Founders In Arms podcast

32:35

Severin Hacker, co-founder and CTO of Duolingo, joins Immad Akhund and Raj Suri to unpack how Duolingo became the world’s most engaging education platform. They explore how Duolingo leverages AI to personalize learning, the company's obsession with retention, and why relentless experimentation is at the heart of its product strategy. Severin also shares insights on building a mission-driven culture, the immigrant founder advantage, and how to scale design thinking without losing your edge.…

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Meta's Hardball Acquisitions, Apple's App Store Defeat, and Why Tariffs Will Trigger a Recession 34:48

13 days ago34:48

34:48

In this founders-only episode of Founders in Arms, Immad Akhund and Raj Suri analyze Meta's aggressive acquisition playbook alongside other major tech developments reshaping the industry landscape. The conversation begins with how Zuckerberg's "buy or get crushed" approach to acquisitions leaves founders with an impossible choice: accept a lucrative buyout or face ruthless competition. They note how "every founder who comes out of Meta regrets selling their company," yet Meta's willingness to clone features makes rejecting their offers extremely difficult. The founders then dissect the Epic vs. Apple lawsuit ruling that ended Apple's 30% App Store monopoly and examine antitrust actions against tech giants, questioning whether surgical regulation targeting specific practices might be more effective than breaking up companies entirely. The discussion highlights how AI foundation models have rapidly commoditized, making monopoly concerns in that space less pressing. The episode concludes with Immad's sobering economic prediction that Trump's tariffs will trigger a recession by late 2025, creating a market where only AI companies secure funding while other promising startups struggle despite solid fundamentals - potentially creating opportunities for contrarian investors and resilient founders.…

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From Rice Krispies to $36M Series B: Dan Hobbs on Building Safety AI, Enterprise Sales, and Leading Across Borders 37:21

20 days ago37:21

37:21

In this episode of Founders in Arms, Immad Akhund and Raj Suri speak with Dan Hobbs, co-founder and CEO of Protex AI, a company using computer vision to identify safety risks in warehouses and factories before accidents happen. Dan shares his journey from bootstrapping his first startup (where he survived on store-brand Rice Krispies for three weeks) to building a 70-person team serving Fortune 500 clients like Amazon and DHL. The conversation explores how Protex leverages existing CCTV infrastructure to detect dangerous behavior patterns, the advantages of being "outsiders" disrupting traditional industries, and how the AI boom has transformed both fundraising and customer conversations. Dan offers insights on navigating enterprise sales, building trust-based relationships with clients, and managing an international team across Ireland, Boston, and London. From pivoting through multiple startup ideas to selling multi-million dollar contracts, this episode provides valuable perspectives on computer vision applications, scaling an AI company in today's market, and the unique challenges of leadership growth. Whether you're interested in AI applications, enterprise sales strategies, or the founder journey, Dan's candid experiences offer practical wisdom for entrepreneurs at any stage.…

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Building Meaningful Tech for the Next Generation With Jay Shah 53:00

27 days ago53:00

53:00

In this episode, Jay Shah joins Immad and Raj to talk about his new startup, Poppy —a screenless, AI-native phone designed for kids. He shares what led him to pivot from enterprise SaaS to building hardware in his basement, why he believes kid-first tech needs a rethink, and how intentional design can create healthier relationships with technology. Jay reflects on lessons from BufferBox, the realities of manufacturing and tariffs, and the power of network effects in consumer hardware. The conversation spans everything from AI in education to emotional resilience as a second-time founder, the state of Canadian tech, and how Y Combinator continues to shape founder journeys.…

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Trade Wars & Supply Chain Disruptions: Ryan Petersen on Navigating the 145% China Tariffs 54:44

5 weeks ago54:44

54:44

In this episode of Founders in Arms, Immad Akhund and Raj Suri speak with Ryan Petersen, co-founder and CEO of Flexport, about the recent implementation of 104% tariffs on Chinese imports. Ryan shares insights on how businesses are responding to this trade crisis, strategies for supply chain adaptation, and the broader implications for US-China commerce. The conversation explores how Flexport is helping customers navigate these challenges, the economic impact of protectionist policies, and Ryan's personal journey as a founder. From global trade dynamics to startup leadership wisdom, this episode offers valuable perspective on managing through economic uncertainty.…

