We get it. The startup game is difficult. You need every edge you can get.
Fortunately, there has never been more resources available for founders, VCs, and those with a genuine interest in the world of startups and funding. Here are the top 20 podcasts (in no particular order) we recommend for those looking to level up their knowledge and expertise.
Did we miss a great podcast? Email us at [email protected] and we'll add it to our list!
Table of Contents
"This Week in Startups" with Jason Calacanis
With 1,100+ episodes that include interviews with the world’s great founders, investors, innovators, and operators, This Week in Startups will give you an edge in whatever vertical you are operating in. Episodes last about 1 to 1.5 hours.
"Entrepreneur Ethos" with Jarie Bolander
"The Entrepreneur Ethos," hosted by Jarie Bolander, has aired over 100 episodes, each lasting from 30 minutes to an hour. The podcast delves into the values of resilience and inclusivity integral to entrepreneurship.
One of its most notable episodes, "Butter Side Up with Jane Enright," showcases how adversity can be transformed into opportunity, underlining the podcast's theme of resilient entrepreneurial spirit.
"The OpenVC Podcast" with Harrison Faull
OK, I'm biased but this is my post, so I'll do what I want.
The OpenVC podcast is an AMAZING show. Twice a month, Harrison Faull goes in depth with an investor and breaks down their investment thesis and sourcing strategy. This is a fantastic source of insights for founders about to raise and looking for investor insights.
"Bottom Line" With the Business Dean
Bottom Line With The Business Dean
Hosted by Dr. Elad Granot, entrepreneur, investor, and Dean of Cleveland’s Business School - the prestigious Boler College of Business at John Carroll University, the Bottom Line podcast talks about VC, technology, startups, failure, and more.
Episodes generally run from 30 minutes to an hour. A standout episode featured a collaboration with Jeff Durso, discussing MBAs, CPAs, and business futures.
"Catalyst" with Shayle Kann
If you are building in climate tech, then Shayle Kann’s podcast is essential. Every Thursday a new episode drops that features a different expert, investor, executive, or researcher.
Shayle Kann has dived into climate tech and decarbonization with over 150 episodes. Each episode, lasting around 45 minutes, features Kann discussing with experts how to tackle climate change through technology, economics, and innovation.
"The Future of Everything" by The Wall Street Journal
'The Future of Everything' by The Wall Street Journal
Like the name states, this podcast explores what the future looks like for current trends. Whether it is mental health or sportstech, this is a great podcast for the curious and those with a passion for building the world of tomorrow.
Co-hosted by Danny Lewis and Alex Ossola, episodes drop weekly, each around 30 minutes long.
"Lenny’s Podcast" with Lenny Rachitsky
Lenny’s Podcast offers interviews with world-class product leaders and growth experts to provide actionable advice for listeners to build, launch, grow, and scale their own products.
Hosted by Lenny Rachitsky, it has over 200 episodes, each lasting about 60 to 90 minutes. A standout episode featured Brian Chesky of Airbnb.
"Venture Unlocked" with Samir Kaji
If you need guidance on building out your VC firm, then this podcast is for you. Samir Kaji has over two decades of experience in advising both startups and VC firms.
Episodes average an hour, discussing fundraising, portfolio management, and emerging trends with industry luminaries. It's a go-to for those in or aspiring to venture capital.
"Invisible Ink" with Shubha Chakravarthy
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/invisible-ink/id1626906758
In "Invisible Ink", Shubha Chakravarthy shares the experiences of under-resourced women entrepreneurs. Each episode lasts 30 to 60 minutes and explores entrepreneurial challenges, successes, and strategies for growth, with a particular focus on women in tech.
"Equity" by TechCrunch
"Equity," TechCrunch's flagship podcast, has aired well over 800 episodes. Hosted by Alex Wilhelm, Natasha Mascarenhas, and Mary Ann Azevedo, episodes last around 30 minutes to an hour, covering startup news, venture capital, and tech trends.
"The Full Ratchet" with Nick Moran
"The Full Ratchet" with Nick Moran, started in 2014, has over 450 episodes. Each episode is about an hour, focusing on venture capital, startup investing, and entrepreneurial stories.
