The Sachin and Adam Show

TheSachinandAdamShow

We tell the raw stories of the world’s tech leaders, by asking the vulnerable questions that no one else does. Guests have included former Prime Ministers, unicorn tech founders and the world’s top investors. Join us for these interviews and get a real behind the scenes look into 25 year old best friends building the company of their dreams. All links: linktr.ee/SachinandAdam IG: https://www.instagram.com/sachinandadam/

  1. Inside Wonder Studios: The Startup Merging AI With Hollywood (with founder Xavier Collins)

    24/09/2025

    Inside Wonder Studios: The Startup Merging AI With Hollywood (with founder Xavier Collins)

    In today’s episode, we sit down with Xavier Collins, co-founder of Wonder Studios — the London-based AI film studio backed by Blackbird, LocalGlobe, and angels from OpenAI and DeepMind.Xavier shares Wonder’s mission to become the Pixar of the AI age, democratizing Hollywood-grade production and sparking a global wave of creativity. From supercharging storytelling and navigating venture capital, to blending software with traditional filmmaking and building a 21st-century studio culture, Xavier offers a rare inside look at the future of film. We dive into: How Wonder Studios is bridging Hollywood tradition with AI innovationThe bet on AI as a creative explosion, not a replacementConvincing VCs a studio can be venture-scaleUnlocking Hollywood-grade production for creators worldwideThe role of culture, talent, and new creative roles in building a modern studio 00:00 Introduction to the AI Gold Rush 00:19 Meet Xavier Collins of Wonder Studios 00:42 The Future of Storytelling with AI 01:02 Challenges and Opportunities in AI Film Studios 01:34 Building a Unicorn: Culture and Vision 01:51 Audience Engagement and Subscription Drive 02:30 Deep Dive into Wonder Studios' Vision 03:41 The AI Gold Rush Analogy 06:33 Democratizing Hollywood-Grade Production 08:36 VC Skepticism and Conviction 12:11 The Agency Model and Beyond 13:44 Notion Ad 18:39 Lowering Barriers to Hollywood-Grade Animation 21:20 Personal Journey and Creative Collaboration 26:19 The AI Video Landscape 29:40 Advice for Creatives in the Age of AI 32:23 Leveraging Technology in Filmmaking 34:36 Challenges and Opportunities in Scriptwriting 36:32 Impact of AI on the Filmmaking Economy 40:00 Building a 21st Century Studio 42:42 Team Structure and Culture 54:24 Future Goals and Vision

    1 hr
  2. AI Roundtable Unfiltered: The Truth About Hype, Talent Wars & Global AI

    13/08/2025

    AI Roundtable Unfiltered: The Truth About Hype, Talent Wars & Global AI

    In today’s episode, we’re joined by five leading voices shaping the future of artificial intelligence: Dan Palmer, co-founder of Relevance AI; Michelle Gilmore, CEO and co-founder of Juno; Xharmagne Carandang, founding software engineer at Lorikeet; and Georgie Healy, head of Google’s AI accelerator and host of *In the Blink of AI*. Recorded live at the second-ever AI Roundtable Dinner, this conversation dives deep into the most urgent, surreal, and high-stakes issues in AI today. From billion-dollar bets and VC hype cycles, to AI’s impact on jobs, education, and global competition, the guests share candid insights from their own journeys building in one of the most intense moments in tech history. Listen in for a rare behind-the-scenes look at how these founders are navigating ethical dilemmas, rapid product development, market expansion, and staying grounded amid the noise. Check out their socials: Daniel Palmer’s: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-palmer/ Michelle Gilmore’s: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellejoygilmore/ Xharmagne Carandang’s: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xharmagne/ Georgie Healy’s: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georginahealy/ We dive into: - The reality of the current AI VC bubble and capital efficiency in hyper-competitive markets - Why founder expertise, adaptability, and team quality are critical moats in AI - How AI could become as ubiquitous as electricity—and what that means for pricing, value, and innovation - The skills and mindsets that will thrive (and those that might disappear) in an AI-first world - The global race for AI talent and why Sydney, SF, and emerging markets each play a role - Displacement vs. amplification: the societal impacts of automation and possible safety nets - The hype vs. product debate—how to cut through noise and build enduring companies - Storytelling, trust, and the future of marketing in a world where agents make buying decisions - The advice these founders would give their future selves about building in AI over the next decade 00:00 Introduction 02:37 Round Table Dinner: AI Founders and Leaders 03:19 The Future of AI and Market Dynamics 04:53 Challenges and Opportunities in AI Startups 07:19 The Role of Talent and Capital in AI 09:54 Global Perspectives on AI Development 13:50 Notion Ad 14:36 The Impact of AI on Industries and Society 28:11 Geographical Dispersion and Talent Density 37:35 Challenging Company Culture Norms 38:14 Building Relationships in San Francisco 39:38 Talent Density and Research in Australia 41:24 AI's Impact on Skills and Employment 43:07 The Future of Education and Creativity 8:43 Job Displacement and Economic Shifts 01:03:57 Ethical Concerns and AI Governance 01:14:19 The Importance of Attention in Business 01:14:46 Investor Expectations and Startup Metrics 01:15:42 Challenges of Building a Sustainable Business 01:16:32 Focus on Customers and Incremental Growth 01:17:23 The Role of Hype and Distribution 01:21:05 The New Generation of Founders 01:26:56 The Future of AI and Human Value 01:37:49 Reflections and Advice for the Future 01:44:01 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up Thanks to Notion for sponsoring this episode! Organise your team, projects, and ideas all in one place. Try Notion for free and get started with our special link: https://ntn.so/sachin&adam

    1h 45m
  3. Inside AirTree’s $650M Fund: The Future of Aussie Startups & AI

    06/08/2025

    Inside AirTree’s $650M Fund: The Future of Aussie Startups & AI

    In today’s episode, we’re joined by John and Jax, partners at AirTree, to talk about their massive new $650 million fund — a milestone backed by some of the world’s top institutional investors. They break down why global capital is finally paying attention to Australia, how this changes the game for local founders, and what traits they now look for in world-class startups. From the rise of AI-native companies to the evolving VC landscape, this is a must-listen for anyone building in tech. Check out their socials: Jonh Henderson: https://www.airtree.vc/team/john-henderson https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhenderson/ Jackie Vullinghs: https://www.airtree.vc/team/jackie-vullinghs https://www.linkedin.com/in/jvullinghs/ We dive into: Why AirTree raised a $650M fund — and what it unlocks for foundersHow global LPs are finally backing Australian venture capitalThe rise of AI-native startups and why they matter nowWhat AirTree looks for in early-stage founders todayThe shift toward faster, conviction-led investingWhy “speed and intensity” beat “balance” in the startup gameHow growth-stage VC is evolving in AustraliaWhy AirTree is investing in companies they once missedThe internal culture driving AirTree’s successPredictions for the future of VC and AI-driven business models 00:00 Exciting Announcement: New $650 Million Fund 00:17 The Importance of International Investors 00:52 Meet the Partners: John and Jax 01:13 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Venture Capital 01:23 The Fast-Paced World of VC: Diligence and Conviction 01:49 A Special Message to Our Viewers 02:31 Deep Dive: The New Fund and Its Impact 05:21 Why Australia? Convincing Global Investors 06:28 The Growth of the Australian Tech Ecosystem 09:28 Vanta Ad 12:40 Fund Structure: Seed, Growth, and Co-Investment 18:48 The Role of Growth Funds in the VC Landscape 20:44 Global Trends in Venture Capital 29:47 The Emotional Journey of Building a VC Firm 31:21 Core Ingredients for Venture Scale Business 32:11 Navigating the Nebulous World of AI 33:10 Backing AI Native Entrepreneurs 34:30 Valuation Challenges in the AI Era 35:53 Importance of Founders in AI Startups 43:22 Australian Founders on the Global Stage 46:19 Air Tree's Growth Fund Strategy 49:00 Building a World-Class Team at Air Tree 50:49 Future Vision for Air Tree 55:21 Adapting Investment Strategies 58:36 Continuous Learning and Healthy Debate 01:01:07 Conclusion and Future Outlook

