Shows
Founders in ArmsThe Best Hack to Product Market Fit With Hiten Shah (Crazy Egg, KISSmetrics, Nira, sold to Dropbox)We’re bringing you a rerun of one of our most well-received episodes, featuring the incredible insights from serial entrepreneur Hiten Shah.What happens when the ultimate startup veteran joins a 3,000-person company after 20 years of founding his own?In this candid conversation, Mercury CEO Immad Akhund and serial founder Raj Suri sit down with Hiten Shah (Crazy Egg, KISSmetrics, Nira—acquired by Dropbox) for an honest exploration of founder identity, business fundamentals, and the reality of life after exit.Hiten brings a unique perspective as someone who's built both venture-backed and self-funded comp...2025-08-0855 minFounders in ArmsThe Anti-Social Media Strategy: Steve Huffman on Building Reddit DifferentlyThis week, we're re-airing our conversation with Reddit CEO Steve Huffman about building one of the internet's most essential platforms over 20 years.Steve Huffman is the co-founder and CEO of Reddit, one of the internet's most essential platforms with 100 million daily active users and a $20 billion public market valuation. Over 20 years, Steve has guided Reddit through multiple existential challenges, from early acquisition to content moderation crises to competing with AI-generated content.What you'll learn:- How Reddit achieved product-market fit in just 2 months and the early signs...2025-08-0153 minFounders in ArmsBuilding the Future We Actually Want with Gmail Creator Paul BuchheitBringing back one of the most loved episodes of Founders in Arms! In this episode, Immad and Raj welcome Silicon Valley legend Paul Buchheit. As the creator of Gmail, an early Google pioneer, and a Y Combinator partner, Paul shares his unique perspectives on the rapidly evolving AI landscape and its implications for startups and society. The conversation covers the current state of large language models and their potential future developments, opportunities for new social apps in the age of AI, and the impact of AI on search engines and Google's business model...2025-07-2546 minFounders in ArmsCan Copyright Survive the Machine Era? With Trip Adler (Co-Founder & CEO, Created by Humans)Trip Adler is the founder and CEO of Created by Humans, a new marketplace helping rights holders license their works for AI training, reference, and transformation. Before this, he spent 17 years building Scribd, pioneering book subscriptions and navigating complex copyright challenges. Now, he’s tackling one of the most urgent questions in AI: how to fairly compensate creators when AI models train on human work.What you'll learn:Why the future of AI and human creativity depends on solving copyright licensingHow Created by Humans is building th...2025-07-1839 minFounders in ArmsBuilding Space's Future With Ryan Westerdahl (Turion Space)Ryan Westerdahl is the founder and CEO of Turion Space, designing and building satellites for resilient space infrastructure with a focus on space domain awareness and orbital debris removal. After nine years at SpaceX working on failure analysis across multiple departments, Ryan founded Turion in 2021 with the ultimate goal of asteroid mining. The company now operates 120 people across hardware and software platforms, with two operational satellites in orbit and over $10 million in revenue.What you'll learn:How Turion's "droid" satellites provide space domain awareness and anomaly resolution for other spacecraftWhy orbital debris removal serves as the...2025-07-1138 minFounders in ArmsDesigning for Generosity: Adam Nash on Building Products with HeartAdam Nash is the founder and CEO of Daffy, a donor-advised fund platform that's democratizing charitable giving for everyday Americans. Previously, he served as CEO of Wealthfront, where he helped grow the robo-advisor from $80 million to over $80 billion in assets under management. Before that, he held senior product roles at LinkedIn, eBay, and Apple.What you'll learn:How donor-advised funds represent a $557 billion market that most people have never heard ofWealthfront's counterintuitive strategy for building trust by targeting tech workers firstWhy subscription business models create better customer relationships than transactional onesThe three key metrics that subscription...2025-07-0757 minFounders in ArmsHow Washington Really Works: Innovation Policy with Alec StappAlec Stapp is the Co-CEO of the Institute for Progress, a non-partisan innovation policy think tank in Washington D.C. works to accelerate and shape the direction of scientific, technological, and industrial progress. Headquartered in Washington D.C., IFP works with policymakers across the political spectrum to make it easier to build the future in the United States.What you'll learn:Why cutting R&D spending won't meaningfully reduce the national debt (it's less than 3% of federal budget)How the U.S. is winning the global AI competition and what could derail our leadThe bipartisan immigration...2025-06-2751 minFounders in ArmsPre-Selling Your Way to Space with Topher Haddad (Albedo)Topher Haddad is the co-founder and CEO of Albedo, building satellites that fly in very low Earth orbit (VLEO) at 275km—twice as close as traditional imaging satellites. This proximity enables commercial imagery at resolutions previously only available from classified government systems or expensive aircraft operations.What you'll learn:How VLEO satellites capture imagery quality that replaces planes and drones commerciallyWhy atmospheric drag and atomic oxygen create unique engineering challenges at 275km altitudeTopher's journey from Lockheed Martin engineer to Y Combinator space startup founderThe pre-sales strategy that secured double-digit millions in binding contracts before launchWhy they pi...2025-06-2054 minFounders in ArmsDavid vs Goliath in the Wearables Industry with Eric Migicovsky (Core Devices, Pebble, Beeper)Eric Migicovsky is the Founder of Core Devices, and the original founder of Pebble, the pioneering smartwatch that raised $10 million on Kickstarter before being acquired. Eric has launched Core Devices to continue building the smartwatch platform he believes in, complete with Google's newly open-sourced Pebble operating system.What you'll learn:1. The Kickstarter phenomenon: How Pebble became one of the first massive Kickstarter successes, raising $600K in the first day with a $100K goal2. Hardware's inventory trap: Why missing revenue projections by 20% ($80M vs $100M target) created a $20M inventory crisis...2025-06-1356 minFounders in ArmsStartup to State: Sahil Lavingia on Gumroad, Profitability, and His Time at DOGESahil Lavingia is the founder and CEO of Gumroad, a platform that helps creators sell digital products and has facilitated over $1 billion in creator earnings. After raising a $7M Series A from Kleiner Perkins, Sahil took the unconventional path of transitioning from venture-backed growth to a profitable, dividend-paying company—and even spent time as a software engineer with DOGE at the Department of Veterans Affairs.What you'll learn:How Sahil transitioned Gumroad from venture-backed to profitable without selling or shutting downThe remarkable story of Kleiner Perkins selling their stake back for just $1 and the tax implicationsWhy AI...2025-06-0654 minFounders in ArmsTwo Decades of Reddit: Steve Huffman on Building the Front Page of the InternetSteve Huffman is the co-founder and CEO of Reddit, one of the internet's most essential platforms with 100 million daily active users and a $20 billion public market valuation. Over 20 years, Steve has guided Reddit through multiple existential challenges, from early acquisition to content moderation crises to competing with AI-generated content.What you'll learn:How Reddit achieved product-market fit in just 2 months and the early signs that indicated massive potentialWhy Steve sold Reddit for $10 million after 18 months and what he learned during his 9-year absenceThe existential crisis that brought him back as CEO in 2015 and how he rebuilt...2025-06-0253 minFounders in ArmsBuilding the Future of Public Safety Tech with Rahul SidhuRahul Sidhu is the co-founder and CEO of Aerodome, which was acquired by Flock Safety for a reported $300M in October 2024—just 17 months after founding. A reserve police officer turned serial entrepreneur, Rahul built his drone-as-first-responder platform by combining deep public safety expertise with cutting-edge technology to revolutionize emergency response.What you'll learn:How COVID-19 staffing shortages sparked the idea for drone-powered emergency responseWhy public safety tech has been overlooked by VCs and is now experiencing a renaissanceThe challenge of selling to 10,000+ small police departments across AmericaHow to leverage domain expertise as a competitive moat in sp...2025-05-2337 minFounders in ArmsFrom Software to Nuclear: Matt Loszak's Mission to Mass-Manufacture Clean EnergyMatt Loszak is the co-founder and CEO of Aalo Atomics, building factory-manufactured small modular nuclear reactors designed to power AI data centers. In just 18 months, Aalo has grown from 2 people to 50 employees with a 40,000 square foot factory and a completed full-scale non-nuclear reactor prototype.What you'll learn:How Aalo's liquid metal cooled reactors could transform clean energy productionWhy data centers are the perfect first customer for next-generation nuclear powerMatt's transition from selling his software company Hume to pursuing nuclear innovationThe regulatory strategies that could enable faster nuclear deploymentWhy factory mass manufacturing could solve nuclear's historical cost...2025-05-1648 minFounders in ArmsDuolingo’s CTO on Building the World’s Most Addictive Learning AppSeverin Hacker, co-founder and CTO of Duolingo, joins Immad Akhund and Raj Suri to unpack how Duolingo became the world’s most engaging education platform.They explore how Duolingo leverages AI to personalize learning, the company's obsession with retention, and why relentless experimentation is at the heart of its product strategy. Severin also shares insights on building a mission-driven culture, the immigrant founder advantage, and how to scale design thinking without losing your edge.2025-05-0932 minFounders in ArmsMeta's Hardball Acquisitions, Apple's App Store Defeat, and Why Tariffs Will Trigger a RecessionIn this founders-only episode of Founders in Arms, Immad Akhund and Raj Suri analyze Meta's aggressive acquisition playbook alongside other major tech developments reshaping the industry landscape.The conversation begins with how Zuckerberg's "buy or get crushed" approach to acquisitions leaves founders with an impossible choice: accept a lucrative buyout or face ruthless competition. They note how "every founder who comes out of Meta regrets selling their company," yet Meta's willingness to clone features makes rejecting their offers extremely difficult.The founders then dissect the Epic vs. Apple lawsuit ruling that ended Apple's 30% App Store...2025-05-0234 minFounders in ArmsFrom Rice Krispies to $36M Series B: Dan Hobbs on Building Safety AI, Enterprise Sales, and Leading Across BordersIn this episode of Founders in Arms, Immad Akhund and Raj Suri speak with Dan Hobbs, co-founder and CEO of Protex AI, a company using computer vision to identify safety risks in warehouses and factories before accidents happen. Dan shares his journey from bootstrapping his first startup (where he survived on store-brand Rice Krispies for three weeks) to building a 70-person team serving Fortune 500 clients like Amazon and DHL.The conversation explores how Protex leverages existing CCTV infrastructure to detect dangerous behavior patterns, the advantages of being "outsiders" disrupting traditional industries, and how the AI boom has...2025-04-2537 minFounders in ArmsBuilding Meaningful Tech for the Next Generation With Jay ShahIn this episode, Jay Shah joins Immad and Raj to talk about his new startup, Poppy—a screenless, AI-native phone designed for kids. He shares what led him to pivot from enterprise SaaS to building hardware in his basement, why he believes kid-first tech needs a rethink, and how intentional design can create healthier relationships with technology.Jay reflects on lessons from BufferBox, the realities of manufacturing and tariffs, and the power of network effects in consumer hardware. The conversation spans everything from AI in education to emotional resilience as a second-time founder, the state of Canadian te...2025-04-1853 minFounders in ArmsTrade Wars & Supply Chain Disruptions: Ryan Petersen on Navigating the 145% China TariffsIn this episode of Founders in Arms, Immad Akhund and Raj Suri speak with Ryan Petersen, co-founder and CEO of Flexport, about the recent implementation of 104% tariffs on Chinese imports. Ryan shares insights on how businesses are responding to