Podcast
From Startup to Exit
Hosted by TiE Seattle · EN
Welcome to the Startup to Exit podcast where we bring you world-class entrepreneurs and VCs to share their hard-earned success stories and secrets. This podcast has been brought to you by TiE Seattle. TiE is a global non-profit that focuses on fostering entrepreneurship. TiE Seattle offers a range of programs including the GoVertical Startup Creation Weekend, TiE Entrepreneur Institute, and the TiE Seattle Angel Network. We encourage you to become a TiE member so you can gain access to these great programs. To become a member, please visit www.Seattle.tie.org.
15episodes
Episodes
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Best of 2025: From Startup to Exit Podcast
Jan 100:51:19Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailJoin us for a dynamic highlight reel featuring short segments from the 2025 season of From Startup to Exit, TiE Seattle’s flagship podcast showcasing world-class entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry leaders sharing candid insights from their journeys. Each mini-segment brings you the essence of these remarkable conversations — from foundational lessons in product and leadership to reflections on how technology shapes markets and culture. We kick things off with Paul Maritz, discussing his pivotal role in Microsoft’s product strategy during the Windows and server era and how a deep commitment to innovation shaped a career spanning multiple iconic tech companies. Next, Jeff Raikes reflects on building transformative software platforms like Microsoft Office and his later work in global philanthropy focused on equity and systems-level impact. Robbie Bach takes you inside the historic launch of Xbox, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at driving innovation within a legacy tech giant. Meanwhile Steve Wood shares foundational memories from Microsoft’s early days as the sixth employee, emphasizing the importance of grit and experimentation in startup culture. We also spotlight Brad Chase on the launch of Windows 95 and the strategic decisions that made it a defining moment in personal computing; Laura Jennings on shaping MSN into a major internet portal; and modern voices like Sabrina Wu, who breaks down the future of intelligent applications and the role of AI in venture investing. Yash Wagh delivers insights from his startup journey with Gone.com and building sustainable commerce models. Ece Kamar closes with a forward-looking conversation on responsible AI, sharing how human-centered frameworks will guide the next phase of technological growth. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, technologist, or curious learner, this highlights compilation is packed with actionable wisdom from leaders who’ve navigated the path from startup to exit.Brought to you by TiE SeattleHosts: Shirish Nadkarni and Gowri ShankarProducers: Minee Verma and Eesha JainYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fromstartuptoexitpodcast
Transcribe →Innovating for Impact: TYE Global Winners 2025 Share their Entrepreneurial Journey
Dec 400:52:29Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailJoin us as Team Kymavi, the TYE Global winner, discusses their groundbreaking solution addressing environmental challenges through biodegradable bags, and Team Key Beauty, creators of an AI-driven makeup matching platform for women of color, shares their journey in redefining inclusivity in beauty.The teams dive into their experiences with market research, customer validation, and developing sustainable business models, highlighting how mentorship and the TYE program helped them refine their ideas, build essential entrepreneurial skills, and prepare for global success.Brought to you by TiE SeattleHosts: Shirish Nadkarni and Gowri ShankarProducers: Minee Verma and Eesha JainBrought to you by TiE SeattleHosts: Shirish Nadkarni and Gowri ShankarProducers: Minee Verma and Eesha JainYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fromstartuptoexitpodcast
Transcribe →Building Responsible AI for the New Era: A Conversation with Ece Kamar, Director of AI Frontiers Lab at Microsoft Research
Nov 1700:58:36Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ece Kamar, Director of the AI Frontiers Lab at Microsoft Research, and one of the leading voices in Responsible AI.With over 15 years at Microsoft, Ece has played a pivotal role in shaping how AI systems are designed to collaborate with humans safely and effectively. She shares her journey from earning a PhD at Harvard University, where she researched how AI agents can become human partners, to leading responsible AI efforts at Microsoft and tackling challenges like fairness, reliability, safety, and hallucinations in large-scale models such as GPT-4.In this insightful conversation, Ece talks about:- How early research in human-AI collaboration laid the foundation for today’s AI agents- The evolution of AI through scalable data, deep learning, and generative models- Her pioneering work on Responsible AI frameworks at Microsoft- The emerging challenges and opportunities in the era of generative AIWhether you’re an entrepreneur, technologist, or researcher, this episode offers an inspiring look into how responsible innovation will define the next generation of AI systems. Tune in to learn how human-centered AI is shaping the future - responsibly.To ensure you don't miss other episodes like this, subscribe to our podcast!Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ecekamar/Sponsored by: JPMC Private BankingBrought to you by TiE SeattleHosts: Shirish Nadkarni and Gowri ShankarProducers: Minee Verma and Eesha JainYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fromstartuptoexitpodcast
Transcribe →Startup Spotlight: GONE.COM - Giving Goods a Second Life for a Healthy Planet
Oct 2000:31:59Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailYashovardhan Wagh is the co-founder & CEO of Gone.com, a Seattle-based circular commerce company giving quality goods a second life through local supply chains. He previously built supply chains for Amazon and other Fortune 100 companies. His mission: to build a national circular economy so future generations can thrive on a healthy planet.Brought to you by TiE SeattleHosts: Shirish Nadkarni and Gowri ShankarProducers: Minee Verma and Eesha JainYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fromstartuptoexitpodcast
Transcribe →Gen AI Series: Intelligent Applications in an Agentic World, A conversation with Sabrina Wu, Investor at Madrona Ventures
Sep 1000:47:37Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode, we talk to Sabrina Wu who is an Investor at the famed VC firm Madrona Ventures. Sabrina shares her thoughts about closed source vs open source, agentic applications and the emergence of multi modal applications. Sabrina joined Madrona’s investment team in 2021 and focuses on sourcing and evaluating new investment opportunities from Seed through Series C across Madrona’s core investment themes. She also supports the growth and strategy of current portfolio companies. Sabrina is particularly interested in intelligent applications, enterprise software, and data/AI products.Sabrina and Madrona Partner Vivek Ramaswami author the biweekly newsletter Aspiring for Intelligence where they share thoughts about the future of intelligent applications.Brought to you by TiE SeattleHosts: Shirish Nadkarni and Gowri ShankarProducers: Minee Verma and Eesha JainYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@fromstartuptoexitpodcast
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