    1h 2m
  4. How Paraform Raised $20M to Reinvent Recruiting

    22/07/2025

    How Paraform Raised $20M to Reinvent Recruiting

    Today we’re joined by John Kim, co-founder and CEO of Paraform—a startup reshaping how companies hire through a fast-growing recruiter marketplace. He shares Paraform’s journey from early struggles to raising a $20M Series A, and reflects on his growth as a leader, along with the company’s vision to expand across industries and deepen AI integration. This conversation matters because it reveals what it really takes to scale a marketplace, build trust with users, and win in one of tech’s most competitive battlegrounds: hiring. We dive into: Early startup experienceCustomer referrals drove investor interestRecruiter marketplace for top-tier hiringMatches companies with external headhuntersAI-powered recruiter performance and matching7-figure earnings possible for recruitersAI assists recruiters, not replaces themFounder goal: master the hiring craft“Scaling is hiring people who hire”Building tools for recruiter entrepreneurshipMarketplace designed for global scalability 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:26 Startup Growth and Office Expansion 01:27 Series A Funding Announcement 01:48 The Journey to Series A 03:13 Customer Success Stories 07:22 Elevator Pitch and Recruiting Edge 09:55 Vanta Ad 11:34 Building the Marketplace 12:34 Personal Background and Experiences 15:05 Rapid Company Growth 15:41 Overcoming Early Challenges 20:17 Go-to-Market Strategies 24:02 Navigating a Hot Market 24:29 The Talent War: Changes in Recruiting 25:34 AI's Impact on Work and Salaries 26:52 The Future Role of Recruiters 28:25 Cultural Fit in Talent Acquisition 30:44 In-House vs. External Recruiters 33:34 Different Approaches to Recruiting 36:37 Sustainability of Current Hiring Practices 39:21 Personal Growth and Leadership 44:29 Future Goals and Vision The future of hiring with AI and trust-driven workflows is here. #AI #Startups #Paraform #TechFounders About us We are two best friends, trying to build a community around in-depth interviews and short documentaries with the best minds in technology and startups. Through bold storytelling and candid conversations, we explore how visionary thinkers are shaping the future. The best way to support is subscribing, truly it makes all the difference for us 💙

    51 min
  5. Inside YC’s Hottest Startup: Building A1base, Giving Agent’s Identity, and Lessons From YC Elite

    24/06/2025

    Inside YC’s Hottest Startup: Building A1base, Giving Agent’s Identity, and Lessons From YC Elite

    Today we’re joined by Pasha and Pennie - second-time founders and the minds behind @a1base, a breakout @ycombinator startup giving AI agents real-world identities like phone numbers, emails, and Slack handles. This conversation matters because it tackles one of the most important missing pieces in AI: identity and trust. We’re moving beyond flashy demos - into a world where agents don’t just generate, they participate. We dive into: - Why agents need a phone number - Building Twilio for AI - Startup mistakes they’ll never repeat - Why “looking legit” slows you down - Speed, soul, and real execution - Trust, safety & agent messaging - What YC still gets right - SF ambition vs. cynicism - Winning in the agent era - Infra for agents, not apps 00:00 Introduction to YC and Founders' Ambitions 00:24 The Birth of A1 Base: From Idea to YC 02:21 Personal Histories: Clues to Becoming Founders 08:42 Lessons from Forage: Mistakes and Learnings 10:46 Vanta Ad 13:40 Building with Intentionality in the Age of AI 24:41 AI Agents and Human Communication 25:41 The Role of Y Combinator 26:09 Cultural and Strategic Benefits of YC 27:43 Silicon Valley's Unique Culture 29:07 AI Agents in Real-World Applications 35:03 Building Trust in AI Agents 40:54 Challenges and Optimism in AI Development 47:08 Future of AI Agents and Company Goals 48:44 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up This isn’t just about bots in group chats - it’s about reshaping how software works with people. The agent era has begun.#AI #Startups #YCombinator #a1base #AIagents #SachinandAdamShow #MessagingInfra #AIInfrastructure #TechFounders About us We are two best friends, trying to build a community around in-depth interviews and short documentaries with the best minds in technology and startups. Through bold storytelling and candid conversations, we explore how visionary thinkers are shaping the future. The best way to support is subscribing, truly it makes all the difference for us 💙

    49 min
  6. Inside the Startup Helping Dogs Live To 30+ yrs

    17/06/2025

    Inside the Startup Helping Dogs Live To 30+ yrs

    Anna Podolsky turned a home-cooked meal for her dog into one of Australia’s fastest-growing startups. In this episode, she shares how Lyka scaled from her kitchen to a 400-person team and hundreds of millions in revenue. We dive into mission-driven leadership, operational complexity, and the mindset behind building a generational company. If you care about startups, pets, or building with purpose - this one’s for you. 00:00 Introduction 02:02 Anna's Background and Early Influences 03:24 Building and Leading a Team 06:54 Operational Complexities and Growth 09:23 Vanta Ad 12:36 Navigating Supply and Demand 16:30 Lessons from Consulting to Entrepreneurship 23:04 Empowering Teams for Success 24:04 Day-to-Day Life of a CEO 25:21 Mission and Culture: Keys to Success 27:05 The Importance of Brand and Marketing 29:37 Personal Growth and Leadership 32:27 Balancing Work and Personal Life 36:20 The Drive Behind the Mission 38:53 Working with a Partner 42:56 Final Thoughts and Reflections -- Thanks to Vanta for the episode sponsorship. Our audience gets a special $1,000 off Vanta through our promo: https://www.vanta.com/sachinandadam Vanta automates compliance for global frameworks like ISO 27001 and SOC 2 and, the latest Australian frameworks like CPS 234 or Essential 8, saving you time and money. Over 8,000 global companies like Atlassian, Handle, FireAnt, and Tactiq.io use Vanta to manage risk and prove security in real time. -- JOIN OUR COMMUNITYLinkedIn 🚀: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-sachin-and-adam-show 🐦 X: https://x.com/Sachin_and_Adam 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sachinandadam/ LISTEN TO THE SHOW Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3M29tMFbZ4mtzJbcRNY3N6?si=731f376e2ddf4d34iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-sachin-and-adam-show/id1462522364 About us We are two best friends, trying to build a community around in-depth interviews and short documentaries with the best minds in technology and startups. Through bold storytelling and candid conversations, we explore how visionary thinkers are shaping the future. The best way to support is subscribing, truly it makes all the difference for us 💙

    44 min
  7. Charlie Gearside: Leaving $560M Startup To Reshape Australia's Future

    03/06/2025

    Charlie Gearside: Leaving $560M Startup To Reshape Australia's Future

    On today’s episode, we sit down with Charlie Gearside, co-founder of Eucalyptus - one of Australia’s fastest-growing healthtech companies, recently valued at $560 million. After 6 intense years building alongside three close friends, Charlie made the rare move: he walked away. We explore: - Why he left Eucalyptus at its peak - The personal toll of startup life and how therapy helped - Australia’s cost of living crisis and housing affordability - The rise of equity as a new wealth path for young Australians - How culture, media, and politics are shaping our economic future - Charlie’s vision for Australia — and why he’s turning to content to tell it This episode is honest, vulnerable, and sharp. If you're a founder, creator, or someone wondering *what’s next for Australia*, this one’s for you. --- Thanks to Vanta for the episode sponsorship. Our audience gets a special $1,000 off Vanta through our promo: (https://www.vanta.com/sachinandadam) Vanta automates compliance for global frameworks like ISO 27001 and SOC 2 and, the latest Australian frameworks like CPS 234 or Essential 8, saving you time and money. Over 8,000 global companies like Atlassian, Handle, FireAnt, and Tactiq.io use Vanta to manage risk and prove security in real time. 00:00 Introduction 00:29 Charlie's Exit from Eucalyptus 01:03 Startup Insights and Equity 01:25 Audience Engagement and Subscription Drive 02:03 Charlie's New Journey and Reflections 04:59 Challenges and Burnout 12:05 Vanta Ad 12:42 Therapy and Self-Discovery 22:01 Australian Startup Ecosystem 22:46 Vision for Australia's Future 30:59 Media's Role in Startup Culture 31:27 Optimism in Tech Journalism 32:24 Challenges for Australian Startups 34:39 Deep Tech and Investment in Australia 36:17 The Brain Drain Dilemma 38:47 Economic and Cultural Impacts 43:20 Encouraging Entrepreneurship 52:41 Balancing Personal Life and Entrepreneurship 55:28 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 57:47 Future Visions and Political Aspirations JOIN OUR COMMUNITY LinkedIn 🚀: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-sachin-and-adam-show 🐦 X: https://x.com/Sachin_and_Adam 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sachinandadam/ LISTEN TO THE SHOW Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3M29tMFbZ4mtzJbcRNY3N6?si=731f376e2ddf4d34 iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-sachin-and-adam-show/id1462522364 About us We are two best friends, trying to build a community around in-depth interviews and short documentaries with the best minds in technology and startups. Through bold storytelling and candid conversations, we explore how visionary thinkers are shaping the future. The best way to support is subscribing, truly it makes all the difference for us 💙

    59 min
  8. The Fast Approaching Rise of Design-Founders, Explained.

    27/05/2025

    The Fast Approaching Rise of Design-Founders, Explained.

    We're trying something different. We’re testing a new format this week on the The Sachin and Adam Show - a deeper discussion on the forces driving the tech industry right now. It's been a bit challenging to serve our community best when every episode is only covering 1 person’s story. So we’re trying something new: open conversations on the trends that matter + a bit more personality and BTS. This week? Unpacking the rise of the "Design-Founder Era". Why? Because when everyone can build with AI, taste becomes your moat. With Jony Ive teaming up with OpenAI, and folks like Aaron Epstein (Y Combinator) and Brian Chesky calling for more design-led companies, this movement is heating up. We also; - introduce our Head of Media Tom Duffy, who's been working BTS all year to help us create the best tech media in Australia. - reveal more about our company in beta, which will be launched this year 👀 (we can't wait to share more). It's a new format for us and we really enjoyed creating it. It's our mission to best serve founders and operators in the tech ecosystem - so let us know what you think! What should we cover next? 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 01:40 Meet Tom: The Man Behind the Scenes 03:00 Tom's Journey to Joining the Team 05:53 The Startup Culture and Young Talent 08:30 Zeller Ad12:04 The Importance of High Taste Designers 13:57 OpenAI and the Future of AI Technology 21:23 What Influences Sachin and Adam? 24:15 Seeking Contextual Business Advice 26:34 Risk Perception and Venture Capital 31:32 KC Ventures Ad 36:33 The Importance of Speed and Ambition 41:29 Balancing Media and Product Development 47:09 Exciting Goals and Future Plans — Thanks to our sponsors Zeller and KC Ventures. Zeller is building the financial stack to help startups scale, called Zeller for Startups. ⁠https://www.myzeller.com/startups⁠. Every founder unlocks exclusive rewards and offers when you use Zeller for Startups — including a high-interest savings account, 12-month free access to Zeller Corporate Cards and expense management, and discounts on amazing partner solutions from Employment Hero, Xero, and Pop Business. KC Ventures helps Australian startups scale by providing strategic financial advice. You can find KC Ventures at http://kcventures.com.au/ or message their founder Luke Rix on Linkedin to get in contact directly. —

    49 min
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4.7
out of 5
39 Ratings

About

We tell the raw stories of the world’s tech leaders, by asking the vulnerable questions that no one else does. Guests have included former Prime Ministers, unicorn tech founders and the world’s top investors. Join us for these interviews and get a real behind the scenes look into 25 year old best friends building the company of their dreams. All links: linktr.ee/SachinandAdam IG: https://www.instagram.com/sachinandadam/

Information

  • Creator
    TheSachinandAdamShow
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    153
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © TheSachinandAdamShow
  • Show Website
    The Sachin and Adam Show