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Building a Consumer Network First and Monetizing Later with ClassDojo's Sam Chaudhary 54:08

6 weeks ago54:08

54:08

"Schools try really hard to do all these jobs equally well for all kids, and it's a completely impossible task." ClassDojo CEO Sam Chaudhary shares how his education platform reached 50 million students by making the counterintuitive decision to spend seven years building a network before monetizing. In this revealing conversation with Immad Akhund and Raj Suri, Sam explains why education companies typically fail and how Class Dojo broke through by focusing on parents as true customers rather than selling to institutions. The discussion explores their unique growth strategy and delves into the psychology of education, with Sam sharing insights on how children develop best in "cozy bubbles" where they can explore interests without constant comparison, and why the balance between challenge and support is crucial for both children and high-performing teams. This episode offers essential lessons for founders tackling challenging markets, building consumer networks, and creating environments where authentic growth trumps comparison.…

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Special Episode—Unpacking Mercury's $300M Series C with Guest Host, Hiten Shah 56:16

7 weeks ago56:16

56:16

"The bar was really low in banking—we're not talking rocket science here. We built a product that reached a reasonable standard." Mercury CEO Immad Akhund reveals how a focus on solving basic user experience problems enabled his company to secure a $300M Series C at a $3.5B valuation. In this revealing episode, Hiten Shah (founder of Crazy Egg, KISSmetrics, and Nira—acquired by Dropbox) joins Raj Suri to mine insights from Mercury's journey from founding in 2017 to becoming a fintech powerhouseThe conversation explores how Mercury identified underserved segments in financial services and built distinctive features for startups, e-commerce businesses, and professional services. This episode offers essential lessons for entrepreneurs building in regulated industries, product leaders working on complex user experiences, and founders evaluating fundraising strategies. It’s a masterclass in identifying market opportunities, creating differentiated experiences, and building a profitable business in a highly competitive sector while maintaining focus on customer experience above all else.…

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Exploring Abundance From 10x Intelligence With Paul Buchheit 54:36

8 weeks ago54:36

54:36

Are we mentally prepared for what happens when intelligence becomes an abundant resource rather than a scarce one? Hosts Immad Akhund (Mercury CEO) and Raj Suri (Lima/Tribe co-founder) welcome back Paul Buchheit—Gmail creator and former Y Combinator partner—for our most requested follow-up episode. Together they dive into how exponentially increasing intelligence will transform our civilization, with Paul bringing his uniquely optimistic yet pragmatic perspective to the profound questions facing humanity. This wide-ranging conversation includes thought exercises like why the transition from scarcity to abundance creates an existential meaning crisis, how intelligence without intention changes our understanding of consciousness, and why current political systems may be fundamentally incompatible with AI-accelerated progress. This episode is essential listening for anyone seeking to understand how technology will reshape human experience.…

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Startup Wisdom That Goes Against The Grain With SafeGraph's Auren Hoffman 55:50

9 weeks ago55:50

55:50

"The worst thing you can do is hire executives," declares Auren Hoffman in this eye-opening conversation about startup talent strategy. As a successful founder turned investor, Auren brings a unique dual perspective on how to build elite teams, properly compensate founders, and navigate fundraising. He reveals why he deliberately structures Flex Capital to do two seed investments per week, argues for rethinking founder equity after the initial four-year vest, and shares controversial takes on why most VCs give advice they don't follow themselves. For founders looking to optimize their leadership teams, compensation structures, and fundraising approaches, this episode delivers practical frameworks that challenge conventional Silicon Valley wisdom.…

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Winning the Founder Mental Game with Pilot’s Waseem Daher 45:19

10 weeks ago45:19

45:19

Being small isn't a disadvantage—it's your superpower. Just one provocative sentiment from this episode that challenges conventional startup wisdom and delves into the mindset behind entrepreneurial success. Waseem Daher brings insights from his journey across three successful startups—KSplice (acquired by Oracle), Zulip (acquired by Dropbox), and now Pilot, where he recently transitioned from CEO to executive chair. Host Raj Suri, himself a multi-time founder, creates an environment where honest founder-to-founder exchange flourishes beyond the typical success narratives. The conversation unpacks frameworks such as the "David vs. Goliath" approach to competition, why unpopular decisions often signal good leadership, and how to maintain the delicate balance of the Stockdale paradox—confronting brutal facts while maintaining unwavering faith in eventual success. This episode offers rare insights into the psychological tools that sustain founders through years of uncertainty and challenge. The mental models discussed here apply beyond startups to any leadership position where resilience, decision-making, and maintaining perspective are crucial to success.…

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Building an AI Business Beyond the Hype with Jesse Zhang from Decagon 48:41

11 weeks ago48:41

48:41

How do you build a sustainable AI business when investors are throwing money at anything with "AI" in the pitch deck? This episode brings together Jesse Zhang (Decagon AI CEO), Immad Akhund (Mercury CEO), and Raj Suri (Lima/Tribe co-founder) for a strategic conversation that centers on the business challenges of building an enterprise AI company that can sustain beyond the current hype cycle. Jesse reveals how AI moves beyond being a mere chatbot to become a "system of intelligence" that encodes complex business logic, creating moats for companies that implement it effectively. The conversation also explores the realities of implementation, adoption, and enterprise sales strategies that actually work. Technology founders, customer experience leaders, and investors will find this episode particularly illuminating as it bridges the gap between AI hype and practical implementation. Whether you're evaluating customer service AI, selling enterprise technology, or navigating fundraising, this conversation provides the strategic context and tactical insights needed to make better decisions.…

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How AI and China Are Reshaping Biotech with Hannu Rajaniemi of Helix Nanotechnologies 52:21

12 weeks ago52:21

52:21

Why do even the most sophisticated tech investors often shy away from biotech? It often seems like an impenetrable maze of regulations, clinical trials, and complex science. Enter Hannu Rajaniemi, who brings a refreshingly clear perspective to the world of biotech. As both the CEO of Helix Nanotechnologies and a bestselling science fiction author, he bridges the gap between cutting-edge science and practical business insights. In conversation with Mercury CEO Immad Akhund and Lima co-founder Raj Suri, Rajaniemi reveals the real dynamics shaping the future of medicine. The discussion unpacks several game-changing trends that every tech entrepreneur should understand: how AI reasoning models are revolutionizing research and development, why global competition is making traditional biotech business models obsolete, and what really matters when evaluating biotech investments.…

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Raw Wisdom for Modern Founders With Serial Founder Hiten Shah 55:22

13 weeks ago55:22

55:22

What happens when the ultimate startup veteran joins a 3,000-person company? In this gripping episode, Mercury CEO Immad Akhund and serial founder Rajat Suri sit down with serial entrepreneur Hiten Shah (Crazy Egg, KISSmetrics, Nira, sold to Dropbox) for a candid conversation about founder identity over the course of an entire career. Get practical insights on choosing the right customers, surprising parallels between AI and the AWS revolution, and the hidden truths about venture-backed versus bootstrapped companies. Whether you're building your first startup or considering an exit, you'll learn from three founders who challenge conventional wisdom while sharing hard-won lessons from decades of company building.…

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Making Startups Financially Savvy With Recruiter.com’s Jesse Tinsley 45:39

14 weeks ago45:39

45:39

As founders of VC-backed startups face tough choices between down rounds and running out of cash, Jesse Tinsley is turning unprofitable startups profitable at incredible speed by tossing out the typical M&A playbook. Jesse is a prominent entrepreneur and investor in the HR technology and recruitment industry. He is Founder and CEO of multiple successful companies, including Employer.com and Recruiter.com . In this conversation with Mercury CEO Immad Akhund and Tribe co-founder Raj Suri, Jesse unveils his counterintuitive strategy—from how he finds companies, why VCs actually love working with him, and how he structures deals with limited capital. He shares candid details about his recent acquisition of Bench Accounting and even discusses his current bid for TikTok, offering a masterclass in seeing opportunity where others see distress.…

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DeepSeek and the Future of AI with Academia's Richard Price 52:13

15 weeks ago52:13

52:13

Join Immad Akhund and Raj Suri as they dive deep into the implications of DeepSeek and the rapidly evolving AI landscape with Richard Price, founder and CEO of Academia.edu . The conversation explores the fascinating shift in AI development costs, with DeepSeek challenging assumptions about the resources needed to build frontier models. Richard shares insights about Academia.edu 's work applying AI to academic research, while the trio discusses the geopolitical dynamics between China and the US in the AI race. Through candid exchanges about synthetic data generation, regulatory challenges, and the future of human-AI integration, this episode offers a unique perspective on the advancing AI frontier from three tech leaders at the intersection of startups and artificial intelligence.…

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Building the Future of Computer Vision AI with OpenSpace's Jeevan Kalanithi 47:40

16 weeks ago47:40

47:40

Join Raj Suri as he sits down with Jeevan Kalanithi, co-founder and CEO of OpenSpace AI, to explore the revolutionary impact of computer vision technology in construction and beyond. From his early days at MIT Media Lab to founding innovative startups, Jeevan shares insights on how OpenSpace is transforming construction site management through spatial AI and 360-degree documentation. Discover why Jeevan believes we're still in the early stages of a camera revolution that will reshape how we interact with physical spaces. Whether you're interested in AI, tech for the physical world, or the future of spatial computing, this episode offers a compelling look at how computer vision is becoming an invisible but essential part of our world.…

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The ‘Tech-Industrial Complex’ and Startup Lessons 43:43

17 weeks ago43:43

43:43

Join Mercury CEO Immad Akhund and Lima & Tribe co-founder Raj Suri as they explore tech's evolving relationship with politics. From Biden's "tech industrial complex" remarks to the changing power dynamics between tech companies and their employees, they discuss how the industry's traditional political neutrality is giving way to partisan alignment. The conversation delves into startup fundraising strategies, the importance of market size, and hard-earned lessons about the five-year journey to product-market fit. Whether you're a founder navigating the VC landscape or interested in tech's growing political influence, this episode offers valuable insights from two seasoned entrepreneurs.…

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Special New Year Episode & Building in Regulated Industries with Edward Woodford 1:17:31

18 weeks ago1:17:31

1:17:31

In a special episode to kickoff the New Year, Mercury CEO Immad Akhund and Lima co-founder Rajat Suri share personal reflections and industry predictions. From Raj's mission to revolutionize international talent recruiting through Lima to Immad's vision for expanding Mercury beyond startup banking, the conversation offers a candid look at their entrepreneurial journeys and goals. The discussion then shifts to the evolving landscape of crypto infrastructure with ZeroHash founder Edward Woodford. As a fellow British entrepreneur in America, Woodford shares invaluable insights on navigating regulated industries, the transformation of stablecoin technology, and the delicate dance of policy-making in Washington DC. From the intricacies of crypto compliance to the realities of building relationships on Capitol Hill, this episode provides a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of financial technology, regulation, and entrepreneurship in 2025.…

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Building in Longevity, Biohacking and Space Exploration with Dilan Dane 46:58

21 weeks ago46:58

46:58

What drives entrepreneurs to push boundaries is often a deep desire to leave a lasting mark on the world. In this episode, System 2 founder Dilan Dane joins Mercury CEO Immad Akhund and Lima co-founder Rajat Suri to explore how this entrepreneurial drive naturally extends into the realms of human potential and discovery. From his journey out of Sri Lanka to becoming a serial founder and biohacking enthusiast, Dane embodies the restless curiosity that characterizes many founders. The conversation weaves through cutting-edge longevity science, space exploration, and consciousness itself—revealing how the entrepreneurial impulse to build and transform doesn't stop at building companies, but extends to reimagining the very limits of human existence and our place in the universe.…

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Creating Category-Defining Companies with John Bicket, Co-Founder of Samsara & Meraki 48:40

22 weeks ago48:40

48:40

Join Immad Akhund and Raj Suri as they dive deep with John Bicket, co-founder and CTO of Samsara and previously Meraki, into the rare feat of building two successful hardware-software companies. From turning MIT research into a cloud networking pioneer at Meraki to revolutionizing fleet operations at Samsara, John shares candid insights about the existential challenges of serial entrepreneurship, the discipline of testing product-market fit, and how to scale company culture while staying ruthlessly focused on customer impact. The conversation offers a unique window into what it takes to spot technological waves early and build enduring businesses in the challenging hardware-software space. Connect with us on Tribe: https://trbcht.com/invites/WmHNjar5ZN…

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Navigating M&A and Executive Security with Daniel Kivatinos, Founder of JustPaid and DrChrono 51:03

23 weeks ago51:03

51:03

In this episode of Founders in Arms, Immad and Raj sit down with Daniel Kivatinos, founder of JustPaid and DrChrono. The group starts by sharing their startup war stories, including Raj's shocking tale of an intern-turned-criminal and Daniel's unconventional recruitment of a Chipotle employee. The discussion then delves into the complexities of healthcare in America, sparked by recent news of the UnitedHealth CEO shooting, before transitioning into valuable insights about the M&A process. Daniel shares his experience selling DrChrono after 14 years, exploring the challenges of startup acquisitions, the role of investment bankers, and the evolving landscape of startup resources and information available to founders today. Connect with us on Tribe: https://trbcht.com/invites/WmHNjar5ZN…

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Quiet Quitting, Government Regulation, and the Commercial Value of AI Today with Box CEO Aaron Levie 52:09

25 weeks ago52:09

52:09

In this wide-ranging conversation with Box CEO Aaron Levie, Immad and Raj dive deep into the intersection of technology, politics, and regulation. Levie shares candid insights about quiet quitting, what’s real about AI and crypto, and his thought-provoking views on government regulation. They explore the potential of DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) and the delicate balance between regulatory oversight and technological progress. Want to join the conversation? Connect with us on Tribe: https://trbcht.com/invites/WmHNjar5ZN…

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Making Creative Deals with Large Enterprises with Clover Co-Founder Leonard Speiser 53:03

26 weeks ago53:03

53:03

In this episode of Founders in Arms, Raj sits down solo with Leonard Speiser, co-founder of Clover, to explore the intricacies of building and scaling hardware startups. Speiser shares the remarkable story of how Clover achieved what seemed impossible: developing enterprise-grade payment hardware from concept to production in just nine months, eventually processing over $300 billion in payments. He discusses the innovative acquisition structure with KKR that allowed Clover to maintain startup agility while leveraging enterprise distribution, offering valuable insights for founders navigating corporate partnerships. Through candid discussions about hardware challenges, fundraising difficulties, and creative business models, this episode offers a masterclass in building transformative technology companies through unconventional paths. Want to join the conversation? Connect with us on Tribe: https://trbcht.com/invites/WmHNjar5ZN…

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Innovation, Y Combinator, and Tech Under Trump with Wayne Crosby 51:22

27 weeks ago51:22

51:22

In this episode of Founders in Arms, Immad and Raj sit down with Wayne Crosby, a serial entrepreneur and former Google executive. They dive into Wayne's journey from his early startup Zenter (which became Google Slides) through his decade at Google, exploring how the tech giant's innovative culture shifted over time. The conversation spans Wayne's current venture OrgOrg, his decision to return to Y Combinator as an experienced founder, and transitions into a thoughtful discussion about the potential impacts of the upcoming Trump administration on technology, regulation, and innovation. The hosts and guest offer nuanced perspectives on everything from AI policy to defense tech startups, while sharing insights about how political changes might affect the startup ecosystem. The conversation provides startup wisdom and thoughtful analysis of the intersection between technology and politics. Want to join the conversation? Connect with us on Tribe: https://trbcht.com/invites/WmHNjar5ZN…

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Picking the Right Co-Founder and Crypto Regulation with Dave Balter 48:40

