Is TikTok banned or not? The saga continues as Trump swoops in to "unban" the app, leaving creators and users whiplashed. But what's really going on behind the scenes in this high-stakes game of political chess? In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein are joined by special guests Shira Lazar and Elli Hanson to unpack the latest tech and pol…

Are you a founder struggling to figure out how to fund your startup? With so many options available - from bootstrapping to VC funding - how do you know which path is right for you? In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein break down the full spectrum of startup funding sources, exploring the pros, cons, and hidden pitfalls of each approach.…

Are we on the brink of Artificial General Intelligence? Has OpenAI quietly announced a breakthrough that could change everything? And how are tech giants like Google responding? In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein dive into the latest developments in AI, robotics, and the shifting political landscape as a new U.S. administration takes o…

Are you making costly mistakes that could derail your startup's success? Even experienced founders fall into common traps at every stage of their journey. In this episode, Yaniv and Chris are joined by Mona Sabet, veteran Silicon Valley executive and author of "Sale to Scale," to explore founders' critical errors from launch to exit. In this episod…

As we head into 2025, we're looking back on our most popular episodes of 2024. This episode was originally published on July 29, 2024. Are you shipping faster than you learn, or learning faster than you ship? Learn the risks of practicing "agile" theater and iterating your product without direction. On this week's episode, product legend John Cutle…

As we head into 2025, we're looking back on our most popular episodes of 2024. This episode was originally published on October 30, 2024. Are you ready for a world where AI agents can autonomously make purchases and monetize their services? How will commerce and payments evolve as intelligent software agents become ubiquitous? In this episode, Chri…

As we head into 2025, we're looking back on our most popular episodes of 2024. This episode was originally published on August 12, 2024. In today's fast-paced digital world, capturing and retaining attention is the most valuable currency for startups. But how can you thrive in a hypercompetitive landscape where rejection is the default response? In…

As we head into 2025, we're looking back on our most popular episodes of 2024. This episode was originally published on June 17, 2024. How do the best founders build exceptional teams? Learn how a practical approach to HR can transform the culture at your startup. In this episode, Patty McCord, former Chief Talent Officer at Netflix and author of '…

How will OpenAI’s boldest moves reshape the startup world? OpenAI’s 12 Days of Ship-mas is rewriting the playbook on AI innovation and monetization. But what does it mean for startups and founders? From ChatGPT Pro’s $200 tier to Sora’s stunning video capabilities, OpenAI is setting the pace for AI’s future. Meanwhile, David Sacks’s new role as AI …

Disrupt or Digitize? The Art of Breaking the Status Quo Why do some startups revolutionize entire industries while others just digitize legacy processes? Disruption isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a mindset and one that too many founders shy away from. Are you pre-compromising your vision before you even start? In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Ber…

How much value do VCs truly bring beyond their capital? And what makes the difference between a supportive partnership and a dysfunctional founder-investor relationship? In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein welcome Nick Crocker, General Partner at Blackbird Ventures, to explore these critical questions. Blackbird has been at the forefron…

What does it really take to achieve product-market fit? For many founders, this critical milestone feels elusive, shrouded in myths and misconceptions that derail even the most promising startups. In this episode, Chris Saad and Pablo Srugo, seasoned startup advisors and founders, unravel the mysteries of product-market fit. Pablo, host of The Prod…

Do You Really Need a Co-Founder? Here’s What You Must Know. Starting a startup can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re searching for that perfect co-founder to complement your skills. But is having a co-founder truly essential? And if it is, how do you find someone who’s more partner than problem? This episode dives deep into these questions …

Is it possible for a startup to compete with NVIDIA, the $1 trillion behemoth dominating AI hardware? Thomas Sohmers and his team at Positron are betting they can and they're moving at lightning speed to prove it. In this episode, Chris Saad sits down with Thomas Sohmers, founder and CEO of Positron, to explore how this ambitious startup is aiming …

Are we entering a new era of deregulation and market exuberance? Or is political instability on the horizon? In this episode, Chris and Yaniv break down Donald Trump's surprising 2024 election win and explore the potential impacts on the tech industry, startup ecosystem, and broader economy. They examine how Silicon Valley power players helped shap…

Are you ready to disrupt an industry and change the world? In this episode, Chris and Yaniv dive deep into the art of fundraising for startups, exploring how to signal value, run an effective process, and craft the perfect ask to fuel your ambitious vision. They're joined by their own experiences raising capital to discuss the delicate dance betwee…

Ever had someone tell you "I have this great idea for an app"? While everyone seems to have the next billion-dollar idea, the reality of startup success is far more complex than just having a clever concept. In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein explore the real value of ideas in startups and why execution matters more than ideation. In t…

Are autonomous vehicles about to revolutionize how we get around? Waymo’s massive $5.6 billion funding round suggests big changes are coming to transportation and possibly to Uber’s dominance in ridesharing. But that’s not the only tech shakeup in this episode. Chris Saad is joined by Hooman Radfar, founder of Collective, to explore how these devel…

Are you struggling to drive sustainable growth for your startup? Wondering how to build a high-impact growth team? In this episode, Chris and Yaniv are joined by Casey Winters, Chief Product Officer at Eventbrite and one of Silicon Valley's top growth experts. They explore the core principles of growth, common misconceptions, and practical strategi…

Are you ready for a world where AI agents can autonomously make purchases and monetize their services? How will commerce and payments evolve as intelligent software agents become ubiquitous? In this episode, Chris Saad is joined by Amir Sarhangi and Craig DeWitt, co-founders of Skyfire, to explore the cutting-edge intersection of AI, payments, and …

Are you ready to navigate the treacherous waters of startup investing? Buckle up, because in this episode, Yaniv Bernstein and Chris Saad are diving deep into the world of bad investors. From predatory tactics to buzzword obsession, they're exposing the archetypes you need to watch out for. In this eye-opening conversation, our hosts explore the da…

Do you wonder why some products feel magical while others fall flat? In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein explore the art of product polish—the hidden details that separate mediocre products from brilliant ones. They explore how to refine a product to delight users, drive retention, and fuel rapid growth. In this episode, you will: Disco…

What if you could build and deploy a full app in minutes, without writing a single line of code? In this episode, Chris Saad and Ray Dargham, Co-Founder and CEO at Step, discuss the latest tech news shaping the future for founders and investors. From crypto policy shifts to groundbreaking space tech and AI-powered coding, we explore the innovations…

Is Tesla's latest announcement a game-changer for autonomous vehicles, or just another empty promise? As the tech world buzzes with excitement, many are left wondering if Elon Musk can deliver on his bold claims. In this special bonus mini reacts episode of the Startup Podcast, hosts Yaniv and Chris dive deep into Tesla's recent unveiling of their …

Are you struggling with decision-making bottlenecks in your fast-paced startup? Do you find your teams hesitant to bring problems to leadership? It's time to embrace the power of escalation. In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein dive deep into the critical role of escalation in modern, autonomous organizations. They explore why it's essen…

Are we on the brink of a privacy apocalypse, or is this just the next step in our technological evolution? As smart glasses become more advanced, the line between helpful augmentation and invasive surveillance grows increasingly blurry. In this episode, Chris and Yaniv dive into the recent hack of Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses by Harvard students, e…

In this remastered episode of The Startup Podcast, Yaniv Bernstein and Chris Saad dive deep into the most critical concept for early-stage startups: execution. The harsh truth? Your MVP (Minimum Viable Product) probably sucks, but that's okay. Chris and Yaniv break down the myths, missteps, and the right approach to iterating and refining your MVP …

Are you ready for a world where AI and AR are seamlessly integrated into our daily lives? The pace of innovation in these fields is accelerating rapidly, with major announcements from tech giants like OpenAI and Meta reshaping the landscape. In this episode, Chris Saad and Amir Shevat dive deep into the latest developments in AI and AR, exploring t…

Are you struggling to close deals, even when you know your product is the best fit? Do you find yourself losing to prospects who freeze up and don't make a decision at all? In this episode, Yaniv and Chris are joined by April Dunford, author of "Obviously Awesome" and "Sales Pitch," to explore the art of crafting the perfect sales pitch. They dive …

In this week’s Reacts episode, Chris Saad is joined by Yaniv Bernstein to discuss the latest tech and business trends: from the Federal Reserve’s rate cuts and what it means for startups, to the shocking mass resignation at 23andMe, and the release of Snap’s new AR glasses. Together, they break down the biggest headlines: Fed Rate Cuts: Is the Star…

One of the toughest challenges in early-stage startups is managing employee career development. Unlike big corporations, startups thrive on chaos, ownership, and self-driven growth, meaning traditional professional development programs often fall flat. In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein break down the harsh realities of career developm…

Is AI getting smarter, and what does that mean for the future of work? Plus, how is Zuckerberg's new public persona shaking things up at Meta? In this week’s Reacts episode, Chris Saad is joined by Jordan Crook, former deputy editor at TechCrunch and current partner at Betaworks, along with Amir Shevat, a seasoned tech executive and investor. Toget…

In the brutal world of startups, conviction is your greatest weapon. It fuels momentum, sharpens decisions, and separates thriving startups from those that fade away. Conviction isn’t blind faith or passion. It’s clarity of purpose and commitment to a path, even when challenges arise. Without it, you risk losing focus and becoming a "technology-bac…

Is the AI hype crashing along with Nvidia’s stock, or are we just witnessing a temporary correction in the tech sector? And what can San Francisco, a city already living in the future, tell us about where innovation is heading? Join Chris Saad and Emil Michael former Chief Business Officer of Uber, in this week’s Reacts episode as they break down t…

