The Lobster Talks Podcast by Lobster Capital

By: Gabriel Jarrosson
  • Summary

  • Feast into the Startup Hustle with The Lobster Talks Podcast by Lobster Capital! Craving the real deal on starting and scaling a business?

    The Lobster Talks Podcast by Lobster Capital serves up raw, unscripted conversations with experienced founders who've been there, done that (and gotten the investor backing!).

    Join us as we dissect the triumphs and trials of the entrepreneurial journey, peeling back the layers to reveal the nitty-gritty of building a startup from the ground up. Our guests share their unfiltered insights, hard-won lessons, and practical tips to help you navigate the exciting (and sometimes messy) world of startups.

    Subscribe now and get ready to hear honest, unfiltered stories from seasoned founders, uncover valuable insights and actionable tips for your startup journey, gain inspiration from those who've successfully navigated the fundraising game and join a community of passionate entrepreneurs eager to learn and grow.

    2024 Lobster Capital
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Episodes
  • Piramidal- AI Meets EEG: How This YC Startup is using AI Models to Decode Brainwaves
    Sep 12 2024
    Can AI unlock the secrets of the human brain? Join Gabriel Jarrosson, General Partner of Lobster Capital, as he talks with Dimitris Fotis Sakellariou and Kris Pahuja, the co-founders of Piramidal, a Y Combinator company building a groundbreaking AI model for brainwaves. Learn about their journey from academic research to building a business, the challenges they face in this complex space, and how Y Combinator has helped them accelerate their growth. Key Takeaways: -Piramidal's unique approach: They are building a foundational AI model for EEG brainwaves to translate them into actionable insights for humans. -Addressing a major need: They aim to improve the analysis and interpretation of brainwaves to better diagnose neurological disorders and support well-being. -Challenges of AI in Neuroscience: Data collection and annotation are major hurdles, as brainwave data is more complex and sensitive than other types of AI data. -Y Combinator's impact: YC has played a crucial role in refining their business model, connecting with experts, and accelerating their growth. -The future of Piramidal: They plan to expand their model to incorporate other biosignals (like heart rate, sleep data) and create personalized AI solutions for individuals. EPISODE IN A GLANCE -Introduction and Piramidal's Mission -The Origin Story and Building a Brainwave AI Model -Business Model and Early Discussions -Joining Y Combinator and Early Startup Journey -Technical and Business Challenges with Brainwave Data -Data Access and Importance of Partnerships -Y Combinator's View and Advice for Piramidal -Fundraising Challenges and Success -Finding Investors for Moonshot Ideas -Key Takeaways from Fundraising Process -Future Vision: Beyond EEG -Potential Synergies with Neuralink -Piramidal's Approach vs. Neuralink's Technology -Contact Information and Concluding Remarks ABOUT DIMITRI SAKELLARIOU & KRIS PAHUJA Dimitris holds a PhD in Neuroengineering and AI, and has conducted EEG research for 12 years at St Thomas' Hospital and King's College London. Additionally, brings four years of experience in shipping to production deep learning products for pharma and healthcare clients, as a Lead at IQVIA. Kris is an expert in product and strategy, with significant roles at Google and Spotify. Led the content detection tool initiative at Spotify and drove Chrome OS's expansion into the healthcare market. CONNECT WITH DIMITRI SAKELLARIOU & KRIS PAHUJA Website → https://piramidal.ai/ LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/sacellarius/ LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kris-pahuja-a59a905b/ Email → dimitris@piramidal.ai, kris@piramidal.ai, info@piramidal.ai, & founders@piramidal.ai. GRAB THE BOOK KRIS RECOMMENDS Neuromancer by William Gibson → https://a.co/d/aBASwBv ABOUT GABRIEL JARROSSON Gabriel Jarrosson is a seasoned investor and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in the startup space and the General Partner of Lobster Capital. He has invested over $25M in Y Combinator startups. Having sold three of his own startups, he shares his expertise in his books "My Investor Secrets" and "Investing in Startups: x100 or Nothing." CONNECT WITH GABRIEL JARROSSON YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@lobstercapital Website → https://www.lobstercap.com/ LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrieljarrosson/ Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/lobstercapital/ Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@lobstercapital Stay ahead of the game with the latest startup insights. Subscribe to our newsletter for startup updates and actionable insights → https://lobstercap.ck.page/c34c61a155
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    39 mins
  • Investing in YC Startups with Early Traction - A Case Study in Baubap | Episode 22
    Sep 5 2024

    Is a high valuation a guarantee of success, or is early traction the true indicator of a winning startup?

    Join Gabriel Jarrosson, General Partner of Lobster Capital, as he shares his insights on a successful investment in Baubap, a Y Combinator graduate disrupting the financial landscape in Mexico. Gabriel delves into why he invested in Baubap, highlighting their innovative approach to microloans and their impressive early traction. He also reveals the outcome of the investment, demonstrating how Baubap has become a thriving company with a valuation exceeding $1 billion.

    This episode explores why Y Combinator is a powerful asset class for investors and how to maximize your chances of co-investing in top YC companies. Gabriel outlines Lobster Capital's investment criteria, focusing on the importance of early traction and identifying companies with a distinct "YC premium." He explains how Lobster Capital provides investors with access to these top-performing YC companies and shares valuable insights for those looking to invest in this exciting space.

    Key Takeaways:

    -Y Combinator is a powerful asset class. YC companies have a high rate of success, with 5-6% becoming unicorns and 39% raising Series A funding.

    -Early traction is crucial. Investing in companies with strong early traction can mitigate execution risk and lead to higher returns.

    -Lobster Capital focuses on the top 10% of YC companies. Gabriel only invests in YC companies with the most impressive early traction and growth.

    -Co-investing is a valuable strategy for accessing top YC companies. Investors can gain access to these companies through funds like Lobster Capital, which have a proven track record.

    -Corporate social responsibility can drive positive returns. Baubap's commitment to financial education and customer care has translated into better results and a more sustainable business model.


    EPISODE IN A GLANCE

    00:51 Baubap's innovative approach to microloans and their data-driven model

    01:41 Baubap's Speed of Loan Approval

    02:16 The High Delinquency Rate in Microfinance

    03:15 The importance of early traction in startups and the "YC premium"

    05:41 Lobster Capital's investment strategy, focusing on top-performing YC companies and growth potential

    08:15 Baubap's Valuation and Rapid Growth

    10:30 The Importance of Traction Over Valuation

    11:53 Baubap's social responsibility and financial education approach

    16:28 Lobster Capital's commitment to social impact and helping founders create a better future

    17:53 The impact of Y Combinator's program on Baubap's rapid growth

    18:40 The 'Maniacal Sense of Urgency' Instilled by Y Combinator

    20:39 Why Y Combinator is a valuable asset class and how it influences Lobster Capital's investment decisions

    24:12 How investors can gain access to top YC companies and the benefits of co-investing

    24:14 Advice for Investors Seeking to Invest in Top YC Companies


    ABOUT GABRIEL JARROSSON

    Gabriel Jarrosson is a seasoned investor and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in the startup space and the General Partner of Lobster Capital. He has invested over $25M in Y Combinator startups. Having sold three of his own startups, he shares his expertise in his books "My Investor Secrets" and "Investing in Startups: x100 or Nothing."


    CONNECT WITH GABRIEL JARROSSON

    YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@lobstercapital

    Website → https://www.lobstercap.com/

    LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrieljarrosson/

    Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/lobstercapital/

    Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@lobstercapital


    Stay ahead of the game with the latest startup insights.

    Subscribe to our newsletter for startup updates and actionable insights → https://lobstercap.ck.page/c34c61a155

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    27 mins
  • The Co-Founder's Dilemma & The Unconscious Mind: Candid Conversations on Startup Leadership with Founders of Torch
    Aug 29 2024
    How do a psychotherapist and a psychologist with no tech background build a multi-million dollar coaching business and land a spot in Y Combinator? This episode takes you inside the story of Torch, a company revolutionizing professional development with a unique blend of coaching, software, and behavioral science. Co-founders Cameron Yarbrough and Keegan Walden, both veterans of the psychology and coaching world, share their journey from meeting at a psychotherapy training program to building a successful startup that has raised over $80 million in funding. They reveal the key ingredients behind their success: a shared passion for leadership development, a data-driven approach to coaching, and the invaluable experience of going through Y Combinator. But they also candidly discuss the challenges they faced, particularly the emotional toll of building a business and the importance of self-awareness and mindfulness for founders. This episode is filled with insightful advice for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Listen in to discover the power of effective coaching, the hidden “secrets” of the Y Combinator program, and the importance of personal development for navigating the complex world of startups. EPISODE IN A GLANCE -Introduction of Cameron and Keegan and Torch's Mission -How the Founders Met and Their Shared Background -The Catalyst for Starting Torch -The Story of How the Founders Reconnected -The Value of T-Groups and Its Impact on the Founders -The Early Days of Torch and the Decision to Apply to Y Combinator -Joining Y Combinator and the Importance of a Tech Co-Founder -Fundraising and the Impact of Rapid Growth -Keegan's Departure from Torch and the Co-Founder's Dilemma -The Importance of Addressing Burnout and Personal Growth as a Founder -The Impact of Work on Family Life -The Co-Founder's Dilemma -Transitioning Leadership Roles -The Role of Coaching in Leadership -Reflections on Y Combinator -The Importance of Self-Awareness for Founders ABOUT CAMERON YARBROUGH AND KEEGAN WALDEN Cameron is the co-founder and CEO of Torch, a company that provides professional development services to organizations through a combination of coaching, software, and behavioral science. He has a background as a psychotherapist and executive coach, working with notable tech founders like Garry Tan and Steve Huffman. Keegan is the co-founder of Torch and a psychologist who specializes in leadership development. He has a PhD and brings a deep understanding of the psychology of human behavior and its impact on success. CONNECT WITH CAMERON YARBROUGH AND KEEGAN WALDEN Website → https://torch.io/ LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-yarbrough-60579948/ LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/keegan-walden-ph-d-672ab9101/ LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/torch-labs ABOUT GABRIEL JARROSSON Gabriel Jarrosson is a seasoned investor and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in the startup space and the General Partner of Lobster Capital. He has invested over $25M in Y Combinator startups. Having sold three of his own startups, he shares his expertise in his books "My Investor Secrets" and "Investing in Startups: x100 or Nothing." CONNECT WITH GABRIEL JARROSSON YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@lobstercapital Website → https://www.lobstercap.com/ LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrieljarrosson/ Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/lobstercapital/ Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@lobstercapital Stay ahead of the game with the latest startup insights. Subscribe to our newsletter for startup updates and actionable insights → https://lobstercap.ck.page/c34c61a155
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    43 mins

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