How to Startup

Photo editing can be time-consuming and complex—but what if AI could do the heavy lifting for you? In this episode of Startup Brief, Fei, founder of Beta University, explores how Photoroom is transforming the way we edit images. Whether you're an e-commerce seller, content creator, or just someone who wants professional-quality photos without the hassle, Photoroom’s AI-powered tools make editing faster, easier, and more accessible....

In this episode of The Startup Brief, we explore CoreWeave, a rising powerhouse in the cloud computing space specializing in AI, high-performance computing, and GPU-powered workloads. While tech giants like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud dominate the industry, CoreWeave takes a different approach, backed by NVIDIA and major investors, CoreWeave is rapidly positioning itself as the go-to cloud provider for AI-driven companie...

Hugging Face is revolutionizing AI by making it open, accessible, and collaborative—just like GitHub did for software development. In this episode, we explore how Hugging Face is leveling the playing field for AI developers, its business model, market impact, and future challenges. Tune in to learn why this $4B startup is at the heart of the AI revolution.

Beta University helps first-time founders turn their ideas into VC-ready comp...

In this episode of Startup Brief, we dive into Figure AI—a company pioneering humanoid robots designed to work alongside humans in real-world industries. With AI-driven adaptability and advanced mobility, these robots aim to tackle global labor shortages and redefine automation. But can they scale? And how do they stack up against competitors like Boston Dynamics and Tesla? Join me as we explore Figure AI’s potential, the market op...

How is Anthropic shaping the future of AI? In this episode, we explore their groundbreaking work not only on their flagship model, Claude, but also on AI safety and Constitutional AI. Learn how they’re competing with OpenAI and Google while prioritizing ethics and reliability.

Beta University helps first-time founders turn their ideas into VC-ready companies with real, actionable insights from the heart of Silicon Valley.

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In this episode of Startup Brief, we break down MistralAI, a rising star in the AI industry that's helping businesses automate decision-making, analyze massive data sets, and work smarter. We’ll dive into their technology, their impact across industries like finance and healthcare, and why investors are betting big on their future. How does MistralAI stand out in a competitive AI landscape? And what does their latest funding round ...

In this episode, we’re excited to host Charlotte Xia, an investor at Fusion Fund, to explore how startups are driving innovation in AI infrastructure and industrial transformation. At Fusion Fund, Charlotte has worked with pioneering companies like Otter AI, Proscia, and Accern, helping them scale with strategic expertise.

With a background in R&D at SmileDirectClub and materials science at Formlabs, Charlotte brings a unique pe...

In this episode, we’re thrilled to host Maurice Russo, an Investor at Lerer Hippeau, a leading venture capital firm known for backing iconic companies that redefine industries. With a portfolio boasting breakout successes like Warby Parker, Casper, Glossier, Allbirds, and Zipline, Lerer Hippeau has consistently demonstrated an unparalleled ability to identify and support transformative startups.

Maurice shares insights on how their ...

In this episode, we welcome Nik Milanović, General Partner at The Fintech Fund and a prominent figure in the fintech ecosystem, to explore the intersection of AI and financial technology. Drawing on strategic experience from Google Pay, Petal, and Funding Circle, Nik offers an insider’s perspective on what it takes to drive innovation in this fast-evolving space.

At The Fintech Fund, Nik focuses on early-stage investments that are r...

In this episode, we are joined by Duncan Davidson, General Partner and Co-Founder of Bullpen Capital, a distinguished early-stage investment firm based in Silicon Valley. Bullpen Capital is renowned for its strategic focus on high-potential startups at the seed and Series A stages, with a portfolio featuring companies like RippleMatch, SpotHero, and SpaceIQ.

Duncan brings a wealth of experience as a serial entrepreneur and venture c...

In this episode, we are excited to introduce Xfund, a venture capital firm known for backing visionary entrepreneurs across disciplines. With notable investments in groundbreaking companies like Robinhood, Plaid, SpaceX, and Gusto, Xfund embodies the spirit of innovation and lateral thinking.

Brandon Farwell, General Partner at Xfund, is joining us. With a distinguished career that includes investments in transformative companies li...

In this episode, we welcome Brad Schnitzer, Managing Director at Techstars, to share behind-the-scenes insights from one of the world’s most renowned startup accelerators. With a portfolio of over 3,500 startups that have collectively raised more than $23 billion, Techstars is at the forefront of identifying and nurturing the next generation of high-potential founders.

Brad will explore how founders can position themselves for succe...

In this episode, we’re excited to host Timothy Chen, General Partner at Essence Venture Capital, for an in-depth discussion on reshaping enterprise solutions with cutting-edge technology. With a career spanning influential roles at Grid.ai, Tendermint, Cloudera, and Microsoft, Timothy brings unparalleled expertise in developer tools, data infrastructure, and AI/ML innovation.

At Essence VC, Timothy spearheads early-stage investments...

In this episode, we welcome Simon, a partner at Cathay Innovation, to delve into the intricacies of venture capital and what it takes to succeed in today’s fast-evolving startup ecosystem. Leading U.S. investment efforts at a global VC firm managing over $2.5 billion in AUM, Simon specializes in software, fintech, digital healthcare, and consumer sectors, providing invaluable guidance to founders across all growth stages.

With a pro...

In this thought-provoking episode, we host Adam Besvinick, founder and managing partner of Looking Glass Capital, for an inside look at how venture capital is driving innovation in health, climate, and social empowerment. With a career spanning investments from pre-seed to Series C, Adam has a proven track record of identifying and supporting transformative startups like Transfix, BigID, Invisible Universe, and Rebel (acquired by S...

In this compelling episode, we host Aaron Michel, Partner at 1984 Ventures and founder of Relentless Capital, for an insider’s perspective on what venture capitalists truly seek in startups. With a proven track record of top-quartile returns across consecutive funds and a history of successful investments in innovative companies like Reggora, BlueCargo, and DeepScribe, Aaron shares invaluable advice for founders navigating the star...

In this episode, we host Brooks Hosfield, Partner at SciFi VC, for a deep dive into the strategies behind successful fundraising for early-stage founders. Brooks shares his journey from Chief of Staff at Affirm to partner at SciFi VC, offering invaluable insights on navigating the startup ecosystem, building defensible companies, and understanding what top VCs look for in their investments.

Brooks’ expertise in fintech, AI, and mark...

In this thought-provoking episode, we host Kenneth Stanley, author of Why Greatness Cannot Be Planned and former AI researcher at OpenAI, for an insightful conversation on redefining success, creativity, and innovation in the age of AI. Kenneth shares lessons from his journey, insights on AI’s expanding role across industries, and advice for founders on embracing unconventional paths.

Key takeaways include the transformative potenti...

In this episode, we sit down with Cody Sugarman, Principal at Antler, the world’s top seed-stage VC. Cody brings valuable insights into what it takes to launch and grow a successful startup in today’s tech-driven landscape. Drawing from his experience at Antler and his prior role leading Data Science at General Catalyst, Cody shares practical guidance on building focus, choosing the right investors, and validating your product with...