Shows
rational vc#055 - Poor Charlie’s Almanack: The Essential Wit and Wisdom of Charles T. MungerLearn from history's Greatest Minds — and find Timeless ideas you can apply to business and life. Every podcast episode we explore a Timeless book: We strive to become polymaths like our investing and business icons, pulling the Big Ideas from a wide range of disciplines to help us become better investors and operators. For the curious-minded seeking Worldly Wisdom. Join thousands of readers by subscribing @ rationalvc.com to get free access to essays and exclusive content. For the video version of this episode click here. Free digital version of Poor Charlie's Almanack: stripe.press/poor-charlies-almanack...2025-01-012h 52
rational vc#054 - The Bed of Procrustes: Nassim Taleb (Incerto Series)Learn from history's Greatest Minds — and find Timeless ideas you can apply to business and life. Every episode we explore a Lindy book: We strive to become polymaths like our investing and business icons, pulling the Big Ideas from a wide range of disciplines. For the curious-minded seeking Worldly Wisdom. Join 3,000+ others by subscribing @ rationalvc.com to get free access to essays and exclusive content. For the video version of this episode click here. A rare episode where we invited guests to join us, in this case due to the book being a unique format and...2024-09-122h 33
rational vc#053 - Skin in the Game: Nassim Taleb (Incerto Series)Learn from history's Greatest Minds — and find Timeless ideas you can apply to business and life. Every episode we explore a Lindy book: We strive to become polymaths like our investing and business icons, pulling the Big Ideas from a wide range of disciplines to help us become better investors and operators. For the curious-minded seeking Worldly Wisdom. Join 3,000+ others by subscribing @ rationalvc.com to get free access to essays and exclusive content. For the video version of this episode click here. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (08:16) Core Concepts (12:10) Important Prologue One...2024-07-252h 58
rational vc#052 - Antifragile: Nassim Taleb (Incerto Series)Learn from history's Greatest Minds — and find Timeless ideas you can apply to business and life. Every episode we explore a Lindy book: We strive to become polymaths like our investing and business icons, pulling the Big Ideas from a wide range of disciplines to help us become better investors and operators. For the curious-minded seeking Worldly Wisdom. Join 3,000+ others by subscribing @ rationalvc.com to get free access to essays and exclusive content. For the video version of this episode click here. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (11:39) Antifragile definition (19:13) Introduction to the co...2024-06-133h 42
rational vc#051 - The Black Swan: Nassim Taleb (Incerto Series)Learn from history's Greatest Minds — and find Timeless ideas you can apply to business and life. Every podcast episode we explore a Lindy book: We strive to become polymaths like our investing and business icons, pulling the Big Ideas from a wide range of disciplines to help us become better investors and operators. For the curious-minded seeking Worldly Wisdom. Join 3,000+ curious minds and avid readers by subscribing @ rationalvc.com to get free access to essays and exclusive content. For the video version of this episode click here. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro / chit-chat (09:26) Structure of...2024-04-043h 00
rational vc#050 - Fooled by Randomness: Nassim Taleb (Incerto Series)Learn from history's Greatest Minds — and find Timeless ideas you can apply to business and life. Every episode we explore a Lindy book: We strive to become polymaths like our investing and business icons, pulling the Big Ideas from a wide range of disciplines to help us become better investors and operators. For the curious-minded seeking Worldly Wisdom. Join 3,000+ others by subscribing @ rationalvc.com to get free access to essays and exclusive content. For the video version of this episode click here. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro / chit-chat (20:11) Randomness & Luck (24:46) Monte Carlo Si...2024-01-082h 11
rational vc#049 - The Podcast Is Pivoting And Rebranding!** Apologies for the audio quality, it's been a while! New audio set-up. The audio will be significantly better from the next episode. In this transitionary episode we discuss our pivot, after 49 episodes our podcast is continuing, albeit in a much different direction, and rebranding. From the next episode (ep. 50 it will be in the new format and all changes will be reflected then). We discuss all the changes (and our view on the podcasting space) in this short transitionary episode. Video version of episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2L49pYXx8g ...2023-08-2926 min
