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What happens when 41% of all VC dollars flow to just 10 companies?

In this episode of The Startup CEO Show, I sit down with my friend and serial founder/investor Amar Varma (Mantle, Xtreme Labs, Pivotal) to unpack the new power law era of venture capital, the rise of AI, and what it all means for startup founders today.

We talk about how AI is reshaping startup costs, why some founders are skipping entire funding rounds, and how the next wave of alumni networks could rival the PayPal Mafia. We also dive into what happens when incumbents get disrupted and why the very idea of a moat is being redefined in real time.

This was one of those conversations where I walked away both excited and uneasy about the future of tech startups, VC trends, and entrepreneurship. I think you will too.

Amar Varma

Connect with me:

My website: https://limitless.ceo/

Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markmacleodcoach/

If you’re building, raising, or investing, you don’t want to miss this one.

Subscribe to Mark MacLeod for The Startup CEO Show Podcast, actionable insights, coaching, and strategy for CEOS.

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In this illuminating episode of the Startup CEO Show, host Mark MacLeod dives deep into the habits and traits of some of the world's most successful tech leaders. Drawing from his extensive research and experience coaching CEOs, MacLeod explores what sets apart founders who continue to scale and innovate year after year. He examines 11 companies with a collective market cap of $6.4 trillion, including giants like Airbnb, Meta, and Shopify, to uncover the secrets behind their limitless growth.

MacLeod breaks down the personal habits and leadership traits of CEOs like Brian Chesky, Melanie Perkins, and Tobi Lütke, revealing surprising insights about their routines, decision-making processes, and management styles. From prioritizing sleep and mindfulness to fostering customer empathy and making bold bets, these leaders share common threads that contribute to their ongoing success. The episode challenges conventional notions of hustle culture, highlighting how many top CEOs actually prioritize work-life balance, continuous learning, and self-reflection.

Don't miss out on these invaluable lessons from the tech world's most enduring visionaries. Tune in now and unlock your potential for limitless growth.

LIMITLESS CEO: https://limitless.ceo/

Slides: https://pitch.com/v/limitless-leadership-why-some-ceos-never-stop-growing-69v8yn

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/

Contact Mark: https://markmacleod.me/

Subscribe to Mark MacLeod for The Startup CEO Show Podcast, actionable insights, coaching, and strategy for CEOS.

https://www.youtube.com/@MarkMacLeod-CEOCoach?sub_confirmation=1

In this insightful episode of the Startup CEO Show, host Mark McLeod sits down with Marie Chevrier Schwartz, former founder and CEO of Sampler, to discuss the challenging journey of entrepreneurship and the importance of community in the startup ecosystem. Marie openly shares her experience of Sampler's bankruptcy, offering valuable lessons on losing product-market fit and the need for founders to separate their identity from their business. She emphasizes the importance of being prepared for market shifts and understanding the type of company you're building. The conversation takes an inspiring turn as Marie discusses her transition to leading Tech2, Canada's largest tech community, where she now focuses on supporting and connecting entrepreneurs across the country. Listeners will gain a unique perspective on failure, resilience, and the power of authenticity in the startup world. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode offers crucial insights into navigating the ups and downs of building a company and the vital role of community support. Tune in to hear Marie's candid reflections and learn how to approach entrepreneurship with a healthier mindset.

Marie Chevrier Schwartz

02:29 From Montreal to Entrepreneurship

06:31 When Ventures Fail: Sampler's Story

15:34 Rebirth of a Business Idea

17:55 Bouncing Back from Bankruptcy

02:29 From Montreal to Entrepreneurship

06:31 When Ventures Fail: Sampler's Story

15:34 Rebirth of a Business Idea

17:55 Bouncing Back from Bankruptcy

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Since 1999, I have sat at the right-hand side of the leaders of high growth technology companies as either a CFO, VC or deal maker. I served as CFO for software companies including Shopify (NYSE: SHOP) and Freshbooks. As a CFO I experienced outright failures, wildly profitable exits, and everything in between.

I was a General Partner in Real Ventures, Canada's largest and most active seed stage fund. My investments there include the fund's largest cash on cash and highest IRR returns to date. Most recently, I founded SurePath Capital Partners the leading investment bank for SMB SaaS companies where we did hundreds of millions in financing and exit transactions.

Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarkmacleod/

Contact Mark: https://markmacleod.me/

Subscribe to Mark MacLeod for The Startup CEO Show Podcast, actionable insights, coaching, and strategy for CEOS.

https://www.youtube.com/@MarkMacLeod-CEOCoach?sub_confirmation=1