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Ventures from The Valley
Ventures from The Valley
Author: R136
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Ventures from the Valley is a podcast that focuses on all things business and investment, discussing the hottest topics with industry experts and thought leaders. This is the show you want to listen to if you want to grow your investment portfolio. Get ready to dive head-first into Silicon Valley with our amazing hosts: Victor, Ratan and Tom - and learn the true ins and outs of Venture Capitals, with some expert tips along the way! This show is brought to you by R136 Ventures.
20 Episodes
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What makes China’s innovators and entrepreneurs so relentlessly driven, and how is their ecosystem mindset redefining global innovation, investment, and AI development?In this episode of Ventures from the Valley, host Victor Orlovski talks with Mark Greeven, Professor of Management Innovation and Voice on China Innovation, and Dean at IMD Business School, to unpack the mindset that is powering China’s innovation revolution. Drawing from over two decades of on-the-ground experience, Mark explores how Chinese entrepreneurs blend fierce competition with deep collaboration to build resilient ecosystems. From the pivotal role of government policy and alumni funding networks to China’s pragmatic, mass-adoption approach to AI, this conversation reveals what truly sets China’s tech scene apart from Silicon Valley. Investors and business leaders will gain invaluable insights into how cultural values, policy alignment, and ecosystems are shaping the next generation of global innovation. What you will learn:How Chinese entrepreneurs balance intense competition with collaborative ecosystem buildingWhy government policy alignment is crucial for startup success in ChinaThe funding sources in Chinese tech, from global VCs to local alumni networksHow Chinese universities are transforming into powerful startup incubators Why the Chinese AI strategy focuses on mass adoption and open-source developmentThe unique characteristics of Chinese tech leadership: constant sense of urgency, ecosystem thinking, and balanced visibilityHow China's next generation of entrepreneurs combines a global mindset with traditional cultural valuesThe strategic approach to scaling deep tech ventures in China's current environmentWhy China's startup ecosystem differs from Silicon Valley's model and how it drives innovation differentlyThe role of university-industry partnerships in driving Chinese tech innovationMark Greeven is Professor of Management Innovation and Dean of Asia at IMD. A Chinese speaker with over 20 years of experience in China, he collaborates with companies like Alibaba, Ping An, Haier, Bayer, and Bosch to accelerate innovation and build business ecosystems. A Thinkers50-ranked management expert and contributor to Harvard Business Review and MIT Sloan Management Review, Mark is the author of several acclaimed books, including The Future of Global Retail and Pioneers, Hidden Champions, Change Makers, and Underdogs.Ventures from The Valley is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
In this special episode of Ventures from the Valley, guest host Austen Legler interviews Victor Orlovski, the show’s usual host, for an insider’s look at eToro’s $4B IPO journey. Victor shares key lessons on market timing, organizational readiness, and strategic storytelling. From essential fintech metrics to brand-building and talent retention, this episode offers a masterclass in preparing a company to go public, perfect for VCs, founders, and fintech enthusiasts eyeing the IPO path.What you will learn:How to evaluate market timing vs. company readiness when considering an IPOThe critical transformation process required to become "public company ready"Why customer lifetime value and acquisition costs are the most crucial metrics How to build trust and brand value in fintech beyond technical capabilitiesThe importance of comprehensive restructuring versus surface-level preparations Why storytelling and market positioning are essential elements for successful IPOs The "Three Pillars of IPO Success"How to maintain resilience through extended growth periodsWhy building a strong organizational culture and retaining key talent is crucial The outlook for IPO markets in 2026-2027 and why stability matters more than hypeVictor Orlovski is Managing Partner at R136 Ventures, a Silicon Valley-based VC firm with $400M AUM. With a focus on scaling mid-to-late-stage startups in B2B software, AI, fintech, cybersecurity, and ecommerce, he has led investments in over 40 companies, including 10+ exits and 4 unicorns. A former CTO and Chief Digital Officer who built one of the world’s largest digital banks, Victor brings a unique operator’s perspective, offering founders strategic insight, global access, and hands-on support for scaling success.Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the speaker and are provided for information purposes only. They do not constitute investment advice, an offer, or a solicitation to buy or sell any security. References to specific portfolio companies, including larger investments, are presented solely as examples and should not be assumed to represent all investments made by R136 or to indicate overall fund performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results.This podcast may contain forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections. Such statements involve risk and uncertainties, and actual outcomes may differ materially. R136 undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. Certain information discussed may have been obtained from third-party sources and is believed to be reliable. However, R136 makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of such information.Ventures from The Valley is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
What does it take to spot the next big breakthrough in blockchain? In this episode of Ventures from the Valley, host Victor Orlovski sits down with Aly Madhavji, Managing Partner at Blockchain Founders Fund, to uncover how his team evaluates more than 500 companies every month to identify and support the startups shaping the future of Web3. From navigating unpredictable market cycles to supporting founder success, Aly shares hard-earned insights that challenge traditional investing principles in today’s fast-changing digital economy.What you will learn:How to identify "superhuman" capabilities in early-stage founders Why blockchain adoption faces different challenges than AIThe evolution of cryptocurrency from an ideological movement to mainstream adoptionHow to build successful Web3 companies by focusing on foundational tools Why transparency and investor communication can save founders hundreds of hours The framework for evaluating over 500 blockchain companies monthly How to approach blockchain investments in emerging markets rWhy decentralized social media and gaming are emerging as key sectors The three-step formula for first-time founders: building awareness, establishing trust, and then seeking investmentAly Madhavji is Managing Partner at Blockchain Founders Fund, a Singapore-based venture capital firm supporting over 110 startups across blockchain, Web3, AI, and FinTech. He evaluates more than 500 companies monthly, combining strategic investments with hands-on venture building to help founders scale globally. A senior blockchain consultant, UN advisor, and author of three books, Aly has also held roles at PwC, PayPal, Microsoft, and Bloomberg. With an MBA from INSEAD and a Schwarzman Scholarship, he is recognized as a thought leader in emerging technologies.Ventures from The Valley is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
In this episode of Ventures from the Valley, host Victor Orlovski sits down with embedded finance expert Lars Markull to explore how non-financial companies can unlock new revenue streams by integrating banking services. They unpack successful case studies, common pitfalls, and the future of embedded finance across regions like Europe, the US, and Asia. From choosing the right infrastructure partners to aligning strategy with customer value, this conversation is a must-listen for business leaders, investors, and financial institutions navigating today’s digital economy.What you will learn:How to identify the three critical elements of embedded financeWhy certain embedded finance implementations succeed while others failThe strategic framework for aligning your business for embedded finance integrationHow traditional banks can position themselves as infrastructure providers Why B2B embedded finance currently offers more promising opportunities How to navigate the complex partnership landscape between banks, infrastructure providers, and businessesThe key factors driving successful embedded finance implementationHow to assess and select the right banking partners and infrastructure providers eWhy the customer value proposition must drive embedded finance strategy The future outlook for embedded finance across different sectors Lars Markull is an embedded finance consultant and founder of Embedded Finance Review. With over a decade in fintech, spanning roles at Figo (open banking) and Weavr (embedded banking), Lars helps startups and scale-ups navigate the complex landscape of financial infrastructure. He offers hands-on support in selecting the right providers for payments, banking, and lending. Known for deep market research, strategic introductions, and practical insights, Lars empowers companies to build financial products that truly move the needle. Context is everything, and Lars delivers it.Ventures from The Valley is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
In this episode of Ventures from the Valley, host Victor Orlovski sits down with fintech visionary Brett King to explore how AI, smart contracts, and digital currencies are disrupting global finance. From the decline of traditional banking to the rise of platform-based lending and autonomous finance, King shares bold insights on the future of economic systems. A must-listen for investors and finance professionals navigating the digital revolution reshaping capitalism, regulation, and the very role of money in society.What you will learn:- How AI is transforming banking from branch models to personalized agent-driven financial services- Why smart contracts and stablecoins represent the biggest opportunity in banking - How fintech companies are outpacing traditional banks in customer acquisition- Why China, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE will lead the next wave of autonomous finance - The fundamental shift needed in the US regulatory framework - How automation and AI will force a transition from GDP-driven economics to quality-of-life metrics- Why Visa & Mastercard must adapt faster to the digital financial ecosystem- The critical role of data aggregation and behavioral analysis in financial services- Why banks must evolve beyond traditional credit scoring Brett King is a world-renowned futurist, bestselling author, and fintech pioneer. Named a Top-10 Global Futurist by Global Gurus, he’s advised the Obama administration, the UAE Prime Minister’s Office, and regulators in 18 countries. King founded Moven, launched two top-ranked podcasts, Breaking Banks and The Futurists, and was inducted into the Fintech Hall of Fame in 2020. Cited by President Xi Jinping, his books Augmented and Bank 4.0 are global bestsellers. His latest book, Branch Tomorrow, releases in September 2025.Ventures from The Valley is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
In this episode of Ventures from the Valley, host Victor talks with Jim Pulcrano, IMD Professor and veteran entrepreneur, about the evolving relationship between European and Silicon Valley venture ecosystems. They explore how cultural differences influence startup growth, investment styles, and innovation strategies. From academic institutions to AI's role in venture capital, the conversation offers sharp insights for investors, founders, and educators seeking to bridge global innovation cultures and prepare for the next wave of tech disruption.What you will learn:How European venture capital has evolved to a mature ecosystem todayWhy Silicon Valley's "think big" mentality creates fundamental differences in startup scaling compared to European approachesThe critical distinction between European consensus-driven and Silicon Valley's disagreement-tolerant business culturesHow European academic institutions are adapting to foster entrepreneurshipWhy industrial and cleantech startups find better footing in Europe The evolving role of AI in venture capital investment decisions Jim Pulcrano is a distinguished Professor at IMD Business School, bringing over 26 years of expertise in entrepreneurship education and venture development. As both an academic and practitioner, he combines his engineering background with extensive startup experience, having co-founded three companies and served as a key advisor in three others. His work bridges the gap between European and Silicon Valley entrepreneurial ecosystems, particularly through IMD's executive MBA program, where he pioneered the integration of entrepreneurship education focused on developing entrepreneurial mindsets for business leaders, investors, and innovators. Ventures from The Valley is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
In this episode of Ventures from the Valley, hosts Victor and Tom talk with Inaki Berenguer, a three-time founder and managing partner at LifeX Ventures. Inaki shares his journey from small-town Spain to building and exiting three startups, including CoverWallet. He unpacks strategies for startup growth, selecting the right investors, and navigating co-founder dynamics. The conversation also provides a forward-looking take on how AI transforms science and healthcare, offering powerful insights for founders and investors navigating today’s tech-driven world.What you will learn:How academic excellence can translate into entrepreneurial successThe evolution of startup building across three successful ventures Why choosing the right investors matters and the three key values they should bring The importance of building a strong company culture How AI is transforming healthcare and scientific researchWhy distribution channels and pricing power are crucial for capturing value in AI-driven businessesWhy the speed of building valuable companies is accelerating in the AI eraInaki Berenguer is Managing Partner at LifeX Ventures, a $100M fund investing at the intersection of AI and science. A serial entrepreneur, he founded and led three startups to successful exits: CoverWallet (acquired by Aon), Contactive (acquired by Fuze), and Pixable (acquired by SingTel). He also cofounded Agentero and iPronics. Inaki has held roles at Microsoft Strategy, McKinsey & Co., and conducted research at Intel and NEC Labs. A Fulbright Scholar and 14-time marathoner, he holds a PhD from Cambridge, an MBA from MIT, and degrees from UPV and Columbia University. He’s passionate about scaling innovation globally.Ventures from The Valley is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
