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AI isn’t just replacing jobs anymore — it’s starting to hire humans. In this episode of VC10X, we break down two viral projects that reveal where AI agents are really headed: one where AI agents rent humans to execute real-world tasks, and another that functions as a social network built exclusively for AI agents. These aren’t gimmicks. They’re early signals of how labor, coordination, and intelligence may evolve in an AGI world. We explore: • Why AI agents need humans to operate in the physical world • How agent-to-agent social networks accelerate collective intelligence • What “humans as execution layers” actually means • The new startup categories this unlocks • Why AGI may emerge as a network, not a single model • What fund managers and investors should be paying attention to now If you care about AI, AGI, venture capital, and how human labor fits into a machine-driven future — this episode is for you. LINKS Prashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab Subscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.com Subscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986 Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ VC10X website - https://vc10x.com For sponsorship queries reach out to [email protected] SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VC10X breaks down the most important stories in finance, tech, and markets every week. Subscribe for actionable insights.

In this episode, Kevin Moore shares the unfiltered story behind starting his first VC fund after nearly 15 years of preparation—from leaving a stable engineering career, to learning sales the hard way, to discovering why LPs don’t care about your past track record the way you think they do. ⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.com We go deep into: - Why there is never a “right time” to start a fund - The biggest misconceptions first-time GPs have about LP fundraising - Why selling is at least 50% of a VC’s job - The hidden costs (financial and emotional) of becoming a fund manager - How to think about fund size, LP targeting, and early credibility - What separates aspirational GPs from those who actually close Fund I - Kevin also opens up about doubt, discipline, faith, and the internal routines that helped him stay grounded through long stretches of uncertainty. If you’re: Considering launching your first fund Exploring a transition into venture capital Curious how LPs actually evaluate emerging managers Or simply want an honest look at what VC really looks like behind the scenes This episode is for you. Timestamps: (00:00) - Preview (00:45) - Introduction to the episode and guest, Kevin Moore (01:35) - Sponsor Read: Podcast10X (02:16) - Kevin's 16-year journey to starting a VC firm (02:53) - The origin story: From civil engineer to financial advisor (04:45) - The "never a right time" philosophy for making big leaps (05:03) - Key lessons learned from being a financial advisor (05:25) - Why sales skills are crucial for a General Partner (GP) (06:29) - Why choose venture capital over other finance paths? (08:15) - The first order of business when starting a VC firm (08:28) - The challenge of securing working capital and startup costs (10:06) - Balancing GP commitment and operational expenses (10:47) - How to de-risk a fund launch by pre-vetting LPs (12:40) - How to right-size your first fund (13:57) - Identifying and targeting the ideal LP profile (15:48) - The biggest misconception about LP fundraising (17:57) - What to do differently in the first 10 LP conversations (19:19) - How to pace conversations with LPs (20:00) - The "Know, Like, Trust" framework for LP relationships (22:14) - The most valuable "No" from an LP (25:42) - Designing the fund's identity and investment focus (27:44) - The most underestimated part of building a firm (29:12) - The first non-obvious hires and processes needed (30:52) - Overcoming serious doubts during fundraising (32:24) - Using daily routines to manage external uncertainty (33:54) - The most overrated advice for starting a VC firm (36:24) - The one thing to pressure test before quitting your job to start a fund (37:55) - Rapid Fire Round: Serac Ventures' Investment Strategy Connect with Kevin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinjosephmoore/ https://substack.com/@kevinatseracvc Podcast Links: Prashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab Subscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.com Subscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986 Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ VC10X website - https://vc10x.com For sponsorship queries, reach out to [email protected]

