Episode 1: Why ‘Growth at All Costs’ Is Killing Startups: Corazon Capital Co-Founder Steve Farsht

On this episode of RATCHET-UP, Allan Breidenbach sits down with Steve Farsht, co-founder of Corazon Capital, an early-stage venture fund based in Chicago. Steve shares hard-won lessons from 15+ years and 250-300 portfolio companies — from the danger of “growth at all costs” thinking, to why emotional intelligence matters more than analytical skill in venture investing, to how he evaluates founders before writing a check.

 They dig into the real difference between advice and influence, how stakeholder management (not the pitch deck) determines whether deals succeed, why boardrooms are the wrong place to resolve conflict, and Steve’s candid take on where AI is headed for the investment industry and the broader knowledge economy.

	Yes	No
You understand that barndominium/shouse pricing is comparable to studwall home construction, particularly those with traditional 2-3 car garages and basements. Interior finishes are the same in either building type, and the advantages of a barndominium/shouse largely go away when the garage/shop space is modest and a basement is required. In many cases, you can expect to pay the same as studwall construction (i.e., somewhere between $175 - $250 per square foot depending on your market).
You want an attached garage and/or shop space > standard 2-3 car garage (i.e., > 1,200 square feet). Using post-frame building design, a barndominium/shouse is able to create large usable spaces cost-effectively in ways that traditional studwall construction cannot.
You like the aesthetic of steel (for the roof and sidewalls) typically used in a barndominium/shouse. Alternate materials may be used on the exterior, but they add cost.
You are comfortable using a concrete floating slab (or equivalent) to meet your foundation needs. A barndominium/shouse can be built on nearly any concrete foundation, including traditional basements. However, traditional basements are not necessary with a barndominium/shouse and having one increases cost.
You want to do some of the interior work yourself (such as mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fixtures), or you want to be the general contractor for that scope of work. While some builders will do full turnkey projects, most prefer to perform work through completion of the building shell.

	Yes	No
You understand that barndominium/shouse pricing is comparable to studwall home construction, particularly those with traditional 2-3 car garages and basements. Interior finishes are the same in either building type, and the advantages of a barndominium/shouse largely go away when the garage/shop space is modest and a basement is required. In many cases, you can expect to pay the same as studwall construction (i.e., somewhere between $175 - $250 per square foot depending on your market).
You want an attached garage and/or shop space > standard 2-3 car garage (i.e., > 1,200 square feet). Using post-frame building design, a barndominium/shouse is able to create large usable spaces cost-effectively in ways that traditional studwall construction cannot.
You like the aesthetic of steel (for the roof and sidewalls) typically used in a barndominium/shouse. Alternate materials may be used on the exterior, but they add cost.
You are comfortable using a concrete floating slab (or equivalent) to meet your foundation needs. A barndominium/shouse can be built on nearly any concrete foundation, including traditional basements. However, traditional basements are not necessary with a barndominium/shouse and having one increases cost.
You want to do some of the interior work yourself (such as mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fixtures), or you want to be the general contractor for that scope of work. While some builders will do full turnkey projects, most prefer to perform work through completion of the building shell.

Episode 1: Why ‘Growth at All Costs’ Is Killing Startups: Corazon Capital Co-Founder Steve Farsht

Is a Barndominium the right fit for you?

Is a Shouse the right fit for you?

Episode 1: Why ‘Growth at All Costs’ Is Killing Startups: Corazon Capital Co-Founder Steve Farsht

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