Episode 28 - Founding Charge Ventures with Brett Martin
Jan 19, 2024
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Brett Martin, Founding Partner of Charge Ventures, shares his career origin story and the journey into the world of venture capital. He discusses the investment approach of Charge Ventures in software, crypto, B2B healthcare, and AI. The importance of having a track record and decision making, developing an investment thesis strategy, and closing thoughts for aspiring emerging managers in venture capital are also covered.
Charge Ventures is a pre-seed venture capital fund in New York that invests in software-focused companies in various industries.
Brett Martin advises aspiring VCs to focus on a specific industry or area of expertise and be willing to take risks.
Deep dives
Brett Martin's VC Career Origin Story
Brett Martin, founding partner at Charge Ventures, shares the story of his venture capital career, from his background in economics and psychology to his early entrepreneurial ventures. He discusses his experience in investment banking, selling seashells by the seashore, and the success of a business idea that could have led to a massive sale to Microsoft. He also highlights the influence of a friend who introduced him to venture capital and the various paths he took before establishing Charge Ventures.
Focus and Approach of Charge Ventures
Brett Martin explains that Charge Ventures is a New York-based pre-seed venture capital fund that invests in software-focused companies in industries like future work, crypto, B2B healthcare, and AI. The unique aspect of Charge Ventures is that all team members have experience as founders, allowing them to relate and connect with early-stage entrepreneurs. Martin emphasizes their preference for getting involved with companies at an early and messy stage, providing support and guidance to help them succeed.
Challenges of Fundraising and Investment Strategy
Martin discusses the challenges of fundraising for a venture capital fund, which can lack the same sense of urgency as fundraising for startups. He highlights the importance of differentiating oneself and showcasing a competitive advantage to attract limited partners. In terms of investment strategy, Martin admits that specialization and focus emerge over time as a fund gains experience and learns from previous investments. He advises aspiring VCs to focus on a particular industry or area of expertise and be willing to take risks.
We're really excited to be bringing to you today our conversation with Brett Martin, Founding Partner of Charge Ventures. As always, if you've got any questions, feedback, guest ideas, or just want to say hey, don't hesitate to shoot us a message at podcast@goingvc.com
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