Give First

In this episode of the Give First podcast, Brad Feld sits down with Robert Glazer, 5x entrepreneur, #1 Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author, and author of the new book The Compass Within.Robert shares his framework for uncovering personal core values, the principles that guide decisions, relationships, and leadership. The conversation explores why many people are climbing the wrong mountains, how self-awareness shapes growth, and why aligning words with actions may be the most important skill any founder or leader can develop.Find out more about Robert Glazer here ➡️ robertglazer.comFollow Robert Glazer on LinkedIn ➡️ linkedin.com/in/glazerThe Compass Within is out today, order your copy here ➡️ robertglazer.com/compassCheck out the Six Core Values Questions page ➡️ robertglazer.com/six Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Give First podcast, David Cohen sits down with longtime Techstars friend Andy Sack and former Starbucks Chief Digital Officer Adam Brotman, co-CEOs of Forum3 and co-authors of AI First: The Playbook for a Future-Proof Business and Brand.They explore why AI isn’t just another vertical, but the foundation of how companies will be built, operated, and scaled in the years ahead. Andy and Adam share insights from their work on what it means to be an “AI-native” founder, why iteration and prompting are becoming core entrepreneurial skills, and how disruption could lead to billion-dollar companies run by just a handful of people.The conversation covers practical takeaways for entrepreneurs, lessons from their entrepreneurial journeys, and why adopting an AI-first mindset may be the difference between thriving and being left behind in the next wave of innovation.Get Andy and Adam’s book ➡️ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D8TZDR74?ref=KC_GS_GB_US Follow Andy Sack on LinkedIn ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andysack/ Follow Adam Brotman on LinkedIn ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/adambrotman/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Give First podcast, Brad Feld talks with Scott Dorsey, co-founder of High Alpha and former CEO of ExactTarget, the email marketing pioneer acquired by Salesforce. Scott shares his journey from launching a startup with no technical background to building a company of 2,000 employees, going public, and running Salesforce Marketing Cloud.The conversation dives into why relationships and core values matter as much as product and market, how emotional intelligence shapes leadership, and what it means to mentor by guiding rather than controlling. Scott also reflects on failure, empathy for founders, and the importance of playing multi-turn games in venture.For founders wondering how to practice give first without being taken advantage of, Scott offers timeless advice: everyone can be both a mentor and a mentee, no matter where they are in their journey.Scott Dorsey ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-dorsey-096b393/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Give First podcast, Brad Feld talks with Elizabeth Gore, co-founder and president of Hello Alice, about what it takes to build and scale a platform serving over 1.5M small business owners.Elizabeth shares how Hello Alice became a critical lifeline during COVID, launching grant programs, pivoting product builds, and creating community hubs for entrepreneurs in crisis. She reflects on the tension of running a venture-backed social enterprise, the lessons from winning a landmark federal lawsuit, and how AI and open banking could transform access to capital for underrepresented founders.This conversation shines a light on the entrepreneurs who keep our communities running, and the technology helping them thrive.Follow Elizabeth Gore here 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethgoreusa/ Check out Hello Alice 👉 https://helloalice.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Give First podcast, Brad Feld reconnects with Landon Young, pre-seed investor at Elevate Ventures and a longtime builder of startup ecosystems. Landon shares stories from both sides of the table, as a founder and investor, including what it means to write the first check when a company is still just a sketch on a napkin.They revisit the early days of the Kansas City Startup Village, the ripple effects of Google Fiber and Techstars, and how a single idea sparked a movement in startup philanthropy. From coffee shop meetings to complex donations, this conversation is a powerful reminder that the smallest bets, on people, on timing, on place, can shape entire communities.Check out 👉 donateequity.com Elevate Ventures 👉https://elevateventures.com/ Follow Landon Young on LinkedIn 👉https://www.linkedin.com/in/landonyoung/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Give First podcast, Brad Feld sits down with Bobby Franklin, President and CEO of the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA). They unpack the disconnect between Washington, D.C., and the startup world, and why that gap poses a growing threat to innovation in the U.S.Bobby shares stories from the front lines of venture policy, illustrating how small regulatory changes can have major consequences for emerging fund managers and founders. From the unintended impact of tax reform to upcoming anti-money laundering rules, this conversation reveals the hidden obstacles that could stall the next generation of startups.Brad and Bobby also discuss how mentorship, education, and smarter policymaking can strengthen the startup ecosystem and why the venture community needs to lead that effort.Bobby Franklin ➡️ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bfranklindc/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Give First podcast, Brad Feld sits down with longtime friends and Simple Energy co-founders, Justin Segall and Yoav Lurie. Together, they revisit a pivotal moment in their startup journey, when the company was on the verge of collapse.The conversation dives into the chapter inspired by their experience in Brad’s new book, Give First, titled The Near Death of Simple Energy. They reflect on the pressure to follow investor expectations, the emotional toll of nearly losing everything, and the breakthrough conversation that helped them course-correct.Brad, Justin, and Yoav explore the power of mentorship, what it means to lead with integrity, and how staying true to your values can revive not just your company but your sense of purpose.Follow Justin Segall on LinkedIn ➡️https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinsegall/ Follow Yoav Lurie on LinkedIn ➡️https://www.linkedin.com/in/yoavlurie/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Give First podcast, Brad Feld sits down with organizational psychologist and bestselling author, Adam Grant, for a conversation about the power of generosity in business, leadership, and life.Brad and Adam trace the roots of give first and give and take, uncovering how their philosophies arrived at the same conclusion: that success isn’t about what you extract, but what you contribute.They explore why some givers thrive while others burn out, how smart generosity is often a sign of intelligence, and what it really takes to build cultures where people show up for each other. Adam also shares a how to confront takers, and maybe even convert them.Follow Brad Feld on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/bfeld/) and Twitter (https://x.com/bfeld?lang=en)Follow Adam Grant on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/AdamMGrant/) and X (https://x.com/adammgrant) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Give First podcast, Brad Feld is joined by 22-time bestselling author and entrepreneur Seth Godin for a conversation that cuts to the core of leadership, impact, and what founders often get wrong.Seth reflects on his early days as an entrepreneur, the first time he met Brad, and what he’s learned since about ego, ambition, and the trap of "founder mode." Together, they explore why saying no is a gift, how systems shape behavior and the difference between building for metrics versus building for meaning.They also dive into the long-term vision behind Techstars, the value of doing hard things for the right reasons, and how real leadership starts when the spotlight fades.If you’ve ever felt pulled between doing what scales and doing what matters, this one’s for you.Check out Seth Godin's website and LinkedInFollow Brad Feld on LinkedIn and Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Give First podcast, Brad Feld sits down with Ian Hathaway, co-author of The Startup Community Way, host of Outsider Inc., and Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Far Out VC, to unpack what makes entrepreneurial ecosystems actually work.They revisit the early days of their collaboration, from Ian’s initial cold email and time in Boulder, to writing the book that reframed how founders, cities, and networks build momentum. They dive into the theory of complex adaptive systems, the power of feedback loops, and why startup success is anything but linear. Along the way, they reflect on Boulder’s influence, COVID’s inflection point, and how Techstars shaped Ian’s investing philosophy.Plus, Ian shares why he launched Outsider Inc., a podcast dedicated to founders breaking the mold, and how he’s helping push founder-friendly policies through the Center for American Entrepreneurship in Washington, D.C.If you’ve ever wondered how movements grow, how policy intersects with startups, or how to support founders outside the usual hotspots, this conversation delivers.Follow Ian Hathaway on LinkedInFollow Brad Feld on LinkedIn and X Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of the Give First podcast, David Cohen and Brad Feld go deep with Lesa Mitchell on the 35-year evolution of the startup community movement. Recorded live at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress, they reflect on the early days of entrepreneurship support—from the founding of EO and early angel networks to the ripple effects of the Kauffman Foundation.Together, they explore the rise of startup ecosystems, the shift from gatekeepers to networks, and how placing founders at the center reshaped everything. Brad shares pivotal moments from Boston to Boulder, Lisa brings insider context from Kauffman’s legacy, and David reflects on how it all led to Techstars. It's a look back,—and a look forward,—at the movement that transformed how startups start.Follow David Cohen on LinkedIn and TwitterFollow Brad Feld on LinkedIn and TwitterListen & subscribe to the Give First podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of the Give First podcast, David Cohen and Brad Feld go deep with Lesa Mitchell on the 35-year evolution of the startup community movement. Recorded live at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress, they reflect on the early days of entrepreneurship support—from the founding of EO and early angel networks to the ripple effects of the Kauffman Foundation.Together, they explore the rise of startup ecosystems, the shift from gatekeepers to networks, and how placing founders at the center reshaped everything. Brad shares pivotal moments from Boston to Boulder, Lisa brings insider context from Kauffman’s legacy, and David reflects on how it all led to Techstars. It's a look back,—and a look forward,—at the movement that transformed how startups start.Follow David Cohen on LinkedIn and TwitterFollow Brad Feld on LinkedIn and TwitterListen & subscribe to the Give First podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Give First podcast, David Cohen sits down with Robert Wolfe, founder of Zeck and serial entrepreneur behind companies like Moosejaw and CrowdRise. Robert shares his transition from consumer brands to enterprise software—and how Zeck is modernizing how executive teams communicate, collaborate, and make decisions.They explore the inefficiencies of traditional board meetings, the role of design and clarity in leadership, and how humor and authenticity have shaped Robert’s approach to building companies. He also reflects on working with creative partners like Edward Norton and building products that scale across startups and large organizations alike.Follow David Cohen on LinkedIn and TwitterFollow Brad Feld on LinkedIn and TwitterListen & subscribe to the Give First podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode of the Give First podcast, David Cohen is joined once again by co-host Brad Feld, back after nearly two years away from the spotlight. Brad shares why he stepped back, what brought him back, and the deeper thinking behind his new book, Give First: The Power of Mentorship.They dive into the origins of the Give First philosophy, how it grew from a simple idea into a powerful movement influencing startup