Log in

goodpods headphones icon

To access all our features

Open the Goodpods app
Close icon
headphones
Founder Storiez

Founder Storiez

ephraim yarmak

The purpose of "FounderStoriez Channel" is to interview Entrepreneurs from around the world to share their story, experience, and wisdom with you so you can learn from them and be inspired.
bookmark
Share icon

All episodes

Best episodes

Top 10 Founder Storiez Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Founder Storiez episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Founder Storiez for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Founder Storiez episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

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!

bookmark
plus icon
share episode

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!

bookmark
plus icon
share episode

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!

bookmark
plus icon
share episode

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!

bookmark
plus icon
share episode

0:00 - 2:00 Welcoming notes

2:01 - 5:12 How does someone become the best hostage negotiator in the world / Volunteered on a suicide hotline / How he began his journey into hostage negotiation / Following through on the advice

5:13 - 7:12 How anyone can learn to become a better negotiator in their daily life / It’s all about building your EQ / Negotiation serves two purposes: 1. information gathering 2. behavioral influencing

7:13 - 8:50 His first hostage negotiator call Sep 30th, 1993 bank robbery

8:51 - 13:20 Tools: Late night DJ FM voice, use it to establish authority & comfort / Mirroring, Repeating the last 3 words that the person said ( Thoughts connector ) / Tactical empathy, Use a label to call out a negative to diminish and establish a trust

13:21 - 15:20 How the FBI created these tools / It was based on the science of results

15:21 - 17:03 How did you stay cool when you had someone's life in your hands / You need to learn the process / Your best chance of success is hearing the other side out

17:04 - 20:05 Begging a negotiation with NO oriented question / Why going for a NO is the answer you want / No makes people feel protected

20:06 - 21:57 Bending someone reality / Prospect Theory / Distorting reality

21:58 - 24:09 In the heat of the negotiation how do we stay present and calm / The negative emotions are what hurts us / By labeling the negatives we can calm ourselves

24:10 - 26:46 Gratitude is a path to success / Life Hacks / Habits and Patterns

26:47 - 28:49 One non-obvious habit that changed his life / 3 new things your grateful each day /

28:50 - 31:31 You want the best deal from both sides / Learning the underlying conversation

31:32 - 35:22 The best answer you can get from someone in a negotiation is to say “ That's Right” / Try to move away from “You’re Right”

35:23 - 39:05 3 Different types of Yes’s 1. Confirmation. 2. Commitment. 3. Counterfeit. / Ask 3 calibrated questions to get the Yes

39:06 - 42:00 How to constantly improve your skills / Practice

42:01 - 45:56 How he got Jack Welch to give a lecture at his class / Always go that NO oriented question

45:57 - 48:29 Why you should not be using the word “WHY” / Why makes someone feel defensive

48:30 - 51:07 The criminal he learned the most from / The person who makes himself less important is most times the most important / Not using pronouns

51:08 - 52:25 How to spot a liar / The Pinocchio effect

52:26 - 54:45 Project 120

54:57 - 56:13 What he is currently reading: Joe Dezpenza: Becoming supernatural, You're the placebo

56:14 - 57:36 Books he recommends to read: 1. The rise of superhuman, 2. The talent code. 3. Barking up the wrong tree

57:37 - 1:00.8 Tuesday morning Blogspot sign up TEXT: 22828 “fbiempathy”

1:00.9 - 1:01.20 What message would he tell his younger self

1:01.23 - 1:02.10 Message for everyone to implement

1:.02:11 - 1:03.12 Closing notes

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Fabrice Grinda has been rated #1 angel investor in the world by Forbes. He has invested in more than 400 startups and 150+ exits. He has invested in the likes of Alibaba, Airbnb, Uber, Palantir & many more. Before starting FJ Labs, he started and sold multiple companies including Zingy, OLX. There are so many great takeaways from this interview and lessons we can learn. We get into his beginning days, the companies he founded, his failures, successes and much more, Enjoy!
bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Founder Storiez - Arvind Sankaran Venture Partner @ Jungle Ventures
play

