Shambhavi Asuri: ZX Ventures

In this episode, Joel Palathinkal is joined by Shambhavi Asuri of ZX Ventures to delve into the nuances of corporate and traditional venture capital, with a focus on ZX Ventures' strategy. Shambhavi shares insights on data analytics in corporate VC and explores innovation trends, including biotech applications in the beverage industry. The conversation covers transitioning into venture capital from other fields, evaluating investments, and the importance of KPIs. They discuss standardizing KPIs, setting benchmarks, and brand incubation processes. The episode also highlights future trends in deep tech for beverages and offers resources for industry trends and professional growth.

Sasha Datta: GE Vernova 

In this episode, Sasha Datta from GE Vernova joins Joel Palathinkal to discuss her journey from a personal background to a successful career in finance. Sasha shares insights into balancing personal life with a demanding career and her experiences during the financial crisis while at EY and GM. She talks about overcoming personal challenges, her return to GE, and her roles in cash and risk management at GE Capital Americas and Synchrony Financial. The conversation delves into GE's corporate culture, the significance of honesty and empathy in venture-backed companies, and strategies for handling conflicts. Sasha also discusses GE Vernova's formation, risk management, M&A advice, pension fund management, and the importance of continuous learning.

Mark Yde: Hector Ventures

Join Mark Yde of Hector Ventures and Joel Palathinkal as they explore Mark's venture capital journey. Mark discusses his family influences, initial interest in law, and the role of intellectual property and technology in healthcare. They also explore the potential of psychedelics in neuroscience and PTSD treatment. Mark highlights how sales skills translate to venture capital, emphasizing networks, partnerships, and sales tactics. He addresses imposter syndrome, the impact of travel, and building credibility across sectors. The episode wraps up with audience questions on favorite investments, storytelling, and advice for aspiring LPs.

Romain Diaz: Satgana

Join Romain Diaz of Satgana and Joel Palathinkal as they explore the world of venture studios. Romain discusses his background, investment strategies, and operational resources. They examine venture studio models in France and Belgium, equity considerations, and development. Learn about investment screening, scorecard pillars, and identifying impactful teams. The episode covers trends in long-term impact investment, regional venture ecosystem variations, and co-investment opportunities. Romain shares insights on climate change sectors, technology, and nuclear fusion, along with career advice and thoughts on the future of venture studios.

Eugenio Gonzalez: Plug and Play Ventures

In this episode, Eugenio Gonzalez from Plug and Play Ventures joins Joel Palathinkal to discuss his journey from law to venture capital and his role at Plug and Play's unique platform. Eugenio shares insights on key attributes and strategies for VC candidates, emphasizing the importance of branding and culture in the industry. The conversation covers career transitions for legal professionals and explores trends in tech, entrepreneurship, and Insurtech. Eugenio discusses assessing risk in startups, traits of successful founders, and the impact of new technologies on insurance. The episode concludes with audience Q&A on VC career paths, advice on developing an investment thesis, and guidance for aspiring venture capital analysts.

Kofi Ampadu: Sku'd Ventures

In this episode, Kofi Ampadu of Sku'd Ventures joins Joel Palathinkal to discuss his journey from Kraft Foods to entrepreneurship and venture capital. Kofi shares his decision to raise a fund for pre-seed CPG companies and highlights the importance of networking in VC. He reflects on his experiences at General Mills and launching a beverage company, covering market entry strategies and distributor partnerships. The conversation also touches on marketing for DTC companies, QR code impact, and beverage industry trends. Kofi discusses CPG investments, health and wellness innovations, and the merging of hardware and software in consumer goods, concluding with insights on fitness tracking devices.

David Yakobovitch: Data Power Ventures

In this episode, David Yakobovitch from Data Power Ventures joins Joel Palathinkal to discuss the evolution of big data players going public and his career journey, including his current role at SingleStore. David shares insights into investment strategies and industry experience in data startups, highlighting the data science investment landscape and exciting segments. The conversation explores the future of quantum computing and offers advice for aspiring investors. David emphasizes the importance of partnering with accelerators, LP relationships, and trends in DevOps and cloud strategies. The episode also covers advances in data storage, biopharmaceutical research, breaking into venture capital, and building a strong community, concluding with mentorship insights.

