In this episode, Meagan Crawford of Space Fund joins Joel Palathinkal to delve into the world of space entrepreneurship. Meagan shares her journey from a career shift to founding the New Space Business Plan Competition and Space Fund. The discussion covers the evolution of space startups, challenges they face, and fundraising for space ventures. They explore prospects in asteroid mining, satellite industry needs, and commercial opportunities in space. The conversation touches on lunar ventures, ...
Jul 09, 2025•58 min•Season 1Ep. 106
In this episode, Chris Aydam of Midnight Venture Partners joins Joel Palathinkal to share insights on venture capital, focusing on consumer product metrics and strategies. They discuss e-commerce advertising challenges, especially iOS updates, and ad spend strategies on social media. The conversation covers omnichannel strategies, revenue milestones, and market trends. Chris highlights regenerative agriculture, food tech investments, and alternative proteins. They also explore early-stage invest...
Jul 08, 2025•53 min•Season 1Ep. 105
In this episode, Himalaya Rao of BFM Fund joins Joel Palathinkal to explore asset creation in nonwhite communities. Himalaya discusses her journey from social work to venture capital and the role of entrepreneurship in BIPOC communities. They examine race, class, and entrepreneurship, comparing entrepreneurship with corporate jobs in underserved areas. The conversation covers bootstrapped business sustainability, debunking venture capital myths, and non-dilutive funding options. They also discus...
Jul 07, 2025•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 104
In this episode, Jonathan Beda joins Joel Palathinkal to discuss the evolution of boutique fitness studios and his journey from Zumba to Zoombini. They explore venture investments, SPVs, and the launch of Connexa Capital. The conversation covers Zumba's growth, business models, and music licensing. They also discuss the creator economy, customer acquisition, and revenue models for content creators. Additionally, they touch on family offices in venture capital, allocation strategies, inflation's ...
Jul 06, 2025•56 min•Season 1Ep. 103
Join Kendall Gee-Wing from BDev Ventures as he explores his journey into private equity, sharing insights on skills needed for successful founders and investors. Discover the art of brand building, market analysis, and private equity deal sourcing. Kendall highlights B Dev Ventures' investment strategies, focusing on platform companies and understanding customer needs. Learn about essential skills for a career in private equity, Vancouver's venture capital scene, and startup trends. The episode ...
Jul 05, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 102
In this episode, Rishi Patel from Plus8 Equity delves into his career journey, highlighting his transition to Morgan Stanley and the impact of the financial crisis. He shares his experience of reconnecting with music and balancing his career. The discussion explores celebrity investment trends in entertainment technology and the advantages of being a limited partner in entertainment tech funds. Rishi also discusses innovations in music tech applications and imparts life lessons from mentors. The...
Jul 04, 2025•51 min•Season 1Ep. 101
In this episode, Danny Qiao from Connecticut Innovations shares his journey from public service to venture capital, highlighting Connecticut Innovations' impact. He discusses his MBA experience, joining Sweater Ventures during the pandemic, and the importance of skill development for career transitions. Danny explores key indicators in company analysis, building investment theses, and applying banking skills to venture capital. He also touches on Connecticut's tech ecosystem and legacy industrie...
Jul 03, 2025•50 min•Season 1Ep. 100
In this episode, Jason Carvalho form Humanus VC delves into the intersection of space-based power, climate solutions, and the significance of water in space exploration. He shares his journey from tech sales to becoming an angel investor, highlighting the challenges and strategies involved. The discussion covers the differences between software and consumer brand sales cycles, and the influence of global macro trends on venture capital. Jason reflects on his transition from angel investor to fun...
Jul 02, 2025•59 min•Season 1Ep. 99
In this episode, Tony Olivito from Comeback Capital shares insights into the firm's investment pace and strategy. He discusses the importance of cash flow and capital efficiency, reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey. Tony outlines their pre-seed investment strategy and the risks of startup funding. The conversation covers his transition to fund management, building an angel portfolio, and the dynamics of infrastructure, rolling funds, and SPVs. Tony offers advice on starting a fund, current...
Jul 01, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 98
In this episode, Derek Brooks from Flatworld Partners discusses his transition from marketing to investing, highlighting the importance of networking and his time with Abraaj Group. He explores impact investing, structuring strategies for NGOs, and the role of concessionary investments. Derek also covers portfolio construction for dual-purpose funds and various investment strategies like venture and private equity. The conversation includes evaluating fund performance, operational efficiency, an...
Jun 30, 2025•57 min•Season 1Ep. 97
In this episode, Jake Chapman from Marquee Ventures shares his journey into venture capital, emphasizing his defense-focused strategy and the founding of Marquee Ventures. He explores opportunities within defense technology sectors and the transformative role of AI in modern warfare. Jake offers insights into best practices for due diligence in defense investments and essential skills for venture fund managers. The discussion highlights managing venture funds, supporting portfolio companies, and...
Jun 29, 2025•42 min•Season 1Ep. 96
In this episode, Peter Love from single family office shares insights from his career journey and his role in the work-from-home initiative with Flexjobs. He delves into advice from his father and the impact of family business experiences on his entrepreneurial path. Peter discusses key investment criteria, fund dynamics, and the significance of track records and diversification strategies. The conversation covers investor sentiment, market trends, and the performance indicators for emerging man...
Jun 28, 2025•49 min•Season 1Ep. 95
In this episode, Brendan Baker from Ridge Ventures shares his venture capital journey, shaped by his experiences in Silicon Valley and AngelList. He discusses AngelList's evolution, market dynamics, and human judgment in investing. Brendan delves into decision-making models, Naval Ravikant's wisdom, and success factors in top deals. He covers distribution strategies, startup signals, and his transition to Greylock. Learn about building Ridge Ventures with AI, systematic advantages, and balancing...
Jun 27, 2025•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 94
In this episode, Bruce Hamilton shares his journey from the music industry to venture capital, focusing on the intersection of pop culture and technology. He discusses the economics of the music industry, artist rights trends, and the rise of creator-focused brands and celebrity venture funds. Bruce emphasizes adaptability, reinvention, and AI's role in content creation, while exploring esports growth and generational wealth in entertainment. The conversation covers family office management shif...
Jun 26, 2025•57 min•Season 1Ep. 93
In this episode, Richie Carchia from IA Capital discusses his journey from acting to venture capital, focusing on investment fund dynamics and hyper-localized flood forecasting. He explores IA Capital's strategic InsurTech partnerships, InsurTech's evolution, and AI's role in the insurance sector. Richie shares strategies for VCs, best practices for analysts, and emphasizes sourcing, specialization, and integrity. The conversation highlights the importance of a long-term perspective, evolving in...
Jun 25, 2025•58 min•Season 1Ep. 92
Join Joel Palathinkal and Rusty Ralston from Swell VC as they delve into Rusty's investment strategy and career journey. They discuss the influence of people on company outcomes, especially in early-stage investing, and the role of AI in talent evaluation. Discover the impact of company culture on startups, with case studies on attracting top talent. Rusty shares insights on transitioning from an emerging manager to institutional capital and expectations post-funding, along with the origins of S...
Jun 24, 2025•52 min•Season 1Ep. 92
In this episode, Joel Palathinkal and John Zeratsky of Character VC to explore design sprints and their influence on venture capital. They discuss the impact on product teams, insights from Character Labs, and three VC entry paths. The conversation focuses on pre-seed accelerator founders and key traits, balancing feedback with visionary development, and the importance of innovation. They share impressive products and desired ideas, while examining product team challenges and wearable tech innov...
Jun 23, 2025•57 min•Season 1Ep. 91
In this episode, Joel Palathinkal is joined by Itamar Novick from Recursive Ventures to explore his entrepreneurial journey and transition to venture capital. Itamar shares insights from his role with Life360, highlighting its impact on technology, safety, and tracking, as well as its growth within the senior care market. The discussion covers product-market fit, management strategies, and unit economics for startups, while also delving into exit strategies. They examine the venture capital land...
Jun 22, 2025•56 min•Season 1Ep. 90
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 innova...
Jun 21, 2025•50 min•Season 1Ep. 89
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 i...
Jun 20, 2025•54 min•Season 1Ep. 88
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 investme...
Jun 19, 2025•53 min•Season 1Ep. 87
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...
Jun 18, 2025•46 min•Season 1Ep. 86
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 educatin...
Jun 17, 2025•46 min•Season 1Ep. 85
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,...
Jun 16, 2025•55 min•Season 1Ep. 84
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 dea...
Jun 15, 2025•47 min•Season 1Ep. 83
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 tren...
Jun 14, 2025•46 min•Season 1Ep. 82
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 th...
Jun 13, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 81
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 ...
Jun 12, 2025•50 min•Season 1Ep. 80
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 yo...
Jun 11, 2025•49 min•Season 1Ep. 40
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 inve...
Jun 11, 2025•38 min•Season 1Ep. 79
