Founder Storiez

In this episode, we speak with Jonathan Lehr, General Partner and Co-founder of Work-bench, a VC firm that placed an early, bold bet on New York's enterprise tech scene. Drawing from over a decade of venture capital experience, Jon offers a masterclass in VC, startups, and life. Episode Highlights:- How Workbench recognized NYC's unique position as an enterprise tech hub- The power of diverse industries in shaping innovation- Why gratitude and kindness are competitive advantages in VC- Building a firm that reflects personal values while delivering returns- How NYC's diverse industry landscape creates unique opportunities for enterprise tech- The role of personal values in shaping institutional success- Why relationship-building trumps transactional networking- Balancing ambition with authenticity in venture capital [00:00] Meet Jon[01:11] The Workbench origin story: From concept to reality[04:09] NYC's secret weapon: Industry diversity driving innovation[07:24] Navigating career pivots and embracing uncertain

In this episode, we speak with Lior, VC at Battery Ventures,• From his early days dreaming big to becoming a key player at Battery Ventures, Lior shares how he climbed the VC ladder. He dives into something we don't often hear about - how growing up shaped his money mindset and career choices.• Want to know how VCs really think? Lior breaks down his playbook for spotting winning startups. It's not just about flashy metrics - he's looking for founders who can go the distance. He explains why sometimes the best deals are the ones you walk away from, especially when prices get too hot.• Battery Ventures isn't just another Silicon Valley VC firm. Lior reveals how they're making waves globally, especially in Israel's booming tech scene. He shares their strategy for finding hidden gems in cybersecurity and software.• Here's where it gets real - Lior talks about keeping sane in the crazy VC world. From hitting the gym to traveling with family, he shows how taking breaks actually makes you better at your job. The big

In this episode, we talk with Alon Arvatz, tech entrepreneur and author. Alon, founder of PointFive, a company that helps manage cloud costs, shares his experiences and ideas. What You'll Hear: 1. Alon's Journey: Learn how Alon sold his first company, Insight, for $350 million and why he started PointFive. 2. Making an Impact: Why it's important to do more than just make money in business. 3. Family Life: How Alon balances work with family and teaches his kids about money and helping others. 4. Business Lessons: Tips on hiring good people, working with investors, and building a successful company. 5. Moving to America: Alon's experience moving to the U.S. for his business. 6. Overcoming Challenges: Dealing with doubts and difficulties in his work. 7. Future Plans: What Alon hopes to achieve with PointFive and his other projects. Throughout this conversation, Alon gives honest advice and shares personal stories. Whether you're interested in starting a business, working in tech, or just curious about how succes

In this episode we sit down with Ron Rofe General Partner of Rainfall Ventures, to explore his inspiring journey from a charitable childhood to remarkable success in venture capitalism. At the heart of Ron's story is a deep emphasis on personal values such as humility, passion, and a commitment to making a positive impact. He openly shares how these principles have guided his unconventional career path, from overcoming imposter syndrome to discovering his true calling in investing. Delving into his investment philosophy, Ron speaks passionately about the power of trusting people over rigid theses and the importance of backing purpose-driven founders. His insights on embracing uncertainty and the role of divine providence in his life and work provide a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the venture capital industry. Throughout the conversation, Ron's heartfelt anecdotes and genuine care for others shine through. He discusses the significance of giving back, using his hobby as a skilled chef to spread

Conversation with Edward Kolodenko, the founder of Questrade, we explore his remarkable journey from a young immigrant in Canada to leading one of the country's most significant financial institutions. Edward shares insights into his personal growth, the impact of his religious faith, and practical wisdom on achieving success without compromising core values. This episode delves into Edward's life philosophy, the challenges faced in building and scaling Questrade, and the importance of hard work, ambition, and spirituality in creating a meaningful life. You can expect to gain valuable life and business lessons, emphasizing the power of consistency, ethical commitment, and transformative leadership. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 1:08 Early Life and Immigration Challenges 3:10 Lessons from Parents and Hard Work 5:01 Embracing Religion and Its Impact 9:39 Daily Routine and Maintaining Standards 15:31 Founding Questrade: The Early Days 18:27 Overcoming Struggles and Achieving Success 23:25 Scaling the Comp

I'm excited to welcome Aaron Rosenson, co-founder of Aption. With an impressive career at top venture capital firms like Insight Partners and Alef Partners, Aaron has a wealth of experience to share. We'll explore his transition from VC to startup operator, his personal challenges, and the invaluable lessons he's learned along the way. Don't miss this insightful discussion! Key Takeaways: 1. Balance: Balancing professional ambitions with personal growth is crucial for long-term success and happiness. 2. Transition: Aaron's journey from venture capital to becoming a startup founder offers valuable insights into career transitions. 3. Spirituality: The role of spirituality and personal values can help maintain balance and focus in both personal and professional life. 4. Loneliness: Strategies for overcoming loneliness and maintaining mental health are vital for entrepreneurs. 5. Leadership: Aaron's unique approach to leadership and team building can inspire others to lead with empathy and authenticity. 6. Persi

