Startup Funding Tips: VC Insights from Clarence Bethea at True Ventures

Join Chris and Anne for a candid conversation with Clarence Bethea, investor and executive in residence at True Ventures, as he shares his incredible journey from a troubled youth to startup success with Upsie and becoming a VC. Clarence discusses how AI is shaping the future of retail and startups, the importance of empathy and honesty in funding decisions, and share practical advice for early-stage entrepreneurs, including why early money matters. Key Moments: (1:00) Clarence’s personal journey from Georgia to VC success (3:00) Building Upsie and disrupting the warranty market (7:00) True Ventures’ focus on seed-stage investments and AI (11:00) Challenges for women and black founders in securing funding (17:00) The importance of having 3 key people in your entrepreneurial journey (22:00) Advice for entrepreneurs on persistence and overcoming breaking points #startupfunding #vcinsights #entrepreneuradvice #aiinvestments