EP45: Fever Pitch with Ben Wiener

2025-12-16

Can you learn how to pitch an idea by reading a novel? Author and venture capitalist Ben Wiener believes you can. His new book Fever Pitch explores how a fictional startup thriller can reveal the real narrative patterns that make investors lean in. During this episode, Karin Reed sits down with Ben to talk about the experiences that shaped his approach and explains why storytelling gives founders an advantage when they need investors to understand the heart of their idea. His HEART framework grows out of that belief and invites founders to think about ...

Can you learn how to pitch an idea by reading a novel? Author and venture capitalist Ben Wiener believes you can. His new book Fever Pitch explores how a fictional startup thriller can reveal the real narrative patterns that make investors lean in.

During this episode, Karin Reed sits down with Ben to talk about the experiences that shaped his approach and explains why storytelling gives founders an advantage when they need investors to understand the heart of their idea. His HEART framework grows out of that belief and invites founders to think about belief, stakes, alternatives, differentiation, and team strength in a more intentional way. They also touch on the emotional side of pitching and how a shift in mindset can help founders speak from conviction instead of pressure.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introducing “Fever Pitch” and Startup Storytelling

00:58 Ben Wiener’s Journey from VC to Author

03:02 Why Fiction Can Teach Startup Strategy

06:27 Storytelling as the Foundation of a Strong Pitch

07:34 Guy Kawasaki’s 10-20-30 Rule and Pitch Lessons

12:01 Why Most Startup Pitch Decks Fail

14:03 The HEART Framework Explained

19:51 What Investors Really Want to Hear First

26:18 Reframing Pitching as Partnership, Not Persuasion

32:07 The Business Power of Paying It Forward

33:38 Closing and Bonus Content Invitation