VNTR Podcast

Token launches, Web3 metrics, RWAs, AI infrastructure and investor incentives — this episode dives into the real mechanics behind building sustainable Web3 companies and why many strong startups fail not because of tech, but because of financial structure and reputation risks.In this episode, Aly Madhavji, Tech Entrepreneur, Blockchain & Web3 Investor and Managing Partner at Blockchain Founders Fund, joins the podcast to share hard-earned lessons from backing over 200 Web3 companies and operating one of the most respected regulated crypto funds globally.Together, we unpack what’s really happening behind the scenes of Web3 investing and venture building:- Why launching a token can put even a good company into a “death spiral” and permanently damage trust and reputation- How misleading Web3 metrics (Telegram users, inflated communities) distort valuations and investor decision-making- Why aligned incentives matter: equity + tokens vs short-term financial engineering- What real Web3 adoption looks like today — from onchain infrastructure to companies preparing for public markets- How AI, blockchain and RWAs are converging to unlock new lending models, auditability and long-term value creationThis conversation is a must-watch for founders, investors, and LPs navigating Web3 beyond hype and looking to build companies that survive cycles.VNTR is building the world’s largest investor community by sharing lessons, hosting events, and offering opportunities. Active VC investors can join by claiming a free investor account at https://app.vntr.vc/Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:07 Welcome Aly Madhavji02:22 Building Before Crypto Was Cool: Aly’s Early Entrepreneur Story04:45 Working 20 Hours a Day: When Startup Grind Goes Too Far07:21 Why Long-Term Thinking Still Wins in Web310:12 Building in Web3 Isn’t for Short-Term Thinkers14:48 A Bad Token Can Kill a Great Company20:19 Most Web3 Tokens Exist to Fake Traction23:41 AI, Deal Flow & Scaling VC Decision-Making29:51 How Poor Regulation Breaks Web3 Fund Financials36:12 Inside Our LP Deal Room: Transparency Over Gatekeeping38:41 LP Positions as a Long-Term Network Strategy41:32 VC vs Liquid Strategies: Where Real Web3 Value Is46:26 Why AI and Blockchain Are Converging49:46 The Multi-Trillion Dollar Opportunity in RWAs53:07 How Retail Can Access Web3 Lending Opportunities54:27 Why Health Is a Competitive Advantage for Investors57:05 Staying Consistent With Longevity Habits on the Road----------------------------------------------------------------------🔹 VNTR Website: https://app.vntr.vc/🔹 VNTR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vntrcapital/🔹 VNTR Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vntrcap/----------------------------------------------------------------------Host:Yuri G. Rabinovich https://www.linkedin.com/in/byuric/----------------------------------------------------------------------Guest:Aly Madhavji https://www.linkedin.com/in/alymadhavji/

In this episode of the VNTR Podcast, we sit down with Chris Yeh who is an entrepreneur, writer, and mentor who helps people build meaningful companies, serving as VP of Marketing at PBworks, a general partner at Wasabi Ventures, and co-author of The Alliance: Managing Talent in the Networked Age.This episode is worth watching if you’re a founder, investor, or operator who wants to understand how storytelling, speed, and execution actually influence behavior, growth, and long-term success — not just sound good on stage or in a pitch. Chris Yeh is going deep to many topics:✔ Storytelling that actually changes behavior✔ Why network effects and retention matter more than technical moats, especially in AI✔ What blitzscaling actually means in practice — beyond growth hacks✔ How become successful in writingVNTR is building the world’s largest investor community by sharing lessons, hosting events, and offering opportunities. Active VC investors can join by claiming a free investor account at https://app.vntr.vc/Timestamps:00:00 Intro01:26 Welcome Chris Yeh03:10 Choosing Stanford and Early Influences05:11 Marketing as the Intersection of Story and Business07:46 Storytelling as a Tool for Behavior Change10:50 When Storytelling Fails without Real Execution12:21 Investor Versus Founder Storytelling and LP Expectations15:57 How to Pitch Before the