKSPrashant Choubey - ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab⁠Subscribe to VC10X newsletter - ⁠https://vc10x.beehiiv.com⁠Subscribe on YouTube - ⁠https://youtube.com/@VC10X ⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986⁠Subscribe on Spotify - ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ⁠VC10X website - ⁠https://vc10x.com⁠For sponsorship queries reach out to [email protected] FOR MOREVC10X breaks down the most important stories in finance, tech, and markets every week. Subscribe for actionable insights.

What should VCs actually look for in a fund administration partner?In this episode of VC10X, we sit down with Shalin Madan, Co-Founder of Formidium - a global fund administration platform supporting venture capital, private equity, hedge funds, and alternative asset managers with over $33B+ in assets under administration.We go beyond the surface-level checklist and unpack what truly matters when selecting a fund administrator - especially for emerging managers.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comTopics covered:• The most overlooked due diligence question when choosing a fund admin• Why business model sustainability matters more than branding• How technology reflects internal discipline (and why “banning Excel” matters)• The hidden costs of managing operations in-house• Why durability is becoming more important than performance• How LP scrutiny is evolving• Why many funds and companies may not survive the next few yearsInfrastructure is no longer back office — it’s strategy.If you're building a fund designed to last 10+ years, this episode will change how you think about operations, risk, and long-term durability.Timestamps:(00:00) - The Hidden Costs of In-House Operations(00:33) - Introduction to Fund Administration and Guest Shaleen Madan(01:49) - Sponsor: Podcast 10X for VCs(02:47) - Critical Due Diligence for Selecting a Fund Administrator(04:16) - How a Tech Stack Signals Quality and Reduces Risk(05:23) - Early Trends in Capital Flows and Investor Behavior(07:39) - The Institutionalization of Family Offices(09:09) - How Emerging Managers Can Handle Future Regulatory Changes(11:12) - In-House vs. Outsourcing: A Former Fund Manager's Perspective(13:54) - The Unique Operational Challenges of Crypto-Native Funds(16:35) - How Back-Office Needs Differ Across Asset Classes(20:09) - How to Properly Vet a Service Provider's Expertise(21:33) - A Contrarian Take on Capital Flows and Market Dynamics(26:56) - The Impact of AI on Pricing Power and Outsourcing(29:18) - Key Questions LPs Should Ask About Operational Infrastructure(31:36) - Lessons Learned from Rapidly Scaling a Business(33:26) - Where to Find Shaleen Madan and FormidiumConnect with Shalin:Website - https://formidium.com/Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalin-madan-caia-b00239/Podcast Links:Prashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.comSubscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQVC10X website - https://vc10x.comFor sponsorship queries, reach out to [email protected]#VentureCapital #FundAdministration #EmergingManagers #PrivateEquity #VC10X

Over the past several weeks, nearly $1 to $2 trillion in market value has been erased from software and SaaS equities.At the same time, semiconductor foundries and data center infrastructure companies are demonstrating relative resilience, and in some cases outperforming.This episode examines whether we are witnessing a temporary correction or a structural repricing of the AI technology stack.We break down:• The 20 to 25 percent correction in the S&P 500 Software & Services Index• Why AI-native tooling, including developments from Anthropic and other model providers, is pressuring traditional SaaS assumptions• The resilience of advanced-node manufacturers like TSMC• IonQ’s acquisition of SkyWater Technology and what it signals about vertical integration and domestic manufacturing• The accelerating build-out of power and cooling infrastructure, with companies like Vertiv benefiting from AI-driven density requirements• Where durable value may accrue across the AI stackFor allocators, venture investors, and operators, this is less about short-term volatility and more about capital rotation.The key question is no longer whether AI is real.It is where long-term value concentrates:Application layerCompute layerPhysical infrastructure enabling itIf you allocate capital across technology, public or private, this is a critical moment.Subscribe to VC10X for in-depth conversations with leading fund managers, founders, and LPs navigating the next phase of the AI cycle.LINKSPrashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.comSubscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQVC10X website - https://vc10x.comFor sponsorship queries reach out to [email protected] FOR MOREVC10X breaks down the most important stories in finance, tech, and markets every week. Subscribe for actionable insightsLet us know in the comments:Is software experiencing temporary multiple compression or structural repricing?#AI #VentureCapital #SaaS #Semiconductors #DataCenters #TechInvesting #CapitalMarkets

How do the world’s smartest institutional investors actually allocate capital?In this episode, we sit down with Nolan, a veteran CIO with over two decades of experience allocating capital for endowments, foundations, family offices, and healthcare systems — overseeing more than $90B in assets across public and private markets.We go deep into how institutions think about risk, liquidity, and long-term returns, why venture capital remains a power-law game, and how investors are navigating today’s biggest shifts — from AI and private credit to diversification risks and market cycles.This conversation pulls back the curtain on how capital is really deployed behind closed doors — especially in a world where exits are slower, fundraising is harder, and everyone is asking whether we’re closer to 1997… or 1999.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comWhat you’ll learn in this episode:- How institutions decide how much risk they can truly take- Why venture capital allocations haven’t disappeared — but have slowed- Private credit vs venture capital: how LPs actually think about the trade-off- How AI is reshaping portfolios across public and private markets- Why diversification matters more now than during bull markets- What CIOs are watching for as we head into 2026Whether you’re a fund manager, LP, founder, or just curious about how institutional money really works, this episode offers rare, first-principles insight into long-term capital allocation.(00:00) - Podcast Teaser: Risk, Returns, and Venture Capital (00:48) - Introduction to Nolan Bean and FEG Investment Advisors (02:20) - Nolan's Career Journey: From Associate to CIO (03:16) - What is FEG and the Outsourced CIO (OCIO) Model? (05:18) - The Four Key Risks for Institutional Investors (08:32) - Ranking Institutions by Risk Appetite (10:20) - A Breakdown of Institutional Asset Classes (13:05) - Institutional Openness to New Investment Strategies (15:30) - The Evolving Landscape of Venture Capital (17:36) - Why VC Fundraising Has Slowed Down (19:12) - Venture Capital vs. Private Credit: An Institutional Debate (21:32) - Current Institutional Preferences in VC Funds (Stage & Sector) (24:01) - Evaluating the Risk of an AI Bubble (26:54) - Domestic vs. Global Allocations (29:19) - The Unspoken Need for Diversification (31:29) - Commodities as a Portfolio Hedge (34:29) - Advice for Fund Managers Raising Capital (36:22) - Market Outlook and Expectations for 2026Connect with Nolan:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolanbean/Podcast Links:Prashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.comSubscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQVC10X website - https://vc10x.comFor sponsorship queries, reach out to [email protected]

AI isn’t just replacing jobs anymore — it’s starting to hire humans.In this episode of VC10X, we break down two viral projects that reveal where AI agents are really headed: one where AI agents rent humans to execute real-world tasks, and another that functions as a social network built exclusively for AI agents.These aren’t gimmicks. They’re early signals of how labor, coordination, and intelligence may evolve in an AGI world.We explore: • Why AI agents need humans to operate in the physical world• How agent-to-agent social networks accelerate collective intelligence• What “humans as execution layers” actually means• The new startup categories this unlocks• Why AGI may emerge as a network, not a single model• What fund managers and investors should be paying attention to nowIf you care about AI, AGI, venture capital, and how human labor fits into a machine-driven future — this episode is for you.LINKSPrashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.comSubscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQVC10X website - https://vc10x.comFor sponsorship queries reach out to [email protected] FOR MOREVC10X breaks down the most important stories in finance, tech, and markets every week. Subscribe for actionable insights.

