Lifeselfmastery's podcast I Startups I Venture Capital
Life Self Mastery Podcast is an interview based show where I interview online entrepreneurs who started their businesses and scaled up their businesses to improve their lifestyles.
Previous guests include Guy Kawasaki, Brad Feld, James Clear, Shu Nyatta, Ida Tin, Elizabeth Yin, Polina Pompliano, Evgenia Plotnikova, Anna Khan, Minnie Ingersoll, Sridhar Ramaswamy, Mac Conwell, Danielle Strachman, Jake Gibson, Wes Kao, Brian Requarth, Vivek Sodera, Eric Siu, Amit Garg, Nischal Shetty, Pranav Pai, Nir Eyal, Paul Shapiro, Nick Huber, Rob Walling, Andrew Dsouza, Fabrice Grinda, and 300+ incredible guests.
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Emerging Market Lessons That Make Better Investors with Elias Mufarech from Collide Capital
01/08/2026
Emerging Market Lessons That Make Better Investors with Elias Mufarech from Collide Capital
I am thrilled to have who is a Senior Associate at Collide Capital, a pre-seed to Series A venture fund investing in fintech, future of work, and supply chain software. In this conversation, Elias Mufarech, a senior associate at Collide Capital, shares his insights on venture capital, the importance of operational support for founders, and the evolving landscape of startup expectations. Elias discusses his journey from building fintech software in Latin America to investing in startups, highlighting the critical lessons learned along the way. He emphasizes the need for founders to have strong networks and the importance of understanding market dynamics, especially when competing against big tech companies. Timestamps 02:56 Lessons from Operating in Emerging Markets 06:20 Changing Expectations in Venture Capital 09:21 The Role of Capital and Networks in Founding 12:16 American vs. Emerging Market Founders 15:03 Operational Support in Venture Capital 18:21 Assessing Big Tech Risks in Startups Elias’s Links LDN/ X – Website – My Links Podcast: Newsletter: YouTube: Twitter: LinkedIn:
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Ankur Patel from Multimodal on Building Agentic AI for the Enterprise
01/01/2026
Ankur Patel from Multimodal on Building Agentic AI for the Enterprise
I am excited to have who is the founder and CEO of , where he's automating the most complex workflows in finance and insurance. He has 15+ years of work experience across companies like J.P. Morgan and Bridgewater In this conversation, Ankur Patel, founder and CEO of Multimodal, traces his path from JP Morgan and Bridgewater to building AI agents that automate complex workflows in finance and insurance. He explains how early exposure to data science and macro trading convinced him that AI would reshape enterprise work. He discusses why agentic AI is fundamentally different from chatbots, how enterprises evaluate risk, and why explainability is essential for adoption. Ankur breaks down pricing models for AI labor, the shift from seat-based SaaS to usage-based consumption, and the realities of selling to banks, insurers, and governments. Timestamps 00:01 – 01:46. Intro & journey from markets to ML 01:46 – 03:21. Why agentic AI is the next frontier 03:21 – 04:48. Multimodal’s ambition vs prior startups 04:48 – 06:08. Judgment calls in lending workflows 06:08 – 07:47. Risk, unpredictability, and explainability 07:47 – 09:26. Compliance objections from financial institutions 09:26 – 11:46. Deploying AI in government 11:46 – 13:40. Pricing AI labor 13:40 – 15:34. Why seat-based SaaS breaks 15:34 – 17:44. ROI framing with banks and insurers 17:44 – 19:31. Common pricing mistakes 19:31 – 21:32. Usage pricing with budget predictability 21:32 – 23:51. Enterprise sales motion & channels 23:51 – 25:40. When to activate partnerships 25:40 – 27:32. Leadership lessons across domains 27:32 – 29:44. Content as a strategic advantage 29:44 – 32:39. Vertical AI will win 32:39 – 35:41. Future of agentic AI & student advice Ankur’s Links LDN/ X – Website – My Links Podcast: Newsletter: YouTube: Twitter: LinkedIn:
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How Vivek Krishnamurthy from Commerce Ventures Thinks About Venture, AI, and Markets
12/25/2025
How Vivek Krishnamurthy from Commerce Ventures Thinks About Venture, AI, and Markets
I am thrilled to have , who is a Partner at , where he's spent over 8 years investing in commerce infrastructure and fintech. Before Venture, he was an Investment Banking Analyst at Financial Technology Partners. He's particularly bullish on AI's transformation of insurance, backing companies like Kin Insurance, Liberate, and Authentic. In this conversation, Vivek Krishnamurthy, a partner at Commerce Ventures, discusses his journey into venture capital, the evolution of investment strategies, and the intersection of commerce and fintech. Vivek shares insights on the impact of AI on business, the importance of understanding market dynamics, and the traits of successful founders. He also addresses the challenges of staying private and the role of VCs in the startup ecosystem. Timestamps 00:00 Journey into Venture Capital 03:08 Evolution of Investment Thesis 06:20 Commerce and Fintech Intersection 09:10 AI's Role in Modern Startups 12:01 Understanding Market Dynamics 15:23 Growth Metrics in Today's Market 18:09 The Impact of Staying Private 20:59 Traits of Successful Founders 24:20 The Role of VCs in Success 27:12 Sales Strategies in AI 30:03 Hiring Trends in AI Startups 33:13 Evaluating Investment Opportunities Vivek’s Links LDN/ X – Website - My Links Podcast: Newsletter: YouTube: Twitter: LinkedIn:
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Dallas Price from Forum Ventures on Venture Studios, Founder-Market Fit, and What Actually Wins in AI
12/18/2025
Dallas Price from Forum Ventures on Venture Studios, Founder-Market Fit, and What Actually Wins in AI
I am excited to have , a Venture Builder at , where he helps launch and scale six B2B SaaS startups every year through their AI Studio. His work centres on turning early-stage concepts into real companies, guiding founders across product, go-to-market, and fundraising In this conversation, Dallas Price, a venture builder at Forum Ventures, discusses his journey into the startup world, the workings of a venture studio, and the current landscape of AI startups. Dallas shares insights on navigating chaos in startups, the importance of defensibility, new distribution channels, and evolving pricing models. He emphasizes the significance of customer traction and the need for founders to focus on their strengths when pitching to investors. The discussion also touches on the future of AI spending and the potential for full stack AI companies. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Dallas Price and His Journey 03:08 Transitioning to Venture Capital and Forum Ventures 06:10 Understanding the Venture Studio Model 09:18 Navigating the AI Landscape and Talent Wars 12:13 Defensibility in AI Startups 15:14 Emerging Distribution Channels in AI 18:07 Innovative Pricing Models for AI Startups 21:15 The Future of AI Native Companies 24:18 Spotlight on Startups: Credit Pulse and Scout Climate 26:52 Investor Signals and Customer Demand 30:07 The Importance of Founders in Startup Success 33:30 Current Trends in AI Spending and Future Outlook 36:21 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks Dallas’s Links LDN/ X – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dallascprice Website – https://www.forumvc.com/ My Links Podcast: Newsletter: YouTube: Twitter: LinkedIn:
