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

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

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Aug 15, 2024 • 18min

Journey after YouTube w/ Steve Chen, Draco Evolution

This week's episode is proudly brought to you by Tatler Gen.T.On July 12th, we celebrated the groundbreaking launch of Draco Evolution Corp’s AI-driven ETF, now trading on the NYSE. We had the privilege to speak with the visionary co-founders, Jack Fu and Steve Chen, about their innovative ideas and the future of finance.This week, we dive deeper into Steve Chen’s journey co-founding and leaving YouTube, and why we should all take bold leaps in life.TIMESTAMPS / KEY TAKEAWAYS0:00 - Intro02:42 - The ‘One-Way Ticket’: “If I have an idea, I'm just going to regret it if I don't take this opportunity now to actually try it out.”04:16 - The real story of YouTube: “it was a dating video site”; “it was through these changes as you're pivoting around and figuring out exactly where this path is going to take you”09:00 - Google’s acquisition of YouTube; “He said, we’re making the largest acquisition ever made by Google,”11:48 - Behind key decisions: “The answer usually is in our heads already.”; the hardest lesson learned14:40 - Building legacy and impact; “What brings you happiness?”About Steve ChenSteve Chen is a Taiwanese-American Internet entrepreneur who is one of the co-founders and previous chief technology officer of the video-sharing website YouTube. After he co-founded the company AVOS Systems, Inc. and built the video-sharing app MixBit, he joined Google Ventures in 2014.TUNE IN TO PART 1Building Legacy & The Future of Finance w/ Steve Chen & Jack Fu, Draco Evolution🎙️Podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/bdm-draco🎞️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzjmFfRequ8🌐 Website: https://www.billiondollarmoves.com/the-future-of-finance-steve-chen-jack-fu-draco-evolution-nyse/ READ MORE:DRACO EVOLUTION’S STEVE CHEN AND JACK FU ON BUILDING LEGACY AND THE FUTURE OF FINANCE | Tatler Gen.T-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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Aug 8, 2024 • 16min

CEO Series: Adi Tatarko, Houzz

This week, we're diving into the remarkable journey of Adi Tatarko, Co-Founder and CEO of Houzz, a story that epitomizes resilience, innovation, and the strength of community. Adi and her husband, Alon Cohen, turned their personal frustration into a global leader in the home renovation and design industry. What began as a side project evolved into a multi-billion dollar enterprise, now serving over 3 million professionals and 70 million users worldwide. Let's unpack Adi’s #billiondollarmoves in today's CEO Series!TIMESTAMPS / KEY TAKEAWAYS0:00 - Intro1:44 - Lesson #1: Don’t underestimate the power of being open to opportunities4:52 - Lesson #2: Bootstrapping in the beginning is not the worst Idea8:50 - Lesson #3: Build for scale AND RESILIENCE by focusing on sound foundations13:38 - Billion Dollar QuestionsAbout Adi TatarkoAdi Tatarko is the co-founder and CEO of Houzz, an online platform for home remodeling and design she and her husband, Alon Cohen, started in 2009. The couple launched the website after they had trouble finding ideas for remodeling their house. Under her leadership, the company has become an influential marketplace in the design industry, connecting millions of homeowners with home professionals globally. Alon replaced Adi as CEO of the company in January 2024. Prior to founding Houzz, Adi worked in international finance. She holds a BA in Economics from Tel Aviv University. Adi’s entrepreneurial acumen and deep understanding of the technology-driven consumer market make her a valuable addition to any venture capital portfolio.FOLLOW ADI | LinkedInSource:How I Built This with Guy Rap | Adi Tatarko 'Maybe I'm Not A Typical Founder But So What?': How Houzz Cofounder Adi Tatarko Leads Uniquely | Forbes WomenOutsider Insight: Adi Tatarko | Sequoia CapitalAdi Tatarko (Houzz) at Startup Grind Silicon ValleyHouzz CEO on how she took her idea to help homeowners remodel homes and turned it a global business | Yahoo FinanceHouzz CEO: Empowering Users | Mad Money | CNBC-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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Aug 1, 2024 • 27min

Building Legacy & The Future of Finance w/ Steve Chen & Jack Fu, Draco Evolution

This week's episode is proudly presented by Tatler Gen.T.Join us for an exclusive conversation recorded live at the New York Stock Exchange with Jack and Steve, the visionary co-founders of Draco Evolution Corp. On July 12th, We were on site to celebrate the groundbreaking launch of their AI-driven ETF, now trading on the NYSE. From the electrifying atmosphere of the closing bell ceremony to their journey of building global startups across Taiwan and Asia, and the innovation behind the Draco ETF designed to shape the future of finance—we cover it all in this episode. Don’t miss this deep dive into the future of finance!TIMESTAMPS / KEY TAKEAWAYS0:00 - Intro02:18 - Draco Evolution at the NYSE Closing Bell Ceremony for their first ETF listing03:16 - Jack’s new chapter; Draco ETF: technology and risks06:47 - Steve’s moves back to Taiwan after YouTube; why Draco ETF?11:09 - The partnership; hedge fund background versus consumer-focused strategies15:31 - What’s next for Draco?20:07 - Building a global company from Taiwan; “they read about all the financial news and what are the ways and the bridges that we can connect outside of our island or outside of our Asia region?”22:54 - Lessons learned; “sometimes we focus on what we know, but we just have to leave our comfort zone,”Read more on: DRACO EVOLUTION’S STEVE CHEN AND JACK FU ON BUILDING LEGACY AND THE FUTURE OF FINANCE | Tatler Gen.TAbout Draco Capital PartnersIn 2020, Jack Fu partnered with YouTube co-founder Steve Chen to establish Draco Capital Partners. They developed low-volatility artificial intelligence investment strategies with a team of economists and engineers, shaping the fund’s operational policies. Since its founding, the team have managed over US$220 million in funds, achieving remarkable investment results. Draco Capital Partners goes public on the New York Stock Exchange in early 2024, introducing two products: AI Active Management ETF (DRAI ETF) and AI Matched Quantitative Trading Platform. The former employs AI for intelligent investment, offering unique growth opportunities and risk protection for investors through AI technology and active management strategies. The latter provides a platform for investment strategy experts and general investors to share professional knowledge and innovative investment tools, creating a unique and open quantitative investment ecosystem, bringing more opportunities and value to both parties.More on: https://www.dracocp.com/ABOUT JACK FUManaging Director, Draco Capital PartnersPrior to founding Draco Capital, Jack was the Pacific Rim Managing Director of All Sun Group, where he managed a portfolio of $1.8 billion. Previously, Jack was a Senior Financial Consultant at Linsco & Private Ledge managing family offices and institutional clients. Jack began his career as a Financial Advisor at Union Bank Investment Services.ABOUT STEVE CHENManaging Partner & Chief Technology Officer, Draco Capital PartnersSteve builds massive strategy data center for Draco, provides algorithm, and leads the programming process for investment strategies and trading.Steve was the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of YouTube. He was instrumental in building YouTube into a viral video phenomenon. He helped lead YouTube through the Google acquisition for $1.65 billion less than a year after launching the site. From 2014-2016, Steve served as an Entrepreneur in Residence at Google Ventures.-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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Jul 25, 2024 • 28min

Liquidity Crunch Fuels $100Bn Secondary Market: Here's What You Need To Know

"Secondaries are just deals with a discount?" Think again.In this episode, we explore how the secondary market has surged to a staggering $100 billion in transaction volume, driven by the pressing need for liquidity. Featuring Martin Fleischer, Principal of Coller Capital, and Ku Kay-Mok, Senior Partner at Gobi Partners, we talked about the explosive growth of continuation vehicles and the challenges general partners (GPs) face in navigating this dynamic market. Tune in now as we unravel the complexities of the secondary market, its great opportunities, and the strategic moves that can make or break investment portfolios in these volatile times.TIMESTAMPS / KEY TAKEAWAYS0:00 - Intro02:04 - Introduction: Martin Fleischer, Coller Capital & Ku Kay-Mok, Gobi Partners04:20 - What really is the secondaries opportunity? The 100bn secondaries transaction volume driven by liquidity06:18 - Structures for LPs and GPs in secondaries; the market growth of continuation vehicles08:41 - Challenges for GPs in secondaries: pricing and carry split10:20 - “I think we are the necessity in this market; people want liquidity for various reasons”; CV as the third exit route for GPs12:50 - GP’s view: structuring exits; “theme is important for VC”; being strategic with co-investors and building liquidity15:17 - “Be patient if you don't want to sell”; price drop in consumer space and outdated valuations17:09 - Discount premium, implied valuation multiples, patient capital, and plans to drive returns19:51 - “The secondary market will become more and more specialized”; “the biggest constraint is capital”22:41 - Advice for LPs building base in the Nordics; re-industrialization and opportunities in global south-Arctic15 LP Summit 2024PANEL: Secondaries & Exits for This Venture CycleMartin Fleischer - Principal, Coller CapitalKu Kay-Mok - Senior Partner, Gobi PartnersModerator: Sarah Chen-Spellings - Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Beyond The Billion-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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Jul 18, 2024 • 45min

From Bootstrapped Startup to Finnish Tech Unicorn: RELEX Solutions' Rise w/ Johanna Småros, RELEX Solutions

This week, we have the pleasure of speaking with Johanna Småros, co-founder of RELEX Solutions, one of Finland's leading unicorns. In our conversation, we delve into the unique path of RELEX Solutions, which was bootstrapped for more than 10 years and built “The Finnish Way” - practical and transparent.Tune in to today’s episode to learn more about the intricacies of global supply chain solutions, the Finnish entrepreneurial ecosystem, and why it's important to “stop stupid things”.Brought to you by Helsinki PartnersVenture Nordics ProgramNow in its second edition, this 7-day program is designed for international VCs and LPs. It features exclusive networking events, introductions to Finnish LPs and VCs, curated meetings with top-performing companies, and a free ticket to Slush 2024, including LP track and access to exclusive side-events.Learn more and apply by 18/8! TIMESTAMPS / KEY TAKEAWAYS0:00 - Intro02:53 - Johanna pursuing engineering encouraged by her family; road to becoming a researcher at Helsinki University of Technology06:18 - The shift from academia to practical implications; starting RELEX with co-founders Mikko Kärkkäinen and Michael Falck11:07 - The supply chain scene in 2005 and building the infrastructure with forecasting and replenishment solutions15:13 - RELEX’s market entry in Finland: every client is an R&D project17:05 - Scaling up with Finland as an R&D hub; “You have to generalize almost at the start, which gives you an upper hand because then you're versatile.”20:09 - Complexities faced when starting RELEX; “it's not very helpful to have three tires in stock,” Johanna’s shift to sales, venturing into countries outside Finland23:17 - Choosing the right partners; “we were never like friends in that sense.”25:57 - The supply chain scene today with advancements in AI technology28:36 - From bootstrapped to private equity: one of the only Finnish companies that has raised over €800 million30:19 - Building and scaling a company in Finland: language and picking funders33:13 - The Finnish entrepreneurial ecosystem36:15 - The five elements of the RELEX culture; the future of RELEX41:29 - Billion Dollar QuestionsABOUT JOHANNAIt all started when Johanna joined the Logistics Research Group at Helsinki University of Technology in the late 1990s. During her years in academia, she studied several aspects of supply chain management, including inter-company collaboration, forecasting and replenishment, e-commerce, and value-added services. Her doctoral dissertation focused on collaboration between grocery retailers and suppliers, which then led her to the practical solutions that RELEX Solutions later provided for the world.ABOUT RELEX SOLUTIONSTogether with two fellow researchers, Mikko Kärkkäinen and Mikael Falck, Johanna founded RELEX in 2005. RELEX has provided a means for turning research innovations into practice and further developing them by making use of the latest developments in technology, such as in-memory computing.RELEX helps retailers and consumer brands drive profitable growth across all sales and distribution channels by maximizing customer satisfaction and minimizing operative costs. Leading brands like Ahold Delhaize USA, Stokke, Kwik Trip, and Rossmann trust RELEX to optimize their supply chain and retail planning.MORE ON: https://www.relexsolutions.com/-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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Jul 11, 2024 • 36min

The Power of Multigenerational Female Leadership w/ Ida Liu, Global Head, Citi Private Bank

This week’s episode comes to you from the Wharton Women in Investing Conference 2024. On January 26, Wharton Women in Investing held its third annual conference at Convene in New York City. The conference theme was growth and good governance as investors.“The Wharton Women in Investing Conference epitomizes our dedication to advancing diversity and inclusion within the investment community. Our goal at the Harris Family Alternative Investments Program is not only to facilitate a rich learning environment but also to highlight the vital role of women in shaping the future of the investment landscape. By bringing together a distinguished lineup of speakers and panelists, the conference has provided our MBA students and attendees with unparalleled insights into the complexities of investing and leadership. It presented an opportunity to engage, inspire, and empower the next generation of investment leaders.” - Burcu Esmer, Academic Co-Director of the Harris Family Alternative Investments ProgramThe closing keynote speakers featured Global Head of Citi Private Bank Ida Liu, WG, and Sarah Chen-Spellings, Beyond The Billion Co-Founder and Managing Partner.Event Recap:https://altinvest.wharton.upenn.edu/wharton-women-in-investing-conference-2024/About Ida LiuIda Liu is the Global Head of Citi Private Bank and a member of the Global Wealth Management Leadership team. Ida leads the Private Banking activities in 50 offices across 18 countries and delivers wealth management solutions to ultra-high net worth families and their businesses globally. Before becoming the Global Head, she was the Head of Citi Private Bank North America and held numerous other leadership roles.Ida created Citi Private Bank’s North America Asian Clients Group, and she started her career at Citi by launching and heading the Fashion, Retail and Entertainment Group. Before joining Citi, Ida was at Vivienne Tam, a women’s wear design house, where she was Global Head of Sales, Marketing, Public Relations and Business Development. Prior to this, Ida spent seven years in investment banking with Merrill Lynch’s mergers and acquisitions and technology, media and telecommunications investment banking groups in New York and Hong Kong. She started her career in mergers and acquisitions at BT Wolfensohn (now Deutsche Bank).Ida has received many industry accolades including Barron’s 10 Most Influential Women in Wealth Management, Barron’s 100 Most Influential Women in U.S. Finance, Crain’s Notable Women on Wall Street and American Banker’s 25 Most Powerful Women in Finance. Additionally, Ida is a Young Global Leader (YGL)of the World Economic Forum, a member of The Committee of 100 (C100) and Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO). Ida serves on the UCLA Health Advisory Board as well as the Asia Society Board.Ida holds a BA with honors from Wellesley College and an MBA from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. She is fluent in Mandarin Chinese, Spanish and conversant in Russian.FOLLOW IDA | https://www.linkedin.com/in/idaliu/-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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Jul 4, 2024 • 41min

[REPLAY] The Power of Making Big Bets with Dr. Rajiv Shah, Rockefeller

Dr. Raj Shah's journey comprises numerous transformative endeavors, spanning his roles at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID, to his current position as President of the Rockefeller Foundation. In his publication, "Big Bets: How Large-Scale Change Really Happens," he illuminates the power of the big bet mindset—a belief that addressing problems boldly, rather than settling for incremental improvements, attracts partners capable of achieving transformational change. In this week's episode, we had the honor of exploring the significant big bets he made throughout his career. The shared big bet mindset aims to inspire leaders at every level to reimagine possibilities on a grand scale. You won't want to miss this.TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Intro02:23 - Who is Raj Shah? From med school to volunteering at Al Gore’s presidential campaign, joining the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Obama’s administration, and then the Rockefeller Foundation07:44 The big bet mindset: avoiding aspiration trap10:03 Status of global philanthropy in US today13:37 Revolutionary technologies and innovative solutions to address hunger and poverty in countries like India, Nigeria, and parts of Latin America17:14 Risk-taking and building unlikely partnerships and alliances; overstepping authority at Gates Foundation20:06 The 3 core ingredients of a big bet mindset22:06 Leadership and taking a stand; working with Mitch Landrieu and the Confederate statues25:05 Risk-taking and adopting the big bet mindset to solve global issues; e.g., the child refundable tax credit in the US27:43 Role of charity: where do philanthropists get things wrong?31:03 What does rejection feel like for Raj Shah? And how to keep going?35:48 Billion Dollar Questions-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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Jun 27, 2024 • 43min

Beyond ChatGPT: AI Insights and Impact w/ OpenAI, Google DeepMind, and Trill Impact

This week’s episode is fresh out of the oven! The Family Office Alliance Stockholm Symposium took place about a week ago.In one of the panels titled "Purposeful Investing in AI," Sarah Chen-Spellings moderated a discussion on AI and impact investing with an emphasis on women's perspectives. She was joined by esteemed panelists Dorothy Chou from Google DeepMind, Sandro Gianella from OpenAI, and Nina Rawal from Trill Impact Ventures.In this discussion, we delve into the fascinating world of AI and its impact on various industries. We explore the rise of generative AI like ChatGPT, the importance of identifying AI-centered innovations that are genuinely impactful, and the potential risks associated with AI's rapid growth. We've covered it all.TIMESTAMPS / KEY TAKEAWAYS0:00 - Intro5:16 - Where AI is Today: Discussing generative AI such as ChatGPT and more scientific applications.10:26 - Is This a Hype Cycle?: How are we positioning ourselves as investors?13:21 - Identifying AI-Centered Innovations: How to spot innovations that are truly grounded in power and committed to purpose.16:17 - The Extinction Risk with AI Growth: What guardrails and institutions are needed? Comparing OpenAI and Google.27:12 - Accountability in Investments: Balancing financial returns with meaningful outcomes.32:51 - API Version of AI: Is it better or worse?35:06 - Balancing Advancement and Ethics37:50 - Closing Remarks: Building trust between humans and the digital world, redefining what constitutes a safe or good investment in AI, and discussing the incentives created by investments.-Quotables from the event:"As a life science investor, I see the endless opportunities AI offers when it comes to understanding human disease. I would argue that it's unethical to not explore AI in making the untreatable diseases treatable." —Nina Rawal, Trill Impact"There's a lot of fear around AI, but as someone close to the work, I'm not worried. The lesson of the last decade isn't to avoid the tech platforms—it's to structure them the right way with the right people around the table, and that's a constant learning." —Sandro Gianella, OpenAI“Let’s not forget what’s important is also not what gets invested but who gets invested in.” —Dorothy Chou, Google DeepMind About Family Office AllianceThe Family Office Alliance is established by Principals of Family Offices in Europe and Singapore. We believe that with resilience and common purpose, global challenges can be transformed into uncommon opportunities. It is a bridge of trust for radical collaboration between Family Offices in Europe and Asia.-- Family Office AllianceThe Family Office Alliance Stockholm Symposium | Event Recap-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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Jun 20, 2024 • 52min

[Replay] LP view: The Art & Science of Building in Venture w/ Lisa Edgar, Top Tier Capital

What distinguishes the standout figures in the world of venture capital from those who aren’t?"𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞, 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞."Currently serving as the Partner Emeritus at Top Tier Capital Partners, Lisa describes her journey as "serendipitous" and filled with unexpected twists.Join us as we explore the realm of venture capital through Lisa Edgar's eyes. It's about nurturing relationships, establishing a solid foundation, and going beyond.Timestamps0:00 - Intro01:15 - Views on current global venture market, Finland & ecosystem in Europe03:15 - Lisa's journey from hospitality to venture06:57 - Common mistakes when starting and the importance of relationship building09:23 - Hard & soft skills that make GP successful10:07 - Lisa's time at Horsley Bridge Partners; access plays and transitions11:05 - What makes an enduring franchise; Benchmark's strategy in building14:57 - Lisa's move to build Top Tier Capital Partners17:46 - Living up to the name "Top Tier" and the mantra "leadership, trust, transparency and Respect22:45 - Key to building infrastructure24:40 - Access focused strategy, portfolio diversification27:22 - Vision in fund evaluation and checklist for portfolio32:15 - Strategies in fund of funds; criteria for success as fund manager35:16 - Is fund of funds worth it?39:32 - Access play: key learning and mistakes43:19 - Lisa's thoughts on current market and how to cope as a team46:28 - LP's view on ensuring GP's ethics50:41 - Opportunities for people of color in the LP's world51:50 - Lisa' next move-ORIGINAL EPISODE:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dY94C26V0Vs-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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Jun 13, 2024 • 46min

From Idea to Impact: Creating a $20 Million Fund During Crisis w/ Mike Moradi, Cortado Ventures

𝐎𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚-𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐝𝐨 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 $𝟐𝟎𝐌 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 - how did this happen?This week’s episode features Mike Moradi, one of the GPs of Cortado Ventures, also the co-founder and also a portfolio company CEO, the CEO of Sensulin, where the company Sensulin is developing a glucose responsive insulin which will drastically reduce the number of injections diabetes patients will have to take.Our conversation is wide ranging from how he first got the entrepreneurial bug, which landed him a $10 million exit at 25 years old, to then leading $10 million in six weeks for Cortado’s fund one, and what's broken in America's health care system.TIMESTAMPS / KEY TAKEAWAYS0:00 - Intro2:17 - Growing up with diversity and the entrepreneurial bug5:26 - The culture and diversity scene in mid-continent America; Oklahoma VS Bay Area8:52 - From dentistry to failing first company, then landed a $10 million exit at 25 years old11:35 - The key to successful exit and ‘superpower’ as a serial entrepreneur13:14 - Addressing diabetes and insulin: building Sensulin18:23 - Challenges as the CEO of Sensulin20:52 - Where life sciences is today: innovation and it’s consequences; AI and healthcare24:24 - Why is healthcare broken in America?25:40 - James Rogers; incentive structures between different stakeholders 28:19 - Advice to entrepreneurs building B2B SaaS company; be the clock maker29:34 - Cortado Ventures: raising $10 million in six weeks during pandamic32:05 - Reason behind Cortado fund I success; the room for innovation In times of great disruption34:29 - What makes a good fund? Common mistakes made by fund managers39:24 - Takeaways from both sides of the table: GP for Cortado Ventures and CEO of Sensulin41:56 - Billion Dollar Questions About Mike MoradiMike Moradi is an American biochemist, entrepreneur and diabetes advocate. Mike is a co-founder / CEO of Sensulin, a company that strives to provide a once-a-day solution for type I/II diabetics. He has founded or helped establish more than a dozen nanotechnology and biotechnology companies.MORE ABOUT MIKE:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemoradihttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Moradi-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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