IN THE VALLEY 4. Courtney Powell in the valley : From founder to investor.
Welcome to Silverbacks Valley, a podcast bridging the worlds of #venturecapital, #tech, #sports, #media and #lifestyle in Africa.
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For our second #WomeninVC special, the Valley welcomes a founder who became an investor at one of the world's top VC funds : As COO and Managing Partner of 500Global, Courtney Powell uplifts people and economies across over 80 countries in the world through entrepreneurship. 500Global's 2.9 billion assets under management include over a 100 African companies.
Disclaimer : Silverbacks Valley's host and the guests of this program may hold assets discussed in this episode. This podcast is not investment advice, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any financial transactions.
1.) "I went from doing nanny college jobs to finding my first internship at a startup on Craigslist"
Courtney Powell recounts her journey in entrepreneurship. She started out as a marketing intern for a startup company focused on developing promotional campaigns solutions. She then launched her own startup in marketing before turning to real estate. One of her startups was part of a 500Global cohort, she since has joined 500Global as COO and Managing Partner.
2.) "We want to contribute to shaping the global VC ecosystem"
Courtney recognizes the bias and lack of inclusivity which still exist within venture capital and how founders in emerging markets sometimes do not receive the most favorable conditions. She explains how 500Global is equipped to address these challenges through multi-stage venture capital, founders and VC trainings as well as government-focused policy programs.
3.) "Cash is definitely reality"
As a founder turned investor, Courtney speaks to how the perspectives of each side may differ when it comes to looking at an opportunity to invest. She refers to the alpha that VCs must look for and the type of educated bets that VCs must take in order to get to these super returns.
4.) "You have to be interested in things beyond business or finance to be a well-rounded person"
Courtney shares a comprehensive list of recommendations of shows, books and podcasts she listens to and does not shy away from sharing things that are beyond the realm of business. She also speaks on her experience as a young mother and what that role in her life has taught her in her career.
5.)"Founders should start early and fall in love with customers, not products."
In her parting words, Courtney recommends to founders to start early, fail fast and learn the hard lessons as soon as they can. She also advises founders to learn to master the process of iteration and to focus on the customers' experience and feedback as they should and must remain a company's first stream of revenue.
Courtney recommends :
Podcasts & Shows
Capital Allocators by Ted Seides
Oprah's SuperSoulSunday
Books
How To Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia by Mohsin Hamid
How to Get Rich (without being lucky) by Naval Ravikant
The Grief Recovery Handbook by John W. James and Russell Friedman
The Founders: Elon Musk, Peter Thiel and the Company that Made the Modern Internet by Jimmy Sonni