All Caps Capital

This is one of my favorite episodes with my mentor Scott. He drops so many gems on life advice, creating content, and making work feel like play. Honestly, I wish I had recorded more because the man is full of wisdom and always has something valuable to share. Thank you so much Scott! Thank you to everyone for for tuning in!

In episode #14, Murph breaks down how a “build in public” mindset is revolutionizing venture capital. This isn’t just about producing content—it’s about a fundamental shift in how VCs connect with tomorrow’s innovators. By embracing authentic, behind-the-scenes storytelling, funds are moving beyond closed-door pitches to engage directly on platforms where Gen Z builds, learns, and collaborates. Murph unpacks how transparency, early engagement, and community-building are transforming the VC playbook—turning casual digital interactions into long-term partnerships. Whether you’re watching TikToks, browsing YouTube, or scrolling through LinkedIn, the principles of authenticity and clarity are redefining how value is created, and trust is earned. Tune in to see why a content-first approach isn’t just the future—it’s already here, and it’s empowering the next generation of startup founders. ------------------------------------------------------------------- 📌 Timestamps & Topics: (00:00) Intro (01:14) Gen Z Startup Surge (03:43) Key Players (06:08) VC Dilemma (08:10) The Emerging Fund Playbook (10:24) Outro ------------------------------------------------------------------- Socials 💼⁠ ⁠⁠Follow All Caps Capital on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ▶️ ⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠ 🍎 ⁠⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠ 🐣⁠ ⁠⁠Follow All Caps Capital on X⁠⁠ 🐤⁠ ⁠⁠Follow Ryan Murphy on X⁠⁠⁠ 🐥⁠ ⁠⁠Follow Ahmed Ghaddah on X⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow All Caps Capital on TikTok⁠⁠ 📸⁠ ⁠⁠Follow All Caps Capital on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ 📰⁠ ⁠⁠Subscribe to our Newsletter, All Caps Chronicles #buildinginpublic #startupsecrets #startupinvesting #venturecapital #contentcreation

Claude Hopkins' book "Scientific Advertising" is a timeless piece that I believe this is a playbook on how you should be making your content today. Highly recommend taking a read!

In episode #12, Murph and Ahk sit down with Carter Steffes, the ambitious co-founder of New Era Ventures, who is breaking barriers in the venture capital world by building a fund in his 20s. 🚀 We dive into Carter’s incredible journey—from starting out as a frustrated scout for other investors to running SPVs and investing in Gen Z founders across the country. Along the way, Carter shares how he’s leveraging his Midwestern roots to build a unique VC firm while navigating the challenges of being a young fund manager. Tune in for: - the bold risks Carter took to start New Era Ventures - how young fund managers are rewriting the rules of venture capital - why building in unexpected places, like Fargo, ND, can be a game-changer - the parallels between launching a startup and raising a venture fund ------------------------------------------------------------------- 📌 Timestamps & Topics: (00:00) Intro (02:00) building a fund without an MBA (06:30) SPVs demystified (12:00) betting on Gen Z founders (18:00) building in fargo (25:00) finding champions and overcoming credibility barriers (32:00) failing forward in Venture Capital (36:00) Outro ------------------------------------------------------------------- 🔗Socials: 🌐 New Era Ventures 👨‍⚕️⁠Connect with Carter Steffes on LinkedIn⁠ 🦬 ⁠Follow Carter Steffes on X⁠ 💼⁠ ⁠Follow All Caps Capital on LinkedIn⁠⁠ ▶️ ⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠ 🍎 ⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠ 🐣⁠ ⁠Follow All Caps Capital on X⁠ 🐤⁠ ⁠Follow Ryan Murphy on X⁠⁠ 🐥⁠ ⁠Follow Ahmed Ghaddah on X ⁠⁠⁠Follow All Caps Capital on TikTok⁠ 📸⁠ ⁠Follow All Caps Capital on Instagram⁠⁠ 📰⁠ ⁠Subscribe to our Newsletter, All Caps Chronicles #startupinvesting #allcapscapital #newera #youth #spv #startupgrowth #entrepreneur #midwest #podcast