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Capital Evolution: A New Era of Capitalism with Seth Levine and Elizabeth McBride
12/11/2025
Capital Evolution: A New Era of Capitalism with Seth Levine and Elizabeth McBride
I am excited to have , venture capitalist and co-founder of Foundry, and , international business journalist and founder of Times of Entrepreneurship. Together, they co-authored The New Builders and now their latest book, , explores how American capitalism is shifting—and why businesses, not government, may hold the keys to building a more inclusive and prosperous future. In this conversation, Seth Levine and Elizabeth McBride discuss their new book, 'Capital Evolution,' which explores the shifting landscape of American capitalism. They delve into the challenges posed by neoliberal capitalism, the consequences of prioritizing shareholder value, and the need for a more inclusive economic model. The authors advocate for 'dynamic capitalism,' which emphasizes the importance of meritocracy, economic mobility, and the role of businesses in society. They also touch on the impact of AI on the workforce and the necessity for government reform to restore balance in power dynamics. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Capital Evolution 03:14 The State of American Capitalism 04:54 Neoliberalism and Its Consequences 05:19 The Rise of Business Over Government 08:28 Meritocracy and Economic Mobility 11:40 Global Perspectives on Capitalism 14:22 The Future of American Democracy and Business 17:16 Comparative Economic Models 20:35 Conclusion and Reflections on Capitalism 25:41 The Dynamics of the American Economy 27:07 Understanding Dynamic Capitalism 30:09 Elements of Dynamic Capitalism 31:45 Success Stories in Employee Ownership 33:44 The Impact of AI on Employment 37:34 Universal Basic Income: A Controversial Solution 41:30 Reforming Government for a Sustainable Future 44:58 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs Seth and Elizabeth’s Links LDN/ X – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethjlevine LDN - linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-macbride-85a3806 Website – https://thecapitalevolution.com/ My Links Podcast: Newsletter: YouTube: Twitter: LinkedIn:
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Art and Science of Pricing Strategies with Marcos Rivera of Pricing I/O
12/04/2025
Art and Science of Pricing Strategies with Marcos Rivera of Pricing I/O
I am thrilled to have , the founder and CEO of , where he helps B2B SaaS companies capture the value they've built. Former Head of Pricing at Vista Equity Partners, he's priced over 400 SaaS products and has authored Street Pricing. In this conversation, Marcos Rivera, founder and CEO of Pricing.io, discusses the intricacies of pricing strategies in B2B SaaS. Marcos shares his journey from product management to pricing, highlighting common mistakes companies make, especially in underpricing their products. He emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs, the blend of art and science in pricing, and the impact of AI on pricing strategies. The discussion also covers diagnosing churn, building a pricing team, essential metrics for pricing decisions, and aligning sales and marketing efforts. Timestamps 03:04 Common Pricing Mistakes in B2B SaaS 06:22 The Art and Science of Pricing 09:02 AI and the Future of Pricing Models 12:18 Diagnosing Pricing Problems and Churn 15:10 Counterintuitive Pricing Strategies for Success 20:10 Innovative Pricing Strategies 22:20 Building a Team and Company Culture 25:07 The Role of Data in Pricing Decisions 26:28 Key Metrics for SaaS Pricing 29:11 Aligning Teams for Effective Pricing 32:28 Integrating AI into Pricing Strategies 36:08 Advice for Founders on Pricing Marcos’s Links LDN/ X – Website – https://www.pricingio.com/ My Links Podcast: Newsletter: YouTube: Twitter: LinkedIn:
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Navigating the AI Investment Landscape with Aabhas Khanna of MyAsia VC
11/27/2025
Navigating the AI Investment Landscape with Aabhas Khanna of MyAsia VC
, is General Partner at MyAsiaVC, a venture syndicate and fund with $125M AUM backing 250+ companies, including 5 unicorns. Previously at HSBC and Deloitte, he now invests in pre-seed and seed AI-native startups across enterprise growth, healthcare, fintech, and advanced manufacturing, focusing on obsessive founders tackling overlooked challenges. In this conversation, Aabhas Khanna, a general partner at MyAsia VC, discusses his journey from working in large corporations to venture capital. Aabhas shares insights on evaluating AI startups, the importance of founder quality, and the unique challenges and opportunities in different Asian markets. He emphasizes the need for adaptability in business models, the significance of understanding market dynamics, and the flow of capital in the Asian tech ecosystem. Timestamps 00:00 From Banking to Venture Capital: A Journey Begins 04:49 Navigating the AI Landscape: Signal vs. Noise 11:42 Regional Insights: Building in Hong Kong vs. Silicon Valley 17:31 Market Expansion: Local vs. Global Strategies 22:07 Investment Strategies: Reserves and Follow-On Investments 23:55 Identifying Future Unicorns: The Role of Founders 26:40 Navigating AI Disruption in Startups 28:29 The Role of Investors in Founder Decision-Making 30:56 Defining Good Growth in the AI Era 34:32 Capital Flows in the Asian Tech Ecosystem 38:20 Common Mistakes Founders Make 41:45 Reflections on Venture Capital and Personal Growth Aabhas’s Links LDN/ X – Website – Sajid interview - My Links Podcast: Newsletter: YouTube: Twitter: LinkedIn:
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How AI Is Shaping the Future of Sales with Doreen Pernel from Scaleway
11/20/2025
How AI Is Shaping the Future of Sales with Doreen Pernel from Scaleway
I am thrilled to have Doreen Pernel, Chief Sales Officer at Scaleway, Europe's leading sovereign cloud provider. She's built and scaled sales teams across Meta, Dataiku, Box, and Bloomberg, navigating Sydney, New York, London, and Paris. In this conversation, Doreen Pernel, Chief Sales Officer at Scaleway, shares her insights on sales leadership, cultural adaptability, and innovative strategies in the cloud computing industry. She discusses the importance of resilience in hiring, the evolving role of cold calling, and how to motivate teams against larger competitors. She also reflects on the impact of AI on sales roles and offers advice for women in sales leadership, highlighting the importance of taking initiative and seeking feedback for personal growth. Timestamps 02:12 Cultural Influences on Sales Leadership 04:10 Transforming Sales Strategies at Scaleway 06:13 Innovative Sales Outreach Techniques 08:22 Hiring for Resilience in Sales 10:20 The Evolving Role of Cold Calling 12:12 Identifying True Grit in Sales Hires 14:19 Motivating Teams Against Big Competitors 16:10 Balancing Celebrations and Reality in Sales 18:03 Selling on Values: Sustainability and Carbon Transparency 20:05 Supporting Startups and Sustainable Consumption 22:14 Using AI Tools in Sales 24:18 Future of Pricing in Cloud Services 26:14 Success Metrics for Scaleway's Go-to-Market Strategy 28:09 Advice for Women in Sales Leadership 30:23 Reflections on Career Growth and Feedback Doreen’s Links LDN/ X – Website – My Links Podcast: Newsletter: YouTube: Twitter: LinkedIn:
