Global bond yields are quietly climbing again in late 2025—even as central banks start cutting short‑term rates. In this video, we break down what’s actually happening in the bond market, why the 10‑year government bond is so important, and what higher yields could mean for stocks, startups, real estate, and your portfolio.Using simple charts and real numbers, we explain concepts like term premium, bear steepening, and duration in plain English, then walk through a few realistic scenarios for 2026 instead of doomsday predictions.Key Takeaways- Long‑term government bond yields in major markets have moved higher again, as investors demand more compensation for inflation and fiscal risk.- This raises the discount rate used to value long‑duration assets like growth stocks and startups, putting pressure on high multiples even if earnings look strong.- At the same time, short‑term bonds and cash‑like instruments now offer attractive yields, so investors finally have genuine fixed‑income alternatives to equities.Glossary – Financial Terms Explained- Yield: The annual return you earn from a bond, expressed as a percentage of its price. If price falls, yield rises, and vice versa.- Basis Point (bps): One‑hundredth of a percentage point. 50 bps = 0.50%. Useful for talking about small rate moves precisely.- Risk‑Free Rate: The yield on high‑quality government bonds (often the 10‑year US Treasury), used as the baseline return investors can get with very low credit risk.- Yield Curve: A line that shows bond yields from short maturities (e.g., 3‑month) to long maturities (e.g., 30‑year). It summarizes market expectations for growth and inflation over time.- Bear Steepening: A situation where long‑term yields rise faster than short‑term yields. It usually signals markets are worried about future inflation, debt, or growth risks.- Term Premium: The extra yield investors demand for locking money into long‑term bonds instead of rolling short‑term ones. It rises when there’s more uncertainty about inflation, deficits, or who will buy all the new debt.- Duration: A measure of how sensitive a bond (or stock-like asset) is to interest‑rate changes. Higher duration = bigger price swings when yields move.- Investment‑Grade Bond: Debt issued by governments or companies with strong credit ratings, viewed as relatively low default risk.- High‑Yield / Junk Bond: Debt from weaker issuers with higher default risk. They pay higher yields to compensate investors for that risk.- Discount Rate: The interest rate used to convert future cash flows into today’s value. When this rate goes up, the present value of distant cash flows (like future startup profits) goes down.SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VC & STARTUP STRATEGYVC10X breaks down the most important stories in tech, startups, and investing every week. If you want actionable insights to help you build or invest in the next great company, subscribe now.LET'S CONNECTWebsite: https://VC10X.comX / Twitter: https://x.com/choubeysahabLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabCOMMENT BELOWHow do you think this will play out in 2026?#BondMarket #InterestRates #Investing #StockMarket #Finance #Economics #FederalReserve #BondYields #10YearTreasury #MacroEconomics #MarketAnalysis #PassiveIncome #BearSteepening
In this episode, we sit down with Caitlyn Krebs, Co-founder and CEO of Nalu Bio, to discuss how her company is leveraging generative AI to revolutionize drug discovery. Caitlyn shares how they are creating novel chemical entities five times faster than traditional methods to tackle massive unmet needs like endometriosis and post-surgical pain.We also dive deep into the business of biotech: the looming $250 billion "Patent Cliff" facing big pharma, the reality of the fundraising "rollercoaster," and why bringing innovation back to the US is critical for the industry's future.If you are interested in the intersection of AI and biology, the future of pain management, or the grit required to build a life sciences startup, you won't want to miss this conversation.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comKey Topics Covered:- The Next GLP-1? Why the endocannabinoid system is the largest regulator in the human body.- AI in Biotech: How Nalu Bio uses "digital twins" and virtual patients to de-risk drug development.- The $250B Opportunity: Understanding the massive patent cliff approaching the pharma industry.- Women's Health: Solving endometriosis with non-hormonal, non-opioid therapeutics.- Founder Resilience: Caitlyn’s story of a lead investor walking away at the final document stage and how she bounced back.- Building Moats: How to protect IP and technology in a competitive market.Connect with Caitlyn & Nalu Bio:* Website: https://nalubio.com* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlynkrebs* Email: caitlyn@nalubio.comVC10X website - https://VC10X.comDon't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications for more deep dives into the future of technology and healthcare!#Biotech #AI #DrugDiscovery #Endometriosis #Startup #NaluBio #HealthTech #Entrepreneurship #GLP1 #Pharma
Two years ago, Google declared a "Code Red" because of ChatGPT. Now, the tables have turned. On December 1st, 2025, Sam Altman sent a panic memo to OpenAI staff, declaring a "Code Red" to fix ChatGPT as traffic plunges for the first time in history.In this deep dive, we break down why OpenAI is suddenly losing the AI war to Google's Gemini and the viral "Nano Banana" tool. We analyze the 6% user drop that terrified Sam Altman, the massive $500 Billion valuation bubble that could burst, and why OpenAI's lack of a "moat" is finally catching up to them.KEY TAKEAWAYS✅ Why ChatGPT traffic is down 6% in just two weeks✅ The viral success of Google's "Nano Banana Pro" vs. OpenAI's expensive Sora✅ The risk behind OpenAI's $500 Billion valuation and $20B ARR target✅ Why top talent like Mira Murati is leaving OpenAI✅ How Google's infrastructure advantage (TPUs, Data Centers) is finally winningTIMESTAMPS:(0:00) - Intro(0:51) - Why the sudden panic?