المحتوى المقدم من Alpha Partners. يتم تحميل جميع محتويات البودكاست بما في ذلك الحلقات والرسومات وأوصاف البودكاست وتقديمها مباشرة بواسطة Alpha Partners أو شريك منصة البودكاست الخاص بهم. إذا كنت تعتقد أن شخصًا ما يستخدم عملك المحمي بحقوق الطبع والنشر دون إذنك، فيمكنك اتباع العملية الموضحة هنا https://ar.player.fm/legal.
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Joe Bates is a member of the Bad River Band, a Native American Tribe residing along Lake Superior in Wisconsin. He and his community have been embroiled in a long-standing legal and public relations battle against Enbridge, a Canadian energy company, to protect their ancestral lands. This struggle has been documented in "Bad River," a documentary film released in early 2024, which showcases Bates and his fellow activists within the band. Joe joins Jay to share his personal journey of activism, the profound influence of past generations of tribal and environmental activists on his own path, and the ongoing fight against Enbridge, which affects the future of water protection in America. To learn more about the Bad River Band, click here. Episode Chapters (00:00) - Intro (01:19) - Joe’s activist history (04:31) - The connection between the Bad River Band and their land (10:06) - How did Enbridge come to have pipes under native land against the Bad River Band’s wishes? (14:00) - The threat’s Enbridge’s Line 5 poses to the environment (18:10) - “You can’t put a price tag on what we have. What we have is priceless.” (19:23) - Joe and Jay discuss the documentary “Bad River” (22:58) - Thank you and goodbye For video episodes, watch on www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation Stay in touch: X: @JayRuderman | @RudermanFdn LinkedIn: Jay Ruderman | Ruderman Family Foundation Instagram: All About Change Podcast | Ruderman Family Foundation To learn more about the podcast, visit https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/…
المحتوى المقدم من Alpha Partners. يتم تحميل جميع محتويات البودكاست بما في ذلك الحلقات والرسومات وأوصاف البودكاست وتقديمها مباشرة بواسطة Alpha Partners أو شريك منصة البودكاست الخاص بهم. إذا كنت تعتقد أن شخصًا ما يستخدم عملك المحمي بحقوق الطبع والنشر دون إذنك، فيمكنك اتباع العملية الموضحة هنا https://ar.player.fm/legal.
This is the Driving Alpha, where we feature our friends, the out-performing investors, who demonstrate their path to driving alpha, or out-sized investment returns. We’re Alpha Partners, where we partner with a thousand early-stage venture firms as their opportunity capital to invest in their best companies.
المحتوى المقدم من Alpha Partners. يتم تحميل جميع محتويات البودكاست بما في ذلك الحلقات والرسومات وأوصاف البودكاست وتقديمها مباشرة بواسطة Alpha Partners أو شريك منصة البودكاست الخاص بهم. إذا كنت تعتقد أن شخصًا ما يستخدم عملك المحمي بحقوق الطبع والنشر دون إذنك، فيمكنك اتباع العملية الموضحة هنا https://ar.player.fm/legal.
This is the Driving Alpha, where we feature our friends, the out-performing investors, who demonstrate their path to driving alpha, or out-sized investment returns. We’re Alpha Partners, where we partner with a thousand early-stage venture firms as their opportunity capital to invest in their best companies.
