Shows
Startup Project: Build the futureAI Startup Cleaning Up a $1.6 Trillion Crisis, Building a Hardware + AI Startup, Scaling Edge AI, Digitize Waster & Reduce Landfill | Ambarish Mitra Co-Founder of Greyparrot AIJoin Nataraj as he interviews Rish, the co-founder and CEO of Grey Parrot, a company leveraging AI to revolutionize the recycling industry. Rish shares his journey from augmented reality to AI-powered waste management, detailing the challenges and opportunities in this space. Discover how Grey Parrot's innovative technology brings transparency and efficiency to recycling, impacting the circular economy and creating a more sustainable future. Learn how AI can transform waste into a valuable resource.What you’ll learnUnderstand how AI-powered waste analytics are bringing transparency and efficiency to the recycling industry.Discover the challenges and op...2025-06-3040 min
Startup Project: Build the futureHow Statsig Founder Vijaye Raji Built a $1.1B Product Development Platform | CEO & Co-Founder of Statsig | Startup Project #102Join Nataraj as he sits down with Vijaye Raji, founder and CEO of Statsig, a platform revolutionizing product development with data-driven decision-making. Formerly a VP at Facebook and head of Facebook Seattle, Vijaye shares his journey from big tech to startup founder.About the Episode:This conversation explores Vijaye's transition from leading entertainment at Facebook to building Statsig, a developer platform empowering data-driven decisions. He dives into his experience at Microsoft and Facebook, highlighting the challenges and motivations that led him to entrepreneurship. Vijaye discusses Statsig's value proposition, differentiating it from existing point solutions by c...2025-06-1351 min
Startup Project: Build the futureThe Unfiltered Playbook to Make Early‑Stage Startups Get Media Traction & Demystifying Public Relations for Tech Founders | Emilie Gerber Founder of Six Eastern PR | Startup Project #100Join host Nataraj as he speaks with Emilie Gerber, founder and principal of SixEastern, a PR firm specializing in startups and tech companies. Emilie shares her expertise on crafting effective PR strategies for early-stage startups and navigating the evolving media landscape.About the Episode:This episode demystifies the world of PR for tech founders. Emily differentiates PR from marketing, emphasizing the importance of earned media and credibility. She provides actionable advice on when to engage a PR firm, the types of media to target, and how to manage expectations. The conversation explores alternative strategies beyond...2025-05-0549 min
Startup Project: Build the futureAward-Winning Industrial Designer on How to Design Great Hardware Products at Scale? | Todd Bracher Founder of Betterlab | Startup Project #99Join host Nataraj as he sits down with Todd Bracher, founder of BetterLab, an industrial design firm partnering with scientists and innovators to create game-changing products. Previously Executive Creative Director and Design Partner at Human Scale, Todd has also collaborated with iconic brands like Issey Miyake, Herman Miller, and 3M. A two-time International Designer of the Year and recognized by Wallpaper Magazine as a Top 100 Global Design Influencer, Todd shares his insights on the intersection of design, science, and technology.About the Episode:This episode explores the world of industrial design through the lens of...2025-04-2847 min
Startup Project: Build the futureWarp Dev The AI Terminal Changing Software Development | Zach Lloyd CEO & Co-Founder of Warp Dev | Startup Project #98Join host Nataraj as he sits down with Zach Lloyd, the founder and CEO of Warp, a company developing an intelligent terminal aimed at modernizing the command line experience for developers. Zach, a former principal engineer at Google, having worked on Google Sheets and Docs, and co-founder and CTO of Selfmade, shares his insights on the future of software development, the evolution of the terminal, and AI's role in building new products.In this episode, they discuss:How Warp leverages AI to improve developer productivityThe challenges of building an AI-powered developer toolThe future of coding and...2025-04-0650 min
Startup Project: Build the futureHow to Build a Scalable Venture Community | Jennifer Jeronimo CEO of Gaingels Inc| Startup Project #97Join Nataraj on Startup Project as he interviews Jennifer Jeronimo, CEO of Gaingels, a venture capital syndicate that has deployed over $900 million into 2,500 startups.About the Episode:Jennifer shares Gaingels' unique journey from an investment club focused on LGBTQ+ founders to one of the largest venture capital syndicates globally, with a diverse community of over 4,000 accredited investors. Learn about their investment strategy, focusing on co-investing alongside top-tier VC firms like Sequoia and Greycroft, and their mission to democratize venture capital by providing access to high-potential deals.Discover how Gaingels sources deals, conducts due...2025-03-2932 min
Startup Project: Build the futureStartup Mistakes to Avoid: Overvaluation, Fundraising, AI & SaaS Pricing | Vanessa Larco Partner at NEA | Startup Project #96Join host Nataraj on Startup Project as he sits down with Vanessa Larco, Partner at NEA, to discuss the transformative impact of AI on startups and venture capital.About the Episode: This episode delves into the evolving landscape of tech investing, exploring how AI is reshaping business models, pricing strategies, and the future of work. Vanessa, a former Director of Product at Box and co-founder of Funloop, shares her insights on:* The shift towards AI in venture capital* The commoditization debate surrounding LLMs* The evolving pricing models in the age of...2025-03-2344 min
Startup Project: Build the futureDeep Tech's Golden Age: Investing in Robotics, AI, and Quantum Computing | Startup Project #95Join host Nataraj as he sits down with Karthee Madasamy, the Managing Director of MFA Partners, to discuss his journey from chip designer to venture capitalist in the world of deep tech.About the Episode:This episode explores Karthee's transition from a technical background in semiconductors and wireless communication to a successful career in venture capital. He shares his experiences at Qualcomm Ventures, where he led investments in companies like Waze and MapMyIndia, and discusses his current focus on deep tech companies at MFA Partners. Karthee provides valuable insights into the evolution of venture capital...2025-03-1749 min
Startup Project: Build the futureSecondary Markets Explained: How EquityZen Provides Liquidity for Pre-IPO Shares | Startup Project Podcast #94Join Nataraj on Startup Project as he talks to Aatish, CEO and founder of EquityZen, a secondary market for private equities. They discuss the evolution of secondary markets, EquityZen's business model, the value proposition of secondary equity platforms, investor strategies, and the nuances of investing in secondary shares. They'll also delve into various IPO types and their pros and cons for investors, providing a glimpse into the future of secondary markets and IPOs by 2025.About the Episode:This episode explores how EquityZen created a market for secondary shares, connecting founders, employees, and...2025-02-2350 min
Startup Project: Build the futureSeattle's Ambition to Become the Next Silicon Valley | Aviel Ginsberg | Startup Project #93Join host Nataraj as he sits down with Aviel Ginsberg, the founder of Simply Measured (acquired by Sprout Social), managing director at Amazon's Alexa Accelerator, general partner at Founders Co-op, and now co-founder of Foundations, a shared workspace and accelerator designed to bolster Seattle's VC ecosystem.About the Episode:This episode explores Aviel's journey through the Seattle tech scene, from his arrival during the 2007 recession to his current venture. He discusses the evolution of Founders Co-op, their investment strategies, and the challenges faced by startups in the Pacific Northwest. Aviel shares insights into his investment...2025-02-1647 min
Startup Project: Build the futureRevolutionizing Workflows with AI Agents | Jacob Bank | relay app | Startup ProjectJoin host Nataraj as he sits down with Jacob Bank, founder and CEO of Relay.app, a platform building AI agents to revolutionize how we work. **About the Episode:**This conversation explores the evolution of AI agents and how Relay is solving customer problems by automating cross-tool workflows. Jacob, a former product lead at Google (Gmail, G Suite), shares his entrepreneurial journey from academic AI research to building productivity tools. He discusses the challenges of product development in the fast-paced AI landscape and the importance of integrations for a successful product.Jacob explains how Relay transitioned from a workflow...2025-02-1044 min
Startup Project: Build the futureBuilding a Billion-Dollar Portfolio: David Blumberg's Investment Strategies | Startup Project #91Join host Nataraj on the Startup Project podcast as he sits down with David Blumberg, a seasoned investor with over three decades of experience in early-stage tech companies. From his early days at T. Rowe Price to founding Bloomberg Capital, David shares his unique journey and insights into the world of venture capital.About the Episode:This episode explores David's evolution as an investor, from his initial interest in government to his realization that business and entrepreneurship were the true drivers of positive change. He discusses his early investments in Israeli tech c...2025-02-0356 min
Startup Project: Build the futureFrom Zero to $50 Million Read.AI's Explosive Growth | David Shim Founder of Read AI | Startup Project #90This episode of Startup Project tackles that very problem! Join host Nataraj as he sits down with David Shim, CEO of Read.ai, a company that just raised $50 million in Series B funding to revolutionize how we handle meetings and work in general.About the Episode:This insightful conversation dives deep into Read.ai's innovative AI-powered meeting summarizer. David, a repeat founder, trader, investor, and former CEO of Foursquare, shares his journey, from the initial spark of an idea during a particularly unproductive Zoom call to Read.ai's current position as a top meeting note-taker. He reveals the secrets...2025-01-1354 min
Startup Project: Build the future#89 Secret Weapon Behind Small Businesses Success | Hello Alice Co-founder Elizabeth GoreEver wondered what it takes to build a thriving small business and secure funding in today's competitive landscape? This episode of Startup Project dives deep into the world of Hello Alice, a platform revolutionizing how small businesses access resources and capital. Join host Nataraj as he sits down with Elizabeth Gore, co-founder and president of Hello Alice, a company recently valued at $130 million!
In this insightful conversation, Elizabeth shares her incredible journey, from her background in agriculture and humanitarian work to co-founding Hello Alice. Learn how she transitioned from supporting the UN to empowering 1.5...2024-12-2826 min
Startup Project: Build the future#87 DocuSign Founder on Building $16B Company | Court LorenziniGuest: Court Lorenzini | Founder of DocuSign & FounderNexus
Host: Nataraj | Senior PM at Azure, Creator of Startup Project & Angel Investor
Subscribe to Startup Project Newsletter for valuable founder insights: https://startupproject.substack.com/
Join Nataraj in conversation with Court Lorenzini, co-founder of DocuSign and serial entrepreneur, as they delve into the world of startups. Court shares his incredible journey, from early engineering roles to leading DocuSign to its multi-billion dollar company.
**Timestamps & Topics:**
* **00:01:246 - 00:35:234:** Introduction and welcome to Court Lorenzini.
* **00:40:246 - 01:16:782:** Court's background – Engineering career and early entrepreneurial ventures.
* **01:50:102 - 02:05:838:** Discussion about Cisco's impact on fostering su...2024-12-0152 min
Startup Project: Build the future#86 Building RelationalAI: AI Coprocessor for Snowflake | Molham Aref CEO & FounderMy guest today is Moham Aref, CEO of RelationalAI, a company that recently closed a $75 million Series B funding round. Moham shares his incredible journey spanning over 30 years in the AI and machine learning space, offering invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts alike.
Moham Aref, CEO of RelationalAI, Moham brings a wealth of experience, having previously led LogicBlox and Predictix, and now spearheading Relational AI's mission to simplify intelligent application development.
→ Website: https://relational.ai/
→ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/molham/
Nataraj is the host & creator of Startup Project podcast, he is a full...2024-11-1959 min
Startup Project: Build the future#85 AI Should Not be Regulated - Author & ML Researcher Pedro Domingos #ai #regulationFor video version watch the episode on:
→ YouTube link: https://youtu.be/9-J4eV8qvZg
Join us as we dive deep into the world of AI with Pedro Domingos, a machine learning pioneer and author of the acclaimed book "The Master Algorithm." Pedro shares his insights on the current AI hype cycle, the real impact of AI on society, and how he sees the future of this transformative technology.
Guest on the episode: Pedro Domingos (Author and Machine Learning Professor)
→ Website: pedrodomingos.org
→ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedro-domingos-77b183/
→ Twitter: https://x.com/pmddomingos
→ Read Pedro's new book 2040...2024-10-211h 21
Startup Project: Build the future#84 From Mars Rover to Starups: Ex-aws exec khawaja shams on the art of product-market fit in b2b cloudIn this episode of Startup Project, we chat with Khawaja Shams, Co-founder and CEO of Momento, a serverless caching and messaging service built for interactive applications at scale.
Host: Nataraj (Investor at Incisive VC, angel investor, and Senior Product Manager)
Guest: Khawaja Shams (Co-founder and CEO of Momento)
Website: Momento Website
LinkedIn: Nataraj's LinkedIn | Khawaja's LinkedIn
[0:00 - 2:00] Khawaja shares his incredible journey—from working on image processing for Mars rovers and communications for interplanetary missions at NASA to building crucial infrastructure at Amazon Web Services...2024-10-1549 min
Startup Project: Build the future#83 Learning Generative AI, Product Management & Upskilling your Career with Nataraj SindamThis is a special episode. We are airing an episode where Nataraj was the guest on Learn It All podcast where he talked about trends in AI, how to leverage gen AI to build new products and how to upskill your career and find the right things to work on.
Links:
Startup Project Podcast: https://thestartupproject.io/
Website: https://thestartupproject.io
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam/
Twitter: https://x.com/natarajsindam
2024-10-0747 min
Startup Project: Build the future#82 Silicon Valley Secrets: From 3x Exit Founder of Baffle io Ameesh DivatiaHost: Nataraj - Investor at Incisive VC, Angel Investor, and Product Manager.
Connect with us:
* Website: https://thestartupproject.io
* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam/
* Twitter: https://twitter.com/natarajsindam
Guest: Ameesh Divatia - Founder and CEO of Baffle.
Connect with our guest:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ameeshd/
Check out Baffle: https://baffle.io/
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Startup Project Podcast Episode 82: Building Data-Centric Security with Baffle's Mish
In this episode of Startup Project, we dive into the world of data security with Ameesh Divatia, the Founder and CEO of Baffle. Ameesh brings a wealth of experience from f...2024-09-3038 min
Startup Project: Build the future#81 Coursera's Engineer No 1 on Building AI agents for knowledge workers #AI #podcast #aicode #startup
Startup Project Podcast: Building AI Agents for Knowledge Workers with Lutra AI
Jiquan Ngiam joins Nataraj to discuss the future of AI, from the rise of deep learning to the potential of AI agents for knowledge workers. They delve into [Guest Name]'s experiences working with Andrew Ng at Coursera and Google Brain, where he witnessed the power of scaling up compute and data in pushing the boundaries of AI.
Timestamps:
* **0:00 - Introduction:** Nataraj welcomes [Guest Name] to the show and introduces his impressive background.
* **2:28 - Working with Andrew Ng:** [Guest Name] shares his experience working with Andrew Ng...2024-09-2459 min
Startup Project: Build the future#79 Building a Scalable No-Code Backend with Xano
Startup Project Podcast: Building a Scalable No-Code Backend with Xano
Join Natraj as he sits down with Prakash, the founder of Xano, a revolutionary no-code backend platform that's shaking up the software development landscape.
This episode dives deep into:
🔸Xano's mission: Prakash explains how Xano empowers developers and citizen developers to build complex, scalable applications without writing code. He shares his insights on the challenges of traditional back-end development and how Xano addresses them.
🔸 Product Market Fit: Discover how Xano honed its unique approach to no-code and found its sweet spot in the market. Prakash shares the key decisions that l...2024-07-2940 min
Startup Project: Build the future#78 Securing The World's IoT Devices with Asimily
🎙️ Startup Project Podcast - Episode with Shankar Somasundaram, CEO of Asimily
Welcome to another exciting episode of the Startup Project Podcast! In this episode, we have Shankar Somasundaram, the CEO and founder of Asimily, a company dedicated to providing visibility and security for medical IoT and OT devices. Shankar brings a wealth of experience from his time at Symantec and Qualcomm, and he shares his journey of founding Asimily and the innovative solutions they offer.
🔍 Topics Covered:
- Shankar’s background and journey from Symantec to founding Asimily.
- The challenges and opportunities in securing medical IoT and OT devices.
...2024-07-0137 min
Startup Project: Build the future#76 How Product-First VC Mighty Capital is Picking great companies?In this episode of Startup Project, Nataraj sits down with SC Moatti, a serial entrepreneur, product manager, investor, and author. SC Moatti shares insights into his diverse career path, from building successful products to launching his own venture capital firm, Mighty Capital.
In this episode, you'll learn:
SC Moatti's journey from engineer to VC: Discover how he built a career spanning product management, entrepreneurship, and venture capital.
The secret to picking winning startups: SC Moatti reveals how Mighty Capital identifies and invests in companies with a strong product vision.
Essential product management skills: Get expert advice on building...2024-05-2730 min
Startup Project: Build the future#75 Satya Singh - Co-Founder of Scispot on redefining modern biotech's data infrastructureSatya, co-founder of Scispot, joins Startup Project's Nataraj to share his journey from leading a platform team at Expedia to starting a biotech company that solves data challenges for life science labs.
In this episode, we discuss:
Satya's unique career path, from fashion startup owner to data expert.
The founding story of Scispot, tackling the problem of unanalyzed data in biotech.
The YC experience and its valuable lessons, including the importance of market signals.
Scispot's growth and traction, serving a diverse range of lab-based businesses.
The exciting future of AI in biotech and Scispot's role in empowering innovation.
...2024-05-1546 min
Startup Project: Build the future#74 Sajid Rahman - Angel Investor Secrets - Lessons from 1000+ Startup InvestmentsStartup Project Podcast: Episode Notes - Navigating the Shifting Investment Landscape with Sajid Rahman
Guest: Sajid Rahman - Top Angel InvestorHost: Nataraj - Senior Product Manager, Investor at Incisive.vc & Startup Advisor
Episode Overview:
Join us as we delve into the evolving world of startups and venture capital with Sajid Rahman, a prolific angel investor with over 1000 investments.
Key topics explored in this episode:
Market Shift: Analyzing the transition from the funding boom to a more cautious investment environment. Exploring the prevalence of down rounds, the rise of secondary deals, and strategies for investors in ...2024-04-2745 minStartup Project: Build the future#73 Brian Bell - From Product Manager to Full Time Investor
Brian Bell is the Managing Partner at Team Ignite. Bell has experience in product development in AI at Microsoft, AWS, and startups.
Full conversation includes:
🔸Transition from Product Management to full time investing
🔸Investing in YC
🔸Operating an investing Syndicate
🔸Growth hacks to grow your syndicate
🔸Is AngelList loosing its advantage?
🔸Red flags in pitch decks
🔸If money was not an object, what would you be doing?
& more.
Listen now 👇
Follow Brain on twitter here - https://twitter.com/brianrbell
Follow Nataraj on twitter here - https://twitter.com/natarajsindam
Follow 100 Days of AI here - https://thestartupproject.io/100-days-of-ai/
Subscribe n...2024-04-1648 minStartup Project: Build the future#72 Todd Bishop GeekWire Co-founder, Business and tech journalist on big tech, AI and more!New episode with Todd Bishop, GeekWire's co-founder.
Todd is a longtime business and technology journalist who reports on subjects including AI, the cloud, startups, and health technology, plus Amazon and Microsoft, in addition to hosting GeekWire's weekly podcast. This is Todd's second appearance on the Startup Project podcast.
In our conversation, we discuss:
🔸 How is a tech business journalist using AI?
🔸 Does AI live up to the hype?
🔸 Covering Big tech's AI strategy as Geekwire Editor
🔸 Amazon's ecommerce AI assistant
🔸Why hasn...2024-04-0250 minStartup Project: Build the future#71 Peter Mueller Founding Partner Breakwater VC about Pre Seed Investing in Seattle Tech Startups
In this episode Nataraj talked to Peter Mueller who is the founding partner of Breakwater ventures investing in early stage tech startups in Pacific Northwest and Wester Canadian Startups.
The conversation includes:
- how to think about angel investing & pre-seed investing?
- Seattle pre-seed ecosystem
- learnings from Seachange fund
- thesis for breakwater
- Whats making Western Canada an interesting place to invest?
- investing in AI
- long tail opportunity in AI
& more.
Follow peter on twitter here - https://twitter.com/pjsmueller
Follow Nataraj on twitter here - https://twitter.com...2024-03-1148 minStartup Project: Build the future#70 Brendan Rogers From Founding WAG (NASDAQ: PET) to Investing in IndiaIn this episode Nataraj spoke to Brendan Rogers Ex Cofounder of Wag, a NASDAQ listed public company.
Full conversation includes:
- Origin story of WAG
- His journey into investing in India
- Why he is bullish on Indian startups?
- Opinion on different sectors & more
To stay in loop for future conversations check out thestartupproject.io
For above average opinions on big technology sign up to https://above-average.beehiiv.com/
Follow 100 Days of AI by Nataraj at
https://thestartupproject.io/100-days-of-ai/
2024-02-2535 minStartup Project: Build the future#69 Direct-to-Consumer Companies & Long Tail Opportunity in AI (Above Average Newsletter)
Welcome to 50th edition of the Above Average Newsletter. Your bi-weekly source of Above Average takes on the business of big technology written by Nataraj Sindam.
Topic 1: What’s with Direct-to-Consumer Companies?What’s common among all these companies?All birdsBrilliant earth groupPelotonRent the runwayThey are all public direct to consumer companies whose stock is down ranging from 80 to 95% in last couple of years.If you are direct to consumer company the best time to go public was in 2021 when the pandemic has fueled an ecommerce spending spree. Once this is over...2024-02-1303 minStartup Project: Build the future#68 Why the new AI button on your keyboard is inevitable? (Above Average Newsletter)This episode is the audio version of Nataraj's newsletter Above Average.
Welcome to 49th edition of the Above Average Newsletter. Your bi-weekly source of Above Average takes on the businss of big technology written by Nataraj Sindam.
1. Why the new AI Button on Your Keyboard is inevitable?Microsoft is adding a new AI button to your PC keyboard. This is the first time Microsoft changed the PC keyboard in last 30 years. If you are a regular user of ChatGPT or its competitors you will notice your own behavior, that you use it repeatedly and...2024-02-0303 minStartup Project: Build the future#67 What late stage investors got wrong about investing in Startups? (Insight)For more unique insights on technology follow Nataraj on Twitter - https://twitter.com/natarajsindam & Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/1nataraj/
What late stage investors got wrong about investing in Startups?
Confusion in the venture scene, especially with late-stage investments.
Some firms raising funds for secondaries in startups, but a twist for LP investors: a cautious approach is needed.
Skepticism about firms claiming expertise in both early and late-stage investments.
Discussion on the industry mix-up and the need to reconsider how we negotiate prices.
Emphasizing the importance of aligning return expectations with industry dynamics.
Concerns about the pricing...2024-01-0900 minStartup Project: Build the future#66 Why Rivian Will Become 2nd Largest EV Company in the US? (Insight)For more unique insights on technology follow Nataraj on Twitter - https://twitter.com/natarajsindam & Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/1nataraj/
Why Rivian will become 2nd Largest EV Player in the U.S?
Exploring the EV market in the US and the competition between Rivian and Tesla.
Rivian stands out with a superior product, a more profitable segment, and a less controversial brand than Tesla.
I predict the future paths of Rivian and Tesla, highlighting the crucial significance of the next three years for their survival and Rivian's growth.
#EV #electric #predictions ...2024-01-0100 minStartup Project: Build the future#65 Why YouTube is Unbeatable? (Insight)
Over long term YouTube will win over TikTok, Instagram & other video apps.
Check out the video to see why.
Follow Nataraj on Twitter - https://twitter.com/natarajsindam & Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/1nataraj/2023-12-1800 minStartup Project: Build the future#64 Matt McIlwain – MD Madrona Venture Group on all Things Venture Capital
Nataraj interviewed veteran VC Matt McIlwain of Madrona Venture Group on Startup Project podcast. Matt shared his insights into the state of venture capital and the impacts of AI, drawn from his 20+ years of experience.
Some key takeaways:
1. Venture is a "tale of two cities" now - later stage startups are struggling, earlier stage companies embracing AI are thriving
2. Seattle has unmatched talent but lacks local capital - still over-reliant on Silicon Valley VCs
3. Incumbents have the edge currently in leveraging AI due to data, customers, ability to integrate via APIs - but long term, AI-native startups will win...2023-11-1848 minStartup Project: Build the future#63 Jon Staenberg: Investing in Startups, Venture Funds & Search FundsIn this episode, Nataraj spoke with John Staenberg, a veteran of the tech and venture capital world.
John took Nataraj through his early days growing up in Omaha and attending Stanford University, where he was inspired by the culture of creativity and trying new things.
After graduating, John worked in real estate and then got his MBA, also at Stanford. He became fascinated by the nascent world of venture capital and startups in Silicon Valley.
John landed a job at Microsoft in the late 1980s, when the company was still small and growing fast. He...2023-10-2854 minStartup Project: Build the future#61 Joe Heitzeberg - From Tech Whiz to Sustainable Meat EntrepreneurTo stay up to date checkout thestartupproject.io & follow Nataraj on twitter: @natarajsindam and on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/natarajsindam
Join us in this captivating episode as we sit down with Joe Heitzeberg, a multifaceted entrepreneur who has navigated the world of technology and business with remarkable success. From his early days in the tech industry to founding his acclaimed venture Crowd Cow, Joe shares his incredible journey and valuable insights on various topics.
1. Joe's Entry to Technology
2. Working for Paul Allen
3. Import Furniture Business
4. Opportunity Cost of MBA
5. Building Viral VoIP App for MySpace
6. Selling Media Piston t...2023-08-0653 min
Startup Project: Build the future#59 - Aseem Datar - Partner at Madrona Ventures - From Intern to General Manager at Azure
Aseem joined Madrona in 2021 after spending almost twenty years as an operating executive. He works alongside founders building the future of next-generation infrastructure (core, security, DevOps), intelligent applications, robotics, and automation.
Full conversation includes:
From Intern at Windows to GM at Microsoft Azure
GM at Azure to Investing at Madrona
Investing at Madrona
Startups vs Big Tech in AI
Commoditization of LLMs
Difference between LLMs & Human Brains
Follow Aseem on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/aseemdatar/
To stay up to date checkout thestartupproject.io & follow Nataraj on twitter: 2023-06-0330 minStartup Project: Build the future#58 - TA McCann - Professional Sailor, Serial Entrepreneur (5x Founder with 3 Exits), Managing Director at Pioneer Square Labs
To stay up to date checkout thestartupproject.io & follow Nataraj on twitter: @natarajsindam
T.A. McCann is a serial entrepreneur with an impressive track record. He has founded and served as CEO of several successful companies. Some notable ventures include Senosis (acquired by Google), Gist (acquired by Blackberry), and Rival IQ, a leading company in marketing analytics.
McCann's expertise extends beyond founding companies. He has also held senior roles at Microsoft, where he led divisions such as Exchange and the Mobile Services divisions. Additionally, he has worked as an EIR (Entrepreneur in Residence) at Polaris Venture Partners and Vulcan Ca...2023-05-2150 minStartup Project: Build the future#57: How to Run Innovation Sessions with Bill Gates to Solve World Problems?To stay up to date checkout thestartupproject.io & follow Nataraj on twitter: @natarajsindam
In this episode Nataraj spoke to Taylor Black who co-founded Fizzy Inc. Post Fizzy Taylor worked at Innovation Science Fund & currently works as a Principal Product Manager at the Office of the CTO Incubator at Microsoft.
Transcript:
[00:00:00] Nataraj: I looked at the portfolio there then
it's completely deep tech, uh, and sort of like invention based, uh, ideas.
[00:00:08] Nataraj: Uh, so what was the process of like
capturing and invention and taking and productizing it and, you know, making a
...2023-05-1406 minStartup Project: Build the future#55: What is the insurance against Innovation Dilemma?To stay up to date checkout thestartupproject.io & follow Nataraj on twitter: @natarajsindam
In this episode Nataraj spoke to Taylor Black who co-founded Fizzy Inc. Post Fizzy Taylor worked at Innovation Science Fund & currently works as a Principal Product Manager at the Office of the CTO Incubator at Microsoft.
Transcript:
[00:00:00] Nataraj: To me it always made sense for large
companies to have some kind of incubator or accelerator model because one of
the reasons I think we are seeing in this bear cycle, sort of like when the
wave sort of, you know, falls down, you...2023-04-3003 minStartup Project: Build the future#54: How Techstars Seattle Works & How Should Founders Think About It?
To stay up to date checkout thestartupproject.io & follow Nataraj on twitter: @natarajsindam
In this episode Nataraj spoke to Marius Ciocirlan who co-founded ShareGrid, a marketplace for filmmakers and photographers to rent and sell their equipment. It was acquired by Backstage and is now Managing Director of Techstars Seattle. Techstars expanded to Seattle in 2010, and since then more than 130 companies have gone through the program & collectively gone on to raise more than $2.5 billion in capital.
Full Transcript:
[00:00:00] Nataraj: So Techstars is an, you know,
traditionally what we call as an accelerator, right? Yeah. Uh, so what are the
founder...2023-04-2303 minStartup Project: Build the future#53 Taylor Black - Innovation Science Fund & Microsoft Incubator
To stay up to date checkout thestartupproject.io & follow Nataraj on twitter: @natarajsindam
In this episode Nataraj spoke to Taylor Black who co-founded Fizzy Inc. Post Fizzy Taylor worked at Innovation Science Fund & currently works as a Principal Product Manager at the Office of the CTO Incubator at Microsoft.
Full Conversation includes:
Starting a company during law school
Running a WordPress server farm
Why WordPress still dominates internet?
Working at Innovation Science Fund
Running innovation sessions attended by Entrepreneurs, Nobel laureates, Scientists & Bill Gates
Fundamental technology breakthrough in Metamaterials
Funding Starlink competitor
Incubator inside Microsoft for the Office of the C...2023-04-1655 minStartup Project: Build the future#52: What is Sharegrid & how it got started?
To stay up to date checkout thestartupproject.io & follow Nataraj on twitter: @natarajsindam
In this episode Nataraj spoke to Marius Ciocirlan who co-founded ShareGrid, a marketplace for filmmakers and photographers to rent and sell their equipment. It was acquired by Backstage and is now Managing Director of Techstars Seattle. Techstars expanded to Seattle in 2010, and since then more than 130 companies have gone through the program & collectively gone on to raise more than $2.5 billion in capital.
Full Transcript:
[00:00:00] So you decided you
want to be in tech. Then how did, uh, your, uh, company start, uh, share grid?
[00:0...2023-04-1003 minStartup Project: Build the future#51: Working in Tech vs Movie Business
To stay up to date checkout thestartupproject.io & follow Nataraj on twitter: @natarajsindam
In this episode Nataraj spoke to Marius Ciocirlan who co-founded ShareGrid, a marketplace for filmmakers and photographers to rent and sell their equipment. It was acquired by Backstage and is now Managing Director of Techstars Seattle. Techstars expanded to Seattle in 2010, and since then more than 130 companies have gone through the program & collectively gone on to raise more than $2.5 billion in capital.
Full Transcript:
[00:00:00] So I was like, you
know, working on Samsung, making videos and then also like working on sets,
like reality TV shows an...2023-04-0202 minStartup Project: Build the future#50: Marius Ciocirlan - Managing Director Techstars Seattle, Co-Founder of Sharegrid (Acq by Backstage)To stay up to date checkout thestartupproject.io & follow Nataraj on twitter: @natarajsindam
In this episode Nataraj spoke to Marius Ciocirlan who co-founded ShareGrid, a marketplace for filmmakers and photographers to rent and sell their equipment. It was acquired by Backstage and is now Managing Director of Techstars Seattle. Techstars expanded to Seattle in 2010, and since then more than 130 companies have gone through the program & collectively gone on to raise more than $2.5 billion in capital.
Full Conversation includes:
How skateboarding led do film school
Raising funds via grants
Startup weekends
Early days at Groupon Mobile Team
Ori...2023-03-2638 min
Startup Project: Build the future#49 Insidious Loops in Indian Startup Ecosystem (TSP Insights)To stay up to date checkout thestartupproject.io & follow us on twitter: @natarajsindam
Deedy & Nataraj talk about
Why is there no criticism about Indian startups in Indian media?
What are the insidious loops in Indian startup ecosystem?
Don't forget to follow Deedy's opinions at @debarghya_das!
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Past guests of Startup Project podcast include Ali Moiz (stonks.com), Kirby Winfield (Ascend.vc), Eric Bahn (Hustle Fund), and others.
2023-03-2110 minStartup Project: Build the future#31: Deedy (Debarghya Das) - Indian Startups, AI & SearchTo stay up to date checkout thestartupproject.io & follow Nataraj on twitter: @natarajsindam
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In this episode Spoke to Deedy who writes amazing twitter threads on immigration, Indian startups and more.
Topic covered include:
Tweet threads on Indian startups
Shark Tank India vs U.S
Generative AI, LLMs & Search
Zero Interest Rate Phenomenon
& a lot more.
Don't forget to follow Deedy's opinions at @debarghya_das!
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Past guests of Startup Project podcast include Ali Moiz (stonks.com), Kirby Winfield (Ascend.vc), Eric Bahn (Hustle Fund), an...2023-03-041h 06Startup Project: Build the future#30: Jacob Colker - Co-Managing Director AI2 IncubatorTo stay up to date checkout thestartupproject.io & follow us on twitter: @natarajsindam
In this episode of Startup Project Nataraj spoke to Jacob Colker - Co-Managing Director AI2 Incubator.
Inaugurated five years ago by the late Paul Allen and Professor Oren Etzioni, the commercialization arm of the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence was tasked with creating an incubator program for the brightest minds in AI to launch the next wave of technology companies that would change the world. Jacob Colker, Vu Ha, and Bryan Hale were tasked to fulfill this mandate.
Full conversation i...2023-02-2044 min
Startup Project: Build the future#29: Jacques Fu - Co-founder at Stax, Author of "Time Hacks"To stay up to date checkout thestartupproject.io & follow us on twitter: @natarajsindam
In this episode of Startup Project Nataraj spoke to Jacques Fu Co-founder at Stax, Author of "Time Hacks".
Stax is an all-in-one payment solution for small business. Stax has raised $245 million in fresh funding, taking its valuation up to $1 billion. The investment saw participation from Greater Sum Ventures (GSV), HarbourVest Partners and Blue Star Innovation Partners, all of which will serve as strategic partners to Stax.
Full conversation includes:
Journey of Stax
Opportunities in Fintech
Crypto
Angel Investing
Time Ha...2023-01-2941 minStartup Project: Build the futureVenture Fund is a Startup (TSP Insights)To stay up to date checkout thestartupproject.io & follow us on twitter: @natarajsindam
Launching a, a venture fund is not for the faint of heart, uh, and it is very much a startup activity.
Geoff Harris & Nataraj talk about the challenges of launching a venture fund. Geoff spent 15 years at Microsoft in engineering leadership and executive leadership positions. His career at Microsoft began in digital media where he ran the Windows Media Player team.
Full conversation includes is available here and includes:
Developing Natural language processing at Microsoft
Angel investing to raising a...2022-10-2400 minStartup Project: Build the futureNFTs in Games? (Bonus Clip)What problems are NFTs solving in games, Liron & Nataraj (twitter.com/natarajsindam) discuss.
Liron Shapira is known as the guy who write twitter threads about web3 use cases including Axie Infinity & Helium.
But before becoming twitter famous, he is also a founder & angel investor and currently runs a YC backed startup called Relationship Hero.
The irony in his angel investments is he made life changing money by investing in Coinbase which was a 500x return on his investment.
Full conversation includes:
Failure with Quixey (50M+ Series C)
Relationship Hero (YC...2022-09-1900 minStartup Project: Build the futureDemocratizing Education (Bonus Clip)Nataraj & Eric (Hustle Fund) talk about how an Indian company BYJU's despite its flaws is helping democratizing education.
For Full conversation with Eric check out Episode 21 of Startup Project. https://open.spotify.com/episode/5ceRBSjtTP8ROl8nR9AoT0?si=bf937a7778d24236
2022-09-1101 min
Startup Project: Build the futureWhat is Amazon's Fourth Dreamy Business? (TSP Insights)Jeff Bezos defines dreamy businesses to have these characteristics:
customers love it
it can grow to very large size
it has strong returns on capital
and it's durable over time
Amazon has 3 dreamy businesses prime, marketplace & AWS.
Todd & Nataraj discuss about what is going to be Amazon's next big dreamy business?
-----
Past guests of Startup Project podcast include Ali Moiz (stonks.com), Kirby Winfield (Ascend.vc), Eric Bahn (Hustle Fund), and many more.
To stay up to date checkout thestartupproject.io & follow us on twitter: @natarajsindam2022-08-2813 min
Startup Project: Build the future#24 Liron Shapira: Web3 Critique, Founder & Early Investor in CoinbaseLiron Shapira is known as the guy who writes twitter threads criticizing web3 use cases. Other than being a web3 critic, he is also angel investor in Coinbase & Wyre (the irony), founder of a Y Combinator company & raised $50M round led by Alibaba.
Full conversation includes:
• Failure with Quixey ( 50M+ Series C)
• Relationship Hero (YC Backed)
• Seed Investment in $COIN (listen for exit multiple)
• Investing in Russian Bonds
• Web3 Use cases (cross border payments, helium, NFTs in gaming, Uber on Web3, Identity)
Nataraj is...2022-08-051h 06
Startup Project: Build the futureStory Behind Patagonia’s First Ecommerce Store (Bonus)Chris Devore and Nataraj talk about the brand ethos of Patagonia and the story behind the first ecommerce store of Patagonia.
For full conversation with Chris, check out https://thestartupproject.io/2022/07/17/23-chris-devore-managing-partner-founders-co-op-remitly-auth0-outreach/
Nataraj is a PM at Azure, investor & host of thestartupproject.io podcast. Follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/natarajsindam.2022-08-0105 min
Startup Project: Build the futureIs web3 hype about technology or political ideology? (TSP Insights)Chris Devore talks about web3 and if its the next big thing in tech.
For full conversation with Chris, check out https://thestartupproject.io/2022/07/17/23-chris-devore-managing-partner-founders-co-op-remitly-auth0-outreach/
Nataraj is a PM at Azure, investor & host of thestartupproject.io podcast. Follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/natarajsindam.2022-07-2504 min
Startup Project: Build the future#23 Chris DeVore: Managing Partner Founders Co-op (Remitly, Auth0 & Outreach)In this Episode of Startup Project, Nataraj talked to Chris DeVore, Founding Managing Partner of Founders’ Co-op, Pacific Northwest's leading seed-stage venture fund. Chris led the seed rounds for Seattle's most recent successful IPO Remitly (NASDAQ:RELY) and $4B+ Outreach, was an early backer of Auth0 (acquired by Okta for $6.5B).
Full conversation includes:
Starting Patagonia's online store
Bringing Risk Capital to Seattle
Running TechStars Seattle
Starting Founders Co-Op
Thesis behind investing in Remitly
New new thing & Web3
Investing takeaways from covid shocks
Nataraj is a PM at Azure, partner at NVC & host...2022-07-1751 min
Startup Project: Build the future#22 Sudip Chakrabarti: Partner Decibel.vc Ex Partner at A16Z, Lightspeed & MadronaIn this Episode of Startup Project, Nataraj talked to Sudip from decibel.vc. Sudip started two companies and got his PhD in computer engineering at Georgia Tech before becoming a VC investor at Andreesson Horowitz, Lightspeed, and Madrona.
Full conversation includes:
Building Decibel
Investing in Enterprise Software (Exabeam, DataCoral & Streamlio)
Working at A16Z & Madrona
Digital Ocean
& More
Nataraj is a PM at Azure, partner at NVC & hosts thestartupproject.io podcast. Follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/natarajsindam. You can also subscribe to his newsletter at getrevue.co/profile/StartupProject2022-07-0252 min
Startup Project: Build the futureHyper Leverage (Bonus Clip)Nataraj & Harvey from RUV Alliance talk about Leverage.
For full conversation check out the links below:
Youtube: https://youtu.be/rXMY1LDIb_U
Website: https://thestartupproject.io/2022/02/05/12-harvey-multani-founder-ruv-alliance-miami100-dao-startup-project-by-nataraj/
Anchor: https://anchor.fm/tsp1/episodes/12-Harvey-Multani-Founder-RUV-Alliance--Miami100-DAO---Startup-Project-by-Nataraj-e1dvoi3
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0VgU4sMOX1AD5BCxLnVicm?si=3c9f834506e143da
Nataraj is an engineer at Azure, partner at NVC & hosts thestartupproject.io podcast. Follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/natarajsindam & stay up to date here.
#startups #leverage #economy #media #code #capital...2022-06-1201 min
Startup Project: Build the futureSecret Sauce behind Hustle Fund's Brand! (Bonus Clip)Eric (Co-Founder of Hustle Fund) talks to Nataraj about how they built their brand.
Check out more about hustle fund here, https://www.hustlefund.vc/.
Nataraj is an engineer at Azure, partner at NVC(https://angel.co/s/natarajusa/B8aAA) & hosts thestartupproject.io podcast. Follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/natarajsindam2022-06-0501 min
Startup Project: Build the future#21 Eric Bahn: Co-Founder & General Partner of Hustle FundIn this Episode of Startup Project, Nataraj talked to Eric Bahn, Co-Founder & General Partner at Hustle Fund. In last 5 years, Eric & team scaled Hustle Fund to 3 funds, 100M+ AUM, 120+ early stage investments & along the way built a globally recognizable VC brand, find more about them at https://www.hustlefund.vc/
Full conversation includes:
Beat the GMAT (Eric's Startup)
Defining hustle
Raising fund 1
First 10 investments
Building the brand
Nataraj is a PM at Azure, partner at NVC & hosts thestartupproject.io podcast. Follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/natarajsindam. You can also subscribe to his newsl...2022-06-0155 min
Startup Project: Build the futureHow to Earn Your Luck? (Bonus Clip)Shruti from Array.vc and nataraj talk about earning luck.
Full conversation available at:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/08LJYjwwQPyseCkSEZohQA?si=4de30bec6b8340d2
For more check out the startup project website at thestartupproject.io
#startups #luck #arrayvc2022-05-3002 min
Startup Project: Build the futurePosition your Company for Acquisitions (Bonus Clip)What can founders in early stage companies do to position themselves for acquisitions.
Full Episode available on:
YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uMdazKrC0k
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/17-founding-partner-of-ascend-vc-kirby-winfield-on/id1551300319?i=1000555322251&app=podcast
Website: https://thestartupproject.io/2022/03/26/17-founding-partner-of-ascend-vc-kirby-winfield-on-all-things-venture-startup-project-by-nataraj/
Visit thestartupproject.io for more.
#startups #kirby #aquisitions2022-05-2301 min
Startup Project: Build the future#20 Mike Fridgen: Seattle based Startup Incubator Madrona Venture LabsIn this Episode of Startup Project, Nataraj talked to Mike Fridgen, Managing Director at Madrona Venture Labs a Seattle based tech startup incubator. Some of the companies incubated include Style Genome (Acq by Wayfair), Chatitive (Acq by MailChimp), Message Yes (Acq by Nordstrom) & more. Before joining Madrona Venture Labs Mike was part of founding teams at Farecast (Acq by Microsoft) & Decide (Acq by Ebay) where he led product and growth strategies.
Full Conversation includes:
Farecast.com (Predicting prices) - Acquired by Microsoft
Decide.com (next gen consumer reports) - Acquired by Ebay
Through line across being...2022-05-1532 min
Startup Project: Build the futureNo Momentum? You are Dead! (Bonus Clip)Nataraj and Ali (Founder of Stonks.com) talk what happens to a unknown company post their stonks pitch day.
For full version of this conversation check out the following links.
Full Video on YT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjyaipwngZc&t=0s
Website Link: https://thestartupproject.io/2022/03/05/15-stonks-com-ali-moiz-on-investing-streaming-stonks-startup-project-by-nataraj/
#startups #stonks #fundraising2022-05-0802 min
Startup Project: Build the futureDon't Build in Public (Bonus Clip)Not everything has to be built in public, but when it makes sense it has its advantages. Check out the full conversation between Ajay and Nataraj here. https://youtu.be/-Xbv4O1ovvY #build #startups #buildinpublic
Nataraj is an engineer at Azure, partner at NVC(https://angel.co/s/natarajusa/B8aAA) & hosts thestartupproject.io podcast. Follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/natarajsindam2022-05-0101 min
Startup Project: Build the future#19 Shruti Gandhi: Founder and General Partner of Array.VC on early stage investingIn this Episode of Startup Project, Nataraj talked to Shruti Gandhi, GP of Array.VC. Before founding Array.VC a solo fund investing in b2b enterprise companies, she was a founder and an engineer. For more info check out her newsletter at shrutigandhi.substack.com
Full Conversation includes:
- Transition from engineer to vc
- Working at Corporate VC vs running your own fund
- Raising first fund for Array.VC
- Things to look out for first time fund managers
- Push vs Pull investing
- Cheque Sizes2022-04-2425 min
Startup Project: Build the future#18: Bear.Tax Co-Founders on simplifying Crypto Taxes | Startup Project by NatarajIn this Episode of Startup Project, Nataraj talked to Tela Andrews (https://www.linkedin.com/in/telaandrews/) and Vamshi (https://www.linkedin.com/in/vamshi4001/), Co-Founders of crypto currency tax software Bear.tax.
Full Conversation includes:
Origin story of Bear.Tax
How microacquire.com helped the founding team to get together
Crypto tax complexity for individuals, traders and businesses
Roadmap for solving tax complexity
Future of crypto
Nataraj is an engineer at Azure, partner at NVC & hosts thestartupproject.io podcast. Follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/natarajsindam & stay up to date here.2022-04-0936 min
Startup Project: Build the future#17 Founding Partner of Ascend.vc: Kirby Winfield on all things Venture | Startup Project by NatarajIn this Episode of Startup project (https://thestartupproject.io/) , Nataraj talked to Kirby Winfield, Founding GP of Ascend.vc (pre-seed fund based in Seattle).
Prior to founding Ascend.vc, Kirby was part of founding teams at Go2Net (GNET), Marchex (MCHX), Dwellable (Acquired by Home Away (AWAY))
& AdXpose (Acquired by comScore (SCOR)).
Full conversation includes:
Through line of a successful career
How can companies strategize for an exit?
The why behind starting a pre-seed fund?
Helping startups from zero to one
Price discovery of startups in current private markets
Follow Kirby...2022-03-2653 min
Startup Project: Build the future#16 Assure.co: Jeremy Neilson on all things Venture | Startup Project by NatarajIn this Episode of Startup project, Nataraj talked to Jeremy Neilson, CEO & Co-Founder of Assure.co.
Prior to co-founding Assure, Jeremy ran Utah Fund of Funds and later went on to found Assure. Assure created & pioneered the usage of SPVs and became the synonymous as backend of Venture Capital. Today Assure's clients include Republic, Launch Fund, Forge, Equity Zen and more.
Full conversation includes:
Origin story of Assure
How Assure created SPVs that powered AngelList and others.
State of Venture from Assure's point of View
Evolution of VC firms
Follow Jeremy on LinkedIn a...2022-03-1546 min
Startup Project: Build the future#15 Stonks.com: Ali Moiz on Investing, Streaming & Stonks | Startup Project by NatarajIn this Episode of Startup project, Nataraj talked to Ali Moiz, Co-Founder of Stonks.Com.
Prior to co-founding Stonks, Ali was a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Stream Labs (Acq by Logitech) & Peanut Labs (Acq by E-Rewards).
Full conversation includes:
Value prop of Stonks for founders & investors
Post pitch effect for startups
Behind the Scenes of Stonks.com
Evolution of Video Streaming
Investing in Canva, Airtable & notion via Poor Founders
Follow Ali on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ali_moiz & on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alimoiz/. Checkout Stonks.com for mor...2022-03-0544 min
Startup Project: Build the future#14 Simplified.co: Co-Founder Ajay Yadav on Scaling, Building in Public & More | Startup Project by NatarajIn this Episode of Startup project, Nataraj talked to Ajay, Co-Founder of Simplified.co.
Prior to co-founding simplified.co, Ajay was a serial entrepreneur and was founder of Roomi, which helps people find flexible, affordable co-living solutions.
Full conversation includes:
India to U.S
Raising venture for Roomi vs Simplified
Funding landscape for repeat founder vs first time founder
Competing against $40B Canva
Building in Public, Marketing-Product Fit.
Why be a repeat entrepreneur?
Follow Ajay Yadav on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/yadavajay/ and learn more about Simplified.co.
Nat...2022-02-2731 min
Startup Project: Build the future#13 First Check Ventures: Ali Jamal on Angel Investing | Startup Project by NatarajIn this Episode of Startup project, Nataraj talked to Ali Jamal, Founder of First Check Ventures.
Prior to starting First Cheque Ventures, Ali was at companies like RockYou, Agoda & Rappi in growth and marketing roles.
Full conversation includes:
Career in Growth and data analytics
Early Angel investing
Transition from Angel Investing to founding first check ventures
YC MFN clause
Strategy behind the growth of First Check Ventures
Building unique deal flow
Investing in LATAM, Asia & Africa
Follow Ali Jamal on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mralijamal/ and learn more about First Ch...2022-02-2048 min
Startup Project#13 First Cheque Ventures: Ali Jamal on Angel Investing | Startup Project by NatarajIn this Episode of Startup project, Nataraj talked to Ali Jamal, Founder of First Cheque Ventures.
Prior to starting First Cheque Ventures, Ali was at companies like RockYou, Agoda & Rappi in growth and marketing roles.
Full conversation includes:
Career in Growth and data analytics
Early Angel investing
Transition from Angel Investing to founding first cheque ventures
YC MFN clause
Strategy behind the growth of First Cheque Ventures
Building unique deal flow
Investing in LATAM, Asia & Africa
Follow Harvey on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mralijamal/ and learn more about First Cheque Ve...2022-02-2048 min
Startup Project: Build the future#12 Harvey Multani: Founder RUV Alliance & Miami100 DAO | Startup Project by NatarajIn this Episode of Startup project, Nataraj talked to Harvey Multani, Founder of RUV Alliance & Miami100 DAO.
Prior to starting RUV Alliance, Harvey was at Coinbase and Plaid in business development and GTM Strategies.
Full conversation includes:
The origins of RUV Alliance
Goals as an investor community
Macro factors that helped RUV Alliance
Dynamics with other SPVs
AngelList's reaction to RUV Alliance
Who funds RUV Alliance?
Miami100 DAO
Where is the leverage for individuals today?
Follow Harvey on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/harvey-multani-95b591208/ and learn more about RUV Alliance her...2022-02-0547 min
Startup Project#12 Harvey Multani: Founder RUV Alliance & Miami100 DAO | Startup Project by NatarajIn this Episode of Startup project, Nataraj talked to Harvey Multani, Founder of RUV Alliance & Miami100 DAO.
Prior to starting RUV Alliance, Harvey was an early employee at Coinbase and Plaid working in business development and GTM Strategies.
Full conversation includes:
The origins of RUV Alliance
Goals as an investor community
Macro factors that helped RUV Alliance
Dynamics with other SPVs
AngelList's reaction to RUV Alliance
Who funds RUV Alliance?
Miami100 DAO
Where is the leverage for individuals today?
Follow Harvey on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/harvey-multani-95b591208/ and learn mor...2022-02-0547 min
Startup Project: Build the future#11 Richard White: Founder of Fathom.Video (YC W21) & Uservoice | Startup Project by NatarajIn this Episode of Startup project, Nataraj talked to Richrad White, Founder of Fathom.VIdeo. It is one of the companies invested by Zoom Apps Fund.
Prior to starting Fathom.Video, Richard was CEO & Founder of Uservoice.com (Product feedback for B2B SaaS)/
Full conversation includes:
Journey of Uservoice
Insights that led to starting Fathom.Video
Why repeat founders look at having more investors on cap table than less?
Optimization for Angels and New funds on cap table
Taking investment from Zoom Fund
How to think about B2B marketplaces like Zoom Apps
2022-01-2346 min
Startup Project#11 Richard White: Founder of Fathom.Video (YC W21) & Uservoice | Startup Project by NatarajIn this Episode of Startup project, Nataraj talked to Richrad White, Founder of Fathom.VIdeo. It is one of the companies invested by Zoom Apps Fund.
Prior to starting Fathom.Video, Richard was CEO & Founder of Uservoice.com (Product feedback for B2B SaaS)/
Full conversation includes:
Journey of Uservoice
Insights that led to starting Fathom.Video
Why repeat founders look at having more investors on cap table than less?
Optimization for Angels and New funds on cap table
Taking investment from Zoom Fund
How to think about B2B marketplaces like Zoom Apps
2022-01-2346 min
Startup Project: Build the future#10 Luba Lesiva: Founder of palumni.vc investing in Palantir Alumni | Startup Project by NatarajIn this Episode of Startup project, Nataraj talked to Luba Lesiva, Founder of palumni.vc
Prior to starting palumni.vc she was head of investor relations for Palantir and had a career in investing at Sovereign Wealth Funds and was an investment banker at various Wall Street firms.
We talked about:
Origin story of palumni.vc
Investing in Palantir Alumni
Challenges & growth tactics in creating and growing an Alumni Syndicate
Leveraging communities to create value
Follow Luba on Twitter at https://twitter.com/loobah_l and learn more about palumni.vc here.
2022-01-1031 min
Startup Project#10 Luba Lesiva: Founder of palumni.vc investing in Palantir Alumni | Startup Project by NatarajIn this Episode of Startup project, Nataraj talked to Luba Lesiva, Founder of palumni.vc
Prior to starting palumni.vc she was head of investor relations for Palantir and had a career in investing at Sovereign Wealth Funds and was an investment banker at various Wall Street firms.
We talked about:
Origin story of palumni.vc
Investing in Palantir Alumni
Challenges & growth tactics in creating and growing an Alumni Syndicate
Leveraging communities to create value
Follow Luba on Twitter at https://twitter.com/loobah_l and learn more about palumni.vc here.
2022-01-1032 min
Startup Project: Build the future#9 Eric Satz: Founder of Alto IRA | Startup Project by NatarajIn this Episode of Startup project, Nataraj talked to Eric Satz, Founder & CEO of Alto IRA.
Prior to his role as founder and CEO of Alto, Eric worked in investment banking at DLJ/Credit Suisse and co-founded several companies, including: Currenex, an FX trading solution sold to State Street for more than $550M; Plumgood Food, and; Tennessee Community Ventures, a VC firm
We talked about:
- The problems that led to creation of Alto IRA
Advantages of using Alto IRA
Working with partners like Coinbase, Angellist & Republic
Diversification of investments
Fundraising via Equity Crowdfunding
P...2021-11-1535 min
Startup Project#9 Eric Satz: Founder of Alto IRA | Startup Project by NatarajIn this Episode of Startup project, Nataraj talked to Eric Satz, Founder & CEO of Alto IRA.
Prior to his role as founder and CEO of Alto, Eric worked in investment banking at DLJ/Credit Suisse and co-founded several companies, including: Currenex, an FX trading solution sold to State Street for more than $550M; Plumgood Food, and; Tennessee Community Ventures, a VC firm
We talked about:
- The problems that led to creation of Alto IRA
Advantages of using Alto IRA
Working with partners like Coinbase, Angellist & Republic
Diversification of investments
Fundraising via Equity Crowdfunding
P...2021-11-1535 min
Startup Project: Build the future#8 Sajid Rahman: Founder of My Asia VC, Investor in 1000+ Startups with 40+ Exits | Startup Project by NatarajIn this Episode of Startup project, Nataraj talked to Sajid Rahman, Founder of My Asia VC.
Sajid is an operator-investor who invested in 1000+ Startups with 40+ Exits. He is the founder of myasiavc.com and his portfolio companies span all geographical regions including North America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Latam.
We talked about:
Transition from Banking to Angel Investing
Solving the cold start problem
Best way to start leading investments in 2021
Graduating from a syndicate to fund
Thought process behind Investing in different stages
Thesis for the new late stage fund
Why he...2021-09-2635 min
Startup Project#8 Sajid Rahman: Founder of My Asia VC, Investor in 1000+ Startups with 40+ Exits | Startup Project by NatarajIn this Episode of Startup project, Nataraj talked to Sajid Rahman, Founder of My Asia VC.
Sajid is an operator-investor who invested in 1000+ Startups with 40+ Exits. He is the founder of myasiavc.com and his portfolio companies span all geographical regions including North America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Latam.
We talked about:
Transition from Banking to Angel Investing
Solving the cold start problem
Best way to start leading investments in 2021
Graduating from a syndicate to fund
Thought process behind Investing in different stages
Thesis for the new late stage fund
Why he...2021-09-2635 min
Startup Project: Build the future#7 Martin Tobias: Founder of Incisive.vc | Startup Project by NatarajIn this Episode of Startup project, Nataraj talked to Martin Tobias, Founder of Incisive Ventures.
Martin is a serial entrepreneur, investor in 100+ deals as an angel, also the Founder of a leading Angel network, Element8. He is also 3x CEO, and has raised over $500M (including two IPOs).
We talked about:
First Angel Investment
Meta Themes
Capital Efficiency in North America vs India
Looking at valuations with the lens of notional capital
What led to his investment in DocuSign at a time when electronic signatures were not legal.
Story behind starting Incisive in the m...2021-08-0736 min
Startup Project#7 Martin Tobias: Founder of Incisive.vc | Startup Project by NatarajIn this Episode of Startup project, Nataraj talked to Martin Tobias, Founder of Incisive Ventures.
Martin is a serial entrepreneur, investor in 100+ deals as an angel, also the Founder of a leading Angel network, Element8. He is also 3x CEO, and has raised over $500M (including two IPOs).
We talked about:
First Angel Investment
Meta Themes
Capital Efficiency in North America vs India
Looking at valuations with the lens of notional capital
What led to his investment in DocuSign at a time when electronic signatures were not legal.
Story behind starting Incisive in the m...2021-08-0736 min
Startup Project: Build the future#6 Vipul Agrawal: Founder of Unlu.io | Startup Project by NatarajThis is a special episode. I have known Vipul for over 6 months now. With in just couple of conversations I have come to realize that he is one of the most interesting founders I have come across.
In this episode we talked about:
Vipul's journey prior to starting unlu.io & building Rutogo & CricnWin.
Making money using Internet
The concept of Fandom vs Respect
How his experience working with influencers in cricket and co-producing movies is helping him build Unlu?
How does the journey of making an Unlu Class happen, from concept to production?
How does Unlu c...2021-07-0340 min
Startup Project#6 Vipul Agrawal: Founder of Unlu.io | Startup Project by NatarajThis is a special episode. I have known Vipul for over 6 months now. With in just couple of conversations I have come to realize that he is one of the most interesting founders I have come across.
In this episode we talked about:
Vipul's journey prior to starting unlu.io & building Rutogo & CricnWin.
Making money using Internet
The concept of Fandom vs Respect
How his experience working with influencers in cricket and co-producing movies is helping him build Unlu?
How does the journey of making an Unlu Class happen, from concept to production?
How does Unlu c...2021-07-0340 min
Startup Project: Build the future#5 Ani Mohan: Founder & General Manager at GameSnacks (Google Area 120) | Startup Project by NatarajIn Episode 5 of The Startup Project (thestartupproject.io) Nataraj talked to Ani Mohan who is the founder and General Manager of Gamesnacks (gamesnacks.com), a web based game platform incubated inside Google's Area 120.
The conversation included the following topics:
Start of the Gamesnacks and all the previous versions of it
Incubation of projects inside google area 120
How a decision to Pivot to Gamesnacks was made?
Embedding as a distribution Strategy
Value chain of Gaming Ecosystem & Future trends in gaming
Follow Ani on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ani_c_mohan and learn more about Gamesnacks at...2021-05-221h 01
Startup Project#5 Ani Mohan: Founder & General Manager at GameSnacks (Google Area 120) | Startup Project by NatarajIn Episode 5 of The Startup Project (thestartupproject.io) Nataraj talked to Ani Mohan who is the founder and General Manager of Gamesnacks (gamesnacks.com), a web based game platform incubated inside Google's Area 120.
The conversation included the following topics:
Start of the Gamesnacks and all the previous versions of it
Incubation of projects inside google area 120
How a decision to Pivot to Gamesnacks was made?
Embedding as a distribution Strategy
Value chain of Gaming Ecosystem & Future trends in gaming
Follow Ani on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ani_c_mohan and learn more about Gamesnacks at...2021-05-221h 01
Startup Project#4 Manik Mehta: Founder of Omnify, a global SaaS platform for small and medium service business | Startup Project by NatarajManik is the Co-Founder of Omnify (getomnify.com), a global SaaS platform for small and medium service business. Previously he was also the co-founder of LinkMySport.
We talked about:
Service Ecommerce
Pivoting multiple times to find product market fit
Scrapping and restarting to figure the right customers in right geography
Giving back time to customers
Getting through the rollercoaster of pandemic when 90% of your customers are outside India
Vision of Omnify
Follow Manik on Twitter at https://twitter.com/manik_me and learn more about omnify at getomnify.com
Follow Nataraj on Twitter a...2021-04-121h 10
Startup Project: Build the future#4 Manik Mehta: Founder of Omnify, a global SaaS platform for small and medium service business | Startup Project by NatarajManik is the Co-Founder of Omnify (getomnify.com), a global SaaS platform for small and medium service business. Previously he was also the co-founder of LinkMySport.
We talked about:
Service Ecommerce
Pivoting multiple times to find product market fit
Scrapping and restarting to figure the right customers in right geography
Giving back time to customers
Getting through the rollercoaster of pandemic when 90% of your customers are outside India
Vision of Omnify
Follow Manik on Twitter at https://twitter.com/manik_me and learn more about omnify at getomnify.com
Follow Nataraj on Twitter a...2021-04-121h 10
Startup Project: Build the future#3 Vikas Malpani: Co-Founder of Leher & Ex-Cofounder of Commonfloor.com | Startup Project by NatarajVikas is the Co-Founder of Leher (Leher.app), a live discussion platform. Previously he was also the co-founder of Commonfloor.com which was acquired by Quikr.
We talked about:
Growth of Leher in last 6 months
Monetization Models
Content moderation
The Clubhouse Effect
From Commonfloor to Leher, how has the Indian Startup ecosystem changed?
Follow Vikas on Twitter at https://twitter.com/vikasmalpani and learn more about Leher at Leher.App
Follow Nataraj on Twitter at https://twitter.com/natarajsindam and stay up to date at thestartupproject.io2021-03-1134 min
Startup Project#3 Vikas Malpani: Co-Founder of Leher & Ex-Cofounder of Commonfloor.com | Startup Project by NatarajVikas is the Co-Founder of Leher (Leher.app), a live discussion platform. Previously he was also the co-founder of Commonfloor.com which was acquired by Quikr.
We talked about:
Growth of Leher in last 6 months
Monetization Models
Content moderation
The Clubhouse Effect
From Commonfloor to Leher, how has the Indian Startup ecosystem changed?
Follow Vikas on Twitter at https://twitter.com/vikasmalpani and learn more about Leher at Leher.App
Follow Nataraj on Twitter at https://twitter.com/natarajsindam and stay up to date at thestartupproject.io2021-03-1134 min
Startup Project#2 Pankaj Jain: COO Workomo & Investor | Startup Project by NatarajPankaj Jain is currently COO of Workomo. He has worn multiple hats in his journey from being a founder, operator & investor. He is also an advisor to Angel List India's The Collective Fund.
We talked about
Creating communities like Startup weekend & now Indian startup club on clubhouse (https://indianstartup.club/)
Working at TLabs (Times Internet's Accelerator)
Different Accelerator models in India
Leading 500 Startup's India Strategy
Evolution of Food Startups in India
Jio Effect in India
Advising for Angel List India's The Collective Fund
Perspective on AL Syndicates
Indian companies registering outside India
2020 is it a crisis/bu...2021-02-141h 33
Startup Project: Build the future#2 Pankaj Jain: COO Workomo & Investor | Startup Project by NatarajPankaj Jain is currently COO of Workomo. He has worn multiple hats in his journey from being a founder, operator & investor. He is also an advisor to Angel List India's The Collective Fund.
We talked about
Creating communities like Startup weekend & now Indian startup club on clubhouse (https://indianstartup.club/)
Working at TLabs (Times Internet's Accelerator)
Different Accelerator models in India
Leading 500 Startup's India Strategy
Evolution of Food Startups in India
Jio Effect in India
Advising for Angel List India's The Collective Fund
Perspective on AL Syndicates
Indian companies registering outside India
2020 is it a crisis/bu...2021-02-141h 33
Startup Project#1 Pranay Gupta: Cofounder of 91Springboard & Angel Investor | Startup Project by NatarajPranay is the co-founder of 91 Springboard (91springboard.com), one of India's successful co-working space companies.
We talked about:
Interesting origin story of 91Springboard
Evolution and scaling of 91Springboard
The business model of co-working space company
How 91Springboard became on of the best startup incubators and received "Best emerging Technology Incubator 2016" award from president of India
His recent foray to Angel Investing and setting up a syndicate
Goa as a startup destination
You can follow Pranay on Twitter (https://twitter.com/PranayG) and learn more about 91Springboard here (91springboard.com)
More information of all other e...2021-01-291h 19
Startup Project: Build the future#1 Pranay Gupta: Cofounder of 91Springboard & Angel Investor | Startup Project by NatarajPranay is the co-founder of 91 Springboard (91springboard.com), one of India's successful co-working space companies.
We talked about:
Interesting origin story of 91Springboard
Evolution and scaling of 91Springboard
The business model of co-working space company
How 91Springboard became on of the best startup incubators and received "Best emerging Technology Incubator 2016" award from president of India
His recent foray to Angel Investing and setting up a syndicate
Goa as a startup destination
You can follow Pranay on Twitter (https://twitter.com/PranayG) and learn more about 91Springboard here (91springboard.com)
More information of all other e...2021-01-291h 19