In this episode, we discuss if Venture Capitalists are evil. We discuss why entrepreneurs feel like VCs are evil. And please forgive us for the audio quality. Jon forgot to turn the recording device on for the microphones. Peter Harris University Growth Fund: https://www.ugrowthfund.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/shodanpete?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Twitter: https://twitter.com/thevcstudent YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCAHrQUxcm_Oa1t3emwttpAQ Jon Bradshaw Instagram: https://www.instagr...
Nov 07, 2022•18 min•Ep. 38
Much has changed in the last few years, and in 2022 we want do know if profitability still matters to VCs. Over the past few years, VCs have pounded on the drum of growth at almost any cost. Startups have been flooded with billions of dollars to fuel growth. Now in light of the current recession and financial situation join us as we discuss if and how this approach has changed. Venture Capital Podcast Website: www.VentureCapital.fm Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/venture-ca...
Nov 03, 2022•16 min•Ep. 37
Should you take money from a corporate venture arm? Here are some quick Pros and Cons of doing so: Pros: They can be very strategic in making industry connections (especially with other companies they have invested in They can often become a customer themselves Bring technical expertise and resources unavailable to early-stage venture companies Cons: Often have conflicting mandates, invest for return and invest in finding acquisitions Due to incentives many of the partners at CVC’s leave (which ...
Nov 01, 2022•14 min•Ep. 36
Peter and Jon share if they feel- "Utah is better at sales driven SaaS business but not so great when it comes to product led growth SaaS businesses" While Jon personally takes offence, Peter has his reasons to believe in the statement. Startups like Scan which didn't find any investors in Utah were the biggest buzz news once Snapchat showed interest. Have Utah product businesses found better takers outside of Utah? Or are things changing? Share what do you think on our Instagram/ LinkedIn/ Yout...
Oct 27, 2022•18 min•Ep. 35
In this episode, we discuss a LinkedIn post from Travis Ashby. He talks about one of his friends, a startup CMO, that was fired by their VCs just "weeks" before his vesting cliff happened. Here's the link to the post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/travisashby_letsdobetter-peoplefirst-culturematters-activity-6970740998289195008-_Co- Peter and Jon share their thoughts on why this happened, how it can be prevented, and what can be learned from this situation. Venture Capital Podcast Website: www.V...
Oct 13, 2022•12 min•Ep. 34
Have you ever invested in a friend's business? What happened? On this episode, we discuss the pro's and con's of supporting your friends. Disclaimer: This is for educational purposes only. Always consult proper legal and financial advisors. Venture Capital Podcast Website: www.VentureCapital.fm Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/venture-capital/id1575351789 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7BQimY8NJ6cr617lqtRr7N?si=ftylo2qHQiCgmT9dfloD_g YouTube: https://youtube.com/chan...
Oct 06, 2022•16 min•Ep. 33
How do you network with venture capitalists in 2022? In this episode, we talk about unique networking ideas to connect with your ideal VC. Peter and Jon discuss the extent to which people go to meet and work with VC's, such as booking a private jet. How do you network with VC's besides waiting for them to come to you. Venture Capital Podcast Website: www.VentureCapital.fm Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/venture-capital/id1575351789 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7BQ...
Oct 04, 2022•10 min•Ep. 32
We were recently asked by a friend what a startup CTO's salary should be for a company with little to no revenue. Peter and Jon decided to ask their network what "fair" compensation would be. Please remember that most individuals were making a recommendation only on partial information. We presented the following to each individual. What are the current terms for a Startup CTO? - He makes $200,000 with $50,000 in equity and other benefits at his current job - He’s willing to take a salary of $15...
Sep 23, 2022•37 min•Ep. 31
In this episode, we talk about how you get the most out of your latest financing round. Many startups are raising at much lower valuations than they did 6, 12, or 18+ months ago. Peter talks about the current market trends and how companies in a tight spot can get a better valuation. Venture Capital Podcast Website: www.VentureCapital.fm Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/venture-capital/id1575351789 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7BQimY8NJ6cr617lqtRr7N?si=ftylo2qHQiCg...
