Insiders React: WP Engine Feud Explodes + Harvard Hacks Meta Glasses, Zuckerberg’s Porsche Flex, Microsoft’s Nuclear Power Bet
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, exploring the implications for privacy, AI, and the future of augmented reality. They also discuss the unexpected connection between nuclear power and AI, Mark Zuckerberg's changing public persona, and the ongoing drama in the WordPress community. In this episode, you will: Discover how Harvard students turned Meta's smart glasses into powerful surveillance tools Explore the ethical implications of AI-powered facial recognition in everyday life Learn about the growing link between nuclear power and AI data centers Find out why Zuckerberg is flaunting his wealth and what it means for tech culture. Understand the ongoing conflict between WordPress and WP Engine Examine the challenges of maintaining mental health as a successful founder Gain insights into the evolving relationship between open-source projects and commercial entities Consider the impact of COVID-19 and social changes on tech leadership styles The Pact Honour The Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please: Follow, rate, and review us in your listening app Subscribe to the TSP Mailing List at https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/ Follow us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@startup-podcast Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following. Key links The Startup Podcast is sponsored by Vanta. Vanta helps businesses get and stay compliant by automating up to 90% of the work for the most in demand compliance frameworks. With over 200 integrations, you can easily monitor and secure the tools your business relies on. For a limited-time offer of US$1,000 off, go to www.vanta.com/tsp. Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://tsp.show Learn more about Chris and Yaniv Work 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/ Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/ Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/ Credits Editor: Justin McArthur Content Strategist: Carolina Franco Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang
9 Okt 202442min
Early Execution Overview - Your MVP Sucks (Replay)
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 until it becomes a product that users can’t live without. In this episode, you will: Discover why execution, not ideas, is where the real magic happens in startups Learn how to create a true MVP that validates your riskiest assumptions Understand the crucial difference between pivoting and simply starting over Explore the counterintuitive approach to risk that successful startups embrace Recognize the signs that it's time to pivot or shut down your startup Gain insights into common execution mistakes made by early-stage founders Develop strategies for overcoming emotional barriers to making tough decisions If you're stuck in the early stages of your startup or need help to take your MVP to the next level, this episode is for you! The Pact Honour The Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please: Follow, rate, and review us in your listening app Subscribe to the TSP Mailing List at https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/ Follow us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@startup-podcast Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following. Key links The Startup Podcast is sponsored by Vanta. Vanta helps businesses get and stay compliant by automating up to 90% of the work for the most in demand compliance frameworks. With over 200 integrations, you can easily monitor and secure the tools your business relies on. For a limited-time offer of US$1,000 off, go to www.vanta.com/tsp. Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://tsp.show Learn more about Chris and Yaniv Work 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/ Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/ Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/ Credits Editor: Justin McArthur Content Strategist: Carolina Franco https://www.linkedin.com/in/francocarolina/ Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang
7 Okt 202445min
Insiders React - Exec Exodus: What’s OpenAI's Dirty Secret? + DevDay, Google Hires AI Rockstar, Meta's AR Glasses
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 their implications for startups, developers, and society at large. In This Episode, You Will: Discover the latest revelations from OpenAI’s Dev Day and why the new developer tools, like the Speech-to-Speech API and image fine-tuning, could be a game-changer for startups. Learn about the 98% cost reduction in AI models and how it could drastically lower barriers for developers. Unpack the ongoing drama at OpenAI, including the mass resignation of executives and speculation surrounding Sam Altman’s control of the company. Understand the impact of OpenAI’s shift to a B Corp structure and what it means for the future of AI and mission-based goals. Dive into Google’s $2.7 billion rehire of an AI rockstar and why top-tier talent is driving astronomical valuations. Explore Meta’s Orion AR glasses and consider their potential to replace smartphones—could this be the beginning of a new tech era? Consider how augmented reality will change our daily interactions and whether the future of AI lies in wearable tech like glasses and earbuds. Get insights into the cultural shift AR glasses may bring and the ethical considerations of such pervasive tech in our lives. The Pact Honour The Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please: Follow, rate, and review us in your listening app Subscribe to the TSP Mailing List at https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/ Follow us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@startup-podcast Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following. Key links The Startup Podcast is sponsored by Vanta. Vanta helps businesses get and stay compliant by automating up to 90% of the work for the most in demand compliance frameworks. With over 200 integrations, you can easily monitor and secure the tools your business relies on. For a limited-time offer of US$1,000 off, go to www.vanta.com/tsp. Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://tsp.show Learn more about Chris and Yaniv Work 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/ Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/ Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/ Credits Editor: Justin McArthur Content Strategist: Carolina Franco Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang
2 Okt 202448min
Perfect Enterprise Sales Pitches – Overcome Buyer Anxiety To Win More Deals w/ April Dunford (Edu)
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 deep into why buying is hard, common pitching mistakes, and how to structure a pitch that truly resonates with your prospects. In this episode, you will: Discover why buying is often harder than selling, especially in B2B contexts Learn about the anxiety and fear that drives many purchasing decisions Understand why common pitch formats like feature walkthroughs and problem-solution frameworks often fall flat Explore the concept of being a "trusted guide" for your prospects Learn how to structure a pitch around your unique market insight Discover how to reverse-engineer your differentiated value proposition Understand the importance of aligning product, marketing, and sales efforts The Pact Honour The Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please: Follow, rate, and review us in your listening app Subscribe to the TSP Mailing List at https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/ Follow us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@startup-podcast Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following. Key links The Startup Podcast is sponsored by Vanta. Vanta helps businesses get and stay compliant by automating up to 90% of the work for the most in demand compliance frameworks. With over 200 integrations, you can easily monitor and secure the tools your business relies on. For a limited-time offer of US$1,000 off, go to www.vanta.com/tsp. Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://tsp.show Learn more about Chris and Yaniv Work 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/ Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/ Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/ Credits Editor: Justin McArthur Content Strategist: Carolina Franco https://www.linkedin.com/in/francocarolina/ Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang
30 Sep 202452min
Insiders React: Fed Rate Cuts – Is the Startup Funding Winter Over? + 23andMe Board Exodus, Snap Spectacles 3.0
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 Startup Funding Winter Over?How cheaper capital could kickstart startup funding again and whether we’re about to enter a new economic chapter for founders and VCs? 23andMe’s Board Exodus: 23andMe’s entire independent board has resigned. What went wrong at this once-promising startup, and what lessons can founders learn about governance and shareholder control? Snap Spectacles 3.0: The Future of AR? Snap is back with their latest AR glasses, but why isn’t anyone talking about them? What might be their potential impact on the wearable tech market? Stay tuned as Chris and Yaniv navigate the world of rate cuts, boardroom drama, and AR tech, uncovering how these developments will impact startups and the tech ecosystem. The Pact Honour The Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please: Follow, rate, and review us in your listening app Subscribe to the TSP Mailing List at https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/ Follow us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@startup-podcast Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following. Key links The Startup Podcast is sponsored by Vanta. Vanta helps businesses get and stay compliant by automating up to 90% of the work for the most in demand compliance frameworks. With over 200 integrations, you can easily monitor and secure the tools your business relies on. For a limited-time offer of US$1,000 off, go to www.vanta.com/tsp. Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://tsp.show Learn more about Chris and Yaniv Work 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/ Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/ Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/ Credits Editor: Justin McArthur Content Strategist: Carolina Franco Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang
25 Sep 202438min
Career Progression at Startups - Caution: NOT How Big Companies Do It (Edu)
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 development in startups and explain why founders must rethink how they motivate and retain talent. In this episode, you'll hear about: Why startups don’t (and shouldn’t) offer structured career development programs. The key differences between career growth in startups versus big companies. Why hiring A-players is just the start—and keeping them motivated is the real challenge. How to spot red flags in employees who can’t thrive in unstructured environments. Why startup culture, vision, and momentum matter more than promotions and titles. How founders can maintain a culture of ownership and motivation without the luxury of corporate resources. The uncomfortable truth about spoon-feeding employees and why self-driven growth is key. Whether you're a founder feeling blindsided by employee demands or an aspiring startup employee, this episode provides invaluable insights to help you navigate the unique landscape of career growth in the startup world. The Pact Honour The Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please: Follow, rate, and review us in your listening app Subscribe to the TSP Mailing List at https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/ Follow us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@startup-podcast Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following. Key links The Startup Podcast is sponsored by Vanta. Vanta helps businesses get and stay compliant by automating up to 90% of the work for the most in demand compliance frameworks. With over 200 integrations, you can easily monitor and secure the tools your business relies on. For a limited-time offer of US$1,000 off, go to www.vanta.com/tsp. Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://tsp.show Learn more about Chris and Yaniv Work 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/ Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/ Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/ Credits Editor: Justin McArthur Content Strategist: Carolina Franco https://www.linkedin.com/in/francocarolina/Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang
23 Sep 202453min
Insiders React: OpenAI o1 – The Smartest AI Ever? | Synthetic Employees: Revenue Hack | Zuckerberg’s New Swagger
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. Together, they break down the latest tech and business trends: OpenAI O1: The Smartest AI Ever?OpenAI’s groundbreaking new O1 model is changing the landscape for developers and startups. Is this the smartest AI ever created, or just another step in AI’s evolution? The Future of Work: 1 Billion, 3 EmployeesAI is transforming how companies scale, with some earning $1 billion with just 3 employees. The discussion unpacks synthetic employees and how AI is redefining the workforce of tomorrow. Zuckerberg’s New SwaggerMark Zuckerberg is done apologizing and has adopted a bold new attitude. How is this shift impacting Meta and the tech leadership landscape, especially in the Elon Musk era? Stay tuned as Chris, Jordan, and Amir explore what these developments mean for the future of work and the changing dynamics of tech leadership. The Pact Honour The Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please: Follow, rate, and review us in your listening app Subscribe to the TSP Mailing List at https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/ Follow us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@startup-podcast Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following. Key links The Startup Podcast is sponsored by Vanta. Vanta helps businesses get and stay compliant by automating up to 90% of the work for the most in demand compliance frameworks. With over 200 integrations, you can easily monitor and secure the tools your business relies on. For a limited-time offer of US$1,000 off, go to www.vanta.com/tsp. Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://tsp.show Learn more about Chris and Yaniv Work 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/ Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/ Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/ Credits Editor: Justin McArthur Content Strategist: Carolina Franco Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang
18 Sep 202452min
Conviction - The Essential Ingredient For Focus & Scale (Edu)
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-backed services company" or, worse, facing a slow startup death. In this episode, Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein explore why conviction is vital for startup survival and how founders can build, sustain, and spread it within their teams. In this episode, you will: Discover why conviction is more than just passion—and how they differ. Learn the 7 essential elements of conviction, from vision and constraints to intuition and leadership. Understand why startups must move fast and how conviction fuels speed and momentum. Find out how failing fast with conviction is better than drifting in "zombie mode." Explore how faith in your team and your ability to execute is crucial to maintaining conviction. Hear how smart constraints sharpen your focus and make your startup a "sharp knife" that can cut through the noise. Learn why conviction helps you ignore distractions, push against short-sighted advice, and stay true to your original vision. Join Chris and Yaniv as they explore the nuances of conviction and provide actionable advice to help you build and maintain conviction in your startup. The Pact Honour The Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please: Follow, rate, and review us in your listening app Subscribe to the TSP Mailing List at https://thestartuppodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribe Secure your official TSP merchandise at https://shop.tsp.show/ Follow us on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@startup-podcast Give us a public shout-out on LinkedIn or anywhere you have a social media following. Key links The Startup Podcast is sponsored by Vanta. Vanta helps businesses get and stay compliant by automating up to 90% of the work for the most in demand compliance frameworks. With over 200 integrations, you can easily monitor and secure the tools your business relies on. For a limited-time offer of US$1,000 off, go to www.vanta.com/tsp. Get your question in for our next Q&A episode: https://forms.gle/NZzgNWVLiFmwvFA2A The Startup Podcast website: https://tsp.show Learn more about Chris and Yaniv Work 1:1 with Chris: http://chrissaad.com/advisory/ Follow Chris on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissaad/ Follow Yaniv on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ybernstein/ Credits Editor: Justin McArthur Content Strategist: Carolina Franco https://www.linkedin.com/in/francocarolina/Intro Voice: Jeremiah Owyang
16 Sep 202441min
