Founder Storiez

Jacques Benkoski, Managing Partner at USVP, joins the show for a candid, wise, and insightful conversation on venture capital, company building, and life.Jacques opens up about:Growing up without money and raising kids youngThe emotional moment he finally felt financially secureWhy are many serial entrepreneurs driven by unresolved childhood scarcityWhy the venture industry has lost its disciplineWhat “original venture capital” actually looks likeWhy founders must choose their customersThe real role of a mentor (and the one line that changed his life)How he thinks about legacy, purpose, and what truly matters📘 Jacques’ Book: The Market Entry StrategyA practical, step-by-step guide to choosing customers, differentiating your product, and building a go-to-market motion that actually works.If you’re a founder, operator, VC, or anyone who appreciates wisdom earned through decades of experience, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Founder Stories,  we sit down with Dan Povitsky, co-founder of Vine Ventures, to explore the deeply personal and professional story behind one of the fastest-growing venture firms in the world.From an immigrant upbringing and academic family roots to launching a $60M fund at the height of COVID, Dan shares the principles, lessons, and personal growth that shaped his journey, including how faith and authenticity became the foundation of Vine’s culture.Highlights:The immigrant mindset that fueled Vine’s creationWhat it takes to win deals against top-tier firmsHow personal growth makes better investorsWhy Vine leads every deal, and what that means for foundersThe role of spirituality, authenticity, and community in venture capitalLessons on leadership, humility, and staying steady through market cycles“At the end of the day,” Dan says, “it’s about being sure this is exactly what you want to be doing — for reasons that will motivate you for a long time to come.”Connect with Dan: LinkedIn 

In this episode of Founder StorieZ, I sit down with my good friend Dor Fledel, co-founder and CEO of Spera, which was acquired by Okta.Dor opens up about his childhood lessons in competitiveness, how tennis and debating shaped his mindset as a founder, and the intrinsic motivation that drove him forward. We dive into:• How Israeli culture and 8200 shaped his journey.• • Building Spera from 0 → 1 → acquisition.• The decision-making framework behind selling to Okta.• How to choose the right co-founder and handle disagreements.• The truth about founder loneliness and the importance of support systems.• Mistakes Israeli founders make when selling to U.S. customers.• When to follow your gut vs. customer feedback.If you’re a founder, operator, or future entrepreneur—this episode is packed with insights on resilience, decision-making, and building for the long term.👉 Subscribe for more Founder StorieZ episodes featuring top founders and leaders.

Dean Sysman, CEO and co-founder of Axonius, built a $2 billion cybersecurity company—but his real story starts long before that. In this raw, powerful conversation, Dean opens up about growing up with financial hardship, battling childhood obesity, and forging an unbreakable mindset.From extreme sports injuries and military service to failed POCs and an unwavering commitment to his wife, daughter, and co-founders—this is the story of a founder who lives by one mantra: Make Each Day Count.🎯 Topics we cover:Dean’s childhood struggles and drive for independenceHow personal pain became the fuel for purposeWhat it took to survive multiple failed product launchesThe breakthrough moment that changed everythingHealth, fatherhood, legacy—and why he tracks everythingThe truth about billion-dollar startups and staying groundedThis episode is not just about building a massive company. It's about building a meaningful life.Call-to-Action: 👉 If Dean’s story inspired you, please like, subscribe, and share this with someone chasing their own mountain. Connecting with: Dean | Ephraim  