Sep 20, 2022•19 min•Ep. 30
Peter Harris provides a quick update on recent investments by the University Growth Fund. Join us as Peter shares his analysis, thoughts, and strategies.
Sep 16, 2022•29 min•Ep. 29
Sep 13, 2022•18 min•Ep. 28
In today's episode, Peter and Jon answer questions such as: How much annual recurring revenue is needed to raise a Series A? How many users do you need to raise a Series A? Is $1,000,000 in revenue enough? What are the current standards, and has the market changed historical benchmarks? Join us for the podcast to find out!
Sep 07, 2022•16 min•Ep. 27
Some Points Covered in This Episode Include: If you have heard anything about the Carried Interest Loophole Act, you know it's the biggest news in the last few days. What does it mean and what does it entail if it were to be passed. The " carried interest loophole " allows hedge fund managers to tax their income at a lower rate than an ordinary salary. Peter will weigh in both sides and discuss how fair is it. Don't forget to tell us, where do you stand on it. Follow Peter Harris Twitter: https:...
Aug 26, 2022•14 min•Ep. 26
Have you ever wondered what Venture Capitalists think of Y Combinator companies/investments? In 2022 the program has significantly changed. It went from accepting 10 startups with each class to 400 in a recent cohort. Learn about the Pro's and Con's of the program from a venture capitalist that has funded YC companies.
Aug 23, 2022•15 min•Ep. 25
Peter and I provide anonymous feedback to a first-time founder. We talk about their revenue numbers, team size, and if this startup should attempt to raise venture capital.
Aug 17, 2022•22 min•Ep. 24
VC rips apart a pitch deck for a very open and honest review. Peter Harris from the University Growth Fund reviews the pitch deck for Appointment.com In this episode learn what a later-stage VC actually thinks about a pitchdeck.
Jul 28, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 23
How to Start a Syndicate In today’s episode we find how one gets into Venture Capital and deep dive into everything about a Syndicate. Some Points Covered in This Episode Include: What is a syndicate, and how is it different from an SPV? What is the appeal of a syndicate? As an investor As a company As a manager How do syndicate managers/operators make money? Syndicates also charge carry - usually 20% in total. Carry is a cut of positive returns generated by the investment. Example: let's say yo...
Jul 15, 2022•30 min•Ep. 22
How is Data Science improving Venture Capital? Jon asks Peter everything about data science. What data sources are they currently using? And how much will it disrupt the functioning of Venture Capital firms. Some Lies/ Points Covered in This Episode Include: Would you say data science is changing things? What Data Sources are University Growth Fund are using at this point? For seed and early-stage firms, when data is almost non existent, will it be a barrier A venture capital deal pipeline has t...
Jun 27, 2022•18 min•Ep. 21
Common Lies VCs Hear Truth or optimism. VCs hear multiple people talk about their plans, their business and they toe the line of sometimes being overly optimistic that it could be a lie. Here is what not to say, or how to frame it differently next time. Some Lies/ Points Covered in This Episode Include: Saying your market is a huge number/ some ridonculous billion $ industry, but the fact is you dont know whats the sub sector or specific part of the market you are targeting All we need is get 3%...
Jun 17, 2022•25 min•Ep. 20
Is Venture Capital Slowing Down? A quick look at the sudden decline in the numbers. Looking at the numbers from Q4 and Q1 to analyse if there is a shift or worse a slow down coming. What do you think? Questions Covered in This Episode Include: In Q1, 4,822 VC deals were closed totalling $70.7 billion, which was far below the $90 billion of VC investment in Q4 2021. Are you seeing the trend too? Why do you think that’s happening? Are q2 numbers going to be alarming? Looks seed funding actually sa...
May 31, 2022•17 min•Ep. 19
Misunderstood Venture Capital Terms If you don’t understand all the terms, and especially the ones that are part of your fundraising journey, it can cost you big bucks. In today’s episode we discuss such real life examples where real time mistakes were made. Questions Covered in This Episode Include: What is Liquidation preference How are Participating Preferred different from Non Participating Preferred Stocks What terms work the best for you as an entrepreneur What is a clean term sheet and wh...
Apr 12, 2022•23 min•Ep. 18
How to Find a VC Mentor Some of the most successful people attribute their success to their mentors. If you want to speed up your learning process, find one! But the question is not only - how to find a mentor but what kind of mentor should you seek. Questions Covered in This Episode Include: How does an entrepreneur build his network Why is it important to find a mentor What kind of mentors should you seek How service plays an important role in finding a mentor Let's discuss some real life exam...
Mar 23, 2022•19 min•Ep. 17
How To Start a Venture Capital Fund If you have ever wondered about starting a VC fund but felt overwhelmed. Jon speaks to Peter Harris who started a fund with his partner a couple of years ago. He breaks it down for us and shares his suggestions. Questions Covered in This Episode Include: Peter, you and your partner started a fund 7 years ago. How did you do it? Where did you start? How much does it cost? How is it structured? What is the process of raising the fund? Can you consider taking a b...
Mar 15, 2022•26 min•Ep. 16
How do VCs Make Money? Some of you might be intrigued to understand how a VC fund runs. How do they make their money? Peter breaks down all that in this episode and all clear out the air if VCs are rich. Questions Covered in This Episode Include: Peter, everyone wants to know how VCs make money? ( Carried interest and management fee) How important is it to be rich to be a Venture Capitalist? What is the average salary of a VC? (Partner/Analyst) Sometimes people criticise venture capitalists beca...
Mar 08, 2022•25 min•Ep. 15
In today's episode we focus on some of the important considerations that need to be made while finding a VC firm. Are they a good fit? Do they have my company's best interest at heart? How to distinguish a Good VC from a BAD one. Questions Covered in This Episode Include: Peter, what stories have you personally seen where VCs did not act the best As an insider, what would you say are some of the red flags when it comes to a VC or a firm? As someone who is seeking funding, what are some of the th...
Feb 22, 2022•15 min•Ep. 14
Getting Funded: Should a Startup Hire a Professional Fundraiser? In today’s episode we discuss the pros and cons of having a professional fundraiser. Should you consider one and if yes, when is a good time to do so. Questions Covered in This Episode Include: What is a professional fundraiser? How does one become one? What kind of education, background, social skills or experience is needed for it? How much do they charge? How do VC’s look at companies that use professional fundraisers? (Pros/Con...
Feb 17, 2022•12 min•Ep. 13
How to Get and Keep a VC’s Attention The trickiest part of reaching out to a VC, is keeping them interested. In this episode, we discuss best practices and share a few tips. Questions Covered in This Episode Include: Should I focus my efforts on VC’s in my geographic area, or extend beyond my city/state? How accurate are online lists? What are some of the good ones? AngelList Forbes Midas list Crunchbase CB Insights PitchBook Others? How do you find a venture capitalist that is a good fit for yo...
Feb 10, 2022•11 min•Ep. 12
How to Find a Venture Capitalist (And Get Funded) Let’s talk about how do you find a venture capitalist for your startup. Questions Covered in This Episode Include: What is your general advice for someone raising in 2022? Has the process changed in recent years? Will the process change in the coming years? Now lets cover some common questions to make sure we’re addressing them Should I focus my efforts on VC’s in my geographic area, or extend beyond my city/state? How accurate are online lists? ...
Feb 01, 2022•33 min•Ep. 11
Peter Harris, a Venture Capitalist, will talk about the primary differences between venture capital and private equity.
Dec 01, 2021•24 min•Ep. 10
How do Venture Capitalists get paid? What is "carry"?
Nov 23, 2021•19 min•Ep. 9
