Shane Ray Show

In this episode, you'll hear from Adam Chen, CRO at FinStrat.FinStrat has helped more than 300 founders and supported startups that have raised $480M+ in capital.Shane and Adam break down the patterns behind predictable B2B revenue.If you’re a founder trying to close enterprise customers or raise venture capital, this episode will save you months of trial and error.Most founders think sales is about pushing harder.The best founders know it’s about asking better questions and uncovering the truth. ✅ What you’ll learn:• The signals that show a deal is moving forward• Why founders should send consistent outbound messages• How to identify the internal change agent inside a company• How respectful curiosity beats aggressive selling every time• Why mapping decision makers dramatically increases close rates• The simple outreach structure that removes pressure from salesThis episode is packed with practical advice for founders building.🎧 Hosted by Shane Ray Martin - investor at B Ventures, founder of the PeaceTech Accelerator, former startup founder, LinkedIn Top Voice in Negotiation, author, and certified peace mediator helping founders build technologies that predict, prevent, and manage conflict.🔗 Connect with Adam Chen and FinStrat:FinStrat: https://finstratmgmt.com/Adam Chen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamschenInnovators and Investors Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@finstratmgmt

Can money help end wars?Most investors never ask that question.Marcel Smits has spent 25+ years working in conflict zones across Africa, South Asia, and Latin America. After years on the ground, he noticed a major problem:Peacebuilders create stability.Then investment arrives.But without the right safeguards, money can sometimes undo the peace that was just built.So Marcel is building something new.Peace Finance.In this episode we talk about:• The rise of PeaceFinance.org• What peace-positive investing actually means• Why the market for peace finance could reach $40B+• Why finance and peacebuilding rarely talk to each other• New funds and financial instruments designed to stabilize fragile regions• How PeaceTech startups and global development finance could work togetherWe also debate a hard question:Can technology truly be “peaceful”… or is every technology dual-use?If you care about venture capital, global stability, investing, or PeaceTech, this conversation will challenge how you think about money and conflict.Learn more: PeaceFinance.orgPodcast Timestamps00:00 Intro: Why peace finance matters00:21 Marcel’s background working in conflict zones01:40 The frustration that led Marcel to create Peace Finance02:55 The core idea: What if finance could contribute to peace?03:40 What PeaceFinance.org is building05:15 What “peace-positive investing” actually means06:35 Finance for Peace vs PeaceFinance.org explained09:15 Why the peace ecosystem is fragmented today10:05 Shane’s vision: PeaceTech as a $100B industry11:55 Marcel on the potential of PeaceTech12:50 Why safeguards matter when building peace technology15:00 The big debate: Can technology ever be neutral?17:00 Governance vs technology in conflict environments19:10 Will regulation slow down PeaceTech innovation?20:20 Marcel’s view: Standards should guide, not stop innovation22:00 Examples of Peace Finance standards23:50 How inclusiveness and trust shape peace technologyOpportunity Section (Investors / Market)25:45 Major institutions adopting peace finance26:00 African Development Bank applying a peace lens to investments27:50 New peace funds being created28:10 $50M humanitarian development peace fund in Somalia28:40 New financial instruments: Orange Peace Bonds29:40 Growing interest from impact investors31:10 Market size: $30B–$40B peace finance opportunity33:20 How Marcel will know the market is workingEcosystem Opportunity (Important for Your Audience)35:10 How PeaceTech and Peace Finance could work together37:10 The bridge between startups and large funds38:30 Why peace tech startups and development funds need each otherClosing40:05 Where to find Marcel and PeaceFinance.org41:00 Final thoughts: why most people want peace

🚀 PEACETECH COMMUNITY PERK Get Carta for free (with free onboarding) 👉 https://app.carta.com/launch/create-account/?ir=corps-launch-hero1%2F&utm_medium=ChannelReferral&utm_source=peaceventures&PID=peaceventures It’s free up to your first $1M raised. Plus, through our partnership, you get:✅ Waived onboarding✅ 25% off your first year after you raise--- Should you raise VC right now?You’ll hear from the GOAT of VC, Peter Walker at Carta. He leads Insights at Carta and works with data from 50,000+ startups across 160 countries.You’ll hear what’s really happening in venture today:• Does geography still matter?• Are solo founders actually at a disadvantage?• What do fewer deals and more capital concentration mean for founders?• How many seed companies truly make it to big outcomes?• Is the exit market recovering or still frozen?Most importantly, we answer the question:Is raising VC still rational?If you’re building, thinking about fundraising, or deciding whether to bootstrap, this conversation will help you think clearly and act smarter.Let’s make peace profitable! If you're a PeaceTech founder, send me a note: s@bventuresgroup.com

Aman Verjee is legendary.→ CFO at two unicorns→ Wrote PayPal’s first S-1→ Helped CEOs through multiple IPOsHe has also deeply studied tech bubbles.We talked about:• Why bubbles start with people, not products• Why every bubble feels “new” but never is• What 2008, tulips, and crypto all have in common• What to build in 2026 when markets are uncertain• How the best investors stay calm when others panicGrab a copy of his book "A Brief History of Financial Bubbles" today! About the book: https://www.bigbubbletrouble.com/the-bookPre-order: https://www.bigbubbletrouble.com/

Can AI actually help end war, or is that just a nice idea?In this episode, Shane Ray Martin sits down with Simon Horton, author of The End of Conflict: How AI Will End War and Help Us Get On Better. Simon has spent 20 years teaching negotiation and conflict resolution across 25 countries, including work with major banks and the British Army.What you’ll hear in this episodeWhy Simon believes AI can help end war The Libya story: AI-supported public dialogue, live on TV, and what changed afterWhy deliberative tech may become normal in government and big decisionsWhere Shane sees the biggest opportunities: AI for negotiation and misinformationWhat PeaceTech founders should build if they want adoption inside real workflowsSimon also gets super honest. He does not fully trust Big Tech, and he explains why power and incentives matter. Shane shares his take too, and why PeaceTech founders have a unique shot to build profit-driven companies led by people who actually care about peace.Grab a copy of Simon's book: theendofconflict.ai/buy-the-book

2026 will be the greatest year in PeaceTech history.This podcast shares an imperfect, but actionable framework to 10x PeaceTech in 2026.Shoot me a DM on LinkedIn or email at s@bventuresgroup.com

I’ve met 200+ PeaceTech founders in the last 12 months.The one thing preventing PeaceTech today from scaling massively is high-quality founder-led sales. We see this as a huge opportunity! This episode walks you through Part 1 of the PeaceTech B2B system to find buyers, run sales calls, and close $25k+ paid pilots.If you want the full system, get the 5-module (+3 bonuses) course. It is 99 USD until Jan 1. First 10 founders get a one-on-one call with me.👉 Get it here: community.peacerise.global/p/the-b2b-sales-system-for-peacetech-founders/register

Avi Yashin built Subconscious AI to fix a big problem: slow market research testing and bad data.In this episode, he shows how AI can measure demand without surveys, recruit synthetic respondents, and deliver insights in minutes.You’ll learn:How AI predicts consumer behavior  Why synthetic respondents beat long, expensive surveysHow CMOs use AI to test messages, prices, and product ideas fastWhy this tech could change both business and PeaceTechIf you want faster insights and smarter decisions, this one’s for you.👉 Connect with me on LinkedIn and tell me your #1 takeaway: linkedin.com/in/shaneraymartinFollow Avi and his company at: subconscious.ai 

In this special episode, Caleb Morato interviews me! I'll share the truth about my negotiation failures, some insights about my faith, and how teamwork often matters more than winning at all costs. ✅ What you’ll hear:The $75K Microsoft deal that went sidewaysHow failure built character and wisdomWhy faith shapes every good negotiator🎧 Hosted by Shane Ray Martin, investor, author, and peace mediator.👉 Follow Caleb: linkedin.com/in/cm53👉 Follow Shane: linkedin.com/in/shaneraymartin

Alex Schaffhausen built Blip to solve a painful problem he faced as a founder - slow, expensive payments.In this episode, he shares how he turned early pilots into real revenue without a sales team.You’ll learn:How to close your first pilot with a simple “fellow founder” askWhy texting your customers beats long email chainsThe step that turns a pilot into a long-term dealHow to use rejection to get faster yesesWhy customer obsession is the best growth strategyIf you’re a founder trying to turn interest into income, this one’s for you. 👉 Connect with me on LinkedIn and let me know your biggest takeaway: linkedin.com/in/shaneraymartin

Six PeaceTech founders pitch their ideas in 60 seconds each.What you will hear:• How AI can turn conflict into connection• AI tools that build emotional resilience• Better ways to talk across political divides• Software that supports mediators and ombuds teams• Products that help couples, teams, and communities work things outHosted by Shane Ray Martin. Investor @ B Ventures.Come learn. Get inspired. Steal a few lines for your own pitch.Join the PeaceTech WhatsApp group to meet founders and investors who believe peace is profitable.

This week’s episode is a little different.I’m sharing four events I’m helping host that you may want to join. Each one is about spending time with others in fellowship and helping your company grow. ☕ Faith-Driven Founders and InvestorsOctober 7 at 9 AM PT, 340 Fremont Street, 9th floor, San Francisco278 people have RSVP’d. No panels and no keynotes. Just founders and investors meeting over coffee and whatever snacks Ife and I find for you.  Register: https://partiful.com/e/T0QndAl1f11G0tuNLnEY 🌉 PeaceTech in Silicon ValleyOctober 8 at 9 AM, San Francisco near the old Twitter building175 people registered so far. A simple meetup for those building at the intersection of peace and profit. Register: https://partiful.com/e/bIUPoChXzNyvp0uc8cH7 🏛️ Family Office + LP Gathering in DCOctober 9 in Washington DCThis one is sold out. A private event with family offices and LPs who are leaning into venture. Reach out if you’d like more details.💻 PeaceTech Founder Open Office Hours (Virtual)October 23 at 12 PM ET on ZoomOnly 20 spots available. Bring a deal that is stuck in the pipeline. We will work through it together in a 60 minute, fully actionable session. Register: https://partiful.com/e/kBaUhrISsGJz41DqQDB4 If you are building, investing, or just curious about the PeaceTech movement, choose the one that fits you best and come join us.👉 Questions? Send me a quick text at 480-619-9239 or DM me, and I will get you plugged in.

Josue Romero never planned on tech - until grad school threw him into it. From working construction in the Arizona heat…To breaking into VC without connections…To spotting huge startups before Draper and other big funds…To launching Silicon Oasis so Arizona founders don’t get overlooked…Josue’s story is about grit, kindness, and refusing to wait for permission. In this episode, he shares:How he built one of Arizona’s biggest tech communities from scratchWhy “ruthless but kind” is the mindset every founder needsWhat really separates standout founders from the restHow to break into venture capital Why serving others compounds into opportunityIf you’re building outside Silicon Valley - or looking for the edge in a tough market- this conversation is for you.👉 Connect with me on LinkedIn and tell me your biggest takeaway: linkedin.com/in/shaneraymartinThis one was special for me. I grew up in Mesa, Arizona, where Josue and I went to high school together. Those were some of the most fun times of my life - and they shaped who I am today!!!

Christine Keung has built through chaos - again and again.From scaling Dropbox during its rocket-ship growth…To serving as Chief Data Officer for San Jose at the height of the pandemic…To now backing founders as a GP at J2 Ventures…Chaos isn’t something she avoids.It’s where she thrives! In this episode, Christine shares:The blind spots that trip up early foundersGreen flags she looks for when investing in teamsWhy chaos creates the best opportunities for growthHow her first-gen upbringing shaped her career in ventureWhy government and startups are more alike than you thinkIf you’re building a company - or leading through uncertainty - this episode is your blueprint.👉 Connect with me on LinkedIn and tell me your biggest takeaway: linkedin.com/in/shaneraymartin

Scott Sherman has worked with 500+ fund managers in his career.From his days at Blackstone to today at Mesa Lane Capital, he’s seen what makes a GP rise - and what makes them crash.Here’s the kicker: most VC fund managers don’t fail because they can’t invest.They fail because they forget they’re also running a business.In this episode, Scott breaks down:The #1 mistake new GPs make in Fund IWhy trust and integrity matter more than big-name logosHow the best GPs structure their firms from day oneThe operational “unsexy stuff” that sets the top 1% apartWhy emerging managers can still deliver the best returns in ventureIf you’re raising a fund - or thinking about it - this episode is your roadmap.👉 Connect with me on LinkedIn and let me know how you’re applying Scott’s tips: linkedin.com/in/shaneraymartin

Most startup CEOs are spreading themselves too thin - too many channels, too many customer types, too many offers.On top of that: THEY DON'T ASK FOR THE BUSINESS.That’s the $10M mistake.In this episode, I share the Rule of One:One Channel – go where your buyers actually live.One Customer – focus on the person with pain and budget.One Offer – make it so good they feel silly saying no.When you simplify, you multiply. This is your fastest path to revenue.👉 If this hit home, let’s connect on LinkedIn. I’d love to hear what you’re working on and how you’re applying the Rule of One.God bless, go get 'em!

Chris Rizik has done what most VCs only dream of.He’s invested in 60 VC funds supporting 800+ startups while reshaping the entire Midwest startup ecosystem.In this episode, Shane sits down with Chris — NVCA Venture Vanguard Award winner, Michigan VC Hall of Fame inductee, and Managing Partner of Renaissance VC — to share the mindset and strategies that made him one of the most respected voices in venture capital.✅ What you’ll learn:• The #1 trait Chris looks for in a GP before investing• Why democratizing venture capital leads to stronger returns• The toughest lessons every VC must learn (and how to know when to walk away)• How specialized funds can outperform mega-funds in the AI era• What today’s GPs must do to stand outIf you’re a tech founder, fund manager, or investor, this conversation is packed with wisdom you won’t find in any pitch deck.🎧 Hosted by Shane Ray Martin — Investor at B Ventures Group, the world’s first PeaceTech VC fund, LinkedIn Top Voice in Negotiation, and Certified Peace Mediator — helping founders grow both peace and profit.👉 Message and connect with Shane: linkedin.com/in/shaneraymartinPS - On October 1st, Chris is hosting UnDemo Day in Detroit, MI! Check out the full details: renvcf.com/undemo-day/

In this awesome episode, you met Devon Coombs — a former homeless 21-year-old who rose to negotiating multi-billion-dollar AI deals at Google.Devon’s testimony is about resilience. Hard work. Wisdom. Taking action. It’s about breaking generational cycles, finding purpose in adversity, and choosing to make a difference.You’ll learn:✅ How Devon went from living in his car to leading at Google✅ Why billion-dollar deals can’t replace meaning and service✅ The 3 pillars he uses to measure life beyond outcomes✅ Practical advice for anyone starting a business in 2025✅ How to turn setbacks into your stepping stonesWhether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or someone facing your own battles - Devon’s story will remind you what’s possible. You can book a strategy call with him here. 🎧 Hosted by Shane Ray Martin — Investor, Author, LinkedIn Top Voice in Negotiation, and Certified Peace Mediator — helping PeaceTech companies scale and raise funding.👉 Follow Shane: linkedin.com/in/shaneraymartin

For the first time in history, peace might be more profitable than war.Here are 3 reasons why PeaceTech could become a $100B+ industry and how you can join the movement.1️⃣ Founders are building tech for peaceThink AI for negotiations, satellite tools for conflict monitoring, and agentic platforms that prevent violence before it starts. These startups are not just ideas — they’re scaling fast in hotspots around the world.Example: Imagine AI mediates peace talks between nations…it's not impossible! 2️⃣ Investors are joining Family offices, LPs, and advisors worldwide are investing in peace-focused technology — not just defense. This is a brand-new asset class with huge potential for returns and global peace.3️⃣ The opportunity is open to youWhether you’re a founder, investor, or leader in your field, you can be part of an ecosystem that’s growing faster than anyone imagined.If this excites you, let’s connect.Email me at s@bventuresgroup.com or connect with me on LinkedIn. Together, we can build a world where peace is not just possible — it’s profitable.Let's do this!

Rosie Bailey has turned haggling into a cutting-edge AI negotiation company - taking lessons from a sneaker market in Istanbul to powering over 1.5M human–machine negotiations with Nibble.In this episode, she shares how trust, humor, and tech are transforming negotiations across industries - from property rentals to telecom renewals to fashion inventory management.What You’ll Learn:• Why trust is the foundation of every great negotiation in 2025• How humor makes AI feel more human and close more deals• The biggest fears brands have about automated negotiation• How Nibble increases conversion, reduces churn, and saves time👉 Hosted by Shane Ray Martin - investor at B Ventures Group, startup advisor, author, peace mediator, and LinkedIn Top Voice in Negotiation.I really enjoyed this conversation. Rosie’s smart, funny, and years ahead of the curve - and I know you’ll find it fascinating. This space has massive potential. 👋 Are you a founder called to build for profit and peace?💼 Are you an investor targeting great returns and care about global peace?📩 Email Shane: s@bventuresgroup.com