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  • Three top-tier rising VCs – Jordan Siegel (RedPoint), James Green (CRV), and Morgan Gerlak (TCV) – pull back the curtain on venture capital. In this candid conversation, these friends and competitors share their journey from career pivots and childhood lessons to competitive deal wins and investment philosophies. Discover how they evaluate founders, maintain relationships in a cutthroat industry, and navigate the evolving VC landscape. Perfect for aspiring investors, entrepreneurs, and anyone fascinated by the startup ecosystem.

    Episode Notes00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:35 Morgan's Career Challenges: Overcoming rowing setbacks that shaped his approach to failure01:52 Jordan's Career Pivot: Transitioning from engineering to business consulting02:52 James' Childhood Influences: Early lessons in communication and resilience05:01 Friendship in Competition: Balancing relationships while competing for the same deals08:23 Founder Evaluation: What makes a great founder? Grit, market fit, and relentless drive13:46 Dealing with Failure: Staying motivated in a high-rejection industry16:59 Deal Hunt Stories: The lengths they've gone to win competitive deals21:11 Market Trends: Current investment climate and future predictions22:18 Israel's Startup Scene: Future exits and opportunities23:11 VC Challenges: The hardest aspects of the job24:53 Fund Creation: Insights on starting a new venture fund27:26 Work-Life Balance: Managing personal and professional boundaries31:10 Mentor Relationships: The importance of non-transactional connections39:34 Advice for Aspirants: How to break into venture capital43:36 Closing Thoughts: Final reflections on the VC journey

    Links:

    • Morgan Gerlak

    • Jordan Segall

    • James Green

  • In this episode, we speak with Yair Kuznitsov, CEO and co-founder of Anecdotes. Yair recently led the company through a successful Series B funding round, securing a total of $55 million. Yair provides fascinating insights into the strategic decision to extend Series B rather than rushing to Series C and how Anecdotes is positioned to disrupt the GRC market with its unique approach to data and AI solutions.

    The conversation explores Yair leadership philosophy, including the value of trust in business partnerships and learning from competition. Yair candidly shares his personal growth journey from technical expertise to executive leadership, the impact of remaining in Israel during challenging geopolitical situations, and how building a company during COVID-19 shaped his perspective.

    Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a business leader, or simply interested in the human stories behind successful startups, this episode offers valuable lessons on resilience, strategic thinking, and maintaining balance while building a game-changing company.

    Episode Highlights:

    Raising $55M and strategic funding decisionsDisrupting the GRC market with innovative solutionsTransitioning from technical expert to CEOBuilding trust and learning from competitionManaging stakeholder expectationsPersonal growth and maintaining resilienceBalancing professional challenges with personal interests

    Founder Storiez brings you unfiltered conversations with the world's most compelling entrepreneurs. No fluff, no platitudes—just raw wisdom from those who are redefining what's possible.

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  • In this powerful episode, Tomer Targin CEO of Yotpo, shares his extraordinary journey of surviving stage 4 lymphoma twice while building a successful company. Tomer reveals how cancer transformed his approach to leadership, family, and life itself. Through meditation, gratitude, and unwavering positivity, he turned devastating diagnoses into fuel for personal growth and business innovation. Learn how Yopto evolved through deep customer understanding and authentic brand-building, and discover the mindset that helped Tomer overcome chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, and entrepreneurial challenges. This is a story of resilience, purpose, and the power of maintaining perspective when facing life's greatest tests.

    Founder Storiez brings you unfiltered conversations with the world's most compelling entrepreneurs. No fluff, no platitudes—just raw wisdom from those who are redefining what's possible.

  • "The biggest risk isn't failing—it's not pushing yourself far enough." — Gil, CEO of Orca Security

    In this episode, we dive deep with Gil Geron, CEO & co-founder of Orca Security. With over $600M in funding and a unicorn valuation, Gil reveals the mindset that's disrupting the cloud security landscape.

    This isn't your typical success story. Gil opens up about the childhood experiences in Israel that forged his resilience—from parents who deliberately pushed him beyond comfort to early leadership challenges that taught him to embrace the impossible. You'll hear firsthand how these formative experiences translated into building a company that's reshaping an entire industry.

    Episode Highlights:

    The conversation takes unexpected turns as Gil discusses:

    The psychological impact of raising hundreds of millions in VC fundingHow he evaluates which boundaries to push (and which to respect)Practical strategies for making high-stakes decisions under pressureThe reality of balancing intense CEO responsibilities with family commitmentsImplementing AI solutions that deliver genuine customer value

    Whether you're building your own venture or simply fascinated by the inner workings of billion-dollar startups, this episode delivers rare, actionable insights from someone who's currently in the arena.

    Founder Stories brings you unfiltered conversations with the world's most compelling entrepreneurs. No fluff, no platitudes—just raw wisdom from those who are redefining what's possible.

    Listen now.

  • In this powerful episode of Founder's Stories, Bruce, Managing Director of Blumberg Capital, takes us through his remarkable journey in venture capital and shares deeply personal insights about life, loss, and leadership. From humble beginnings to managing over a billion dollars in assets, Bruce's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, relationships, and unwavering values.

    What You'll Learn:

    How personal loss and grief shaped Bruce's leadership approachThe evolution of Blumberg Capital and key investment strategiesWisdom gained from mentors like Sir Jacob RothschildBuilding meaningful relationships with entrepreneursBalancing business success with family values and philanthropy

    Episode Highlights:

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

    01:04 Personal Reflections and Family Values

    03:24 Dealing with Grief and Life Lessons

    08:25 Family Legacy

    13:02 Journey into Venture Capital

    16:02 Building Blumberg Capital

    24:45 Role of Luck and Key Investments

    42:37 Understanding the Entrepreneurial Journey

    44:04 Building Entrepreneur Relationships

    45:23 Networks and Innovation

    46:42 Core Expertise Focus

    47:49 Success Stories

    55:18 Maintaining Humility

    58:58 Philanthropy

    01:03:14 Next Generation Values

    01:06:33 Business Ethics

    01:22:08 Mentorship and Hard Work

    01:23:58 Final Thoughts

    Listen in as Bruce shares invaluable insights on building a successful venture capital firm while maintaining integrity, humility, and a commitment to making a positive impact in both business and life.

    Connect with Bruce

    LinkedIn

    Connect with Ephraim

    LinkedIn

  • Meet Aleksandr Yampolskiy, the founder and CEO of Security Scorecard, whose journey embodies the American dream. Arriving from Moscow at 14 without speaking English, Aleksandr transformed early hardships into fuel for success, building a cybersecurity company now valued at $1 billion with over $100M in annual revenue.

    In this episode, Aleksandr opens up about his family's immigrant struggles, from gathering furniture off streets to relying on food stamps. Host Efraim guides us through Alexander's fascinating evolution from a curious teenager intrigued by an early cybersecurity incident to a visionary leader in the industry.

    Discover how Aleksandr built Security Scorecard from the ground up, navigating the challenges of fundraising, team building, and scaling a technology company. He shares authentic insights about leadership, customer obsession, and maintaining innovation in a competitive market. Whether you're an entrepreneur, cybersecurity professional, or someone pursuing ambitious goals, Alexander's story offers valuable lessons about resilience, continuous learning, and the power of long-term thinking.

    Key Topics:

    - Immigrant journey and early challenges in America

    - The genesis and growth of Security Scorecard

    - Leadership lessons and building company culture

    - Innovation strategies in cybersecurity

    - Balancing personal growth with business success

    - The future of cybersecurity industry

    - Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and immigrants

    Timeline:

    00:00 Introduction

    00:51 Immigrant Origins

    02:00 Early Struggles in America

    03:54 Education & Career Beginnings

    10:34 Security Scorecard's Genesis

    14:20 Fundraising Journey

    20:36 Leadership Evolution

    35:35 Learning from Failure

    37:26 The Power of Mentorship

    38:02 Work-Life Integration

    39:48 Partner Support in Entrepreneurship

    42:08 Innovation Strategy

    46:10 Building Accountability

    56:30 Future of Cybersecurity

    01:01:39 Advice for Entrepreneurs

    01:05:21 Closing Thoughts

    Connect with Aleksandr:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayampolskiy/

    Connect with Ephraim:

    https://x.com/ephraimyarmak

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/ephraimyarmak/

    📢 SPONSORSHIP Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at [email protected] Thank you for considering!

  • Conversation with Mo Koyfman, founder and General Partner of Shine Capital, as he shares his remarkable journey from immigrant roots to venture capital success. Mo reveals how his parents' teachings shaped his core values of freedom, family, and meritocracy, while exploring his innovative approach to venture investing through "lateral thinking."

    In this episode, we dive deep into:

    • The power of modeling behavior and patient parenting

    • First principles thinking in venture capital

    • Building Shine Capital from the ground up

    • The concept of "lateralists" and interdisciplinary investing

    • Mo's work with Sefaria, revolutionizing access to Jewish texts

    • Finding clarity and gratitude in both business and life

    Timestamps:

    00:00 Introduction

    00:55 Immigrant Values & Success

    08:39 Next Generation Values

    10:05 Modeling & Patient Parenting

    15:00 First Principles Thinking

    20:53 Personal Fulfillment Journey

    36:14 Shine Capital Story

    43:29 Learning from Hardship

    44:46 The Lateralist Approach

    52:38 Pattern Matching in VC 01:00:46 Sefaria Vision

    01:15:06 Clarity & Gratitude

    01:22:34 Final Thoughts

    Link to Sefaria

    _______________________________________

    Connect Mo:

    Twitter

    LinkedIn

    Shine Capital

    Connect with Ephraim:

    Twitter

    LinkedIn

    📢 SPONSORSHIP Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at [email protected] Thank you for considering!

  • In this conversation, we sit down with Yotam Segev, co-founder and CEO of Cyera, for an intimate conversation about entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, and the remarkable journey of building a billion-dollar company.

    Key Highlights:

    • From 50 to 400 Employees: Cyera Explosive Growth

    • Raising Funds: $60 Million to $740 Million

    • Company Valuation: $3 Billion Success Story

    • Leadership Insights from a Visionary CEO

    Time:

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

    01:13 Company Growth and Personal Development

    02:16 Leadership and Team Dynamics

    09:53 Market Challenges and Pain Validation

    15:07 Sales Strategy and Customer Engagement

    26:16 Fundraising and Future Vision

    28:50 AI and Data Security: The Future

    30:52 The Wealth Perspective

    40:49 Future Plans for Cyera

    44:26 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Call to Action

    Quote of the Episode "Success is not just about growing a company, but about understanding the human elements of leadership, innovation, and continuous learning."

    Subscribe to Found the Stories Podcast

    Follow Yotam Segev on LinkedIn

    Follow Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn

    📢 SPONSORSHIP Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at [email protected] Thank you for considering!

  • 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 uncertainty

    [10:28] Investment philosophy: The Workbench approach

    [16:58] Partnership dynamics: Building a complementary team

    [19:02] Daily rituals and mindset management

    [20:38] Differentiation in a crowded VC landscape

    [22:50] The gratitude advantage in venture capital

    [23:04] Evolving with the market: Workbench 2.0

    [23:24] Spotting trends before they emerge

    [24:37] The art of relationship building in tech

    [26:53] Fundraising wisdom: Lessons from the trenches

    [34:42] Values-driven leadership: Family, authenticity, impact

    [39:46] Beyond returns: Creating lasting value

    [42:02] Words of wisdom for the next generation

    Connect with Jon

    LinkedIn

    Twitter

    Work_bench

    Blog

    Twitter

    Connect with Ephraim

    LinkedIn

    🙏 LEAVE A REVIEW Thank you for listening to the podcast! Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review and subscribe. Your review will help others discover the show and continue to support our efforts.

    👋🏼 GET IN TOUCH We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes. We'll personally thank you for your support!

    📢 SPONSORSHIP Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at [email protected] Thank you for considering!

  • 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 surprise? Fear isn't always your enemy - sometimes it's your best advisor.

    Words of Wisdom

    - Build real relationships with founders

    - Trust your gut on pricing

    - Make time for life outside work

    - Focus on long-term impact over quick wins

    - Keep learning and evolving

    The big takeaway? Think long-term, make a real difference, and don't forget to enjoy the ride along the way.

    Topics:

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

    00:57 Fatherhood and Personal Growth

    04:34 Early Life and Career Aspirations

    07:25 Financial Independence and Priorities

    11:26 Venture Capital Insights

    16:19 Mentorship and Industry Relationships

    21:24 Evolving Perspectives in Venture Capital

    23:32 Evaluating Founders: The People Aspect

    27:22 The Importance of Price Sensitivity

    29:48 Battery Ventures: A Global Approach

    34:48 Deep Diving into Sectors

    37:43 Balancing Work and Personal Life

    39:42 The Role of Fear in Decision Making

    41:12 Defining a Good Day

    42:39 Final Thoughts and Advice

    RESOURCES:

    Follow Lior on LinkedIn

    Follow Ephraim on LinkedIn

    Follow Ephraim on Twitter

    🙏 LEAVE A REVIEW Thank you for listening to the podcast! Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review and subscribe. Your review will help others discover the show and continue to support our efforts.

    👋🏼 GET IN TOUCH We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes. We'll personally thank you for your support!

    📢 SPONSORSHIP Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at [email protected] Thank you for considering!

  • 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 successful people think, this episode has something for you.

    Main Topics:

    [00:00] Welcome and introduction

    [02:19] Alon's values and goals

    [03:47] Making measurable impact

    [10:15] Teaching kids about money

    [20:08] Starting PointFive

    [34:39] Learning from past experiences

    [44:04] Working with investors

    [53:39] Moving to the U.S.

    [59:53] Looking ahead

    [01:06:03] Advice for others.

    Listen in to hear how Alon is trying to use technology to make the world a little better, one step at a time.

    RESOURCES:

    Follow Alon on LinkedIn

    Follow Ephraim on LinkedIn

    Follow Ephraim on Twitter

    Watch on YouTube

    🙏 LEAVE A REVIEW Thank you for listening to the podcast! Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review and subscribe. Your review will help others discover the show and continue to support our efforts.

    👋🏼 GET IN TOUCH We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes. We'll personally thank you for your support!

    📢 SPONSORSHIP Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at [email protected] Thank you for considering!

  • 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 positivity and connect with his community. Ron also reflects on the evolution of both his personal and professional spheres, emphasizing the value of continuous growth, adaptability, and the pursuit of meaningful impact.

    Ron's inspiring story underscores the transformative potential of blending business acumen with a steadfast commitment to humility, empathy, and a deep trust in the divine.

    You will surely be captivated by Ron's insights, which provide a refreshing and compassionate perspective on the often fast-paced and competitive landscape of venture investing. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the power of embracing uncertainty, investing in people, and leveraging one's unique gifts for the greater good.

    [00:00] Introduction

    [00:18] Background and Ventures

    [00:48] Personal Values and Charity Acts

    [01:18] The Journey to Rainfall Ventures [

    03:01] Lessons Learned in Venture Capital

    [07:33] The Importance of Investing in People

    [11:31] Challenges and Successes in Venture Capital

    [28:29] The Role of Luck and Divine Providence

    [39:50] The Value of Belief and Personal Development

    [40:26] Money and Purpose in Life

    [41:02] Human Connection and Humility in Business

    [43:24] Assessing Character in Founders

    [46:36] The Importance of Humility and Adaptability

    [53:08] The Evolution of Rainfall Ventures

    [58:01] Spreading Goodness and Positivity

    [59:34] The Journey of Becoming a Celebrity Chef

    [01:06:31] The Impact of October 7th and Responsibility

    [01:14:28] Final Reflections and Gratitude

    🔗 CONNECT WITH Ron Rofe

    👥 LinkedIn

    💻 Website

    🔗 CONNECT WITH Ephraim Yarmak

    👥 LinkedIn

    🐦 Twitter

    💻 Website

    Investments

    🙏 LEAVE A REVIEW

    Thank you for listening to the podcast! Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review and subscribe. Your review will help others discover the show and continue to support our efforts.

    👋🏼 GET IN TOUCH

    We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes. We'll personally thank you for your support!

    📢 SPONSORSHIP

    Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at [email protected] Thank you for considering!

  • 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 Company and Personal Growth

    24:56 Hiring and Building a Management Team

    25:28 Maintaining Company Culture

    26:41 Personal Sacrifices and Family Balance

    30:13 Work-Life Balance and Priorities

    32:57 Motivation and Personal Mission

    35:40 Charity and Giving Back

    39:41 Innovation and Competition

    42:48 Reflections and Life Lessons

    46:12 Concluding Thoughts and Blessings

    Watch this episode on Youtube

    ______________________________________

    🔗 CONNECT WITH Edward Kholodenko

    💻 Website

    🔗 CONNECT WITH Ephraim Yarmak

    👥 LinkedIn

    🐦 Twitter

    💻 Website

    Investments

    🙏 LEAVE A REVIEW

    Thank you for listening to the podcast! Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review. Your review will help others discover the show and continue to support our efforts.

    👋🏼 GET IN TOUCH

    We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes. We'll personally thank you for your support!

    📢 SPONSORSHIP

    Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at [email protected] Thank you for considering!

  • 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. Persistence: Overcoming challenges and staying true to one's values can lead to personal and professional growth.

    Watch this interview on You Tube

    _________

    🔗 CONNECT WITH Aaron Rosenson

    👥 LinkedIn

    💻 Website

    🔗 CONNECT WITH Ephraim Yarmak

    👥 LinkedIn

    🐦 Twitter

    💻 Website

    Investments

    🙏 LEAVE A REVIEW

    Thank you for listening to the podcast! Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review. Your review will help others discover the show and continue to support our efforts.

    👋🏼 GET IN TOUCH

    We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes. We'll personally thank you for your support!

    📢 SPONSORSHIP

    Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at [email protected] Thank you for considering!

  • 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 also covers Eran's career ascent at Entree Ventures, his mentorship of new VCs, and the challenges of balancing work with family life. Eran reflects on his relationship with his partner Avi and his transition from financial banking to venture capital, which came about through a serendipitous connection made by his grandmother. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes the resilience and adaptability of Israeli entrepreneurs and concludes with valuable advice for young professionals pursuing their goals.

    00:00 Introduction to the Founder Stories Podcast

    00:58 Eran's Military Service and Its Impact

    02:35 The Positive Impact of War on Israeli VCs

    03:56 The Importance of Risk Tolerance in Startups

    06:48 Focus on Founders: Traits and Qualities

    11:58 Mission-Driven Founders and Their Stories

    17:54 Mission-Driven VCs: A New Perspective

    21:20 The Patience and Self-Assessment in Venture Capital

    21:33 The Long Road to Big Wins

    22:14 Portfolio Reflections and Measuring Success

    23:40 The Dilemma of When to Exit

    26:11 Valuation Justification in Cyber Companies

    27:39 The Importance of Genuine Self-Assessment for Founders

    36:03 The Role of Family and Personal Sacrifice

    38:39 Advice for the Younger Generation

    41:40 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

    🔗 CONNECT WITH Eran

    👥 LinkedIn

    💻 Website

    🔗 CONNECT WITH EPHRAIM

    👥 LinkedIn

    🐦 Twitter

    💻 Website

    Investments

    🙏 LEAVE A REVIEW

    Thank you for listening to the podcast! Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review. Your review will help others discover the show and continue to support our efforts.

