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/all chat

Brian Cho, Amber Atherton, Jason Yeh

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Amber Atherton, Brian Cho and Jason Yeh are joined by founders, friends and industry veterans to discuss the state of play in tech, gaming & culture.
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The tech media loves a splashy funding announcement - millions of dollars injected into a hot startup primed to become a unicorn. But what about the work behind those headlines? Host Jason Yeh, a former VC and venture-backed startup founder, talks with entrepreneurs about how they raised the capital to launch world-changing startups. Their conversations uncover incredible stories including cautionary tales, inspirational memories, and even some insightful tips. Keep up with us on social @fun ...
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Pod Squadron

Mr Benja | Chinese Pirate | Hot Nerd Girl | Pod Squadron

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Welcome to Pod Squadron! The show where we talk about the full scope of the Star Wars experience from the Movies, TV shows, Animation, Games, Comics, Books, Themed experiences, Merch, and YOUR art and inspiration from that Galaxy Far Far Away.
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Welcome back to The Backchannel! In this episode, we're trying out a new format where we dive into your burning questions about how founders should navigate investor passes. Join Jason as he addresses the following questions: - Should you send a follow-up email after a pass? How soon is too soon to follow up after an informal meeting? - Is it appro…
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When life throws you tough times, you only have two options: to give up or find a solution. Today's guest felt slightly differently when they ran into some truly unexpected situations... they decided there was actually only one option: find a solution and move forward. Our guest for this episode is André Ferraz, co-founder and CEO of Incognia, a fa…
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In this episode of The Backchannel, Jason pushes back at the common practice of founders sending out monthly investor newsletter updates. Although it may work for some founders, monthly newsletters aren't for everyone. In this episode Jason shares a few other ways to use investor lists like targeted updates, requests for help, specific achievements…
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This episode of /all chat is all about AI in games. This includes the current uses of AI in the space including how generative AI is reshaping the way we think about development, and what the future holds for the gaming industry as we enter new stages of development for new generations of players. Our hosts, Brian Cho and Jason Yeh, are joined by t…
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Hey everyone, welcome back to the Back Channel! Today, we're mixing things up. My producer Paige read an article from the Bay Area Council Economic Institute and wanted my take. They claim tech workers are flocking back to SF, with major companies still headquartered there, and a big chunk of AI investment dollars staying local. Although there's tr…
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In this episode, we dive into the unpredictable world of startups, where the only constant is change. Joining us is Jennifer Lewis, co-founder and CEO of Lex, a pioneering social app for the LGBTQ community. Jennifer shares her rollercoaster journey through the venture-backed startup landscape, a path filled with highs and lows, trials, and signifi…
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In this episode of The Backchannel, we explore everything you should consider when figuring out how much you need to raise. Jason delves into the common questions founders face regarding fundraising amounts, the importance of being goal-oriented, and the two key goals for raising funds. Jason also stresses the importance of calculating the necessar…
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In this episode of The Backchannel, the host launches a new series called "How I Work," exploring strategies for productivity. Jason delves into the challenges faced by founders, such as digital distractions, and shares his personal approach to combatting them. By disconnecting from the internet during certain periods and utilizing a digital notepa…
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What makes someone a successful founder? Is it how much revenue they're able to generate? How well they lead their company and their employees? How many investors they're able to land? Those all play a role ... but the real answer is probably more nuanced and certainly harder to pinpoint. When we look at any successful founder throughout history, i…
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In this episode of The Backchannel, the host emphasizes the critical role of third-party feedback in the fundraising process for entrepreneurs. Reflecting on a recent interaction with a founder, the host describes how an initially chaotic business pitch was clarified and refined through his outsider's perspective. This episode underscores the uniqu…
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In this episode, the host shares the power of personal newsletters for VC's, shedding light on investor psychology and fundraising strategies. Drawing from anecdotes from his personal life and interactions with VC's, he highlights the importance of staying top of mind in the competitive landscape of deal flow. By sharing stories of missed opportuni…
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Join us on a journey through the winding roads of entrepreneurship with our guest, Nancy Xu, the Founder & CEO of Moonhub. From her early days training for the U.S. math and physics team to her academic journey at Stanford and her stint as a software engineer at Facebook, Nancy seemed destined for academia. However, her passion for impactful ideas …
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In this episode, our host covers the importance of having a technical co-founder for non-technical founders and how to go about finding one. Venture capitalists seek teams with diverse skill sets, understanding that successful companies require both technical and non-technical expertise. For non-technical founders, making progress and creating valu…
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In this episode of the Back Channel, we explore the importance of addressing competition during investor meetings. Drawing on an analogy from the hosts undergrad economics class, he emphasizes the significance of positioning oneself confidently alongside competitors and calmly articulating one's unique value proposition. Rather than avoiding the co…
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There's a quote from Abraham Lincoln that always really speaks to me: "Give me 6 hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first 4 sharpening my axe." It's become a mantra of sorts for me, especially when it comes to fundraising. I share it with all of the founders I work with because it encapsulates a fundamental truth: the preparation before…
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In this episode of The Backchannel, host Jason Yeh delves into the world of junior VCs and their path to becoming venture capitalists. Drawing from his own experience at Greycroft and the hiring processes, he emphasizes the significance of technical backgrounds, industry connections, and experience in fields like consulting or banking. Venture capi…
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Dilution is one of those things that a lot of founders seem to 'lightly' understand. That's why in today's episode, Jason breaks down a step-by-step example of how dilution actually works. Discover the significance of understanding dilution and its impact on ownership over your company. See you next week on The Backchannel! -- If you're looking for…
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Bootstrapping and raising venture capital are two different beasts. Bootstrapping gives you control, but growth is slower. Venture capital speeds things up, but you have to give up some control. There is, however, one thing they both have in common: each requires a leap of faith. Today's guest is pretty unique. She's someone who's gotten to experie…
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This episode of /all chat is all about GDC, and how the event changed our perspectives on the future of gaming. We discuss our personal GDC 2024 experience, how AI disrupts the future of game development, the advantages and disadvantages of having a small gaming startup, the greatest innovators in gaming, and plenty more! Our hosts, Brian Cho and J…
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A lot of people tend to forget that the pre-seed round in venture capital is still relatively new. In today's episode, we talk about how the pre-seed round came about, and how it's changed since moving farther away from the bull markets back in 2020 and 2021. One of those changes being the need for investors to see traction earlier and earlier befo…
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Have you ever heard of the quote "The safest way to get what you want is to deserve what you want"? It was said by the legendary investor Charlie Munger, and in todays episode we're going to talk about how you can apply that same understanding to fundraising as a startup founder. Get ready to listen along and ask yourself to answer hard truths abou…
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Most of us have heard the saying "good things don't come easy", and I'd be willing to argue that the majority of people agree with that statement on some level. But sometimes, good things do come easy and THEN they get harder. And it's in those pivotal moments where you really get to see what you're capable of. That was the case for today's guest M…
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Hello & welcome back to The Backchannel! Today, we're diving into a topic that's often overshadowed in the frenzy of fundraising: whether or not to announce your round. Drawing from the hosts own experiences and observations, he'll guide you through some of the complexities involved in making this decision. Join us as we dissect the strategic impli…
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The truth is - most first-time fundraisers underestimate all that goes into fundraising and the support you need to make it through. In this episode, Jason touches on 7 different emotional and tactical forms of support every founder should be aware of before jumping into a fundraise. Make sure to watch the full episode so you don't miss any! See yo…
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There is one thing that almost every single entrepreneur has in common - the drive to change the world in some way, shape, or form. For today's guest, she spent years of her career working for organizations like Doctors Without Borders and the United Nations, living overseas and funding entrepreneurs who were trying to make a difference in their co…
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In this episode, we dive deep into the Apple Vision Pro VR headset, and discuss everything from our early experiences with the device, to what we see for the future of Vision Pro. Our hosts, Brian Cho and Jason Yeh, are joined by two groundbreaking guests. Firstly, we have Amy Wu, Partner at Menlo Ventures, leading consumer tech and gaming investme…
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In this episode of The Backchannel, the host delves into the intricacies of lead investors versus co-leads, breaking down the key distinctions and red flags to watch out for. Learn why securing a dedicated lead investor holds paramount importance in navigating the complexities of fundraising, and gain valuable insights into the potential pitfalls o…
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Join us in this episode for an insightful discussion on pattern recognition in venture capital and its impact on underrepresented founders. The host dives into the power dynamics of pattern matching, exploring how VCs use this tool to make investment decisions while shedding light on its potential biases. From the imprecision of pattern recognition…
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While most kids were occupied with typical childhood activities, today's guest was already knee-deep in the world of technology. From coding PHP to deconstructing old computers with his pops, his early passion for innovation set the stage for an extraordinary entrepreneurial journey. Fast forward to the present, Igor Marinelli stands as the visiona…
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In this episode, the host tackles a common yet often misunderstood slide in pitch decks: the "use of funds" slide. Many founders include it because they've heard it's necessary, but often it ends up being a vague waste of space. Instead, use this slide strategically to outline where you are today, your future goals, and how the allocated funds will…
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In this episode of the Back Channel, Jason shares a fresh approach to email communication that's both personal and impactful. Learn how to craft emails with a punchy, genuine tone while including a business-focused appendix for all the important details. Say goodbye to lengthy, synthetic emails and hello to increased response rates. Listen and disc…
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In the last two decades, the startup industry has seen remarkable transformations, from the emergence of angel investors and venture capital firms to the rise of SaaS, cryptocurrencies, and the global diversification of the field. But what's even more exciting is the increasing presence of female founders, who, despite facing challenges, are making…
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In this episode of The Back Channel, we delve into a crucial post-fundraising topic: choosing service providers for your startup. While it may seem mundane, the decision-making process can greatly impact your business. Key takeaways include filtering for providers with startup expertise, considering the additional value they offer beyond their core…
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In today's episode, we explore the emerging Apple Vision Pro VR headset, with a deeper focus on how games will have a huge role in driving broad consumer adoption of new platforms. We also discuss some of the challenges and opportunities around spatial computing/virtual reality/augmented reality, generational changes in game development, and the fu…
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Join Jason Yeh on The Back Channel as he demystifies thesis-driven firms. They may not be as rigid as you think! Ever wondered why these firms love their theses? It's not just about focus; it's also a way to say "no" graciously when a deal doesn't spark joy. Plus, it can also be used for flexibility! Some startups may not seem thesis-fit, but if yo…
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Just like with any skill, there are beginners, and there are experts. Through practice and experience, the experts become exceptional at what they do. In fundraising, there are also experts. You could call them the "seasoned vets" of venture capital. These are the founders that have raised all the way from small angel rounds to Series B and beyond.…
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In this episode, Jason shares a conversation with a founder who recently raised capital but had to close their startup. First-time founders, remember that every setback is a chance to improve. Closing a startup isn't the end; it's a chance to evolve. Once you've felt the grind and tasted success and failure, your perspective changes. You gain insig…
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Ever wondered why your startup story and pitch deck need to be razor-sharp? Sure, you want to impress investors, but there's more to it than meets the eye. Host Jason Yeh dives into the secret sauce of crafting a compelling narrative that not only wows investors but also ensures your story gets shared effectively. In this episode: 💡 Discover the cr…
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2023 was a tough year to fundraise. Almost all venture-backed founders felt the toll of being in a down market this past year. But when you're a female engineer, on top of that a female founder of a tech company - it almost always feels like a tough year to fundraise. For Heather Shoemaker, Founder and CEO of Language I/O, she never expected to fun…
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In this episode, we explore the wisdom behind reconnecting with investors who previously passed on your pitch. Remember, investor passes aren't personal; they often stem from timing or fit issues. Before reconnecting, update your narrative with progress highlights. When reaching out, exude confidence without begging. Showcase your growth, increasin…
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In this Backchannel episode, Jason tackles a familiar trap for founders: productive procrastination! From fixing pages to creating automations, it's easy to get caught up in tasks that feel productive but aren't top priorities for fundraising. I get it, working on things you enjoy is crucial, but as a founder, your plate's overflowing. Listen to th…
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Not every entrepreneur starts off knowing what business they want to create. For Bobby Pinero, Co-founder and CEO of Equals, it took him 8 years of building Intercoms Finance Organization to the success it is today until he found the product he wanted to create. Best part? He is building the product he always wished he had while working there. In t…
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Have you ever compared fundraising with real estate? Once you do, you'll be shocked by their similarities. In today's episode, Jason gives a real life example of how he discovered just how similar they are. While having to find a new renter for his home, he realized how he still needed to build momentum, keep options open, and communicate the value…
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For a topic that seems to be "cliche", it sure is important. What if we were to tell you that getting support around your fundraise is one of the best ways to guarantee success? As founders, you are automatically biased toward your own product. That means you are also biased toward your pitch, deck, and any other materials you might share with an i…
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Who should be the one to pitch - the CEO or the outgoing salesman? In today's episode of The Backchannel, Jason explains why he believes the CEO should always be the one pitching to investors. Although there might be a few exceptions, investors are looking to get to know the person who is running the ship and making the big decisions. A salesman se…
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In this episode, we explore the rapidly evolving landscape of online shopping, addressing how digital fashion, AR, and AI are reshaping consumer habits. Listen in as we dissect the intersection of luxury branding and the internet niche, the rise of digital twins, and the implications of integrated commerce within online communities and gaming. Our …
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In this Back Channel episode, we're diving into the elusive "money round" investors adore. So what is it? To sum it up, the "money round" is the round before a valuation spike. Investors are searching for crystal-clear milestones and confident execution that screams, "Next round, here we come!" How do you do that? Make sure to watch the full episod…
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Working with founders it's safe to say Jason has seen a lot of pitches, good and bad. Not to mention he himself has pitched quite a bit in his past as a VC-backed founder. In that time, he's learned what to do and not to do.‍ In this episode, Jason gives some practical tips around how to make the most of your pitch for a pitch competition. Enjoy th…
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There's a lot of talk about data rooms in the startup world - but a lot of founders struggle to understand what a data room actually is. In today's episode, Jason discusses their purpose in validating a startup's pitch for investors. On top of that, he explains when and how to share a data room effectively. Founders, if you're even slightly confuse…
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In today’s episode we dive into industry trends in games, with a focus on hiring and the recent wave of layoffs in the industry. We also discuss the future of game development and how emerging technologies like AI are transforming the industry. Our hosts, Brian Cho and Jason Yeh, are joined by two fantastic guests. First up, we have Stephen Lim, fo…
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