$100M Exits with Jason Kirby

Jason Kirby
  • 5.0 (5)
  • 创业
  • 一周一更

In this podcast, we uncover the untold stories of founders who have weathered the highs and lows of raising capital. We go beyond the headlines and Techcrunch funding news articles to explore the uncharted territories of the fundraising landscape. In each episode, we'll sit down with founders from various industries who have raised venture capital to bring their visions to life. They'll open up about their personal journeys, fundraising tactics & more. If you're a founder, this podcast offers a ton of value & insights you can apply to your fundraising journey. Don't forget to hit subscribe!

  1. EP 92: Why I Left My $500M Startup to Start Again — Shay Levi (Unframe AI)

    5天前

    EP 92: Why I Left My $500M Startup to Start Again — Shay Levi (Unframe AI)

    He sold for $500M—then started all over again. Get our free investor/buyer list at thunder.vc Why Shay Levi left NoName Security after its $500M sale to Akamai How he built Unframe AI and raised millions at a massive valuation The mindset shift from cybersecurity to AI innovation What founders get wrong about timing their exits Lessons on capital efficiency and founder evolution after a big win ---------------------------------------------------- Looking for capital or to sell? Get a list of vetted investors and buyers for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode92&utm_id=%24100M+Exits Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips: https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode92&utm_id=%24100M+Exits Here’s what you’re in for:00:00 – Intro: From $500M exit to new beginnings 02:15 – The Akamai acquisition story: what really happened 05:40 – Why Shay left at the peak 08:20 – The “LLM moment” that sparked Unframe AI 11:10 – Founder reinvention: starting again after massive success 14:50 – Raising at a huge valuation from day one 18:30 – Cybersecurity vs AI: mindset and market lessons 22:00 – What $500M taught Shay about building the next one 25:10 – Advice to founders chasing their second act 28:00 – Jason’s recap and founder takeaways About $100M Exits $100M Exits is where founders and investors who’ve achieved $100M+ outcomes share raw, unfiltered lessons. Hosted by Jason Kirby, each episode dives deep into the psychology, strategy, and playbook behind 9-figure exits and the next wave of category-defining startups. About the Guest – Shay Levi Shay Levi is the co-founder and former CTO of NoName Security, which was acquired by Akamai for nearly $500M. After scaling one of the fastest-growing cybersecurity startups of the decade, Shay left to found Unframe AI, a new venture pushing the boundaries of AI infrastructure and reasoning systems. Known for his product-first mindset and calm precision as a technical founder, Shay is now building in one of the most competitive spaces of the decade. You can reach out to Shay through: Website: https://www.unframe.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaylevi2/?originalSubdomain=il Email: leave a comment to get an intro About the Host – Jason Kirby Jason Kirby is the Managing Partner at Thunder and host of $100M Exits, where he shares stories and lessons from founders who’ve raised, sold, or scaled to 9-figure outcomes. He’s an active investor and advisor to high-growth startups navigating capital and acquisition strategies. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/

    1 小时 1 分钟
  2. EP 91: How She Bought Back Her Company From Investors

    10月2日

    EP 91: How She Bought Back Her Company From Investors

    Melinda Nicca shares her story of raising capital, building a cash flow machine and buying it back from her investors to give herself independence again. In this episode, Jason Kirby talks with Melinda Nicci, Founder and CEO of Body Collective Group, and she opens up about her path as a health tech entrepreneur. She shares how her women’s wellness platform grew to reach over 6 million users, the highs and lows of fundraising, and the tough negotiations required to regain control of her company through a share repurchase. Mel also talks about navigating investor relationships, launching new products, and the future of AI in wellness. Her story highlights resilience, strategic thinking, and the importance of understanding the investor landscape. ---------------------------------------------------- Raising capital? Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode91&utm_id=%24100M+Exits Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips: https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode91&utm_id=%24100M+Exits Here's what you're in for: 00:32 Mel’s Background & Vision 02:25 Building Body Collective Group 09:02 Fundraising Lessons 21:24 Product Development & Expansion 22:30 Navigating Investors 31:25 AI Wellness Coach Vision 35:39 Negotiating Buyouts & Reclaiming Ownership 51:11 Future Plans 55:26 How to Connect with Mel ABOUT MELINDA NICCI With more than 30 years of experience at the intersection of technology and global health, she has built AI-driven platforms that have reached over 6 million people in 130 countries. As the Founder & CEO of Body Collective Group, she created Bella AI, the world’s most advanced women’s health assistant, and pioneered digital wellness platforms including Baby2Body and MBODY. Consistently recognized among the Top 100 Most Influential Women in Technology, she is known for translating AI research into real-world health applications, forging global partnerships, and scaling businesses to successful exits. Her board leadership spans high-performance sports and technology, with expertise in audit, risk, and strategy. She is passionate about advancing women’s health, scaling AI for global health, and driving purpose-led innovation that balances commercial success with social impact. You can reach out to Melinda through: Website: https://www.baby2body.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melindanicci/?originalSubdomain=uk ABOUT JASON Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder, a tech-enabled investment bank helping founders reach their ideal target outcomes through capital strategy and M&A.  He is a serial entrepreneur with four exits and decades of experience in fundraising, M&A, and business building. In his career, he has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, M&A and business development. He’s transacted over $135M and his firm Thunder has transacted over $200M+ You can reach out to Jason through: Email: jason@thunder.vc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/ ABOUT $100M EXITS My goal is simple: to equip founders with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of capital strategy to take your company where you ultimately want it, by interviewing founders and investors who have already done it.  For most, it’s a dream to sell for $100M+, but for others it’s too cash flow or IPO. Founders doing over $5M in revenue will benefit the most from this podcast.  Be sure to subscribe and let me know who you want me to interview next.

    54 分钟
  3. EP 90: Search Funds Demystified: How Jon Staenberg (Agate Hound Fund) Nets 35% Annual Returns

    6月19日

    EP 90: Search Funds Demystified: How Jon Staenberg (Agate Hound Fund) Nets 35% Annual Returns

    This week, I chat with Jon Staenberg founding partner of Agate Hound Fund, to unpack the real mechanics behind venture capital and search funds. From his early days at Microsoft, to founding a search fund that delivers 35% net annual returns, Jon pulls no punches. He warns, “Don’t go into venture until you’ve actually got a skill,” and breaks down the challenges of buying a company. We explore how grit, curiosity, and critical thinking separate founders who retire early from those who build enduring empires, and why the “comprehensiveness of change today is astonishing.”  Whether you’re curious about launching a search fund, leveling up in VC, or simply hungry for insights, this episode will equip you with the tools and the mindset to raise your game. Raising capital? Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders?utm_source=Spotify&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode90&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips: https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101?utm_source=Spotify&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode90&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast We explore: 0:00 – Intro & Meet Jon Staenberg of Agate Hound Fund 4:50 – “Microsoft was way beyond my expectations…” 10:30 – “Don’t go into venture until you’ve actually got a skill” 16:15 – Search Funds 101: “5% net annual return 22:00 – “Buying a company is hard… it’s messy” 28:05 – Why grit, curiosity & critical thinking win 33:40 – The “retire early” myth vs. 60‑hour workweeks 38:20 – AI & the comprehensiveness of change today 42:10 – How to connect with Jon ABOUT JON STAENBERG Jon Staenberg is the founding partner of Agate Hound Fund, a search‑fund vehicle focused on acquiring and scaling founder‑owned companies. Before launching Agate Hound, Jon spent over a decade at Microsoft, where he led product strategy and saw firsthand how engagement and inspiration fuel innovation. A veteran operator turned investor, he’s passionate about teaching entrepreneurs that “buying a company is hard,” but also demonstrating how a disciplined, skill‑based approach can generate 35% net annual returns. Jon holds an MBA from Stanford and advises several high‑growth startups on go‑to‑market and capital strategy. Get in touch with Jon: Website: https://www.agatehound.fund/ Email: jon@agatehound.fund   ABOUT JASON Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development. You can reach out to Jason through: Email: jason@thunder.vc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/ ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED  Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape. Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders.

    43 分钟
  4. EP 89: From Uber to Snap to AI: Ben Chiang on Raising Millions Then vs Now

    6月12日

    EP 89: From Uber to Snap to AI: Ben Chiang on Raising Millions Then vs Now

    In this episode of Fundraising Demystified, I sit down with Ben Chiang, the former head of Uber China and founder of Forma (acquired by Snap- yes, from Snapchat), to unpack his journey through hypergrowth, high-stakes fundraising, and strategic exits. Ben shares the realities behind building in chaotic markets, the truth about investor dynamics post-exit, and how founders can stay sane while chasing scale. We dive into the underrated benefits of QSBS (Qualified Small Business Stock), why consumer startups have it tougher than ever, and the unique marketing challenges of building AI products in today’s crowded landscape. Great watch if you’re curious about any aspect of building and exiting in tech. —--------------------------------------------------------------- Raising capital? Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode89&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips: https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode89&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast We talk: 00:00: From Zero to 50 Million Weekly Rides: Uber China’s Blitzscale Playbook 02:48: Why Market Fit Is Make or Break 06:07: Timing, Relationships & the Hidden Rules of Fundraising 08:58: Forma’s Acquisition by Snap: Behind the Deal 11:57: Luck, Credit, and the Realities of Startup Success 15:00: Negotiating from Leverage vs. Desperation 26:13: Founders vs. Investors: What Changes After an Exit 28:08: QSBS: The Most Underrated Tax Benefit in Startups 30:27: How Stock Market Volatility Affects Founders 32:11: Leaving Snap: Rediscovering Purpose 33:43: The Messy Reality of Building and Marketing AI Products 37:14: Fundraising Now vs. Then: What’s Actually Changed? 40:57: Herd Mentality and the Modern VC Landscape 44:07: What It Takes to Enjoy the Founder Journey 47:00: Final Advice: Know What You Want ABOUT BEN CHIANG Ben Chiang is a veteran operator and founder best known for launching Uber in China and later founding Forma, a startup acquired by Snap. His experience spans scaling platforms in hypercompetitive markets, navigating complex acquisitions, and now building across multiple AI content ventures. Get in touch with Ben: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminchiang/ Twitter: https://x.com/ben_chiang   ABOUT JASON Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development. You can reach out to Jason through: Email: jason@thunder.vc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/ ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED  Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape. Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders.

    53 分钟
  5. EP 88: How a Broken Leave Policy Led to a $30M HR Tech Startup w/ Jenniffer Henderson (Tilt)

    6月5日

    EP 88: How a Broken Leave Policy Led to a $30M HR Tech Startup w/ Jenniffer Henderson (Tilt)

    60 pitches in 90 days. A Series B term sheet that collapsed. A $15M valuation hit, and she still came out on top. In this episode, Jennifer Henderson, founder of Colorado-based HR tech startup Tilt, breaks down exactly what it took to raise over $30 million in venture capital while balancing motherhood, market crashes, and investor whiplash. Jen shares how Tilt was born out of personal trauma, why she built a leave management platform with empathy at its core, and what every founder, especially women, needs to know before walking into their next pitch. From Techstars to term sheet disasters, this is the real story behind startup success in today’s market. —--------------------------------------------------------------- Raising capital? Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode88&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips: https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode88&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast Here's what you're in for:00:00 – “I don’t come from money”: Why Jen chose venture 04:21 – Building Tilt from personal pain 06:08 – Sales tactics that worked 09:07 – How Techstars changed the fundraising game 11:53 – Raising Series A: Saying no to ‘cute’ term sheets 18:03 – Series B nightmares: exclusivity traps, errors & resilience 33:07 – The truth about AI in HR tech 39:02 – Advice to female founders: “Be successful. We need you.” 42:56 – Surviving the current startup market   ABOUT JENNIFER HENDERSON Jennifer Henderson is the founder & CEO of Tilt, a Colorado-based HR tech platform that simplifies and humanizes leave of absence management for modern teams. After two traumatic parental leave experiences, she turned her frustration into a mission. From Starbucks barista to corporate leader to raising $30M+ across five rounds, Jen's journey is a masterclass in resilience, grit, and founder-first leadership. Tilt is now a trusted solution for teams across the U.S., navigating complex leave policies with care. Connect with Jennifer on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferhendersonjctcjcdcEmail: hello@tilt.com ABOUT JASON Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development. You can reach out to Jason through: Email: jason@thunder.vc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/ ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED  Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape. Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders.

    46 分钟
  6. EP 87: Customer Retention Over Acquisition? Travis Steffen, Who’s Done $200M in Deals, Says Yes

    5月29日

    EP 87: Customer Retention Over Acquisition? Travis Steffen, Who’s Done $200M in Deals, Says Yes

    This week, I talk to Travis Steffen, who has built and sold eight companies. He’s raised over $100M and driven more than $200M in exits. In this episode, we delve into what actually drives startup growth and what quietly undermines it. We also get into how one bad exit almost wrecked him, and what he learned from losing years and seven figures because of one avoidable mistake. If you're a founder, operator, or even just thinking about building, this episode will give you a clearer view of what’s worth your attention. —------------------------------------------------------------------- Raising capital? Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode87&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips: https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode87&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast We get into: 00:00 The Real Startup Journey: No Filters, No Hype 03:07 Why "Never Quit" Is Holding You Back 05:47 Churn: The Growth Killer Founders Ignore 09:12 What You Learn When a Startup Fails 12:05 Retention Isn’t a Metric. It’s a Strategy. 14:52 Why Investors Walk, Even If Your Numbers Look Good 17:48 The Retention-Valuation Link You Can’t Ignore 21:06 From Flatlined to $70M: A Turnaround Breakdown 34:37 How We Built the Most Trusted Brand in a Broken Industry 36:19 Revatto: Built to Solve Churn Without Adding Work 40:07 No Results, No Cost: A Different Kind of Retention Model 42:29 How To Save Customers, Without a Product Tutorial 45:10 You Probably Don’t Understand Your Churn. Here’s Why. 47:24 How to Test Revatto, with $1,000 in Free Recoveries 51:21 One Retention Habit That Changes the Game 54:24 The Exit That Went Sideways,  and What It Cost   ABOUT TRAVIS STEFFEN Travis Steffen is a founder, operator, and builder with a track record most founders never reach. He’s exited eight companies, raised more than $100M, and led over $200M in M&A. His work spans SaaS, cannabis tech, fintech, and AI. Today, he’s the co-founder of Revatto, a company that helps subscription-based businesses retain more customers and only charges when it works. Check out Revatto: https://www.revatto.com/   ABOUT JASON Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development. You can reach out to Jason through: Email: jason@thunder.vc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/ ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED  Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape. Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders.

    1 小时 5 分钟
  7. EP 86: What Founders Get Wrong About Exits (and How John Rood Got It Right)

    5月22日

    EP 86: What Founders Get Wrong About Exits (and How John Rood Got It Right)

    Most founders dream of a life-changing exit. But few actually prepare for it, until it’s too late. In this episode of Fundraising Demystified, I sit down with John Rood, an exited founder who scaled a tutoring side hustle into a global edtech business, and sold it for over eight figures to private equity.John also shares the story behind his book Beyond the Exit and why post-exit life is often not what you think it will be. ---------------------------------------- Raising capital? Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode86&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips: https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode86&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast We talk: 00:00 – The Brutal Truth No One Tells Founders 02:04 – How John Turned Tutoring into SaaS Gold 05:21 – The Finance Hack That Boosted His Valuation 07:10 – What Really Kicks Off an Exit 11:08 – The $10M Mistake Founders Keep Making 13:59 – What’s Actually Enough for You? 17:01 – Why Most Founders Regret Life After Exit 22:52 – Angel Investing: The Ego Trap No One Admits 28:22 – The Weirdly Happy Knife Founder Story ----------------------------------- About John Rood John Rood is the author of Beyond the Exit and the founder of one of the world’s leading pre-med test prep businesses. After scaling the company into a content-and-software powerhouse, he exited for over eight figures to a private equity firm. He now advises founders on exit strategy and post-exit reinvention, drawing from both his wins and the emotional landmines no one warns you about. Connect with John: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnrood1/ Get the book: https://www.beyondtheexitbook.com/

    40 分钟
  8. EP 85: From Burnout to Breakout: How Jennifer Tsai Bootstrapped Shoott.com to $10M After Raising $2.7M

    5月15日

    EP 85: From Burnout to Breakout: How Jennifer Tsai Bootstrapped Shoott.com to $10M After Raising $2.7M

    What happens when you raise $2.7M... then realize you never want to raise again? Jennifer Tsai, founder and CEO of Shoott.com, built a profitable photography marketplace from the ground up; surviving death threats from creatives, a brutal CAC spike post-iOS14, and the chaos of marketplace economics. In this episode of Fundraising Demystified, we dive into how she scaled to $10M in revenue, hit breakeven, and is now facing the “what’s next” moment many founders dream of, or dread. Whether you're building a two-sided marketplace, wrestling with capital strategy, or wondering how to survive without more VC cash, this one's for you. Raising capital? Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode85&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips: https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101?utm_source=Youtube&utm_medium=Video&utm_campaign=Episode84&utm_id=FundraisingDemystifiedPodcast In this episode, you'll learn: 00:00 – Death Threats, Disruption & The Origin Story of Shoott.com 05:45 – Why Creatives Hated Us And How We Won Them Over 12:08 – From $80K to $10M: The Fundraising + Growth Playbook 17:52 – How We Hit Profitability (And 20x’d It) 21:26 – Cash Flow Roulette: Paying Creators Before Clients Pay Us 22:57 – The $300K Mistake That Nearly Sank Us 25:57 – Should You Raise, Sell, or Stay the Course? 27:32 – The Brutal Truth About Valuations in Today’s Market 30:38 – Founders: Before You Build a Marketplace, Watch This

    42 分钟
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In this podcast, we uncover the untold stories of founders who have weathered the highs and lows of raising capital. We go beyond the headlines and Techcrunch funding news articles to explore the uncharted territories of the fundraising landscape. In each episode, we'll sit down with founders from various industries who have raised venture capital to bring their visions to life. They'll open up about their personal journeys, fundraising tactics & more. If you're a founder, this podcast offers a ton of value & insights you can apply to your fundraising journey. Don't forget to hit subscribe!

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