NEXT with Michael Sonnenfeldt

Shane Neman: How a Great Entrepreneur Becomes an Even Greater Investor

Host Michael Sonnenfeldt sits down with Shane Neman, serial entrepreneur, investor, and founder of Neman Ventures, to explore his evolution from startup founder to high-conviction investor. Born to Iranian immigrant parents who arrived in the U.S. as refugees, Shane shares how adversity, reinvention, and grit shaped his worldview from an early age. After leaving medical school during the dot-com boom, Shane went on to bootstrap and scale two successful technology companies: Junebug, a digital nightlife and ticketing platform, and EZ Texting, one of the first SMS marketing platforms in the U.S. He reflects candidly on the emotional realities of entrepreneurship, including the crises that almost ended his business, operating without venture capital, and the lessons learned from rebuilding after failure. Today, Shane manages over $850M in assets across his family office and venture portfolio, with investments in more than 50 breakthrough companies spanning AI, deep tech, consumer, and real assets. Michael and Shane explore how Shane transitioned from operator to investor and developed a concentrated, conviction-driven investment philosophy rooted in deep research, firsthand diligence, and pattern recognition. Shane also shares insights on lifelong learning, evaluating risk over time, raising resilient children, and the skills he optimizes for most in an AI-driven world. Together, they unpack what separates exceptional entrepreneurs from exceptional investors and why humility, curiosity, and self-awareness remain durable competitive advantages. Giving Moment Join this season's philanthropic giving moment where every donation made in Q1 2026 will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $100 per gift ($10,000 per organization). Donate at www.muus.com/giving [www.muus.com/giving]. Topics 02:30 – Coming to America and lessons from adversity 06:15 – Early entrepreneurial instincts, nightlife culture, and learning human psychology 08:00 – The failed dot-com startup and what it taught him 09:30 – Building Junebug & transforming nightlife ticketing 11:00 –EZ Texting and launching the future of SMS marketing 13:00 – Scarcity mindset vs. abundance mindset and valuing time over money 15:15 – Why Shane believes founders should avoid raising venture capital if possible 17:00 – The T-Mobile crisis that nearly destroyed EZ Texting 20:15 – Transitioning from founder to investor 24:00 – Bootstrapping vs. fundraising and the psychology of ownership 25:30 – Most critical skills in an AI-driven world 26:30 – Shane’s “barbell strategy” across deep tech, venture, and real assets 31:00 – Convoy, Figure AI, and how Shane evaluates asymmetric risk 34:00 – Obsessive learning and becoming a better investor 38:00 – Shane’s decision-making frameworks and lifelong learning habits 40:00 – Post-conversation reflections with Michael & Isaac Sonnenfeldt 41:00 – Reinvention, resilience, and returning to your strengths 44:00 – Prioritization frameworks: family, business, and philanthropy 46:00 – Lessons on risk tolerance, entrepreneurship, and conviction 50:00 – Approach to investing and wealth preservation 56:30 – Final reflections and Tip Jar recommendations Mentioned TIGER 21 [www.tiger21.com] is the premier peer membership organization for ultra-successful entrepreneurs, investors, and executives. Through confidential forums and shared experience, members gain perspective on wealth, leadership, and life beyond success. Shane's podcast and course recommendation - The Knowledge Project [https://fs.blog/membership/] Michael's play recommendation - Proof [https://proofbroadway.com/] on Broadway Follow and Connect Shane Neman | Website [https://www.shaneneman.com/] | LinkedIn [linkedin.com/in/shaneneman] Michael Sonnenfeldt |  Website [www.muus.com] | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-sonnenfeldt-84072225/] | next@muus.com

Joe Neiman: DealerClub CEO on Personal Transformation, Meditation, and Realizing What Matters Sooner