Dave Lambert, co-founder and managing director at Right Side Capital Management, has built one of the most active pre-VC investment firms in the U.S. With a portfolio of over 2,000 companies, Dave and his team take a data-driven approach to ultra-diversified early-stage investing, making quick decisions and challenging traditional VC norms. In this episode... In this episode, Dave shares how Right Side Capital identifies high-potential startups before they reach traditional VC rounds. He explains how his experience as both an entrepreneur and an investor led him to see inefficiencies in early-stage fundraising—and how data and systematic portfolio construction can optimize returns. Dave also discusses the evolution of venture capital, the impact of AI on startup scaling, and why ownership percentage is irrelevant when evaluating investment opportunities. His unique approach reveals how ultra-diversification and a power-law mindset can uncover the next billion-dollar companies. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:43 Introduction to Driving Alpha 00:48 Meet Dave Lambert: Entrepreneur and Investor 01:48 Challenges in Early Stage Investing 04:11 The Data-Driven Approach of Rightside Capital 06:42 Evolution of Investment Strategies 13:47 The Impact of AI on Startups 17:01 Fundraising and Portfolio Management 19:50 Sourcing and Evaluating Investments 31:18 Advice for Aspiring Investors 34:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts…
Charles Hudson, Managing Partner and Founder of Precursor Ventures, joins Steve Brotman to share his journey through venture capital. With over 15 years of experience, Charles has made more than 400 investments and raised over $200 million, making him a leading voice in the seed-stage community. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:43 - Introduction to Driving Alpha Podcast 00:53 - Meet Charles Hudson: Venture Capitalist Extraordinaire 03:41 - Charles Hudson's Early Career and Entrepreneurial Journey 06:12 - The In-Q-Tel Experience 08:15 - Transition to Business School and IronPort Systems 09:50 - Founding Precursor Ventures 13:03 - Challenges and Strategies in Venture Capital 14:31 - Portfolio Construction and LP Resistance 19:52 - Reflections on Early Fundraising and Success Stories 22:34 - Investment Beginnings: From Ideas to Tangible Plans 24:40 - Evaluating Founders: The Checklist Approach 26:27 - Geographical Influence on Startups 27:55 - Diversity and Inclusion in Venture Capital 33:36 - Navigating the AI Investment Landscape 41:51 - The Role of Seed and Pre-Seed Funding 45:16 - Connecting with Precursor Ventures In this episode... In this episode, Charles dives into his journey from aspiring public equities manager to leading one of the most successful pre-seed venture capital firms. He shares invaluable insights into his career path, including his work at In-Q-Tel, founding Precursor Ventures, and his investment philosophy. Charles opens up about the challenges of building a venture firm, including navigating LP skepticism, constructing diverse portfolios, and maintaining a founder-first approach. Charles also shares his thoughts on the current state of AI, its potential, and the challenges of finding sustainable, defensible models. From portfolio construction to diversity and inclusion in venture capital, his strategies offer invaluable lessons for VCs and entrepreneurs alike.…
How do you turn Texas into a global innovation hub? For Joshua Baer, founder and CEO of Capital Factory, the answer lies in empowering unstoppable founders, fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial community, and leveraging Texas’s unique advantages. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:43 Introduction to the Driving Alpha Podcast 00:54 Meet Josh Baer: Texas Startup Powerhouse 01:37 The Impact of Capital Factory 03:44 Josh Baer's Entrepreneurial Journey 07:07 Early Ventures and Lessons Learned 11:06 The Birth of Capital Factory 13:58 Investment Strategies and Focus 17:22 The Future of Robotics and AI 18:02 AI's Impact on Humanoid Robotics 18:22 The Inflection Point of GPS in Smartphones 19:31 Capital Factory's Open-Door Policy 20:21 Texas: A Hub for Startups and VCs 21:12 The Path to Becoming a VC in Texas 26:46 Government and Dual-Use Technology 31:15 The Booming Tech Scene in Texas 34:34 Conclusion: Reflections and Future Prospects In this episode... On this episode of Driving Alpha, host Steve Brotman explores Joshua’s journey from launching a startup in his dorm room at Carnegie Mellon to building Capital Factory into the most active early-stage investor in Texas. With nearly 1,000 investments, the firm isn’t just funding startups—it’s creating an ecosystem. Capital Factory focuses on “dual-use” startups that serve both commercial and government markets, with Texas positioned as a leader in AI, robotics, and national security. Companies like Aptronic, a pioneer in humanoid robotics, showcase Texas’s growing role in transformative industries. “Texas is our nexus,” says Joshua. “It’s where we have a unique advantage—a center of gravity for innovation.” By combining talent-driven investing with a collaborative model that partners with VCs, Capital Factory is redefining what’s possible in venture capital.…