this trade crisis, strategies for supply chain adaptation, and the broader implications for US-China commerce. The conversation explores how Flexport is helping customers navigate these challenges, the economic impact of protectionist policies, and Ryan's personal journey as a founder. From global trade dynamics to startup leadership wisdom, this episode offers valuable perspective on managing...2025-04-1054 minFounders in ArmsBuilding a Consumer Network First and Monetizing Later with ClassDojo's Sam Chaudhary"Schools try really hard to do all these jobs equally well for all kids, and it's a completely impossible task."ClassDojo CEO Sam Chaudhary shares how his education platform reached 50 million students by making the counterintuitive decision to spend seven years building a network before monetizing. In this revealing conversation with Immad Akhund and Raj Suri, Sam explains why education companies typically fail and how Class Dojo broke through by focusing on parents as true customers rather than selling to institutions.The discussion explores their unique growth strategy and delves into the psychology of education...2025-04-0454 minFounders in ArmsSpecial Episode—Unpacking Mercury's $300M Series C with Guest Host, Hiten Shah"The bar was really low in banking—we're not talking rocket science here. We built a product that reached a reasonable standard." Mercury CEO Immad Akhund reveals how a focus on solving basic user experience problems enabled his company to secure a $300M Series C at a $3.5B valuation. In this revealing episode, Hiten Shah (founder of Crazy Egg, KISSmetrics, and Nira—acquired by Dropbox) joins Raj Suri to mine insights from Mercury's journey from founding in 2017 to becoming a fintech powerhouseThe conversation explores how Mercury identified underserved segments in financial services and...2025-03-2856 minFounders in ArmsExploring Abundance From 10x Intelligence With Paul BuchheitAre we mentally prepared for what happens when intelligence becomes an abundant resource rather than a scarce one?Hosts Immad Akhund (Mercury CEO) and Raj Suri (Lima/Tribe co-founder) welcome back Paul Buchheit—Gmail creator and former Y Combinator partner—for our most requested follow-up episode. Together they dive into how exponentially increasing intelligence will transform our civilization, with Paul bringing his uniquely optimistic yet pragmatic perspective to the profound questions facing humanity.This wide-ranging conversation includes thought exercises like why the transition from scarcity to abundance creates an existential meaning crisis, how intelligence without inte...2025-03-2154 minFounders in ArmsStartup Wisdom That Goes Against The Grain With SafeGraph's Auren Hoffman"The worst thing you can do is hire executives," declares Auren Hoffman in this eye-opening conversation about startup talent strategy. As a successful founder turned investor, Auren brings a unique dual perspective on how to build elite teams, properly compensate founders, and navigate fundraising. He reveals why he deliberately structures Flex Capital to do two seed investments per week, argues for rethinking founder equity after the initial four-year vest, and shares controversial takes on why most VCs give advice they don't follow themselves. For founders looking to optimize their leadership teams, compensation structures, and fundraising approaches, this e...2025-03-1455 minFounders in ArmsWinning the Founder Mental Game with Pilot’s Waseem DaherBeing small isn't a disadvantage—it's your superpower. Just one provocative sentiment from this episode that challenges conventional startup wisdom and delves into the mindset behind entrepreneurial success.Waseem Daher brings insights from his journey across three successful startups—KSplice (acquired by Oracle), Zulip (acquired by Dropbox), and now Pilot, where he recently transitioned from CEO to executive chair. Host Raj Suri, himself a multi-time founder, creates an environment where honest founder-to-founder exchange flourishes beyond the typical success narratives.The conversation unpacks frameworks such as the "David vs. G...2025-03-0745 minFounders in ArmsBuilding an AI Business Beyond the Hype with Jesse Zhang from DecagonHow do you build a sustainable AI business when investors are throwing money at anything with "AI" in the pitch deck? This episode brings together Jesse Zhang (Decagon AI CEO), Immad Akhund (Mercury CEO), and Raj Suri (Lima/Tribe co-founder) for a strategic conversation that centers on the business challenges of building an enterprise AI company that can sustain beyond the current hype cycle.Jesse reveals how AI moves beyond being a mere chatbot to become a "system of intelligence" that encodes complex business logic, creating moats for companies that implement it effectively. The conversation a...2025-02-2848 minFounders in ArmsHow AI and China Are Reshaping Biotech with Hannu Rajaniemi of Helix NanotechnologiesWhy do even the most sophisticated tech investors often shy away from biotech? It often seems like an impenetrable maze of regulations, clinical trials, and complex science.Enter Hannu Rajaniemi, who brings a refreshingly clear perspective to the world of biotech. As both the CEO of Helix Nanotechnologies and a bestselling science fiction author, he bridges the gap between cutting-edge science and practical business insights. In conversation with Mercury CEO Immad Akhund and Lima co-founder Raj Suri, Rajaniemi reveals the real dynamics shaping the future of medicine.The discussion unpacks several game-changing trends that every...2025-02-2152 minFounders in ArmsRaw Wisdom for Modern Founders With Serial Founder Hiten ShahWhat happens when the ultimate startup veteran joins a 3,000-person company? In this gripping episode, Mercury CEO Immad Akhund and serial founder Rajat Suri sit down with serial entrepreneur Hiten Shah (Crazy Egg, KISSmetrics, Nira, sold to Dropbox) for a candid conversation about founder identity over the course of an entire career. Get practical insights on choosing the right customers, surprising parallels between AI and the AWS revolution, and the hidden truths about venture-backed versus bootstrapped companies. Whether you're building your first startup or considering an exit, you'll learn from three founders who cha...2025-02-1455 minFounders in ArmsMaking Startups Financially Savvy With Recruiter.com’s Jesse TinsleyAs founders of VC-backed startups face tough choices between down rounds and running out of cash, Jesse Tinsley is turning unprofitable startups profitable at incredible speed by tossing out the typical M&A playbook.Jesse is a prominent entrepreneur and investor in the HR technology and recruitment industry. He is Founder and CEO of multiple successful companies, including Employer.com and Recruiter.com.In this conversation with Mercury CEO Immad Akhund and Tribe co-founder Raj Suri, Jesse unveils his counterintuitive strategy—from how he finds companies, why VCs actually love working with him, and how he st...2025-02-0745 minFounders in ArmsDeepSeek and the Future of AI with Academia's Richard PriceJoin Immad Akhund and Raj Suri as they dive deep into the implications of DeepSeek and the rapidly evolving AI landscape with Richard Price, founder and CEO of Academia.edu. The conversation explores the fascinating shift in AI development costs, with DeepSeek challenging assumptions about the resources needed to build frontier models. Richard shares insights about Academia.edu's work applying AI to academic research, while the trio discusses the geopolitical dynamics between China and the US in the AI race. Through candid exchanges about synthetic data generation, regulatory challenges, and the future of hu...2025-01-3152 minFounders in ArmsBuilding the Future of Computer Vision AI with OpenSpace's Jeevan KalanithiJoin Raj Suri as he sits down with Jeevan Kalanithi, co-founder and CEO of OpenSpace AI, to explore the revolutionary impact of computer vision technology in construction and beyond. From his early days at MIT Media Lab to founding innovative startups, Jeevan shares insights on how OpenSpace is transforming construction site management through spatial AI and 360-degree documentation. Discover why Jeevan believes we're still in the early stages of a camera revolution that will reshape how we interact with physical spaces. Whether you're interested in AI, tech for the physical world, or the f...2025-01-2447 minFounders in ArmsThe ‘Tech-Industrial Complex’ and Startup LessonsJoin Mercury CEO Immad Akhund and Lima & Tribe co-founder Raj Suri as they explore tech's evolving relationship with politics. From Biden's "tech industrial complex" remarks to the changing power dynamics between tech companies and their employees, they discuss how the industry's traditional political neutrality is giving way to partisan alignment. The conversation delves into startup fundraising strategies, the importance of market size, and hard-earned lessons about the five-year journey to product-market fit. Whether you're a founder navigating the VC landscape or interested in tech's growing political influence, this episode offers valuable insights from...2025-01-1743 minFounders in ArmsSpecial New Year Episode & Building in Regulated Industries with Edward WoodfordIn a special episode to kickoff the New Year, Mercury CEO Immad Akhund and Lima co-founder Rajat Suri share personal reflections and industry predictions. From Raj's mission to revolutionize international talent recruiting through Lima to Immad's vision for expanding Mercury beyond startup banking, the conversation offers a candid look at their entrepreneurial journeys and goals. The discussion then shifts to the evolving landscape of crypto infrastructure with ZeroHash founder Edward Woodford. As a fellow British entrepreneur in America, Woodford shares invaluable insights on navigating regulated industries, the transformation of stablecoin technology, and the delicate dance of policy-making in Washington...2025-01-101h 17Founders in ArmsBuilding in Longevity, Biohacking and Space Exploration with Dilan DaneWhat drives entrepreneurs to push boundaries is often a deep desire to leave a lasting mark on the world. In this episode, System 2 founder Dilan Dane joins Mercury CEO Immad Akhund and Lima co-founder Rajat Suri to explore how this entrepreneurial drive naturally extends into the realms of human potential and discovery. From his journey out of Sri Lanka to becoming a serial founder and biohacking enthusiast, Dane embodies the restless curiosity that characterizes many founders. The conversation weaves through cutting-edge longevity science, space exploration, and consciousness itself—revealing how the entrepreneurial impulse to build and transform doesn't stop at...2024-12-2046 minFounders in ArmsCreating Category-Defining Companies with John Bicket, Co-Founder of Samsara & MerakiJoin Immad Akhund and Raj Suri as they dive deep with John Bicket, co-founder and CTO of Samsara and previously Meraki, into the rare feat of building two successful hardware-software companies. From turning MIT research into a cloud networking pioneer at Meraki to revolutionizing fleet operations at Samsara, John shares candid insights about the existential challenges of serial entrepreneurship, the discipline of testing product-market fit, and how to scale company culture while staying ruthlessly focused on customer impact. The conversation offers a unique window into what it takes to spot technological waves early and build enduring businesses in the...2024-12-1348 minFounders in ArmsNavigating M&A and Executive Security with Daniel Kivatinos, Founder of JustPaid and DrChronoIn this episode of Founders in Arms, Immad and Raj sit down with Daniel Kivatinos, founder of JustPaid and DrChrono. The group starts by sharing their startup war stories, including Raj's shocking tale of an intern-turned-criminal and Daniel's unconventional recruitment of a Chipotle employee. The discussion then delves into the complexities of healthcare in America, sparked by recent news of the UnitedHealth CEO shooting, before transitioning into valuable insights about the M&A process. Daniel shares his experience selling DrChrono after 14 years, exploring the challenges of startup acquisitions, the role of investment bankers, and the evolving landscape of startup...2024-12-0651 minFounders in ArmsQuiet Quitting, Government Regulation, and the Commercial Value of AI Today with Box CEO Aaron LevieIn this wide-ranging conversation with Box CEO Aaron Levie, Immad and Raj dive deep into the intersection of technology, politics, and regulation. Levie shares candid insights about quiet quitting, what’s real about AI and crypto, and his thought-provoking views on government regulation. They explore the potential of DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) and the delicate balance between regulatory oversight and technological progress. Want to join the conversation? Connect with us on Tribe:https://trbcht.com/invites/WmHNjar5ZN2024-11-2252 minFounders in ArmsMaking Creative Deals with Large Enterprises with Clover Co-Founder Leonard SpeiserIn this episode of Founders in Arms, Raj sits down solo with Leonard Speiser, co-founder of Clover, to explore the intricacies of building and scaling hardware startups. Speiser shares the remarkable story of how Clover achieved what seemed impossible: developing enterprise-grade payment hardware from concept to production in just nine months, eventually processing over $300 billion in payments. He discusses the innovative acquisition structure with KKR that allowed Clover to maintain startup agility while leveraging enterprise distribution, offering valuable insights for founders navigating corporate partnerships. Through candid discussions about hardware challenges, fundraising difficulties, and creative business models, this episode offers...2024-11-1553 minFounders in ArmsInnovation, Y Combinator, and Tech Under Trump with Wayne CrosbyIn this episode of Founders in Arms, Immad and Raj sit down with Wayne Crosby, a serial entrepreneur and former Google executive. They dive into Wayne's journey from his early startup Zenter (which became Google Slides) through his decade at Google, exploring how the tech giant's innovative culture shifted over time. The conversation spans Wayne's current venture OrgOrg, his decision to return to Y Combinator as an experienced founder, and transitions into a thoughtful discussion about the potential impacts of the upcoming Trump administration on technology, regulation, and innovation. The hosts and guest offer nuanced perspectives on everything from...2024-11-0851 minFounders in ArmsPicking the Right Co-Founder and Crypto Regulation with Dave BalterIn this episode of Founders in Arms, Immad and Raj sit down with veteran entrepreneur Dave Balter to discuss the ups and downs of startup. Balter shares candid insights from his journey founding seven companies, including his experiences with co-founder relationships, maintaining humility during success, and managing self-doubt as a CEO. The conversation weaves through various topics, from the challenges of scaling companies to crypto regulation and politics, with Balter offering particularly thoughtful perspectives on building company culture and what he calls "sponge and stone" behavior - the ability to absorb knowledge from others while maintaining relentless determination. The...2024-11-0148 minFounders in ArmsLongevity and Biotech Fundraising with Celine HaliouaImmad and Raj sit down with Celine Halioua, founder and CEO of Loyal, a pioneering biotech company developing drugs to increase lifespan longevity in dogs. This episode highlights the unique challenges of building a biotech company, from navigating FDA approval processes to explaining longevity science to investors. The conversation also explores alternative funding sources beyond traditional VC, with all three founders sharing war stories about their toughest fundraising experiences. Whether you're interested in biotech, startup fundraising, or the future of longevity research, this conversation offers valuable insights into building innovative companies without relying on the typical Silicon Valley playbook.2024-10-2552 minFounders in ArmsFinding Product-Market Fit for Consumer Startups and Gaming with Roger DickeyIn this episode of Founders in Arms, Immad and Raj sit down with Roger Dickey (Mafia Wars, Gigster, and Untitled Capital) for a deep dive into startup ideation and product-led growth. Roger shares his structured process for generating hundreds of startup ideas, including his unique "matrix approach." The three founders discuss the joys and challenges of building consumer-facing products, and examine the nuances between different growth strategies, from inherent virality to word-of-mouth marketing, sharing examples from companies like Figma, Dropbox, and Wise. Tune in for an engaging discussion that blends personal anecdotes with practical wisdom from some of tech's...2024-10-1841 minFounders in ArmsToday’s FinTech Market and India’s Tech Takeover with Sheel MohnotIn this episode of Founders in Arms, Immad Akhund and Raj Suri are joined by special guest Sheel Mohnot, founder of BTV Ventures and 500 FinTech. The trio dive into a wide-ranging discussion covering the state of FinTech, entrepreneurship in India, and the evolving landscape of social media. This episode offers listeners a blend of practical advice and thought-provoking discussions on the current state of startup and entrepreneurship.Want to join the conversation? Connect with us on Tribe:https://trbcht.com/invites/WmHNjar5ZN2024-10-1139 minFounders in ArmsHigh-Skilled Immigration and Higher Education with Martin BasiriImmad and Raj sit down with Martin Basiri, co-founder and former CEO of ApplyBoard and current CEO of Passage, for a conversation that delves deep into the world of education technology and immigration. Martin shares insights on the challenges and opportunities present in the education sector, discussing ApplyBoard's unique business model and the impact it has had on international students. They examine the current state of higher education, the importance of immigration for economic growth in countries like Canada and the US, and the potential for innovation in ed-tech and the obstacles faced by entrepreneurs in this space. The...2024-10-0440 minFounders in ArmsNext Generation of Consumer Startups with Paul EnglishImmad and Raj sit down with Paul English, the co-founder and former CTO of Kayak, for a deep dive into consumer tech startups. Paul shared some fascinating insights from his entrepreneurial journey, including building capital-efficient companies, leveraging AI to boost productivity, and the future of AR glasses and wearables. In addition, Paul shares why he believes founders should run both for-profit and non-profit ventures, and how he manages to balance multiple projects while maintaining low stress levels. The conversation features a bounty of practical advice and valuable lessons for young founders.Want to join the conversation? Connect...2024-09-2736 minFounders in ArmsOpenAI’s New Model and Amazon’s In-Person MandateIn this episode of Founders in Arms, Immad and Raj dive into the latest developments in AI, discussing OpenAI's new O1 model and its impressive reasoning capabilities. The conversation explores potential applications for this technology and debates the future of vertical AI startups. The conversation then shifts to the challenges and benefits of remote work, sparked by Amazon's recent decision to require employees back in the office five days a week. Immad and Raj share insights from their experiences at Mercury and other tech companies. The conversation also explores the ways that remote work and technological developments have impacted...2024-09-2032 minFounders in ArmsFuture of LLMs and Founder Narratives with Paul BuchheitIn this episode of Founders in Arms, Immad and Raj welcome Silicon Valley legend Paul Buchheit. As the creator of Gmail, an early Google pioneer, and a Y Combinator partner, Paul shares his unique perspectives on the rapidly evolving AI landscape and its implications for startups and society. The conversation covers the current state of large language models and their potential future developments, opportunities for new social apps in the age of AI, and the impact of AI on search engines and Google's business model. Paul highlights the importance of open-source AI in preventing centralized control, and shares thoughts o...2024-09-1346 minFounders in ArmsUnlocking Founder Mode and VC Funding with Greg IsenbergImmad and Raj are joined by special guest Greg Isenberg (Late Checkout) to discuss the recent buzz around "founder mode" and debate the merits of VC-backing in startup. Greg provides insights from his experiences building multiple businesses, sharing where he’s seen other ‘modes’ and highlighting the freedom and financial benefits of avoiding VC funding. Whether you're a founder weighing funding options or interested in startup strategy, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at different modes of building and scaling businesses in today's tech landscape.Want to join the conversation? Connect with us on Tribe:https...2024-09-0638 minFounders in ArmsPavel Durov’s Arrest, Nvidia, and the Future of AIToday on Founders in Arms, Immad and Raj explore two of the largest stories in startup this week: The arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov, and what Nvidia’s latest earnings report indicates about the future of AI. Immad and Raj debate the complexities of free speech, encryption, and international regulations for tech companies that Durov’s arrest has raised; before turning their attention toward AI to discuss whether we're in an AI bubble, how the technology might impact productivity across various industries, and whether incumbents or startups will play the greatest role in AI’s long-term development. Tune in to...2024-08-3030 minFounders in ArmsWhat Should Tech Founders Do About Regulatory Capture?In the debut episode of "Founders in Arms," Immad Akhund (Mercury) and Raj Suri (Lima, Presto, and Lyft) explore the growing impact of regulatory capture on startups in Silicon Valley. They discuss how tech's focus has shifted to more regulated spaces like deep tech, fintech, and AI, examining both the challenges and opportunities for startups in these areas. The hosts analyze the current political climate's effect on tech regulation and share advice for entrepreneurs considering regulated spaces and an invitation for listener engagement in future discussions. Tune in for a better understanding of how regulatory capture will affect startups...2024-08-2326 minFounders in ArmsThe Evolution of the Film Industry with Writer and Producer Bill GuttentagIn this episode of the Curiosity Podcast, Immad and Raj interview Bill Guttentag for a discussion on the evolution of the film industry. Bill is an award-winning writer and producer, best known for his films You Don’t Have to Die, Nanking, and Crime & Punishment. The conversation explores the creative process, how new technology will impact tomorrow’s movies, the financial landscape behind the film industry, and why powerful storytelling has remained central to great filmmaking. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on the challenges and rewards of creative expression.[00:00:00] Introduction[00:06:49] Documentary Filmmaking[00:13:43] Prog...2024-06-1955 minFounders in ArmsFuture of Politics and How Leaders are Chosen with Gautam Mukunda, Author of “Picking Presidents”Leadership expert and author Gautam Mukunda joins Immad and Raj for an in-depth discussion on the systems that determine leaders in business and politics. Gautam shares what makes a great leader, touching on leadership in both business and politics. They dissect observable patterns on leadership that can give us insight into the upcoming U.S. presidential election, as well as the qualities of a good president and the current political landscape. Tune in to gain insights on the systems that govern leadership and decision-making in crucial situations.2024-06-051h 02Founders in ArmsDistinguishing AI Deepfakes From Reality with Ben Colman, Co-Founder and CEO of Reality DefenderIn a world where distinguishing between reality and generative AI is becoming increasingly more difficult, how can we protect ourselves from being influenced by hyper-realistic reproductions of an individual’s voice and likeness? Ben Colman, Co-Founder and CEO of Reality Defender, shares how their technology is currently being used to detect generative AI and how this new trend will impact tomorrow’s world. This conversation covers how AI is being used for misinformation, criminal activities, and election interference, and how we can avoid falling victim to a clever deep-fake created for malicious purposes.2024-05-2249 minFounders in ArmsFuture of National Security and American Politics with Miles TaylorMiles Taylor, former chief of staff of the Department of Homeland Security, joins Immad and Raj for a discussion on emerging technologies and national security. They discuss whether AI will be a useful tool or existential threat to national security and American Democracy, and explore how this new technology is already affecting the 2024 election. This conversation also covers a variety of public policy topics, including immigration reform and ranked choice voting. Tune in for an inside look at the state of American politics in 2024 and the future we are heading toward.[00:00:00] Introduction[00:04:26] Miles’ Early Career...2024-05-0157 minFounders in ArmsHow Viral Gene Therapy will Revolutionize Cancer Treatment with Nicole Paulk, Founder, Siren BiotechWill new advancements in biotech soon help us treat rare diseases? Immad and Raj explore this question with Nicole Paulk, Founder and CEO of Siren Biotechnology, who shares how viral gene therapy has the potential to cure a wide variety of illnesses. The conversation explores the biotech field at large, how viral gene therapy works, and what medical treatments will look like in the near future. Listen in for an engaging conversation about the impact this emerging technology may have on our healthcare experiences.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction00:05:27 - Viral Gene Therapy00:11:17...2024-04-1757 minFounders in ArmsFuture of Women’s Healthcare and Biowearables with Loewen Cavill, Co-Founder and CEO of AmiraIn this episode, Imamd and Raj interview Loewen Cavill, Cofounder and CEO of Amira. Loewen is an expert in women’s healthcare, particularly as it relates to menopause. This conversation explores how societal taboos around menopause have stymied the creation of health products and treatments, how our hormonal systems impact our health, what role AI and biowearables will play in the future of women’s healthcare, and much more. Tune in for a detailed conversation on new innovations in biomedical engineering and the future of women’s healthcare.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction 00:03...2024-04-0356 minFounders in ArmsFuture of In-Home Appliances and Power Offsets with Sam D’Amico, Founder and CEO of Impulse LabsIn this episode, Imamd and Raj interview Sam D’Amico, Founder and CEO of Impulse Labs. Sam shares the technology behind Impulse Labs’ innovative, powerful cooktop that touts faster cooking times and energy efficiency. This discussion investigates why traditional appliances have been slow to change over the past 50 years, and how new developments in in-home battery technology are allowing homeowners to save money on their electricity consumption. Tune in to learn more about cutting-edge advancements in kitchen appliances and energy optimization.Timestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction00:03:41 - Impulse Labs Orig...2024-03-2048 minFounders in ArmsRevolutionizing Computer Science Education with Austen Allred, Co-Founder and CEO of BloomTechIn this episode of the Curiosity Podcast, Immad and Raj explore the next evolution of education with Austen Allred, Co-Founder and CEO of BloomTech. Austen shares his unlikely journey to founding an education start-up, and how our current education system is failing students. This conversation explores how to mitigate the risks inherent with pursuing a degree, changing trends in student behavior, and how AI will change tomorrow’s education and programming landscape. Tune in for a fascinating discussion on the future of computer science education.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Intro2024-03-061h 01Founders in ArmsFixing San Francisco’s Broken Local Politics with GrowSFOn this episode of the Curiosity Podcast, Immad and Raj explore the challenges facing San Francisco’s local politics with Sachin Agarwal and Steven Buss, co-founders of GrowSF. GrowSF is a nonprofit aiming to influence the local politics of San Francisco by informing and mobilizing voters. The discussion begins with a look back at how San Francisco’s most pervasive issues (homelessness, housing shortages, crime, etc) first arose and the impact they have had on residents. While faced with a difficult battle ahead, Sachin and Steven share their steadfast belief in the people of San Francisco and their hope for...2024-02-2156 minFounders in ArmsFuture of Sustainable Fuels with Rob McGinnis, Founder and CEO of PrometheusIn this episode, Immad and Raj discuss the emerging field of zero net carbon fuels with Prometheus Fuels Founder and CEO, Rob McGinnis. Rob shares the process for removing CO2 from the air and converting it into fuels that can power planes, automobiles, and much more. Tune in to learn how this new development may one day change the future of energy and transportation.[00:00:00] Intro[00:04:29] Prometheus and Process[00:07:30] Liquid fuel and energy infrastructure[00:11:13] Electrolyzer and carbon chains[00:13:38] Nanotube membrane filtration[00:18:59] Renewable gasoline and uncertainty[00:19:31] Liquid...2024-02-071h 15Founders in ArmsmRNA and the Future of Biotechnology with Hannu Rajaniemi, Founder and CEO of Helix NanotechnologiesIn this episode, Immad and Raj discuss biotechnology with Hannu Rajaniemi, Founder and CEO of Helix Nanotechnologies. Hannu shares the potential of mRNA as a platform for various applications, including lab-grown meat, cancer treatment, and customized vaccines. Hannu’s broad thinking and ability to tie biotech to social impact make for an engaging conversation that highlights the exciting potential of mRNA technology.Follow the Curiosity Podcast on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiositypod101/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curiosity_podcast101?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc 2024-01-241h 07Founders in ArmsManufacturing in Low Earth Orbit with Delian Asparouhov, Co-Founder of Varda Space IndustriesIn this episode, Immad and Raj interview Delian Asparouhov, a Partner at Founders Fund and the Co-Founder of the space-manufacturing startup Varda. Delian shares his insights on the potential of space manufacturing and how overcoming the difficult challenge of atmospheric reentry will be the key to opening manufacturing in orbit. Delian's background in venture capital brings a commercial mindset to the field of aerospace, offering a fresh perspective on space technology. The conversation provides a deep look into what the future of the space tech industry holds for entrepreneurs and the world at large.Follow the Curiosity...2024-01-101h 07Founders in ArmsThe Emerging Field of Wildfire Technology with Maxwell Brodie, Co-Founder and CEO of Rain IndustriesIn this episode, Immad and Raj interview Maxwell Brodie, the Co-Founder and CEO of Rain Industries. Maxwell share how Rain and other tech pioneers are leveraging new technology, such as early detection and autonomous vehicles, to curb the increasing threat of wildfires by rapidly reducing response time. With wildfires becoming more severe and widespread, this conversation delves into innovative solutions being developed to combat this issue that affects millions of people living in areas at high risk. Follow the Curiosity