Startups and corporates need each other. But most partnerships fall apart. In this episode, Ian Bergman talks with Noga Tal about what actually makes these relationships work. They break down why thinking big early is not hype, it is planning. How founders can back up a bold vision with data and steps. Why corporate bureaucracy kills momentum. How to align on the real why, set shared metrics, and define an exit plan that protects the relationship. They also dig into emerging markets, what AI changes, why AI creates more noise than ever, and how to keep the human element alive while moving fast.

Topics & Timestamps

🚀 00:00 Welcome and who is Noga Tal

🧭 01:07 The accidental techie path from nonprofits to Microsoft

🌍 04:17 Why founders should think global from day one

🧱 05:33 The hidden product and ops decisions that block scale

🎯 07:02 How to pitch big vision with real data and steps

🤝 11:23 Why corporates and startups need each other but struggle to win together

⚠️ 14:05 The real reasons partnerships fail, misalignment, speed, and unclear problems

🧰 18:06 How to de risk collaboration with goals, checkpoints, and an exit strategy

✅ 19:58 How to “fail with success” and keep the relationship intact

🔁 21:26 The story of pivoting a massive partnership when nobody was happy

🌐 26:26 Emerging markets and why new innovation models will matter more

🤖 31:21 AI is changing partnerships and creating a flood of look alike startups

🏎️ 33:20 Standing out with messaging, trust, and speed

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 35:55 Keeping the human element as AI reshapes teams and work

🩺 39:50 A real example of using AI to advocate for better healthcare outcomes

📺🎧 Enjoying the conversation?

Discover more stories of innovation and transformation at alchemistaccelerator.com/podcasts — and explore how today’s leaders are shaping the future.