89: Successful Strategies for Emerging Fund Managers by Charles Hudson, Precursor Ventures | 1947 VC

Charles Hudson is the Managing Partner and Founder of Precursor Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm focused on investing in the first institutional round of financing for the most promising software and hardware companies. He is one of the pioneers of pre-seed investing. He is also an advisor and mentor to a number of emerging managers. Timestamps: 00:00 Top Moments 00:31 Intro to pod with Charles Hudson 02:21 Angel investing and Precursor Ventures' founding story 05:28 Evolution of fund strategy over the years 07:29 Convincing LPs on a diversified portfolio 09:52 Non-consensus of non-consensus being right 12:35 Fundraising journey and learnings from fund one 15:35 Fundraising from scratch, picking a number, and handling rejections 18:53 Hardest part in building Precursor and in building a venture 21:42 Growth as a fund manager and mentors' impact 24:17 Solo GP Happy Hours initiative 25:55 Advice for emerging fund managers and characteristics of successful investors 27:17 Charles's outside-of-work obsessions 27:58 Typical day for Charles 28:32 Sleep, health, and well-being 28:54 Dream project with time and resources 29:56 Charles's affinity for Indian cuisine 29:39 Charles's reputation among friends outside of work 30:17 Dinner guests, dead or alive, and why