Product Exists17:45 Ustream, Network Effects, and Blitzscaling Logic21:49 Growth Hacking, Guerrilla Marketing, and Scale26:09 Gender Gaps in Venture Capital Funding29:16 From Blogging to Books: Developing a Writing Platform34:35 When Self-Publishing Makes Strategic Sense37:13 What Defines a Bestseller Today40:01 Building a Partnership with Reid Hoffman43:41 Wasabi Ventures: Fund Origin and Positioning48:10 Thought Leadership as a Deal Flow Engine53:14 AI as a Baseline Capability at Series B54:28 Moderation as a Strategic Visibility Tool58:59 Defining a Speaking Niche as a VC01:00:56 Work–Life Balance as a Performance System------------------------------------------------------------------------------🔹 VNTR Website: https://app.vntr.vc/🔹 VNTR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vntrcapital/🔹 VNTR Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vntrcap/------------------------------------------------------------------------------Host:Yuri G. Rabinovich https://www.linkedin.com/in/byuric/------------------------------------------------------------------------------Guest:Chris Yeh https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisyeh/

AI adoption, autonomous agents, the future of work, startup survival, superintelligence timelines — Steve Hoffman (Captain Hoff), founder of Founder Space, joins VNTR podcast with Yuri Rabinovich for an in-depth conversation about what’s coming next.Steve is a global innovation mentor, venture builder, author of three award-winning books, and advisor to Qualcomm, Lenovo, Volkswagen and other Fortune-level companies.In this episode, he breaks down the realities of the AI revolution and why we are still at the very beginning.🎙️ Episode Highlights:- Autonomous agents: what happens when AI acts on its own- How close we are to AGI and superintelligence- Why 95% of corporate AI projects fail- Startups vs. corporates: who adapts faster?- Community building in Silicon Valley (2000s → now)- Gaming industry: why only platforms win- Cybersecurity threats powered by AIVNTR is building the world’s largest investor community by sharing lessons, hosting events, and offering opportunities. Active VC investors can join by claiming a free investor account at https://app.vntr.vc/Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:17 Welcome Steve Hoffman02:55 How a Michael Jackson Project Pulled Him Into Gaming04:48 Early Gaming, Floppy Disks & the First “Cash in an Envelope” Sale10:33 Why 99% of Game Studios Never Scale15:14 Community Building 101: Start With Space, Partnerships & Consistency20:49 Passion Over Capital: Choosing the Right Path as a Builder25:57 How Thousands of Startups Fueled His Global Strategy32:34 The AI Mindset Every Founder and Executive Must Build43:47 How to Compete With AI: Become the Best or Switch Fields47:55 Deepfakes, AI Scammers & the Coming Cybersecurity Crisis51:22 The Real Existential Threat: AI With Self-Defined Objectives57:55 Soul Work, Social Impact & Why Steve Loves What He Does-----------------------------------------------------------------------------🔹 VNTR Website: https://app.vntr.vc/🔹 VNTR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vntrcapital/🔹 VNTR Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vntrcap/------------------------------------------------------------------------------Host:Yuri G. Rabinovich https://www.linkedin.com/in/byuric/------------------------------------------------------------------------------Guest:Steeve Hoffman https://www.youtube.com/@CaptainHoffman https://www.linkedin.com/in/captainhoff/

Building one of India’s biggest tech stories — Zomato ($33B IPO) and launching Gabit, a next-generation health & longevity platform redefining how we track, measure and improve our well-being.In this episode, Gaurav Gupta shares how his journey from consulting to co-founding Zomato shaped his view on building ecosystems and why his next mission is personal: helping millions live healthier, longer lives.