Host Michael Sonnenfeldt sits down with Joe Neiman, a serial entrepreneur in the automotive technology space and 2X exited co-founder of ACV Auctions and DealerClub, digital marketplaces that transformed the wholesale vehicle industry. Starting as a car dealer, Joe built ACV into a category-defining powerhouse that scaled to over 50,000 cars sold per month and reached a $5B+ market cap. In 2024, he founded DealerClub, which was acquired just 3 months after launch. Joe has built his career by deeply understanding operator pain points and rethinking how markets function at scale. Joe also shares candid reflections on the personal evolution behind his success—how early experiences with fear and uncertainty became a driving force for growth, and how learning to challenge limiting beliefs shaped both his leadership and decision-making. The conversation explores Joe's "know better" philosophy, leadership transitions from control to influence, and the importance of introspection, family, and health. Joe also discusses his approach to learning, navigating high-stakes environments, and building a life that balances ambition with long-term well-being. Topics 00:01:32 – Childhood: work ethic, exposure to economic diversity 00:04:25 – Core driver: fear as motivation 00:05:28 – First win: flipping cars and entrepreneurial spark 00:07:36 – Mindset: proximity + thinking bigger 00:09:21 – Entry into car auctions & car dealer world 00:11:14 – How the wholesale car market works 00:13:03 – Why Carvana/CarMax/ACV win (process + scale) 00:14:08 – ACV origin: solving auction inefficiencies 00:16:23 – Innovation: fully digital, fast auctions 00:20:32 – Reaching Scale: 50 → 50K cars/month 00:21:48 – Leadership shift: founder → non-CEO 00:24:21 – Tradeoff: dilution vs growth 00:26:11 – Exit timing & stock lessons 00:27:12 – DealerClub: same idea, improved trust model 00:29:43 – Fast acquisition (3 months) to $25M offer 00:31:39 – Lifestyle shift: intense → balanced 00:32:28 – Cost of success: delayed gratification 00:34:26 – Marriage & founder support system 00:36:52 – Health risks: stress & burnout 00:38:41 – Post Exit Future: learning, aviation, challenges 00:40:25 – Advice: meditation for clarity 00:42:00 – Closing Mentioned: Join this season's philanthropic giving moment where every donation made in Q1 2026 will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $100 per gift ($10,000 per organization). Donate at www.muus.com/giving [https://www.muus.com/giving]. Joe’s podcast recommendation - Waking Up [https://www.wakingup.com/] - Meditation App Michael’s book recommendation - 1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History and How It Shattered a Nation [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/665634/1929-by-andrew-ross-sorkin/] by Andrew Ross Sorkin. ⁠TIGER 21 ⁠ [https://www.muus.com/podcast/www.tiger21.com] is the premier peer membership organization for ultra-successful entrepreneurs, investors, and executives. Through confidential forums and shared experience, members gain perspective on wealth, leadership, and life beyond success. Follow and Connect: Joe Neiman | ⁠Website⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-neiman-577181aa] Michael Sonnenfeldt |  ⁠Website⁠ [www.muus.com] | next@muus.com

Peggy Styer: Solving Hard Problems for Mission Critical Customers

Host Michael Sonnenfeldt sits down with national security entrepreneur and investor Peggy Steyer, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Razor’s Edge Ventures. A pioneer in defense, cyber, space, and AI investing, Peggy previously built Blackbird Technologies into a premier provider of mission-critical solutions for intelligence, defense, and law enforcement customers before its record-setting acquisition by Raytheon. She later co-founded Raven Wing, which was acquired by Boeing, and went on to launch Razor’s Edge, generating more than $1 billion in shareholder returns over the past five years. Peggy shares candid insights on building companies where lives are on the line, transitioning from operator to investor, and creating high-performance teams drawn from both special operations and elite technologists. Key topics include scaling in national security markets, Blue Ocean strategy vs. crowded competition, the proper role of boards and investors, asymmetric warfare and emerging threats, AI and geopolitical risk, founder resilience, partnership dynamics, and balancing mission critical leadership with family life and long-term purpose. Giving Moment: Join this season's philanthropic giving moment where every donation made in Q1 2026 will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $100 per gift ($10,000 per organization). Donate at www.muus.com/giving [www.muus.com/giving]. Topics: 00:01:48 – Childhood, Navy upbringing, and early influences 00:03:38 – The layoff that sparked her entrepreneurial path 00:05:18 – Motivations beyond money 00:06:04 – Founding Blackbird & solving national security tech problems 00:09:10 – Women in national security & leadership advice 00:14:56 – The role of spouses and support systems 00:18:27 – Building, scaling, and exiting Blackbird & Raven Wing 00:23:33 – Transition from CEO to venture investor 00:26:41 – The proper role of a board vs. CEO 00:30:52 – Razor’s Edge strategy & Blue Ocean investing 00:35:33 – Responsibility in national security work 00:38:14 – Geopolitics, deterrence & asymmetric threats 00:42:19 – AI, China, and the future of technology 00:45:22 – Investment mistakes & lessons learned 00:46:52 – Advice for young entrepreneurs 00:49:20 – Books, leadership insights & closing Mentioned: TIGER 21 [www.tiger21.com] is the premier peer membership organization for ultra-successful entrepreneurs, investors, and executives. Through confidential forums and shared experience, members gain perspective on wealth, leadership, and life beyond success. Peggy’s book recommendation - Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2199.Team_of_Rivals] by Doris Kearns Goodwin Follow and Connect: Peggy Styer | Website [https://www.razorsvc.com/about.html] Michael Sonnenfeldt |  Website [www.muus.com] | next@muus.com

Alex Bean: From a $2.5B Exit To Building a Factory for Good

On this episode of NEXT, Alex Bean—Co-founder of Divvy and Managing Partner of Tandem Ventures—reflects on what comes after entrepreneurial success. Drawing on his experience building a category-defining fintech company and exiting for $2.5B, Alex shares candid insights on founder identity, co-founder dynamics, and the emotional and relational challenges that often follow a liquidity event. He breaks down what product-market fit really feels like, how successful founder partnerships are structured, and why understanding your role—can be decisive in scaling a company quickly and sustainably. The conversation then shifts to wealth, family, and legacy. Alex explores how money reshapes relationships, why shared assets and minority ownership can quietly introduce long-term risk, and how families can unintentionally trade closeness for complexity. He also introduces Factory for Good, his framework and new social enterprise for helping families build intentional giving practices by applying clarity, discipline, and measurement to philanthropy. This episode is essential listening for founders, investors, and families navigating life after success—especially those thinking deeply about purpose, stewardship, and how to turn financial outcomes into lasting, positive impact. Giving Moment: Join this season's philanthropic giving moment where every donation made in Q1 2026 will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $100 per gift ($10,000 per organization). Donate at ⁠⁠www.muus.com/giving. [https://www.muus.com/giving] Topics: (02:00) – Growing up in Redmond during Microsoft’s rise (03:30) – Early startups, failure, and learning to take risks (05:30) – Are entrepreneurs born or made? The mindset of failure (07:30) – Lessons from three generations of family business (09:30) – Wealth, loneliness, and identity after success (11:30) – Why money doesn’t solve purpose (13:00) – The origin of Divvy and taking an 80% pay cut (15:00) – Product-market fit and hypergrowth (17:00) – Founder roles, trust, and partnership dynamics (19:00) – The pressure and toll of scaling fast (20:00) – Giving break: Understood.org (21:00) – Life after exit: loss of structure and identity (23:00) – The Factory for Good concept explained (26:00) – Builders vs. operators and finding what gives energy (28:30) – Knowing when it’s time to leave a business (30:30) – Raising independent children after success (33:30) – Stewardship, inheritance, and shared-asset risks (37:30) – Minority discounts and loss of control (40:00) – Teaching children the purpose of wealth (42:30) – Microsoft vs. Gates Foundation: value vs. impact (46:00) – Giving at scale and impacting lives meaningfully (49:00) – $5,000 miracles and tactical philanthropy (51:30) – Advice for Alex’s kids and family values (52:30) – Tip jar: Open by Andre Agassi + Paladin app (53:30) – Where to find Alex and closing Mentioned: ⁠TIGER 21 ⁠⁠ [www.tiger21.com] is the premier peer membership organization for ultra-successful entrepreneurs, investors, and executives. Through confidential forums and shared experience, members gain perspective on wealth, leadership, and life beyond success. Alex's book recommendation: Open [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6480781-open] by Andre Agassi Alex's app recommendation: Paladin [https://learnpaladin.com/growth-plan?campaignid=23248332867&adgroupid=194228097251&creative=783579774217&utm_campaign=PL_WEB_GGL_Search_Tier1_CPC_Clicks_BAU_Nov25_ID0151&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23248332867&gbraid=0AAAAACwyF6tZCmaJMBf58YaBfaPzuGZJX&gclid=Cj0KCQiAhaHMBhD2ARIsAPAU_D46oupOrmZQ_eM3g4zZ9BJstVhnWJTxVrGOIn0QgDEfdhXSrKU57psaAjssEALw_wcB] Factory For Good: Website [https://factoryforgood.com/] Follow and Connect: Alex Bean | ⁠⁠Website⁠ [https://tandeminvest.com/people/alex-bean/] Michael Sonnenfeldt | ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-sonnenfeldt-84072225/] | Email: michael@muus.com NEXT with Michael Sonnenfeldt Podcast | ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ [https://youtu.be/yCt-M-In3BI?si=FNN59a6TvgNNIYUC] | ⁠⁠Website [www.muus.com/podcast]

