
Find out why upside was called a "Top Business Podcast" by Fortune Magazine and "Almost as good as getting an MBA" by Business Insider
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Named a top business podcast by Fortune Magazine, upside examines startup investing outside of Silicon Valley.
Every Wednesday, we speak with an early stage founder. We interview them as if we are angel investors considering the company as an investment opportunity.
Each show has three segments:
1.) Intro: independent research of the company
2.) Interview: interview with the founder
3.) Debrief: breaking down the opportunity
Sometimes, we share Coffee Chats interviewing venture capitalists, community builders, and later-stage founders.
Subscribe and see why Business Insider called our podcast "Almost as Good as Getting an MBA."
Subscribe via email to discover new companies, our latest episodes, and the latest news outside of Silicon Valley.
Meet your hosts.


Eric Hornung
Jay Clouse
About Eric...
Cleveland born, Columbus fed. Ran away to the big cities (Hong Kong, Shanghai, Chicago, NYC). Avid reader and living boomerang.
Twitter / LinkedIn / eric@upside.fm
About Jay...
Founder of Unreal Collective, creator of Freelancing School, and former COO of Tixers (acquired in 2015).
A True Learning Experience
"I love that this series is not like a typical podcast about business and entrepreneurship. Upside goes beyond the interview with founders and influencers to dissect what investors look for when investing in an opportunity. Entertaining and definitely informative.”
- iTunes listener awillman30
Very Smart & Deep Content on Investing/Startups:
“I listen to a lot of podcasts and this quickly became one of my favorites. These guys are deep and thorough in their analysis of the companies. They’re also fair and critical where needed so you’re getting a real look at how a potential investor/VC would be thinking. If you’re into the startup/VC space this is a must listen.”
- iTunes listener MikeAlbertdotCo
Love This Podcast:
“Upside teaches you how to think like an angel investor while making you laugh along the way. The start up companies are always very interesting to learn about as well!! Would recommend.
- iTunes listener Gal Pal 1111111
Insightful look into startups outside Silicon Valley
Having worked in both Bar Area and the midwest I have an appreciation for what Jay and Eric are trying to do. I LOVE the format. It's such a different approach towards this style of podcast and interview.
- iTunes listener Brett Jacob B.
Entrepreneurs: Highly Recommend
There's so much happening outside of the Valley, and Upside offers a much-needed perspective. Early stage entrepreneurs always want (and need!) to know what happens during the vetting and diligence process after the pitch, and Jay and Eric openly pull back the curtain. Their candid appraoch and feedback is worth more than its weight in gold. I highly recommend this podcast to anyone interested in the startups community -- whether you're a dreamer, hustler, investor, or all-around supporter. Go team Upside!
- iTunes listener BrianP.
Giving Midwest startups the attention they deserve
Upside gives a unique look at startups outside the major tech hubs, and is long overdue. Great content - it's long and well worth the time spent.
- iTunes listener ntietz
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