28 weeks ago48:40

48:40

In this episode of Founders in Arms, Immad and Raj sit down with veteran entrepreneur Dave Balter to discuss the ups and downs of startup. Balter shares candid insights from his journey founding seven companies, including his experiences with co-founder relationships, maintaining humility during success, and managing self-doubt as a CEO. The conversation weaves through various topics, from the challenges of scaling companies to crypto regulation and politics, with Balter offering particularly thoughtful perspectives on building company culture and what he calls "sponge and stone" behavior - the ability to absorb knowledge from others while maintaining relentless determination. The discussion also touches on the evolution of entrepreneurship and the changing dynamics between government regulators and tech companies. Want to join the conversation? Connect with us on Tribe: https://trbcht.com/invites/WmHNjar5ZN…

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Longevity and Biotech Fundraising with Celine Halioua 52:14

29 weeks ago52:14

52:14

Immad and Raj sit down with Celine Halioua, founder and CEO of Loyal, a pioneering biotech company developing drugs to increase lifespan longevity in dogs. This episode highlights the unique challenges of building a biotech company, from navigating FDA approval processes to explaining longevity science to investors. The conversation also explores alternative funding sources beyond traditional VC, with all three founders sharing war stories about their toughest fundraising experiences. Whether you're interested in biotech, startup fundraising, or the future of longevity research, this conversation offers valuable insights into building innovative companies without relying on the typical Silicon Valley playbook. Want to join the conversation? Connect with us on Tribe: https://trbcht.com/invites/WmHNjar5ZN…

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Finding Product-Market Fit for Consumer Startups and Gaming with Roger Dickey 41:32

30 weeks ago41:32

41:32

In this episode of Founders in Arms, Immad and Raj sit down with Roger Dickey (Mafia Wars, Gigster, and Untitled Capital) for a deep dive into startup ideation and product-led growth. Roger shares his structured process for generating hundreds of startup ideas, including his unique "matrix approach." The three founders discuss the joys and challenges of building consumer-facing products, and examine the nuances between different growth strategies, from inherent virality to word-of-mouth marketing, sharing examples from companies like Figma, Dropbox, and Wise. Tune in for an engaging discussion that blends personal anecdotes with practical wisdom from some of tech's most innovative minds. Roger Dickey’s Startup Ideas List: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XgBM6DyFjH77lyobMgJep2C6YjIyAl9hwNAe7faoOaI/edit?usp=sharing Want to join the conversation? Connect with us on Tribe: https://trbcht.com/invites/WmHNjar5ZN…

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Today’s FinTech Market and India’s Tech Takeover with Sheel Mohnot 39:40

31 weeks ago39:40

39:40

In this episode of Founders in Arms, Immad Akhund and Raj Suri are joined by special guest Sheel Mohnot, founder of BTV Ventures and 500 FinTech. The trio dive into a wide-ranging discussion covering the state of FinTech, entrepreneurship in India, and the evolving landscape of social media. This episode offers listeners a blend of practical advice and thought-provoking discussions on the current state of startup and entrepreneurship. Want to join the conversation? Connect with us on Tribe: https://trbcht.com/invites/WmHNjar5ZN…

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High-Skilled Immigration and Higher Education with Martin Basiri 40:39

32 weeks ago40:39

40:39

Immad and Raj sit down with Martin Basiri, co-founder and former CEO of ApplyBoard and current CEO of Passage, for a conversation that delves deep into the world of education technology and immigration. Martin shares insights on the challenges and opportunities present in the education sector, discussing ApplyBoard's unique business model and the impact it has had on international students. They examine the current state of higher education, the importance of immigration for economic growth in countries like Canada and the US, and the potential for innovation in ed-tech and the obstacles faced by entrepreneurs in this space. The conversation offers a thought-provoking look at the future of education and the role of technology in shaping it. Want to join the conversation? Connect with us on Tribe: https://trbcht.com/invites/WmHNjar5ZN…

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Next Generation of Consumer Startups with Paul English 36:12

33 weeks ago36:12