The best VCs aren’t just writing checks, they’re building products. In this episode, I sit down with Jason Shuman, General Partner at Primary Ventures, to explore how modern venture firms are evolving, from thesis-driven investors to full-stack operators.

Jason shares an inside look at fundraising in today’s market, what their next fund aims to do differently, and how Primary’s team structure challenges the traditional VC mold. If you’re building a startup, raising a fund, or working inside a platform team, this episode will give you a front-row seat to the future of VC as an evolving product.

Jason Shuman

Jason is a founder-turned-investor and General Partner at Primary Venture Partners, where he leads investments across Vertical AI, Built World, Vertically integrated manufacturing businesses and consumer.

A passionate advocate for early-stage founders, Jason’s mission is to empower entrepreneurs with the confidence, tools, and support to build successful, fulfilling lives, on their own terms. He brings a hands-on, coach-like approach to investing, shaped by his own entrepreneurial journey.

Outside of venture, Jason’s passions include coaching, travel, and great food. Always eager to connect, he's known for being an early believer and active partner to founders at the very start of their journey.

Primary Venture Partners

The largest early-stage VC firm in the world, managing $1B+ in assets with a 50-person team. Their standout "Impact" team, twice the size of the investment team, works hands-on with portfolio companies, driving growth through high-intensity support in hiring, customer acquisition, and fundraising. With deep roots in the NYC tech scene, they conduct thousands of interviews, host hundreds of events, and maintain a network of 5,000+ active job seekers. Co-founders Brad Svrluga and Ben Sun have been recognized on Forbes’ Midas List and Insider’s Seed 100.

SHOW NOTES

Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)

keywords

venture capital, startups, Primary Ventures, Jason Shuman, founder support, investment strategies, bootstrapping, impact teams, incubation model, deal flow

summary

In this episode of Startups Decoded, host Andy Walsh interviews Jason Shuman from Primary Ventures, exploring his journey from founder to investor. They discuss the unique approach of Primary Ventures in supporting founders, the evolving landscape of venture capital, and the importance of resources and community in the startup ecosystem. Jason shares insights on the current trends in funding, the role of impact teams, and the incubation model at Primary Ventures, emphasizing the need for founders to have a clear roadmap and support system to succeed.

Chapters

00:00 From Founder to Investor: Jason Shuman's Journey

04:01 Understanding Primary Ventures: A Unique Approach to VC

07:28 The Evolving Landscape of Venture Capital

11:21 The Importance of Personalized Support in VC

16:06 Collaboration Between Impact and Investment Teams

18:14 Navigating Capital: The Balance of Growth and Strategy

23:34 Navigating Venture Capital Mistakes

25:50 The Evolution of Information Sharing in VC

28:35 The Role of Incubation in Venture Capital

34:15 Balancing Incubation and Portfolio Management

37:51 Identifying and Engaging with Founders

43:13 Looking Ahead: Future Investments and Strategies

Bringing people together is an art, and a strategy. In this episode, I sit down with Madelaine Czufin, founder of EOLO, to break down what it takes to build events and communities that truly drive impact.

We cover:

• How to build a network that activates around your brand
• Creating real ROI from events, not just a buzz
• The power of mindful networking (why it isn’t as intimidating as you may think)
• Targeted partnerships and sponsorships that actually work

Madelaine brings insights from her experience in venture, tech, and finance, helping top firms craft experiences that elevate their brand presence.

If you’re thinking about events as just gatherings, you’re missing the bigger picture. Tune in to learn how to make them a core part of your strategy.

Madelaine Czufin

Madelaine is the Founder of EOLO, a boutique consultancy specializing in bespoke gatherings, events, retreats, summits, and other distinct experiences.

Over the past decade, Madelaine worked at the intersection of venture, technology, and financial services. Prior to EOLO, Madelaine worked in financial services at Barclays, First Republic, and JPMorgan. She gained expertise within the venture capital industry during her time at Greycroft and leading the NY chapter of a female founder capital platform, The Vinetta Project.

EOLO's mission is to help VCs, companies, and communities activate and elevate their brand presence through thoughtfully designed and meticulously executed events.

Show Notes

Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)

The conversation delves into the importance of strategic networking and the intentionality behind connecting individuals in professional settings. It emphasizes the value of thoughtful relationships and collaborations that can lead to mutual growth and innovation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Community and Connections

01:04:19 Madeline's Journey: From Finance to Venture Capital

01:08:03 The Evolution of Events and Gatherings

01:11:05 Creating Meaningful Connections at Events

01:15:14 The Art of Networking: Strategies for Success

01:19:38 The Power of Empathy and Vulnerability

01:21:19 Intentional Networking: Building Lasting Relationships

01:26:22 The Importance of Thoughtful Connections

01:28:01 Supporting Underrepresented Founders

01:30:04 The Shift in Networking Culture Post-COVID

01:34:21 Evolving Corporate Culture and Community Building

01:37:08 Optimizing Event Experiences

01:41:46 Maximizing Connections Pre and Post-Event

01:49:36 Intentionality in Event Planning

01:53:30 Navigating Digital Outreach and Automation

In this episode, we talk to Majd Alaily, founder of Ruya Advisory, a consultancy that helps startups turn visionary ideas into thriving businesses. With 15+ years of experience in digital innovation, strategy, and product development, Majd shares valuable insights on navigating the startup journey.

We talk about building the right tech stack, choosing the right platform, and standing out in a crowded market. Majd also offers a sneak peek into his upcoming online course, BuildOS, launching in April. This episode is filled with actionable advice for founders looking to build, grow, and stand out in the competitive startup landscape.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on how to succeed in today’s world!

Majd Alaily

Majd is a seasoned digital innovator with over 15 years of experience in consultancy, startups, and strategic thinking. He specializes in helping startups thrive through ideation, building, growth, and fundraising strategies. As an advisor, Majd has supported 20+ ventures in launching, scaling, and securing funding. He’s a founder who grew a company to 970k monthly active users in just two years with 100% organic growth. Majd’s background includes leading business development and digital consulting at Google for portfolios worth $50M-$100M ARR. He’s conducted over 100 strategy and go-to-market workshops with top global brands and brings innovation expertise from prestigious programs like Stanford d.school and IDEO.U.

Ruya Advisory

Ruya Advisory is a forward-thinking startup consultancy focused on turning visionary ideas into successful businesses. Derived from the Arabic word for 'vision,' Ruya embodies foresight and aspiration. Going beyond traditional consulting, the firm offers strategic guidance to help startups navigate the journey from concept to execution. With a commitment to fostering innovation and growth, Ruya Advisory empowers entrepreneurs to shape the future, turning groundbreaking ideas into flourishing ventures.

Show Notes

Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)

Summary

In this episode of Startups Decoded, host Andy Walsh speaks with Mash Alaily about his journey from medicine to the startup world. They discuss the importance of learning from failure, the mindset required for resilience in entrepreneurship, and the role of RUYA Advisory in guiding startups. The conversation also covers the evolving landscape of product development, the impact of automation and agents, and the significance of personal engagement in sales strategies. Finally, they introduce Build OS, a new initiative aimed at helping founders validate their ideas quickly and effectively.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Startups and Global Perspectives

01:27 The Journey from Medicine to Startups

04:08 The Shift in Education and Career Paths

06:36 Embracing Failure as a Learning Tool

10:48 Understanding Blind Spots in Entrepreneurship

13:08 Mindset and Emotional Resilience in Founding

15:46 The Birth of RUYA Advisory

18:51 Advisory Services for Founders

21:22 Discovery and Alignment in Advisory Relationships

22:37 Disruption in Startup Building

25:34 Navigating Go-to-Market Strategies

28:56 The Future of Fundraising and Exits

31:05 Choosing the Right Tech Stack

34:13 The Role of Automation and Agents

42:59 Introducing Build OS: A New Approach to Validation