In this episode, Kevin Moore shares the unfiltered story behind starting his first VC fund after nearly 15 years of preparation—from leaving a stable engineering career, to learning sales the hard way, to discovering why LPs don’t care about your past track record the way you think they do.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comWe go deep into:- Why there is never a “right time” to start a fund- The biggest misconceptions first-time GPs have about LP fundraising- Why selling is at least 50% of a VC’s job- The hidden costs (financial and emotional) of becoming a fund manager- How to think about fund size, LP targeting, and early credibility- What separates aspirational GPs from those who actually close Fund I- Kevin also opens up about doubt, discipline, faith, and the internal routines that helped him stay grounded through long stretches of uncertainty.If you’re:Considering launching your first fundExploring a transition into venture capitalCurious how LPs actually evaluate emerging managersOr simply want an honest look at what VC really looks like behind the scenesThis episode is for you.Timestamps:(00:00) - Preview(00:45) - Introduction to the episode and guest, Kevin Moore(01:35) - Sponsor Read: Podcast10X(02:16) - Kevin's 16-year journey to starting a VC firm(02:53) - The origin story: From civil engineer to financial advisor(04:45) - The "never a right time" philosophy for making big leaps(05:03) - Key lessons learned from being a financial advisor(05:25) - Why sales skills are crucial for a General Partner (GP)(06:29) - Why choose venture capital over other finance paths?(08:15) - The first order of business when starting a VC firm(08:28) - The challenge of securing working capital and startup costs(10:06) - Balancing GP commitment and operational expenses(10:47) - How to de-risk a fund launch by pre-vetting LPs(12:40) - How to right-size your first fund(13:57) - Identifying and targeting the ideal LP profile(15:48) - The biggest misconception about LP fundraising(17:57) - What to do differently in the first 10 LP conversations(19:19) - How to pace conversations with LPs(20:00) - The "Know, Like, Trust" framework for LP relationships(22:14) - The most valuable "No" from an LP(25:42) - Designing the fund's identity and investment focus(27:44) - The most underestimated part of building a firm(29:12) - The first non-obvious hires and processes needed(30:52) - Overcoming serious doubts during fundraising(32:24) - Using daily routines to manage external uncertainty(33:54) - The most overrated advice for starting a VC firm(36:24) - The one thing to pressure test before quitting your job to start a fund(37:55) - Rapid Fire Round: Serac Ventures' Investment StrategyConnect with Kevin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinjosephmoore/https://substack.com/@kevinatseracvcPodcast Links:Prashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.comSubscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQVC10X website - https://vc10x.comFor sponsorship queries, reach out to [email protected]

When a fintech unicorn exits to a traditional bank, the headline says “successful exit.” This video looks deeper.We analyze the acquisition of Brex by Capital One and what it signals for fintech, startup founders, and venture investors.Topics covered:- Why this exit matters beyond valuation- What it reveals about fintech business models- Why balance sheets, regulation, and distribution still matter- How fintech exit paths are changing- What founders and VCs should learn from this dealLINKSPrashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.comSubscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQVC10X website - https://vc10x.comFor sponsorship queries reach out to [email protected] FOR MOREVC10X breaks down the most important stories in finance, tech, and markets every week. Subscribe for actionable insights.#brex #fintech #venturecapital investing #exits

In this episode, West Point grad and Airborne Ranger Brad Harrison reveals how Scout Ventures backs frontier tech at the intersection of national security and innovation.From underwriting "impossible" breakthroughs like Casimir force energy from space vacuum to AI semiconductors deemed unfeasible by experts, Brad shares the deep diligence, non-dilutive government funding edge, and leadership playbook behind their success.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comKey Topics:- How military SOPs shaped Scout's 40th-revision investment process- Fundraising truths: "It takes a really long time to make money in the fund business unless you're raising lots and lots of money"- Culture as moat: "Culture starts with leadership" and "My job is to prevent war"- Deep tech diligence: "Ten years ago, nine out of ten physicists you talked to told you that was impossible"- Portfolio evolution: Engineering DPI in 18-year fund lives, unicorns like Unite Us, and avoiding herd mentality- Founder advice: Recruiting is the #1 gap, and "you always gotta follow your gut"Timestamps:(00:00) - Preview(01:25) - Introduction to the episode and guest, Brad Harrison.(02:51) - How Brad's military background shaped Scout Ventures.(05:09) - Pivotal firm-building decisions at Scout Ventures.(07:30) - Advice for new GPs on building a multi-fund firm.(08:24) - The importance of in-person meetings and investing in your team.(10:05) - The role of culture, leadership, and values in venture capital.(11:56) - Discussing Brad's film, "Brothers on Three".(13:10) - Key components of LP reporting for new managers.(14:59) - Building trust with LPs through communication and face time.(16:20) - Scout's sharpest edge in sourcing and winning founders.(17:56) - How to underwrite technical risk and IP strength at the seed stage.(20:05) - The process of underwriting seemingly impossible technologies like Casimir Space.(22:40) - The competitive advantage of using non-dilutive government funding.(24:04) - How frontier tech investors navigate the typical 10-year fund cycle.(26:30) - The importance of actively engineering liquidity in deep tech.(28:05) - The "Four Rs" for helping founders: Raising capital, Revenue, Recruiting, and Retention.(28:36) - Why recruiting is the most underdeveloped skill in early-stage teams.(30:27) - The hardest part of the recruiting process for founders.(31:50) - Scout's portfolio construction approach and how it has evolved.(37:15) - Using an annual portfolio review to refine investment decisions.(38:21) - Lessons learned from the flagship success of Unitus.(40:13) - Biggest learnings from investing in startups over the years.(42:00) - The danger of a "pack mentality" in venture capital.(44:11) - Start of the Rapid Fire Round.(44:27) - Sectors and regions Scout invests in.(44:40) - Typical stage of investment.(44:51) - Typical check size.(44:59) - How founders can get in touch.(45:07) - Where listeners can follow Brad Harrison.Connect with Brad:📧 [email protected]💼 Bradley C Harrison on LinkedIn🌐 scout.vc Podcast Links:Prashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.comSubscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQVC10X website - https://vc10x.comFor sponsorship queries, reach out to [email protected]#VentureCapital #DeepTech #NationalSecurity #FrontierTech #ScoutVentures #WestPoint #DefenseTech

