The Full Ratchet (TFR): Venture Capital and Startup Investing Demystified

The Full Ratchet (TFR): Venture Capital and Startup Investing Demystified

The 1st podcast dedicated to demystifying Venture Capital (est. May 2014). Nick Moran interviews the VC and Angel investor experts on how they find, evaluate and select the next great technology startups.

Episodes

October 20, 2025 31 mins

David Cohen of Techstars joins Nick to discuss The Techstars Refresh, Why Bigger Isn’t Better, Investing in the Seed-Strapping Era, and Why Quantum May Dwarf Every Tech Shift. In this episode we cover:

  • Refocusing TechStars
  • Programs and Deal Structure
  • Read more
Mark as Played

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following Investors are featured:

  • Barry Schuler of DFJ Growth Ventur...
Mark as Played

n this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following Investors are featured:

  • Vince Hsieh of Cypress Growth Capit...
Mark as Played

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following Investors are featured:

  • Craig Shapiro of Collaborative Fun...
Mark as Played

Jim Tananbaum of Foresite Capital joins Nick to discuss From Data Science to Drug Design: How AI Shifts Discovery, Target Validation, and Portfolio Construction. In this episode we cover:

  • Data Science and Investment Approach
  • Investment Practices and Market Conditions
  • Read more
Mark as Played

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following Investors are featured:

  • Shashank Saxena of Sierra Ventures
  • ...
Mark as Played

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following Investors are featured:

  • Daniela Binatti of Pismo
  • Read more
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On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following Investors are featured:

  • Kevin Stevens of Energize Capital
  • ...
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Madhavan Ramanujam of 49 Palms Ventures joins Nick to discuss Prioritizing Monetization: Beautifully Simple Pricing, AI Models for Profitable Growth, and Guardrails for Freemium and Expansion Tiers. In this episode we cover:

  • Scaling Innovation: A Sequel to Monetizing Innovation
  • Bal...
Mark as Played

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following Investors are featured:

  • Rusty Ralston of Swell VC
  • Read more
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On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following Investors are featured:

  • Kevin Jiang of Mangusta Capital
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On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following Investors are featured:

  • Vince Hsieh
  • ...
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Lara Banks of Makena Capital Management joins Nick to discuss How AI Reshapes LP Allocation Strategy, The Convergence of Venture and Buyout, and Permanent Shifts to Liquidity. In this episode we cover:

  • Underwriting New Funds and Long-Term Partnerships
  • Criteria for Investment and De...
Mark as Played

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following Investors are featured:

  • Han Shen
Mark as Played

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following Investors are featured:

  • Mike Schroepfer
  • Read more
Mark as Played

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following Investors are featured:

  • Han Shen
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Brad Feld of Foundry and Techstars joins Nick to discuss Why Foundry Isn’t Raising a New Fund, Lessons from Hibernation, and the Benefits and Drawbacks of a Give First Philosophy. In this episode we cover:

  • TechStars' Evolution and Challenges
  • Building Vibrant Startup Communities
Mark as Played

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following Investors are featured:

  • Kevin Stevens
  • Read more
Mark as Played

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following Investors are featured:

  • Shamin Walsh
  • Read more
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On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following Investors are featured:

  • Godard Abel
  • Read more
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