Seed to Harvest

Send us a text In this episode, host Paige Doherty sits down with Adam Gartenberg, co-founder at 640 Oxford and former Head of Product & Ops at Uber Rider Innovation. They discuss Adam's 400 factory tours to build unique investment insights, how to build with urgency, the psychology of early-stage execution, and Adam’s unique lens on product strategy, shaped by startup experience and scaling inside Uber. Watch the full episode for: Early-stage speed & decision-making Leading product in scrappy vs. scaled environments Lessons from Uber & 640 Oxford Advice for builders trying to gain traction Connect with Paige 🌱💜 Behind Genius Ventures blog | https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/ Personal Blog | https://paigefinndoherty.com/ Twitter | https://x.com/paigefinnn Connect with Adam Gartenberg 🌱💜 Twitter | https://x.com/adamgartenberg Email | adam@sixfortyoxford.com Support the show

Send us a text Alex Bean, co-founder of Divvy (acquired by BILL.com for $2.5B), joins us to share his founder journey - from teaching ski lessons at 16 to starting multiple scrappy businesses, to scaling Divvy into a fintech giant. In this episode, we talk about the lessons learned from both early failures and billion-dollar success, what not to do when launching a company, and how he's now building Factory to support other founders. This episode includes: • His earliest business ideas (including one called “Plum Tree Jewelry”) • Why chasing margins doesn’t work • Divvy’s scale-up and acquisition journey • What he's building now with Factory for Good • Advice to young founders just getting started Reach out to Paige: paige@behindgeniusventures.com Twitter/X: https://x.com/paigefinnn Website: https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/ Connect with Alex: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexbean/ Factory for Good– https://factoryforgood.com/ Listen to Seed to Harvest everywhere: Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seed-to-harvest/id1600933931 Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/@seedtoharvest/videos Support the show

Send us a text In this episode, James Evans, co-founder of Command AI (acq by Amplitude), shares his entrepreneurial journey- from childhood ambitions to launching a startup in college and scaling it through YC. He talks about turning a side project into a venture-backed company, navigating the startup grind, and eventually getting acquired by Amplitude. James breaks down the realities of startup life, including hiring, sales vs. product-led growth, and the psychological weight of being a founder. He also walks through the acquisition process, post-acquisition integration, and how he’s continuing to grow in a new role. This episode is packed with candid insight into early-stage building, decision-making, and what comes after the “win.” 00:00 Starting a Company: The Myth vs. Reality 00:08 Interview with James Evans: Early Life and Entrepreneurial Aspirations 01:41 College Days: The Birth of Command AI 02:50 From Side Project to Startup 04:31 Entering Private Equity After Graduation 05:34 The YC Experience and Why Speed Matters 13:26 Marketing and Growth: What Actually Works 16:32 Conserving Innovation and Picking the Right Bets 16:54 Remote Work as a Strategic Choice 17:48 Marketing: From Popups to Planes 19:17 Avoiding Overthinking and Moving Fast 20:30 Angel Investing and Operating Insights 22:38 Hiring, Firing, and Early Team Building 26:02 The Amplitude Acquisition: How It Happened 30:14 After the Exit: Integration and Personal Growth Connect with Paige 🌱💜 Behind Genius Ventures blog | https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/ Personal Blog | https://paigefinndoherty.com/ Twitter | https://x.com/paigefinnn Links 🔗 James Evans – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesbevans/ 🔗 CommandBar – https://www.commandbar.com/ 🔗 Y Combinator – https://www.ycombinator.com/ 🔗 Amplitude – https://amplitude.com/ Support the show

Send us a text Hi everyone! In this episode, I’m doing something a little different — walking you through the three phases of self-publishing my first book, Seed to Harvest, a children’s book about venture capital. I’ll share the full behind-the-scenes: how I came up with the idea, what the writing and publishing process looked like, how much money I made (real numbers!), and how this book helped launch Behind Genius Ventures. In this episode, I cover: Seed to HarvestWhether you’re curious about writing a book, starting a fund, or just love a good build-in-public story, I hope this helps you take the leap on your own creative project. 📍Follow me: Twitter (X): @paigefinnn Email: paige@behindgeniusventures.com Website: behindgeniusventures.com Book: Seed to Harvest: A Simple Explanation of Venture Capital available on Amazon Support the show