What if one perfect slide could get you funded? In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein reveal the pitch deck formula that can turn investor skepticism into funding. Whether it’s the top 9 pitch secrets or the one slide that seals the deal, they break down every element to help you avoid critical mistakes and win investor trust. In this epi…

What can startup founders learn from bold leadership moves and the challenges of navigating regulatory landscapes? Join Chris Saad, Amir Shevat, Emil Michael, former Chief Business Officer of Uber, and Yaniv Bernstein in this week’s Reacts episode as they unpack the latest maneuvers shaping the tech world: Airbnb's Founder Mode Revolution: Chesky's…

Crafting a winning pitch isn't just about what you say—it's about how you say it. Founders often make stylistic mistakes that can sabotage their chances with investors, even if they have a great product or idea. What are these subtle yet critical errors, and how can you avoid them to secure the funding you need? In this episode, Yaniv Bernstein and…

Yuhki Yamashita, one of the world's top product design disruptors and Chief Product Officer at Figma, returns in this bonus episode to continue the conversation on how AI is revolutionizing the design landscape. The impact of AI on product design is becoming increasingly profound. But what does this mean for the future of designers and interfaces? …

​​Can the aggressive fundraising tactics in Silicon Valley, Lynch’s mysterious yacht conspiracy, and the arrest of Telegram’s CEO help us navigate tech’s hidden dynamics of power and control? Join Chris Saad and Amir Shevat in this week’s Reacts episode as they reveal the most recent complex power plays within the tech industry: Why Silicon Valley …

Product design is more than just an aesthetic choice—it's a strategic asset. But many founders unknowingly sabotage their products by overlooking key design principles. How can you avoid these common pitfalls and ensure your startup stands out? In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein are joined by Yuhki Yamashita, Chief Product Officer at F…

Raising capital in today's market is tough, but navigating these challenges with the right strategy can make all the difference. In this week's episode, Yaniv Bernstein and Chris Saad tackle: How you raise money in a volatile market? Why are female founders facing even steeper hurdles in securing funding? And how can AI reshape both startups and th…

Can the latest Trump-Musk interview, Tesla’s RoboTaxi delay, and VC backlash against the FTC trigger a shift in tech innovation? Join Chris Saad and Emil Michael former Chief Business Officer of Uber, in this week’s Reacts episode as they explore how these political developments might reshape the industry. Elon and Trump: Over a billion views—Is th…

In today's fast-paced digital world, capturing and retaining attention is the most valuable currency for startups. But how can you thrive in a hypercompetitive landscape where rejection is the default response? In this episode, Yaniv Bernstein and Chris Saad are joined by Ben Parr, acclaimed author of Captivology: The Science of Capturing People’s …

Can the executive shakeup at OpenAI and a historic antitrust ruling against Google reshape the future of AI and tech innovation? Dive into this week’s Reacts episode as Chris Saad and Amir Shevat explore these shifts and their ripple effects across the industry. Exodus at OpenAI: Unpacking the departures of top executives and their implications for…

Ready to raise your seed round but unsure how to de-risk for investors? Discover strategies to avoid pitfalls and secure early-stage funding confidently. In this week's episode, our experts hosts Yaniv Bernstein and Chris Saad explore: What a seed round truly entails 5 areas you need to de-risk your seed round Common misconceptions and mistakes fou…

Could the launch of SearchGPT by OpenAI and Meta's AI Bots for creators redefine search engines and social media engagement? Discover how these advancements will reshape the tech landscape in this week's Reacts episode, packed with the latest AI updates. Join Ben Parr and Jeremiah Owyang as they discuss with Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein: OpenAI's…

Are you shipping faster than you learn, or learning faster than you ship? Learn the risks of practicing "agile" theater and iterating your product without direction. On this week's episode, product legend John Cutler joins Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein to discuss: Why so many teams get Agile wrong Pros and cons of Agile vs. Waterfall The dangers o…

Could the rise of Kamala Harris as the new Democratic candidate impact the tech industry in significant ways? Find out how her presidency, Crowdstrike's massive outage, and Sam Altman's UBI experiment could shape the future of your tech startup in this week's insightful Reacts episode. On this week's episode, Ben Parr and Emil Michael former Chief …

A strong co-founder relationship is crucial for any startup. Learn how to determine the ideal number of founders and understand the distinctions between roles and titles. Also, Chris and Yaniv explain what you must know about: The pros and cons of going solo vs. multiple founders. CEOs and Founders and the distinction between roles and responsibili…

There's only one big topic in the headlines this week – the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. What will it mean for the future of tech? On this week's episode, Elli Hanson joins Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein to discuss: Knee Jerk Reactions: Immediate thoughts in the aftermath of the assassination attempt on Donald Trump. Bide 'n' Seek: What…