The Future is Bright for VC Investing in Connecticut EP 88
Jan 22, 2024
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Alison Malloy, MD of Investments at Connecticut Innovations, discusses entrepreneurship and venture capital. She emphasizes starting as a new entrepreneur, perseverance, importance of the right people, and Connecticut's efforts to connect entrepreneurs and investors. She addresses the lack of female representation in VC investing, her excitement for CI's new funds, and the roller coaster journey of being an entrepreneur.
Entrepreneurship is described as a challenging yet fulfilling roller coaster journey by Alison Malloy.
Connecticut Innovations actively invests in early-stage companies, focusing on supporting diverse founders through initiatives like the Future Fund.
Deep dives
Alison Maloy's Journey to Leadership in the Investment World
Alison Maloy's path to becoming a leader in the investment world started with her experience in raising capital for tech startups. She co-founded a software company, raised VC money, and successfully sold the company to Eastman Kodak. This led her to a position at Connecticut Innovations, where she has been supporting entrepreneurs for over six years, aiming to help them realize their full potential.
Connecticut Innovations: Strategic Venture Capital Arm Supporting Entrepreneurs
Connecticut Innovations serves as Connecticut's strategic venture capital arm, actively investing in early-stage companies. With approximately 250 portfolio companies and $500 million in assets under management, CI invests around 40 to 50 million annually. They focus on supporting companies looking to establish or expand their presence in Connecticut, ranging from pre-seed to Series B stages.
Empowering Diverse Founders and Creating Ecosystems for Entrepreneurial Success
Alison Maloy spearheads the Future Fund at CI, a $50 million fund dedicated to supporting diverse founders. CI's initiatives, such as launching labs programs and providing resources to portfolio companies, aim to create an environment conducive to entrepreneurial growth. The evolving landscape of venture capital includes ecosystems supporting entrepreneurs through accelerators, incubators, and angel investor groups, fostering collaboration and success in the entrepreneurial journey.
Today on HAYVN Hubcast, we’re talking about funding, starting a business, and the entrepreneurship journey with special guest Alison Malloy.
Alison is the Managing Director of Investments at Connecticut Innovations, (CI) Connecticut's strategic venture capital arm. She’s also the co-founder of the Women's Investment Network, Tidal River. In this episode, we dive into her journey, discussing how she became a leader in Connecticut's venture and investment landscape and how she is modeling the way for entrepreneurs and investors.
Key business and investing insights Alison shares:
Where to start as a new entrepreneur
The importance of perseverance in business
How the right people can help you
What Connecticut is doing to connect entrepreneurs and investors
How she’s answering the question “Where are the women?” in venture and angel investing
Why she is excited about CI’s newest funds
“Being an entrepreneur is a roller coaster. Luckily, if you stick in it long enough, there's a terrific end at the end of the day.” - Alison Malloy
Alison has described being an entrepreneur as “fun”, but she also admits how challenging it can be. You have to put in the work, and it can be discouraging at the start, but it’s also very fulfilling.