The era of the ad-free intelligent internet is officially over. Sam Altman once famously said ads were a "last resort" for AI. Well, we have reached the last resort.In this episode of VC10X, we break down OpenAI’s "Code Red" decision to introduce ads to the free tier of ChatGPT and the new "ChatGPT Go." This isn't just about banner ads; it’s a signal that the subscription-only model for AI is failing.We analyze the 3 massive drivers behind this pivot:1. The $14 Billion Hole: The projected burn rate for 2026 forced their hands2. The Apple Failure: How losing the default Siri slot to Google Gemini crushed their distribution plans.3. Sticky Revenue: Why investors now prefer "sticky" ad revenue over high-churn $20/month subscriptions.If OpenAI, the market leader, can't make the unit economics work without ads, what does that mean for every other AI startup? We discuss the bifurcation of the market into "Ad-Tech AI" and "Privacy Premium AI."TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - The Broken Promise: "I Hate Ads"1:29 - The $14 Billion Panic: Why the Math Stopped Working2:04 - Startup Lesson: Why Ad Revenue is "Stickier" than Subscriptions4:06 - Signal for investorsLINKSPrashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.comSubscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQVC10X website - https://vc10x.comFor sponsorship queries reach out to [email protected] FOR MOREVC10X breaks down the most important stories in finance, tech, and markets every week. Subscribe for actionable insights.#OpenAI #ChatGPT #SamAltman #AIInvesting #TechNews #Google #VentureCapital #BusinessStrategy #ArtificialIntelligence #AdTech

In this episode, we sit down with Ashish Shanker, MD & CEO of Motilal Oswal Private Wealth, which now oversees over ₹1.9 Lakh Crore in assets under advisory. Ashish breaks down his strategy for 2026, revealing the one "non-obvious" sector poised to surprise the market, why silver might outperform gold, and how high-net-worth investors are hedging against global volatility.[Important note - This episode was recorded on December 5, 2025. Many market factors have changed since then. The content in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional financial or investment advice. The views expressed by the guest are their own. Please consult with a certified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.]We dive deep into:* Why 2026 might see a fresh uptrend after 2025's consolidation.* The "capacity paradox" of managing wealth for ultra-high-net-worth families.* Actionable advice on US market diversification and pre-IPO investing rules.Timestamps:(00:00) - Episode Teaser & Introduction(02:24) - The Non-Obvious Sector to Watch in 2026(03:56) - Hedging Portfolios Against US Tariffs(07:20) - Is the Market Pricing in Too Much Perfection for 2026?(10:34) - NIFTY 50 vs. Mid & Small Caps for Long-Term Growth(11:46) - Silver: A Strategic Allocation or a Tactical Trade?(14:30) - The Gold-to-Silver Price Ratio: Is Gold Overvalued?(15:13) - Is It Time to Go 100% Aggressive on Mid-Caps?(18:21) - Impact of Rising Japanese Interest Rates on Indian Markets(22:22) - The Role of Domestic Investments in Market Resilience(24:14) - Protecting Portfolios from Rupee Depreciation(25:49) - Most Attractive Global Markets for Indian HNIs(27:35) - Investing Beyond the $250,000 LRS Limit(28:34) - Navigating the Pre-IPO and IPO Market(34:35) - The Relationship Manager (RM) Capacity Paradox(38:15) - Risk Appetite of Young Tech Founders vs. Traditional Promoters(39:47) - Is GIFT City Gaining Traction for Global Diversification?(41:09) - Physical Real Estate vs. REITs for Investment(41:57) - Essential Estate Planning Moves Before March 2026(43:21) - Ashish Shankar's Personal Investment Philosophy(44:42) - The Secret to Motilal Oswal's Success(48:05) - The Motilal Oswal Private Wealth Client Journey(51:35) - One Asset Class to Buy and Hold Until 2030(52:42) - Where to Learn More About Motilal Oswal Private WealthLinks:Motilal Oswal Private Wealth - https://www.motilaloswalpwm.com/Ashish Shanker on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashishshanker23/Prashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.comSubscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQVC10X website - https://vc10x.comFor sponsorship queries, reach out to [email protected]

On January 12, 2026, Apple officially announced a multi-year partnership with Google to integrate Gemini models into the next generation of Siri and Apple Intelligence. This decision marks a significant pivot in the AI landscape, as Apple bypasses OpenAI for its default system integration.In this deep dive, we analyze the strategic reasoning behind this deal, the technical implications for iOS 26.4, and the data-driven factors—including declining ChatGPT usage trends—that influenced this shift. What does this mean for the future of OpenAI, and who are the true winners in the AI infrastructure race?TIMESTAMPS0:00 – The Strategic Shift: Apple Partners with Google0:39 – Deal Structure: $1B/Year & Technical Integration1:26 – The OpenAI Challenge: Usage Declines & "Code Red"2:12 – Winners & Losers: Google, Apple, Microsoft, & Anthropic2:46 – Investment Implications: The Infrastructure Play11:00 – Conclusion: The Maturation of Enterprise AIKEY ANALYSIS✅ The Deal: Apple selected Google Gemini due to proven infrastructure reliability and scaling experience (Galaxy AI), rejecting OpenAI despite early testing.✅ OpenAI's Position: The loss of default Siri integration comes amidst a ~6% weekly decline in ChatGPT daily active users, signaling a need for a B2B pivot✅ Technical Integration: Gemini will process queries via a hybrid of Apple Silicon and Google Private Cloud Compute, preserving privacy while enhancing Siri's reasoning capabilities.✅ Market Impact: This solidifies Google Cloud's position in the mobile ecosystem while challenging the "startup model" of AI deployment in favor of established enterprise infrastructure.SOURCES & DATA- Apple/Google Partnership Announcement (Jan 2026)- SimilarWeb/Analytics Usage Data (ChatGPT Trends)- Industry Reports on AI Infrastructure & Cloud ComputingLINKSPrashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.comSubscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQVC10X website - https://vc10x.comFor sponsorship queries reach out to [email protected] FOR MOREVC10X breaks down the most important stories in finance, tech, and markets every week. Subscribe for actionable insights.#AppleIntelligence #GoogleGemini #OpenAI #Siri #ArtificialIntelligence #TechNews #StockMarket #MacroEconomics #GOOG #AAPL

In this episode, we sit down with Jim Curry from BuildGroup to discuss why the traditional venture capital model might be failing founders. Jim is rewriting the rules of investment with a $330 million fund backed exclusively by family offices, operating without the traditional 10-year cap. This unique "Patient Capital" structure allows BuildGroup to align with founders for the long haul, prioritizing durable growth over short-term exits.We dive deep into Jim’s background as an operator who helped scale Rackspace to $2 billion in revenue with only $25 million in funding, proving that you don't need to burn cash to build a giant. We also discuss the dangers of the "fundraising treadmill," why we are currently in a bubble era, and his contrarian take on why the future of AI lies in "Small Language Models," not just the giants.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comIn this episode, you’ll learn:- The Broken VC Model: Why the 10-year fund cycle creates misaligned incentives between investors and founders.- The Rackspace Story: How to scale to billions in revenue with extreme capital efficiency.- Patient Capital Explained: Inside BuildGroup’s $330M evergreen fund structure.- The Fundraising Treadmill: How to avoid the trap of raising too much, too fast.- The AI Bubble: Why Jim believes "Small Language Models" (SLMs) are the real opportunity for B2B businesses.- Founder Advice: The one trait Jim looks for: being a "customer of your own problem."🔗 Connect with Jim & BuildGroup:Website: https://buildgroup.comEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimncurry/🔗 VC10X Links:Prashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.comSubscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQVC10X website - https://vc10x.comFor sponsorship queries reach out to [email protected]:(00:00) - Introduction to Build Group's $330M Fund and Patient Capital Model(00:37) - Meet Jim Curry, Co-founder of Build Group(01:58) - How Experiences at Rackspace Inspired the Operator-First Model(03:25) - The Problem with Arbitrary 10-Year VC Fund Cycles(05:48) - The Unique Structure of Build Group's Fund(08:21) - Why Build Group Prefers to Be the Only Investor on the Cap Table(11:47) - The Challenge of Helping Companies Get Off the VC "Treadmill"(16:00) - Deployment Period and How the Investment Thesis Evolves(18:24) - Build Group's Diligence Process vs. a Typical VC(23:08) - Competing with Over-Capitalized Startups(25:17) - Lessons from Building the OpenStack Community(27:48) - Key Qualities Looked for in a Founding Team(30:55) - Harmful VC Trend: Forgetting the Lean Startup Mentality(33:18) - Why Downturns are an Opportunity for Patient Capital(35:56) - The Importance of Founders Who Genuinely Love Their Product(37:55) - The Next Foundational Tech Opportunities in AI Orchestration(40:29) - Rapid Fire Round(41:50) - Conclusion#VentureCapital #SaaS #StartupFunding #PatientCapital #BuildGroup #BusinessPodcast #AI #Entrepreneurship