Andrew Cleland: Chief Investment Officer, Techstars

In this episode, Andrew Cleland who is the Chief Investment Officer of Techstars, shares his journey from early career interests to significant roles at Techstars and Time Warner. He discusses his entrepreneurial beginnings and the transition to Time Warner post-9/11, emphasizing talent attraction and retention strategies. Andrew reflects on his experiences at Comcast Ventures, offering career advice on upskilling and distinguishing between venture capital and private equity skills. The conversation delves into Techstars' role in the venture market, investing in deep tech, AI's impact, and accelerator acceptance criteria. Andrew concludes with insights on knowing your business, focusing on early-stage startups, and the importance of giving back.

Gregory Kammerer: Family Office

In this episode of The Investor podcast, Gregory Kammerer joins Joel Palathinkal to explore first and second-generation family investors. Gregory shares his journey from entrepreneurship to venture capital, law, and private equity. The discussion covers educating family offices, generational investment differences, and expanding roles. Gregory highlights tax strategies, public money management, and restructuring family office investments. They also discuss "Die With Zero," focusing on wealth transfer planning. The episode concludes with advice on starting early and debunking the myth of overnight success.

Mark Phillips: 11 Tribes

Join Mark Phillips from 11 Tribes Capital as he shares his journey from startup failures to founding a unique venture firm. Discover the insights behind Eleven Tribes Capital and the Cadence Group's support for entrepreneurs. Explore the evolving venture capital landscape, entrepreneurship's rise, and the great resignation. Mark offers advice on supporting entrepreneurs beyond capital, differences in fundraising, and the importance of verification. Gain tips on starting a venture firm, building an LP pipeline, and fostering community. Learn about skills for VC success, creative fund structuring, and building relationships with major VC firms.

Tatiana Mulry: Steamwork Ventures

In this episode, Tatiana Mulry from Steamwork VC shares insights into her journey from early life and education to impactful roles in investment banking and at MasterCard, where she contributed to digital transformation and global mobile strategies. Tatiana discusses her transition from corporate life to the startup ecosystem, offering valuable growth marketing insights and bootstrapping strategies. She emphasizes mentoring underrepresented founders and details the inception of Steamwork Ventures, its investment thesis, and focus. The conversation also explores her entrepreneurial journey in starting a venture fund, future innovations in VC, and includes audience questions on collaborations, educational pursuits, and engaging with LPs.

Lolita Taub: GANAS Ventures

In this episode, Lolita Taub from GANAS Ventures shares her journey from South Central LA to becoming a venture capitalist. She discusses her transition into VC, focusing on community impact and corporate experience. Lolita offers strategies for aspiring VCs, emphasizing trust, relationships, and the importance of "why." The conversation covers community engagement, The Last Co, and differentiating VC funds through community efforts. Lolita also provides insights into the Latin American market, balancing investment processes with community building, and pursuing happiness and meaningful connections. The episode concludes with advice on starting in VC and engaging authentically.

Diana Swinton: Suffolk Technologies

In this episode, Diana Swinton from Suffolk Technologies shares her insights on venture capital and the construction technology landscape. She discusses Suffolk Technologies' investment focus and her startup experiences, highlighting challenges and future trends in the sector. The conversation explores the pandemic's impact on construction and the shift to hybrid work models. Diana draws lessons from Dell's networking strategies and emphasizes the importance of evaluating early-stage companies. The discussion also covers trends in construction tech, including labor, security, marketplaces, and asset management. Diana concludes with advice for aspiring venture capitalists and extends an event invitation.