Send us a text Tom McLeod isn’t your typical founder or investor. He bootstrapped a SaaS to 100k users, built a League of Legends app used by millions, sold it to Tencent, and now backs businesses at the intersection of identity, community, and cashflow. Think: car clubs, not cloud infra. In this episode of Seed to Harvest, Tom breaks down: • The 3 founder archetypes he’s seen across cycles • Why he hires founders (even though they always leave) • What he learned going from bootstrapped to venture-backed • How he thinks about underwriting non-venture-scale returns It’s a fresh take for anyone rethinking capital models or scouting overlooked operator talent. Connect with Paige 🌱💜 Behind Genius Ventures blog - https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/ Personal Blog - https://paigefinndoherty.com/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/paigefinnn Connect with Tom 🌱💜 Email- Tom@saltwater.com Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/tmcleod/?hl=en Twitter- https://x.com/tmcleod3?lang=en Support the show

Send us a text In this special series of 'What It Takes,' Paige and analyst Chinwuba interview founders who have sold their companies for more than $1B. Our first episode features Mark Weiss and Jeff Weiss, the founders of NJOY, a billion-dollar e-cigarette company. They dive into the entrepreneurial journey, starting from their upbringing in a family of lawyers and athletes to the unique inception of NJOY after discovering electronic cigarettes through a mentor. Mark explains the challenges NJOY faced, including the legal battles with the FDA, which they successfully overcame, allowing them to pioneer in the e-cigarette market. Jeff shares insights into the company's significant pivots, financial struggles, and eventual recovery post-bankruptcy. They also discuss substantial investments from prominent figures like Peter Thiel and Sean Parker, navigating regulatory hurdles, and NJOY's eventual acquisition by Altria. The episode highlights lessons learned, the importance of adaptability, and reflects on the rewarding yet turbulent journey of building a groundbreaking company. Connect with Paige and Chinwuba 🌱💜 Behind Genius Ventures blog | https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/ Personal Blog | https://paigefinndoherty.com/ Twitter | https://twitter.com/paigefinnn Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chinwubaezesike/ 00:00 Introduction to the Series and Guests 00:32 Growing Up in a Big Family 02:36 The Birth of NJOY 06:08 Early Challenges and Breakthroughs 12:50 Legal Battles with the FDA 20:48 Financing and Growth 23:16 The Rise of NJOY 24:13 Challenges Leading to Bankruptcy 25:23 The Pivot to Flavors and Nicotine Salts 27:08 The Bankruptcy and Downsizing 28:09 The Struggle with Investors and Market Share 30:42 Emotional and Strategic Reflections 33:15 Reemergence and Fresh Start 39:24 Acquisition by Altria 42:54 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts Support the show

Send us a text In this episode of 'Seed to Harvest,' hosted by Paige Finn Doherty, delve into the intricate world of Broadway with five-time Tony Award-winning Broadway producer, Sue Gilad. Sue shares her journey from a childhood love of theater to becoming a major Broadway producer. She offers a detailed look at the production process, including the roles behind-the-scenes, financing, and the impact of COVID-19 on the Broadway industry. Highlights include the making of 'Moulin Rouge! The Musical,' insights into fundraising and producing, and the excitement of winning a Tony Award. Tune in to learn about the business side of bringing Broadway magic to life and the similarities between venture capital and Broadway production. Connect with Paige 🌱💜 Behind Genius Ventures blog | https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/ Personal Blog | https://paigefinndoherty.com/ Twitter | https://twitter.com/paigefinnn 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement 00:53 Sue Gilad's Early Love for Theater 02:35 Behind the Scenes of Broadway Productions 04:18 The Business Side of Broadway 08:21 The Journey of Moulin Rouge! The Musical 13:20 Impact of COVID-19 on Broadway 16:31 Role and Responsibilities of a Broadway Producer 19:31 Producing Shows in the UK vs. Broadway 21:00 The Unpredictability of Producing Shows 21:22 Discovering New Productions 22:18 Fundraising for Theatre 22:52 The Risks and Rewards of Investing in Theatre 26:13 The Thrill of Winning a Tony 30:32 Industry Jargon and Favorite Tools 34:40 Navigating Age and Success in the Industry 39:17 Final Thoughts and Recommendations Moulin Rouge! The Musical https://moulinrougemusical.com The Outsiders Musical (including upcoming tour dates) https://outsidersmusical.com Broadway.com (for general show info, tickets, and news) https://www.broadway.com TKTS Discount Tickets (for half-price Broadway tickets) https://www.tdf.org/discount-ticket-programs/tkts-by-tdf BroadwaySF (for touring Broadway productions in SF) https://www.broadwaysf.com Support the show

