What Makes A Great Venture-Backed CEO/Founder

In this episode of the Venture Capital Podcast, hosts Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris discuss the concept of angel investors, their role in the startup ecosystem, and the characteristics that define them. They begin by defining an angel investor as an individual who invests in early-stage companies, usually after friends and family have provided initial funding. Angel investors are typically accredited investors who contribute capital to help startups build products, find market fit, and prepare for later-stage funding rounds.The hosts also discuss the evolution of angel investing, with the term 'super angel' emerging to describe individuals who invest larger sums of money in early-stage companies, often through funds. They emphasise that angel investing is not just about making money but also about helping founders and contributing to the growth of innovative businesses.Throughout the episode, they highlight the importance of understanding the risks and rewards associated with angel investing, as well as the need for investors to be involved in the companies they support. They also touch on the potential for angel investors to pivot towards institutional investments or venture capital as they gain more experience and capital to deploy.Overall, this podcast episode provides valuable insights into the world of angel investing, emphasising the role of early-stage capital in fostering innovation and the importance of a hands-on approach for angel investors.Follow the PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/venturecapitalfm/Twitter: https://twitter.com/vcpodcastfmLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/venturecapitalfm/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7BQimY8NJ6cr617lqtRr7N?si=ftylo2qHQiCgmT9dfloD_g&nd=1&dlsi=7b868f1b72094351Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/venture-capital/id1575351789Website: https://www.venturecapital.fm/Follow Jon BradshawLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrbradshaw/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjonbradshaw/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrjonbradshawFollow Peter HarrisLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterharris1Twitter: https://twitter.com/thevcstudentInstagram: https://instagram.com/shodanpeteYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@peterharris2812

In this episode of the Venture Capital Podcast, hosts Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris discuss various aspects of venture capital and entrepreneurship, including the signs of a hostile takeover in the startup world. They cover the concept of hostile takeovers and how it applies to publicly traded companies, where an investor buys a majority of the stock to take control of the business. In the startup landscape, hostile takeovers are less common due to the venture capital industry's shift towards being founder-friendly.The hosts also discuss the potential for a founder's replacement, which can happen when a founder recognizes their limitations and brings in a more experienced professional to lead the company. They emphasize that while such situations can feel hostile, they are often a result of the founder's decision and are not necessarily a hostile takeover in the traditional sense.The episode also touches on the role of activist investors, who may approach a company with a buyout offer if they see a different trajectory for the company. The hosts point out that such situations are less common on the venture side because VCs would view replacing a founder as a failure on their part.Overall, the podcast provides valuable insights into the world of venture capital and the dynamics of entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of self-awareness, adaptability, and strategic decision-making in the face of business challenges.Follow the PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/venturecapitalfm/Twitter: https://twitter.com/vcpodcastfmLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/venturecapitalfm/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7BQimY8NJ6cr617lqtRr7N?si=ftylo2qHQiCgmT9dfloD_g&nd=1&dlsi=7b868f1b72094351Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/venture-capital/id1575351789Website: https://www.venturecapital.fm/Follow Jon BradshawLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrbradshaw/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjonbradshaw/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrjonbradshawFollow Peter HarrisTwitter: https://twitter.com/thevcstudentLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterharris1Instagram: https://instagram.com/shodanpeteYoutube: https://youtu.be/Hy9DsuFzTH4

In this lively episode of the Venture Capital podcast, hosts Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris welcome Alan Doan for an engaging conversation about entrepreneurship, branding, and the unique challenges of building a successful business in the quilting industry.Alan shares his journey from humble beginnings to building a thriving company that has become a household name in the quilting community. He discusses the importance of branding and how his company has managed to create a loyal customer base through its unique approach to marketing and customer engagement.The conversation delves into the challenges of scaling a business, with Alan reflecting on his experience of raising funds for his startup and the lessons he learned from the process. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of setbacks, sharing his thoughts on the evolving landscape of venture capital and the role of investors in supporting early-stage companies.Throughout the episode, Alan offers insights into the quilting industry, discussing the trends and innovations that have shaped the market and the potential for technology to transform the sector. He also shares his thoughts on the future of work and the importance of finding a balance between entrepreneurship and personal life, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of building a successful business.One of the highlights of the episode is Alan's discussion of his rolling fund, which raises $2.5 million annually for his fund. Alan and his team aim to be early, confident checks for companies doing cool stuff, particularly in deep tech and moonshot swings for the fences. He also shares his experience of fundraising for his software company and how it inspired him to create a fund that supports other founders.Overall, this episode provides a captivating glimpse into the world of entrepreneurship and the unique challenges of building a successful business in a niche industry. Alan's insights and experiences offer valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors alike, highlighting the importance of resilience, adaptability, and a strong brand in the face of adversity.Follow the PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/venturecapitalfm/Twitter: https://twitter.com/vcpodcastfmLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/venturecapitalfm/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7BQimY8NJ6cr617lqtRr7N?si=ftylo2qHQiCgmT9dfloD_g&nd=1&dlsi=7b868f1b72094351Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/venture-capital/id1575351789Website: https://www.venturecapital.fm/Follow Alan DoanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alandoan/Follow Jon BradshawLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrbradshaw/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjonbradshaw/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrjonbradshawCodebase: https://www.codebase.comFollow Peter HarrisTwitter: https://twitter.com/thevcstudentLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterharris1Instagram: https://instagram.com/shodanpeteYoutube: https://youtu.be/Hy9DsuFzTH4