Debneel Mukherjee: Decacorn VC

In this episode, Debneel Mukherjee Decacorn VC shares his journey from India to becoming a venture capitalist and building a fintech startup in Singapore. He discusses the contrasting perspectives of venture capitalists and founders, offering insights into contrarian investing and early challenges. The conversation delves into investment strategies, startup ecosystems, and financial strategies for growth. Debneel highlights exit strategies, particularly differences between Asia and America, and the role of secondary markets. He provides hiring advice, discusses the democratization of VC investments, and explores future technology trends. The episode concludes with thoughts on community building in VC, humility, and advice for emerging fund managers.

Katelyn Donnelly: Avalanche VC

In this episode, Katelyn Donnelly from Avalanche VC shares her journey from McKinsey to becoming a venture capital leader. She discusses founding Pearson's corporate VC arm, her work with Delivery Associates, and insights into government projects. Katelyn offers career advice for new investors, trends in education, and transitioning into venture capital or private equity. The conversation also covers communication skills, portfolio strategies, cross-border investments, and the impact of AI on venture capital. The episode wraps up with audience questions on balancing VC goals with a full-time job and starting with SPVs.

Nicholas Ooi: Superseed Ventures

In this episode, Nicholas Ooi from Superseed Ventures delves into the venture studio model and his journey in the Australian startup ecosystem. He shares insights from his educational and consulting background that shape his venture capital approach. The discussion covers the evolution of Australia's startup scene, SuperSeed Ventures' investment thesis, and trends in the built environment sector. Nicholas also addresses labor market trends, workplace flexibility, and strategies for deal sourcing. He highlights the benefits of the venture studio model, evaluates early-stage founders, and offers career advice for aspiring venture capitalists, along with insights into SuperSeed's international investments and construction tech opportunities.

Megan Ananian: The Helm VC

In this episode, Megan Ananian from The Helm VC, discusses her career shift from policy to investment banking, her time at Yale SOM, and her role at Wells Fargo. She talks about joining Seed Invest, founding The Helm women's syndicate, and the significance of VC branding and media. The conversation covers market shifts, launching a VC community during the pandemic, and the benefits of virtual meetings. Megan also explores traditional vs. virtual investing, sector-specific funds, and trends in Web3, crypto, and NFTs. The episode wraps up with insights on tech layoffs, flexible work schedules, and networking events.

Anna Garcia: Anna Garcia

Join us as Anna Garcia from Anna Garcia, shares her journey from Merrill Lynch to entrepreneurship, detailing her roles at Jefferies, JPMorgan, and her startup ventures. She discusses the 2008 financial crisis's impact on careers, work-life balance, and her dive into the startup ecosystem through angel investing. Anna highlights mentorship, relationship building, and forming Runway, exploring venture fund dynamics. Discover insights on venture capital opportunities, portfolio management, risk mitigation, and co-investment strategies. Anna addresses brand building, fund creation, and delivering returns to limited partners in this informative episode.

Adam Choe: Tundra VC

In this episode, Adam Cho from Tundra VC delves into the benefits and challenges of multi-partner funds and his venture capital journey. He discusses profitability in overlooked sectors, frameworks for starting and managing a fund, and strategies for deal sourcing and decision-making. Adam also covers managing deal flow, selecting organizational tools, and effective communication with founders and LPs. He shares advice on pre-seed investing, evaluating founder passion, and marketing strategies. Additionally, the episode explores tech trends, consumer behavior, the future of the food industry, automation's societal impacts, and guidance for emerging managers in economic downturns.

Brandon Maier: LvlUp Venture

In this episode, Brandon Maier from LvlUp Venture discusses his journey from venture capital to the crypto space, sharing challenges faced in founding a crypto exchange and lessons from failures. He highlights the impact of Quake Accelerator, family office councils, and leveraging university resources for startups. Brandon also explores his venture into VC, building LevelUp, and insights into breaking into the industry. The conversation covers talent acquisition trends, LinkedIn's role, raising a fund, and fostering investor relationships. Brandon concludes with advice on creativity, innovation, tech stack challenges, and transitioning roles in the VC landscape.