Building with Heart: Life Lessons from Venture Capitalist Bruce Taragin Blumberg Capital

In this powerful episode of Founder's Stories, Bruce, Managing Director of Blumberg Capital, takes us through his remarkable journey in venture capital and shares deeply personal insights about life, loss, and leadership. From humble beginnings to managing over a billion dollars in assets, Bruce's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, relationships, and unwavering values.What You'll Learn:How personal loss and grief shaped Bruce's leadership approachThe evolution of Blumberg Capital and key investment strategiesWisdom gained from mentors like Sir Jacob RothschildBuilding meaningful relationships with entrepreneursBalancing business success with family values and philanthropyEpisode Highlights: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:04 Personal Reflections and Family Values 03:24 Dealing with Grief and Life Lessons 08:25 Family Legacy 13:02 Journey into Venture Capital 16:02 Building Blumberg Capital 24:45 Role of Luck and Key Investments 42:37 Understanding the Entrepreneurial Journey 44:04 Building Entrepreneur Relationships 45:23 Networks and Innovation 46:42 Core Expertise Focus 47:49 Success Stories 55:18 Maintaining Humility 58:58 Philanthropy 01:03:14 Next Generation Values 01:06:33 Business Ethics 01:22:08 Mentorship and Hard Work 01:23:58 Final ThoughtsListen in as Bruce shares invaluable insights on building a successful venture capital firm while maintaining integrity, humility, and a commitment to making a positive impact in both business and life. Connect with Bruce LinkedInConnect with Ephraim LinkedIn   

Meet Aleksandr Yampolskiy, the founder and CEO of Security Scorecard, whose journey embodies the American dream. Arriving from Moscow at 14 without speaking English, Aleksandr transformed early hardships into fuel for success, building a cybersecurity company now valued at $1 billion with over $100M in annual revenue. In this episode, Aleksandr opens up about his family's immigrant struggles, from gathering furniture off streets to relying on food stamps. Host Efraim guides us through Alexander's fascinating evolution from a curious teenager intrigued by an early cybersecurity incident to a visionary leader in the industry.Discover how Aleksandr built Security Scorecard from the ground up, navigating the challenges of fundraising, team building, and scaling a technology company. He shares authentic insights about leadership, customer obsession, and maintaining innovation in a competitive market. Whether you're an entrepreneur, cybersecurity professional, or someone pursuing ambitious goals, Alexander's story offers valuable lessons about resilience, continuous learning, and the power of long-term thinking. Key Topics:- Immigrant journey and early challenges in America- The genesis and growth of Security Scorecard- Leadership lessons and building company culture- Innovation strategies in cybersecurity- Balancing personal growth with business success- The future of cybersecurity industry- Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and immigrants Timeline: 00:00 Introduction 00:51 Immigrant Origins 02:00 Early Struggles in America 03:54 Education & Career Beginnings 10:34 Security Scorecard's Genesis 14:20 Fundraising Journey 20:36 Leadership Evolution 35:35 Learning from Failure 37:26 The Power of Mentorship 38:02 Work-Life Integration 39:48 Partner Support in Entrepreneurship 42:08 Innovation Strategy 46:10 Building Accountability 56:30 Future of Cybersecurity 01:01:39 Advice for Entrepreneurs 01:05:21 Closing Thoughts Connect with Aleksandr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayampolskiy/  Connect with Ephraim: https://x.com/ephraimyarmak https://www.linkedin.com/in/ephraimyarmak/  📢 SPONSORSHIP Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at [email protected] Thank you for considering!  

Conversation with Mo Koyfman, founder and General Partner of Shine Capital, as he shares his remarkable journey from immigrant roots to venture capital success. Mo reveals how his parents' teachings shaped his core values of freedom, family, and meritocracy, while exploring his innovative approach to venture investing through "lateral thinking." In this episode, we dive deep into: • The power of modeling behavior and patient parenting • First principles thinking in venture capital • Building Shine Capital from the ground up • The concept of "lateralists" and interdisciplinary investing • Mo's work with Sefaria, revolutionizing access to Jewish texts • Finding clarity and gratitude in both business and life Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:55 Immigrant Values & Success 08:39 Next Generation Values 10:05 Modeling & Patient Parenting 15:00 First Principles Thinking 20:53 Personal Fulfillment Journey 36:14 Shine Capital Story 43:29 Learning from Hardship 44:46 The Lateralist Approach 52:38 Pattern Matching in VC 01:00:46 Sefaria Vision 01:15:06 Clarity & Gratitude 01:22:34 Final Thoughts  Link to Sefaria _______________________________________  Connect Mo: Twitter LinkedInShine Capital Connect with Ephraim: TwitterLinkedIn 📢 SPONSORSHIP Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at [email protected] Thank you for considering! 

In this conversation, we sit down with Yotam Segev, co-founder and CEO of Cyera, for an intimate conversation about entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, and the remarkable journey of building a billion-dollar company.  Key Highlights: • From 50 to 400 Employees: Cyera Explosive Growth •  Raising Funds: $60 Million to $740 Million • Company Valuation: $3 Billion Success Story • Leadership Insights from a Visionary CEO  Time: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:13 Company Growth and Personal Development 02:16 Leadership and Team Dynamics 09:53 Market Challenges and Pain Validation 15:07 Sales Strategy and Customer Engagement 26:16 Fundraising and Future Vision 28:50 AI and Data Security: The Future 30:52 The Wealth Perspective 40:49 Future Plans for Cyera 44:26 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Call to Action  Quote of the Episode "Success is not just about growing a company, but about understanding the human elements of leadership, innovation, and continuous learning."  Subscribe to Found the Stories Podcast  Follow Yotam Segev on LinkedIn Follow Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn📢 SPONSORSHIP Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at [email protected] Thank you for considering!

In this episode, we speak with Jonathan Lehr, General Partner and Co-founder of Work-bench, a VC firm that placed an early, bold bet on New York's enterprise tech scene. Drawing from over a decade of venture capital experience, Jon offers a masterclass in VC, startups, and life. Episode Highlights:- How Workbench recognized NYC's unique position as an enterprise tech hub- The power of diverse industries in shaping innovation- Why gratitude and kindness are competitive advantages in VC- Building a firm that reflects personal values while delivering returns- How NYC's diverse industry landscape creates unique opportunities for enterprise tech- The role of personal values in shaping institutional success- Why relationship-building trumps transactional networking- Balancing ambition with authenticity in venture capital [00:00] Meet Jon[01:11] The Workbench origin story: From concept to reality[04:09] NYC's secret weapon: Industry diversity driving innovation[07:24] Navigating career pivots and embracing uncertainty[10:28] Investment philosophy: The Workbench approach[16:58] Partnership dynamics: Building a complementary team[19:02] Daily rituals and mindset management[20:38] Differentiation in a crowded VC landscape[22:50] The gratitude advantage in venture capital[23:04] Evolving with the market: Workbench 2.0[23:24] Spotting trends before they emerge[24:37] The art of relationship building in tech[26:53] Fundraising wisdom: Lessons from the trenches[34:42] Values-driven leadership: Family, authenticity, impact[39:46] Beyond returns: Creating lasting value[42:02] Words of wisdom for the next generation Connect with Jon LinkedInTwitter Work_benchBlogTwitter Connect with Ephraim LinkedIn  🙏 LEAVE A REVIEW Thank you for listening to the podcast! Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review and subscribe. Your review will help others discover the show and continue to support our efforts. 👋🏼 GET IN TOUCH We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes. We'll personally thank you for your support! 📢 SPONSORSHIP Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at [email protected] Thank you for considering!

In this episode, we speak with Lior, VC at Battery Ventures,• From his early days dreaming big to becoming a key player at Battery Ventures, Lior shares how he climbed the VC ladder. He dives into something we don't often hear about - how growing up shaped his money mindset and career choices.• Want to know how VCs really think? Lior breaks down his playbook for spotting winning startups. It's not just about flashy metrics - he's looking for founders who can go the distance. He explains why sometimes the best deals are the ones you walk away from, especially when prices get too hot.• Battery Ventures isn't just another Silicon Valley VC firm. Lior reveals how they're making waves globally, especially in Israel's booming tech scene. He shares their strategy for finding hidden gems in cybersecurity and software.• Here's where it gets real - Lior talks about keeping sane in the crazy VC world. From hitting the gym to traveling with family, he shows how taking breaks actually makes you better at your job. The big surprise? Fear isn't always your enemy - sometimes it's your best advisor. Words of Wisdom- Build real relationships with founders- Trust your gut on pricing- Make time for life outside work- Focus on long-term impact over quick wins- Keep learning and evolving The big takeaway? Think long-term, make a real difference, and don't forget to enjoy the ride along the way.Topics: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:57 Fatherhood and Personal Growth04:34 Early Life and Career Aspirations07:25 Financial Independence and Priorities11:26 Venture Capital Insights16:19 Mentorship and Industry Relationships21:24 Evolving Perspectives in Venture Capital23:32 Evaluating Founders: The People Aspect27:22 The Importance of Price Sensitivity29:48 Battery Ventures: A Global Approach34:48 Deep Diving into Sectors37:43 Balancing Work and Personal Life39:42 The Role of Fear in Decision Making41:12 Defining a Good Day42:39 Final Thoughts and Advice RESOURCES: Follow Lior on LinkedInFollow Ephraim on LinkedIn Follow Ephraim on Twitter 🙏 LEAVE A REVIEW Thank you for listening to the podcast! Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review and subscribe. Your review will help others discover the show and continue to support our efforts. 👋🏼 GET IN TOUCH We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes. We'll personally thank you for your support! 📢 SPONSORSHIP Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at [email protected] Thank you for considering!

In this episode, we talk with Alon Arvatz, tech entrepreneur and author. Alon, founder of PointFive, a company that helps manage cloud costs, shares his experiences and ideas. What You'll Hear: 1. Alon's Journey: Learn how Alon sold his first company, Insight, for $350 million and why he started PointFive. 2. Making an Impact: Why it's important to do more than just make money in business. 3. Family Life: How Alon balances work with family and teaches his kids about money and helping others. 4. Business Lessons: Tips on hiring good people, working with investors, and building a successful company. 5. Moving to America: Alon's experience moving to the U.S. for his business. 6. Overcoming Challenges: Dealing with doubts and difficulties in his work. 7. Future Plans: What Alon hopes to achieve with PointFive and his other projects. Throughout this conversation, Alon gives honest advice and shares personal stories. Whether you're interested in starting a business, working in tech, or just curious about how successful people think, this episode has something for you. Main Topics: [00:00] Welcome and introduction [02:19] Alon's values and goals[03:47] Making measurable impact [10:15] Teaching kids about money [20:08] Starting PointFive[34:39] Learning from past experiences [44:04] Working with investors [53:39] Moving to the U.S. [59:53] Looking ahead [01:06:03] Advice for others. Listen in to hear how Alon is trying to use technology to make the world a little better, one step at a time.  RESOURCES: Follow Alon on LinkedInFollow Ephraim on LinkedIn Follow Ephraim on TwitterWatch on YouTube 🙏 LEAVE A REVIEW Thank you for listening to the podcast! Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review and subscribe. Your review will help others discover the show and continue to support our efforts. 👋🏼 GET IN TOUCH We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes. We'll personally thank you for your support! 📢 SPONSORSHIP Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at [email protected] Thank you for considering!

In this episode we sit down with Ron Rofe General Partner of Rainfall Ventures, to explore his inspiring journey from a charitable childhood to remarkable success in venture capitalism. At the heart of Ron's story is a deep emphasis on personal values such as humility, passion, and a commitment to making a positive impact. He openly shares how these principles have guided his unconventional career path, from overcoming imposter syndrome to discovering his true calling in investing. Delving into his investment philosophy, Ron speaks passionately about the power of trusting people over rigid theses and the importance of backing purpose-driven founders. His insights on embracing uncertainty and the role of divine providence in his life and work provide a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the venture capital industry. Throughout the conversation, Ron's heartfelt anecdotes and genuine care for others shine through. He discusses the significance of giving back, using his hobby as a skilled chef to spread positivity and connect with his community. Ron also reflects on the evolution of both his personal and professional spheres, emphasizing the value of continuous growth, adaptability, and the pursuit of meaningful impact. Ron's inspiring story underscores the transformative potential of blending business acumen with a steadfast commitment to humility, empathy, and a deep trust in the divine. You will surely be captivated by Ron's insights, which provide a refreshing and compassionate perspective on the often fast-paced and competitive landscape of venture investing. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the power of embracing uncertainty, investing in people, and leveraging one's unique gifts for the greater good.  [00:00] Introduction [00:18] Background and Ventures [00:48] Personal Values and Charity Acts [01:18] The Journey to Rainfall Ventures [03:01] Lessons Learned in Venture Capital [07:33] The Importance of Investing in People [11:31] Challenges and Successes in Venture Capital [28:29] The Role of Luck and Divine Providence [39:50] The Value of Belief and Personal Development [40:26] Money and Purpose in Life [41:02] Human Connection and Humility in Business [43:24] Assessing Character in Founders [46:36] The Importance of Humility and Adaptability [53:08] The Evolution of Rainfall Ventures [58:01] Spreading Goodness and Positivity [59:34] The Journey of Becoming a Celebrity Chef [01:06:31] The Impact of October 7th and Responsibility [01:14:28] Final Reflections and Gratitude 🔗 CONNECT WITH  Ron Rofe👥 LinkedIn💻 Website 🔗 CONNECT WITH Ephraim Yarmak 👥 LinkedIn🐦 Twitter💻 WebsiteInvestments  🙏 LEAVE A REVIEWThank you for listening to the podcast! Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review and subscribe. Your review will help others discover the show and continue to support our efforts.👋🏼 GET IN TOUCHWe'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes. We'll personally thank you for your support!📢 SPONSORSHIPInterested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at [email protected] Thank you for considering!

Conversation with Edward Kolodenko, the founder of Questrade, we explore his remarkable journey from a young immigrant in Canada to leading one of the country's most significant financial institutions. Edward shares insights into his personal growth, the impact of his religious faith, and practical wisdom on achieving success without compromising core values. This episode delves into Edward's life philosophy, the challenges faced in building and scaling Questrade, and the importance of hard work, ambition, and spirituality in creating a meaningful life. You can expect to gain valuable life and business lessons, emphasizing the power of consistency, ethical commitment, and transformative leadership. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 1:08 Early Life and Immigration Challenges 3:10 Lessons from Parents and Hard Work 5:01 Embracing Religion and Its Impact 9:39 Daily Routine and Maintaining Standards 15:31 Founding Questrade: The Early Days 18:27 Overcoming Struggles and Achieving Success 23:25 Scaling the Company and Personal Growth 24:56 Hiring and Building a Management Team 25:28 Maintaining Company Culture 26:41 Personal Sacrifices and Family Balance 30:13 Work-Life Balance and Priorities 32:57 Motivation and Personal Mission 35:40 Charity and Giving Back 39:41 Innovation and Competition 42:48 Reflections and Life Lessons 46:12 Concluding Thoughts and Blessings Watch this episode on Youtube______________________________________🔗 CONNECT WITH  Edward Kholodenko💻 Website 🔗 CONNECT WITH Ephraim Yarmak 👥 LinkedIn🐦 Twitter💻 WebsiteInvestments  🙏 LEAVE A REVIEWThank you for listening to the podcast! Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review. Your review will help others discover the show and continue to support our efforts.👋🏼 GET IN TOUCHWe'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes. We'll personally thank you for your support!📢 SPONSORSHIPInterested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at [email protected] Thank you for considering!

I'm excited to welcome Aaron Rosenson, co-founder of Aption. With an impressive career at top venture capital firms like Insight Partners and Alef Partners, Aaron has a wealth of experience to share. We'll explore his transition from VC to startup operator, his personal challenges, and the invaluable lessons he's learned along the way. Don't miss this insightful discussion! Key Takeaways: 1. Balance: Balancing professional ambitions with personal growth is crucial for long-term success and happiness. 2. Transition: Aaron's journey from venture capital to becoming a startup founder offers valuable insights into career transitions. 3. Spirituality: The role of spirituality and personal values can help maintain balance and focus in both personal and professional life. 4. Loneliness: Strategies for overcoming loneliness and maintaining mental health are vital for entrepreneurs. 5. Leadership: Aaron's unique approach to leadership and team building can inspire others to lead with empathy and authenticity. 6. Persistence: Overcoming challenges and staying true to one's values can lead to personal and professional growth. Watch this interview on You Tube _________🔗 CONNECT WITH Aaron Rosenson 👥 LinkedIn💻 Website 🔗 CONNECT WITH Ephraim Yarmak 👥 LinkedIn🐦 Twitter💻 WebsiteInvestments  🙏 LEAVE A REVIEWThank you for listening to the podcast! Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review. Your review will help others discover the show and continue to support our efforts.👋🏼 GET IN TOUCHWe'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes. We'll personally thank you for your support!📢 SPONSORSHIPInterested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at [email protected] Thank you for considering!