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Unlocking Subscription Success with Daniel Layfield
11/13/2025
Unlocking Subscription Success with Daniel Layfield
I am thrilled to have Daniel Layfield, who is Director of Product Management at Diligent and founder of Subscription Index, advising subscription businesses on monetisation. In this conversation, Daniel Layfield shares his journey from finance to product management, discussing his experiences at Code Academy and Diligent. He emphasises the importance of understanding churn, effective pricing strategies, and the role of AI in product management. Daniel also explores the complexities of subscription models, the significance of metrics, and the impact of price localisation on revenue. Timestamps 03:48 Growth Strategies at Code Academy 07:11 Understanding Churn and the Four Horsemen 10:55 Identifying Ideal Customer Personas 13:04 The Hidden Math of Churn 15:55 Pricing Strategies for Subscription Models 19:04 The Future of Pricing in SaaS 20:45 Paywall Strategies and Feature Design 23:05 When to Invest in Subscription Management Tools 25:50 The Impact of AI on Product Management 26:49 The Future of AI and Software Development 29:24 OpenAI's Role in the Tech Stack 31:05 Challenges of Subscription Business Models 33:26 Identifying Key Metrics for Success 36:12 The Importance of Price Localization 40:33 AI's Impact on Subscription Monetization 42:32 Building a Writing Cadence and Sharing Knowledge 44:54 Lessons from Product Management Experience Daniel’s Links LDN/ X – Website – Playbook - My Links Podcast: Newsletter: YouTube: Twitter: LinkedIn:
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Scaling Product Organizations in the Age of AI with CallRail's Ryan Johnson
11/06/2025
Scaling Product Organizations in the Age of AI with CallRail's Ryan Johnson
I am excited to have , who is the Chief Product Officer at CallRail, an AI-powered lead intelligence platform serving 200,000+ businesses with over $100M ARR. In this conversation, Ryan Johnson, Chief Product Officer at CallRail, shares his journey from finance to product management, discussing the evolution of CallRail from a call tracking service to a lead intelligence platform. He emphasises the importance of scaling product organisations, balancing sales and product-led growth, and navigating the challenges posed by AI disruption. Ryan also delves into pricing strategies, monetisation challenges in B2B SaaS, and the significance of a cohesive engineering, product, and design team structure. He highlights the role of self-reported attribution in marketing and draws parallels between racing and product management, underscoring the need for incremental improvements and customer obsession. Timestamps 03:30 Scaling Product Organizations: Lessons from Banjo 06:54 The Evolution of CallRail: From Call Tracking to Lead Intelligence 10:47 Balancing Sales and Product-Led Growth 13:12 AI Disruption in the Search Industry 15:53 Pricing Strategies in a Scaling Company 19:01 Challenges in Monetization and Standardization 22:44 Organizational Structure for Product Velocity 25:26 Agile Experimentation in AI-Enabled Organizations 26:16 Navigating Unit Economics in the Age of AI 28:45 Decisions That Drive Cost Efficiency 31:57 Product Strategy Across Different Stages 36:06 Balancing Partnerships and Product Simplicity 38:33 Solving Attribution Challenges with Conversation Intelligence 42:31 Racing Towards Product Market Fit 45:10 Reflections on Career Growth and Learning Ryan’s Links LDN/ X – Website – My Links Podcast: Newsletter: YouTube: Twitter: LinkedIn:
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Evolution of Pricing Strategies in Business with Gary Bailey
10/30/2025
Evolution of Pricing Strategies in Business with Gary Bailey
I am thrilled to have , founder of Strategim, a monetisation & pricing expert with a deep background in financial services, accounting, pricing, and AI. In this conversation, Gary Bailey, a monetisation and pricing expert, shares his journey from accounting to product management and pricing. He discusses the importance of pricing as a core discipline in business education, the evolving role of finance in pricing strategies, and the impact of AI on SaaS pricing models. Gary emphasizes the need for training the next generation in pricing and the role of a monetization architect in modern businesses. He also highlights common pricing mistakes, the importance of starting the monetisation journey with a feature list, and the need to redesign business education to adapt to the changing landscape. Timestamps 06:00 The Importance of Pricing in Business Education 09:17 Balancing Certainty and Uncertainty in Pricing 13:17 The Evolution of SaaS Pricing with AI 16:50 Training the Next Generation of Pricing Professionals 20:35 The Role of a Monetization Architect 22:26 The Architecture of Pricing Strategies 23:37 Evolving Pricing Models in SaaS 25:58 The Impact of AI on Job Markets 29:19 Preparing for an AI-Driven Future 32:17 Learning from Pricing Mistakes 33:48 Rebundling Features for Better Monetization 36:12 Rethinking Business Education in the AI Era Gary’s Links LDN/ X – https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-bailey-monetization-cfo/ Website – My Links Podcast: Newsletter: YouTube: Twitter: LinkedIn:
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Art of Pricing Strategies in SaaS with Naveen Mohan at Otter
10/23/2025
Art of Pricing Strategies in SaaS with Naveen Mohan at Otter
I am thrilled to have Naveen Mohan, who leads monetisation at , bringing deep experience from Adobe and Loom. With a Carnegie Mellon Information Systems degree and software engineering background, he combines data science expertise with product management. In this conversation, Naveen Mohan, Product and Monetisation Lead at Otter.ai, shares his journey from data science to product management, emphasising the importance of experimentation in pricing strategies and the evolution of monetisation in tech startups. He discusses the balance between soft and hard paywalls, the rise of hybrid pricing models, and the significance of data-driven insights in growth strategies. Naveen also highlights the importance of regular pricing reviews and the role of monetisation across different departments in a company. Timestamps 02:13 Career Journey and Transition to Product Management 04:04 Monetization Strategies and Pricing Evolution 07:02 Common Pricing Mistakes and Experimentation 10:00 Balancing Paywalls and Conversion Strategies 12:16 Hybrid Pricing Models in SaaS 14:12 Bundling AI Features in SaaS Products 17:20 Growth Strategies and Resource Allocation 20:10 Key Metrics for Growth and Monetization 24:17 Hiring for Growth Teams 26:09 Pricing AI-Powered Features 30:25 Revisiting Pricing Strategies 33:02 Monetization Ownership Across Departments 36:22 Competitive Pricing in a Crowded Market 40:09 Lessons Learned in Monetization Leadership Naveen’s Links LDN/ X – Website – Otter.ai My Links Podcast: Newsletter: YouTube: Twitter: LinkedIn:
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How Superlinked is building the Next Generation of AI Search with Ben Gutkovich
10/16/2025
How Superlinked is building the Next Generation of AI Search with Ben Gutkovich
I am excited to have , co-founder of , helping AI engineers build information retrieval systems using vector embeddings. In this conversation, Ben Gutkovich, co-founder of Superlink, shares his journey from a software engineer to an entrepreneur in the AI space. He discusses the differences between consulting and building technology, the challenges of recruiting talent in a competitive market, and innovative strategies for business development. Ben also addresses the impact of remote work on startups, insights into M&A deals, and predictions for the future of AI. He emphasises the importance of usage-based pricing models and shares valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. Timestamps 03:20 From Consulting to Startup: The Entrepreneurial Shift 05:58 Attracting Talent in the AI Landscape 08:00 Innovative Partnerships and Recruitment Strategies 10:36 Remote Work: Challenges and Opportunities 12:32 M&A Insights: Evaluating Value Creation 13:34 Predictions for the AI Market 18:21 The Future of Computer Science Education 19:39 The Rise of Usage-Based Pricing Models 23:44 Raising Capital: Positioning for Success 25:40 Navigating AI Infrastructure Economics Ben’s Links LDN/ X – Website – My Links Podcast: Newsletter: YouTube: Twitter: LinkedIn:
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Future of Fundraising in the Age of AI with Casey Woo of Operators Guild
10/09/2025
Future of Fundraising in the Age of AI with Casey Woo of Operators Guild
I am excited to have , founder of , a community of 800+ top operators. He is also a General Partner at FOG Ventures, where he's witnessing how AI is killing the 18-month fundraising cycle, enabling 1000x returns in half the time. In this conversation, Casey Woo, founder of Operators Guild and general partner at Fog Ventures, discusses his journey from Wall Street to the startup world, the evolving landscape of fundraising, and the impact of AI on job roles and business operations. He emphasises the importance of generalists in startups, the need for effective distribution strategies, and the shift towards shorter fundraising cycles. Casey also shares insights on pricing strategies for AI startups, the rise of fractional roles, and the significance of relationships in business. Timestamps 02:53 Key Patterns in Startup Success 05:35 The Shift Towards Generalists in Startups 07:49 The Death of the 18-Month Fundraising Cycle 10:56 Optimizing Dilution in a Fast-Paced Environment 13:10 The Importance of Distribution and Velocity 15:12 Pricing Strategies for AI Startups 17:40 AI's Impact on Human Labor and Job Roles 20:31 The Rise of Fractional Roles in Startups 21:32 The Ideal Operator in the Age of AI 22:40 Operator-Backed Capital vs. Traditional VC 26:09 M&A Trends and the Role of Private Equity 27:55 Sectors Best Positioned for AI Transformation 30:43 Predictions for AI Company Dominance 32:30 Common Operational Mistakes in AI Startups 34:04 The Importance of Relationships in Business 36:03 Final Thoughts and Recommendations Casey’s Links LDN/ X – Website – Operators Guild - My Links Podcast: Newsletter: YouTube: Twitter: LinkedIn:
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Navigating the Crypto Landscape with Harvey Liu of Levex Exchange
10/02/2025
Navigating the Crypto Landscape with Harvey Liu of Levex Exchange
I am happy to have Harvey Liu, the CEO of , where he’s building a cutting-edge platform for spot and futures trading in digital assets. In this conversation, Harvey Liu, CEO of Levex Exchange, discusses his journey from computer science to venture capital and now leading a crypto exchange. We explore misconceptions about blockchain, the psychology of trading, the challenges of asset tokenisation, and the importance of a strong team and culture in business. Harvey shares insights on investing principles, strategies for startups going global, and the dynamics of venture capital, emphasising the need for real cash flow and the risks associated with founder-friendly terms. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Harvey Liu and Levex Exchange 02:00 Misconceptions About Blockchain Adoption 06:30 The Psychology of Trading Success 09:33 Bottlenecks in Asset Tokenization 12:26 High-Level Decisions at Levex 16:50 Investing Principles in China vs. the West 20:38 Going Global: Strategies for Startups 23:38 Signals of a Surviving Web3 Startup 25:31 Brand vs. Performance in Venture Capital 27:44 Founder-Friendly Terms and Their Risks 31:16 Sustainable Returns in DeFi 32:53 Strategic Moves During Market Downturns 36:29 Long-Term Vision and Business Philosophy Harvey’s Links LDN/ X - Website – My Links Podcast: Newsletter: YouTube: Twitter: LinkedIn:
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Transforming Education Through Digital Infrastructure with Shankar Maruwada from EkStep Foundation
09/25/2025
Transforming Education Through Digital Infrastructure with Shankar Maruwada from EkStep Foundation
I am excited to have , Co-Founder and CEO of EkStep Foundation, a pioneering non-profit working to improve learning outcomes for millions of children in India through technology and learner-centric platforms. Shankar has been featured in ’s ‘Policy 50’, a definitive list of the 50 leaders who are steering and shaping India’s digital economy. In this conversation, Shankar Maruwada shares his journey from corporate leadership to social impact through the Ekstep Foundation. He discusses the importance of digital infrastructure in education, the lessons learned from the Aadhaar initiative, and the role of innovation and inclusivity in scaling educational solutions. Shankar emphasizes the transformative potential of AI in India and the need for a socio-economic architecture that supports digital public infrastructure. He also reflects on the responsibilities that come with influence and the balance between structure and chaos in organizations. Timestamps 06:03 Building Digital Infrastructure for Education 12:04 Innovations in Education: The Role of Technology 18:07 Designing for Scale and Inclusivity 21:09 Lessons from India's Digital Initiatives 21:39 Building Shared Digital Infrastructure 25:39 Adoption and Usability of Digital Services 27:11 Adapting Digital Models Globally 30:25 Integrating AI with Digital Public Infrastructure 34:28 The Future of AI in Agriculture and Healthcare 35:14 Challenges and Opportunities for AI Startups 39:41 Advice for Future Generations in Tech 43:48 Influence and Impact in the Digital Age 46:00 Scaling Startups and Organizational Structure 48:33 Reflections and Lessons Learned Shankar’s Links LDN– Website –
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Investing in Peace with Shane Martin of B Ventures
09/18/2025
Investing in Peace with Shane Martin of B Ventures
I am excited to have —a venture capitalist who’s rewriting the playbook for what investing can look like. He’s an investor at , the first-of-its-kind global peace VC fund that backs tech founders building solutions for both profit and peace. In this conversation, Shane Ray Martin, a venture capitalist at B-Ventures, discusses his unique journey into the world of venture capital, emphasising the potential profitability of peace tech. He shares insights on the challenges of pitching peace tech to investors, common mistakes founders make in their pitches, and the balance between instincts and metrics in venture capital. Shane also explores the role of AI in sales and negotiations, offers advice for aspiring founders, and reflects on his travel experiences that shaped his understanding of peace and conflict. Timestamps 03:04 The Concept of Peace Tech and Its Profitability 06:40 Challenges in Pitching Peace Tech to Investors 08:10 Common Mistakes Founders Make in Their First Pitch 10:19 Balancing Instincts and Metrics in Venture Capital 11:32 Implementing AI in Venture Capital Decision Making 14:08 Changing the Venture Capital Industry from Within 15:51 Lessons from Failed Deals and Their Impact 18:05 The Future of Cold Calling in Sales 19:47 Sales Strategies for Founders Transitioning from Founder-Led Sales 23:48 The Future of Sales and AI 25:32 Navigating Career Choices in Tech 27:21 The Competitive Landscape of AI Models 29:56 Mastering Negotiation Skills 32:06 Real-Life Negotiation Experiences 34:59 The Role of AI in Negotiation 35:48 Writing and Content Creation Strategies 39:04 Global Perspectives on Peace and Conflict 41:15 Lessons from Building a Venture Fund Website – My Links Podcast: Newsletter: YouTube: Twitter: LinkedIn:
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Navigating Mental Health in Entrepreneurship with James Roycroft-Davis
09/11/2025
Navigating Mental Health in Entrepreneurship with James Roycroft-Davis
I am thrilled to have , an investor at , a venture capital firm dedicated to supporting founders who innovate at the intersection of mental health and human performance. Evio's notable portfolio includes successful companies like Calm, Grow Therapy, BetterUp, Foresight, Sway Health, Mental, and Favs. Timestamps 00:00 Journey into Venture Capital 03:25 Mental Health and Personal Experience 06:18 Advice for the Younger Generation 09:26 Family Business Dynamics 12:30 The Future of Engineering and AI 15:33 Marketing in the Age of AI 18:27 Growth Strategies for Startups 21:29 Investing in Mental Health Startups 24:30 Building an Authentic Brand 27:30 The Role of Community in Entrepreneurship James’s Links LDN– Website – My Links Podcast: Newsletter: YouTube: Twitter: LinkedIn:
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Transforming Talent Acquisition with Michael Colonnese from SV Academy
09/04/2025
Transforming Talent Acquisition with Michael Colonnese from SV Academy
I am excited to have , the CEO of SV Academy, a pioneering talent platform that helps companies hire pre-trained sales and customer success professionals—with no fees and no catch. In this conversation, Michael Colonnese, CEO of SV Academy, discusses the innovative approaches to talent acquisition and training in the sales sector. He shares insights on the skills gap, the importance of potential over experience in hiring, and the transformative impact of tech sales careers. Michael also addresses the challenges of onboarding, the role of AI in sales, and the need for a reformed education model that aligns with job market demands. The discussion emphasizes the importance of personalized education and the integration of sales strategies in a product-led growth environment. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Michael Colonnese and SV Academy 01:11 The Journey into Startups and Skills Gap 02:38 Innovative Business Models in Talent Training 04:28 Understanding Student Demographics and Career Changes 05:07 Income Transformation in Tech Sales 06:14 Ideal Personas for Sales Roles 07:44 Myths in Hiring Entry-Level Sales Talent 08:47 Identifying Grit in Sales Hires 10:08 Onboarding Challenges for SDRs 11:33 The Role of AI in Sales 13:06 Cold Calling Strategies for SDRs 14:32 Multi-Channel Outreach Strategies 15:43 Tools for Sales Prospecting 16:40 Client Acquisition Strategies 17:38 The Broken Education Model 20:09 Trends in Personalized Education 22:04 Sales Pipeline Ownership in Different Companies 23:17 Preparing for Technical Sales Roles 24:44 Avoiding Bad Hires Under Pressure 25:53 Integrating Sales into Product-Led Growth 27:11 The Future of Outbound Sales with AI 28:11 Scaling Sales Teams Effectively 29:20 Innovating Business Models in Education 30:24 Applying Military Strategies to Business 31:33 Reflections on Scaling SV Academy Michael’s Links LDN– Website – My Links Podcast: Newsletter: YouTube: Twitter: LinkedIn:
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Financial Modeling for Startups with Cesare Pesci
08/28/2025
Financial Modeling for Startups with Cesare Pesci
I am thrilled to have Cesare Pesci, a Junior Associate at YOBE Ventures, where he combines a background in investment banking, sustainable finance, trading, consulting, and sales to support growth-stage and tech founders. In this conversation, a junior associate at Yobe Ventures, discusses his journey into venture capital, the dual role of investment and advisory, and the importance of networking. Cesare shares insights on evaluating founders, the significance of sustainability in investing, and the differences between European and US ecosystems. He emphasises the value of failure as a learning process and offers advice for aspiring venture capitalists. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to and His Journey 02:38 Career Progression in Venture Capital 05:23 The Dual Role of Investment and Advisory 06:52 Evaluating Founders and Startups 10:20 Lessons from Early Stage Founders 11:32 Financial Modeling for Startups 12:53 Advisory Support vs. Traditional VC 14:30 Comparing European and US Ecosystems 16:17 Integrating Sustainability in VC Investing 17:40 Sales and Finance: A Winning Combination 19:08 Networking in Venture Capital 20:48 Reflecting on Career Milestones 22:18 Recommended Business Books 24:00 Advice for Aspiring VCs Cesare’s Links LDN– Hubble - My Links Podcast: Newsletter: YouTube: Twitter: LinkedIn:
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Backing India’s Next Wave of Founders with Gaurav Gulati of Aroa Ventures
08/21/2025
Backing India’s Next Wave of Founders with Gaurav Gulati of Aroa Ventures