In this episode, we welcome Eran Bielski, GP at Entree Capital, to discuss his personal journey and experiences. Eran shares his reflections on serving as a reserve soldier in the IDF during conflict, emphasizing how this experience recalibrated his mind and heightened his tolerance for risk. He delves into what makes exceptional startup founders, highlighting qualities such as relentless drive, mission-driven focus, and the ability to overcome personal hardships.Eran discusses his recent six-month period as a reservist soldier, detailing how the experience of war shaped his risk tolerance and approach to investing. He offers insights into his investment philosophy, focusing on mission-driven founders who exhibit dedication and resilience. Eran underscores the importance of personal experiences in shaping successful entrepreneurs and talks about the long-term nature of venture capital, the patience required for significant returns, and the importance of making disciplined investment decisions.The conversation

Conversation with Roy Rubin, VC @ R-Squared Ventures. Founder @ Magento acquired by Ebay.  

Conversation with Adam Fisher Partner @ Bessemer Venture Partners and one of the most successful investors in Israel with 23 successful exits over the last two decades with seed investments in Fiverr, Wix, Melio, HiBob and more.   

Live conversation with Amitai Ratzon at RSA 2024 on the expo floor.  Link to our first podcast recording in 2023: SpotifyiTunesTranscript   

Conversation with Amiram Shachar CEO Upwind Security.  

Conversation with Ami Daniel CEO Windward 

Conversation with Daniel Frankenstein GP Joule Ventures  

This conversation is with Steve Kaufer,  Founder TripAdvisor and Give Freely.  

Welcome to this special episode where we sit down with Ido Neeman, the CEO of Firefly, to delve into the events of October 7th. In this candid conversation, Ido shares the harrowing details of that day, recounting his efforts to rescue his co-founder and friend, Sefi Genis. Join us as we explore the profound impact of losing such a crucial figure, both personally and for the company. Amidst the grief, we also discuss the resilience of Firefly and how it will continue to grow in the face of adversity. This episode pays tribute to Sefi's memory and offers insights into the strength and determination that propels Firefly forward.This conversation is in honor of Sefi Genis, Co-founder of Firefly, who was horrendously murdered by Hamas on OCT 7th, at the Supernova festival in Israel.

On this episode, we have the privilege of hosting Amit, a seasoned technology professional with over two decades of experience in Silicon Valley. As a venture capitalist, Amit's focus lies in seed-stage applied AI investments, particularly in the realms of Digital Health, Automation (including automotive and robotics), and Enterprise solutions.Among his notable achievements, Amit played a pivotal role in the success of nuTonomy (a seed-stage venture acquired for an impressive $450 million) during his tenure at Samsung NEXT Ventures. He also contributed significantly to the triumph of Misfit Wearables (another seed-stage success, sold for $260 million) while at Norwest Ventures.Amit's background extends beyond investing; he has hands-on experience in product development and analytics, both at his startup venture, HealthIQ (which boasted a last disclosed valuation of $450 million in May 2019), and at Google, where he joined the company in its pre-IPO stage and experienced the challenges and rewards of hypergrow

I had the distinct privilege of sitting down with the remarkable Amitai Ratzon, the visionary CEO of Pentera. Amitai's journey is nothing short of extraordinary, and our conversation delves deep into his inspiring ascent to the CEO position at the age of 40. Join us as we explore his incredible journey, from propelling Pentera from a humble beginning to a staggering $100 million enterprise to orchestrating successful fundraising campaigns exceeding $100 million and fostering a thriving team of 350 exceptional individuals. For transcript and show notes please visit this page. 

Conversation with Nathan Shuchami Managing Partner Hyperwise Ventures.  

Zohar Alon is an entrepreneur and founder of several successful startups. He co-founded Dome9, which Check Point Software Technologies acquired in 2018 for $200 million. Alon is also a co-founder and chairman of the Israeli cybersecurity think tank Cyberstarts, and an active investor and mentor in the startup community.  we delve into his story and his journey of overcoming immense challenges in building successful startups. Alon shares his experience of almost shutting down his company, the heartbreak of an acquisition deal falling apart, and the invaluable lessons he learned along the way. In this conversation  we will gain a deeper understanding of the true grit and determination it takes to build a successful startup.