A lot of people often dismissed AI advances by saying things like "tell me when it can do my laundry".Well, now, it can!Not just laundry, it can do a lot more.At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, the tech world made its biggest pivot since the smartphone, from software AI to Physical AIThis week, we break down the CES reveals that are moving artificial intelligence out of your phone screen and into your home, factory, and car:TIMESTAMPS0:00 – The CES 2026 Pivot: From Chatbots to Physical AI 0:38 – The Humanoid Invasion (Boston Dynamics Atlas, LG CLOiD) 1:20 – The New "Brains": Tesla AI5, Intel Ultra 3, NVIDIA Blackwell Ultra 2:05 – Why This Matters: Silver Squeeze Connection 10:00 – The 2026 Investment Rotation KEY TAKEAWAYS✅ Humanoids Are Here: Boston Dynamics' new Atlas uses Google DeepMind AI for real factory work. LG's CLOiD does your laundry autonomously.✅ Edge AI Chips: Tesla's AI5 is 40x faster for robot autonomy. Intel's 18A chips bring massive LLMs to your laptop.✅ The Real Driver: Physical AI explains the "Energy War" (power plants for training) and "Silver Squeeze" (conductivity for sensors) from our previous episodes.✅ Investment Shift: Money is moving from SaaS chatbots to "Hard Tech" (chips, power, materials).SOURCES- CES 2026 Live Coverage (NVIDIA, Intel, Boston Dynamics) - Elon Musk AI5 Chip Announcement - Silver Institute Industrial Demand Data - Previous VC10X episodes on Energy/SilverLINKSPrashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.comSubscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQVC10X website - https://vc10x.comFor sponsorship queries reach out to [email protected] FOR MOREVC10X breaks down the most important stories in finance, tech, and markets every week. Subscribe for actionable insights.COMMENT BELOWWill humanoid robots replace your job or your maid? Let us know! #CES2026 #PhysicalAI #HumanoidRobots #TeslaAI5 #Intel #NVIDIA #MacroEconomics #Investing #Silver #EnergyTransition

In this episode, Phylicia Koh, GP at Play Ventures, explains why gaming is the new operating system for consumer engagement and how "playable apps" are transforming industries from fintech to relationship wellness.Play Ventures focuses on apps that use gaming's "live operations" and in-app economies to drive user habits. These products succeed by offering controllable outcomes, intrinsic motivators, and social elements like clans or leaderboards.In early 2025, consumer in-app purchase (IAP) officially surpassed gaming IAP revenue for the first time in history. This shift indicates a massive opportunity for founders to apply free-to-play monetization models to non-gaming consumer sectors.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comWe talk about:- Overview of the $142 million early-stage fund and its specific investment thesis.- Analysis of why consumer in-app purchase spending now exceeds gaming spending.- The four key characteristics of a successful playable app.- Insights into portfolio companies like Alinea, Bible Chat, and Aria.- The difference between adding features like streaks and building a deep meta-design.- How subscriptions compare to free-to-play models in terms of lifetime value.- The impact of AI on user acquisition and creative fatigue.- How the metaverse already exists in platforms like Roblox.- The future of product discovery and the shift away from traditional search engines.- Personal game recommendations and the evolution of the gaming audience.& lots moreTIMESTAMPS(00:00) - Consumer IAP spending exceeds gaming IAP spend(00:19) - Why you can't just slap on gamification to a product(00:59) - Introduction to Felicia Ko, General Partner at Play Ventures(02:33) - Play Ventures' thesis on "Playable Apps"(03:45) - The four characteristics of a successful playable app(06:27) - Portfolio examples of gamified consumer apps(09:45) - Market trends supporting the rise of playable apps(11:15) - Why subscriptions cap lifetime value compared to free-to-play models(12:48) - How gaming founders are applying their skills to new consumer spaces(14:25) - The right stage for a company to implement gamification(17:02) - How gamification boosts retention, engagement, and virality(18:33) - What types of games Play Ventures invests in(20:44) - The much-anticipated release of GTA VI(23:59) - What makes a game a massive success like GTA or Candy Crush?(26:00) - The importance of user acquisition and finding blue ocean markets(29:22) - Game recommendations: Monopoly Go, Whiteout Survival, Roblox, and more(32:31) - Is gaming becoming a viable career path like YouTubing?(33:30) - The average gamer is in their 30s(37:00) - Does the Metaverse already exist?(38:05) - The future of gaming and playable apps in the next 5 years(41:04) - Rapid-fire round: Play Ventures' investment strategy(42:50) - How founders can connect with Phylicia KohLINKSPhylicia Koh on X - https://x.com/ppphylPhylicia Koh LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/phyliciakohPlay Ventures - https://www.play.vc/Prashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.comSubscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQVC10X website - https://vc10x.comFor sponsorship queries reach out to [email protected]

Two weeks ago, silver was unstoppable. Today, investors are staring at a massive 15% drop. Headlines are calling it a "bubble burst," but the data tells a very different story.In this deep dive, we look past the panic to analyze the *real* reasons behind the crash, from the CME margin hikes to China's new export rules. We also break down the structural "Big Three" demand drivers for 2026: Solar, AI Data Centers, and Solid-State Batteries. Is this a warning to get out, or the buying opportunity of the year?TIMESTAMPS0:00 – The Flash Crash: What Just Happened?0:49 – Why It Dropped: Margin Calls & The "Paper" Flush1:39 – The New "Big Three" Demand Drivers (Solar, AI, Batteries)2:45 – The Deficit Reality: 8 Years of Shortages – Investment Strategy: How to Navigate the VolatilityKEY TAKEAWAYS✅ The "Paper" Flush: The crash was triggered by a 25% margin hike and panic over China's export licenses—not a drop in physical demand.✅ Industrial Squeeze: Solar, AI hardware, and EV batteries are consuming record amounts of silver. This demand is "inelastic"—manufacturers *must* buy it at any price.✅ Elon's Warning: Even Elon Musk has flagged silver availability as a critical risk for the future of Tesla and SpaceX.✅ Structural Deficit: The world has consumed more silver than it mined for 8 years straight. Above-ground stockpiles are down ~70% since 2021.SOURCES & DATA- CME Group Margin Requirement Data- China Export License Regulations (2026)- Silver Institute Demand Forecasts (Solar & EV Sector)- Elon Musk X/Twitter Post (Dec 26, 2025)SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE MACRO INSIGHTSVC10X breaks down the most important stories in finance, tech, and markets every week. If you want actionable insights to help you navigate this volatile economy, subscribe now.LINKSPrashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.comSubscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQVC10X website - https://vc10x.comFor sponsorship queries reach out to [email protected] BELOWAre you buying the dip, or do you think silver is heading back to $30? Let us know in the comments.#Silver #Investing #Commodities #SolarEnergy #ElonMusk #MarketCrash #Inflation #WealthProtection #MacroEconomics #SilverSqueeze

In this episode, we sit down with Rajeev Ranka from Incubate Fund, a Japanese Venture Capital firm managing over $1.5 Billion in AUM, to understand the bold decisions behind building generational companies.Rajeev breaks down the Japanese Way of investing which involves thinking in 100 year cycles. He shares why they backed Captain Fresh during the first month of the COVID lockdown and the massive decision to kill a profitable domestic arm to build a global giant.We also dive into why he believes Quick Commerce will eventually be bigger than E-Commerce, the untapped potential of Middle India, and what it takes to get a Day Zero investment from a Japanese VC.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comWe talk about:- How a Japanese VC views the Indian startup ecosystem.- The Japanese Way: Why they plan for 100 year timelines.- The Captain Fresh Pivot: Moving from a domestic player to global seafood exporter.- Why Yulu dominates 90% of the last mile delivery market.- The Middle India opportunity that most VCs are ignoring.- Red Flags & Green Flags: How to pitch Incubate Fund.Connect with Rajeev:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajeevrankaIncubate Fund Asia: https://incubatefund.in/SMBC Asia Rising Fund - https://www.smbc-asiarising.vc/VC10X links:Prashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.comSubscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQVC10X website - https://vc10x.comFor sponsorship queries reach out to [email protected]#VentureCapital #StartupIndia #IncubateFund #JapaneseInvestment #CaptainFresh #QuickCommerce #Yulu #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast

The AI race isn't about chips anymore. It's about electricity. In a massive $4.75 billion deal, Google (Alphabet) just acquired Intersect Power, a major clean energy developer, to secure the grid access its data centers desperately need.But Google isn't alone. From Microsoft restarting Three Mile Island to Amazon's massive nuclear contracts, Big Tech is panic-buying power plants.In this video, we break down why the "AI Energy Wall" is forcing tech giants to become utility companies, and what this means for the future of the power grid, nuclear energy, and your electric bill.TIMESTAMPS0:00 – Intro: Bigtech Energy War0:44 – The Deal: Why Google Bought Intersect Power for $4.75B1:30 – The "Energy Wall": AI Power Consumption vs. The Grid2:01 – BigTech Energy Contracts in 20253:21 – Who Pays? The Impact on Consumers and InvestorsKEY TAKEAWAYS✅ Google's $4.75B Bet: Alphabet acquires Intersect Power to build "behind the meter" energy projects, bypassing the clogged public grid.✅ The Energy Crisis: AI queries use 10x more power than search. By 2030, US data centers will consume 9% of all electricity.✅ Nuclear Renaissance: Tech giants are single-handedly reviving nuclear power (SMRs & restarts) because they need 24/7 reliability that solar/wind can't provide.✅ Vertical Integration: Big Tech is now owning the entire stack: from the AI model to the chip to the power plant running it.SOURCES & DATA- Google Acquires Intersect Power ($4.75B Deal)- Microsoft Restarts Three Mile Island (Constellation Energy Deal)- Amazon Signs 1.9GW Nuclear Deal (Talen Energy)- Data Center Power Demand Forecast (Bain/Bloomberg)Links:Prashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.comSubscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQVC10X website - https://vc10x.comFor sponsorship queries reach out to [email protected] FOR MORE MACRO INSIGHTSVC10X breaks down the most important stories in finance, tech, and markets every week. If you want actionable insights to help you navigate this volatile economy, subscribe now.COMMENT BELOWIs Big Tech buying power plants a smart move or a dangerous monopoly? Let us know in the comments.#AI #Google #EnergyCrisis #NuclearPower #Investing #TechNews #Microsoft #Amazon #CleanEnergy #IntersectPower #MacroEconomics

In the inaugural VC10X LP Roundtable, we bring together experienced allocators Matt Curtolo & Anurag Chandra to unpack the state of venture capital as we close out 2025 and look ahead to 2026.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comTopics covered:- How the recent Fed rate cut does and does not change venture capital- Why DPI pressure has become the dominant LP concern- Venture vs private credit and when the comparison actually matters- Fundraising realities and why it now takes 18 to 30 months to raise a fund- The changing role of secondaries, continuation funds, and engineered liquidity- Why M&A, not IPOs, has historically driven most venture exits- AI as a structural opportunity or capital concentration risk- Generalist vs specialist funds and what real differentiation actually looks like- Why some LPs are staying committed to venture despite short term underperformance- The biggest mistakes allocators made in past cycles and what they won’t repeatTimestamps:(00:00) - Preview(01:08) - Introduction to the LP Roundtable(03:15) - The impact of the macro interest rate environment on venture capital.(03:55) - The limited direct effect of interest rates on early-stage innovation.(06:00) - How interest rates negatively impact SaaS company valuations and exits.(09:35) - How "higher for longer" interest rates are changing LP expectations for returns.(11:13) - The LP perspective: Balancing DPI, MOIC, and IRR in venture investing.(14:09) - The role of the exit environment and secondaries in meeting DPI pressure.(16:38) - The risks of LPs over-focusing on short-term DPI.(18:44) - The emergence of the secondary market for later-stage companies.(20:30) - Future outlook for the M&A and IPO markets as exit paths.(21:02) - Why M&A is the historical bread and butter of venture exits, not IPOs.(23:37) - Underestimating the potential scale of venture-backed exits in the new tech era.(27:35) - How early-stage funds can engineer liquidity through secondary sales.(29:24) - Gross vs. Net Returns: The difference between a good investor and a good fund manager.(30:50) - Why is it so difficult to raise a VC fund today?(31:45) - The fundraising bifurcation: Brand names vs. emerging managers.(35:10) - Career risk and structural barriers for LPs investing in smaller funds.(38:01) - Why institutions often prefer to invest in Fund III and beyond.(40:38) - How can fund managers differentiate themselves? Generalist vs. specialist.(41:46) - Differentiating as a "hustle fund" with a functional specialty (e.g., go-to-market).(45:25) - It's not about being different, it's about being better: The importance of GP-thesis fit.(48:08) - VCs should "take their own medicine" when pitching to LPs.(49:17) - Outlook for 2026: Will the venture market get easier for funds and startups?(50:05) - An optimistic outlook for 2026 driven by technological acceleration.(55:18) - The growing importance of global and emerging markets in venture capital.(55:45) - A closer look at India's booming IPO market and its contrast with the US.(57:15) - Conclusion and final thoughts.---Links to connect:Matt Curtolo - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-curtolo-caiaAnurag Chandra - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anchandraPrashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabSubscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.comSubscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vc10x Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQVC10X website - https://vc10x.comFor sponsorship queries, reach out to [email protected] for weekly conversations on venture, private markets, and investing.

