Venture Capital

Learn how to get into venture capital by acquiring the necessary qualifications and skills. The podcast explores the importance of networking and being world-class in fundraising, deal sourcing, and picking winners. Discover the advantages of a career in venture capital, including wealth accumulation and intellectual stimulation. The challenges of the industry are also addressed. Other topics covered include focusing on a niche, getting hired in venture capital, and the role of personal relationships and demonstrable value.

Welcome to the Venture Capital Podcast with your hosts, Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris. In this episode, Jon shares a fascinating story about a founder's experience with a venture capital firm and why the deal didn't go through. The episode is titled "Why Did The VC Pass," shedding light on the intricate dynamics within venture capital firms.Jon, representing the founder's perspective, narrates how a seemingly promising deal fell apart after discussions with a fund. The founder, excited about the potential investment, engaged with a junior partner and a mid-tier executive in the firm. Everything appeared positive until the unexpected rejection, citing reasons like being too late stage, concerns about valuation, and the market size.As Jon digs deeper, he unravels the internal politics at play within venture capital funds. He highlights how the managing partner's ego and the concept of attribution can significantly influence deal outcomes. Junior team members often find exciting opportunities, only to face challenges in getting them approved by managing partners who didn't source the deal themselves.Peter explores the delicate balance for junior members in venture funds, caught between the desire to get credit for their deals and the risk of facing consequences if things don't go as planned. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding a venture capital firm's internal dynamics and navigating the politics to secure a deal successfully.Listeners gain valuable insights into the behind-the-scenes workings of venture capital, with Jon and Peter discussing the intricacies of deal-making, the significance of relationships within a firm, and the need for founders to navigate these dynamics strategically.As the hosts wrap up, they encourage listeners to share their experiences and thoughts in the comments, fostering a community discussion about similar situations. To stay updated on future episodes, visit venturecapital.fm and explore various subscription options on platforms like Apple and Spotify. If you found this episode insightful, the hosts welcome five or six-star reviews and appreciate comments about the advice provided.Join Jon and Peter as they pull back the curtain on the venture capital world, offering entrepreneurs and enthusiasts a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in securing VC funding.Follow the PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/venturecapitalfm/Twitter: https://twitter.com/vcpodcastfmLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/venturecapitalfm/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7BQimY8NJ6cr617lqtRr7N?si=ftylo2qHQiCgmT9dfloD_g&nd=1&dlsi=7b868f1b72094351Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/venture-capital/id1575351789Website: https://www.venturecapital.fm/Follow Jon BradshawLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrbradshaw/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjonbradshaw/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrjonbradshawFollow Peter HarrisTwitter: https://twitter.com/thevcstudentLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterharris1Instagram: https://instagram.com/shodanpeteYoutube: https://youtu.be/Hy9DsuFzTH4

In this episode of the Venture Capital podcast, Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris discuss the intricacies of interacting with venture capitalists (VCs) from the perspective of entrepreneurs.The conversation is sparked by a story shared by Peter about an entrepreneur who felt dismissed by a VC during a meeting. The entrepreneur, who was running a successful service business at a scaling point, sought advice but received little attention or insight from the VC, leaving him frustrated.Key Points Discussed:VCs and Time Management: VCs are time-constrained and prioritize deals they are actively chasing. If a VC is not pursuing an entrepreneur, it often indicates a lack of interest.Building Relationships with VCs: The importance of adding value to a relationship with a VC is emphasized. Entrepreneurs should focus on assisting VCs rather than directly seeking help or pitching ideas.Realistic Expectations: Entrepreneurs should understand that VCs might not always provide the desired advice or support, especially if the business isn't investable or doesn't align with the VC's interests.The Role of VCs: VCs are seen as more beneficial in fundraising efforts rather than operational or sales advice. Their strength lies in pattern recognition and networking rather than in-depth operational expertise.Founder-VC Dynamics: The conversation also touches on the complexities of the relationship between founders and VCs, highlighting that it can be adversarial or supportive, depending on various factors.Advice for Entrepreneurs: Founders are advised to approach VCs with a mindset of offering value, understanding their limited time, and being prepared for potentially harsh or unfiltered feedback.Entrepreneurial Challenges: The episode concludes with a discussion on the challenges entrepreneurs face, including the difficulty of receiving honest feedback and managing expectations in interactions with VCs.Please share your experiences with VCs and to tune in for future episodes for more insights on venture capital and entrepreneurship.Follow the PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/venturecapitalfm/Twitter: https://twitter.com/vcpodcastfmLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/venturecapitalfm/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7BQimY8NJ6cr617lqtRr7N?si=ftylo2qHQiCgmT9dfloD_g&nd=1&dlsi=7b868f1b72094351Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/venture-capital/id1575351789Website: https://www.venturecapital.fm/Follow Jon BradshawLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrbradshaw/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjonbradshaw/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrjonbradshawFollow Peter HarrisTwitter: https://twitter.com/thevcstudentLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterharris1Instagram: https://instagram.com/shodanpeteYoutube: https://youtu.be/Hy9DsuFzTH4

In this episode of the "Venture Capital Podcast," hosts Jon Bradshaw from Codebase and Peter Harris from the University Growth Fund discuss the nuances of venture services in the context of startup funding. Bradshaw, with his background as a founder and entrepreneur, and Harris, with his insights from the venture capital (VC) perspective, delve into the pros and cons of venture services.The hosts explore the concept of venture services, where instead of traditional funding, companies may receive services like coding support, outsourced CFO support, or sales and marketing assistance in exchange for equity. They discuss the difference between venture services and accelerators like Y Combinator and Techstars, noting that the latter provides cash alongside services.A significant part of their discussion revolves around the potential downsides of venture services. They caution against the dilution of equity and the impact it can have on a company's ability to raise future funds. They also stress the importance of having team members who believe in the company's mission, rather than those who are assigned by a venture services firm.Furthermore, they touch upon the importance of brand and perception in the VC world. Joining a less reputable venture services firm or accelerator can negatively impact a startup's ability to raise funds in the future, as it might signal to potential investors that the founders couldn't secure more prestigious backing.The hosts also explore scenarios where venture services might be useful, such as for entrepreneurs who lack experience or networks. However, they advise caution and recommend scrutinizing the quality of the people provided by these services, the alignment of incentives, and the amount of equity given up.In conclusion, Bradshaw and Harris emphasize the value of self-reliance and confidence for entrepreneurs. They encourage founders to build their networks and skillsets independently rather than relying too heavily on external services. The episode ends with an invitation for listeners to share their experiences and thoughts on venture services.Follow the PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/venturecapitalfm/Twitter: https://twitter.com/vcpodcastfm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/venturecapitalfm/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7BQimY8NJ6cr617lqtRr7N?si=ftylo2qHQiCgmT9dfloD_g&nd=1&dlsi=7b868f1b72094351 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/venture-capital/id1575351789 Website: https://www.venturecapital.fm/ Follow Jon BradshawLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrbradshaw/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjonbradshaw/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrjonbradshawFollow Peter HarrisTwitter: https://twitter.com/thevcstudentLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterharris1Instagram: https://instagram.com/shodanpeteYoutube: https://youtu.be/Hy9DsuFzTH4

In this episode of the Venture Capital Podcast, hosts Jon and Peter welcome Bubba Page from InfluenceVC, who discusses balancing significant personal life changes, including being a father to eight children, with his professional endeavors in the venture capital realm.Bubba introduces InfluenceVC, a venture capital syndicate he founded, which uniquely integrates social media influencers into the investing process. He shares his investment philosophy, emphasizing personal conviction in deals and inviting his network to collectively contribute, thereby increasing the investment impact. The podcast delves into Bubba's notable investments, including a family financial management company and a safe technology firm for kids. He also recounts his experiences with a macro-based frozen food company that heavily involved influencers.Bubba outlines his approach to venture capital and angel investing, prioritizing the entrepreneur's potential and scalable market ideas. His future goals include expanding educational opportunities in venture investing, particularly for women, and possibly establishing a dedicated fund.The episode concludes with Bubba offering advice to both entrepreneurs and investors, highlighting the need for resilience in the face of failure and the importance of diversification in investment portfolios. This podcast episode provides valuable insights for those interested in the dynamics of venture capital and the evolving role of influencers in this space.Follow Bubba PageTwitter: https://twitter.com/bubbapageLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bubbapage/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bubbapage/ Follow Peter HarrisTwitter: https://twitter.com/thevcstudentLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterharris1Instagram: https://instagram.com/shodanpeteYoutube: https://youtu.be/Hy9DsuFzTH4Follow Jon BradshawLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrbradshaw/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjonbradshaw/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrjonbradshaw

Welcome to our second episode of the Venture Capital Podcast featuring special guests. Today, we have the privilege of hosting David and Kendall Frazier from the Frazier Group, a venerable VC firm rooted deep in Utah's investment history.The Frazier Group distinguishes itself as a lifecycle venture fund. Their approach is methodical: begin at the seed stage and, provided the company delivers, they expand their involvement through the purchase of Secondaries and successive participation in Bridge, A, B, C+ rounds, and beyond. Notably, they also acquire Secondaries in high-growth, venture-backed firms outside of their portfolio.A snapshot of their impressive track record:$250M investedA robust portfolio of 80 companies, with a remarkable 45 additions since 2018 alone8 celebrated IPOs28 successful acquisitionsWith their headquarters strategically located in Lehi, Utah, the Frazier Group's influence isn't limited to just their home state. Their deal-sourcing prowess spans the vast mountain west, reaching states from Washington to Texas.Our GuestsDavid Frazier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-frazier-8aba7525/ Kendall Frazier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendallfrazier/ Follow Peter HarrisTwitter: https://twitter.com/thevcstudentLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterharris1Instagram: https://instagram.com/shodanpeteYoutube: https://youtu.be/Hy9DsuFzTH4Follow Jon BradshawLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrbradshaw/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjonbradshaw/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrjonbradshaw

Each quarter Carta provides data on startup valuations for Series A+. On this episode and Jon Bradshaw and Peter Harris review the data and compare it to Utah's market and their own experience. A link to Carta's report can be found here: https://carta.com/blog/first-cut-state-of-private-markets-q2-2023/Follow Peter HarrisTwitter: https://twitter.com/thevcstudentLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterharris1Instagram: https://instagram.com/shodanpeteYoutube: https://youtu.be/Hy9DsuFzTH4Follow Jon BradshawLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrbradshaw/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjonbradshaw/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrjonbradshaw

In the latest episode, Peter Harris and Jon Bradshaw embark on a detailed exploration of some of the most pressing questions surrounding venture capital, brought to us by our engaged community. They offer their insights and expertise on the intricate landscape of startup valuations, illuminating a path for budding entrepreneurs and investors alike.Throughout the episode, a few key questions stand out, providing listeners with actionable knowledge and clarity:How do I determine the worth of my startup? - This segment dissects the methods and metrics used to evaluate a startup's value, offering listeners a framework to gauge their own venture's worth.How much emphasis do VCs place on valuations? - Here, Peter and Jon unpack the psyche of VCs, revealing the significance of valuation in their decision-making process and what other factors might sway their interest.Is profitability a crucial factor for VCs? - Diving into the balance between growth and profits, our hosts debate the importance of profitability and its influence on attracting VC interest.Beyond these pivotal questions, the episode also touches upon various nuances of the startup and VC relationship, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the venture capital universe. Whether you're a startup founder seeking investment or an enthusiast wanting to understand the VC realm's intricacies, this episode promises to be a valuable resource.Follow Peter HarrisTwitter: https://twitter.com/thevcstudentLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterharris1Instagram: https://instagram.com/shodanpeteYoutube: https://youtu.be/Hy9DsuFzTH4Follow Jon BradshawLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrbradshaw/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjonbradshaw/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrjonbradshaw

I'm running low on cash. Now what? This might be one of the most sincere and frequent questions that Peter and Jon get asked. In this episode we talk about coping strategies Founders should explore as they attempt and consider raising another round.

In today's episode Jon and Peter talk about the effect of VC Collective on VC LandscapeWhat is a VC collective?Examples:Curql Collective - Met Nick Evens at Fintech MeetUp$90 million in capital deployedReach over 100 Credit Unions, Credit Union Service Organizations, and League limited partnersBlack Dragon Capital with Benson Porter & Louis Hernandez Jr.$80M USD assets under current managementPartners come from -Former CEO of Credit Union National AssociationFormer CEO of Boeing Employees’ Credit UnionBlack Dragon is launching a credit union and CUSO (credit union service organization - credit union owned) LP fund….a credit union LP fundChase and Wells Fargo have their own venture arms. How are collectives formed by smaller banks and credit unions changing the VC space?If VC Collectives have strong ties, how does this affect traditional VCs?Is co-investing between traditional VCs and collectives important?What industries are forming their own VC Collectives?Sourceshttps://www.curql.com/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/black-dragon-capital-names-benson-porter-former-ceo-of-becu-and-first-tech-credit-union-as-executive-advisor-to-focus-on-technology-investing-that-benefits-credit-unions-301750829.htmlhttps://www.americanbanker.com/list/6-venture-funds-connecting-banks-and-credit-unions-with-fintechsWhats is your take?  We read and respond to all of our comments and messages on Instagram, and LinkedIn. Come find us and join the conversation.Follow Peter HarrisTwitter: https://twitter.com/thevcstudentLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterharris1Instagram: https://instagram.com/shodanpeteYoutube: https://youtu.be/Hy9DsuFzTH4Follow Jon BradshawLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrbradshaw/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjonbradshaw/