Nothing Ventured

AI Just Changed Everything for Small Businesses | Akriti Dokania

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Building a company isn’t just strategy it’s mindset. We dive into why founders in the US think bigger, how UK culture holds people back, and why being “positively aggressive” might be your biggest advantage. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 00:30 – Why pivoting = survival 02:45 – UK vs US mindset 06:00 – Ambition gap in founders 07:20 – New B2B growth expectations 09:30 – AI creating bigger outcomes 11:40 – SMB market opportunity 14:00 – Dev costs collapsing 17:30 – Show up & stand out 21:30 – “Positively aggressive” mindset 23:10 – Don’t disrupt, improve processes 25:00 – AI in legacy industries 29:30 – Generational shift 31:50 – Power of experimentation 33:00 – Contrarian idea 36:00 – Family & closing Find Akriti Dokania online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akritidokania/ Twitter: https://x.com/akritidokania This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Coding Is Dead | Mukund Jha

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 9 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish sits down with Mukund Jha, co-founder & CEO of Emergent the AI platform changing how software is built. This conversation goes deep into the biggest shift happening right now: → You no longer need to code to build real products → AI is turning non-technical people into software creators → What used to cost billions can now be built in months Timestamps: 00:00 – Anyone Can Build Software Now 01:10 – Why Prototypes Are Dead 03:00 – From Idea → Product in Minutes 05:20 – AI Replacing Entire Dev Teams 07:45 – The Rise of Non-Technical Builders 10:30 – $2B Worth of Software Built by AI 13:15 – One Person = Full Company Now 16:00 – Why SaaS Is Under Threat 19:10 – Agents Running Entire Businesses 22:30 – The Death of Coding Skills? 25:00 – What Actually Matters Now 27:30 – We’re Entering an Age of Abundance Find [guest name] online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mukund-jha-a1596413/ Twitter: https://x.com/mukundjha Emergent: https://emergent.sh This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why Most Startups Fail at Global Expansion | Jeremy Wastall

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 2 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we sit down with Jeremy, CEO of Go Global, to break down what really happens when companies expand internationally. From employer of record (EOR) vs setting up your own entity, to the hidden costs, legal risks, and operational chaos this is the unfiltered truth about scaling globally. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro & Jeremy joins the show 01:00 What is Employer of Record (EOR)? 03:00 Why global hiring exploded post-COVID 05:00 When to switch from EOR to your own entity 08:00 The real costs & hidden complexity of expansion 11:00 Why Go Global avoided raising VC money 14:00 Scaling globally without burning cash 18:00 The dangers of hiring too fast internationally 20:00 Global expansion mistakes founders make 24:00 Employment laws & risks across countries 27:00 Where companies are expanding right now 31:00 Offshoring, cost arbitrage & AI impact 35:00 Building products faster than ever (AI shift) 36:00 The 5 stages of international expansion 40:00 Why most founders expand too early 42:00 Smarter ways to enter new markets (partnerships & M&A) 45:00 Personal story & what drives Jeremy Find Jeremy Wastall online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremywastall/ GoGlobal: https://goglobal.com This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The AI Power Grab No One’s Talking About

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

This isn’t another “AI is booming” story. This is a power shift. In March 2026, we saw something much bigger than funding rounds: $110B raised by a single company Private equity firms becoming the gatekeepers of AI adoption IPOs reopening… but only for the elite And capital concentrating harder than ever before AI is no longer just a sector it’s becoming the foundation of the next computing stack. The real question isn’t who’s building… It’s who controls distribution, customers, and outcomes. Because right now, the market is splitting: A few dominant labs at the top… And everyone else fighting for what’s left. So where does opportunity actually sit? And more importantly if you’re not inside the system… can you still win? This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From Council Estate to £47M Portfolio | Timothy Armoo

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish sits down with entrepreneur Timothy to unpack the real mechanics behind building successful companies. From pitching for £15,000 at age 21 to building a portfolio generating £47M annually, Timo shares the frameworks he now uses to analyse opportunities, scale companies and avoid the mistakes most founders make. They discuss why the best businesses are built around the “expertise gap,” why founders shouldn’t obsess over passion, and the fundamental laws — or “physics” — of business that every entrepreneur must understand. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction – From council estate to £47M portfolio 02:00 Interview begins 03:00 Hiring mistakes founders make 04:00 The “How I Work” document for new hires 07:00 Why shared goals matter more than shared backgrounds 08:00 Why great employees aren’t passionate about your business 11:00 The Expertise Gap explained 13:00 Why influencer agencies are harder to build today 14:00 The AI opportunity founders are missing 18:00 How AI could save companies millions 19:00 Turning down an £80M valuation 20:00 Stop building businesses for investors 23:00 Why systems make entrepreneurship easier 24:00 Building businesses like Lego 29:00 Why hard work is overrated 31:00 The worst phrase founders say 33:00 Why founders build things customers don’t want 35:00 Understanding the business behind the business 36:00 Why fundraising can be the real business Find Timothy Armoo online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothyarmoo/ Twitter: https://x.com/TimArmoo This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What3Word's 57 trillion 3m squares | Chris Sheldrick

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah sits down with Chris Sheldrick, co-founder and CEO of What3Words the global addressing system that assigns three unique words to every 3-metre square on Earth. Originally inspired by the challenges of organising live music events and directing crews to remote locations, What3Words has grown into a global platform used by businesses, delivery companies, emergency services, and major partners like Intel and Mercedes. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Chris Sheldrick & What3Words 00:46 The problem with traditional addresses 02:23 Addressing challenges around the world 04:09 The origin story: from music events to What3Words 07:59 Preventing location mistakes with word combinations 10:19 Building network effects for global adoption 12:07 How AI fits into What3Words 14:34 Why postcodes don’t work for navigation 18:33 The maths behind 64 trillion locations 22:40 The psychology of adoption 25:18 How delivery companies are using What3Words 28:58 Solving addressing problems in developing countries 33:24 Is What3Words a utility? 34:42 The vision for global adoption 36:40 Chris’s contrarian view on hiring globally 41:22 What moves Chris emotionally: music 🎵 FindChris Sheldrick online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissheldrick1/ Twitter:https://x.com/ChrisSheldrick What3Words: https://what3words.com This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Deeptech Demystified | Felix Neubeck

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 5 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Felix Neubeck (Playfair) breaks down why most VCs get deep tech wrong, how commoditisation curves kill “breakthrough” startups, and why policy not venture decides industrial winners. From quantum and fusion to defence and manufacturing, this is a sharp, no-BS look at where the West is heading next. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro – Why Deep Tech Is Back 02:45 Generalists vs Specialists: Who Wins in Deep Tech? 06:30 The Myth: “There Isn’t Enough Capital” 10:15 Why Technology Picking Is So Hard 14:20 One Shot at Goal: Selling to Concentrated Markets 17:05 The Danger of Ignoring Commoditisation Curves 20:10 How to Actually Diligence Deep Tech 24:00 Backing Teams vs Backing Technology 27:50 Venture vs Policy: Who Should Fund Sovereignty? 31:30 Defence, Government & VC Alignment 34:00 Europe’s Manufacturing Identity Crisis 38:45 Has China Overtaken the West? 46:20 Contrarian Conviction: Life Is Endless Struggles 49:15 What Truly Moves Felix Emotionally Find Felix Neubeck online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fneubeck/ Twitter: https://x.com/FelixNeubeck Playfair: http://www.playfair.vc This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AI Money Isn’t Slowing Down

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

AI is still vacuuming up capital but investors aren’t clapping for demos anymore. Public markets are questioning AI ROI. Mega-rounds are clustering into fewer “category kings.” Exit volume is rising, but valuations are shrinking. And secondaries are becoming the pressure valve for LP liquidity. In this episode we break down: • Why mega AI rounds are still happening but scrutiny is intense • The “Great Unlocking” in exits (more deals, smaller values) • Why secondaries are exploding • Where capital is actually landing: robotics, autonomy, logistics, cyber • The UK & Europe infrastructure software export story • EU & UK regulatory changes that could reshape VC fundraising The shift isn’t about less money. It’s about higher standards. This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Intelligence is not a predictor of success | Amrit Sami

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

People obsess over IQ scores and dominance tests. But success especially in venture it is about understanding people. I believe anyone can achieve greatness. With the right skills, even the NBA isn’t impossible. The limit is mindset. Timestamps: 00:00 – We Tested My Dominance & IQ 01:12 – 172 IQ… What Does That Actually Mean? 02:45 – Why IQ Is Overrated in Venture 04:10 – Emotional Intelligence or Raw Intelligence 06:30 – Reading Founders & Managing Ego 08:05 – Skill Stacking: How Anyone Can Compete 10:20 – “I Could Play in the NBA Next Year” (Mindset Explained) 12:00 – The Real Limit: Belief vs Capability 14:15 – Final Takeaway: Anything Is Learnable Find Amrit Sami online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amrit-sami-4a1baaa4/ Twitter: https://x.com/amrit_sami Mercia: http://www.mercia.co.uk This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On finding 100 rabid fans the Hustle Fund way | Elizabeth Yin

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, we’re joined by Elizabeth Yin, Co-Founder & GP at Hustle Fund, to break down what actually matters at pre-seed. We talk about why finding 100 rabid fans beats chasing TAM, why distribution is the last real moat, and how founders should think about product-market fit in 2026. Elizabeth shares: – Why most founders misunderstand PMF – The fastest way to validate demand at pre-seed – How to build distribution before product is perfect – Why niche markets win early – The biggest VC advice that hurts founders If you’re an early-stage founder, operator, or angel, this is a must-watch. Timestamps: 00:00 Why pre-seed is about speed, not polish 03:45 Finding your first 100 rabid fans 07:50 Why distribution is the real moat 14:30 PMF is not a moment 22:10 Bad VC advice founders should ignore Find [guest name] online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethyin/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/dunkhippo33 Hustle Fund: https://www.hustlefund.vc/ This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What's With Web3?

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 5 Feb 2026 06:00:00 +0000

Web3 didn’t disappear — it just stopped shouting. In this live anniversary episode of Nothing Ventured, we go inside Web3 Demo Day in London, where founders, investors, and operators come together to pitch, debate, and build what’s next — without the hype. You’ll hear directly from: - Early-stage Web3 and blockchain founders - Angel investors and VCs backing the next wave - Ecosystem leaders working across crypto, AI, and emerging tech We talk fundraising realities, why Web3 lost the narrative, how blockchain is quietly powering real use cases, and what founders actually need to focus on in 2026. This isn’t a studio podcast it’s live conversations, real energy, and honest insights from the floor. Timestamps: 00:00 Live at Web3 Demo Day (Intro) 01:48 Why Web3 Demo Day exists 06:26 Solana & Superteam UK 13:19 Is crypto back? Investor perspective 20:44 Investing in Africa & global scale 30:01 Founder failures, timing & sales 38:04 Building a Web3 operating system 42:26 On-chain savings & the future of DeFi Guests: Lorae Knight Cap Solana Superteam UK Samir Ceric Ceric & Co. Afzaal Mauthoor BridgCapital Dan Ballin Ideas Crucible Kristian Poliszczuk Volta Ravi Shah Blueprint Arsim Shillov Libraro Ronald Loh Wirex This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Venture Isn’t Back It’s Adjusted

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

January 2026 didn’t bring a reset it brought confirmation. Venture feels calmer. Capital is deploying. Deals are getting done. IPOs and exits are being discussed out loud again. But calm doesn’t mean normal and it definitely doesn’t mean safe. In this 20-minute Nothing Ventured monthly review, we break down what January actually revealed about how venture will behave in 2026 — not how people hope it will. We cover: -Why this calm feels more like resignation than relief -How capital has adapted after 2022–25 — and where the scars still show --AI’s real January story: violent concentration at the top, pressure everywhere else -What xAI, Humans& and Emergent tell us about where value is really forming -Why the Brex–Capital One deal is one of the most honest exits we’ve seen in years -What early-stage funding looks like now that the market is functional again -Europe’s ambition problem and the question no one wants to answer January didn’t restart the venture flywheel. But it did make one thing clear: this is a narrower market, with bigger rewards at the top and far less tolerance everywhere else. I’m Aarish. This is Nothing Ventured News. And as always stay liquid. This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Decision That Made DocuSign Inevitable | Court Lorenzini

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

There are fewer than 400 public tech companies worth over $10 billion. DocuSign is one of them — but its success wasn’t driven by flashy tech or perfect timing. In this episode, DocuSign founder Court Lorenzini breaks down the non-obvious decisions that actually bent the curve: • Why pricing and packaging mattered more than product features • How competing with FedEx and fax machines shaped DocuSign’s business model • The legal roadblock that almost stopped adoption — and the unconventional solution • Why focus beats scale in the early days • The real reason most venture-scale companies fail (hint: it’s the founders) We also dive into Founder Nexus — Tom’s answer to repeat founder failure modes — and why shared experience, not advice, is the real unlock for building enduring companies. This is a masterclass in decision-making, positioning, and surviving the brutal realities of venture-scale entrepreneurship. Timestamps: 00:00 – Why DocuSign Matters 05:20 – The Decision That Bent the Curve 11:00 – Competing With Fax & FedEx 17:40 – The Legal Problem That Almost Killed Adoption 24:30 – The Microsoft Moment 29:10 – Why Real Estate Was the Beachhead 35:45 – Why Most Startups Actually Fail 41:50 – The Success Equation 48:30 – Founder Nexus & Shared Scar Tissue 54:40 – The Contrarian Take on Education & AI Find Court Lorenzini online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/court-lorenzini-333447/ Twitter: https://x.com/FounderNexus FounderNexus: https://foundernexus.com This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We Need More Mafias in European Tech | Florian Gottschaller

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

One of the biggest mistakes in investing isn’t bad judgment — it’s outdated thinking. Early on, many didn’t understand platform businesses. They underestimated how fast they scale, how powerful networks become, and how value compounds. From passing on Facebook… to becoming Uber’s biggest investor. The lesson? Before you invest in the future, you have to unlearn the past. Don’t underestimate platform business models — they change everything. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction & episode overview 02:27 – How Super Angels thinks about quality control 03:48 – Why great early-stage decisions still fail 05:06 – Escaping your own investment “bubble” 06:22 – Power laws, probability & why volume matters in VC 09:22 – Handling competing deals & replacing angels 11:12 – Why there are fewer than 100 real super angels in Germany 15:37 – How tax incentives distort investment decisions 19:37 – What “top 10%” really means for Fund II 22:25 – Why doubling down on winners beats diversification dogma 25:31 – Timing follow-on investments & conviction building 30:21 – Europe’s real bottleneck isn’t regulation — it’s culture 33:15 – Why Europe loses its best companies to the US 35:42 – Risk aversion, civil servants & economic stagnation 45:49 – Contrarian opinion: why “more is more” 49:54 – What moves Florian emotionally 53:24 – Where to find Florian & Super Angels Find Florian Gottschaller online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/florian-gottschaller/ Twitter: https://x.com/MetroF Superangels: https://super-angels.eu This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alok Sama: On why Masa Son is easy to admire but impossible to emulate

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 8 Jan 2026 06:00:00 +0000

What does it really mean to live in the future as an investor? In this episode, we go inside SoftBank, the Vision Fund, and the mind of Masayoshi Son with someone who was there for the biggest bets — the wins, the losses, and the lessons. We unpack: - Why SoftBank’s biggest mistakes weren’t wrong — just too early - How AI is reshaping venture capital, infrastructure, and distribution - Why timing matters more than brilliance in tech investing - The difference between narratives vs numbers in early-stage bets - Why most AI value may flow to hyperscalers — not startups - The illusion of control in careers, capital allocation, and life This is not hype. This is a grounded, insider conversation about AI, capital, ambition, hubris, and serendipity. 🎙️ If you care about venture capital, AI, or how massive bets actually get made — this one’s for you. Timestamps: 00:00 Inside SoftBank 02:30 Genius or Hubris? 05:00 The Vision Fund Explained 07:30 WeWork & Too Much Capital 10:00 AI & Capital Concentration 13:30 Narrative vs Numbers 17:00 Who Really Wins AI? 21:00 Is AI Truly Transformational? 26:00 The Illusion of Control 30:00 Why Passion Is Bad Advice 34:30 Creativity vs AI 39:00 Final Lessons Find [guest name] online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aloksama/ Twitter: https://x.com/alok_sama The Money Trap: https://aloksama.com/ This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why 2025 Ended Easy Money | Aarish Shah

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

2025 wasn’t a recovery year, it was a reckoning. Venture capital didn’t bounce back. It split clean in two. In this year-end episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish breaks down The Great Bifurcation — the moment the market decided who matters and who doesn’t. From the collapse of AI wrappers like Builder.ai, to $30B valuations with no product. From biology quietly raising billions in London, to defence, energy, and sovereign infrastructure becoming the only safe harbours. From Europe’s talent paradox to why a SpaceX IPO could restart the entire venture flywheel. This episode covers: - Why 2025 killed the “fake it till you make it” era - The AI split: gods vs mortals - The biology boom nobody is talking about - Defence, energy, and the rise of the sovereignty stack - Europe’s capital problem (and why exits keep moving to the US) - Why SpaceX’s IPO may unlock liquidity for everyone in 2026 2025 ended easy money. 2026 will reward important money. 🎙️ If you’re a founder, investor, operator, or LP — this is the map of where venture actually is now. #venturecapital #startups #ai #biotech #defencetech #europe #tech2025 #nothingventured This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The AI Bubble No One Wants to Admit | Emmet King

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:00:00 +0000

In this deep-dive season closer, Aarish sits down with Emmet King to unpack the real state of AI, venture, and the hidden strengths of the Nordic ecosystem. They explore why Scandinavia punches far above its weight, where the AI bubble will burst first, why distribution beats innovation, and what it actually takes for an application-layer AI startup to survive 2026. From trust, data moats and workflow depth, to manufacturing intelligence, robotics, and the limits of context—this conversation goes way beyond the hype. Emmett also reveals his most contrarian belief as a tech investor, and what genuinely moves him in life. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Why the Nordics Punch Above Their Weight 08:00 – Europe’s Culture Shift: Ambition, Failure & Jante 14:00 – The AI Bubble & Where the Reset Starts 19:40 – What AI Apps Must Have to Survive 2026 27:00 – Hardware, Sensors & Industrial AI’s Next Frontier 44:45 – What Dies, What Consolidates & What Wins in AI 53:00 – Emmett’s Contrarian Take & What Moves Him Emotionally Find Emmet King online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmetking/ Twitter: https://x.com/J12Ventures J12 Ventures: https://www.j12ventures.com/ This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Saving a Generation: Inside the Fight Against Infinite Scroll | Jess Butcher

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 4 Dec 2025 18:15:42 +0000

In this deep, funny, and at times shocking conversation, Jess Butcher MBE — co-founder of Blippar and the creator of Scroll Aware — breaks down how the attention economy became an addiction economy, how AR missed its moment, why our kids are becoming NPCs, and what the analogue renaissance could look like. We explore: Timestamps: 00:00 — AR’s rise & missed moment 03:00 — Why AR never hit education 06:46 — Attention → addiction economy 11:30 — Algorithmic media & truth decay 15:50 — Overwhelm, ADHD & digital habits 18:49 — Kids, screens & NPC culture 22:03 — Phones out of schools 27:07 — The “safe phone” movement 30:32 — Big Tech vs Big Tobacco 46:37 — The analogue renaissance begins Find Jess Butcher online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessbutcher/ Twitter: https://x.com/jessbutcher scrollaware: https://www.scrollaware.com/ This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rajan Dosanjh & Ankush Shah: Playing indefinitely repeated games

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 27 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish Shah sits down withRajan Dosanjh and Ankush Shah, partners at Rank Ventures, to unpack what real early-stage investing looks like in 2025 and beyond. We get into: 🔥 Why “banking is eat what you kill” but “venture is eat what you grow” 🔥 How bad governance, weak boards & misaligned incentives pushed them to build Rank 🔥 Why 2026 will demand profitability plans and default-alive thinking 🔥 Why skin-in-the-game investors behave differently 🔥 How to remove blame culture and run an effective board 🔥 What founders must internalize about the new funding environment If you’re a founder, operator, angel or fund manager — this one cuts deep. Timestamps: 00:00 — Intro to Rajan & Ankush and the Rank Ventures story 02:00 — “Banking is eat what you kill; venture is eat what you grow” 04:30 — The investment that went wrong — and what it taught them 07:00 — Shared values, asymmetric bets & building trust 10:00 — Operator vs investor mindset (and how to balance both) 14:00 — Bad governance in venture: fiduciary failures & hard lessons 17:00 — Why Rank has real skin in the game (and no management fees) 21:00 — DPI over TVPI: why returns need to be real, not theoretical 24:00 — The new VC market: slower capital, higher expectations 31:00 — What founders need going into 2026: default-alive + ROI-driven growth Find Rajan Dosanjh online at: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajan-dosanjh/ Rank Ventures: https://rank-ventures.com/ Find Ankush Shah online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ankush-shah-64144a34/ Rank Ventures: https://rank-ventures.com/ This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AI Is Eating Venture Capital Alive | November 2025 Proves It

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

November 2025 might go down as the month venture capital actually snapped. Cursor raised $2.3B at a $29.3B valuation — for a coding assistant. One company, Anthropic, took 29% of all global VC funding. And 18 companies consumed a third of the world’s capital. This isn’t a market. It’s a feeding frenzy. In this explosive episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish Shah breaks down the 5 signals that prove the venture landscape has officially entered its “no rules” era: ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Intro 00:27 – The $29B Cursor Shockwave 05:12 – Defence Tech Goes From Taboo to Hot Overnight 10:21 – Slush & Why Europe Might Actually Win 15:18 – The IPO Window Reopens (But Only for Winners) 20:02 – The 18-Company Quarter 23:30 – The Five Takeaways You Cannot Ignore 24:40 – Final Word 💥 What you’ll learn: • Why dev tools are suddenly worth mega-cap valuations • How defence tech became Silicon Valley’s favourite new game • Why Europe’s “boring” capital efficiency might beat America’s AI obsession • Why the IPO window matters more than any funding headline • How extreme capital concentration is setting up the next correction If you want to know where venture is REALLY heading in 2026 — this is the episode. #venturecapital #startups #ai #defencetech #technews This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The VC Using AI to Spot Founders Before Anyone Else | Adam Shuaib

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah sits down with Adam Shuaib, GP at Episode 1 Ventures, the early-stage fund using data and AI to spot founders before everyone else. From scraping GitHub and Twitter to building behavioural models that detect grit over gloss, Adam explains how Episode 1’s machine is changing how venture capital discovers talent — and why “weird” founders often hold the biggest alpha. We dive into: ⚙️ How data models are finding unconventional founders 🚫 Why filtering out the “weird” kills innovation 💭 The ethics of AI-driven sourcing 📊 Why alpha is always in the tail end of the distribution 🌍 The concentration of global capital and Europe’s rise 💡 How Episode 1 balances data with human intuition If you’re building the next big thing or investing in it — this one’s for you. 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations that uncover the real stories behind venture capital. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Aarish Shah & Adam Shuaib 00:45 – Episode 1’s AI engine for founder discovery 02:30 – Signal vs. surveillance in VC 05:00 – Finding grit over gloss 07:00 – Adversity as a founder trait 10:30 – Alpha lives in the middle 12:00 – Keeping humans in the loop 18:00 – The AI compute arms race 21:00 – Why NVIDIA always wins 28:30 – The barbell future of VC 32:00 – Europe’s rising edge in venture 38:00 – Hype, unicorns & valuation bubbles 41:30 – Measuring grit, not trauma 46:00 – Why most VCs shouldn’t exist 49:00 – The human side of venture Find Adam Shuaib online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamshuaib/ Twitter: https://x.com/Episode1VC Episode 1 Ventures: https://www.episode1.com/ This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe #venturecapital #startupfounders #nothingventured #podcast #entrepreneurship Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Eva Yazhari: VC Across the Africa India Corridor

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 6 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0000

What happens when a Wall Street-trained investor brings a relational approach to venture capital in emerging markets? In this episode, Eva Yazhari, Managing Partner at Beyond Capital Ventures, joins Arya Shah to unpack her people-first investment philosophy — why 75% of future global growth will come from East Africa and India, how conscious leadership drives stronger returns, and what the next decade of venture in emerging markets looks like. If you care about the future of investing, diversity of thought, and where the next billion customers will come from, this conversation is for you. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Who is Eva Yazhari and what makes Beyond Capital Ventures different 03:30 – Relational vs Transactional VC: Why relationships drive better outcomes than capital alone 06:00 – Case Study: Ampersand Mobility: Building Africa’s e-mobility infrastructure 09:00 – Founder NPS & Portfolio Impact: 93% NPS and 10x capital mobilisation 15:00 – Exits in Africa: How strategic investors and corporates are driving liquidity 18:30 – Diversity of Thought: Conscious leadership, behavioural frameworks, and anti-fragility 27:00 – Gender Lens Investing: Why women are Africa’s most reliable workforce 28:15 – The India–Africa Corridor: Why 75% of global growth will come from this region by 2050 34:00 – Human Capital Challenges: Why talent is Africa’s biggest constraint — and opportunity 40:00 – The Role of AI: How emerging markets are using AI to leapfrog, not lag behind 55:00 – Conscious Capital in Action: Building businesses that outperform and uplift Find Eva Yazhari online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eva-yazhari/ Twitter: https://x.com/BeyondCapital Beyond Capital Ventures: https://www.beyondcapitalventures.com/ This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Halloween horror stories

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 17:34:16 +0000

In this special Halloween edition of the Nothing Ventured podcast, I had the pleasure of hosting Lev Perlman, the founder and CTO of Metamind. Lev shared his journey from being an illegal waiter at bar mitzvahs to becoming a self-taught tech engineer and eventually founding Metamind, a company dedicated to helping early-stage tech companies optimize their tech stack and prepare for technical due diligence. We kicked off the episode with a quickfire round to get to know Lev better, where he recounted his first job experiences and the various roles he held before diving into the tech and venture ecosystem. Lev explained the motivation behind starting Metamind, which stemmed from his frustrations with the quality of service provided by agencies he had worked with in the past. As the conversation progressed, we delved into some spine-chilling founder horror stories, starting with Lev's own experience of pitching to a tier-one investor who was distractedly eating a kebab during the call. We discussed the importance of resilience in the face of such bizarre situations and how founders can learn to adapt. Lev shared a particularly alarming tech horror story involving a health tech startup that had a major security flaw, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive patient data. This incident highlighted the critical need for thorough technical due diligence, which Lev and his team provide for both investors and founders. We also touched on the predatory practices of some startup service providers, where non-technical founders can end up spending exorbitant amounts on MVP development without understanding the implications. Lev emphasized the importance of seeking referrals and doing proper research before engaging with service providers. Throughout the episode, we explored the challenges founders face, including co-founder disputes and the complexities of investor relationships. Lev offered valuable advice on how to avoid common pitfalls, such as ensuring proper documentation and understanding the dynamics of venture capital. In closing, we discussed the significance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and managing stress as a founder. Lev shared his personal strategies for coping with the pressures of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of disassociating oneself from the business and finding healthy outlets for stress. This episode is packed with insights and cautionary tales that every founder should hear, especially as we navigate the often treacherous waters of startup life. Thank you for joining us for this Halloween special, and I hope you find the stories shared here both entertaining and enlightening! Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to the Halloween Special 00:00:10 - Meet Lev Perlman: Background and First Job 00:01:05 - Lev's Journey into Tech and Entrepreneurship 00:01:50 - The Birth of Metaminds 00:02:40 - Overview of Metaminds' Services 00:03:42 - Founder Horror Stories: A Personal Experience 00:05:05 - Handling Awkward Investor Meetings 00:06:50 - Tech Horror Stories: Security Vulnerabilities 00:08:20 - Tech Due Diligence for Founders and Investors 00:09:46 - Predatory Startup Service Providers 00:10:51 - Advice for Early-Stage Founders 00:11:19 - Weirdest Horror Stories in Startups 00:12:20 - The Importance of Distributed Access 00:13:30 - Employee Ghosting and Its Consequences 00:14:45 - Managing Anxiety as a Founder 00:19:15 - Building Resilience in the Face of Challenges 00:21:07 - The Importance of Knowledge Transfer 00:22:28 - Lessons from Personal Tech Experiences 00:24:21 - Finding Balance as a Founder 00:31:00 - Avoiding Common Founder Mistakes 00:32:05 - Understanding Investor Dynamics 00:35:12 - Horror Stories from the Investor Side 00:40:12 - Key Takeaways for Founders 00:41:36 - Final Thoughts on Startup Challenges Find Lev Perlman online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justlev2 Twitter: https://x.com/lawfullylev Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justlev Metamindz: https://www.metamindz.co.uk/ This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aarish Shah: October News Episode

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we take a closer look at how venture capital is shifting ⚖️ — and what it means when nearly half of all new funding flows into AI and foundation models 🤖. While the U.S. continues to prioritise large-scale AI investment, the UK is showing a different path 🇬🇧: diversified sectors, regional growth, and meaningful early-stage activity. This is not about hype. It’s about understanding where sustainable innovation is actually happening 🌱 — and what a healthy startup ecosystem looks like going forward. If you care about founders, investment strategy, or the future of global innovation 🌍💡— this conversation matters. Hashtags: #venturecapital #startups #innovation #ai #techeconomy #deeptech #uktech #globalmarkets #entrepreneurship #investing This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Angela McKane: BP to Micro VC - Unravelling the Energy Mix

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah sits down with Angela McKane, a former BP executive turned venture capitalist, for a deep and thought-provoking conversation about the future of energy innovation. With over 15 years of experience in the energy technology sector, Angela shares her journey from the corporate world of BP to launching her own fund — Energy Mix Ventures — which focuses on resilient, affordable, and scalable energy solutions. The discussion covers key themes including: 00:00 - Introduction to Energy Mix Ventures 00:02:21 - Transitioning from BP to VC life 00:05:57 - Information vs. belief arbitrage in venture 00:16:36 - Why the energy debate is broken 00:19:39 - The case for hydrocarbons and renewables 00:26:01 - The realities of EV production and energy recycling 00:32:01 - The energy-defense nexus and government’s role 00:39:15 - The future of nuclear and regulatory reform 00:44:39 - Wind power, data centers, and off-grid innovation 🎧 Tune in for a candid, insight-rich discussion that goes beyond buzzwords and digs into what real progress in energy looks like. #NothingVentured #EnergyMixVentures #VentureCapital #EnergyTech #ClimateTech #StartupPodcast #Innovation #FutureOfEnergy #EnergyTransition #NuclearEnergy #AI #Sustainability Find Angela McKane online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelamckane/ Twitter: https://x.com/AngieVJ Energy Mix Ventures: https://energymixventures.com This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Leyla Kunimoto: Private Markets from the LP Seat

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000

💥 Are We in a Venture Capital Bubble? LP Insider Reveals the Truth! 💥 In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah sits down with Leyla Kunimoto, Seattle-based LP voice and co-founder of Accredited Investor Insights, for a brutally honest look inside the private markets. Leila pulls back the curtain on what most investors get wrong about venture capital — why it’s not about quick cash flow, but about betting on bold ideas and world-changing stories. 🔥 What you’ll hear: The real risks behind private equity and continuation vehicles Why the U.S. still lacks regulatory standards for asset valuations How to spot when the market’s in a bubble — or quietly deflating The one thing that makes LPs actually pay attention: surgical precision in your thesis If you want to understand where venture capital is headed — and how LPs really think — this is the episode you can’t afford to miss. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:00:31 - Overview of Today's Episode 00:01:28 - The Bubble in Private Markets 00:02:05 - Podcast Engagement Request 00:02:27 - Guest Welcome and Clarification 00:03:42 - Insights from an LP's Perspective 00:04:33 - Mispricing Risk in Private Markets 00:05:45 - VC's Unique Position in Private Markets 00:07:08 - The Push for DPI and Cash Flow 00:09:10 - Challenges for Smaller Investors in VC 00:11:09 - The Middle Market Squeeze 00:13:45 - Advantages of Larger VC Funds 00:15:09 - The Dilemma of Fund Size and Stage Focus 00:17:02 - Potential Solutions for Liquidity 00:19:02 - Continuation Vehicles and Their Impact 00:21:04 - LP Checklist for Continuation Vehicles 00:24:24 - Lack of Regulation in Asset Valuation 00:27:03 - Concerns with Continuation Vehicles 00:29:37 - The Future of the Bubble 00:33:01 - The Role of Private Credit 00:35:36 - The Impact of Interest Rates 00:37:19 - Potential for a Market Correction 00:39:39 - Differences from the 2008 Financial Crisis 00:41:45 - Lack of Transparency in Private Markets 00:44:19 - Default Rates in Private Equity and Credit 00:45:18 - What Gets Funded in 2025 00:47:08 - Importance of a Surgical Thesis 00:49:01 - Fund Manager and Thesis Fit 00:50:03 - Importance of Access in VC Find Leyla Kunimoto online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lkunimoto/ Twitter: https://x.com/LeylaKuni Accredited Investor Insights: https://www.accreditedinsight.com/ This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Francois Mazoudier: Process beats charisma - fundraising in 2025

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 9 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, I’m joined by Francois Mazoudier, serial entrepreneur and seasoned investor, to tackle one of the biggest myths in fundraising: that charisma alone wins capital. As we enter 2025, the truth is clearer than ever — process beats charisma. François shares candid insights on: Why founders must master process-driven fundraising (and how to build one) The common mistakes startups still make when pitching to VCs How investors are thinking differently in 2025 The future of fundraising in a world that’s more competitive than ever Whether you’re raising your first round or scaling globally, this episode is packed with practical wisdom to help you secure the capital you need — without relying on charm alone. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & guest: Francois Mazoudier, Fundraising Bootcamp 00:45 – Preview: why 94% of pitches fail & myths around decks 02:02 – About the host Ari Shah & Nothing Ventured 03:27 – The hard truths about fundraising today 04:09 – Stop following bad online advice (6% of pitches work) 07:11 – The Sequoia pitch deck trap (250k founders copy-pasting) 08:33 – Finding “perfect match” investors & cold email success 10:42 – Fundraising as a repeatable process, not a performance 13:18 – 3 signs founders get funded vs. 3 signs they won’t 15:38 – Traction vs. revenue: what really matters early stage 18:44 – Numbers or story — which wins a pitch? 23:36 – VC money vs. corporate VC money (pros & cons) 27:10 – Why even Series A/B founders need a clear process 31:21 – European founder mistakes: humility, tone & pace 37:00 – Contrarian view: bigger isn’t always better for founders 41:18 – What moves François: piano & seeing mindset shifts 44:48 – Closing: where to find François online Find Francois Mazoudier online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/francoismazoudier/ Twitter: https://x.com/franco1s Fundraising Bootcamp: https://fundraising-bootcamp.com/ This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Biotech vs. AI: Why Venture Capital is Shifting Focus

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 2 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Welcome to this month's episode of Nothing Ventured! Join Aarish as we explore the most revealing developments in the world of venture capital and AI investment for September 2025. In this episode, we dive deep into NVIDIA's staggering £2 billion commitment to UK startups and what it really means for the future of AI. We discuss the implications of NVIDIA's investment strategy, including its recent $100 billion deal with OpenAI, and how it signals a shift towards vertical integration in the tech industry. We also analyse the controversial funding round of Mistral AI, which raised €2 billion at a €12 billion valuation, and why its open-source business model may be fundamentally flawed. As we shift our focus to biotech, we highlight the stealth boom in the sector, featuring Treeline Biosciences and other companies that are quietly outperforming AI in terms of risk-adjusted returns. Finally, we examine the changing landscape of global venture capital, with the UK and Europe emerging as competitive hubs against the backdrop of Silicon Valley's stagnation. Key Insights: 1. Hardware companies are becoming venture capitalists due to market saturation. 2. Open-source AI business models face significant challenges at scale. 3. Biotech is delivering better risk-adjusted returns than AI. 4. Foundation model funding is approaching unsustainability. 5. Geographic arbitrage is becoming the next competitive advantage in venture capital. What does October hold for the venture capital landscape? Tune in to find out! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more insights on the future of venture capital! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Enis Hulli: Emerging Europe builds US native unicorns

