Episodes
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This week, I chat with Jon Staenberg founding partner of Agate Hound Fund, to unpack the real mechanics behind venture capital and search funds. From his early days at Microsoft, to founding a search fund that delivers 35% net annual returns, Jon pulls no punches. He warns, “Don’t go into venture until you’ve actually got a skill,” and breaks down the challenges of buying a company. We explore how grit, curiosity, and critical thinking separate founders who retire early from those who build enduring empires, and why the “comprehensiveness of change today is astonishing.”
Whether you’re curious about launching a search fund, leveling up in VC, or simply hungry for insights, this episode will equip you with the tools and the mindset to raise your game.
Raising capital?
Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders?utm_source=Spotify&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode90&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips:
https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101?utm_source=Spotify&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode90&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
We explore:
0:00 – Intro & Meet Jon Staenberg of Agate Hound Fund
4:50 – “Microsoft was way beyond my expectations…”
10:30 – “Don’t go into venture until you’ve actually got a skill”
16:15 – Search Funds 101: “5% net annual return
22:00 – “Buying a company is hard… it’s messy”
28:05 – Why grit, curiosity & critical thinking win
33:40 – The “retire early” myth vs. 60‑hour workweeks
38:20 – AI & the comprehensiveness of change today
42:10 – How to connect with Jon
ABOUT JON STAENBERG
Jon Staenberg is the founding partner of Agate Hound Fund, a search‑fund vehicle focused on acquiring and scaling founder‑owned companies. Before launching Agate Hound, Jon spent over a decade at Microsoft, where he led product strategy and saw firsthand how engagement and inspiration fuel innovation. A veteran operator turned investor, he’s passionate about teaching entrepreneurs that “buying a company is hard,” but also demonstrating how a disciplined, skill‑based approach can generate 35% net annual returns. Jon holds an MBA from Stanford and advises several high‑growth startups on go‑to‑market and capital strategy.
Get in touch with Jon:
Website: https://www.agatehound.fund/
Email: [email protected]
ABOUT JASON
Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development.
You can reach out to Jason through:
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/
ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED
Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape.
Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders.
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In this episode of Fundraising Demystified, I sit down with Ben Chiang, the former head of Uber China and founder of Forma (acquired by Snap- yes, from Snapchat), to unpack his journey through hypergrowth, high-stakes fundraising, and strategic exits. Ben shares the realities behind building in chaotic markets, the truth about investor dynamics post-exit, and how founders can stay sane while chasing scale.
We dive into the underrated benefits of QSBS (Qualified Small Business Stock), why consumer startups have it tougher than ever, and the unique marketing challenges of building AI products in today’s crowded landscape. Great watch if you’re curious about any aspect of building and exiting in tech.
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Raising capital?
Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode89&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips:
https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode89&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
We talk:
00:00: From Zero to 50 Million Weekly Rides: Uber China’s Blitzscale Playbook
02:48: Why Market Fit Is Make or Break
06:07: Timing, Relationships & the Hidden Rules of Fundraising
08:58: Forma’s Acquisition by Snap: Behind the Deal
11:57: Luck, Credit, and the Realities of Startup Success
15:00: Negotiating from Leverage vs. Desperation
26:13: Founders vs. Investors: What Changes After an Exit
28:08: QSBS: The Most Underrated Tax Benefit in Startups
30:27: How Stock Market Volatility Affects Founders
32:11: Leaving Snap: Rediscovering Purpose
33:43: The Messy Reality of Building and Marketing AI Products
37:14: Fundraising Now vs. Then: What’s Actually Changed?
40:57: Herd Mentality and the Modern VC Landscape
44:07: What It Takes to Enjoy the Founder Journey
47:00: Final Advice: Know What You Want
ABOUT BEN CHIANG
Ben Chiang is a veteran operator and founder best known for launching Uber in China and later founding Forma, a startup acquired by Snap. His experience spans scaling platforms in hypercompetitive markets, navigating complex acquisitions, and now building across multiple AI content ventures.
Get in touch with Ben:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminchiang/
Twitter: https://x.com/ben_chiang
ABOUT JASON
Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development.
You can reach out to Jason through:
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/
ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED
Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape.
Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders.
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Missing episodes?
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60 pitches in 90 days. A Series B term sheet that collapsed. A $15M valuation hit, and she still came out on top.
In this episode, Jennifer Henderson, founder of Colorado-based HR tech startup Tilt, breaks down exactly what it took to raise over $30 million in venture capital while balancing motherhood, market crashes, and investor whiplash.
Jen shares how Tilt was born out of personal trauma, why she built a leave management platform with empathy at its core, and what every founder, especially women, needs to know before walking into their next pitch.
From Techstars to term sheet disasters, this is the real story behind startup success in today’s market.
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Raising capital?
Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode88&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips:
https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode88&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
Here's what you're in for:
00:00 – “I don’t come from money”: Why Jen chose venture04:21 – Building Tilt from personal pain
06:08 – Sales tactics that worked
09:07 – How Techstars changed the fundraising game
11:53 – Raising Series A: Saying no to ‘cute’ term sheets
18:03 – Series B nightmares: exclusivity traps, errors & resilience
33:07 – The truth about AI in HR tech
39:02 – Advice to female founders: “Be successful. We need you.”
42:56 – Surviving the current startup market
ABOUT JENNIFER HENDERSON
Jennifer Henderson is the founder & CEO of Tilt, a Colorado-based HR tech platform that simplifies and humanizes leave of absence management for modern teams. After two traumatic parental leave experiences, she turned her frustration into a mission. From Starbucks barista to corporate leader to raising $30M+ across five rounds, Jen's journey is a masterclass in resilience, grit, and founder-first leadership. Tilt is now a trusted solution for teams across the U.S., navigating complex leave policies with care.
Connect with Jennifer on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferhendersonjctcjcdcEmail: [email protected]
ABOUT JASON
Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development.
You can reach out to Jason through:
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/
ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED
Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape.
Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders.
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This week, I talk to Travis Steffen, who has built and sold eight companies. He’s raised over $100M and driven more than $200M in exits.
In this episode, we delve into what actually drives startup growth and what quietly undermines it. We also get into how one bad exit almost wrecked him, and what he learned from losing years and seven figures because of one avoidable mistake.
If you're a founder, operator, or even just thinking about building, this episode will give you a clearer view of what’s worth your attention.
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Raising capital?
Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode87&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips:
https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode87&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
We get into:
00:00 The Real Startup Journey: No Filters, No Hype
03:07 Why "Never Quit" Is Holding You Back
05:47 Churn: The Growth Killer Founders Ignore
09:12 What You Learn When a Startup Fails
12:05 Retention Isn’t a Metric. It’s a Strategy.
14:52 Why Investors Walk, Even If Your Numbers Look Good
17:48 The Retention-Valuation Link You Can’t Ignore
21:06 From Flatlined to $70M: A Turnaround Breakdown
34:37 How We Built the Most Trusted Brand in a Broken Industry
36:19 Revatto: Built to Solve Churn Without Adding Work
40:07 No Results, No Cost: A Different Kind of Retention Model
42:29 How To Save Customers, Without a Product Tutorial
45:10 You Probably Don’t Understand Your Churn. Here’s Why.
47:24 How to Test Revatto, with $1,000 in Free Recoveries
51:21 One Retention Habit That Changes the Game
54:24 The Exit That Went Sideways, and What It Cost
ABOUT TRAVIS STEFFEN
Travis Steffen is a founder, operator, and builder with a track record most founders never reach. He’s exited eight companies, raised more than $100M, and led over $200M in M&A. His work spans SaaS, cannabis tech, fintech, and AI. Today, he’s the co-founder of Revatto, a company that helps subscription-based businesses retain more customers and only charges when it works.
Check out Revatto: https://www.revatto.com/
ABOUT JASON
Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development.
You can reach out to Jason through:
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/
ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED
Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape.
Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders.
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Most founders dream of a life-changing exit. But few actually prepare for it, until it’s too late.
In this episode of Fundraising Demystified, I sit down with John Rood, an exited founder who scaled a tutoring side hustle into a global edtech business, and sold it for over eight figures to private equity.John also shares the story behind his book Beyond the Exit and why post-exit life is often not what you think it will be.
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Raising capital?
Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode86&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips:
https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode86&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
We talk:
00:00 – The Brutal Truth No One Tells Founders
02:04 – How John Turned Tutoring into SaaS Gold
05:21 – The Finance Hack That Boosted His Valuation
07:10 – What Really Kicks Off an Exit
11:08 – The $10M Mistake Founders Keep Making
13:59 – What’s Actually Enough for You?
17:01 – Why Most Founders Regret Life After Exit
22:52 – Angel Investing: The Ego Trap No One Admits
28:22 – The Weirdly Happy Knife Founder Story
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About John Rood
John Rood is the author of Beyond the Exit and the founder of one of the world’s leading pre-med test prep businesses. After scaling the company into a content-and-software powerhouse, he exited for over eight figures to a private equity firm. He now advises founders on exit strategy and post-exit reinvention, drawing from both his wins and the emotional landmines no one warns you about.