When a fintech unicorn exits to a traditional bank, the headline says “successful exit.” This video looks deeper. We analyze the acquisition of Brex by Capital One and what it signals for fintech, startup founders, and venture investors. Topics covered: - Why this exit matters beyond valuation - What it reveals about fintech business models - Why balance sheets, regulation, and distribution still matter - How fintech exit paths are changing - What founders and VCs should learn from this deal LINKS Prashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab Subscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.com Subscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986 Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ VC10X website - https://vc10x.com For sponsorship queries reach out to [email protected] SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VC10X breaks down the most important stories in finance, tech, and markets every week. Subscribe for actionable insights. #brex #fintech #venturecapital investing #exits

In this episode, West Point grad and Airborne Ranger Brad Harrison reveals how Scout Ventures backs frontier tech at the intersection of national security and innovation. From underwriting "impossible" breakthroughs like Casimir force energy from space vacuum to AI semiconductors deemed unfeasible by experts, Brad shares the deep diligence, non-dilutive government funding edge, and leadership playbook behind their success. ⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.com Key Topics: - How military SOPs shaped Scout's 40th-revision investment process - Fundraising truths: "It takes a really long time to make money in the fund business unless you're raising lots and lots of money" - Culture as moat: "Culture starts with leadership" and "My job is to prevent war" - Deep tech diligence: "Ten years ago, nine out of ten physicists you talked to told you that was impossible" - Portfolio evolution: Engineering DPI in 18-year fund lives, unicorns like Unite Us, and avoiding herd mentality - Founder advice: Recruiting is the #1 gap, and "you always gotta follow your gut" Timestamps: (00:00) - Preview (01:25) - Introduction to the episode and guest, Brad Harrison. (02:51) - How Brad's military background shaped Scout Ventures. (05:09) - Pivotal firm-building decisions at Scout Ventures. (07:30) - Advice for new GPs on building a multi-fund firm. (08:24) - The importance of in-person meetings and investing in your team. (10:05) - The role of culture, leadership, and values in venture capital. (11:56) - Discussing Brad's film, "Brothers on Three". (13:10) - Key components of LP reporting for new managers. (14:59) - Building trust with LPs through communication and face time. (16:20) - Scout's sharpest edge in sourcing and winning founders. (17:56) - How to underwrite technical risk and IP strength at the seed stage. (20:05) - The process of underwriting seemingly impossible technologies like Casimir Space. (22:40) - The competitive advantage of using non-dilutive government funding. (24:04) - How frontier tech investors navigate the typical 10-year fund cycle. (26:30) - The importance of actively engineering liquidity in deep tech. (28:05) - The "Four Rs" for helping founders: Raising capital, Revenue, Recruiting, and Retention. (28:36) - Why recruiting is the most underdeveloped skill in early-stage teams. (30:27) - The hardest part of the recruiting process for founders. (31:50) - Scout's portfolio construction approach and how it has evolved. (37:15) - Using an annual portfolio review to refine investment decisions. (38:21) - Lessons learned from the flagship success of Unitus. (40:13) - Biggest learnings from investing in startups over the years. (42:00) - The danger of a "pack mentality" in venture capital. (44:11) - Start of the Rapid Fire Round. (44:27) - Sectors and regions Scout invests in. (44:40) - Typical stage of investment. (44:51) - Typical check size. (44:59) - How founders can get in touch. (45:07) - Where listeners can follow Brad Harrison. Connect with Brad: 📧 [email protected] 💼 Bradley C Harrison on LinkedIn 🌐 scout.vc Podcast Links: Prashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab Subscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.com Subscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986 Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ VC10X website - https://vc10x.com For sponsorship queries, reach out to [email protected] #VentureCapital #DeepTech #NationalSecurity #FrontierTech #ScoutVentures #WestPoint #DefenseTech

The era of the ad-free intelligent internet is officially over. Sam Altman once famously said ads were a "last resort" for AI. Well, we have reached the last resort. In this episode of VC10X, we break down OpenAI’s "Code Red" decision to introduce ads to the free tier of ChatGPT and the new "ChatGPT Go." This isn't just about banner ads; it’s a signal that the subscription-only model for AI is failing. We analyze the 3 massive drivers behind this pivot: 1. The $14 Billion Hole: The projected burn rate for 2026 forced their hands 2. The Apple Failure: How losing the default Siri slot to Google Gemini crushed their distribution plans. 3. Sticky Revenue: Why investors now prefer "sticky" ad revenue over high-churn $20/month subscriptions. If OpenAI, the market leader, can't make the unit economics work without ads, what does that mean for every other AI startup? We discuss the bifurcation of the market into "Ad-Tech AI" and "Privacy Premium AI." TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - The Broken Promise: "I Hate Ads" 1:29 - The $14 Billion Panic: Why the Math Stopped Working 2:04 - Startup Lesson: Why Ad Revenue is "Stickier" than Subscriptions 4:06 - Signal for investors LINKS Prashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab Subscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.com Subscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986 Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ VC10X website - https://vc10x.com For sponsorship queries reach out to [email protected] SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VC10X breaks down the most important stories in finance, tech, and markets every week. Subscribe for actionable insights. #OpenAI #ChatGPT #SamAltman #AIInvesting #TechNews #Google #VentureCapital #BusinessStrategy #ArtificialIntelligence #AdTech

In this episode, we sit down with Ashish Shanker, MD & CEO of Motilal Oswal Private Wealth, which now oversees over ₹1.9 Lakh Crore in assets under advisory. Ashish breaks down his strategy for 2026, revealing the one "non-obvious" sector poised to surprise the market, why silver might outperform gold, and how high-net-worth investors are hedging against global volatility. [Important note - This episode was recorded on December 5, 2025. Many market factors have changed since then. The content in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional financial or investment advice. The views expressed by the guest are their own. Please consult with a certified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.] We dive deep into: * Why 2026 might see a fresh uptrend after 2025's consolidation. * The "capacity paradox" of managing wealth for ultra-high-net-worth families. * Actionable advice on US market diversification and pre-IPO investing rules. Timestamps: (00:00) - Episode Teaser & Introduction (02:24) - The Non-Obvious Sector to Watch in 2026 (03:56) - Hedging Portfolios Against US Tariffs (07:20) - Is the Market Pricing in Too Much Perfection for 2026? (10:34) - NIFTY 50 vs. Mid & Small Caps for Long-Term Growth (11:46) - Silver: A Strategic Allocation or a Tactical Trade? (14:30) - The Gold-to-Silver Price Ratio: Is Gold Overvalued? (15:13) - Is It Time to Go 100% Aggressive on Mid-Caps? (18:21) - Impact of Rising Japanese Interest Rates on Indian Markets (22:22) - The Role of Domestic Investments in Market Resilience (24:14) - Protecting Portfolios from Rupee Depreciation (25:49) - Most Attractive Global Markets for Indian HNIs (27:35) - Investing Beyond the $250,000 LRS Limit (28:34) - Navigating the Pre-IPO and IPO Market (34:35) - The Relationship Manager (RM) Capacity Paradox (38:15) - Risk Appetite of Young Tech Founders vs. Traditional Promoters (39:47) - Is GIFT City Gaining Traction for Global Diversification? (41:09) - Physical Real Estate vs. REITs for Investment (41:57) - Essential Estate Planning Moves Before March 2026 (43:21) - Ashish Shankar's Personal Investment Philosophy (44:42) - The Secret to Motilal Oswal's Success (48:05) - The Motilal Oswal Private Wealth Client Journey (51:35) - One Asset Class to Buy and Hold Until 2030 (52:42) - Where to Learn More About Motilal Oswal Private Wealth Links: Motilal Oswal Private Wealth - https://www.motilaloswalpwm.com/ Ashish Shanker on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashishshanker23/ Prashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab Subscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.com Subscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986 Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ VC10X website - https://vc10x.com For sponsorship queries, reach out to [email protected]

On January 12, 2026, Apple officially announced a multi-year partnership with Google to integrate Gemini models into the next generation of Siri and Apple Intelligence. This decision marks a significant pivot in the AI landscape, as Apple bypasses OpenAI for its default system integration. In this deep dive, we analyze the strategic reasoning behind this deal, the technical implications for iOS 26.4, and the data-driven factors—including declining ChatGPT usage trends—that influenced this shift. What does this mean for the future of OpenAI, and who are the true winners in the AI infrastructure race? TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – The Strategic Shift: Apple Partners with Google 0:39 – Deal Structure: $1B/Year & Technical Integration 1:26 – The OpenAI Challenge: Usage Declines & "Code Red" 2:12 – Winners & Losers: Google, Apple, Microsoft, & Anthropic 2:46 – Investment Implications: The Infrastructure Play 11:00 – Conclusion: The Maturation of Enterprise AI KEY ANALYSIS ✅ The Deal: Apple selected Google Gemini due to proven infrastructure reliability and scaling experience (Galaxy AI), rejecting OpenAI despite early testing. ✅ OpenAI's Position: The loss of default Siri integration comes amidst a ~6% weekly decline in ChatGPT daily active users, signaling a need for a B2B pivot ✅ Technical Integration: Gemini will process queries via a hybrid of Apple Silicon and Google Private Cloud Compute, preserving privacy while enhancing Siri's reasoning capabilities. ✅ Market Impact: This solidifies Google Cloud's position in the mobile ecosystem while challenging the "startup model" of AI deployment in favor of established enterprise infrastructure. SOURCES & DATA - Apple/Google Partnership Announcement (Jan 2026) - SimilarWeb/Analytics Usage Data (ChatGPT Trends) - Industry Reports on AI Infrastructure & Cloud Computing LINKS Prashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab Subscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.com Subscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986 Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ VC10X website - https://vc10x.com For sponsorship queries reach out to [email protected] SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VC10X breaks down the most important stories in finance, tech, and markets every week. Subscribe for actionable insights. #AppleIntelligence #GoogleGemini #OpenAI #Siri #ArtificialIntelligence #TechNews #StockMarket #MacroEconomics #GOOG #AAPL

In this episode, we sit down with Jim Curry from BuildGroup to discuss why the traditional venture capital model might be failing founders. Jim is rewriting the rules of investment with a $330 million fund backed exclusively by family offices, operating without the traditional 10-year cap. This unique "Patient Capital" structure allows BuildGroup to align with founders for the long haul, prioritizing durable growth over short-term exits. We dive deep into Jim’s background as an operator who helped scale Rackspace to $2 billion in revenue with only $25 million in funding, proving that you don't need to burn cash to build a giant. We also discuss the dangers of the "fundraising treadmill," why we are currently in a bubble era, and his contrarian take on why the future of AI lies in "Small Language Models," not just the giants. ⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.com In this episode, you’ll learn: - The Broken VC Model: Why the 10-year fund cycle creates misaligned incentives between investors and founders. - The Rackspace Story: How to scale to billions in revenue with extreme capital efficiency. - Patient Capital Explained: Inside BuildGroup’s $330M evergreen fund structure. - The Fundraising Treadmill: How to avoid the trap of raising too much, too fast. - The AI Bubble: Why Jim believes "Small Language Models" (SLMs) are the real opportunity for B2B businesses. - Founder Advice: The one trait Jim looks for: being a "customer of your own problem." 🔗 Connect with Jim & BuildGroup: Website: https://buildgroup.com Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimncurry/ 🔗 VC10X Links: Prashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab Subscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.com Subscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986 Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ VC10X website - https://vc10x.com For sponsorship queries reach out to [email protected]: (00:00) - Introduction to Build Group's $330M Fund and Patient Capital Model (00:37) - Meet Jim Curry, Co-founder of Build Group (01:58) - How Experiences at Rackspace Inspired the Operator-First Model (03:25) - The Problem with Arbitrary 10-Year VC Fund Cycles (05:48) - The Unique Structure of Build Group's Fund (08:21) - Why Build Group Prefers to Be the Only Investor on the Cap Table (11:47) - The Challenge of Helping Companies Get Off the VC "Treadmill" (16:00) - Deployment Period and How the Investment Thesis Evolves (18:24) - Build Group's Diligence Process vs. a Typical VC (23:08) - Competing with Over-Capitalized Startups (25:17) - Lessons from Building the OpenStack Community (27:48) - Key Qualities Looked for in a Founding Team (30:55) - Harmful VC Trend: Forgetting the Lean Startup Mentality (33:18) - Why Downturns are an Opportunity for Patient Capital (35:56) - The Importance of Founders Who Genuinely Love Their Product (37:55) - The Next Foundational Tech Opportunities in AI Orchestration (40:29) - Rapid Fire Round (41:50) - Conclusion #VentureCapital #SaaS #StartupFunding #PatientCapital #BuildGroup #BusinessPodcast #AI #Entrepreneurship

A lot of people often dismissed AI advances by saying things like "tell me when it can do my laundry". Well, now, it can! Not just laundry, it can do a lot more. At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, the tech world made its biggest pivot since the smartphone, from software AI to Physical AI This week, we break down the CES reveals that are moving artificial intelligence out of your phone screen and into your home, factory, and car: TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – The CES 2026 Pivot: From Chatbots to Physical AI 0:38 – The Humanoid Invasion (Boston Dynamics Atlas, LG CLOiD) 1:20 – The New "Brains": Tesla AI5, Intel Ultra 3, NVIDIA Blackwell Ultra 2:05 – Why This Matters: Silver Squeeze Connection 10:00 – The 2026 Investment Rotation KEY TAKEAWAYS ✅ Humanoids Are Here: Boston Dynamics' new Atlas uses Google DeepMind AI for real factory work. LG's CLOiD does your laundry autonomously. ✅ Edge AI Chips: Tesla's AI5 is 40x faster for robot autonomy. Intel's 18A chips bring massive LLMs to your laptop. ✅ The Real Driver: Physical AI explains the "Energy War" (power plants for training) and "Silver Squeeze" (conductivity for sensors) from our previous episodes. ✅ Investment Shift: Money is moving from SaaS chatbots to "Hard Tech" (chips, power, materials). SOURCES - CES 2026 Live Coverage (NVIDIA, Intel, Boston Dynamics) - Elon Musk AI5 Chip Announcement - Silver Institute Industrial Demand Data - Previous VC10X episodes on Energy/Silver LINKS Prashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab Subscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.com Subscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986 Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ VC10X website - https://vc10x.com For sponsorship queries reach out to [email protected] SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VC10X breaks down the most important stories in finance, tech, and markets every week. Subscribe for actionable insights. COMMENT BELOW Will humanoid robots replace your job or your maid? Let us know! #CES2026 #PhysicalAI #HumanoidRobots #TeslaAI5 #Intel #NVIDIA #MacroEconomics #Investing #Silver #EnergyTransition

In this episode, Phylicia Koh, GP at Play Ventures, explains why gaming is the new operating system for consumer engagement and how "playable apps" are transforming industries from fintech to relationship wellness. Play Ventures focuses on apps that use gaming's "live operations" and in-app economies to drive user habits. These products succeed by offering controllable outcomes, intrinsic motivators, and social elements like clans or leaderboards. In early 2025, consumer in-app purchase (IAP) officially surpassed gaming IAP revenue for the first time in history. This shift indicates a massive opportunity for founders to apply free-to-play monetization models to non-gaming consumer sectors. ⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.com We talk about: - Overview of the $142 million early-stage fund and its specific investment thesis. - Analysis of why consumer in-app purchase spending now exceeds gaming spending. - The four key characteristics of a successful playable app. - Insights into portfolio companies like Alinea, Bible Chat, and Aria. - The difference between adding features like streaks and building a deep meta-design. - How subscriptions compare to free-to-play models in terms of lifetime value. - The impact of AI on user acquisition and creative fatigue. - How the metaverse already exists in platforms like Roblox. - The future of product discovery and the shift away from traditional search engines. - Personal game recommendations and the evolution of the gaming audience. & lots more TIMESTAMPS (00:00) - Consumer IAP spending exceeds gaming IAP spend (00:19) - Why you can't just slap on gamification to a product (00:59) - Introduction to Felicia Ko, General Partner at Play Ventures (02:33) - Play Ventures' thesis on "Playable Apps" (03:45) - The four characteristics of a successful playable app (06:27) - Portfolio examples of gamified consumer apps (09:45) - Market trends supporting the rise of playable apps (11:15) - Why subscriptions cap lifetime value compared to free-to-play models (12:48) - How gaming founders are applying their skills to new consumer spaces (14:25) - The right stage for a company to implement gamification (17:02) - How gamification boosts retention, engagement, and virality (18:33) - What types of games Play Ventures invests in (20:44) - The much-anticipated release of GTA VI (23:59) - What makes a game a massive success like GTA or Candy Crush? (26:00) - The importance of user acquisition and finding blue ocean markets (29:22) - Game recommendations: Monopoly Go, Whiteout Survival, Roblox, and more (32:31) - Is gaming becoming a viable career path like YouTubing? (33:30) - The average gamer is in their 30s (37:00) - Does the Metaverse already exist? (38:05) - The future of gaming and playable apps in the next 5 years (41:04) - Rapid-fire round: Play Ventures' investment strategy (42:50) - How founders can connect with Phylicia Koh LINKS Phylicia Koh on X - https://x.com/ppphyl Phylicia Koh LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/phyliciakoh Play Ventures - https://www.play.vc/ Prashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab Subscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.com Subscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986 Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ VC10X website - https://vc10x.com For sponsorship queries reach out to [email protected]

Two weeks ago, silver was unstoppable. Today, investors are staring at a massive 15% drop. Headlines are calling it a "bubble burst," but the data tells a very different story. In this deep dive, we look past the panic to analyze the *real* reasons behind the crash, from the CME margin hikes to China's new export rules. We also break down the structural "Big Three" demand drivers for 2026: Solar, AI Data Centers, and Solid-State Batteries. Is this a warning to get out, or the buying opportunity of the year? TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – The Flash Crash: What Just Happened? 0:49 – Why It Dropped: Margin Calls & The "Paper" Flush 1:39 – The New "Big Three" Demand Drivers (Solar, AI, Batteries) 2:45 – The Deficit Reality: 8 Years of Shortages – Investment Strategy: How to Navigate the Volatility KEY TAKEAWAYS ✅ The "Paper" Flush: The crash was triggered by a 25% margin hike and panic over China's export licenses—not a drop in physical demand. ✅ Industrial Squeeze: Solar, AI hardware, and EV batteries are consuming record amounts of silver. This demand is "inelastic"—manufacturers *must* buy it at any price. ✅ Elon's Warning: Even Elon Musk has flagged silver availability as a critical risk for the future of Tesla and SpaceX. ✅ Structural Deficit: The world has consumed more silver than it mined for 8 years straight. Above-ground stockpiles are down ~70% since 2021. SOURCES & DATA - CME Group Margin Requirement Data - China Export License Regulations (2026) - Silver Institute Demand Forecasts (Solar & EV Sector) - Elon Musk X/Twitter Post (Dec 26, 2025) SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE MACRO INSIGHTS VC10X breaks down the most important stories in finance, tech, and markets every week. If you want actionable insights to help you navigate this volatile economy, subscribe now. LINKS Prashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab Subscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.com Subscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986 Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ VC10X website - https://vc10x.com For sponsorship queries reach out to [email protected] COMMENT BELOW Are you buying the dip, or do you think silver is heading back to $30? Let us know in the comments. #Silver #Investing #Commodities #SolarEnergy #ElonMusk #MarketCrash #Inflation #WealthProtection #MacroEconomics #SilverSqueeze

In this episode, we sit down with Rajeev Ranka from Incubate Fund, a Japanese Venture Capital firm managing over $1.5 Billion in AUM, to understand the bold decisions behind building generational companies. Rajeev breaks down the Japanese Way of investing which involves thinking in 100 year cycles. He shares why they backed Captain Fresh during the first month of the COVID lockdown and the massive decision to kill a profitable domestic arm to build a global giant. We also dive into why he believes Quick Commerce will eventually be bigger than E-Commerce, the untapped potential of Middle India, and what it takes to get a Day Zero investment from a Japanese VC. ⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.com We talk about: - How a Japanese VC views the Indian startup ecosystem. - The Japanese Way: Why they plan for 100 year timelines. - The Captain Fresh Pivot: Moving from a domestic player to global seafood exporter. - Why Yulu dominates 90% of the last mile delivery market. - The Middle India opportunity that most VCs are ignoring. - Red Flags & Green Flags: How to pitch Incubate Fund. Connect with Rajeev: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajeevranka Incubate Fund Asia: https://incubatefund.in/ SMBC Asia Rising Fund - https://www.smbc-asiarising.vc/ VC10X links: Prashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab Subscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.com Subscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986 Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ VC10X website - https://vc10x.com For sponsorship queries reach out to [email protected] #VentureCapital #StartupIndia #IncubateFund #JapaneseInvestment #CaptainFresh #QuickCommerce #Yulu #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast

The AI race isn't about chips anymore. It's about electricity. In a massive $4.75 billion deal, Google (Alphabet) just acquired Intersect Power, a major clean energy developer, to secure the grid access its data centers desperately need. But Google isn't alone. From Microsoft restarting Three Mile Island to Amazon's massive nuclear contracts, Big Tech is panic-buying power plants. In this video, we break down why the "AI Energy Wall" is forcing tech giants to become utility companies, and what this means for the future of the power grid, nuclear energy, and your electric bill. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Intro: Bigtech Energy War 0:44 – The Deal: Why Google Bought Intersect Power for $4.75B 1:30 – The "Energy Wall": AI Power Consumption vs. The Grid 2:01 – BigTech Energy Contracts in 2025 3:21 – Who Pays? The Impact on Consumers and Investors KEY TAKEAWAYS ✅ Google's $4.75B Bet: Alphabet acquires Intersect Power to build "behind the meter" energy projects, bypassing the clogged public grid. ✅ The Energy Crisis: AI queries use 10x more power than search. By 2030, US data centers will consume 9% of all electricity. ✅ Nuclear Renaissance: Tech giants are single-handedly reviving nuclear power (SMRs & restarts) because they need 24/7 reliability that solar/wind can't provide. ✅ Vertical Integration: Big Tech is now owning the entire stack: from the AI model to the chip to the power plant running it. SOURCES & DATA - Google Acquires Intersect Power ($4.75B Deal) - Microsoft Restarts Three Mile Island (Constellation Energy Deal) - Amazon Signs 1.9GW Nuclear Deal (Talen Energy) - Data Center Power Demand Forecast (Bain/Bloomberg) Links: Prashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab Subscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.com Subscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@VC10X Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986 Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ VC10X website - https://vc10x.com For sponsorship queries reach out to [email protected] SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE MACRO INSIGHTS VC10X breaks down the most important stories in finance, tech, and markets every week. If you want actionable insights to help you navigate this volatile economy, subscribe now. COMMENT BELOW Is Big Tech buying power plants a smart move or a dangerous monopoly? Let us know in the comments. #AI #Google #EnergyCrisis #NuclearPower #Investing #TechNews #Microsoft #Amazon #CleanEnergy #IntersectPower #MacroEconomics

In the inaugural VC10X LP Roundtable, we bring together experienced allocators Matt Curtolo & Anurag Chandra to unpack the state of venture capital as we close out 2025 and look ahead to 2026. ⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.com Topics covered: - How the recent Fed rate cut does and does not change venture capital - Why DPI pressure has become the dominant LP concern - Venture vs private credit and when the comparison actually matters - Fundraising realities and why it now takes 18 to 30 months to raise a fund - The changing role of secondaries, continuation funds, and engineered liquidity - Why M&A, not IPOs, has historically driven most venture exits - AI as a structural opportunity or capital concentration risk - Generalist vs specialist funds and what real differentiation actually looks like - Why some LPs are staying committed to venture despite short term underperformance - The biggest mistakes allocators made in past cycles and what they won’t repeat Timestamps: (00:00) - Preview (01:08) - Introduction to the LP Roundtable (03:15) - The impact of the macro interest rate environment on venture capital. (03:55) - The limited direct effect of interest rates on early-stage innovation. (06:00) - How interest rates negatively impact SaaS company valuations and exits. (09:35) - How "higher for longer" interest rates are changing LP expectations for returns. (11:13) - The LP perspective: Balancing DPI, MOIC, and IRR in venture investing. (14:09) - The role of the exit environment and secondaries in meeting DPI pressure. (16:38) - The risks of LPs over-focusing on short-term DPI. (18:44) - The emergence of the secondary market for later-stage companies. (20:30) - Future outlook for the M&A and IPO markets as exit paths. (21:02) - Why M&A is the historical bread and butter of venture exits, not IPOs. (23:37) - Underestimating the potential scale of venture-backed exits in the new tech era. (27:35) - How early-stage funds can engineer liquidity through secondary sales. (29:24) - Gross vs. Net Returns: The difference between a good investor and a good fund manager. (30:50) - Why is it so difficult to raise a VC fund today? (31:45) - The fundraising bifurcation: Brand names vs. emerging managers. (35:10) - Career risk and structural barriers for LPs investing in smaller funds. (38:01) - Why institutions often prefer to invest in Fund III and beyond. (40:38) - How can fund managers differentiate themselves? Generalist vs. specialist. (41:46) - Differentiating as a "hustle fund" with a functional specialty (e.g., go-to-market). (45:25) - It's not about being different, it's about being better: The importance of GP-thesis fit. (48:08) - VCs should "take their own medicine" when pitching to LPs. (49:17) - Outlook for 2026: Will the venture market get easier for funds and startups? (50:05) - An optimistic outlook for 2026 driven by technological acceleration. (55:18) - The growing importance of global and emerging markets in venture capital. (55:45) - A closer look at India's booming IPO market and its contrast with the US. (57:15) - Conclusion and final thoughts. --- Links to connect: Matt Curtolo - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-curtolo-caia Anurag Chandra - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anchandra Prashant Choubey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab Subscribe to VC10X newsletter - https://vc10x.beehiiv.com Subscribe on YouTube - https://youtube.com/@vc10x Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc10x-investing-venture-capital-asset-management-private/id1632806986 Subscribe on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7F7KEhXNhTx1bKTBFgzv3k?si=WgQ4ozMiQJ-6nowj6wBgqQ VC10X website - https://vc10x.com For sponsorship queries, reach out to [email protected] Subscribe for weekly conversations on venture, private markets, and investing.

While everyone was watching Bitcoin crash, the quietest asset in the room just went parabolic. In December 2025, Silver prices shattered their 45-year record, soaring past $60 an ounce—a 100% gain this year alone. In this deep dive, we break down exactly why silver is exploding. It's not just a hype rally; it's a "perfect storm" of physics and finance. From the massive "Short Squeeze" breaking the paper market to the solar energy industry consuming 20% of global supply, we explain why the world is running out of the one metal it needs to go green. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Intro: The Quiet Giant Wakes Up 0:53 - The Data: Historic Breakout & Cup-and-Handle 1:13 - Gold to Silver Ratio 1:44 - The "Green Squeeze": Solar Panels vs. Supply Deficit 2:26 - The Short Squeeze: Paper Market Breaks 3:10 - Price Targets: Is It Too Late to Buy? KEY TAKEAWAYS ✅ Historic Breakout: Silver broke its 14-year resistance at $50, triggering a massive technical surge. ✅ Solar Demand: Modern solar panels use 120% more silver than before, creating a structural deficit that mining cannot fix. ✅ Short Squeeze: Physical shortages in London and Shanghai forced traders to cover their shorts, driving prices vertical. ✅ Gold-to-Silver Ratio: The ratio collapsed from 100:1 to under 70:1, signaling silver is aggressively catching up to gold. SOURCES & DATA - Price Data: Silver hits $60/oz (Dec 2025) - Industrial Demand: Solar industry consuming ~20% of global supply - Market Dynamics: Gold-to-Silver Ratio collapse & ETF inflows SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE INSIGHTS VC10X breaks down the most important stories in finance, tech, and markets every week. If you want actionable insights to help you navigate this volatile economy, subscribe now. LET'S CONNECT Website: https://VC10X.com X / Twitter: https://x.com/choubeysahab LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/choubeysahab COMMENT BELOW Do you own physical silver? Or do you think this rally will crash like 2011? Let us know in the comments. #Silver #Investing #Commodities #Inflation #SolarEnergy #ShortSqueeze #Gold #SilverSqueeze #WealthProtection #MacroEconomics