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dheeraj, who arrived in the U.S. with just $900 and went on to found tech giants Nutanix and DevRev. From growing up in one of India’s poorest states to building multi-billion dollar companies, Dheeraj shares deeply personal stories of sacrifice, resilience, and ambition.In this episode, discover how education became his gateway, how he balanced family and entrepreneurship, and why staying grounded and humble has been key to his success. Raj opens up about leadership lessons, embracing vulnerability, investing in people, and using philanthropy—especially in computational biology and education—to make a lasting impact.What You’ll Learn:Overcoming adversity and the immigrant experienceThe role of hunger, perseverance, and innovationBuilding and leading billion-dollar tech venturesBalancing personal values with professional successThe power of philanthropy and legacyTimestamps:00:00 Starting from Scratch: A Humble Beginning00:28 The Power of Education and Perseverance01:22 Building a Life in the US02:35 Overcoming Hardships and Family Support04:23 Lessons in Adversity and Entrepreneurship07:11 Balancing Wealth and Humility15:24 The Journey of Nutanix17:54 Founding DevRev and Future Ambitions19:09 The Importance of Hunger and Innovation29:19 The Role of Investors and Early Customers31:54 Authenticity and Integrity in Leadership33:34 Embracing Systems and Design35:01 Mentorship and Personal Growth40:06 Balancing Dualities in Leadership51:09 Philanthropy and Purpose55:39 Reflections on Life and LegacyAbout Dheeraj:Dheeraj is the founder of Nutanix and DevRev. His story is a testament to perseverance, humility, and visionary leadership. He is passionate about innovation, education, and giving back through philanthropy.About the Host – Ephraim Yarmak:Ephraim runs TGVG Fund, a micro VC backing early-stage cyber founders. He’s all about real conversations with builders who lead with purpose.Enjoyed this episode?Follow the podcast, leave a review, and share with someone who needs a dose of inspiration.

Three top-tier rising VCs – Jordan Siegel (RedPoint), James Green (CRV), and Morgan Gerlak (TCV) – pull back the curtain on venture capital. In this candid conversation, these friends and competitors share their journey from career pivots and childhood lessons to competitive deal wins and investment philosophies. Discover how they evaluate founders, maintain relationships in a cutthroat industry, and navigate the evolving VC landscape. Perfect for aspiring investors, entrepreneurs, and anyone fascinated by the startup ecosystem. Episode Notes00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:35 Morgan's Career Challenges: Overcoming rowing setbacks that shaped his approach to failure01:52 Jordan's Career Pivot: Transitioning from engineering to business consulting02:52 James' Childhood Influences: Early lessons in communication and resilience05:01 Friendship in Competition: Balancing relationships while competing for the same deals08:23 Founder Evaluation: What makes a great founder? Grit, market fit, and relentless drive13:46 Dealing with Failure: Staying motivated in a high-rejection industry16:59 Deal Hunt Stories: The lengths they've gone to win competitive deals21:11 Market Trends: Current investment climate and future predictions22:18 Israel's Startup Scene: Future exits and opportunities23:11 VC Challenges: The hardest aspects of the job24:53 Fund Creation: Insights on starting a new venture fund27:26 Work-Life Balance: Managing personal and professional boundaries31:10 Mentor Relationships: The importance of non-transactional connections39:34 Advice for Aspirants: How to break into venture capital43:36 Closing Thoughts: Final reflections on the VC journeyLinks: • Morgan Gerlak• Jordan Segall• James Green 

In this episode, we speak with Yair Kuznitsov, CEO and co-founder of Anecdotes. Yair recently led the company through a successful Series B funding round, securing a total of $55 million. Yair provides fascinating insights into the strategic decision to extend Series B rather than rushing to Series C and how Anecdotes is positioned to disrupt the GRC market with its unique approach to data and AI solutions.The conversation explores Yair leadership philosophy, including the value of trust in business partnerships and learning from competition. Yair candidly shares his personal growth journey from technical expertise to executive leadership, the impact of remaining in Israel during challenging geopolitical situations, and how building a company during COVID-19 shaped his perspective.Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a business leader, or simply interested in the human stories behind successful startups, this episode offers valuable lessons on resilience, strategic thinking, and maintaining balance while building a game-changing company.Episode Highlights:Raising $55M and strategic funding decisionsDisrupting the GRC market with innovative solutionsTransitioning from technical expert to CEOBuilding trust and learning from competitionManaging stakeholder expectationsPersonal growth and maintaining resilienceBalancing professional challenges with personal interests  Founder Storiez brings you unfiltered conversations with the world's most compelling entrepreneurs. No fluff, no platitudes—just raw wisdom from those who are redefining what's possible.  

In this powerful episode, Tomer Targin CEO of Yotpo, shares his extraordinary journey of surviving stage 4 lymphoma twice while building a successful company. Tomer reveals how cancer transformed his approach to leadership, family, and life itself. Through meditation, gratitude, and unwavering positivity, he turned devastating diagnoses into fuel for personal growth and business innovation. Learn how Yopto evolved through deep customer understanding and authentic brand-building, and discover the mindset that helped Tomer overcome chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, and entrepreneurial challenges. This is a story of resilience, purpose, and the power of maintaining perspective when facing life's greatest tests. Founder Storiez brings you unfiltered conversations with the world's most compelling entrepreneurs. No fluff, no platitudes—just raw wisdom from those who are redefining what's possible.

