On this episode of Startup Foundations we talk to Jack Cohen Martin, co-founder and CEO of GrapeIn — a marketing automation and business networking platform for the wine and spirits supply chain.

Jack talks about the differences between Israeli and US ecosystem, what motivated him to start his journey in that industry back in the 2000s, and how he ended up moving to New York. Jack and Greg discuss Jack’s initial experiences in ad-tech, deep-fake technology, and how he got the idea to start working on a wine startup.

Jack explains the complicated three-tier system that regulates how alcohol can be distributed and sold in the US, the limitations that exist within that supply chain. Jack also talks about how his company GrapeIn aims to solve this problem by creating a network of wholesalers, matching them with small trade buyers, and allowing them to track the distribution of their products across the US.

Jack also shares some valuable insights for founders who are just starting out: be truly interested in what you’re doing, and take time picking your first investors, because they’re going to be on your cap table for a long time.