Understanding VC

Rahul
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Understanding VC

Understanding VC is a podcast that provides founders with the knowledge and resources they need to understand venture capital. My goal is to create the best and most comprehensive resource on venture capital on the internet, so that founders can make informed decisions about their businesses and secure the funding they need to succeed.

  1. How to Get the Best Outcome for Your Startup While Fundraising | Camila Noordeloos from Grand Ventures

    JAN 29

    How to Get the Best Outcome for Your Startup While Fundraising | Camila Noordeloos from Grand Ventures

    In this episode of Understanding VC, Camila discusses effective strategies for startup fundraising, emphasizing the importance of having multiple term sheets to enhance negotiation power. She highlights the necessity of creating a structured fundraising plan, the significance of timely investor introductions, and the role of data room release timing. The conversation also touches on the collaboration between founders and existing investors, leveraging their network, experience, and insights to navigate the fundraising process successfully. Camila provides insights into maintaining communication with potential investors and internal stakeholders throughout the fundraising journey.

    56 min
  2. The Superpowers of Founders: A VC's Guide to Spotting the Best | James Shecter from Makena Capital

    JAN 14

    The Superpowers of Founders: A VC's Guide to Spotting the Best | James Shecter from Makena Capital

    In the latest episode of the Understanding VC podcast, James Shecter explains the nuances of evaluating founders for venture investment, highlighting the importance of qualitative assessments. He discusses some key factors such as storytelling, vision, curiosity, grit, resourcefulness, and magnetism, and how these traits can differentiate successful founders from the rest. We also discuss the challenges and strategies of evaluating intangible qualities under tight timelines.

    1h 1m
  3. How to Craft a WINNING Startup Pitch in 2024 with Kris Childress

    11/21/2024

    How to Craft a WINNING Startup Pitch in 2024 with Kris Childress

    In the latest Understanding VC podcast, Kris Childress shares why many startups struggle with fundraising, often due to weak pitch storytelling. He emphasises that the entrepreneur, not just the pitch deck, is key to delivering an authentic and persuasive presentation. The discussion covers the purpose of a pitch, clear and honest persuasion, and types like cocktail party, networking, short-form, and investment pitches. Strategies for improvement include knowing the audience, vivid communication, and extensive practice. Kris highlights the importance of consistent delivery during Q&A sessions and suggests using visual elements like videos to enhance pitches while cautioning against risky live demos. He concludes that success often depends on the entrepreneur's likability and ability to connect, supported by credible proof of their product's value.

    1 hr
  4. The ULTIMATE Series A Fundraising Playbook | Christian Meermann from Cherry Ventures

    11/03/2024

    The ULTIMATE Series A Fundraising Playbook | Christian Meermann from Cherry Ventures

    In this episode of the Understanding VC podcast, Christian Meermann, Founding Partner at Cherry Ventures, shares essential metrics and strategies for seed-stage startups to successfully raise Series A funding. He emphasizes the importance of charging for products early, achieving product-market fit, effective pricing strategies, and building defensible products. Christian discusses critical benchmarks such as customer acquisition cost (CAC) payback, burn multiple, growth rates, and net dollar retention. He also covers the significance of a complementary founding team, clear go-to-market strategies, and maintaining honest negotiations during fundraising. Additionally, Christian highlights Cherry Ventures' structured playbook that supports startups with continuous growth and scalability.

    58 min
  5. Why AI Isn't Where We Thought It Would Be | Itamar Novick from Recursive Ventures

    10/09/2024

    Why AI Isn't Where We Thought It Would Be | Itamar Novick from Recursive Ventures

    In the latest episode of the Understanding VC, Itamar Novick from Recursive Ventures examines the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI), likening it to the late 1990s tech boom. Itamar highlights AI's ability to enhance productivity in sectors like consumer services and enterprise operations, though it may also displace certain jobs. He stresses the need for innovative applications in areas such as search, fraud detection, and cybersecurity, while discussing the existing limitations and regulatory challenges on our podcast.

    45 min
  6. How a Frog Logo Revolutionised Southeast Asian Startups | Hugh Mason from JFDI

    09/30/2024

    How a Frog Logo Revolutionised Southeast Asian Startups | Hugh Mason from JFDI

    In the latest episode of Understanding VC, Hugh Mason discusses his experience founding JFDI, Southeast Asia's First Startup Accelerator. He shares insights on the importance of branding, the challenges of building an entrepreneurial ecosystem and the role of venture capital in supporting startups. Mason emphasises the need for social capital and mentorship in supporting innovation and highlights the unique journey of entrepreneurship, including his learning from failures.

    51 min
  7. How to Build a Strong Founder-VC Relationship | Akshay Mehra from Hummingbird Ventures

    08/07/2024

    How to Build a Strong Founder-VC Relationship | Akshay Mehra from Hummingbird Ventures

    In this episode of Understanding VC, host Rahul explores the intricacies of the relationship between VCs and founders with guest Akshay Mehra from Hummingbird Ventures. Akshay discusses the importance of trust, transparency, and alignment of vision for a successful partnership. He explains why VCs should act as patient supporters rather than overbearing mentors, emphasizing the need for mutual respect and understanding of each party's roles and responsibilities. Akshay also touches on scenarios that could lead to relationship breakdowns and offers insights into how founders can better align with VCs, highlighting that a strong startup culture is akin to a jazz orchestra—structured yet unpredictable.

    37 min
  8. How to Break into Venture Capital | Arun Pai from Monk's Hill Ventures

    07/17/2024

    How to Break into Venture Capital | Arun Pai from Monk's Hill Ventures

    In this episode of Understanding VC, host Rahul engages in a comprehensive discussion with Arun Pai, Principal at Monk's Hill Ventures, on how to break into venture capital. Arun shares his personal journey from engineering to investment banking and finally into VC, providing deep insights into the interview process and the mindset needed to succeed. They also explore the industry's prestige, challenges, and the importance of persistence and relationship-building. Sponsored by Digital Prism, this episode is packed with practical advice and reflections on the path to a successful career in venture capital.

    53 min
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    About

    Understanding VC is a podcast that provides founders with the knowledge and resources they need to understand venture capital. My goal is to create the best and most comprehensive resource on venture capital on the internet, so that founders can make informed decisions about their businesses and secure the funding they need to succeed.

    Information

    • Creator
      Rahul
    • Years Active
      2021 - 2025
    • Episodes
      102
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © 2024 Understanding VC
    • Show Website
      Understanding VC

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