Conversation with Mo Koyfman, founder and General Partner of Shine Capital, as he shares his remarkable journey from immigrant roots to venture capital success. Mo reveals how his parents' teachings shaped his core values of freedom, family, and meritocracy, while exploring his innovative approach to venture investing through "lateral thinking." 

In this episode, we dive deep into: 

• The power of modeling behavior and patient parenting 

• First principles thinking in venture capital 

• Building Shine Capital from the ground up 

• The concept of "lateralists" and interdisciplinary investing 

• Mo's work with Sefaria, revolutionizing access to Jewish texts 

• Finding clarity and gratitude in both business and life 

Timestamps: 

00:00 Introduction 

00:55 Immigrant Values & Success 

08:39 Next Generation Values 

10:05 Modeling & Patient Parenting 

15:00 First Principles Thinking 

20:53 Personal Fulfillment Journey 

36:14 Shine Capital Story 

43:29 Learning from Hardship 

44:46 The Lateralist Approach 

52:38 Pattern Matching in VC 01:00:46 Sefaria Vision 

01:15:06 Clarity & Gratitude 

01:22:34 Final Thoughts

 Link to Sefaria

 _______________________________________ 

 Connect Mo: 

Twitter 

LinkedIn

Shine Capital

Connect with Ephraim: 

Twitter

LinkedIn

📢 SPONSORSHIP Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at [email protected] Thank you for considering! 

In this conversation, we sit down with Yotam Segev, co-founder and CEO of Cyera, for an intimate conversation about entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, and the remarkable journey of building a billion-dollar company. 

Key Highlights: 

• From 50 to 400 Employees: Cyera Explosive Growth 

•  Raising Funds: $60 Million to $740 Million 

• Company Valuation: $3 Billion Success Story 

• Leadership Insights from a Visionary CEO 

Time: 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 

01:13 Company Growth and Personal Development 

02:16 Leadership and Team Dynamics 

09:53 Market Challenges and Pain Validation 

15:07 Sales Strategy and Customer Engagement 

26:16 Fundraising and Future Vision 

28:50 AI and Data Security: The Future 

30:52 The Wealth Perspective 

40:49 Future Plans for Cyera 

44:26 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs Call to Action 

Quote of the Episode "Success is not just about growing a company, but about understanding the human elements of leadership, innovation, and continuous learning." 

Subscribe to Found the Stories Podcast 

 Follow Yotam Segev on LinkedIn

 Follow Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn

📢 SPONSORSHIP Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at [email protected] Thank you for considering!

In this episode, we speak with Jonathan Lehr, General Partner and Co-founder of Work-bench, a VC firm that placed an early, bold bet on New York's enterprise tech scene. Drawing from over a decade of venture capital experience, Jon offers a masterclass in VC, startups, and life.

Episode Highlights:

- How Workbench recognized NYC's unique position as an enterprise tech hub

- The power of diverse industries in shaping innovation

- Why gratitude and kindness are competitive advantages in VC

- Building a firm that reflects personal values while delivering returns

- How NYC's diverse industry landscape creates unique opportunities for enterprise tech

- The role of personal values in shaping institutional success

- Why relationship-building trumps transactional networking

- Balancing ambition with authenticity in venture capital

[00:00] Meet Jon

[01:11] The Workbench origin story: From concept to reality

[04:09] NYC's secret weapon: Industry diversity driving innovation

[07:24] Navigating career pivots and embracing uncertainty

[10:28] Investment philosophy: The Workbench approach

[16:58] Partnership dynamics: Building a complementary team

[19:02] Daily rituals and mindset management

[20:38] Differentiation in a crowded VC landscape

[22:50] The gratitude advantage in venture capital

[23:04] Evolving with the market: Workbench 2.0

[23:24] Spotting trends before they emerge

[24:37] The art of relationship building in tech

[26:53] Fundraising wisdom: Lessons from the trenches

[34:42] Values-driven leadership: Family, authenticity, impact

[39:46] Beyond returns: Creating lasting value

[42:02] Words of wisdom for the next generation

Connect with Jon 

LinkedIn

Twitter 

Work_bench

Blog

Twitter 

Connect with Ephraim 

LinkedIn 

🙏 LEAVE A REVIEW Thank you for listening to the podcast! Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review and subscribe. Your review will help others discover the show and continue to support our efforts. 

👋🏼 GET IN TOUCH We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes. We'll personally thank you for your support! 

📢 SPONSORSHIP Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at [email protected] Thank you for considering!

In this episode, we speak with Lior, VC at Battery Ventures,

• From his early days dreaming big to becoming a key player at Battery Ventures, Lior shares how he climbed the VC ladder. He dives into something we don't often hear about - how growing up shaped his money mindset and career choices.

• Want to know how VCs really think? Lior breaks down his playbook for spotting winning startups. It's not just about flashy metrics - he's looking for founders who can go the distance. He explains why sometimes the best deals are the ones you walk away from, especially when prices get too hot.

• Battery Ventures isn't just another Silicon Valley VC firm. Lior reveals how they're making waves globally, especially in Israel's booming tech scene. He shares their strategy for finding hidden gems in cybersecurity and software.

• Here's where it gets real - Lior talks about keeping sane in the crazy VC world. From hitting the gym to traveling with family, he shows how taking breaks actually makes you better at your job. The big surprise? Fear isn't always your enemy - sometimes it's your best advisor.

Words of Wisdom

- Build real relationships with founders

- Trust your gut on pricing

- Make time for life outside work

- Focus on long-term impact over quick wins

- Keep learning and evolving

The big takeaway? Think long-term, make a real difference, and don't forget to enjoy the ride along the way.

Topics: 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:57 Fatherhood and Personal Growth

04:34 Early Life and Career Aspirations

07:25 Financial Independence and Priorities

11:26 Venture Capital Insights

16:19 Mentorship and Industry Relationships

21:24 Evolving Perspectives in Venture Capital

23:32 Evaluating Founders: The People Aspect

27:22 The Importance of Price Sensitivity

29:48 Battery Ventures: A Global Approach

34:48 Deep Diving into Sectors

37:43 Balancing Work and Personal Life

39:42 The Role of Fear in Decision Making

41:12 Defining a Good Day

42:39 Final Thoughts and Advice

RESOURCES: 

Follow Lior on LinkedIn

Follow Ephraim on LinkedIn

 Follow Ephraim on Twitter

🙏 LEAVE A REVIEW Thank you for listening to the podcast! Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review and subscribe. Your review will help others discover the show and continue to support our efforts. 

👋🏼 GET IN TOUCH We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes. We'll personally thank you for your support! 

📢 SPONSORSHIP Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at [email protected] Thank you for considering!

In this episode, we talk with Alon Arvatz, tech entrepreneur and author. Alon, founder of PointFive, a company that helps manage cloud costs, shares his experiences and ideas. 

What You'll Hear: 

1. Alon's Journey: Learn how Alon sold his first company, Insight, for $350 million and why he started PointFive. 

2. Making an Impact: Why it's important to do more than just make money in business. 

3. Family Life: How Alon balances work with family and teaches his kids about money and helping others. 

4. Business Lessons: Tips on hiring good people, working with investors, and building a successful company. 

5. Moving to America: Alon's experience moving to the U.S. for his business. 

6. Overcoming Challenges: Dealing with doubts and difficulties in his work. 

7. Future Plans: What Alon hopes to achieve with PointFive and his other projects. 

Throughout this conversation, Alon gives honest advice and shares personal stories. Whether you're interested in starting a business, working in tech, or just curious about how successful people think, this episode has something for you. 

Main Topics: 

[00:00] Welcome and introduction 

[02:19] Alon's values and goals

[03:47] Making measurable impact

 [10:15] Teaching kids about money 

[20:08] Starting PointFive

[34:39] Learning from past experiences 

[44:04] Working with investors 

[53:39] Moving to the U.S. 

[59:53] Looking ahead 

[01:06:03] Advice for others. 

Listen in to hear how Alon is trying to use technology to make the world a little better, one step at a time. 

RESOURCES: 

Follow Alon on LinkedIn

Follow Ephraim on LinkedIn

 Follow Ephraim on Twitter

Watch on YouTube 

🙏 LEAVE A REVIEW Thank you for listening to the podcast! Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review and subscribe. Your review will help others discover the show and continue to support our efforts. 

👋🏼 GET IN TOUCH We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes. We'll personally thank you for your support! 

📢 SPONSORSHIP Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at [email protected] Thank you for considering!

In this episode we sit down with Ron Rofe General Partner of Rainfall Ventures, to explore his inspiring journey from a charitable childhood to remarkable success in venture capitalism. 

At the heart of Ron's story is a deep emphasis on personal values such as humility, passion, and a commitment to making a positive impact. He openly shares how these principles have guided his unconventional career path, from overcoming imposter syndrome to discovering his true calling in investing. 

Delving into his investment philosophy, Ron speaks passionately about the power of trusting people over rigid theses and the importance of backing purpose-driven founders. His insights on embracing uncertainty and the role of divine providence in his life and work provide a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the venture capital industry. 

Throughout the conversation, Ron's heartfelt anecdotes and genuine care for others shine through. He discusses the significance of giving back, using his hobby as a skilled chef to spread positivity and connect with his community. Ron also reflects on the evolution of both his personal and professional spheres, emphasizing the value of continuous growth, adaptability, and the pursuit of meaningful impact. 

Ron's inspiring story underscores the transformative potential of blending business acumen with a steadfast commitment to humility, empathy, and a deep trust in the divine. 

You will surely be captivated by Ron's insights, which provide a refreshing and compassionate perspective on the often fast-paced and competitive landscape of venture investing. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the power of embracing uncertainty, investing in people, and leveraging one's unique gifts for the greater good.

[00:00] Introduction 

[00:18] Background and Ventures 

[00:48] Personal Values and Charity Acts 

[01:18] The Journey to Rainfall Ventures [

03:01] Lessons Learned in Venture Capital 

[07:33] The Importance of Investing in People 

[11:31] Challenges and Successes in Venture Capital 

[28:29] The Role of Luck and Divine Providence 

[39:50] The Value of Belief and Personal Development 

[40:26] Money and Purpose in Life 

[41:02] Human Connection and Humility in Business 

[43:24] Assessing Character in Founders 

[46:36] The Importance of Humility and Adaptability 

[53:08] The Evolution of Rainfall Ventures 

[58:01] Spreading Goodness and Positivity 

[59:34] The Journey of Becoming a Celebrity Chef 

[01:06:31] The Impact of October 7th and Responsibility 

[01:14:28] Final Reflections and Gratitude

🔗 CONNECT WITH  Ron Rofe

👥 LinkedIn

💻 Website

🔗 CONNECT WITH Ephraim Yarmak 

👥 LinkedIn

🐦 Twitter

💻 Website

Investments 

🙏 LEAVE A REVIEW

Thank you for listening to the podcast! Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review and subscribe. Your review will help others discover the show and continue to support our efforts.

👋🏼 GET IN TOUCH

We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes. We'll personally thank you for your support!

📢 SPONSORSHIP

Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at [email protected] Thank you for considering!

Conversation with Edward Kolodenko, the founder of Questrade, we explore his remarkable journey from a young immigrant in Canada to leading one of the country's most significant financial institutions. Edward shares insights into his personal growth, the impact of his religious faith, and practical wisdom on achieving success without compromising core values. This episode delves into Edward's life philosophy, the challenges faced in building and scaling Questrade, and the importance of hard work, ambition, and spirituality in creating a meaningful life. You can expect to gain valuable life and business lessons, emphasizing the power of consistency, ethical commitment, and transformative leadership. 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 

1:08 Early Life and Immigration Challenges 

3:10 Lessons from Parents and Hard Work 

5:01 Embracing Religion and Its Impact 

9:39 Daily Routine and Maintaining Standards 

15:31 Founding Questrade: The Early Days 

18:27 Overcoming Struggles and Achieving Success 

23:25 Scaling the Company and Personal Growth 

24:56 Hiring and Building a Management Team 

25:28 Maintaining Company Culture 

26:41 Personal Sacrifices and Family Balance 

30:13 Work-Life Balance and Priorities 

32:57 Motivation and Personal Mission 

35:40 Charity and Giving Back 

39:41 Innovation and Competition 

42:48 Reflections and Life Lessons 

46:12 Concluding Thoughts and Blessings

Watch this episode on Youtube

______________________________________

🔗 CONNECT WITH  Edward Kholodenko

💻 Website

🔗 CONNECT WITH Ephraim Yarmak 

👥 LinkedIn

🐦 Twitter

💻 Website

Investments 

🙏 LEAVE A REVIEW

Thank you for listening to the podcast! Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review. Your review will help others discover the show and continue to support our efforts.

👋🏼 GET IN TOUCH

We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes. We'll personally thank you for your support!

📢 SPONSORSHIP

Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at [email protected] Thank you for considering!

I'm excited to welcome Aaron Rosenson, co-founder of Aption. With an impressive career at top venture capital firms like Insight Partners and Alef Partners, Aaron has a wealth of experience to share. We'll explore his transition from VC to startup operator, his personal challenges, and the invaluable lessons he's learned along the way. Don't miss this insightful discussion!

 Key Takeaways: 

1. Balance: Balancing professional ambitions with personal growth is crucial for long-term success and happiness. 

2. Transition: Aaron's journey from venture capital to becoming a startup founder offers valuable insights into career transitions. 

3. Spirituality: The role of spirituality and personal values can help maintain balance and focus in both personal and professional life. 

4. Loneliness: Strategies for overcoming loneliness and maintaining mental health are vital for entrepreneurs. 

5. Leadership: Aaron's unique approach to leadership and team building can inspire others to lead with empathy and authenticity.

 6. Persistence: Overcoming challenges and staying true to one's values can lead to personal and professional growth.

Watch this interview on You Tube 

_________

🔗 CONNECT WITH Aaron Rosenson 

👥 LinkedIn

💻 Website

🔗 CONNECT WITH Ephraim Yarmak 

👥 LinkedIn

🐦 Twitter

💻 Website

Investments 

🙏 LEAVE A REVIEW

Thank you for listening to the podcast! Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review. Your review will help others discover the show and continue to support our efforts.

👋🏼 GET IN TOUCH

We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes. We'll personally thank you for your support!

📢 SPONSORSHIP

Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at [email protected] Thank you for considering!

In this episode, we welcome Eran Bielski, GP at Entree Capital, to discuss his personal journey and experiences. Eran shares his reflections on serving as a reserve soldier in the IDF during conflict, emphasizing how this experience recalibrated his mind and heightened his tolerance for risk. He delves into what makes exceptional startup founders, highlighting qualities such as relentless drive, mission-driven focus, and the ability to overcome personal hardships.

Eran discusses his recent six-month period as a reservist soldier, detailing how the experience of war shaped his risk tolerance and approach to investing. He offers insights into his investment philosophy, focusing on mission-driven founders who exhibit dedication and resilience. Eran underscores the importance of personal experiences in shaping successful entrepreneurs and talks about the long-term nature of venture capital, the patience required for significant returns, and the importance of making disciplined investment decisions.

The conversation also covers Eran's career ascent at Entree Ventures, his mentorship of new VCs, and the challenges of balancing work with family life. Eran reflects on his relationship with his partner Avi and his transition from financial banking to venture capital, which came about through a serendipitous connection made by his grandmother. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes the resilience and adaptability of Israeli entrepreneurs and concludes with valuable advice for young professionals pursuing their goals.
 

00:00 Introduction to the Founder Stories Podcast

00:58 Eran's Military Service and Its Impact

02:35 The Positive Impact of War on Israeli VCs

03:56 The Importance of Risk Tolerance in Startups

06:48 Focus on Founders: Traits and Qualities

11:58 Mission-Driven Founders and Their Stories

17:54 Mission-Driven VCs: A New Perspective

21:20 The Patience and Self-Assessment in Venture Capital

21:33 The Long Road to Big Wins

22:14 Portfolio Reflections and Measuring Success

23:40 The Dilemma of When to Exit

26:11 Valuation Justification in Cyber Companies

27:39 The Importance of Genuine Self-Assessment for Founders

36:03 The Role of Family and Personal Sacrifice

38:39 Advice for the Younger Generation

41:40 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

🔗 CONNECT WITH Eran 

👥 LinkedIn

💻 Website

🔗 CONNECT WITH EPHRAIM

👥 LinkedIn

🐦 Twitter

💻 Website

Investments 

🙏 LEAVE A REVIEW

Thank you for listening to the podcast! Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review. Your review will help others discover the show and continue to support our efforts.

👋🏼 GET IN TOUCH

We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes. We'll personally thank you for your support!

📢 SPONSORSHIP

Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at [email protected] Thank you for considering!

Conversation with Roy Rubin, VC @ R-Squared Ventures. Founder @ Magento acquired by Ebay. 

🔗 CONNECT WITH Roy Rubin 

👥 LinkedIn

🐦 Twitter

💻 Website

🔗 CONNECT WITH EPHRAIM

👥 LinkedIn

🐦 Twitter

💻 Website

Investments 

🙏 LEAVE A REVIEW

Thank you for listening to the podcast! Your support means the world to us. If you enjoyed the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star review. Your review will help others discover the show and continue to support our efforts.

👋🏼 GET IN TOUCH

We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Ephraim Yarmak on LinkedIn with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the episodes. We'll personally thank you for your support!

📢 SPONSORSHIP

Interested in sponsoring the show? Email Ephraim at [email protected] Thank you for considering!