George Askew & Sam Ettelaie: Breaking Down Barriers for Aspiring VCs | Episode 27

On this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah sits down with George Askew and Sam Ettelaie, co-founders of Thema, a platform supporting emerging managers in launching venture capital strategies. They discuss fund structuring, regulation, and the impact of patient capital on the ecosystem. With Thema already attracting over 450 funds within weeks of launching, George and Sam shed light on the importance of backing those who aim to build management businesses. Tune in to gain insights from industry experts and explore the stories shaping the venture capital landscape.

🕒 Time stamps -
00:25 - Thema's Role in Supporting Emerging Managers
01:50 - The Challenges for Emerging Managers
03:19 - Fund Structuring and Regulation
05:03 - The Importance of Guidance for New Fund Managers
06:05 - Thema's Approach to Supporting Fund Managers
07:14 - The Need for Capital and Structuring Support
08:17 - The Role of LPs and the Fundraising Process
09:10 - The Ecosystem's Gatekeeping and Transparency
10:17 - Co-Investment Opportunities and LP Interests
11:42 - Supporting Underrepresented Emerging Managers
12:02 - Operator Backgrounds in Venture Capital
13:15 - The Genesis of Thema and Co-Founder Synergy
14:47 - The Return Profile for Emerging Managers
16:09 - The Importance of Fund Structuring
17:22 - The Market's Current State and Advice for Allocators
18:48 - The Risk Aversion in European Venture Ecosystem
20:19 - The Role of LPs in Supporting Emerging Managers
21:44 - The Value of Operator Experience for GPs
23:17 - The Importance of Differentiation for Emerging Managers
24:50 - The Patient Capital and Risk Aversion in Europe
26:48 - The UK Venture Ecosystem and Lessons from the US
28:08 - The Role of GP Seeding in the Emerging Manager Ecosystem
30:35 - The Evolution of Family Offices in Venture
32:11 - Final Advice for Emerging Managers
33:30 - The UK vs. US Emerging Manager Ecosystem
34:47 - The Potential of the UK Venture Ecosystem
36:36 - The Excitement for Emerging Managers and Innovation
38:24 - How to Connect with Thema and Closing Remarks