Omar Simmons: On Value Creation, Scaling Franchises, And Opening Doors For Others

On Episode 2 of NEXT, Omar Simmons—Managing Partner of Exaltare Capital Partners and former ECP CEO of Planet Fitness—dives deep into the realities of hiring, leadership, and risk in the franchising business. Drawing on his experience scaling Planet Fitness from 15 to over 100 locations and exiting via selling majority share to an institutional partner. He shares practical insights on interviewing for resilience, onboarding employees, reducing turnover, and building operating systems that work at scale across decentralized teams. The conversation also explores how experienced operators think about risk—not as volatility on a spreadsheet, but as something shaped by judgment, pattern recognition, and execution. Omar breaks down what makes franchising a uniquely powerful business model, how centralized learning and local ownership combine to drive performance, and how leaders de-risk growth through planning, diversification, and discipline. This episode is essential listening for founders, operators, investors, and franchise executives focused on scaling businesses, building durable teams, and making better decisions under uncertainty. Giving Moment: Join this season's philanthropic giving moment where every donation made in Q1 2026 will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $100 per gift ($10,000 per organization). Donate at ⁠www.muus.com/giving. [https://www.muus.com/giving] Topics: (01:55) — Growing up in inner-city Boston: family, housing, and early lessons (03:55) — The role of love, community, and sports in shaping resilience (04:46) — Cold-calling Princeton: betting on yourself early (06:55) — Mentorship, peer groups, and learning without a traditional playbook (09:45) — Paying mentorship forward: coaching, leadership, and legacy (12:05) — What makes franchising such a powerful business model (15:00) — Centralized learning vs. decentralized ownership in franchises (16:10) — Can grit be taught? How Omar evaluates drive and adversity (18:40) — Hiring, leadership limits, and knowing when people won’t change (19:05) — Spotlight on Understood.org and supporting learning differences (20:55) — The “gold standard” franchisors and why fit matters more than brand (24:00) — Risk in the eye of the beholder: investing, intuition, and expertise (27:10) — COVID, concentration risk, and surviving extreme uncertainty (28:30) — Employee engagement, retention, and why caring actually scales (31:00) — Scaling Planet Fitness from 15 to 100+ locations (33:00) — Selling the business: timing, COVID shock, and liquidity decisions (35:30) — Life after the exit: identity, rhythm, and redefining purpose (38:00) — The Ascension Franchise Initiative: expanding ownership access (41:30) — Measuring success through ownership and wealth creation (44:00) — Racism, progress, and hope in America today (47:00) — Profit vs. purpose: why it’s a false choice (49:00) — Gratitude, giving back, and generational responsibility (50:20) — What’s next for Omar in this stage of life (51:30) — Advice to his younger self (52:30) — Tip jar: spiritual practice, history, and recommended reads Mentioned: ⁠TIGER 21 ⁠ [www.tiger21.com] is the premier peer membership organization for ultra-successful entrepreneurs, investors, and executives. Through confidential forums and shared experience, members gain perspective on wealth, leadership, and life beyond success. Omar's podcast recommendation: The Rest is History [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-rest-is-history/id1537788786] Franchise Ascension Initiative: Website [https://pages.franchise.org/ifa-franchise-ascension-initiative/] Follow and Connect: Omar Simmons | ⁠Website [https://exaltarecapital.com/omar-simmons-president/] Michael Sonnenfeldt | ⁠LinkedIn⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-sonnenfeldt-84072225/] | Email: michael@muus.com NEXT with Michael Sonnenfeldt Podcast | ⁠YouTube⁠ [https://youtu.be/yCt-M-In3BI?si=FNN59a6TvgNNIYUC] | ⁠Website [www.muus.com/podcast]