(1:23) - Nano Banana Pro threat(1:39) - Google's infrastructure edge (2:01) - The burden of massive valuation(2:28) - Heavy reliance on consumer subscriptions(2:50) - Chaos in product roadmap(3:39) - Empire strikes back(4:21) - Is this the end for Chatgpt?SOURCES & DATA- SimilarWeb Traffic Data: ChatGPT down 6% daily active users- The Information: "Sam Altman Declares Code Red"- Valuation Data: OpenAI at $500B vs SpaceX at ~$200BSUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VC & STARTUP STRATEGYVC10X breaks down the most important stories in tech, startups, and investing every week. If you want actionable insights to help you build or invest in the next great company, subscribe now.LET'S CONNECTWebsite: https://VC10X.comX / Twitter: https://x.com/choubeysahabLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabCOMMENT BELOWHave you switched to Gemini or are you loyal to ChatGPT? Let us know in the comments.#OpenAI #ChatGPT #GoogleGemini #SamAltman #ArtificialIntelligence #TechNews #VentureCapital #CodeRed #StartupStrategy
Fundraising used to be a relationship business. Now, it’s a volume game.In this episode, we sit down with the founder of Aduro Advisors to unpack the data behind the current venture capital landscape. With $131 Billion+ in assets under administration across 650+ firms, they have a bird’s-eye view of the market that few others possess.We dive deep into the "haves vs. have-nots" dynamic in VC, why the era of the generalist firm might be ending, and the exact operational mistakes that stop emerging managers from scaling. If you are raising a fund or managing a firm in 2025, you need to hear this.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comTopics covered:- Shift to Solo GPs: The rise of individual managers over large platforms.- Fundraising Reality: Why raising capital is now a volume-based "numbers game."- Market Polarization: The widening gap between the "haves" and "have-nots."- Specialization Wins: Why LPs favor sector-focused funds over generalists.- The 100% Rule: Data showing funds that invest 100%+ of capital outperform.- Smaller Funds: The strategic advantage of "right-sized" funds for faster returns.- Individual Investors: The massive influx of High Net Worth individuals into VC.- AI & Operations: Using AI to automate fund administration and data reporting.About the Guest:Aduro Advisors is a premier fund administration firm supporting over 650 venture capital and private equity firms with more than $131 Billion in assets under administration. Their platform, FundPanel, leverages data and AI to streamline operations for the next generation of investors.Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction and episode overview(00:02:43) - Inspiration behind founding Aduro Advisors(00:04:25) - Major shifts in fund operations and data flow(00:05:58) - Aduro Advisors' data insights on fund performance and market recovery(00:09:48) - Evolution of fund sizes and LP composition(00:11:22) - Common mistakes made by first-time fund managers(00:12:40) - The importance of sector specialization versus diversification for LPs(00:17:24) - Surprising findings from Aduro Advisors' Q2 2025 report(00:20:16) - Longevity of firms and the "haves and have-nots" dynamic(00:23:09) - Characteristics of top-decile performing funds(00:25:48) - How Fund Panel streamlines fund administration and reporting(00:27:17) - The role of AI in fund administration(00:30:38) - Changes in fundraising approach post-pandemic(00:32:23) - Biggest opportunities for innovation in fund operations(00:33:54) - Where to learn more about Aduro Advisors and Fund PanelLearn more about Aduro Advisors:Website: https://aduroadvisors.com/FundPanel: https://fundpanel.io/VC10X links:VC10X website - https://VC10X.comFollow Prashant on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab#VentureCapital #Fundraising #PrivateEquity #EmergingManagers #StartupInvesting #AduroAdvisors
On November 25th, 2025, Nvidia did something they've never done before: they publicly defended themselves. After reports broke that Meta is negotiating a multi-billion dollar deal to buy Google's AI chips instead of Nvidia's GPUs, Nvidia posted a defensive tweet claiming they're "a generation ahead" of ASICs like Google's TPUs.But if Nvidia is so far ahead, why are they tweeting about it? And why is Meta—their second-largest customer—trying to break free?In this deep dive, we break down the secret war for AI chips, analyze Nvidia's "panic tweet" line by line, and explain why Google is now racing toward a $4 trillion valuation while Nvidia's monopoly crumbles.TIMESTAMPS(0:00) Nvidia's Defensive Tweet(0:45) The Meta Betrayal: Google TPU Deal Explained(1:45) Google's $4 Trillion Comeback & Why TPUs Win(2:44) Is Nvidia in Trouble?(3:14) The Verdict: Confidence or Desperation?KEY TAKEAWAYS✅ Why Meta is negotiating to lease and buy Google TPUs starting in 2026✅ The hidden weakness Nvidia accidentally revealed in their tweet✅ How Google's "ASICs" are 30% faster and 60% more energy-efficient✅ Why spending $50 billion/year makes efficiency matter more than versatility✅ The end of Nvidia's monopoly pricing powerTHE TWEET BREAKDOWNWe analyze Nvidia's November 25th response where they claim superiority over "ASICs" (Google's TPUs), why this is defensive PR, and what it reveals about the shifting power dynamics in AI hardware.SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VC & STARTUP STRATEGYVC10X breaks down the most important stories in tech, startups, and investing every week. If you want actionable insights to help you build or invest in the next great company, subscribe now.LET'S CONNECTWebsite: https://VC10X.comX / Twitter: https://x.com/choubeysahabLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabCOMMENT BELOWIs Nvidia's tweet confident or desperate? Who wins the battle for Meta: Jensen Huang or Sundar Pichai? Let us know in the comments.#Nvidia #Google #Meta #AIChips #TPU #JensenHuang #SundarPichai #TechNews #VentureCapital #Alphabet
