Ep#18: Building the VC Firm Founders Choose First with Jason Shuman

The best VCs aren’t just writing checks, they’re building products. In this episode, I sit down with Jason Shuman, General Partner at Primary Ventures, to explore how modern venture firms are evolving, from thesis-driven investors to full-stack operators.

Jason shares an inside look at fundraising in today’s market, what their next fund aims to do differently, and how Primary’s team structure challenges the traditional VC mold. If you’re building a startup, raising a fund, or working inside a platform team, this episode will give you a front-row seat to the future of VC as an evolving product.

Jason Shuman

Jason is a founder-turned-investor and General Partner at Primary Venture Partners, where he leads investments across Vertical AI, Built World, Vertically integrated manufacturing businesses and consumer.

A passionate advocate for early-stage founders, Jason’s mission is to empower entrepreneurs with the confidence, tools, and support to build successful, fulfilling lives, on their own terms. He brings a hands-on, coach-like approach to investing, shaped by his own entrepreneurial journey.

Outside of venture, Jason’s passions include coaching, travel, and great food. Always eager to connect, he's known for being an early believer and active partner to founders at the very start of their journey.

Primary Venture Partners

The largest early-stage VC firm in the world, managing $1B+ in assets with a 50-person team. Their standout "Impact" team, twice the size of the investment team, works hands-on with portfolio companies, driving growth through high-intensity support in hiring, customer acquisition, and fundraising. With deep roots in the NYC tech scene, they conduct thousands of interviews, host hundreds of events, and maintain a network of 5,000+ active job seekers. Co-founders Brad Svrluga and Ben Sun have been recognized on Forbes’ Midas List and Insider’s Seed 100.

SHOW NOTES

Music Credit: "Neptuno" - Phondupe (Album: Onykia)

keywords

venture capital, startups, Primary Ventures, Jason Shuman, founder support, investment strategies, bootstrapping, impact teams, incubation model, deal flow

summary

In this episode of Startups Decoded, host Andy Walsh interviews Jason Shuman from Primary Ventures, exploring his journey from founder to investor. They discuss the unique approach of Primary Ventures in supporting founders, the evolving landscape of venture capital, and the importance of resources and community in the startup ecosystem. Jason shares insights on the current trends in funding, the role of impact teams, and the incubation model at Primary Ventures, emphasizing the need for founders to have a clear roadmap and support system to succeed.

Chapters

00:00 From Founder to Investor: Jason Shuman's Journey

04:01 Understanding Primary Ventures: A Unique Approach to VC

07:28 The Evolving Landscape of Venture Capital

11:21 The Importance of Personalized Support in VC

16:06 Collaboration Between Impact and Investment Teams

18:14 Navigating Capital: The Balance of Growth and Strategy

23:34 Navigating Venture Capital Mistakes

25:50 The Evolution of Information Sharing in VC

28:35 The Role of Incubation in Venture Capital

34:15 Balancing Incubation and Portfolio Management

37:51 Identifying and Engaging with Founders

43:13 Looking Ahead: Future Investments and Strategies