Podcast on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiositypod101/ ...2023-12-2053 minFounders in ArmsThe Future of Generative AI Video with Cristóbal Valenzuela, CEO and Co-Founder of RunwayJoin Immad and Rajat for an in-depth discussion at the intersection of science and art as they chat Cristóbal Valenzuela, CEO and Co-Founder at Runway. Runway’s technology is revolutionizing creativity by leveraging AI to create photorealistic motion pictures. In this episode, Cristóbal shares how AI will enable more creativity through augmentation, some of the ethical concerns of AI filmmaking, and how new technology will allow the next generation of filmmakers to share stories we’ve never seen before.Follow the Curiosity Podcast on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiositypod101/ 2023-12-0751 minFounders in ArmsFuture of Carbon Removal Technology with Peter Reinhardt, CEO and Co-Founder of Charm IndustrialJoin Immad and Rajat for a deep dive into the technology being used to combat climate change with Peter Reinhardt, CEO and Co-Founder of Charm Industrial, a company that specializes in carbon removal. In this episode, Peter shares how Charm is leveraging pyrolysis and dry oil wells to remove carbon from the atmosphere, why companies are beginning to favor carbon removal over carbon offsets, and the relationship between government agencies and private companies in combating global warming.Follow the Curiosity Podcast on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiositypod101/ 2023-11-2952 minFounders in ArmsPsychedelics and therapy with Dr. Jeeshan Chowdhury, Founder / CEO of Journey ColabImmad and Raj talk to Psychedelics therapy expert Dr. Jeeshan Chowdhury, Founder / CEO of Journey ColabKey topics:The history of psychedelics Role of them in therapeutical settingsWhy psychedelics have been misunderstoodWhat the future holds for this and other drugsFollow the Curiosity Podcast on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiositypod101/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curiosity_podcast101?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CuriosityPodcast Substack: https://curiositypodcast.substack.com...2023-08-1051 minFounders in ArmsInflation, China, immigration and rabbits with Macroeconomist Noah SmithImmad and Raj talk to popular macroeconomics writer Noah Smith, formerly of Bloomberg.Key topics:Inflation and the current state of the economy, plus future risksAmerica's relationship with China and how we should play our cardsImmigration and our labor market, and some thoughts for how things will changeRabbits!Follow the Curiosity Podcast on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiositypod101/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curiosity_podcast101?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CuriosityPodcast 2023-07-3153 minFounders in ArmsAll things biotech with MIT Professor and Moderna co-founder Bob LangerImmad and Raj talk with the 'Edison of Medicine' Bob Langer - founder of over 40 biotech companies, including Moderna. Key topics:What does the future of drug delivery and tissue engineering look like?How has Bob managed to make a career in academia so entrepreneurial? What can we do to maximize innovation in biotech?Follow the Curiosity Podcast on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiositypod101/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curiosity_podcast101?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc YouTube: ht...2023-07-1055 minFounders in ArmsSpace and other tech to improve the human condition with George Whitesides, ex-CEO of Virgin GalacticImmad and Raj sit down with former Virgin Galactic CEO, Wildfire VC and current Congressional candidate George Whitesides for a wide-ranging conversation on multiple fascinating topics! Follow the Curiosity Podcast on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiositypod101/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curiosity_podcast101?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CuriosityPodcast Substack: https://curiositypodcast.substack.com/ 2023-07-101h 05Founders in ArmsThe Rapidly Changing Landscape in Media and Content with Chris Best, CEO of SubstackImmad and Rajat go deep with Chris Best on how the written media landscape is rapidly evolving and how Substack's business model could transform the way we consume and build relationships with creators Follow the Curiosity Podcast on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiositypod101/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curiosity_podcast101?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CuriosityPodcast Substack: https://curiositypodcast.substack.com/ 2023-07-0353 minFounders in ArmsThe Future of Nuclear Tech with Yasir ArafatImmad and Raj have a wide-ranging conversation on how nuclear tech will revolutionize the future of energy with Yasir Arafat, MARVEL Chief Designer & Project Lead at Idaho National Laboratory.Follow the Curiosity Podcast on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiositypod101/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curiosity_podcast101?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CuriosityPodcast Substack: https://curiositypodcast.substack.com/ 2023-05-181h 02Founders in ArmsHow AI will change creativity with Dave Rogenmoser, CEO of Jasper.AIImmad and Raj have a wide-ranging conversation on how AI will impact creative roles with the CEO of rapidly growing Jasper.AI, Dave Rogenmoser.Follow the Curiosity Podcast on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiositypod101/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curiosity_podcast101?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CuriosityPodcast Substack: https://curiositypodcast.substack.com/ 2023-04-141h 01Founders in ArmsHow AI will change programming with Amjad Masad, CEO of Replitollow the Curiosity Podcast on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiositypod101/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curiosity_podcast101?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CuriosityPodcast Substack: https://curiositypodcast.substack.com/ Follow the Curiosity Podcast on:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curiositypod101/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curiosity_podcast101?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CuriosityPodcast 2023-03-271h 03