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Enis Hulli, a general partner at E2VC, an early-stage venture fund focused on supporting founders from emerging Europe. Enis shares insights from his journey in venture capital, detailing how his experience with 500 Startups helped him navigate the complexities of fund management, from legalities to fundraising. The discussion emphasises the importance of building a strong network and mapping talent early in the investment process. Enis also explores how emerging Europe is cultivating US-native unicorns and the challenges of remote-first operations in achieving significant growth. Tune in for valuable perspectives on venture capital strategies and the evolving landscape of tech entrepreneurship in emerging markets. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Enis Hulli and E2VC 00:00:31 - E2VC's Investment Thesis and Strategy 00:01:02 - Importance of Network and Talent in Early-Stage VC 00:01:40 - Building Unicorns in Emerging Europe 00:02:05 - Expertise in Gaming and Deep Tech in Emerging Europe 00:02:30 - Trust and Relationship Building in VC 00:02:51 - Host Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:03:32 - Transition from 500 Startups to E2VC 00:04:09 - Benefits of Independence from 500 Startups 00:05:01 - Evolution of Fund Size and Investment Strategy 00:05:44 - Brand Control and New Initiatives at E2VC 00:07:08 - Launching a San Francisco Office 00:07:31 - Initiative to Fund High School Students 00:08:20 - Talent Mapping and Early Engagement 00:09:12 - Identifying Entrepreneurial Traits Early 00:10:09 - Long-Term Thinking in VC 00:11:08 - Word of Mouth and Reputational Branding 00:11:45 - Malcolm Gladwell's Tipping Point and Talent Strategy 00:12:09 - Changes in Emerging Europe Over the Last Five Years 00:13:09 - Consolidation and Global Focus in Emerging Europe 00:14:09 - Importance of Proximity to Talent and Capital 00:15:08 - Shift in Founder Mindset Post-COVID 00:16:11 - Building Unicorns from Emerging Europe 00:17:00 - Importance of Being in Major Hubs 00:18:16 - Strengths and Weaknesses of Emerging Europe 00:19:08 - Founders' Mindset and Continuous Improvement 00:20:09 - Migrant Hustle and Proving Oneself 00:21:03 - Learning from Experienced Entrepreneurs 00:22:27 - E2VC's Edge in the Market 00:23:00 - High Conviction and Talent Mapping 00:24:11 - Signalling Value and Reputation in VC 00:25:14 - Engaging LPs and Their Expertise 00:25:42 - Investing in Ukrainian Founders 00:26:15 - Framework for Investing in Conflict Regions 00:27:08 - Technical Talent and Mobile Gaming in Emerging Europe 00:28:07 - Resilience and Anti-Fragility in Emerging Markets 00:29:05 - Cyclicality and Anti-Fragility in VC 00:30:09 - Benefits of Operating in Emerging Jurisdictions 00:31:03 - Writing Larger Checks at Pre-Seed and Seed Stages 00:32:22 - Capital Efficiency and Product-Market Fit 00:33:05 - Balancing Capital Constraints and Strategic Bets 00:34:13 - Differences in US and European VC Mentalities 00:35:09 - Iteration and Finding Product-Market Fit 00:36:14 - Underwriting Teams and Execution Speed 00:37:25 - Founder-Driven Investment Decisions 00:38:26 - Unlimited Runway and Iteration 00:39:01 - Short-Term Thinking vs. Long-Term Vision 00:40:07 - Unexpected Product-Market Fit 00:41:24 - Case Study: Unicorn Growth Story 00:42:13 - Understanding Customer Base and Market Potential Find Enis Hulli online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/enishulli/ Twitter: https://x.com/EnisHulli E2 VC: https://e2.vc This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Joe Knowles: Can Europe’s physical infrastructure keep up with its ambitions

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Joe Knowles, a partner at Smedvig Capital. Joe shares insights from his diverse background as an Airbus engineer, investment banker, and startup founder. He discusses Smedvik's unique approach to venture capital, emphasizing patient capital and a focus on integrity and founder trust rather than chasing hype cycles. The conversation explores the reality of the power law in venture capital, highlighting that while there are thousands of VC-backed companies in Europe, a small number account for a significant portion of exit value. Joe also addresses the advantages of being a single LP fund, the importance of execution in the commoditized tech landscape, and the need for improved physical infrastructure in Europe to support ambitious growth. Tune in for valuable perspectives on navigating the venture capital landscape and the future of value creation. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Joe Knowles and Smedvig Capital. 00:00:42 - The Reality of the Power Law in Venture Capital 00:01:24 - The Golden Age for Value Creation and Commoditisation of Code 00:01:50 - Aarish Shah's Background and Podcast Introduction 00:02:33 - Joe Knowles' Background and Recommendations 00:03:11 - The Power Law Myth and Its Impact on Venture Returns 00:05:44 - The Symbiotic Relationship Between Outliers and Middle-Tier Companies 00:07:23 - The Importance of Good Outcomes for the Ecosystem and Economy 00:08:56 - Venture-Backed Companies in Europe: Key Statistics 00:10:25 - The Overlap Between Power Law Strategies and Middle-Tier Strategies 00:11:18 - Can VCs Pursue Both Power Law and Middle-Tier Strategies? 00:13:24 - The Impact of AI and Software Costs on Venture Capital 00:17:06 - The Reckoning in AI and Its Impact on Venture Capital 00:19:58 - The Shift in Venture Capital Strategies Due to AI and Market Dynamics 00:21:50 - The Role of Single LP Funds and Family Offices in Venture Capital 00:23:37 - The History and Structure of Smedvig Ventures 00:25:18 - Dependence on a Single LP and Fund Size Discipline 00:27:09 - The Branding and Messaging Challenge of Single LP Funds 00:28:41 - The Trend of Family Offices Entering Venture Capital 00:31:09 - The Flexibility of Single LP Funds in Exits and Returns 00:33:02 - The Importance of IRR and Flexibility in Single LP Funds 00:35:12 - Understanding Venture Capital from a Founder's Perspective 00:37:19 - The Opacity and Decision-Making in Venture Capital 00:38:07 - The Commoditisation of Code and Its Impact on Venture Capital 00:41:01 - The Importance of Speed and Non-Code Moats in Venture Capital 00:45:09 - The Role of Domain Expertise and Market Niches in Venture Capital 00:47:05 - The Augmentation of Coders and the Contextual Nature of Expertise FindJoe Knowles online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-knowles-196a896b/ Twitter: https://x.com/joeknowlesuk / https://x.com/smedvigventures Smedvig Capital: https://smedvig.vc/ This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aarish Shah: Innovating for Impact: Insights from Venture Capital Leaders

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0000

On this episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish is joined by leading voices in venture capital — each bringing their own unique story, perspective, and vision for the future of investing. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Nothing Ventured Podcast 00:00:10 - Quick Fire with Irena Spatzapan 00:01:15 - Systemic Capital Overview 00:01:44 - Exciting Companies in Systemic Capital's Portfolio 00:02:25 - Quick Fire with Dan Pandeni-Iwenga 00:03:48 - Building the London Venture Capital Network (LVCN) 00:04:44 - Overview of LVCN 00:05:58 - Quick Fire with Ollie Harris 00:06:50 - Building Dream Ventures 00:07:23 - Overview of Dream Ventures 00:08:09 - Exciting Companies in Dream Ventures' Portfolio 00:09:28 - Quick Fire with Harry Morgan 00:10:29 - Overview of 7% Ventures 00:11:15 - Exciting Companies in 7% Ventures' Portfolio 00:11:38 - Quick Fire with Marcus Clover 00:12:11 - Building Energy Revolution Ventures (ERV) 00:12:39 - Overview of ERV 00:13:19 - Exciting Companies in ERV's Portfolio 00:13:46 - Quick Fire with Dr. Andrea Issoni 00:14:41 - Building AI Technologies 00:15:37 - Overview of AI Technologies This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aarish: What moves them most

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 4 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this thought-provoking episode, Aarish shares deep concerns about the future of humanity, expressing fears over influential figures like Donald Trump, Putin, and Netanyahu, whom they view as emblematic of our darker animal instincts. The discussion emphasises the ongoing battle between our primal nature and our humanity. Drawing inspiration from iconic leaders like Gandhi and Mandela, the host advocates for a collective embrace of compassion and understanding, urging listeners to set aside differences and prejudices in favor of recognising the beauty of our planet and each other. The episode culminates in a powerful reflection on the choice between perceiving the world as hostile or friendly, echoing Einstein's poignant final words. With a personal touch, the host also reveals their background as an engineer and their journey from a reluctant relationship with literature to embracing the power of human connection. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that challenges us to prioritise our humanity. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Emotional Concerns 00:00:11 - Fears About World Leaders 00:00:45 - Humanity vs. Animal Instincts 00:01:08 - The Importance of Humanity 00:01:29 - Choosing Between a Hostile and Friendly World 00:01:59 - Personal Reflections on Emotions 00:02:09 - The Role of Poetry in Bridging Thoughts and Feelings 00:03:32 - Family and Emotional Connections 00:04:21 - Value of Human Interaction 00:04:53 - Emotional Impact of Family Moments 00:05:38 - Desire for Recognition and Impact 00:06:23 - Cultural and Religious Influences on Giving Back 00:07:06 - Aspirations for Success and Generosity 00:07:59 - Family as a Driving Force and Legacy This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aarish Shah: Contrarian Opinions

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this thought-provoking episode, Aarish explores the concept of self-determinism and the chemistry of decision-making. They question the common narrative that attributes success solely to tenacity and drive, examining the role of luck and external circumstances in shaping our lives. Through insightful reflections, the discussion delves into how factors like family background, gender, and race significantly impact one's opportunities and successes. Aarish challenges listeners to consider the extent of their control over decisions and the differences between self-determinism, free will, and agency. Join us for a deep dive into the complexities of personal agency and the forces that influence our paths in life. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Contrarian Convictions: Self-Determinism vs. Luck 00:02:10 - The Importance of Free Speech 00:03:38 - Making Conscious Choices in Decision-Making 00:04:49 - Cynicism as a Tool for Optimism 00:05:52 - The Balance of Leadership: Empowerment vs. Direction 00:07:25 - The State of the US and Global Dynamics 00:10:01 - American Exceptionalism: A Diminishing Belief 00:11:44 - Migration Trends: US to Europe 00:12:31 - The Case Against Human Colonisation of Mars 00:14:13 - Robotics vs. Human Labor in Manufacturing 00:16:00 - Learning Through Experience: The Value of Menial Tasks 00:19:04 - The Role of Hardship in Building Resilience 00:20:34 - Consciousness vs. Intelligence in Society This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Harry Morgan: Unstacking the deck - On Social Mobility and Venture

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah sits down with Harry Morgan, principal at 7% Ventures, to explore the complexities of investing in climate and deep tech startups. Harry, a former founder turned investor, discusses the challenges of tackling world-shaping problems and the often uncomfortable realities of venture capital, including its tendency to amplify privilege over opportunity. The conversation delves into the unique dynamics of climate investing, highlighting the longer time frames and smaller exits compared to software ventures. Harry emphasises the crucial role of government in determining national priorities and de-risking scientific advancements. He also shares insights on the necessity of bias in venture capital, advocating for a trained approach to backing exceptional founders. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of investment, innovation, and social impact. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Nothing Ventured Podcast 00:00:10 - Guest Introduction: Harry Morgan from 7% Ventures 00:00:42 - Overview of Today's Episode Topics 00:01:28 - State-Educated Founders and Funding Stages 00:02:26 - Host Reintroduction and Podcast Purpose 00:02:36 - Harry Morgan's Journey from Founder to Investor 00:03:02 - Lessons from Founding a Startup 00:04:31 - Transition from Journalism to Investing 00:05:04 - Balancing Science and Commercial Aspects in Deep Tech 00:05:58 - Importance of Founder Ambition in Deep Tech Investments 00:06:44 - Indexing on Technological Step Change and Founder Execution 00:07:28 - Early Stage Financial Models and Product-Market Fit 00:08:39 - Building a Business vs. Building Revenue 00:09:52 - Specialization vs. Generalization in Founding Teams 00:10:55 - Adaptability and Generalization in Founding Teams 00:11:13 - Importance of Commercial Knowledge in Founding Teams 00:12:02 - Venture Capital's Role in Solving Multi-Decade Challenges 00:13:17 - Market Timing and Structural Challenges in Climate Tech 00:14:39 - Hedging Against Market Timing Risks in Deep Tech 00:15:19 - Execution Risks in Deep Tech Investments 00:16:45 - Government Regulation and Market Timing Risks 00:17:52 - Technology Success vs. Company Failure 00:18:39 - Differentiation Beyond Climate Impact 00:19:26 - Viewing Climate as a Horizontal Rather than a Vertical 00:20:32 - Government's Role in Supporting Innovation 00:21:12 - Economic Benefits of Climate Innovations 00:22:23 - Challenges with Government Grants and Procurement 00:23:28 - Importance of Government Contracts Over Grants 00:24:08 - Issues with Innovate UK and Grant Flywheels 00:25:35 - Government's Role in De-Risking Science 00:26:25 - Cultural Attitudes Towards Failure in the UK 00:27:29 - Zombie Businesses and the Fear of Failure 00:28:45 - Social Mobility and Venture Capital 00:29:55 - Diversity in Venture Capital: Performative or Real? 00:30:54 - Checking Biases in Venture Capital 00:31:39 - Social Mobility Ventures: Creating an Alternative Flywheel 00:33:20 - Redefining Terminology Around Social Mobility 00:34:24 - Levelling Privilege and Access to Opportunities 00:35:17 - Supporting Underprivileged Founders to Take Risks 00:36:32 - Levelling the Playing Field in Access to Resources 00:37:03 - Systemic Problems in Social Mobility 00:38:41 - Education System and Entrepreneurship 00:39:35 - Celebrating Big Successes and Failures 00:40:34 - Social Mobility Ventures: Goals and Timescale 00:41:39 - Inclusivity in Social Mobility Ventures 00:42:49 - Celebrating Self-Made Success Stories 00:44:06 - Changing the Problems Entrepreneurs Solve 00:44:48 - Focus on Inclusion in Angel Investing FindHarry Morgan online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harryemorgan/ Twitter: https://x.com/7pcventures / https://x.com/harryemorgan 7percent Ventures: https://7pc.vc This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrea Isoni: CFOs - You're Safe from AI - For Now

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 7 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah sits down with Dr. Andrea Isoni, Chief AI Officer at AI Technologies and lead author of the influential State of AI report. Together, they dive into the often misunderstood world of artificial intelligence, exploring its practical applications and the potential pitfalls that accompany its use. Andrea discusses the financial implications of implementing AI, particularly the necessity of investing in cybersecurity. He emphasises that while AI may change the landscape of employment, it is unlikely to lead to mass unemployment, prompting a need to rethink job roles rather than entire jobs. The conversation also touches on the emerging hacker economy and the importance of maintaining skepticism towards AI systems, which are not 100% trustworthy. Andrea reassures CFOs that their positions are secure for now, as AI is more about enhancing tasks than replacing entire jobs. Tune in for a candid discussion that cuts through the hype surrounding AI and addresses its real-world implications. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:00:51 - AI and Cybersecurity Spending 00:01:12 - Employment and the Hacker Economy 00:01:44 - Trustworthiness of AI Systems 00:01:58 - Human vs. Synthetically Generated Data 00:02:09 - Host Reintroduction and Podcast Information 00:02:53 - AI Delusion and Marginal Improvements 00:03:44 - Beneficiaries of AI Hype 00:05:00 - AI Sentience and Job Loss Concerns 00:07:08 - Future Job Market and Employment Concerns 00:08:20 - Investment in AI and Startup Hype 00:10:12 - High-Risk, High-Return in AI Investments 00:12:06 - Competitive Landscape in AI Development 00:13:04 - Practical Challenges with AI Tools 00:14:17 - Future of Work and Hacker Economy 00:16:07 - Shift to Fractional Consultancy Model 00:17:31 - Specialisation and Knowledge-Intensive Work 00:18:45 - Assurance and Human Role in AI Systems 00:19:55 - UK Employment and Up-skilling Opportunities 00:20:23 - Nationwide AI Up-skill Programs 00:22:14 - Emotional Reactions to AI Adoption 00:23:16 - Augmentation vs. Replacement by AI 00:25:00 - Effort and Long-Term Benefits in AI Era 00:28:49 - Misconceptions About AI Sentience 00:29:45 - Ethical Concerns in AI Deployments 00:32:33 - AGI and ASI Definitions and Implications 00:34:50 - Science and Error in AI Systems 00:35:01 - Human Role Behind AI Systems 00:37:17 - Regulation and Control in AI Development 00:40:13 - Democratisation of AI Access 00:43:07 - Practical Example: AI in Legal Judgments Find [guest name] online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaisoni20/ Twitter: https://x.com/theandreaisoni AI Technologies: aitechnologies.co This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dan Pandeni Idhenga: LVCN - Bringing Good Vibes to Venture

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Arish Shah sits down with DDan Pandeni Idhenga, co-founder of the London Venture Capital Network, one of the fastest-growing venture communities in the UK. Dan shares his diverse journey from Namibia to New York and London, with experiences at J.P. Morgan, AIG, and successful startups like Confirm. The conversation delves into the challenges of accessing the venture capital ecosystem, the intricacies of scaling an events business while maintaining its unique charm, and the importance of educating the next generation of venture professionals. Dan discusses the reality check many face when entering VC, delineating three archetypes within the industry: the researcher or analyst, the community builder, and the investor. He also addresses the perceived flaws in the UK's venture model and emphasises the positive culture he aims to foster within the London Venture Capital Network. Tune in for insights on building connections between aspiring VCs, seasoned investors, and ambitious founders. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Nothing Ventured and Dan Pandeni Idhenga 00:01:04 - The Opaque VC Ecosystem and Access 00:03:05 - Transitioning to Community-Based Business 00:04:57 - Vision for the London Venture Capital Network 00:07:37 - Scaling While Preserving Quality 00:09:07 - Identifying the Secret Sauce of Events 00:10:40 - Differentiating LVCN from Other Events 00:12:47 - Building a High-Quality Community 00:15:05 - Lessons from the Namibia Startup Investor Forum 00:18:08 - The Importance of Experimentation in Community Building 00:21:41 - Engaging Students and Young Professionals in VC 00:22:37 - Tools for Breaking into Venture Capital 00:24:16 - Understanding the Three Archetypes in VC 00:27:08 - The Importance of Networking and Writing 00:30:19 - Evolving Landscape of Venture Capital 00:34:19 - Startup Experience vs. Direct Entry into VC 00:40:19 - Adjusting LVCN's Approach to Industry Changes 00:44:57 - The Value of Startup Experience for Aspiring Investors Find Dan Pandeni Idhenga online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danidhenga/ Twitter: https://x.com/DanIdhenga London Venture Capital Network: https://www.londonvcnetwork.com/ This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aarish: Risk, Resilience & Reinvention

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish dives into the theme of Risk, Resilience, and Reinvention—three forces shaping the future of tech right now. Over the past month, we’ve witnessed a sharp divergence across the industry: while crypto infrastructure is quietly being rebuilt behind the scenes, the creator-platform playbook is showing signs of collapse. Join us as we unpack what’s working, what’s faltering, and how founders and investors can navigate the tension between long-term vision and short-term volatility. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction: Risk, Resilience, and Reinvention in Tech 00:00:17 - Crypto's Resilience: Infrastructure vs. Hype 00:01:32 - Defense Tech Surge: National Security Ventures 00:03:09 - Biotech Drought: Refinement Under Pressure 00:04:34 - Emerging Markets: Strategic Investments and Impact 00:05:50 - Final Thoughts: The New Venture Frontier Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Marcus Clover: From Fuel Cell Technology to a VC Fund

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Marcus Clover, co-founder of Energy Revolution Ventures (ERV). They delve into ERV's mission to accelerate the transition from carbon-heavy energy systems to renewable electrochemical solutions. With a team boasting seven PhDs and three professors, ERV combines deep technical expertise with a venture builder arm, ProSemino, to transform research into viable companies. The conversation covers key topics such as the two winning strategies for hardware companies—cost and functionality—the two megatrends in energy beyond decarbonisation, and the significant reduction in the price of solar and wind energy over the past decade. Marcus discusses the potential for homes and cities to evolve into power stations and highlights that 50% of the technologies needed for the energy transition already exist. The episode also touches on the rapid commercialisation of technology and the future convergence of compute costs with energy prices. Tune in to explore how innovation is shaping a more efficient and sustainable energy landscape. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Nothing Ventured Podcast 00:00:10 - Guest Introduction: Marcus Clover of ERV 00:00:21 - ERV's Mission and Expertise 00:00:32 - ERV's Core Belief and Approach 00:00:53 - Topics for Today's Episode 00:01:25 - Energy Transition Technologies 00:02:00 - Host Reintroduction and Podcast Information 00:02:43 - Marcus Clover's Background and Origin Story 00:03:17 - Early Career and Fuel Cell Technology 00:04:01 - Efficiency of Fuel Cells vs. Fossil Fuels 00:05:06 - Cost Reduction in EVs and Renewable Energy 00:06:00 - Formation of ERV and Partnership with ProSemino 00:07:16 - Economics of Electrons and Deep Tech Investment 00:08:12 - Capital Intensity in Deep Tech and Hardware 00:09:04 - Cost vs. Functionality in Hardware Companies 00:10:10 - Capital and Business Models in Energy Tech 00:11:20 - Challenges in Energy Tech Adoption 00:12:03 - Energy Transition and Efficiency 00:13:15 - Megatrends in Global Energy Demand 00:14:01 - Price Reduction in Renewable Energy 00:15:07 - Barriers to Renewable Energy Adoption 00:17:03 - Narrative and Storytelling in Energy Transition 00:18:00 - Historical Context of Cleantech Investment 00:19:11 - Focus on Fundamentals and Economics 00:20:03 - Rapid Deployment of Solar and EVs 00:21:12 - Future of Energy Tech in the Next Decade 00:22:01 - Homes and Cities as Power Stations 00:23:02 - UK Energy Infrastructure and Policy 00:24:04 - Battery Technology and Energy Storage 00:25:11 - Impact of Energy Tech on Daily Life 00:25:41 - Integrated Energy Solutions for Consumers 00:26:45 - Analogy to Early Internet and Energy Solutions 00:27:42 - Aggregators and Resellers in Energy Tech 00:28:24 - Consumer Behavior and Energy Solutions 00:29:48 - Climate Angle in Energy Investment 00:30:30 - Matching Capital to Energy Models 00:31:12 - Existing vs. Emerging Energy Technologies 00:32:07 - Role of Philanthropy in Frontier Technologies 00:33:03 - Venture Studio and Incubator for Energy Tech 00:34:45 - Challenges in Lab Space for Energy Tech 00:36:34 - Research and Innovation in Energy Tech 00:37:12 - Ecosystem for Cleantech Spinouts 00:38:25 - UK Ambition in Energy Tech 00:39:18 - Energy for Future of Compute 00:40:11 - Cost of Compute and Energy Demand 00:41:40 - Venture Perspective on Data Centers 00:42:21 - Technology Needs for Data Centers 00:43:38 - Energy Demand Spikes in Data Centers 00:44:19 - Stability of Power in Emerging Markets 00:45:01 - Global Energy Distribution and Security 00:46:35 - Collaboration in the Global South 00:48:08 - Sovereign Energy Security and Dependence 00:49:02 - Electrification and Renewable Energy as Solutions Find Marcus Clover online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-clover-47b463a7/ Twitter: https://www.linkedin.com/company/energy-revolution-ventures/ Energy Revolution Ventures: https://erv.io This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Irena Spazzapan: Is VC still hiding behind the power law?

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Ari Shah welcomes Irena Spazzapan, Managing Partner at Systemic Capital, a venture capital fund focused on addressing planet-scale challenges through technology. Irena shares her journey from Goldman Sachs to venture building, emphasising the importance of software-first, asset-light models in tackling climate issues like decarbonisation and electrification. The conversation delves into the regulatory landscape surrounding physical technologies, the necessity of proactive investment strategies in a power law-driven industry, and the potential implications of shifting funds from money markets as interest rates change. Irena also discusses the dynamics of specialised funds in Europe and their impact on local investment landscapes. Tune in for insights on navigating the intersection of technology and climate solutions. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 00:00:10 - Irena Spazzapan's Background and Systemic Capital 00:00:31 - Climate Solutions and Investment Strategies 00:00:43 - The Role of Regulation in Venture Capital 00:01:00 - Power Law in Venture Capital 00:01:22 - Money Markets and Interest Rates 00:01:41 - Local Strong Funds in Europe 00:02:12 - VC as a Boys' Club 00:02:23 - Call to Action for Podcast Engagement 00:02:46 - Importance of Macroeconomics in Venture Capital 00:03:18 - Interaction Between Physical World and Software 00:05:13 - Examples of Electrification and Physical AI 00:06:19 - AI and Automation in Manufacturing 00:07:22 - Space and Planet-Scale Solutions 00:07:41 - Team Experience in Power and Commodities 00:08:12 - Impact of Macroeconomics on Venture Capital 00:09:13 - Importance of Short-Term Fundraising 00:09:35 - Potential Future Macro Trends 00:10:44 - Impact of War and Defense Tech on Venture Capital 00:11:05 - Avoiding Government Sales and Defense Investments 00:11:26 - The Fourth Turning and Societal Shifts 00:12:15 - Future of AI and Automation 00:12:37 - Societal Acceptance of Technological Shifts 00:13:41 - China's Advancements in Technology 00:14:16 - Robotic Football Teams and AI Progress 00:14:57 - Regulatory Differences Between China and the West 00:15:21 - Observations from Visiting China 00:16:01 - Misconceptions About China's Technological Capabilities 00:16:41 - Europe's Position Between the US and China 00:17:22 - Fragmentation of European Markets 00:18:09 - Power Law vs. Discipline in Exits 00:18:38 - Importance of Planning for the Worst 00:19:03 - Identifying Rocket Ships and Middle Ground Companies 00:20:39 - Creating DPI with Middle Pack Companies 00:21:06 - Explanation of DPI and IRR 00:22:02 - IRR vs. Multiples in Venture Capital 00:23:03 - Impact of Interest Rates on Venture Capital 00:24:34 - IPOs and Market Opportunities 00:25:18 - Public Investors' Attitude Towards Tech in Europe 00:26:18 - Challenges of Expanding Fund Size 00:27:00 - Building Value-Generative Portfolios 00:28:28 - Helping Companies Find Better Homes 00:29:25 - Transatlantic Strategy and Avoiding Continental Europe 00:30:11 - Challenges of Competing with US Tier 1 Funds 00:31:14 - Efficiency and Productivity in Investment Strategy 00:32:01 - Publicly Funded Specialist Funds in Europe 00:32:32 - Penetrating Local Ecosystems 00:33:17 - Deal Flow and Focus in the UK 00:34:01 - Inbound Opportunities from Europe 00:34:23 - Impact of US Firms Entering Europe 00:34:48 - Collaboration with Generalist Funds 00:35:10 - Challenges of Diluting Focus with a Small Team 00:35:46 - Importance of Maintaining a Consistent Strategy 00:36:36 - Barriers to Entry in Asset Management 00:37:32 - Women in Venture Capital and Herd Mentality 00:38:24 - Impact of Downturns on Women in VC 00:39:00 - VC as a Boys' Club 00:39:42 - Building a Different Culture in VC Firms 00:41:11 - Fitting In vs. Bringing Your Own Dynamic 00:42:03 - Managing Sharks in the Industry FindIrena Spazzapan online at: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/irena-spazzapan-741a53/ Twitter: https://x.com/ISpazzapan Systemiq Capital: https://systemiqcapital.earth This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aarish Shah: News Episode

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 3 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish dives into the latest trends and insights from the venture capital landscape as of June 2025. He reflects on the significant developments in Q4 2024 and Q1 2025, highlighting Nvidia's remarkable performance, which saw revenue soar to $39 billion and $44 billion in consecutive quarters. Despite facing challenges like export controls and the US-China chip war, Nvidia rebounded to become the world’s most valuable company, underscoring the fundamentals driving current AI euphoria in the venture space. Aarish also critiques the emergence of pre-planned AI ventures, exemplified by the $2 billion funding for Mira Murati's Thinking Machines Lab, which lacks a clear product or mission, raising questions about the sustainability of such hype-driven investments. Tune in for a concise, no-fluff analysis of the current state of venture capital, exploring the intersection of hype, hope, and hard truths in the industry. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Nothing Ventured in the News 00:00:17 - Overview of June 2025 in Venture Capital 00:00:49 - Nvidia's Explosive Growth and AI Euphoria 00:01:45 - The Rise of Pre-Planned AI and Faith-Based Investing 00:02:37 - Startup Failures and the Need for Diligence 00:03:49 - Europe's Big VC Play and Structural Challenges 00:05:03 - AI's Impact on San Francisco Real Estate 00:05:55 - Momentum in India and Spain's Tech Markets 00:07:10 - The Split in U.S. Venture Capital 00:08:03 - Norsken VC's Commitment to AI for Good 00:08:46 - Failure Files: Coros and Builder.ai 00:09:29 - Conclusion: Investing in Substance Over Hype This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oli Harris: From poker chips to portfolio cos

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Venture, host Aarish Shah sits down with Oli Harris, a partner at Dream Ventures, to explore the intriguing parallels between poker and venture capital. Oli shares his background as an entrepreneur and discusses the unique approach Dream Ventures takes in investing, leveraging a gambler's instinct to identify elite technology and consumer companies. The conversation delves into the challenges founders face when transitioning to CEO roles, emphasising the importance of adaptability and delegation. Oli highlights the significance of being a great fiduciary, building trust with both founders and limited partners (LPs), and the impact of larger funds on investment strategies. Tune in to gain insights on what makes a successful founder and the evolving landscape of venture capital. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Nothing Ventured 00:00:10 - Oli Harris: Entrepreneur to VC 00:00:57 - Transitioning from Founder to CEO 00:01:37 - The Role of a Fiduciary in Venture Capital 00:01:57 - Investment Strategies and Founder Characteristics 00:02:49 - The Poker Mindset in Investing 00:03:15 - Networking and Understanding Human Behavior 00:04:53 - The Importance of Adaptability in Founders 00:05:59 - The Challenges of Scaling a Business 00:08:09 - The Difference Between Building Revenue and Building a Business 00:10:58 - Self-Awareness in Founders and CEOs 00:12:07 - The Unusual Journey of Founders 00:13:44 - The Anti-VC Approach of Dream Ventures 00:16:05 - Pragmatic Money Management in Venture Capital 00:17:51 - Understanding DPI and Trust with LPs 00:20:10 - The Three Tiers of Investment Portfolio 00:21:07 - The Importance of Early Exits 00:22:14 - The Reality of Venture Capital Returns 00:24:10 - The Shift in Venture Capital Attitudes 00:25:19 - The Velocity of Money and LP Relationships 00:30:10 - The Challenges of Fund Size and Investment Strategy 00:31:56 - Evaluating Founders: Process and Intuition 00:35:10 - The Human Element in Venture Capital 00:38:07 - The Mental and Emotional Toll on Founders 00:40:01 - The Dangers of Shiny Object Syndrome 00:42:05 - The Importance of Focus in Startups 00:44:58 - Normalising Cashing Out for Founders 00:46:08 - The Future of Secondary Investments in Europe Find [guest name] online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliharris/ Twitter: https://x.com/ohchopper Dream Ventures: https://www.dreamventures.com/ This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Varun Rekhi: The Roaring 20s Mentality: How Europe Can Celebrate Success in Tech

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Varun Rekhi:, a growth investor at Speed invest, to discuss the evolving landscape of venture capital in Europe. Varun shares insights on why he believes Europe's flywheel is broken, highlighting that the continent faces an output problem rather than an input problem. He emphasises the need for a "roaring 20s mentality" in Europe, akin to the celebratory spirit seen in the U.S. Varun delves into the four Ts of early-stage investing—team, total addressable market (TAM), timing, and traction—while contrasting them with the focus on commercial, financial, and legal aspects in growth-stage investments. He also discusses the importance of developing creative exit strategies and the value of engaging in messy real-world environments to foster first principles thinking. Tune in for an enlightening conversation on the future of venture investing across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Varun Rekhi and the Podcast 00:01:04 - Europe's Venture Ecosystem: A Broken Flywheel 00:02:44 - Macro Context of Venture Capital in Europe 00:03:46 - Understanding Europe's Output Problem 00:05:53 - The Mindset of Public Market Investors 00:08:07 - Celebrating Wealth Creation in Europe 00:10:07 - The Impact of Capital Markets on Growth 00:12:07 - The Role of Talent and Infrastructure in Europe 00:14:13 - Opportunities for Founders in the Current Climate 00:15:51 - The Importance of Distribution and Voice for Founders 00:18:00 - Navigating Early-Stage vs. Growth-Stage Investing 00:22:08 - Key Metrics for Growth-Stage Startups 00:25:19 - The Shift in Investment Focus and Trends 00:29:34 - Advice for Founders on Fundraising 00:30:44 - The Changing Landscape of Venture Capital 00:32:13 - The Rise of Capital Efficiency in Startups 00:37:05 - Future Trends in Direct Listings and Secondaries 00:42:23 - Adapting the Venture Capital Model for Europe Find Varun Rekhi online at: LinkedIn: https: https://www.linkedin.com/in/varunrekhi/ Twitter: https: https://x.com/RekhiVarun Speedinvest: https://www.speedinvest.com/ This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aly Madhavji: Blockchain Beyond the Hype

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Aly Madhavji, managing partner at Blockchain Founders Fund, to discuss the evolving landscape of Web3. They delve into the importance of addressing consumer skepticism and the need for effective education about Web3 technologies. Aly shares insights on how to onboard millions of users seamlessly, highlighting innovative approaches such as the potential of "Crypto nights" on platforms like Amazon Prime. The conversation also explores the implications of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and the global shift towards digital currencies, as well as the role of regulation in fostering blockchain innovation. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on building trust, navigating complex markets, and understanding the intersection of talent, capital, and policy in the blockchain space. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Ali Madhavji and Blockchain Founders Fund 00:00:21 - Ali's Background and Achievements 00:00:41 - Episode Overview: Topics to be Discussed 00:01:07 - Educating the Masses on Web3 00:01:31 - Regulation and Blockchain Startups 00:01:52 - Ali's Fundraising Advice for Founders 00:02:25 - Call to Action: Rate, Subscribe, and Share 00:02:53 - Starting the Conversation with Ali 00:03:14 - Blockchain Beyond the Hype 00:04:03 - Identifying Genuine Blockchain Startups 00:04:46 - Challenges and Opportunities in Blockchain 00:05:46 - Consumer Skepticism and Recovery 00:06:09 - Building Consumer Apps for Web3 00:06:29 - Evaluating Blockchain Startups 00:07:25 - On-Ramping into Crypto 00:07:59 - Crypto Nights on Amazon Prime 00:08:21 - Aim and Format of Crypto Nights 00:09:54 - Educational Aspects of Crypto Nights 00:10:31 - Traditional Finance vs. Decentralised Finance 00:11:29 - Transitioning from Traditional Accounting to Web3 00:12:30 - Decentralised Finance and Financial Inclusion 00:14:59 - De-Banking and De-Risking in Emerging Markets 00:16:58 - Building Durable Products Post-Hype Cycle 00:17:20 - Blockchain's Impact in Emerging Markets 00:18:09 - Trust in National Currencies and Stable coins 00:19:35 - Remittances and Currency Stability 00:21:42 - Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) 00:23:04 - Government Responsibility and Currency Stability 00:23:48 - El Salvador's Bitcoin Experiment 00:25:00 - Challenges of Using Bitcoin as a Currency 00:27:04 - Global Hubs for Web3: Singapore and UAE 00:28:39 - Effective Regulation in UAE and Singapore 00:30:39 - Talent Attraction in UAE and Singapore 00:32:24 - Bureaucratic Challenges in Western Countries 00:34:11 - Capital and Talent Attraction in UAE and Singapore 00:35:47 - Opportunities for Western Countries 00:36:46 - Sentiment Shift in the US 00:39:12 - Challenges in Europe 00:41:08 - Building and Scaling in the Current Climate 00:42:23 - UK and Europe's Position in the Global Market 00:43:58 - Innovation and Regulation 00:44:08 - Fundraising Challenges and Valuations Find Aly Madhavji online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alymadhavji/ Twitter: https://x.com/aly_madhavji Blockchain Founders Fund: https://blockchainff.com This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alvaro Alvarez del Rio: Legacy and the franchise value of your VC matters

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 5 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Alvaro Alvarez del Rio, founder of Boost Capital Partners. Alvaro shares insights from his extensive experience in venture capital, having invested in over 120 software startups with a total exit value exceeding $10 billion. The discussion focuses on how Boost Capital leverages gaming principles to enhance user experiences and drive growth in non-gaming companies. Alvaro emphasises the importance of onboarding processes, retention mechanics, and engagement strategies in scaling businesses. He also discusses the significance of legacy and franchise value for investment firms and advocates for the necessity of specialisation in emerging VC funds. Tune in to explore how these innovative approaches are reshaping the venture capital landscape. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Nothing Ventured Podcast 00:00:10 - Guest Introduction: Álvaro Álvarez del Río 00:00:42 - Applying Gaming Principles to Non-Gaming Companies 00:01:53 - Host Reintroduction and Podcast Overview 00:02:42 - Álvaro's Journey and Boost Capital's Mission 00:03:31 - Example of Gaming UX Strategies in Non-Gaming Sectors 00:05:05 - Stitch Health Case Study 00:08:05 - Importance of User Retention and Engagement 00:10:17 - User Growth vs. Revenue in Venture Capital 00:11:01 - Consumer vs. B2B Go-to-Market Strategies 00:13:42 - Data-Driven User Acquisition and Retention 00:15:37 - First Purchase Profitability in Consumer Goods 00:17:04 - Family Offices as LPs in Venture Capital 00:19:43 - Risk Profiles and Capital Allocation in Family Offices 00:22:27 - Current Market Environment for Venture and Family Offices 00:25:53 - Diversification vs. Concentration in Venture Capital 00:28:06 - Generalist vs. Specialist VC Funds 00:31:47 - Consolidation and Fragmentation in the Venture Ecosystem 00:34:41 - Unique Opportunities and Challenges in European Tech Ecosystems 00:38:31 - Diversity and Talent in Europe 00:41:00 - Progress and Initiatives in European Tech 00:44:28 - Structural Problems and Capital Gaps in Europe 00:45:59 - Meaningful Impact and Tech for Good 00:47:07 - Moral Compass in Investment Decisions Find [guest name] online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvaroalvarezdelrio/ Twitter: https://x.com/Boost_VC Boost Capital: https://boostcapital.vc This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Roger Wade: Streetwear, street food, and the streets of South London

