Advantaged: An Alloy Partners Podcast

Episode BreakdownEvolution of the SaaS Benchmarks Report: brief history and transition from OpenView to High Alpha“Operation AI”: AI’s move from feature to foundational infrastructureMarket rebound in venture funding, driven by mega AI roundsIn-person events and office-based teams: outperforming remote-first approachesProduct integration of AI and the deep bifurcation between pre/post-2022 foundersWhat distinguishes leaders—retention, expansion, and pricing innovation in a crowded AI worldImpact of AI on headcount, efficiency metrics, and unit economics at scaleCommentary on industry benchmarks: ARR per employee, gross margin trends, the rise of outcome-based pricingDebate: Will agentic AI disrupt SaaS, or does the delivery and human element remain essential?Featured GuestsBlake Koriath – Partner & CFO, High Alpha (LinkedIn)Host: Drew Beechler – VP Marketing, Alloy Partners (LinkedIn)Referenced in the ShowHigh Alpha 2025 SaaS Benchmarks Report20VC Podcast w/ Harry Stebbings, Jason Lemkin, Rory O’Driscoll: Why Vertical SaaS is a Bad Investment Today & Why VC Today is Worse than 2021Meritech Analytics: SaaS Public BenchmarkingAdvantaged Podcast archiveResources & Related LinksAbout High AlphaAbout Alloy PartnersSign up for the 2026 SaaS Benchmarks surveySubscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Apple PodcastsIf you enjoyed the discussion, be sure to rate, review, and subscribe.  Advantaged: An Alloy Partners Podcast

Episode BreakdownThe origin story of Woodchuck and its partnership with NorthStar Clean EnergyHow AI and data drive more sustainable waste managementThe evolution of NorthStar’s biomass and carbon management strategyLessons in venture building, collaboration, and scaling from day zeroAdvice for corporates experimenting with startup creationFeatured GuestsBrian Hartmann, President & CEO, NorthStar Clean EnergyTodd Thomas, Co-Founder & CEO, WoodchuckElliott Parker, CEO, Alloy PartnersDrew Beechler, VP of Marketing & Host, Alloy PartnersReferenced in the ShowWoodchuck Press Releases:Woodchuck Launches to Transform Construction Waste into Renewable EnergyWoodchuck Secures $3.75 Million Seed Funding to Revolutionize Waste-to-Energy for Construction, Manufacturing & Bioenergy IndustriesElliott Parker’s Book: The Illusion of Innovation: Escape 'Innovation Theater' and Build Real BusinessesResources & Related LinksAlloy Partners — Learn more about our venture-building approachNorthStar Clean Energy — Clean energy and carbon management solutionsWoodchuck — Turning waste into renewable energyAdvantaged Podcast — More episodes and updates  Advantaged: An Alloy Partners Podcast

Episode BreakdownStrategic alignment vs. financial return in corporate ventureTenon's origin story: spotting white space, pitching, and co-founding with enterprise partnersWhat product co-development with an enterprise really looks likeJoint go-to-market: “sell with” field teams, shared decks, and landing global clientsNavigating the balance between startup agility and corporate processKeys to successful collaboration: executive sponsorship, stakeholder communication, and mutual focusLessons, red flags, and advice for founders and CVC leadersFeatured GuestsBen Person — Co-founder & CEO, Tenon (LinkedIn)Shuchi Rana — Global Head of Whitespace Intelligence, ServiceNow Ventures (LinkedIn)Host: Drew Beechler — VP of Marketing, Alloy Partners (LinkedIn)Referenced in the ShowServiceNow Ventures’ $1B strategic venture commitmentHigh Alpha + Tenon Launch Press Release“Acquired” Podcast episode featuring Bill McDermottBill McDermott’s autobiographyResources & Related LinksTenon's WebsiteServiceNow Ventures: WebsiteAlloy Partners: alloypartners.com  Advantaged: An Alloy Partners Podcast

