🎙️ Lobster Talks Podcast - Episode with Valentin Sulzer, Founder of Ionworks

🚀 Welcome to the latest episode of the Lobster Talks podcast by Lobster Capital! In this episode, Gabriel sits down with Valentin Sulzer, founder of Ionworks, a revolutionary startup transforming battery innovation through cutting-edge software.

🔋 Batteries are critical to powering the 21st century—from EVs to satellites, and even electric planes. Valentin explains how Ionworks accelerates battery development by simulating advanced designs in software, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming physical prototypes. Discover how their solution is changing the game for industries, from automotive to aerospace.

💡 Valentin also shares insights from his journey, including:

The evolution of Ionworks from the open-source PyBAM project

His experience as a YC Summer '24 founder

The future of batteries and AI’s role in enabling innovation

🔥 Whether you're a founder, an investor, or someone curious about the tech shaping the future, this episode is packed with insights you can’t miss.

🔗 Links Mentioned:

Learn more about Ionworks: https://www.ionworks.com/

Connect with Valentin Sulzer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valentinsulzer/

✨ Don’t forget to subscribe to the Lobster Talks podcast for more inspiring stories from successful YC founders!

In this episode of the Lobster Talks Podcast, we join Laurie to discuss the exciting highlights from Y Combinator's Fall 2024 Demo Day — the first in-person demo day since 2019. The conversation covers the unique experience of attending the event at San Francisco's Masonic Center, the benefits of having a smaller batch size, and the impressive growth of startups leveraging AI. Gabriel Jarrosson also shares insights on investment strategies, the impact of AI on startup ecosystems, and the future of job creation in the context of advancing technology. Tune in to hear about the standout companies in this batch and what to expect in the upcoming sessions.

00:00 Welcome to the Lobster Talks Podcast

00:21 First In-Person Demo Day Since 2019

02:42 The Impact of Smaller Batches

05:33 AI's Role in Startup Growth

08:12 Developer Tools and YC's Focus

12:32 Investing in the Future of AI

23:20 YC's Request for Startups

28:40 Lobster Capital's Investment Strategy

31:50 Looking Ahead to Future Batches

35:11 Conclusion and Farewell

Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be financial advice. I am not a licensed financial advisor. Any actions you take based on the information presented are at your own risk. Please consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this video is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be financial advice. I am not a licensed financial advisor. Any actions you take based on the information presented are at your own risk. Please consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.

Are you curious about where venture capital is heading and how Y Combinator is shaping the future? Lobster Capital's Gabriel Jarrosson has the inside scoop!

In this episode, Gabriel Jarrosson dives into the evolving world of venture capital, focusing on emerging trends and the unique opportunities within the Y Combinator ecosystem. He shares his excitement about AI's prominence in the upcoming YC batch, emphasizing the importance of real-world problem-solving and revenue generation. Gabriel also discusses the positive implications of YC's move to four batches a year, including improved mentorship, media exposure, and deal flow for investors like Lobster Capital.

The conversation also highlights the significance of B2B software in YC's portfolio, exploring the reasons behind its dominance and the continued importance of B2C innovation. Gabriel's data-driven approach and belief in YC as a distinct asset class further illuminate Lobster Capital's investment strategy. He concludes with his optimistic predictions for the future of YC and venture capital as a whole. Don't miss this episode for valuable insights and a glimpse into the dynamic world of startups and investments.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE

00:00 Y Combinator's Latest News (Demo Day, 4 batches per year, and the rise of AI)

05:21 The Y Combinator Network: Impact and De-risking Investments

11:30 The Shift Toward B2B Software and Fintech in YC's Unicorn Portfolio

13:57 The Future of Venture Capital: AI, Impact Investing, and New Models

17:53 Lobster Capital's Focus on Early Traction and Strategy

23:46 The Importance of the YC Ecosystem: An Asset Class in Itself

ABOUT GABRIEL JARROSSON

Gabriel Jarrosson is a seasoned investor and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in the startup space and the General Partner of Lobster Capital. He has invested over $25M in Y Combinator startups. Having sold three of his own startups, he shares his expertise in his books "My Investor Secrets" and "Investing in Startups: x100 or Nothing."

CONNECT WITH GABRIEL JARROSSON

YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@lobstercapital

Website → https://www.lobstercap.com/

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrieljarrosson/

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/lobstercapital/

Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@lobstercapital

Stay ahead of the game with the latest startup insights.

Subscribe to our newsletter for startup updates and actionable insights → https://lobstercap.ck.page/c34c61a155

Have you ever wondered how art and AI could possibly intersect? Today's guest, Madeleine D'Angelo, co-founder of Arthena, is here to tell us how she revolutionized the art market with data and machine learning, leading to a successful acquisition by Masterworks.

In this episode of The Lobster Talks Podcast, we dive into the inspiring founder journey of Madeleine D'Angelo. Starting with a background in art history, Madeleine shares how she found her way into the tech world and built Arthena, a company that brought quantitative reasoning and pricing to the art market. We'll hear about her experience at Y Combinator, the challenges she faced along the way, and ultimately, the decision to sell Arthena to Masterworks. Madeleine also gives us a glimpse into her new venture, The Barker Price, where she's applying AI to the insurance industry. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of art, technology, and entrepreneurship.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE

00:00 Introduction to Madelaine D'Angelo and Arthena

02:08 The Founding Story: Bringing Math and AI to the Art Market

04:55 YC's Impact on Arthena's Growth

09:22 Madeleine's New Venture: AI Pricing for Insurance

15:25 The Exit: Arthena's Acquisition by Masterworks

24:05 What Excites Madelaine About Her New Venture

26:34 Book/Quote That Impacted Madelaine's Life

ABOUT MADELAINE D'ANGELO

Madeleine D'Angelo is a serial entrepreneur with a passion for blending art and technology. Co-founder of Arthena, she revolutionized the art market by introducing quantitative analysis and machine learning to art valuation. After a successful exit to Masterworks, Madeleine embarked on a new venture, The Barker Price, applying AI to the insurance industry. Driven by a love for problem-solving and a fascination with data, Madeleine is a force to be reckoned with in the tech world.

CONNECT WITH MADELAINE D'ANGELO

Email → madelaine@thebarkerprice.com

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelaine-d-angelo-b3508816/

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/thebarkerprice/

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/arthena/

GRAB THE BOOK MADELAINE RECOMMENDS → Shackleton's Way: Leadership Lessons from the Great Antarctic Explorer https://a.co/d/3XYcKJi

ABOUT GABRIEL JARROSSON

Gabriel Jarrosson is a seasoned investor and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in the startup space and the General Partner of Lobster Capital. He has invested over $25M in Y Combinator startups. Having sold three of his own startups, he shares his expertise in his books "My Investor Secrets" and "Investing in Startups: x100 or Nothing."

CONNECT WITH GABRIEL JARROSSON

YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@lobstercapital

Website → https://www.lobstercap.com/

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrieljarrosson/

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/lobstercapital/

Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@lobstercapital

Stay ahead of the game with the latest startup insights.

Subscribe to our newsletter for startup updates and actionable insights → https://lobstercap.ck.page/c34c61a155

Is a high valuation a guarantee of success, or is early traction the true indicator of a winning startup?

Join Gabriel Jarrosson, General Partner of Lobster Capital, as he shares his insights on a successful investment in Baubap, a Y Combinator graduate disrupting the financial landscape in Mexico. Gabriel delves into why he invested in Baubap, highlighting their innovative approach to microloans and their impressive early traction. He also reveals the outcome of the investment, demonstrating how Baubap has become a thriving company with a valuation exceeding $1 billion.

This episode explores why Y Combinator is a powerful asset class for investors and how to maximize your chances of co-investing in top YC companies. Gabriel outlines Lobster Capital's investment criteria, focusing on the importance of early traction and identifying companies with a distinct "YC premium." He explains how Lobster Capital provides investors with access to these top-performing YC companies and shares valuable insights for those looking to invest in this exciting space.

Key Takeaways:

-Y Combinator is a powerful asset class. YC companies have a high rate of success, with 5-6% becoming unicorns and 39% raising Series A funding.

-Early traction is crucial. Investing in companies with strong early traction can mitigate execution risk and lead to higher returns.

-Lobster Capital focuses on the top 10% of YC companies. Gabriel only invests in YC companies with the most impressive early traction and growth.

-Co-investing is a valuable strategy for accessing top YC companies. Investors can gain access to these companies through funds like Lobster Capital, which have a proven track record.

-Corporate social responsibility can drive positive returns. Baubap's commitment to financial education and customer care has translated into better results and a more sustainable business model.

EPISODE IN A GLANCE

00:51 Baubap's innovative approach to microloans and their data-driven model

01:41 Baubap's Speed of Loan Approval

02:16 The High Delinquency Rate in Microfinance

03:15 The importance of early traction in startups and the "YC premium"

05:41 Lobster Capital's investment strategy, focusing on top-performing YC companies and growth potential

08:15 Baubap's Valuation and Rapid Growth

10:30 The Importance of Traction Over Valuation

11:53 Baubap's social responsibility and financial education approach

16:28 Lobster Capital's commitment to social impact and helping founders create a better future

17:53 The impact of Y Combinator's program on Baubap's rapid growth

18:40 The 'Maniacal Sense of Urgency' Instilled by Y Combinator

20:39 Why Y Combinator is a valuable asset class and how it influences Lobster Capital's investment decisions

24:12 How investors can gain access to top YC companies and the benefits of co-investing

24:14 Advice for Investors Seeking to Invest in Top YC Companies

ABOUT GABRIEL JARROSSON

Gabriel Jarrosson is a seasoned investor and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in the startup space and the General Partner of Lobster Capital. He has invested over $25M in Y Combinator startups. Having sold three of his own startups, he shares his expertise in his books "My Investor Secrets" and "Investing in Startups: x100 or Nothing."

CONNECT WITH GABRIEL JARROSSON

YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@lobstercapital

Website → https://www.lobstercap.com/

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrieljarrosson/

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/lobstercapital/

Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@lobstercapital

Stay ahead of the game with the latest startup insights.

Subscribe to our newsletter for startup updates and actionable insights → https://lobstercap.ck.page/c34c61a155