Billion Dollar Moves™ with Sarah Chen-Spellings | Global Venture Capital cover image

Billion Dollar Moves™ with Sarah Chen-Spellings | Global Venture Capital

Latest episodes

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Mar 27, 2025 • 23min

CEO Series: Susan Wojcicki, YouTube

Susan Wojcicki, the former CEO of YouTube and Google's 16th employee, shares her transformational journey in the tech world. She discusses the pivotal moments that led to YouTube's $1.65 billion acquisition and its evolution into a global platform. Wojcicki emphasizes the importance of spotting unconventional opportunities and navigating controversy with empathy. She also highlights the critical need for leadership in empowering others and balancing personal challenges with professional resilience, offering valuable insights on long-term growth strategies.
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Mar 20, 2025 • 29min

Lightspeed’s $500M Bet on India’s Tech Boom w/ Shuvi Shrivastava

India’s startup ecosystem is at a tipping point. With unicorn valuations correcting and global VCs recalibrating their bets, what does the future hold? In this episode of Billion Dollar Moves, we sit down with Shuvi Shrivastava, Partner at Lightspeed, one of the world’s most influential venture firms, to unpack India’s rise, venture capital shifts, and the billion-dollar opportunities ahead.Whether you’re a founder, investor, or just someone tracking the next big global tech shift—this episode is packed with insights, bold plays, and lessons from the frontlines of India's venture boom.Timestamps/Key Takeaways0:00 - Intro02:00 - How Shuvi landed at Lightspeed; The evolution of india’s startup ecosystem04:47 - Privatisation in India and the cultural shifts07:17 - India’s unicorn boom and global market corrections11:47 - Lightspeed’s India strategy & forth fund at $500M16:19 - The rise of India in the global supply chain; the blooming advance engineering industries17:44 - India’s robust IPO pipeline and exit landscape19:42 - The surprising slow AI adoption in India; what makes a venture-backable company in India24:18 - Billion Dollar QuestionsAbout ShuviAt Lightspeed India Partners, Shuvi Shrivastava invests in early-stage consumer and fin-tech startups in India and Southeast Asia. In a previous role she sourced DarwinBox at its Series A and also sourced ed-tech startup Byju's which was recently valued at $8 billion. She has also worked as a consultant with Bain & Co., led business development and operations at an early-stage computer vision startup, Drishti Tech, in Silicon Valley (raised close to $15 million from Andreessen Horowitz and Emergence Cap), and ran her own startup Uttr Labs.FOLLOW SHUVI:https://x.com/shuvihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/shuvi-shrivastava/-PODCAST INFO:Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.comWatch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobalJoin the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmovesFOLLOW SARAH:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobalInstagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobalTwitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal
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Mar 13, 2025 • 46min

From Family Offices to Private Equity Power Plays w/ Joel Sandhu, Top Tier Access

In this episode, we take you inside Europe’s private equity pilgrimage at SuperReturn in Berlin, where the biggest names in venture capital and private equity gather to shape the future of investing.Featuring Joel Sandhu, co-founder of Top-Tier Access, a platform that connects family offices with the world’s top private equity and venture capital managers. With years of experience navigating the complexities of private markets, Joel shares his candid insights on the industry’s evolution, the changing role of family offices, and what separates the best investors from the rest.We dive into the latest trends in private capital—from market shifts and liquidity challenges to the rise of secondaries and why profitability is now king. Whether you’re an investor, founder, or just curious about how private capital really works, this episode is packed with unfiltered insights you won’t want to miss. Let’s dive in!Timestamps/Key Takeaways0:00 - Intro02:00 - The Private Equity pilgrimage in Berlin; networking and market trends06:55 - From ’20-’21 deal activity to a historical norm; performance across asset classes09:40 - Who is Joel Sandhu? The story behind co-founding Top Tier Access13:34 - The evolution of Venture Capital & Family Offices; how Family Offices think about risk, returns, and impact17:57 - Takes on impact and purposeful investment; investing in Private Equity vs. Venture Capital; growth vs. buyout funds23:20 Building a winning investment portfolio28:21 - Selecting emerging managers and the impact of diversity30:38 - What makes a good GP?34:16 - The rise of secondaries: LP-led vs. GP-led40:49 - The landscape and opportunities of Mid-Market; AI’s impact on Private Equity41:47 - Billion Dollar Questions-About Joel SandhuJoel is the founder and Managing Partner of TTA, a Brussels based fund of funds in Private Equity. TTA brings institutional grade PE to the family office and HNWI segment.FOLLOW JOEL:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelsandhu/-PODCAST INFO:Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.comWatch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobalJoin the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobalInstagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobalTwitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal
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Mar 6, 2025 • 47min

Women, Wealth, & Innovation: Female Founders and Funders Driving the Future

In today’s world, the conversation around meritocracy and diversity remains more critical than ever. Last November at The Billion Dollar Brew (London Edition), hosted at RUSI, we tackled these pressing issues head-on with female founders and funders who are driving the future of innovation.Brought to you by Beyond The Billion, Dell Technologies and Dell Women's Entrepreneur Network (DWEN), our panel explored the financial pathways fueling women-led innovation—from venture capital and debt to non-dilutive funding and the evolving LP landscape. We dove into how emerging fund managers can navigate today’s capital environment, the rising influence of family offices, and why investing in female founders in AI, FinTech, and deep tech isn’t just about equity—it’s about smart business.Timestamps/Key Takeaways0:00 - Intro02:32 - Ella Jade (ROOBBA): AI-driven furniture business & disruptive marketing06:15 - Fatou Diagne (Bootstrap Europe): Venture debt as an alternative to equity financing08:27 - Mohadeseh Abdullahi (Molten Ventures): Investing in 81 funds to support early-stage startups & the rise of women-led funds12:33 - Wiem Gharbi (Ankar AI): Inefficiencies in AI and intellectual property & the solutions ahead15:47 - Venture debt; “Women are more risk-averse”20:44 - Ella Jade’s fundraising strategy25:03 - LP’s view: Specialised funds, rise of female GPs, & 2025 outlook28:16 - AI investment strategy; the pressure to transform into AI-driven startups32:08 - Q&A: Academia and entrepreneurship35:37 - Q&A: The Billion Dollar opportunity for female founders39:08 - Q&A: Blockchain and funding40:46 - Final takeawaysPanelistsElla JadeCEO & Co-Founder, ROOBBAMohadeseh AbdullahiInvestor, Molten VenturesFatou DiagneCo-Founder and Managing Partner, Bootstrap EuropeWiem GharbiCo-Founder, Ankar AIModerated by:Sarah Chen-SpellingsCo-Founder & Managing Partner, Beyond The BillionRead full recap here:https://beyondthebillion.com/the-billion-dollar-brew-london-edition/PODCAST INFO:Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.comWatch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobalJoin the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmovesFOLLOW SARAH:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobalInstagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobalX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal
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Feb 27, 2025 • 33min

CEO Series: Serena Williams, Serena Ventures

In this conversation, tennis icon and venture capitalist Serena Williams shares her journey from winning 23 Grand Slam titles to becoming a powerhouse in business. She discusses embracing authenticity and resilience while navigating the challenges of being a Black woman in sports. Serena emphasizes the significance of investing in diversity through her firm, Serena Ventures, and advocates for empowering future generations. Her insights on reclaiming joy and redefining power offer a game-changing perspective on success beyond the court.
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Feb 20, 2025 • 27min

The 10.8X Playbook: Scaling with Speed w/ Prasad Vanga, Anthill Ventures

Prasad Vanga, Founder and CEO of Anthill Ventures, specializes in speed scaling for early-stage startups, boasting a diverse portfolio with 45% female founders. He discusses India's booming economy and the need for capital flow into women-led ventures, which still receive less than 10% of total funding. Prasad reveals his innovative approach that blends corporate scalability with startup agility. He emphasizes the growing role of family offices in India and the importance of diverse leadership in reshaping the ecosystem. A must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs!
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Feb 13, 2025 • 40min

La French Tech & Beyond: Shaping France’s 25K Startup Boom w/ Fleur Pellerin, Korelya Capital

From shaping France’s digital transformation as a government minister to leading a €750 million investment fund, Fleur Pellerin is a force to be reckoned with.In this episode, recorded in the heart of Paris, we sit down with Fleur, the founder of Korelya Capital, to explore her extraordinary journey—from her early days as an adopted child from Korea to breaking barriers in politics, tech, and venture capital.Timestamps / Key Takeaways  0:00 - Intro  01:56 - Billion Dollar Questions  03:44 - From an adopted child in Korea to a former minister of France; the influence of Fleur’s mother  07:30 - The journey from business school to politics; her impact on digital, cultural, and communications policies in France  10:22 - Three key factors behind La French Tech: Station F, policy initiatives, and ecosystem building  12:23 - The state of the French startup ecosystem today; Bpifrance and the government's role in the investment industry  15:11 - Fleur’s decision to transition into investing; building Korelya Capital  17:59 - Growing global interest in Europe, particularly from Asia  19:50 - Investment strategy: from tech to consumer brands, and backing Bolt  24:24 - The challenge of limited exits in European and Asian markets  26:48 - The role of family offices in the French investment landscape  28:38 - Emerging trends, strategies, and structures shaping the industry  30:21 - Lessons learned from mistakes and partnerships  33:56 - A message for funders and capital allocators on funding women; incentives for driving positive change  36:41 - One key takeaway for funders and founders worldwideAbout FleurFleur Pellerin is a French businesswoman, former civil servant and Socialist Party politician who served as a French government minister from 2012 to 2016CEO & Founder of Korelya Capital, European VC Fund. French Junior Minister for SMEs, Innovation and the Digital EconomyFOLLOW FLEUR:https://www.instagram.com/fleurpellerin/?hl=enhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fleur_Pellerinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/fleurpellerin/-PODCAST INFO:Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.comWatch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobalJoin the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmovesFOLLOW SARAH:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobalInstagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobalTwitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal
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Feb 6, 2025 • 18min

The Billionaire Mindset: Robert Herjavec on Risk, Wealth & Scaling to $1B

From a small Croatian village to building billion-dollar businesses, Robert Herjavec knows what it takes to turn risk into reward. In this special episode, recorded at Biban 2024 and brought to you by Monsha’at, we dive into Robert’s journey—bootstrapping his first company from his basement, making strategic exits to giants like AT&T and Nokia, and mastering the art of wealth creation.Whether you're aiming for your first million or your next billion, Robert’s insights on resilience, risk, and reinvention will leave you inspired to make your own Billion Dollar Moves.Timestamps / Key Takeaways0:00 - Intro01:46 - First impressions of Saudi Arabia’s entrepreneurial spirit; perspective on wealth02:55 - Critical strategies for Saudi Arabia entrepreneurs to succeed in Western markets04:11 - Building a $1 million versus $100 million business05:41 - The influence of Robert’s immigrant background on his leadership06:24 - How to choose an idea to double down on08:07 - Unexpected lessons learned from 21 years of Shark Tank12:32 - Investment made through Shark Tank; are those good deals?14:02 - The opportunity for women-led innovation in Saudi ArabiaAbout Robert HerjavecRobert Herjavec is a Croatian-Canadian businessman, investor, and television personality. Herjavec founded BRAK Systems, a Canadian integrator of Internet security software, and sold it to AT&T Canada in 2000 for $30.2 million.FOLLOW ROBERT:Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter-PODCAST INFO:Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.comWatch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobalJoin the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmovesFOLLOW SARAH:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobalInstagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobalTwitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal
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Jan 30, 2025 • 23min

Best of 2024: Masterclass in Leadership, Innovation, and Resilience

Reflect on the resilience that can emerge from rejection, with stories from founders like Melanie Perkins, who turned setbacks into success. Explore the innovative paths of startups navigating challenges in fundraising. Discover the importance of purposeful investing that champions diversity, especially in tech. Delve into effective leadership strategies that foster impactful partnerships. Finally, engage with a bold campaign redefining women’s health narratives, breaking down stigmas and sparking vital public dialogue.
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Jan 23, 2025 • 22min

CEO Series: Lisa Su, AMD

Happy 2025, movers and shakers! We're back for the 2025 season, and let me tell you—this is not just another episode. We’re kicking off the new year and the highly anticipated return of the Billion Dollar CEO Series! You asked for it, and we’re delivering—bigger and better than ever.To launch the series, we’re deconstructing #billiondollarmoves of none other than the unstoppable Lisa Su, Chair and CEO of AMD. From spearheading game-changing innovations to orchestrating one of the greatest corporate turnarounds in tech history, Lisa’s story is one of resilience, vision, and leadership at its finest.So grab your coffee (or your GPU-powered supercomputer) and tune in, because this is an episode you do not want to miss. Let’s dive in!Timestamps / Key Takeaways0:00 - Intro01:24 - The Engine Behind Today’s Digital World04:52 - Lisa Su’s MIT and the Early Career Years07:16 - The AMD Turnaround10:56 - Pioneering Supercomputing with El Capitan13:24 - The Challenges Ahead: Chip Industry and AMD16:26 - Lisa Su’s Leadership Philosophy and Style18:29 - 5 Questions for Leaders Inspired by Lisa Su’s JourneyAbout LisaDr. Lisa Su, Chair and CEO of AMD, has spearheaded the company’s transformation into a global leader in high-performance and adaptive computing, driving advancements in computing and AI to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. Since joining AMD in 2012, she has held pivotal roles, including Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and later CEO, where she unified AMD’s operations, product strategy, and market execution into a cohesive, industry-leading organization.Lisa is TIME's CEO of the Year, one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in AI, received the 2024 Bower Award for Business Leadership, has been honored in multiple "most powerful women" lists for several years, and received the Distinguished Leadership Award from the Committee for Economic Development (CED). Learn more about Lisa:WikipediaFOLLOW LISA ON X | FOLLOW LISA ON LINKEDIN Resources:Lisa Su, Chair and CEO, AMD | Behind the Tech with Microsoft's CTO Kevin Scotthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gd65Ok379ZIAMD's CEO Wants to Chip Away at Nvidia's Lead | The Circuit with Emily Changhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ve5SAFPYZ8CEO of the Year Lisa Su Talks Competition and Collaboration in the Semiconductor Industryhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIokM_4i1i0 How to Build a Thriving AI Ecosystem with Lisa Su, CEO of AMDhttps://a16z.com/how-to-build-ai-ecosystem-lisa-su-ceo-of-amd/AMD CEO Lisa Su on the AI revolution | Decoder with Nilay Patelhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/amd-ceo-lisa-su-on-the-ai-revolution/id1011668648?i=1000629660416 Lisa Su CEO of AMD | In Good Company with Nicolai Tangenhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-good-company-with-nicolai-tangen/id1614211565?i=1000581623355 How Chip Giant AMD Finally Caught Intel | CNBChttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gLm0Jo0cnk-PODCAST INFO:Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.comWatch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobalJoin the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmovesFOLLOW SARAH:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobalInstagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobalTwitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

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