Episode BreakdownLessons from 10 years of venture studiosDoes a “corporate startup” exist?Internal vs. external venture creation: frameworks and pitfallsWhy most internal “startups” never deliverThe right moment and model for launching external startupsPractical advice on governance, incentives, and measuring successTrends and headwinds in innovation teamsQuickfire: books, podcasts, and startup ideasFeatured GuestsElliott Parker — CEO, Alloy Partners (LinkedIn)Drew Beechler — VP of Marketing, Alloy Partners (LinkedIn)Referenced in the Showa16z partner's tweet on “no such thing as a corporate startup”Wharton & Mack Institute Corporate Venturing Report (2025)Indie.vc's Bryce Roberts’ “one-person billion dollar company” thesisIt's not quite a "billion-dollar one-person company", but the Indie.vc website says:We’re obsessed with the idea that someone is going to build a business doing $100M in revenue with less than 10 employees and see it as this generation of founders’ 4 min mile. Once someone shows it can be done, many more will follow. We want to partner with the one that does to help define a repeatable playbook for those that follow.Google/Alphabet Acquired podcast episodeThe Price of Time (book)Founders PodcastResources & Related LinksAlloy Partners: https://www.alloypartners.comAdvantaged podcast: https://advantaged.alloypartners.comContact Alloy Partners for venture-building collaborations: https://www.alloypartners.com/connect  Advantaged: An Alloy Partners Podcast

Episode BreakdownTéma’s journey from PhD physicist to leading global innovation at ENGIEThe layered approach: corporate venture capital, open innovation, internal incubation, and the APAC venture studioHow ENGIE Factory in Singapore identifies market gaps and builds ventures to address themThe advantages of geographic and governance independence for corporate startupsStructuring incentives: bringing in external founders and investors for alignment and agilityKilling ventures quickly: managing and reviewing the portfolio for strategic fitLessons on scaling innovation, de-risking experimentation, and creating new growth engines in energyFeatured GuestsTéma Benhalima-BouvilleGlobal Innovation Managing Director, ENGIELinkedInElliott ParkerCEO, Alloy PartnersLinkedInDrew BeechlerVP, Marketing, Alloy PartnersLinkedInResources & Related LinksENGIE FactoryENGIE CorporateAlloy PartnersLearn more about venture building, visit the Advantaged archive at Advantaged PodcastConnect with the hosts and guests on LinkedIn:Téma Benhalima-BouvilleElliott ParkerDrew Beechler  Advantaged: An Alloy Partners Podcast

Episode BreakdownIntroductions and backgrounds of all guests.Origins and principles of MIT Proto Ventures: why a university-embedded venture studio?The “channel” model: focus areas, external funding, and entrepreneurial leadership.Incentive alignment for builder talent and founders.Lessons learned from five years in deeptech startup creation.Key takeaways from the R&D Venture Studio Playbook: bringing discoveries to market, scaling beyond MIT.Portfolio highlights:Vertical Horizons – Compact, efficient power supply units for AI/data centers (seed-funded, launched 2024)Hyperion Transport Systems – Satellite thruster innovationInterlink – Grid interconnection softwareThe “translation gap” in academia and how Proto Ventures aims to move the needle.Vision for the future: universities as active engines of national security and economic dynamism.Featured GuestsGene Keselman – Managing Director, MIT Proto Ventures (LinkedIn)David Cohen-Tanugi – Venture Builder, MIT Proto Ventures (LinkedIn)Andrew Inglis – Venture Builder, MIT Proto Ventures (LinkedIn)Host: Drew Beechler – VP Marketing, Alloy Partners (LinkedIn)Referenced in the ShowR&D Venture Studio PlaybookThe Hill: "Universities must become active launchpads for innovation"Vertical HorizonsEmbr Labs (founded by David Cohen-Tanugi)Resources & Related LinksMIT Proto VenturesAlloy PartnersAdvantaged podcast archive  Advantaged: An Alloy Partners Podcast

Episode Breakdown01:00—History of DCRI: The roots of Duke’s Clinical Research Institute and the rise of population-scale cardiovascular trials.04:00—Meet Donna Parker: Donna’s journey from public health and pediatric trials to leading innovation as Director of i-Cubed at DCRI.05:00—Why i-Cubed? The founding vision to speed up, de-risk, and democratize clinical trials via novel partnerships and commercialization pathways.08:00—Entrepreneurship Inside Duke: The two “pipelines” for innovation—internal clinician/employee inventors, and industry/startup co-development.09:30—The i-Cubed Model: Support for entrepreneurs from idea validation to market fit, pricing, and brand development; EIR program details.15:00—Engaging Pharma and Industry: How traditional players partner with DCRI/i-Cubed for academic insight, validation, and AB testing.21:00—Macro-Level Shifts: The impact of COVID-19, remote and decentralized clinical trials, and the new frontiers opened by AI and data.25:00—AI in Clinical Research: From recruitment and protocol creation to governance and practical challenges; why trust and human connection still matter.Featured GuestsDonna Parker — Director, i-Cubed, Duke Clinical Research Institute (LinkedIn)Mamta Elias — Director, Alloy Partners (LinkedIn)Drew Beechler — VP Marketing, Alloy Partners (LinkedIn)Referenced in the ShowDuke Clinical Research Institute: dcri.orgi-Cubed Center: DCRI i-CubedDCRI Think Tank Program: Think Tanks at DCRIResources & Related LinksAlloy PartnersPartnership inquiries: info@alloypartners.comPast episodes of Advantaged: Alloy Partners PodcastFor more insights on corporate innovation and entrepreneurship in healthcare, subscribe to the Advantaged podcast and follow Alloy Partners on LinkedIn.  Advantaged: An Alloy Partners Podcast

Episode Breakdown:Introduction to startup communities: Why they matter and how they support founders and innovationThe “Give First” mentality: David Cohen on the secret weapon of successful communitiesThe Boulder Thesis and evolution of startup community principles: Brad Feld on defining and evolving community leadershipInstigators and ecosystem players: The role of non-founders and organizations in driving community successGovernment and policy: Ian Hathaway on how policy can help or hinder startup ecosystemsTechstars’ approach to community partnerships: David Cohen on global mentorship and learning networksDenver Startup Week’s growth and inclusivity: Erik Mitisek on welcoming all voices and scaling impactLove of place and community care: Ian Hathaway and panelists on the importance of local pride and collaborationOvercoming gatekeepers: Brad Feld on the power of action and open access in building vibrant ecosystemsCall to action: Everyone has a role in building their startup communityFeatured Guests:Lesa Mitchell, General Manager, Alloy Partners (LinkedIn, X)David Cohen, Co-founder & CEO, Techstars (LinkedIn, X)Brad Feld, Partner, Foundry Group & Co-founder, Techstars (LinkedIn)Ian Hathaway, Partner, Far Out (FOVC) & Co-author, The Startup Community Way (LinkedIn)Erik Mitisek, Founder, Denver Startup Week (LinkedIn)Referenced in the Show:Startup Communities by Brad FeldThe Startup Community Way by Brad Feld & Ian HathawayGlobal Entrepreneurship Congress 2025, IndianapolisTechstars Startup Community PartnershipsResources & Related Links:Alloy PartnersTechstarsFoundry GroupFar Out VenturesDenver/Colorado Startup WeekGlobal Entrepreneurship Congress  Advantaged: An Alloy Partners Podcast

Episode BreakdownSimon Ratcliffe’s journey: from mechanical engineer to DNV’s Venture Building DirectorEarly lessons in digital product failure and the importance of customer discoveryThe evolution of DNV’s venture building: from internal incubator to hybrid CVC and spinout modelFunding innovation: why traditional budgets fail and how CVC models unlock growthSpinout criteria: what makes a venture “worthy” and the role of market validationCarving out ventures: challenges in team, tech, and incentivesAligning incentives and attracting external investorsThe real value of autonomy and entrepreneurial talent in post-spinout growthDNV’s purpose-driven approach to innovation and recurring digital revenueAdvice for corporate innovators: internal selling, experimentation, and leveraging external expertiseFeatured GuestsSimon Ratcliffe – Venture Building Director, DNV (LinkedIn)Elliott Parker – CEO, Alloy Partners (LinkedIn)Drew Beechler – VP Marketing, Alloy Partners (LinkedIn)Referenced in the ShowDNV: Global quality assurance and risk management company, headquartered in NorwayDNV Ventures: Corporate venture arm focused on strategic investments and venture buildingResources & Related LinksAlloy PartnersPrevious Advantaged episodes  Advantaged: An Alloy Partners Podcast

Episode Breakdown:Why DNX Ventures launched DNX Studio in partnership with Alloy PartnersHow venture studios give VCs a new edge in sourcing and shaping startupsThe unique challenges and opportunities in Japan’s maturing startup ecosystemDNX’s approach to founder selection and building founder-market fitCreating a physical community for seed-stage founders in TokyoCase study: How DNX Studio tackled inefficiencies in Japan’s insurance market with AILessons for founders, corporates, and investors on building and backing new venturesFeatured Guests:Yuma Tanaka – Investment VP, DNX Ventures (LinkedIn)Ryan Larcom – Managing Director of Studios, Alloy Partners (LinkedIn)Drew Beechler – Host & VP of Marketing, Alloy Partners (LinkedIn)Resources & Related Links:DNX VenturesAlloy PartnersAdvantaged Podcast, Season I: State of Corporate InnovationAdvantaged Podcast, Moving Beyond Innovation TheaterAlloy Partners ResourcesConnect with Us:Follow Alloy Partners on LinkedInEpisode Transcript:A full transcript is available on our website.  Advantaged: An Alloy Partners Podcast

Follow Alloy Partners:https://alloypartners.com/https://x.com/alloy_partnershttps://www.linkedin.com/company/alloy-partners/Follow Drew:https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewbeechler/https://x.com/drewbeechler  Advantaged: An Alloy Partners Podcast

Episode Breakdown00:00 Introduction to Advantage Podcast00:40 Meet Nate Schmidt: Managing Director, GTM02:16 The Importance of Fundraising for Startups04:40 Fundraising 101: Basics and Best Practices11:00 Navigating the AI Trend in Fundraising16:01 Balancing Profitability and Fundraising22:03 Final Thoughts and Advice for Founders Follow Our GuestsNate Schmidt on LinkedIn Referenced in the Show"10 Trends That Will Shape the 2025 Innovation Landscape""Default Alive or Default Dead?" by Paul GrahamCarta's 2024 State of Startups Report More from Alloy PartnersSign Up for Our Newsletter to Get Episodes Sent to Your Inbox"3 Takeaways from 2024's Venture Capital and Startup Benchmarks""How Savvy Startup Founders Are Getting VCs' Attention""5 Takeaways from David Senra on Building World-Changing Companies""Nailing Your Startup Timing: Critical to Your Company’s Success""Preparing Our Startup Founders for Go-to-Market Success"  Advantaged: An Alloy Partners Podcast

Episode Breakdown00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview00:54 Meet the Team: Backgrounds and Roles04:02 The Evolution of Corporate Innovation04:37 Defining Innovation Theater06:23 Challenges and Strategies in Corporate Innovation14:01 Success Stories and Case Studies20:05 The Future of CVCs and Accelerators24:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Follow Our GuestsRyan Larcom on LinkedInMorgan Berman on LinkedInNick Wichert on LinkedIn Referenced in the Show"10 Trends That Will Shape the 2025 Innovation Landscape""The Illusion of Innovation: Escape "Efficiency" and Unleash Radical Progress""Building a Startup to Rapidly Solve Difficult Business Problems""Disney’s Startup Accelerator Program Announces Participants" More from Alloy PartnersSign Up for Our Newsletter to Get Episodes Sent to Your Inbox"The Illusion of Innovation (and Escaping the Efficiency Trap)""Venture Building: Ideal for Scaled Organizations""Innovation Strategy: A Blueprint for Corporate Leaders""Rich vs. King: The Corporate Founder's Innovation Dilemma""Corporate Innovation: How to Build Your Strategy"  Advantaged: An Alloy Partners Podcast

Episode Breakdown00:00 Introduction to Advantaged Podcast00:25 Overview of 2025 Innovation Trends01:23 Rising Healthcare Costs and Workforce Shortages04:55 Funding and Digital Health Trends06:43 Scrutiny on Healthcare Incumbents08:33 Startup Activity and Point-Solution Fatigue12:12 AI and Digital Health Startups13:54 Women's Health and Other Key Areas14:56 Healthcare Incumbents' Strategies18:41 Policy Changes and Market Dynamics in 202529:16 Partnerships and Innovation in Healthcare21:21 Conclusion and Future Outlook Follow Our GuestsMamta Elias on LinkedInMolly Cross on LinkedIn Referenced in the Show"10 Trends That Will Shape the 2025 Innovation Landscape""Physician shortage could reach 86,000, AAMC projects"Christina Farr's Second Opinion Newsletter"H1 2024 digital health funding: Resilience leads to brilliance""Transcarent to acquire fellow health benefits navigator Accolade""Zepbound on Track to Transform 2025's Healthcare Landscape""Hippocratic AI Completes $141MM Series B Financing Round""NVIDIA Partners With Industry Leaders to Advance Genomics, Drug Discovery and Healthcare""Andreessen Horowitz Partners with Lilly to Launch First-of-Its-Kind Biotech Ecosystem Fund" More from Alloy PartnersSign Up for Our Newsletter to Get Episodes Sent to Your Inbox"Digital Innovation in Healthcare: 3 Opportunity Areas""Leveraging AI in Healthcare and Other Regulated Industries""Unlocking Healthcare Transformation Through Ongoing Innovation""Forecasting the Future of Pharma Industry Innovation""AI in Pharma: The Growing Number of Pharmaceutical Use Cases"  Advantaged: An Alloy Partners Podcast

Episode Breakdown00:00 Introduction to Advantaged Podcast00:50 Meet Lesa Mitchell: Background and Expertise01:29 2025 Innovation Trends: Regulatory Landscape02:07 Opportunities in Deregulation04:58 Constraints and Innovation07:22 Impact of COVID on Innovation12:08 Energy Sector Innovations16:40 Federal Funding and Workforce Programs21:04 AI and Crypto: Future Outlook22:56 Conclusion and Future Opportunities Follow Our GuestsLesa Mitchell on LinkedIn Referenced in the Show"10 Trends That Will Shape the 2025 Innovation Landscape""ClimateTech: Empowering Startups to Spark Energy Innovation""What to Know About DeepSeek and How It Is Upending AI""COVID-19 and the Rise of Telehealth"Chuck, an Alloy Partners CompanyAmplio, an Alloy Partners Company1842 Fund, a Venture Studio Impact FundSlateUp, an Alloy Partners Company"Who Is David Sacks, Trump's Pick for AI and Crypto Czar?" More from Alloy PartnersSign Up for Our Newsletter to Get Episodes Sent to Your Inbox"Leveraging AI in Healthcare and Other Regulated Industries""Forecasting the Future of Pharma Industry Innovation""How Emerging Climate Technology Ventures Will Impact Us All""Digital Innovation in Healthcare: 3 Opportunity Areas"  Advantaged: An Alloy Partners Podcast

Episode Breakdown00:00 Introduction to Advantaged Podcast00:16 Overview of Alloy Partners00:28 2025 Innovation Trends Miniseries00:53 Meet the Guests: Elliott Parker and Matt Brady01:58 Corporate Innovation Challenges03:35 The Innovator's Dilemma and Innosight07:16 Venture Building Success Stories13:51 Corporate Innovation Trends and AI21:44 Advice for Innovation Leaders23:48 Closing Remarks Follow Our GuestsElliott Parker on LinkedIn and XMatt Brady on LinkedIn Referenced in the Show"10 Trends That Will Shape the 2025 Innovation Landscape""The Innovator's Dilemma" by Clayton Christensen"The Illusion of Innovation" by Elliott ParkerAthian, an Alloy Partners Company"Elanco Adds New Tools to Advance U.S. Livestock Sustainability Efforts""$60 Billion in One Year: Mark Zuckerberg Touts Meta's AI Investments""Fast, Cheap, and Weird" More from Alloy PartnersSign Up for Our Newsletter to Get Episodes Sent to Your Inbox"Why Corporate Innovation Programs Fail Today""Venture Building: Ideal for Scaled Organizations""Corporate Innovation is Dead. Long Live Corporate Innovation!""The Illusion of Innovation (and Escaping the Efficiency Trap)""Artificial Intelligence and the Case for Human Ingenuity"  Advantaged: An Alloy Partners Podcast

Alloy Partners VP of Marketing and Advantaged host Drew Beechler explains what listeners can expect from our brand new podcast and details what we'll discuss on our special "2025 Innovation Trends" mini series that will kick off the podcast.   Advantaged: An Alloy Partners Podcast