Connect with John: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnrood1/
Get the book: https://www.beyondtheexitbook.com/
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What happens when you raise $2.7M... then realize you never want to raise again?
Jennifer Tsai, founder and CEO of Shoott.com, built a profitable photography marketplace from the ground up; surviving death threats from creatives, a brutal CAC spike post-iOS14, and the chaos of marketplace economics. In this episode of Fundraising Demystified, we dive into how she scaled to $10M in revenue, hit breakeven, and is now facing the “what’s next” moment many founders dream of, or dread.
Whether you're building a two-sided marketplace, wrestling with capital strategy, or wondering how to survive without more VC cash, this one's for you.
Raising capital?
Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode85&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips:
https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode84&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
In this episode, you'll learn:
00:00 – Death Threats, Disruption & The Origin Story of Shoott.com
05:45 – Why Creatives Hated Us And How We Won Them Over
12:08 – From $80K to $10M: The Fundraising + Growth Playbook
17:52 – How We Hit Profitability (And 20x’d It)
21:26 – Cash Flow Roulette: Paying Creators Before Clients Pay Us
22:57 – The $300K Mistake That Nearly Sank Us
25:57 – Should You Raise, Sell, or Stay the Course?
27:32 – The Brutal Truth About Valuations in Today’s Market
30:38 – Founders: Before You Build a Marketplace, Watch This
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This week on Fundraising Demystified, I sat down with David Connors, founder of The Swarm, a Go-To-Network platform transforming how founders and investors connect- think LinkedIn but for companies.
David shares how he used The Swarm to raise capital for his own startup, how the product helps other founders close rounds, and what he learned from working at Sequoia.
Raising capital?
Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode84&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips:
https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode84&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
Sign up to get 70% off the Swarm: theswarm.com/thunder
Here’s what you’re in for:
00:42 - Who is David Connors and what is The Swarm?02:08 - How working at Sequoia birthed The Swarm
05:32 - Raising The Swarm’s $2M pre-seed round solo (and why it was capped)
11:37 - Raising a $4M seed and scaling a building a winning team
14:31 - How to find investors and pick the right ones for follow-on funding
18:52 - Getting warm intros for investor outreach in minutes
22:28 - The best kind of warm intros ranked
25:43 - Why Swarm raised an extension round
29:10 - The shift from SaaS to data, 10xing revenue and getting Hubspot Ventures to invest
32:40 - Vibe coding and AI tools that support The Swarm’s scale
35:02 - Top tips for personal branding that boosted growth
Check out the pre-seed investment memo for The Swarm here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wzo0PxFCyNgaD627-e2q2wefV0LUk4DJjnEr3R4b07k/edit?tab=t.0ABOUT DAVID CONNORS
David Connors is the founder of The Swarm, a Go-to Network platform that helps startups access warm intros to capital, talent, and strategic partners. A second-time founder with deep experience in startup M&A, David previously built a company acquired by Levels, a Sequoia-backed health tech firm. With a background in enterprise sales and operations, he built The Swarm to solve one of the hardest problems founders face: getting in front of the right people without wasting time on cold outreach.
Connect with David via:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connorsdavidWebsite: http://theswarm.com/
ABOUT JASONJason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development.
You can reach out to Jason through:
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/
ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED
Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape.
Thanks for tuning in! We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders.
#startupfunding #venturecapital #theswarm #founderstories #fundraisingdemystified #saas #data #investoroutreach
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In this episode, Jess Loren, founder and CEO of Global Objects, shares her journey on raising capital as a female founder, including turning down a $20M offer and building her business using digital twins technology.
Jess dives into how she's building a tech company rooted in culture, purpose, and innovation, while navigating the fundraising landscape as a female CEO. We talk about generative AI in media, managing a startup as a mom, building a tech community, and how to use AI to boost productivity.
A great story about leadership, innovation, and startup resilience.
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Raising capital?
Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode83&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips:
https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode83&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
Here's what you're in for:
00:00 - Intro
00:35 – Raising Capital as a Female Founder: Intro to Jess Loren & Global Objects
03:06 – Building a Tech Community in LA
06:05 – Balancing Life as a Female CEO
08:42 – Digital Twins Technology for Culture & Innovation
13:16 – Using AI to Boost Productivity in Creative Industries
16:34 – Generative AI in Media & Entertainment
22:18 – Jess Loren’s Journey: From 2X Exit Founder to Building Global Objects
25:47 – Funding Strategies & Investor Alignment
28:16 – Global Objects' Mission and Growth Plan
31:30 – Startup Leadership as a Female CEO
34:05 – Jess Loren on Persistence, Boards & Building Visibility
ABOUT JESS LOREN
Jess Loren is a 2X exited founder and the CEO of Global Objects, a cutting-edge startup at the intersection of digital twins technology, cultural preservation, and generative AI. With a background in community building, immersive experiences, and Web3 innovation, Jess is known for her bold leadership, fundraising acumen, and vision for reshaping how we digitally capture and interact with the world. Her journey includes turning down a $20M term sheet to stay mission-aligned, proving that purpose and persistence can coexist at scale.
You can reach out to Jess through:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessloren/
Global Objects' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/globalobjects/
ABOUT JASON
Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development.
You can reach out to Jason through:
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/
ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED
Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape.
Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders.
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Startup Advisors can make or break your growth. In this episode, Barry Stamos of Supernova shares how to build a world-class startup advisory board, manage relationships, and scale successfully.
With real-world lessons from the Tuft & Needle journey and his advisory platform Supernova, Barry dives deep into sourcing the right advisors, setting success metrics, avoiding red flags, and aligning compensation with performance.
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Raising capital?
Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode82&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips:
https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode82&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
Here's what you're in for:
00:00 – Introduction
00:08 – Meet Barry Stamos: Founder of Supernova
00:43 – Barry’s startup journey and lessons from past exits
03:10 – Why startup advisors and mentors are critical
03:29 – Finding and managing startup advisors effectively
05:29 – Startup advisor success story: learning from experience
08:56 – The right time for early stage startup support
12:26 – Tuft & Needle case study: startup advisor success story
16:04 – The real role of startup advisors in startup growth
20:33 – Managing advisor relationships for success
21:27 – How to compensate startup advisors effectively
23:53 – How to find startup advisors and sourcing advisors for startups
25:55 – Making aggressive advisor requests
29:16 – Startup advisor horror stories and startup advisor red flags
33:05 – Introducing Supernova: the startup advisor platform
35:44 – How Supernova matches advisors with founders
37:51 – Advice for founders seeking advisors and building a startup advisory board
40:00 – How to connect with Barry Stamos and Supernova
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ABOUT BARRY STAMOS
Barry Stamos is a 3x exited founder, startup advisor, and CEO of Supernova—a platform that connects high-growth startups with a curated network of successfully exited founders. With a track record that includes advising breakout companies like Tuft & Needle, Barry specializes in helping startups scale smarter through strategic advisory boards, hands-on mentorship, and performance-driven advisor relationships.
You can reach out to Barry through:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bstamos/
Supernova's Website: https://1supernova.com/
ABOUT JASON
Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development.
You can reach out to Jason through:
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/
ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED
Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape.
Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders.
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This week, I host IPO market expert Peter Goldstein, who talks about the best time to IPO, how to position for strong IPO performance, what true IPO readiness looks like, and how companies are being valued in 2025.
If you're a founder eyeing the public markets, this is your roadmap. We dive into shifting investor sentiment, the surge in the secondary market, and strategic insights on when to go public, build public company credibility, and leverage equity in IPOs to your advantage.
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Raising capital?
Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode81&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips:
https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode81&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
Here's what you're in for:
00:00 – The 2025 IPO market
02:15 – Investor sentiment in the current IPO climate
04:40 – Why IPO timing is critical: the best time to IPO
07:25 – IPO valuation expectations and market sensitivities
10:05 – IPO readiness checklist for founders
12:50 – What happens after IPO: risks and surprises
16:15 – IPO performance in 2024 vs 2025
19:30 – Market cap requirements for IPO explained
22:10 – How equity in IPO impacts control and growth
25:20 – Benefits of going public beyond capital
28:05 – Public company credibility and strategic advantages
31:15 – The rise of the secondary market and investor access
34:30 – Private stock trading trends and access to liquidity
37:20 – When should you go public?
40:10 – Employee stock incentive strategies in public companies
43:30 – Parting shot from Peter Goldstein
ABOUT PETER GOLDSTEIN
Peter Goldstein is a leading expert in the IPO market, founder of Exchange Listing LLC, and author of The Entrepreneur’s IPO. With decades of experience guiding small and micro-cap companies through public offerings, Peter is known for helping founders navigate the complexities of going public. His deep understanding of IPO readiness, valuation, and investor strategy makes him one of the most trusted voices in the space.
You can reach out to Peter through:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-goldstein-exchangelisting/
ABOUT JASON
Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development.
You can reach out to Jason through:
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/
ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED
Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape.
Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders.
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JC Glancy, co-founder of ZenBusiness, shares his remarkable unicorn startup journey, from nearly drowning in credit card debt to building a billion-dollar startup. In a bold and rare move, he gave up the CEO title early on but still led the company to raise a $200M Series C and dominate the legal tech space.
This episode dives deep into startup realities: raising venture capital, overcoming failure, building an unbeatable team, outmaneuvering big competitors like LegalZoom, and scaling ZenBusiness through SEO, affiliate marketing, and obsessive customer focus.
______________________________________________________________
Raising capital?
Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode80&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips:
https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode80&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
Here's what you're in for:
00:00 – Intro: JC Glancy’s founder success story begins
02:30 – Credit card debt & early startup struggles
06:15 – Building ZenBusiness into a unicorn startup
09:00 – Giving up the CEO title: The bold move
12:50 – How ZenBusiness outperformed LegalZoom
16:10 – Product market fit: Why the early products failed
19:45 – The SEO and affiliate marketing funnel that scaled
23:30 – Fundraising strategy: From angels to $200M Series C
28:20 – Building a powerful startup team without resources
32:10 – COVID pivot story: How ZenBusiness exploded in growth
37:00 – Recruiting top talent post-Series C
41:30 – Founder exit strategy: Why JC stepped back
45:00 – What JC is building next + advice for future unicorn founders
ABOUT JC GLANCY
JC Glancy is the co-founder of ZenBusiness, a unicorn startup that helps entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. From maxed-out credit cards to a $1B valuation, JC’s journey is a powerful founder success story. As head of product marketing, he built ZenBusiness’s marketing machine—driving explosive growth through SEO, affiliates, and data-driven customer insights. He gave up the CEO title, helped raise a $200M Series C, and led the company to outpace giants like LegalZoom.
Connect with JC:
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcglancy
ABOUT JASON
Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development.
You can reach out to Jason through:
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/
ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED
Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape.
Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders.
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In this episode, Gil Eyal of Stardust Ventures shares expert insights on celebrity marketing and influencer deals for startups. Learn how to pitch your startup to influencers, find the best platforms to connect, and structure celebrity deals, all without breaking the bank. Plus, discover the biggest mistakes startups make with influencer marketing and how to avoid them.
----------------------------------------------------
Raising capital?
Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode79&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips:
https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode79&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
Here's what you're in for:
00:00 – Intro | How to attract influencers to your startup (Gil Eyal’s expert take)
02:15 – The truth about celebrity marketing (Why celebs care about startups)
05:30 – Biggest mistakes startups make with influencer marketing
09:45 – How to get access to celebrities & influencers (Stardust Ventures' insights)
13:20 – The power of storytelling in influencer marketing (Why authenticity wins)
17:05 – How to pitch your startup to influencers (Gil Eyal’s step-by-step strategy)
20:50 – Best platforms to connect with influencers (Where to find the right talent)
25:10 – How to structure influencer & celebrity deals (Equity vs. cash agreements)
29:40 – How celebrity partnerships impact startup valuations (Real success stories)
35:00 – The most effective marketing channels for startups (Gil Eyal’s top picks)
39:00 – B2B vs. B2C influencer marketing (How to make it work in different industries)
43:00 – Final advice from Gil Eyal on startup growth & fundraising
ABOUT GIL EYAL
Gil Eyal is a leading expert in celebrity endorsements and influencer marketing, known for revolutionizing how brands leverage data-driven influencer strategies. As the Founder and former President of HYPR, he built the market leader in influencer marketing automation, which won multiple industry awards before being acquired by Juliusworks in 2020.
A veteran of 200+ celebrity endorsement deals, Gil has worked with Leonardo DiCaprio, Serena Williams, Zendaya, Pitbull, and Stephen Curry, among others. Today, as the Founder of Stardust Ventures, Gil helps consumer startups scale through strategic celebrity partnerships.
You can reach out to Gil through:
Website Stardust Ventures: https://stardustventures.us/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gileyal/
ABOUT JASON
Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with four multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. In his career, he has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development.
You can reach out to Jason through:
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/
ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED
Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape.
Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders.
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In this episode, I sit down with Adam Spector, CEO of Chore, to break down founder mindset, startup operations, and how to make a startup successful. Adam shares what separates successful startup founders from those who fail, covering topics like founder time management, startup productivity, outsourcing, and the best outsourcing tools for startups. We also dive into the reality of starting a business, common founder mistakes, and how to scale effectively. If you're a founder, investor, or entrepreneur, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!
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Raising capital?
Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode78&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips:
https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode78&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
Check out Chore: https://www.hirechore.com/partner/fundraising-demystified?utm_source=Podcast&utm_medium=Thunder_VC&utm_campaign=Fundraising+Demystified
What to expect from this episode:
00:00 – Why Founders Waste Time on the Wrong Things (and How to Fix It)
05:30 – The Brutal Truth About Startup Productivity Hacks
12:45 – How to Outsource Like a Pro and Scale Faster
18:20 – The Best Tools and Services to Automate Your Startup Ops
22:10 – The Harsh Reality of Starting a Business (What No One Tells You)
28:50 – The Biggest Mistakes That Lead to Founder Burnout and Failure
35:40 – The Ultimate Playbook for Making a Startup Successful
ABOUT ADAM SPECTOR
Adam Spector is a 4-time founder, startup advisor, and investor with experience in scaling companies and optimizing startup operations. As the CEO of Chore, he helps founders and teams focus on what matters by providing fractional chief-of-staff services to streamline back-office work. Adam has invested in over 200 startups, giving him unique insights into why startups fail and what it truly takes to succeed.
Chore Webiste: https://www.hirechore.com/
Adam Spector LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamspector2/
ABOUT JASON
Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development.
You can reach out to Jason through:
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/
ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED
Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape.
Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders.
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How do you identify and capitalize on the biggest upcoming trends?
Katelyn Donnelly, GP of Avalanche Ventures, unveils her unique investment strategy focusing on "avalanches" – inevitable market trends driven by societal and technological shifts. In this episode, Katelyn shares her insights on what VCs look for in early-stage startups, emphasizing the importance of founders building their life's work and understanding the nuances of early-stage venture capital.
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Raising capital?
Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here:
https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode77&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips:
https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode77&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
Here’s what you’ll find in this episode:
00:10 Avalanche Ventures Thesis
01:13 Identifying Market Trends
04:04 KatelynDonnelly's Background
06:28 Avalanche Ventures Investment Focus
07:28 Examples of Avalanche Investments
11:15 Solo GP Experience
13:03 Evaluating Investment Opportunities
14:41 Cold Emailing Advice for Founders
19:29 Austin's Startup Ecosystem
20:49 Venture Capital Insights
28:17 Future Market Trends
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ABOUT KATELYN DONNELLY
Katelyn Donnelly is the Managing Partner of Avalanche VC, an early-stage venture firm that invests in technology companies transforming how people learn, earn, and own. Her extensive background includes co-founding Delivery Associates, a leading public sector advisory firm, and serving as Managing Director of Pearson Ventures, a global EdTech venture fund. Donnelly's career also features time at McKinsey & Company, and she has been recognized for her achievements, including being named to Forbes 30 Under 30. She is actively involved in shaping the future of education and technology, and is a member of Duke University's Learning Innovation Advisory Council.
Connect with Katelyn:
Katelyn's Website: https://katelyndonnelly.com/
Avalanche VC Website: https://www.avalanche.vc/
ABOUT JASON
Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development.
You can reach out to Jason through:
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: Jason Kirby
ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED
Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape. Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders.
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Wondering what VCs look for in early-stage startups? In this episode, Dave Lambert, Managing Partner at Right Side Capital Management, shares insights on how to get funding for a tech startup, the importance of technical co-founders, and how to raise pre-seed capital while keeping control of your business.
With over 2,000 investments, Dave reveals the fundraising strategies that work in 2025, common mistakes founders make, and why capital efficiency matters more than high valuations.
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Raising capital?
Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here:
https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode76&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips:
https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode76&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
IN THIS EPISODE
[00:00] Dave Lambert from Right Side Capital Management and Early-Stage Startup Investing
[02:15] What VCs Look for in Early-Stage Startups
[07:34] Fund Size and Unique Approach
[15:40] Valuation Trends and Market Dynamics
[07:34] RightSide Capital’s Unique Investment Strategy & Fund Size
[15:40] Startup Valuation Trends & Market Changes|
[17:29] AI’s Impact on Early-Stage Startup Investments
[20:42] Fundraising Challenges & How Founders Can Overcome Them
[27:36] Venture Capital vs. Bootstrapping: Choosing the Right Path
[29:04] The Role of Transparent Communication in Startup Fundraising
[31:18] How CEOs Should Manage Investor & Board Relations
[36:13] How to Provide Investor Updates That Build Trust
[43:36] Why Low Cash Burn is Critical for Early-Stage Startups
[45:33] The Future of Early-Stage Venture Capital & Startup Funding
[49:42] How to Connect with Dave Lambert
ABOUT DAVE LAMBERT
Dave Lambert is the Founder and Managing Partner of Right Side Capital Management (RSCM), a venture firm specializing in early-stage startup investing. With over 2,000 investments, RSCM focuses on capital-efficient tech startups, making fast investment decisions at valuations under $4M.
A former exited founder, Dave brings decades of experience in startup growth, fundraising strategies, and pre-seed investing.
Connect with Dave:
Right Side Capital Management Website: https://www.rightsidecapital.com/
Dave Lambert LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlambert55/
ABOUT JASON
Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development.
You can reach out to Jason through:
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: jasonrkirby
ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED
Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape. Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders.
-
Jeremy Parker, co-founder of Swag.com discusses his incredible journey of building a successful swag business from scratch and ultimately selling it to Custom Ink. Jeremy shares valuable insights on raising capital, identifying market opportunities, and navigating the acquisition process.
------------------------------------------
Raising capital?
Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here:
https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode75&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips:
https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode75&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
Here’s what you’ll find in this episode:
00:19 How Swag.com got to $40 Million in Sales
05:41 Wildest orders taken by Swag.com
06:47 How Swag.com started
15:35 Raising $3 Million in Venture Capital for Swag.com
21:38 Getting Acquired by Custom Ink
34:39 Advice for Founders
36:55 Connect with Jeremy Parker
ABOUT JEREMY PARKER
Jeremy Parker is the co-founder of Swag.com, a prominent e-commerce platform specializing in high-quality promotional products for businesses. His entrepreneurial journey began after graduating from Boston University, where he initially pursued film production. Parker's business background includes establishing a creative promotional product division and co-founding an e-commerce platform focused on social media influencer marketing, which was later acquired.
He then focused his efforts on Swag.com, which has seen rapid growth and attracted major clients like Facebook, Google, and Amazon. Notably, Swag.com was acquired by Custom Ink in 2021. Parker has also been recognized for his achievements, including being named to Crain's NY 40 under 40, and Swag.com has appeared on the Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing private companies.
Connect with Jeremy:
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: Jeremy Parker
ABOUT JASON
Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development.
You can reach out to Jason through:
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/
ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED
Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape.
Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders.
-
AI for Business Efficiency is reshaping how companies operate, and in this episode, Jon Tucker, founder of HelpFlow, shares how AI is transforming customer service, workflow automation, and decision-making. We dive into Evaluating AI Performance, optimizing operations, and leveraging AI to scale businesses while staying competitive.
Jon reveals how AI reduces workforce needs, enhances productivity, and even impacts venture capital and startup growth. We also explore Boardy AI, AI-assisted coding, and the rise of Chief AI Officers.
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Raising capital?
Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here:
https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode74&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips:
https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode74&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
If you’re looking to maximize AI output and boost efficiency, this episode is packed with insights. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and stay tuned for more!
Here’s what you’ll find in this episode:
00:00 - Introduction to Jon Tucker & HelpFlow
01:30 - AI’s impact on customer service & workforce
reduction
04:00 - The importance of Evaluating AI Performance
07:15 - How AI enables business efficiency and scalability
12:45 - AI’s role in startup growth and venture capital trends
18:30 - AI workflow automation & AI-assisted coding
24:00 - Future of AI: Chief AI Officers, automation, and
scaling
28:30 - Boardy AI and next-gen AI-powered networking
ABOUT JON TUCKER
Jon Tucker is the CEO atHelpFlow.com. Over the past decade, he’s managed remote teams and faced the frustrations of micromanaging every detail—an experience that drove him to embrace AI for smarter delegation.
Through HelpFlow’s “smart staff” model and their proprietary GuideLayer AI, Jon transforms traditional virtual assistants into high-value, autonomous team members. His goal? Free founders from busywork so they can scale faster and focus on what truly matters. Ready to see how AI can change the way you work? Try the AI at HelpFlow.com/demo-ai-video
Connect with Jon Tucker:
Website:HelpFlow.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jontuckerusa/
ABOUT JASON
Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development.
You can reach out to Jason through:
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/
ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED
Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape.
Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders.
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Not all startups should chase VC money. Some should bootstrap, others should take on debt, and a few are primed for private equity. So how do you know which path is right for you?
In this episode,Jason Kirby breaks down theFundraising Quadrants—a framework that helps founders identify where they stand in their startup journey and what type of capital makes the most sense for them. Whether you’re running an AI startup, a SaaS company, or a growing e-commerce brand, this episode will help you avoid common fundraising mistakes and focus on strategies that align with your vision.------------------------------------------
Raising capital?
Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here:https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode73&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips:https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode73&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcastHere’s what you’ll find in this episode:
00:00 Introduction to Fundraising Quadrants
00:32 Speaker's Background and Expertise
01:15 TheNorth Star framework: What do you really want to achieve?
03:42 What are the Fundraising Quadrants? Find out where you stand
05:29 Breaking down the quadrants: Early Growth, Established Growth, Strong but Slow,
Struggling
06:47 Venture Capital: When and how to attract investors (and when to avoid them!)
