Driving Alpha

Alpha Partners
  • 3.7 (3)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

This is the Driving Alpha, where we feature our friends, the out-performing investors, who demonstrate their path to driving alpha, or out-sized investment returns. We're Alpha Partners, where we partner with a thousand early-stage venture firms as their opportunity capital to invest in their best companies.

  1. 1D AGO

    How corporate venture capital drives startup growth with David Horowitz from Cerity Partners Ventures

    What if your investor could also be your first customer, biggest champion, and gateway into a massive market? David Horowitz, Partner at Cerity Partners Ventures and a corporate VC pioneer, has spent over 20 years proving that venture capital can do more than write checks, it can open doors. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: 00:43 Introduction and guest welcome 01:21 David Horowitz's early career and venture capital journey 04:49 founding Touchdown Ventures 06:38 The evolution and success of Touchdown Ventures 08:16 Cerity Partners merger and wealth management 13:16 Corporate venture capital insights 25:28 Future of corporate venture and AI 30:19 Closing remarks and future plans   In this episode, David takes us behind the scenes of his remarkable career, from launching Comcast Ventures to building Touchdown Ventures into the gold standard of corporate VC. Now leading Cerity Partners Ventures, David reveals how his team manages over 20 corporate venture funds, helping Fortune 500s invest in and support startups with precision and purpose. You'll learn why corporate VC isn't just capital, it's a strategic lever for growth. David explains how his model brings startups deep industry access, faster validation, and critical early feedback that de-risks innovation. He also shares how vertical AI is becoming a central theme across sectors like legal tech, healthcare, manufacturing, and insurance, and how Cerity is helping founders unlock these opportunities globally.

    32 min

  2. OCT 30

    How AI is redefining enterprise with Eric Benhamou of Benhamou Global Ventures

    Can AI truly transform the enterprise, not just improve it?  Eric Benhamou, legendary tech CEO and founder of Benhamou Global Ventures, believes it already is. He reveals how his firm is leading the charge with "Enterprise 5.0", a new era defined by full-stack, AI-native solutions. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: 00:43 Intro to Alpha Partners 01:00 Meet Eric enhamou: A Pioneer in Tech 02:09 Understanding Enterprise 5.0 04:26 Case Study: Events and AI Accessibility 07:37 Selling to Enterprises: Insights from a Fortune 500 CEO 09:42 The Global Edge: Investing Beyond Silicon Valley 15:44 Spotlight on Paris and Japan 20:32 Building a Network of Advisors 25:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   In this episode, Eric Benhamou joins host Brian Smiga for a powerful conversation on what it means to build and invest in AI-driven companies that go beyond hype to deliver tangible results. Eric introduces the concept of "Enterprise 5.0," where AI is not just an enhancement but the core ingredient of transformative enterprise platforms. He shares the story of Evinced, an accessibility startup solving compliance at scale using AI, not just to detect issues, but to fix them automatically. Eric also reveals why some of the world's most resilient and high-performing startups are being built far from Silicon Valley. With deep roots in Israel, France, India, and soon Japan, BGV's global model taps into the best AI talent worldwide, often at a fraction of the cost. He discusses how grit, ambition, and cross-border structuring create companies with global potential from day one. The conversation rounds out with Eric's insights from the frontlines of enterprise sales, where his CEO playbook helps founders sell strategically, not just tactically. He also shares BGV's secret weapon: an elite advisory network of CTOs, CISOs, and AI experts who shape product strategy and accelerate go-to-market. If you want a front-row seat to how AI is truly redefining enterprise, this episode is a must-listen.

    27 min

  3. OCT 8

    Heather Hartnett (Human Ventures) on finding human alpha: how strategic connection is reshaping VC

    What if your greatest edge as a VC wasn't data or deal flow, but your network?  Heather Hartnett, CEO and General Partner of Human Ventures, is proving that authentic human connection can drive real alpha. From startup studio to powerhouse VC platform, she's built one of New York's most trusted early-stage ecosystems.   Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: 00:40 Introduction to the Driving Alpha Podcast 00:51 Meet Heather Harnett: CEO and Co-founder of Human Ventures 00:57 Heather's Career Journey and Achievements 02:21 The Founding Story of Human Ventures 02:39 The Evolution of Human Ventures 05:54 Why New York City? 07:42 The Future of Human Needs and AI 12:11 The Concept of Human Alpha 14:50 The Importance of Networks and Relationships 30:18 Finding Human Alpha in Founders 34:10 Closing Thoughts and Takeaways   In this episode, Heather joins Zoe van den Bol to unpack how Human Ventures evolved from a startup studio into a fund franchise now three funds deep. She explains how "human alpha", a blend of grit, network mindset, and founder-market fit, is the cornerstone of their investment strategy. You'll hear how she leverages deep community roots in New York to unlock underpriced talent and fuel breakout success. Heather also dives into the intersection of AI and human connection, revealing how new tools are transforming relationship management, sourcing, and founder support. With insights from her work with advisors like Esther Perel and an upcoming launch of human.ai, Heather shares why relationships (not just returns) will define the next era of venture capital.

    37 min

  4. SEP 11

    How Trust Ventures Unlocks Value in Regulated Markets, with Salen Churi

    What if the biggest venture opportunities aren't in the next SaaS tool, but in the markets everyone avoids? Salen Churi, founder and general partner at Trust Ventures, is proving that regulation-heavy industries hold the keys to outsize alpha. A former law professor turned VC, Salen helps startups turn red tape into competitive edge.   Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: 00:40 Introduction to Driving Alpha Podcast 01:58 Salen Churi's Background and Family History 03:30 The Intersection of Innovation and Regulation 05:41 Founding Trust Ventures 12:29 Case Studies: Oklo and ICON 17:05 Navigating Regulatory Challenges 22:03 Investing in Regulatory Risk 25:27 Unique Approach to Venture Capital 26:35 Policy Partner and Regulatory Strategy 26:57 Investment Strategy in Nuclear and Competitive Markets 28:46 Innovative Solutions in the Energy Sector 30:44 The Role of Batteries in Grid Management 38:46 AI and Regulatory Challenges 43:48 Future Vision and Regulatory Changes 46:28 The Importance of Tackling Regulatory Problems   In this episode,  Salen Churi breaks down how Trust Ventures consistently finds billion-dollar potential hiding in plain sight, by backing companies that challenge outdated regulatory systems. From modular nuclear energy to 3D-printed homes and AI-driven battery grids, Trust helps founders reshape broken systems and unlock massive, underserved markets. Salen explains why regulation isn't a red flag, it's often the moat. He shares stories from Trust's early bets like Oklo, ICON, and Base Power, each tackling entrenched incumbents with bold tech and smart policy strategy. He also dives into how Trust evaluates regulatory risk, why they're not afraid of government-adjacent challenges, and how their model as a "policy partner" is turning underdog startups into market leaders. Whether you're a founder eyeing a legacy industry or a VC seeking differentiated returns, this episode is a playbook for turning policy gridlock into venture-scale alpha.

    50 min

  5. AUG 27

    How Ira Weiss from Hyde Park Venture Partners built Midwest VC success with ShipBob & Audit Site

    Can a PhD in accounting build a top-tier VC firm in the heartland, and beat the coastal giants?  Ira Weiss did just that. As founding partner of Hyde Park Venture Partners and a professor at Chicago Booth, Ira has quietly helped turn the Midwest into a serious startup engine, backing breakout companies like ShipBob and Audit Site before they were household names. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: 00:48 Introduction to Driving Alpha 01:00 Guest Introduction: Ira Weiss 01:14 Ira's Academic and Professional Journey 01:50 Hyde Park Venture Partners 03:07 Personal Connection and University of Chicago 05:00 Transition to Venture Capital 06:25 Routes to Becoming a Venture Capitalist 08:51 Evaluating Startups: Then and Now 12:23 Case Study: ShipBob 18:32 The Importance of Sticky Products 19:34 Exciting New Ventures: Audit Site 22:46 AI's Role in Auditing and Financial Systems 24:31 AI Adoption in Companies and Investment Strategies 28:45 AI's Impact on Academia and Student Learning 31:45 Investment Decision-Making Processes 38:06 Midwestern Entrepreneurship and Investment Insights 42:01 Reflections and Closing Remarks   In this episode, Ira shares how his journey from academia to early-stage venture capital gave him a unique lens for spotting high-potential founders in overlooked markets. He dives into the importance of founder chemistry, sticky products, and the traits that separate real moats from hype. You'll hear how ShipBob scaled in a gritty, unsexy market and how Audit Site is transforming the world of financial audits using cutting-edge tech. We also explore how AI is reshaping the startup world, from reducing headcount to disrupting traditional B2B models, and what that means for investors. Ira offers tactical advice for aspiring VCs, insights into how investment committees really work, and why the next breakout startup might not be in San Francisco or New York.