    👋🏼 GET IN TOUCH

    We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes. We'll personally thank you for your support!

    📢 SPONSORSHIP

    Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at [email protected] Thank you for considering!

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

    🔗 CONNECT WITH Roy Rubin

    👥 LinkedIn

    🐦 Twitter

    💻 Website

    🔗 CONNECT WITH EPHRAIM

    👥 LinkedIn

    🐦 Twitter

    💻 Website

    Investments

    🙏 LEAVE A REVIEW

    Thank you for listening to the podcast! Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review. Your review will help others discover the show and continue to support our efforts.

    👋🏼 GET IN TOUCH

    We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes. We'll personally thank you for your support!

    📢 SPONSORSHIP

    Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at [email protected] Thank you for considering!

  • 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.

    🔗 CONNECT WITH Adam Fisher

    👥 LinkedIn

    🐦 Twitter

    💻 Website

    🔗 CONNECT WITH EPHRAIM

    👥 LinkedIn

    🐦 Twitter

    💻 Website

    Investments

    🙏 LEAVE A REVIEW

    Thank you for listening to the podcast! Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review. Your review will help others discover the show and continue to support our efforts.

    👋🏼 GET IN TOUCH

    We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes. We'll personally thank you for your support!

    📢 SPONSORSHIP

    Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at [email protected] Thank you for considering!

  • Live conversation with Amitai Ratzon at RSA 2024 on the expo floor.

    Link to our first podcast recording in 2023:

    Spotify

    iTunes

    Transcript

    🔗 CONNECT WITH Amitai

    👥 Linkedin

    💻 Website:

    🔗 CONNECT WITH EPHRAIM

    👥 Linkedin

    🐦 Twitter

    🎥 YouTube Channel

    💻 Website

    🙏 LEAVE A REVIEW

    Thank you for listening to the podcast! Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review. Your review will help others discover the show and continue to support our efforts.

    👋🏼 GET IN TOUCH

    We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes. We'll thank you personally for your support!

    📢 SPONSORSHIP

    If you're interested in sponsoring the show, please email Ephraim at [email protected]. Thank you for considering!

  • Conversation with Amiram Shachar CEO Upwind Security.

    🎥 Video of the conversation

    🔗 CONNECT WITH Amiram

    👥 LinkedIn

    💻 Website

    🔗 CONNECT WITH EPHRAIM

    👥 LinkedIn

    🐦 Twitter

    💻 Website

    Investments

    🙏 LEAVE A REVIEW

    Thank you for listening to the podcast! Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review. Your review will help others discover the show and continue to support our efforts.

    👋🏼 GET IN TOUCH

    We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes. We'll personally thank you for your support!

    📢 SPONSORSHIP

    Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at [email protected] Thank you for considering!

  • Conversation with Ami Daniel CEO Windward

    🔗 CONNECT WITH DANIEL

    👥 LinkedIn

    💻 Website

    🔗 CONNECT WITH EPHRAIM

    👥 LinkedIn

    🐦 Twitter

    💻 Website

    Investments

    🙏 LEAVE A REVIEW

    Thank you for listening to the podcast! Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review. Your review will help others discover the show and continue to support our efforts.

    👋🏼 GET IN TOUCH

    We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes. We'll personally thank you for your support!

    📢 SPONSORSHIP

    Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at [email protected] Thank you for considering!