Alex Salazar on Taking Arcade from Zero to a $12M Round (Alex Salazar / Arcade - Ep 56)
Alex Salazar didn’t need to prove he could build a company. He’d already done that and sold it, then spent time as a VC, and had the kind of background that usually makes raising money the easy part. But when he started Arcade, he decided to do things differently. In this episode, we talk about what it means to go back to zero even when you don’t have to. Alex shares why he and his co-founder stayed in stealth, how they tested product ideas without writing a single line of code, and what it took to get real traction in a category moving as fast as AI. We get into opportunity selection, investor conviction, and what it actually looks like when someone gets preempted before they’re even out fundraising. Arcade eventually closed a $12M round... but the process behind that raise had very little to do with pattern-matching or momentum. It was all about building something that hit a nerve.
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Builder Turned Fundraiser: Raising $63M for Tractian (Igor Marinelli / Tractian)
While most kids were occupied with typical childhood activities, today's guest was already knee-deep in the world of technology. From coding PHP to deconstructing old computers with his pops, his early passion for innovation set the stage for an extraordinary entrepreneurial journey. Fast forward to the present, Igor Marinelli stands as the visionary co-founder of Tractian, a cutting-edge machine intelligence company that has gained significant attention in the startup ecosystem. With an impressive $63 million in funding raised within just four years, including a substantial $45 million Series B led by renowned investor General Catalyst, Igor's achievements are nothing short of awe-inspiring. Join us as we delve into Igor's insightful narrative, exploring the pivotal moments that shaped his entrepreneurial trajectory and propelled Tractian to success.
TBC: The Use of Funds Slide
In this episode, the host tackles a common yet often misunderstood slide in pitch decks: the "use of funds" slide. Many founders include it because they've heard it's necessary, but often it ends up being a vague waste of space. Instead, use this slide strategically to outline where you are today, your future goals, and how the allocated funds will be specifically utilized. By anchoring it in concrete objectives and clear allocation, you not only inform investors but also demonstrate a thoughtful plan for executing with the capital raised. So, next time you're crafting a use of funds slide, ensure it serves a purpose and isn't just a filler in your deck!
TBC: The Secret Value of the Email Appendix
In this episode of the Back Channel, Jason shares a fresh approach to email communication that's both personal and impactful.Learn how to craft emails with a punchy, genuine tone while including a business-focused appendix for all the important details.Say goodbye to lengthy, synthetic emails and hello to increased response rates. Listen and discover the power of the email appendix and revolutionize your communication style!
Trailblazing the VC Industry (Joanna Strober / Midi Health)
In the last two decades, the startup industry has seen remarkable transformations, from the emergence of angel investors and venture capital firms to the rise of SaaS, cryptocurrencies, and the global diversification of the field. But what's even more exciting is the increasing presence of female founders, who, despite facing challenges, are making significant strides in entrepreneurship. Today, we're chatting with Joanna Strober, a founder who's witnessed this industry shift firsthand. From being one of the few women in venture capital to securing venture backing for her first company (which was later acquired by Weight Watchers), and raising a total of $39M for her latest venture, Midi Health, Joanna's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Curious about what it was like being apart of a changing industry? Listen to find out.
TBC: 3 Tips for Choosing Service Providers
In this episode of The Back Channel, we delve into a crucial post-fundraising topic: choosing service providers for your startup.While it may seem mundane, the decision-making process can greatly impact your business. Key takeaways include filtering for providers with startup expertise, considering the additional value they offer beyond their core services, and trusting your instincts about the working relationship.
TBC: What's the Deal With Thesis-Driven Firms?
Join Jason Yeh on The Back Channel as he demystifies thesis-driven firms. They may not be as rigid as you think!
Paying the Peter Thiel Price (Dylan Beynon - Mindbloom)
Just like with any skill, there are beginners, and there are experts. Through practice and experience, the experts become exceptional at what they do. In fundraising, there are also experts. You could call them the "seasoned vets" of venture capital. These are the founders that have raised all the way from small angel rounds to Series B and beyond. It's safe to say that any founder who's raised over 4 rounds of venture capital knows a thing or two about fundraising. Today, Jason got to share his conversation with one of those fundraising experts. Dylan Beynon is a 3x Founder who has raised hundreds of millions of capital throughout his career. His most recent venture is Mindbloom, a company that provides at-home psychedelic care that transforms mental health which he has raised over $50M across 3 rounds for. Dylan's success with Mindbloom is amazing, but his why is even better. Get your tissues, this one might pull on your heartstrings...
TBC: Bouncing Back From Failure
In this episode, Jason shares a conversation with a founder who recently raised capital but had to close their startup.First-time founders, remember that every setback is a chance to improve. Closing a startup isn't the end; it's a chance to evolve.Once you've felt the grind and tasted success and failure, your perspective changes. You gain insights you can't find in books or tweets.It's also important to note that venture capitalists value founders who've been through the startup rollercoaster. Understanding the ups and downs is what sets you apart.Share this episode with fellow founders or friends on going through a tough time with their startup. Embrace the learning process - see you next week!
TBC: Creating a Story That Can Be Shared
Ever wondered why your startup story and pitch deck need to be razor-sharp? Sure, you want to impress investors, but there's more to it than meets the eye. Host Jason Yeh dives into the secret sauce of crafting a compelling narrative that not only wows investors but also ensures your story gets shared effectively.In this episode:💡 Discover the critical importance of a concise story that grabs attention💡 Learn why your pitch deck is more than just a visual aid—it's your investor's roadmap.💡 Uncover the hidden power of making your story easy to share, especially in firms with multiple decision-makers Ready to be convinced to tighten up your pitch?
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