rational vc#048 - Jim O'Shaughnessy (OSV.LLC): Becoming a More Nuanced ThinkerJim O'Shaughnessy is one of the greatest thinkers of our time. A curious mind, Wall Street legend, Venture Capitalist (OSV.llc), best-selling author, previously founder of OSAM (sold to Franklin Templeton), podcaster (infinite loops), father, grandfather, and the list goes on. We discussed numerous topics. Check the timestamps below for topics and enjoy the audio, or you can watch the video over on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/W-t1v-u-iAg Jim's Twitter: https://twitter.com/jposhaughnessy O'Shaughnessy Ventures: https://www.osv.llc Jim's Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7yAAsaj77q3jQLbX8NAQ...2023-05-241h 10
rational vc#047 - Jonny Blausten: Sprout CEO, democratising venture capital, from consulting to running startups, content creation and future of VCJonny is the CEO and Co-Founder of Sprout: an investment platform curating access to Venture Capital deals for private investors. We discussed numerous topics. Check the timestamps below for topics and enjoy the audio, or you can watch the video over on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/wXWu552WyVE Jonny's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-blausten-b5178141/?originalSubdomain=uk Jonny's personal Twitter: https://twitter.com/JBlausten Jonny's GunnerPunner Twitter: https://twitter.com/gunnerpunner Sprout website: https://www.viasprout.com/ 00:00 Teaser 01:18 Intros 04:19 Jonny's background 05:50 Jonny's early startups 12:32...2023-05-032h 21
rational vc#046 - Ben Awad: Becoming the Internet's Most Impactful ProgrammerBen Awad is a YouTuber, software engineer, and the founder of VoidPet.com. He has 500k YouTube subscribers, 800k TikTok followers, and is known for his legendary coding tutorials and humorous and authentic videos. We discussed numerous topics. Check the timestamps below for topics and enjoy the audio, or you can watch the video over on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/BKhV-kPavnk Ben's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bawad Ben's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@benawad Ben's Twitter: https://twitter.com/benawad Ben's startup: https://voidpet.com/ Ben's GitHub: https...2023-03-221h 08
rational vc#045 - Jack Raines (YoungMoney.co): The Fastest Growing Finance & Money Blogger On The Planet Right NowJack Raines is the fastest growing finance & money blogger on the planet right now. He created the Young Money blog (https://www.youngmoney.co/) just 15 months ago and has already amassed 30,000+ subscribers. He has already been offered book deals by world class publishers. Leverage ftw. We discussed numerous topics. Check the timestamps below for topics and enjoy the audio, or you can watch the video over on our YouTube channel where we recorded this in person with Jack: https://youtu.be/F56YIktbMHY Jack's newsletter: https://youngmoney.co Jack's Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jack...2023-01-241h 43
rational vc#044 - Luke Burgis: Author of Wanting, Mimetic Theory in Business, Investing, Life and RelationshipsLuke Burgis has co-created and led four Silicon Valley companies in wellness, consumer products, and technology. He is the author of the best selling book "Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life", which breaks down the theories of French philosopher René Girard. Luke is currently Entrepreneur-in-Residence and Director of Programs at the Ciocca Center for Principled Entrepreneurship, where he also teaches business at The Catholic University of America. Girard's theories explain most human-related interactions, such as the virality of social media, the rise of Facebook, political beliefs, cancel culture and how the best investors pick t...2022-10-101h 06
rational vc#043 - Rational Musings: Start a fund or a syndicate?In this Rational Musings episode, Iman and Cyrus discuss their views on whether setting up a fund or running a syndicate (SPV) makes the most sense. The guys also talk about angel investing, joining a fund and scouting deals as alternatives to running an SPV or fund. Submit questions for us to cover in podcast episodes: https://www.rationalvc.com/questions Materials referenced Samir Kaji tweet 1: https://twitter.com/Samirkaji/status/1522757321809485824 Samir Kaji tweet 2: https://twitter.com/Samirkaji/status/1541979202953433088 Ryan Hoover tweet thread: https://twitter.com/rrhoover/status/1473347361762066438?lang...2022-08-0146 min
rational vc#042 - Michael Safai of Dexterity Capital: Trading Between $2 Billion and $4 Billion in Crypto Per Day, And Why Volatility Is GreatMichael Safai is the Founding Partner of Dexterity Capital, an algorithmic high-frequency trading firm focused on cryptocurrencies. The lean team makes between $2 billion and $4 billion in trades per day. Michael is a seasoned operator in tech, with a multidisciplinary background with careers in tech and law, and an academic background in astrophysics and economics from UC Berkeley. Dexterity Capital are defining – and constantly redefining – algorithmic trading for all areas of the cryptocurrency world. They specialise in market neutral strategies. That means they thrive regardless of whether the bulls or bears are winning. With offices in Seattle, San Francisco, New York...2022-07-0648 min
rational vc#041 - Rational Musings: Antifragile Principles for Investing and LifeIn this Rational Musings episode, Iman and Cyrus discuss antifragile principles of their favourite author - Mr Nassim Nicholas Taleb. The fellas dissect a Seeking Alpha article on managing an antifragile portfolio and also talk how to apply antifragile principles in daily life. Submit questions for us to cover in podcast episodes: https://www.rationalvc.com/questions Materials referenced Seeking Alpha article: https://seekingalpha.com/article/4454512-7-rules-for-an-antifragile-portfolio Taleb convexity article: https://www.edge.org/conversation/nassim_nicholas_taleb-understanding-is-a-poor-substitute-for-convexity-antifragility Danial Vassallo Twitter: https://twitter.com/dvassallo?s=20&t=oQi...2022-05-0346 min
rational vc#040 - Eric Jorgenson: Navalmanack, Leverage, Building Wealth & Judgement, Angel Investing, Web3, Publishing Content, & Productising YourselfEric Jorgenson is an author and the creator of "The Almanack of Naval Ravikant" book. He is also an Angel Investor and Entrepreneur. Eric recently launched his rolling fund on AngelList. He was on the founding team of Zaarly, and has been publishing online since 2014. His blog has educated and entertained over a million readers. The guys discuss everything from Building Wealth and Judgement, to Leverage, Naval, Balaji, Angel Investing, Web3, writing books, content creation, and much more. You can also watch this episode on youtube at: https://youtu.be/_LMoWRF-q3E ...2022-03-301h 40
rational vc#039 - Rational Musings: Principles for Anti-Mimesis and Living a Counter-Cultural LifeOn this Rational Musings, Iman and Cyrus discuss René Girard's mimetic theory and real life anti-mimetic principles. The guys dissect Luke Burgis' article on living a counter cultural life and why being anti-mimetic is important for becoming antifragile. Submit questions for us to cover in podcast episodes: https://www.rationalvc.com/questions Materials referenced Luke article: https://www.epsilontheory.com/25-anti-mimetic-tactics-for-living-a-counter-cultural-life/# Luke book "Wanting": https://lukeburgis.com/wanting/ Epsilon Theory: https://www.epsilontheory.com/ Taleb on religion: https://econjwatch.org/articles/religion-heuristics-and-intergenerational-risk-management Simon Sarris: https://si...2022-03-1440 min
rational vc#038 - Mac Conwell ("Mac the VC"): RareBreed.VC, From Homeless to Launching a $10million FundMac Conwell ("Mac the VC") is the Founder and Managing Partner of RareBreed Ventures. Mac is a former software engineer and a two-time founder. One of Mac's companies failed, the other went on to a successful exit. He then broke into the world of investing by working for the State of Maryland, before raising a fund of his own in a short amount of time. From homeless to VC, "hacker turned hustler", RareBreed has seen tremendous success in a short amount of time. You can also watch this episode on youtube at: https://youtu.be/yUZLzY-fyJU 2022-02-0852 min
rational vc#037 - Odin: Founders Paddy Ryan & Mary Lin discuss access to venture, community building and Europe vs USCyrus and Iman are back and they're in person! The Rational VC guys talk to the super impressive founders of Odin, Paddy and Mary. Odin is a platform and community democratising access to early stage investing. In this long-form discussion, Iman and Cyrus talk to the Odin founders about their backgrounds, childhoods, Odin's origin story, Odin's future, community building, the democratisation of access and education. https://joinodin.com/ -- Rational VC provides regular content on technology investing and technology building. We also write long-form memos. You can sign up for these monthly memo...2022-01-102h 24
rational vc#036 - Andrew Gazdecki: MicroAcquire.com, Building 3 Successful Companies & What Makes a Great FounderAndrew is a seasoned founder (2 exits) and is now the founder of MicroAcquire, a startup acquisition marketplace that helps startups find buyers and get acquired. MicroAcquire has seen tremendous success in a short amount of time. Andrew explains his tough childhood and formative years that led to him becoming an entrepreneur, what it takes to become a success, building in public as a CEO, the company's future plans, and his thoughts on juggling family life with business. www.microacquire.com -- Rational VC provides regular content on technology investing and technology building. We al...2021-12-1346 min
