Refinery Ventures

The hype around intermittent fasting is real because the benefits are undeniable. Studies show intermittent fasting can: Promote cell autophagy (our body’s way of repairing damaged cells)? Increase life span Activate antioxidant enzymes Improve cognition & brain neuroplasticity Decrease blood pressure Reduce oxidative stress? Positively influence the gut microbiome Improve cardiovascular health Lower inflammation markers Reduce body fat Lower cholesterol Improve insulin resistance Despite ALL those incredible benefits, should your first foray into food as medicine be intermittent fasting? Nope. Not even close. As great of a tool as intermittent fasting is, it’s not for everyone. It’s also not the first tool you want to reach for when it comes to your health and longevity journey. If you’re thinking about jumping on the intermittent fasting bandwagon with a body that’s already struggling from malnutrition (years of eating highly processed foods), chronic disease, or metabolic dysfunction…you could be asking for trouble. Instead, start with WHAT you're consuming, then move on to HOW you're consuming it. Like it or not, the order of operations matters. FOCUS ON CALORIE QUALITY: Before radically changing your eating patterns with something like intermittent fasting, focus on the quality of the calories you put in your body. Are you getting the micro and macronutrients you need through nutritious food, or is your “food” doing more harm than good? EXAMINE YOUR BODY’S RESPONSE TO FOOD: When it comes to food intake, paying attention to how your body responds to individual foods is essential. Focus on consuming foods that lower your body’s inflammation, improve your cognition, balance your blood sugar, and increase your energy levels. For the best results, use a food journal to help spot patterns and identify what foods work best for your physical and mental health. SWITCH-UP EATING PATTERNS: After dialing in the foods that work best for everything from your autoimmune system to your hormones, it’s time to experiment with different eating patterns. How do different foods and eating times affect your blood sugar and energy levels throughout the day?? FASTING: Now that those three things are optimized, you can begin to introduce fasting or intermittent fasting.? 4 years ago, I decided to try fasting for myself. Since intermittent fasting has never really worked for my lifestyle, I do the ProLon fast for five days every quarter. Not only does it serve as an overall body reset, but it’s been a game-changer for my mental clarity. Whatever modality you choose, remember that the order of operations matters, even when it comes to powerful tools like intermittent fasting. If we fuel our body with Whoppers for lunch and then fast until morning, we’re only doing our health a disservice. I’d love to hear what you think. Have you tried intermittent fasting? If so, what benefits, if any, have you seen? #healthyeating #healthylifestyle #foodasmedicine

The digital revolution is transforming waste and material management, just like it did for healthcare. Connected workspaces are the future—bringing together producers, transporters, and processors with real-time data to optimize routes, prevent delays, and enhance sustainability. Platforms like Livegistics, Inc., a Refinery Ventures' investment, are pioneering this movement, ensuring businesses can thrive while meeting eco-friendly goals. ???? #DigitalTransformation #Sustainability #WasteManagement #Innovation https://lnkd.in/gSZusf7Q

How great to see this article in the NY Times Magazine about coaching and our very own?Cameron Yarbrough, founder of?Torch. We're proud to be investors in Torch. I have also experienced the benefits of great coaching and recommend it to the Refinery Ventures portfolio companies. In my 20s and 30s my bookshelves were lined with technology books and science fiction. In the last 15 years my books are about psychology, faith, and profiles in courage. Building a successful startup is difficult. We can all use some help!

In the latest Notorious post, Zachary DeWitt delves into the concept of keeping startups lean, especially during uncertain times. The spotlight is on Linear, a startup that defied the trend by maintaining a tight, efficient team even after securing substantial funding. At their Series A, Linear had just 8 employees, far below the industry norm. This disciplined approach helped them build a strong, beloved product while avoiding the pitfalls of rapid, unsustainable growth. For Series A startups, keeping teams small can foster agility and innovation, enabling quicker responses to market changes and fostering a stronger, more cohesive culture. This approach necessitates hiring top talent who can deliver substantial value across various roles, reducing the need for rapid expansion. By maintaining a lean structure, startups can manage their resources more effectively, extending their operational runway and minimizing financial pressures. Moreover, leveraging modern AI and automation tools allows these small teams to punch above their weight, achieving significant outcomes without proportionate growth in headcount. This strategic lean approach positions startups to deftly navigate challenges and seize emerging opportunities. This aligns with my personal experience starting ShareThis. It was 2008 and terrible market conditions forced us to be extremely focused and capital efficient. Fast forward to today and you have similar conditions. Embrace it and start building healthy habits for your business. Read the full post to explore how you can keep your startup lean and thriving in today’s evolving market: https://lnkd.in/gGVcAf-K #StartupTips #VentureCapital #LeanStartup #AI #Productivity

One of the biggest technology challenges we face is managing the growth and power consumption of data centers. Here's a great article from Steven Santamaria, CEO of Folio Photonics. :According to an analysis by the consulting firm?Grid Strategies LLC, electric utilities project a near doubling of power needs by 2028, equivalent to adding another California to the grid." #data #storage #energy https://lnkd.in/gF7RWGV4