Episodes

  • Debunking misconceptions about Y Combinator

    Debunking misconceptions about Y Combinator
    Nov 22 2024

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be financial advice. I am not a licensed financial advisor. Any actions you take based on the information presented are at your own risk. Please consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.
    Show more Show less
    42 mins
  • Y Combinator's Evolution: S24 Demo Day, AI, 4 Batches, and the Rise of B2B

    Y Combinator's Evolution: S24 Demo Day, AI, 4 Batches, and the Rise of B2B
    Sep 27 2024

    Are you curious about where venture capital is heading and how Y Combinator is shaping the future? Lobster Capital's Gabriel Jarrosson has the inside scoop!

    In this episode, Gabriel Jarrosson dives into the evolving world of venture capital, focusing on emerging trends and the unique opportunities within the Y Combinator ecosystem. He shares his excitement about AI's prominence in the upcoming YC batch, emphasizing the importance of real-world problem-solving and revenue generation. Gabriel also discusses the positive implications of YC's move to four batches a year, including improved mentorship, media exposure, and deal flow for investors like Lobster Capital.

    The conversation also highlights the significance of B2B software in YC's portfolio, exploring the reasons behind its dominance and the continued importance of B2C innovation. Gabriel's data-driven approach and belief in YC as a distinct asset class further illuminate Lobster Capital's investment strategy. He concludes with his optimistic predictions for the future of YC and venture capital as a whole. Don't miss this episode for valuable insights and a glimpse into the dynamic world of startups and investments.


    EPISODE IN A GLANCE

    00:00 Y Combinator's Latest News (Demo Day, 4 batches per year, and the rise of AI)

    05:21 The Y Combinator Network: Impact and De-risking Investments

    11:30 The Shift Toward B2B Software and Fintech in YC's Unicorn Portfolio

    13:57 The Future of Venture Capital: AI, Impact Investing, and New Models

    17:53 Lobster Capital's Focus on Early Traction and Strategy

    23:46 The Importance of the YC Ecosystem: An Asset Class in Itself

    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
    Show more Show less
    30 mins
  • Mastering the Art of the Exit: Madeleine D'Angelo's YC Journey to a Masterworks Acquisition

    Mastering the Art of the Exit: Madeleine D'Angelo's YC Journey to a Masterworks Acquisition
    Sep 19 2024

    Have you ever wondered how art and AI could possibly intersect? Today's guest, Madeleine D'Angelo, co-founder of Arthena, is here to tell us how she revolutionized the art market with data and machine learning, leading to a successful acquisition by Masterworks.

    In this episode of The Lobster Talks Podcast, we dive into the inspiring founder journey of Madeleine D'Angelo. Starting with a background in art history, Madeleine shares how she found her way into the tech world and built Arthena, a company that brought quantitative reasoning and pricing to the art market. We'll hear about her experience at Y Combinator, the challenges she faced along the way, and ultimately, the decision to sell Arthena to Masterworks. Madeleine also gives us a glimpse into her new venture, The Barker Price, where she's applying AI to the insurance industry. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of art, technology, and entrepreneurship.

    EPISODE IN A GLANCE

    00:00 Introduction to Madelaine D'Angelo and Arthena

    02:08 The Founding Story: Bringing Math and AI to the Art Market

    04:55 YC's Impact on Arthena's Growth

    09:22 Madeleine's New Venture: AI Pricing for Insurance

    15:25 The Exit: Arthena's Acquisition by Masterworks

    24:05 What Excites Madelaine About Her New Venture

    26:34 Book/Quote That Impacted Madelaine's Life


    ABOUT MADELAINE D'ANGELO

    Madeleine D'Angelo is a serial entrepreneur with a passion for blending art and technology. Co-founder of Arthena, she revolutionized the art market by introducing quantitative analysis and machine learning to art valuation. After a successful exit to Masterworks, Madeleine embarked on a new venture, The Barker Price, applying AI to the insurance industry. Driven by a love for problem-solving and a fascination with data, Madeleine is a force to be reckoned with in the tech world.


    CONNECT WITH MADELAINE D'ANGELO

    Email → madelaine@thebarkerprice.com

    LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelaine-d-angelo-b3508816/

    LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebarkerprice/

    LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/arthena/


    GRAB THE BOOK MADELAINE RECOMMENDS → Shackleton's Way: Leadership Lessons from the Great Antarctic Explorer https://a.co/d/3XYcKJi


    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
    Show more Show less
    31 mins
  • Piramidal- AI Meets EEG: How This YC Startup is using AI Models to Decode Brainwaves

    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
    Show more Show less
    39 mins
  • Investing in YC Startups with Early Traction - A Case Study in Baubap | Episode 22

    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
    Show more Show less
    27 mins
  • The Co-Founder's Dilemma & The Unconscious Mind: Candid Conversations on Startup Leadership with Founders of Torch

    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
    Show more Show less
    43 mins
  • Why Invest in Y Combinator Startups? The Lobster Capital Advantage | Episode 20

