What if the reason your startup isn’t getting funded… has nothing to do with your product?In this episode of Data and Confused, we sit down with venture capital advisor Liana Zavo to uncover what actually drives investment decisions in today’s AI-driven world.

While most founders focus on building better technology and stronger metrics, Liana breaks down why those things alone aren’t enough. The real differentiator? Your story. We explore how investor psychology really works, why emotional connection matters more than logic, and how founders can position themselves to stand out in an increasingly crowded and AI-saturated market.

From the importance of data and AI readiness to the role of PR, branding, and credibility, this conversation reveals the hidden factors that separate funded startups from the ones that get overlooked. If you're building a company, raising capital, or trying to understand where the future of venture capital is headed, this episode will completely change how you think about growth, funding, and storytelling.

More from Liana - https://zavoventures.com/

To learn more from Robert head to: https://protectnowllc.com/

Cybersecurity conversations usually focus on tools, firewalls, and technology. But according to cybersecurity expert Robert Siciliano, the real battle isn’t technical. It’s human. In this episode of Data and Confused, Glen sits down with Robert Siciliano, a cybersecurity expert and former private investigator who has spent decades studying social engineering and human behavior. Robert shares how his early experiences shaped his understanding of predators, risk, and the psychology behind scams. From identity theft in the early internet days to today’s AI-powered fraud and deepfakes, he explains why most cybersecurity training fails to change behavior. His solution? A shift from security awareness to security appreciation. Instead of treating cybersecurity as a compliance exercise, Robert argues that organizations must make security personal. When employees understand how security protects their families, finances, and identities, they begin to care. If cybersecurity is ultimately about people, then protecting organizations starts by helping individuals protect themselves.

What if your company could own its software again? In this solo episode of Data and Confused, Glen explores the concept of data independence and why it may be the next major shift in enterprise technology strategy. From the mainframe era to SaaS lock-in to the rise of AI, businesses have slowly traded ownership for convenience. But now, with open data formats like Apache Iceberg and modern AI development tools, organizations may have the opportunity to reclaim control of their data, infrastructure, and applications. Is it time to rethink build vs buy? Is AI the tool that could finally break vendor dependency? Join the conversation and let us know how your organization is thinking about data ownership.

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