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What happens when an “outsider” refuses the rules and builds his own lane inside Silicon Valley’s most competitive ecosystem? We sit down with Gabriel Jorison, founder of Lobster Capital, to trace the leap from Paris to San Francisco, the years of founder grind, and the playbook that turned a small fund into one of the most trusted names around Y Combinator.

Gabe pulls back the curtain on why he focused exclusively on YC, how he earned access without alumni status, and why a traction-first thesis beats pedigree and hype. We explore his decision to launch the largest independent media brand covering YC, the way consistent storytelling compounds into founder trust, and how that trust converts into allocations at the top of each batch. He also shares the art of saying no—declining buzzy deals when retention, acquisition quality, or revenue momentum don’t hold up—even when FOMO is loud.

We get candid about AI. Gabe explains why he initially avoided “wrapper” plays, what changed his mind, and why not using AI today is a red flag. Expect a sharp view on moats: models are engines you can swap, but the real defensibility sits in brand, distribution, UX, and proprietary data. For operators and emerging managers, he details fund mechanics, standard 2-and-20 structure, timelines, and real paths to liquidity through secondaries. For founders, he lays out the practical help Lobster brings beyond capital, from pattern-matching across 100+ YC startups to hands-on media and distribution support.

You’ll come away with a clear set of principles: go where the density of talent is highest, measure teams by traction, build a media flywheel, and stay humble enough to change your mind fast. If that sparks your next move, subscribe, share this with a friend who needs it, and leave a quick review so we can keep bringing you the most actionable conversations in venture.

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A tuna sandwich, a casual “Put me down for 100,” and the dam finally breaks. We follow Stephen Schwarzman from 488 rejections to the $100M anchor commitment that unlocked Blackstone’s first fund and set the stage for one of the most dominant investing platforms on earth. This is a story about grit, but it’s also a playbook: secure social proof, solve LP problems, and build processes that turn momentum into durable scale.

We dive into the early Wall Street lessons that shaped his philosophy—own the upside, don’t just earn the fee—and the Transtar deal that proved the power of creative financing and operational improvement. Then we pivot to real estate, where bidding to win (and improving post-close) beat the false comfort of the cheapest price. The EOP megadeal becomes a masterclass in de-risking: buy big, sell fast, and use scale as your moat. Along the way we unpack culture—information obsession, rigorous debate, and downside protection—and how diversification across private equity, real estate, credit, and hedge strategies created a resilient earnings engine.

We don’t dodge the hard parts: outsized pay optics, political backlash, and the scrutiny that comes with influence. But the enduring takeaway is trust. Anchor investors create momentum; consistent delivery cements it. If you’re raising a first or next fund, you’ll hear practical tactics on sequencing anchors, aligning with LP strategy, and building systems that automate outreach and reporting so you can focus on judgment. Aim big, recruit tens, and play for decades, not quarters.

If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s fundraising right now, and leave a quick review—it helps more builders find these stories and turn hard-won lessons into action.

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The ground is shifting. Operators who keep chasing checks one property at a time are getting lapped by managers who design real funds, align with the right investors, and move capital with intention. We break down a clear, repeatable path to launch a real estate fund in 2026 using a design, build, raise, and launch framework that turns scattered deals into a disciplined investment machine.

We start with design: choose the right fund type and write a thesis investors can believe in. Fix and flip funds promise velocity and frequent distributions if you can keep a reliable pipeline and underwrite conservatively. Debt funds deliver steady, “mailbox money” income by lending at prudent LTVs with strong collateral and first-position protections. Multifamily builds long-term wealth through cash flow, tax benefits, and thoughtful exit planning, judged by cap rates, cash-on-cash return, and IRR over the hold period. You’ll hear how to communicate these metrics so LPs know how often they get paid, how safe their principal is, and what upside they can expect.

Then we build: a professional GP–LP structure, real fund documents, and compliance choices like 506(b) versus 506(c). Fix and flip funds need language for short-term capital recycling; debt funds need fortress lender rights; multifamily needs clean waterfalls and fair splits. We also cover fund admin, banking, and distribution processes so your back office earns as much trust as your pitch deck.