What does it really take to scale a B2B software company from early traction to a category leader? In this episode, Maitlan Cramer, Managing Director at Bow River Capital, breaks down the "Capital Plus" playbook used to manage roughly $4.7 billion in assets across the firm.Maitlan moves beyond the typical VC advice, explaining why growth equity is about "rolling up your sleeves" to fix broken processes rather than just writing checks. He shares why he will always choose a great market over a great product, how to distinguish between vanity growth and sustainable revenue, and why founders need to stop fearing the "growth equity" label.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:📒The Growth Equity Playbook: How investing at the growth stage differs from early-stage VC.📉 Market over Product: Why you can fix a bad company, but you can’t fix a bad industry.🚩 Red Flags: How to spot "unhealthy growth" and vanity metrics before they kill your business.🤝 Sales & Talent: Why Maitlan hires for "grit" over resumes, and how to rebuild a C-Suite.🤖 The AI Wave: How artificial intelligence is reshaping retention, moats, and software pricing.TIMESTAMPS(00:00) - Let's start(00:41) - Introduction to Maitlan Cramer and Bow River Capital(02:36) - Maitlan's journey from Grant Ventures to managing $4.7B fund(04:18) - Stage of investment and growth equity vs buyout approach(05:11) - Majority ownership and buyout strategy explained(06:48) - Misconceptions founders have about growth equity capital(08:07) - Board involvement across different software verticals(08:24) - Case study: Altvia and building go-to-market motion(12:45) - Case study: HR Soft and restructuring the C-suite(15:43) - Impact of AI on competitive advantages and moats in software(16:33) - Assessing competitive advantage through customer calls(20:15) - AI strategy and data flywheel effects(23:29) - Great market vs great product investment philosophy(24:45) - Key operational metrics beyond revenue growth(27:38) - Bootstrap vs venture-backed investment opportunities(30:41) - Trends in customer acquisition costs and retention metrics(33:32) - Identifying and hiring great sellers(38:19) - Biggest learning: trusting the process(41:12) - Rapid fire round begins(41:24) - Sectors and regions of investment(43:03) - Typical stage and revenue range for investments(44:04) - Ownership targets in portfolio companies(45:07) - Typical check size and capital deployment(46:15) - How founders can get in touch(46:45) - Where to follow Maitlan and Bow River Capital(47:05) - Closing remarksABOUT THE GUESTMaitlan Cramer is a Managing Director at Bow River Capital, a Denver-based alternative asset manager. The firm manages approximately $4.7 billion in assets and operates across seven private fund platforms. Maitlan leads investments for the Software Growth Equity team, focusing on majority-control recapitalizations and buyouts of mission-critical B2B software companies.CONNECT WITH USWebsite: https://VC10X.comBow River Capital: https://www.bowrivercapital.com/Maitlan Cramer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maitlan-cramer-b797a744#GrowthEquity #SaaS #PrivateEquity #Investing #Startups #BowRiverCapital #BusinessPodcast
India's IPO market has completely lost its mind. Groww is worth more than the Bombay Stock Exchange (as of 18th Nov '25 the date of recording). PhysicsWallah is losing ₹243 crore but got a 33% listing pop. And companies are literally moving their headquarters from the US to India just to IPO here. What's going on?In this deep dive, we expose the wild world of Indian startup IPOs. You'll discover how companies magically become profitable right before going public, why retail investors are gambling billions on unprofitable startups, and the shocking "reverse flip" trend where unicorns are abandoning Silicon Valley for Mumbai's markets. This is the untold story of the biggest IPO boom and potential bubble in the world right now.Note- The video was recorded on 18th Nov '25, all numbers and stock prices are true to that date.Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not financial advice. Please do your own research or consult a registered financial advisor before making investment decisions. The creator is not responsible for any profits or losses resulting from investment decisions.KEY TAKEAWAYS:✅ How Groww became worth more than the 150-year-old Bombay Stock Exchange✅ Why PhysicsWallah got a 33% listing gain despite losing ₹243 crore✅ The accounting tricks companies use to become "profitable" before IPOs✅ Why 70+ startups are moving from US/Singapore to India (reverse flipping)✅ India vs USA IPO markets: lower requirements, higher valuations, unlimited appetiteFEATURED COMPANIES:Groww: ₹1.1 lakh crore valuation (more than BSE itself on 18th Nov '25)Lenskart: Years of losses, then ₹297 crore profit in FY25—just before IPOPhysicsWallah: Loss-making but 33% listing gainsPine Labs: 2.5x oversubscribed despite unclear profitabilityZomato, Paytm, Nykaa, Ola Electric: The cautionary talesTIMESTAMPS:(0:00) Introduction(0:33) Groww IPO(1:54) Lenskart IPO(2:36) Pine Labs IPO(3:15) Physicswallah(4:51) Why & how do companies turn profitable just before the IPO?(6:51) Class of '21 - Zomato, Paytm, Nykaa(9:45) India vs USA IPO Markets(10:46) Reverse Flipping(12:04) Why are companies reverse flipping to India?(13:11) Is indian IPO market visionary or plain crazy?(13:58) ClosingSUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VC & STARTUP STRATEGYVC10X breaks down the most important stories in tech, startups, and investing every week. If you want actionable insights to help you build or invest in the next great company, subscribe now.LET'S CONNECTWebsite: https://VC10X.comX / Twitter: https://x.com/choubeysahabLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabCOMMENT BELOWIs India's IPO market the future or a bubble waiting to pop? Have you invested in any of these companies? Let us know in the comments.#IndiaIPO #Groww #PhysicsWallah #Lenskart #StartupIndia #VentureCapital #IPOMarket #RetailInvesting #ZomatoIPO #PaytmIPO
In this episode, we sit down with a true legend of the tech and investing world, Fabrice Grinda, Founding Partner at FJ Labs. With a track record that includes founding the global classifieds giant OLX (used by 350M+ people), achieving over 350 exits as an investor, and being named the #1 Angel Investor by Forbes, Fabrice shares a masterclass on what it takes to win in the world of startups.We dive deep into his incredible journey, from leaving McKinsey at 23 to chasing his entrepreneurial dream, to the bold "spaghetti on the wall" strategy of launching OLX in 100+ countries simultaneously.Fabrice gets candid about nearly going bankrupt, borrowing money on his credit cards to make payroll, and the resilience it took to build a company to $200 million in revenue.You'll also hear the untold story of how he tried to buy the "Alibaba.com" domain from a then-unknown Jack Ma, and the pattern recognition that allowed him to become an early investor in future giants like Alibaba, Airbnb, and Flexport.If you're an entrepreneur, investor, or just fascinated by what it takes to build and identify world-changing companies, this conversation is packed with priceless insights.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comVC10X website - https://vc10x.comFJ Labs website - https://fjlabs.com/Fabrice Grinda on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabricegrinda/🎙️ Hosted by Prashant ChoubeyFollow Prashant on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabWe talk about -- Why Fabrice left a prestigious job at McKinsey to become a founder.- The high-risk strategy that made OLX a global phenomenon.- Lessons from nearly losing everything and bouncing back stronger.- The key traits that separate successful companies from those that fail.- His contrarian take on the current AI bubble and where the real opportunities lie.- The future of marketplaces and the next trillion-dollar opportunities.Timestamps:(00:00) - Introduction(03:02) - Journey from McKinsey to becoming an entrepreneur(04:48) - OLX's global expansion strategy and market selection(07:33) - Fundraising approach and VC backing for OLX(09:44) - Building Zingy to $200M revenue after near bankruptcy(11:16) - Bootstrapping Zingy with small incremental raises(12:32) - Transition from operator to investor(14:16) - Being named #1 angel investor by Forbes(16:11) - Framework for evaluating marketplace opportunities(17:32) - Pattern recognition in successful vs failed companies(19:09) - Current marketplace market conditions and valuations(22:30) - How AI is changing purchasing behavior in marketplaces(24:42) - Why B2B marketplaces are compelling now(26:18) - AI's impact on marketplace defensibility and network effects(27:41) - Early investments in Alibaba, Airbnb, and Flexport stories(29:58) - Cross-border marketplaces and live commerce trends(32:27) - International arbitrage and business model innovation(34:10) - Solving the chicken and egg problem in marketplaces(36:00) - Take rates in marketplaces from early to mature stages(39:12) - Marketplace monopolies and pricing power(41:06) - Zomato's valuation and public market implications(45:45) - Biggest hurdles for marketplace founders today(46:35) - Contrarian belief: Investing in marketplaces over AI(48:08) - Rapid fire: Investment sectors, stages, and check sizes(49:26) - How to reach Fabrice and closing remarksFor sponsorship or guest appearance requests, write to prashantchoubey3@gmail.comSubscribe to VC10X on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.#FabriceGrinda #AngelInvesting #Marketplaces #OLX #StartupStory #VentureCapital #Alibaba #Entrepreneurship #TechInvestor #FJlabs
Michael Burry—the legendary investor who predicted the 2008 housing crash—has just placed a massive bet against the AI boom. His latest 13F filing reveals he's shorting Nvidia and Palantir, the two darlings of the AI revolution. Is this the beginning of the AI bubble bursting, or is Burry making the biggest mistake of his career?In this deep dive, we break down Burry's exact positions, the warning signs he's seeing that others are ignoring, and what this means for the future of AI investing. We also examine the counter-argument: why betting against this market could be incredibly dangerous.TIMESTAMPS(00:00) - Michael Burry's billion-dollar bet against AI(00:24) - How we know about Burry's bet: 13F filings revealed(00:44) - Burry's targeted bets: NVIDIA and Palantir put options(00:55) - Why shorting NVIDIA is significant(01:15) - Why shorting Palantir matters(01:36) - The two-pronged attack strategy(02:05) - Warning sign #1: Smart money is cashing out (SoftBank exits NVIDIA)(02:31) - Warning sign #2: Astronomical valuations(03:11) - Warning sign #3: Spending doesn't match profits(03:43) - Why Burry could be wrong: This isn't the dot-com bubble(04:05) - AI as a true platform shift(04:22) - Burry's past mistakes: The Tesla bet(04:38) - What this means for founders & investors(05:18) - Is this Big Short 2.0?(05:48) - Final thoughts and call to actionKEY TAKEAWAYS✅ Why Michael Burry is shorting Nvidia and Palantir specifically.✅ The three warning signs that suggest an AI bubble.✅ How smart money (like SoftBank) is quietly exiting AI stocks.✅ What founders and VCs should focus on in this new environment.SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VC & STARTUP STRATEGYVC10X breaks down the most important stories in tech, startups, and investing every week. If you want actionable insights to help you build or invest in the next great company, subscribe now.LET'S CONNECTWebsite: https://VC10X.comLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabCOMMENT BELOWDo you think the AI market is a bubble? Or is Burry making a massive mistake? Let us know in the comments.#MichaelBurry #Nvidia #Palantir #AI #BigShort #VentureCapital #TechBubble #Investing #Startup