06/04/19 • 69 min

Arvind is a lamplighter. A Lamplighter is someone that goes around and ignites the spark in others. He has a phenomenal story. We learn about him and his journey. There so many gems in this discussion. Enjoy
bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Hey Everyone welcome back to another episode of Founder StorieZ. As you know each week we try to bring you the best guest, so we can learn from their stories and apply those lessons to our own life. This week's episode is a special one. We have serial entrepreneur Dvir, CEO & Co-founder of Spike. Spike has raised $15.3 Million from Insight Partners, NFX, Wix, and the CEO of Zoom. Dvir, Is a lover of extreme sports - and you will hear all about it in our conversation - I think one of the biggest lessons I've learned from speaking with Dvir, is to just jump. Imagine you are going skydiving, and your standing at the edge of the plane, ready to jump, but fear holding you back. This is what it means to JUMP! and get right into it. If you listened to any of the previous episodes you know how our conversations work. It's a soul to soul experience. These conversations are raw - emotional. - vulnerable. We go into depth, about our journeys, our journeys about the ups & downs of life, what drives us, and how we can make a bigger impact This conversation with Dvir is amazing. So if you are someone that doesn't like to get vulnerable, or change their life for the better please don't listen to this, because it will make you wanna change. Dvir thank you for this incredible conversation, your honesty, vulnerability, and the willingness to share! I know the impact our conversation has made on my life. and I know the impact it's going to make on others. So when you the listener, listen to this episode, once, twice, or 3 you will learn so many incredible things to implement in your life today! So Have a great listen, and please share with your friends who you think can benefit too. To reach more listeners and make a bigger impact please subscribe and leave a review. Dvir: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dvir-ben-aroya https://www.spikenow.com/ Ephraim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ephraimyarmak/ SPONSORED BY: This recording is brought to you by the Goodness and Kindness Foundation. If your walking on the street smile at a stranger, do a good deed for someone, and let's all strive to make our impact and make this world a better place.
bookmark
plus icon
share episode

On this episode, we have the privilege of hosting Amit, a seasoned technology professional with over two decades of experience in Silicon Valley. As a venture capitalist, Amit's focus lies in seed-stage applied AI investments, particularly in the realms of Digital Health, Automation (including automotive and robotics), and Enterprise solutions.

Among his notable achievements, Amit played a pivotal role in the success of nuTonomy (a seed-stage venture acquired for an impressive $450 million) during his tenure at Samsung NEXT Ventures. He also contributed significantly to the triumph of Misfit Wearables (another seed-stage success, sold for $260 million) while at Norwest Ventures.

Amit's background extends beyond investing; he has hands-on experience in product development and analytics, both at his startup venture, HealthIQ (which boasted a last disclosed valuation of $450 million in May 2019), and at Google, where he joined the company in its pre-IPO stage and experienced the challenges and rewards of hypergrowth.

Born and raised in Brazil, Amit is a polyglot, proficient in three languages and fluent in two others. He's a true global citizen, having lived in five different parts of the world. Notably, Amit co-founded and has been at the helm of a non-profit organization since 2000. Through crowdfunding efforts, this organization successfully established a high school lab, a library, and even a hospital in rural India, benefiting a community of 100,000 people. For a more in-depth look at this inspiring journey, you can read about it [here](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-build-hospital-your-20s-using-crowdfunding-amit-garg).

Amit's contributions to the world go beyond technology and venture capitalism. He's a sought-after speaker, having graced the stages of three TEDx events (San Francisco, São Paulo, Vitória) and the prestigious Global Competitiveness Forum in Riyadh. Recognized as a young leader (Global Shaper) by the World Economic Forum in Davos, Amit also champions sustainability, living in close proximity to carbon neutrality.

In his personal life, Amit is an accomplished athlete, having completed a 70.3 Ironman, earned qualification for the Boston Marathon, and even conquered the heights of Mount Kilimanjaro. But perhaps most importantly, he possesses a delightful penchant for silliness that adds a unique and enjoyable flavor to his endeavors. Without further ado, let's dive into Amit's fascinating journey and insights on today's podcast."

For transcript and show notes please visit this PAGE

🔗 CONNECT WITH Amit

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!

bookmark
plus icon
share episode
Founder Storiez - Aaron Rosenson Cofounder Aption
play

07/31/24 • 45 min

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!

bookmark
plus icon
share episode

Show more best episodes

Toggle view more icon

FAQ

How many episodes does Founder Storiez have?

Founder Storiez currently has 103 episodes available.

What topics does Founder Storiez cover?

The podcast is about Venture Capital, Entrepreneurship, Investing, Startups, Podcasts, Entrepreneurs and Business.

What is the most popular episode on Founder Storiez?

The episode title 'Roy Rubin VC @ R-Squared Ventures | Founder @ Magento | Finding meaning after selling Magento' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Founder Storiez?

The average episode length on Founder Storiez is 46 minutes.

How often are episodes of Founder Storiez released?

Episodes of Founder Storiez are typically released every 13 days, 1 hour.

When was the first episode of Founder Storiez?

The first episode of Founder Storiez was released on Feb 13, 2019.

Show more FAQ

Toggle view more icon

Comments