communities worldwide, and why giving without expecting immediate returns continues to shape entrepreneurship today.Order your copy of Give First: The Power of Mentorship here. Follow David Cohen on LinkedIn and TwitterFollow Brad Feld on LinkedIn and TwitterListen & subscribe to the Give First podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Give First podcast, host David Cohen is joined by Usman Gul, founder and CEO of Metal. Usman shares his entrepreneurial journey and how his company is revolutionizing the fundraising process for startups. Usman discusses his own experience raising capital, the challenges he encountered, and how Metal is simplifying and democratizing access to venture capital. With advanced investor intelligence and AI-driven tools, Metal is transforming the way founders identify and connect with the right investors. Tune in to hear how technology and entrepreneurship come together to make fundraising more efficient and accessible for all.Follow David Cohen on Twitter @davidcohenListen & subscribe to the Give First podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Give First podcast, hosts David Cohen is joined by Kevin Noertker, CEO and co-founder of Ampaire. Kevin shares his journey from aspiring astronaut and NASA engineer to leading a revolutionary Techstars-backed company.Ampaire is advancing hybrid electric aviation, aiming to cut aircraft fuel usage by 50-70%, addressing both environmental and economic issues in the aviation sector. Kevin discusses the concept of 'invariant milestones' for setting and achieving ambitious goals, the challenges of blending the automotive and aviation industries, and the importance of resilient, mission-driven leadership. The episode also covers Ampaire's fundraising journey, strategic decisions, and Kevin's commitment to the entrepreneurial community.Follow David Cohen on Twitter @davidcohenListen & subscribe to the Give First podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Give First podcast, David Cohen speaks with Marc Steren, Cofounder and Co-CEO of University Startups. The two discuss the entrepreneurial journey and the transformative impact of education. Marc offers insights into his 30-year entrepreneurial career, from pioneering mobile ticketing to selling his company in 2012, and transitioning to education as a professor at Georgetown University. He also recounts the unexpected success and eventual founding of University Startups, an AI-augmented curriculum designed to empower under-resourced students by providing pathways to higher education and career success through virtual generative AI counselors.The conversation covers the importance of being mission-focused for startup success, the value of running numerous small experiments, and the impact of having celebrity investors like Steven Spielberg and Michael Jordan. Cohen and Steren also take time to explore the challenges and opportunities within the current educational system, the need for reform, and the unique approach of University Startups in democratizing access to quality education.Follow David Cohen on Twitter @davidcohenListen & subscribe to the Give First podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emma Bates, co-founder of Diem, is reshaping the way women search the internet. Diem is a social search engine designed to provide women with trustworthy, community-driven results. In this episode of Give First, Emma talks about her journey building Diem, starting with her experience in the Techstars accelerator and the inspiration behind her women-centric approach to search.Emma dives into the challenges of fundraising as a female founder, sharing hard-earned insights on overcoming bias in venture capital. “Fundraising is a game,” Bates explains in her strategies for navigating investor interactions and the importance of staying focused amidst a sometimes discouraging landscape.Listeners will also hear the inside story of Diem's $3.7 million funding round, and the details behind a challenging experience that highlights the gender disparities that still exist in the VC world. Emma's candid discussion with David Cohen offers valuable guidance for any entrepreneur seeking investment.Follow David Cohen on Twitter @davidcohenFollow Emma Bates on Instagram @emmashbates Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kirill Bigai, Preply CEO and co-founder, launched the company’s first set of values back in 2015, while participating in the Techstars Berlin program. But as the team has changed, so have the values.“It’s an evolution,” said Bigai, who involves his 650+ staff members in their development and incorporates the values into hiring, performance reviews, and operations.  David Cohen agrees that fine tuning and articulating values is smart for business and for company culture. In this edition of Cohen’s Give First Podcast, he and Bigai dig into values, hiring practices, stubbornness and how, when the company expanded outside of the Ukraine, Bigai would call every single customer himself. Tune in for more. Books mentioned in episode: Who by Geoff Smart and Randy StreetNo Rules Rules by Reed Hastings and Erin MeyerFollow David Cohen on Twitter @davidcohen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For 20 years, Elizabeth Kraus was busy being an entrepreneur. So busy and stressed, she wasn’t eating well, had wild energy swings and barely slept despite training for, and tackling long-distance triathlons. A host of other medical challenges led to a thyroid and hormone imbalance diagnosis and medication which she said, “put a band aid solution on all these health issues.” Until the band aid ripped off. “It was the perfect storm of disaster,” said Kraus, the chief investment officer for MergeLane Venture Capital Fund. “My body completely shut down in 2023.”Listen as Kraus and David Cohen, longtime friends with frequent career intersections, discuss the breakdown, the warning signs and how she clawed her way back to, almost, normalcy. Kraus recently announced after eight years and investments in 54 female-led companies, MergeLane has made their final investment. Kraus plans to write a book and start a podcast. “I think lots of people who are earlier in their career just think, well, I'll deal with the health stuff later because I'm young. What could really go wrong?”A lot, as it turns out. Tune in for more. Follow David Cohen on Twitter @davidcohen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.