In this episode, Jayson Dombele sits down with Nick Durham, General Partner at Shadow Ventures, to explore the world of venture capital through a thematic focused lens. We learn why Shadow VC chose the built environment theme and the advantages and challenges of this approach. Nick shares their unique capital raising tactics and how they select startups for their portfolio. Discover the comprehensive support they offer founders beyond funding and gain insights into their evaluation process for potential investments in the built environment industry. Join us as we discuss the future of venture capital and Shadow VC's growth strategy as a thematic focused firm.

Venture Capitalists are always conducting due diligence on startup founders-- but have you ever wondered who conducting due diligence on vc funds? Find out on today's episode!

April Oury, One of the Capital Managing Director at Prota Ventures, joins the show to discuss various topics including career switching, defining human flourishing in investing, the Prota Ventures investment process, and the pre-seed stage. Hosted by Jayson Dombele, the podcast episode begins with a discussion about April Oury's career journey. April shares her experience as a course instructor at the Institute of Physical Art and her subsequent ownership of Body Gears Physical Therapy for 16 years. She then explains how she transitioned into angel investing and venture capital with Prota Ventures. Next, the conversation shifts to the concept of human flourishing, a prominent focus at Prota Ventures. April shares her perspective on what human flourishing means to her and how it influences their investment approach. The episode then delves into the four levels of the investment process at Prota Ventures: Incubator, Labs, Capital, and Exit. April provides insights into each stage and explains how they support entrepreneurs and startups throughout their journey. One of the challenges faced by founders is determining the appropriate time to raise a pre-seed round due to market inconsistencies. April sheds light on this topic by discussing the characteristics and milestones that indicate a startup is ready for a pre-seed round. Finally, April highlights Prota Ventures' competitive edge. She explains what sets them apart from other venture capital firms and why entrepreneurs choose to work with them. The podcast episode offers valuable insights into April Oury's career path, Prota Ventures' investment philosophy, and the factors involved in raising a pre-seed round. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the Prota Ventures approach to investing and the importance of human flourishing in the startup ecosystem.

In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Christopher Deutsch, the Founder of Lofty Ventures, as we delve into the topic of building Chicago's tech ecosystem through angel investing. Christopher shares his insights and experiences as an angel investor, shedding light on the importance of first check angels in nurturing and supporting early-stage startups. We explore the transformative power of turning founders into angels, discussing how their firsthand entrepreneurial experience can provide invaluable guidance and mentorship to founders. Additionally, we dive into the benefits of angel syndicates, examining how pooling resources and expertise can fuel the growth and success of startups. Join us for an engaging conversation as we uncover the strategies and initiatives that contribute to the development of Chicago's tech ecosystem. Whether you're an aspiring angel investor, a founder looking for investment, or simply interested in the dynamics of angel investing, this episode offers valuable insights into the world of angel investing and its impact on the tech landscape. Tune in now to gain a deeper understanding of how angel investing plays a vital role in fostering innovation, supporting startups, and driving the growth of Chicago's thriving tech ecosystem.

In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Michelle Rogoff, an Investor from HPA VC, as we dive into the challenges and advantages of being a woman in the venture capital industry. We explore the unique experiences and insights that Michelle brings as a Gen Z investor, shedding light on what it's like to navigate the world of venture capital from a younger perspective. Additionally, we delve into the topic of navigating the startup environment as a woman or Gen Z founder. Michelle shares her expertise and personal experiences, providing valuable insights and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Join us for an engaging discussion as we uncover the strategies and approaches to overcome obstacles and thrive in the startup ecosystem. Tune in now to gain valuable perspectives on breaking barriers, embracing opportunities, and succeeding as a woman or Gen Z founder in the ever-evolving world of startups and venture capital.

Today's episode highlights our event where we will explore the intricacies of securing funding for startups. We understand the numerous challenges that founders face as they operate their businesses. Capital serves as the lifeblood of a startup, and venture capitalists (VCs) play a vital role in fueling innovation, growth, and expansion. In the recent quarter, the VC industry has seen significant changes. The capital flowing into new funds has decreased, and VCs have become more selective in deploying their capital, resulting in fewer investments. With recent bank failures and a weaker economic environment, founders now need to focus on long-term planning, fundamentals, and healthier finances. However, amidst these challenges, new companies continue to emerge, especially those leveraging game-changing technology or addressing current gaps in the market. Throughout the panel discussion, we addressed various topics, including practical insights and tips for entrepreneurs, navigating the current funding landscape, fundraising strategies, and best practices. We will also delve into the challenges of raising capital and explore ways to overcome them. A big thanks to the panelists Ellie Bahrmasel (Co-Founder of Further Faster), Michelle Rogoff (VC at HPA), Hylton Irons (VC at Listen Ventures) & Michael Abramowitz (Co-Founder of Braid It!) Thanks to our sponsors as well over at Braid It! Where short form video content meets collaboration & community

Join us for an insightful conversation with author Mark Achler (Founder @ Math Venture Partners) as we explore the world of entrepreneurial exits through his book, "Exit Right." In this episode, we uncover key aspects such as alignment between negotiating parties, the delicate balance of running a company while seeking an exit, choosing the right exit strategy, life after the exit, and the invaluable mistakes and lessons learned throughout the journey. Tune in for expert advice on navigating the complexities of entrepreneurial exits.

Join us as we dive into the world of entrepreneurial exits with author Mark Achler (Founder of Math Venture Partners) and his insightful book, "Exit Right." In this episode, we explore the emotional rollercoaster founders experience during the exit process. We discuss the motivations behind writing the book, the role of bankers and attorneys, and the importance of building relationships, strong teams, and transparency. Gain valuable insights and strategies to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurial exits and ensure a successful journey. Tune in now to learn more! Jayson Dombele 🤝 Mike Achler

In this podcast, we speak with a seasoned venture capitalist from Jump Capital who specializes in the fintech space. We explore his background and how he became interested in venture capital, specifically in fintech. We dive deep into what he looks for when evaluating fintech startups and the most important qualities that make a successful fintech company. We also discuss the most exciting trends in fintech right now and what he believes will be the next big thing in the industry. With the fundraising environment having changed in the past year, especially in the fintech industry, we ask about the main challenges that startups face in raising capital right now and the advice he would give to founders who are looking to raise money for their fintech startups in the current fundraising environment. We also explore how fintech is transforming the financial industry and what the potential benefits and drawbacks of this transformation could be. We delve into a fintech company that Jump Capital has invested in, and what made the company stand out. Additionally, we look at the biggest challenges that fintech companies will face in the coming years, and how they can overcome these challenges. Finally, we touch on a successful fintech company that Jump Capital has exited, and what the exit process was like. We close the podcast with advice for those interested in pursuing a career in venture capital, especially in the fintech space.

In this podcast episode, the focus is on the challenges faced by founders while building their startups, including burnout, isolation, and losing sight of their humanity. Kristina Chapple, a venture capitalist from 11 Tribes Ventures, shares insights on how to address these issues and support founders' well-being, such as investing in mental and physical health and building a supportive community. 11 Tribes Venture Capital also emphasizes the importance of redemptive purposes and distinctive startups, and Kristina discusses how they identify and support founders driven by purpose and principles. Additionally, the podcast explores the balancing act of building sustainable, profitable businesses that create value for investors.

Jayson Dombele sat down with Hilton Irons, an investor from Listen Ventures, to dive into the world of venture capital. They covered a range of topics, starting with what life looks like as a junior VC, including the importance of building relationships and staying on top of industry trends. Hilton shares some of the biggest challenges that VCs face in the industry, such as deal flow, portfolio management, and the need to identify promising startups before they become too expensive. They also discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion in venture capital and the need to support underrepresented founders and communities. Finally, the conversation turns to consumer venture capital, and Hilton shares his insights on how it differs from other types of VC and why he decided to focus on this niche. They cover topics such as understanding consumer behavior, the impact of technology on consumer trends, and the unique challenges and opportunities that come with investing in consumer-facing companies.

In this episode Jayson Dombele interviews with Darrel Frater who's an investor at Visible Hands VC. Visible Hands is a venture capital firm that specializes in investing in underrepresented founders. During the conversation, they discuss the challenges faced by underrepresented founders in the startup world and how Visible Hands is addressing those challenges. The episode covers their investment process, the qualities they look for in founders, and the types of support they offer their portfolio companies beyond financial investment. Additionally, the podcast delves into the importance of diversity and inclusion to Visible Hands and their efforts to ensure that their team and portfolio reflect a diverse range of backgrounds and perspectives. Success stories of underrepresented founders that Visible Hands has invested in are shared, highlighting the unique qualities that made these companies stand out. Finally, they explored how the venture capital industry can increase diversity and inclusivity, and the role that Visible Hands can play in shaping the future of venture capital.

In this episode Jayson Dombele explored the topic of breaking into the venture capital industry. Jayson Dombele is joined by Azriel Nicdao, a venture partner at Mech Ventures who shared his personal journey and experiences in the VC industry, and offered advice on how to get started in this competitive field. They discussed a range of topics, starting with Azriel's background and upbringing, before delving into the nitty-gritty of the VC industry. Azriel will share his insights on the most important skills and qualities needed to succeed in venture capital, and provide tips on how to develop those skills. He will also walk us through the typical process for evaluating a potential investment opportunity, including the factors he considers most important. Azriel also highlighted common mistakes that new investors make in the VC industry, and offer strategies to avoid them. He'll discuss the importance of networking and building relationships in the VC industry, and share effective ways to establish those relationships. For those interested in VC but without a background in finance or business, Azriel will offer advice on how to get started in the industry. We'll also explored how Azriel stays up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the industries he invests in, and what resources he recommends for others who want to do the same. We'll examine the balance between being data-driven and analytical, while also identifying and investing in companies with a strong vision and compelling story. Finally, we'll discuss the biggest challenges facing the venture capital industry in the next 5-10 years, and how investors like Azriel are preparing for those challenges. Join them for an insightful conversation on breaking into the venture capital industry with Azriel Nicdao, and learn how you can succeed in this exciting and ever-changing field.

In this episode, Jayson Dombele sits down with serial entrepreneur and Founding Partner of Chicago Investment Club Eugene Merkert to discuss his journey from founder to angel investor and how his experiences have shaped his investment philosophy. Eugene shares how he invests in people rather than just ideas, looking for specific qualities in entrepreneurs and their teams. He also explains his investment thesis, focusing on putting people first, social equity, a collectivist mentality, and accelerating the learning curve. We dive into how Eugene builds strong relationships with founders, bridging the gap between founders and investors. He also shares his recommendations on how to reach out to VC's and what his LinkedIn approach looks like when considering potential investments. Eugene emphasizes the importance of accelerating the learning curve of the founders he works with and details the steps he takes to support their growth and development as a company. Finally, he highlights what success looks like outside of dollars and what founders should do when they don't raise the money they were hoping for. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the startup ecosystem and looking to gain insights into angel investing and building strong relationships with founders. Tune in to learn from Eugene's vast experience as both a founder and investor.

In this podcast, Jayson Dombele spoke with John Hayes from Vitalize Venture Capital, and discussed various aspects of building a successful startup, including how a background in banking helped John provide a solid foundation in business fundamentals. They also delve into the importance of telling a compelling story and how to build real relationships with potential investors and advisors. Furthermore, they provided insights on how to construct a pitch deck for early-stage ventures and broke down the contents of each slide in detail. Finally, they explored potential red flags that investors look for in pitch decks and how to avoid making the same mistakes.

In this podcast, we explore the role of an advisory board in a startup and how it can benefit a company. We also discuss the qualities founders should look for in potential advisory board members and how they can identify and approach candidates. Additionally, we address questions about the ideal number of members on an advisory board, how often to meet, and how to ensure their effectiveness. We examine common mistakes founders make when building an advisory board and provide examples of successful boards. Finally, we discuss how startups can balance the advice of their advisory board with their own vision and decision-making. Connect with Brad on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/baumbrad/

In this episode, we have a special guest, Landon Campbell, General Manager at Drive Capital, who shares his insights on various aspects of venture capital, talent acquisition, risk management, startup valuations, and how founders can find distinction. Campbell talks about his early career and interests while studying at DePaul University, and how he became interested in venture capital through his association with the Black Venture Capital Consortium. He then discusses the competitive edge of Drive Capital over other venture capital firms, and why he is a big advocate for Chicago as a hub for entrepreneurship. Campbell also shares his thoughts on how founders can go about talent acquisition and manage risk better in the wake of the SVB crisis. He provides insights on how founders can value their companies in volatile markets and what stands out to him the most when finding new portfolio companies. The podcast also focuses on building authentic relationships between VCs and founders, and Campbell shares steps both sides can take to achieve this. Finally, Campbell shares his thoughts on the future of the venture capital industry, market trends, and opportunities for founders. He offers advice for both founders and investors who tune into this episode. Connect with me: Linkedin: Jayson Dombele Instagram: @jaysondombele Twitter: @jaysondombele

In today's episode Anwar Adam, a VC at Dyslequity Ventures and Founder of The Web3 Link, joined us to talk about the VC landscape and the Web3 space. As a VC, Anwar sheds light on the current temperature of the industry and discusses the need for a tight-knit community in the Web3 space. He also shares parameters that he have set to ensure that investors and founders maintain a vibrant community. Anwar acknowledges that the majority of founders struggle to raise capital, which leads them to add investors who may not be able to contribute to the growth of the company. He suggests quality control strategies that founders can implement to avoid "bad marriages" with investors. For VC's and angel investors listening in, Anwar shares some of the general mistakes that he has observed among his colleagues and competitors in the world of VC. Lastly, he talks about the ways he goes about finding the "right deal" as an investor. Tune in to learn more about the VC landscape and the Web3 space.

Today on the10% podcast I’m happy bring on Joseph Beatty. For those who may not know him, he is a serial entrepreneur, who has successful raised and exited several firms in the telecom space, and now known for being an investor with Hyde Park Angels. Throughout this episode we spoke about the Joseph’s entrepreneurship journey and how build strong startup team, how he raised over 100M in venture funding, and listing his company on NASDAQ. At last, Joseph also shared his insights on what vc’s looks for when they’re getting ready to invest in a company and common mistakes he find both investors and startups make in today’s economy. That quite an intro. So without further ado, lets now tune in!

In this episode, John shares his fascinating journey of turning a public company from the brink of bankruptcy to a profitable business. He also talks about how he was handpicked by Michael Dell to bootstrap within Dell, which led to some amazing experiences and insights. We discuss the critical aspect of how founders should approach investors and how to build real relationships that are long-lasting and beneficial for both parties. John shares common misconceptions and mistakes that founders often make, giving invaluable advice to anyone looking to take their business to the next level. This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to learn from the best and succeed in the competitive world of entrepreneurship. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired by John Thode! Linkedin & Instagram: @jaysondombele