Valley Nordic artwork

Valley Nordic

175 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 10 ratings

Chander Chawla, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur and Arne Tonning, a Norwegian Venture Capitalist, discuss global perspectives on startup business, technology, and culture. The views on the podcast are solely personal and not of our employers or of the organizations we belong to.

Investing Business Entrepreneurship culture technology startups startup life venture capital investing nordics silicon valley
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Episodes

S4E11: Energy Markets In Europe

October 23, 2022 21:00 - 1 hour - 54.3 MB

We discuss:  1. State of the energy markets in Europe and why the prices are going up.  2. How does the electricity grid work? 3. How does the energy pricing work in Europe (excluding gas/petrol)? 4. Opportunity for startups in the energy markets. 

S4E11: Energy Markets In Europe

October 23, 2022 21:00 - 1 hour - 54.3 MB

We discuss:  1. State of the energy markets in Europe and why the prices are going up.  2. How does the electricity grid work? 3. How does the energy pricing work in Europe (excluding gas/petrol)? 4. Opportunity for startups in the energy markets. 

S4E10: Startup Financials - LTV and CAC in B2B SaaS

September 03, 2022 21:00 - 1 hour - 57.2 MB

We are back after a long summer break. In this episode we get inside Arne's box of B2B SaaS and discuss CAC, LTV, Payback period, and other financial metrics. 

S4E10: Startup Financials - LTV and CAC in B2B SaaS

September 03, 2022 21:00 - 1 hour - 57.2 MB

We are back after a long summer break. In this episode we get inside Arne's box of B2B SaaS and discuss CAC, LTV, Payback period, and other financial metrics. 

S4E9: Reflections - Valley Nordic 100th Episode

May 31, 2022 22:00 - 59 minutes - 40.7 MB

We reflect on the last 99 episodes by reviewing the podcast stats, guests who honored us,  and the 27 companies we analyzed in the last ~4 years. 

S4E8: Deglobalization

May 16, 2022 23:00 - 48 minutes - 33.2 MB

What is deglobalization? Why is it happening? What does it mean for startups? 

S4E7: Metaverse

May 02, 2022 21:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MB

We segment the Metaverse into three categories: 1. Metaverse that requires new hardware to be worn by users (VR headsets, AR glasses, etc.) 2. Metaverse that does not require new hardware but requires crypto (NFTs, wallets, etc.) 3. Metaverse that neither requires new hardware nor crypto We apply Rogers innovation adoption model to each of the segments to understand if they can have mass adoption. 

S4E7: Metaverse

May 02, 2022 21:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MB

We segment the Metaverse into three categories: 1. Metaverse that requires new hardware to be worn by users (VR headsets, AR glasses, etc.) 2. Metaverse that does not require new hardware but requires crypto (NFTs, wallets, etc.) 3. Metaverse that neither requires new hardware nor crypto We apply Rogers innovation adoption model to each of the segments to understand if they can have mass adoption. 

S4E6: The Twitter Drama

April 15, 2022 20:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MB

Elon Musk buying Twitter has been talk of the town in Silicon Valley for the last few days. Arne and I discuss what's happening and why. Chander's blogpost from 2009 on Twitter's potential. 

S4E6: The Twitter Drama

April 15, 2022 20:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MB

Elon Musk buying Twitter has been talk of the town in Silicon Valley for the last few days. Arne and I discuss what's happening and why. Chander's blogpost from 2009 on Twitter's potential. 

S4E5: HP Acquisition Of Poly

March 31, 2022 23:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MB

HP which makes PCs and printers acquires a company, Poly (Plantronics + Polycom), that makes headphones, conference room phones, and cameras. We wonder why. 

S4E5: HP Acquisition Of Poly

March 31, 2022 23:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MB

HP which makes PCs and printers acquires a company, Poly (Plantronics + Polycom), that makes headphones, conference room phones, and cameras. We wonder why. 

S4E4: New Framework for Management in Corporations

March 17, 2022 20:00 - 56 minutes - 38.8 MB

We discuss Chander's forbes article on management which offers a new framework for looking at management. The framework has four dimensions:  1. Domain Management  2. Organizational Management  3. Perception Management  4. Feelings Management 

S4E4: New Framework for Management in Corporations

March 17, 2022 20:00 - 56 minutes - 38.8 MB

We discuss Chander's forbes article on management which offers a new framework for looking at management. The framework has four dimensions:  1. Domain Management  2. Organizational Management  3. Perception Management  4. Feelings Management 

S4E3: New Sovereign Investments Influenced by the Russia-Ukraine War

March 04, 2022 01:00 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MB

We discuss top three sectors for new sovereign investments influenced by the current Russia Ukraine war:  1. Energy  2. Defence (Cyber, Weapons, Surveillance)  3.  Increased self-reliance (Money, Food) 

S4E3: New Sovereign Investments Influenced by the Russia-Ukraine War

March 04, 2022 01:00 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MB

We discuss top three sectors for new sovereign investments influenced by the current Russia Ukraine war:  1. Energy  2. Defence (Cyber, Weapons, Surveillance)  3.  Increased self-reliance (Money, Food) 

S4E2: Web3

February 17, 2022 23:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MB

We discuss what is Web3 (and Web 3.0). How it came about? And, the debate associated with it. Links to the articles we referenced in the episode: 1. Semantic web 2. Moxie Marlinspike on Web3 3. David Rosenthal on Crypto 

S4E1: The state of the financial markets - Stocks, Crypto, and Venture Capital

February 04, 2022 00:00 - 44 minutes - 30.4 MB

We kickoff season 4 with a discussion on what's happening in the financial markets in 2022. 

S4E1: The state of the financial markets - Stocks, Crypto, and Venture Capital

February 04, 2022 00:00 - 44 minutes - 30.4 MB

We kickoff season 4 with a discussion on what's happening in the financial markets in 2022. 

S3E20 Season Finale: Trends In Review - 2021 Update

December 05, 2021 21:00 - 1 hour - 57.1 MB

We evaluate the trends we have been tracking since 2019. See the trends here.  This is our final episode of 2021. We will be back on January 27th, 2022. 

S3E20 Season Finale: Trends In Review - 2021 Update

December 05, 2021 21:00 - 1 hour - 57.1 MB

We evaluate the trends we have been tracking since 2019. See the trends here.  This is our final episode of 2021. We will be back on January 27th, 2022. 

S3E19: Netflix Games

November 21, 2021 20:00 - 39 minutes - 27.4 MB

We discuss Netflix's entry into games and pontificate on why they would do that. 

S3E19: Netflix Games

November 21, 2021 20:00 - 39 minutes - 27.4 MB

We discuss Netflix's entry into games and pontificate on why they would do that. 

S3E18: Sequoia Capital's New Structure and Changing Venture Capital Dynamics

November 07, 2021 19:00 - 52 minutes - 36.2 MB

We discuss: 1. The traditional Venture Capital (VC) business model 2. Why the VC is changing and what changes Sequoia is making 3. Implications for entrepreneurs and for the business of managing money Useful links Sequoia announcement 

S3E18: Sequoia Capital's New Structure and Changing Venture Capital Dynamics

November 07, 2021 19:00 - 52 minutes - 36.2 MB

We discuss: 1. The traditional Venture Capital (VC) business model 2. Why the VC is changing and what changes Sequoia is making 3. Implications for entrepreneurs and for the business of managing money Useful links Sequoia announcement 

S3E17: Amplitude IPO

October 24, 2021 19:00 - 43 minutes - 29.6 MB

We discuss: 1. Amplitude's products and business (what does the company do?) 2. Amplitude's history (started as Sonalight) 3. Direct listing vs. traditional IPO (why Amplitude chose direct listing) 4. Amplitude's valuation and future prospects Useful links 1. Amplitude S1 

S3E17: Amplitude IPO

October 24, 2021 19:00 - 43 minutes - 29.6 MB

We discuss: 1. Amplitude's products and business (what does the company do?) 2. Amplitude's history (started as Sonalight) 3. Direct listing vs. traditional IPO (why Amplitude chose direct listing) 4. Amplitude's valuation and future prospects Useful links 1. Amplitude S1 

S3E16: Ethereum Update

October 08, 2021 07:00 - 45 minutes - 31.1 MB

We discuss the Ethereum blockchain and ETH, a cryptocurrency: Ethereum vs. Bitcoin  Proof of work vs. proof of stake consensus mechanism on blockchains Ethereum plan to migrate to a proof of stake consensus mechanism Ethereum's London update

S3E16: Ethereum Update

October 08, 2021 07:00 - 45 minutes - 31.1 MB

We discuss the Ethereum blockchain and ETH, a cryptocurrency: Ethereum vs. Bitcoin  Proof of work vs. proof of stake consensus mechanism on blockchains Ethereum plan to migrate to a proof of stake consensus mechanism Ethereum's London update

S3E15: Semiconductor Business Deep Dive With Mike Polacek

September 23, 2021 20:00 - 50 minutes - 34.7 MB

We are excited to have Mike Polacek as a guest of honor on this episode. Mike is one of the few business leaders who has run large tech businesses and has been a professional investor in public companies.  We dig deeper into the how building semiconductor business is different than building a SaaS business, complexity, Moore's law, and many other interesting subjects related to tech businesses.  I enjoyed my conversation with Mike and hope that you will enjoy it as well. 

S3E15: Semiconductor Business Deep Dive With Mike Polacek

September 23, 2021 20:00 - 50 minutes - 34.7 MB

We are excited to have Mike Polacek as a guest of honor on this episode. Mike is one of the few business leaders who has run large tech businesses and has been a professional investor in public companies.  We dig deeper into the how building semiconductor business is different than building a SaaS business, complexity, Moore's law, and many other interesting subjects related to tech businesses.  I enjoyed my conversation with Mike and hope that you will enjoy it as well. 

S3E14: Quick Commerce in Europe

September 09, 2021 16:00 - 48 minutes - 33.4 MB

Quick Commerce and its history  Venture Capital flowing to Quick Commerce in Europe  How Quick Commerce might evolve 

S3E14: Quick Commerce in Europe

September 09, 2021 16:00 - 48 minutes - 33.4 MB

Quick Commerce and its history  Venture Capital flowing to Quick Commerce in Europe  How Quick Commerce might evolve 

S3E13: Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) - Past, Present, and Future

August 28, 2021 18:00 - 1 hour - 46.2 MB

We discuss the emergence of new companies like Affirm, Afterpay, Klarna which are popularizing the idea of Point of Sale financing i.e. when you are buying something you can choose to pay later. We tried to have structured conversation today:)  What is BNPL History of BNPL Why is it happening now How does it work  Who are the players  Future of BNPL 

S3E13: Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) - Past, Present, and Future

August 28, 2021 18:00 - 1 hour - 46.2 MB

We discuss the emergence of new companies like Affirm, Afterpay, Klarna which are popularizing the idea of Point of Sale financing i.e. when you are buying something you can choose to pay later. We tried to have structured conversation today:)  What is BNPL History of BNPL Why is it happening now How does it work  Who are the players  Future of BNPL 

S3E12: China Tech Crackdown - Good Governance or More Control

August 12, 2021 23:00 - 45 minutes - 31.6 MB

We discuss the recent Chinese government investigations of Chinese tech companies like Alibaba, Didi, etc. Is it good governance and China is leading the world in regulating tech or is it a way to gain more control for the government?

S3E12: China Tech Crackdown - Good Governance or More Control

August 12, 2021 23:00 - 45 minutes - 31.6 MB

We discuss the recent Chinese government investigations of Chinese tech companies like Alibaba, Didi, etc. Is it good governance and China is leading the world in regulating tech or is it a way to gain more control for the government?

S3E11: Robinhood IPO

July 15, 2021 21:00 - 52 minutes - 35.9 MB

Three unique things about Robinhood IPO, growth numbers,  and a discussion on its business and financials. Useful links: 1. Robinhood S1 2. Why Chander is not participating in the Robinhood IPO

S3E10: Space Tech

July 01, 2021 20:00 - 43 minutes - 29.6 MB

We discuss: 1. Space tech market and segments  2. Why some space tech market segments are not suitable for venture investments  3. What are the drivers of space tech

S3E10: Space Tech

July 01, 2021 20:00 - 43 minutes - 29.6 MB

We discuss: 1. Space tech market and segments  2. Why some space tech market segments are not suitable for venture investments  3. What are the drivers of space tech

S3E9: Startup Boards

June 17, 2021 21:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MB

We discuss:  1. Why startups need boards 2. How the role of the board changes as the company evolves  3. Types of board members  4. Common mistakes CEOs and board members make when they work together 

S3E9: Startup Boards

June 17, 2021 21:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MB

We discuss:  1. Why startups need boards 2. How the role of the board changes as the company evolves  3. Types of board members  4. Common mistakes CEOs and board members make when they work together 

S3E8: Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)

April 22, 2021 21:00 - 43 minutes - 30.1 MB

We discuss:  1. What are CBDCs?  2. State of CBDC in China 3. Benefits of CBDC 

S3E7: Semiconductor (Chip) Shortage

April 09, 2021 00:00 - 49 minutes - 33.7 MB

We discuss what is the current chip supply and demand situation, why it happened, and how the countries and companies are trying to solve the chip supply problem. 

S3E7: Semiconductor (Chip) Shortage

April 09, 2021 00:00 - 49 minutes - 33.7 MB

We discuss what is the current chip supply and demand situation, why it happened, and how the countries and companies are trying to solve the chip supply problem. 

S3E6: Clubhouse

March 28, 2021 21:00 - 46 minutes - 32.3 MB

We discuss:  1. What is Clubhouse? 2. Why Clubhouse it getting popular now? 3. Discussion on the future of Clubhouse.  Let us know if you need an invite to join Clubhouse. 

S3E5: Non Fungible Tokens (NFT)

March 12, 2021 03:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MB

1. What are NFTs? 2. Why are they in the news? 3. What new opportunities become possible because of NFTs? You can buy the NFT for our blockchain episode (S1E3)  here :)

S3E5: Non Fungible Tokens (NFT)

March 12, 2021 03:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MB

1. What are NFTs? 2. Why are they in the news? 3. What new opportunities become possible because of NFTs? You can buy the NFT for our blockchain episode (S1E3)  here :)

S3E4: Roblox IPO

February 25, 2021 20:00 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MB

We discuss Roblox's history, business, and its upcoming IPO. Useful links: Roblox S1

S3E3 Valley Nordic: Retail Investing, Robinhood, and Gamestop

February 11, 2021 21:00 - 56 minutes - 38.6 MB

We discuss the latest phenomenon of retail investing that caused GameStop stock to go up more than 2,000% in a few weeks. 

Twitter Mentions

@sherrard_andrew 2 Episodes
@howiemandel 2 Episodes