Ventures from The Valley

R136 Ventures

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Ventures from the Valley brings you inside the rooms where billion-dollar decisions get made. Hosted by R136 Ventures, each episode features candid conversations with the founders, operators, and investors shaping the future of technology; from AI infrastructure to global fintech to the companies redefining how we build.

FEB 4

The Scientist Turned VC Funding the Cure for Aging with Omri Amirav-Drory

What if aging isn’t inevitable — but a solvable problem?And what if the biggest opportunity in healthcare isn’t treating disease, but preventing it entirely? In this episode of Ventures from the Valley, I sit down with Omri Amirav-Drory, General Partner at NFX, to explore one of the most ambitious frontiers in venture capital: longevity, biotech, and the intersection of biology and technology. Omri leads pre-seed and seed investments at NFX and focuses on what he believes is the ultimate mission — ending involuntary death. We talk openly about why aging is the root cause behind most diseases, how AI is transforming biotech, and why longevity represents a $38 trillion per year opportunity in additional healthy life. This is a deep, honest conversation about conviction, risk, optimism, and why the future of healthcare looks nothing like today’s system. ⸻ In this episode, we discuss: • Why aging is the root cause of 9 out of 10 deadly diseases • The real difference between lifespan and healthspan • Why longevity could unlock $38T per year in economic value • How NFX evaluates early-stage biotech and tech-bio startups • The power-law logic behind seed investing • Why most VCs miss the biggest opportunities by being pessimistic • AI’s three major waves in biotech and drug discovery • Why GLP-1 drugs changed healthcare economics forever • Precision medicine, biomarkers, and the limits of simulation • Whether humans alive today could realistically live to 160 • Replacement biology, regeneration, and the ethics of enhancement ❓ Do you believe aging will be cured in our lifetime — or is it science fiction? ___________________________________________________________________________R136 Ventures - a Silicon Valley-based multi-stage VC firm with a focus on scaling mid and late-stage B2B and fintech startups. Our mission is to propel creative entrepreneurs to a faster growth trajectory. We help founders scale their mid-to-late stage startups, bringing with us a distinctive fusion of expertise and past experiences that are key in unlocking their true potential. With many of our team having previously held CEO, CTO and other c-level positions, we understand the challenges and opportunities of both startups and major corporations. Our contribution doesn't just stop at vision and strategy; we actively shape your execution and help in talent acquisition. With a legacy of managing assets exceeding $400 million and having financially backed more than 30 innovative companies, our record speaks for itself. 🌐 Learn more: https://www.r136.vc/

1h 1m
JAN 8

How Uber’s Playbook Shaped Blockchain.com’s Growth Strategy With Lane Kasselman

Most people think disruption is about technology. In reality, it’s about winning inside chaos, regulation, and imperfect systems — before the rules catch up. In this episode of Ventures from the Valley, I sit down with Lane Kasselman, President of Blockchain.com and one of the earliest executives at Uber, to unpack what it truly takes to scale category-defining companies in the most regulated environments on earth. We talk candidly about how Uber forced regulation to follow adoption, how that mindset carried into Blockchain.com, and why the next crypto cycle will look fundamentally different from the last. This is not a conversation about hype. It’s a masterclass on building real companies that survive cycles, scrutiny, and scale. ⸻ In this episode, we cover: • Why Uber’s “win or lose” culture still defines category winners • How Blockchain.com scaled from 100 to 600 employees in under a year • What founders misunderstand about regulation in tech and crypto • Why emerging markets are driving real crypto adoption — not speculation • How stablecoins are already replacing fiat in parts of the global economy • Why the next crypto downturn won’t look like 2022 • How AI agents will quietly make crypto the backbone of global payments • The leadership shifts required to scale from startup to global platform • Why hiring true operators — not just insiders — changes everything • The single most important mistake founders make in regulated industries ⸻ ❓ If regulation is inevitable, should founders fight it — or design their strategy around it from day one?

1h 4m
12/10/2025

How Smart Founders Raise Capital in 2026 (VC Reality Check)

Most founders believe venture capital is a game of who can raise the largest round. But the real game is different: pick the right market, build something defensible, and create a business that doesn’t burn through capital just to stay alive. Jeff Weinstein is a partner at FJ Labs, one of the world’s most active early-stage investors. The firm has backed more than 1,000 companies with over $500 million under management. Unlike traditional venture firms that deliberate for weeks, FJ Labs moves fast, invests globally, and says no to most deals. In our conversation, Weinstein walks through the mechanics of evaluating 200 startups each week, explains what separates fundable companies from also-rans, and discusses how artificial intelligence is reshaping both marketplace businesses and the venture industry itself. For founders, operators, and investors, the conversation offers a window into how venture capital works when stripped of its usual inefficiencies. Key topics: • Why FJ Labs backs more than 100 companies annually • How the firm narrows hundreds of pitches to a handful of investments using two calls • What founders must demonstrate before investors commit capital • Why marketplace businesses remain defensible despite AI advances • How emerging fund managers compete against multibillion-dollar institutions • Why raising less capital can lead to better outcomes than raising more • How FJ Labs identifies winners in saturated markets • Why capital-efficient companies command higher valuations today • How venture firms evaluate returns, runway, funding rounds, and company valuations What’s the #1 signal you look for when choosing a startup to bet on? 🌐 Learn more: https://www.r136.vc/

1h 9m
11/05/2025

How China Actually Builds Tech Giants with Mark Greeven

What makes China’s innovators and entrepreneurs so relentlessly driven, and how is their ecosystem mindset redefining global innovation, investment, and AI development? In this episode of Ventures from the Valley, host Victor Orlovski talks with Mark Greeven, Professor of Management Innovation and Voice on China Innovation, and Dean at IMD Business School, to unpack the mindset that is powering China’s innovation revolution. Drawing from over two decades of on-the-ground experience, Mark explores how Chinese entrepreneurs blend fierce competition with deep collaboration to build resilient ecosystems. From the pivotal role of government policy and alumni funding networks to China’s pragmatic, mass-adoption approach to AI, this conversation reveals what truly sets China’s tech scene apart from Silicon Valley. Investors and business leaders will gain invaluable insights into how cultural values, policy alignment, and ecosystems are shaping the next generation of global innovation. What you will learn: How Chinese entrepreneurs balance intense competition with collaborative ecosystem buildingWhy government policy alignment is crucial for startup success in ChinaThe funding sources in Chinese tech, from global VCs to local alumni networksHow Chinese universities are transforming into powerful startup incubators Why the Chinese AI strategy focuses on mass adoption and open-source developmentThe unique characteristics of Chinese tech leadership: constant sense of urgency, ecosystem thinking, and balanced visibilityHow China's next generation of entrepreneurs combines a global mindset with traditional cultural valuesThe strategic approach to scaling deep tech ventures in China's current environmentWhy China's startup ecosystem differs from Silicon Valley's model and how it drives innovation differentlyThe role of university-industry partnerships in driving Chinese tech innovationMark Greeven is Professor of Management Innovation and Dean of Asia at IMD. A Chinese speaker with over 20 years of experience in China, he collaborates with companies like Alibaba, Ping An, Haier, Bayer, and Bosch to accelerate innovation and build business ecosystems. A Thinkers50-ranked management expert and contributor to Harvard Business Review and MIT Sloan Management Review, Mark is the author of several acclaimed books, including The Future of Global Retail and Pioneers, Hidden Champions, Change Makers, and Underdogs. Ventures from The Valley is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

54 min
10/08/2025

Victor Orlovski on eToro’s $4B IPO: A Masterclass in Timing and Readiness

In this special episode of Ventures from the Valley, guest host Austen Legler interviews Victor Orlovski, the show’s usual host, for an insider’s look at eToro’s $4B IPO journey. Victor shares key lessons on market timing, organizational readiness, and strategic storytelling. From essential fintech metrics to brand-building and talent retention, this episode offers a masterclass in preparing a company to go public, perfect for VCs, founders, and fintech enthusiasts eyeing the IPO path. What you will learn: How to evaluate market timing vs. company readiness when considering an IPOThe critical transformation process required to become "public company ready"Why customer lifetime value and acquisition costs are the most crucial metrics How to build trust and brand value in fintech beyond technical capabilitiesThe importance of comprehensive restructuring versus surface-level preparations Why storytelling and market positioning are essential elements for successful IPOs The "Three Pillars of IPO Success"How to maintain resilience through extended growth periodsWhy building a strong organizational culture and retaining key talent is crucial The outlook for IPO markets in 2026-2027 and why stability matters more than hype Victor Orlovski is Managing Partner at R136 Ventures, a Silicon Valley-based VC firm with $400M AUM. With a focus on scaling mid-to-late-stage startups in B2B software, AI, fintech, cybersecurity, and ecommerce, he has led investments in over 40 companies, including 10+ exits and 4 unicorns. A former CTO and Chief Digital Officer who built one of the world’s largest digital banks, Victor brings a unique operator’s perspective, offering founders strategic insight, global access, and hands-on support for scaling success. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the speaker and are provided for information purposes only. They do not constitute investment advice, an offer, or a solicitation to buy or sell any security. References to specific portfolio companies, including larger investments, are presented solely as examples and should not be assumed to represent all investments made by R136 or to indicate overall fund performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This podcast may contain forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections. Such statements involve risk and uncertainties, and actual outcomes may differ materially. R136 undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. Certain information discussed may have been obtained from third-party sources and is believed to be reliable. However, R136 makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of such information. Ventures from The Valley is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

29 min
09/03/2025

From Startups to Mass Adoption: Blockchain Insights with Aly Madhavji

What does it take to spot the next big breakthrough in blockchain? In this episode of Ventures from the Valley, host Victor Orlovski sits down with Aly Madhavji, Managing Partner at Blockchain Founders Fund, to uncover how his team evaluates more than 500 companies every month to identify and support the startups shaping the future of Web3. From navigating unpredictable market cycles to supporting founder success, Aly shares hard-earned insights that challenge traditional investing principles in today’s fast-changing digital economy. What you will learn: How to identify "superhuman" capabilities in early-stage founders Why blockchain adoption faces different challenges than AIThe evolution of cryptocurrency from an ideological movement to mainstream adoptionHow to build successful Web3 companies by focusing on foundational tools Why transparency and investor communication can save founders hundreds of hours The framework for evaluating over 500 blockchain companies monthly How to approach blockchain investments in emerging markets rWhy decentralized social media and gaming are emerging as key sectors The three-step formula for first-time founders: building awareness, establishing trust, and then seeking investment Aly Madhavji is Managing Partner at Blockchain Founders Fund, a Singapore-based venture capital firm supporting over 110 startups across blockchain, Web3, AI, and FinTech. He evaluates more than 500 companies monthly, combining strategic investments with hands-on venture building to help founders scale globally. A senior blockchain consultant, UN advisor, and author of three books, Aly has also held roles at PwC, PayPal, Microsoft, and Bloomberg. With an MBA from INSEAD and a Schwarzman Scholarship, he is recognized as a thought leader in emerging technologies. Ventures from The Valley is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

1h 5m
08/06/2025

Lars Markull on Embedded Finance: the Good, the Bad, and What's Next

In this episode of Ventures from the Valley, host Victor Orlovski sits down with embedded finance expert Lars Markull to explore how non-financial companies can unlock new revenue streams by integrating banking services. They unpack successful case studies, common pitfalls, and the future of embedded finance across regions like Europe, the US, and Asia. From choosing the right infrastructure partners to aligning strategy with customer value, this conversation is a must-listen for business leaders, investors, and financial institutions navigating today’s digital economy. What you will learn: How to identify the three critical elements of embedded financeWhy certain embedded finance implementations succeed while others failThe strategic framework for aligning your business for embedded finance integrationHow traditional banks can position themselves as infrastructure providers Why B2B embedded finance currently offers more promising opportunities How to navigate the complex partnership landscape between banks, infrastructure providers, and businessesThe key factors driving successful embedded finance implementationHow to assess and select the right banking partners and infrastructure providers eWhy the customer value proposition must drive embedded finance strategy The future outlook for embedded finance across different sectors Lars Markull is an embedded finance consultant and founder of Embedded Finance Review. With over a decade in fintech, spanning roles at Figo (open banking) and Weavr (embedded banking), Lars helps startups and scale-ups navigate the complex landscape of financial infrastructure. He offers hands-on support in selecting the right providers for payments, banking, and lending. Known for deep market research, strategic introductions, and practical insights, Lars empowers companies to build financial products that truly move the needle. Context is everything, and Lars delivers it. Ventures from The Valley is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

1 hr
07/09/2025

AI, Smart Contracts, and the End of Traditional Banks: Insights from Brett King

In this episode of Ventures from the Valley, host Victor Orlovski sits down with fintech visionary Brett King to explore how AI, smart contracts, and digital currencies are disrupting global finance. From the decline of traditional banking to the rise of platform-based lending and autonomous finance, King shares bold insights on the future of economic systems. A must-listen for investors and finance professionals navigating the digital revolution reshaping capitalism, regulation, and the very role of money in society.What you will learn: - How AI is transforming banking from branch models to personalized agent-driven financial services- Why smart contracts and stablecoins represent the biggest opportunity in banking - How fintech companies are outpacing traditional banks in customer acquisition- Why China, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE will lead the next wave of autonomous finance - The fundamental shift needed in the US regulatory framework - How automation and AI will force a transition from GDP-driven economics to quality-of-life metrics- Why Visa & Mastercard must adapt faster to the digital financial ecosystem- The critical role of data aggregation and behavioral analysis in financial services- Why banks must evolve beyond traditional credit scoring Brett King is a world-renowned futurist, bestselling author, and fintech pioneer. Named a Top-10 Global Futurist by Global Gurus, he’s advised the Obama administration, the UAE Prime Minister’s Office, and regulators in 18 countries. King founded Moven, launched two top-ranked podcasts, Breaking Banks and The Futurists, and was inducted into the Fintech Hall of Fame in 2020. Cited by President Xi Jinping, his books Augmented and Bank 4.0 are global bestsellers. His latest book, Branch Tomorrow, releases in September 2025. Ventures from The Valley is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

1h 2m

Ventures from the Valley brings you inside the rooms where billion-dollar decisions get made. Hosted by R136 Ventures, each episode features candid conversations with the founders, operators, and investors shaping the future of technology; from AI infrastructure to global fintech to the companies redefining how we build.

Creator

R136 Ventures
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

23
Rating

Clean
Copyright

Copyrights © 2026 All Rights Reserved by R136
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Ventures from The Valley