09:09 Debt Financing: Leveraging assets, revenue, and strategic borrowing
12:20 Private Equity: What PE firms look for & how to position your startup
15:16 Planning Your Exit: M&A, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships
18:24 The Big Question:Should you use investor money or bootstrap?
18:44 HowThunder VC helps founders navigate fundraising
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ABOUT JASON
Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development.
You can reach out to Jason through:
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/
ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED
Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape.
Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders.
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Would you rather grind for years bootstrapping, take VC money with strings attached, or sell and move on? That’s the exact crossroads Laurits Just faced as the co-founder of BitsForDigits.
In this episode, Laurits breaks down how he built and sold his startup, a marketplace for partial business acquisitions, and why he ultimately chose to exit instead of raising venture capital. He shares the highs and lows of bootstrapping, the challenge of getting a two-sided marketplace off the ground, and the inside story of negotiating his sale to Flippa.
Now leading Flippa Invest, Laurits is on a mission to help founders secure funding—without the pressure of chasing unicorn status. If you’re a founder weighing your options, this episode will open your eyes to paths beyond traditional VC.
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Raising capital?
Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here:
https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode72&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips:https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode72&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcastHere’s what you’ll find in this episode:
00:00: Introduction
01:40: The story behind the startup and bootstrapping
02:49: Overcoming the challenges of a two-sided marketplace
05:44: Growing profitably and attracting acquisition offers
06:03: Why Laurits and his co-founder decided to sell to Flippa
09:53: Bootstrapping vs. raising capital: The three-door dilemma
12:34: Running a competitive sale process for maximum exit value
18:10: Life after the acquisition: Transitioning to Flippa Invest
21:04: How Flippa Invest offers an alternative to VC funding
24:19: The types of businesses that fit the Flippa Invest model
28:12: Understanding valuation and fundraising expectations
36:45: How founders can explore funding through Flippa Invest
ABOUT LAURITS JUST
Laurits Just is the co-founder and co-CEO of BitsForDigits, a marketplace for partial and full business acquisitions. With a background in finance, he worked at BlackRock and Rocket Internet in London before launching his startup. Holding three degrees—including a Master of Science from the London School of Economics—Laurits specialized in digital innovation, AI applications, and distributed ledger platforms.
After leaving BlackRock, he co-founded BitsForDigits with a mission to provide liquidity solutions for self-funded business owners. Inspired by a blog post on Jeff Bezos' investment in Basecamp, he and his co-founder built a platform that made secondary transactions more accessible. After scaling the business to profitability, they ultimately exited to Flippa, where Laurits now leads Flippa Invest, helping founders secure funding beyond traditional VC.
Connect with Laurits:
Website: Flippa Invest
LinkedIn: Laurits Just
ABOUT JASON
Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development.
You can reach out to Jason through:
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/
ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED
Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape.
Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders.
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Penelope Hope, founder of Rebel Energy, shares her journey of building a renewable energy company from scratch with just £1.5 million raised, scaling it to £100 million in revenue in record time. Rebel Energy's mission to alleviate fuel poverty while delivering renewable energy has set it apart as an innovative force in the UK energy sector.
In this episode, Penelope details her early challenges, fundraising strategies, and insights into scaling a utilities business sustainably and profitably. She also discusses her decision to step back from Rebel Energy and her vision for entrepreneurship in the UK.
Raising capital? Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode71&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips: https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101?utm_source=YouTube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode71&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast
Here’s what you’ll find in this episode:00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:25 Early Days and Initial Fundraising
01:39 Fundraising Strategies and Challenges
05:57 Crowdfunding Success and Market Entry
09:27 Growth Strategy and Operational Efficiency
14:06 Profitability and Future Plans
15:49 Stepping Down and Reflecting on the Journey
19:09 Advice for Founders and Fundraising Tips
22:06 UK Startup Ecosystem and Opportunities
32:55 Networking and Access to Investors
34:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
ABOUT PENELOPE HOPEPenelope Hope co-founded Rebel Energy, a UK-based renewable energy supplier with a mission to alleviate fuel poverty. Under her leadership, the company grew from its initial $1.5 million raise to achieving over $100 million in revenue while maintaining profitability from day one. A strong advocate of operational efficiency, Penelope leveraged automation to stay competitive in the fragmented UK energy market.
Penelope has a background as an equity analyst and a deep commitment to social and environmental missions. After stepping back from Rebel Energy, she continues to inspire founders by sharing her experiences and advocating for founder-led innovation.
Connect with PENELOPE:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/penelope-hope/
ABOUT JASON
Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development.
You can reach out to Jason through:
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/
ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED
Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape.
Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders.
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