I am excited to have , co-founder and COO of Innov8, which was acquired by OYO. Gaurav is a GP at , which he backs startups that deliver strong returns and meaningful impact. In this conversation, Gaurav Gulati, founder of Aroha Venture Partners, shares his journey from the US to India, his experiences in building startups, and the founding of his mission-driven VC firm. He discusses the importance of a global perspective in venture capital, the challenges of supporting founders, and the evolving landscape of AI and pricing strategies in startups. Gaurav emphasises the significance of partnerships with founders and the need for resilience in the startup ecosystem, and much more. Timestamps 00:00 The Journey Begins: From the US to India 02:46 Global Perspectives: Shaping Venture Capital in India 05:21 Building and Exiting Startups: Innovate and Purist 08:30 Aroha Venture Partners: The Birth of a New Fund 11:08 Understanding Aroha: The Meaning Behind the Name 13:46 Evaluating Early Stage Founders: Jockey vs. Horse 18:39 Multi-Sector, Multi-Stage Approach: Risks and Rewards 21:29 Supporting Founders: Beyond Capital 26:10 New Venture Programs: What We Look For 27:14 Navigating Startup Programs and Applications 28:25 Identifying Problems and Solutions in Startups 29:28 The Shift in Coding and MVP Development 31:41 The Evolution of Computer Science Education 34:25 The Future of Employment in Tech 36:50 Pricing Strategies for AI and SaaS Companies 39:45 Market Strategies for Indian Startups 42:18 Opportunities in AI and Infrastructure 45:17 Reflections on the Journey and Future Aspirations Gaurav’s Links LDN– Website – My Links Podcast: Newsletter: YouTube: Twitter: LinkedIn:
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Building Narrative Capital in VC with Clay Norris
08/14/2025
Building Narrative Capital in VC with Clay Norris
I am excited to have is a GP at Outlaw and founder of ConfluenceVC, known for pioneering "narrative capital"—leveraging media to build venture scale. In this conversation, Clay Norris, a General Partner at Outlaw and founder of Confluence VC discusses his journey into venture capital, the importance of building an audience, and the concept of narrative capital. Clay shares insights on fundraising challenges for emerging managers, portfolio construction strategies, and the evolving landscape of venture capital, including the impact of AI and the role of founders in running their own funds. The discussion emphasizes the need for GPs to craft compelling narratives and build relationships to succeed in a competitive market. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Venture Capital and Clay Norris 03:14 Building an Audience and Content Strategy 06:28 Crafting a Compelling Narrative 09:17 Emerging Managers and Fundraising Challenges 11:21 Portfolio Construction Strategies 13:41 Reserves and Investment Strategies 17:48 The Evolution of VC and Multi-Stage Funds 20:58 Founders Running Their Own Funds 23:10 Winning Competitive Deals 24:46 AI and the Future of Venture Capital 27:40 The Changing Landscape of SaaS and VC 29:45 Balancing Personal and Institutional Brands 31:40 Skills for Future General Partners Clay’s Links LDN– Website – Confluence - My Links Podcast: Newsletter: YouTube: Twitter: LinkedIn:
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Bootstrapping a SaaS Success Story with Sameer Narkar from Konnect Insights
08/07/2025
Bootstrapping a SaaS Success Story with Sameer Narkar from Konnect Insights
I am excited to have Sameer Narkar, the founder of Konnect Insights. This unified customer experience management platform brings together social listening, omni-channel ticketing, analytics, and AI under one roof. In this conversation, Sameer Narkar, founder of Konnect Insights, shares his journey of building a successful SaaS company focused on customer experience management. He discusses the importance of bootstrapping, the role of AI in enhancing customer interactions, and strategies for global expansion. Sameer emphasises the need for effective sales teams, the evolution of product management roles, and the impact of AI on job markets. He also touches on pricing strategies, the significance of brand logos versus revenue, and fostering a people-first culture within the organisation. Timestamps 00:00 The Genesis of Konnect Insights 04:12 Bootstrapping Success: The Journey Without Funding 10:02 AI in Customer Experience: The Future Unveiled 14:03 Defensibility in a Competitive SaaS Landscape 17:16 Pricing Strategies: Shifting from Seat-Based to Usage-Based 19:13 Evolving Product Management: The Role of Teams 23:16 The Future of Engineering and AI's Impact on Jobs 28:02 AI in Customer Support: A New Era of Experience 30:18 The Impact of AI on Jobs 31:33 Strategies for Global Expansion 34:43 Hiring for Sales and Partnerships 38:01 Building a Sales Playbook 40:22 The Role of Discounts in Sales 43:55 Quality of Clients vs. Revenue 48:05 Building a People-First Culture 50:08 Future Product Innovations Sameer’s Links LDN– Website - My Links Podcast: Newsletter: YouTube: Twitter: LinkedIn:
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Unpacking the VC Game with Dario De Wet from LTV Capital
07/31/2025
Unpacking the VC Game with Dario De Wet from LTV Capital
I am thrilled to have Dario De Wet, a VC investor and founder of LTV Capital, and managing director at Monza Group International. In this conversation, Dario De Wet shares his entrepreneurial journey from selling Game Boy emulators in South Africa to becoming a venture capital investor and founder of LTV Capital. He discusses the unique entrepreneurial spirit in South Africa, the balance between his passion for motorsport and his VC career, and the evolution of his investment strategies. Dario emphasises the importance of understanding the venture capital landscape, the impact of AI on startups, and the challenges of navigating high valuations and IPOs. He also reflects on the metrics that matter in VC and the future of billion-dollar funds. Timestamps 00:00 Dario's Entrepreneurial Journey 04:46 The South African Entrepreneurial Spirit 07:17 Balancing Motorsports and Venture Capital 10:53 Transitioning to Jumo and Anthemis Group 17:14 Founding LTV Capital and Investment Thesis 21:51 Distinguishing True Investors from Asset Gatherers 23:59 The Impact of AI on SaaS and Venture Capital 26:09 Sustainability of Billion Dollar VC Funds 27:34 Emerging Managers vs. Billion Dollar Funds 28:34 Factors Influencing IPOs 30:09 Market Liquidity and Investor Sentiment 32:09 US vs. UK IPO Landscape 33:57 Understanding VC Metrics: TVPI and DPI 36:02 Navigating High Valuations in AI Funding 38:37 Investment Strategies in Today's Market 41:09 The Reality of Unicorn Valuations 42:25 Challenges for B2B Startups 43:47 Lessons from 50 Cent's Hustle 45:44 Building Confidence in VC Careers Dario’s Links LDN– LTV Capital - Course - My Links Podcast: Newsletter: YouTube: Twitter: LinkedIn:
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Backing Bold Founders & Betting on Bharat: Shashank Randev on Building 247VC
07/24/2025
Backing Bold Founders & Betting on Bharat: Shashank Randev on Building 247VC