From Mold Toxicity to Million Dollar Startup: Ariana Thacker's Inspiring Journey with MoldCo In this episode of 'Seed to Harvest,' host Paige Finn Doherty welcomes back Ariana Thacker of MoldCo. They discuss Ariana's journey from discovering toxic mold in her home while running Conscience VC to founding MoldCo, a healthcare platform tackling mold toxicity. Ariana shares her personal health struggles, the deep research into mold-related toxicity, her innovative healthcare solutions, and raising a $3 million pre-seed round. They also delve into the misconceptions about mold, the process of treating mold toxicity, and the importance of having a resilient and value-driven approach in building a startup. A call to action for those who might be affected by Mold Toxicity: MoldCo is now available in Texas and Florida, with a planned nationwide rollout by the end of the year. If you or someone you know is affected by Mold Toxicity, Ariana recommends signing up on MoldCo's waitlist at moldco.com and ordering a $99 MoldCo Standard lab Panel to get clarity on your symptoms. https://access.moldco.com/labs 00:00 Welcome Back to Seed to Harvest 00:36 Ariana's Mold Journey Begins 01:22 Discovering the Mold Problem 06:14 Meeting the Messiah of Mold 08:21 Launching MoldCo 13:42 Understanding Mold Illness 16:44 The Science Behind Mold Illness 20:50 The Role of AI in Mold Research 25:42 Personal Values and Company Culture 36:36 Reflections and Future Plans Support the show

The Technical Storyteller: A Founder Archetype In our April 2024 Fund II launch, featured in Fortune magazine, we made it clear that we back the best storytellers. Some might assume that when we say “storytellers,” we mean people who are skilled at talking. But in our view, storytelling is far more about listening and deeply understanding context. The best storytellers help us see the invisible — they show us the unseen paths to success. To expand on this thesis, we want to dive deeper into the type of storyteller we believe in: the technical storyteller. This founder archetype combines technical expertise with the ability to narrate a compelling vision, while adapting to the complexities of their landscape. In this short solo episode, I'll cover: What is a Technical Storyteller?A Metaphor: Building and Navigating a VehicleWhy the Landscape Matters MostAre technical storytellers born or made? We'll be publishing our next episode soon, welcome back! Support the show

Today, I am joined by Ben Lerer, the Managing Partner at Lerer Hippeau, an early stage venture firm based in New York that invests in iconic companies that rattle the status quo. Ben shares insights into his journey from founding digital media company Group Nine Media, including the creation of Thrillist, to transitioning into full-time investing after selling his business. Ben highlights how his background in media and operating companies influences his approach to venture capital, emphasizing the excitement, challenges, and rewards of being on the investor side of the table. Seed to Harvest is a podcast focused on stories & tactics from a diverse array of investors, founders, and creators, hosted by Paige Finn Doherty, a founding partner at Behind Genius Ventures and author of Seed to Harvest, an illustrated children's book for adults. Connect with Paige 🌱💜 Behind Genius Ventures blog | https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/ Personal Blog | https://paigefinndoherty.com/ Twitter | https://twitter.com/paigefinnn 00:00 Welcome to Seed To Harvest: Ben Lerer 02:02 becoming a full-time investor 04:40 challenges with a growing company 06:25 investing more into fund l 08:22 intuition changing from qualitative to quantitative 10:28 the trick of this market 12:32 Ben’s founder process 15:28 delineating a good design from a great design 18:37 lessons learned from Bob Pittman 22:37 what Ben been learning recently Show notes: Ben Lerer | https://twitter.com/benjlerer?lang=en Lerer Hippeau | https://www.lererhippeau.com/ Group Nine Media | https://twitter.com/groupninemedia?lang=en Thrillist | https://www.thrillist.com/ Bob Pittman | https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-pittman/ POPSUGAR | https://www.popsugar.com/entertainment Brian Sugar | https://www.linkedin.com/in/briansugar/ Sugar Capital | https://sugarcap.com/ Support the show

In today's episode, Missy Oei, winner of the BGV winter break college essay contest and senior at the University of Dayton studying entrepreneurship & marketing, shares her journey from realizing the significant impact of fast fashion on her generation to aspiring to break into venture capital with a focus on impact investing. Missy’s winning essay dives into the environmental ramifications of fast fashion, a topic borne out of her personal transition from a lover of shopping to an advocate for sustainability. Her narrative not only reflects a personal commitment to change but also signals a wider generational shift towards sustainability and ethical business practices, underscoring her ambition to leverage venture capital for positive global impact. Seed to Harvest is a podcast focused on stories & tactics from a diverse array of investors, founders, and creators, hosted by Paige Finn Doherty, a founding partner at Behind Genius Ventures and author of Seed to Harvest, an illustrated children's book for adults. Connect with Paige 🌱💜 Behind Genius Ventures blog | https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/ Personal Blog | https://paigefinndoherty.com/ Twitter | https://twitter.com/paigefinnn 00:00 Welcome to Seed To Harvest: Melissa Oei 01:01 writing “Fighting Fast Fasion” 02:42 the environmental impact of fast fashion 03:17 companies investing in multimodal AI 04:13 COVID’s effects on the fashion industry 07:07 how social media impacts fast fashion 07:55 Missy’s peer-to-peer clothing rental app 11:28 the role of technology shaping consumer behavior 12:53 Missy’s dream rental scenario 15:15 the gap between intention and buying behavior 19:07 prioritizing sustainability in the fashion industry 20:37 nano trends in the fashion industry 22:50 Missy’s big dreams for impact investing 24:21 my perspective on fast fashion Show notes: Melissa (Missy) Oei | https://www.linkedin.com/in/oeimelissa/ Gen Z VCs | https://www.genzvcs.com/ Shein | https://us.shein.com/ Pickle | https://shoponpickle.com/ Good on You | https://goodonyou.eco/ Reformation | https://www.thereformation.com/clothing For Days | https://fordays.com/ H&M | https://www2.hm.com/en_us/index.html Support the show

In today's episode, we discuss the transformative world of Multimodal AI, an advanced form of artificial intelligence that integrates and processes multiple data types—text, images, audio, and video—to emulate human-like perception. Unlike text-based AI models such as ChatGPT, which specialize in generating text-based responses, Multimodal AI offers a more comprehensive understanding by processing diverse data inputs, mirroring the way humans utilize multiple senses to interact with their environment. The essence of Multimodal AI lies in its ability to converge various forms of data to present a more holistic view, though it faces significant challenges in terms of technical complexity, data integration, and privacy concerns. Despite these obstacles, Multimodal AI stands on the brink of revolutionizing technology and daily life, with potential applications across entertainment, healthcare, and education. Today, we explore the importance of investing early in this rapidly advancing field, emphasizing the need for caution and diligence to navigate the fast-paced world of AI innovation, where Multimodal AI is poised to make significant strides in the coming years. Seed to Harvest is a podcast focused on stories & tactics from a diverse array of investors, founders, and creators, hosted by Paige Finn Doherty, a founding partner at Behind Genius Ventures and author of Seed to Harvest, an illustrated children's book for adults. Connect with Paige 🌱💜 Behind Genius Ventures blog | https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/ Personal Blog | https://paigefinndoherty.com/ Twitter | https://twitter.com/paigefinnn 00:00 Welcome to Seed To Harvest: Paige Doherty 00:41 introduction to multimodal AI 01:29 defining multimodal AI 03:17 companies investing in multimodal AI 03:49 the difference between text-based AI and multimodal AI 05:20 the convergence of multimodal AI 06:40 the inherent technical complexity of multimodal AI 08:35 roadblocks of multimodal AI 11:43 possibilities for disruption 12:55 BGV’s investments in multimodal AI 14:50 the perfect solution for multimodal AI Show notes: Our Approach to Investing in Early Stage AI Companies | https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/post/ai-investing our approach to investing in early stage AI companies | ep75 | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9BxDkTCE2I Prof Jim | https://www.profjim.com/ Hearth Display | https://hearthdisplay.com/ The Last Gameboard | https://lastgameboard.com/ Aviron | https://www.avironactive.com/ Lotus Labs | https://www.getlotus.com/ Humane's AI Pin Tab | https://hu.ma.ne/aipin Support the show

In today's podcast, I'm thrilled to share insights from the Behind Genius Ventures winter break college essay contest, which I launched in December. We received 20 diverse essays from schools like Cornell, Georgia Tech, UNC, SDSU and more. The prompt asked students to explore impactful problems in 1800 words or fewer, engaging the audience with expert quotes and a clear explanation of the problem's significance. The range of topics varied from smartphone addiction to the future of politics and AI in the creative cycle. As a 2020 graduate of San Diego State, I understand the financial challenges of college, making this essay contest, with its $500 prize, a chance to explore interesting topics, and shadow a venture capitalist, something I would have loved during my college days. Join me as I discuss and share excerpts from some standout essays, shedding light on what today's college students are thinking about. Seed to Harvest is a podcast focused on stories & tactics from a diverse array of investors, founders, and creators, hosted by Paige Finn Doherty, a founding partner at Behind Genius Ventures and author of Seed to Harvest, an illustrated children's book for adults. Connect with Paige 🌱💜 Behind Genius Ventures blog | https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/ Personal Blog | https://paigefinndoherty.com/ Twitter | https://twitter.com/paigefinnn 00:00 Welcome to Seed To Harvest: Paige Doherty 00:51 prompt of the BGV winter break college essay contest 02:03 topics of the essay contest 05:07 "The Higher Education in Southeast Asia" 08:23 AI: making the rich get richer and the poor get poorer 10:12 “Virtual Power Plants” 14:22 "Taking the Leap" (interplanetary travel) 18:10 the dangers of fast fashion 21:19 "Overlooked and Understudied: the Ovarian Hormone Cycle" 25:26 "Software Ate the World, but Hardware is Biting Back” Show notes: Zenith | https://www.zenithlearninggroup.com/ Prof Jim | https://www.profjim.com/ Matrix | https://mtx.gg/ Firefly Aerospace | https://fireflyspace.com/ Relativity Space | https://www.relativityspace.com/ Shein | https://us.shein.com/ Rubi Laboratories | https://www.rubi.earth/ Aavia | https://aavia.io/ In the FLO | https://www.amazon.com/FLO-Unlock-Hormonal-Advantage- Revolutionize/dp/0062870483 Hearth Display | https://hearthdisplay.com/ The Last Gameboard | https://lastgameboard.com/ Aviron | https://www.avironactive.com/ Lotus Labs | https://www.getlotus.com/ USB Club | https://usbclub.net/ Humane's AI Pin Tab | https://hu.ma.ne/aipin Rabbit r1 | https://www.rabbit.tech/ Support the show

Today, I am joined by Cam Doody, the Co-founder & General Partner at Brickyard, a first-round venture capital firm and residency. In this episode, we explore Cam's transition to the venture side, raising ~ 115 million dollars, his principles on investing, and insights into founder residencies. Cam emphasizes the grind of entrepreneurship and the absence of overnight success, drawing parallels with the metaphor of "laying brick" to signify the continuous effort and perseverance in building a business. Previously, Cam was the Co-Founder of Bellhop, the fastest growing moving & relocation brand in the U.S.— rebuilding the $18B space with tech. Seed to Harvest is a podcast focused on stories & tactics from a diverse array of investors, founders, and creators, hosted by Paige Finn Doherty, a founding partner at Behind Genius Ventures and author of Seed to Harvest, an illustrated children's book for adults. Connect with Paige 🌱💜 Behind Genius Ventures blog | https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/ Personal Blog | https://paigefinndoherty.com/ Twitter | https://twitter.com/paigefinnn 00:00 Welcome to Seed To Harvest: Cam Doody 00:39 cam doody’s story 03:50 the pressures of being a founder 07:25 the main goal of Brickyard 09:22 Brickyard’s content strategy 10:10 Coast - the API sales engine 13:37 selection process for founders 16:15 Brickyard’s vision for success 19:38 cam’s favorite investors 22:06 my vision of success for BGV Show notes: Cam Doody | https://twitter.com/camdoody?lang=en Brickyard | https://www.justlaybrick.com/ Bellhop | https://www.getbellhops.com/ Matt Patterson | https://twitter.com/__MattPatt__ YC | https://www.ycombinator.com/ Coast | https://www.coast.io/ Austin Pager | https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-pager/ Spencer Levitt | https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-levitt/ Joon | https://www.joonapp.io/ Michael Gilroy | https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbgilroy/ Haroon Mokhtarzada | https://www.linkedin.com/in/haroonmokhtarzada/ Support the show

Today, I am joined by Jasper Stephens, a leadership coach specializing in working with CEOs and executive teams of Seed Series A and Series B companies. In this episode, the focus is on the role of executive and leadership coaches in the growth journey of founders and CEOs of early-stage startups. Jasper and I explore common questions founders may have about executive coaching, touching on team management, goal-setting, effective communication, and eventually expanding to strategic considerations like product development. Tune in to gain insights into the journey of founders seeking guidance and the profound impact of coaching on both individuals and their companies. Seed to Harvest is a podcast focused on stories & tactics from a diverse array of investors, founders, and creators, hosted by Paige Finn Doherty, a founding partner at Behind Genius Ventures and author of Seed to Harvest, an illustrated children's book for adults. Connect with Paige 🌱💜 Behind Genius Ventures blog | https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/ Personal Blog | https://paigefinndoherty.com/ Twitter | https://twitter.com/paigefinnn 00:00 Welcome to Seed To Harvest: Jasper Stephens 01:58 do you need an executive coach as a founder? 03:04 how to find an executive coach 04:29 Jasper’s vital talents 08:12 common challenges Jasper helps founders with 11:28 teaching founders to coach themselves 15:09 working with early stage vs series A/B stage 16:42 characteristics of successful founders 20:24 the most difficult feedback I had to hear 24:22 how can I improve as a founder 26:55 what made Jasper choose to work with BGV? Show notes: Jasper Stephens | https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalejstephens/ The Drama of the Gifted Child | https://www.amazon.com/Drama-Gifted- Child-Search-Revised/dp/0465016901 Support the show

In today's podcast, I am thrilled to announce the Behind Genius Ventures winter break college essay contest for college students. Drawing from my own experience of funding education through essay scholarships, I recognize the need for a platform that allows students to explore their passions. As the founder of a venture capital fund, I'm eager to hear from the next generation of investors and founders about the issues driving their passion. The winning essayist will receive a $500 cash prize, a chance to record a podcast episode, and a week shadowing me as a Founding Partner. Also, the top five contestants will get the opportunity to be featured on our blog. The essay contest runs from December 13th, 2023, to January 18th, 2024. Please email andy@behindgeniusventures for questions. Winter break essay submission form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfAosGxC4kP-D7YwbSjt-Wm6MUqAZ2RjOz-cUJjXDKVo1UGyA/viewform Seed to Harvest is a podcast focused on stories & tactics from a diverse array of investors, founders, and creators, hosted by Paige Finn Doherty, a founding partner at Behind Genius Ventures and author of Seed to Harvest, an illustrated children's book for adults. Connect with Paige 🌱💜 Behind Genius Ventures blog | https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/ Personal Blog | https://paigefinndoherty.com/ Twitter | https://twitter.com/paigefinnn 00:00 Welcome to Seed To Harvest: Paige Doherty 00:10 launching the BGV winter break college essay contest 00:47 what does the future of play look like? 01:34 the next generation of investors and founders 02:24 what do you win from the college winter essay contest? 02:47 what do the top 5 contestants of the college winter essay contest win? 03:07 using chat gpt to help structure your writing Show notes: Winter break essay submission form | https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfAosGxC4kP-D7YwbSjt-Wm6MUqAZ2RjOz-cUJjXDKVo1UGyA/viewform Prof Jim | https://www.profjim.com/ Statusphere | https://joinstatus.com/ Lotus Labs | https://www.getlotus.com/ Support the show

Today, I am joined by Lloyed Lobo, Co-Founder of Boast.AI & Traction, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author of "From Grassroots to Greatness." In this episode, Lloyed shares the 4 things he did to make his book a Wall Street Journal Bestseller. The podcast also explores the technical aspects of community-led growth, touching on Lloyed's journey, frugality in business, and the impact of hosting successful events to build a community that contributed to his revenue and marketing success. Furthermore, Lloyed talks about managing excess capital in business growth, providing perspectives on decision-making and the influence of financial constraints on innovation and strategy. Seed to Harvest is a podcast focused on stories & tactics from a diverse array of investors, founders, and creators, hosted by Paige Finn Doherty, a founding partner at Behind Genius Ventures and author of Seed to Harvest, an illustrated children's book for adults. Connect with Paige 🌱💜 Behind Genius Ventures blog | https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/ Personal Blog | https://paigefinndoherty.com/ Twitter | https://twitter.com/paigefinnn 00:00 Welcome to Seed To Harvest: Lloyed Lobo 01:30 how to handle managing excess capital 03:24 how Lloyed built a community 06:16 measuring the success of community 10:59 how businesses should spend their money 11:48 4 building phases of startups 15:02 the goal of product market fit 16:30 payback period on day one 20:18 key tips for hiring 22:50 tactics used to make it onto the Wall Street Journal Bestsellers list Show notes: Lloyed Lobo | https://twitter.com/lloyedlobo?lang=en Boast.AI | https://boast.ai/ Traction | https://tractionconf.io "From Grassroots to Greatness" | https://www.amazon.com/Grassroots-Greatness-Iconic-Brands-Community-ebook/dp/B0CFR8F7PH Zoho Creator | https://www.zoho.com/creator/ Zapier | https://zapier.com/ Mailchimp | https://mailchimp.com/ Mixmax | https://www.mixmax.com/blog/automated-mail-merge Support the show

Today, I am joined by Rishi Taparia, Managing Partner of Garuda Ventures, who enthusiastically discusses the accomplishment of securing a $31 million fund. Rishi sheds light on the challenges of fundraising, providing insights into Garuda's journey from a nights-and-weekends passion project in 2018 to a full-time firm that successfully fundraised in 2021. He emphasizes the firm's dedication to early-stage B2B startup investments and its commitment to providing both capital and valuable guidance to founders. Prior to his role at Garuda Ventures, Rishi gained experience at Evergrow, Legion Technologies, and Poynt. Seed to Harvest is a podcast focused on stories & tactics from a diverse array of investors, founders, and creators, hosted by Paige Finn Doherty, a founding partner at Behind Genius Ventures and author of Seed to Harvest, an illustrated children's book for adults. Connect with Paige 🌱💜 Behind Genius Ventures blog | https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/ Personal Blog | https://paigefinndoherty.com/ Twitter | https://twitter.com/paigefinnn 00:00 Welcome to Seed To Harvest: Rishi Taparia 01:16 how did Rishi and I meet? 02:06 why did Rishi raise a fund? 05:04 what areas of support do founders ask about? 07:26 how to onboard your first hires 09:25 tactics for raising a $31 million dollar fund 12:48 how has content been a part of my story? 16:51 the importance of family when raising 18:53 how has Rishi’s relationship with founders evolved 21:11 how does Rishi come to his conviction? 23:26 how does Rishi overcome the challenges that come with being an investor 25:17 trends/movements that Rishi is excited about 27:22 how do I manage my time? Show notes: Rishi Taparia | https://twitter.com/taps?lang=en Garuda Ventures | https://www.garuda.vc/ Arpan Punyani | https://twitter.com/arpanpunyani Okta | https://www.okta.com/ Poynt | https://www.poynt.com/about Support the show

In today’s podcast, I talk about the “Spotify Playlist” method, discussing how the approach of naming playlists and creating the right mix extends beyond music curation to impact various aspects of business and content creation. I also explore using my playlisting methods to build an investment portfolio in the context of investment, highlighting how strong language and naming contribute to building a repeatable and explicit investment approach. Lastly, I share reflections on the evolving process of naming in an investment thesis and considerations when collaborating with co-investors in venture capital. Seed to Harvest is a podcast focused on stories & tactics from a diverse array of investors, founders, and creators, hosted by Paige Finn Doherty, a founding partner at Behind Genius Ventures and author of Seed to Harvest, an illustrated children's book for adults. Connect with Paige 🌱💜 Behind Genius Ventures blog | https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/ Personal Blog | https://paigefinndoherty.com/ Twitter | https://twitter.com/paigefinnn 00:00 Welcome to Seed To Harvest: Paige Doherty 00:24 180 playlists later 01:50 technique #1: naming 02:33 technique #2: finding the right mix 03:27 content application 04:55 investment application 07:47 building a diverse portfolio 08:20 technique #3: Venn diagrams Show notes: The Name of the Wind | https://www.amazon.com/Name-Wind-Patrick-Rothfuss/dp/0756404746 The Art of Gathering | https://www.amazon.com/Art-Gathering-How-Meet-Matters/dp/1594634920 Kevin Macpherson | https://www.artambassador.org/kevin-macpherson The Magic Grid video | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7HkgEgDtxHBo5JiHlAJG4g Seed to Harvest | https://www.amazon.com/Seed-Harvest-Explanation-Venture-Capital/dp/0578906457 Support the show

In today’s podcast, I talk about returning from an amazing two-week trip to Guatemala with my mom, thanks to Local Hope and Art Ambassadors for a Colorful World. During the trip, I had the incredible opportunity to contribute to art classes, witness a breathtaking sunrise hike in Tikal, and visit a fascinating ceramic studio by Lake Atitlan. These experiences not only reignited my passion for writing but also introduced me to The Magic Grid, a unique painting approach by Kevin Macpherson. I'm currently contemplating how its principles can be applied to my investing frameworks, a challenge that has opened up a whole new perspective on decision-making. In future episodes, I'll delve into the challenges and rewards of using The Magic Grid in painting and explore its potential in shaping my investment philosophy. As I reflect on this journey, I can't help but look forward to what's next. Seed to Harvest is a podcast focused on stories & tactics from a diverse array of investors, founders, and creators, hosted by Paige Finn Doherty, a founding partner at Behind Genius Ventures and author of Seed to Harvest, an illustrated children's book for adults. Connect with Paige 🌱💜 Behind Genius Ventures blog | https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/ Personal Blog | https://paigefinndoherty.com/ Twitter | https://twitter.com/paigefinnn 00:00 Welcome to Seed To Harvest: Paige Doherty 00:20 reflections from Guatemala 01:10 highlights of Guatemala 01:35 refinding my love for writing 02:11 what is The Magic Grid? 05:02 redefining language in investing frameworks 05:55 how will I use the grid in my own investing practice? Show notes: Local Hope | https://www.facebook.com/LocalHopeXelaAID/ Art Ambassadors for a Colorful World | https://www.artambassadorforacolorfulworld.org/ Kevin Macpherson | https://www.artambassador.org/kevin-macpherson The Magic Grid video | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7HkgEgDtxHBo5JiHlAJG4g Support the show