The Fabric

Hosted by Lobby Capital

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Latest episode

Feb 2026

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EN-US

About the show

The Fabric, a podcast from Lobby Capital, explores what drives entrepreneurial success. Through in-depth interviews and case studies Buddy Arnheim, a general partner and co-founder of Lobby Capital, explores the unique motivations, characteristics, experiences, connections, and luck that propel these courageous people to challenge the status quo, push the limits, and achieve success. Engaging and uniquely insightful, the Fabric provides an inside look into the amazing people behind the next generation of industry-changing businesses and reaffirms the bespoke nature of entrepreneurial success.

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23 recent

February 18, 20261 hr 3 min

Lt. Gen. Paul Ostrowski | Episode 22

In this episode of The Fabric, Buddy Arnheim sits down with Lieutenant General Paul Ostrowski, a retired three-star U.S. Army leader whose 36-year career spans Special Forces, Army acquisition, and Operation Warp Speed.From growing up in rural Arkansas to graduating from West Point and serving in elite Special Operations units, Paul shares the formative experiences that shaped his leadership philosophy. He reflects on the discipline and mental resilience forged at the Academy, the realities of modern warfare, and his transition from operational command to transforming the Army through acquisition.Paul offers a rare inside look at defense innovation, explaining how new technologies move from concept to battlefield and why speed, dual-use capability, and practical deployment matter more than ever. He also recounts his role in Operation Warp Speed, helping mobilize one of the most complex public-private efforts in modern history to develop, manufacture, and distribute COVID-19 vaccines at unprecedented speed.The conversation explores:• The leadership lessons forged at West Point and in Special Forces• How procurement and innovation shape the future battlefield• The importance of AI, cyber, and space in modern defense• What startups need to understand when working with the Department of Defense• The team effort behind Operation Warp SpeedAbove all, Paul emphasizes that no mission is accomplished alone. Behind every breakthrough stands a team committed to service, resilience, and shared purpose.

April 21, 202548 min

Alexa and James Hirschfeld, Co-Founders of Paperless Post | Episode 21

In this episode of The Fabric, Buddy sits down with James and Alexa Hirschfeld, the sibling co-founders of Paperless Post. From the company’s early days in 2009 to its role today as a go-to platform for designing and managing meaningful events, James and Aleksa share the personal and entrepreneurial journey that brought Paperless Post to life.We go beyond metrics and markets to uncover what drives their vision—from crafting beautiful digital experiences to navigating the challenges of startup life as family and business partners. You’ll hear about the traits, decisions, and moments of serendipity that helped them build a business that continues to redefine how we gather.Whether you’re planning your next event or building your next company, this conversation unravels the fabric of what makes a modern founder story so compelling.

March 12, 202558 min

Bernard Aceituno, Co-Founder of Stack AI | Episode 20

What if you could build powerful AI-driven applications—without writing a single line of code? In this episode of The Fabric, host Buddy, General Partner and Co-Founder of Lobby Capital, sits down with Bernard Aceituno, the visionary behind Stack AI, a groundbreaking no-code platform that’s changing how businesses harness artificial intelligence. As a proud portfolio company of Lobby Capital, Stack AI is on a mission to democratize AI, making it accessible to companies of all sizes.Bernard’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From growing up in Venezuela amidst political and economic turbulence to diving deep into the world of AI and machine learning, his story is a masterclass in resilience, curiosity, and innovation. We explore his early fascination with technology, the moments that shaped his entrepreneurial mindset, and how Stack AI is redefining automation for modern enterprises.Tune in for an inspiring conversation about breaking barriers in AI, the mindset of a founder, and the thrill of solving problems that matter. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, entrepreneur, or just love a great origin story, this episode is packed with insights and energy you won’t want to miss.

January 27, 202557 min

Selina Tobaccowala, CEO & Co-founder of HomeBoost, and venture partner at Lobby Capital | Episode 19

In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Selina Tobaccowala, a seasoned entrepreneur and venture partner at Lobby Capital. From co-founding Evite, the groundbreaking online invitation platform, to her leadership roles at Ticketmaster and SurveyMonkey, Selena has consistently leveraged technology to make a real-world impact. Now, with her latest venture, HomeBoost, she’s empowering homeowners to improve comfort and reduce energy costs through innovative solutions.Join us as Selena reflects on her entrepreneurial journey, the power of teamwork, and the lessons learned from scaling globally recognized brands. From creating viral consumer experiences to navigating acquisitions and building culture-driven teams, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.Tune in to learn how Selena’s career exemplifies the essence of weaving innovation, resilience, and purpose into the fabric of success.

September 12, 20241 hr 4 min

Suzanne Spaulding | Episode 18

On this episode of The Fabric, host Buddy Arnheim sits down with Suzanne Spaulding, a national security expert and board member at Hidden Level (one of Lobby Capital's portfolio companies), to explore the qualities that make a great board member and the serendipitous moments that have shaped her extraordinary career. Suzanne reflects on how chance opportunities—like a colleague connecting her to a role at the CIA—have influenced her path through national security, private practice, and policy-making. She shares valuable lessons on effective communication, collaboration, and adaptability, essential traits for boardroom success.The conversation also delves into Suzanne’s work in cybersecurity, where she emphasizes the need for public engagement to drive policy changes. She highlights how informed citizens can demand stronger transparency and resilience from both the government and businesses in the face of growing cyber threats.Tune in to hear Suzanne’s inspiring career journey, her insights on being an impactful board member, and her call for more active public participation in shaping cybersecurity policy—all on The Fabric podcast by Lobby Capital.

August 21, 20241 hr 4 min

Alex Cyriac & Shobin Uralil, Co-Founders of Lively | Episode 17

In this episode, Alex Cyriac and Shobin Uralil share how their long-standing friendship and deep familial connections became the bedrock of their successful partnership in founding Lively. With roots in South India and years of shared experiences, their relationship was built on mutual respect and unwavering trust. From angel investments to confiding in one another during challenging times, their bond transcended business, proving that blind trust in each other’s work ethic and character can lead to remarkable success. Tune in to hear how their shared values of hard work, commitment, and family shaped their entrepreneurial journey.

August 7, 20241 hr 2 min

James Everingham, VP of Engineering at Meta, and venture partner at Lobby Capital | Episode 16

On this episode of The Fabric, Buddy Arnheim interviews James Everingham, VP of Engineering at Meta, and venture partner at Lobby Capital. They discuss the unpredictable paths to successful entrepreneurship and the combination of past experiences, relationships, serendipity, and personal characteristics that shape achievements. Join them as they unravel the fabric of successful entrepreneurs and explore the world of early-stage software businesses.

June 5, 20241 hr 2 min

Mohamed Elgendy, Co-Founder & CEO of Kolena | Episode 15

In this episode of The Fabric podcast by Lobby Capital, host Buddy Arnheim interviews Mohamed Elgendy, founder and CEO of Kolena. Mohamed’s journey to AI mastery is a testament to following one’s instincts and seizing opportunities as they arise. Hear how his instinctual choices and willingness to explore new fields led to the creation of Kolena, an AI quality platform that supports the rapid deployment of AI products with confidence. Tune in to learn about the pivotal moments and decisions that shaped Mohamed’s successful career in AI.

April 12, 20241 hr 12 min

Travis Bogard, Founder & CEO of Phonon X | Episode 14

Join us on this episode of "The Fabric," presented by Lobby Capital, as we delve into the remarkable journey of Travis Bogard, the founder and CEO of PhononX and a true pioneer in the tech industry. Starting from his innovative days at AOL, where he addressed critical system issues, to his strategic shifts at TellMe, Travis has consistently demonstrated mastery in seizing opportunities and directly confronting challenges. This episode explores how Travis’s unique approach to problem-solving, his willingness to embrace risks, and his relentless pursuit of new challenges reshaped his career path and expanded his professional horizons. This episode highlights how Travis’s unconventional choices and proactive mindset not only propelled him to establish PhononX but also provided invaluable lessons for anyone looking to navigate their own career with agility and vision. Tune in for an inspiring narrative on how Travis has navigated the ever-evolving tech landscape.

March 27, 20241 hr 0 min

Vitaly Gordon, co-founder and CEO of Faros | Episode 13

Join us on this episode as we delve into the remarkable life journey of Vitaly Gordon, whose diverse experiences span continents, careers, and cultures. Born in Baku, Azerbaijan, within the former Soviet Union, Vitaly's early life was marked by the rich engineering legacy of his family, against the backdrop of a city known for its stark societal contrasts. This episode uncovers the profound impact of his upbringing and the subsequent emigration of his family to Israel following the Soviet Union's collapse.In Israel, Vitaly's path took a pivotal turn as he served in an elite Israeli intelligence unit, akin to the American NSA. We explore how this high-pressure, high-stakes environment fostered a unique blend of leadership, responsibility, and the ability to make critical decisions under duress—skills that would later define his entrepreneurial spirit.Transitioning from military to civilian life, Vitaly entered the tech industry, starting at LivePerson in Israel before making a significant leap to Silicon Valley, joining the data science team at LinkedIn. This segment of his journey offers listeners an insider's perspective on the tech scenes in both Israel and Silicon Valley, revealing how these experiences shaped his entrepreneurial journey and led to the founding of Faros AI.Throughout the episode, we dissect how Vitaly's diverse background—from the disciplined environment of the Israeli military to the innovative ecosystems of Israel's tech industry and Silicon Valley—equipped him with a unique set of skills and perspectives. These experiences not only influenced his approach to entrepreneurship and leadership but also highlighted the importance of embracing challenges and opportunities for personal and professional growth.Don't miss this inspiring exploration of how Vitaly Gordon's journey from the Soviet Union to the forefront of the tech industry embodies the transformative power of pursuing one's passions, adapting to new environments, and continually seeking out new challenges.