After selling your company for half a billion dollars, what do you do next? Our guest, Shay Levi, decided to start all over again with an even more ambitious mission. Shay previously co-founded the API security giant Noname Security, which was acquired by Akamai for a staggering $500 million.Now, he's back with Unframe, a company taking on the entire software industry with a radical promise: they'll build your custom software for free, and you only pay if it delivers a real impact.Today, Shay walks us through his incredible journey, the contrarian thinking behind his new venture, and how Unframe is using AI to build working solutions in just a matter of days.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comVC10X website - https://VC10X.com/Unframe website - https://unframe.aiShay Levi on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaylevi2🎙️ Hosted by Prashant ChoubeyFollow Prashant on X - https://x.com/ChoubeySahabFollow Prashant on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabTimestamps:(00:00) - Introduction to Unframe's business model and value proposition(01:07) - Shay Levy's background and Noname Security's $500M exit(02:52) - Founding story of Noname Security(04:51) - Difficult moments and challenges during the Noname journey(07:05) - Learning from failures and improving processes(08:22) - Decision to start Unframe after successful exit(11:38) - How Unframe's business model works in practice(14:44) - Pricing structure and customer alignment(17:14) - Managing client expectations and feature requests(19:24) - Using AI tools for building solutions quickly(21:45) - AI models and developer tools used at Unframe(22:34) - Team structure for building solutions(23:45) - Building blocks approach and platform architecture(24:00) - Early days GTM strategy and customer acquisition(25:39) - Emerging from stealth with $50M funding(27:54) - Fundraising experience and investor reactions(30:41) - Positioning Unframe as a foundational platform(32:21) - Product-market fit indicators for Unframe(34:06) - Building a moat and competitive advantages(37:40) - Lessons learned from Noname Security(38:40) - Biggest learning as a founder: the importance of hard work(41:24) - Closing remarksFor sponsorship or guest appearance requests, write to prashantchoubey3@gmail.comSubscribe to VC10X on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts.
Meta and Amazon are making billions in profit, so why are they laying off thousands of employees in late 2025? It’s not a recession, it’s a strategic shift. We break down the real reasons behind the new wave of "quiet layoffs" sweeping Big Tech and what it means for the future of your career.In this deep dive, you'll learn about the "Great AI Re-Allocation," how the "Year of Efficiency" became a permanent strategy, and why the jobs of the future are becoming highly specialized. This isn't just news; it's a critical look at the new rules of the tech industry and how you can navigate them.TIMESTAMPS(00:00) - Introduction: Meta and Amazon layoffs despite record profits(00:37) - Recent layoff reports at Meta and Amazon(01:35) - The new normal: continuous strategic culling in big tech(02:00) - Reason 1: The great AI reallocation(02:50) - Reason 2: Year of efficiency as permanent operating philosophy(03:40) - Reason 3: Pandemic hiring aftershocks(04:17) - What does this mean for you?(05:04) - Silver lining: Talent boost for startup ecosystem(05:22) - Conclusion and call to actionKEY TAKEAWAYS✅ Why profitable companies are still cutting staff.✅ How AI is forcing a massive reallocation of talent and capital.✅ The new skills that are in high demand (and which are at risk).SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VC & STARTUP STRATEGYVC10X breaks down the most important stories in tech, startups, and investing every week. If you want actionable insights to help you build or invest in the next great company, subscribe now.LET'S CONNECTWebsite: https://VC10X.comX / Twitter: https://x.com/choubeysahabLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabCOMMENT BELOWHas this new wave of layoffs affected you or your company? Let's discuss it in the comments.#TechLayoffs #Meta #Amazon #BigTech #JobMarket #CareerAdvice #AI #VentureCapital
In this episode, we sit down with Michelle Urben, Managing & General Partner of the Synergos Fund, an innovative firm that is challenging the traditional VC model. They've launched a "continuum fund," a new structure designed to support transformative companies through their entire lifecycle, from seed to commercialization.We dive deep into why they "don't invest for an exit," their mission to build "very durable companies that we want to own forever," and how they are tackling some of the world's biggest problems, from the global energy demand to recycling spent nuclear fuel.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comSynergos Fund - https://www.synergosholdings.com/general-7Michelle Urben on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-boquiren-urben-0538852🎙️ Hosted by Prashant ChoubeyFollow Prashant on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabTopics discussed:- The Continuum Fund Model - Conscious Capitalism and Impact Investing- Long-Term Investment Strategy vs. Quick Exits- Nuclear Energy and Spent Fuel Recycling- The Evergreen Fund Structure and Investor Flexibility& lots moreTimestamps:(00:00) Introduction to Michelle Urben and Synergos Fund(02:22) What makes a Continuum Fund different from traditional VC funds(06:55) Solving the critical problem of access in late-stage startups(07:30) Structure of the Continuum Fund compared to typical venture capital funds(10:12) Defining conscious capitalism and ensuring returns for investors(11:27) Investment deployment and flexibility for investors(14:45) Transparency and meaningful stakes in portfolio companies(18:02) Balancing patient capital with investor expectations(19:04) Advantages of Washington, D.C. for the companies they're backing(22:02) Navigating political uncertainty around clean energy and funding(25:19) Electricity demand from AI and clean energy solutions(27:31) Balancing active investing with community building in Washington, D.C.(31:06) Investor reception to the new investment model(33:02) Biggest learning from investing in startups(34:27) Rapid fire round begins - sectors, stages, and investment approachFor sponsorship or guest appearance requests, write to prashantchoubey3@gmail.comSubscribe to VC10X on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts.
How did Intel go from losing $18.8 billion to a $4.1 billion profit in just six months? A legendary venture capitalist, Lip-Bu Tan took over and executed a masterclass in corporate turnaround strategy. We break down the VC playbook that not only saved the iconic chipmaker but also convinced its biggest rival, Nvidia, to invest $5 billion.In this deep dive, we unpack one of the most dramatic business stories of 2025. You'll learn how Intel lost its dominance, the brutal decisions their new CEO had to make, and the strategic capital moves that shocked Wall Street. This isn't just a story about a big company; it's a goldmine of lessons for every founder, operator, and investor.Important Note: The stock graph screenshots & figures were taken after market closing on 28 Oct '25. Not a financial advice.TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Introduction to Intel's dramatic turnaround story(00:50) Intel's fall(02:06) Enter The VC - Introduction of Lip-Bu Tan as new CEO(03:18) Tan's turnaround playbook(5:52) Q3 2025 earnings report and financial results(7:04) Key lessons for startups and VCs:- Lesson 1: Value of an outsider perspective- Lesson 2: Importance of strategic capital- Lesson 3: Focus is everything- Lesson 4: Speed of execution- Lesson 5: Possibility of a comeback(8:53) Closing remarks and call to action for viewersKEY LESSONS COVERED✅ The power of an outsider's perspective in a crisis.✅ How to use strategic capital (not just any capital) to validate your turnaround.✅ The importance of radical focus and cutting non-core assets.✅ Why execution speed is a company's greatest weapon.SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VC & STARTUP STRATEGYVC10X breaks down the most important stories in tech, startups, and investing every week. If you want actionable insights to help you build or invest in the next great company, subscribe now.LET'S CONNECTWebsite: https://VC10X.comX / Twitter: https://x.com/choubeysahabLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabCOMMENT BELOWWhat's the boldest corporate turnaround you've ever seen? Let's discuss it in the comments.#Intel #VentureCapital #StartupStrategy #Turnaround #Investing #Business #TechNews #Nvidia
Jan Szilayi is the co-founder of Reflexivity, a AI market research platform that is quietly becoming the secret weapon for some of the world's top investors.Backed by legendary figures like Stanley Druckenmiller, Thomas Peterffy, and Greg Coffey, and partnered with Microsoft, Reflexivity is already being used by major hedge funds like Millennium and Soros Fund Management to navigate the overwhelming flood of market data.In this conversation, we explore how AI is evolving from a simple data tool into an analytical partner that helps investors ask questions they didn't even know they should be asking.We discuss the key principles from legendary investors that are baked into the platform's DNA, and we tackle the big question: Could an AI one day compete with the best asset managers on the planet?⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comReflexivity website - https://reflexivity.com/enJan Szilagyi on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-szilagyi-12284ab🎙️ Hosted by Prashant ChoubeyFollow Prashant on X - https://x.com/ChoubeySahabFollow Prashant on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabTimestamps:(00:00) Introduction to the podcast and Reflexivity(03:26) Johan's background and motivation for building Reflexivity(04:25) Overview of the Reflexivity platform(05:44) Differentiating Reflexivity from other AI investment tools(07:50) Market focus of Reflexivity (public vs private markets)(08:51) Key principle learned from Stanley Druckenmiller(10:43) Types of research possible on Reflexivity(13:02) Democratization of market alpha through AI(14:53) Convincing top investors to use Reflexivity(15:41) Influence of academic training on company building(16:54) Managing a long-distance founder partnership(18:09) Comparison with horizontal AI companies(19:38) Strategic partnership with Microsoft(20:41) Go-to-market learnings and challenges(22:19) Potential for an autonomous investment agent(26:32) Fundraising strategy and investor selection(28:16) Capital allocation approach(29:18) Comparing market prediction to running a startup(30:55) Perspective on AI hype and market valuation(33:05) Biggest learning from building Reflexivity(33:48) How to learn more about ReflexivityFor sponsorship or guest appearance requests, write to prashantchoubey3@gmail.comSubscribe to VC10X on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts.
Ganesh Padmanabhan is the Founder & CEO of Autonomize AI.After eleven years scaling infrastructure at Dell, Ganesh took on healthcare's biggest problem—an industry drowning in data but struggling to use it. We're discussing AI agents, healthcare transformation, and why patients believe healthcare has deteriorated despite all the technological innovation.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comAutonomize AI - https://autonomize.ai/Ganesh Padmanabhan on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/padmanabhan/Stories in AI Podcast - https://www.storiesinai.com/🎙️ Hosted by Prashant ChoubeyFollow Prashant on X - https://x.com/ChoubeySahabFollow Prashant on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabTimestamps:(00:00) Introduction(02:22) Ganesh's journey from Dell to founding Autonomize AI(06:55) Overview of what Autonomize AI does(10:03) Initial go-to-market approach and challenges in healthcare(14:51) Developing channel partnerships(18:15) Organic demand for AI in healthcare(23:07) Challenges of implementing AI in healthcare (data privacy, hallucinations)(29:17) Series A fundraising approach and strategies(36:16) Details of the fundraising process(40:24) Deployment of capital raised(42:45) Balancing rapid product development with lengthy healthcare sales cycles(46:27) Metrics used to show ROI to customers(49:59) Most pivotal decisions that changed Autonomize's trajectory(54:00) Playbook for building credibility in heavily regulated industries like healthcare(57:11) Closing remarks and ways to follow Ganesh and Autonomize AIFor sponsorship or guest appearance requests, write to prashantchoubey3@gmail.comSubscribe to VC10X on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
Jatin Desai is a Co-founder & Managing Partner at Inflexor Ventures. He is a seasoned operator turned venture capitalist who has successfully built and exited businesses in both the US and India. In this episode, Jatin shares his playbook on investing in deep tech, the future of AI in India, and the single biggest challenge facing Indian startups.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comInflexor Ventures - inflexor.vcJatin Desai on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jatin-desai-b47b183/🎙️ Hosted by Prashant ChoubeyFollow Prashant on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabWe talk about -- Journey from Wall Street to building Inflection Ventures and achieving top decile fund performance globally- Investment thesis across three buckets: India for India, India for the world, and emerging tech- Cap table construction mistakes and why Indian founders dilute equity too early- GTM as the single biggest challenge for Indian startups at different revenue stages- Operator VC model and how real entrepreneurial experience helps portfolio companies& lots moreTimestamps:(00:00) Introduction(02:53) Jatin Desai's background and story of starting Inflexor Ventures(06:37) Inflexor Ventures' investment thesis(08:00) Three investment buckets: India for India, India for the World, and Emerging/Deep Tech(13:48) Different evaluation approaches for different investment categories(15:57) HDFC AMC's commitment to their opportunities fund(18:58) Differences between Indian, Silicon Valley, and European tech innovation approaches(22:14) Discussion on AI innovations in India(25:44) Exciting sectors in India for investment(28:18) How Inflexor Ventures works with portfolio companies(32:16) Navigating uncertainty with global tariffs and policies(35:00) Biggest learnings from years of venture investing(38:19) Rapid-fire round of questions about Inflexor Ventures' investment strategyFor sponsorship or guest appearance requests, write to prashantchoubey3@gmail.comSubscribe to VC10X on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
Harish Chandramowli, Co-Founder of Flaire, he transitioned from Lead Engineer at MongoDB to building fashion ERP software despite having zero industry background.We dive into his journey from cybersecurity engineer to fashion-tech founder, the bold decisions that shaped his company's growth, and his contrarian views on the future of enterprise software in the AI era.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comFlaire - https://www.flairesoftware.com/Harish Chandramowli - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scharish🎙️ Hosted by Prashant ChoubeyFollow Prashant on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabTimestamps:(00:00) Introduction(02:11) Validating the Flaire idea without a fashion background(04:53) Operating in stealth mode with design partners(06:00) Challenges in getting demos and converting customers(08:14) Using AI to solve real workflow problem(10:11) Learning curve of transitioning from tech to sales(11:25) Approach to product-market fit and go-to-market strategy(13:08) Building a product that adapts to macro changes in fashion workflows(16:15) Dealing with the urge to radically pivot(17:22) Unique metrics for fashion ERP(18:18) Approach to fundraising as a technical founder(19:26) Building defensibility and moats in the age of AI(21:38) Most vulnerable moment building the startup(22:22) Pivotal decision that changed Flaire's growth trajectory(25:17) Transition from employee to founder and impact on lifestyle(27:01) Contrarian view on the future of fashion tech and ERP(29:04) Strategic decision to complement Shopify(31:16) Biggest learning as a founder(33:34) Closing remarks and where to follow Harish's journeyFor sponsorship or guest appearance requests, write to prashantchoubey3@gmail.comSubscribe to VC10X on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts.
