GHP #89 - VC #11 - Investing in the Future of Commerce with Rachel Star!

Episode 89 is with Rachel Star, Principal at Unusual Ventures!

Unusual Ventures is an early-stage firm that invests in both enterprise and consumer startups. They lead pre-seed to Series A investments in software startups, supporting founders from idea to IPO, enabling startups with hands on support and expertise during their early journey.

Rachel is Principal at Unusual helping to build and support the firm’s consumer investments. With a passion for products and people, she started her career as a consultant with McKinsey & Company with a focus on consumer brands, retailers, supply chain, and manufacturing.

Most recently, Rachel was an early-stage investor on the consumer team at Shasta Ventures. She has been a speaker at TED events, for the Aspen Institute, and at Autodesk University.

We chat with Rachel about her career journey from Consulting to VC. She details key learnings and transferrable skills, what makes a great mentor in this space, how to manage the stress of the job, and ultimately, how to become a VC. This was an insightful conversation that we hope you enjoy!

Unusual Ventures
https://www.unusual.vc/

Timestamps
2:30 - Intro to Rachel
4:55 - Transferrable Skills
7:28 - What Makes a Great Mentor
12:30 - Managing Pressure on the Job
14:27 - Key Learnings
18:18 - Should You Become a VC?
21:11 - Unusual Ventures
25:37 - Investment Criteria
31:57 - Understanding Your Business Needs
33:28 - Working @ Unusual Ventures
35:24 - Hiring @ Early Stage StartUps
45:55 - What Makes a Visionary?
49:35 - How to Become a VC
51:45 - Lightning Round