    45 min

  6. AUG 20

    From Techstars to AI trends: Brad Feld of Foundry VC on building enduring legacies

    Brad Feld isn't just a name in venture capital; he's one of the architects behind the startup ecosystem as we know it. From launching Techstars to mentoring hundreds of founders and fund managers, his legacy is rooted in building, not boasting. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: 00:48 Introduction to Driving Alpha 01:38 Brad Feld's Journey and Achievements 03:38 Reflections on Life and Career 05:51 The Future of Foundry Group 08:02 Mentorship and Its Impact 10:52 Influential Mentors in Brad's Life 15:17 The SoftBank Connection 23:29 Star Wars vs. Star Trek 27:58 Analog Analog and Investment Insights 30:31 The Evolution of Ticketing Platforms 30:51 AI in Customer Support 31:31 Personal Coding Journey 32:14 Comparing AI Models: Claude vs. OpenAI 35:09 Investment Dynamics in Tech 36:17 The Economics of Ride-Sharing 38:17 The Future of AI-Powered Tools 41:30 Challenges in Venture Capital 54:22 Reflections on Venture Capital   In this episode, Brad joins Steve Brotman of Alpha Partners for a wide-ranging conversation on investing through downturns, the rise of AI-powered tooling, and what it truly means to give first. Brad explains how his thinking evolved across three decades, from early wins to long-tail fund management, and how he's now channeling his energy into mentorship, writing, and second-order impact. He opens up about his "third third" philosophy of life, lessons from working with SoftBank in the dot-com era, and why today's founders can't afford to chase hype. Brad also shares his hands-on experience using tools like Cursor and Claude, drawing unexpected parallels between AI and the early internet. This is more than a look back; it's a roadmap for what's ahead. Want more of Brad's wisdom? Grab his latest book:  Give First: The Power of Mentorship,  a must-read for founders, fund managers, and anyone shaping the future of innovation.

    58 min

  7. AUG 13

    From Google to Geek Ventures with Ihar Mahaniok: backing immigrant founders in AI & Robotics

    What happens when a Google and Facebook engineering leader turns his focus to helping immigrant founders dominate in AI and robotics?  Ihar Mahaniok, Founder and Managing Partner of Geek Ventures, has invested in over 100 startups, including five unicorns, and is now channeling his experience into backing the next generation of world-changing entrepreneurs. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: 00:41 Welcome to Driving Alpha Podcast 00:51 Meet the Guest: Ihar Mahaniok of Geek Ventures 01:38 Ihar's Journey: From Coding to Angel Investing 03:26 Building Geek Ventures: Focus on Immigrant Founders 03:42 Navigating the US as an Immigrant Entrepreneur 04:58 The Power of Networking and LinkedIn 12:15 Geek Ventures' Unique Approach to Investing 20:36 Challenges Immigrant Founders Face in the US 22:54 The Future of AI and Its Impact 29:46 Building Efficient Teams in Startups 37:48 Advice for Aspiring VCs and Founders 40:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   In this episode, Ihar reveals how his own immigrant journey shaped his mission to close the opportunity gap for founders arriving in the U.S. without deep networks. He shares the traits that make immigrant entrepreneurs uniquely equipped to win—grit, ambition, and fresh perspectives—and explains how Geek Ventures provides the capital, connections, and strategic support to accelerate their success. The conversation explores the evolving landscape of AI and robotics, why small, elite teams often outperform larger ones, and how cultural differences influence fundraising strategies. Ihar also unpacks his framework for spotting exceptional founders early, building defensible moats beyond technology, and preparing for a future where AI will create more unicorns than ever before. Whether you're a founder, investor, or AI enthusiast, this episode delivers actionable insights on scaling bold ideas into lasting impact.

    43 min

  8. AUG 6

    The third convergence: Stewart Alsop of TK MediaTech Ventures on media tech's next big wave

    What happens when decades of media and venture capital experience converge? Stewart Alsop, co-founder of TK MediaTech Ventures and a VC since 1996, brings a journalist's clarity and an investor's vision to the evolving landscape of media technology. Here's a glimpse of what you'll learn: 00:48 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:02 Early Career and First Impressions 01:37 Bluntness and Career Challenges 03:00 Investment Philosophy and Media Tech Focus 06:45 The Third Convergence of Media and Technology 16:20 AI and Media Tech Investments 23:56 Finding the Right Entrepreneurs 25:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   In this episode, Stewart joins Brian Smiga to explore the "third convergence" of media and technology, an era defined by high-fidelity digital twins, immersive media, and AI-powered creativity. He unpacks how this new phase builds on two prior tech-media inflection points and why his firm, TK MediaTech Ventures, is poised to capitalize on this transformation. The conversation dives into Stewart's investment philosophy, the value of blunt honesty in venture partnerships, and the thesis behind faster time-to-liquidity in media tech. From the early bets on TiVo and Twitch to today's frontier in digital avatars and real-time reality rendering, Stewart explains what founders and LPs should know and why the next media revolution may already be here.

    28 min
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Ratings & Reviews

3.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

This is the Driving Alpha, where we feature our friends, the out-performing investors, who demonstrate their path to driving alpha, or out-sized investment returns. We're Alpha Partners, where we partner with a thousand early-stage venture firms as their opportunity capital to invest in their best companies.

Information

  • Creator
    Alpha Partners
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Driving Alpha (c) 2024
  • Show Website
    Driving Alpha

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