In All Caps Capital episode #11, Ahk and Murph sit down with Will Lawson, the young visionary behind a groundbreaking crypto recovery platform, Resolv. From a $6000 crypto hack victim to a blockchain innovator, Will shares his inspiring journey and unveils the future of asset protection in the crypto world. Since this podcast was recorded Resolv has gained some crazy user interest, rightfully so! If you're curious about the challenges and opportunities in the crypto startup space or want to learn how to safeguard your digital assets, this episode is a must-watch. Tune in! ------------------------------------------------------------ 📌Timestamps & Topics: (00:00) Intro (03:40) The $6000 Hack That Changed Everything (04:46) Resolve: The Crypto Recovery Platform (08:12) How Resolv works (10:10) Why Will Chose to Build in Crypto (he's a mad man) (13:45) Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated (18:00) Pushing the Envelope for Public Crypto Adoption (21:00) How Private Keys are Stolen and Prevention (24:00) Simplifying Complex Interactions (25:00) Chain Abstraction Protocols (27:30) Mr. Worldwide... Building in Public (30:50) Navigating Doubt as a Founder (37:45) Future of Resolv (38:38) Outro ------------------------------------------------------------ In this episode, Ahk, Murph, and Will discuss: 1. Will Lawson's Background: • How a personal loss led Will to pursue crypto asset protection • The journey from college student to blockchain entrepreneur 2. Demystifying Crypto Recovery: • Understanding the innovative technology behind Resolve • How decentralized jurors ensure fair and secure asset recovery 3. Building in the Crypto Space: • Navigating the challenges of decentralization and user trust • The importance of simplifying complex crypto concepts 4. The Founder's Mindset: • Dealing with self-doubt and imposter syndrome • The power of consistency and building in public 5. The Future of Crypto Security: • Will's vision for Resolve and the broader crypto ecosystem • How anyone can get involved in the crypto revolution ------------------------------------------------------------ 🔗Socials: 🛡️ Resolv 👨‍⚕️Connect with Will Lawson on LinkedIn 👑 Follow Will Lawson on X 💼⁠ Follow All Caps Capital on LinkedIn⁠ ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube 🍎 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts 🐣⁠ Follow All Caps Capital on X 🐤⁠ Follow Ryan Murphy on X⁠ 🐥⁠ Follow Ahmed Ghaddah on X⁠ Follow All Caps Capital on TikTok 📸⁠ Follow All Caps Capital on Instagram⁠ 📰⁠ Subscribe to our Newsletter, All Caps Chronicles

All Caps Capital, Episode #10 is here! In this episode, Murph and Ahk sit down with Alex Flynn and Mark Golub from Deck Doctors. From young t-shirt hustlers to mastering pitch decks for startups, they share their journey and drop knowledge on why storytelling and design is crucial for startup success. Plus, we throw them into a goofy, yet creative pitch-off and talk growth strategies. If you’re ready to level up your pitch game and stand out in the startup world, this episode is for you. Tap in! ---------------------------------------------------------------- 📌Timestamps & Topics: (00:00) Intro (01:22) How Mark and Alex Became Pitch Deck Doctors (05:13) Deck in the Box??! (11:58) Percentage of Founders that get their Pitch Decks Wrong (14:20) Pitch or Product (17:43) Thoughts on Demo videos (20:42) Balancing Honesty and Hype (29:51) Go-to Pitch Deck Framework from the Deck Doctors (34:55) The Best Pitch Ever (40:57) Deck Doctors v. All Caps Capital (47:03) Best Growth Strategies (54:20) Final Advice (57:10) Outro ---------------------------------------------------------------- In this episode, Murph, Ahk, Alex, and Mark dive into: 1. The Art of the Pitch Deck: • Why is storytelling and design crucial for a successful pitch deck? • How do you balance honesty and hype when pitching to investors? 2. Challenges and Successes in Building Deck Doctors: • What mistakes did Alex and Mark make, and what did they learn? • How did they build trust with clients and investors? 3. Pitching in the Startup World: • How do you create a pitch deck that stands out in a crowded market? • What are the key elements that every pitch deck should include? 4. The Future of Startup Growth Strategies: • What are the best growth strategies for early-stage startups? • How can founders leverage controversy and community to gain traction? ---------------------------------------------------------------- 🔗Socials: 🩺Deck Doctors 👨‍⚕️Connect with Alex Flynn on LinkedIn 🧑‍⚕️Connect with Mark Golub on LinkedIn 💼⁠ Follow All Caps Capital on LinkedIn⁠⁠ ⁠▶️ Subscribe on YouTube⁠ ⁠🐣⁠ Follow All Caps Capital on X⁠ ⁠🐤⁠ Follow Ryan Murphy on X⁠⁠ ⁠🐥⁠ Follow Ahmed Ghaddah on X⁠⁠ ⁠Follow All Caps Capital on TikTok⁠ ⁠📸⁠ Follow All Caps Capital on Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠📰⁠ Subscribe to our Newsletter, All Caps Chronicles:⁠

Welcome back to All Caps Capital, Episode #9! Murph and Ahk return, diving deep into the world of startups and venture capital. In this episode, we sit down with Adam Folsom, a Nebraska native and the godfather of the startup scene in Nebraska. Adam shares his journey from growing up with a family of entrepreneurs to making impactful investments and supporting founders at Beeso Studio in Omaha. Tap in as we explore how startups can thrive outside Silicon Valley, hot takes on Web3 and crypto communities and how they can help startup founders build, and the recent interest athletes are starting to put into startup investing. ---------------------------------------------------------------- 📌Timestamps & Topics: (00:00) Intro (06:26) Advantages and Challenges of Building in Nebraska (26:20) Putting Nebraska on the Map in the Startup Scene (32:31) Exploring the Potential of Web3 and Crypto (39:20) The Promise of Web3 and Creative Freedom it Brings (46:58) Athletes as Entrepreneurs (53:06) Involvement of Athletes in the Venture World (57:40) Outro ---------------------------------------------------------------- In this episode, Murph, Ahk, and Adam talk shop on: 1. Building Startups Outside Silicon Valley: • How can startups thrive outside traditional tech hubs like Silicon Valley? • What are the unique advantages and challenges of building a startup outside of tech hubs? 2. Key Industries in Nebraska: • Which industries are prominent in Nebraska's startup scene? • How are sectors like AgTech, FinTech, InsurTech, and Healthcare evolving in the Midwest? 3. Supporting Non-Technical Founders: • Why does Beeso Studio focus on non-technical founders? • What are the common challenges non-technical founders face and how can they overcome them? 4. The Future of Building in Web3 and with Crypto: • How do we teach the rest of the world about complex subjects like Web3? • Is crypto still a pump and dump scheme, or will this digital currency be widely used soon? Why have we not fully accepted it yet? 5. Professional Athletes involvement in the Venture World: • How are athletes getting involved in the venture capital world and influencing the startup ecosystem? • Which athletes are making the most notable strides in startup investing and building? ---------------------------------------------------------------- 🔗Socials: Follow Adam Folsom on X Connect with Adam on LinkedIn Beeso Studio 💼⁠ Follow All Caps Capital on LinkedIn⁠ ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube 🐣⁠ Follow All Caps Capital on X 🐤⁠ Follow Ryan Murphy on X⁠ 🐥⁠ Follow Ahmed Ghaddah on X⁠ Follow All Caps Capital on TikTok 📸⁠ Follow All Caps Capital on Instagram⁠ 📰⁠ Subscribe to our Newsletter, All Caps Chronicles: #startups #venturecapital #NebraskaTech #founders #entrepreneurship #web3 #crypto #athleteinvestors

Welcome to All Caps Capital, Episode #8! Murph and Ahk are back, navigating the crazy world of startups and venture capital. In this episode, we chat with Carson Nye from Two Ravens, a rising venture capital firm on the New York City playing field. From growing up with entrepreneurial aspirations to making impactful investments, Carson shares his journey, insights on the startup ecosystem, and thoughts on emerging technologies like AI and Web3. Buckle up and join our in-person conversation we explore how unconventional paths can lead to extraordinary success, the evolution of the Seattle tech scene, and the realities of venture capital. ---------------------------------------------------------------- 📌Timestamps & Topics: (00:00) Intro (03:00) Murph’s University Learning Experience (06:00) Ahk’s Startup Awakening (10:00) Carson’s Early Entrepreneurial Influences (13:00) Importance of Mentors (16:00) Seattle’s Startup Ecosystem (19:00) Accelerators vs. Venture Capital (25:00) Evaluating Startup Ideas (28:00) Filecoin and Decentralized Storage (31:00) Crypto Speculation and Trends (35:00) NFTs and Community Building (38:00) Future of Blockchain Technology (41:00) Startup Ideas: Dog Sh*t or Good Sh*t (43:00) VC Perspectives on Startup Ideas (48:00) The Tarpit Idea in Startups (52:00) Peter Thiel’s Approach to Competition (57:00) Two-Way vs. One-Way Doors in Decision Making (01:02:00) Bootstrapping vs. Venture Capital (01:07:00) Challenges of Raising Capital (01:15:00) Importance of Experience in Entrepreneurship (01:19:00) The Future of Search and Information Discovery (01:26:00) Adapting to AI and New Search Models (01:32:00) Introducing Two Ravens Venture Fund (01:35:00) Investment Thesis and Target Founders (01:38:00) Areas of Focus (01:41:00) Final Thoughts and Outro ---------------------------------------------------------------- In this episode, Murph, Ahk, and Carson explore: 1. The Startup Tarpit: - What is the tarpit idea and why do seemingly great startup ideas fail? - Real-life examples of businesses that fell into the tarpit. 2. Navigating Venture Capital: - Differences between accelerators and venture capital. - Carson’s insights on when to bootstrap and when to seek VC funding. 3. Evaluating Startup Ideas: - How Carson sifts through startup pitches and identifies potential winners. - The significance of unique ideas and avoiding common pitfalls. 4. Experience and Mentorship: - The role of mentors in entrepreneurial success. - How personal and professional experiences shape a founder’s journey. 5. The Future of Tech: - Carson's outlook on AI, blockchain, and decentralized storage. - The potential impact of new technologies on the startup ecosystem. 6. Exciting New Startup Concepts: - Carson evaluates innovative startup ideas in real-time. - Learn from real examples on what makes a business idea stand out. ---------------------------------------------------------------- 🔗Socials: 🐦‍⬛Two Ravens Venture Fund Follow Carson Nye on X Connect with Carson on LinkedIn 💼⁠ Follow All Caps Capital on LinkedIn⁠ ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube 🐣⁠ Follow All Caps Capital on X 🐤⁠ Follow Ryan Murphy on X⁠ 🐥⁠ Follow Ahmed Ghaddah on X⁠ 📸⁠ Follow All Caps Capital on Instagram⁠ 📰⁠ Subscribe to our Newsletter, All Caps Chronicles #tworavens #venturecapital #startupsecrets #investingtips #blockchain

Been a minute but we are live with All Caps Capital, where Murph and Ahk dive deep into the wild world of startups and venture capital. In this episode, we hang with Danielle Strachman, the mastermind behind the 1517 Fund. She’s shaking up the venture world by funding dropouts and unconventional founders. Tune in to hear her inspiring journey and insights on finding your passion, overcoming imposter syndrome, navigating the startup ecosystem, and watch her go through the All Caps expedited version of Shark Tank. ------------------------------------------------------------------ 📌Timestamps & Topics: (00:00) Intro and Episode Overview (01:00) Introducing Danielle Strachman and Her Background (04:36) Moving from New England to California and Its Impact (10:00) The Creation and Mission of the 1517 Fund (14:00) Balancing History and Future in Venture Capital (18:17) Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Finding Passion (24:53) Challenges of Traditional Education and Alternative Paths (29:00) The Importance of Pushing Comfort Zones (32:30) Resources and Mentorship for Aspiring Entrepreneurs (43:57) Danielle Pitches to All Caps Capital (55:00) Final Thoughts and Outro ------------------------------------------------------------------ In this engaging episode, Murph, Ahk and Danielle look at: 1. Danielle's Inspiring Journey: - From growing up in New England to making a bold move to California. - How these experiences shaped her approach to venture capital. 2. Building the 1517 Fund: - The story behind the fund's name and its mission to support unconventional founders. - Collaborating with Peter Thiel and insights from the Thiel Fellowship program. 3. The Power of Stretching Your Comfort Zone: - Why moving out of your comfort zone is crucial for growth. - Real-life examples of how changing environments can spark innovation. 4. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: - Personal experiences with imposter syndrome. - Tips on finding what you're obsessed with and turning it into a career. 5. Resources for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: - Grant programs like the Medici Project and Emergent Ventures. - How to find and leverage mentors for personal and professional growth. 6. Startup Pitch with a Twist: - Learn how to pitch like an absolute pro with Danielle ------------------------------------------------------------------ 🔗Socials: 🐈 Follow Danielle on X 📨 Email Danielle at: [email protected] 📝 1517 Fund Grant Application 💼⁠ Follow All Caps Capital on LinkedIn⁠: ▶️Subscribe on YouTube 🐣⁠ Follow All Caps Capital on X 🐤⁠ Follow Ryan Murphy on X⁠ 🐥⁠ Follow Ahmed Ghaddah on X⁠ 📸⁠ Follow All Caps Capital on Instagram⁠ 📰⁠ Subscribe to our Newsletter, All Caps Chronicles #venturecapital #1517fund #startup #success #innovation #impostersyndrome #resources

We're kicking it back into gear at All Caps Capital, where we dive deep into the gritty and enlightening world of startups and venture capital. In this episode, hosts Murph and Ahk release a new segment called "Startup Cemetery," where we dig up the lessons from the rise and demise of once-celebrated companies. This time, the spotlight shines on Yik Yak, a name that might ring bells of toxicity or humor. Join us as we navigate the exhilarating journey and rollercoaster fall of Yik Yak, offering a play-by-play guidebook of what not to do for budding entrepreneurs. ---------------------------------------------------------------- 📌Timestamps & Topics: (00:00) Intro (01:14) Experiences from Using Yik Yak w/ Ahk and Murph (03:23) The Birth of Yik Yak in 2013's Vibrant Social Scene (04:22) Exploring Yik Yak's Unique Appeal and Initial Investment Raising Success (08:00) Yik Yak's Challenges with Bullying and Threats (10:00) Attempts to Pivot and Preserve User Base Amidst Controversies (13:38) The Decline: Falling User Engagement and the Battle with Toxicity (16:16) Murph's Key Takeaway from Yik Yak Downfall (19:43) Why Ahk Will Not be Building a Social Media App (21:58) This is the Outro ---------------------------------------------------------------- In this sixth episode of the 'Startup Game' season, Murph and Ahk explore:   1. The Power and Peril of Anonymity: - How Yik Yak's anonymous platform led to unprecedented growth and why it ultimately contributed to its downfall. - The importance of considering the social impact of your product.   2. Navigating Startup Challenges: - The balancing act between rapid growth and maintaining a healthy community. - Lessons in moderation and community management for startups.   3. The Startup Lifecycle: - The rise and fall of Yik Yak as a cautionary tale for entrepreneurs. - Understanding the importance of a sustainable business model and revenue generation from the start.   4. Reflection and Future Directions: - Insights on how past failures can inform future innovations in social media and startups. - The role of ethical considerations in startup development and growth. ---------------------------------------------------------------- 🔗Socials: 💼Follow All Caps Capital on LinkedIn ▶️Subscribe on YouTube 🐣Follow All Caps Capital on X 🐤Follow Ryan Murphy on X 🐥Follow Ahmed Ghaddah on X 📸Follow All Caps Capital on Instagram 📰Subscribe to our Newsletter, All Caps Chronicles