I am excited to have — a seasoned operator turned investor and the Founder & General Partner at , one of India’s boldest new seed funds. Before launching 247VC, Shashank co-founded 100X.VC, where he backed over 180 startups and helped pioneer the iSAFE note in India. In this conversation, Shashank Randev, a seasoned operator and investor, discusses his journey from 100XVC to founding 247VC. We explore the evolving landscape of venture capital in India, the importance of backing diverse founders, common mistakes made by pre-seed founders, and the unique position of 247VC in the seed funding ecosystem. Shashank shares insights on valuation strategies, the significance of deep tech and AI investments, and the growing opportunities in non-metro India. The discussion also touches on the importance of education for aspiring engineers and the key considerations for investors when evaluating startups, and much more! Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Shashank Randev and 247VC 01:05 Transition from 100XVC to 247VC 03:02 Backing Diverse Founders: Experience vs. Hunger 05:41 The Drive of Second-Time Founders 07:51 Common Mistakes of Pre-Seed Founders 10:15 Filling Gaps in the Indian Seed Landscape 13:09 Fundraising Insights for 247VC 16:04 Valuation Strategies for Seed Rounds 20:50 Investing in Deep Tech and Enterprise Tech 23:41 The Future of AI in India 27:49 Building for India: Opportunities and Growth 30:11 Understanding Non-Metro Markets: Insights and Strategies 33:48 The Evolution of AI: Industry-Specific Applications 35:19 The Future of Software: Pricing and Consumption Models 38:08 Education and Skills for the Future: Preparing the Next Generation 40:31 Investing in Startups: The Role of Founders and Market Dynamics 45:14 Navigating Founder Relationships: Capital vs. Value-Add 48:34 The Importance of Smart Capital: Beyond Just Funding 50:47 Reflections on the VC Journey: Lessons Learned Shashank’s Links LDN– Instagram - Website – Substack - My Links Podcast: Newsletter: YouTube: Twitter: LinkedIn:
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Evolution of Market Entry Strategies with Sachit Rajan
07/17/2025
Evolution of Market Entry Strategies with Sachit Rajan
I am thrilled to have , who is a Venture Capital Partner at and a Venture Partner at NetworkVC.org, specialising in early-stage startups across SaaS, fintech, and AI. With extensive experience leading multi-market operations at Charter Finco, Sachit has driven strategic growth, business scalability, and global market expansion. In this conversation, Sachit Rajan shares his extensive journey in the world of startups and venture capital, discussing his experiences in market entry strategies, supporting early-stage startups, and navigating the evolving Middle East market. He emphasises the importance of clarity in startup ideas, the impact of AI on pricing models, and the balance between AI and human interaction in customer service. Sachit also reflects on the future of venture capital funds, emerging trends in early-stage investing, and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, and much more! Timestamps 00:00 The Journey into Startups and Venture Capital 03:07 Navigating Early-Stage Startups 06:09 The Middle East Market Dynamics 09:08 The Evolving VC Landscape 12:11 Emerging Trends in IPOs and Investments 15:01 The AI Revolution in Investing 18:09 Differentiating Products in a Crowded Market 21:12 The Human Touch in Customer Service 24:03 The Future of OpenAI and AI Competition 27:19 Investment Decision-Making Framework 30:12 Mentorship and the VC Experience 33:10 Future of Growth Investing 36:13 Advice for Future Generations Sachit’s Links LDN– Website - Charles Finco - My Links Podcast: Newsletter: YouTube: Twitter: LinkedIn:
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Michelle Denogean on AI's Role in Transforming Travel and Marketing
07/10/2025
Michelle Denogean on AI's Role in Transforming Travel and Marketing
I am excited to have is the author of the book "GrowUp! Take Your Startup to the Next Level," offer a comprehensive guide to navigating the challenges of scaling a startup. She is the CMO of Mindtrip, a travel company. Michelle Denogean earned her MBA at Pepperdine University In this episode, Michelle Denogean, author of 'Grow Up', shares her extensive experience in startups and marketing, discussing the impact of AI on the travel industry, the importance of understanding one's superpowers as a founder, and strategies for growth in challenging markets. She emphasises the significance of reputation management, recognising leadership blind spots, and the potential of pivots as opportunities for startups. Michelle also reflects on her journey of writing her book while managing a full-time career and offers insights into effective leadership and growth strategies for entrepreneurs and much more! Timestamps 03:01 The Impact of AI on Travel and Marketing 07:43 Writing 'Grow Up': Insights and Unique Perspectives 10:29 The Role of Operators in Early-Stage Startups 13:11 Identifying Startup Superpowers and Core Competencies 18:11 Strategies for Growth in a Challenging Market 19:53 The Importance of Reputation Management for Startups 22:11 Winning Customers: The Role of Founders 24:01 Addressing Leadership Blind Spots 27:59 Recognizing When to Pivot 31:32 Overcoming the Fear of Failure 34:14 Transitioning from Startup to Growth Phase 35:41 The Book Writing Process and Lessons Learned Michelle’s Links LDN– Book - My Links Podcast: Newsletter: YouTube: Twitter: LinkedIn:
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Ali Hafizji from Wednesday on MVP Mistakes and Finding Product-Market Fit
07/03/2025
Ali Hafizji from Wednesday on MVP Mistakes and Finding Product-Market Fit
is the CEO of , an engineering services company specializing in - Data Engineering, Generative AI, and Application Modernization. In this episode, Ali Hafizji, founder of Wednesday, shares how his frustration with clunky banking APIs sparked the idea to launch a high-performance engineering services firm. He dives into building outcome-focused teams, the evolution from MVP to product-market fit, and why founders must shift from intuition to data. Ali unpacks common mistakes startups make post-MVP, tips for leveraging AI tools effectively, and why retention—not vanity metrics—matters most. He also breaks down how India’s unicorns embrace experimentation, when to pivot, and how to build brand and distribution moats in the AI era - and much more! Timestamps 01:20 – How Ali got into startups and his first experience at an 11-person startup. 03:40 – Early startup exit and how he alternated between building and joining startups. 05:10 – Origin story of Wednesday and the inefficiencies he noticed while working with banks. 07:05 – Insight: Enterprises often “throw people at the problem” instead of solving it structurally. 08:30 – His vision of small, outcome-driven teams in engineering as a service. 10:15 – Advice on choosing between product vs. service startups for first-time founders. 12:20 – Key hiring advice: choose where you’ll have a voice and mentors, not just “product vs service.” 14:10 – Why sticking to an idea without market validation is risky. 16:00 – The major difference between MVP and Product-Market Fit (PMF). 17:30 – Most startups fail post-MVP due to chasing vanity metrics and scaling prematurely. 19:45 – What founders should track in the 30 days post-MVP (pirate metrics: AARRR). 22:00 – Ideal early retention metrics for B2C and B2B startups. 24:40 – Founders must shift from intuition-led to data-led decision-making post-MVP. 26:10 – The rise of no-code, AI, and solo MVP development—even for non-technical founders. 28:10 – Why founders should be building smarter, not just faster. 29:45 – On hiring post-MVP: what founders should evaluate in product development teams. 31:40 – How to build a moat and brand in the AI era—infuse values from day one. 33:20 – Distribution strategies: pick one GTM strategy based on your strengths and market. 35:40 – Powerful insight: start with unhappy users of competitors and work outward. 37:15 – How Wednesday charges for outcomes, not hours—reinventing the services model. 39:50 – What India’s unicorns do right: mindset shift, humility, and relentless experimentation. 42:00 – When to pivot vs. when to persist: make decisions based on return on invested capital. 44:20 – Common MVP mistake: building too much instead of staying focused. Ali’s Links LDN– Website – My Links Podcast: Newsletter: YouTube: Twitter: LinkedIn:
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Building AI-Driven Teams, Scalable Services, and a Global Career with Tom Kelly of Braze
06/27/2025
Building AI-Driven Teams, Scalable Services, and a Global Career with Tom Kelly of Braze
I am thrilled to have , a global tech leader and angel investor, works as the senior director of account management at Braze. With deep expertise in customer success, AI adoption, and GTM strategy, Tom builds high-performing teams and invests in the next wave of startups shaping the future of tech. In this episode, Tom Kelly, Senior Director at Braze and angel investor, shares his journey from physics and hedge funds to building global technical account teams. Tom dives into launching a new services arm inside a high-growth SaaS company, how to scale AI adoption across teams, and why distribution is the ultimate moat in today’s product-rich world. He unpacks early-stage GTM mistakes, what he looks for as an angel investor, and how he’s building an “AI ETF” through OpenAI, Anthropic, and XAI. Tom also shares why he moved to Dubai, the power of community, and the underrated impact of personal reinvention, and much more! Timestamps 01:30 – Tom’s unconventional start in tech from a physics and hedge fund background. 04:00 – Early career at CrowdVision and exposure to AI and machine learning in crowd tracking. 06:20 – Joining Braze: From generalist customer success to building the London office. 08:45 – Wearing multiple hats in the early days of Braze’s CS team. 10:15 – Evolution into Technical Account Management (TAM) and co-founding the TAM team. 12:00 – Finding product-market fit for TAM services and rapid scale-up. 14:30 – Global TAM growth: Expansion into APAC, Dubai, London, and the U.S. 16:00 – The importance of leadership support and internal advocates when launching services. 18:15 – Making early customers your biggest advocates to accelerate adoption. 20:00 – KPIs beyond CSAT: Using OKRs effectively to track TAM performance. 23:00 – Mistakes with OKRs and how TAM team restructured them to be metrics-driven. 25:30 – How Tom led AI adoption across his 35-person TAM team. 28:00 – Hackathons and AI showcases to encourage AI culture internally. 30:00 – Klarna's AI workforce experiment: Layoffs, savings, and human comeback. 33:00 – Distribution as the new moat in a world where everyone can build with AI. 35:30 – Why early-stage companies rely on network and personal brand for GTM. 37:15 – The shift to regional, vertical SaaS businesses and specialized solutions. 39:00 – Should students still study computer science in an AI-first world? 41:30 – Most underrated skill in services: Empathy and personalized ROI communication. 44:00 – Tom’s angel investing thesis: Founder passion, resilience, and baked-in distribution. 46:00 – Investing in OpenAI, Anthropic, XAI: Building an “AI ETF” portfolio. 48:00 – Why Tom moved from London to Dubai and how it transformed his lifestyle. 51:00 – Building new networks in Dubai: GCC Club, OPUS, wellness, and low alcohol lifestyle. Tom’s Links LDN– My Links Podcast: Newsletter: YouTube: Twitter: LinkedIn: Agency:
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How AI Can Fix Gen Z’s Financial Gaps with Jason Schappert from Moola
06/19/2025
How AI Can Fix Gen Z’s Financial Gaps with Jason Schappert from Moola
I am thrilled to have Jason Schappert, the CEO of Moola, an AI-powered stock scoring and decision engine designed to empower the next generation of investors to achieve true financial freedom. Earlier - MzeroA was named one of the Inc. 500’s top-growing private companies and recognized as a “Best Place to Work.” In this episode, Jason Schappert, founder of Moola, shares his journey from pest control routes to an eight-figure exit. Jason dives into bootstrapping his aviation edtech startup, turning early YouTube lessons into a thriving business, and scaling with scrappy tools and mindset. He unpacks key lessons on culture, hiring, and preparing for acquisition—plus why clean books matter more than user growth. Jason also discusses starting Moolah, an AI-powered finance app, and his philosophy on investing, crypto, and building through downturns. He shares advice on feature-locking MVPs, no-code tools, and embracing AI early—and much more! Timestamps 00:02 – Jason's origin story: growing up in an entrepreneurial family and moving to Florida. 01:41 – Early lessons from his parents and his first flying experience at age 12. 03:31 – Starting MZeroA from his parents' house and his "wrong side of the deal" realization. 05:53 – Discovering GoPro cameras and using them to film flight lessons. 07:42 – Turning YouTube videos into a subscription-based business. 10:07 – The powerful advice: "You don’t have to get it right, you just have to get it going." 11:49 – Losing their first acquisition deal due to messy bookkeeping. 14:08 – Turning the loss into an opportunity: hiring a fractional CFO and cleaning up the books. 16:38 – Viewing an acquisition like dating: aligning visions with the buyer is critical. 18:25 – Culture wake-up call: “This business is like a fraternity that makes money.” 20:46 – Hiring based on culture fit, not just skill; story of a cop-turned-COO. 22:44 – Jason’s hiring criteria: personality, hunger to learn, curiosity. 23:25 – Managing extreme personalities and team morale during exits. 25:37 – Post-exit identity crisis and getting back in the game within 48 hours. 28:02 – The philosophy of “hit the ball in one more time” and launching Moolah. 29:57 – Using AI to help users identify small savings and grow investments. 31:55 – How Jason allocates his portfolio across stocks, crypto, and other assets. 34:22 – XRP, Bitcoin, and the potential of #2 or #3 crypto players. 36:05 – Real estate investments: owning 600+ rental units and market observations. 37:58 – Emerging markets: ETFs, Africa, India, and policy-influenced investment strategy. 40:01 – European markets, regulation challenges, and strategic shifts. 42:14 – Building tech products without coding: tools, Upwork, and early hustling. 44:12 – Feature-locking MVPs and dealing with SEC, FINRA, FDIC regulations. 46:19 – Global expansion plans: why Latin America is next for Moolah. 48:14 – Advice to Gen Z & college grads: embrace AI, prompt engineering, and tech savviness. Jason’s Links LDN– Website – My Links Podcast: Newsletter: YouTube: Twitter: LinkedIn: Agency:
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