"The biggest risk isn't failing—it's not pushing yourself far enough." — Gil, CEO of Orca SecurityIn this episode, we dive deep with Gil Geron, CEO & co-founder of Orca Security. With over $600M in funding and a unicorn valuation, Gil reveals the mindset that's disrupting the cloud security landscape.This isn't your typical success story. Gil opens up about the childhood experiences in Israel that forged his resilience—from parents who deliberately pushed him beyond comfort to early leadership challenges that taught him to embrace the impossible. You'll hear firsthand how these formative experiences translated into building a company that's reshaping an entire industry.Episode Highlights:The conversation takes unexpected turns as Gil discusses:The psychological impact of raising hundreds of millions in VC fundingHow he evaluates which boundaries to push (and which to respect)Practical strategies for making high-stakes decisions under pressureThe reality of balancing intense CEO responsibilities with family commitmentsImplementing AI solutions that deliver genuine customer valueWhether you're building your own venture or simply fascinated by the inner workings of billion-dollar startups, this episode delivers rare, actionable insights from someone who's currently in the arena.Founder Stories brings you unfiltered conversations with the world's most compelling entrepreneurs. No fluff, no platitudes—just raw wisdom from those who are redefining what's possible.Listen now.

In this powerful episode of Founder's Stories, Bruce, Managing Director of Blumberg Capital, takes us through his remarkable journey in venture capital and shares deeply personal insights about life, loss, and leadership. From humble beginnings to managing over a billion dollars in assets, Bruce's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, relationships, and unwavering values.What You'll Learn:How personal loss and grief shaped Bruce's leadership approachThe evolution of Blumberg Capital and key investment strategiesWisdom gained from mentors like Sir Jacob RothschildBuilding meaningful relationships with entrepreneursBalancing business success with family values and philanthropyEpisode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:04 Personal Reflections and Family Values 03:24 Dealing with Grief and Life Lessons 08:25 Family Legacy 13:02 Journey into Venture Capital 16:02 Building Blumberg Capital 24:45 Role of Luck and Key Investments 42:37 Understanding the Entrepreneurial Journey 44:04 Building Entrepreneur Relationships 45:23 Networks and Innovation 46:42 Core Expertise Focus 47:49 Success Stories 55:18 Maintaining Humility 58:58 Philanthropy 01:03:14 Next Generation Values 01:06:33 Business Ethics 01:22:08 Mentorship and Hard Work 01:23:58 Final ThoughtsListen in as Bruce shares invaluable insights on building a successful venture capital firm while maintaining integrity, humility, and a commitment to making a positive impact in both business and life. Connect with Bruce LinkedInConnect with Ephraim LinkedIn   

Meet Aleksandr Yampolskiy, the founder and CEO of Security Scorecard, whose journey embodies the American dream. Arriving from Moscow at 14 without speaking English, Aleksandr transformed early hardships into fuel for success, building a cybersecurity company now valued at $1 billion with over $100M in annual revenue. In this episode, Aleksandr opens up about his family's immigrant struggles, from gathering furniture off streets to relying on food stamps. Host Efraim guides us through Alexander's fascinating evolution from a curious teenager intrigued by an early cybersecurity incident to a visionary leader in the industry.Discover how Aleksandr built Security Scorecard from the ground up, navigating the challenges of fundraising, team building, and scaling a technology company. He shares authentic insights about leadership, customer obsession, and maintaining innovation in a competitive market. Whether you're an entrepreneur, cybersecurity professional, or someone pursuing ambitious goals, Alexander's story offers valuable lessons about resilience, continuous learning, and the power of long-term thinking. Key Topics:- Immigrant journey and early challenges in America- The genesis and growth of Security Scorecard- Leadership lessons and building company culture- Innovation strategies in cybersecurity- Balancing personal growth with business success- The future of cybersecurity industry- Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and immigrants Timeline: 00:00 Introduction 00:51 Immigrant Origins 02:00 Early Struggles in America 03:54 Education & Career Beginnings 10:34 Security Scorecard's Genesis 14:20 Fundraising Journey 20:36 Leadership Evolution 35:35 Learning from Failure 37:26 The Power of Mentorship 38:02 Work-Life Integration 39:48 Partner Support in Entrepreneurship 42:08 Innovation Strategy 46:10 Building Accountability 56:30 Future of Cybersecurity 01:01:39 Advice for Entrepreneurs 01:05:21 Closing Thoughts Connect with Aleksandr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayampolskiy/  Connect with Ephraim: https://x.com/ephraimyarmak https://www.linkedin.com/in/ephraimyarmak/  📢 SPONSORSHIP Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at ey@bria.fund Thank you for considering!  

Conversation with Mo Koyfman, founder and General Partner of Shine Capital, as he shares his remarkable journey from immigrant roots to venture capital success. Mo reveals how his parents' teachings shaped his core values of freedom, family, and meritocracy, while exploring his innovative approach to venture investing through "lateral thinking." In this episode, we dive deep into: • The power of modeling behavior and patient parenting • First principles thinking in venture capital • Building Shine Capital from the ground up • The concept of "lateralists" and interdisciplinary investing • Mo's work with Sefaria, revolutionizing access to Jewish texts • Finding clarity and gratitude in both business and life Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:55 Immigrant Values & Success 08:39 Next Generation Values 10:05 Modeling & Patient Parenting 15:00 First Principles Thinking 20:53 Personal Fulfillment Journey 36:14 Shine Capital Story 43:29 Learning from Hardship 44:46 The Lateralist Approach 52:38 Pattern Matching in VC 01:00:46 Sefaria Vision 01:15:06 Clarity & Gratitude 01:22:34 Final Thoughts  Link to Sefaria _______________________________________  Connect Mo: Twitter LinkedInShine Capital Connect with Ephraim: TwitterLinkedIn 📢 SPONSORSHIP Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at ey@bria.fund Thank you for considering! 

In this conversation, we sit down with Yotam Segev, co-founder and CEO of Cyera, for an intimate conversation about entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, and the remarkable journey of building a billion-dollar company.  Key Highlights: • From 50 to 400 Employees: Cyera Explosive Growth •  Raising Funds: $60 Million to $740 Million • Company Valuation: $3 Billion Success Story • Leadership Insights from a Visionary CEO  Time: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:13 Company Growth and Personal Development 02:16 Leadership and Team Dynamics 09:53 Market Challenges and Pain Validation 15:07 Sales Strategy and Customer Engagement 26:16 Fundraising and Future Vision 28:50 AI and Data Security: The Future 30:52 The Wealth Perspective 40:49 Future Plans for Cyera 44:26 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Call to Action  Quote of the Episode "Success is not just about growing a company, but about understanding the human elements of leadership, innovation, and continuous learning."  Subscribe to Found the Stories Podcast  Follow Yotam Segev on LinkedIn Follow Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn📢 SPONSORSHIP Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at ey@bria.fund Thank you for considering!

In this episode, we speak with Jonathan Lehr, General Partner and Co-founder of Work-bench, a VC firm that placed an early, bold bet on New York's enterprise tech scene. Drawing from over a decade of venture capital experience, Jon offers a masterclass in VC, startups, and life. Episode Highlights:- How Workbench recognized NYC's unique position as an enterprise tech hub- The power of diverse industries in shaping innovation- Why gratitude and kindness are competitive advantages in VC- Building a firm that reflects personal values while delivering returns- How NYC's diverse industry landscape creates unique opportunities for enterprise tech- The role of personal values in shaping institutional success- Why relationship-building trumps transactional networking- Balancing ambition with authenticity in venture capital [00:00] Meet Jon[01:11] The Workbench origin story: From concept to reality[04:09] NYC's secret weapon: Industry diversity driving innovation[07:24] Navigating career pivots and embracing uncertainty[10:28] Investment philosophy: The Workbench approach[16:58] Partnership dynamics: Building a complementary team[19:02] Daily rituals and mindset management[20:38] Differentiation in a crowded VC landscape[22:50] The gratitude advantage in venture capital[23:04] Evolving with the market: Workbench 2.0[23:24] Spotting trends before they emerge[24:37] The art of relationship building in tech[26:53] Fundraising wisdom: Lessons from the trenches[34:42] Values-driven leadership: Family, authenticity, impact[39:46] Beyond returns: Creating lasting value[42:02] Words of wisdom for the next generation Connect with Jon LinkedInTwitter Work_benchBlogTwitter Connect with Ephraim LinkedIn  🙏 LEAVE A REVIEW Thank you for listening to the podcast! Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review and subscribe. Your review will help others discover the show and continue to support our efforts. 👋🏼 GET IN TOUCH We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes. We'll personally thank you for your support! 📢 SPONSORSHIP Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at ey@bria.fund Thank you for considering!

In this episode, we speak with Lior, VC at Battery Ventures,• From his early days dreaming big to becoming a key player at Battery Ventures, Lior shares how he climbed the VC ladder. He dives into something we don't often hear about - how growing up shaped his money mindset and career choices.• Want to know how VCs really think? Lior breaks down his playbook for spotting winning startups. It's not just about flashy metrics - he's looking for founders who can go the distance. He explains why sometimes the best deals are the ones you walk away from, especially when prices get too hot.• Battery Ventures isn't just another Silicon Valley VC firm. Lior reveals how they're making waves globally, especially in Israel's booming tech scene. He shares their strategy for finding hidden gems in cybersecurity and software.• Here's where it gets real - Lior talks about keeping sane in the crazy VC world. From hitting the gym to traveling with family, he shows how taking breaks actually makes you better at your job. The big surprise? Fear isn't always your enemy - sometimes it's your best advisor. Words of Wisdom- Build real relationships with founders- Trust your gut on pricing- Make time for life outside work- Focus on long-term impact over quick wins- Keep learning and evolving The big takeaway? Think long-term, make a real difference, and don't forget to enjoy the ride along the way.Topics: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:57 Fatherhood and Personal Growth04:34 Early Life and Career Aspirations07:25 Financial Independence and Priorities11:26 Venture Capital Insights16:19 Mentorship and Industry Relationships21:24 Evolving Perspectives in Venture Capital23:32 Evaluating Founders: The People Aspect27:22 The Importance of Price Sensitivity29:48 Battery Ventures: A Global Approach34:48 Deep Diving into Sectors37:43 Balancing Work and Personal Life39:42 The Role of Fear in Decision Making41:12 Defining a Good Day42:39 Final Thoughts and Advice RESOURCES: Follow Lior on LinkedInFollow Ephraim on LinkedIn Follow Ephraim on Twitter 🙏 LEAVE A REVIEW Thank you for listening to the podcast! Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review and subscribe. Your review will help others discover the show and continue to support our efforts. 👋🏼 GET IN TOUCH We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes. We'll personally thank you for your support! 📢 SPONSORSHIP Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at ey@bria.fund Thank you for considering!

In this episode, we talk with Alon Arvatz, tech entrepreneur and author. Alon, founder of PointFive, a company that helps manage cloud costs, shares his experiences and ideas. What You'll Hear: 1. Alon's Journey: Learn how Alon sold his first company, Insight, for $350 million and why he started PointFive. 2. Making an Impact: Why it's important to do more than just make money in business. 3. Family Life: How Alon balances work with family and teaches his kids about money and helping others. 4. Business Lessons: Tips on hiring good people, working with investors, and building a successful company. 5. Moving to America: Alon's experience moving to the U.S. for his business. 6. Overcoming Challenges: Dealing with doubts and difficulties in his work. 7. Future Plans: What Alon hopes to achieve with PointFive and his other projects. Throughout this conversation, Alon gives honest advice and shares personal stories. Whether you're interested in starting a business, working in tech, or just curious about how successful people think, this episode has something for you. Main Topics: [00:00] Welcome and introduction [02:19] Alon's values and goals[03:47] Making measurable impact [10:15] Teaching kids about money [20:08] Starting PointFive[34:39] Learning from past experiences [44:04] Working with investors [53:39] Moving to the U.S. [59:53] Looking ahead [01:06:03] Advice for others. Listen in to hear how Alon is trying to use technology to make the world a little better, one step at a time.  RESOURCES: Follow Alon on LinkedInFollow Ephraim on LinkedIn Follow Ephraim on TwitterWatch on YouTube 🙏 LEAVE A REVIEW Thank you for listening to the podcast! Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review and subscribe. Your review will help others discover the show and continue to support our efforts. 👋🏼 GET IN TOUCH We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes. We'll personally thank you for your support! 📢 SPONSORSHIP Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at ey@bria.fund Thank you for considering!

