Innovation with Mark Peter Davis

Beneath the surface of many everyday products lies a complex web of ethical dilemmas. In this powerful conversation, entrepreneur and investor Ryan Ansin peels back the curtain on global supply chains and the moral questions behind them. From chocolate and diamonds to blockchain transparency, he shares what ethical manufacturing really entails and how even simple choices carry weight. The episode also explores how to raise grounded children, the role of impact investing, and why major corporations must evolve for real change to happen. This discussion challenges the idea you to think about ethics, offering a roadmap for aligning values with action across business, family, and capital.⏱️ Chapter Markers00:00 – Introduction: Meet Ryan Ansin01:00 – Defining Ethical Manufacturing03:20 – Chocolate & Child Labor: A Case Study06:00 – Diamonds, Supply Chains & Transparency09:00 – Who Really Drives Change: Startups or Giants?12:00 – Consumers vs. Regulators: What Sparks Reform?14:00 – Blockchain & The Future of Supply Chain Tracking15:00 – Ryan's Journey into Social Entrepreneurship18:00 – Family Legacy & Ethical Business Foundations24:00 – Is Ethical Living a Privilege or a Choice?26:00 – Grandfather Wisdom: Helping the Helpers30:00 – Giraffes, Accountability & Courage in Business31:00 – Wealth, Responsibility & Raising Grounded Kids37:00 – Teaching Grit Through Friction & Curiosity40:00 – Final Thoughts: Aligning Impact with ActionLinksInterplay: Website, LinkedIn, TwitterBook: Abundance: The Future Is Better Than You ThinkMPD: LinkedIn, Twitter

This week’s episode explores one of the most pressing challenges early-stage startups face: competing against well-funded incumbents. We cover how startups can beat giants by focusing on niche markets, iterating fast, building emotional brands, and providing world-class customer experiences. This is the ultimate guide for founders navigating a David vs. Goliath scenario. Whether you’re bootstrapping or just closed your seed round, these tactics will give you the edge. A friendly heads up - this episode is our season closer before we take a pod break for the summer. Thanks for listening and enjoy your summer - we’ll be back from a new studio, recharged and ready to roll.⏱️ Chapter Markers00:00 – Intro and Summer Break Announcement01:00 – Why Competing with Big Players is Tough But Doable02:30 – Foundational Assumptions Before Competing04:00 – Strategy #1: Own Your Niche06:00 – Strategy #2: Move Fast and Iterate Faster08:30 – Strategy #3: Build a Brand People Want to Root For10:00 – Emotional Branding Examples: Slack, Duolingo, Superhuman12:00 – Strategy #4: Win on Customer Experience13:30 – Recap of the Underdog Playbook14:00 – Final Thoughts and Farewell Until After SummerLinksInterplay: Website, LinkedIn, TwitterBook: The Fundraising RulesMPD: LinkedIn, Twitter

Outsourcing isn't new — but the way startups can use it today has radically changed. On this week’s ep, I sat down with Shaun Walker, CEO of Spoke, to unpack what business process outsourcing (BPO) can look like for high-growth startups in 2025.Let me say this upfront: most early - stage founders are missing out. Outsourcing isn’t just about slashing costs - it’s about building operational leverage and unlocking global talent pools in a way that accelerates your entire business.Spoke’s model stands out because it focuses on fully embedded, dedicated teams that feel like extensions of your startup - they're engaged team members motivated to help you hit your milestones.Whether it’s customer support, finance, data operations, or even engineering, there’s a strategic opportunity here. Especially in today’s hybrid and AI-enhanced world, Shaun argues that outsourcing can be a “bionic” function — letting you scale up or down with flexibility, access talent faster, and focus your internal team on what truly matters.If you're a founder thinking about how to stretch your funding and build operational leverage, this is a must-listen. Hope it helps you navigate your own growth journey.🕒 Chapter Markers00:00 – Intro & Welcome01:10 – What Spoke Does Differently in BPO03:00 – Human-Centric Approach to Outsourcing05:00 – Why Not Hire Offshore Directly?07:00 – Building Embedded Global Teams08:00 – Why Founders Miss BPO Opportunities10:00 – When to Consider Outsourcing12:00 – How Spoke Supports Startups14:00 – The Cost vs. Strategic Advantage Debate17:00 – Global Talent Quality and Motivation19:00 – BPO as a Bionic Growth Function21:00 – Helping Startups with U.S. Hiring Too22:00 – High-Skill Roles & No Upper Limit26:00 – AI’s Role in the Future of Outsourcing28:00 – When Outsourcing Doesn’t Work32:00 – Final Thoughts & Wrap-UpShaun Walker: LinkedInSpoke: WebsiteInterplay: Website, LinkedIn, TwitterBook: The Fundraising Rules

