The Sure Shot Entrepreneur

Geoff Ralston, founder of SAIF (Safe Artificial Intelligence Fund), and former President of Y Combinator, shares his vision for building a safer AI future. Geoff discusses the risks and promise of AI as a force beyond traditional tools, posing AI as a set of entities that will reshape the way we work, live, and relate to each other. He talks about biosafety, interpretability, and misinformation as key focus areas for innovation. Geoff also shares advice for founders navigating this fast-evolving landscape and reflects on how thoughtful investment today can shape the future of humanity. In this episode, you’ll learn: [02:05 [https://podcast.sure.ventures/episodes/tsse167-safer-ai-future-geoff-ralston?t=2m5s]] Why Geoff believes AI is not ‘just’ a tool but a cognitive force reshaping humanity [06:29 [https://podcast.sure.ventures/episodes/tsse167-safer-ai-future-geoff-ralston?t=6m29s]] The subtle but profound difference between tools and intelligent agents [13:56 [https://podcast.sure.ventures/episodes/tsse167-safer-ai-future-geoff-ralston?t=13m56s]] Who wins and who loses in an AI-driven future, and what roles must investors play? [20:36 [https://podcast.sure.ventures/episodes/tsse167-safer-ai-future-geoff-ralston?t=20m36s]] Can we still design a utopian future with AI? [24:06 [https://podcast.sure.ventures/episodes/tsse167-safer-ai-future-geoff-ralston?t=24m06s]] The types of founders Geoff wants to back through SAIF [26:30 [https://podcast.sure.ventures/episodes/tsse167-safer-ai-future-geoff-ralston?t=26m30s]] Why mission-aligned safety startups still need product-market fit [28:46 [https://podcast.sure.ventures/episodes/tsse167-safer-ai-future-geoff-ralston?t=28m46s]] What happens when AI does everything—and what humans will still choose to do The nonprofit organization Geoff is passionate about: AI Venture Lab [https://www.venture-lab.ai/?utm_source=the-sure-shot-entrepreneur-podcast&utm_medium=Episode-167&utm_campaign=safe-AI-future+] ---------------------------------------- About Geoff Ralston Geoff Ralston is the founder of SAIF (Safe Artificial Intelligence Fund) and former President of Y Combinator. A longtime startup investor, entrepreneur, and thought leader, Geoff previously founded Imagine K12, an edtech accelerator later merged with YC. With decades of experience launching and scaling category-defining startups, Geoff now focuses on funding companies that ensure AI becomes a force for good, addressing challenges around safety, security, and the future of human work. ---------------------------------------- About SAIF SAIF (Safe Artificial Intelligence Fund) [https://www.saif.vc/?utm_source=the-sure-shot-entrepreneur-podcast&utm_medium=Episode-167&utm_campaign=safe-AI-future+] is a venture capital firm dedicated to building a safer future with AI. Founded by Geoff Ralston, SAIF invests in startups focused on AI safety, biosafety, interpretability, and information integrity. The firm supports mission-driven founders creating scalable solutions to counteract risks and ensure that AI technologies empower rather than endanger society. Subscribe [https://podcast.sure.ventures/] to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode.

Nadav Eylath, founder and managing partner of at.inc, shares his philosophy of early-stage investing rooted in trust, long-term thinking, and technical rigor. Nadav talks about backing founders at the very inception of their startup journey—sometimes even before they’ve left their jobs. He explains how asking questions like “What kind of company will this be in 30 years?” leads to deeper conviction and better partnerships. Nadav also shares his views on why venture capital needs to evolve and how a flexible, founder-first approach can reshape the industry. In this episode, you’ll learn: [01:49 [https://podcast.sure.ventures/episodes/tsse166-dont-just-pitch-nadav-eylath?t=1m49s]] From building treehouses to model airplanes: Nadav’s early love for tech and tinkering [03:26 [https://podcast.sure.ventures/episodes/tsse166-dont-just-pitch-nadav-eylath?t=3m26s]] How informal advising turned into full-time investing [04:57 [https://podcast.sure.ventures/episodes/tsse166-dont-just-pitch-nadav-eylath?t=4m57s]] The meaning behind the name at.inc and how it reflects the firm’s thesis [10:01 [https://podcast.sure.ventures/episodes/tsse166-dont-just-pitch-nadav-eylath?t=10m01s]] “What kind of company will this be in 30 years?”—the power of visionary questions [13:30 [https://podcast.sure.ventures/episodes/tsse166-dont-just-pitch-nadav-eylath?t=13m30s]] Building conviction: fast no’s, thoughtful yes’s [15:51 [https://podcast.sure.ventures/episodes/tsse166-dont-just-pitch-nadav-eylath?t=15m51s]] How early-stage founders can build a relationship with Nadav [20:14 [https://podcast.sure.ventures/episodes/tsse166-dont-just-pitch-nadav-eylath?t=20m14s]] Why Nadav says no: timing and fit [24:07 [https://podcast.sure.ventures/episodes/tsse166-dont-just-pitch-nadav-eylath?t=24m07s]] How venture capital should evolve to serve today’s founders The nonprofit organization Nadav is passionate about: Tel Aviv University [https://english.tau.ac.il/?utm_source=the-sure-shot-entrepreneur-podcast&utm_medium=Episode-166&utm_campaign=dont-just-pitch] ---------------------------------------- ABOUT NADAV EYLATH Nadav Eylath is the founder and managing partner of at.inc, a venture capital firm that invests at the very inception of startups. With a background in data science, marketing, and company-building, Nadav brings an operator’s empathy and a long-term investor’s lens to early-stage ventures. His career spans roles at startups acquired by companies like Intuit, as well as over a decade of deliberate, hands-on venture investing. Nadav’s approach is grounded in trust, curiosity, and a passion for helping founders bring technically ambitious and globally relevant ideas to life. ---------------------------------------- ABOUT AT.INC at.inc [https://at.inc/?utm_source=the-sure-shot-entrepreneur-podcast&utm_medium=Episode-166&utm_campaign=dont-just-pitch]—short for “at incorporation or at inception”—is a Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm that backs startups from day zero. The firm invests in deeply technical companies with global potential, often writing the first check when founders are just forming their ideas. Generalist by design, at.inc partners with entrepreneurs across sectors, emphasizing long-term vision, high trust, and a hands-on approach. With a focused investment pace and founder-first philosophy, at.inc supports startups throughout their full journey, from inception to global scale. Subscribe [https://podcast.sure.ventures/] to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode.

Tomoko Ishikura, Managing Partner at Kicker Ventures, shares her unique perspective on investing in the future of healthcare. She talks about building a venture firm rooted in empathy, humility, and measurable impact. Tomoko explains how Kicker Ventures seeks science-backed innovations that move the heart, not just the market, and why strong communities are vital for startup success. She offers candid advice for founders on articulating impact, leaning into community support, and navigating a healthcare landscape that's increasingly collaborative. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN: [02:00 [https://podcast.sure.ventures/episodes/tsse165-dont-suffer-to-succeed-tomoko-ishikura?t=2m0s]] Why Silicon Valley’s "uncertainty and possibility" drew Tomoko from Japan [04:06 [https://podcast.sure.ventures/episodes/tsse165-dont-suffer-to-succeed-tomoko-ishikura?t=4m6s]] Venture capital as a humble act of early belief—and why VCs are deeply interdependent [06:46 [https://podcast.sure.ventures/episodes/tsse165-dont-suffer-to-succeed-tomoko-ishikura?t=6m46s]] Kicker Ventures' mission to create a happier and healthier world through science-backed innovation [12:31 [https://podcast.sure.ventures/episodes/tsse165-dont-suffer-to-succeed-tomoko-ishikura?t=12m31s]] What founders must do in the first meeting to excite impact-driven investors [19:19 [https://podcast.sure.ventures/episodes/tsse165-dont-suffer-to-succeed-tomoko-ishikura?t=19m19s]] Why founders should build strong communities early and ask for help [26:00 [https://podcast.sure.ventures/episodes/tsse165-dont-suffer-to-succeed-tomoko-ishikura?t=26m0s]] Tomoko’s call to eliminate barriers to global innovation and unlock hidden talent worldwide The non-profit organization Tomoko is passionate about: Kadampa Meditation Center SF [https://www.meditateinsanfrancisco.org/?utm_source=the-sure-shot-etnrepreneur-podcast&utm_medium=Ep-165&utm_campaign=dont-stress-stay-calm] ABOUT TOMOKO ISHIKURA Tomoko Ishikura is the Managing Partner at Kicker Ventures, where she leads investments in science-backed innovations shaping the future of healthcare. Originally trained as a pharmacist and molecular biologist, Tomoko transitioned into business development, consulting, and now venture capital. Drawing from her global experience across Japan and Silicon Valley, Tomoko brings a distinctive focus on empathy, impact, and community-driven success to the startup ecosystem. ABOUT KICKER VENTURES Kicker Ventures [https://www.kickerventures.com/?utm_source=the-sure-shot-etnrepreneur-podcast&utm_medium=Ep-165&utm_campaign=dont-stress-stay-calm] is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm investing in transformative solutions for the future of healthcare. Kicker backs science-backed innovations that foster happiness, empower individuals, amplify the work of health professionals and researchers, and create meaningful human connections. With a deep commitment to measurable impact, Kicker Ventures partners with visionary founders reimagining health and wellbeing for future generations. Subscribe [https://podcast.sure.ventures/] to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode.

Mahesh Ram, serial entrepreneur and former Head of AI at Zoom, shares his journey from building pioneering companies in education and AI to helping launch FUNDA, a vibrant founder-to-founder community. He discusses the evolution of AI-first startups, lessons from working closely with Zoom founder Eric Yuan, and what it takes to build enduring tech companies today. Mahesh offers real-world advice on how founders can navigate the rapidly changing startup landscape, with a deep focus on customer obsession, rapid product iteration, and embedding technology into core workflows. ##In this episode, you’ll learn: [01:50 [https://podcast.sure.ventures/episodes/tsse164-ship-fast-sell-faster-mahesh-ram?t=1m50s]] How Mahesh went from immigrant kid in New York to serial entrepreneur in Silicon Valley [06:50 [https://podcast.sure.ventures/episodes/tsse164-ship-fast-sell-faster-mahesh-ram?t=6m50s]] Why Mahesh believes frustration often leads to the best startup ideas [10:55 [https://podcast.sure.ventures/episodes/tsse164-ship-fast-sell-faster-mahesh-ram?t=10m55s]] Inside Zoom’s AI journey—and how Mahesh helped launch AI Companion at record speed [13:14 [https://podcast.sure.ventures/episodes/tsse164-ship-fast-sell-faster-mahesh-ram?t=13m14s]] Lessons on leadership from Eric Yuan: customer obsession and quality over cost [20:41 [https://podcast.sure.ventures/episodes/tsse164-ship-fast-sell-faster-mahesh-ram?t=20m41s]] Mahesh’s advice to AI-first founders: ship fast, sell faster, and validate deeply [24:23 [https://podcast.sure.ventures/episodes/tsse164-ship-fast-sell-faster-mahesh-ram?t=24m23s]] What separates point solutions from workflow-embedded companies [27:03 [https://podcast.sure.ventures/episodes/tsse164-ship-fast-sell-faster-mahesh-ram?t=27m3s]] Mahesh’s nuanced take on AI’s societal risks—and why we’re not ready [31:25 [https://podcast.sure.ventures/episodes/tsse164-ship-fast-sell-faster-mahesh-ram?t=31m25s]] What is Funda? Why a grassroots founder community is booming The nonprofit organization that Mahesh supports: UStrive [https://ustrive.com/?utm_source=the-sure-shot-entrepreneur-podcast&utm_medium=Episode-164&utm_campaign=ship-fast-sell-faster] ---------------------------------------- ABOUT MAHESH RAM Mahesh Ram is a serial entrepreneur and expert in artificial intelligence, most recently serving as Head of AI at Zoom. He was co-founder and CEO of Solvvy, a pioneering AI startup in customer experience, acquired by Zoom. Prior to that, he led GlobalEnglish, a business English learning platform used by millions worldwide. Mahesh advises founders, invests in early-stage startups, and is a founding member of FUNDA, a growing grassroots community of founders of Indian origin. He is deeply passionate about education, technology, and building systems that simplify complex problems. ---------------------------------------- ABOUT FUNDA Funda [https://www.funda.club/?utm_source=the-sure-shot-entrepreneur-podcast&utm_medium=Episode-164&utm_campaign=ship-fast-sell-faster] is a pay-it-forward community for founders of Indian origin, designed to support early-stage entrepreneurs through collaboration, connection, and shared experience. Built by founders for founders, Funda now includes over 1,250 members across Silicon Valley, Texas, and India. The community offers peer support, curated events, and access to a trusted network—entirely volunteer-driven and mission-focused. ---------------------------------------- ABOUT USTRIVE Mahesh actively volunteers with UStrive [https://ustrive.com/?utm_source=the-sure-shot-entrepreneur-podcast&utm_medium=Episode-164&utm_campaign=ship-fast-sell-faster], a nonprofit providing free virtual mentoring for high school and college students with financial need. The platform matches students with mentors to help navigate college admissions and financial aid processes—removing barriers to higher education for underserved youth. Subscribe [https://podcast.sure.ventures/] to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode.

Andrew Cleland, Chief Investment Officer at Techstars, shares how the world’s leading accelerator invests in early-stage startups. He breaks down what makes a great founder, how Techstars selects startups from tens of thousands of applicants, and why a strong technical differentiator is crucial. Andrew reveals the most common reasons startups get rejected and how Techstars mentors founders to avoid early mistakes. He also talks about the biggest themes shaping the future of venture capital. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN: [03:00 [https://podcast.sure.ventures/episodes/tsse163-solve-the-right-problem-andrew-cleland?t=3m0s]] How Andrew’s background in consulting, startups, and venture capital led him to Techstars  [07:34 [https://podcast.sure.ventures/episodes/tsse163-solve-the-right-problem-andrew-cleland?t=7m34s]] How Techstars selects startups from thousands of applications—what matters most [14:01 [https://podcast.sure.ventures/episodes/tsse163-solve-the-right-problem-andrew-cleland?t=14m01s]] The #1 mistake founders make when applying to Techstars, and how to avoid [20:50 [https://podcast.sure.ventures/episodes/tsse163-solve-the-right-problem-andrew-cleland?t=20m50s]] Why founders need to build investor relationships early when thinking about fundraising [26:04 [https://podcast.sure.ventures/episodes/tsse163-solve-the-right-problem-andrew-cleland?t=26m04s]] Why the VC industry needs more transparency—and how that benefits founders The non-profit organization Andrew is passionate about: Magic Bus [https://www.magicbus.org/?utm_source=the-sure-shot-entrepreneur-podcast&utm_medium=Episode-163&utm_campaign=solve-right-problem] ---------------------------------------- ABOUT ANDREW CLELAND Andrew Cleland is the Chief Investment Officer at Techstars, where he oversees investment strategy, fundraising, and portfolio growth across Techstars’ global network of accelerators. With over two decades in venture capital and early-stage investing, he previously led investments at Comcast Ventures and Time Warner Investments. An INSEAD MBA graduate, Andrew has backed dozens of high-growth startups and is focused on empowering the next generation of global founders. ---------------------------------------- ABOUT TECHSTARS Techstars [https://www.techstars.com/?utm_source=the-sure-shot-entrepreneur-podcast&utm_medium=Episode-163&utm_campaign=solve-right-problem] is one of the world’s leading startup accelerators, backing thousands of early-stage companies across 50+ accelerator programs worldwide. Since 2006, Techstars has helped launch 20+ unicorns, including SendGrid, DigitalOcean, Uber, Twilio, DataRobot and Outreach. The program provides mentorship, funding, and global networks to help startups scale fast. Subscribe [https://podcast.sure.ventures/] to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode.