ACQ2 by Acquired

Thomas McGannon, an LP at Kindergarten Ventures and host of The Unlimited Partners Show, shares insightful perspectives on venture capital. He discusses KV's significant investment in Vanta, emphasizing genuine interactions over traditional approaches. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and compliance automation, showcasing Vanta's innovative role. McGannon also explores the shift towards data-driven investment strategies, redefining what it means to partner effectively in today's competitive market.

Nat Manning, co-founder of Kettle, discusses the innovative integration of AI in assessing climate-related risks within reinsurance. He highlights the industry's stagnation and the urgent need for modern risk assessment methods, particularly in light of California's wildfire risks. The conversation delves into parametric insurance products and the entrepreneurial journeys of Nat and his partner David Rosenthal. They reflect on their successful fundraising efforts and the power of collaboration, emphasizing the importance of networks in the venture capital landscape.

Join Austin Federa, the marketing head at Solana Foundation and an influential voice in the #digital-assets community, as he unwraps the current crypto landscape. They discuss the evolution of blockchain from Bitcoin to Solana, emphasizing proof of stake's advantages. Austin delves into Web3's transformative potential, highlights developments like the Seed Vault for mobile security, and analyzes the intersection of DeFi and digital ownership. Despite the bear market, he remains optimistic about growth and innovation in the Web3 space.

In this discussion, Patrick Campbell, Founder and CEO of ProfitWell, shares the inside scoop on his company's $200 million acquisition by Paddle. He offers insights into the intricate negotiation process, emphasizing the crucial roles of communication and trust. Patrick discusses the challenges faced by bootstrapped companies and the strategic decisions that led to his successful exit. He also dives into SaaS pricing dynamics and the importance of customer retention, especially in a fluctuating market. Tune in for valuable lessons on growth and acquisition!

David Rosenthal, co-host of the Acquired podcast and a business storytelling expert, shares insights on powerful partnerships in this engaging interview. He discusses the importance of optimizing resources and building strong community connections. David reflects on personal themes, like parenthood challenges and the role of teamwork in family life. He also dives into the dynamics of limited partners and entrepreneurs, emphasizing how collaboration drives growth and innovation in the tech industry.

Nick Poggi and Lauren Schneider, co-founders of TrovaTrip, share their journey of revolutionizing travel for the creator economy. They discuss how they transitioned from bootstrapping to booking over 10,000 travelers, even during the pandemic. The duo highlights the importance of community engagement over mere follower counts and their innovative strategies to tap into influencer partnerships. They also delve into the nuances of measuring success in content creation and how technology is enhancing travel experiences and efficiency.

In a unique twist, the hosts share their personal journey from the podcast's inception to its current success. They reflect on how they pivoted to embrace diverse business narratives while ensuring audience engagement. The conversation dives into strategies for building a thriving community and the importance of delivering real value. They also unveil insights on venture capital in the podcast space and the challenges of pricing and outsourcing. Ultimately, it’s a compelling look at growth, community, and the art of storytelling in business.

We sit down with Composer CEO Benjamin Rollert to talk about bringing serious financial firepower to the people, wallstreetbets-style. Composer opens up to anyone the same level (or better) of tools that top quantitative hedge funds hire armies of PhDs and computer scientists to build internally. We have a blast discussing how he came at this space as a total outsider, and why Gamestop may prove to be the "iPhone moment" for Composer and all high-powered consumer financial tools. And oh yeah, he also worked with Packy and Composer was the first Not Boring portfolio company. :) Tune in! Sponsors:Koyfin: https://bit.ly/acquiredkoyfinNote: Acquired hosts and guests may hold assets discussed in this episode. This podcast is not investment advice, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any financial transactions.

Christina Melas-Kyriazi, a Partner at Bain Capital Ventures, brings her fintech expertise to the table, having shaped the Buy Now, Pay Later space during her time at Affirm. She discusses the evolution of BNPL, offering insights into its benefits for consumers and retailers alike. The conversation dives into the divide between traditional finance and the crypto landscape, highlighting trends that shape both worlds. Lastly, she shares thoughts on the role of personal relationships in the venture capital arena and the impact of community engagement on fintech startups.

Ted Seides, host of the Capital Allocators podcast, interviews Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal, venture capitalists and podcast hosts. They share their innovative paths into the tech industry and the birth of their podcast. The trio discusses the evolution of venture capital post-tech bubble, the rising prevalence of angel investing, and the impact of abundant capital on the market. They also dive into the transformative potential of cryptocurrency and reflect on personal growth through mentorship, all while maintaining an engaging, entertaining vibe.