In this episode we sit down with Ron Rofe General Partner of Rainfall Ventures, to explore his inspiring journey from a charitable childhood to remarkable success in venture capitalism. At the heart of Ron's story is a deep emphasis on personal values such as humility, passion, and a commitment to making a positive impact. He openly shares how these principles have guided his unconventional career path, from overcoming imposter syndrome to discovering his true calling in investing. Delving into his investment philosophy, Ron speaks passionately about the power of trusting people over rigid theses and the importance of backing purpose-driven founders. His insights on embracing uncertainty and the role of divine providence in his life and work provide a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the venture capital industry. Throughout the conversation, Ron's heartfelt anecdotes and genuine care for others shine through. He discusses the significance of giving back, using his hobby as a skilled chef to spread positivity and connect with his community. Ron also reflects on the evolution of both his personal and professional spheres, emphasizing the value of continuous growth, adaptability, and the pursuit of meaningful impact. Ron's inspiring story underscores the transformative potential of blending business acumen with a steadfast commitment to humility, empathy, and a deep trust in the divine. You will surely be captivated by Ron's insights, which provide a refreshing and compassionate perspective on the often fast-paced and competitive landscape of venture investing. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the power of embracing uncertainty, investing in people, and leveraging one's unique gifts for the greater good.  [00:00] Introduction [00:18] Background and Ventures [00:48] Personal Values and Charity Acts [01:18] The Journey to Rainfall Ventures [03:01] Lessons Learned in Venture Capital [07:33] The Importance of Investing in People [11:31] Challenges and Successes in Venture Capital [28:29] The Role of Luck and Divine Providence [39:50] The Value of Belief and Personal Development [40:26] Money and Purpose in Life [41:02] Human Connection and Humility in Business [43:24] Assessing Character in Founders [46:36] The Importance of Humility and Adaptability [53:08] The Evolution of Rainfall Ventures [58:01] Spreading Goodness and Positivity [59:34] The Journey of Becoming a Celebrity Chef [01:06:31] The Impact of October 7th and Responsibility [01:14:28] Final Reflections and Gratitude 🔗 CONNECT WITH  Ron Rofe👥 LinkedIn💻 Website 🔗 CONNECT WITH Ephraim Yarmak 👥 LinkedIn🐦 Twitter💻 WebsiteInvestments  🙏 LEAVE A REVIEWThank you for listening to the podcast! Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review and subscribe. Your review will help others discover the show and continue to support our efforts.👋🏼 GET IN TOUCHWe'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes. We'll personally thank you for your support!📢 SPONSORSHIPInterested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at ey@bria.fund Thank you for considering!

Conversation with Edward Kolodenko, the founder of Questrade, we explore his remarkable journey from a young immigrant in Canada to leading one of the country's most significant financial institutions. Edward shares insights into his personal growth, the impact of his religious faith, and practical wisdom on achieving success without compromising core values. This episode delves into Edward's life philosophy, the challenges faced in building and scaling Questrade, and the importance of hard work, ambition, and spirituality in creating a meaningful life. You can expect to gain valuable life and business lessons, emphasizing the power of consistency, ethical commitment, and transformative leadership. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 1:08 Early Life and Immigration Challenges 3:10 Lessons from Parents and Hard Work 5:01 Embracing Religion and Its Impact 9:39 Daily Routine and Maintaining Standards 15:31 Founding Questrade: The Early Days 18:27 Overcoming Struggles and Achieving Success 23:25 Scaling the Company and Personal Growth 24:56 Hiring and Building a Management Team 25:28 Maintaining Company Culture 26:41 Personal Sacrifices and Family Balance 30:13 Work-Life Balance and Priorities 32:57 Motivation and Personal Mission 35:40 Charity and Giving Back 39:41 Innovation and Competition 42:48 Reflections and Life Lessons 46:12 Concluding Thoughts and Blessings Watch this episode on Youtube______________________________________🔗 CONNECT WITH  Edward Kholodenko💻 Website 🔗 CONNECT WITH Ephraim Yarmak 👥 LinkedIn🐦 Twitter💻 WebsiteInvestments  🙏 LEAVE A REVIEWThank you for listening to the podcast! Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review. Your review will help others discover the show and continue to support our efforts.👋🏼 GET IN TOUCHWe'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes. We'll personally thank you for your support!📢 SPONSORSHIPInterested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at ey@bria.fund Thank you for considering!

I'm excited to welcome Aaron Rosenson, co-founder of Aption. With an impressive career at top venture capital firms like Insight Partners and Alef Partners, Aaron has a wealth of experience to share. We'll explore his transition from VC to startup operator, his personal challenges, and the invaluable lessons he's learned along the way. Don't miss this insightful discussion! Key Takeaways: 1. Balance: Balancing professional ambitions with personal growth is crucial for long-term success and happiness. 2. Transition: Aaron's journey from venture capital to becoming a startup founder offers valuable insights into career transitions. 3. Spirituality: The role of spirituality and personal values can help maintain balance and focus in both personal and professional life. 4. Loneliness: Strategies for overcoming loneliness and maintaining mental health are vital for entrepreneurs. 5. Leadership: Aaron's unique approach to leadership and team building can inspire others to lead with empathy and authenticity. 6. Persistence: Overcoming challenges and staying true to one's values can lead to personal and professional growth. Watch this interview on You Tube _________🔗 CONNECT WITH Aaron Rosenson 👥 LinkedIn💻 Website 🔗 CONNECT WITH Ephraim Yarmak 👥 LinkedIn🐦 Twitter💻 WebsiteInvestments  🙏 LEAVE A REVIEWThank you for listening to the podcast! Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review. Your review will help others discover the show and continue to support our efforts.👋🏼 GET IN TOUCHWe'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes. We'll personally thank you for your support!📢 SPONSORSHIPInterested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at ey@bria.fund Thank you for considering!

In this episode, we welcome Eran Bielski, GP at Entree Capital, to discuss his personal journey and experiences. Eran shares his reflections on serving as a reserve soldier in the IDF during conflict, emphasizing how this experience recalibrated his mind and heightened his tolerance for risk. He delves into what makes exceptional startup founders, highlighting qualities such as relentless drive, mission-driven focus, and the ability to overcome personal hardships.Eran discusses his recent six-month period as a reservist soldier, detailing how the experience of war shaped his risk tolerance and approach to investing. He offers insights into his investment philosophy, focusing on mission-driven founders who exhibit dedication and resilience. Eran underscores the importance of personal experiences in shaping successful entrepreneurs and talks about the long-term nature of venture capital, the patience required for significant returns, and the importance of making disciplined investment decisions.The conversation also covers Eran's career ascent at Entree Ventures, his mentorship of new VCs, and the challenges of balancing work with family life. Eran reflects on his relationship with his partner Avi and his transition from financial banking to venture capital, which came about through a serendipitous connection made by his grandmother. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes the resilience and adaptability of Israeli entrepreneurs and concludes with valuable advice for young professionals pursuing their goals. 00:00 Introduction to the Founder Stories Podcast00:58 Eran's Military Service and Its Impact02:35 The Positive Impact of War on Israeli VCs03:56 The Importance of Risk Tolerance in Startups06:48 Focus on Founders: Traits and Qualities11:58 Mission-Driven Founders and Their Stories17:54 Mission-Driven VCs: A New Perspective21:20 The Patience and Self-Assessment in Venture Capital21:33 The Long Road to Big Wins22:14 Portfolio Reflections and Measuring Success23:40 The Dilemma of When to Exit26:11 Valuation Justification in Cyber Companies27:39 The Importance of Genuine Self-Assessment for Founders36:03 The Role of Family and Personal Sacrifice38:39 Advice for the Younger Generation41:40 Final Thoughts and Gratitude 🔗 CONNECT WITH Eran 👥 LinkedIn💻 Website 🔗 CONNECT WITH EPHRAIM👥 LinkedIn🐦 Twitter💻 WebsiteInvestments   🙏 LEAVE A REVIEWThank you for listening to the podcast! Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review. Your review will help others discover the show and continue to support our efforts.👋🏼 GET IN TOUCHWe'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes. We'll personally thank you for your support!📢 SPONSORSHIPInterested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at ey@bria.fund Thank you for considering!