Chris Farmer, the founder and CEO of SignalFire, is transforming the venture capital landscape through a pioneering, AI-native approach. Leading a $2.1 billion early-stage venture firm, Chris has integrated cutting-edge data analytics to revolutionize how investments are sourced and scaled. His journey began with operational and entrepreneurial roles, including spearheading the turnaround of Skybitz and building early investment sourcing technology at Bessemer Venture Partners. Later, at General Catalyst, Chris led seed investments in groundbreaking companies such as Coinbase, Discord, and Stripe. Now at SignalFire, his AI-driven platform, Beacon, analyzes over 650 million people in the tech ecosystem, empowering founders and redefining the future of venture capital. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:00 Introduction to Chris Farmer 00:18 Chris Farmer's Early Career and Education 01:21 Journey Through Venture Capital 02:43 Founding SignalFire 04:13 Data-Driven Approach in Venture Capital 06:19 Challenges and Strategies in VC 08:59 Building and Supporting Startups 19:54 Market Dynamics and Valuations 25:07 AI-Driven Paradigm and Sector Selection 25:57 Technology Product Building and AI Applications 26:55 Healthcare and Vertical Specialization 27:44 Underdog Companies with Huge Potential 31:59 AI's Generational Opportunity and Labor Market Impact 39:35 Navigating Labor Displacement and Societal Impact 41:28 Valuation Models and Market Opportunities 44:29 Capital Return and Long-Term Investment Challenges 49:27 Regulatory Impediments and Government Efficiency 51:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts In this episode... We dive deep into Chris’s journey, from his early career at General Catalyst to founding SignalFire. He shares the inspiration behind leveraging data in venture capital, the challenges of gaining LP buy-in, and how SignalFire was built to solve structural inefficiencies in the VC ecosystem. Learn about Beacon, SignalFire’s proprietary AI platform, and its game-changing impact on startup discovery, founder evaluation, and portfolio company growth. Chris also discusses why he believes AI represents one of humanity’s greatest opportunities, providing unprecedented efficiency gains and reshaping industries. He touches on how AI-native firms have a competitive edge, the role of data in early-stage investing, and SignalFire’s focus on vertical AI SaaS, health tech, and more.…
Richard Seewald, founder and managing partner of Evolution Equity Partners, joins Driving Alpha to share his incredible journey from scaling AVG Technologies to $400 million in revenue to leading one of the world’s largest cybersecurity-focused VC funds. With over 30 years of experience and $2 billion raised to invest in category-defining software companies, Richard offers invaluable insights into the cybersecurity and venture capital landscapes. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:00 Introduction to Driving Alpha 00:20 Guest Introduction: Richard Seewald 01:55 Richard's Journey in Tech and Cybersecurity 03:42 Investment Strategies in Cybersecurity 06:23 The Importance of People in Investments 07:47 Cybersecurity Landscape in Israel 09:52 Impact of AI on Cybersecurity 16:30 Future Trends in Cybersecurity 24:23 Personal Insights and Advice 28:07 Conclusion and Farewell In this episode... Richard discusses how AI-driven automation is transforming cybersecurity, with companies like Torque and Protect AI leading the charge. He also highlights the unmatched innovation coming out of Israel’s cybersecurity ecosystem and explains why his firm continues to double down on the region despite geopolitical challenges. The conversation delves into the traits that define great founders, the importance of high-conviction investments, and the future of the cybersecurity industry. Whether you’re an entrepreneur building the next big thing or an investor seeking your next opportunity, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.…
Amit Patel and Brian Smiga discuss the origin story of Owl Ventures, founded in 2014 in response to major shifts in education technology infrastructure and consumer behavior. They cover key trends that enabled the rise of edtech, including the expansion of broadband in U.S. schools and the availability of affordable devices like Chromebooks. Amit shares his unique career journey, starting in film and theatre before pivoting to a career in venture capital. In this episode of Driving Alpha, host Brian Smiga interviews Amit Patel, Managing Director at Owl Ventures, the world's largest venture capital firm focused on education technology. Amit has been instrumental in shaping Owl Ventures' strategy and has led investments in top edtech companies like Codecademy, RaiseMe, and Amira Learning. With deep experience across operations, strategic partnerships, and firm building, Amit shares his insights on the growth and evolution of the edtech sector. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:16 Amit Patel's New York Journey 01:25 The Origin Story of Owl Ventures 02:47 Education Technology Evolution 06:33 Global Expansion and Investments 13:29 Focus on Outcomes and Efficacy 16:19 Key Ingredients for Successful Startups 22:21 AI in Education 27:01 Emotional Impact and Success Stories 28:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts In this episode… Host Brian Smiga interviews Amit Patel, Managing Director at Owl Ventures, the world's largest venture capital firm focused on education technology. Amit has been instrumental in shaping Owl Ventures' strategy and has led investments in top edtech companies like Codecademy, RaiseMe, and Amira Learning. With deep experience across operations, strategic partnerships, and firm building, Amit shares his insights on the growth and evolution of the edtech sector. The conversation highlights Owl Ventures' global investment strategy and the firm's emphasis on building an international portfolio. Amit talks about how the need for high-quality education worldwide has driven their global expansion, with recent investments in Asia and Europe. He explains their approach to assessing startups, focusing on business fundamentals, team strength, and measurable learning outcomes. They delve into the role of AI in education, exploring how generative AI is transforming personalized learning experiences. Amit emphasizes the importance of leveraging AI to assist teachers, freeing them up for more impactful one-on-one interactions with students.…
Chip Hazard is a General Partner at Flybridge Capital Partners, where he has been investing in early-stage technology companies since 2002. He co-founded Flybridge, focusing on ambitious founders building the AI-powered future. With a background in Greylock and a proven track record in venture capital, Chip has been a key investor in successful companies such as MongoDB. He also co-founded XFactor Ventures, a fund supporting female founders. Chip’s expertise spans enterprise infrastructure, financial technology, digital health, and AI. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:00 Introduction to Steve Brotman and Alpha Partners 00:18 Meet Chip Hazard: Early Stage Technology Investor 01:44 Chip's Journey into Venture Capital 02:48 Founding Flybridge Capital Partners 03:59 Flybridge's Investment Strategy and AI Focus 05:21 Key Investments and AI Applications 08:23 The Future of AI and Market Opportunities 09:06 Traits of Successful Founders 19:33 Investment Decision-Making Process 27:48 Advice for Entrepreneurs and Board Members 29:30 X Factor Ventures and Supporting Female Founders 32:05 Conclusion and Fundraising for Flybridge In this episode... In this episode of the "Driving Alpha" podcast, host Steve Brotman dives into an engaging conversation with Chip Hazard. Chip shares his journey from joining Greylock straight out of Harvard Business School to founding Flybridge Capital Partners. The discussion covers Flybridge’s investment strategy, which is focused entirely on AI, and highlights their approach of backing founders at the pre-seed and seed stages. Chip offers deep insights into the evolving landscape of AI, likening the current surge in AI innovation to a "Netscape moment," signaling a monumental shift in technology. The conversation also explores key investments made by Flybridge, including notable AI application and infrastructure companies like Melody Arc, Prime Security, Church AI, and Mako. Chip provides a nuanced analysis of the importance of the human-AI interface and how successful AI startups need to rethink traditional SaaS models. The discussion wraps up with valuable advice for entrepreneurs, insights into Flybridge’s unique decision-making process, and an overview of XFactor Ventures, a fund aimed at supporting female-led startups.…
In this insightful episode of "Driving Alpha," host Steve Brotman sits down with Dror Nahumi, a seasoned General Partner at Norwest Venture Partners. Dror’s extensive experience spans operational roles, strategic investments, and guiding startups from seed stage to multi-billion dollar outcomes. He has a strong track record with investments in leading companies like Gong, Vast Data, and Weka.io, making him a key figure in the venture capital world. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:00 Introduction to Driving Alpha 00:27 Meet Dror: A Venture Capital Visionary 01:21 Dror's Journey to Venture Capital 02:38 The Role of Operational Experience in VC 04:22 Norwest Venture Partners: A Legacy of Success 05:56 Investing in Israeli and US Startups 08:15 Dror's Investment Strategy and Success Stories 12:51 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and VCs 17:18 Emerging Trends and Technologies 21:59 The Importance of Unique Value in VC 26:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts In this episode... Dror Nahumi shares his journey from an engineering background to becoming a successful venture capitalist. He discusses the evolution of Israeli startups, highlighting how the go-to-market capabilities have improved significantly, leveling the playing field with U.S. companies. Dror offers a deep dive into his investment strategy, focusing on identifying unfair advantages and backing companies with the potential for substantial outcomes. We also explore his thoughts on emerging trends in AI, the importance of user interface innovation, and why some of the best investments come from the most debated opportunities. Dror provides valuable advice for both entrepreneurs and aspiring VCs, emphasizing the need for unique value propositions and deep market understanding.…
In this latest episode of Driving Alpha, venture capitalist Steve Brotman welcomes Tim Draper, founder of Draper Associates, DFJ, and Draper University. Known for his visionary investments in companies like SpaceX, Tesla, and Coinbase, Tim Draper has left an indelible mark on the venture capital landscape. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:00 Introduction to the Episode 00:56 Tim Draper's Journey into Venture Capital 02:28 Building DFJ and Draper Associates 03:36 Tim's Mission to Spread Entrepreneurship 04:39 Advice for Aspiring VCs 06:18 The Importance of Diversification 08:12 Viral Marketing and Its Impact 10:53 AI in Venture Capital: The New Frontier 11:36 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 13:02 Reaching Out to Draper: Tips and Tricks 13:28 Future Market Perspectives: AI, Healthcare, and Space 15:09 The Rise of Bitcoin and Smart Contracts 16:58 Political Views and Optimism for the Future 18:15 Transforming Monopolies with Startups 19:37 Final Thoughts and Farewell In this episode... Tim's career began with a family legacy in venture capital, but he quickly made his own name with bold bets and groundbreaking contributions to viral marketing. With a legacy rooted in innovation and decentralization, Tim shares his unique insights into emerging technologies, market trends, and what it takes to support ventures that change the world. Tim discusses the vital role of diversification, the power of AI in venture capital, and his belief in the power of startups to challenge monopolistic structures. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of finance, AI, and the power of viral growth.…
In the latest episode of the Driving Alpha podcast, Brian Smiga sits down with Raju Rishi, General Partner at RRE Ventures. Raju brings decades of experience in entrepreneurship and venture capital, sharing his deep knowledge of the tech landscape and investment strategies. At RRE Ventures, he specializes in sectors such as Enterprise Software, Artificial Intelligence, and Robotics, and has built a strong track record in scaling successful startups. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 00:35 Raju Rishi's Early Career and Background 04:00 Transition to Venture Capital 04:42 RRE's Investment Strategy and Market Insights 07:52 Thesis-Driven Investing and Sector Analysis 11:55 Fund Structure and Seed Investments 14:15 Incubating Startups and Proprietary Deal Flow 19:09 Raju's Personal Unfair Advantage 25:32 The Fourth Inflection Point: AI 32:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts In this episode... Raju Rishi discusses the evolving venture capital landscape, highlighting how RRE Ventures approaches sector analysis to identify potential high-growth investments. He explains the process behind selecting venture bets, which involves rigorous research and strategic timing decisions. The conversation covers how RRE leverages long-standing relationships and proprietary deal flow to stay ahead in the competitive VC space. The episode also dives into the common patterns seen in major technological shifts, from the advent of personal computers to the rise of mobile technology. Raju outlines the factors that drive such transformations and the opportunities they create for investors. Additionally, he shares RRE's approach to working with trusted entrepreneurs, often incubating companies and guiding founders toward market success.…
In this episode of the Driving Alpha podcast, Brian Smiga sits down with Jeffrey Berman, a partner at Camber Creek, to discuss the intricacies of investing in real estate tech. Jeffrey brings his unique background as a venture capitalist and former real estate professional to the table, sharing insights into what sets top-performing VC firms apart, how to identify venture-scale opportunities, and the importance of domain expertise in the built world. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:00 Introduction to Driving Alpha Podcast 00:44 Jeffrey Berman's Unique Investment Philosophy 01:48 The Secret Sauce of Camber Creek 04:00 Investment Criteria and Decision-Making 07:14 Geographical Insights and Market Penetration 10:52 Personal Insights and Fitness 12:20 Current and Future Investment Opportunities 23:32 Closing Remarks and Future Plans In this episode... The conversation kicks off with Jeffrey explaining Camber Creek's investment strategy, which is built on the firm’s deep real estate roots and its network of over 300 real estate developers and owners. He shares how this access provides a competitive advantage when evaluating potential investments, offering insights that generalist VCs might overlook. Jeffrey also discusses the power of the “network effect” in real estate tech, where leveraging connections can dramatically impact the success of portfolio companies. Brian and Jeffrey further explore the concept of "geographic singularity," highlighting the challenges of scaling a solution that works in one market, such as New York, but may not easily translate to other locations. They also touch on the role of alternative materials, AI, and financial wellness in shaping the future of the real estate tech landscape. Throughout the episode, Jeffrey provides practical advice for both investors and founders on navigating market cycles and overcoming the hurdles of selling into the real estate sector.…
Leura Craig is the founder and managing partner at Outlander VC , a venture capital firm specializing in pre-seed and seed-stage investments. A former operator turned investor, Leura brings her entrepreneurial experience to venture capital, having previously bootstrapped and scaled two startups, including L&W , which raised $30M from top investors like CRV and Benchmark. Leura is passionate about discovering diverse founders from unconventional markets, and her current focus includes sectors like AI, hardware/robotics, and the future of work. Recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 and named one of Goldman Sachs’ “100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs,” Leura is reshaping how early-stage venture is done. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 00:00 Introduction to Laura Craig 00:17 From Designer to Venture Capitalist 00:52 The Value of Operator Experience in VC 03:24 Outlander's Unique Founder Framework 05:36 Outlander's Impressive Track Record 07:01 The Origin Story of Outlander Ventures 12:55 Ruthless Prioritization for Founders 14:43 Fund 3 and Investment Strategy 20:32 The Importance of Trust and Honesty 24:06 Conclusion and Future Outlook In this episode... How does operational experience transform a venture capitalist’s approach to investing? Leura Craig, founder of Outlander VC , shares her journey from a successful founder to managing a venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage startups. With a reputation for identifying and nurturing high-potential founders, Leura emphasizes the importance of understanding the founder's mindset and building long-term trust. Leura explains how Outlander VC uses a proprietary 38-point framework to evaluate founders, going beyond traditional metrics to focus on human attributes like resilience, vision, and adaptability. In this conversation, she discusses how trust and open communication are central to Outlander's philosophy and shares lessons from investing in 18 multibillion-dollar companies. The episode also delves into why the next few years represent a unique opportunity for first-check investors, particularly in sectors like AI, hardware, robotics, and the future of work. Leura stresses the importance of disciplined investing, prioritizing ownership, and focusing on building diverse portfolios that reflect the changing landscape of venture capital.…
Matthew Greenfield is a Managing Partner at Rethink Education, a venture capital firm dedicated to innovative educational technology. He holds multiple board seats, including at SNHU and BrightBytes, and has co-founded several successful technology companies, such as near-unicorn Rethink First. An accomplished educator and thought leader with a BA, MA, and PhD from Yale, he is former professor at Bowdoin College and the City University of New York. Episode Chapters (00:00) Introduction (01:57) How familial influences shaped Matthew Greenfield's passion and direction in venture capital (02:30) The impact of female venture partners in Matt’s father’s VC journey (06:04) How Matt leveraged his background for Rethink Education's mission (06:42) The importance of relationship-building for venture capital investments (09:27) Matt illustrates the power of strategic advice and networking through Rethink First’s success story (11:08) The key to being a successful VC: recycling people (16:50) How to be a good giver without letting it overwhelm you (18:45) Adapting an open-minded, unbiased approach to discovering innovation (23:37) The intersection of product-market fit, addressing genuine human needs, and venture capital success In this episode… In the fast-paced world of startups and funding, maintaining and rejuvenating relationships can be as valuable as the capital itself. This cyclical nature of relationships helps VCs stay connected with past successes and ensures they remain relevant in an ever-evolving market. How can you leverage relationships in the venture capital ecosystem to achieve outsized investment returns? Matthew Greenfield, an ex-professor turned venture capital partner, shares how strategic relationships, mentorship, and candid guidance have shaped his approach to nurturing successful enterprises. Highlighting the importance of targeting real human problems for venture growth, Matt emphasizes assisting aspiring technologists and executives while being open to innovation from unexpected sources. Whether reconnecting with a successful founder for a new project or leveraging an old network to discover the next big idea, recycling relationships is a powerful tool for long-term success in the venture capital landscape. Matt’s reflections underscore the power of embracing innovation from all corners and honest feedback's transformative impact on founders and investors alike. In this episode of the Driving Alpha Podcast , Brian Smiga chats with Matthew Greenfield, Managing Partner at Rethink Education, about shaping the future of education and venture success. Matt dives into his transition from academia to venture capital, the importance of building a diverse network of investors, and how to strengthen trust through constructive feedback to entrepreneurs. He also explores the concept of “thrifty recycling” and the benefits of CRMs for tracking and nurturing connections.…
Rebecca Kaden is a Managing Partner at Union Square Ventures, a New York-based venture capital firm. She began her career as a journalist, and prior to USV, was a General Partner at Maveron, a consumer-focused early-stage fund. Rebecca was born in New York City. She studied English and American Literature at Harvard and received her MBA from Stanford. Episode Chapters (00:00) Introduction (2:46) Rebecca Kaden highlights the role of early mentorship in a successful VC career (6:27) How Rebecca’s liberal arts background influences her VC perspectives (8:29) Union Square Ventures' thesis-driven approach to investing (15:00) USV's investment strategy in the healthcare sector (17:04) How USV collaborates with other VCs and values syndicate participation (22:04) Why should investors prioritize businesses with unconventional models? (26:42) The philosophy behind the concept of "high conviction, low velocity" investing (33:42) USV’s unwavering commitment to decentralization and the future of blockchain investments (39:42) Rebecca’s advice for junior VCs In this episode… Can high-conviction investments yield the results venture capitalists strive for? What does it take to pursue an unusual and non-competitive market? With a deep understanding of the industry, a journalist turned VC specialist brings a unique perspective to the untapped potential in sectors like healthcare and the revolutionary applications of AI and blockchain technology. In this episode of Driving Alpha , Steve Brotman chats with Rebecca Kaden, Managing Partner at Union Square Ventures, about the strategies that drive USV's investment philosophy. Rebecca dives into the value of thesis-driven investments, USV’s unwavering commitment to decentralization, and the future of blockchain investments. She also explores the importance of mentorship, collaborating with other VCs, and a deep understanding of markets. Mentored by Bill Campbell, Rebecca Kaden leverages her journalism background and business acumen to drive investment in companies reshaping entire industries. Her insights into Union Square Ventures’ thesis-driven investment approach reveal how low investment velocity along with high conviction can make all the difference. From innovative healthcare companies like Thirty Madison to unconventional investments in platforms like Team Shares, USV’s philosophy centers on finding and nurturing non-traditional opportunities. With a significant portion of the firm’s portfolio dedicated to decentralization and cryptocurrency, Rebecca highlights how investors can cultivate a portfolio characterized by strong conviction and innovative solutions by staying informed on emerging technologies.…
Ed Sim is the Founder of boldstart ventures, a true believer and partner from inception for bold founders reinventing the enterprise stack. Ed is currently on the boards of Snyk, BigID, Blockdaemon, Protect AI, Env0, and several other cybersecurity and infrastructure startups. Other notable inception investments include Kustomer, where he was on the board until his exit to Meta, Superhuman, Security Scorecard, and Front. Ed also co-founded MState in 2017, an enterprise blockchain lab in partnership with IBM, where seed investments include Fireblocks. He is known for being a partner from inception, helping founders start, scale, and exit while enjoying the process. Ed has been recognized as a top 10 investor on the Forbes Midas Seed List for the last three years and as the No.1 seed investor in the Business Insider Seed 100 for 2023 and 2024. He also writes the popular weekly newsletter What’s Hot in Enterprise IT/VC , which covers the latest trends in venture capital and enterprise technology. Prior to boldstart, Ed was a Co-founder of Dawntreader Ventures, where he led inception investments in Greenplum (sold to EMC, Pivotal — IPO), GoToMeeting (sold to Citrix), and LivePerson (IPO). He graduated from Harvard with a BA in Economics and was a four-year letterman on the men’s lacrosse team. Episode Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (00:41) How Ed Sim's career blossomed over 25 years in the venture world (02:40) What does it take to be a successful entrepreneur and investor? (04:09) New York’s evolution as a tech powerhouse and what it means for enterprise software (07:13) How pre-seed and seed rounds came to be, and why we need Inception rounds (11:33) How Ed's lacrosse background shaped his investment philosophy (18:33) The importance of finding a balance between “steak” and “sizzle” in founders (22:03) AI’s future and how incumbent companies may compete or collaborate with startups (25:49) An insider's advice on evaluating companies with “intuitive TAM” (40:34) The key to sustained content creation discipline and its importance in venture capital (54:28) Ed's long-term vision for boldstart ventures In this episode… What does crafting overnight success stories in the complex tech landscape take? Passion, resilience, and a sharp eye for pioneering technology can ignite the path to building billion-dollar enterprises. Can these same elements apply regardless of market conditions and trends? Seasoned venture capitalist Ed Sim lays out his blueprint for venture capital triumph, infused with lessons learned from his early days selling kitchenware to standing at the helm of a game-changing tech investment firm. He highlights that the path to industry leadership is paved with a long-term vision, founder empathy, and a focus on problem-solving. With insights on how significant shifts reshaped the stage — such as the adoption of Amazon EC2 and open-source — Ed demonstrates a keen ability to anticipate and leverage the market's evolutionary trends. He offers invaluable guidance to aspiring venture capitalists and seasoned investors alike, proving that relentless commitment and strategic evolution withstand the test of time. In this episode of Driving Alpha, Steve Brotman chats with Ed Sim, the Founder of boldstart ventures, about Ed’s growth in venture capital and insights into modern tech investments. Ed shares the strategic thinking propelling his journey, emphasizing early participation in startups and an unwavering dedication to enterprise infrastructure. He also elaborates on the critical role his passion for sports and grit played in forging relationships and sustaining success through economic cycles.…
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