If you're looking to start it, I'd suggest the episode featuring Samir Kaul from Khosla Ventures, discussing early investments in OpenAI, highlighting the strategic foresight in tech investments, and sparking conversations on AI's future impact.
"The All-In Podcast" with the besties
"The All-In Podcast," with Chamath Palihapitiya, Jason Calacanis, David Sacks and David Friedberg is among the biggest startup podcasts. More than 200 episodes, typically lasting an hour to two, on everything from economics to technology to politics (with some very controversial episodes over the past few months).
"Invest Like the Best" with Patrick O'Shaughnessy
Invest Like the Best features conversations with top investors and business leaders. Hosted by Patrick O'Shaughnessy, has produced over 500 episodes since 2016, each episode averaging around an hour.
"Bankless" with Ryan Sean Adams and David Hoffman
If you are building or investing in the world of Crypto Finance. DeFi, NFTs, and cryptocurrencies, then the Bankless podcast needs to be on your radar. From regulation to NFT trends, hosted by Ryan Sean Adams and David Hoffman talk about it all.
"Startup Garage" with Vaibhav Gogia
Learn about the ups and downs of startups as well as what it takes to be a successful founder in this podcast powered by Microsoft for Startups. Hosted by Vaibhav Gogia, Startup Garage has over 50 episodes, with each episode lasting about 30-60 minutes.
"The Twenty Minute VC" with Harry Stebbings
If you want to learn from the world’s greatest venture capitalists, then point your ears to the Twenty Minute VC. With guests such as legendary VC Bill Gurley and founders like Snowflake’s Frank Slootman, this is mandatory listening.
"How I Built This" with Guy Raz
With nearly 500 episodes, How I Built This is a must listen to podcast. Guy Raz interviews the world’s best-known entrepreneurs to learn how they built their legendary companies. Listeners get insights regarding everything from conquering doubt to dealing with success.
"Strategy & Tragedy" with Stephanie Melodia
https://www.stephaniemelodia.com/strategy-tragedy-podcast
"Strategy & Tragedy" focuses on entrepreneurial journeys, with each episode around 30-60 minutes.
Host Stephanie Melodia highlights successes and setbacks of founders. A notable episode featured Nick Telson-Sillett, discussing his experience with DesignMyNight, offering insights into scaling a startup and navigating through strategic shifts.
"Capital Allocators" with Ted Seides
"Capital Allocators" with Ted Seides has produced over 600 episodes, each episode typically an hour in length. It focuses on asset management and investment strategies, portfolio management, and the art of capital allocation.
"Masters of Scale" with Reid Hoffman
Masters of Scale talks everything regarding entrepreneurship with everyone from Reed Hastings to Mark Zuckerberg. It has over 200 episodes, each around 30-45 minutes, explores how companies grow from zero to massive impact. Make sure to put it on your list.
"Acquired" with Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal
"Acquired," hosted by Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal, boasts over 200 episodes, each typically 3-4 hours long, dubbed "conversational audiobooks." It covers the history and strategies behind major tech companies and IPOs, with deep dives into firms like Apple and Tesla. A notable episode is their extensive analysis on NVIDIA, praised for its thoroughness and insider insights, making it both popular and highly informative.
"EUVC" with Andreas Munk Holm
"EU VC," hosted by Andreas Munk Holm, has released around 100 episodes, each episode lasting roughly 45-60 minutes.
The podcast focuses on European venture capital, discussing investments, exits, and startup ecosystems across Europe, especially the challenges that come with scaling in Europe.
"From Zero to Unicorn" (Spanish) with Pablo Aravena
https://open.spotify.com/show/6AdLB3tvepmRqeV3OyrYqm?si=caf33e8ba81f413a
Hosted by Pablo Aravena, this podcast in Spanish talk about startup founders and their mistakes, learning, and success. A valuable addition to your playlist if you're a Spanish speaker and/or you focus on the LatAm scene.
"For Starters" with Alexa Von Tobel
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-starters-with-alexa-von-tobel/id1455941009
Hosted by Alexa Von Tobel, "For Starters" has aired over 200 episodes, each lasting 30-60 minutes. In each episode, Alexa interviews entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of technology.
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Did we miss a great podcast? Email us at [email protected] and we'll add it to our list!
