Most founders obsess over growth. But Rebecca Skvorc, CFO at ODAIA, says the real question is whether your company has the foundation to survive it.

In this episode of Mantle Mondays, Rebecca joins Amar Varma to unpack what founders need to understand before the curve starts pointing up: ARR vs. CARR, net and gross revenue retention, cap table complexity, smart resource allocation, remote culture, and why finance should be treated as a strategic partner from day one.

Colin Hennigar of SickKids Foundation and the Upside Foundation joins Mantle Mondays to explain how founders can turn startup equity into lasting impact and why legacy should start long before the exit.

Donate to SickKids Foundation: www.sickkidsfoundation.com

Learn about the Upside Foundation: www.upsidefoundation.ca

Manage your cap table on Mantle: www.withmantle.com

Raising venture capital in 2026 looks nothing like it did three years ago. Seed-strapped companies are hitting $6M ARR in six months. Pre-ChatGPT portfolios are re-platforming from scratch.

Matt Cohen, Founder and Managing Partner of Ripple Ventures, has backed 55+ companies through 13 exits since launching the firm. He joins Amar Varma on Mantle Mondays to break down what's actually getting funded right now — and what isn't.

00:00 Introduction to Venture Capital and Founder's Journey

05:54 The Evolution of Ripple Ventures and Investment Philosophy

12:09 The Importance of Long-Term Commitment in Venture Capital

17:37 The Role of Founders in Shaping the Future of Technology

23:41 Success Stories and Lessons Learned from Portfolio Companies

31:12 Navigating AI and Infrastructure in Tech

39:32 The Role of Relationships in Venture Capital

44:2 Personal Insights and Community Engagement