The Founder Initiative

Sponsored by Auth0 for Startups --> 1-year free https://auth0.com/startups/vip Auth0 is an adaptable authentication and authorization platform that helps you secure your apps and AI agents. It delivers convenience, privacy, and security so you can focus on building a great UX.   VC PROFILE: Micahel loffe, Founder of Ar

Sponsored by Auth0 for Startups --> 1-year free https://auth0.com/startups/vip Auth0 is an adaptable authentication and authorization platform that helps you secure your apps and AI agents. It delivers convenience, privacy, and security so you can focus on building a great UX.   VC PROFILE: Promod Haque https://www.lin

Get 1-year free of Auth0 (authentication and authorization platform)--> https://auth0.com/startups/vip Auth0 is an adaptable authentication and authorization platform that helps you secure your apps and AI agents. It delivers convenience, privacy, and security so you can focus on building a great UX.   FOUNDER: Joseph

EPISODE DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE What does a real pitch in Silicon Valley look like? This might be as close as you can get without being here yourself! VC PROFILE Mercedes Bent, ex Lightspeed Ventures, Partner https://www.linkedin.com/in/mercedesbent/ FOUNDER PROFILE: Sandra Bustos, Founder of Meshly.ai https://www.linkedin

In this episode, Robert, co-founder of Wordware, shares the story of turning a sauna brainstorm into one of the largest seed rounds in YC history. He walks us through the early pivots, the highs and lows of YC interviews, and how a viral Twitter Roast fueled their momentum. This is a raw look at conviction, timing, and

FOUNDER PROFILE: Ben Kim, Nitrode's Co-Founder https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-yoonsung-kim/ 🎙️ 7 Most Interesting Moments Michael Seibel’s brutally honest feedback in interviews—pushing them to scrap lines and “cut the crap.” Pivoting right before their YC interview and getting challenged on whether their new idea co