rational vc#035 - Rational Musings: Principles for Investing, Business, Life and Learning: How to Approach Building Your Personal Principles with Rational VCOn the latest Rational Musings, Iman and Cyrus discuss their favourite principles, spanning investing / business, life and learning. In this Lindy episode, they go deep and share their rational thinking on a list of 116 principles as outlined by Junto Investments. You can also watch this in video format on our youtube channel to see supporting material: https://youtu.be/CSKMJ_rZpt8 Material referenced: Junto Principles: https://junto.investments/principles/ Odin: https://joinodin.com/ Iman video first principles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPv4DWkamM8&t=1s Cy...2021-11-3055 min
rational vc#034 - Rational Musings: Lack of Authenticity EVERYWHERE, & Applying Wall Street DNA to Venture CapitalCyrus and Iman discuss their thoughts on authenticity in life, tech, and VC. They also discuss having purpose and performing deep work, whether elite university degrees are becoming a bad investment, applying the Wall Street DNA to Venture, and how Twitter activity influences VC funding outcomes. You can also watch this in video format on our youtube channel to see supporting material: https://youtu.be/2O7Ugp_kmDQ Materials referenced: James Lo post on authenticity: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/yfjame... Rob Henderson on university degrees: https://twitter.com/robkhenderson/sta... Sar Haribhakti on Tiger Gl...2021-11-1545 min
rational vc#033 - Samir Kaji: Allocate.co, The Future of VC & Angel Investing, Emerging Managers, Market Valuations & MoreSamir Kaji is a seasoned Venture Capital banker and now the founder of Allocate - a company disrupting the VC market. Allocate make it easy for investors to access top-tier private alternatives within the technology sector. Samir explains how his idea to build the Allocate platform emerged from his 20+ years of experience working alongside the biggest and best VCs in Silicon Valley. The guys also discuss how tech and tech investing has changed, and what the future for venture capital and angel investing looks like. www.allocate.co -- Rational VC provides regular...2021-11-0146 min
rational vc#032 - Rational Musings: The Generational Shift Within VC, Mimetic Desire, & Hiring StrugglesCyrus and Iman discuss contrasting management methods in tech, hiring struggles in the marketplace, mimetic desire, environmental factors affecting investor decisions, the Matthew effect in relation to VC performance, and the generational shift within VC. You can also watch this in video format on our youtube channel to see supporting material: https://youtu.be/Kqf_9v5pGDM Materials referenced: AGM on Apple vs Coinbase: https://twitter.com/DavidSacks/status/1443846265582735362?s=20 Fred Destin on Europe Hiring: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/freddestin_talent-wars-in-london-seem-absolutely-brutal-activity-6842174071707324416-MLX8 Nothing is normal anymore: http...2021-10-1442 min
rational vc#031 - Rational Musings: a16z Vs. Sequoia, Future of Expertise, & Content CreationIman and Cyrus discuss Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) and Sequoia. They touch on a16z's approach to becoming a venture corporation and Sequoia's leader Doug Leone. The guys also deep dive on the future of expertise, and also on things to consider when becoming a content creator. You can also watch this in video format on our youtube channel to see supporting material: https://youtu.be/IsKO_byvgfs Materials referenced: SigmaOS: https://sigmaos.com/ SigmaOS Product Hunt: https://www.producthunt.com/posts/sig... a16z strategy article: https://www-drorpoleg-com.cdn.ampproj... Marc Andreessen Interview: https://www.youtube.c...2021-09-2237 min
rational vc#030 - Rational Musings: Angel Investing, Y Combinator Valuations, Due Diligence, Portfolio Allocation & Investment InertiaIman and Cyrus discuss angel investing in detail through the lens of a recent investment they are analysing. They touch on the importance of non-technical due diligence and what to emulate from the best angels. You can also watch this in video format on our youtube channel to see supporting material: https://youtu.be/A7Oki1hxlm8 Materials referenced: Immad Akhund tweet: https://twitter.com/immad/status/1431657671266955264?s=21 Kauffman angel paper: https://www.angelcapitalassociation.org/data/Documents/Resources/AngelGroupResarch/1d%20-%20Resources%20-%20Research/ACEF%20Angel%20Performance%20Project%2004.28.09.pdf ...2021-09-0648 min
rational vc#029 - Rational Musings: Hacker Homes, Tesla's Artificial Intelligence, Space Race, Climate Change, & OnlyFansCyrus and Iman discuss the huge advancements in AI by Tesla, showcased in their AI day. They also talk hacker homes and why they're getting funding, Jeff Bezos suing NASA, the damning IPCC report on climate change, and OnlyFans dropping explicit content from its platform. You can also watch this in video format on our youtube channel to see supporting material: https://youtu.be/0FOjjeKXsb4 Materials referenced: Hacker homes article: https://techcrunch.com/2021/08/19/lau... Manidis tweet: https://twitter.com/WillManidis/statu... Joshua Fluke YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-91... Tesla AI day highlights: https://techcrunch.com/2021/08/19/t...2021-08-2340 min
rational vc#028 - Will Bruey: SpaceX Veteran Raising $50MM+ from Founders Fund, Khosla, Naval Ravikant and Pioneering Space Manufacturing (Varda.com)Will Bruey is CEO & Co-Founder of Varda Space Industries. Varda is pioneering space manufacturing by building the first space factory to launch and return space-made products for terrestrial applications. Varda was incubated in Founders Fund, and has since gone on to raise* over $50MM from investors such as Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, General Catalyst, Caffeinated Capital, Naval Ravikant, and others. * This episode was recorded days before the Series A announcement! www.varda.com -- Rational VC provides regular content on technology investing and technology building. We also write long-form me...2021-08-111h 03
rational vc#027 - Rational Musings: Emerging VC Managers, Space Race, Self-Aware Founders, & Fundraising RecordsCyrus and Iman discuss whether diversification makes sense through the lens of Apple vs. all the world's unicorns, how fundraising is growing in VC, and the Bezos vs. Branson space race. They also discuss why right now is the best time ever to build a startup or be a Venture Capitalist. You can also watch this in video format on our youtube channel to see supporting material: https://youtu.be/ALdQ_dbYhN8 Materials referenced: Apple vs Unicorns: https://www.notboring.co/p/introducin... Michael Batnick post: https://theirrelevantinvestor.com/202... Tech Crunch emerging managers: ht...2021-07-2733 min
rational vc#026 - Rational Musings: James Anderson, Startup Boom, Woke Culture In Big Tech, Microsoft Moves, & Investing In NvidiaCyrus and Iman discuss the ‘deep sickness’ in the UK (vs. US) capital markets according to James Anderson, the rapid growth of startup entrepreneurship during covid, woke culture in big tech, Microsoft making new moves to compete with Apple, and what makes Nvidia a great investment. You can also watch this in video format on our youtube channel to see supporting material: https://youtu.be/lKxzUl_pFbo Materials referenced: Deep sickness in UK markets: https://www.ft.com/content/81d47276-cf69-40ec-ad52-2f9e0df04e...2021-07-0534 min
rational vc#025 - Rational Musings: Unicorns, VC Risk Appetite, Tiger Cubs, Babylon SPAC, & EU vs US BusinessCyrus and Iman discuss the latest CB Insights report on unicorn companies, whether venture capital has stopped being innovative and risk-taking, Europe lagging behind the US, Babylon health's decision to list via a SPAC, and Tiger Management cubs including Bill Hwang of Archegos Capital. You can also watch this in video format on our youtube channel to see supporting material: https://youtu.be/F48aN8-0tjc Materials referenced: List of unicorns: https://www.cbinsights.com/research-u... The Economist article: https://www.economist.com/briefing/20... VC risk podcast: https://www.fairobserver.com...2021-06-1431 min
rational vc#024 - Rational Musings: Learnings From Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting 2021Cyrus and Iman discuss the recent 2021 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting. We covered inflation, innovation affecting the world's largest companies, crazes such as Robinhood, Bitcoin, SPACs, and finally details around Warren Buffett's successor following Charlie Munger's leak. You can also watch this in video format on our youtube channel to see supporting material: https://youtu.be/UgDs-Gcdepg Materials referenced: Full Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx-Oz... Paul Cuatrecasas Rational VC episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uekOk... Paul Cuatrecasas Value Investing is Dead article: https://www.aquaapartners.com/wp-cont... Financial M...2021-05-2628 min
rational vc#023 - Rational Musings: Bitcoin Crash, Now What? Revisiting Pros and Cons, Plus the State of European VCIn our latest Rational Musing market roundup, Iman and Cyrus give a Lindy take on some updates in the world of tech. We cover all things Bitcoin, Crypto, and Blockchain, weighing up the pros and cons following comments from Charlie Munger, Nassim Taleb, and Balaji Srinivasan, in addition to the state of European venture capital following recent reports on investment data. You can also watch this in video format on our youtube channel to see supporting material: https://youtu.be/FHSQewr_2d8 Materials referenced in the show: DJ Khaled song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v...2021-05-2128 min
rational vc#022 - Rational Musings: Doordash, Crazy Valuations, Apple the New King of M&A, Death of SPACs, & Hiring Forever ChangedIn our latest Rational Musing market roundup, Iman and Cyrus give a Lindy take on some updates in the world of tech. We cover delivery startup valuations, moats, Apple's M&A strategy, hiring, the future of careers in tech, and whether SPACs are dying out. You can also watch this in video format on our youtube channel to see accompanying slides and screen share. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQupUzDkKEc Materials referenced in the show: Asim Qureshi post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/asimq_... Balaji Srinivasan hiring: https://twitter.com/balajis/status/13... D...2021-05-1225 min
rational vc#021 - Kiyan Zandiyeh: The World's Leading Tech Investor In Frontier Markets (SturgeonCapital.com)From investing at a young age, to working for Nouriel Roubini, before ultimately becoming the Chief Investment Officer at Sturgeon Capital, Kiyan Zandiyeh is considered the world's leading technology investor in frontier markets. Kiyan shares all there is to know about these underlooked markets where Sturgeon has been exceptionally successful, with the first fund returning 5x-7x and the second fund projected to created 500k jobs through its investments. www.sturgeoncapital.com This podcast provides regular content on technology investing and technology building. We also write long-form memos on all things tech investing an...2021-05-0352 min
rational vc#020 - Dr. Cameron Sepah: Founder, Investor, Professor, Harvard Psychologist, & Exec Coach to Elite CEOs & VCsDr. Sepah is a clinical psychologist, professor of psychiatry and a serial entrepreneur. He recently founded Maximus; a consumer health company that provides men with content, community, and clinical support to optimise them in mind and body. Maximus has raised $5M from Silicon Valley goats such as Founders Fund and 8VC as well as leading angel investors/operators from Bulletproof, Tinder, Coinbase, Daily Stoic, & Shopify. The guys discuss the Maximus mission, masculinity, entrepreneurship and much more. Website: http://bemaximus.com/Dr Cam's Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrSepah This podcast provides regular cont...2021-04-201h 14
rational vc#019 - Giri Sreenivas: Raising $4MM From Garry Tan & Alexis Ohanian To Take Back Control Of Personal Data (thehelm.com)Giri is a serial entrepreneur and a software engineer with 15+ years of experience in engineering, product, and leadership roles. With a previous successful exit (acquisition) under his belt, he is now the CEO & Founder of Helm - a consumer privacy and security company helping people take back ownership of their data. Iman and Cyrus talk to Giri about why he set up Helm, big tech, online privacy, and what the future of the internet may look like. https://thehelm.com/ https://twitter.com/giri_sreenivas This podcast provides regular content on technology in...2021-04-0559 min
rational vc#018 - Special Ep: What Cyrus Learned From Peter Kaufman on The Multidisciplinary Approach to ThinkingIn this special (no guest) episode of our podcast, Cyrus shares his learnings from Kaufman's rare talk. Kaufman covered everything from physics and biology to game theory, mental models, decision-making, leadership, business, managing relationships, and generally living a better life. Discover Magazine archive of interviews collated in one file: https://www.valueinvestingworld.com/2019/04/the-big-ideas-discover-magazine-and.html --- This podcast provides regular content on technology investing and technology building. We also write long-form memos on all things tech investing and building. You can sign up for these monthly memo newsletters on the web...2021-03-2324 min
rational vc#017 - Amir Nooriala: From Executive At Europe's Most Valuable FinTech To Joining Accel-Backed CallsignAmir is Chief Commercial Officer of Callsign - a leading digital identity startup backed by Accel. A seasoned Exec, he's passionate about social mobility and also co-founded FinTech North London - a networking group with some of the biggest names in UK FinTech. Cyrus and Iman talk to Amir about his background and moving from corporate life to OakNorth (Europe's most valuable FinTech at the time) and then Callsign. He has held COO/CSO/CCO roles. Amir's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirnooriala/ This podcast provides regular content on technology investing and technology...2021-03-1658 min
rational vc#016 - Ruben Harris: Educating 1-Billion People and Raising $10MM from Alexis Ohanian & Garry TanRuben is the Founder and CEO of Career Karma - the easiest way to find a tech career online. The EdTech startup is a marketplace that empowers students to find the best bootcamps for their price point and career goals. Cyrus and Iman talk to Ruben about why he built Career Karma, and what his aspirations are with the company. This follows a successful $10MM fundraising round led by Initialized Capital (Alexis Ohanian and Garry Tan). https://careerkarma.com https://twitter.com/rubenharris This podcast provides regular content on technology i...2021-03-0154 min
rational vc#015 - Sarah Nöckel: Building the Largest Community for Women in Tech & VC (Femstreet and Northzone VC)Sarah Nöckel is the founder of Femstreet, the largest global community for women in Tech and Venture Capital. She's also a Venture Capitalist, working as an Investment Manager at Northzone. The trio talk building communities, growing side hustles, and female / minority representation in Tech and VC. Femstreet: https://www.femstreet.com/ Sarah's Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahNoeckel This podcast provides regular content on technology investing and technology building. We also write long-form memos on all things tech investing and building. You can sign up for these monthly memo newsletters on the webs...2021-02-1542 min
rational vc#014 - Paul Cuatrecasas: Go Tech or Go Extinct, and Why Value Investing Is Dead (aquaapartners.com)Cyrus and Iman talk to Paul Cuatrecasas, Founder and CEO of Aquaa Partners. From Wall Street to London, Paul has several decades of experience in Tech M&A. His book “Go Tech or Go Extinct” shows how CEOs need to think about M&A and transformation in the tech age. Paul also explains his thesis on the death of value investing and why tech businesses will be the only ones to survive. www.aquaapartners.com Go Tech or Go Extinct: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Paul-Cuatrecasas/e/B07XTM1DR1/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1 2021-02-0259 min
rational vc#013 - Sean Seton-Rogers: Leaving the US and Taking Over European VC (PROfounders Capital, Ex-Benchmark)Cyrus and Iman talk to Sean Seton-Rogers - General Partner at PROfounders Capital and a Forbes Midas List VC in 2020. Sean explains why PROfounders is a fund for founders, backed by founders. Sean also explains his approach to investing, how he thinks about the venture market and growing competition in VC. The guys also discuss the future of Europe and even test Sean the sneaker-head on his Jordan collection 👟 Sean's Twitter: https://twitter.com/setonrog PROfounders website: https://www.profounderscapital.com/ This podcast provides weekly content on technology investing and technology bui...2021-01-2558 min
rational vc#012 - Bart Macdonald: From Founder to Setting Up a VC & PE fund (Bloom Venture Partners)Cyrus and Iman talk to Bart Macdonald - Managing Partner at Bloom Venture Partners, where "investment firm meets startup studio". They discuss why Bloom is a novel business model (capital, studio, & equity) and how Bart and his team think about investments across Bloom’s portfolio. Bloom buy, build, and invest in SaaS. Full Bloom Podcast: https://bloomvp.buzzsprout.com/ Bart’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/BartMacdonald Bloom Venture Partners website: https://www.bloomvp.com/ Bloom Venture Partners newsletter: https://bloomvp.substack.com/ This podcast provides weekly content on technology investing and technol...2021-01-1945 min
rational vc#011 - Cyrus and Iman's talk at the McKinsey Early Stage Investor Conference: Startup ScalingCyrus and Iman were invited to the McKinsey Early Stage Investor Conference. They held a working session with a series of startups across two days where they outlined their approach to building efficient and successful startups. This is a snippet of one of their sessions. They talk about go-to-market strategy, startup scaling, developing product, and fundraising. They also touch on actionable tips, metrics, and top mistakes. This podcast provides weekly content on technology investing and technology building. We also write long-form memos on all things tech investing and building. You can sign up for these...2021-01-1231 min
rational vc#010 - Michael Ginzo: Starting a Company in a Pandemic & Raising VC Funding (Hofy.co)Cyrus talks to Michael Ginzo, Co-Founder of Hofy, a leading remote working B2B subscription startup. Hofy enable companies to set up home offices for their employees online in just a couple of clicks. Michael discusses the early days of setting up Hofy, achieving product-market fit, scaling, Hofy tech, closing large clients, advice on raising VC funding, the future of remote work, efficiency hacks, and the mental models he uses as a successful COO. Hofy: https://www.hofy.co/ Michael's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelginzo/ This podcast provides weekly content...2020-12-2855 min
rational vc#009 - SPACSMAS SPECIAL: Everything You Need to Know About Investing in SPACsSPACs seem to be the hot topic of investing at the moment, with big names like Chamath and Bill Ackman setting up their own SPACs. Retail investors have access to this opportunity too. So Cyrus and Iman look into SPACs to see what all the hype is about and to test their relative merits vs traditional methods of raising capital. Merry Christmas! This podcast provides weekly content on technology investing and technology building. We also write long-form memos on all things tech investing and building. You can sign up for these monthly memo newsletters on the website...2020-12-2154 min
rational vc#008 - Andi Kazeroonian: Leading UK FinTech VC Talks Key Criteria for Investing (Outward VC)Cyrus and Iman interview Andi Kazeroonian: Investment Manager at leading UK FinTech venture fund Outward VC. Andi discusses what he looks for in investments, the future of European tech, and investing in Primary Bid early on, in addition to participating in their follow-on round of £50M (Series B). He also talks through what key criteria he looks for in founders he invests in, and the state of UK FinTech. Outward VC are a FinTech focused VC fund with a distinct strategy addressing a clear value gap, typically at post-seed to Series A. Average ticket sizes are £1m an...2020-12-141h 03
rational vc#007 - Matteo Franceschetti: Raising $70 million from Founders Fund, Khosla Ventures, YC (Eight Sleep)Cyrus and Iman interview seasoned founder: Matteo Franceschetti - CEO and Co-Founder of Eight Sleep, the leaders in sleep technology. Through their patented technology, Eight Sleep make products that leverage machine learning and artificial intelligence to improve your sleep through thermoregulation and analytics. The company is not just focused on sleep. They are now growing into a digital health company. Since launching in 2015, Matteo and his co-founders (Alexandra Zatarain and Massimo Andreasi Bassi) have raised c. $70.1m from reputed names in the industry such as Founders Fund, Khosla Ventures, Y Combinator and angel investors such as Jason...2020-12-0755 min
rational vc#006 - Go-To-Market & Effective Product ManagementMany founders often focus on the wrong things in the early stages. Iman and Cyrus cover all things on go-to-market strategy from a strategist's point of view, and how to set up an effective product management function, what to track, and biases to be aware of so you don't get caught up in the traps of inefficiency. This is the last of our 6 MVP episodes - lookout for a big step up from next week with world-class guests and improved production quality! This podcast will provide weekly content on technology investing and technology building. 2020-11-301h 00
rational vc#005 - Rolling Funds Are Changing Venture CapitalThere's a revolution coming in tech investing. Rolling funds are making early-stage investing more accessible to the masses. They're also making it easier for anyone to set up a fund. Cyrus and Iman cover everything you need to know, including what they are, the problem they solve, differences vs. traditional venture, pros, cons, and the future. This podcast will provide weekly content on technology investing and technology building. We break everything down to first principles, to simplify the complex technology world. Whether you're a newbie in the tech space and just want to know...2020-11-2342 min
rational vc#004 - Where Would You Invest and Why? A 20-Year ViewCyrus and Iman break down the most interesting industry verticals for long-term investment and explain why these make a strong case for a 20-year hold. They also challenge each other on the future of these spaces and how disruption will occur. This podcast will provide weekly content on technology investing and technology building. We break everything down to first principles, to simplify the complex technology world. Whether you're a newbie in the tech space and just want to know how the market works, or you're a seasoned tech investor / founder, we aim to bring you...2020-11-1633 min
rational vc#003 - Breaking Into Venture Capital: Advice for 18-35 Year OldsAfter receiving a number of messages, Cyrus and Iman share their thoughts on entering the technology ecosystem and navigating career paths in this space. Do any of the below apply to you or someone you know? Send them this video if so! 1) You've just graduated high school and you don't know what to do. But you're interested in technology and investing because you always see interesting stories in the news and online. 2) You've just graduated from university and want to explore career options in finance, start-ups, or technology. You're unsure how to get...2020-11-1040 min
rational vc#002 - Venture Capital is a GameHave tech valuations ever baffled you? Are you sceptical of why Tesla is worth so much? Is the Venture Capital space confusing? In this episode we talk through the confusing world of venture capital and tech investing. We answer some of these questions and more. This podcast will provide weekly content on technology investing and technology building. We break everything down to first principles, to simplify the complex technology world. Whether you're a newbie in the tech space and just want to know how the market works, or you're a seasoned tech investor / founder, we...2020-11-0240 min
rational vc#001 - IntroductionIn the first episode of our brand new podcast, we (Cyrus and Iman) discuss rational vc and what the aim of the show is. We also discuss our backgrounds, what our initial thoughts on tech markets are and how we plan to go forward. This channel will provide weekly content on technology investing and technology building. We break everything down to first principles, to simplify the complex technology world. Whether you're a newbie in the tech space and just want to know how the market works, or you're a seasoned tech investor / founder, we aim to bring...2020-10-2631 min