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 29 May 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah sits down with Roger Wade, the visionary founder behind Boxfresh and Boxpark, two iconic British brands. Roger shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings on a South London council estate to building successful companies, including scaling Boxpark into a cultural landmark in East London. He discusses the importance of having a clear destination when starting a business, emphasising that entrepreneurship is not just about quick wins but enjoying the journey. Roger highlights the significance of migrant stories in the UK and advocates for a 'less is more' approach in venture capital. He also sheds light on the philosophy of transparency in investment terms and the importance of innovative thinking in business. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about purpose-driven entrepreneurship and the power of community. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Roger Wade 00:00:10 - Roger Wade's Background and Achievements 00:00:32 - Founding BoxFund and Views on Venture Capital 00:00:42 - Journey from Rags to Riches 00:01:39 - Importance of Knowing Your Destination in Business 00:01:54 - Host Introduction and Podcast Purpose 00:02:36 - Starting the Conversation with Roger Wade 00:02:49 - Roger Wade's Early Life and Challenges 00:03:12 - Moving from Malaysia to the UK 00:04:06 - Experiencing Racism in 1970s Britain 00:04:39 - Struggles with Identity and Education 00:06:00 - University Life and Early Career 00:06:34 - Transition to Entrepreneurship 00:06:54 - Building BoxFresh from a Market Stall 00:07:48 - Selling BoxFresh to Pentland 00:08:09 - Early Motivations and Drive 00:09:02 - Challenges of University and Entrepreneurial Traits 00:09:23 - Shifting Motivations with Age and Success 00:10:14 - Ego and Purpose in Business 00:10:31 - Financial Stability and Legacy 00:11:04 - Building BoxPark and Achieving Financial Freedom 00:12:19 - Eastern Philosophy and Life Stages 00:13:30 - Learning from Business Exits 00:14:33 - Planning for an Exit 00:15:20 - Importance of Knowing Your Business Destination 00:16:02 - Building a Team for Exit 00:17:01 - Rapid Growth of BoxPark 00:18:03 - Differences Between BoxFresh and BoxPark 00:18:28 - Connecting the Dots of Life Experiences 00:19:18 - Belief in Physical Retail 00:20:00 - Evolution and Adaptation in Business 00:21:02 - Pivoting BoxPark to Street Food 00:22:23 - Taking Over Alcohol Licenses at BoxPark 00:23:06 - Launching BoxHall Concept 00:23:30 - Relationship with Enough 00:24:09 - Period of Reflection and Therapy 00:25:08 - Controlling the Monkey Mind 00:26:01 - Working Three Days a Week 00:27:06 - Importance of Calmness and Experience 00:28:01 - Time as the Most Precious Commodity 00:29:20 - Life as a Dance Floor 00:30:40 - Realizing Money Doesn't Define Happiness 00:31:11 - Practicing Stoicism and Simple Living 00:32:05 - Focusing on Health, Relationships, and Legacy 00:33:00 - Celebrating Migrant Contributions 00:34:02 - Multicultural Britain 00:35:06 - Migrants and Entrepreneurship 00:36:00 - Personal Reflections on Being a Londoner 00:37:05 - Potential Political Shifts and Immigration 00:38:03 - Positive Impact of Immigrants 00:39:02 - Personal and Family Contributions to the Economy 00:40:11 - Migrant Necessity for Entrepreneurship 00:41:14 - Critique of Traditional Venture Capital 00:42:07 - Broken VC Model and BoxFund's Approach 00:43:11 - Hands-On Investment Approach 00:44:49 - Rejecting the Herd Mentality in Investments 00:45:10 - Issues with Liquidity Preference Shares Find Roger Wade online at: LinkedIn:https: //www.linkedin.com/in/rogerwade1/ BoxFund VC: https://www.boxfund.co.uk/ This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Theuma & Kenneth Thomas: Evolving from Community to Capital, SaaStock to BackFuture

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 22 May 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Alex Theuma, founder and CEO of SaaStock, and Kenneth Thomas, Principal at BackFuture Ventures. They delve into the importance of building a strong network over a decade to successfully launch a venture capital firm like BackFuture. The conversation touches on the qualitative aspects of venture capital, emphasizing the significance of interpersonal relationships and honest communication. The trio also explores the challenges of raising a fund amid the recent SVB collapse and discusses the current state of the SaaS industry. Alex and Ken reveal how they are evolving the BackFuture brand while maintaining its unique selling proposition. Tune in for insights on navigating the dynamic world of B2B SaaS investment and innovation. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Guests and Podcast Overview 00:00:55 - Importance of Building a Network for VC Firms 00:01:24 - Decoupling SaaStock and BackFuture Ventures 00:02:09 - Evolution from SaaStock to BackFuture Ventures 00:02:45 - Transitioning from Community Builder to Investor 00:03:06 - Timing and Network in Launching a VC Firm 00:03:49 - Learning by Doing and Providing Capital 00:05:14 - Conviction in Early-Stage Investments 00:06:30 - Art of Picking Investments and Network Leverage 00:09:16 - Ken Thomas on Community-Driven VC Models 00:10:34 - Channels and Process for Deal Flow 00:11:32 - Portfolio Support and Promotion 00:13:11 - Community as a Distribution Channel and Testing Ground 00:14:37 - Challenges of Raising a Fund During Market Downturn 00:15:05 - Initial Fundraising Experience and Market Impact 00:16:07 - Difficulties in Raising from LPs 00:17:59 - Continued Challenges in Fundraising 00:18:20 - Evolution of BackFuture Ventures' Thesis 00:19:22 - Decoupling SaaStock and BackFuture Ventures Brands 00:20:25 - Is SaaS Dead? The Impact of AI and No-Code Tools 00:21:24 - AI as a Technology and SaaS as a Business Model 00:22:18 - Evolution and Future of SaaS 00:23:52 - AI-Powered SaaS and Legacy SaaS Companies 00:25:03 - Differentiating AI Companies from SaaS Companies 00:26:00 - Founders' Perspective on AI and SaaS 00:27:22 - Enterprise Sales and SaaS Stickiness 00:28:25 - Market Focus: Enterprise vs. SMEs 00:29:49 - Capital Efficiency and Non-Dilutive Funding in SaaS 00:30:47 - Shift Towards Bootstrap Companies 00:32:07 - Competition Among VCs and Fewer VC-Backed Companies 00:32:36 - Impact of COVID on SaaStock and Human Connection 00:34:15 - Transition to Virtual Events During COVID 00:35:55 - Success and Fatigue of Virtual Events 00:37:54 - Importance of Face-to-Face Interaction 00:38:51 - Ken Thomas' Introduction to SaaStock 00:39:46 - Virtual vs. In-Person Events Post-COVID 00:41:09 - Value of In-Person Events and Meaningful Conversations 00:42:34 - Contrarian Convictions and Risk Appetite 00:43:34 - Human Interaction and Emotional Connection Find Alex Theuma online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alextheuma/ / Twitter: https://x.com/alextheuma / SaaStock: https://saastock.com Find Kenneth Thomas online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethkashifthomas/ Backfuture VC: https://backfuture.vc This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jay Gujral: From Founder to Venture and Back Again

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 15 May 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes back repeat founder, angel investor, and blockchain expert Jay Gujral for the second part of their insightful conversation. Jay shares his entrepreneurial background, discussing how both of his parents were involved in business, including his father's art shop, Athena. The discussion delves into the current state of the market, particularly in the UK, and explores the intersection of emerging technology, data integrity, and startup ecosystems. Tune in for valuable insights and a deep dive into the evolving landscape of venture capital and entrepreneurship. Don't forget to check out part one for more context! Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Overview 00:00:31 - Host and Podcast Introduction 00:01:04 - Jay's Entrepreneurial Family Background 00:02:06 - Impact of Entrepreneurial Family on Jay 00:03:08 - Early Business Ventures 00:05:10 - Cultural Influence on Entrepreneurship 00:07:09 - State of the Market and Venture Capital 00:08:33 - Challenges for Emerging Fund Managers 00:10:39 - Shift Towards R&D Intensive Businesses 00:12:52 - Community-Led Funds and Web3 00:16:01 - Venture Ecosystem Reset 00:18:18 - European Venture Capital Opportunities 00:19:03 - Project Europe and Emerging Funds 00:21:50 - Age and Success in Entrepreneurship 00:22:28 - Education and Financial Literacy 00:25:10 - UK Entrepreneurship Environment 00:26:39 - Final Thoughts and Reflections 00:27:01 - Contrarian Opinion: Consistency 00:29:19 - Emotional Motivations and Giving Back 00:31:24 - Closing Remarks and Contact Information Find Jay Gujral online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaygujral/ Twitter: https://x.com/JayGujral Rekord:https: //rekord.io/ This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jay Gujral: Solving Blockchains Missing Piece - Adoption

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 8 May 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah sits down with Jay Gujral, a seasoned entrepreneur and angel investor with a deep understanding of blockchain technology. Jay shares his journey from founding Gradlancer, a student freelance marketplace, to his current venture, Record, which aims to provide robust data integrity solutions for businesses. The conversation explores the challenges of blockchain adoption, the role of AI in validating information, and the importance of establishing a reliable system of record. Jay emphasises that the future of digital trust should be accessible without requiring extensive technical knowledge. Tune in to hear insights on the early missteps founders often make and how Record aspires to set a new data standard in the industry. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Jay Gujral Welcome to the episode featuring Jay Gujral, a repeat founder and blockchain expert. 00:01:02 - Web3 and Blockchain Adoption Discussion on the challenges of Web3 and the need for broader adoption beyond tech circles. 00:04:04 - Understanding Blockchain's Value Exploring why blockchain matters and its potential beyond cryptocurrency. 00:06:18 - Complexity of Blockchain Solutions The need for simplicity in blockchain applications for mass market adoption. 00:09:02 - The Current State of Blockchain Reflections on the hype around blockchain, NFTs, and the impact of recent scandals. 00:10:11 - Marketing Challenges in Crypto The crypto community's echo chamber and the need for external engagement. 00:11:32 - AI and Blockchain Intersection How AI's growth necessitates a reliable system of record, potentially fulfilled by blockchain. 00:14:15 - Proof of Data Integrity The importance of tamper-proof records in the age of AI and misinformation. 00:17:04 - Real-World Applications of Blockchain Examples of how blockchain can solve real-world problems, such as land title disputes. 00:19:12 - Blockdojo's Approach to Founders Insights into the support provided to early-stage blockchain founders at Blockdojo. 00:22:57 - The Importance of Focus for Founders Advice on the necessity for founders to solve specific problems rather than overreach. 00:25:13 - Record's Vision for Data Standards Discussion on the potential for Record to become a data standard in compliance and risk management. 00:27:44 - Lessons from Gradlancer Jay reflects on his experience building and selling Gradlancer and what he learned. 00:30:01 - The Evolution of Founding a Startup Comparing the startup landscape from Gradlancer to current ventures and the changes in approach. 00:35:11 - Decision to Return to Founding Jay discusses his thought process and motivations for starting again with Record. Find Jay Gujral online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaygujral/ Twitter: https://x.com/JayGujral Rekord:https: //rekord.io/ This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ed Ebbern / Will McManners: The New Great Game, Venture in Adverse Times

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 1 May 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah is joined by Ed Ebbern and Will McManners, founding partners of MD1 Ventures, Europe's first dedicated national security VC fund. With backgrounds in special forces and defense innovation, they explore the evolving adversarial landscape and the importance of asking better questions in an age of overwhelming data. The discussion highlights the necessity of viewing defense through a preventative lens to avoid conflict, the role of capital access in fostering success, and the vital contributions of small to medium enterprises in developing technological solutions. Tune in for insights on geopolitical narratives and the collective endeavor of security and vigilance in today’s world. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to MD1 Ventures 00:02:55 - Early Years in Defense 00:03:34 - Shifts in Military Engagement 00:04:38 - Adversarial Environments and Innovation 00:08:09 - Understanding Terrorism Trends 00:10:00 - Founding Relationship Between Will and Ed 00:11:06 - Diversity in Defense Investment 00:12:39 - Government Collaboration Challenges 00:14:59 - Attracting Talent to Government Roles 00:17:03 - The Role of Private Sector in Defense 00:19:23 - Current Security Zeitgeist 00:22:04 - Importance of Supply Chain Security 00:25:11 - Long-Term Investment Strategies 00:27:49 - Addressing Capital Gaps in the UK 00:30:42 - The Role of SMEs in National Security 00:32:07 - Vulnerabilities in Subsea Infrastructure 00:35:12 - The Impact of Non-State Actors 00:38:01 - Conclusion and Future Considerations Find Ed Ebbern and Will McManners online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-mcmanners/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardebbern/ / MD One: https://md-one.com This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mike Bank: Anyone can build — but should they? | Part 2

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Mike Bank, founder of Underdog, a pre-accelerated syndicate that supports solo and non-traditional founders in launching revenue-generating businesses while maintaining their day jobs. Mike shares insights from his extensive experience as an investment banker, early-stage VC, and angel investor, discussing the challenges and opportunities in starting a business today. The conversation touches on key topics such as the importance of desirability, feasibility, and affordability in business ideas, the evolution of venture capital, and the inspiring story of a 13-year-old entrepreneur selling mystery seeds. Mike emphasizes the need for hard work and determination, breaking down mental barriers to diversity in entrepreneurship. Tune in to explore the journey of launching a business and the support available for aspiring founders. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Mike Bank and Underdog 00:01:29 - Mentoring DayZero Founders 00:01:57 - The Acceptability of Failure 00:02:17 - Podcast Promotion and Episode Structure 00:03:04 - The Role of Capital in Business 00:05:24 - Democratization of Innovation and Business Creation 00:06:09 - The Youngest Founder at Underdog 00:07:13 - The Seed Box Business Idea 00:08:17 - Real-World Skills Through Entrepreneurship 00:09:44 - Reflections on University and Failure 00:12:28 - The Importance of Effort and Experience 00:17:27 - Understanding Diversity in Entrepreneurship 00:20:15 - Personal Background and Privilege 00:25:03 - The Challenge of Funding Diverse Founders 00:27:12 - The Evolution of Underdog 00:30:31 - Learning from Failure and Mentorship 00:32:18 - The Value of Networks in Startups 00:39:00 - Open Access and Low Friction for Founders 00:42:02 - Demand Validation in Business Success Find Mike Bank online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfbank/ Twitter: https://x.com/mikefb Underdog: https://underdogx.co This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mike Bank: Backing the Underdogs | Part 1

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Mike Bank, the founder of Underdog, a pre-accelerated syndicate aimed at supporting solo and non-traditional founders in launching revenue-generating businesses while maintaining their day jobs. Mike shares insights from his extensive career in investment banking, early-stage VC, and as a prolific angel investor with around 100 early-stage bets. The conversation covers a range of topics, including the simplicity of starting a business today, the importance of viewing business ideas through desirability, feasibility, and affordability, and the challenges faced by founders. Mike also reflects on his experience mentoring over 100 DayZero founders, which led to the creation of Underdog, and discusses the significance of hard work in achieving success, irrespective of background. Tune in to learn more about the evolving landscape of venture capital and the inspiring stories of diverse entrepreneurs. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Mike Bank and Underdog 00:00:43 - Key Topics of Discussion 00:01:29 - Mentoring DayZero Founders 00:01:57 - Aarish Shah's Introduction and Podcast Details 00:02:49 - Mike Bank's Angel Investing Journey 00:04:07 - Diversity in Angel Investing 00:06:12 - Types of Investments in Mike's Portfolio 00:07:01 - Transition from Investment Banking to Angel Investing 00:09:40 - Mike's Early Entrepreneurial Experiences 00:11:09 - Learning from Failed Deals 00:13:00 - The Importance of Work-Life Balance 00:15:01 - The Reality of Angel Investing and Failure 00:17:35 - The Debate on Agency and Success 00:19:09 - The Role of Safety Nets in Entrepreneurship 00:22:20 - The Importance of Taking Risks 00:25:06 - Building an Ecosystem and Paying It Forward 00:27:10 - Leveraging the Internet for Opportunities 00:28:43 - The Simplicity and Difficulty of Starting a Business 00:29:02 - Tim Ferriss and the Real World MBA 00:31:01 - Learning on Someone Else's Dime 00:33:01 - The Concept of Underdog and Risk Management 00:34:06 - The Challenges of Traditional Accelerators 00:36:02 - The Startup Triangle of Success 00:37:54 - The New Way of Building Businesses 00:39:06 - Venture Capital Returning to Its Roots 00:41:26 - The Contrarian View on Venture Capital 00:42:15 - Misaligned Incentives in Venture Capital Find Mike Bank online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfbank/ Twitter: https://x.com/mikefb Underdog: https://underdogx.co This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sam Kaplan: Getting to first purchase profitable in consumer

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah sits down with Sam Kaplan, a partner at Five Seasons Ventures, a pan-European venture capital fund focused on investing in iconic and sustainable consumer brands. With an extensive background that includes roles at Citi and Birch Creative Capital, Sam shares invaluable insights into the venture capital landscape. They discuss the intricacies of investing, ranging from small checks of $25,000 to larger sums of $25 million, and delve into the importance of emotional connections to brands in early-stage consumer investing. Sam emphasises that customer acquisition costs reflect brand strength, while retention hinges on product quality, and highlights the unique challenges in consumer sectors compared to tech. The conversation also explores the critical concept of being first-purchase profitable and the significance of careful portfolio construction in venture capital. Tune in for a deep dive into the dynamics of consumer investing and the pivotal role of founders in business success. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 00:00:42 - Overview of Sam Kaplan's Career 00:01:32 - The Importance of Emotional Reaction in Consumer Brands 00:02:03 - Aarish Shah's Background and Podcast Purpose 00:02:51 - Sam Kaplan's Experience at Birch Creative Capital 00:03:30 - Open Door Policy and Learning from All Conversations 00:05:02 - Overcuration and Homogeneity in Venture Capital 00:06:15 - Diversity in Venture Capital and Outliers 00:08:03 - Evaluating Early-Stage Consumer Brands 00:09:03 - Customer Acquisition Cost vs. Retention 00:10:14 - The Role of Brand in All Businesses 00:12:13 - Brand vs. Product in Consumer Goods 00:14:24 - Personal Experience with Brand Loyalty 00:15:05 - The Power of Brand in Commodity Products 00:16:24 - Trust and Brand in Consumer Products 00:17:07 - The Limitations of LTV in Consumer Businesses 00:18:20 - Critical Success Metrics in Consumer Ventures 00:19:03 - Switching Costs in Consumer vs. B2B SaaS 00:20:01 - The Role of ARR in Subscription-Based Consumer Products 00:21:09 - CAC Payback and First Purchase Profitability 00:23:00 - The Challenge of Scaling Consumer Brands 00:24:06 - Identifying Early-Stage Indicators for Success 00:25:06 - The Myth of Economies of Scale in Consumer Ventures 00:26:05 - The Reality of Increasing CAC Over Time 00:27:09 - Strategies for Diversifying Growth Channels 00:28:03 - The Importance of Diversification in Consumer Brands 00:30:16 - The Risks of Diversifying Too Soon 00:31:25 - Supporting New Channels and Geographies 00:32:01 - The Importance of TAM in Consumer Ventures 00:33:06 - Investing in Premium vs. Luxury Brands 00:34:31 - The Challenges of Investing in Luxury Brands 00:36:00 - The End Goal of Venture Funds 00:37:10 - Portfolio Construction in Consumer Ventures 00:38:00 - The Difference Between Tech and Consumer Venture Outcomes 00:39:27 - The Importance of Protecting Downside Risk 00:40:46 - The Role of Entry Valuation 00:42:09 - The Scope of Investment at Five Seasons 00:43:12 - The Risk Profile of Consumer vs. Tech Ventures 00:45:03 - The Importance of Avoiding Zeros in Consumer Portfolios 00:46:07 - The Complexity of Consumer Venture Capital 00:47:51 - The Concept of Value-Add VC 00:49:17 - The Role of Founders vs. VCs in Business Success Find Sam Kaplan online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelmkaplan/ Twitter:https: //x.com/FiveSeasonsVC Five Seasons Ventures: https://fiveseasons.vc This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Maya Ghayad: Stop killing innovation with metrics

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 3 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Maya Ghayad, a partner at ID4 Ventures, to discuss the evolving landscape of the venture capital industry. With nearly a decade of experience, Maya shares her insights on the significant changes happening within VC, including the phenomenon known as "the death of the middle." They explore the challenges early-stage founders face when navigating valuations, the importance of thorough diligence, and the necessity of an entrepreneur-friendly approach. Maya emphasises the value of understanding a founder's perspective and highlights how investors should support rather than overshadow them. Tune in for a deep dive into the future of European tech investment and the essential dynamics between founders and their investors. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Maya Ghayad and ID4 Ventures 00:01:00 - The Changing Landscape of VC: The Death of the Middle 00:03:00 - Current State of Fundraising for VC Funds 00:04:30 - Emerging Managers and Their Challenges 00:07:00 - The Importance of Due Diligence in VC 00:10:00 - Valuation Challenges for Founders 00:12:00 - The Role of Entrepreneur-Friendly Investing 00:14:00 - Metrics That Matter for Startups 00:16:30 - Navigating the Fundraising Process 00:18:00 - The Value of Accelerators in Today's Market 00:20:00 - Sector-Specific Insights: Space Tech and Beyond 00:22:00 - The Balance Between Founder Autonomy and Investor Guidance 00:24:00 - The Importance of Community and Talent in Startups 00:26:00 - The Impact of Dilution on Founders 00:28:00 - The Future of Accelerators and Their Relevance 00:30:00 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts on VC Dynamics] Find Maya Ghayad online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-gayad-37b69033/ Twitter: https://x.com/Maya_Ghayad Id4 Ventures: http://www.id4.vc/ This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Simon Kohl: Making biology programmable

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Simon Kohl, founder of Latent Labs, a startup at the forefront of generative models for computational protein design. Simon shares his journey from studying physics at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology to his pivotal role in DeepMind's AlphaFold projects, where he developed key uncertainty metrics for protein structure predictions. He discusses the recent $50 million Series A funding raised for Latent Labs and its mission to advance AI-driven biotech. The conversation delves into the transformative potential of generative modelling in drug discovery, the significance of presenting ideas effectively, and the importance of agility and decisiveness in fundraising. Tune in to explore the intersection of biology and machine learning, and how it’s shaping the future of scientific innovation. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Nothing Ventured and Guest Background 00:01:25 - Overview of Generative Modeling and Protein Design 00:02:00 - Host Introduction and Podcast Purpose 00:02:49 - Simon Cole's Experience at DeepMind 00:03:40 - AlphaFold's Impact on Computational Biology 00:10:11 - Real-World Implications of AlphaFold 00:13:03 - The Future of Computational Biology 00:16:38 - Transitioning from DeepMind to Latent Labs 00:17:24 - Building a Strong Team Across Locations 00:20:00 - Support from DeepMind and Community Response 00:21:12 - Europe's Role in Scientific Innovation 00:24:37 - Latent Labs' Approach to Drug Discovery 00:29:01 - Fundraising Insights and Challenges 00:31:43 - Nimbleness in Fundraising and Decision Making 00:35:47 - Balancing Conviction and Market Feedback 00:41:05 - Geographic Flexibility and Talent Access 00:45:23 - Cultural Integration Across Locations 00:48:40 - Importance of In-Person Offsites for Team Cohesion Find Simon Kohl online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-kohl-4840a7124/ Twitter: https: //x.com/saakohl Latent Labs: https://www.latentlabs.com/ This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Piotr Bukanski: Tips on becoming a specialist generalist in VC

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes investment manager Piotr Bukanski from Beringea. Piotr shares insights from his extensive background in finance, including his time at Merrill Lynch and his current focus as a generalist investor in B2B data, climate tech, and fintech. The conversation delves into the transferable skills from investment banking to growth investing, the importance of risk-taking and accepting failure in venture capital, and the dynamics of transitioning between consumer and B2B investments. Piotr emphasises the value of having a broad funnel of companies as a generalist while also becoming a specialist in specific sectors. He discusses the significance of understanding board dynamics and the necessity of vulnerability in investor-founder relationships. Additionally, Piotr addresses the challenges of climate tech infrastructure projects in relation to cash profiles and the current negative narrative surrounding the European IPO market. Tune in for an engaging discussion on the evolving landscape of venture capital and investment strategies. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Piotr Bukanski 00:01:06 - Transitioning from Investment Banking to Venture Capital 00:03:02 - Unlearning and Learning in Venture Capital 00:05:01 - Dealing with Imperfect Information 00:07:07 - Long-Term Thinking vs. Short-Term Metrics 00:08:34 - Comfort with Uncertainty in Early-Stage Investing 00:10:34 - Finding Reasons to Say Yes in Investments 00:11:44 - Identifying Risks vs. Upsides 00:12:54 - Decision-Making in Venture Capital 00:14:07 - Cultural Attitudes Towards Failure in Venture 00:19:45 - Shifting Focus from Consumer to B2B Investments 00:20:51 - Generalist vs. Specialist Investors 00:22:05 - The Value of Generalist Investors 00:24:05 - Specialisation in Different Stages of Investment 00:30:00 - Developing Skills as a Board Member 00:32:21 - The Importance of Listening on Boards 00:34:37 - Navigating Conflicts of Interest on Boards 00:38:24 - Challenges in Climate Tech Investment 00:39:35 - Capital Requirements in Climate Tech 00:41:08 - Finding Opportunities in Climate Tech 00:45:02 - The Role of Venture Capital in Large-Scale Projects Find Piotr Bukanski online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/piotr-bukanski/ Twitter: https://x.com/Beringea Beringea: https://beringea.co.uk This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Gillian Davis: There's a time and a place for tyranny

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes leadership development expert Gillian Davis. They dive into her impressive journey, from her early beginnings in her family's executive recruitment business in Canada to co-authoring the book "First Time Leader" at just 28. Gillian shares her insights on practical leadership strategies, particularly in the tech industry, having worked with companies like WeTransfer, MessageBird, and Spotify. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Gillian Davis 00:00:31 - Key Topics Overview 00:01:17 - Importance of Company Culture 00:01:27 - Host Reintroduction and Podcast Purpose 00:02:19 - Transition from Fampany to Company 00:03:09 - Challenges in Scaling Owner-Led Businesses 00:04:02 - Succession Planning and Leadership Evolution 00:05:08 - Founder Time as Currency 00:06:01 - Right People for Different Stages 00:07:01 - Normalising Business Evolution 00:08:14 - Emotional Attachment to Business 00:09:03 - Employee Lifecycle in Startups 00:10:18 - Importance of Processes in Scaling 00:11:21 - Founders' Self-Awareness and Coach ability 00:12:36 - Three Types of Founders 00:13:29 - Timing for Preparing for Scale 00:14:19 - Early Stage Focus: Product Market Fit 00:15:02 - Roadmap and Mind Mapping for Future 00:16:04 - Emotional Attachment to Office Space 00:17:07 - Red Flags in Company Culture 00:18:08 - Importance of Making Hard Decisions 00:19:22 - Communication During Restructuring 00:20:22 - Building Culture from Ground Up 00:21:46 - Crisis Management and Internal Communication 00:22:46 - Family Business Dynamics 00:23:39 - Reality of Building a Business 00:24:23 - Balancing Employee Happiness and Business Results 00:26:05 - Defining Leadership in Tech-Driven Environments 00:27:01 - Balancing Directive and Facilitative Leadership 00:28:43 - Authentic Leadership During Pandemic 00:29:59 - Accountability in Leadership 00:31:14 - Leadership in Scaling Startups 00:32:06 - Processing Failure as a Leader 00:33:52 - Hands-On Leadership in Startups 00:34:19 - Linking Leadership to Strategy 00:35:24 - Taking Accountability and Earning Respect 00:36:10 - Bringing People Along the Journey 00:37:06 - Building Playbooks That Work for You 00:38:52 - Cultural Differences in Leadership Styles 00:40:11 - Media Influence on Founder Narratives 00:41:20 - Celebrating Founders and Entrepreneurship 00:43:13 - Creating an Inspiring Narrative for the UK Find Gillian Davis online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davisgillian/ Twitter: https://x.com/GillianDavis07 OverTime Leader: https://overtimeleader.com This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Zoltan Vardy: Releasing The Launch Code

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 6 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah interviews Zoltan Vardy, a seasoned B2B sales advisor and author of "The Launch Code." With nearly four decades of experience and over $2 billion in sales closed for major companies like CBS and NBCUniversal, Zoltan shares invaluable insights on mastering founder-led sales. The discussion focuses on transforming chaos into structure, overcoming the fear of selling, and understanding that sales is about solving problems rather than pushing products. Zoltan emphasises the importance of benefits over features, the iterative nature of sales, and how the journey from 0 to 1 differs significantly from scaling to 100. He also advocates for the significance of formal education in developing critical thinking skills. Tune in to discover how to accelerate your startup's revenue growth through effective sales strategies. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Zoltan Vardy and His Achievements 00:00:30 - Overview of Today's Episode Topics 00:01:35 - Call to Action: Rate, Subscribe, and Connect 00:02:22 - Zoltan's Journey to Writing "The Launch Code" 00:03:09 - The Impact of Zoltan's Work on Founders 00:03:38 - Zoltan's Family Background and Influence 00:06:10 - Transitioning from Corporate Sales to Startup Sales 00:07:41 - Zoltan's Entrepreneurial Experience During the Dot-Com Era 00:09:54 - Combining Corporate Structure with Startup Dynamism 00:11:04 - Founders' Fear of Sales and How to Overcome It 00:13:42 - The Importance of Problem-Solution Connection in Sales 00:15:36 - The Pain of Sales and Iterative Process 00:17:02 - Founder-Led Sales and the Importance of Direct Feedback 00:19:15 - Hiring the Right Salesperson at the Right Time 00:21:21 - Difference Between Business Development and Sales 00:22:29 - Selling Solutions, Not Products 00:24:04 - Case Study: Aleksander Niemczyk and Action Audit 00:26:32 - The Need to Have vs. Nice to Have Products 00:28:11 - Communicating Solutions in Simple Terms 00:30:15 - Creating a Clear Value Proposition 00:32:19 - The Role of Procurement in Sales 00:33:56 - Scaling Sales and Letting Go as a Founder 00:35:10 - Structure Enables Innovation 00:36:04 - Setting Clear Goals and Tracking Performance 00:37:07 - Case Study: Dexery's Growth Journey 00:39:18 - Building the Book vs. Building the Business 00:42:21 - The Risk of Founders Resisting Growth Find Zoltan Vardy online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoltanvardy/ Twitter: https://x.com/zvardy The Launch Code: http://www.thelaunchcode.net/ This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tanja Emmerling: Europe needs to hurry up to be attractive to founders

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Dr. Tanja Emmerling, a partner at High Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) and head of the Berlin team. With over a decade of experience in venture capital, Tanja shares her insights into the European tech landscape, highlighting HTGF's role as the most active seed investor in Europe. The discussion covers critical topics such as the impact of tax harmonisation on early-stage investments, the urgency for Europe to enhance its appeal to founders, and the unique decentralised tech hubs in Germany. Tanja also delves into the strengths of Germany's B2B sector in identifying AI use cases, the ongoing pressure for traditional companies to innovate, and the challenge of securing large investment checks, which often still come from the US. Finally, she explains why launching a startup in Europe remains a viable option compared to starting in the US, and how HTGF's innovative public-private fund structure emerged in response to the dot-com bubble collapse. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 00:01:50 - Overview of Venture Capital in Germany 00:02:41 - Challenges in the German Investment Process 00:06:07 - Potential Changes to Streamline Investment 00:07:07 - The Need for a Harmonised European Startup Ecosystem 00:11:09 - Decentralised Tech Hubs in Germany 00:12:10 - Germany's Competitive Advantages in Tech 00:15:01 - Emerging Technology Themes in Germany 00:18:25 - The Pressure for Traditional Companies to Innovate 00:19:14 - Challenges in the Exit Landscape for Startups 00:23:04 - Why Founders Might Choose the US Over Europe 00:25:57 - Talent and Wage Disparities Between Europe and the US 00:29:06 - The Role of HTGF and Its Unique Structure 00:33:38 - Corporate LPs and Their Influence on Fund Strategy 00:37:49 - The Value of Corporate Partnerships for Startups 00:39:20 - Contrarian Conviction: Respecting Time 00:41:00 - Closing Remarks and Where to Find Tanja Online Find Tanja Emmerling online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tanja-emmerling-84593b20/ Twitter: https://x.com/EmmerlingTanja HTGF: https://htgf.de This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ozan Unlu: Navigating the Shift: From Technical Founder to Commercial Leader | Episode 62

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah speaks with Ozan Unlu, co-founder and CEO of EdgeDelta, a pioneering company in the telemetry pipeline space focusing on observability and security. Ozan shares insights from his unique journey through engineering, sales, and entrepreneurship, delving into the nuances of transitioning from technical roles to commercial leadership. The discussion covers the importance of understanding customer needs, the challenges of fundraising in a shifting economic landscape, and the distinction between selling high-tech solutions versus consumer products. Ozan emphasizes the significance of continuous data curation in solving complex problems related to observability and security. Tune in to explore these themes and more as Ozan provides valuable perspectives for entrepreneurs and leaders in the tech industry. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to EdgeDelta and Ozan Unlu 00:01:00 - The Transition from Technical to Commercial Roles 00:03:00 - Understanding Your Customer 00:06:00 - Sales Strategies: Spaceships vs. T-Shirts 00:09:00 - Navigating Enterprise Sales Cycles 00:10:30 - The Importance of Product-Led Growth 00:12:00 - Fundraising Dynamics: Seed vs. Later Stages 00:14:00 - Valuation Expectations in Different Market Conditions 00:16:30 - The Impact of Growth vs. Efficiency 00:19:00 - Balancing Growth and Profitability 00:22:00 - The Role of Continuous Curation and Inference 00:25:00 - The Challenge of Processing Large Data Volumes 00:28:00 - The Future of AI and Quantum Computing 00:30:00 - The Importance of Data Tiering 00:32:00 - Contrarian Conviction: Self-Awareness in Career Choices 00:45:00 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts Find Ozan Unlu online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ozanu/ Twitter: https://x.com/Ozannlu Company: https://edgedelta.com This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ioto Iotov: Learning the foundations and the language of business | Episode 61

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Ioto Iotov, founder of Mainset, a venture capital firm focused on fintech and SaaS ventures. Ioto shares his unique journey from South Africa, detailing his background as a chartered accountant and competitive swimmer, and his path to earning an MBA from Columbia Business School. The discussion covers the importance of understanding the foundations and language of business, as well as the long-term relationships that venture capitalists cultivate with businesses. Ioto highlights the rapid growth of the fintech sector, accounting for 3% of financial services revenue and growing at 15% year-on-year, and addresses the challenges financial institutions face in servicing SMEs and SMBs. He also emphasises the importance of empathy in connecting with founders and the value of observation and experience in the venture capital landscape. Tune in to gain insights into the evolving world of fintech and the mindset required for successful investing. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to the Episode 00:00:10 - Guest Introduction: Ioto Iotov 00:00:31 - Ioto's Career Background 00:00:41 - Mainset Venture Capital Overview 00:00:53 - Importance of Financial Literacy 00:01:04 - Long-term Relationships in Business 00:01:51 - Empathy and Experience in Venture Capital 00:02:01 - Host Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:02:23 - Encouragement to Engage with the Podcast 00:02:38 - Diving into Financial Literacy 00:03:03 - The Value of Financial Literacy for Founders and VCs 00:03:22 - Financial Literacy Beyond Venture Capital 00:03:53 - Profitability vs. Growth in Venture Capital 00:04:38 - Long-term Investment Perspective 00:05:00 - Valuation and Financial Sophistication 00:05:22 - Frameworks for Business Assessment 00:05:50 - Competitive Positioning and Pricing Power 00:06:33 - Financial Literacy as a Foundational Skill 00:07:06 - The Role of Unit Economics 00:08:25 - Importance of Understanding Business Metrics 00:09:00 - ROI on Business Decisions 00:10:02 - Market Trends: Profitability and Sustainable Growth 00:11:08 - The Shift from Growth at All Costs to Profitable Growth 00:12:07 - Bootstrapping vs. Venture Capital 00:13:00 - The Reality of Fundraising and Capital Availability 00:14:02 - Founders' Responsibility in Capital Management 00:15:09 - Efficient Growth and Return on Investment 00:15:21 - The Impact of Interest Rates and Market Conditions 00:16:07 - Managing Large Capital for the First Time 00:17:28 - Different Capital Needs for Different Businesses 00:17:48 - Pathways to Profitability 00:18:15 - Valuation Methods in Venture Capital 00:18:36 - Mainset's Investment Thesis in Fintech 00:19:21 - The Enduring Nature of Financial Services 00:20:05 - The Role of Financial Services in the Economy 00:21:09 - The Growth of Fintech 00:21:53 - Trends and Excitement in Fintech 00:22:59 - Collaboration vs. Competition in Fintech 00:23:22 - Challenges of Innovating in Large Financial Institutions 00:24:08 - Outsourcing Innovation to Startups 00:25:32 - Banks' Product Offerings for SMEs 00:26:16 - The Rise of Treasury Management Tools 00:27:02 - Banks' Retreat from Servicing SMEs 00:28:01 - Office of the CFO and SME Market Challenges 00:29:09 - The Difficulty of Scaling SME-focused Solutions 00:30:50 - The Challenge of Building a Better Excel 00:32:17 - The Role of ERP Systems in SMEs 00:33:07 - Venture Capital and Market Size Considerations 00:34:04 - The Consequences of Taking VC Funding 00:35:24 - The Importance of Joy in Business Partnerships 00:36:32 - Transparency and Alignment in Venture Capital 00:37:07 - The Importance of Exit Strategy Conversations 00:38:08 - The Time Sensitivity of Investment Returns 00:38:44 - Dual Responsibility of Emerging VCs and Founders 00:39:13 - Empathy Towards Founders 00:40:07 - The Highs and Lows of Entrepreneurship 00:41:10 - The Value of Experience in Venture Capital 00:42:10 - The Debate: Operators vs. Investors 00:43:22 - The Importance of Understanding Business Operations 00:44:24 - Socioeconomic Backgrounds and Breaking into VC 00:45:21 - Improving Diversity at the GP Level 00:46:08 - The Challenge of Building a Track Record in VC 00:47:02 - Finding Ingenious Ways to Overcome Lack of Means Find Ioto Iotov online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iotoiotov/ Twitter: https://x.com/IotoIotov Company: https://mainset.co.uk This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Henry Joseph-Grant: Does VC stand for Venture Colonialism? | Episode 60

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 6 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah interviews entrepreneur and mentor Henry Joseph Grant, who shares insights from his extensive experience in scaling startups and driving innovation. The discussion delves into the transformative impact of the iPhone on business, particularly in launching Just Eat, a brand that grew from startup to a $2.44 billion IPO. Henry emphasises the importance of comfort, convenience, and choice in technology, while also highlighting the delicate balance of asking for money versus advice. The conversation explores themes of product-led growth, strategic decision-making in times of cuts, and the unique cross-pollination opportunities at the Web Summit, connecting startups with Fortune 500 companies and investors. Additionally, Henry reflects on the challenges faced by the West in venture capital and economic growth. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion filled with practical advice for entrepreneurs and innovators alike. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Henry Joseph Grant 00:00:32 - Leveraging the iPhone for Just Eat's Success 00:01:36 - The Cost of Comfort, Convenience, and Choice in Tech 00:02:01 - Host Introduction and Podcast Promotion 00:02:50 - Henry's Return to Podcasting 00:03:43 - Early Days at Just Eat 00:05:17 - Funding Just Eat Through Restaurant Fees 00:05:57 - Guerrilla Marketing at Freshers' Fairs 00:08:22 - The Importance of Doing Things That Don't Scale 00:09:57 - Educating the Market and Overcoming Challenges 00:12:07 - Internal Politics and Leadership at Just Eat 00:14:02 - Owning the Marketplace and Handling Competitors 00:16:42 - Evolution of the Food Delivery Industry 00:18:41 - The Future of Food Delivery: Dark Kitchens and Innovation 00:19:47 - Henry's Diverse Career and Industry Adaptability 00:21:21 - The Impact of Marketplaces and Adding Value 00:23:32 - Legacy and Impact Beyond Monetary Value 00:26:11 - Joining Talixo and Relocating to Berlin 00:28:57 - Overhauling Sales and Partnerships at Talixo 00:30:24 - Achieving Near Profitability and the Impact of COVID-19 00:33:11 - The Importance of Making Cuts the Right Way 00:35:05 - Different Approaches to Handling Cuts During the Pandemic 00:37:43 - Founding Sendoff After a Personal Tragedy Find Henry Joseph Grant online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henryjosephgrant/ Twitter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henryjosephgrant/ Company: https://www.henryjosephgrant.com/ This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jefff Crusey: When Mythology Breaks Reality in Venture | Episode 59

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Jeff Crusey, a partner at 7% Ventures and seasoned VC with extensive experience in deep tech and startups. The discussion explores the limits of software functionality and usability, the implications of the UK’s approach to de-risking venture investments, and whether US VCs are fostering monopolies. Jeff shares insights on the impact of SEIS and EIS on UK VC numbers and contrasts rent-seeking behaviours with genuine value production in the business landscape. They also debate the necessity of new neobanks and question the concentrated power within the US VC industry. Finally, Jeff expresses his contrarian view on space exploration, arguing against sending people to Mars. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on the current state and future of venture capital. 00:00:00 - Introduction to Jeff Crusey Welcome to the episode featuring Jeff Crusey, partner at 7% Ventures, discussing his background and expertise in deep tech. 00:02:01 - The Evolution of Deep Tech Exploring why deep tech is gaining popularity now and comparing investment approaches in the UK and US. 00:05:36 - Mindset Differences in VC Discussing the abundance versus scarcity mindset in US and UK venture capital. 00:08:18 - Challenges for UK Founders Examining the risk aversion in the UK VC landscape and its impact on founders. 00:10:21 - The Flight of Talent Concerns about UK founders leaving for the US and the implications for the local ecosystem. 00:12:13 - First Principles Thinking in VC Jeff's frustrations with the lack of first principles thinking in the US VC ecosystem. 00:14:06 - FOMO and Market Dynamics The influence of FOMO on investment decisions and the implications for startups. 00:15:51 - Capital as a Moat in Deep Tech Discussing the importance of capital in deep tech and the challenges in the UK and Europe. 00:19:11 - The Role of Government Funding Analysing the impact of SEIS and EIS on the UK VC landscape and the need for a clearer picture. 00:20:05 - Comparing Sovereign Wealth Funds The differences between government-backed funds in the UK and Europe versus the US. 00:22:00 - Rent-Seeking vs. Value Production Differentiating between rent-seeking companies and those that produce real value. 00:24:30 - The Neobank Phenomenon Critiquing the proliferation of neobanks and their actual value proposition. 00:27:10 - US vs. UK Banking Systems Comparing the banking landscape in the US and UK, and questioning the need for more neobanks. 00:29:18 - Concerns About VC Consolidation Discussing the implications of VC consolidation and the potential for cartel-like behaviour. 00:31:12 - The Mythology of VC Exploring how the narrative around VCs can distort reality and impact investment decisions. 00:34:31 - The Role of Founders in Value Creation Highlighting the importance of founders in creating value, rather than VCs taking centre stage. 00:36:11 - Contrarian Conviction: Mars Exploration Jeff's belief that sending humans to Mars is not sensible and the case for robotic exploration instead. 00:40:07 - The Future of Automation Discussing the potential for fully automated manufacturing and the implications for human labor. 00:45:39 - Conclusion and Where to Find Jeff Wrapping up the conversation and sharing where to connect with Jeff Crusey online. Find Jeff online at: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffcrusey/ Twitter: http://www.x.com/@JeffCrusey Web: https://www.7pc.vc/ This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kristina Barger: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Founder Mental Health | Episode 58

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes cognitive and behavioural scientist Kristina Barger . With a diverse background in clinical psychology, tech innovation, and entrepreneurship, Christina shares her insights on the unique challenges faced by founders. The discussion delves into the traits of overachievers, the fine line between ambition and perfectionism, and the common misconception that confidence equates to competence. Christina emphasises the importance of maintaining a balanced life outside of business, highlighting the necessity of social connections and hobbies. Additionally, she discusses her work on ethical AI initiatives in mental health and the significance of decision-making in high-stakes environments. Tune in for valuable perspectives on navigating the entrepreneurial journey. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Uzma Choudry: Building a Unique European BioTech Ecosystem | Episode 57

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Dr. Uzma Choudry, an expert in deep tech and biotech investing. Uzma shares her extensive experience in developing the European tech bio ecosystem, including her role in managing a portfolio of over one and a half billion pounds at one of Europe's largest funds. The conversation delves into the current state of the life sciences venture market, highlighting the recent debloating of the venture bubble and the withdrawal of generous capital. Uzma explains the unique challenges in biotech, where the focus is primarily on de-risking technology and science rather than immediate revenue scaling. She emphasises the necessity for deep pools of capital in biotech investments and discusses how platform companies can showcase their value through their assets. Tune in for insights on sustainable growth and commercialization in the life sciences sector. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chris Donegan: The Investor's Dilemma: Understanding Complex Investments | Episode 56

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 15:49:16 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes seasoned investor and entrepreneur Chris Donegan. With a rich background in molecular neurobiology and business strategy, Chris shares his insights on the current state of innovation and investment. The conversation explores whether the present and future are more promising than the past, and delves into the ongoing industrial revolutions—highlighting the transition into the AI age. Chris discusses the nuances of investing in advanced technologies, questioning whether a deep technical understanding, such as knowledge of qubits for quantum computing or molecular biology for biotech, is necessary for successful investment. Tune in for valuable perspectives on adapting to change and unlocking value through intellectual property in today's rapidly evolving landscape. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hannah Meiton: Navigating The Nordics | Episode 55

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Mon, 9 Dec 2024 05:55:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Arish Shah welcomes Hannah Meiton, founding partner at Ampli Ventures, a venture capital firm based in Stockholm that specializes in early-stage investments in Nordic B2B SaaS companies. Hannah shares her insights on the importance of founders actively promoting their businesses, emphasizing that simply building a great product is not enough. She discusses the tendency of Nordic startups to undersell themselves and the importance of visibility in the early stages of development. Additionally, Hannah reflects on her experience in scaling businesses and how that informs her investment philosophy, advocating for a hands-on approach to help companies transition from founder-led operations to sustainable, scalable enterprises. The conversation also touches on the potential shift in venture capital towards more concentrated portfolios, reducing reliance on a few key companies for fund returns. Tune in for valuable insights into the evolving landscape of venture capital and the vital role of sales in a founder's journey. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ashwin Ravikumar: Lessons on Tech Transfer from CERN | Episode 54

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Timestamps:

01:18 - Sellotape as an x-ray generator.
04:12 - Science as universal language.
09:22 - Pursuit of knowledge in science.
12:24 - University tech transfer challenges.
14:58 - Tech transfer at CERN.
20:08 - Altruistic mission of CERN.
22:12 - University equity in startups.

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Rishabh Kaul: Buiding the India-Europe Tech Corridor | Episode 53

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 13:47:13 +0000

00:02:25 - South Asian tech professionals' impact.
00:05:06 - Indian entrepreneurs in Europe.
00:08:21 - Indians in technology leadership.
00:12:36 - Immigration and technology's future.
00:17:26 - India-Europe tech corridor opportunities.
00:21:30 - European talent for Indian companies.
00:24:10 - Talent acquisition and market dynamics.
00:29:18 - Highlighting successful Indian founders.
00:30:22 - European PR challenges in startups.
00:34:14 - Healthcare recruitment innovation.
00:38:49 - Cross-border investment strategies.
00:44:34 - Cultural identity and assimilation.
00:47:20 - Unique challenges for immigrants.
00:51:04 - Competitive nature of the diaspora.
00:56:18 - Second-time founders buying companies.
00:57:25 - Venture capital and business success.

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Afshin Moayed: Why Bangladesh is the best kept secret in venture

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0000

[00:00:42] Climate refugees in Bangladesh.

[00:04:09] Investing in emerging markets.

[00:08:01] Bangladesh's unique growth potential.

[00:12:10] Bangladesh's investment landscape challenges.

[00:17:31] Indian VCs and Bangladesh opportunities.

[00:20:49] Cultural dynamics in emerging markets.

[00:25:04] Climate adaptation in Bangladesh.

[00:30:05] Barriers to climate-friendly solutions.

[00:32:08] Younger population's consumption awareness.

[00:36:00] Value perception in emerging markets.

[00:39:18] Sand battery technology in Vietnam.

[00:43:28] Grocery delivery business models.

[00:48:34] Grocery shopping in DACA traffic.

[00:52:40] Personal shopper experience online.

[00:56:01] Embracing mistakes as strengths.

[00:58:46] Connecting on LinkedIn.

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Fred Destin: Crafting Meaningful Relationships in Venture (Part 2) | Episode 52

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 7 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0000

In this special two-part episode of "Nothing Ventured," host Arish Shah sits down with Fred Destin, founder of Stride VC. They delve into the evolving dynamics between founders and venture capitalists, highlighting the surprising discontent founders often feel towards VCs. Fred shares insights from his extensive experience, including his time as a general partner at Accel and Accomplice, where he led investments in companies like Deliveroo and Zoopla. The discussion covers the importance of empathy in the founder journey, the concept of minimalist boards, and how VCs can genuinely support their portfolio companies. They explore the balance of skill and luck in venture investing, the significance of entry price, and the current state of the venture capital landscape. Fred emphasizes the need for VCs to adopt a beginner's mindset and to move beyond lazy thinking, encouraging a more human approach to investing. Join us for an enlightening conversation that challenges conventional perspectives in the venture capital ecosystem. [00:03:05] VCs as human beings. [00:06:06] Self-awareness in board dynamics. [00:09:10] Self-awareness in challenging situations. [00:12:57] The process adds value. [00:17:14] Digital noise and authenticity. [00:19:10] Real-time information challenges. [00:24:47] Empathy for the founder's journey. [00:30:07] The art of listening. [00:32:54] AI's impact on job identity. [00:34:43] The pursuit of happiness. [00:37:42] The challenges of venture capital. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Fred Destin: On the Craft of Venture (Part 1) | Episode 50

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0000

In this special two-part episode of "Nothing Ventured," host Aarish Shah sits down with Fred Destin, founder of Stride VC, to explore the evolving landscape of venture capital. They discuss the complex relationship between founders and VCs, highlighting the discontent many founders feel towards traditional venture capital approaches. Fred shares insights from his extensive experience, including his successful investments in companies like Deliveroo and Zoopla, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in the VC-founder dynamic.The conversation delves into key topics such as the significance of minimalist boards, the adaptability required in venture capital, and the balance of skill and luck in making investment decisions. Fred also reflects on the Cambrian explosion in the venture space, the necessity for VCs to embrace a beginner's mindset, and the dangers of lazy thinking. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that challenges conventional VC wisdom and offers a fresh perspective on what it means to be a supportive partner for founders.

Timestamps:
00:00:10 - Meet Fred Destin: A Venture Capitalist's Journey00:00:43 - Founders' Discontent with VCs00:01:05 - The Importance of Minimalist Boards00:01:37 - Navigating the Founder-VC Relationship00:02:34 - The Role of Trust in Board Dynamics00:03:27 - The Quality of Conversations in Board Meetings00:04:44 - The Dichotomy of Operators as VCs00:05:44 - The Role of Accountability in Board Membership00:06:49 - Empathy and Support for Founders00:08:28 - The Importance of Strategic Conversations00:09:42 - Building Effective Board Relationships00:10:34 - The Role of a Board Member00:11:06 - Creating a Supportive Board Environment00:12:05 - Understanding the Founder’s Perspective00:12:27 - The Need for a Strong Board00:13:40 - The Importance of Trust and Empathy00:14:15 - The Role of a Board in Difficult Times00:15:04 - The Founder’s Identity and Company Success00:16:09 - The Craft of Venture Capital00:17:37 - The Art of Decision-Making in Venture00:18:53 - The Balance of Skill and Luck in Outcomes00:20:18 - The Importance of Supporting Founders00:21:00 - The Role of a VC Beyond Investment00:22:39 - The Impact of Board Composition on Success00:23:50 - The Need for Effective Communication00:25:18 - The Importance of Preparation for Board Meetings00:26:05 - The Founder-VC Relationship Beyond the Board00:27:34 - Navigating Personal Challenges as a Founder00:29:09 - The Role of Trust in Personal Struggles00:30:34 - The Founder’s Responsibility to the Company00:32:00 - The Journey vs. The Outcome00:33:50 - The Craft of Venture: An Artisanal Approach00:35:03 - Building the Craft of Venture Capital00:37:08 - The Importance of Adaptability in Venture00:39:24 - The Role of Decision-Making in Venture Success00:40:49 - The Impact of Strategic Decisions on Company Growth00:42:00 - The Value of Support in the Venture Ecosystem00:43:55 - Conclusion: Reflecting on the Venture Journey

Find Fred online at:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/freddestin/Twitter: https://x.com/fdestinStride: https://stride.vc/You can follow Aarish and Nothing Ventured on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adsinuk/ | https://www.linkedin.com/company/nothing-ventured-podcast/Twitter: https://x.com/adsinuk | https://x.com/NVPodThis episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B.Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe

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Manish Patel: "How I Became and Accidental VC" | Episode 49

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 10:12:25 +0000

Find Manish online at:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manishpatelli/
Twitter: https://x.com/NavaVenturesVC
Nava Ventures: https://www.nava.vc/

This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B.
Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/

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Helen Goldberg: Why Lawyers Aren’t Just For Litigation | Episode 48

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah sits down with Helen Goldberg, co-founder and COO of LegalEdge, to explore the evolving landscape of legal services for fast-growing companies. Helen shares her extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, having worked with renowned firms like Evershed Sutherland and Baker McKenzie, as well as her role at CBS Viacom Outdoor. The conversation delves into the burgeoning alternative legal services market, the Goldilocks legal principle, and the rise of the fractional model in law.

Timestamps:
02:23 Fractional legal services evolution.
05:13 Choosing the right legal partner.
09:14 Fractional legal model's growth.
12:11 In-house legal vs. private practice.
14:36 Importance of early legal advice.
18:20 Contracts as insurance policies.
21:14 AI's impact on legal training.
26:17 European startup ecosystem challenges.
30:14 Funding disparities in the UK.
34:01 Exit readiness for founders.
36:36 Dead equity and shareholder agreements.
40:11 Regulatory challenges for startups.
43:04 Life isn't fair.

Find Helen online at:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-goldberg-1339801/
Twitter: https://x.com/GoldbergHelen
LegalEdge: https://legaledge.co.uk

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Manish Karani: Can you measure mindset? Investing in Hardship, Alienation, Illness & Loss | Ep. 47

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah sits down with Manish Karani, founder of Yareta, a groundbreaking AI tool designed to analyze personal traits and experiences to predict future success for corporations and investors. Manish shares insights from his impressive background, including his experience at Coutts, where he managed investments for ultra-high-net-worth families and achieved significant IRR in both venture capital and real estate. The conversation explores the impact of Liz Truss on the consumer tech sector, the decision-making process behind returning capital to LPs, and the transformative nature of crucible events in shaping perspectives and lives. Manish discusses the declining interest of non-UK LPs in the UK market, the importance of measuring individual responses to hardship, and the strong correlation between challenges faced and entrepreneurial success. Listeners will also learn about quantifying entrepreneurship potential through 27 key traits. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on resilience, investment strategies, and the future of entrepreneurship.

🕒 Time stamps -
00:02:19 - Genesis of Sentient Ventures
00:03:11 - Financial and Business Aspects of Running a Fund
00:04:05 - Impact of Liz Truss's Announcement on Consumer Tech
00:05:05 - Challenges in the Plant-Based Sector
00:06:09 - Decision to Return Capital to LPs
00:07:24 - Personal Crucible Events and Their Impact
00:09:02 - Reflection on Personal Hardship and Career Decisions
00:12:47 - Authenticity and True Meaning in Work
00:16:07 - Hindsight on Liz Truss's Mini Budget
00:18:34 - Political and Economic Challenges in the UK
00:20:13 - Difficulty in Attracting Non-UK LPs
00:23:49 - Fundraising Challenges for Emerging Managers
00:25:53 - Importance of Niche Focus for Fund Managers
00:29:34 - Hardship, Alienation, Illness, and Loss (HAIL) as a Thesis
00:30:33 - Measuring the Process of Overcoming Trauma
00:32:07 - Origin of the HAIL Concept
00:34:28 - Migrant Founders and Resilience
00:36:00 - Insights from Successful Entrepreneurs
00:38:07 - Authenticity in Investor-Entrepreneur Relationships
00:40:31 - Challenges in Assessing Founder Authenticity
00:43:15 - Importance of Authenticity in Investment Decisions
00:44:29 - Introduction to Euretta
00:45:11 - Quantifying Mindset and Personal Traits
00:46:19 - Academic Research on Hardship and Entrepreneurship

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Andrea Gurnari: Navigating the European Startup Landscape | Episode 46

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 3 Oct 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Andrea Gurnari, a partner at 2100 Ventures, to discuss the intricacies of early-stage entrepreneurship and the venture capital landscape. Andrea shares insights on how founders should approach monetisation, emphasising the importance of deep intellectual honesty and the willingness to acknowledge when an experiment hasn’t worked. The conversation highlights the collaborative nature of the UK startup ecosystem and its advantages for entrepreneurs. Andrea also addresses the need for founders to understand the relativity between ecosystems and offers a contrarian perspective on evaluating reasoning versus output in decision-making. Tune in for valuable advice for early founders looking to navigate the challenges of innovation and productivity in Europe’s old economy.⏱️ Timestamps:00:02:02 - Why the UK for Startups?00:02:18 - The Importance of Monetization00:03:32 - Strategic Market Analysis00:04:54 - Cultural Differences in Socializing00:05:15 - Navigating the UK Ecosystem00:07:02 - The Excitement of the UK Startup Scene00:08:03 - Reflections on the Post-Financial Crisis Era00:09:39 - Deciding When to Pivot or Exit00:10:04 - The Psychology of Founders00:12:16 - The Role of Experimentation00:13:49 - Intellectual Honesty in Decision Making00:14:30 - The Stigma of Failure00:15:18 - Cultural Attitudes Towards Failure in the US vs. Europe00:18:12 - The Need for Acceptance of Failure in Europe00:20:06 - Cultural Components of European Ecosystems00:22:19 - Wealth Creation and Social Envy in Europe00:24:52 - The Role of Migration in Startup Growth00:26:13 - Labor Laws and Startup Flexibility00:29:01 - Breaking Down Barriers in the Ecosystem00:30:34 - The Importance of Cross-Pollination00:32:00 - The Future of the European Ecosystem00:34:40 - The Role of 2100 Ventures00:36:05 - Innovating the Old Economy00:44:01 - Sustainable Industrial Revolution and Climate Tech

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Alokik Advani: How Fidelity Takes A Generational View To Investing In Venture | Episode 45

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Venture, host Aarish Shah sits down with Alokik Advani, Managing Partner at Fidelity International Strategic Ventures. With over two decades of experience in finance, Alokik shares insights into the role of corporate ventures in the startup ecosystem, addressing common misconceptions about their involvement, including the notion of "dumb money." The conversation highlights the increasing participation of strategic investors in deals, the evolving mindset towards sustainable growth (focusing on $100 million ARR rather than billion-dollar valuations), and the importance of patience in the investment landscape. Alokik also discusses the challenges startups face with down rounds and fund structures, emphasising the need for a long-term perspective. Tune in for valuable takeaways and contrarian advice that could reshape your approach to venture capital.

🕒 Time stamps - 02:19 Corporate venture capital's reputation.05:28 Strategic corporate venture capital.07:28 Corporate spinouts and strategic alignment.10:14 Corporate venture and founder dynamics.15:21 Flexibility in investment structures.18:12 Long-term investment strategies.20:23 Market state and investment returns.23:10 UK FinTech ecosystem evolution.26:44 UK tech market investment challenges.30:20 Philosophy of slowing down.

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Joe Seager Dupuy: How this VC went from flying cars to Consumer Tech | Episode 44

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah sits down with Joe Seager-Dupuy, an investment director at True, a London-based consumer and retail investment and innovation advisory firm. The conversation delves into the valuable lessons learned from early career challenges and the innovative spirit of Richard Branson. Joe shares insights on the differences between family offices and venture capital firms, particularly in how they approach investments in startups. They discuss the booming consumer market, highlighting that consumer spending constitutes 60% of GDP in most Western economies, and explore the future of retail, including the potential role of AI in the shopping experience. The episode also touches on the collaborative dynamics between established retailers and startups, as well as Joe's bold prediction that Ipswich will win the premiership within the next decade. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that uncovers the intricacies of the venture capital ecosystem.⏱️ Timestamps:02:30 - The Value of Strategy Consulting in Venture Capital05:30 - The Role of Consultants in Startups08:43 - The Importance of Board Dynamics10:30 - Insights from Virgin Management15:24 - Differences Between Family Offices and Traditional VCs22:09 - Crazy Deals and Experiences at Virgin24:14 - Consumer and Retail Landscape Post-COVID25:47 - The Scale of Consumer Spending28:33 - Potential for Big Outcomes in Consumer Ventures30:22 - Consumer Experience Challenges and Opportunities35:06 - AI's Impact on Consumer Experiences39:07 - Consumer Health and the Future of Healthcare46:34 - Education as a Key Sector for Innovation47:46 - The Role of Technology in Reducing Costs in Healthcare and Education

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Piers Linney: How This Dragon Struck Gold | Episode 43

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish Shah sits down with Piers Linney, known for his role on The Dragon's Den and The Secret Millionaire. Piers shares his journey from delivering newspapers to law, banking, and tech, discussing his 45x exit on his Dragon portfolio and thoughts on AI's impact on SMEs and nation states. They delve into DEI, ambition, and the importance of equality of opportunity. Tune in for insights from a seasoned investor and entrepreneur.

Timestamps:
01:03 - Early Business Ventures and Career Path
03:01 - Transition from Law to Entrepreneurship
05:06 - Lessons from Early Business Ventures
08:14 - Learning Customer Service and Sales
09:57 - Piers Linney's Family Background
11:02 - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
13:02 - Ambition and Access to Opportunity
14:10 - Insights on Dragon's Den
16:07 - Valuation and Investment Strategy on Dragon's Den
18:46 - Success Stories from Dragon's Den
19:04 - Traditional vs. Tech Angel Investing
21:00 - Types of Businesses on Dragon's Den
23:35 - Entertainment vs. Business on Dragon's Den
25:03 - Importance of EIS and SEIS in Investments
25:56 - Competition Among Dragons
26:28 - Piers Linney's Decision to Join Dragon's Den
28:09 - Post-Dragon's Den Career
29:48 - Founding Implement AI
30:36 - Importance of AI for SMEs
33:35 - Augmenting Human Labor with AI
36:39 - Future of AI in Professional Services
38:14 - Types of AI Agents and Their Applications

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Cintia Mano: How Angels Can Fly Higher | Episode 42

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 8 Aug 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish Shah interviews Cintia Mano, CEO of Core Angels, a global angel investor network. Cintia discusses her journey in investing in 27 startups and leading Core Angels to develop 11 angel funds across various countries. They explore the importance of investing across geographies and verticals, encouraging more female angels to invest in startups, and the significance of taking action in investing without waiting to feel completely prepared. Tune in to learn about building angel funds, expanding opportunities for both investors and startups, and the value of putting your money to work.

Timecodes:
02:06 - Formalizing Angel Funds and Best Practices
03:09 - Benefits of Angel Funds for Startups and Investors
04:42 - Typical Journey of an Angel Investor
06:05 - Learning and Collaboration in Angel Investing
07:09 - Experienced Angels and Better Investment Experiences
09:10 - Pooled Capital and Influence on Cap Tables
09:46 - Fund Structure and Investment Commitment
11:55 - Cross-Pollination Amongst Funds
13:37 - Geographic and Thematic Focuses in Investment Strategy
17:01 - Current Operations and Angel Demographics
17:28 - Female Participation in Angel Investing
19:45 - Encouraging More Female Angels
00:22:00 - Challenges Faced by Female Founders
25:39 - Broader Issues of Diversity in Investing
28:28 - Female Founders vs. Femtech
32:35 - Exposure and Industry Understanding
36:26 - Advice for Aspiring Angel Investors
39:09 - Importance of Learning by Doing
42:22 - Portfolio Approach in Angel Investing
45:12 - Contrarian Conviction: Self-Reliance and Happiness

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Fred Hoch: From Theater to Strategy | Episode 41

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 1 Aug 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish Shah interviews Fred Hoch, co-founder of TechNexus, a Chicago-based venture collaborative. They delve into topics such as building communities, driving the evolution of software as a service, corporate innovation, the role of CFOs in championing innovation, the state of venture capital, and the opportunities ventures present for large corporations. Tune in to gain insights from Fred's 30 years of experience in the tech industry and his success in orchestrating investments for major corporations.

🕒 Time stamps:
02:06 - Evolution of Corporate Venture Capital (CVC)
03:38 - Investing Beyond the Check
04:49 - Different Models of Corporate Venture
06:10 - Scouting for Disruptive Technologies
08:12 - Challenges with Large Bets in CVC
09:52 - Educating CFOs and Boards on Innovation
12:24 - Issues with Traditional Venture Capital Models
14:47 - Shift Towards R&D Heavy Projects
16:24 - External R&D and Corporate Flexibility
18:02 - Equity Compensation vs. Cash
19:03 - Employee Mindset and Corporate Innovation
20:27 - Realistic Expectations in Venture Capital
22:30 - Ventures as Opportunities, Not Threats
24:52 - Example: Electrification in Recreational Boating
26:41 - Role of TechNexus as an Agitator
28:19 - Broad Investment Strategy
30:08 - Small Bets and Entrepreneurial Army
31:03 - Hunting for Talent and Product Evolution
31:35 - Contrarian Convictions in Today's World
33:36 - Final Thoughts and Contact Information

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Amman Ahmed: Building a Business for Man's Best Friend | Episode 40

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 05:00:00 +0000

On this episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish interviews Amman Ahmed, the founder of Music for Pets, a business providing relaxing music and TV for pets. Amman shares his journey of discovering what type of CEO he wanted to be, from struggling with focus in university to building a successful business reaching 50 million cats and dogs with minimal marketing expenses. The episode covers Amman's unique path to success, the importance of knowing your numbers in business, and why founders should be prepared to make themselves disposable. Tune in to gain insights into the venture capital world and entrepreneurial lessons from Amman's experience with Music for Pets.

Timestamps:
02:05 - Overview of Amman's Career and Ventures
02:41 - Transition from Rawmix to Music for Pets
03:04 - The CEO Journey: VC-Funded vs. Bootstrapped
03:57 - Realizing the CEO Role Wasn't a Fit
05:06 - The Challenges of Managing a Team
06:12 - The Reality Check and Team Confrontation
07:06 - Personal Reflection and Decision Making
08:03 - Choosing Between Two Paths of Success
09:17 - Prioritizing Mental and Physical Health
10:00 - The Value of a Lifestyle Business
10:47 - The Downside of Pitching to VCs
12:09 - Simplifying Business Decisions
13:06 - The Birth of Music for Pets
14:33 - Designing Music for Pets and Humans
16:26 - Testing and Iterating the Product
17:09 - Gathering Customer Feedback
17:42 - Achieving Organic Growth
18:00 - Monetization Strategies
20:47 - Revenue Growth and COVID-19 Impact
22:24 - The Unexpected Exit Journey
24:04 - Challenges with Potential Buyers
25:06 - The Random Email That Led to the Sale
26:10 - Understanding the Fit with Create Music Group
27:02 - Building a Business in Manchester
29:00 - Realizing the Business Was a Record Label
30:12 - The Sale Process and Valuation
32:08 - Getting Professional Help for the Sale
33:03 - The Benefits of a Bootstrap Exit
34:16 - Staying with Create Music Group
34:57 - Advice for Founders Considering an Exit
36:13 - Making Yourself Disposable as a Founder
37:16 - Planning for Taxes and Clean Business Practices
39:01 - Balancing Lifestyle and Business Goals
39:59 - Reflecting on the Journey and Points of Failure
41:01 - The Role of Luck in Success
42:10 - The Satisfaction of Building Value
42:59 - Recent Achievements and Recognition
44:01 - Final Thoughts and Contrarian Convictions

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Nicola Sinclair: The Evolution of Military Innovation | Episode 39

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured with Aarish Shah, Nicola Sinclair, founder of Twin Track Ventures, discusses the evolution of military technology from sharing one laptop among eight people to the current state of defense services. The conversation delves into topics such as utilizing drones with guns, printing aircraft parts for quicker repairs, leveraging interoperability, the role of science in defense, AUKUS impact on emerging technologies, and the future of military advancements. Tune in to gain insights into the intersection of technology, defense, and innovation.

Timestamps:
00:20 Military technological evolution over time.
03:24 Evolution of military communication.
08:00 Collaboration in defense technology.
11:37 International cooperation in defense.
14:17 Dual-use technologies and applications.
17:27 International defense partnerships.
21:53 Military technology and innovation.
23:38 Commercialization of defense technologies.
27:07 Defense innovation and technology.
30:11 Technology applications in military strategy.
33:23 Ethical concerns about eVTOL.
37:26 Military innovation and risk-taking.
40:18 Impact of ITAR exemptions.
44:50 Peak drone technology.
45:30 Peak drone excitement.

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Jan Reichelt: Navigating the EdTech Landscape | Episode 38

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 05:00:00 +0000

On this episode of Nothing Ventured, Jan Reichelt, founding partner of Tenex Founders, discusses the global nature of education and edtech. Jan shares insights on creating value, trusting your instincts as a founder, and seizing opportunities. He emphasizes the importance of having investors with founder backgrounds in Europe. Tune in to learn about Jan's entrepreneurial journey, work-life balance, and contrarian advice for engaging with VC partners.

Timestamps:
00:21 Edtech being immediately global.
06:24 EdTech innovations through toys.
08:17 EdTech exit strategies.
10:29 Acquiring publishers for digital growth.
14:33 Founder confidence and decision-making.
18:11 The genesis of 10X.
21:33 Founder's advantage in investing.
25:42 Finding the right balance.
27:44 European startup ecosystem challenges.
33:32 Entrepreneurial journey advice.
36:25 Entrepreneurship as a lifestyle.
39:54 VC industry misconceptions
42:15 VC relationship dynamics and longevity.

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Edward Kliphuis: The Future of Healthcare | Episode 37

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 4 Jul 2024 05:00:00 +0000

On this episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish Shah interviews Edward Kliphuis, a partner at Softenover Partners, about leveraging technology to address challenges in healthcare. They discuss the transformative potential of the convergence of computation and healthcare, strategies for integrating new technologies into healthcare, and the concept of large biology models akin to large language models. Join Aarish Shah as he delves into the intersection of technology and healthcare on this insightful episode.

Timestamps:
00:17 Technology in Healthcare Challenges
05:00 Life sciences fund during pandemic.
08:56 Venture-scale companies in life sciences.
11:24 A captive pharmaceutical environment.
16:25 Delayed Feedback in Drug Development.
18:13 Large biology models in healthcare.
22:35 Personalized medicine and digital twins.
26:48 Healthcare systems post-war effects.
29:01 Trust and misinformation in healthcare.
31:39 Health and diet controversies.

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Asif Ahmed: Unleashing Creativity in Business | Episode 36

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish Shah discusses the importance of focusing on what founders need rather than what they want with Asif Ahmed, partner at Cooper Parry. They delve into topics such as founder-advisor fit, the legal implications of R&D for founders, and the rise of solopreneurs in the startup ecosystem. Join them as they share insights on working with early-stage tech companies and high-growth businesses to help them thrive and innovate.

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and Guest Overview
00:45 - Cooper Parry's Approach to Founders' Needs
02:09 - Importance of Finance in Startups
03:34 - Value Over Services in Financial Advisory
04:45 - Early Stage Financial Management
06:00 - Long-term Solutions for Founders
07:04 - Holistic Approach to Startup Finance
08:02 - Founder-Advisor Fit
09:10 - Cost Optimization vs. Value in Financial Services
10:56 - R&D Relief and HMRC Changes
13:15 - Legislation vs. Dictionary Definition of R&D
15:09 - Impact of R&D Legislation Changes
17:21 - Advice on R&D Financial Planning
18:56 - Common Financial Mistakes by Early Stage Ventures
20:44 - Importance of Proper Company Setup
22:05 - Distinguishing Between Founder and Business Finances
24:25 - Revenue Recognition and Reporting Issues
27:09 - Trends in the Startup Ecosystem
28:36 - Rise of the Solopreneur
30:58 - Venture Capital's Role in the New Landscape
33:15 - Transition from Software to Hardware Investments
33:39 - Unleashing Inner Creativity in Professional Roles
35:08 - Importance of Rigorous Hiring Processes
36:34 - Conclusion and Contact Information

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Lyuba Guk & David Gilgur: Ukrainian Startups and the Global Tech Landscape | Episode 35

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 05:00:00 +0000

On this episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish Shah interviews Lyuba Guk and David Gulka, co-founders of Blue Lake, a VC firm supporting immigrant founders in the UK. They discuss the resilience of the Ukrainian ecosystem, transitioning from SMEs to investing in migrant founders, the prevalence of migrants in founding unicorn ventures, and the importance of building a community for international founders. The conversation touches on the challenges and rewards of being a founder, emphasizing the need for VCs to focus on investing. Additionally, they highlight their free ecosystem initiative, International Office Hours 3.0, which is now open for applications and aimed at supporting international founders. For more information, visit https://www.internationalfounders.co.uk

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Nothing Ventured Podcast
00:11 - Overview of Blue Lake VC Firm
00:29 - Resilience in the Ukrainian Ecosystem
01:07 - Building a Super Community for International Founders
02:07 - Impact of the Russian Invasion on Ukrainian Founders
05:25 - Shift to Military and Defense Tech in Ukraine
07:12 - Opportunities for Investors in the Ukrainian Ecosystem
10:49 - Personal Reflections on the Invasion
14:42 - Evolution of Blue Lake from Accelerator to VC Firm
18:08 - Challenges of Founder Education
20:27 - Overeducation and the Founder Journey
24:24 - The Illusion of Universal Founder Success
25:36 - Transition from Accelerator to Investment Focus
26:38 - Blue Lake's Syndicate Investment Model
29:18 - Traits of Successful Migrant Founders
32:32 - Community Support for Migrant Founders
35:53 - Resilience and Grit in Migrant Founders
38:28 - Fragmented Immigrant Communities
41:07 - Geographic Spread of Migrant Founders
44:12 - Potential of the African Startup Ecosystem
47:35 - Future Expansion Plans for Blue Lake

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Kiran Mehta: Balancing Growth and Capital Efficiency | Episode 34

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 05:00:00 +0000

On this episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish Shah chats with Kiran Mehta from Mercia Ventures about the importance of doing what you love and excelling at it rather than trying to live in a parallel universe. They discuss the significance of working with smart people, navigating the chaos of venture capital, and how good founders can succeed in any market condition. Kiran emphasizes the need for founders to prioritize growth while being capital efficient and focusing on actionable steps to reach milestones. Tune in to gain insights into the world of venture capital and the strategies that lead to success.

🕒 Time stamps -
01:36 - Guest Introduction: Kiran Mehta
01:47 - Thoughts on Education and Career Choices
03:08 - Impact of AI and Changing Job Market
03:38 - Humanities Backgrounds in Tech
04:55 - Personal Career Reflections
05:06 - Education System and Career Paths
06:12 - Evolution of Job Market and Skills
06:39 - Career Decisions and Luck
07:19 - Joining Mercia Ventures
07:33 - Breaking into Venture Capital
09:14 - Day-to-Day Life in Venture Capital
10:05 - Assessing Deals and Building Relationships
10:57 - Importance of Founder-Investor Fit
11:28 - Transaction and Portfolio Management
12:33 - Managing a Large Portfolio
13:59 - Scalability Challenges in Venture Capital
15:22 - Support Structures at Mercia
16:57 - Building Effective Boards
17:08 - Scalability and Network in Venture
18:01 - Economies of Scale in Venture Capital
18:47 - Proactive Problem Solving in Portfolio Management
19:08 - State of Venture Capital Today
19:43 - Shift from Growth at All Costs to Capital Efficiency
20:56 - Balancing Growth and Profitability
21:10 - Intersection of Growth and Capital Efficiency
22:14 - Profitability vs. Growth Dilemma
23:25 - Strategic Decision-Making for Founders
24:18 - Optionality in Funding Strategies
25:10 - Trends in Software and SaaS Businesses
26:56 - Role of Venture in R&D Heavy Businesses
27:20 - Challenges in Software Sales
28:00 - Market Changes and Founder Strategies
29:06 - Venture as a Goal vs. Business Fundamentals
30:19 - Survivorship Bias in Venture Success Stories
31:08 - Importance of Revenue-Driven Businesses
32:03 - Preference Stacks and Founder Outcomes
32:34 - Differences in Venture Ecosystems: US vs. UK/Europe
33:13 - Factors Affecting Unicorn Rates
34:00 - Founder Motivations and Market Realities
34:59 - Future of Venture Capital
35:15 - Desired Changes in Venture Capital
35:58 - Evolution of Fundraising Processes
36:40 - Importance of Articulating Vision
37:01 - Focus on Societal Impact and Innovation
37:20 - Alternative Fundraising Approaches
38:03 - Value of Pitch Decks and Financial Models
39:08 - Long-Form Memos vs. Pitch Decks
39:57 - Nuances in Financial Models
40:50 - Transparency in Fundraising Process

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Tamta Gamezardashvili: Breaking Down the Power Dynamic in VC Fundraising | Episode 33

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 6 Jun 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Today on Nothing Ventured, Tamta Gamezardashvili discusses the challenges VCs face in raising capital, the dynamics of power and ego in investment, and the importance of equal opportunities. Tamta shares insights on gender differences in asking for money, her work in bringing women into the VC space, and her contrarian approach to questioning norms. Join host Aarish Shah as he delves into the stories shaping the venture capital ecosystem.

🕒 Time stamps - 00:46 Gender differences in fundraising.05:13 Fundraising as a sales process.09:32 Non-financial returns in investments.12:11 Dream investors and targeting strategies.16:18 What is equality?20:33 Gender disparities in psychology careers.24:23 Gender differences in risk appetite.26:30 Gender differences in decision-making.32:34 Female founder valuations in business.36:13 The evolution of feminism.39:33 Female founder communities.42:32 Female Founder Support Community.45:25 The power of understanding others.49:53 Female investor community on LinkedIn.

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Steve O'Hear: From Tech Journalism to CEO | Episode 32

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 30 May 2024 05:00:00 +0000

On this episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish Shah discusses the misunderstood quick commerce space with Steve O'Hear, founder of O'Hear & Co. They delve into attracting paying customers for convenience, the role of journalists in the hype cycle, signals for early-stage investors, and the impact of excessive press coverage on a company's image. Tune in to gain insights into the world of venture capital and startup storytelling.

⏱️Timestamps:
00:31 Quick commerce space misunderstood.
06:26 Convenience in online retail.
09:36 Premium product differentiation strategies.
13:08 The importance of storytelling.
19:26 Relationship dynamics in journalism.
21:18 Machine learning in autonomous driving.
25:15 The importance of effective messaging.
32:24 PR strategy breakdown into three.
34:51 Storytelling in media relations.
39:48 The importance of storytelling.
43:33 Work from home debate.
45:41 Social mobility and remote work.
49:41 Intent and human connection.

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Henry Goodwin & Shwetank Verma: Cross-Continental Ventures | Episode 31

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 23 May 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of "Nothing Ventured," Aarish Shah discusses how Singapore has been stimulating the early stage tech ecosystem with guests Henry Goodwin and Shwetank Verma from Leo Capital. They delve into topics like the India Advantage, the global talent pool from India, startups listing on the Indian Stock Exchange, entering the Nordics market, and the importance of keeping the US market in mind for scalability. The conversation touches on the evolving perception of entrepreneurship in India and the diaspora. Tune in to gain insights into the venture capital world and the global startup landscape.

🕒 Time stamps -
02:13 Singapore's early stage tech ecosystem.
05:16 Singapore's forward-thinking approach.
08:39 Indian talent powering global businesses.
13:26 Advantages of Indian communal living.
17:29 Tech ecosystem evolution.
19:44 Global Expansion Strategies.
22:40 Scaling startups in Europe.
27:20 Building a global business.
28:39 Scaling a Business Globally.
33:43 Entrepreneurship journey and family acceptance.
35:34 Generational businesses in Indian diaspora.

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Mads Jensen and Dan Bowyer: The Future of European Venture Capital | Episode 30

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 16 May 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish Shah interviews Mads Jensen and Dan Bowyer, general partners at Superseed. They discuss the growing interest in AI and its impact on business. They also delve into the evolution of European venture capital, highlighting the increase in funding over the years. The conversation touches on the need for a European Nasdaq and the importance of speed in sales and scaling. The episode explores the unique backgrounds of the hosts and how they came together to form a VC fund. Tune in to gain insights into the world of venture capital and the transformative power of AI in business.

🕒 Time stamps -
00:18 European venture capital growth.
06:15 Fundraising challenges and environment.
07:12 Longer investment timeframes.
11:31 AI transforming businesses.
14:37 State of venture in Europe.
18:37 The Future Fund and Risk Aversion.
21:34 Optimism in European Venture Capital
25:36 Lack of awareness in founders.
30:30 Building big European companies.
31:35 Shifting focus to deep tech.
36:00 Impactful investing in venture capital.
38:16 European capital market challenges.
43:55 Tech industry challenges in Europe.

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Ash Arora: The Journey from Trader to VC Partner | Episode 29

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 9 May 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Today on Nothing Ventured, Ash Arora, the youngest partner at LocalGlobe, shares her journey into venture capital, her deep dive into Bitcoin for Citibank. She discusses her extensive interview process with LocalGlobe and explains the challenges in blockchain technology, highlighting the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. Tune in to learn why Ethereum is considered the "hugging face" of blockchain. ⏱️ Time stamps: 01:31 The Heisenberg uncertainty principle in blockchain. 03:59 Bitcoin research project. 12:31 Trusting celebrity endorsements in crypto. 14:03 Simplicity of tokenomics modeling. 16:55 New business models emerging. 19:34 Indian origin founders and investments. 23:55 Choosing the right VC fund. 28:13 Web3 and blockchain trends. 31:26 Blockchain in cross-border transactions. 33:39 Blockchain Trilemma discussed. 38:16 Blockchain in land registry. 41:25 The impact of blockchain. 43:36 Human judgment in AI and tech. 48:13 Community building in blockchain. 49:36 Developer ecosystems in tech. This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B. Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/ Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe

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Christian Tooley: From Corporate to Queer Capital | Episode 28

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 2 May 2024 05:00:00 +0000

On this episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish Shah interviews Christian Tooley, founder of iCubed Investing, discussing the transition from consulting to venture capital. They explore iCubed's focus on investing in post-product pre-revenue companies in the UK, their efforts to unlock queer capital, and their partnership with Crunchbase to highlight diverse founders. Tune in for an insightful conversation on bridging the gap between corporate and venture worlds.

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to iCubed Investing
05:30 - Investing with ADA Ventures
10:00 - Transition to discussing the gay job
15:00 - Angel investing criteria and decision-making process
20:00 - Discussion on the diversity of deals in scouting communities
25:00 - iCubed Investing's community and events
30:00 - Intersectional Incredibles Forum and EMEA survey
35:00 - Discussion on LGBTQ+ VC funds
38:00 - Contrarian conviction on LGBTQ+ history and culture
42:00 - Conclusion and where to find Christian online

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George Askew & Sam Ettelaie: Breaking Down Barriers for Aspiring VCs | Episode 27

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 05:00:00 +0000

On this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah sits down with George Askew and Sam Ettelaie, co-founders of Thema, a platform supporting emerging managers in launching venture capital strategies. They discuss fund structuring, regulation, and the impact of patient capital on the ecosystem. With Thema already attracting over 450 funds within weeks of launching, George and Sam shed light on the importance of backing those who aim to build management businesses. Tune in to gain insights from industry experts and explore the stories shaping the venture capital landscape.

🕒 Time stamps -
00:25 - Thema's Role in Supporting Emerging Managers
01:50 - The Challenges for Emerging Managers
03:19 - Fund Structuring and Regulation
05:03 - The Importance of Guidance for New Fund Managers
06:05 - Thema's Approach to Supporting Fund Managers
07:14 - The Need for Capital and Structuring Support
08:17 - The Role of LPs and the Fundraising Process
09:10 - The Ecosystem's Gatekeeping and Transparency
10:17 - Co-Investment Opportunities and LP Interests
11:42 - Supporting Underrepresented Emerging Managers
12:02 - Operator Backgrounds in Venture Capital
13:15 - The Genesis of Thema and Co-Founder Synergy
14:47 - The Return Profile for Emerging Managers
16:09 - The Importance of Fund Structuring
17:22 - The Market's Current State and Advice for Allocators
18:48 - The Risk Aversion in European Venture Ecosystem
20:19 - The Role of LPs in Supporting Emerging Managers
21:44 - The Value of Operator Experience for GPs
23:17 - The Importance of Differentiation for Emerging Managers
24:50 - The Patient Capital and Risk Aversion in Europe
26:48 - The UK Venture Ecosystem and Lessons from the US
28:08 - The Role of GP Seeding in the Emerging Manager Ecosystem
30:35 - The Evolution of Family Offices in Venture
32:11 - Final Advice for Emerging Managers
33:30 - The UK vs. US Emerging Manager Ecosystem
34:47 - The Potential of the UK Venture Ecosystem
36:36 - The Excitement for Emerging Managers and Innovation
38:24 - How to Connect with Thema and Closing Remarks

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Sean Williams: Lessons in Linguistic Engineering | Episode 26

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah interviews Sean Williams, the founder and CEO of Autogen AI. Sean shares insights on learning from failures, the role of managers in delivering results, staying focused amidst distractions, and the significance of linguistic engineering in business. He also discusses his journey with investors and the importance of context windows in team scaling. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of generative AI and venture capital with Sean Williams.

⏱️ Timestamps:
01:01 - Introducing Sean Williams of Autogen AI
01:22 - Sean's Approach to Learning and Management
02:04 - Sean's Background and Autogen AI's Mission
02:25 - Reflecting on Past Success and Lessons Learned
03:52 - Building a Business with a Clear Exit Strategy
04:13 - The Philosophy of Building a Business
05:02 - The Confidence in a Four-Year Exit Plan
06:02 - The Venture Capital Mindset vs. Strategic Growth
07:04 - The Importance of Sticking to a Business Plan
08:11 - The Shift from Corndell to Autogen AI
09:36 - The Current Venture Capital Landscape
10:07 - Autogen AI's Fundraising Journey
11:11 - Choosing the Right Venture Capital Partner
12:39 - The Role of Investors Beyond Capital
13:31 - Autogen AI's Decision to Take Venture Capital
14:18 - Autogen AI's Target Customer Base
15:29 - The Process of Raising Capital Without Fundraising
16:07 - Filtering Through VC Approaches and Selecting Blossom Capital
17:49 - The Importance of Choosing the Right Investors
18:54 - The Potential Need for Future Capital
19:57 - The UK's Perception of Tech Business Success
21:03 - Autogen AI's Approach to Scaling Internationally
22:10 - The Early Adoption of Generative AI
23:14 - The Importance of Building Something People Want
24:21 - The Future of Large Language Models and Linguistic Engineering
25:07 - Sponsor Break: Emerge One
25:30 - The Role of Humanities Graduates in AI Development
26:56 - The UK's Tech Ecosystem and Ambition
28:31 - The Importance of Customer Feedback in Product Development
29:51 - Advice for Young Founders and Challenges in Business Growth
31:00 - The Intersection of Humanities and Technology in AI
32:04 - The Concept of Linguistic Engineering
33:03 - The Practical Application of Large Language Models
34:02 - Hiring Humanities Graduates for AI Development
35:06 - The Importance of Customer-Centric Product Development
36:08 - The Future of Specialized AI Applications
37:14 - The Role of Prompt Engineers and Humanities in AI
38:43 - Final Advice for Founders and Personal Business Concerns

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Enis Hulli: From Air Conditioning to Venture Capital | Episode 25

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish Shah sits down with Enis Hulli, a general partner at 500 Emerging Europe. They discuss Enis' journey from listening to VC podcasts to launching a fund, his shift from being risk-averse to investing, and the importance of boots on the ground for pre-seed and seed investments. They also delve into how 500 Emerging Europe differs from the global family, the challenges of equity financing in Europe, and the dynamics of startup culture in emerging Europe. Tune in for insights on venture investing and navigating the unique landscape of emerging markets.

⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and Sponsor Message
01:11 - Guest Introduction: Enes Huli
02:21 - Enes' Transition from HVAC to Angel Investing
04:42 - Risk Aversion and Entrepreneurship
07:20 - Sales Experience and Self-Confidence
09:28 - Founder Types and Portfolio Balance
10:58 - The Path from Entrepreneur to Investor
12:06 - 500 Global and 500 Emerging Europe Model
14:23 - The Unique Approach of 500 Emerging Europe
17:02 - Portfolio Strategy and Global Competition
19:04 - The Population Paradox in Venture
20:24 - Equity Financing Deficit in Emerging Europe
22:49 - The Pathway to Closing the Equity Gap
25:51 - Early Adopters and Scaling Challenges
27:20 - Advice for Founders in Emerging Markets
30:01 - Americanizing Startup Culture
33:35 - How to Connect with Enes Huli

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Mohamed Abou-Alam: Bridging Tech and Medicine | Episode 24

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 4 Apr 2024 05:00:00 +0000

This episode of Nothing Ventured features a discussion with Mohamed Abou-Alam about the challenges and strategies in the tech and venture ecosystem. They explore topics like managing chronic conditions with data, building multidisciplinary teams, quantifying impact to LPs, regulatory and commercial outcomes, transitioning roles in the industry, and adapting to the competitive landscape. Tune in for valuable insights into the world of venture capital and tech innovation.

🕒 Time stamps -
01:52 - The Challenges of Hard Tech in Medicine
02:43 - Precision's Approach to Managing Heart Conditions
03:29 - Mohammed's Non-Medical Background and Precision's Hardware
04:02 - Why Precision's Solution is Innovative
05:06 - Mohammed's Journey from VC to Precision
07:12 - The Importance of Multidisciplinary Teams
09:10 - Building a Holistic Team at Precision
10:05 - The Role of Finance in Startups
11:07 - Mission-Driven Businesses in Health Sector
13:22 - Proactive Medicine and Personalization
14:15 - Transition from Samsung to VC and Operating Roles
17:08 - The Importance of Understanding Different Perspectives
19:13 - Mohammed's Transition to CEO at Precision
22:02 - The Decision to Take on the CEO Role
23:23 - The Balance Between Operator and Finance-Driven VCs
24:36 - The Complexities of Medical Device Startups
25:18 - The Multi-Stakeholder Model in Health Tech
27:27 - R&D and Commercialization in Regulated Businesses
28:54 - Innovate UK Grant and Funding R&D Businesses
31:25 - Tips for Securing Grants and Funding
33:02 - The Importance of Complementarity in Competitive Landscapes
35:28 - The Unique Challenges of Multi-Stakeholder Industries
37:47 - The Value of Grants Beyond Funding
39:10 - The Role of Validation in Fundraising
40:05 - Choosing the Right Grants and Using Consultants
42:03 - The Benefits of Multiple Assessors for Grants
43:11 - The Validation Aspect of Grants in Fundraising
44:02 - Keeping a Team Motivated and Malleable
45:22 - Where to Find Precision Cardiovascular Online

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Nik Sharma & Mo Alomari: The Future of Tech Bio: | Episode 23

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, we delve into the world of tech bio with co-founders Nik Sharma and Mo Alomari from BioCortex. They discuss reflecting biology in silico, NASA-inspired strategies, and the importance of trust in co-founder relationships. Learn how BioCortex is revolutionizing therapeutic development with insights backed by Hoxton and Sofinova. Tune in for a deep dive into the intersection of technology and biotech with these innovative minds.

🕒 Time stamps -
01:01 - Introducing Guests Nick Sharma and Mo Al-Omari
01:55 - Emulation vs. Simulation in Tech Bio
02:16 - BioCortex: A Tech Bio Company Overview
02:27 - Founders' Backgrounds and Expertise
03:09 - BioCortex's Vision and Technology
03:33 - Personalizing Medication Efficacy with BioCortex
04:15 - Broader Applications of BioCortex Technology
04:31 - Carbon Knowledge and Carbon Mirror Technologies
05:03 - Emulation in Aerospace Applied to Biology
05:38 - Conceptualizing Human Biology for Drug Interaction
06:25 - Understanding Emulation and Simulation
07:04 - The Role of Bacteria in Drug Efficacy
07:34 - The Distinction Between Emulation and Simulation
08:34 - NASA's Use of Emulation
09:10 - The Importance of Understanding Mechanisms in Medicine
09:43 - The Reality of Drug Response Rates
10:21 - BioCortex's Approach to AI and Emulation
11:01 - The Co-Founders' Meeting and Collaboration
11:29 - The Genesis of BioCortex
12:00 - Addressing Motor Neurone Disease Communication
13:02 - The Evolution of Nick and Mo's Partnership
13:38 - The Challenge of Modeling Bacteria
14:02 - The Solution to Modeling Complex Biological Systems
14:58 - The Importance of Trust in Co-Founder Relationships
16:01 - The Dynamics of Co-Founder and VC Relationships
16:53 - Defining Tech Bio vs. Biotech
17:36 - Capital Efficiency and Growth Concerns
18:11 - Maintaining Culture and Focus in a Startup
19:08 - The Challenge of Diverse Disciplines in a Tech Bio Team
20:00 - The Impact of Remote Work on Team Dynamics
21:19 - The Importance of Security and Tools for Remote Work
22:04 - The Benefits of In-Person and Remote Work Balance
22:44 - The Diverse Expertise within the BioCortex Team
00:23:27 - The Future of Tech Bio and Biotech Industry

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Renan Devillieres: From Tesla Factories to Software Disruption | Episode 22

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah interviews Renan Devilliers, the founder of OSS Ventures, a startup studio focused on revolutionizing operations in organizations providing physical services. Renan shares insights from his journey, including founding Chance, a successful recruitment tech business, and the challenges he faced along the way. Tune in to hear about Renan's experiences at a Tesla factory, navigating business pivots, and the critical role of operations in the future of industries.

⏱️ Timestamps:
02:24 - Quick Fire Round with Renan
03:17 - OSS Ventures: Venture Builder Model
04:06 - Renan's Favorite Portfolio Companies
05:05 - Wine Preferences and Geographical Partisanship
05:35 - Renan's Journey and Departure from Chance
07:33 - Pivoting Business Model from Europe to Brazil
09:36 - Competitive Advantages of Different Countries
10:08 - OSS Ventures' Focus on Factory Operations
15:24 - Realization of Change in Manufacturing Space
18:03 - Sponsor Break: Emerge One
18:35 - Manufacturing Operations in the 21st Century
21:01 - Software's Role in Modern Manufacturing
23:39 - Personalized Medicine and Economic Value
24:43 - Trends in the Manufacturing and Operations Space
27:07 - Resilience as a Top CEO Priority
30:05 - Software Disruption in Textile Industry with Shein
32:07 - AI Trends in Physical Products and Processes
35:15 - Advice for Hardware Founders
36:56 - Sam Altman's Ambitious Funding Goals
37:44 - OSS Ventures' First Exit: Niagara Acquisition
38:49 - Closing Remarks and Contact Information

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Francesco Perticarari: Unveiling the Rise of Deep Tech Investing in Europe | Episode 21

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish Shah interviews Francesco Perticarari, a general partner at Silicon Roundabout Ventures. Francesco discusses the shift from unicorns to titans in the tech industry, focusing on deep tech investments. Learn how deep tech involves integrating technology into risk and reward strategies for startups.

⏱️ Timestamps:
01:44 Deep tech investing in Europe.
06:48 Defense tech company Green Jets.
10:11 Deep tech investments and trends.
13:22 The Future and the Cold War.
19:31 Deep tech investment trends.
19:41 Infrastructure in technology space.
27:27 Defense and strategic supply chain.
29:05 Manufacturing in tech ecosystem.
33:15 The importance of collaboration.
36:25 NATO and European defense collaboration.
42:04 Innovation in developing economies.
47:04 Building unconventional investment strategies.
49:18 The changing landscape of venture.
55:25 Deep tech investment strategies.
58:14 Deep tech investing and passion.
59:45 Attending tech events more often.

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Jack Kuveke: The Art of Sh*tposting and Shaking Up the VC World | Episode 20

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 7 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah chats with Jack Kuveke, the author of the newsletter Jabroni Capital and a fundraising coach. They discuss Jack's experience raising a $53 million ICO, his ventures in the crypto and gaming space in Serbia, and the ups and downs of the fundraising hype cycle. Tune in to unravel the fact from fiction in Jack's intriguing journey through the world of venture capital.

⏱️ Timestamps:
01:01 - Welcoming Jack Kuveke
01:11 - Jack's Background and Jabroni Capital
01:32 - Jack's Experience in Crypto and Gaming
02:04 - Quick Fire Questions with Jack
03:01 - Jack's Approach to Helping Startups
03:23 - Jack's Investment Interests
04:10 - Jack's Arrival in the Venture Ecosystem
04:58 - Jack's Early Crypto Adventures
05:30 - Jack's Involvement with Gaming Cryptocurrency
06:08 - Building a Crypto Community
07:09 - Jack's Role in the Crypto Company
08:01 - The ICO Boom and Community Growth
08:48 - The $53 Million ICO
09:47 - Jack's Pseudonym and Family Involvement
10:08 - Jack's Decision to Drop Out and Move to Serbia
11:01 - The Collapse of the Crypto Company
11:18 - Sponsor Break: Emerge One
11:50 - Jack's Return and New Beginnings
12:55 - The Reality of Startups and Failures
13:23 - Jack's Family Support and Investment
14:11 - The Nuance of Jabroni Capital
15:10 - Jack's Parents' Role in His Journey
16:11 - The Authenticity Behind Jabroni Capital
17:15 - The Future of Jabroni Capital
18:12 - The Value of Fun and Authenticity
19:16 - The Satirical Edge of Jabroni Capital
20:16 - The Importance of Storytelling in Fundraising
21:09 - The Art of the Pitch and Standing Out
22:15 - The Grind of the Current Fundraising Environment
23:10 - The Power of Narrative Over Numbers
24:02 - The Role of Humor in Building Relationships
25:09 - The Importance of Authenticity in Fundraising
26:26 - Jack's Day Job and Fundraising Insights
27:36 - Jack's Vision for Jabroni Capital's Expansion
28:09 - The Significance of Storytelling in Venture Capital
29:09 - The Current State of Fundraising and Advice for Founders
30:44 - The Shift in Fundraising Dynamics
31:15 - Tips for Founders to Stand Out During Fundraising
32:27 - The Lasting Impact of a Good Story
33:02 - The Importance of Authenticity and Personality in Pitches
34:06 - The Role of Humor in Memorable Pitches
35:15 - Where to Find Jack Online

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Charles Sidman: From Academia to Investing | Episode 19

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah interviews Charles Sidman, founder of ECS Capital Partners, a venture capital firm focusing on technology ventures with a positive impact. Charles shares his journey from academia to venture capital, discusses achieving an exit in six weeks, debates whether AI is becoming a cult, emphasizes the importance of diversity in systems, and delves into complexity science. Tune in for an insightful conversation on influencing the world through tech investments.

🕒 Time stamps -
01:01 - Guest Introduction: Charles Sidman
01:23 - Charles Sidman's Background and Transition to Venture Capital
01:55 - Topics of Discussion: AI, Diversity, and Angel Investing
02:06 - Quick Fire Round with Charles
03:24 - Charles' Investment Focus and Portfolio Companies
04:57 - Charles' Late Shift to Investing
05:16 - From Academia to Venture Capital
06:03 - Research vs. Investing in Ideas
06:49 - The Scientific Approach to Investing
07:34 - The Reality of Angel Investing
08:03 - The Longevity of Startups and Exits
08:38 - Positive Impact Investments and AI Skepticism
09:11 - AI as a Cult and Its Impact
10:03 - Anthropomorphizing AI and Its Consequences
11:03 - AI in Practical Scenarios
12:02 - The Turing Test and AI's Limitations
12:55 - The Future of AI and AGI
13:28 - AI's Four Key Issues
14:01 - Self-Driving Cars and AI's Limitations
15:27 - The Role of AI in Decision-Making
16:03 - The Angel Investment Landscape
17:01 - Complexity Science and Personalized Medicine
18:00 - The Future of Medicine: 5P Approach
19:05 - Personalized Education and AI
20:25 - The Role of AI in Education and Medicine
21:07 - Sponsor Break: Emerge One
21:20 - Tech's Role in Generalization vs. Personalization
22:01 - Venture Funding Trends and AI
22:31 - Medical Advances During the Pandemic
23:14 - Complexity Science Explained
24:09 - Personalization in Medicine
25:11 - The Diversity of Human Beings
26:03 - Personalized Education and AI's Potential
27:17 - The Need for Personalized Approaches
28:01 - 5P Medicine and Personalization
29:13 - Personalized Education and Technology's Role
30:05 - The Mismatch Between Education and Future Needs
31:05 - Personalization in Medicine and Education
32:02 - Crowdfunding as an Investment Avenue
33:24 - Angel Investing: Financial Returns vs. Other Rewards
34:08 - The Realities of Angel Investing
35:25 - Crowdfunding and Community Building
36:11 - Angel Investment Landscape in the US
37:17 - UK Legislation Impact on Angel Investing
38:12 - Crowdfunding and Inclusivity
39:17 - Crowdfunding as an Educational Tool
40:12 - The Role of Crowdfunding in Early Investment
41:11 - The Reality of Angel Investing Returns
42:07 - Crowdfunding's Limitations
43:33 - Crowdfunding for Personal Causes
44:48 - The Importance of Personal Connection in Investing
45:11 - The Role of Crowdfunding in Investment Education
46:00 - How to Connect with Charles Sidman Online

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Monik Pham & Reem Mobassaleh: Investing with Impact | Episode 18

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah sits down with Monik Pham and Reem Mobassaleh, founding partners of PACT VC. PACT VC is an early stage VC fund that focuses on backing founders who are solving key issues facing future generations. The conversation covers topics such as the importance of diversity in founding a fund, the challenges of building a fund at a young age, and the integration of commercial and impact metrics in measuring success. Tune in to learn more about their journey and strategies for success in the venture capital world.

🕒 Time stamps -
01:01 - Introducing Guests Monique Pham and Reem Wyndham
01:44 - Founding a VC Fund as Women
02:10 - Guests' First Jobs and Early Career Paths
03:18 - Backgrounds Before Founding PACT VC
04:21 - Decision to Launch PACT VC
05:04 - PACT VC's Investment Themes: ABCs
06:11 - Geographical Focus of Investments
06:38 - Recent Investments and Exciting Startups
09:17 - Diversity in Venture Capital and PACT VC's Approach
11:09 - Cognitive Diversity and Team Dynamics
12:03 - Performance Over Gender in VC
13:13 - Supporting Portfolio Companies in Hiring Diverse Talent
14:23 - LPs Investing in Diverse Allocators
17:08 - The Importance of Backing Quality and Diverse GPs
19:14 - Encouraging LPs to Invest in Diverse Managers
21:23 - The Risk of Regression in LP Investments
22:17 - Sponsor Break: Emerge One
22:48 - Concerns About the Future of Diverse Fund Management
24:31 - The Journey of Founding PACT VC
27:09 - The Role of Diversity in Building a VC Fund
29:43 - The Origin Story of PACT VC
31:08 - The Decision to Raise a Fund Together
32:25 - Challenges Faced Since Starting PACT VC
34:11 - The Importance of Team Dynamics in VC
35:38 - Preparing and Validating the Fund's Thesis
37:23 - The Emotional Side of Raising a Fund
38:06 - The Decision to Found PACT VC
39:29 - The ABC Investment Thesis and Impact Metrics
41:08 - Aligning Impact Metrics with Growth Targets
42:14 - The Story of Two Brown Boys
43:21 - The Importance of Co-Founder Fit
44:56 - The Nuances of Founding and Co-Founding
46:10 - The ABC Thesis and Stakeholder Returns
47:14 - Impact Metrics and Commercial Returns
48:08 - Case Study: Insurtech Company Impact
49:06 - Aligning Impact with Business Growth
50:21 - Founder Values and Mission-Driven Businesses
51:39 - Addressing Underrepresented Markets

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Massimiliano Magrini: Unlocking the Potential of Startups in Italy | Episode 17

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of search engines and how they have evolved over the years. Join us as we discuss the impact of AI on search algorithms, the changing landscape of search engines, and the quest to reinvent search. Our guest, Massimiliano Magrini, shares his insights as a former manager for AltaVista and Google, and sheds light on the role of search engines in putting technology in the hands of consumers. We also explore the globalization of technology, the importance of interconnected ecosystems, and the serendipity that leads to innovation. Don't miss this insightful conversation on the power of search engines and their influence on the tech industry.

🕒 Time stamps -
02:43 - Background and Experience of Massimiliano Magrini
04:32 - The Evolution of Search Engines and their Impact on the Tech and Venture Ecosystem
07:44 - The Role of the US as a Consolidator of Innovation and the Need for European IPOs
09:05 - Challenges of Attracting Traditional Corporations to Startups in Europe
11:38 - The Lack of Late-Stage Funding and Growth Venture-Oriented Players in Europe
13:39 - The Mismatch Between Policy and Private Capital in Europe
15:32 - The Importance of Harmonized Legislation and Best Practices for US-Europe Cooperation
18:14 - The Italian Government's Efforts to Support Innovation and Startups
20:23 - The Need for Adequate Capital Availability for Italian Startups
21:17 - The Talent Pool in Italy and the Importance of Connecting National Ecosystems
24:41 - Lessons from the Book "Fori da Greggia" and the Concept of Serendipity in Innovation
26:35 - Balancing Capital and Founder DNA in the Venture Capital Industry
29:06 - Encouraging a Culture of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Europe
32:57 - The Role of Personal Experience and Education in Fostering Entrepreneurial Mindset

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Harry Slagel & Lucy Adams: From Plateaway to Martee's | Episode 16

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 8 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah sits down with Harry Slagel and Lucy Adams, the co-founders of Martee's. Martee's is a business focused on improving convenience food globally by applying AI to retail technology. They have built a network of smart retail units across London and are using the data collected to develop an AI demand forecasting product. Harry and Lucy share their experiences and insights into their journey as entrepreneurs in the food tech industry. Tune in to learn more about their innovative approach and the future of convenience food.

🕒 Time stamps -
01:11 - Introduction to Harry Slagel and Lucy Adams, co-founders of Martee's
02:25 - Discussion on launching a business during lockdown and the challenges faced
07:33 - Harry's journey with PlateAway and the decision to exit
11:10 - Lucy's background and how she became a co-founder of Martee's
13:21 - The co-founding journey of Harry and Lucy and their complementary skills
20:35 - The initial product set of Martee's and the focus on smart fridges
22:05 - The pivot to demand forecasting and the goal of balancing availability and waste
26:41 - Future plans for Martee's and the development of their forecasting tool
28:58 - The potential for expanding the tool to different verticals
30:35 - The timeliness of Martee's solution in the current market conditions
33:26 - The benefits of working with accelerators and incubators like Founders Factory and Nesta
36:02 - The support and guidance provided by accelerators in the early stages of a business
39:41 - The importance of having experienced investors and advisors in the early stages
41:34 - The decision to respond to Harry's LinkedIn post and join Martee's
42:29 - Conclusion and where to find Harry and Lucy online

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Nader Sabbaghian: From Dot-Com Boom to SaaS Survival | Episode 15

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 1 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah interviews Nader Sabbaghian, a GP at 360 Capital, a venture capital firm based in Paris and Milan. Nader shares his experience as an operator and discusses his transition from McKinsey to joining a startup. They also delve into topics such as early-stage investing, deep tech, and digital enterprises. Tune in to gain insights into the world of venture capital and the mindset of successful entrepreneurs.

🕒 Time stamps -
01:01 - Introduction of Nader Sabogian and his background
03:00 - Nader's decision to join 360 Capital
04:09 - Overview of 360 Capital and its investment focus
04:49 - Discussion of three companies invested in by 360 Capital
06:16 - Quick fire round with Nader
09:30 - Transition to main episode
10:02 - Nader's experience during the dot-com boom in Italy
12:00 - Comparison of startup doctrine then and now
17:48 - Pivot from marketplace to SaaS at Bravo Solution
25:36 - Discussion of the challenges and benefits of SaaS
34:51 - Challenges of investing in the UK and the state of the European ecosystem
38:00 - Optimistic outlook for the future of startups and investment
47:12 - Predictions for the next 12 to 24 months in the ecosystem
52:07 - Shift in investment strategy at 360 Capital
53:21 - Focus on deep tech and climate tech investments
54:05 - Opportunities in generative AI and climate tech

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Duncan Clark: From Founders Factory to Canva | Main Episode 14

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah speaks with Duncan Clark, co-founder and CEO of Flourish. Duncan shares his journey of building Flourish, a platform that empowers users to create engaging data stories. He discusses the acquisition of Flourish by Canva and his role as Europe lead at Canva. They also delve into topics such as taking optional capital, dealing with acquisition offers, and the importance of building things that don't scale initially. Tune in to gain insights into the world of venture capital and the power of storytelling with data.

🕒 Time stamps -

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Duncan Clark: How Canva Democratizes Visual Communication | Primer 14

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Nothing Ventured Primer, host Aarish Shah interviews Duncan Clark, co-founder and CEO of Flourish. Duncan shares insights about his journey in the tech and venture ecosystem, as well as the mission of Flourish to empower storytelling with data. The episode also highlights the acquisition of Flourish by Canva and Duncan's current role as Europe lead at Canva. Tune in to learn more about Duncan's background and his efforts in driving Canva's growth across the continent.

🕒 Time stamps -
01:08 - Guest Introduction: Duncan Clark
02:00 - Duncan's Early Career
02:35 - Transition to Environmental Publishing
03:05 - The Guardian and Data Journalism
03:15 - Founding Flourish
04:17 - The Evolution of Web Graphics
05:27 - The Birth of Flourish as a Business
05:56 - The Appeal of Data Visualization
06:24 - The Shift to Interactive Visual Journalism
07:59 - The Agency Model and Flourish's Beginnings
08:32 - Flourish's Acquisition by Canva
09:05 - Canva's Mission and Growth
10:23 - Canva as a Visual Work Suite
12:42 - Exciting Developments in Data Visualization
14:11 - The Impact of AI on Canva
15:11 - The Trend of Tool Consolidation
16:17 - Closing Remarks and Future Features

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Adam Liska: Scaling AI Models and the Future of Venture Tech | Main Episode 13

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish Shah interviews Adam Liska, co-founder and CEO of Glyphic. They discuss the power of AI co-pilots in helping sales teams increase productivity and effectiveness. Adam shares his experience as a research scientist at Spotify and DeepMind, and how it led him to start Glyphic. They also explore the potential of large language models and the universal interface of language. Tune in to learn more about scaling models and the impact of data remixing.

🕒 Time stamps -
01:22 - Adam Liska's Background and Glyphic
02:04 - Topics for Today's Episode
02:14 - Aarish's Interest in AI and Tech
02:35 - Adam's Extensive Background in AI
02:57 - Evolution of AI in Recent Years
03:17 - Factors Contributing to AI's Rapid Pace
04:10 - The Role of GPUs and Data in AI Progress
04:49 - Surprising Speed of AI Model Scaling
05:01 - Machine Learning Models and Moore's Law
05:22 - Transition from Games to Language in AI
06:02 - Language as a Universal Interface
06:54 - Remixing Data and Intelligence
07:14 - Human Intelligence and Experience
07:45 - Protein Folding and Public Interest in AI
08:06 - Prompt Engineers and Language Skills
08:47 - The Future of Prompt Engineering
09:12 - Language as an Interface for AI
09:59 - AI Predictions and Human Decision-Making
10:39 - AI's Ability to Predict and Augment Decisions
11:10 - The Role of Data in AI Applications
11:37 - Data Privacy and Training AI Models
12:06 - Remixing Data and Novel Ideas
12:58 - Intelligence in AI and Remixing Experiences
13:45 - AI Predictions and CFO Insights
14:10 - AI and Human Intelligence Comparison
14:46 - Glyphic's Approach to Revenue Teams
15:43 - The Challenge of Data Integration
16:04 - Data Privacy and Model Training
16:58 - Public Data and AI Training
17:28 - The Impact of Public Data on Business Differentiation
18:09 - Using AI for Targeted Business Insights
18:30 - Mustafa Suleyman's New Turing Test
19:01 - Principles of the Modern Turing Test
19:50 - Autonomous Agents and Revenue Teams
20:45 - The Future of Autonomous Agents
21:09 - Data Challenges for AI Integration
21:53 - Data Privacy and AI Training
22:14 - The Importance of Data Quality
22:52 - Enterprise Data as the Next AI Frontier
23:13 - Building Integrations and Ingesting Data
23:39 - Data Anonymity and AI Training
24:19 - Mustafa Suleyman's Updated Turing Test
24:51 - The Modern Turing Test and AI in the Real World
25:42 - The Chinese Room Argument
26:36 - AI's Ability to Act in the Real World
27:09 - The Role of Humans in AI-Driven Tasks
27:45 - The Future of AI and Human Jobs
28:30 - Regulation and Safe Deployment of AI
29:01 - The Original Turing Test and Its Relevance
29:42 - The Chinese Room Thought Experiment
30:15 - AI Acting in the Real World
31:09 - The Modern Turing Test: AI as an Entrepreneur
31:55 - AI's Potential in E-commerce
32:53 - The Role of AI in B2B SaaS
33:35 - Human-AI Collaboration Experiments
34:17 - The Future of Autonomous AI Agents
35:09 - The Impact of AI on Society
35:41 - AI Optimism and the Future of Work
36:19 - The Importance of AI Regulation
37:17 - Gradual Deployment of AI Models
38:06 - Closing Remarks and Where to Find Adam Liska

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Adam Liska: Sales, AI, and Startup Success | Primer 13

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Nothing Ventured Primer, I had the pleasure of speaking with Adam Liska, the co-founder and CEO of Glyphic, a company that's revolutionizing the way sales teams operate with AI-driven task automation and personalized pre-meeting briefs. Before diving into the entrepreneurial world, Adam honed his skills as a research scientist at Spotify and later at DeepMind, where he worked on projects like protein folding and large language models (LLMs).
Adam shared his journey from his early days as a paper boy to becoming a software engineer with a focus on machine learning, even before the deep learning revolution took off. His move to found Glyphic was driven by the desire to create a product that could make a real impact and the serendipitous partnership with a colleague from DeepMind who became his co-founder.
Glyphic stands out by tapping into the vast amounts of underutilized data within sales teams, structuring it to inform strategic decisions and augment day-to-day operations. Adam explained how Glyphic's AI assistant can summarize key points from sales calls, identify customer pain points, and provide actionable insights, all of which are already being used by several organizations.
We also discussed the challenges of starting up outside of a big tech company, the importance of moving at the right pace, and the dynamics of having two technical co-founders. Adam believes that if he hadn't started Glyphic, he'd still be at DeepMind, working on large language models and possibly developing a research assistant for academics.
As for the future of AI, Adam highlighted three trends: the need for better evaluation of increasingly complex AI models, the search for new data sources as we exhaust easily available data, and the development of AI models that can perform actions autonomously.
Adam's insights into the AI space and his vision for Glyphic were truly enlightening. It's clear that the intersection of AI and sales is ripe for innovation, and Glyphic is at the forefront of this transformation. I'm looking forward to delving deeper into these topics in the main podcast episode.

🕒 Time stamps -
01:08 - Introducing Guest Adam Liska
01:50 - Adam's First Job and Entry into AI
03:09 - Founding Glyphic and the Co-founder Story
04:36 - Building Slowly in Big Tech vs Startups
05:24 - The Technical Co-founder Dynamic
07:13 - Adam's Alternate Career Path
08:05 - The Concept of Research Assistants
09:32 - What is Glyphic?
11:58 - Glyphic's Market Presence and Funding
13:33 - AI Trends: Evaluation, Data, and Autonomous Agents
16:06 - AI Accessibility for Non-Technical Users
17:14 - Voice Chat with AI and Future Possibilities
18:03 - Closing Remarks and Thanks

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Clara Armand-Delille: Differentiating Your Startup or VC Fund in a Crowded Market | Main Episode 12

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Nothing Ventured podcast, host Aarish Shah interviews Clara Armand-Delille, the founder of Third Eye Media. Clara shares her insights and expertise in strategic communications, media relations, marketing, and branding for startups, scale-ups, and VCs.
The discussion begins with a comparison of PR strategies for corporates, startups, and VC funds. Clara highlights the proactive nature of corporate PR, while startups focus on breaking into the news and generating a footprint. VC funds, on the other hand, work on building their brand, profiling partners, and promoting their portfolio investments.
The conversation then delves into the challenges startups face in the current funding landscape. Clara advises startups to invest in their initial launch, hire professionals if needed, and distill their unique value proposition. She also emphasizes the importance of celebrating smaller milestones and leveraging guest posting to sustain a brand presence.
The podcast explores the oversaturation of press and the need for startups and VCs to differentiate themselves. Clara suggests bridging the language gap early and targeting specific media outlets to showcase expertise and gain visibility. She also discusses the importance of building relationships with journalists and leveraging trends in the industry.
The episode concludes with a discussion on scaling from Europe to the US and the lack of repeat entrepreneurship in Europe. Clara advises startups to bridge the linguistic gap, secure coverage in English media, and use PR to position themselves as industry leaders.
Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into PR strategies for startups, scale-ups, and VCs, highlighting the importance of differentiation, media relationships, and sustained brand presence.

👂 Listen to the Primer / Main Episode here - https://youtu.be/-TM2pCeVYhs

🕒 Time stamps -
02:15 - Different Approaches to PR for Corporates, Startups, and VCs
09:12 - Distilling the Investment Thesis and Differentiating in the Market
13:11 - Balancing PR and Execution for Startups
15:46 - Avoiding Oversaturation of Press Coverage
19:38 - Leveraging Guest Posting to Build Brand and Sustain Footprint
22:20 - The Challenge of Scaling from Europe to the US
28:22 - Differentiating VCs in a Crowded Market
32:23 - Bridging the Linguistic Gap for European Startups
35:55 - Tips for Startups and VCs in PR Strategy
38:18 - Conclusion and Contact Information

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Clara Armand-Delille: From Google to Third Eye Media | Primer 12

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 9 Jan 2024 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Nothing Ventured Primer, host Aarish Shah interviews Clara Armand de Lille, the founder of Third Eye Media. Clara shares her background in PR and communications, including her experience working at Google and iZettle. She discusses the importance of PR in the tech and venture ecosystem and how Third Eye Media helps startups, scale-ups, and VCs with strategic communications, media relations, marketing, and branding. Clara also highlights three trends she is excited about in the media landscape: the growing understanding of PR in Europe, social media's impact on brand accountability, and the continued importance of traditional media outlets in the face of fake news. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into the world of PR and its role in the tech industry.

🕒 Time stamps -
00:00 - Introduction and Sponsorship
01:51 - Clara's First Job and Interest in PR
03:14 - Clara's Career Before Tech and Venture Ecosystem
04:11 - Clara's Experience at Google and the Growth of the PR Team
06:05 - Clara's Move to Founding Third Eye Media
08:01 - Clara's Move to Lisbon and Trendsetting
10:00 - Clara's Alternative Career Paths
10:35 - Overview of Third Eye Media and Target Clients
11:18 - Third Eye Media's Multilingual and Multi-Market Approach
12:20 - Challenges and Opportunities in the Media Landscape
13:26

Trends in PR and Media: Europe's Understanding of PR, Social Media's
Impact on Brands, and the Importance of Traditional Media Outlets
18:40 - Battling Misinformation on Social Media Platforms
19:33 - Conclusion and Thank You

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Matthew Stafford: Building a Safe Space for Founders | Main Episode 11

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Mon, 8 Jan 2024 21:28:44 +0000

In this episode of the podcast "Nothing Ventured with Aarish Shah," Matthew Stafford, co-founder of Nine Others, discusses the importance of building a safe space for founders to share their challenges and learn from each other. He explains that the goal of Nine Others is to bring together small groups of entrepreneurs in a casual and intimate environment to discuss the issues they face. Stafford also talks about his own experiences as an angel investor and the value of building a network before it is needed.

👂 Listen to the Primer / Main Episode here - • Matthew Stafford: Unveiling the World...

🕒 Time stamps -
02:50 Safe space for founders to share
06:32 Diverse founders share valuable insights.
07:58 Lessons from diverse business experiences.
13:21 Build your network before you need it.
16:03 Build relationships with no expectations.
21:14 Value of personal connections.
24:33 Founder-product fit is crucial.
28:21 Don't invest in first-time pitches.
33:46 Invest in people, not just cash.

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Matthew Stafford: Unveiling the World of Tech and Venture | Primer 11

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, host Aarish Shah interviews Matthew Stafford, co-founder of Nine Others. Stafford shares his background in angel investing and his experience hosting dinners for entrepreneurs. He also discusses his first job as a beater on a pheasant shoot and the lessons he learned from that experience. Overall, the podcast provides insights into Stafford's journey in the tech and venture ecosystem.

🕒 Time stamps -
02:05 First job: Pheasant beater on a farm.
07:17 Building a supportive network for founders.
10:54 Support and connect startup founders.
13:46 Ambitious companies with global impact.
19:39 Twitter has potential as an "everything app."

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Josh Bell: Dawn Capital's Success Stories and Exits | Main Episode 10

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +0000

The podcast discusses the evolving venture capital landscape, with a focus on B2B enterprise software. Josh Bell explains how venture capital has become an established asset class, attracting interest from institutional investors. He also touches on the differentiation between category-defining enterprise software businesses and those that may be less impactful in the market.

🕒 Time stamps -
02:52 Venture capital is a maturing asset class.
09:10 Emerging managers can still succeed.
11:14 Capital is available for emerging businesses.
18:57 Diversity leads to better investment decisions.
22:07 Women tend to stick things out longer in their careers.
27:33 Profitability not essential for Series A.

🔗 Josh's links -
LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/joshbell
Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/joshbell
Web - https://dawncapital.com/

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Josh Bell: Founding Partner at Dawn Capital | Primer 10

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the podcast, host Aarish Shah interviews Josh Bell, one of the founding and general partners at Dawn Capital. They discuss Josh's background, including his time at McKinsey, and his decision to start Dawn Capital. Despite the challenges of raising funds during the 2007 financial crisis, Dawn Capital has been successful in investing in early-stage businesses in the B2B software industry.

🕒 Time stamps -
00:04:37 Venture investing requires different skills.
00:05:24 Dawn has evolved into a successful business.
00:10:14 Classic journeys and exciting investments.

🔗 Josh's links -
LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/joshbell
Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/joshbell
Web - https://dawncapital.com/

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Antonio Avitabile: The Strategic Angle of Investing in Complementary Companies | Main Episode 9

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 7 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +0000

In this transcript of a podcast episode, host Aarish Shah interviews Antonio Avitabile, the Managing Director for Sony Ventures Corporation in Europe. They discuss the shift in Sony's investment approach, moving from off-balance sheet investments to a more formalized fund structure. Avitabile explains that the shift was driven by the need for speed and the challenge of convincing engineers within the company to buy into external technologies. The goal of Sony Ventures is not just to find technologies that Sony can potentially acquire or use, but also to generate returns for their LPs.

🕒 Time stamps -
00:02:28 Shift from off-balance sheet to traditional fund structure.
00:07:24 Investing in deep tech requires upfront capital and a longer time horizon.
00:12:52 Cultural barriers hinder Italian startups.
00:18:24 Deep tech investment has high risk and high potential.
00:24:29 Investing in African creativity and building partnerships.
00:30:15 Invest in African innovation now.

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Antonio Avitabile: Bridging the Gap Between Startups and Established Companies | Primer 9

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 5 Dec 2023 16:03:16 +0000

In this podcast, Aarish Shah interviews Antonio Avitabile, the Managing Director for Sony Ventures Corporation. Antonio has over 20 years of experience with Sony and has a background in electrical engineering. He discusses his journey from being an engineer at Philips to finding a new business for image sensors at Sony. Antonio shares the challenges they faced when proposing the idea of integrating image sensors into mobile phones but ultimately succeeded with the support of Nokia, Ericsson, and eventually Apple. He also talks about his transition to the venture ecosystem and how he started scouting for innovative startups in Europe.

🕒 Time stamps -
00:04:13 Investing in startups for competitiveness.
00:06:17 Investing in deep tech ventures.
00:13:07 Deep tech companies have transformative potential.

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Fatou Diagne & Stephanie Heller: Traveling to Mozambique and Other Crazy Adventures | Main Episode 8

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Sat, 2 Dec 2023 15:03:27 +0000

Fatou and Stephanie discuss their venture debt fund, Bootstrap Europe, which provides growth debt to scale up businesses. They explain that venture debt is not loss funding but rather a form of growth funding that allows entrepreneurs to grow their businesses without diluting equity. They also highlight their ability to acquire SVB's German debt portfolio, despite being considered underdogs in the industry.

🕒 Time stamps -
02:00 Long-lasting friendship turned successful business partnership.
10:24. Complementary skills lead to success.
12:19 Venture debt is growth funding.
16:07 Venture debt is a risky option.
23:20. Venture lending is a long-term partnership.
28:06 Opportunity seized through strategic expertise.
31:43 Agile, innovative, entrepreneurial success.
37:06 Venture debt market growing in Europe.

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Fatou Diagne & Stephanie Heller: From McDonald's to Venture Debt | Primer 8

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Sat, 2 Dec 2023 15:02:00 +0000

The podcast episode features guests Fatou Diagne and Stephanie Heller, co-founders of Bootstrap Europe, a venture debt fund. Fatou and Stephanie discuss their first jobs, which include working at McDonald's and tutoring math. Before getting involved in the tech and venture ecosystem, Fatou helped set up a weather insurance company, while Stephanie worked for family offices in Zurich advising on direct investments.

🕒 Time stamps -
01:12 Venture debt funds support growth.
07:14 Venture debt fills market gap.
15:10 Exciting opportunities in venture debt.
15:28 Liquid biopsy company using AI.
20:45 RNA innovation driving problem-solving.

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Sam Beni: Has Open AI Killed the Internet? | Main Episode 7

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0000

This podcast episode features Sam Beni, the founder of Platin, a platform that uses AI to curate networking connections. Sam shares his journey as a refugee from Iran to the UK and how he had to navigate the challenges of being without legal status for four years. He also discusses his experience as an entrepreneur, living on his office couch for three years and the complexity of AI in systems. The episode concludes with a discussion on separating the social from social media at Platin.

🕒 Time stamps -
02:38 Overcoming adversity through entrepreneurship.
09:55. Migrant founders embrace entrepreneurship for survival.
14:07 Entrepreneurship requires a mindset shift.
18:22. Tech Nation lost funding, but Tech Nation 2.0 is coming back.
25:15 UK government's mixed approach
26:47 The online safety bill and complex AI.
32:43 The internet is becoming corrupted.
40:28 Empower individuals with decentralized AI.
43:25 Web3 is a marketing buzz.

🔗 Sam's links -
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-beni
Web - https://joinplatin.ai/

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Sam Beni: From Car Designer to Tech Entrepreneur | Primer 7

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0000

The host introduces Sam Beni, the founder of Platin, and discusses his background in car design and his interest in technology. Sam talks about his early internships and how he got into entrepreneurship. He also mentions his passion for politics and speculates that he might have pursued a career in politics if not for his involvement in the venture ecosystem.

🕒 Time stamps -
01:51 Passion for design led to entrepreneurship.
07:50 Creating access to global networks.
12:25 Technologies of the future: AI, quantum computing, convergence.

🔗 Sam's links -
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-beni
Web - https://joinplatin.ai/

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Dom & Elliot Chapman: Scaling Agencies and Lessons Learned | Main Episode 6

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0000

In this podcast episode, hosts Aarish Shah interviews Dom and Elliot Chapman, the founders of Chapman Capital. They discuss the process of acquiring and scaling boutique agencies, as well as lessons learned from previous ventures. The Chapmans highlight the importance of aligning founders' values during acquisitions and maintaining unity despite private disagreements. They also share their approach to due diligence and the specific case of their acquisition of Speak On Podcasts, a B2B sales and marketing agency.

🕒 Time stamps -
04:49 Acquiring distressed businesses for growth.
09:04 Agencies can increase net profit.
10:26 Easier to start agency than tech startup.
16:07 Building a business takes time.
21:22 Scaling agencies requires strategic integration.
27:05 Importance of founder alignment
33:27 Trust and alignment in business.
35:24 Importance of mutual agreement and communication

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Dom & Elliot Chapman: From Soccer Coaching to IT Management | Primer 6

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0000

In this podcast episode, Aarish Shah interviews Dom and Elliot Chapman, founders of Chapman Capital. They discuss their background and how they got involved in the tech and venture ecosystem. Dom shares his experience working in an IT management consultancy after being involved in soccer coaching, while Elliot talks about his first job selling ice creams and later working in the family business. They also mention their previous business, Social Chaps, a B2B sales and marketing agency. The episode is sponsored by Odin, a platform that helps raise and deploy capital for angels, VCs, and founders.

🕒 Time stamps -
01:06 Brothers Dom and Elliot Chapman founded Chapman Capital, a company that acquires and scales boutique agencies.
08:41 Entrepreneurship born from personal challenges.
11:21 Building relationships through data automation.
17:23 Support for agency owners' pain.
23:39 Flexibility in business strategy.

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Rosie Olympio: From Human Rights to Venture Capital | Bonus Episode

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Rosie provides insights into Lightpace VC, an emerging fund focused on financial inclusion and climate tech in Europe and major African markets. The fund looks for pre-seed and seed stage startups that are solving real-life problems, particularly in the field of climate technology. The podcast emphasizes the importance of African founders tackling significant challenges affecting millions of people. 🕒 Time stamps - 04:00 Investing in impactful startups.07:56 Tech solutions can promote financial inclusion.

🔗 Rosie's links -
LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/rosie-olympio-650b3b127

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Shruti Ajitsaria: From Travel Apps to Legal Tech | Main Episode 5

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 9 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Nothing Ventured podcast, host Aarish Shah interviews Shruti Ajisaria, a partner at Allen & Overy, about her journey in the legal tech industry. Shruti discusses her experience as a derivatives lawyer, her pivot to creating Fuse, Allen & Overy's legal tech incubator, and the changing landscape of the legal industry. She also talks about her participation in a business start-up course while on maternity leave and how it motivated her to bring a legacy industry into the modern age.

👂 Listen to the Primer here:
https://youtu.be/6ACPk8rJ35A

🕒 Time stamps -
02:24 Legacy industry transformed through innovation.
05:08 Law firm started innovation incubator.
09:49 Take risks and shoot your shot.
14:30 Resistance to change in legal tech.
21:11 Future of legal profession uncertain.
27:03 Investing in startups is time-intensive.
28:12 Investing in mature, growing companies.
32:52 Regulation is changing rapidly.

🔗 Shruti's links -
LinkedIn - t.ly/DjRLp

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Shruti Ajitsaria: Exploring the Purpose and Benefits of FUSE | Primer 5

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 7 Nov 2023 11:18:39 +0000

Aarish Shah welcomes Shruti Ajitsaria to the podcast to discuss her role as the head of FUSE at Allen & Overy. They talk about Shruti's background as a derivatives lawyer and how her maternity leave sparked her interest in doing something different within the law firm. FUSE was created to bridge the gap between traditional law firms and legal tech startups, allowing lawyers to have a say in the development of innovative solutions.

🕒 Time stamps -
04:11 FUSE connects law firms and legal tech startups.
04:56 Encouraging innovation in legacy industries.

🔗 Shruti's links -
LinkedIn - t.ly/DjRLp

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Nathaniel Harding: The Evolution of Oklahoma's Industry and the Rise of Cortado Ventures | Episode 4

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 2 Nov 2023 06:00:00 +0000

The discussion in this podcast episode centers around the geographical location of Oklahoma and how it is categorized within the US. The term "mid-continent" is used to describe the region, which has a significant presence in the oil and gas industry. Nathaniel Harding emphasizes the importance of recognizing the uniqueness of the mid-continent as a market and how Cortado Ventures leverages their experience and expertise in the region to make strategic investments.

🕒 Time stamps -
03:22 Oklahoma is considered part of the mid-continent region due to its unique characteristics and the dominance of the oil and gas industry.
10:26 Venture capital scene in Oklahoma is developing.
10:57 Massive growth in venture capital.
20:34 Building local businesses attracts investors.
23:06 Military mindset benefits startups.
27:32 Decline of business plans in startups.
34:46 VC industry is relationship-driven.

🔗 Nathaniel's links -
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanielharding
Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/nat_harding
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nat_harding/
Web - https://www.cortado.ventures

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Nathaniel Harding: The Importance of Getting Energy Right for Climate and Modern Life | Primer 4

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Nathaniel Harding, managing partner of Cortado Ventures, joins Aarish Shah on the Nothing Ventured podcast to discuss his career journey. Nathaniel shares that his first job was delivering mail at his boarding school and emphasizes the importance of accuracy and consistency. Before getting involved in tech and venture, Nathaniel founded and led Antioch Energy, a technology-focused energy exploration company. He explains how his experience in the energy industry, working with technology and outside capital, and witnessing the convergence of technology and legacy industries led him to venture capital. Nathaniel shares his passion for investing in innovative companies and being part of the underwriting side of technological advancements.

🕒 Time stamps -
03:44 Tech and venture in oil.
05:44 Investment firm focuses on deep tech energy startups.
11:03 NuView mentioned by Mac Ventures.

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Dan Pandeni Idhenga Breaking Down Barriers, Making Venture Capital More Inclusive | Bonus Episode

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 15:39:44 +0000

In this podcast episode, the Aarish is at the Dream Factory in Chance Street for the London Venture Capital Network drinks event. They interview Dan Pandeni-Inhenga, an investor at 1818 Venture Capital and the founder of the London Venture Capital Network. They discuss Dan's background, his work in startup investment consulting, and his role at 1818. They also talk about the London Venture Capital Network and its mission to make venture capital more accessible. Dan mentions some of the investments he is excited about in the 1818 portfolio.

🕒 Time stamps -
03:41 Venture capital accessibility is key.
06:36 Investing in innovative companies.

🔗 Dan's links -
LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/danidhenga
Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/DanIdhenga
Web -https://www.danidhenga.com/

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Martyn Sibley: The Importance of Inclusivity in the Tech Industry | Main Episode 3

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 05:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the podcast "Nothing Ventured," host Aarish Shah and guest Martin discuss the topic of inclusivity, particularly in relation to disabilities. They explore why disabilities often get ignored or downplayed in discussions about inclusivity, noting historical and cultural factors. Martin shares his perspective as someone with spinal muscular atrophy and talks about the medical and social models of disability. He highlights the need to move away from the perception of disability being about segregation and charity, and instead focus on inclusion and understanding.

🕒 Time stamps -
01:45 Disabilities often overlooked in inclusivity discussions.
08:05 Increased possibilities for disabled individuals.
14:13 Language matters for inclusion.
17:23 Disability is about societal barriers.
23:45 Opportunities for profit in disability-focused entrepreneurship.

🔗 Martyn's links -
LinkedIn - t.ly/VbJDH
Twitter - https://twitter.com/martynsibley
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/martynsibley
Web - https://www.martynsibley.com

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Martyn Sibley: From Accomable to Purple Goat, his Impact on Travel and Accessibility | Primer 3

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 13:12:30 +0000

Martin Sibley, co-founder of Accomable and founder of Purple Goat Agency, is interviewed by Aarish Shah on the Nothing Ventured Primer podcast. They discuss Martin's career journey, his motivation to create accessible travel options, and his current work connecting brands to the global disability market. Martin shares his personal experiences as a wheelchair user and his mission to promote inclusivity for disabled individuals.

🕒 Time stamps -
01:10 Making travel more accessible.
08:39 Disability inclusion in marketing.
11:03 Accessible travel innovations empower individuals.

🔗 Martyn's links -
LinkedIn - t.ly/VbJDH
Twitter - https://twitter.com/martynsibley
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/martynsibley
Web - https://www.martynsibley.com

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Julio Martinez: Building a No-Code Platform for Finance Teams | Main Episode 2

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Aarish welcomes Julio Martinez, founder of Abacom, in this episode of Nothing Ventured. They dive into the topic of the ideal CFO tech stack and its significance for finance teams. Julio, drawing on his 20+ years of experience in finance, outlines the essential components of the ideal stack. He stresses the importance of laying a strong foundation with an ERP system, such as QuickBooks or NetSuite, and automating processes like payroll and spend management. Julio also emphasizes the need for integration with operational KPIs to provide valuable insights for finance teams.

🕒 Time stamps -
02:49 Ideal CFO tech stack: ERP, payroll provider, spend management, accounts payables, accounts receivables.
07:56 Invest in technology for finance.
15:59 Excel is here to stay.
18:29 Excel and new tools coexist.
22:18 Understanding business drives impact.
30:54 CFO tech is becoming popular.
33:11 CFO tech is lagging behind.
38:53 LinkedIn is essential for finance professionals.

🔗 Julio's links -
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejuliomartinez
Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/JULIOMARTINEZG
Web - https://www.abacum.io/

🔗 Aarish's Links -
https://linktr.ee/adsinuk

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Julio Martinez: Transitioning from Finance to Startup Building | Primer 2

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 09:11:40 +0000

The podcast features Julio Martinez, the founder of Abacom, who talks about his journey from working in finance to building fintech products. Julio shares his experience as a bartender at a young age and how it taught him valuable customer service skills. He also discusses the trigger that led him to start building startups and his passion for solving the pain points in the finance industry.

🕒 Time stamps -
02:20 Transitioning from finance to tech.
06:15 Finance teams need to be empowered.
11:06 Data quality is essential for finance.
17:22 Smart capital is crucial for growth.

🔗 Julio's links -
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejuliomartinez
Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/JULIOMARTINEZG

🔗 Aarish's Links -
https://linktr.ee/adsinuk

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Mark Kleyner: From Russia to Africa | Main Episode 1

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 13:48:33 +0000

In this episode of the Nothing Ventured podcast, host Aarish Shah interviews Mark Kleyner, the co-founder of Dream VC. They discuss building capacity in the venture ecosystem in Africa, the challenges faced by startups and VCs in Africa, and why Kleyner and his co-founder launched Dream VC. The episode also touches on Kleyner's background and experiences in various emerging markets.

👂 Listen to the Primer here - https://youtu.be/eWl6bCsIgHw

🕒 Time stamps -
02:51 Building resilience through diverse experiences.
06:29 Contrasting experiences shape perspectives.
10:07 Investors should support African tech.
14:33 Investment gap in African market.
20:07 Building African venture ecosystem with African investors.
26:47 Education is key for innovation.
30:04 Educate yourself on African tech.
34:20 Reach out to Mark Kleyner.

🔗 Mark's links -
LinkedIn - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/markkleyner
Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/markkleyner
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/markkleyner/
Dream VC - https://www.dream-vc.com/

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Mark Kleyner: Accelerating Investment and Innovation in Africa's Startup Scene | Primer 1

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 13:24:59 +0000

In this episode of the Nothing Ventured Primer, Aarish interviews Mark Kleyner, the co-founder of Dream VC. Mark shares his background as an entrepreneur, ecosystem builder, and early-stage investor in emerging markets. He discusses his experience in research and consulting before diving into the tech and venture ecosystem. Tune in to learn more about Mark's journey and insights into the African investment landscape.

This episode is sponsored by Odin, a platform that helps angels, VCs, and founders raise and deploy capital seamlessly. https://www.joinodin.com/

🕒 Time stamps -
03:11 Moving into venture consulting.
04:16 Building startups and adrenaline junkie.
07:08 VC bubble idea.
10:05 VCs fundraising as much as founders.
14:04 African focused investors.
16:09 VC space revamp.
19:43 East Asian and South Asian funds.

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Lessons To Learn | Highlights Episode 5

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 6 Oct 2023 04:00:00 +0000

Lessons To Learn

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Accelerating Africa | Highlights Episode 3

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 13:16:37 +0000

🕒 Time stamps -

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Getting Inclusive | Highlights Episode 2

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 04:00:00 +0000

🕒 Time stamps - 01:07 Eleanor Kaye (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q83n5lnRRhA) 06:47 Emmie Faust (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwtjL3I0Hto) 12:23 Agata Nowicka (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnwbA1UcUpk) 16:39 Anishka Prasad (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEb_e5Ng0Xs) 22:28 Andy Ayim (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIYFnBJI0Mo)

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Across The Pond | Highlights Episode 1

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 15:42:12 +0000

In this highlights episode, we'll take a look back at all our friends from across the pond since the beginning of the year.

You'll hear from Adam Besvinick and his journey to launching his fund Looking Glass; Brett Martin live and direct from Costa Rica talking about Charge ventures; Michael Palank, General Partner at MaC Ventures talking diversity, Los Angeles and spacetech; Daniel Glazer, Managing Partner of the London office of WSGR on launching in the US and Zecca Lehn on raising Resposibly Ventures and why you don't have to sacrifice returns even if you're building in the impact space.

🕒 Time stamps -
00:38 Adam Besvinick (https://youtu.be/vifBiUrRL-o)
08:19 Brett Martin (https://youtu.be/Q7sz8pye330)
15:54 Michael Palank (https://youtu.be/yvltYpMiO50)
22:04 Daniel Glazer (https://youtu.be/JRL_HI_bPpA)
30:25 Zecca Lehn (https://youtu.be/JdYgsUmt4K8)

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EP31 - Matt Jonns - Founder + Lightning | Nothing Ventured Podcast

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 1 Sep 2023 10:30:00 +0000

Matt Jonns is the founder & CEO of Founder and Lightning. Founder and Lightning have helped build over 30 companies in the last 8 years and have a portfolio valuation of £100m+

👂 Listen to the Primer / Main Episode here -

🕒 Time stamps -

0:00 - Intro - Who is Matt Jonns?
01:06 - Tell me about Founder + Lightning and what it does.
02:32 - What was Matt's first job?
03:04 - What was Matt doing before he got into the tech ecosystem?
04:29 - How did you get into building Founder + Lightning?
05:47 - What kind of founders does Matt work with, and what sectors does he focus on?
08:07 - Is Matt looking for venture-scale small businesses, or does he prefer smaller exits?
10:57 - What are some of the challenges and misconceptions founders face when chasing unicorn valuations?
13:31 - Are there any ventures that Matt is really excited about inside or outside your portfolio?
17:32 - What are the most common mistakes made by non-technical founders when building their startups?
19:08 - How do you address the challenge of founders spending too much money on MVPs and taking too long to launch?
21:03 - What advice does Matt give to founders about building successful products, especially when big corporates can create their own versions?
21:23 - What mistakes do many founders make when developing their solutions, and what should they focus on instead?
22:07 - What are some of the reasons why founders struggle to raise investment for their startups, as mentioned by the speaker?
22:45 - What advice does Matt give to founders regarding choosing the right co-founder and maintaining control of their startup?
35:20 - How would Matt describe himself - an accelerator, incubator, venture builder, or a fund?
36:02 - Is Matt looking for unicorns or zebras when investing in companies?
39:00 - With the explosion of generative AI and no-code tools, is software still a moat for startups, and how should founders approach this?

🔗 Matt's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-jonns/
Web - https://www.founderandlightning.com/

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Nothing Ventured Podcast Primer - Matt Jonns - Founder + Lightning - S1E31

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 10:30:00 +0000

Matt Jonns is the founder & CEO of Founder and Lightning. Founder and Lightning have helped build over 30 companies in the last 8 years and have a portfolio valuation of £100m+

👂 Listen to the Primer / Main Episode here -

🕒 Time stamps -

0:00 - Intro - Who is Matt Jonns?
0:10 - What was Matt's first job?
3:00 - Were was Matt doing anything before he got into the tech ecosystem?
4:43 - What would Matt be doing if he wasn't supporting founders in this way?
6:05 - What sort of founders should work with Matt, and what stages and sectors does he work with?
8:02 - Is Matt looking for venture-scale businesses or is he interested in digitizing existing businesses?
10:03 - If there were three ventures that Matt is most excited about either inside or outside the portfolio, what would they do?

🔗 Matt's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-jonns/
Web - https://www.founderandlightning.com/

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EP30 - Maya Moufarek - Full Stack CMO | Nothing Ventured Podcast

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 10:30:00 +0000

Maya Moufarek is the founder of Full Stack CMO. Full Stack CMO partners with start-up and scale-ups Founders & CEOs define & implement their growth path.

👂 Listen to the Primer Episode here - https://youtu.be/O2n4rfB1fgs

🕒 Time stamps -

0:00 - Intro - Who is Maya Moufarek?
0:52 - Maya Muthurek's background and experiences
2:02 - What are the key lessons and challenges DTC Ventures face today in a saturated digital acquisition environment?
4:07 - How did Pharmacy2You balance profitability and growth in the low-margin business of online repeat prescriptions?
5:02 - Why is understanding your customers and building real communities important for DTC businesses?
6:05 - How should early-stage businesses approach retention and acquisition in their growth journey?
8:01 - What does "fitting a giraffe into a brand" mean, and how does it apply to brand building and marketing strategy?
12:01 - How do you balance retention and acquisition for VC-backed businesses that need to show growth?
14:19 - How can companies struggling to understand their identity and mission start developing a clear narrative?
19:55 - What are the considerations for businesses that have a functional product/service without much emotional appeal to customers?
20:26 - How can startups understand their customers' frustrations and needs to build products that address them effectively?
23:05 - Why is cross-functional growth essential for startups to succeed and why should founders avoid outsourcing the entire marketing function?
26:17 - How important is building trust for startups, especially when selling into established businesses, and what are practical strategies for building and maintaining trust with customers?
35:04 - What is your investment philosophy and how do you approach angel investing, especially in the areas of Health Tech, FemTech, and AI?
44:46 - How can investing be viewed as a way to continuously learn and gain valuable insights into different markets, products, and technologies?
45:03 - Where can listeners connect with Maya online?

🔗 Maya Moufarek's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmoufarek?originalSubdomain=uk
Twitter - https://twitter.com/msmaya?lang=en-GB
Web - https://www.marketingcube.co/

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Nothing Ventured Podcast Primer - Maya Moufarek - Full Stack CMO - S1E30

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 10:30:00 +0000

Maya Moufarek is the founder of Full Stack CMO. Full Stack CMO partners with start-up and scale-ups Founders & CEOs define & implement their growth path.

👂 Listen to the Main Episode here - https://youtu.be/9EtfTrIhSlk

🕒 Time stamps -

0:00 - Intro - Who is Maya Moufarek?
0:25 - What was Maya Moufarek's first job?
1:56 - What triggered Maya's move into startups?
3:08 - What would you be doing if you weren't an early-stage operator?
4:14 - What is Marketing Cube - who is it for, what stages of companies do you work with, and what sectors and geographies do you focus on?
6:10 - What three ventures are you involved in that you're really excited about right now?
8:49 - Tell us more about YuLife and how they are transforming life insurance?
9:55 - How does Maya support tech conferences and help them with their go-to-market strategy?
10:45 - Who are We are Jude and what is their significance in the female health sector?

🔗 Maya Moufarek's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmoufarek?originalSubdomain=uk
Twitter - https://twitter.com/msmaya?lang=en-GB
Web - https://www.marketingcube.co/

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EP29 - Alex Mann - Timechain VC | Nothing Ventured Podcast

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 10:30:00 +0000

Alex Mann is partner at Timechain, a VC fund focused on Bitcoin that exists to redress the widening funding gap between Bitcoin infrastructure projects and the wider crypto space.

👂 Listen to the Primer Episode here - https://youtu.be/EQanwHKnNQk

🕒 Time stamps -

01:32 - What is the future for currency in nation states?
02:29 - What triggered your move into venture capital?
06:44 - Why do you believe blockchain is just a marketing gimmick?
08:10 - How does Bitcoin provide a timestamp sequence of events?
10:38 - Is everything in the wider crypto space going to zero?
21:40 - What is the advantage of Bitcoin compared to cash or gold? What is the difference in holding Bitcoin without intermediaries?
22:05 - Why is there so much misinformation about Bitcoin?
22:43 - What are your thoughts on the adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender in countries like El Salvador?
24:04 - How do you think governments will respond to Bitcoin potentially replacing state-sponsored fiat currency?
25:02 - What are the potential issues with a state-sponsored CBDC, such as universal basic income (UBI) and restrictions on transactions?
26:49 - What are the options for countries like El Salvador in terms of currency?
27:32 - How has the adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender affected El Salvador? What are the changes and benefits observed in the country?
28:31 - Do you think other countries in Latin America will follow El Salvador's example and adopt Bitcoin?
29:28 - How does the volatility of Bitcoin affect its adoption as a currency for daily transactions?
30:00 - How does Bitcoin provide a means for poor countries to build and develop capital?
31:00 - Does Bitcoin's return to a fixed supply and decentralized nature resemble the pre-modern banking era?
32:31 - What are the problems associated with the current fiat currency system and money printing?
34:42 - What is the purpose of a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)?
35:09 - How would a CBDC allow for granular control of individual spending patterns?
36:51 - What are the challenges and considerations when choosing between a CBDC and Bitcoin?
38:21 - What is the future of Western governments and their financial situation?
40:49 - How does money-printing lead to increasing inequality?

🔗 Alex Mann's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandersmann/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/alex_singh_mann?lang=en
Web - https://concentric.vc/people/alex-mann/

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Nothing Ventured Podcast Primer - Alex Mann - Timechain VC - S1E29

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 10:30:00 +0000

Alex Mann is partner at Timechain, a VC fund focused on Bitcoin that exists to redress the widening funding gap between Bitcoin infrastructure projects and the wider crypto space.

👂 Listen to the Main Episode here - https://youtu.be/vv1t14W2L00

🕒 Time stamps -

0:46 - Intros - Who is Alex Mann?

1:23 - What was your first job?

1:43 - And what did you do before? Directly before getting into Venture?

2:02 - And what was it that triggered that move into venture?

2:21 - So what would you have been doing if you weren't an investor?

2:41 - What what are the sort of funds are on Timechain's management, what stages do you invest in, and what sectors of Bitcoin?

3:28 - Three ventures either inside or outside the portfolio, they're really excited about at the moment.

🔗 Alex Mann's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandersmann/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/alex_singh_mann?lang=en

Web - https://concentric.vc/people/alex-mann/

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EP28 - Toyosi Ogedengbe - Principal at Ascension Ventures | Nothing Ventured Podcast

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 10:30:00 +0000

Toyosi Ogedengbe is a principal at Ascension Ventures. Before Ascension, he was a Venture Capitalist at Speedinvest with a focus on marketplaces.

👂 Listen to the Primer Episode here - https://youtu.be/U3L-nW26_MY

🕒 Time stamps -

0:00 - Intro - Who is Toyosi Ogedengbe?
5:04 - Toyosi on the trade-off between growth and retention in marketplaces.
7:04 - What excites Toyosi the most about the tech scene in Africa
11:12 - Africa's young population and emerging middle class in the tech ecosystem.
15:19 - Toyosi on the growth of fund managers and venture capital in Africa.
19:37 - The quality of talent in Africa and its potential in the global tech industry.
21:21 - The culture like in VC as a minority or member of an underrepresented community?
21:52 - What was Toyosi's lived experience as a minority in Venture Capital?
23:05 - How did Toyosi get into venture and what was his experience in securing roles?
24:06 - What challenges do underrepresented founders face in venture?
25:09 - What advice would Toyosi give to people from underrepresented backgrounds trying to break into venture or entrepreneurship?31:02 - As an underrepresented person, what has been Toyosi's experience in Venture Capital?
32:06 - What advice would Toyosi give to people from minority ethnic backgrounds or underrepresented backgrounds trying to break into Venture Capital or as Founders?
36:05 - What is Toyosi's advice for people trying to break into venture or entrepreneurship?
37:38 - How should people leverage their relationships and do their homework to succeed?
38:46 - How can founders approach investors and gain trust?
39:25 - An example of leveraging relationships to create opportunities?
40:08 - Where can people find Toyosi online (LinkedIn and Twitter)?

🔗 Toyosi's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toyosiogedengbe/?originalSubdomain=uk
Twitter - https://twitter.com/theblackvc?lang=en
Web - https://www.ascension.vc/

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Nothing Ventured Podcast Primer - Toyosi Ogedengbe - Principal at Ascension - S01E28

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 8 Aug 2023 10:30:00 +0000

Toyosi Ogedengbe is a principal at Ascension Ventures. Before Ascension, he was a Venture Capitalist at Speedinvest with a focus on marketplaces.

👂 Listen to the Main Episode here - https://youtu.be/anL9GU1NnWM

🕒 Time stamps -

0:00 - Who is Toyosi Ogedengbe and what was his first job?
0:55 - What did Toyosi do before you got into Venture?
1:46 - What triggered Toyosi's move into VC?
2:46 - What would Toyosi be doing if you weren't an investor?
3:52 - A bit of background about Ascension?
4:24 - What industries and stages does Ascension Ventures invest in?
4:55 - What are the check sizes for investments?
8:19 - What are three Ventures, inside or outside the portfolio, is Toyosi really excited about?

🔗 Toyosi's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toyosiogedengbe/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/theblackvc?lang=en
Web - https://www.ascension.vc/

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EP27 - Zecca Lehn - General Partner of Responsibly Ventures | Nothing Ventured Podcast

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 4 Aug 2023 10:30:00 +0000

Zécca J. Lehn is the General Partner of Responsibly Ventures, based in California, backing U.S. PreSeed startups in both Social and Sustainable Tech—using multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a guidepost per investment.

Over the past 15+ years, he has worked as an Environmental Economist, Data Scientist, Non-Profit Board Member, and Co-Founder. He grew up in an off-the-grid Japanese-style home, on a remote island in the Pacific Northwest. Through his world travels and living in Scandinavia during his early 20’s, he discovered a deep love for people, planet, and diverse cultures.

👂 Listen to the Primer Episode here - https://youtu.be/Vff6h7oWI9M

🕒 Time stamps -

0:00 - Intro - Who is Zecca Lehn?
0:24 - What sort of metrics should sustainable businesses be measuring, if any at all?

1:24 - Did Zecca always want to work in VC?

8:32 - The balance between money and social good.

18:42 - What are the 50 impact metrics he tracks?

25:10 - Why VC reporting requirements are so high.

28:20 - How do we get more money towards start-ups which do social good?

36:49 - Where can we find Zecca online?

🔗 Zecca Lehn's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zecca/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/Zecca_Lehn

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Nothing Ventured Podcast Primer - Zécca J. Lehn - General Partner of Responsibly Ventures - S01E27

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 1 Aug 2023 10:30:00 +0000

👂 Listen to the Main Episode here - https://youtu.be/JdYgsUmt4K8

🕒 Time stamps -

0:00 - Intro - Who is Zecca Lehn

0:43 - What was Zecca Lehn's first job?

5:04 - What was Zecca doing before he got into venture finance?

9:26 - What stages does Zecca invest into?

11:27 - The balance between money and social good.

🔗 Zecca Lehn's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zecca/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/Zecca_Lehn

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EP26 - Marcus Love - Love Ventures | Nothing Ventured Podcast

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 10:30:00 +0000

Marcus Love is the co-founder at Love Ventures, a venture fund which specialises in FinTech, PropTech, ConsumerTech at Seed to Series A stage and UK only (for now).

👂 Listen to the Primer Episode here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLwB0T_feGQ

🕒 Time stamps -

0:00 - Intro - Who is Marcus Love?
0:11 - What are the essential things for new managers to focus on when setting up a fund?
2:07 - The significance of having a thick skin to handle rejections while fundraising.
3:02 - Leveraging networks, co-investments, and referrals to attract capital from investors.
5:03 - Choosing partners wisely and ensuring clearly defined roles within the team.
6:00 - Importance of operations and selecting partners for fund administration, custodianship, and other support services.
10:05 - Discussion about the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and Love Ventures being an EIS fund.
14:02 - Bridging the gap between EIS investors and VC investors in the UK.
15:19 - What are the challenges faced by startups with traditional VC investors and how are SEIS and EIS regimes beneficial?
15:31 - How can funds that offer a wrapper to investors without deal flow benefit the startup ecosystem?
16:30 - What expertise does your Love Ventures have in helping companies reach Series A?
19:10 - How important is building a personal brand in the VC industry for emerging managers?
21:21 - How do you see the funding environment unfolding for fund managers and founders over the next 12 months?
25:01 - Why is it important to democratize venture capital for pension fund investors?
35:00 - How can increased access to information and education reduce the perceived risk of investing in venture capital for the average person?
37:04 - Where can people find more information about Love Ventures online?

🔗 Marcus Love's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-love/?originalSubdomain=uk
Twitter - https://twitter.com/mjrlove1?lang=en
Web - https://loveventures.co.uk/

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Nothing Ventured Podcast Primer - Marcus Love - Love Ventures - S1E26

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 10:30:00 +0000

Marcus Love is the co-founder at Love Ventures, a venture fund which specialises in FinTech, PropTech, ConsumerTech at Seed to Series A stage and UK only (for now).

👂 Listen to the Main Episode here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlO3CixO6qY

🕒 Time stamps -

0:00 - Intro - Who is Marcus Love?
0:16 - What was Marcus Love's first job, and how did you end up in an international project?
1:36 - What did Marcus do before becoming a VC, and how did he transition into venture capital?
3:34 - If you weren't an investor today, what other field or activity would Marcus pursue?
4:41 - What is Love Ventures? Breakdown of funds, stages, sectors, geographies, and check size.
6:26 - Name three exciting ventures inside or outside your portfolio and what makes them stand out?
8:03 - Venture 1: Banked - Leveraging open banking for account-to-account payments, major investments, and potential for Series B.
9:50 - Venture 2: Connect Earth - Carbon data analytics for better decisions, B2B strategy, and potential for success in the evolving carbon space.
11:08 - Venture 3: Circa 5000 - Impact investing app and platform, recently launched ETFs on the London Stock Exchange, and domain expertise in the impact space.

🔗 Marcus Love's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-love/?originalSubdomain=uk
Twitter - https://twitter.com/mjrlove1?lang=en
Web - https://loveventures.co.uk/

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EP25 - Theo Priestley - Futurist, International speaker and author | Nothing Ventured Podcast

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 10:30:13 +0000

Theo Priestley is a globally recognised and sought-after futurist, international speaker, author and authority on the future of business, technology and society, focusing on the convergence of emerging trends, including web3 spatial computing and artificial intelligence. He is widely known and sought after for his forthright views on both the positive and the negative impacts of technology on society, and currently works to inform political and business leaders of the risks and benefits of adoption.

👂 Listen to the Primer Episode here - https://youtu.be/8KXIUSeRCnk

🕒 Time stamps -
0:00 - Intros - Who is Theo Priestley?
1:56 - How much of being a futurist is about being right in the absolute versus being directionally correct?

2:48 - How do you balance data-driven insights with speculative or imaginative thinking as a futurist?

3:32 - Is the process of being a futurist about running assumptions and numbers or thinking about possible future worlds?

4:20 - How do you ensure that people are aware of future problems without overwhelming them or scaring them off?

5:04 - How do you balance historical trends and observations with the hype and evangelism around technology trends?

6:31 - How does the rapidly changing pace of technology impact the future and its adoption by the general public?

7:15 - How do you raise awareness about disruptive technologies without overwhelming people or sounding too dystopian?

8:02 - How do you communicate the potential impact of technology to people who are apathetic or focused on immediate concerns?

8:48 - How do you deliver a message about disruptive technology to people who are trapped in their own echo chambers?

9:34 - How do you address the challenge of educating people about future problems that may not directly impact them today?

10:13 - How do you overcome the perception that climate change or other future problems are too big to comprehend or address?

10:52 - How can individuals and society prioritize future problems that may not affect them directly in the present?

11:13 - How can the education system better prepare children for the future by teaching them how to think and learn?

20:33 - What are the questions asked in the book rather than the solutions provided?

21:34 - How do different trends like banking, AI, Web3, and Metaverse connect and impact each other?

23:27 - What are the layers of reality in the Metaverse and how can they be orchestrated together?

24:32 - Why is it important to bring different trends like cloud, big data, and analytics together?

25:23 - Why has blockchain become a marketing facade rather than a useful infrastructure?

27:50 - When do technologies like AI and blockchain become second nature in our daily activities?

30:19 - What is the issue with the decentralization aspect of projects like Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies?

32:12 - What has hindered the adoption of decentralization in Web3 and the development of useful applications?

🔗 Theo Priestley's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/theopriestle
Twitter - https://twitter.com/tprstly
Web -https://www.theopriestley.com/

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Nothing Ventured Podcast Primer - Theo Priestley - Futurist, International Speaker and Author S1E25

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 10:30:02 +0000

👂 Listen to the Main Episode here - https://youtu.be/nxWSBeslvcA

🕒 Time stamps -

0:00 - Intro - Who is Theo Priestley?

0:25 - What was the guest's first job and how long did they last in it?

0:56 - What did the guest do before becoming a professional futurist?

1:42 - What triggered the guest to pursue a career as a futurist?

3:16 - What would the guest be doing if they weren't a futurist?

5:01 - What does being a futurist entail and who benefits from their work?

7:01 - What are three technological shifts the guest believes we will experience in the next decade?

🔗 Theo Priestley's links - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/theopriestleTwitter - https://twitter.com/tprstlyWeb -https://www.theopriestley.com/

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EP24 - Andy Ayim MBE - The Angel Investing School | Nothing Ventured Podcast

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 10:30:04 +0000

Andy Ayim MBE is the creator of The Angel Investing School, that trains diverse professionals on how to get started with investing in the next generation of diverse startups. He also consults companies in highly regulated industries with his Product Playbooks on how to set up and scale new agile product management teams.

He was previously Managing Director at Backstage Capital and was on the Advisory Board for London Tech Week 2020, Black Tech Fest, One Tech, Translate Culture, Black Tech Fest, Startup Garage and YSYS.

👂 Listen to the Primer Episode here - https://youtu.be/vIYFnBJI0Mo

🕒 Time stamps -

0:00 - Intro - Who is Andy Ayim?1:04 - What is the mission of Angel Investing School?
1:54 - What mindset issues hold people back from angel investing?
2:05 - How does angel investing help break down barriers?
3:11 - How can individuals be useful to entrepreneurs?
4:19 - What is the key to being helpful in angel investing?
4:41 - How does Angel Investing School simplify complex concepts?
10:09 -What do losses on the rest of the portfolio allow?
10:21 - Who is on the list of people the speaker has invested in?
10:57 - What should one understand before engaging with VCs?
11:10 - What can Angel Investors do with their own money?21:14 - What does it mean to build a startup in 2023?
22:23 - What is the importance of cost efficiency and resourcefulness in the market?
23:09 - How to build their business and validate ideas?
25:00 - Why is bootstrapping and cash efficiency important in the current market?
27:16 - How do outcomes differ for angel investors and VCs in terms of business exit?
29:09 - What are the different types of business models that can be bootstrapped?
31:03 - How does software development skill impact the lean approach in building a business?
32:22 - What are the considerations for founders regarding investor involvement?

🔗 Andy Ayim's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyayim/?originalSubdomain=uk

Twitter - https://twitter.com/Andy_ayim

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/andy_ayim/?hl=en

Web - https://greenangelsyndicate.com/about/people/andy-ayim-mbe/

Angel Investing School - https://angelinvestingschool.com/

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Nothing Ventured Podcast Primer - Andy Ayim - The Angel Investing School - S1E24

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 10:30:17 +0000

👂 Listen to the Main Episode here - https://youtu.be/fCTgjTuJWd0

🕒 Time stamps -

0:00 - Introduction to the episode.
1:00 - What was Andy's first-ever job?
1:40 - What did Andy do before launching Angel Investing School?
3:51 - What triggered Andy's move into investing?
5:16 - Building products and solving problems.
7:24 - Who is the Angel Investing School for?
8:34 - What is the fundamental problem that the Angel Investing School addresses?

🔗 Andy Ayim's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyayim/?originalSubdomain=uk
Twitter - https://twitter.com/Andy_ayim
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/andy_ayim/?hl=en
Web - https://greenangelsyndicate.com/about/people/andy-ayim-mbe/

Angel Investing School - https://angelinvestingschool.com/

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EP23 - Andrea Sommer - Co-Founder & CEO at Hive Founders | Nothing Ventured Podcast

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 7 Jul 2023 10:30:34 +0000

Andrea is an entrepreneur, advisor, investor and strategist with global expertise in emerging technology, innovation, investment strategy and strategic growth initiatives. She’s built four businesses in the technology space, including in analytics & event technology, femtech & wearables and HRtech.

She is currently Co-Founder & CEO at Hive Founders, a network for women entrepreneurs, providing education, investment readiness training and advisory services to 800+ founders across the globe. She is also co-founder at Womankind Ventures, a dynamic and inclusive global angel investment group with a mission to get more funding to female founders.

👂 Listen to the Primer Episode here - https://youtu.be/SuflZ3-uK_s

🕒 Time stamps -

1:50 - What are some of the unique challenges for female Founders and how is high Founders addressing those challenges?

3:08 - What are some examples of specific advice that doesn't work for female Founders?

3:21 - How does the Venture Capital model disadvantage women entrepreneurs?6:21 - How does the socialization of women affect their entrepreneurship experience?

7:39 - What are the three key elements needed for successful fundraising?

15:00 - Why are there so many communities for underrepresented groups, and why is there a lack of understanding of the investor mentality from the founder's perspective?

18:36 - How does WomanKind Ventures select the startups it invests in, and how many members/angels are part of the syndicate?

21:31 - How does WomanKind Ventures educate investors on the benefits of angel investment and encourage women to diversify their portfolios?

22:05 - Why do startups founded by female entrepreneurs often have a strong sense of purpose and societal impact?

🔗 Andrea Sommer's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrealsommer/

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Nothing Ventured Podcast Primer - Andrea Sommer - Hive Founders - S1E23

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 4 Jul 2023 10:30:15 +0000

👂 Listen to the Main Episode here - https://youtu.be/eXUxjt7rUrw

🕒 Time stamps -
0:49 - What was your first job?

1:25 - What did you do before you founded your first venture?

1:52 - How was the juxtaposition of that and then startups?

2:08 - What was it that triggered your move into entrepreneurship?

2:52 - And what do you think you'd be doing if you weren't a founder?

3:55 - So, who is Hive for?

4:27 - If you were to think about the ideal founder persona, who would join Hive? Who are they? Why would they want to join Hive?

5:27 - Do you find you end up turning down some businesses because they aren't the right fit or in the right direction?

5:57 - If you were to think about three ventures that you're really proud to have supported, what would those three ventures be?

🔗 Andrea Sommer's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrealsommer/

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EP22 - Daniel Glazer - Lawyer and Managing Partner of Wilson Sonsini | Nothing Ventured Podcast

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 10:30:22 +0000

Daniel Glazer is an American technology lawyer, strategic business advisor, and the Managing Partner of Wilson Sonsini's London office. Since the 2010 launch of the UK Government's Tech City initiative, Dan has advised high-growth UK/European technology and life sciences companies on raising capital in the US and UK/Europe, expanding their businesses into US markets, and connecting with investors, corporates, and advisors.

👂 Listen to the Primer Episode here - https://youtu.be/3hNIVAGALec

🕒 Time stamps -
0:00 - Why is it important to have good counsel in the US versus the UK?

1:34 - What are the differences between the legal systems in the UK and the US?

1:45 - How does the fee-shifting system in the UK affect the litigation environment?

2:04 - Why do parties in the US tend to send legal letters more frequently than in the UK?

3:45 - Why do startups in the US seek problem avoidance legal advice?

4:16 - What role does risk management play for CFOs in the UK and lawyers in US firms?

5:30 - Why is close collaboration between CFOs and lawyers crucial in early-stage US firms?

6:59 - How does the reliance on external advisors differ between US and UK businesses?

7:12 - What are the advantages of delegating administrative and logistical complexity in the US?

9:45 -Why are funding rounds typically larger in the US compared to the UK?

10:44 - What are the trigger points for a UK firm looking to expand into the US and when should they consider getting the right structure in place?

12:04 - When is it necessary to set up a proper structure in the US for a UK company?

12:34 - Is it advisable to create a U.S subsidiary or parent company for a UK firm expanding into the US?

20:47 - What strategies can startups use to mitigate those risks

?21:01 - What do UK startups often get wrong when going to the US?

22:01 - How is running a business in the US different from the UK?

24:03 - How can UK companies scale up massively in the US?

26:13 - Is it necessary to move the CEO to the US when expanding there?

28:04 - What are the differences in venture approach between US and UK VCs?

30:03 - Are startups in the UK struggling to achieve bigger exits compared to the US?

31:22 - What are the differences in investor approach between the UK and the US?

33:02 - How do successful startup employees in the US become prolific angel investors or VCs?

34:31 - Are UK institutional and public market investors hesitant to invest in tech companies?

37:03 - How can the UK increase the number of exits at scale in its tech ecosystem?

38:47 - Is the UK tech ecosystem still in the early stages of growth compared to Silicon Valley?

🔗 Daniel Glazer's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielcglazer/?originalSubdomain=uk

Twitter - https://twitter.com/danielcglazer?lang=en

Web - https://www.wsgr.com/en/people/daniel-glazer.html

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Nothing Ventured Podcast Primer - Daniel Glazer - Wilson Sonsini - S1E22

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 19:50:03 +0000

👂 Listen to the Main Episode here - https://youtu.be/JRL_HI_bPpA

🕒 Time stamps -

0:00 - Introduction to the episode and guest, Daniel Glazer.

0:30 - What was Daniel's first job?

0:44 - Daniel's first job was working at Burger King and later at McDonald's.

1:04 - What did Daniel do before getting into Venture law?

1:48 - What triggered Daniel to move into the field of Venture law?

2:02 - What would Daniel be doing if he wasn't a lawyer?

2:05 - Daniel would likely be working in government, focusing on transatlantic international commerce.

2:34 - How large is the practice at Wilson Sonsini, and what kind of businesses do they work with?

3:49 - Can Daniel mention three businesses that Wilson Sonsini has supported and that he is proud of?

5:06 - Discussion concludes and appreciation for having Daniel on the podcast.

🔗 Daniel Glazer's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielcglazer/?originalSubdomain=uk
Twitter - https://twitter.com/danielcglazer?lang=en
Web - https://www.wsgr.com/en/people/daniel-glazer.html

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EP21 - Marc Cohen - Founder at Unbundled VC | Nothing Ventured Podcast

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000

After years in different venture capital firms, Marc Cohen has gone it alone and founded Unbundled VC. He invests in early-stage start-ups and offers free resources for founders looking to get funding on his website.

👂 Listen to the Primer Episode here - https://youtu.be/C765cIqgG2k

🕒 Time stamps -

0:00 - Intro - Who is Marc Cohen?
1:16 - Why call yourself a VC rather than an Angel Investor?

4:30 - What returns are VCs looking for?

7:05 - The importance of portfolio construction

12:37 - What factors tell a VC “this is the right deal” in the long term?

19:14 - Why he looks for distribution returns?

21:33 - What is his process for investing and why is it set up like that?

30:18 - What type of founders seek venture capital?

34:22 - The power of reputation in the VC world for founders.

36:02 - How will AI impact the way people invest?

48:00 - Where can people find you online?

🔗 Marc Cohen's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcnigelcohen/?originalSubdomain=gg

Twitter - https://twitter.com/unbundledvc

Web - https://www.unbundled.vc/

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Nothing Ventured Podcast Primer - Marc Cohen - unbundled vc - S1E21

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 11:37:08 +0000

👂 Listen to the Main Episode here - https://youtu.be/xuEARO8_UBY

🕒 Time stamps -

0:00 - Intro - Who is Marc Cohen?
2:06 - What did he do before he got into venture capital?
3:11 - What would he be doing if he wasn’t a VC?
6:25 - What is deep tech outside of AI and how will it impact the workplace?

🔗 Marc Cohen's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcnigelcohen/?originalSubdomain=gg
Twitter - https://twitter.com/unbundledvc
Web - https://www.unbundled.vc/

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EP20 - Hussein Kanji - partner at Hoxton Ventures | Nothing Ventured Podcast

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 10:30:53 +0000

Hussein is a partner at Hoxton Ventures. He currently represents Hoxton on the boards of Baseimmune, BeyondRisk, Biocortex, Biotx, DruidAI, Finesse, Fy!, Giraffe360, Kbox, Kitt, Luminary, Peptone, PillSorted, Raptor Supplies, Really Clever, Rensair, Replai, Replan, Skin Analytics, TourRadar and XYZ Reality, and serves as a board observer on Behavox and Karakuri.

👂 Listen to the Primer Episode here - https://youtu.be/TABxKlhvRbE

🕒 Time stamps -

0:00 - Intro / Hussein's career to date.

1:47 - What does Hoxton Ventures invest into?

7:08 - Hussein's response to some articles about Hoxton having an all-male investment team.

12:29 - What is Hoxton Ventures looking for in their next member of staff?

18:44 - How hard is it to get funding today?

24:28 - What does Hussein think of the AI space?

25:19 - What are the deterrents for that put off a small business from investing locally vs going straight to the US?

33:44 - Is GymShark a technology business?

34:05 - Where can people find Hussein online?

🔗 Hussein Kanji's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hkanji/?originalSubdomain=uk
Twitter - https://twitter.com/hkanji
Web - https://www.hoxtonventures.com/people/hussein-kanji/

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Nothing Ventured Podcast Primer - Hussein Kanji - partner at Hoxton Ventures - S01E20

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 10:30:54 +0000

👂 Listen to the Main Episode here - https://youtu.be/I7XM7vEymmY

🕒 Time stamps -

0:00 - Intro / Hussein's career to date.

14:23 - What is Hoxton Ventures and what is his role in it?

20:39 - What are 3 ventures Hussein is most excited about right now?

🔗 Hussein Kanji's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hkanji/?originalSubdomain=uk

Twitter - https://twitter.com/hkanji

Web - https://www.hoxtonventures.com/people/hussein-kanji/

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Arthen Sirola-Hashemi - investment manager at Karma Ventures | Nothing Ventured Podcast S01E19

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 9 Jun 2023 10:30:37 +0000

Arthen Sirola-Hashemi is an investment manager at Karma Ventures. Karma Ventures (karma.vc) is an early-stage venture capital firm, specialising in late seed and A-round investments in Europe’s most promising tech startups.

👂 Listen to the Primer Episode here - https://youtu.be/660PuKw9Pds

🕒 Time stamps -

2:13 - What did Arthen have to unlearn when he joined the world of investing?

5:32 - Going from operations to investing, what skills did you bring over?

7:17 - How does Arthen think about finance?

13:30 - How does Arthen weigh up what is a good or bad investment?

15:54 - What is the VC / tech industry like in the Nordics?

20:31 - Why do more fintech products come out of the Nordics?

25:03 - Does money or ideas attract talent?

30:24 - Why having too much capital can cause businesses to be less innovative.

44:48 - Where's the best place to find Arthen online?

🔗 Arthen Sirola-Hashemi's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthensadr-hashemi?originalSubdomain=uk

Twitter - https://twitter.com/ArthenSH

Web - https://www.karma.vc/

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Nothing Ventured Podcast Primer - Arthen Sirola-Hashemi - S01E18

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 6 Jun 2023 10:30:22 +0000

👂 Listen to the Main Episode here - https://youtu.be/3Pdwp0r8LU8

🕒 Time stamps -

0:00 - Who is Arthen Sirola-Hashemi and what has his career been to date?

7:01 - Where does Karma invest?

9:24 - A teaser of what's to come in the main episode...

🔗 Arthen Sirola-Hashemi's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthensadr-hashemi?originalSubdomain=uk

Twitter - https://twitter.com/ArthenSH

Web - https://www.karma.vc/

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Eghosa Omoigui - Founder and Managing General Partner of EchoVC Partners

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 2 Jun 2023 10:30:36 +0000

Eghosa Omoigui is the founder and Managing General Partner of EchoVC Partners. EchoVO is a seed & early-stage technology venture capital firm investing in underrepresented founders and underserved emerging markets.

His investments in the US and India include Betaworks, StackCommerce (acquired), Talkable, Frid.ge (acquired), Sense Networks (acquired), Voxify (acquired), SmartZip (acquired), Yatra (IPO), and BuzzInTown (acquired).

👂 Listen to the Primer Episode here -

🕒 Time stamps -

1:55 - Why does he invest in underrespected founders in underserved markets?
4:10 - A brief history of Eghosa's career.
6:35 - What exactly does "unrepresented" mean?
10:52 - The link between what you invest in and how it impacts the wider society
14:20 - How different investments look around the world.
19:48 - So what are the specific challenges
you think you face as a person of colour, trying to raise a fund and as a person of African origin?
27:55 - How how can one change that
fundraising dynamic for African startups?
30:33 - How does Eghosa calculate the "burning need" for a product?
33:01 - Where's the best place for people to find Eghosa online?

🔗 Eghosa Omoigui's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eghosaomoigui/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/EghosaO
Web - https://www.echovc.com/team

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Nothing Ventured Podcast Primer - Eghosa Omoigui - EchoVC Partners - S1E18

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 30 May 2023 10:30:41 +0000

Eghosa Omoigui is the founder and Managing General Partner of EchoVC Partners. EchoVC is a seed & early-stage technology venture capital firm investing in underrepresented founders and underserved emerging markets.

👂 Listen to the Main Episode here - https://youtu.be/WG-EOTM81kI

🕒 Time stamps -

0:00 - An introduction to Eghosa and his career to date.
5:27 - What is a Semantic Web?
13:55 - Why you have to understand the future to see where tech is going today.
20:53 - What does EchoVC invest into?
25:16 - What areas of investment are the most exciting to Eghosa right now?
37:13 - Why venture capital is a collaboration business.
39:30 - Why the stock markets are in trouble!

🔗 Eghosa Omoigui's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eghosaomoigui/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/EghosaO
Web - https://www.echovc.com/team

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David Fogel - How to grow an inclusive investment fund Alma Angels - Nothing Ventured Podcast S01E17

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 26 May 2023 10:30:34 +0000

David Fogel is the co-founder of Alma Angels. Alma Angels is an inclusive community of angel investors who are passionate about actively investing in and supporting ambitious female founders building tech-driven startups on a global scale.

David is also an advisor at Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford and a co-founder of the Israeli Tech Parliament.

👂 Listen to the Primer Episode here - https://youtu.be/M4VP445_WJQ

🕒 Time stamps -

00:00 - An introduction to David Fogel

01:52 - What were the tools that the IDF gave you that have best served you?

05:52 - The problems with leaving a corporate job.

11:05 - What are the challenges in scaling a business that is focused on emerging markets?

15:57 - What commercial model worked best with David's business?

26:28 - Why did David leave his own fund?

29:21 - If you could start over, would David do it all again?

35:20 - What drove David to launch Alma and where do you hope it will lead?

50:14 - How Alma grew its investment community.

52:12 - Where can people find David online?

🔗 David Fogel's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/fogeldavid/?originalSubdomain=uk

Twitter - https://twitter.com/fogeldavid?lang=en

Web - https://www.alma-angels.com/

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Nothing Ventured Podcast Primer - David Fogel - S01E17

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 23 May 2023 10:30:52 +0000

David is also an advisor at Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford and a co-founder of the Israeli Tech Parliament.

👂 Listen to the Full Episode here - https://youtu.be/Xrh28nzyfp8

🕒 Time stamps -

00:00 - An introduction to David Fogel

01:07 - David Fogel's career history

09:05 - David's history working and investing in Israel, Spain, Germany, and now back in the UK

12:50 - How David is trying to create food in bioreactors

🔗 David Fogel's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/fogeldavid/?originalSubdomain=uk

Twitter - https://twitter.com/fogeldavid?lang=en

Web - https://www.alma-angels.com/

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Michael Palank - What are the parallels between Venture Capital and Hollywood?

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 19 May 2023 10:30:36 +0000

Michael Palank is a General Partner at MaC Venture Capital and has been since it was established in January 2019. He has played a vital role in identifying and investing in seed-stage consumer and enterprise startups across various sectors. Prior to joining MaC, Michael held the esteemed position of General Partner at M Ventures, a prominent early-stage venture fund with locations in Los Angeles and the Bay Area.

Through his wealth of experience and unwavering passion for innovation, Michael Palank continues to make a profound impact on the entrepreneurial landscape, consistently driving growth and success for the ventures he supports.

🕒 Time stamps -

00:00 - An introduction to Michael Palank

01:30 - What makes the LA VC scene unique and special?

07:04 - Where's better - LA or Miami?

08:13 - What are the parallels between Venture Capital and Hollywood?

14:27 - Will more artists and TV stars get into funding start-ups?

18:44 - Why venture capital is all about relationships

25:31 - What milestones and challenges will every founder face on their journey?

27:09 - How to get very comfortable with the "what ifs"

27:20 - What is MaC Venture Capital?

34:21 - What's the best piece of advice for anyone wanting to enter the LA VC eco-system?

38:00 - Where's the best place to find Michael online?

🔗 Michael Palank's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpalank/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mpalank101/?hl=en

Twitter - https://twitter.com/mpalank101

Web - https://macventurecapital.com/team/michael-palank/

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Nothing Ventured Podcast Primer - Michael Palank - S01E16

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 16 May 2023 10:30:56 +0000

🕒 Time stamps -

00:00 - An introduction to Michael Palank

00:41 - Michael Palank's career history

10:05 - How big is the fund for MaC Venture Capital?

15:33 - What ventures is Michael most excited about right now?

23:57 - Why founders should keep plugging away if they want funding.

🔗 Michael Palank's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpalank/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mpalank101/?hl=en
Twitter - https://twitter.com/mpalank101
Web - https://macventurecapital.com/team/michael-palank/

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Ernst Rustenhoven - Why going faster isn't always better | Start up advice

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 12 May 2023 10:30:46 +0000

Ernst Rustenhoven is a venture capitalist working at Slingshot Ventures. Slingshot Ventures is a Dutch venture capital fund solely backed by successful entrepreneurs. Ernst is also a Board Observer at Eatch and Wundermart and a Board Member at Check and Toothfairy.
🕒 Time stamps -

00:00 - An intro to Ernst Rustenhoven and his career.
02:03 - Ernsts thoughts on the Dutch ecosystem and opportunities.
08:03 - Why Ernst moved from an operator to an investor
13:54 - Why does "consumer" excite Ernst?
16:57 - Why "going faster" isn't always better for start-ups.
20:32 - Why growing your team might not be the best strategy
22:41 - How does Ernst think consumer brands should think about marketing?
26:06 - What specific complexities do consumer brands have that founders need to think about?
29:09 - What specifics should start-up consumer brands always keep in mind?
32:53 - How is the venture capital landscape shifting?
36:14 - Where can you find Ernst online?

🔗 Ernst Rustenhoven's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ernstrustenhoven/
Web - https://www.slingshot.ventures/

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Nothing Ventured Podcast Primer - Ernst Rustenhoven - S1E15

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 9 May 2023 10:30:30 +0000

🕒 Time stamps -

00:00 - An intro to Ernst Rustenhoven

00:58 - How Ernst got into venture capital.

05:48 - What ventures is Ernst most excited about right now?

12:39 - A taster of what is to come in the main episode

🔗 Ernst Rustenhoven's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ernstrustenhoven/

Web - https://www.slingshot.ventures/

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Nothing Ventured Podcast - How The Launch Code creates recurring revenues | Zoltan Vardy | S01E14

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 5 May 2023 10:30:51 +0000

Zoltan A. Vardy helps business-to-business tech founders struggling with sales to build predictable revenues by teaching them how to focus, structure, and scale their sales and marketing activities worldwide.

👂 Listen to the Primer episode here - https://youtu.be/lZ_p_anasRY

🕒 Time stamps -

01:31 - How Zoltan Vardy closed $2 billion worth of deals in his career.
01:42 - What have been the best and worst deals of his career?
06:07 - What scars have his career left him with?
08:45 - How Zoltan "cracks the corporate forces" for his clients with limited resources.
12:27 - How to know when to move up the chain of decision making and who to approach?
22:27 - How important is it to have workers in a location that you want to launch in?
28:14 - How to more effectively use whatever capital you have to grow your business.
38:52 - Who was Zoltan's first customer?
40:34 - The benefits of reoccurring revenues in a business.

🔗 Anishka Prasad's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoltanvardy/?originalSubdomain=uk
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/zvthelaunchcode/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCYgDlLOftJBhv0CvomtF4Q
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/zoltanvardy/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/zvardy
Web - https://zoltanvardy.com/

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NV Primer S4e14 - Zoltan A. Vardy - What is The Launch Code?

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 2 May 2023 10:30:31 +0000

👂 Listen to the Primer episode here - https://youtu.be/lZ_p_anasRY

🕒 Time stamps -

00:58 - How did Zoltan Vardy start his career?
06:07 - What are the most interesting tools on the market right now?
07:54 - Thoughts on ChatGPT

🔗 Anishka Prasad's links -

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Nothing Ventured Podcast - Tips on getting venture capital funding from Anishka Prasad | S01E13

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 10:30:58 +0000

Anishka Prasad is a former lawyer turned entrepreneur and the founder of Astra. Astra is a network of inspiring and aspiring angel investors who enable each other to grow their investment portfolios by showcasing and investing in underrepresented and female-founded businesses.

She is also the Head of Strategy & Operations at Future VC, having previously worked as their growth manager.

👂 Listen to the Primer episode here - https://youtu.be/6inO17gnflg

🕒 Time stamps -

0:00 - An intro to Anoushka
3:30 - What were the hardest challenges in moving countries and career?
6:40 - Applying for grants in the UK.
8:04 - How long was the Innovate UK grant application process?
13:09 - What lessons did she learn in her start-ups early years?
15:49 - How did she transition from start-ups to venture capital?
17:07 - What makes Astra unique?
19:01 - Investing in property vs start-ups.
25:00 - What is Future VC and what is her role within it?
26:25 - How does she measure the success of Future VC?
28:52 - What advice does Anoushka have for people wanting to get funding in 2023?

🔗 Anishka Prasad's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anishkaprasad/?originalSubdomain=uk
Twitter - https://twitter.com/PrasadAnishka
Web - https://www.anishkaprasad.com/

🔗 Astra's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrainvestor/

🔗 Future VC's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/future-vc/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/future_vc1?lang=en
Web - https://futurevc.com/

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NV Primer S4e13 - Anishka Prasad - Future VC and Astra

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 10:30:11 +0000

She is also the Head of Strategy & Operations at Future VC, having previously worked as their growth manager.

0:00 - Anishka talks about Astra and her career.
2:27 - What was the thinking behind Astra?
4:10 - How Astra helps start-ups.
5:01 - What has Anishka invested in / what is exciting her right now?

Anishka Prasad's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anishkaprasad/?originalSubdomain=uk
Twitter - https://twitter.com/PrasadAnishka
Web - https://www.anishkaprasad.com/

Astra's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/astrainvestor/

Future VC's links -

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/future-vc/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/future_vc1?lang=en
Web - https://futurevc.com/

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NV Main Episode S4e12 - Main Show - Paolo Pio

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 12:30:44 +0000

Paolo is the Co-Founder and General Partner of Exceptional Ventures, early-stage Venture Capital firm based in London that invests in high-impact businesses focused on helping people live happier, healthier, and longer lives.

Prior to that he was the Managing Director for Europe at Joyance Partners, US VC firm investing in health and happiness startups. Paolo launched Joyance' European operations from scratch, invested in 25 companies across 9 EU countries, built a team of 8 world-class investors, attended and spoke at more than 400 events including the World Economic Forum and created a community of more than 1000 like-minded entrepreneurs and friends of the fund, promoting Health and Happiness along the way. This led to the fund being named among the most active EU VC by Pitchbook and one of the Hottest EU VCs by TechCrunch.

Paolo started his career at Cisco in Silicon Valley as Software Development Engineer, going on to become Technical Marketing Engineer and then Product Manager. He then moved to Switzerland to launch Cisco’s new SDN product line across EMEAR (Europe Middle East Africa and Russia) and later Asia Pacific, going from $0 to $300M run rate in less than three years. He is an Angel investor and serves in various startup boards and advisory roles. Paolo holds an Executive MBA from London Business School where he was recognized for excellence in asset management, and a Cum Laude MS Engineering degree from Politecnico di Torino. He is passionate about meditation, nutrition and exercise: he co-founded and runs a fitness training bootcamp in London, where he lives (www.urbantribe.life). Paolo speaks English, Italian, French and Spanish.

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NV Primer S4e12 - Paolo Pio

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 12:30:50 +0000

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NV Main Episode S4e11 - AGATA NOWICKA

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 12:59:04 +0000

Agata is a two-time entrepreneur (one exit) and an investor. She spent the past 7 years working in fintech. First, at a clearing house startup, second as a founder of a blockchain capital markets startup selling to major investment banks. Recently, she moved to Venture Capital, investing in fintech founders, and founded Female Foundry (femalefoundry.co) - a community and mentorship platform of over 5,000 female founders and investors across Europe with the mission to bring more diversity into the Venture Capital ecosystem and more funding to female entrepreneurs.

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NV Primer S4e11 - Agata Nowicka

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 12:00:20 +0000

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NV Main Episode S4e10 - Sameer Singh

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 7 Apr 2023 05:30:03 +0000

Welcome to this episode of The Nothing Ventured Primer. Today in the studio with me I am super excited to have me Sameer Singh.

Sameer is an early-stage investor focused on network effects. "Creator" of Breadcrumb.vc and Applied Network Effects (one of the highest rated courses on Maven) — both are globally renowned resources to learn about network effects. Sameer is also a Venture Partner at Speedinvest and part of the Atomico Angel Program, where he invests in early-stage startups with network effects.

14 years of experience in the technology ecosystem — distributed between technology startups and investing. For much of this time, Sameer studied technology business models and network effects in a professional capacity and via independent projects. He Previously, spent 5 years at App Annie, a Sequoia-funded, late-stage startup during its hypergrowth phase. There, he led a global, cross-functional team, working across product, marketing, and sales. Advised leading tech companies like Spotify, Shpock and Trainline. Before that, Sameer was an early-stage investor focused on commerce businesses.

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NV Primer S4e10 - Sameer Singh

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 4 Apr 2023 05:00:31 +0000

Welcome to this episode of The Nothing Ventured Primer. Today in the studio with me I am super excited to have me Sameer Singh.Sameer is an early-stage investor focused on network effects. "Creator" of Breadcrumb.vc and Applied Network Effects (one of the highest rated courses on Maven) — both are globally renowned resources to learn about network effects. Sameer is also a Venture Partner at Speedinvest and part of the Atomico Angel Program, where he invests in early-stage startups with network effects.14 years of experience in the technology ecosystem — distributed between technology startups and investing. For much of this time, Sameer studied technology business models and network effects in a professional capacity and via independent projects. He Previously, spent 5 years at App Annie, a Sequoia-funded, late-stage startup during its hypergrowth phase. There, he led a global, cross-functional team, working across product, marketing, and sales. Advised leading tech companies like Spotify, Shpock and Trainline. Before that, Sameer was an early-stage investor focused on commerce businesses.

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NV Main Show S4e9 - Andrew Poesaste

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 12:30:05 +0000

Hello and welcome to this week's Nothing Ventured Episode with Aarish Shah. Today I am really excited to have with me Andrew Poesaste Investor at Angular Ventures across Pre-Seed, Seed in Europe and Israel.

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NV Primer S4e9 - Andrew Poesaste

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 11:00:16 +0000

Hello and welcome to this week's Nothing Ventured Episode with Aarish Shah. Today I am really excited to have with me Andrew Poesaste.

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NV Main Show S4e8 - Annalise Dragic

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 21:27:44 +0000

She's a venture capital investor with Sapphire Ventures focusing on Series B to Pre-IPO direct investments in Europe and Israel across all sectors.

Prior to joining Sapphire, She was a venture capital investor at Atomico, focusing on Series A and later opportunities in Europe across the enterprise sector. Prior to that She worked in San Francisco, London, and Dublin at LinkedIn across corporate M&A, business operations, sales strategy, and product finance. Additionally, I previously spent time at Morgan Stanley in the Technology Investment Banking Group.

Annalise earned an MBA from Stanford University, where she was an Arjay Miller Scholar. She also graduated summa cum laude with honors and a major in Science, Technology and International Affairs from Georgetown University.

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NV PRIMER S4e8 - Annalise Dragic

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 11:35:03 +0000

Hello and welcome to this week's Nothing Ventured Episode with Aarish Shah. Today I am really excited to have with me Annalise Dragic. Annalise prides herself on being a global citizen and working towards improving the lives of others. She's a venture capital investor with Sapphire Ventures focusing on Series B to Pre-IPO direct investments in Europe and Israel across all sectors.Prior to joining Sapphire, She was a venture capital investor at Atomico, focusing on Series A and later opportunities in Europe across the enterprise sector. Prior to that She worked in San Francisco, London, and Dublin at LinkedIn across corporate M&A, business operations, sales strategy, and product finance. Additionally, I previously spent time at Morgan Stanley in the Technology Investment Banking Group.Annalise earned an MBA from Stanford University, where she was an Arjay Miller Scholar. She also graduated summa cum laude with honors and a major in Science, Technology and International Affairs from Georgetown University.

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NV Main Show S4e7 - Kelvin Au

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 06:00:52 +0000

Hello and welcome to this week's Nothing Ventured Episode with Aarish Shah. Today I am really excited to have with me Kelvin Au. Kelvin has over 17 years of experience in technology investment banking, VC and managing high-growth operations. Previously a Principal at Molten Ventures(formerly Draper Esprit) and headed up investments at Founders Factory, Kelvin worked closely with founders on product, strategy and fundraising and has co-invested with over 100 venture investors throughout Europe. Kelvin gained operational experience at a deep tech scale-up where he led the company to Series B and the eventual exit to one of the largest global supply chain players. He started his career at Credit Suisse and HSBC where he provided M&A and financing advice to technology companies after achieving a first class Master's degree in Computer Science from Imperial College London.

Outside of speaking and learning from really smart people (aka founders), he geeks out on Lego and Rubik’s cube and spends his every waking moment entertaining his two young daughters (but in vain).

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NV PRIMER S4e7 - Kelvin Au

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 13:46:36 +0000

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NV Main Show S4e6 - Amardeep Parmar

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 06:54:39 +0000

Hello and welcome to this week's Nothing Ventured Episode with Aarish Shah. Today I am really excited to have with me Amardeep Parmar. Amardeep is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of The BAE HQ, where he inspires, connects and guides the next generation of British Asian entrepreneurs. He has a podcast, news, social content, and in-depth toolkits to level up underrepresented founders.

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NV PRIMER S4e6 - Amardeep Parmar

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

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NV Main Show S4e5 - Brett Martin

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 9 Mar 2023 06:00:21 +0000

Today I am really excited to have with me Brett Martin. Brett is an entrepreneur, angel investor, pragmatist, and optimist. Having spent most of his career in the startup trenches, he now focuses on supporting other entrepreneurs as Managing Partner of a small seed-stage venture fund: Charge Ventures. Charge is a NYC-based pre-seed/seed stage venture fund. We invest 200-500k at the earliest stages of company formation and then help founders take things from 0 to 1.

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NV PRIMER S4e5 - Brett Martin

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 7 Mar 2023 07:49:03 +0000

Hello and welcome to this week's Nothing Ventured Primer with Aarish Shah. Today I am really excited to have with me Brett Martin. Brett is an entrepreneur, angel investor, pragmatist, and optimist. Having spent most of his career in the startup trenches, he now focuses on supporting other entrepreneurs as Managing Partner of a small seed-stage venture fund: Charge Ventures. Charge is a NYC-based pre-seed/seed stage venture fund. We invest 200-500k at the earliest stages of company formation and then help founders take things from 0 to 1.

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NV Main Show S4e4 - Emmie Faust

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 3 Mar 2023 06:00:41 +0000

In today's episode, Aarish speaks to Emmy Faust about her journey as an angel investor, why female founders are still getting less than 2% of venture funding, why she decided not to raise a VC fund and why it's massively important to think about wellness and mental health.

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NV PRIMER S4e4 - Emmie Faust

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 11:05:15 +0000

Hello and welcome to this week's Nothing Ventured Primer with Aarish Shah. Today I am really excited to have with me Emmie Faust. Emmy is a three times executive founder, angel investor, and founder of Female Founders Rise.

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NV Main Show S4e3 - Adam Besvinick

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 06:01:38 +0000

This week we speak to Adam Besvinick, founder of Looking Glass Capital a pre seed and seed stage firm investing in health, climate and empowerment. Listen to our Primer episode to listen to Adam's journey through finance and venture including cutting his teeth at Chris Sacca's Lowercase Capital and more.NV Main Show S4e3 - Adam Besvinick

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NV PRIMER S4e3 - Adam Besvinick

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 06:00:40 +0000

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S4e1 - Main Show - Aarish Shah x Eleanor Kaye

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Today I'm super excited to have with me. Eleanor Kaye. Eleanor is the Executive Director at Newton Venture Program, a JV between London Business School and Local Globe, with a mission to level the playing field for typically and structurally overlooked and underestimated backgrounds. In today's episode, we talked about the Newton Venture Program, the importance of partners like LBS and Local Globe as. Silicon Valley Bank we talk about the difficulties for underestimated people from underestimated backgrounds, breaking into venture, as well as the future for the Newton Venture Program and much, much more.

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NV PRIMER S4e2 Aarish Shah x Eleanor Kaye

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 06:00:51 +0000

Primer episode for Eleanor Kaye

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S4e1 - Main Show - Aarish Shah x Chris Mansfield & Reece Chowdhry

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 20:51:19 +0000

Welcome to this episode of Nothing Ventured With Me Arish Shah. Today I'm really excited to have Reece Chowdhry and Chris Mansfield with me. We are gonna be talking about raising in a bear market, how to be capital efficient and not spend the money the VCs give you the VC founder relationship and the fact that it lasts longer than the average UK marriage. Their advice for founders who are trying to break ground today Y Combinator, and much more Looking forward to this one.

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NV PRIMER S4e1 Aarish Shah x Reece Chowdhry

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Wed, 8 Feb 2023 16:21:36 +0000

In this Primer episode we talk to Reece Chowdhry, Founding Partner at Concept Ventures and get a quick background on his background as an operator and investor as well as the stage, sector and geographies he's targeting at Concept - a fund that launched in the Summer of 2022.

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NV PRIMER S4e1 Aarish Shah x Chris Mansfield

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Wed, 8 Feb 2023 15:50:10 +0000

This is the Primer. A new concept for Nothing Ventured. We're getting the overview from founders and investors in advance. In doing so we're primed with the basic information before we get into the main event later in the week.

In this Nothing Ventured Primer Episode we talk to Chris Mansfield, Co-Founder of GoodCourse, a Y-Combinator backed venture that is building the new age micro-learning platform built for engagement. We learn about Chris's background and his journey through the genesis of GoodCourse.

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Nothing Ventured - Shir Chorev

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 10:00:00 +0000

On the podcast this week we welcome Shir Chorev. Shir is a passionate and experienced Data Scientist, skilled in Machine Learning and algorithmic research.
Co-Founder and CTO of Deepchecks a MLOps start-up, developing a platform that incorporates an innovative algorithmic approach to help organizations automatically detect and prevent costly AI system failures.

As ever Nothing Ventured brings an honest take on investors, operators, and the start-up ecosystem, bringing founders the insight they need to navigate this crazy world.

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Nothing Ventured - Venetia Archer

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 12:00:00 +0000

On the podcast this week we welcome Venetia Archer. Venetia is Founder and CEO of Ruuby, the UK’s leading on-demand beauty & wellness services platform. One of the Forbes 30 Under 30, she launched the business in 2015.

As ever Nothing Ventured brings an honest take on investors, operators, and the start-up ecosystem, bringing founders the insight they need to navigate this crazy world.

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Nothing Ventured - Nathan Beckord

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 20:00:00 +0000

On the podcast this week we welcome Nathan Beckord. Nathan is the CEO of Foundersuite.com a venture-backed company that makes the leading “funding stack” (Investor Database, CRM, Pitch Deck Hosting, Bulk Email, Virtual Data Room and Investor Update tools) for startups raising capital. Since launching in 2016, users have raised over $3 Bln in seed and venture capital.

Prior to starting Foundersuite, Nathan spent ten years working with over 150 startups as interim CFO, Business Developer, and Advisor. Nathan has an MBA in Entrepreneurship, a BSC in Finance, and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). In his free time, he enjoys sailing, traveling, and riding motorcycles.

As ever Nothing Ventured brings an honest take on investors, operators, and the start-up ecosystem, bringing founders the insight they need to navigate this crazy world.

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Nothing Ventured - Leo Ringer

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 8 Dec 2022 13:00:00 +0000

On the podcast this week we welcome Leo Ringer. Leo is the Founding Partner at Form Ventures an early-stage VC focused on markets shaped by public policy and regulation.

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Nothing Ventured - Andrew Scott

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 14:00:00 +0000

On the podcast this week we welcome Andrew Scott. Andrew is the Founding Partner of 7percent Ventures and the Co-Founder of Allocate the European GP/LP event for tech venture capital funds and those who invest in them. He's an exited founder, board advisor and has a host of entrepreneur in-residence and advisory roles to his name.

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Nothing Ventured - Moaz Hamid Pt. 1

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 12:00:00 +0000

On the podcast this week we welcome Moaz Hamid. The Founding and Managing Partner of mvmt ventures - a venture studio and fund focused on accessible first technology.

In the past twenty years, Moaz has worked as a DJ, spent eight years at Palm Inc., over half a decade working at HTC, and five years as General Manager and Partner at Microsoft, followed by eight years at Google.

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Nothing Ventured - Moaz Hamid Pt. 2

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 12:00:00 +0000

In a podcast double header this week we welcome back Moaz Hamid for Pt. 2 of his discussion with Aarish. The Founding and Managing Partner of mvmt ventures - a venture studio and fund focused on accessible first technology.

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Nothing Ventured - Alec Maslov

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 8 Nov 2022 11:00:00 +0000

On the podcast this week we welcome Founder, writer, and TEDx speaker Alec Maslov,

Alec is the Founder of Thunderhead Interglobal, a consulting company that provides communication, fundraising, and business development services.

As ever Nothing Ventured brings an honest take on investors, operators, and the start-up ecosystem, bringing founders the insight they need to navigate this crazy world.

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Nothing Ventured - Brom Rector

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 11:00:00 +0000

On the podcast this week we welcome Brom Rector.

Brom Rector is the founder and GP of Empath Ventures, a VC fund that invests in psychedelic medicine startups. Prior to founding Empath, Brom spent 7 years as a portfolio manager and quantitative researcher - most recently managing a global macro portfolio for Crabel Capital Management - a Los Angeles-based hedge fund with $9B AUM.

After leaving Crabel in 2020, Brom started The Integration Conversation, a long form video podcast that covers the psychedelics industry from an investing perspective. The research that went into this podcast and the connections it established laid the groundwork for what would become Empath Ventures.

Growing up in a military family, Brom saw the mental health struggles of service members and how those mental health issues impacted families. Seeing this first-hand gave him a deep appreciation for the healing power of psychedelics, especially as it relates to PTSD and depression.

Personally, Brom has been using psychedelics for most of his adult life and has found them extremely beneficial for purposes of mental hygiene, internal exploration, and perspective shifting. Brom is a staunch proponent of ending the war on drugs and making psychedelics legally available to all.

Brom was homeschooled and began college at age 15. He holds an M.S. in Computer Science from Georgia Tech and is a CFA Charterholder.

As ever Nothing Ventured brings an honest take on investors, operators, and the start-up ecosystem, bringing founders the insight they need to navigate this crazy world.

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Nothing Ventured - Nancy Fechnay

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 12:00:00 +0000

On the podcast this week we welcome Nancy Fechnay.

Nancy has been a part of the investment and startup world for nearly 15 years. She co-founded three tech companies, resulting in one small exit and one seed stage ‘future of work’ company (backed by Atomico Angels and Outlier in Europe). Nancy also founded a non-profit, The Inspire Movement, in London alongside Google to promote mental health for entrepreneurs. Nancy started her career in cleantech venture capital but has since covered a large spectrum of tech sectors. She worked for Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, and GE Ventures before becoming a partner at Flight Ventures (the largest syndicate in the world) in 2015. Nancy has invested alongside top-tier US and EU-based firms, such as Softbank, Greycroft, Google Ventures, Andreessen, Bessemer, Accel, and Founders Fund.

Nancy is currently a partner in Alumni Ventures (AV) and Flight VC. AV has a unique model with 24 funds, a network of 600k+ alumni, and $700AUM. Nancy is also a Venture Partner for Gaingels, the world’s most active syndicate focused on bringing diversity to the tech ecosystem.

As ever Nothing Ventured brings an honest take on investors, operators, and the start-up ecosystem, bringing founders the insight they need to navigate this crazy world.

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Nothing Ventured - Matt Penneycard

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 11:00:00 +0000

On the podcast this week we welcome Matt Penneycard, Partner at Ada Ventures - an early-stage, pre-seed fund.

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Nothing Ventured - Kerry Sharp

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 13:00:00 +0000

On the podcast this week we welcome Kerry Sharp, Director, Entrepreneurship, and Investment at Scottish Enterprise.

With a background in corporate banking followed by four years as Portfolio Manager in 3i Group, Kerry has managed a broad portfolio of equity investments in SMEs.

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Nothing Ventured - Sarah Nadav

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 12:00:00 +0000

On the podcast this week we welcome Sarah Nadav, best-selling author, strategist, founder, mentor and Expert Network Behavioural Economist to the World Economic Forum.

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Nothing Ventured - Siddhi Mittal

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 14:00:00 +0000

On the podcast this week we welcome Siddhi Mital.

Siddhi is co-founder of yhangry - a venture delivering chefs to your doorstep since 2019, set up with Heinin Zhang. Siddhi is also a professional Bollywood dancer and successfully navigated Dragons’ Den.

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Nothing Ventured - Remy Astie

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 09:00:00 +0000

On the podcast this week we welcome Remy Astie.

Remy is the co-founder and co-CEO of Vauban - a company creating the infrastructure needed to deploy capital and make start-up investing faster, easier, and more accessible.

*Since recording this episode we're delighted to announce that Vauban has been acquired by Carta.

As ever Nothing Ventured brings an honest take on investors, operators, and the start-up ecosystem, bringing founders the insight they need to navigate this crazy world.

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Nothing Ventured - Priya Oberoi

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 7 Jul 2022 11:00:00 +0000

On the podcast this week we welcome Priya Oberoi.

Priya is the Founding General Partner of Goddess Gaia Ventures - a pre-series A fund focused on ventures innovating in women's health, wellness, and femtech.

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Nothing Ventured - Nick Telson

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 15:00:00 +0000

On the podcast this week we welcome Nick Telson.

Nick is a Co-Founder at trumpet, podcast host at Pitch Deck and an Investor at Horseplay Ventures. Nick successfully exited his business Design My Night in 2019, many of you may know them if you've booked a restaurant or bar in London.

As ever Nothing Ventured brings an honest take on investors, operators, and the start-up ecosystem, bringing founders the insight they need to navigate this crazy world.

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Nothing Ventured - Brent Murri

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 12:00:00 +0000

On the podcast this week we welcome Brent Murri.

Brent is a Principal at M13 where he leads early-stage investments in consumer technology companies. Brent joined M13 from Battery Ventures where he focused on growth-stage enterprise software investments. Prior to Battery, he worked in strategy & business development for Samsung NEXT, where he developed and executed strategies around Samsung’s consumer software and services initiatives.

As ever Nothing Ventured brings an honest take on investors, operators, and the start-up ecosystem, bringing founders the insight they need to navigate this crazy world.

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Nothing Ventured - Suki Fuller

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 12:00:00 +0000

On the podcast this week we welcome Suki Fuller.

Suki is a Founder of Miribure, Co-Founder & Senior Vice President of DC Analytics and Storyteller for Group of Humans. She is a fierce supporter of intelligence, ethical tech, #SafetyTech, Security, Privacy and Surveillance. Her eclectic 19-year career within strategic intelligence and technology has taken her from the US Department of Defense to teaching students in China.

She currently resides in London, where she is an intrinsic part of the tech community as a board member for Tech London Advocates / Global Tech Advocates, which includes key positions as Co-Lead TLA Women in Tech, Vice-Chair for TLA Black Women in Tech, and Board Advisor for TLA Young Entrepreneurs. Suki was recently named the 5th Most Influential Woman in UK Tech by Computer Weekly 2021.

She loves Penguins!

As ever Nothing Ventured brings an honest take on investors, operators, and the start-up ecosystem, bringing founders the insight they need to navigate this crazy world.

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Nothing Ventured - Alex Macdonald

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 9 Jun 2022 11:00:00 +0000

On the podcast this week we welcome Alex Macdonald.

Alex is a serial entrepreneur and Angel Investor. He is the Co-Founder of Velocity Black, a concierge reimagined for the digital age, which has raised over $30m in venture capital. He has been angel investing at pre-seed and seed stage for 8 years in the UK and US, and runs a syndicate. Alex recently founded his second business.

As ever Nothing Ventured brings an honest take on investors, operators, and the start-up ecosystem, bringing founders the insight they need to navigate this crazy world.

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Nothing Ventured - Samira Ann Qassim

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Wed, 1 Jun 2022 12:00:00 +0000

On the podcast this week we welcome Samira Ann Qassim. Samira is an early-stage investor in market-making female-led startups. She founded Pink Salt Ventures in 2019 to capitalise on the untapped potential of female-led technology.

As ever Nothing Ventured brings an honest take on investors, operators, and the start-up ecosystem, bringing founders the insight they need to navigate this crazy world.

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Nothing Ventured - David Miles

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Mon, 23 May 2022 14:00:00 +0000

On the podcast this week we welcome David Miles. David is a Senior Investment Manager at Foresight Group, sustainability-led alternative assets, and SME investment manager. Foresight partners with promising SMEs across all sectors and deal stages having supported nearly 300 companies.

As ever Nothing Ventured brings an honest take on investors, operators, and the start-up ecosystem, bringing founders the insight they need to navigate this crazy world.

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Nothing Ventured - Ulyana Shtybel

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Mon, 16 May 2022 12:00:00 +0000

On the podcast this week we welcome Ulyana Shtybel Co-founder of HighCastle, a cap table, and deal management platform and Co-founder of Enkidu, a Swiss nonprofit platform for charities.

As ever Nothing Ventured brings an honest take on investors, operators, and the start-up ecosystem, bringing founders the insight they need to navigate this crazy world.

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Nothing Ventured - Gautam Sahgal

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 5 May 2022 15:00:00 +0000

On the podcast this week we welcome Gautam Sahgal CEO of Perkbox, in conversation with our own Aarish Shah.

Perkbox helps companies care for, connect with and celebrate their employees - no matter where they are globally.

As ever Nothing Ventured brings an honest take on investors, operators, and the start-up ecosystem, bringing founders the insight they need to navigate this crazy world.

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Nothing Ventured - Nii Cleland

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 28 Apr 2022 14:00:00 +0000

On the podcast this week Aarish talks to Nii Cleland, CEO, and Co-Founder of Flair.

Flair is a racial equity technology company helping organisations measure and demonstrate their progress in building racially equitable cultures.

As ever Nothing Ventured brings an honest take on investors, operators, and the start-up ecosystem, bringing founders the insight they need to navigate this crazy world.

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Nothing Ventured - Mariano Gonzalez Vasconcelos

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 13:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish Shah is in conversation with Mariano Gonzalez Vasconcelos.

Mariano is Founder and General Partner at MGV Capital Group. MGV invests in Fintech, Consumer Technology, and Enterprise Software across the US and Mexico.

As ever Nothing Ventured brings an honest take on investors, operators, and the start-up ecosystem, bringing founders the insight they need to navigate this crazy world.

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Nothing Ventured - Renana Ashkenazi

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 08:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish Shah is in conversation with Renana Ashkenazi.

Renana is a General Partner at Grove Ventures, a leading Israeli early-stage, deep technology fund established by Dov Moran. Prior to joining Grove Ventures, Renana worked at Applied Materials, a global technology leader, in various product and technical management positions. Her previous position was as an engineering fellow at the Center for Innovation in Global Health Technologies at Northwestern University developing diagnostic devices for poorly resourced countries.

As ever Nothing Ventured brings an honest take on investors, operators, and the start-up ecosystem, bringing founders the insight they need to navigate this crazy world.

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Nothing Ventured - Jonathan Sun

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 5 Apr 2022 14:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish Shah is in conversation with Jonathan Sun.

Jonathan is the founder of Horizan VC, a UK-based alt VC working to bring the Convertible Income Share Agreement to the UK (now known as the Convertible Future Earnings Agreement. Prior to getting into VC, Jonathan was a former Edtech founder, ran community events for Othership, Product-Hunt, Techstars, and Guide Group, and also attended the Lavin Entrepreneurship Program at the University of Washington.

As ever Nothing Ventured brings an honest take on investors, operators, and the start-up ecosystem, bringing founders the insight they need to navigate this crazy world.

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Nothing Ventured - Anthony Rose

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 11:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish Shah is in conversation with Anthony Rose. Founder of Seedlegals, Anthony discusses getting BBC iPlayer on track and Seedlegals, which let's face it you've probably used!

As ever Nothing Ventured brings an honest take on investors, operators, and the start-up ecosystem, bringing founders the insight they need to navigate this crazy world.

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Nothing Ventured - Tania Mulry

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish Shah is in conversation with Tania Mulry. Tania discusses Steamwork Ventures and their investment thesis, her background in investment banking, product development, marketing, and a lot more!

As ever Nothing Ventured brings an honest take on investors, operators, and the start-up ecosystem, bringing founders the insight they need to navigate this crazy world.

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Nothing Ventured - Alex Leigh

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 14:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish Shah is in conversation with Alex Leigh. Alex discusses The Tippy Top his support community for entrepreneurs and his role as Senior Investment Executive at the Development Bank of Wales (DBW).

As ever Nothing Ventured brings an honest take on investors, operators, and the start-up ecosystem, bringing founders the insight they need to navigate this crazy world.

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Nothing Ventured - Patrick Ryan

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 15:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish Shah is in conversation with Patrick Ryan Co-Founder of Odin. Odin is an investment platform and community for people building the future. We are starting by making it 10x cheaper and easier to launch and invest in syndicates, SPVs & funds.

As ever Nothing Ventured brings an honest take on investors, operators, and the start-up ecosystem, bringing founders the insight they need to navigate this crazy world.

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Nothing Ventured - Marvyn Harrison

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Wed, 2 Mar 2022 15:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish Shah is in conversation with Marvyn Harrison Chief Growth Officer at BELOVD Agency amongst other things, author, speaker, radio presenter. The list goes on.

As ever Nothing Ventured brings an honest take on investors, operators, and the start-up ecosystem, bringing founders the insight they need to navigate this crazy world.

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Nothing Ventured - Melissa Snover

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 13:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish Shah is in conversation with Melissa Snover CEO and Founder at Nourish3d and Script3d.

Melissa shares her considerable insight as a founder and adviser in this episode, it's a must-listen for founders.

As ever Nothing Ventured brings an honest take on investors, operators, and the start-up ecosystem. Bringing founders the insight they need to navigate this crazy world.

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Nothing Ventured - David Hickson

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 18:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode of Nothing Ventured, Aarish Shah is in conversation with David Hickson. David is part of the Founders Factory founding team. A serial operator & founder, he has over 20 years of experience spanning five different tech companies, four of which as a co-founder or on the founding team and which have reached an aggregate enterprise value of ~$1.5bn.

David shares his considerable insight in this episode, it's a must-listen for founders.

As ever Nothing Ventured brings an honest take on investors, operators, and the start-up ecosystem. Bringing founders the insight they need to navigate this crazy world.

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Nothing Ventured - Cleo Sham

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Tue, 1 Feb 2022 17:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the new look Nothing Ventured.

In this week's episode, Aarish Shah is in conversation with Cleo Sham. Cleo cut her teeth with Uber and Didi in China before moving into the investment space, arriving at her current role as Partner at Stride VC in 2021.

Cleo shares her considerable experience, lessons from her time as an operator, and how this helps her in her current role.

As ever Nothing Ventured brings an honest take on investors, operators, and the start-up ecosystem. Bringing founders the insight they need to navigate this crazy world.

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Nothing Ventured - Jenny Ervine

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 11:00:00 +0000

In conversation with Jenny Ervine Co-Founder of Raise Ventures, Marketeer, Director, Advisor, Investor, Event Speaker and Mentor.

Jenny is passionate about working with start-ups and Raise pitching events and accelerator are living proof. In this episode, Jenny talks about her career and provides great insights for founders looking to start their first raise.

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Nothing Ventured - Zoe Peden

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 12:00:00 +0000

In conversation with Zoe Peden, Principle at Ananda Impact Ventures and Founder at FutureWorld VC.

Zoe talks about everything from her early publishing career, Co-Founding an award-winning language and communication development software business to her present career as a VC.

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Nothing Ventured - Arfah Farooq

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 18:00:00 +0000

In conversation with Arfah Farooq, community lead at NHSX, angel investor and speaker and workshop host around community building, diversity+Inclusion, and careers and organizing events

Arfah talks about her journey from a media degree to working for the Government.

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Nothing Ventured - Chris Smith

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 14:00:00 +0000

In conversation with Chris Smith, the Managing Partner at Playfair Capital.

Chris talks about his journey from the law, via the Isle of Man to his current role at Playfair.

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Nothing Ventured - Kirsty Macdonald

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 15:00:00 +0000

In conversation with Kirsty Macdonald, Principle at JamJar investments.

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Nothing Ventured - Claire Cherry

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 9 Dec 2021 11:00:00 +0000

In conversation with Claire Cherry, Investment Principle at True.

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Nothing Ventured - Paige Doherty

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 08:00:00 +0000

In conversation with Paige Doherty, Founder at Behind Genius Ventures.

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Nothing Ventured - Jason Foster

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 17:00:00 +0000

In conversation with Jason Foster, CEO of Ori Biotech.

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Nothing Ventured - Flavia Richardson

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 11:00:00 +0000

In conversation with Flavia Richardson, Chief Commercial Officer at Juice Ventures.

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Nothing Ventured - Becks Armstrong

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 15:00:00 +0000

In conversation with Becks Armstrong, General Partner and COO at Supercapital Partners, and Founder and CEO of Clarity.

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Nothing Ventured - Ariana Thacker

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 5 Nov 2021 10:00:00 +0000

In conversation with Ariana Thacker, the founding partner at Conscience VC.

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Nothing Ventured - Neil Shah

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 12:00:00 +0000

In conversation with Neil Shah from The London Stock Exchange.

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Nothing Ventured - Mads Jensen

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 11:00:00 +0000

In conversation with the Managing Partner at SuperSeed.

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Nothing Ventured - Jannat Shah Rajan

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 11:00:00 +0000

In conversation with the Head of Strategic Finance at Hopin and angel investor.

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Nothing Ventured - Anuj Desai

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 8 Oct 2021 13:00:00 +0000

In conversation with Anuj Desai the host of Europe’s leading cannabis industry podcast, The Cannabis Conversation.

Anuj is also a qualified lawyer, having worked in a variety of senior roles in the UK media industry over 15 years, and now acts as a legal consultant and board advisor to cannabis startups and SMEs in the UK.

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Nothing Ventured - Kevin Monserrat

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 14:00:00 +0000

In conversation with the Co-Founder of Consilience Ventures and former Head of Ecosystem at Microsoft Scale Up Europe.

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Nothing Ventured - Alex Dunsdon

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 14:00:00 +0000

In conversation with Alex Dunsdon, LP, GP, Founder, Board Exec and Advisor

"Just listened to your podcast on Nothing Ventured and what you're doing with potential.co sounds so amazing I was close to tears." - Nothing Ventured listener.

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Nothing Ventured Guenther Eisinger

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In conversation with the Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Omnipresent, ex-special forces and teamwork expert.

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Nothing Ventured - Yana Abramova

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 9 Sep 2021 15:00:00 +0000

In conversation with the early-stage VC.

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Nothing Ventured - Ghilaine Chan

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 2 Sep 2021 15:00:00 +0000

In conversation with the operations and collaboration expert.

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Nothing Ventured - Bronwyn Williams

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 11:00:00 +0000

In conversation with the futurist, economist, strategist, trend analyst, avid reader, and published writer.

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Nothing Ventured - Mac Conwell

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 11:00:00 +0000

In conversation with RareBreed founder Mac Conwell.

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Nothing Ventured - Tarig El Sheikh

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 12:00:00 +0000

In conversation with Tarig El Sheikh

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Nothing Ventured - Sasha Gainullin

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Wed, 4 Aug 2021 16:00:00 +0000

In conversation with battleface CEO Sasha Gainullin.

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Nothing Ventured - Hussein Kanji

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 14:00:00 +0000

In conversation with Hoxton Ventures' Hussein Kanji.

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Nothing Ventured - Tara Reddy

edit@launchpodstudios.com (Aarish Shah - EmergeONE) — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 13:00:00 +0000

In conversation with Loveshark Co-Founder and CEO Tara Reddy.

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