While everyone was watching Bitcoin crash, the quietest asset in the room just went parabolic. In December 2025, Silver prices shattered their 45-year record, soaring past $60 an ounce—a 100% gain this year alone.In this deep dive, we break down exactly why silver is exploding. It's not just a hype rally; it's a "perfect storm" of physics and finance. From the massive "Short Squeeze" breaking the paper market to the solar energy industry consuming 20% of global supply, we explain why the world is running out of the one metal it needs to go green.TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Intro: The Quiet Giant Wakes Up0:53 - The Data: Historic Breakout & Cup-and-Handle1:13 - Gold to Silver Ratio1:44 - The "Green Squeeze": Solar Panels vs. Supply Deficit2:26 - The Short Squeeze: Paper Market Breaks3:10 - Price Targets: Is It Too Late to Buy?KEY TAKEAWAYS✅ Historic Breakout: Silver broke its 14-year resistance at $50, triggering a massive technical surge.✅ Solar Demand: Modern solar panels use 120% more silver than before, creating a structural deficit that mining cannot fix.✅ Short Squeeze: Physical shortages in London and Shanghai forced traders to cover their shorts, driving prices vertical.✅ Gold-to-Silver Ratio: The ratio collapsed from 100:1 to under 70:1, signaling silver is aggressively catching up to gold.SOURCES & DATA- Price Data: Silver hits $60/oz (Dec 2025)- Industrial Demand: Solar industry consuming ~20% of global supply- Market Dynamics: Gold-to-Silver Ratio collapse & ETF inflowsSUBSCRIBE FOR MORE INSIGHTSVC10X breaks down the most important stories in finance, tech, and markets every week. If you want actionable insights to help you navigate this volatile economy, subscribe now.LET'S CONNECTWebsite: https://VC10X.comX / Twitter: https://x.com/choubeysahabLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabCOMMENT BELOWDo you own physical silver? Or do you think this rally will crash like 2011? Let us know in the comments.#Silver #Investing #Commodities #Inflation #SolarEnergy #ShortSqueeze #Gold #SilverSqueeze #WealthProtection #MacroEconomics

In this episode, we sit down with Maxim and Pavel from FinSight Ventures to explore their unique "secondary-first" investment strategy, which allows them to capture equity in giants like Anthropic, SpaceX, Stripe, and Palantir. We dive deep into their newly launched $50M Generative AI Index Fund, a novel product bringing index investing logic to private markets. Maxim and Pavel also break down their distinct approaches for different geographies—operating as a "fund of funds" in India while pursuing "local monopolies" and super-apps in emerging markets like Uzbekistan. Tune in to understand why they believe AI-native startups will beat incumbents and how they find alpha in inefficient markets globally.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comIn this episode, we cover:- Why the "middle" is missing in private market investing.- How to buy secondaries from early employees and liquidity-seeking funds.- The "Fund of Funds" strategy for penetrating the Indian market.- Why AI-native startups have a long-term advantage over incumbents.Companies & Concepts Mentioned:Portfolio Highlights: Zoom, SpaceX, Anthropic, Palantir, Stripe, Razorpay, Medibuddy.Concepts: Secondary Markets, Index Funds, Super Apps, Fund of Funds, DPI (Distributed to Paid-In Capital).Links -FinSight Ventures - https://www.finsightvc.com/Maxim - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nazarovmaxim/Pavel - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavelgurianov/Website: https://VC10X.comLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabTimestamps:(00:00) - Finsight's unique value proposition in securing competitive deals.(00:23) - Finsight's secondary-first strategy for its growth stage portfolio.(00:41) - Adapting investment strategies to find alpha in different markets.(01:30) - Episode introduction and sponsor message.(03:12) - Finsight's core investment thesis across diverse global markets.(04:46) - The logic behind Finsight's $50 million generative AI index fund.(06:10) - How the growth of secondary markets enables an index fund strategy.(07:28) - Securing allocations in category-defining companies like Anthropic and SpaceX.(09:09) - Who sells in the secondary market: employees vs. VCs.(10:15) - How Finsight sources secondary deals from individual employees.(12:00) - Finsight's specific investment angle and focus in the Indian market.(15:05) - Comparing the US secondary approach vs. the India fund-of-funds model.(16:49) - The philosophy of finding alpha by understanding a fund's strengths and weaknesses.(18:10) - Key trends in enterprise AI adoption and the shift to sustainable revenue.(22:09) - How to judge the stickiness and sustainability of an AI startup's revenue.(24:03) - Using gross margin as an indicator of a product's ROI.(25:17) - The conviction behind investing in Uzum, Uzbekistan's first unicorn.(27:40) - Insights into building a global VC firm with diverse strategies.(30:59) - Evaluating Anthropic in the competitive landscape of large language models.(34:36) - The biggest misconceptions about Finsight's global investment strategy.(38:21) - Start of the Rapid Fire Round.For sponsorship or guest appearance requests, write to [email protected] to VC10X on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts.#VentureCapital #GenerativeAI #SecondaryMarket #Investing #SpaceX #Anthropic #IndiaStartupEcosystem #PrivateEquity #TechInvesting

Global bond yields are quietly climbing again in late 2025—even as central banks start cutting short‑term rates. In this video, we break down what’s actually happening in the bond market, why the 10‑year government bond is so important, and what higher yields could mean for stocks, startups, real estate, and your portfolio.Using simple charts and real numbers, we explain concepts like term premium, bear steepening, and duration in plain English, then walk through a few realistic scenarios for 2026 instead of doomsday predictions.Key Takeaways- Long‑term government bond yields in major markets have moved higher again, as investors demand more compensation for inflation and fiscal risk.- This raises the discount rate used to value long‑duration assets like growth stocks and startups, putting pressure on high multiples even if earnings look strong.- At the same time, short‑term bonds and cash‑like instruments now offer attractive yields, so investors finally have genuine fixed‑income alternatives to equities.Glossary – Financial Terms Explained- Yield: The annual return you earn from a bond, expressed as a percentage of its price. If price falls, yield rises, and vice versa.- Basis Point (bps): One‑hundredth of a percentage point. 50 bps = 0.50%. Useful for talking about small rate moves precisely.- Risk‑Free Rate: The yield on high‑quality government bonds (often the 10‑year US Treasury), used as the baseline return investors can get with very low credit risk.- Yield Curve: A line that shows bond yields from short maturities (e.g., 3‑month) to long maturities (e.g., 30‑year). It summarizes market expectations for growth and inflation over time.- Bear Steepening: A situation where long‑term yields rise faster than short‑term yields. It usually signals markets are worried about future inflation, debt, or growth risks.- Term Premium: The extra yield investors demand for locking money into long‑term bonds instead of rolling short‑term ones. It rises when there’s more uncertainty about inflation, deficits, or who will buy all the new debt.- Duration: A measure of how sensitive a bond (or stock-like asset) is to interest‑rate changes. Higher duration = bigger price swings when yields move.- Investment‑Grade Bond: Debt issued by governments or companies with strong credit ratings, viewed as relatively low default risk.- High‑Yield / Junk Bond: Debt from weaker issuers with higher default risk. They pay higher yields to compensate investors for that risk.- Discount Rate: The interest rate used to convert future cash flows into today’s value. When this rate goes up, the present value of distant cash flows (like future startup profits) goes down.SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VC & STARTUP STRATEGYVC10X breaks down the most important stories in tech, startups, and investing every week. If you want actionable insights to help you build or invest in the next great company, subscribe now.LET'S CONNECTWebsite: https://VC10X.comX / Twitter: https://x.com/choubeysahabLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabCOMMENT BELOWHow do you think this will play out in 2026?#BondMarket #InterestRates #Investing #StockMarket #Finance #Economics #FederalReserve #BondYields #10YearTreasury #MacroEconomics #MarketAnalysis #PassiveIncome #BearSteepening

