16 Best Startup Podcasts for 2024
Listening to podcasts that offer advice for startups should be a requirement for anyone passionate about learning directly from peers who've done it before. Startup podcasts provide an accessible, on-the-go way to stay informed and inspired. If you're eager to understand the startup scene, these podcasts are your gateway to understanding what's new, what works, and what doesn't.
16 Best Startup Podcasts
Dive into these top 16 startup podcasts for expert insights:
- This Week in Startups Podcast with Jason Calacanis
- Startup Savant with Ethan Peyton
- Masters of Scale with Reid Hoffman
- Startup Grind with Derek Andersen
- Inside Intercom with Intercom team
- Mixergy - Startup Stories with Andrew Warner
- Startup Therapy with Will Schroter
- HBR IdeaCast with Alison Beard and Curt Nickisch
- How I Built This with Guy Raz
- The Pitch with Josh Muccio
- Rocketship.fm with Michael Sacca and Mike Belsito
- The Twenty Minute VC with Harry Stebbings
- a16z Podcast with various hosts from Andreessen Horowitz
- The Top Entrepreneurs with Nathan Latka
- Equity with Alex Wilhelm
- Y Combinator with various Y Combinator members
Best Startup Podcasts Overview
1. This Week in Startups Podcast with Jason Calacanis
Summary:
This podcast offers an in-depth look at the best, worst, most fascinating, and most notorious startups. Hosted by entrepreneur Jason Calacanis, it features a mix of interviews with startup founders, insights on the latest in technology, social media hacks, and discussions on investment trends.
What You'll Learn:
In this podcast, you'll develop a thorough understanding of the startup ecosystem, exploring various technology trends, startup strategies, and investment insights. The show delves into the workings of successful startups and the thought processes of industry leaders.
Why You Should Listen:
This podcast is ideal for those looking to grasp the full scope of the startup world, thanks to its blend of expert interviews and industry insights. It's a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the latest trends and strategies in startups.
Best Episode:
"Mastering Early-Stage Board Meetings - Startup Finance Basics" - In this episode, Kruze COO, Scott Orn, joins Jason to discuss best practices for early-stage startups to prepare for and execute successful board meetings.
Links To Listen:
About The Host: Jason Calacanis is a renowned entrepreneur and angel investor. He founded LAUNCH, a series of conferences, festivals, and newsletters, and has invested in over 150 startups. Jason is known for his insightful analysis and has a rich history in the startup world.
2. Startup Savant with Ethan Peyton
Summary:
Startup Savant is a podcast that focuses on the stories behind the creation and growth of startups. Hosted by Ryan Helms, it emphasizes the journey of startup founders and the challenges they face.
What You'll Learn:
Startup Savant offers listeners a journey through the experiences of startup founders, covering the challenges and triumphs of building a big or small business. The startup podcast provides valuable insights into startup development and growth strategies.
Why You Should Listen:
Listen to Startup Savant for its authentic storytelling and practical advice. It's a perfect listen for those who appreciate hearing real-life experiences and learning from the journeys of other entrepreneurs.
Best Episode:
"From Zero to $8.3 Billion: How Tipalti's Founder Created a Payment Giant" - Chen Amit joins Ethan to chat about his fintech startup, Tipalti, a global, scalable, and holistic payables automation system. The pair discuss what factors led to Tipalti’s success and growth, how skills from Chen’s former poker career are helpful for business, and his leadership evolutions.
Links To Listen:
About The Host:
Ethan Peyton is an experienced entrepreneur and mentor. He brings practical insights from his business journey to the podcast, offering clear, actionable advice for both new and experienced entrepreneurs. His straightforward approach makes complex business concepts accessible to a broad audience.
3. Masters of Scale with Reid Hoffman
Summary:
Masters of Scale is a podcast where LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman explores how companies grow from zero to a gazillion. The show features interviews with leaders from successful companies, sharing their stories and strategies.
What You'll Learn:
Masters of Scale is a treasure trove of knowledge about scaling businesses, leadership, and innovative business solutions. It's filled with strategies and insights from some of the most successful entrepreneurs.
Why You Should Listen:
This podcast is a must-listen for its unique blend of storytelling and actionable business advice. It offers invaluable lessons for anyone interested in growing a business and learning from top entrepreneurs.
Best Episode:
"Highlights to inspire your 2024" - The Masters of Scale team reflects on their favorite moments from the past year, during which host Reid Hoffman sat down with inspiring and iconic leaders across the business world. They explored numerous entrepreneurial lessons, including how to make your networking more impactful, evolve your creative process, and keep ideas simple and adaptable.
Links To Listen:
About The Host:
Reid Hoffman is the co-founder of LinkedIn and a respected entrepreneur and venture capitalist. He's known for his unique insights into the world of startups and scaling businesses.
4. Startup Grind with Derek Andersen
Summary:
Startup Grind is a global startup community designed to educate, inspire, and connect entrepreneurs. Hosted by Derek Andersen, it features successful startup founders, innovators, educators, and investors who share lessons learned on the road to building great companies.
What You'll Learn:
Startup Grind provides key insights into the world of startups, focusing on building and growing a business and the importance of networking and community. The podcast offers practical strategies and lessons from successful entrepreneurs.
Why You Should Listen:
This podcast is ideal for those looking to connect with a global community of entrepreneurs and learn from their experiences. Its focus on practical advice makes it a valuable resource.
Best Episode:
"Scaling Startups with Elad Gil" - Fireside chat with Elad Gil, a serial entrepreneur, operating executive, and investor or advisor to private companies, including AirBnB, Pinterest, Square, and Stripe.
Links To Listen:
About The Host:
Derek Andersen is the founder of Startup Grind, a global startup community, and has been involved in numerous startups. He is known for his deep understanding of the startup ecosystem and ability to connect entrepreneurs globally.
5. Inside Intercom with Intercom Team
Summary:
Inside Intercom is a podcast that brings you insights from business leaders in the world of product management, design, startups, marketing, and more. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Intercom operates and grows.
What You'll Learn:
Inside Intercom offers a range of topics from product management to marketing, providing insights into how a successful tech company operates. It's a valuable resource for learning about different business areas.
Why You Should Listen:
The podcast is perfect for those interested in a behind-the-scenes look at a successful tech company and those who appreciate a diverse range of topics in business and tech.
Best Episode:
"How AI is creating support roles, not taking them" - AI is revolutionizing the customer service landscape and, with it, the traditional role of a support agent. On today's show, we're joined by an industry panel of experts to answer the question - what does that future look like for support teams? And how can you best prepare for the new opportunities and challenges?
Links To Listen:
About The Host:
The Intercom Team comprises various experts in product management, marketing, design, and more. They bring a collective wealth of knowledge from their experience at Intercom, a leading customer messaging platform.
6. Mixergy - Startup Stories with Andrew Warner
Summary:
Mixergy - Startup Stories is a podcast where successful entrepreneurs teach their tactics. Hosted by Andrew Warner, it dives into startup successes and failures, providing a platform for founders to share their experiences and lessons learned.
What You'll Learn:
Mixergy offers tactical advice from successful entrepreneurs, providing an honest look at both the successes and failures of startups. It's an excellent source of real-world business strategies and lessons.
Why You Should Listen:
If you're looking for actionable insights and real startup stories, this podcast is for you. It's a valuable resource for learning from the experiences of entrepreneurs who have been in the trenches.
Best Episode:
"When does a startup founder need a COO?" - Andrew speaks about his personal difficulties with managing a company: "A topic we don’t talk about on Mixergy is how to actually manage a company. I remember when I was in NYU as an undergrad I loved all my business classes, but management just didn’t feel like me."
Links To Listen:
About The Host:
Andrew Warner founded Mixergy, where he interviews entrepreneurs about how they built their businesses. He is known for his detailed and probing interviewing style.
7. Startup Therapy with Will Schroter
Summary:
"Startup Therapy" is a podcast that focuses on the emotional and psychological aspects of running a startup. Hosted by Will Schroter, a serial entrepreneur, it provides a space for founders to discuss the challenges and realities of startup life that are often overlooked.
What You'll Learn:
Startup Therapy dives into the mental and emotional aspects of running a startup, offering insights into the challenges and coping strategies of entrepreneurs. It addresses the often-overlooked personal side of entrepreneurship.
Why You Should Listen:
This podcast is a must for understanding the personal challenges of entrepreneurship. It offers relatable experiences and practical advice for mental well-being, making it unique in its focus.
Best Episode:
"Job vs Startup - What Should I Do?" - In today's Startup Therapy Podcast, Wil and Ryan discuss whether you should get a steady paycheck or launch your startup. Join them as they unpack the realities behind these choices, providing insights that could reshape your career perspective.
Links To Listen:
About The Host:
Will Schroter is the CEO of Startups.com and a seasoned entrepreneur with extensive experience in launching and managing startups. He offers a unique perspective on the highs and lows of entrepreneurship.
8. HBR IdeaCast with Alison Beard and Curt Nickisch
Summary:
"HBR IdeaCast" is a weekly podcast featuring the leading thinkers in business and management from Harvard Business Review. It covers many topics, including strategy, leadership, organizational change, and management ideas.
What You'll Learn:
HBR IdeaCast covers the latest trends and ideas in business and management, offering insights from leading thinkers. It's a resource for anyone interested in strategy, leadership, and organizational development.
Why You Should Listen:
Listen to HBR IdeaCast for its wide range of topics and innovative ideas in business and management. It's ideal for staying updated on the latest in the business world.
Best Episode:
"Behaviors of Success" - It turns out that charisma, confidence, and pedigree all have little bearing on CEO success. Elena Botelho studied high performers in the corner office. The analysis found that they demonstrated four business behaviors: quick decision-making, engaging for impact, adapting proactively, and delivering reliably.
Links To Listen:
About The Host:
Alison Beard, serving as an executive editor at Harvard Business Review, has a background in journalism as a reporter and editor at the Financial Times.
Curt Nickisch is a senior editor at Harvard Business Review. He earned an MBA from Boston University and has reported for NPR, Marketplace, and Fast Company.
9. How I Built This with Guy Raz
Summary:
"How I Built This" is a podcast about innovators, entrepreneurs, and idealists and the stories behind the movements they built. Hosted by Guy Raz, it features narrative journeys about the founders of some of the world's best-known companies and brands.
What You'll Learn:
How I Built This tells the stories of how notable companies and brands were built, providing lessons from successful entrepreneurs. It offers a deep look into the entrepreneurial process from idea to execution.
Why You Should Listen:
This podcast is perfect for those looking for inspiration and insights into the journey of building a significant business. It's engaging and informative, ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Best Episode:
"reCAPTCHA and Duolingo: Luis von Ahn" - In 2000, while starting his PhD in computer science, Luis von Ahn learned about Yahoo's issue with spam-generating bots. His solution, CAPTCHA, helped distinguish humans from bots on websites. This concept later evolved, contributing to the creation of Duolingo, a language learning platform valued at $9 billion.
Links To Listen:
About The Host:
Guy Raz is a renowned radio host known for his work on NPR. His interviewing skills and ability to weave a narrative make "How I Built This" a compelling listen.
10. The Pitch with Josh Muccio
Summary:
"The Pitch" is a podcast where real entrepreneurs pitch to real investors—for real money. Hosted by Josh Muccio, it offers an inside look at the world of startup funding, showcasing the highs and lows of securing investment.
What You'll Learn:
The Pitch gives listeners an inside look at the startup fundraising process, with real entrepreneurs pitching to real investors. It offers insights into what investors look for and the dynamics of pitch meetings.
Why You Should Listen:
If you're interested in the real-world process of startup fundraising, this podcast is for you. It's engaging and provides a unique perspective on securing investment.
Best Episode:
"The Friends & Family Gap" - In VC, before you pitch investors, you’re expected to get some initial cash from friends and family. Getting this money is a critical first step for a new startup. But what if your friends and family aren’t wealthy? Two founders tell us what that experience is like and how it’s shaped how VC investors view their companies.
Links To Listen:
About The Host:
Josh Muccio is a seasoned podcast host interested in startups and entrepreneurship. His background in business and media makes him an insightful host for "The Pitch."
11. Rocketship.fm with Michael Sacca and Mike Belsito
Summary:
"Rocketship.fm" covers various topics relevant to entrepreneurs, from product development to growth strategies. Co-hosted by Michael Sacca and Mike Belsito, it offers actionable advice and inspiring stories from successful entrepreneurs and industry experts.
What You'll Learn:
This podcast offers a comprehensive overview of various aspects of entrepreneurship, including product development, management, and growth strategies. It's filled with actionable advice and insights from industry experts, making it an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs at any stage.
Why You Should Listen:
Rocketship.fm is ideal for those seeking a well-rounded understanding of the entrepreneurial journey. Its mix of expert interviews and practical advice makes it a go-to resource for startup enthusiasts.
Best Episode:
"The humble beginnings of YCombinator" - Since its founding in 2005, YCombinator has helped startups like Airbnb, Coinbase, DoorDash, and many others succeed. Today, we'll trace the accelerator's history from its humble beginnings in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to where it is currently under new leader Garry Tan.
Links To Listen:
About The Hosts:
Michael Sacca is currently the General Manager at Dribbble.com, previously President at Crew, and cofounder of Rocketship.fm. Mike Belsito is the author of Startup Seed Funding for the Rest of Us and co-founder of the Product Collective which organizes INDUSTRY, one of the largest product management summits anywhere in the world.
- Find Michael Sacca on LinkedIn.
- Find Michael Sacca on Twitter.
- Find Mike Belsito on LinkedIn.
- Find Mike Belsito on Twitter.
12. The Twenty Minute VC with Harry Stebbings
Summary:
"The Twenty Minute VC" offers listeners an inside look at the world of venture capital, startups, and entrepreneurship. Hosted by Harry Stebbings, it features interviews with the world's leading VCs and startup founders, providing a unique perspective on the investment process.
What You'll Learn:
In The Twenty Minute VC, listeners get a close look at the venture capital world with insights from top VCs and startup founders. It's a deep dive into the intricacies of startup funding, investment strategies, and entrepreneurial success stories.
Why You Should Listen:
This podcast is a must for anyone interested in understanding venture capital and the startup financing process. Its concise format, packed with insights, makes it an engaging and informative listen.
Best Episode:
"Why You Should Not Go Into Product Management, Why the CEO is Always the CPO, How to Build the Best Product Teams & Why You Should Hire People Who Aren't In Product Already with Databricks SVP Product" - In this episode with David Meyer they discussed entry into product, how to be a great product leader, and building the best product team.
Links To Listen:
About The Host:
Harry Stebbings is best known for his deep understanding of the venture capital industry. He started "The Twenty Minute VC" at 18 and has since become a significant figure in the venture capital community.
13. a16z Podcast with Various Hosts
Summary:
"a16z Podcast" is produced by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), a private venture capital firm. The podcast covers a broad range of topics, including tech and culture trends, news, and the future of technology. It features industry experts, business leaders, and other fascinating thinkers and voices worldwide.
What You'll Learn:
The a16z Podcast offers listeners a wide-ranging look at the intersections of technology, business, and culture. It features discussions on tech and culture trends, news, and the future of technology, providing a unique lens into the tech world.
Why You Should Listen:
If you're keen on staying abreast of the latest in technology and its impact on business and society, this podcast is for you. The diverse range of topics and expert insights make it an enlightening listen.
Best Episode:
"AI x Crypto" - This episode covers the convergence of two important trends: AI (artificial intelligence) & blockchains/ crypto. These domains together have significant implications for how we all live our lives every day, so this episode is for anyone just curious about or already building in the space.
Links To Listen:
About The Hosts:
The a16z podcast is hosted by various members of the Andreessen Horowitz team, including its partners and special guests. Each host brings their unique expertise and perspective to the topics discussed.
14. The Top Entrepreneurs with Nathan Latka
Summary:
"The Top Entrepreneurs" is a podcast where host Nathan Latka interviews entrepreneurs, CEOs, and startup founders to get to the core of their financial metrics. It provides a unique and detailed insight into the businesses and strategies of successful online companies.
What You'll Learn:
The Top Entrepreneurs with Nathan Latka dives deep into the financial metrics and strategies of various online businesses. It provides an in-depth look at the operations, growth tactics, and financial health of successful online companies.
Why You Should Listen:
This podcast is perfect for those who want to understand the financial aspects of running an online business. Nathan's interviews offer practical insights and strategies from successful entrepreneurs.
Best Episode:
"How 3 University Grads Plan to Take on Buffer with AI Social Media Saas" - 3 university graduates launch their no code SaaS on Bubble. How'd they get 15 paying customers in 3 weeks? Why'd they split equity 33% each? How did they get Linkedin Navigator for free? Find out in this episode.
Links To Listen:
About The Host:
Nathan Latka is a well-known entrepreneur, top iTunes podcast host, and bestselling author. His expertise in business growth, particularly in the SaaS sector, makes him a valuable source of advice for entrepreneurs and business owners.
15. Equity with Alex Wilhelm
Summary:
"Equity" is a podcast centered around the numbers and nuances of the startup world. Hosted by Alex Wilhelm, it dives into the world of venture capital, startup funding, and mergers and acquisitions, offering a detailed analysis of the latest in tech and finance.
What You'll Learn:
Equity brings listeners into the world of startup finance, covering venture capital, startup funding, and the tech startup market. The podcast provides a detailed look at tech company valuations, mergers, and acquisitions, offering a thorough analysis of the financial side of startups.
Why You Should Listen:
Equity is ideal for those interested in the financial dynamics of startups and tech companies. Its focus on the economics of the tech industry provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the market.
Best Episode:
"When it comes to startups' flight to quality, have we swung too far in the other direction?" - Jenny and Mary Ann discussed a wide variety of topics, including startups’ flight to quality in 2024 and how smaller firms are competing with larger firms in the current investment landscape.
Links To Listen:
About The Host:
Alex Wilhelm is a seasoned journalist with a deep understanding of the startup and venture capital world. His insights into the intersection of technology and finance make "Equity" a must-listen for those interested in the economics of the tech industry.
16. Y Combinator with Various Y Combinator Members
Summary:
"Y Combinator" is a podcast from one of the most successful startup accelerators in the world. The show features interviews and talks by YC partners and other influential people in the startup community, offering a mix of advice, insights, and startup stories.
What You'll Learn:
The Y Combinator podcast offers advice, insights, and stories from Y Combinator partners, alumni, and other influential figures in the startup community. It covers a range of topics, from pitching and growth.
Why You Should Listen:
This podcast is a must-listen for anyone seeking knowledge from one of the world’s leading startup accelerators. The diverse perspectives and tips provided are invaluable for any entrepreneur or startup enthusiast.
Best Episode:
"Office Hours: Group Partners Share Their Top Productivity Advice" - In this episode, the Group Partners at Y Combinator share their favorite strategies to be more effective and reduce distractions at work. They'll discuss the benefits of maker/manager schedules in addition to the fake work and productivity fads that can do more harm than good.
Links To Listen:
About The Hosts:
The "Y Combinator" podcast is hosted by various members of the Y Combinator team, including general partners and special guests. Each host brings their unique experience and perspective in startup development and investment.
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