🎙️ Seed to Harvest | Stories from Technical Storytellers Welcome to Seed to Harvest, the podcast by Behind Genius Ventures. We talk to early-stage founders, operators, and investors—people building with code and conviction. Each episode is a chapter in their story: from the messy beginnings to the quiet pivots, from planting ideas to growing companies that matter. Expect: 🌱 Honest conversations on the earliest chapters of company-building 🧠 Tactical insights from technical minds with narrative soul ✨ Reflections on resilience, rituals, and reinventing what’s possible This podcast is for the builders who think in frameworks and metaphors. The ones who whiteboard in wild places. The ones writing their own mythologies—one commit, pitch, or poem at a time. From spark to story. From seed to harvest. 🌾
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July 15, 2025Episode 9719 min
What 640 Oxford Founding Partner Adam Gartenberg Learned on 400 Factory Tours| Ep. 97
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, host Paige Doherty sits down with Adam Gartenberg, co-founder at 640 Oxford and former Head of Product & Ops at Uber Rider Innovation. They discuss Adam's 400 factory tours to build unique investment insights, how to build with urgency, the psychology of early-stage execution, and Adam’s unique lens on product strategy, shaped by startup experience and scaling inside Uber. Watch the full episode for: Early-stage speed & decision-making Leading product in scrappy vs. scaled environments Lessons from Uber & 640 Oxford Advice for builders trying to gain traction Connect with Paige 🌱💜 Behind Genius Ventures blog | https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/ Personal Blog | https://paigefinndoherty.com/ Twitter | https://x.com/paigefinnn Connect with Adam Gartenberg 🌱💜 Twitter | https://x.com/adamgartenberg Email | adam@sixfortyoxford.com Support the show
June 18, 2025Episode 9643 min
Alex Bean on Selling Divvy for $2.5B, Early Hustles, & Building Factory for Good | Ep 96
Send us Fan Mail Alex Bean, co-founder of Divvy (acquired by BILL.com for $2.5B), joins us to share his founder journey - from teaching ski lessons at 16 to starting multiple scrappy businesses, to scaling Divvy into a fintech giant. In this episode, we talk about the lessons learned from both early failures and billion-dollar success, what not to do when launching a company, and how he's now building Factory to support other founders. This episode includes: • His earliest business ideas (including one called “Plum Tree Jewelry”) • Why chasing margins doesn’t work • Divvy’s scale-up and acquisition journey • What he's building now with Factory for Good • Advice to young founders just getting started Reach out to Paige: paige@behindgeniusventures.com Twitter/X: https://x.com/paigefinnn Website: https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/ Connect with Alex: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexbean/ Factory for Good– https://factoryforgood.com/ Listen to Seed to Harvest everywhere: Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seed-to-harvest/id1600933931 Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/@seedtoharvest/videos Support the show
May 14, 2025Episode 9535 min
James Evans’ Lessons Learned Building a >$50M YC-Backed Business & Selling it to a Public Company | Ep 95
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, James Evans, co-founder of Command AI (acq by Amplitude), shares his entrepreneurial journey- from childhood ambitions to launching a startup in college and scaling it through YC. He talks about turning a side project into a venture-backed company, navigating the startup grind, and eventually getting acquired by Amplitude. James breaks down the realities of startup life, including hiring, sales vs. product-led growth, and the psychological weight of being a founder. He also walks through the acquisition process, post-acquisition integration, and how he’s continuing to grow in a new role. This episode is packed with candid insight into early-stage building, decision-making, and what comes after the “win.” 00:00 Starting a Company: The Myth vs. Reality 00:08 Interview with James Evans: Early Life and Entrepreneurial Aspirations 01:41 College Days: The Birth of Command AI 02:50 From Side Project to Startup 04:31 Entering Private Equity After Graduation 05:34 The YC Experience and Why Speed Matters 13:26 Marketing and Growth: What Actually Works 16:32 Conserving Innovation and Picking the Right Bets 16:54 Remote Work as a Strategic Choice 17:48 Marketing: From Popups to Planes 19:17 Avoiding Overthinking and Moving Fast 20:30 Angel Investing and Operating Insights 22:38 Hiring, Firing, and Early Team Building 26:02 The Amplitude Acquisition: How It Happened 30:14 After the Exit: Integration and Personal Growth Connect with Paige 🌱💜 Behind Genius Ventures blog | https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/ Personal Blog | https://paigefinndoherty.com/ Twitter | https://x.com/paigefinnn Links 🔗 James Evans – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesbevans/ 🔗 CommandBar – https://www.commandbar.com/ 🔗 Y Combinator – https://www.ycombinator.com/ 🔗 Amplitude – https://amplitude.com/ Support the show
May 6, 2025Episode 9424 min
Lessons I Learned Writing and Self-Publishing a Children's Book About VC | Ep 94
Send us Fan Mail Hi everyone! In this episode, I’m doing something a little different — walking you through the three phases of self-publishing my first book , Seed to Harvest , a children’s book about venture capital. I’ll share the full behind-the-scenes: how I came up with the idea, what the writing and publishing process looked like, how much money I made (real numbers!), and how this book helped launch Behind Genius Ventures. In this episode, I cover: How to validate book ideas like a startup What it actually costs to publish a book (and how I crowdfunded it) How writing Seed to Harvest helped me raise a $5M venture fund How being online (especially on Twitter) played a major role in all of this What I’d do differently next time Whether you’re curious about writing a book, starting a fund, or just love a good build-in-public story, I hope this helps you take the leap on your own creative project. 📍Follow me: Twitter (X): @paigefinnn Email: paige@behindgeniusventures.com Website: behindgeniusventures.com Book: Seed to Harvest: A Simple Explanation of Venture Capital available on Amazon Support the show
April 24, 2025Episode 931 hr 2 min
Tom McLeod on Startups, Tech, and Creative Financing | Ep 93
Send us Fan Mail Tom McLeod isn’t your typical founder or investor. He bootstrapped a SaaS to 100k users, built a League of Legends app used by millions, sold it to Tencent, and now backs businesses at the intersection of identity, community, and cashflow. Think: car clubs, not cloud infra. In this episode of Seed to Harvest, Tom breaks down: • The 3 founder archetypes he’s seen across cycles • Why he hires founders (even though they always leave) • What he learned going from bootstrapped to venture-backed • How he thinks about underwriting non-venture-scale returns It’s a fresh take for anyone rethinking capital models or scouting overlooked operator talent. Connect with Paige 🌱💜 Behind Genius Ventures blog - https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/ Personal Blog - https://paigefinndoherty.com/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/paigefinnn Connect with Tom 🌱💜 Email- Tom@saltwater.com Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/tmcleod/?hl=en Twitter- https://x.com/tmcleod3?lang=en Support the show
April 10, 2025Episode 9350 min
NJOY's Journey: From $1B Val to Bankruptcy to $2.75 Billion Dollar Exit | What It Takes Ep 1
Send us Fan Mail In this special series of 'What It Takes,' Paige and analyst Chinwuba interview founders who have sold their companies for more than $1B. Our first episode features Mark Weiss and Jeff Weiss, the founders of NJOY, a billion-dollar e-cigarette company. They dive into the entrepreneurial journey, starting from their upbringing in a family of lawyers and athletes to the unique inception of NJOY after discovering electronic cigarettes through a mentor. Mark explains the challenges NJOY faced, including the legal battles with the FDA, which they successfully overcame, allowing them to pioneer in the e-cigarette market. Jeff shares insights into the company's significant pivots, financial struggles, and eventual recovery post-bankruptcy. They also discuss substantial investments from prominent figures like Peter Thiel and Sean Parker, navigating regulatory hurdles, and NJOY's eventual acquisition by Altria. The episode highlights lessons learned, the importance of adaptability, and reflects on the rewarding yet turbulent journey of building a groundbreaking company. Connect with Paige and Chinwuba 🌱💜 Behind Genius Ventures blog | https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/ Personal Blog | https://paigefinndoherty.com/ Twitter | https://twitter.com/paigefinnn Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/chinwubaezesike/ 00:00 Introduction to the Series and Guests 00:32 Growing Up in a Big Family 02:36 The Birth of NJOY 06:08 Early Challenges and Breakthroughs 12:50 Legal Battles with the FDA 20:48 Financing and Growth 23:16 The Rise of NJOY 24:13 Challenges Leading to Bankruptcy 25:23 The Pivot to Flavors and Nicotine Salts 27:08 The Bankruptcy and Downsizing 28:09 The Struggle with Investors and Market Share 30:42 Emotional and Strategic Reflections 33:15 Reemergence and Fresh Start 39:24 Acquisition by Altria 42:54 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts Support the show
February 26, 2025Episode 9241 min
The Business of Broadway: Behind the Scenes with Tony Award Winner Sue Gilad | Ep 92
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of 'Seed to Harvest,' hosted by Paige Finn Doherty, delve into the intricate world of Broadway with five-time Tony Award-winning Broadway producer, Sue Gilad. Sue shares her journey from a childhood love of theater to becoming a major Broadway producer. She offers a detailed look at the production process, including the roles behind-the-scenes, financing, and the impact of COVID-19 on the Broadway industry. Highlights include the making of 'Moulin Rouge! The Musical,' insights into fundraising and producing, and the excitement of winning a Tony Award. Tune in to learn about the business side of bringing Broadway magic to life and the similarities between venture capital and Broadway production. Connect with Paige 🌱💜 Behind Genius Ventures blog | https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/ Personal Blog | https://paigefinndoherty.com/ Twitter | https://twitter.com/paigefinnn 00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement 00:53 Sue Gilad's Early Love for Theater 02:35 Behind the Scenes of Broadway Productions 04:18 The Business Side of Broadway 08:21 The Journey of Moulin Rouge! The Musical 13:20 Impact of COVID-19 on Broadway 16:31 Role and Responsibilities of a Broadway Producer 19:31 Producing Shows in the UK vs. Broadway 21:00 The Unpredictability of Producing Shows 21:22 Discovering New Productions 22:18 Fundraising for Theatre 22:52 The Risks and Rewards of Investing in Theatre 26:13 The Thrill of Winning a Tony 30:32 Industry Jargon and Favorite Tools 34:40 Navigating Age and Success in the Industry 39:17 Final Thoughts and Recommendations Moulin Rouge! The Musical https://moulinrougemusical.com The Outsiders Musical (including upcoming tour dates) https://outsidersmusical.com Broadway.com (for general show info, tickets, and news) https://www.broadway.com TKTS Discount Tickets (for half-price Broadway tickets) https://www.tdf.org/discount-ticket-programs/tkts-by-tdf BroadwaySF (for touring Broadway productions in SF) https://www.broadwaysf.com Support the show
February 5, 2025Episode 9139 min
Tackling Mold Toxicity with MoldCo CEO Ariana Thacker | Ep 91
Send us Fan Mail From Mold Toxicity to Million Dollar Startup: Ariana Thacker's Inspiring Journey with MoldCo In this episode of 'Seed to Harvest,' host Paige Finn Doherty welcomes back Ariana Thacker of MoldCo. They discuss Ariana's journey from discovering toxic mold in her home while running Conscience VC to founding MoldCo, a healthcare platform tackling mold toxicity. Ariana shares her personal health struggles, the deep research into mold-related toxicity, her innovative healthcare solutions, and raising a $3 million pre-seed round. They also delve into the misconceptions about mold, the process of treating mold toxicity, and the importance of having a resilient and value-driven approach in building a startup. A call to action for those who might be affected by Mold Toxicity: MoldCo is now available in Texas and Florida, with a planned nationwide rollout by the end of the year. If you or someone you know is affected by Mold Toxicity, Ariana recommends signing up on MoldCo's waitlist at moldco.com and ordering a $99 MoldCo Standard lab Panel to get clarity on your symptoms. https://access.moldco.com/labs 00:00 Welcome Back to Seed to Harvest 00:36 Ariana's Mold Journey Begins 01:22 Discovering the Mold Problem 06:14 Meeting the Messiah of Mold 08:21 Launching MoldCo 13:42 Understanding Mold Illness 16:44 The Science Behind Mold Illness 20:50 The Role of AI in Mold Research 25:42 Personal Values and Company Culture 36:36 Reflections and Future Plans Support the show
January 29, 2025Episode 909 min
the technical storyteller: a founder archetype | Ep 90
Send us Fan Mail The Technical Storyteller: A Founder Archetype In our April 2024 Fund II launch, featured in Fortune magazine, we made it clear that we back the best storytellers. Some might assume that when we say “storytellers,” we mean people who are skilled at talking. But in our view, storytelling is far more about listening and deeply understanding context. The best storytellers help us see the invisible — they show us the unseen paths to success. To expand on this thesis, we want to dive deeper into the type of storyteller we believe in: the technical storyteller . This founder archetype combines technical expertise with the ability to narrate a compelling vision, while adapting to the complexities of their landscape. In this short solo episode, I'll cover: What is a Technical Storyteller? A Metaphor: Building and Navigating a Vehicle Why the Landscape Matters Most Are technical storytellers born or made? You can also read more at https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/post/technical-storyteller We'll be publishing our next episode soon, welcome back! Support the show
March 26, 2024Episode 8930 min
NYC’s Early Stage Venture Evolution with Lerer Hippeau Managing Partner Ben Lerer | Ep 89
Send us Fan Mail Today, I am joined by Ben Lerer, the Managing Partner at Lerer Hippeau, an early stage venture firm based in New York that invests in iconic companies that rattle the status quo. Ben shares insights into his journey from founding digital media company Group Nine Media, including the creation of Thrillist, to transitioning into full-time investing after selling his business. Ben highlights how his background in media and operating companies influences his approach to venture capital, emphasizing the excitement, challenges, and rewards of being on the investor side of the table. Seed to Harvest is a podcast focused on stories & tactics from a diverse array of investors, founders, and creators, hosted by Paige Finn Doherty, a founding partner at Behind Genius Ventures and author of Seed to Harvest, an illustrated children's book for adults. Connect with Paige 🌱💜 Behind Genius Ventures blog | https://www.behindgeniusventures.com/ Personal Blog | https://paigefinndoherty.com/ Twitter | https://twitter.com/paigefinnn 00:00 Welcome to Seed To Harvest: Ben Lerer 02:02 becoming a full-time investor 04:40 challenges with a growing company 06:25 investing more into fund l 08:22 intuition changing from qualitative to quantitative 10:28 the trick of this market 12:32 Ben’s founder process 15:28 delineating a good design from a great design 18:37 lessons learned from Bob Pittman 22:37 what Ben been learning recently Show notes: Ben Lerer | https://twitter.com/benjlerer?lang=en Lerer Hippeau | https://www.lererhippeau.com/ Group Nine Media | https://twitter.com/groupninemedia?lang=en Thrillist | https://www.thrillist.com/ Bob Pittman | https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-pittman/ POPSUGAR | https://www.popsugar.com/entertainment Brian Sugar | https://www.linkedin.com/in/briansugar/ Sugar Capital | https://sugarcap.com/ Support the show
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