

Origins - Inside Venture Capital, Hosted by a GP and an LP
OpenLP from Sapphire Partners
Hosted by a General Partner (GP) and a Limited Partner (LP), Origins dives into the venture capital ecosystem to learn how the people behind the money make decisions: How LPs choose VC funds to invest in, what drives performance in venture, the dos and don'ts of fundraising, what founders/entrepreneurs/CEOs need to do to raise a Seed, Series A and beyond, what it takes to go from emerging manager to franchise VC, and the latest private market trends and dynamics shaping the investment ecosystem.
Origins is co-hosted by GP Nick Chirls and LP Beezer Clarkson.
Origins is co-hosted by GP Nick Chirls and LP Beezer Clarkson.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 17, 2024 • 26min
Minisode: Jack Altman’s VC Career Arc and the Launch of Asylum Ventures
Jack Altman, a former VC-backed founder turned angel and institutional investor, shares insights into his dynamic journey in venture capital. He discusses the transition from using personal capital to managing LP dollars, revealing where he feels confident taking risks. The conversation highlights the founding philosophy of Asylum Ventures, which emphasizes treating founders as artists and fostering genuine relationships. Additionally, they touch on the rise of podcasts in industry communication and the innovative community events blending art and entrepreneurship in New York.

Sep 10, 2024 • 47min
From VC-backed Founder to Angel to Institutional Investor with Jack Altman
Jack Altman, a venture capitalist and founder of HR platform Lattice, shares insights from his journey transitioning from angel investor to institutional investor. Alongside Nick Chirls of Asylum Ventures and Beezer Clarkson of Sapphire Partners, he discusses the significance of building a strong reputation and making swift decisions as a founder. Jack emphasizes the art of ruthless prioritization, balancing family life with a demanding career, and the distinctive dynamics of investing personal versus institutional capital. His personal anecdotes and practical advice make for an engaging conversation.

Aug 20, 2024 • 8min
Minisode: What’s the Real Value Add of VCs?
Join Jason Shuman, a contrarian investor known for his unique approach, and Will Quist, an investor focused on the startup-Venture Capital relationship, as they uncover the true value VCs bring to the table. They discuss the art of contrarian investing, emphasizing market timing and strategic clarity. The conversation dives into the complex interplay between startups and VCs, highlighting how strong relationships and alignment between investors and founders can either make or break a venture's success. Tune in for insights on navigating the venture capital landscape!

Aug 6, 2024 • 40min
Being Non-Consensus and Right in VC with Jason Shuman & Will Quist
Join Jason Shuman, a Primary GP focused on impact investing, and Will Quist, a Partner at Slow Ventures known for his unique firm-building approach, as they delve into the world of non-consensus investing. They discuss the risks and opportunities of zigging while the market zags and reveal how to spot disruptive companies from day one. The conversation also touches on the evolving role of VCs, the significance of founder support, and how impact teams can drive seed stage success.

28 snips
Jun 27, 2024 • 38min
Endowment Investing with University of Chicago’s Joanna Rupp
Joanna Rupp, Managing Director of Private Equity at the University of Chicago, discusses endowment investing, the differences between small and big funds, and the challenges of managing an influx of capital in the VC space. She also evaluates a new venture fund with insights on diligence, relationship building with LPs, and key milestones for success.

33 snips
May 30, 2024 • 44min
The Three Body Problem of Venture Capital w/ Frank Rotman (CIO, QED Investors)
Frank Rotman, CIO at QED Investors, discusses the flaws in funding startups, the role of VC associates, and how VCs can stand out. He emphasizes sustainable growth, non-consensus alpha approach, and the need for purpose in the marketplace.

Mar 19, 2024 • 53min
Building a venture firm w/ Scott Kupor (a16z)
In this podcast, Scott Kupor, Managing Partner at Andreessen Horowitz, discusses the evolution of the firm, managing LP/GP expectations, and the impact of AI on venture capital. He reflects on his role since being the first hire at a16z and shares insights on valuation corrections in the current venture landscape.

27 snips
Dec 13, 2023 • 56min
Power Law VC Performance with David Clark (VenCap)
In this podcast, Nick Chirls, Beezer Clarkson, and David Clark discuss the challenges and strategies for unlocking performance in venture capital investments. They explore the role of emerging managers, the significance of dollar sizes and returns, and the importance of focus and long-term commitment. They also analyze venture capital performance data, discuss return expectations, and share valuable lessons from past market cycles.

24 snips
Oct 3, 2023 • 1h 4min
Q4 Market Predictions w/ Ed Sim (Boldstart) & Seyonne Kang (StepStone)
Ed Sim, founder of Boldstart, and Seyonne Kang, Partner at StepStone, join the hosts to discuss Q4 market predictions. They cover topics such as the challenges faced by venture firms, the impact of current market conditions on VC fundraising, factors affecting DPI for older funds, challenges faced by companies in the Q4 VC market, geography and concentration of startup funding, and predictions for Q4 market including uncertainties in startup companies and predictions of failures and markdowns.

Aug 23, 2023 • 45min
Navigating difficult markets w/ Adam Valkin, General Catalyst
Adam Valkin, Managing Director at General Catalyst, shares insights on navigating difficult markets in 2023, investing, firm building, and partnering with founders. He highlights the importance of building alignment and expertise in a small venture firm, the significance of meaningful connections with founders, and the ultimate success being dependent on the founders and their management team.