In this engaging episode of the Venture Capital podcast, hosts Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris are joined by David Frazier from the Frazier Group and Tyler Richards from Startup Ignition Ventures. The conversation delves into the world of venture capital, entrepreneurship, and the impact of technology on society, offering valuable insights and reflections from these seasoned investors.David Frazier shares his journey from working at Bridge Investment Group to venturing into Utah's venture capital scene, highlighting the exponential growth and success he has witnessed in the industry. With a focus on deploying funds into software companies, David sheds light on his investment philosophy and the strategic decisions that have led to significant returns for his firm.Tyler Richards, on the other hand, brings a wealth of experience from his involvement with Dev Mountain and his current role at Startup Ignition Ventures. Reflecting on his past successes, including a significant acquisition by a public company, Tyler shares his transition to leading a pre-seed venture fund and his passion for investing in early-stage tech and software startups.The podcast explores the founders' favourite deals, recent investments, and the evolving landscape of venture capital. From e-commerce tools to legal software and cybersecurity companies, David and Tyler discuss their latest ventures and the innovative solutions they are backing in the market.Throughout the episode, themes of resilience, strategic decision-making, and the human element in technology emerge as David and Tyler offer a glimpse into their investment strategies and the dynamic world of venture capital. Listeners are treated to a deep dive into the minds of these seasoned investors, gaining valuable insights into the intricacies of the startup ecosystem and the future of technology-driven investments.Follow the PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/venturecapitalfm/Twitter: https://twitter.com/vcpodcastfmLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/venturecapitalfm/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7BQimY8NJ6cr617lqtRr7N?si=ftylo2qHQiCgmT9dfloD_g&nd=1&dlsi=7b868f1b72094351Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/venture-capital/id1575351789Website: https://www.venturecapital.fm/Follow David FrazierLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-frazier-8aba7525/Follow Tyler RichardLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerjordanrichards/Follow Jon BradshawLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrbradshaw/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjonbradshaw/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrjonbradshawCodebase: https://www.codebase.comFollow Peter HarrisTwitter: https://twitter.com/thevcstudentLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterharris1Instagram: https://instagram.com/shodanpeteYoutube: https://youtu.be/Hy9DsuFzTH4

In this engaging episode of the Venture Capital podcast, hosts Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris welcome Kirk Ouimet, one of the visionary founders of Phi Health, for an insightful discussion on entrepreneurship, investment strategies, and the impact of technology on society.Kirk shares his wealth of experience and knowledge, shedding light on his unique approach to investing in startups. He elaborates on his "spray and pray" strategy, drawing parallels to the unpredictability of roulette in Vegas and emphasizing the importance of diversification in investment portfolios to maximize returns.The conversation delves into the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to revolutionise industries, particularly in the context of job displacement and the evolving nature of work in the face of automation. Kirk's insights offer a thought-provoking perspective on the future labour landscape and the need for societal adaptation to technological advancements.Kirk articulates a compelling vision for the future as the discussion unfolds, highlighting the critical role of compassion, empathy, and human connection in a world increasingly shaped by automation and AI. He explores the concept of universal income and the idea of shared wealth within communities, underscoring the importance of preserving love and compassion amidst the pursuit of profit and technological progress.Overall, this podcast episode with Kirk Ouimet provides a deep dive into the intersection of entrepreneurship, investment philosophy, and societal implications of technological innovation. Kirk's forward-thinking ideas and reflections on the human aspect of technology offer a nuanced perspective on navigating the evolving landscape of work, wealth distribution, and societal values in the age of AI.Follow the PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/venturecapitalfm/Twitter: https://twitter.com/vcpodcastfmLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/venturecapitalfm/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7BQimY8NJ6cr617lqtRr7N?si=ftylo2qHQiCgmT9dfloD_g&nd=1&dlsi=7b868f1b72094351Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/venture-capital/id1575351789Website: https://www.venturecapital.fm/Follow Kirk OuimetLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirkouimet/Follow Jon BradshawLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrbradshaw/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjonbradshaw/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrjonbradshawCodebase: https://www.codebase.comFollow Peter HarrisTwitter: https://twitter.com/thevcstudentLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterharris1Instagram: https://instagram.com/shodanpeteYoutube: https://youtu.be/Hy9DsuFzTH4

In this episode of VentureCapital.fm, hosts Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris welcome Scott Paul and Kirk Ouimet, founders of Phi Health. The discussion spans a wide range of topics, including AI, blockchain, health tech, personal experiences with entrepreneurship, and the importance of being connected to experts in various fields. Kirk shares his journey from skepticism about QR codes to missing out on an opportunity that later sold for $55 million. They delve into the intricacies of startup acquisitions, highlighting a specific case where secrecy was paramount, only to be foiled by a major leak due to a hack at Sony, revealing details of their deal with Snapchat.Scott Paul discusses his path from being an advisor to starting Phi Health with Kirk, focusing on the mission to solve significant health problems using AI and technology. He talks about his vision to create a health company that goes beyond traditional approaches, leveraging their backgrounds in social media and technology to bring unique solutions to the health and wellness space.The founders discuss the challenges and inefficiencies in the health and supplement industries, their personal experiences with health scares, and how these shaped their approach to Phi Health. They emphasize the role of AI in personal health, aiming to create a companion that not only offers health advice but also understands and responds to emotional states, guiding users towards healthier lifestyles.Throughout the podcast, the importance of belief in oneself and the impact of technological advancements on health and wellness are underscored. The conversation wraps up with insights into the potential of AI to revolutionize personal health, the significance of data privacy, and the holistic approach Phi Health is taking to empower individuals in their health journeys.Follow the PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/venturecapitalfm/Twitter: https://twitter.com/vcpodcastfmLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/venturecapitalfm/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7BQimY8NJ6cr617lqtRr7N?si=ftylo2qHQiCgmT9dfloD_g&nd=1&dlsi=7b868f1b72094351Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/venture-capital/id1575351789Website: https://www.venturecapital.fm/Follow Kirk OuimetLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirkouimet/Follow Jon BradshawLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrbradshaw/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjonbradshaw/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrjonbradshawCodebase: https://www.codebase.comFollow Peter HarrisTwitter: https://twitter.com/thevcstudentLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterharris1Instagram: https://instagram.com/shodanpeteYoutube: https://youtu.be/Hy9DsuFzTH4

In this podcast episode, the hosts welcome Taylor Jones from Peterson Ventures. Taylor shares his journey from Utah to New York, working at American Express, and then transitioning to Google, where he was part of the early Google Cloud team. After Google, he joined a startup called Blue Matador, which was backed by Peterson Ventures, leading him to eventually join Peterson Ventures' investment team.Taylor discusses the value of experience in different roles and industries, highlighting the insights gained from working at startups and major corporations like Google and American Express. He reflects on the challenges and rewards of being a founder and the empathy he now has for early-stage founders as a venture capitalist.The conversation shifts to Peterson Ventures' approach to investing, focusing on pre-seed and seed stages, with a preference for founders who have a unique insight into their market. Peterson Ventures is described as a firm that deeply understands the importance of market timing, founder-market fit, and the potential impact of regulatory or technological changes on the market.Taylor and the hosts also touch upon the concept of Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR), where individuals with significant experience or ideas get support from venture firms to explore new ventures or potentially join the investment team.The discussion includes an overview of Peterson Ventures' investment strategy, emphasizing the firm's focus on sectors like FinTech, healthcare, commerce, and SaaS. Taylor mentions notable investments, such as in Ethos, a direct-to-consumer life insurance company, highlighting the firm's thesis around disrupting traditional industries through digital innovation.The conversation also covers the current investment landscape, including the impact of market conditions on valuations and fundraising strategies. Taylor shares insights on how the venture capital environment has evolved, with a recent shift towards more conservative investing, emphasizing profitability and efficient growth over rapid, unsustainable expansion.Finally, Taylor and the hosts discuss the importance of having a venture capital firm that actively supports its portfolio companies, especially during challenging times. They reflect on the significance of building long-term relationships with founders and the role of venture capital in facilitating not just financial support but strategic guidance and network access.This episode provides a comprehensive overview of Taylor Jones' career, Peterson Ventures' investment philosophy, and the broader venture capital ecosystem, offering valuable insights for founders, investors, and anyone interested in the startup and venture capital world.Follow Taylor JonesTwitter: https://twitter.com/taylor_c_jones/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorcjones/Follow Peter HarrisTwitter: https://twitter.com/thevcstudentLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterharris1Instagram: https://instagram.com/shodanpeteYoutube: https://youtu.be/Hy9DsuFzTH4Follow Jon BradshawLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrbradshaw/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjonbradshaw/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrjonbradshaw

Join hosts Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris on another insightful episode of the Venture Capital podcast as they delve into the intricacies of startup valuations. With their signature blend of expertise and candid conversation, Jon and Peter explore the nuances of determining a startup's worth, from pre-seed stages to Series A and beyond.In this episode, aptly titled "The Dark Art of Startup Valuations," Jon and Peter shed light on the challenges and considerations entrepreneurs and venture capitalists face when negotiating valuations. From market comps to revenue multiples, they unravel the complex factors that influence valuation decisions in today's dynamic startup landscape.Listeners will gain valuable insights into the art and science of startup valuations, including the role of founder equity, market size, and the pressure to deploy capital effectively. With real-world examples and practical advice, Jon and Peter offer a comprehensive guide to navigating the valuation minefield, ensuring entrepreneurs are well-equipped to make informed decisions on their startup journey.Tune in to the Venture Capital podcast for engaging discussions, expert analysis, and actionable insights into the world of startup investing. Don't miss out on this illuminating episode that demystifies the dark side of startup valuations. Subscribe now and join the conversation with Jon and Peter!Follow the PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/venturecapitalfm/Twitter: https://twitter.com/vcpodcastfmLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/venturecapitalfm/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7BQimY8NJ6cr617lqtRr7N?si=ftylo2qHQiCgmT9dfloD_g&nd=1&dlsi=7b868f1b72094351Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/venture-capital/id1575351789Website: https://www.venturecapital.fm/Follow Jon BradshawLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrbradshaw/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjonbradshaw/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrjonbradshawCodebase: https://www.codebase.comFollow Peter HarrisTwitter: https://twitter.com/thevcstudentLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterharris1Instagram: https://instagram.com/shodanpeteYoutube: https://youtu.be/Hy9DsuFzTH4

Join hosts Peter Harris and Jon Bradshaw on another thought-provoking episode of the Venture Capital Podcast as they explore the essential attributes of successful venture-backed founders. In this engaging discussion, Peter and Jon dissect the qualities that set apart exceptional founders in the startup ecosystem.From sales expertise to unwavering vision and determination, Peter and Jon dive deep into the core traits that define successful founders. Drawing from their own experiences and insights, they discuss the importance of skills like fundraising, team building, and culture setting in the journey of entrepreneurship.Through anecdotes and reflections, Peter and Jon offer valuable perspectives on what it takes to navigate the challenges of building a startup from the ground up. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a budding founder, this episode provides actionable insights and inspiration to fuel your entrepreneurial journey.Tune in to the Venture Capital Podcast for an enlightening conversation filled with practical advice and candid reflections on the art of entrepreneurship. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from seasoned investors and entrepreneurs as they unravel the secrets to startup success. Subscribe now and join the conversation!Follow the PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/venturecapitalfm/Twitter: https://twitter.com/vcpodcastfmLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/venturecapitalfm/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7BQimY8NJ6cr617lqtRr7N?si=ftylo2qHQiCgmT9dfloD_g&nd=1&dlsi=7b868f1b72094351Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/venture-capital/id1575351789Website: https://www.venturecapital.fm/Follow Jon BradshawLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrbradshaw/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjonbradshaw/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrjonbradshawFollow Peter HarrisTwitter: https://twitter.com/thevcstudentLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterharris1Instagram: https://instagram.com/shodanpeteYoutube: https://youtu.be/Hy9DsuFzTH4

Join hosts Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris as they dive into the realm of venture capital predictions for the year 2024. In this episode, they navigate through the turbulent landscape of the startup world, exploring the highs and lows that lie ahead for entrepreneurs, investors, and emerging technologies.From the inevitable down rounds to the tough decisions faced by struggling startups, Jon and Peter offer insights into the challenges and opportunities that await in the coming year. They discuss the impact of valuation reassessments, the shifting narrative around startup culture, and the looming specter of zombie funds.Amidst predictions of market corrections and increased accountability, the hosts also explore under-the-radar opportunities and emerging trends in the ever-evolving world of venture capital. From the rise of AI-powered solutions to the potential disruption of traditional media formats, Jon and Peter leave no stone unturned in their quest to unravel the mysteries of the future.Tune in as they speculate on the future of entrepreneurship, technology, and investment, and share your own predictions for the year ahead in the comments below. Whether you're a seasoned investor, a budding entrepreneur, or simply curious about what lies on the horizon, this episode promises to enlighten and inspire.Follow the PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/venturecapitalfm/Twitter: https://twitter.com/vcpodcastfmLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/venturecapitalfm/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7BQimY8NJ6cr617lqtRr7N?si=ftylo2qHQiCgmT9dfloD_g&nd=1&dlsi=7b868f1b72094351Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/venture-capital/id1575351789Website: https://www.venturecapital.fm/Follow Jon BradshawLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrbradshaw/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjonbradshaw/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrjonbradshawFollow Peter HarrisTwitter: https://twitter.com/thevcstudentLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterharris1Instagram: https://instagram.com/shodanpeteYoutube: https://youtu.be/Hy9DsuFzTH4