In this episode, we sit down with Caitlyn Krebs, Co-founder and CEO of Nalu Bio, to discuss how her company is leveraging generative AI to revolutionize drug discovery. Caitlyn shares how they are creating novel chemical entities five times faster than traditional methods to tackle massive unmet needs like endometriosis and post-surgical pain.We also dive deep into the business of biotech: the looming $250 billion "Patent Cliff" facing big pharma, the reality of the fundraising "rollercoaster," and why bringing innovation back to the US is critical for the industry's future.If you are interested in the intersection of AI and biology, the future of pain management, or the grit required to build a life sciences startup, you won't want to miss this conversation.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comKey Topics Covered:- The Next GLP-1? Why the endocannabinoid system is the largest regulator in the human body.- AI in Biotech: How Nalu Bio uses "digital twins" and virtual patients to de-risk drug development.- The $250B Opportunity: Understanding the massive patent cliff approaching the pharma industry.- Women's Health: Solving endometriosis with non-hormonal, non-opioid therapeutics.- Founder Resilience: Caitlyn’s story of a lead investor walking away at the final document stage and how she bounced back.- Building Moats: How to protect IP and technology in a competitive market.Connect with Caitlyn & Nalu Bio:* Website: https://nalubio.com* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlynkrebs* Email: [email protected] website - https://VC10X.comDon't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications for more deep dives into the future of technology and healthcare!#Biotech #AI #DrugDiscovery #Endometriosis #Startup #NaluBio #HealthTech #Entrepreneurship #GLP1 #Pharma

Two years ago, Google declared a "Code Red" because of ChatGPT. Now, the tables have turned. On December 1st, 2025, Sam Altman sent a panic memo to OpenAI staff, declaring a "Code Red" to fix ChatGPT as traffic plunges for the first time in history.In this deep dive, we break down why OpenAI is suddenly losing the AI war to Google's Gemini and the viral "Nano Banana" tool. We analyze the 6% user drop that terrified Sam Altman, the massive $500 Billion valuation bubble that could burst, and why OpenAI's lack of a "moat" is finally catching up to them.KEY TAKEAWAYS✅ Why ChatGPT traffic is down 6% in just two weeks✅ The viral success of Google's "Nano Banana Pro" vs. OpenAI's expensive Sora✅ The risk behind OpenAI's $500 Billion valuation and $20B ARR target✅ Why top talent like Mira Murati is leaving OpenAI✅ How Google's infrastructure advantage (TPUs, Data Centers) is finally winningTIMESTAMPS:(0:00) - Intro(0:51) - Why the sudden panic?(1:23) - Nano Banana Pro threat(1:39) - Google's infrastructure edge (2:01) - The burden of massive valuation(2:28) - Heavy reliance on consumer subscriptions(2:50) - Chaos in product roadmap(3:39) - Empire strikes back(4:21) - Is this the end for Chatgpt?SOURCES & DATA- SimilarWeb Traffic Data: ChatGPT down 6% daily active users- The Information: "Sam Altman Declares Code Red"- Valuation Data: OpenAI at $500B vs SpaceX at ~$200BSUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VC & STARTUP STRATEGYVC10X breaks down the most important stories in tech, startups, and investing every week. If you want actionable insights to help you build or invest in the next great company, subscribe now.LET'S CONNECTWebsite: https://VC10X.comX / Twitter: https://x.com/choubeysahabLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabCOMMENT BELOWHave you switched to Gemini or are you loyal to ChatGPT? Let us know in the comments.#OpenAI #ChatGPT #GoogleGemini #SamAltman #ArtificialIntelligence #TechNews #VentureCapital #CodeRed #StartupStrategy

Fundraising used to be a relationship business. Now, it’s a volume game.In this episode, we sit down with the founder of Aduro Advisors to unpack the data behind the current venture capital landscape. With $131 Billion+ in assets under administration across 650+ firms, they have a bird’s-eye view of the market that few others possess.We dive deep into the "haves vs. have-nots" dynamic in VC, why the era of the generalist firm might be ending, and the exact operational mistakes that stop emerging managers from scaling. If you are raising a fund or managing a firm in 2025, you need to hear this.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comTopics covered:- Shift to Solo GPs: The rise of individual managers over large platforms.- Fundraising Reality: Why raising capital is now a volume-based "numbers game."- Market Polarization: The widening gap between the "haves" and "have-nots."- Specialization Wins: Why LPs favor sector-focused funds over generalists.- The 100% Rule: Data showing funds that invest 100%+ of capital outperform.- Smaller Funds: The strategic advantage of "right-sized" funds for faster returns.- Individual Investors: The massive influx of High Net Worth individuals into VC.- AI & Operations: Using AI to automate fund administration and data reporting.About the Guest:Aduro Advisors is a premier fund administration firm supporting over 650 venture capital and private equity firms with more than $131 Billion in assets under administration. Their platform, FundPanel, leverages data and AI to streamline operations for the next generation of investors.Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction and episode overview(00:02:43) - Inspiration behind founding Aduro Advisors(00:04:25) - Major shifts in fund operations and data flow(00:05:58) - Aduro Advisors' data insights on fund performance and market recovery(00:09:48) - Evolution of fund sizes and LP composition(00:11:22) - Common mistakes made by first-time fund managers(00:12:40) - The importance of sector specialization versus diversification for LPs(00:17:24) - Surprising findings from Aduro Advisors' Q2 2025 report(00:20:16) - Longevity of firms and the "haves and have-nots" dynamic(00:23:09) - Characteristics of top-decile performing funds(00:25:48) - How Fund Panel streamlines fund administration and reporting(00:27:17) - The role of AI in fund administration(00:30:38) - Changes in fundraising approach post-pandemic(00:32:23) - Biggest opportunities for innovation in fund operations(00:33:54) - Where to learn more about Aduro Advisors and Fund PanelLearn more about Aduro Advisors:Website: https://aduroadvisors.com/FundPanel: https://fundpanel.io/VC10X links:VC10X website - https://VC10X.comFollow Prashant on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab#VentureCapital #Fundraising #PrivateEquity #EmergingManagers #StartupInvesting #AduroAdvisors