🎙️ Episode Highlights:How Gaurav joined Zomato and turned it from a restaurant search app into a full food & grocery ecosystemThe story behind Gabit — and why good habits are the foundation of long-term healthBuilding hardware + software for health: the Gabit Ring and 150+ biomarkersLessons on scaling, leadership, and co-founding a company with your spouseWhat he learned from taking Zomato public — and how that experience shapes his approach to longevity techThe future of AI in health, predictive biomarkers & affordable wearables💡 Watch this episode if you’re curious about startups, longevity, healthtech, India’s unicorns or what it really takes to build companies that lastVNTR is building the world’s largest investor community by sharing lessons, hosting events, and offering opportunities. Active VC investors can join by claiming a free investor account at https://app.vntr.vc/Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:52 Welcome Gaurav Gupta01:52 Gaurav Gupta on Joining Zomato and Building India’s Food Tech Giant04:47 Leadership, Ownership, and Inspiration Inside a $33B Company07:21 How to Join an Existing Founding Team and Build Real Trust in a Startup10:11 The Logic Behind Zomato’s Food Ecosystem11:29 Consumers Choose Simplicity: The Power of an Integrated Ecosystem14:26 The 10-Minute Delivery Revolution16:14 COVID Changed Everything: Burnout and Building Better Habits18:10 Building a Startup With Your Spouse22:30 Tracking, Feedback, and Habits: The Formula for Long-Term Health25:26 All-in-One Health: Why Tracking Everything Works Better28:14 The Science Behind the Gabit Ring: Accuracy and Comfort32:39 Affordable Innovation: Building World-Class Health Tech in India35:31 Market First, Product Second: The Discipline of Global Expansion38:47 Beyond Capital: Choosing Investors Who Help You Build40:58 Building Credibility Through Belief and Ownership42:59 A Mission-Driven Vision for the Future of Longevity46:29 Beyond Biohacking: Building Habits That Last a Lifetime48:55 How Gabit Uses AI to Make Health Simple and Predictive51:36 Making DNA Data Actionable: The Next Step in Personalized Health53:09 The Founder Mindset Shift: Health First, Everything Else Later55:17 Final Thoughts🔹 VNTR Website: https://app.vntr.vc/🔹 VNTR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vntrcapital/🔹 VNTR Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vntrcap/Host:Yuri G. Rabinovichhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/byuric/Guest:Gaurav Guptahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/gaurav-gupta-gg/https://www.gabit.com/

In this VNTR Podcast episode, we sit down with Russell Deakin, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner at Aceana Group. With over 25 years of global experience in alternative assets — from private equity and venture capital to real estate, infrastructure, and renewable energy — Russell shares his journey of building a family office and investing worldwide.We talk about:The origins of Aceana Group and the transition from angel investing to a structured family office.Venture capital strategies: seed, Series A, and co-investments with top managers.How to evaluate GPs, emerging managers, and the importance of trust and character.Insights into investing across the US, Europe, India, Latin America, and Singapore.Why co-investments and diversification are key for family offices.Work–life balance while constantly traveling the globe.If you’re interested in family offices, venture capital, or international investing strategies — this episode is packed with practical insights.VNTR is building the world’s largest investor community by sharing lessons, hosting events, and offering opportunities. Active VC investors can join by claiming a free investor account at https://app.vntr.vc/Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:15 Welcome Russell Deakin00:57 How a Family Office Evolved Across Generations02:44 Single vs Multi-Family Office Explained: Structure, Team & Global Reach04:16 Why a Family Office Beats Going Solo in Investing07:20 Co-Investing With Fund Managers: A Smarter Family Office Approach11:15 The Key Traits LPs Look for in Emerging GPs15:25 Evaluating Early-Stage VC: NAV Growth, IRR and DPI20:03 Avoiding Direct Risk: How Funds Simplify Co-Investments22:26 Are VC Management Fees Fair?24:46 When LPs Should Use Fund of Funds: Diversification & Learning26:41 Balancing Alpha & Safety: Fund of Funds in a Family Office Portfolio31:22 The Minimum Portfolio Size for Venture Capital Success36:26 Best Geographies for VC: US, Europe, India, and Beyond39:48 Balancing Impact and Returns: Investing in Renewable Energy & Green Tech43:37 Why Some Family Businesses Stay Local Instead of Going Global45:24 Best Practices for Managing Family Office Connections Globally49:10 Work-Life Balance Tips from a Traveling Family Office CIO🔹 VNTR Website: https://app.vntr.vc/🔹 VNTR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vntrcapital/🔹 VNTR Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vntrcap/Host:Yuri G. Rabinovichhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/byuric/Guest:Russell DeakinManaging Partner at Aceana Group

In this episode of the VNTR Podcast, we sit down with Michael Kosic and Kamal Hassan, Managing Partners at Loyal VC, to unpack how they’re transforming venture capital with a unique model that combines global reach, open-ended structure, and a data-driven approach.💡 What you’ll learn in this episode:- The origin story of Loyal VC and why they wanted to build a VC fund “that sucks less”- How their open-ended structure provides LPs with liquidity and long-term returns- Why their stage-based investment process (from $10K to $12M+) beats traditional VC decision-making- How they leverage a network of 1,300+ advisors across 70+ countries to support founders- Insights into deploying capital weekly across 400+ startups worldwide- The future of venture capital in the age of AI and blockchainVNTR is building the world’s largest investor community by sharing lessons, hosting events, and offering opportunities. Active VC investors can join by claiming a free investor account at https://app.vntr.vc/Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:50 Welcome Michael Kosic01:55 Welcome Kamal Hassan02:41 The Origin Story: Why Michael & Kamal Launched Loyal VC08:38 Building a Venture Fund Like Entrepreneurs14:03 The First Investors in Loyal VC — Trust, Networks and Early Believers18:17 Loyal VC’s 4-Stage Investment Model23:20 What It Takes to Get the First $10K from Loyal VC25:49 Data-Driven Venture Capital33:44 Why Entrepreneurs Choose Loyal VC Over Traditional VCs38:01 The Community Flywheel: Why Treating People Well Builds Venture Networks41:28 Matching Expertise with Startup Needs at Scale45:56 Founder Collaboration: Slack, Peer Groups & Real Support49:51 Balancing Growth and Liquidity53:14 Smart Money Signal: 98% Follow-On Acceptance at Loyal VC56:50 Carry Only After LPs Profit57:57 Designing a VC Fund to Last 30+ Years1:00:11 Making Venture Accessible Beyond Accredited Investors1:01:29 Is Seed Dead? How AI Reshapes Early-Stage Investing-----------------------------------------------------------------------------🔹 VNTR Website: https://app.vntr.vc/🔹 VNTR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vntrcapital/🔹 VNTR Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vntrcap/------------------------------------------------------------------------------Host:Yuri G. Rabinovich https://www.linkedin.com/in/byuric/------------------------------------------------------------------------------Guests:Michael Kosic https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelkosic/Kamal Hassanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kamalhassan/Loyal VChttps://www.loyal.vc/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/loyal-vc/

In this episode of the VNTR Podcast, we sit down with Bill Inman, CEO & Founder of Decentralized Technologies Inc., serial entrepreneur, AI & blockchain pioneer and digital twin visionaryBill shares his journey from building multi-billion dollar companies to creating Twin Protocol — a platform empowering individuals to own their data, monetize their knowledge and thrive in the AI economy. We dive deep into:The convergence of AI and blockchain and why it mattersHow digital twins will transform business, content, and even relationshipsThe future of AI ethics, data ownership, and human legacyWhy embracing AI today is as crucial as adopting electricity or the internet🚀 If you want to understand where the world is heading with AI, digital twins and the blockchain economy — this conversation is a must-watchVNTR is building the world’s largest investor community by sharing lessons, hosting events, and offering opportunities. Active VC investors can join by claiming a free investor account at https://app.vntr.vc/Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:53 Welcome Bill Inman01:28 The Future of Tech: AI and Blockchain at the Core of the Twin Ecosystem02:38 How Early Bets in Tech Stocks Led to a Multi-Billion Dollar Business05:30 The First AI System for Matching Jobs and Talent06:43 Twin Protocol: Giving Users Ownership in the $15 Trillion AI Economy09:44 Content at Scale and New Human Connections15:04 How to Keep Your AI Twin Ethical and Truly Representing You19:00 Evolving Your Digital Twin21:35 The Four Pillars of AI: Compute, Algorithms, Training Data, Interfaces23:20 Humanoid Robots, Digital Twins, and the Next Wave of AI Interaction26:08 AI + Blockchain: Why Your Data Belongs on the Chain30:00 Powering Digital Twins with Blockchain Tokens34:58 Building a Career With Your AI Twin: How to Start Today36:39 Why Now Is the Best Time to Invest in AI’s Next Wave40:15 How Vertical AI Is Transforming Real Estate and Healthcare41:36 AI and Wellbeing: Reconnecting With Loved Ones Through Digital Twins44:12 AI, Legacy Twins, and the Race Toward Artificial Superintelligence51:00 Why Health Habits Today Matter in an AI-Driven Future🔹 VNTR Website: https://app.vntr.vc/🔹 VNTR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vntrcapital/🔹 VNTR Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/74523146/admin/dashboard/Host:Yuri G. Rabinovichhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/byuric/Guest:Bill Inmanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/billinman/

What does it take to build one of Europe’s leading VC firms from the ground up? 🙌🏼In this episode of the VNTR Podcast – Oliver Holle, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Speedinvest, shares the full story about bootstrapping his first startup to managing €1.4B AUM and 400+ investments across Europe, the Middle East, and AfricaWe talk exits, team building, LP dynamics, secondary markets, and what makes a winning founder in 2025.🎧 Key Topics Covered in This Episode:– How to raise your first fund (when no one believes in you)– Why early exits matter– What’s broken in traditional VC– How Speedinvest wins competitive rounds– The vertical fund model (and why they shut it down)– His advice on M&A, continuation vehicles, and building trust with founders👇 Watch the full episode now and subscribe for more candid stories from top investors and founders.VNTR is building the world’s largest investor community by sharing lessons, hosting events, and offering opportunities. Active VC investors can join by claiming a free investor account at https://app.vntr.vc/Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:55 Welcome Oliver Holle02:10 Why Oliver Holle Dropped Out of His PhD to Launch a Startup in Vienna04:38 Building a Startup in Vienna and the Hard Lessons of Choosing Co-Founders05:59 Lessons from Raising $5M Before the Crash07:57 How We Turned 8 Years of Struggle into a $60M Exit09:13 Why Optionality and Timing Define a Successful M&A13:05 How a Public Company Wasted $1B on Mobile14:27 Europe vs. Silicon Valley15:58 Speedinvest Wasn’t Meant to Be a Traditional VC21:22 Early Liquidity, Small Market Advantage, and the Rise of Speedinvest’s Second Fund25:10 The Power of Vertical Funds: FinTech, Marketplaces, and Industrial Tech at Speedinvest27:54 The Internal Economics Behind Speedinvest’s Fund Architecture30:59 Why the Traditional 10-Year VC Fund Model Is Broken32:36 The Hidden Value of Community and Trust in Venture34:02 How Speedinvest Builds Community Across 400+ Startups37:23 The Most Dramatic Shift Since Mobile: How AI Is Reshaping VC38:52 Speed, Trust, and Vertical Knowledge: Secrets to Leading Early Rounds43:09 The Power of Signaling in Early-Stage Fundraising45:23 Why Founders Still Have a Say47:08 Speedinvest’s Follow-On Strategy Explained: From Seed to Series B47:56 The Exit Strategy Playbook49:43 A Full Infrastructure for Investor Liquidity52:49 Work-Life Balance in Venture Capital🔹 VNTR Website: https://app.vntr.vc/🔹 VNTR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vntrcapital/🔹 VNTR Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/74523146/admin/dashboard/Host:Yuri G. Rabinovichhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/byuric/Guest:Oliver Hollehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/oholle/

What if companies reinvested 10% of their profits into startups to strengthen their ecosystem?In this episode of the VNTR Podcast, we talk to Yat Siu, co-founder and executive chairman of Animoca Brands — the company behind 570+ Web3 investments, from The Sandbox to Polygon and OpenSea. Animoca is a mission-driven operator investing off its own balance sheet to accelerate digital property rights and the open metaverse.🚀 Topics we explore:Why Web3 is an economic resetWhat makes Animoca radically different from classic VCThe rise of crypto-native M&A, token liquidity, and venture studiosHow AI agents will use crypto, earn tokens — and maybe create their ownWhy investing should be part of every company’s core DNA🎧 Tune in for an unfiltered take on what it takes to survive and scale in the age of AI — from someone who’s seen hundreds tryVNTR is building the world’s largest investor community by sharing lessons, hosting events, and offering opportunities. Active VC investors can join by claiming a free investor account at https://app.vntr.vcTimestamps:00:00 Intro01:04 Welcome Yat Siu05:08 How Yat Siu’s Early Life Shaped His Web3 Vision15:31 Why Web3 Fails Without Permissionless Networks21:04 Every Company Should Reinvest 10% of Profits Into the Ecosystem27:23 Inside Animoca’s Investment Process: AI, Thesis-Driven Bets & Speed29:04 Bear Markets Filter Out the Noise30:05 Portfolio Power Over Prestige32:08 Early Acquisitions, Long-Term Vision34:55 Betting on Education and Identity39:14 What the Metaverse Really Means42:28 AI Agents, Tokens & the New Power Economy46:46 Discipline Over Balance: Yat Siu on Health, Focus, and Writing51:16 No Afterlife, No Forever — Just Purpose That Keeps You Alive🔹 VNTR Website: https://app.vntr.vc/🔹 VNTR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vntrcapital/🔹 VNTR Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/74523146/admin/dashboard/Host:Yuri G. Rabinovichhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/byuric/Guest:Yat Suihttps://x.com/ysiuhttps://www.animocabrands.com/

Can solo founders still win?In this episode of the VNTR Podcast, we sit down with Jude Gomila — serial entrepreneur and early investor in 20+ unicorns, including Airtable, Mercury, Linear, and Gusto. From building Heyzap to backing iconic startups worldwide, Jude shares hard-earned lessons on what truly drives success in early-stage ventures.Key Topics Covered in This Episode:- Why great teams beat great ideas - The hidden cost of being a solo founder- What most people *still* get wrong about fundraising- How to do sales when SEO is dead and LinkedIn is broken- Why this decade will belong to founders who master focus, not noise🎧 Tune in for an unfiltered take on what it takes to survive and scale in the age of AI — from someone who’s seen hundreds tryVNTR is building the world’s largest investor community by sharing lessons, hosting events, and offering opportunities. Active VC investors can join by claiming a free investor account at [https://app.vntr.vc](https://app.vntr.vc/)Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:29 Welcome Jude Gomila14:45 Survived YC, the 2008 Crash, Built Hayzap, and 1st exit16:57 After the Exit: Why One Founder’s Journey Was Just The Beginning19:11 Great Founders Fire Fast20:46 The Hardest Startup Mistake? Starting Alone24:04 Lessons from Missing the AI Wave30:24 When Speed Drops and AI Rises — Exit Becomes Obvious33:38 Selling a Company Changes Your Ambition 35:46 How to Use ChatGPT and Perplexity for Research, Reasoning, and Faster Learning37:45 What Sets Unicorn Founders Apart: Talent, Obsession, and User Empathy41:44 Competing for Startup Deals Is a Red Flag for Smart Investors43:38 The Shape of a Billion-Dollar Company45:16 How Investors Waste Time47:49 Angel Checks and Global Talent: The Next Phase of Investing50:20 What Jobs Will Survive the AI Wave?52:29 Education as the Only Antidote to Automation55:29 Teaching, Learning, Surfing: The Founder Lifestyle Reimagined------------------------------------------------------------------------------Follow VNTR:🔹 VNTR Website: https://app.vntr.vc/🔹 VNTR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vntrcapital/🔹 VNTR Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vntrcap/------------------------------------------------------------------------------Host:Yuri G. Rabinovich https://www.linkedin.com/in/byuric/------------------------------------------------------------------------------Guest:Jude Gomilahttps://x.com/judegomila https://www.judegomila.comhttps://gomila.notion.site/Gomila-Capital-13a6c92e7cb342ccb9ecd5f195cc616b