Tony Olivito: Comeback Capital

In this episode, Tony Olivito from Comeback Capital shares insights into the firm's investment pace and strategy. He discusses the importance of cash flow and capital efficiency, reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey. Tony outlines their pre-seed investment strategy and the risks of startup funding. The conversation covers his transition to fund management, building an angel portfolio, and the dynamics of infrastructure, rolling funds, and SPVs. Tony offers advice on starting a fund, current investment trends, and de-risking startups. He concludes with thoughts on balancing entrepreneurship with a day job and advice for founders and investors.

Derek Brooks: Flatworld Partners

In this episode, Derek Brooks from Flatworld Partners discusses his transition from marketing to investing, highlighting the importance of networking and his time with Abraaj Group. He explores impact investing, structuring strategies for NGOs, and the role of concessionary investments. Derek also covers portfolio construction for dual-purpose funds and various investment strategies like venture and private equity. The conversation includes evaluating fund performance, operational efficiency, and manager risks. Derek emphasizes intangible factors in manager selection, relationship building, and the power of content marketing. The episode wraps up with insights on edutainment and future events.

Jake Chapman: Marquee Ventures

In this episode, Jake Chapman from Marquee Ventures shares his journey into venture capital, emphasizing his defense-focused strategy and the founding of Marquee Ventures. He explores opportunities within defense technology sectors and the transformative role of AI in modern warfare. Jake offers insights into best practices for due diligence in defense investments and essential skills for venture fund managers. The discussion highlights managing venture funds, supporting portfolio companies, and building strong team cultures. Jake also shares effective networking and relationship-building strategies, investing strategies for hard tech companies, and concludes with valuable advice for investors and entrepreneurs.

Peter Love: Single Family Office

In this episode, Peter Love from single family office shares insights from his career journey and his role in the work-from-home initiative with Flexjobs. He delves into advice from his father and the impact of family business experiences on his entrepreneurial path. Peter discusses key investment criteria, fund dynamics, and the significance of track records and diversification strategies. The conversation covers investor sentiment, market trends, and the performance indicators for emerging managers. Peter highlights the importance of soft skills for fund managers, maintaining fund strategy consistency, and sector interests. He also imparts valuable life lessons and professional advice, offering a comprehensive view of the investment landscape.

Brendan Baker: Ridge Ventures

In this episode, Brendan Baker from Ridge Ventures shares his venture capital journey, shaped by his experiences in Silicon Valley and AngelList. He discusses AngelList's evolution, market dynamics, and human judgment in investing. Brendan delves into decision-making models, Naval Ravikant's wisdom, and success factors in top deals. He covers distribution strategies, startup signals, and his transition to Greylock. Learn about building Ridge Ventures with AI, systematic advantages, and balancing reputations. The episode wraps up with insights on infrastructure, future evolution, and fund management challenges in venture capital.

Bruce Hamilton: Mech Ventures

In this episode, Bruce Hamilton shares his journey from the music industry to venture capital, focusing on the intersection of pop culture and technology. He discusses the economics of the music industry, artist rights trends, and the rise of creator-focused brands and celebrity venture funds. Bruce emphasizes adaptability, reinvention, and AI's role in content creation, while exploring esports growth and generational wealth in entertainment. The conversation covers family office management shifts, financial literacy for celebrities, and the significance of social impact and mental health in entrepreneurship. Bruce also delves into personal growth, identity, and community building with Sutton Capital.

Richie Carchia: IA Capital

In this episode, Richie Carchia from IA Capital discusses his journey from acting to venture capital, focusing on investment fund dynamics and hyper-localized flood forecasting. He explores IA Capital's strategic InsurTech partnerships, InsurTech's evolution, and AI's role in the insurance sector. Richie shares strategies for VCs, best practices for analysts, and emphasizes sourcing, specialization, and integrity. The conversation highlights the importance of a long-term perspective, evolving industry roles, respect, and mentorship in venture capital, providing valuable insights into this dynamic landscape.

Rusty Ralston: Swell VC

Join Joel Palathinkal and Rusty Ralston from Swell VC as they delve into Rusty's investment strategy and career journey. They discuss the influence of people on company outcomes, especially in early-stage investing, and the role of AI in talent evaluation. Discover the impact of company culture on startups, with case studies on attracting top talent. Rusty shares insights on transitioning from an emerging manager to institutional capital and expectations post-funding, along with the origins of Swell VC. They explore parallels between creative industries and venture capital, work-life balance, and well-being's role in productivity. The episode wraps up with audience Q&A and future plans.

John Zeratsky: Character VC

In this episode, Joel Palathinkal and John Zeratsky of Character VC to explore design sprints and their influence on venture capital. They discuss the impact on product teams, insights from Character Labs, and three VC entry paths. The conversation focuses on pre-seed accelerator founders and key traits, balancing feedback with visionary development, and the importance of innovation. They share impressive products and desired ideas, while examining product team challenges and wearable tech innovations. The episode wraps up with closing remarks and a shoutout to Dave Saxe.

Itamar Novick: Recursive Ventures

In this episode, Joel Palathinkal is joined by Itamar Novick from Recursive Ventures to explore his entrepreneurial journey and transition to venture capital. Itamar shares insights from his role with Life360, highlighting its impact on technology, safety, and tracking, as well as its growth within the senior care market. The discussion covers product-market fit, management strategies, and unit economics for startups, while also delving into exit strategies. They examine the venture capital landscape, emerging manager perspectives, and trends in capital allocation amid the tech recession. The episode concludes with strategies for pre-seed investing and opportunities in AI.

Tepe Tutsui: GFR Fund

In this episode, Joel Palathinkal is joined by Tepe Tutsui of GFR Fund to discuss his journey from venture capital beginnings to private sector strategies bridging US and Japan markets. Tepe shares insights into corporate venture capital and investment decision-making at GFR Fund, with a focus on fostering community and growth in gaming startups. The conversation delves into the gaming investment ecosystem, exploring diverse market sectors and the transformative impact of AI. They discuss innovations in arcade gaming and its broader applications, providing strategies and advice for new investors. The episode concludes with an exploration of macro trends in gaming, AI, and growth channels.

Armond Davis: Paragon Group

In this episode, Joel Palathinkal talks with Armond Davis about his entrepreneurial journey, exploring the impact of family, education, and personal challenges. Armond reflects on his college days, investment banking career, and the differences between buy side and sell side portfolio management. He discusses his interest in alternative investments, founding a hedge fund, and growing a construction business. The conversation includes investment strategies, the 2008 recession's effects, and the importance of supporting diverse founders. They wrap up with Armond's interests in whiskey and marketing, highlighting an abundance mindset and instinctual trust.

Laurel Mintz: Fabric VC

In this episode, Joel Palathinkal welcomes Laurel Mintz, General Partner at Fabric VC, to discuss her career shifts, education, and entrepreneurial journey. Laurel shares her insights on founding Elevate My Brand, exploring marketing lifecycles, conversion funnels, and customer acquisition strategies. The conversation covers competitive analysis, adapting to a cookie-less marketing environment, and utilizing influencer marketing strategies. Laurel delves into PR timing, transitioning to investment topics, and her personal investment journey. The episode explores the parallels between marketing and fundraising, effective branding tools, and the importance of a personal brand. It concludes with lessons learned and closing acknowledgements.

Lloyd Danzig: Sharp Alpha Advisors

In this episode, Joel Palathinkal engages with Lloyd Danzig of Sharp Alpha Advisors to explore the nuances of venture investing and career pathways in asset management. Lloyd shares his professional journey in sports betting and entertainment, leading to the launch of Sharp Alpha Advisors. The discussion delves into global opportunities and the dynamics of the sports betting ecosystem, highlighting the rise of micro betting and its industry impact. They examine the regulatory evolution of sports betting in the US, contrasting it with casino gambling and games of skill. The conversation also covers the evolution of online casino games, interactive gaming models, and the future impact of AI in gaming and betting, concluding with advice for investors.

Grayson Judge: Supermoon Capital

In this episode, Joel Palathinkal chats with Grayson Judge from Supermoon Capital about the firm's focus on the sleep market. They discuss Williams Sonoma's link to mattresses, elements of good sleep, corporate venture capital, and partnerships with SleepScore Labs. Grayson shares insights on global innovation hubs, founder evaluations, and sleep tech's future, including circadian rhythm and brain-computer interfaces. They cover fundraising challenges, sleep disorder health impacts, and educating LPs. The episode concludes with portfolio highlights, media coverage, and the importance of LP community events, professionalism, and networking.

Julia Delin: SSE Ventures

In this episode, Joel Palathinkal chats with Julia Delin from SSE Ventures about her educational and entrepreneurial journey. They compare US and European educational systems and discuss Julia's shift to incubator management, covering incubator and accelerator stages. The episode highlights Stockholm startups, university roles in the ecosystem, and Swedish policies affecting entrepreneurship. Julia contrasts New York's emerging manager scene with Sweden's VC landscape, exploring business models, AI investments, and the post-COVID emerging manager movement. They wrap up with resources for emerging managers and closing thoughts.

Chetan Bhaga: Archetype

In this episode, Joel Palathinkal speaks with Chetan Bhaga of Archetype, exploring his journey from political science to business education and his mission at Archetype. They discuss the importance of mentorship, practical experience, and his foray into ecommerce. Chetan shares insights on Archetype's growth, consulting model, and the role of AI in business. The conversation covers healthcare, venture studios, mega funds, and capital efficiency, highlighting team structure and consulting for deal sourcing. They delve into acquisitions, market trends, community building, and the qualities of an ideal analyst or principal. Chetan emphasizes emotional intelligence, negotiation, leadership, and team building, offering final advice.

Matt Jung: Ember Company

In this episode, Joel Palathinkal engages with Matt Jung from Ember Fund, exploring his transition during the financial crisis to the founding of Ember Fund and its unique business model. They delve into the challenges faced by high-growth brands, the nuances of venture debt, and the distinction between credit and debt funds. Matt shares insights on private credit trends, consulting for equity, and Ember Fund's investment interests. They discuss the apparel industry's struggles and consumer trends in CPG, beverages, and plant-based products. The conversation covers regulatory challenges, red flags in consumer startups, and effective subscription models. Matt offers advice for aspiring fund managers, focusing on building networks and learning from recent quarters.

Tim Schigel: Refinery Ventures

In this episode, Joel Palathinkal chats with Tim Schigel of Refinery Ventures about his leadership insights and tech background. Tim discusses the importance of STEM education, his Apple experiences, and his venture capital journey. They explore his successes like founding Syntrifuse and the future of venture capital. Tim talks about the entrepreneurial experience gap, introduces the X-15 network, and explains search funds. They contrast traditional businesses with venture capital and discuss the challenges of founding ventures. Tim shares strategies for venture fund portfolio construction and the importance of growth and adversity quotients, concluding with career highlights and the power of valuing people and building relationships.

Andy Will: Willpower Venture Capital

In this episode, Joel Palathinkal chats with Andy Will of Willpower Venture Capital about his journey from a military family to a career in venture capital and private equity. They discuss revenue models, AI tech stack strategies, and insights on large fund models and consulting for equity. The guest shares experiences from Willpower Venture Capital, emphasizing leadership accountability, fundraising, and continuous learning. They highlight the importance of physical resilience, mentorship, and reflect on the path to establishing Willpower. Tune in for valuable insights on business success and personal growth.