On November 25th, 2025, Nvidia did something they've never done before: they publicly defended themselves. After reports broke that Meta is negotiating a multi-billion dollar deal to buy Google's AI chips instead of Nvidia's GPUs, Nvidia posted a defensive tweet claiming they're "a generation ahead" of ASICs like Google's TPUs.But if Nvidia is so far ahead, why are they tweeting about it? And why is Meta—their second-largest customer—trying to break free?In this deep dive, we break down the secret war for AI chips, analyze Nvidia's "panic tweet" line by line, and explain why Google is now racing toward a $4 trillion valuation while Nvidia's monopoly crumbles.TIMESTAMPS(0:00) Nvidia's Defensive Tweet(0:45) The Meta Betrayal: Google TPU Deal Explained(1:45) Google's $4 Trillion Comeback & Why TPUs Win(2:44) Is Nvidia in Trouble?(3:14) The Verdict: Confidence or Desperation?KEY TAKEAWAYS✅ Why Meta is negotiating to lease and buy Google TPUs starting in 2026✅ The hidden weakness Nvidia accidentally revealed in their tweet✅ How Google's "ASICs" are 30% faster and 60% more energy-efficient✅ Why spending $50 billion/year makes efficiency matter more than versatility✅ The end of Nvidia's monopoly pricing powerTHE TWEET BREAKDOWNWe analyze Nvidia's November 25th response where they claim superiority over "ASICs" (Google's TPUs), why this is defensive PR, and what it reveals about the shifting power dynamics in AI hardware.SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VC & STARTUP STRATEGYVC10X breaks down the most important stories in tech, startups, and investing every week. If you want actionable insights to help you build or invest in the next great company, subscribe now.LET'S CONNECTWebsite: https://VC10X.comX / Twitter: https://x.com/choubeysahabLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabCOMMENT BELOWIs Nvidia's tweet confident or desperate? Who wins the battle for Meta: Jensen Huang or Sundar Pichai? Let us know in the comments.#Nvidia #Google #Meta #AIChips #TPU #JensenHuang #SundarPichai #TechNews #VentureCapital #Alphabet

What does it really take to scale a B2B software company from early traction to a category leader? In this episode, Maitlan Cramer, Managing Director at Bow River Capital, breaks down the "Capital Plus" playbook used to manage roughly $4.7 billion in assets across the firm.Maitlan moves beyond the typical VC advice, explaining why growth equity is about "rolling up your sleeves" to fix broken processes rather than just writing checks. He shares why he will always choose a great market over a great product, how to distinguish between vanity growth and sustainable revenue, and why founders need to stop fearing the "growth equity" label.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:📒The Growth Equity Playbook: How investing at the growth stage differs from early-stage VC.📉 Market over Product: Why you can fix a bad company, but you can’t fix a bad industry.🚩 Red Flags: How to spot "unhealthy growth" and vanity metrics before they kill your business.🤝 Sales & Talent: Why Maitlan hires for "grit" over resumes, and how to rebuild a C-Suite.🤖 The AI Wave: How artificial intelligence is reshaping retention, moats, and software pricing.TIMESTAMPS(00:00) - Let's start(00:41) - Introduction to Maitlan Cramer and Bow River Capital(02:36) - Maitlan's journey from Grant Ventures to managing $4.7B fund(04:18) - Stage of investment and growth equity vs buyout approach(05:11) - Majority ownership and buyout strategy explained(06:48) - Misconceptions founders have about growth equity capital(08:07) - Board involvement across different software verticals(08:24) - Case study: Altvia and building go-to-market motion(12:45) - Case study: HR Soft and restructuring the C-suite(15:43) - Impact of AI on competitive advantages and moats in software(16:33) - Assessing competitive advantage through customer calls(20:15) - AI strategy and data flywheel effects(23:29) - Great market vs great product investment philosophy(24:45) - Key operational metrics beyond revenue growth(27:38) - Bootstrap vs venture-backed investment opportunities(30:41) - Trends in customer acquisition costs and retention metrics(33:32) - Identifying and hiring great sellers(38:19) - Biggest learning: trusting the process(41:12) - Rapid fire round begins(41:24) - Sectors and regions of investment(43:03) - Typical stage and revenue range for investments(44:04) - Ownership targets in portfolio companies(45:07) - Typical check size and capital deployment(46:15) - How founders can get in touch(46:45) - Where to follow Maitlan and Bow River Capital(47:05) - Closing remarksABOUT THE GUESTMaitlan Cramer is a Managing Director at Bow River Capital, a Denver-based alternative asset manager. The firm manages approximately $4.7 billion in assets and operates across seven private fund platforms. Maitlan leads investments for the Software Growth Equity team, focusing on majority-control recapitalizations and buyouts of mission-critical B2B software companies.CONNECT WITH USWebsite: https://VC10X.comBow River Capital: https://www.bowrivercapital.com/Maitlan Cramer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maitlan-cramer-b797a744#GrowthEquity #SaaS #PrivateEquity #Investing #Startups #BowRiverCapital #BusinessPodcast

India's IPO market has completely lost its mind. Groww is worth more than the Bombay Stock Exchange (as of 18th Nov '25 the date of recording). PhysicsWallah is losing ₹243 crore but got a 33% listing pop. And companies are literally moving their headquarters from the US to India just to IPO here. What's going on?In this deep dive, we expose the wild world of Indian startup IPOs. You'll discover how companies magically become profitable right before going public, why retail investors are gambling billions on unprofitable startups, and the shocking "reverse flip" trend where unicorns are abandoning Silicon Valley for Mumbai's markets. This is the untold story of the biggest IPO boom and potential bubble in the world right now.Note- The video was recorded on 18th Nov '25, all numbers and stock prices are true to that date.Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not financial advice. Please do your own research or consult a registered financial advisor before making investment decisions. The creator is not responsible for any profits or losses resulting from investment decisions.KEY TAKEAWAYS:✅ How Groww became worth more than the 150-year-old Bombay Stock Exchange✅ Why PhysicsWallah got a 33% listing gain despite losing ₹243 crore✅ The accounting tricks companies use to become "profitable" before IPOs✅ Why 70+ startups are moving from US/Singapore to India (reverse flipping)✅ India vs USA IPO markets: lower requirements, higher valuations, unlimited appetiteFEATURED COMPANIES:Groww: ₹1.1 lakh crore valuation (more than BSE itself on 18th Nov '25)Lenskart: Years of losses, then ₹297 crore profit in FY25—just before IPOPhysicsWallah: Loss-making but 33% listing gainsPine Labs: 2.5x oversubscribed despite unclear profitabilityZomato, Paytm, Nykaa, Ola Electric: The cautionary talesTIMESTAMPS:(0:00) Introduction(0:33) Groww IPO(1:54) Lenskart IPO(2:36) Pine Labs IPO(3:15) Physicswallah(4:51) Why & how do companies turn profitable just before the IPO?(6:51) Class of '21 - Zomato, Paytm, Nykaa(9:45) India vs USA IPO Markets(10:46) Reverse Flipping(12:04) Why are companies reverse flipping to India?(13:11) Is indian IPO market visionary or plain crazy?(13:58) ClosingSUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VC & STARTUP STRATEGYVC10X breaks down the most important stories in tech, startups, and investing every week. If you want actionable insights to help you build or invest in the next great company, subscribe now.LET'S CONNECTWebsite: https://VC10X.comX / Twitter: https://x.com/choubeysahabLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabCOMMENT BELOWIs India's IPO market the future or a bubble waiting to pop? Have you invested in any of these companies? Let us know in the comments.#IndiaIPO #Groww #PhysicsWallah #Lenskart #StartupIndia #VentureCapital #IPOMarket #RetailInvesting #ZomatoIPO #PaytmIPO