Shaw Walters is the founder of ElizaOS—the popular GitHub repository for AI agent development that is powering over $20 billion in projects, all built without venture funding.We dive into whether AI will end civilization, what are multi-agent systems, why Shaw chose open source over proprietary AI, and his prediction that we'll need nuclear power plants for next-gen AI. This conversation will challenge how you think about our AI future.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comElizaOS website - https://elizaos.ai/ElizaOS tutorial - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8Ghq3cvD9g🎙️ Hosted by Prashant ChoubeyFollow Prashant on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabWe talk about:- Open source strategy for AI development versus proprietary approaches- Multi-agent systems and how AI agents communicate and coordinate with each other- Current limitations of AI agents and their potential for complex task execution- Whether AI will end human civilization and existential risks of artificial intelligence- Energy requirements for future AI development and the need for nuclear power infrastructure& moreTimestamps:(00:00) Introduction(02:40) Origin of ElizaOS and the problem it aims to solve(05:18) Reasons for keeping ElizaOS open-source(09:32) Explanation of multi-agent simulation framework(13:47) Deeper dive into how agents interact and reason(16:17) Discussion about potential risks of AI and robot civilization(22:51) Conversation about AI learning and data collection(31:25) Brief discussion about AI trying to avoid being shut off(34:36) Broader implications of AI on society and jobs(39:44) How to build an AI agent and current challenges(47:07) ElizaOS's integration with Web3 and Solana blockchain(53:45) Speculation about the future of AI and agents(54:13) Shaw's prediction for the next five years in technology(58:40) Closing remarks and how to learn more about ElizaOSFor sponsorship or guest appearance requests, write to prashantchoubey3@gmail.comSubscribe to VC10X on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts.
Santosh Sharan is the founder of Zeer.ai and a go-to-market veteran with over 20 years of experience.Santosh believes we're at an inflection point where the traditional SaaS model is fundamentally broken. In our conversation today, we explore why the old playbooks don't work anymore, how AI is reshaping startup economics, and Santosh's vision for agent-to-agent interactions replacing traditional sales processes.⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comZeer AI website - https://zeer.ai/Santosh Sharan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ssharan🎙️ Hosted by Prashant ChoubeyFollow Prashant on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabIn this episode, we talk about -- Building AI startups versus traditional SaaS startups- The breakdown of traditional go-to-market strategies and rising customer acquisition costs (CAC)- Platform versus point solutions and the future of venture capital- Agent-to-agent interactions and buyer-led go-to-market approaches- Creating defensible moats through data flywheels and proprietary datasets& moreTimestamps:(00:00) Introduction(03:05) Santosh Sharan's background and introduction to Zeer AI(05:34) Differences between building AI startups and traditional SaaS startups(07:51) The challenges of building AI products and the importance of going beyond being a wrapper(11:57) The rapid changes in the tech industry and the need for founders to be ready to pivot quickly(15:05) Impact of low-cost software development on business margins and valuations(20:17) Thoughts on venture funding and raising capital for AI startups(22:43) Platform solutions vs. point solutions in the current market(27:38) Creating a moat in the AI startup ecosystem(31:44) Changes in go-to-market strategies and traditional sales approaches(38:37) The future of buyer-seller interactions and agent-to-agent communication(41:49) Using LinkedIn for prospecting and generating interest(44:21) Cutting through the noise in the AI market and standing out(46:23) Predictions for the future of B2B interactions in five years(49:09) Overview of Zeer AI's buyer concierge conceptFor sponsorship or guest appearance requests, write to prashantchoubey3@gmail.comSubscribe to VC10X on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts.
Rishi Taparia is a seasoned operator turned investor who brings a unique perspective from his time in the trenches at companies like Poynt and Legion. Now, as the Co-founder of Garuda Ventures, he invests in the next generation of B2B software companies.In this episode, we dive deep into the seismic shifts happening in the world of B2B SaaS, thanks to AI. We'll explore how the rules of software are being rewritten, what a real 'moat' looks like in this new era, and why customer trust might be the most valuable asset a company can have. Rishi shares his 'team, market, product, vision' framework for investing and offers a candid look at the emotional rollercoaster of building a company from the ground up.Links: ⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comGaruda Ventures website - https://www.garuda.vcGaruda Ventures newsletter - https://garuda.substack.com/Brick by Brick podcast - https://www.youtube.com/@brickxbrickpodRishi Taparia on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rktaparia/Rishi Taparia on X - https://x.com/tapsTaps Notes (Rishi's newsletter) - https://taps.substack.com/Arpan Punyani on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/arpanpunyani/Arpan's newsletter - https://arpanpunyani.substack.com/🎙️ Hosted by Prashant ChoubeyFollow Prashant on X - https://x.com/ChoubeySahabFollow Prashant on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabWe talk about:- Operator-turned-investor journey: From early employee at Point and Legion to founding Garuda Ventures- AI disruption of B2B SaaS: Changing pricing models, margin profiles, and the build vs. buy decision- Trust as the new competitive moat: Customer credibility and brand reputation in the AI era- TMPV investment framework: Team, Market, Product, Vision evaluation criteria for early-stage dealsTimestamps:(00:00) Introduction (03:12) Rishi Taparia's background as an operator and investor(07:08) Investment thesis and focus on B2B SaaS(10:22) Impact of AI on B2B software and business models(14:06) Evaluating founding teams in the AI era(17:34) Vertical SaaS and competition from large AI companies(21:24) Changing nature of moats in the AI world(23:33) Discussion on customer trust and retention(26:02) Key factors in evaluating early-stage investments(28:29) Interesting AI application themes(30:16) Evolution of commerce infrastructure(34:01) Building credibility with founders(37:14) Garuda Ventures' podcast "Brick by Brick"(40:41) Managing time and priorities as a VC(43:08) Exciting portfolio companies(45:03) Rapid-fire round about Garuda Ventures' investment approachFor sponsorship or guest appearance requests, write to prashantchoubey3@gmail.comSubscribe to VC10X on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts.