The Startup Podcast

Looking to fund your startup? If you're new to the process, fundraising can be difficult to navigate. Not only are there a myriad of ways to go about it, but it can be hard to tell whether the tips, tricks, and advice floating around are based on any evidence at all.So, what is the truth? And what are the actual, data-backed insights that can help you choose the best method of fundraising for your own business?Enter: Peter Walker. As Head of Insights at Carta, he has access to, and industry knowledge about, the vast sets of funding data that will help you cut through the noise. Today, he joins Chris and Yaniv in discussing the real data behind startup funding trends in 2025 and the key takeaways you can apply to your own startups.In this episode, you will:Discover why Silicon Valley valuations often hurt founders more than they helpUnderstand how AI startups now account for nearly half of all venture funding, and what that means for non-AI foundersLearn how lean AI-driven teams are reshaping early-stage hiring, with Series A companies shrinking from 25 employees to just 15See why most founders misunderstand SAFE notesExplore why 70% of startup employees never exercise their equityUncover the reasons behind why nearly 40% of startups lose a co-founder within seven yearsGet clarity on founder vesting, equity splits, and why a six-year vesting schedule may protect your company better than fourReframe your goals as a founder: why chasing “life-changing money” isn’t the right reason to start a companyThe Pact Honor the Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/  Follow us here on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media followingKey linksGet your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://www.tsp.show/episodes/Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/  Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/  Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang https://web-strategist.com/

OpenAI just dropped its unbelievable new browser. All signs point to it overshadowing Chrome, but is this really the dawn of a new era? Or just another hype cycle, courtesy of Sam Altman?In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein react to OpenAI’s surprise launch of ChatGPT Atlas and debate its strategic implications. They also discuss Apple’s underwhelming Vision Pro refresh (and what it means for the company at large), YouTube’s new likeness detection tech, and Reid Hoffman’s viral post on “good vs. bad actors” in AI.In this episode, you will:Explore what makes ChatGPT Atlas different from Chrome, Safari, and Arc, and why it matters.Understand why OpenAI is desperate to own distribution, not just models.Compare today’s “browser wars” with the 2000s Chrome vs. Internet Explorer showdown.Learn how Apple’s Vision Pro M5 update signals the slow rebirth of spatial computing.Discover why YouTube’s new Content ID for faces could be a turning point for AI deepfakes.Hear how AI arms races mirror past battles like spam detection, piracy, and antivirus wars.Unpack Reid Hoffman’s call for “good actors” in AI and whether self-regulation can actually work.Get started with Cyber Matters: https://www.cybermatters.io The Pact Honor the Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/  Follow us here on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media followingKey linksGet your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://www.tsp.show/episodes/Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/  Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/  Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang https://web-strategist.com/

Think you’re executing well? Think again. Chances are you’re making one of these four common mistakes.Drawing from Chris’s latest essay and real-world advisory experience, Chris and Yaniv spend this episode breaking down the four biggest execution mistakes you're probably making right now. They explore how to recognize these patterns early, how to apply taste and judgment when scaling, and how to develop the discipline needed to execute with precision.In this episode, you will:Identify when you’re oversimplifying, and mistaking nuanced, unique use cases for the same problemUnderstand how overcomplicating your product or process can destroy focus and momentumLearn to categorize problems correctly using the principle of mutually exclusive, collectively exhaustive thinkingApply the concept of “necessary and sufficient” work — doing everything that’s needed and nothing that’s notRecognize that mistiming priorities ends in attempting to do everything at once, but finishing nothingDevelop the taste, judgment, and rigor to strike the perfect balance between simplicity and depthAvoid falling into domain dogma; naming, structuring, and communicating ideas clearly for your team and customersRead Chris’s original LinkedIn post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/chrissaad_the-big-4-execution-mistakes-youre-probably-activity-7379681603847049216-ApcVThe Pact Honor the Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/  Follow us here on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media followingKey linksGet your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://www.tsp.show/episodes/Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/  Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/  Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang https://web-strategist.com/

OpenAI is set to roll out its new “treat adults like adults” policy, heralding the beginning of AI chatbots speaking more amorously with users. As the company pushes boundaries, from personality-rich bots to experimental devices, others are warning that the industry might be inflating a dangerous AI bubble.In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein break down Sam Altman’s controversial announcement, unpack Johnny Ive’s vision for the next generation of OpenAI hardware, and debate whether Google’s slow-moving Gemini rollout signals resilience or decline. They also dive into the billion-dollar race for health data, exploring how Oura’s massive new raise fits into the wider AI gold rush.In this episode, you will:Explore how OpenAI’s “Treat Adults Like Adults” philosophy changes the future of AI interactionUnderstand the ethical and mental health challenges behind human-like AI personalitiesLearn why Johnny Ive’s “family of AI devices” could redefine how we interact with technologyExamine Google’s glacial AI rollout and whether slow and steady approach might actually win the raceUnpack Bloomberg’s “AI Money Loop” and what it reveals about risky financial entanglementsCompare the AI investment surge to past industrial bubbles like railroads and dot-comsThe Pact Honor the Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/  Follow us here on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media followingKey linksGet your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://www.tsp.show/episodes/Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/  Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/  Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang https://web-strategist.com/

What if your best work came from finding your flow, rather than simply grinding harder? In the age of constant distraction, many founders mistake busyness for progress, chasing notifications, meetings, and multitasking without realizing that true innovation happens when the mind is deeply focused.Today, Chris and Yaniv are joined by Steven Puri, former DreamWorks executive and founder of The Sukha, to unpack the science of flow state and why mastering it may be the ultimate founder advantage. From Hollywood film production to startup leadership, Steven shares how high performers sustain creativity and energy by designing their environments, schedules, and team cultures around deep work.They explore how to use neuroscience, rhythm, and intentional structure to unlock focus, eliminate context switching, and help your team reach peak performance without burnout.In this episode, you will:Understand flow state, and how it fuels both productivity and creativityIdentify common barriers preventing founders from achieving deep focusLearn how to structure your day around your natural chronotype for maximum energyImplement practical tools and mental environments that enable sustained concentrationExplore how to build company cultures that protect “maker time” and empower deep work across teamsAdopt sustainable rhythms that increase output while avoiding founder burnoutFind Steven on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-puriLearn more about Sukha: https://www.thesukha.co The Pact Honor the Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/  Follow us here on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media followingKey linksGet your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://www.tsp.show/episodes/Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/  Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/  Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang https://web-strategist.com/

What happens when AI stops being a product and starts being a platform?With OpenAI’s latest Dev Day changing the game, we might find out sooner rather than later. In this episode, Chris and Yaniv explore OpenAI’s Dev Day and the huge announcements made (including the Sora 2 launch), as well as their apparent transformation from product to platform. In other tech news, the guys dive into Anthropic’s open-source counterpunch with Claude’s Agent SDK, along with Apple’s controversial censorship call - all while analyzing what all of this means for startup founders building in the AI era.In this episode, you will:Understand how SDK, OpenAI’s new ChatGPT App, turns AI into a full developer ecosystemLearn about “platform risk”,and how founders can avoid being crushed by itCompare OpenAI’s walled-garden strategy to Anthropic’s open, Unix-inspired approachExamine the launch of Sora, OpenAI’s new AI video social network, and why it mattersDebate whether large tech companies can ever succeed in building new social platformsAnalyze Apple’s ICE Block takedown and what it says about censorship in curated ecosystemsThe Pact Honor the Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/  Follow us here on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media followingKey linksGet your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://www.tsp.show/episodes/Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/  Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/  Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang https://web-strategist.com/

What happens when a founder who took a taboo health topic mainstream decides to reinvent pet care? In this Spotlight episode of The Startup Podcast, former Hims co-founder Joe Spector faux-pitches his startup Dutch, a telemedicine platform making veterinary care accessible, affordable, and convenient.Most founders fear tough questions from investors, this episode shows what happens when they face them live. Discover how Joe applies lessons from scaling a billion-dollar company to a completely different market, and how understanding regulation, timing, and storytelling can make or break your pitch.In this episode, you will:Discover what makes a founder “fundable”, beyond just a good ideaUnderstand how Joe Spector scaled Hims and is now using those insights to disrupt pet telehealth with DutchExplore how regulatory insight can become a startup’s biggest competitive moatSee why subscription-based business models drive valuation and recurring growthFind out how Dutch makes pet care up to 10x cheaper while creating flexible jobs for veterinariansHear expert commentary from Chris and Yaniv on storytelling, founder credibility, and investor psychologyLearn more about Dutch: https://www.dutch.com/Connect with Joe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joespector The Pact Honor the Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/  Follow us here on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media followingKey linksGet your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://www.tsp.show/episodes/Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/  Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/  Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang https://web-strategist.com/

OpenAI just launched ChatGPT Pulse, a succinct, personalized daily feed. Will this shift the focus of AI from performance to personal context? Or is it just an overhyped, overpriced daily digest? In this episode, Chris and Yaniv get right into this week's tech news: the reality of ChatGPT Pulse, plus the wider implications of Hollywood's first AI actress, Tilly Norwood; Amazon's record-breaking $2.5B fine for deceptive Prime signups and the lessons founders can learn from it; and plenty more.In this episode, you will:Understand why context, not just performance, is becoming the new moat in AI.Explore how ChatGPT Pulse signals OpenAI’s strategy against Google and Apple.Debate whether AI-generated actors like Tilly Norwood have a real future in Hollywood.Learn what Amazon’s $2.5B FTC settlement teaches about dark patterns and user trust.Identify the regulatory risks startups must consider when designing growth funnels.Discover why Anthropic is shifting focus to enterprise and coding workflows.Reflect on how distribution and lock-in, not just innovation, shape the competitive landscape.The Pact Honor the Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/  Follow us here on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media followingKey linksGet your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://www.tsp.show/episodes/Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/  Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/  Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang https://web-strategist.com/

Standing out has gotten even more difficult thanks to the flood of AI content, and many early-stage founders mistakenly believe they need to act like corporate brands to be taken seriously.In this episode, Yaniv chats with Christine Blosdale, an award-winning media coach, podcaster, and branding strategist. Together they discuss how authenticity, personal branding, and “expert authority” can give founders a massive edge in today’s AI-driven startup landscape.They also explore how to overcome imposter syndrome, use AI responsibly, and build a founder-led brand that attracts talent, customers, and investors.In this episode, you will:Discover why authenticity is now the ultimate differentiator in the age of AI and algorithmic contentLearn how to build “expert authority” to boost your reputation and visibility as a founderOvercome imposter syndrome with practical mindset shifts that make content creation easierApply Christine’s tactics for repurposing podcasts, blogs, and videos to scale your personal brandSee why founder-led branding attracts better hires, investors, and partnersCreate a simple media kit to clarify your mission, credentials, and unique value propositionLearn more about Christine here: https://www.christineblosdale.com The Pact Honor the Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/  Follow us here on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media followingKey linksGet your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://www.tsp.show/episodes/Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/  Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/  Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang https://web-strategist.com/

What happens to Silicon Valley when the world’s best founders and engineers can no longer afford to work in the US? Today, Chris and Yaniv break down why the massive new work visa fee is a tech talent crisis waiting to happen. They discuss how Trump’s surprising $100K H-1B fee could reshape startup hiring and the tech sector at large, along with the nitty gritty of Meta’s new smart glasses launch, and Figure AI’s billion-dollar Series C robots. They also unpack OpenAI’s unexpected jobs platform, and what it reveals about the future of AI work.In this episode, you will:Understand how the new $100K H-1B visa fee could drain Silicon Valley of global talentExplore why immigrant founders and startups may shift to Canada, the UK, or AustraliaDiscover how Meta’s new Ray-Ban and Oakley smart glasses bring AR into the mainstreamCompare Meta’s “bottom-up” approach to Apple’s Vision Pro strategy and timingExamine Figure AI’s $1B+ raise and the coming battle with Tesla and Chinese robotics firmsEvaluate why OpenAI is launching a jobs platform amid fears of AI job lossLearn actionable insights for founders navigating talent shortages, AR hardware, and AI disruptionThe Pact Honor the Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/  Follow us here on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media followingKey linksGet your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://www.tsp.show/episodes/Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/  Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/  Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang https://web-strategist.com/

Is the new age of AI agents about to kill niche B2B SaaS businesses? Many first-time founders worry that tools like ChatGPT or custom AI builders will make off-the-shelf SaaS products obsolete, but it could simply herald a new evolution of SaaS.In this episode, Yaniv is joined by Rob Walling, serial founder, investor, and author of The SaaS Playbook, to break down why B2B SaaS still outperforms other business models and how founders can build defensible products – even in an AI-driven world.They explore the fundamentals of recurring revenue, why vertical SaaS wins over horizontal competitors, and the real opportunities AI creates for startup builders.In this episode, you will:Understand why recurring revenue outperforms one-off sales for stability and growth.Learn how vertical and orthogonal SaaS niches beat large horizontal players.Discover the importance of high margins and why bootstrapping B2B SaaS is often possible.Evaluate how net revenue retention and negative churn can exponentially increase enterprise value.Apply Rob’s 2-20-200 framework to validate and launch your own SaaS idea.Explore how to use AI as a feature or an enabler rather than seeing it as a threat.Gain insights on positioning, pricing, and finding your ideal customer profile in crowded markets.Learn more about Rob Walling and his work here: https://robwalling.com The Pact Honor the Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/  Follow us here on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media followingKey linksGet your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://www.tsp.show/episodes/Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/  Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/  Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang https://web-strategist.com/

Is YouTube quietly becoming the most powerful platform in the world? Announcements made during Made On YouTube 2025 revealed incredibly promising long-term plans, with the media giant seemingly set to dominate video, music, and podcasts with the help of Google’s AI.Too many entrepreneurs still see YouTube as ‘just’ a video host, missing the bigger picture: it’s a global discovery engine and monetization machine. In this episode, Chris and Yaniv break down YouTube’s creator ecosystem and what their announcements mean for the future of media services. They also delve into Oracle’s unexpected AI rise, Sam Altman’s high-pressure interview on AI ethics, and Figma’s new AI tools reshaping design.In this episode, you will:Discover how YouTube’s latest AI tools could outpace TikTok and Spotify in shorts, podcasts, and musicLearn why Oracle’s $100B OpenAI cloud deal and TikTok nationalization play mark a massive comebackUnderstand Sam Altman’s tough Tucker Carlson interview and what it reveals about OpenAI’s ethics stanceExplore Figma’s breakthrough AI features and what they mean for designers and startup teamsSee why “Nothing” phone’s $200M AI-first push could disrupt Apple and Google’s hardware advantageIdentify key lessons in strategy, timing, and neutrality from Oracle’s approach to AI infrastructureApply insights from vibe coding and vibe design tools to accelerate your own startup workflowThe Pact Honor the Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/  Follow us here on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media followingKey linksGet your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://www.tsp.show/episodes/Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/  Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/  Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang https://web-strategist.com/

Are you truly being persistent with your startup, or just being stubborn? In the new age of AI-powered founders and hyper-fast iteration, many entrepreneurs mistake obstinacy for persistence and end up running out of time, money, and morale.Too often we glorify “hustle” and “grit” without understanding when to adapt, pivot, or quit. The misconception that sheer willpower equals success has caused countless startups to fail, not because the idea was bad, but because the founder couldn’t tell when to change course.In this episode, Chris and Yaniv dive deep into Paul Graham’s classic essay on the difference between persistence and obstinacy. Drawing from decades of startup experience, they unpack why adaptability, “predatory listening,” and goal-directed experimentation are the true drivers of breakthrough success.They explore the five traits that set persistent founders apart (energy, imagination, resilience, good judgment, and focus) and explain how to build these skills into your daily practice as a founder.In this episode, you will:Discover the critical difference between persistence and obstinacy in startup cultureLearn Paul Graham’s “boat rudder vs. boat engine” metaphor and why it matters for foundersIdentify the five traits every successful founder must develop to survive and thriveUnderstand how “predatory listening” and adaptability accelerate learning and reduce riskExplore real-world examples (Stripe, Uber) showing how top founders embody these traitsApply practical strategies to know when to double down, pivot, or quit a failing ideaGain a fresh perspective on why resilience and imagination matter more than raw hustleThe Pact Honor the Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/ Follow us here on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media followingKey linksGet your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://www.tsp.show/episodes/Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/ Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/ Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang https://web-strategist.com/#Resilience #Startups #Founder #TheStartupPodcast #Mindset

With Apple’s iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, AirPods Pro 3, and Apple Watch 11 now unveiled, what does this mean for the future of phones and wearable tech? And does the incredible AI of Google Pixel still blow Siri out of the water?In this episode, Chris and Yaniv delve into Apple’s newest product lineup and what it reveals about the company’s long-term strategy, particularly in the current AI-driven climate. They also discuss both the IPO market heating back up and the recent White House tech dinner, the implications both of these have on the tech industry, and the key takeaways for you as a founder.In this episode, you will:Unpack Apple’s biggest announcements, from the ultra-thin iPhone Air to the next iterative iPhone 17Explore the hidden strategy behind AirPods Pro 3’s real-time translation and heart-rate monitoring featuresLearn why Apple Watch 11’s new health functions could reshape the wearable marketAnalyze why Apple’s generative AI gap matters and how it compares with Google’s approachUnderstand how the authenticity economy is changing hiring, recruiting, and founder strategyGain insight into the rebounding IPO market and what it signals for startup liquidityThe Pact Honor the Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/  Follow us here on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media followingKey linksGet your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://www.tsp.show/episodes/Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/  Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/  Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang https://web-strategist.com/

Pre-seed founders want explosive growth early on, but are you following the wrong playbook too soon? These days strategies, acronyms, and well-intended advice are everywhere, but today's guest argues that the path forward is a simple one: talk to customers, run experiments, and embrace rejection as part of the journey.In this episode, Yaniv Bernstein speaks to guest Ashley Smith (ex-Twilio, Parse, GitLab, GitHub, and now General Partner at Vermilion Cliffs) and unpacks what it really takes for your startup to go from zero to one. Ashley has been at the helm of some of the most successful developer tool companies in the last decade and now invests in the next generation of technical founders. She shares raw insights from the trenches on how to build community, experiment with growth, and keep your startup alive through grit and iteration.In this episode, you will:Learn why investor playbooks can be dangerous for early-stage foundersUnderstand why customer conversations matter more than LinkedIn hot takesDiscover how product and marketing should be treated as one cohesive strategyExplore how companies like Twilio, Parse, and GitLab grew by leaning into community, content, and relentless product shippingSee why hiring generalists and “specialists in experimentation” is the best early-stage moveGain tactical tips on creating authentic founder content in the age of AI slopEmbrace rejection as a natural (and necessary) part of fundraising and early customer acquisitionThe Pact Honor the Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/ Follow us on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media followingKey linksGet your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://www.tsp.show/episodes/Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/ Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/ Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang https://web-strategist.com/

Google’s long-running antitrust case has reached its remedy stage, and the outcome was far lighter than many expected. No breakup, no ban on default search deals, just a few constraints on bundling apps and some required data sharing, but it may not be quite as simple as it seems on the surface.Meanwhile, OpenAI dropped $1.1 billion to acquire Statsig, a product analytics company. What are the details of the deal, and what does it reveal about the future of OpenAI?To top the week off, Y Combinator released its Fall 2025 Request for Startups, and the lineup is surprisingly AI-heavy. Is this really a good indicator of successful startups, or are YC missing the mark with this one? Chris and Yaniv discuss this at length, cutting deeply into why these criteria were chosen, what you should (and shouldn’t) listen to, and where founders can looking for investors instead.In this episode, you will:Understand why Google’s “light touch” antitrust remedies sent its stock up 8% overnightLearn what OpenAI’s Statsig acquisition signals about its long-term strategyExplore why YC’s latest startup requests are so heavily AI-focused, and why that’s a mistakeCompare today’s antitrust rulings with the Microsoft case of the 1990sDiscover how AI may disrupt not just tech, but also government consulting and enterprise softwareGet Yaniv’s insider view on why intent-driven marketplaces may be the next frontierThe Pact Honor the Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/  Follow us here on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media followingKey linksGet your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://www.tsp.show/episodes/Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/  Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/  Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang https://web-strategist.com/

It seems like startup accelerators are everywhere these days. But what are they? What’s the point of them? And most importantly, is it worth having your startup go through one? Based on their own experience with YC and startups, Chris and Yaniv talk you through it all. In this episode, you will:Learn what startup accelerators are and how they work. Discover the primary benefits of going through a startup accelerator.Understand whether applying to a startup accelerator is right for you.Explore the process of choosing an accelerator.Listen to Yaniv’s first-hand experience going through the Y Combinator accelerator.The Pact Honor the Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/ Follow us here on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media followingKey linksGet your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://www.tsp.show/episodes/Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/ Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/ Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang https://web-strategist.com/

Is Apple’s dominance in smartphones starting to crack? Google’s Pixel 10 launch brought AI-first features, polished hardware, and bold marketing, signaling a new era in the iPhone vs. Android rivalry.For years, the iPhone has been synonymous with polish, hardware quality, and ecosystem lock-in. But with Google’s patient, decade-long investment in the Pixel line, coupled with deep AI integration, the balance may be shifting.Today, Chris and Yaniv analyze Pixel 10’s hardware updates, AI-powered OS features, and how Google’s persistence has brought it head-to-head with Apple. For founders and entrepreneurs, they also offer their unique insight into startups and unpack what you can learn about patience, platform strategy, and design in the middle of a platform shift.In this episode, you will:Understand how Google turned Pixel from a reference device into a competitive product lineExplore why AI-first design is becoming the true battlefield in smartphonesSee how proactive AI (Magic Q, contextual responses, Gemini integration) could reshape user experiencesDiscover why patience and iteration are critical lessons for startup foundersApply insights from platform ecosystems (reference apps, open source, and monetization strategies) to your own businessThe Pact Honor the Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/  Follow us here on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media followingKey linksGet your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://www.tsp.show/episodes/Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/  Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/  Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang https://web-strategist.com/

What makes a great tech infrastructure startup? And how do the best ones successfully navigate, and stand out from, the overcrowded market?In this episode, Yaniv is joined by Joseph Ruscio, General Partner at Heavybit and former CTO of Vibrato, to unpack the dos and don'ts of tech infrastructure startups, how open source fuels growth, and why AI is changing the way software is built.With over 20 years in system software and a portfolio including LaunchDarkly, Netlify, and PagerDuty, Joe brings a front-row perspective to the future of startup building. The conversation dives into bottom-up growth, developer adoption, and the open source strategies that give founders leverage—and how AI agents are reshaping the role of the software engineer.In this episode, you will:Understand why bottom-up adoption often beats enterprise sales for startup growthLearn how AWS scaled from startups to Fortune 500s—and what founders can copyDiscover the power of open source as a go-to-market strategy (and its pitfalls)See why giving away your product can actually accelerate growth and community adoptionExplore how AI is changing developer workflows and the future role of engineersIdentify the risks of being “too close to your own pain” as a technical founderApply practical guidelines for choosing your startup’s tech stack without overthinkingDevGuild Open Source: http://heavybit.com/devguild/open-source The Pact Honor the Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/  Follow us here on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGg Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media followingKey linksGet your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://www.tsp.show/episodes/Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/  Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/  Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang https://web-strategist.com/

Is the AI hype cycle about to burst?For months, investors and founders have chased sky-high valuations, billion-dollar hires, and promises of superintelligence, but Meta's drastic plans to cut back its AI division seem to indicate a bleak future for LLMs and AI at large.In this episode, Chris and Yaniv unpack the latest shakeup at Meta, using their knowledge and experience in Silicon Valley to analyze the situation and pick apart whether this is a canary in a coal mine. They explore why Meta is restructuring, what it says about the state of large language models (LLMs), and how to navigate high-stakes moments when the hype cycle turns.In this episode, you will:Understand what Meta’s latest AI restructure really signals about industry prioritiesLearn why hype cycles always lead to a trough of disillusionment, and how to prepareExplore how trillion-dollar bets on AGI could reshape competitive dynamicsSee why founders should question assumptions about LLM productivity gainsRecognize the risks of chasing hype versus building sustainable business modelsThe Pact Honor the Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:Follow, rate, and review us in your listening appSubscribe to the TSP Mailing List to gain access to exclusive newsletter-only content and early access to information on upcoming episodes: https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/  Follow us here on YouTube for full-video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNjm1MTdjysRRV07fSf0yGgGive us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media followingKey linksGet your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://www.tsp.show/episodes/Learn more about Chris and YanivWork 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/  Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/  Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/Producer: Justin McArthur https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcarthurIntro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang https://web-strategist.com/