Welcome to this episode of Ventures From The Valley. Join hosts Victor and Tom as they sit down with NetGuardians co-founders, Joël Winteregg and Raffael Maio, to explore their 15+ year journey from university spin-off to fintech success. They discuss navigating pivots, raising over $40M, scaling internationally, and ultimately selling their company. Whether you're a founder, investor, or fintech enthusiast, this episode offers key lessons on strategic decision-making, co-founder dynamics, and sustainable growth. What you will learn:How to build and maintain a successful co-founder relationship through trust The evolution from university spin-off to market leader in banking fraud preventionWhy Swiss startups might need to look beyond their domestic market How to navigate fundraising rounds totaling €50M while maintaining founder control The "Transparency with Strategy" framework for leading teams How to transition from a fundraising-focused mindset to business growth orientation The importance of establishing robust sales operations Why having multiple contingency plans (Plan B, C) is crucial for startup survival Joël Winteregg and Rafael Vega are the co-founders of NetGuardians, a Swiss-based fintech company specializing in AI-powered fraud prevention and anti-money laundering solutions for banks. As technical founders with engineering backgrounds, they built NetGuardians from a university research project in 2007 into a leading financial crime prevention platform. The company has successfully expanded from Switzerland into the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific regions, leveraging its innovative behavioral analytics technology to protect financial institutions. With over 15 years of partnership, Joël (CEO) and Rafael (Strategy Lead) have navigated multiple pivots, fundraising rounds totaling approximately $50 million, and ultimately led NetGuardians to a successful private equity acquisition. Ventures from The Valley is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
Welcome to Ventures From The Valley. In this episode, host Victor Orlovski sits down with Mor Assia, Co-founder and Managing Partner of iAngels, to uncover the secrets behind one of Israel’s top venture capital success stories. From managing $500M in assets to reshaping Israeli VC, Mor shares her journey of balancing innovation, family, and the future of AI in investing. Tune in for insider insights on building a thriving investment platform and navigating the Israeli startup ecosystem like a pro.Together, they discuss:Early Years: Growing Up in Israel's Tech EcosystemFounding iAngels: Democratizing Venture Capital in IsraelBuilding a $500M Investment PlatformThe Art of Board Membership & Founder RelationsIsrael's Startup Ecosystem: Challenges & OpportunitiesBalancing Family Life & Venture Capital LeadershipAI's Impact on Business & Society Key Takeaways: Innovation, Leadership & Future GrowthMor Assia is a high-tech entrepreneur and Co-founder of iAngels, a leading platform empowering global investors to access Israel's thriving startup ecosystem. With over a decade of experience in corporate strategy, M&A, and tech innovation, she bridges the gap between cutting-edge Israeli startups and international angel investors. A respected mentor and advocate for Israeli technology, Mor’s mission is to create transparent, customizable venture portfolios while inspiring the next generation of investors to shape the future of Israeli innovation actively.Ventures from The Valley is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
In this episode of Ventures from the Valley, host Victor Orlovski sits down with Ilya Strebulaev, The David S. Lobel Professor of Private Equity and Professor of Finance at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.Together, they discuss:Why venture capital shows a clear indication of alphaWhat factors have made Silicon Valley the epicenter of venture capitalThe emergence of new innovation hubs across the U.S. and globallyWhat impact will AI have on investment trendsThe future of venture capitalIlya is a renowned expert in venture capital, private equity, and entrepreneurial finance. As the Founder and Faculty Director of the Stanford GSB Venture Capital Initiative, he leads research and education focused on the venture capital ecosystem and innovation. Ilya's work, published in major academic journals and featured in outlets like The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, has earned him numerous awards, including the GSB MBA Distinguished Teacher Award. He is also the co-author of The Venture Mindset, a bestseller on launching new ventures and fostering innovation.If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.This episode is brought to you by R136 Ventures.Ventures from The Valley is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
In this episode of Ventures from the Valley, host Victor Orlovski sits down with Damián Scavo, CEO and CIO of Streetbeat.Together, they discuss: How AI is transforming personal and corporate financial decision-makingThe increasing dominance of algorithmic and HFT in financial marketsWill professional traders survive the AI revolution?What the US fintech can learn from the UK and AsiaWhy tokenization is the next big thing in fintechWhen will AGI hit our lives?Will AGI be free for all or controlled by a few?Damián has over 20 years of experience in tech, finance, and big data. In his role, he is reshaping the investment world by leveraging AI to make financial intelligence accessible to all. Streetbeat empowers individual investors and financial institutions with personalized strategies and advanced AI tools for smarter, data-driven decisions. With a strong background in algorithmic trading and big data, Damián has raised over $25 million and holds 15 patents.If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.This episode is brought to you by R136 Ventures.Ventures from The Valley is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
In this episode of Ventures from the Valley, host Victor Orlovski sits down with Jim Kolchin, a serial entrepreneur and founder of iWallet.Together, they discuss: Early lessons in entrepreneurship from Jim’s Soviet daysHow Silicon Valley and successful exits sharpened Jim’s approachThe shift from hardware to software and SaaS as scalable business modelsThe challenges of changing consumer habits and succeeding in the payment space without external fundingJim Kolchin is the CEO and Co-Founder of iWallet, a thriving payments platform he’s bootstrapped to multimillion-dollar revenue. With over 25 years of experience in the appliance and HVAC industries, Jim brings deep expertise in hands-on business and technology. He’s a member of the Forbes Los Angeles Business Council and an active shareholder in Partsable.com, a company revolutionizing appliance and HVAC parts distribution.If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, instructions on how to do this are here.This episode is brought to you by R136 Ventures.Ventures from The Valley is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
In this episode of Ventures from the Valley, our host Victor Orlovski is joined by Dr. Mohammad Rasouli, Founder and CEO at AIx2, and Philipp Reineke, Co-founder and COO at AIx2. Together they discuss: The competitive landscape of AI researchThe evolving role of AI in venture capitalFuture trends in AIPredictive capabilitiesThe intersection of AI and alternative investmentsDr. Mohammad Rasouli is the Founder and CEO of AIx2, a company that empowers alternative investment funds through cutting-edge generative and predictive AI. Their advanced technology enhances due diligence, uncovers direct opportunities, and delivers sharp market insights, all aimed at driving higher alpha and ROI. In addition to his role at AIx2, Dr. Rasouli is a Research Scholar at Stanford University.Philipp Reineke, Co-founder and COO of AIx2, is also pursuing a PhD at Stanford University. His dissertation focuses on the study of Decentralized Autonomous Organizations, positioning him at the forefront of research in this emerging field.If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.This episode is brought to you by R136 Ventures.Ventures from The Valley is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
In this episode of Ventures from the Valley, our host, Victor Orlovski, is joined by Spencer Gerrol, Founder and CEO of SPARK Neuro, a company on a mission to transform the future of brain health. Spencer has dedicated his career to translating theoretical science into real-world applications using biometric technologies. Join us as we dive into Spencer's career journey as a businessman, his passion for understanding the human brain, and the exciting advancements in brain-related technologies. Discover the fascinating world of neuromarketing, brain-computer interfaces, and the potential to enhance human capabilities. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation that explores the mysteries of the human brain and its impact on our lives.Victor and Spencer cover the following topics in this episode:Childhood Dreams and Early CuriosityNatural Leadership and Interest in Human FactorsCombining Engineering and PsychologySpencer’s Love for Research and NeuromarketingExperience of Founding SPARK NeuroFascination with Brain TechnologiesApplying Brain Activity to Understand Human BehaviorFuture Plans and Brain-Computer Interfaces Understanding Thought Processes and Complex SystemsBalancing Work and Personal LifeSpencer has dedicated his career to translating theoretical science into real-world applications using biometric technologies. Driven by his cognitive science and human factors background, his efforts have resulted in securing over $35M in funding for SPARK Neuro from leading investment funds.Spencer has been recognized for his work in leading publications such as CNN, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal, and he was named a Global Shaper by the World Economic Forum. He has delivered speeches at TED, the United Nations, and The White House, where he was honored for founding one of the top 100 companies by young entrepreneurs.Ventures from The Valley is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
In this episode of Ventures from the Valley, our host, Victor Orlovski, is joined by Michael Pechatnikov, Co-Founder and CTO of a Stealth Startup. Together, they touch on the following topics:Michael's entrepreneurial journey and experiences with starting and selling companiesThe realization that working and building companies is his passionMichael's venture into managing wealth and exploring investment opportunitiesChallenges faced in finding managers with consistent alpha and closing the fundImportance of the ideation phase and focusing on market sizeMichael's plans for the futureMichael is the Co-Founder and CTO of Stealth Startup (September 2023—present). A stealth startup is a startup company that operates in stealth mode, i.e., avoids public attention. This may be done to hide information from competitors or—as part of a marketing strategy—to manage public image. The phenomenon is well-known in the venture capital (VC) community. He is also the Founder, Managing Partner, and Chairman at Sharpe Alpha Capital (May 2015—Present). Sharpe Alpha Capital is a market-neutral, algo-driven Fund of Fund that targets an uncorrelated portfolio of consistent alpha-generating managers worldwide. The managers are selected from a database of about 10,000 active funds using a proprietary algorithm. The model seeks to distinguish alpha from beta and identify managers whose performance results from skill rather than luck.Previously, Michael was the Founder and CTO of VisionMap (which Rafael acquired) and Telmap (which Intel acquired).Ventures from The Valley is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
In this episode of Ventures from the Valley, our host Victor Orlovski is joined by Alex Mashrabov, founder and CEO of Higgsfield AI. Together they ask the big questions including: Can you run a GenAI business without VC Investment? Which is better, closed-loop models or open source?How can your business challenge an already-crowded market?Should AI be regulated?Alex is the CEO of Higgsfield AI, the open-source machine learning framework designed for training large models with endless parameters. When he isn’t in the office, he’s also a successful Angel Investor for more than fifteen businesses including GPTZero, Intone, Scale.ai, and Airtable. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.This episode is brought to you by R136 Ventures.Ventures from The Valley is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
In this episode of Ventures from the Valley, our host Victor Orlovski is joined by Alex Freedland, co-founder and CEO of Mirantis. Together they discuss:Alex’s beginnings in America as a young soviet immigrantHis business ventures, including MirantisThe threats and opportunities of Open Source technologiesThe future of Blockchain and CryptoAlex Freedland co-founded Mirantis in 2011, and was their CEO for six years before stepping back from his duties in 2017 - only to return to the CEO role in January of this year. Mirantis helps organizations increase developer productivity and ship code faster on public and private clouds. Their main industries are Financial Services, Governments, Healthcare and Manufacturing. When he isn’t in the office, Alex is also an advisor and investor for Session AI, a pioneering business of in-session marketing.If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.This episode is brought to you by R136 Ventures.Ventures from The Valley is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
In this episode of Ventures from the Valley, our host Victor Orlovski is joined by serial entrepreneur-turned-investor Liad Agmon.Together, they discuss: The fascinating/ frightening rise of online personal dataHow LLMs are evolving marketing and data strategiesThe dangers AI can pose to humanityTransitioning from entrepreneur to investor Liad Agmon is the chairman of the Israel Climbers Association, and Managing Director of Insight Partners - the Global Software investor. His first business, Onigma, was founded in the early 2000s and sold to McAfee. His second company, Delver, was acquired by Sears Holdings in 2009. His third company, Dynamic Yield, was acquired by McDonalds in 2019 for $300 million - a company that R136 Ventures were a proud investor of.If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.This episode is brought to you by R136 Ventures.Ventures from The Valley is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
In this episode of Ventures from the Valley, our host Victor Orlovski is joined by Shahar Fogel, the former CEO of Rookout.Together, they discuss: The qualities of an excellent Product ManagerHow Shahar built an effective sales machine from scratchThe challenges of building revenue in a highly competitive marketThe juggling act of pleasing shareholders and employeesThe difficult decision to sell a business to a competitor. Shahar Fogel is the former CEO of Rookout, a live data collection and debugging platform that was acquired by Dynatrace. After leaving the Israeli Army, Shahar found himself working his way up through the ranks of Tech product management at businesses including Connectik and Brandtix. R136 Ventures were a proud investor of Rookout, and Victor and Shahar’s conversation gives a fascinating insight into the investment and build-up of this business. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.This episode is brought to you by R136 Ventures.Ventures from The Valley is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so
In this first episode of Ventures from the Valley, our host Victor Orlovski is joined by Mark Gazit: the co-founder, former CEO, and current senior advisor at ThetaRay.Together, they discuss: The fight for cybersecurity in FintechThe past, present, and future of AIDe-Globalization of Fintech How to be a CEO of a startupWorkable strategies for board management and investmentMark Gazit has been at ThetaRay for eleven years now, having previously been their CEO and President. ThetaRay is an AI-powered transaction monitoring SaaS solution for international payments for banks and big business alike. Before he started there, he’d had a hand in four other startup businesses across the valley and the Middle East.If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.This episode is brought to you by R136 Ventures.Ventures from The Valley is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so























