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.

Rob Bolandian and the Evolution of Private Credit at Cambridge Wilkinson

Rob Bolandian is the Global Head of Investment Banking at Cambridge Wilkinson. Cambridge Wilkinson is a leading global New York City based Investment Bank. Capital raises and deal sizes range from $25 million to $5 billion per raise. Disclaimer: This material has been prepared for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to provide, nor should it be relied upon for, tax, legal, or investment advice. You should consult your own tax, legal, and financial professionals for your specific situation. The views and opinions expressed in this material are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Finalis Securities LLC. Securities offered through Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. Cambridge Wilkinson and Finalis Securities LLC are separate, unaffiliated entities. Transcript

Felix Krause: Vireo Ventures

In this episode, Joel Palathinkal speaks with Felix Krause of Vireo Ventures, who shares his journey from military service to a career in renewable energy. They explore innovations in solar energy and discuss the future of renewables, comparing European and global investment ecosystems. The conversation highlights the role of corporate venture capital in clean energy and examines the prospects of the hydrogen market. Felix provides insights into due diligence and strategies for climate tech investments and contrasts startups with incumbents in the energy market. They also delve into the emerging manager LP ecosystem and current fundraising trends, offering valuable perspectives for investors interested in clean energy.

Brian Yormack: Story Ventures

In this episode, Joel Palathinkal chats with Brian Yormack of Story Ventures about the challenges of accessing health data and their investment in Particle Health. Brian discusses his journey into venture capital and the founding of Story Ventures, focusing on early-stage companies. They delve into insights from working with the Ford family fund, healthcare investment criteria, and proactive healthcare trends. The conversation also covers investments in Delfina and LIVEZ, AI's role in healthcare, remote sales, and fundraising. Brian concludes with thoughts on venture fund advantages, investor updates, and community building strategies.

Joe Medved: Lerer Hippeau

In this episode, Joel Palathinkal chats with Joe Medved of Lerer Hippeau about current market conditions and opportunities. Joe shares his journey from Bear Stearns to SoftBank Capital to Lerer Hippeau, discussing the firm's growth and investment strategies. They explore media investments, LP perspectives, and the role of family offices. The conversation offers insights for emerging managers on essential services, deal sourcing, and portfolio strategies. Joe highlights the importance of goodwill, LP relationships, secondary market strategies, and pro rata rights. They also cover overcoming challenges, talent acquisition, and structuring for multigenerational success.

Gary Benerofe: Mu Ventures

In this episode, Joel Palathinkal chats with Gary Benerofe of Mu Ventures about his varied career, spanning Lehman Brothers to the music industry and entrepreneurship. Gary discusses his journey from EMI Music to real estate and founding Corner Light Capital. They delve into asset-heavy vs. asset-light models, triple net leases, and compare venture capital with real estate investment. The conversation covers venture strategies, SMB trends, agency challenges, and AI's impact on sales. They also explore commerce enablement, acquisition channels, grocery delivery models, and innovations in elderly care, childcare, and health tech, concluding with Gary's investment insights.

Matthew McGraw: Anthropocene Ventures

In this episode, Joel Palathinkal engages with Matthew McGraw of Anthropocene Ventures to explore his business journey and evolving views on money, influenced by his family background and relationship dynamics. They discuss the risks and safety nets that accompany entrepreneurial growth and how Rob approaches decision-making regarding reinvesting profits and personal spending. The conversation contrasts corporate versus entrepreneurial careers, emphasizing self-awareness and health strategies. They also delve into the emerging manager ecosystem, investment trends, LP behaviors, and super angel goals. The discussion touches on climate tech investments, the role of family offices in climate solutions, and fund strategies, concluding with insights on leveraging LP skills.

Miguel Burger: BFF Ventures

In this episode, Joel Palathinkal chats with Miguel Burger of BFF Ventures about his journey from investment banking to launching ventures like Elite Daily and Ethoca. They discuss New York Tech Week, LAVCA week, and the Miguel's career shift to TMT and their exit to DMGT. The conversation covers founding Ethoca, angel investing, joining Vast Ventures with a Latin America focus, and the creation of BFF. They delve into the venture ecosystem, balancing work and life, focusing on fewer projects, and lessons in sales and fundraising. The episode wraps up with insights on building long-term relationships and the value of educational content.

Daniel Dart: Rockyard Ventures

In this episode, Joel Palathinkal engages with Daniel Dart of Rockyard Ventures, exploring his journey from band management to venture capital. Daniel shares insights on intelligence, success, and the impact of AI, reflecting on his transition from the music industry to tech investments. He opens up about overcoming homelessness, the role of peer networks, and the influence of mentor Les Lazarus in his rehabilitation. The conversation delves into the formation and evolution of his band, Time Again, and how his experiences in music management parallel venture capital. Daniel also discusses his focus on early-stage investments, particularly in construction tech, before concluding with expressions of gratitude.

Fiona McEntee: McEntee Law Group

In this episode, Joel Palathinkal chats with Fiona McEntee of McEntee Law Group about the Irish tech scene and immigrant talent's impact in the US. Fiona discusses her journey from Ireland to a legal career and the importance of visa sponsorship. They explore the tech industry's need for diverse talent, Fiona's books for immigrant founders, and advice on fundraising, risk management, and immigration in venture investments. Fiona highlights brand building, community, and personal branding, alongside using AI for content efficiency. The episode wraps up with resources for the VC community and Fiona's dedication to writing on immigration topics.

Daniel LeBron: Convergent Robotics LP

In this episode, Joel Palathinkal engages with Daniel LeBron to explore the intersection of private equity, robotics, and manufacturing. Daniel emphasizes the importance of these sectors, delving into the potential and challenges of 3D printed structures, including engineering aspects and sector-wide applications. They discuss investment opportunities in tiny homes and on-demand production, as well as trends and challenges in the real estate market. The conversation also covers financing and legislative considerations for 3D printed homes and the integration of smart technology in real estate. The episode concludes with audience questions on sourcing and structuring real estate deals.