What if the words we use to describe startup success are quietly misleading us?

In the first episode of A Reasonable Rant, Neo pulls apart the language that dominates the startup and venture world. Terms like scalable, innovative, AI-powered, platform, and product-market fit sound impressive, but often mean very different things depending on who is listening.

Drawing on nearly a decade working across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and global venture markets, Neo explores how imprecise language hides risk, inflates confidence, and distorts decision-making. Not through hot takes or hype, but through lived experience, acquisition-room lessons, and hard data.

This is not a podcast about tearing startups down. It is about getting closer to what things actually are, so founders, investors, and ecosystem builders can make better decisions.

Part one of a three-part prologue series.
Part two looks at the data that breaks the narrative.
Part three asks what we should be measuring instead.

If you have ever felt that startup language sounds convincing but explains very little, this rant is for you.