    Why Invest in Y Combinator Startups? The Lobster Capital Advantage | Episode 20
    Aug 8 2024
    Is your investment portfolio missing the "Michelin Star" of YC startup investing? Gabriel Jarrosson, the solo general partner at Lobster Capital, pulls back the curtain on his unique approach to investing in the very best Y Combinator (YC) companies. In this episode of the second season of Lobster Talks, Gabriel Jarrosson, a seasoned entrepreneur turned investor, shares his incredible journey from angel investing to founding Lobster Capital, a fund dedicated to backing the most promising YC startups. He unveils the secrets behind his exclusive access to high-profile deals, often co-investing alongside giants like Google Ventures and Bessemer Venture Partners. Gabriel's deep understanding of technology, entrepreneurial experience, and vast network make him a valuable partner for founders and a sought-after resource for investors. He shares his rigorous investment criteria, emphasizing the importance of early traction, scalability, and a founder's ability to articulate a clear vision for growth. Key Takeaways: -Lobster Capital's Focus: Lobster Capital specializes in funding the very best Y Combinator startups, a highly competitive space where early traction and scalability are paramount. -The Value of Early Traction: Gabriel highlights the importance of early traction and revenue as a key indicator of a startup's potential for success, emphasizing the need to invest in companies already demonstrating a clear path to growth. -Beyond Capital: Providing Value: Lobster Capital goes beyond simply writing checks, offering practical guidance on customer acquisition, sales, SEO, and more, drawing on Gabriel's own entrepreneurial experience and extensive network within the VC community. -YC as a Mark of Quality: Gabriel compares YC to a Michelin star rating for restaurants, highlighting the rigorous vetting process and high-quality founders that emerge from the program. -The Silicon Valley Advantage: Despite the rise of European startups, Gabriel argues that Silicon Valley remains the epicenter of innovation, and Y Combinator is the gold standard for early-stage tech companies. -The AI Boom: While acknowledging the increasing presence of AI startups within YC, Gabriel emphasizes the importance of filtering and selection, ensuring that Lobster Capital's portfolio encompasses a diverse range of promising ventures. EPISODE IN A GLANCE 00:00 Intro 00:20 Founding Story of Lobster Capital 01:13 Journey to Silicon Valley and Y Combinator 01:36 Challenges and Strategies in Y Combinator Investing 02:14 Building Lobster Capital's Brand and Fund 03:02 Focus on YC Startups and Unicorns 05:19 Gaining Access to YC Demo Day 06:46 Early Successes and Building Reputation 07:33 Providing Value Beyond Capital 14:32 Evaluating Startups at YC Demo Day 20:35 Evaluating Startup Growth Strategies 21:44 The Relevance of YC in 2024 22:44 YC's Shift and New Leadership 26:12 The AI Emphasis at YC 30:06 Investing in US vs. European Startups 31:48 The Future of European Startups 38:10 The Value Proposition of YC 42:18 The Michelin Star of Startup Investing 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
    Show more Show less
    44 mins
  • Coba - Say Goodbye to Payment Hassles! Discover The YC Startup for Cross-Border Transactions in Latin America | Episode 19

    Coba - Say Goodbye to Payment Hassles! Discover The YC Startup for Cross-Border Transactions in Latin America | Episode 19
    Aug 1 2024
    Are you a contractor working overseas? How do you navigate the complexities of cross-border payments? In this episode of Lobster Talks, host Gabriel Jarrosson dives into the world of cross-border payments with Eduardo de Leon, co-founder and Head of Product at Coba, a Y Combinator-backed fintech startup. Eduardo shares his journey from a software development background to launching Coba, a platform designed to empower contractors in Latin America by providing access to the US banking system and simplifying financial transactions between the US and Mexico. Eduardo reveals the origins of Coba, initially aimed at connecting talent with US companies. Through extensive user interviews, they uncovered a critical pain point: the need for financial services tailored to cross-border workers. This realization led to a pivotal shift in their business model, propelling them into the fintech industry and ultimately leading to their acceptance into Y Combinator. Eduardo talks about the challenges and opportunities of cross-border payments, the importance of understanding local markets, and how Coba is leveraging technology to bridge the gap between different economies. He also shares insights on the decision-making process as a co-founder, the role of crypto in cross-border transactions, and the valuable lessons learned from their Y Combinator experience. EPISODE IN A GLANCE - Eduardo's Background and the Inspiration Behind Coba - Coba's Platform and Services for Contractors in Latin America - Pivoting the Business Model and Decision-Making as Co-Founders - The Cross-Border Payments Landscape and Focusing on the US-Mexico Corridor - Crypto's Role in Cross-Border Payments and Potential Integration with Coba - Coba's Experience with Y Combinator and Lessons Learned - Future Plans for Coba and Expanding Services - Book Recommendations: 'Hackers & Painters' and 'The Mythical Man-Month' ABOUT EDUARDO LOPEZ DE LEON Co-founder & Head of Product @ Coba. Previously to founding Coba.ai, Eduardo started IcaliaLabs.com operating from LatAm and working with US clients. He had the opportunity to work with fast-growing startups, corporates such as IBM, and big software factories such as Infosys. CS professor of Monterrey Tech. CONNECT WITH EDUARDO & COBA Website → https://coba.ai/ Eduardo's Website → https://edolopez.ai LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/elopezdeleon/ LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/cobaremote X/Twitter → https://x.com/edolopez X/Twitter → https://x.com/cobaremote YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@cobaremote Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/edolopez.io GRAB THE BOOKS EDUARDO RECOMMENDS: -Paul Graham's Hackers & Painters: Big Ideas from the Computer Age (https://a.co/d/3nccG3N) -Fred Brooks' The Mythical Man-Month (https://a.co/d/ewA2lFy) 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
    Show more Show less
    37 mins