How do you determine if your idea is truly worth pursuing? In this week’s episode, we dive into a practical framework that breaks down the evaluation process into four critical components: the pain point, the market size, the defensibility of your product, and how you plan to monetize and scale.Whether you're just brainstorming or already building, these criteria will help you gut-check your concept and avoid wasting time on ideas that aren’t big - or painful - enough. We also discuss market sizing (TAM/SAM/SOM), moats, and why competitive advantage isn’t always what it seems. This is a must-listen for any founder looking to go from “cool idea” to real business.Links:Interplay: Website, LinkedIn, TwitterBook: The Fundraising RulesMPD: LinkedIn, TwitterChapter Markers:00:00 – Intro: Why Idea Validation Is So Hard02:00 – The Real Question: Do You Have a Big Idea?03:00 – The 4-Part Framework for Validating an Idea03:45 – Step 1: Pain Point – Is This a Must-Have?06:00 – Step 2: Market Size – TAM, SAM, SOM Explained09:40 – Step 3: Product – Is It Defensible?12:10 – Step 4: Monetization – Can It Scale?15:10 – Final Thoughts: Gut-Check Your Idea16:30 – Outro: Still Learning After Decades in the Game

Y Combinator has long been - and continues to be - the tip of the innovation spear. That's why I was especially excited to sit down with Garry Tan, President & CEO of Y Combinator, for a conversation that gets right to the core of what’s changing across the startup landscape.At Interplay, I've spent years working alongside entrepreneurs who are laser-focused on building, scaling, and making a lasting impact. Over that time, I've seen countless trends come and go - but when a true seismic shift hits, like the one we’re seeing with AI today, it’s critical to step back and understand the bigger picture.Garry and I dove deep into why vertical SaaS and AI-native startups are poised to drive the next wave of innovation, how lean, AI-augmented teams are rewriting the rules of company building, and why real traction still comes down to solving tangible user problems. We also explored the geographic shifts reshaping where startups thrive, the current realities of AI adoption, and what it truly takes to build a product the world actually wants. It’s a great, timely conversation.A special thanks to Garry for joining me and sharing his insights.00:00 – Introduction: Why Garry Tan and Y Combinator Matter00:48 – Garry Tan Joins the Conversation02:00 – Trends at the Top of the Startup Funnel02:45 – The Rise of AI and Vertical SaaS Opportunities04:00 – Leaner Startups: Building Companies with Smaller Teams05:00 – How AI is Reshaping Company Growth and Scaling06:00 – Internal Use of AI: Operational Efficiency Across Startups07:30 – Early Innings: The Long-Term Impact of AI09:00 – Mainstream AI Adoption: How Far We Have to Go10:00 – Geography Trends: Where Startup Hubs Are Emerging11:00 – Why San Francisco Still Matters for Founders12:30 – The Golden Age of Startups: What's Next13:30 – Critical Skills for Founders in the AI Era14:00 – The #1 Reason Startups Fail: Solving Real User Problems14:30 – Closing Thoughts: Building the Future of InnovationLinks:Garry Tan: LinkedInY Combinator: Website, LinkedInBook: The Fundraising RulesInterplay: Website, LinkedIn, TwitterMPD: LinkedIn, Twitter

At Interplay, I've spent years working with entrepreneurs who are driven to build, scale, and make an impact - but too often, legal structuring gets overlooked in the frenzy of product development and fundraising. I've seen firsthand how costly early legal missteps can be so we brought on legal expert Eric Broad of Bowery Legal on to the pod to demystify early stage startup legal questions from entity type selection to the nuanced tax advantages like QSBS that most founders only hear about once it’s too late. Our goal at Interplay is to equip founders with practical insights so they can focus on growing transformative businesses without getting tripped up by preventable legal issues. Whether you’re about to raise your first dollar or just brainstorming your MVP, this conversation will help you make smart, strategic choices. We cover the why behind Delaware's dominance, when to hit the "incorporate" button, and why trying to hack the system with clever workarounds rarely works in your favor. I hope this deep dive helps founders avoid headaches and build with confidence.Links:Eric Broad: LinkedInBowery Legal: Website, LinkedInPhuong Ireland: LinkedInBook: The Fundraising RulesInterplay: Website, LinkedIn, TwitterMPD: LinkedIn, Twitter

Chris Zhang, Partner and CIO of Ascend Interplay (Interplay’s multi-family office), returns to the pod to provide an in-depth analysis of China’s economic landscape in 2025, offering insights beyond mainstream media narratives. We discuss the current state of China’s economy, examining key indicators such as GDP growth, industrial production, and trade activity. At the same time, Chris highlights major concerns, including deflation, a struggling housing market, and long-term demographic challenges, while also shedding light on the country’s transition from a manufacturing-driven economy to a service-oriented one.We then dive into the geopolitical dynamics between the U.S. and China. In addition to discussing the tariffs, we compare today’s economic competition to the Cold War era, and how shifting alliances - particularly in Europe and the Middle East - are reshaping global power structures.We also cover China’s technological advancements, particularly in AI and EV manufacturing, where it continues to challenge U.S. dominance. Chris analyzes the impact of U.S. tariffs, supply chain shifts, and investment flows, emphasizing how China remains a key player in the global economy despite short-term volatility.We wrap up with Chris’s firsthand insights from his recent trip to Beijing and Zhengzhou, where he observes China’s strong consumer activity despite ongoing real estate struggles. The episode concludes with a deep dive into China’s investment landscape, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and the nation’s long-term trajectory—offering critical perspectives on how it will continue to shape global trade and economic power structures.Links:Book: The Fundraising RulesInterplay: Website, LinkedIn, TwitterMPD: LinkedIn, Twitter

Seed-stage valuation can feel like a black box. Unlike later-stage companies with clear financial metrics, early-stage startups are evaluated based on qualitative factors, market conditions, and investor demand. Founders with finance backgrounds often expect rigid valuation models, only to realize that early-stage investing is more art than science. However, strategic valuation methods and investor benchmarks offer a structured approach, helping founders navigate the process with confidence.In today’s podcast, we break down the most common seed-stage valuation methods—including the Investor Target Ownership approach, the Berkus Method, and the increasingly popular SAFE note. We also highlight key founder pitfalls, such as over-inflating valuations or underpricing their startups, and explain how investor demand influences the equation.Understanding these factors can help you navigate fundraising with clarity. The goal isn't just to get the highest valuation—it's to secure the right investment partners and ensure long-term success.Links:Book: The Fundraising RulesInterplay: Website, LinkedIn, TwitterMPD: LinkedIn, Twitter

On this week’s episode I chat with Kass and Mike Lazerow, a powerhouse entrepreneurial duo known for building and exiting multiple companies, including Golf.com and Buddy Media (which was acquired by Salesforce for $745 million).The conversation dives into their unique dynamic as a husband-and-wife co-founding team, their entrepreneurial journey spanning decades, and their latest venture—writing "Shoveling $h!t: A Love Story" a brutally honest book about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.We discuss what makes a strong co-founder relationship, the realities of scaling a business, and Kass and Mike’s ongoing mission to mentor and support founders. With thoughts on fundraising, company culture, and life after an exit, this episode offers a candid look at the realities of entrepreneurship—perfect for founders, investors, and anyone navigating the startup journey.Links:Book: Shoveling $h!t: A Love StoryKass & Mike: Instagram, YouTube, X, Facebook, LinkedIn (Kass), LinkedIn (Mike)MPD: LinkedIn, XInterplay: Website, LinkedIn, Twitter

Navigating startup taxes can be challenging, but this comprehensive guide simplifies the process. Learn how to handle 1099 filings, leverage R&D tax credits for significant savings, and strategically use tax extensions to reduce stress. Discover practical tips for managing financial books, avoiding common tax pitfalls like Delaware franchise tax panic, and handling remote employee tax implications. Whether you're pre-revenue or scaling quickly, this article provides actionable insights to help startups stay compliant, optimize financial resources, and focus on growth.Links:Book: The Fundraising RulesInterplay: LinkedIn, Twitter, WebsiteMPD: LinkedIn, TwitterKate Kelly: LinkedInChelsea Capital: LinkedIn, Website

The time of year for reflection is upon us, so in this week’s episode the team and I review our 2024 predictions and dive into bold forecasts for 2025. From the impact of geopolitical shifts to the state of venture capital and global deglobalization trends, we explore what lies ahead for technology, startups, and markets. We cover key trends like AI's application layer boom, the rise of humanoid robots in the workforce, the evolving IPO market, and much more.What do you think is going to happen in 2025? Share in the comments below.Links:Book: The Fundraising RulesInterplay: Website, LinkedIn, TwitterMPD: LinkedIn, Twitter

In this week’s episode Phuong and I dive into the essentials of early-stage startup fundraising, exploring the diverse options available to founders. We discuss everything from leveraging friends and family to connecting with angel investors, accelerators, and venture capitalists, as well as alternative funding methods like non-dilutive capital and crowdfunding. Our goal here was to share practical advice on building relationships with investors, tailoring your approach to your business type, and strategically positioning your startup for success. Whether you're just starting out or refining your fundraising strategy, this episode provides actionable insights for securing the right kind of capital.Links:Book: The Fundraising RulesInterplay: Website, LinkedIn, TwitterMPD: LinkedIn, Twitter

What if I told you there’s a way to make reading as entertaining and interactive as video games and social media?Wendy - an innovative new app that’s transforming how kids engage with stories - is doing just that. They’re creating a platform to compete in today’s captivating, fast-paced media landscape, and on this week’s ep I chat with Lance Neuhauser - Wendy’s Founder & CEO - all about their mission.If you’re a parent wanting a fresh approach to getting your child excited about reading, this episode is a must-listen and Wendy is a must-try.During our conversation, Lance shares how Wendy empowers kids to create their own worlds, select characters, and shape unique adventures—encouraging a love for reading by making it fun, immersive, and personalized. In an age when screen time often feels like the enemy of education, Wendy brings the best of both worlds, helping kids rediscover reading in a way that’s safe, engaging, and socially connected.Parents will appreciate how Wendy is built with children’s development in mind, thanks to insights from educators, authors, and psychologists. As you might suspect, building a platform like that is no easy feat. We chat all about the significant challenges and strategies in building an app that safeguards kids’ online experiences, respects intellectual property, and offers educational benefits. By bridging the gap between entertainment and literacy, Wendy isn’t just an app; it’s a tool that turns screen time into story time, fueling imagination and learning.Coming out of our Interplay Foundry, I’ve been fortunate to get a front row seat to see Wendy’s amazing growth over the past year so I was excited to record this episode. Enjoy.Links:Wendy: Instagram, LinkedInLance: LinkedInInterplay: Website, LinkedIn, TwitterMPD: LinkedIn, Twitter

This week, Phuong and I dive into one of the most crucial yet often perplexing aspects of startup formation: cap table construction and equity distribution. If you're setting up a startup or restructuring your cap table, this conversation is a must-listen.We discuss the essentials of setting up a cap table that aligns with industry norms, aiming to attract investors while motivating founders and early employees. From understanding equity splits among co-founders to planning an option pool for future hires, we cover actionable insights that can help founders avoid common pitfalls. This is a tough topic for new entrepreneurs and we hope that this can help folks build a balanced and adaptable ownership structure that supports growth and long-term success.

As someone passionate about the role of innovation in advancing society, I’m particularly interested in how rapidly evolving technologies - like artificial intelligence, robotics, and dual-use technologies - are reshaping the military landscape. Naturally, I was thrilled and honored that Major General Julian “Ghost” Cheater joined me on the pod to explore this intersection of technology and warfare.Ghost, a senior leader in the U.S. Air Force, shared invaluable insights into how the military anticipates future conflicts and adapts to emerging technologies, as well as the importance of collaboration between the military and private sector tech companies. We dove deep into everything from how advanced software applications are used to streamline operations, to the critical role private companies play in supporting national defense through dual-use innovations.One of the most eye-opening moments of the conversation was when we discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the lessons being learned in real time, especially in terms of adapting technology to the battlefield. Ghost emphasized that the tech industry and military can help prevent conflict through innovation. This episode was a powerful reminder that while the stakes are high in defense, there is tremendous opportunity for technologists and entrepreneurs to contribute to national security in meaningful ways. I'm excited for listeners to hear how they can get involved and make a difference.Links:Defense Innovation UnitAir Force AcquisitionChief Digital and Artificial Intelligence OfficeDoing Business with the Department of Defense Flow ChartPodcast Links: Website, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn

Determining how much capital a startup should raise during each funding round is hard. This week, Phuong and I break down the tools and methodologies that founders and VCs use to calculate the right number, emphasizing the importance of creating a detailed operating model. The conversation covers key fundraising strategies, including aligning milestones with investor expectations and avoiding common pitfalls like over-dilution. Our goal during this chat was to offer practical insights on managing capital efficiently and ensuring long-term growth. If you’re a founder looking to navigate the fundraising landscape with confidence, this episode is definitely for you.Links:Podcast Links: Website, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn 

We kick off a new season by sitting down with Patrick Butler, the CEO of BizDefender. Patrick, a seasoned founder with deep technical expertise, discusses his latest venture, BizDefender, a company co-founded with Interplay. BizDefender addresses the growing epidemic of fraud targeting small and medium-sized businesses. The conversation delves into the various types of business fraud, including hacking, social engineering, and brand spoofing. Patrick explains how BizDefender is stepping up with a simple, accessible solution, including a free-tier product, to help businesses monitor and mitigate these fraud risks, which are often invisible yet devastating.Patrick and I also discuss the broader mission behind BizDefender, which aligns with Interplay’s studio model of building companies that create both social value and sustainable business solutions. Patrick emphasizes how small businesses are particularly vulnerable to fraud, with median losses that could cripple many companies. BizDefender aims to provide these businesses with a much-needed defense, offering tools to monitor dark web activity, protect against phishing attacks, and offer human support to navigate the complex landscape of fraud prevention.Give it a shot and see how BizDefender can help your company stay safe at bizdefender.com.Links:BizDefender Links: Website, LinkedIn, InstagramPodcast Links: Website, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn

For this week's episode - the last one before the podcast takes a summer break - my colleague Mike Rogers joins to discuss Apple's new updates + AI announcement. Additionally, we touch on the implications of growth round pay-to-play dynamics in the early-stage market.

This week's pod is a mid-year check-in on the global markets with Chris Zhang. Chris shares his insights on the current state of the U.S. and global markets and we dissect key economic data, market trends, and potential risks, offering a nuanced evaluation of the economic landscape.

Phuong delves into the crucial strategies for acquiring initial customers when launching a B2C (business-to-consumer) product. We discuss the importance of targeting early adopters who feel the problem intensely and are willing to tolerate an imperfect product. Practical advice is provided on how to find these initial users both offline and online, emphasizing the value of human contact and direct feedback. The episode also highlights successful pre-launch community building and beta program strategies, with real-world examples such as Harry's pre-launch referral program.Follow us on Twitter: @mpd, @interplayPodcast Links: Website, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn