Random VC

Maria Halasz
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At random VC we tell the untold stories of start-ups, technologists, investors and founders. We discuss technology, innovation, winners and losers and ask our five random questions. Thank you for listening. Please follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn.

Episodes

  1. 24/09/2024

    The rebuilding of a fortune - the Rodney Adler story

    Welcome back to the Random VC, where we discuss random topics connected to venture capital, innovation, technology, entrepreneurship, community, and investors. Each episode features unique stories and random questions. In this episode, Maria Halasz chats with Rodney Adler, a prolific venture investor and entrepreneur who had experienced a dramatic downfall from a highflying career following what was the biggest corporate collapse in Australia at the time. Rodney discusses his privileged upbringing, his father's impressive business career, and his own corporate journey. He recounts his early years of working for his father's company and the need to pursue his own path. Rodney details his rise to the top job in FAI, one of the largest Australian insurance companies in the 1990s. He talks about the stresses of the HIH acquisition of FAI, and speaks candidly about his time in prison and the challenges of rebuilding his life after his release. Key timestamps: 00:25 - Introduction to Rodney Adler 02:05 - Rodney's upbringing and his father's entrepreneurial journey 06:34 - Early career and the decision to work outside the family business 12:20 - Transitioning from consulting to becoming the managing director of FAI 16:50 - The controversial takeover of FAI by HIH Insurance 21:00 - Rodney's concerns about HIH's management and financial health 24:50 - The Royal Commission investigation and Rodney's defense 33:00 - Rodney's perspective on philanthropy and his appreciation for Australia 36:00 - Conviction and time in jail 40:00 - The hardest thing about being in jail 42:55 - Learnings from being in jail 46:40 - The concept of luck 47:15 - Life after jail, 17 years and counting 56:40 - Rodney Adler the Investor 1:00:00 - The definition of an entrepreneur 1:04:00 - Advice to aspiring venture capitalists 1:11:00 - Best investment 1:16:32 - Finale note Stay tuned for more insightful conversations on Random VC. Don't forget to subscribe for regular episodes! Want to stay ahead of the curve and never miss an update? Sign up for our newsletter today: https://stride-equity.beehiiv.com/

    1h 19m

  2. 15/08/2024

    Startmate’s CEO Michael Batko on the Power of Serendipity and Startup Success

    Welcome back to the Random VC podcast, where we discuss random topics connected to venture capital, innovation, technology, entrepreneurs, community, and investors. Each episode features five random questions to surprise our guests. In this episode, Maria Halasz sits down with Michael Batko, the CEO of Startmate, to discuss his journey from Austria to Australia, his experiences in the startup world, and his leadership at one of Australia’s most prominent startup accelerators. Michael shares how a chance encounter with bedbugs in Sweden led him to meet his now-wife, bringing him eventually to Australia. He talks about his early career, starting with a serendipitous job at Mad Paws through a soccer game connection, and how that sparked his passion for the startup ecosystem. Michael explains Startmate’s approach to selecting and nurturing startups, focusing on people, problems, and the exciting growth of AI and hardware companies in their cohorts. He also talks about the importance of community and the unique initiatives Startmate has created to support women in startups, including the Ladymates Collective. Towards the end, Michael discusses his personal productivity platform, Puddle Pod, where he shares tips on efficiency and maximising output—skills he clearly puts to good use in his busy life. Timestamps: 00:19 - Introduction to Michael Batko and Startmate 02:05 - Michael's journey from Austria to Australia 06:34 - Early career and the serendipity of startups 10:10 - Transitioning from consulting to startups 15:40 - Startmate’s selection process and philosophy 20:00 - The rise of AI and hardware startups 26:20 - Startmate’s efforts to support women in startups 32:05 - The importance of productivity and the Puddle Pod platform 40:15 - Future plans for Startmate and personal goals Stay tuned for more random yet insightful conversations on Random VC. Don’t forget to subscribe for regular episodes! Want to stay ahead of the curve and never miss an update? Sign up for our newsletter today: https://stride-equity.beehiiv.com/

    52 min

  3. 24/07/2024

    From Research to Venture Capital – Tara Speranza’s journey

    Welcome back to the Random VC podcast, where we discuss random topics connected to venture capital, innovation, technology, entrepreneurs, community, and investors. Each episode features five random questions to surprise our guests. In this episode, Maria Halasz chats with Tara Speranza, a trailblazing female VC in Australia, about her diverse journey from academia to venture capital. Tara recounts her early career as a molecular biologist researching endocrine-controlled disorders like osteoporosis. She shares her transition from academia to investment banking, becoming an equity analyst focused on biotech companies. Tara highlights her move to venture capital, discussing the collaborative nature of the field and the importance of detailed financial projections for startups. They explore the growth of the biotech industry, the impact of COVID-19, and the challenges Australian biotech startups face in securing funding. Tara's optimism about the sector's future is evident as she emphasises the importance of understanding expenses for startup success. Maria and Tara also dive into Tara's personal background, including fond childhood memories and her pivot from academia to venture capital. Tara envisions a future blending consulting and venture capital, reflecting her passion for mentoring startups. The episode concludes with Tara answering five random questions, sharing her dinner party guest choices, thoughts on societal kindness, and reflections on her upbringing and values. Tara’s insights offer a comprehensive view of the intersection between science, finance, and investment in the biotech sector. Timestamps: 00:19 - Welcome and Tara Speranza's introduction 00:47 - Tara's early career as a molecular biologist 01:27 - Researching endocrine-controlled disorders 03:16 - Transition to investment banking and becoming an equity analyst 06:05 - Move to venture capital and the collaborative nature of the field 09:29 - Growth of the biotech industry post-COVID-19 13:09 - Challenges for Australian biotech startups in securing funding 17:22 - Importance of understanding expenses for startup success 20:15 - Tara's childhood memories and family road trips 22:11 - Pivot from academia to venture capital 25:34 - Vision for the future blending consulting and venture capital 29:15 - Five random questions: dinner party guests and societal kindness 33:23 - Reflections on upbringing and personal values 35:54 - Closing thoughts and future discussions Stay tuned for more insightful conversations on Random VC. Don't forget to subscribe for regular episodes. Want to stay ahead of the curve and never miss an update? Sign up for our newsletter today: https://stride-equity.beehiiv.com/

    35 min

  4. 26/06/2024

    From Yahoo to Canva Tony Surtees on Venture Capital, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship

    Welcome to the first episode of Random VC, where we discuss random topics connected to venture capital, innovation, technology, entrepreneurs, community, and investors. Each episode features five random questions to surprise our guests. In this episode, Maria Halasz sits down with Tony Surtees, a distinguished digital entrepreneur, to explore his incredible journey from Silicon Valley to shaping Australia's startup ecosystem. Tony shares his unique experiences, starting with his early influences from his Hungarian parents, both Holocaust survivors, to his innovative approach to job applications that led to multiple offers. He talks about his impactful tenure at Yahoo, managing Yahoo Auctions and Yahoo Finance, and the significant transitions he witnessed there. Returning to Australia, Tony observed the nascent startup ecosystem and emphasised the need for better commercialisation of Australia's scientific research. He discusses the transformative potential of AI, the importance of taking risks, and his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Tony also reflects on his role in co-founding Zeetings, a cloud-based interactive presentation platform acquired by Canva, and how this technology has powered over 1 billion presentations globally. Timestamps: 00:24 - Welcome and Tony Surtees' introduction 01:16 - Tony's early life and influences 02:52 - Growing up with entrepreneurial parents 03:35 - Developing entrepreneurial skills from a young age 05:01 - Unique approach to job applications 07:08 - Studying at Stanford and moving to Silicon Valley 09:14 - Early career at Yahoo: managing Yahoo Auctions 12:12 - Challenges and successes at Yahoo Finance 15:10 - Yahoo's transition and impact on Tony's career 17:36 - Return to Australia and observations on the startup ecosystem 20:04 - Need for commercialisation of scientific research in Australia 22:13 - Views on innovation and AI's potential 25:13 - Importance of responsible regulation of internet platforms 28:04 - Advice for startups: follow curiosity, not passion 31:20 - Reflections on personal experiences and influential figures 33:48 - Predictions for future technological advancements 37:05 - The importance of global thinking for Australian startups 40:12 - Canva's early days and its global vision 42:15 - Zeetings' journey and acquisition by Canva 44:01 - Closing thoughts and future discussions Stay tuned for more insightful conversations on Random VC. Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel for regular episodes.

    54 min
  • 4 Episodes

About

At random VC we tell the untold stories of start-ups, technologists, investors and founders. We discuss technology, innovation, winners and losers and ask our five random questions. Thank you for listening. Please follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn.

Information

  • Creator
    Maria Halasz
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © StrideCorp Equity Partners Pty Ltd
  • Show Website
    Random VC