Finally, we raise and launch with intention. Anchor investors first. Clear targets for assets, returns, and structure. Soft commitments before final docs, immediate deployment once ready, and transparent reporting from day one. Whether you’re selling speed, safety, or long-term upside, the key is fit—three to five aligned LPs will outperform a hundred lukewarm prospects. Ready to stop chasing money and start running a fund with real systems and compliance? Subscribe, share this with a partner, and leave a review telling us which fund type you’re building next.

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A bidding war doesn’t always go to the highest number. Sometimes it goes to the strongest character. That’s the heart of our conversation with Joe of Cowboy Capital, a fund manager who grew up ranching, learned that a handshake is a contract, and used those values to win one of the best deals in Missoula without chasing last‑minute offers.

We trace Joe’s path from training horses and driving semis to stabilizing tough assets and building a local edge across Idaho, Montana, and Utah. He breaks down why proximity beats out-of-state speculation, how speed solves operational risk, and the discipline required to underwrite without “hope” baked into future cap rates. The Missoula story says it all: first to tour, real nonrefundable money, and the courage to hold firm when a higher bid appeared. That stance earned the seller’s trust and the deal.

Joe also lifts the curtain on investor communications that actually build loyalty: monthly KPI dashboards, full property management reports, construction budgets, and a YouTube channel for visual progress. He explains how radical transparency during a tough Utah project led to deeper relationships and larger checks, culminating in seven‑figure commitments and a streamlined LP base. We dig into his fund-of-funds strategy too—why backing elite operators accelerates learning, how he diligences monthly reports like it’s a new deal, and what he’s seeing in today’s market, from distress to special servicing opportunities.

The conversation expands beyond multifamily. Joe shares the story behind Tiny’s Tribe, the nonprofit founded after he lost his brother and grandmother in a car accident. The mission: support families through financial help, food security, home modifications, and mindset coaching so they emerge stronger. Looking ahead, he’s adding alternatives—oil and gas, storage, mobile home parks, and venture—to help investors diversify with a family-office mindset while Cowboy Capital keeps executing where it has an edge.

If you’re serious about raising capital with integrity, building local advantage, and communicating like a pro, this one will give you a working playbook. Subscribe, share with a friend who raises capital, and leave a quick review so we can bring more operators and more hard-won lessons to your feed.

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Navigating the regulatory maze of investment fund compliance doesn't have to be overwhelming. In this eye-opening breakdown, I tackle one of the most confusing aspects of raising capital: understanding the critical differences between 506B and 506C offerings.

Think of 506B as a private dinner party – you're limited to raising from people you know, with no public advertising allowed. While you can include up to 35 non-accredited investors alongside unlimited accredited ones, you're relying solely on pre-existing relationships. The benefit? A simpler process with less verification hassle. The downside? Severely restricted marketing reach.

On the flip side, 506C is your public concert – advertise freely across social media, run ads, and market openly to the estimated 10 million accredited investors in the US. The catch? You can only accept accredited investors who must verify their status through tax returns, financial statements, or third-party letters. Modern platforms like Funflow make this verification process smoother, but it's still an additional step that can sometimes slow down capital inflow.

I reveal a powerful strategy many successful fund managers use: starting with 506B to bring in family and close investors (including non-accredited ones), then temporarily closing subscriptions before reopening as a 506C to scale publicly. Just remember – compliance isn't optional. File your Form D, stick to the rules of your chosen exemption, and build your fundraising approach on a legally sound foundation. Whether you're leveraging existing relationships or building a marketing machine to attract new investors, choosing the right regulatory path can make all the difference between frustration and fundraising success.

Want more guidance on structuring compliant, scalable funds? Subscribe to this channel where we keep it real, keep it legal, and help you build a fund like a pro. To great success and greater impact!

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Forget everything you thought you knew about Bitcoin investing. This episode strips away the hype to reveal what a Bitcoin treasury actually is—a sophisticated financial defense mechanism that's quietly revolutionizing how forward-thinking businesses, funds, and even countries protect their wealth.

You've likely heard of companies like MicroStrategy (now Strategy) accumulating massive Bitcoin holdings, but what you may not understand is the strategic brilliance behind these moves. A Bitcoin treasury isn't about speculation or getting rich quick—it's about preserving purchasing power in an era where "cash is trash" and traditional financial systems show increasing signs of instability.

We break down the critical differences between standard crypto investments (chasing ROI across tokens and protocols) versus Bitcoin treasuries (focused on monetary resilience and sovereignty). You'll discover why major players like Tesla, Block, and El Salvador are building these structures, how to properly establish one with appropriate legal entities, security protocols, and governance frameworks, and the strategic advantages they offer beyond simple Bitcoin exposure—including leverage opportunities, yield generation, and tax optimization benefits.

The most fascinating development might be how Bitcoin treasuries are merging with traditional finance, as SPACs begin parking their capital in Bitcoin rather than letting inflation erode their holdings while seeking acquisition targets. For businesses sitting on idle cash, family offices concerned about long-term wealth preservation, or fund managers looking for a solid foundation—Bitcoin treasuries represent not just an investment but a fundamental rethinking of financial sovereignty.

Ready to protect your capital from fiat decay and build long-term financial resilience? This episode provides the blueprint. Subscribe now and join the growing movement toward true monetary independence in an increasingly uncertain financial world.

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Andrew Erickson's entrepreneurial path defies conventional wisdom, taking him from laser-cutting beer cap maps in a makerspace to developing apartment complexes in San Diego backyards. This conversation reveals the fascinating evolution of a business mind constantly seeking new opportunities and leveraging technology to scale.

What makes Andrew's story compelling is how clearly it demonstrates the power of capital as an accelerator. After building an e-commerce business to near seven figures, he recognized that even the most efficient operations hit ceilings without investment capital. This realization led him to San Diego's innovative ADU regulations, which allow homeowners to build multi-unit dwellings (up to 12 units!) on single-family lots.

The economics are staggering - purchasing million-dollar properties, adding another million in construction costs, and creating assets worth approximately $3 million. While the 24-month development cycle requires patient capital, the potential 20%+ returns attract sophisticated investors willing to wait for substantial payoffs.

Behind these impressive numbers lies Andrew's secret weapon: AI-powered automation. His systems scrape property listings, analyze zoning regulations, calculate potential units, and underwrite deals in real-time, giving his fund a significant competitive advantage. This marriage of real estate expertise and technological efficiency allows his team to evaluate hundreds of properties and select only the most profitable opportunities.

Perhaps most valuable is Andrew's perspective on personal growth: "The ceiling of what you dream to be possible raises, but also the floor of your limiting beliefs raises too." Each achievement becomes the foundation for the next level, especially when surrounded by the right mentors and peers who push your thinking beyond current limitations.

Ready to transform your own entrepreneurial journey? Whether you're fascinated by real estate innovation, capital raising strategies, or how to leverage AI in your business, this episode delivers actionable insights from someone who's successfully navigating all three frontiers.

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What happens when a high-performing tech sales executive decides to leverage his skills to build a capital raising machine? Sam Silverman's story reveals how clarity and strategic focus can outperform decades of financial industry experience.

After watching 55-year-old executives earn seven-figure salaries while still chained to their corporate desks, Sam knew there had to be a better way. He walked away from a lucrative sales career to build a capital raising ecosystem that's now surpassed $85 million. But what makes his approach truly remarkable isn't just the numbers—it's the precision with which he's identified his investor avatar and crafted solutions to meet their specific needs.

Sam shares how he used LinkedIn to build his entire investor base by targeting tech sales executives who understand commission-based income and its inherent instability. These high-earners (often making $400,000+) are constantly balancing lucrative compensation with job insecurity—"one good quarter away from a $100K check, one bad quarter away from being fired." By offering investments uncorrelated to both tech stocks and their employment, Sam provides these professionals with both psychological comfort and mathematical pathways to financial independence.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Sam explains his transition from real estate to private equity roll-ups and income funds. He reveals how he's acquiring paving companies at 2.5-4x EBITDA with plans to exit at 8-9x after operational improvements—creating substantial multiple arbitrage. His new income fund aims to solve a critical industry problem: how fund managers can generate immediate income while building their long-term wealth vehicles.

What truly distinguishes Sam's approach is his Freedom Framework, which helps high-income earners understand exactly what they need to achieve true freedom. Unlike many who promote passive income fantasies, Sam provides a realistic roadmap combining active and passive strategies tailored to each investor's time horizon and goals.

Whether you're just starting your capital-raising journey or looking to scale beyond real estate into new asset classes, this episode will transform how you think about investor psychology, capital raising strategy, and the true meaning of financial freedom.

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The financial world sits at a crossroads this week as pressure mounts on Jerome Powell to resign while a slew of critical economic data threatens to reshape markets. What began as political criticism has evolved into something more concerning – respected economist Mohammed El-Erian's calls for Powell's departure signal a deeper crisis of credibility at the Federal Reserve.

The timing couldn't be more dramatic. This week delivers a parade of market-moving events: the Fed meeting, Japan's rate decision, Canada's monetary policy announcement, PCE inflation data, and the critical US jobs report. Each release carries extra weight as questions swirl about Powell's future and the Fed's independence.

Perhaps most fascinating is the revelation about the sacred 2% inflation target that drives global monetary policy. This number wasn't determined through rigorous economic analysis – it originated with a New Zealand central banker simply picking a politically safe figure. Now, as inflation remains above target despite aggressive rate hikes, many economists suggest 3% might be more appropriate for our modern economy.

Against this backdrop of institutional uncertainty, Bitcoin continues demonstrating remarkable resilience. After absorbing an $8 billion liquidation from a Satoshi-era holder, Bitcoin quickly stabilized and recovered. This event powerfully illustrates why Bitcoin's code-based monetary policy – free from political pressure and human intervention – increasingly appeals to serious investors seeking alternatives to traditional systems.

As new legislation improves regulatory clarity and institutional investment products make Bitcoin more accessible, we're witnessing a profound shift in financial thinking. The slow erosion of central bank credibility contrasts sharply with Bitcoin's predictable, transparent protocol. What do you think – should Powell step down? Is the 2% inflation target outdated? Has Bitcoin earned its place among legitimate asset classes? Share your thoughts and join the conversation about where we go from here.

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Imagine earning 9% monthly yield on a $100 stable instrument backed by Bitcoin's explosive potential. That's exactly what MicroStrategy has created with STRC, their groundbreaking preferred stock offering that's redefining what yield should look like in the Bitcoin era.

Most of us have accepted the status quo of parking capital in accounts earning 4-5% while inflation quietly erodes our purchasing power. We've been told this is the "responsible" option by suit-wearing advisors, while Bitcoin compounds at remarkable rates for those willing to stomach its volatility. STRC elegantly solves this dilemma by providing stable, predictable income backed by the world's most scarce digital asset.

Unlike typical yield products, STRC features sophisticated mechanisms to maintain price stability around $100. MicroStrategy can redeem shares on demand and control supply through market issuance, actively defending that price point. The dividend structure adjusts monthly based on market conditions but can't fall below established floors, with missed payments accruing interest. Most impressively, the entire structure is backed by MicroStrategy's massive 607,000 Bitcoin holding – creating a 7:1 collateralization ratio that strengthens over time as more Bitcoin is acquired through their innovative capital stack.

For operators, fund managers, family offices, and savvy investors tired of subpar yields, STRC delivers the perfect blend of monthly income, price stability, and Bitcoin exposure without requiring technical crypto knowledge. You can benefit from Bitcoin's potential without needing to understand cold storage or spend nights anxiously checking price charts. This is what post-fiat fixed income should feel like – stable, flexible, overbuilt, and designed to grow stronger rather than weaker over time. Ready to position your capital where it's both protected and productive? STRC might just be the financial innovation you've been waiting for.

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