Skin in the Game VC Podcast

Florida Funders
  • 5.0 (4)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED MONTHLY
Skin in the Game VC Podcast

Florida Funders Managing Partner and "Skin in the Game VC" podcast host Tom Wallace believes that entrepreneurs are game changers and that the companies they envision, create and build make the world a better place. Florida Funders is a venture capital firm and angel network that invests in early stage technology companies. Traditionally, angel investors have not had equal access to the amount of proprietary, vetted deal flow and investment opportunities like a professional venture investor. This podcast was envisioned to educate, connect and activate accredited investors to get skin in the game and invest like a VC. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Startups, AI, and Sisterhood: Lessons from Amy and Shannon Wu

    The latest episode of Skin in the Game VC Podcast featured an inspiring conversation with Tom Wallace, Saxon Baum, and the dynamic sister duo, Amy and Shannon Wu. As founders backed by Florida Funders, Amy and Shannon shared their unique entrepreneurial journeys, highlighting the resilience and innovation shaping their paths in the tech world. Their story is a testament to the power of collaboration, as they support and inspire one another while carving out success in competitive markets. Amy Wu, founder of Manifest, and Shannon Wu, founder of Open Home, have both built groundbreaking companies leveraging the transformative potential of AI. Manifest addresses Gen Z’s mental health challenges through personalized, AI-driven tools, creating bite-sized wellness interactions to combat loneliness and anxiety. Meanwhile, Open Home is revolutionizing smart speakers, enabling more intuitive and seamless voice interactions across a wide range of devices. Both sisters emphasized how AI allows lean teams to achieve significant impact, unlocking personalized solutions that enhance human connection and creativity. Their journey reflects a shared commitment to innovation and a deep bond that has guided them through challenges and triumphs. They credit their early experiences at Stanford and the personalized support from Florida Funders as key drivers of their success. Florida Funders’ hands-on approach contrasts with the broader yet less personal resources of larger VC firms, offering a uniquely curated experience that has helped Amy and Shannon thrive. As these visionary founders continue to push boundaries, their work underscores the exciting potential of AI and the importance of fostering meaningful human connections in an increasingly digital world. Startups like Manifest and Open Home showcase how technology can be a tool for empowerment, solving real-world challenges with creativity and purpose. Tune in to this latest episode of Skin in the Game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    52 min

  2. 12/20/2024

    Bridging Worlds: Ann Berry on Tech, Venture, and Storytelling

    In our latest episode of the Skin in the Game VC Podcast, we explored the multifaceted journey of Ann Berry, Founder and Managing Partner of Threadneedle. From Wall Street to private equity, venture capital, and operating, Ann’s career path is a testament to adaptability and innovation. Ann’s professional journey began at Goldman Sachs, where she specialized in leveraged buyouts. Her transition to private equity allowed her to lead as a CEO, navigating a hospitality portfolio company through the COVID-19 crisis. This experience solidified her love for operational leadership and reshaped her investment philosophy. Ann now focuses on leveraging technology to modernize traditional industries. Notable investments include Yuv, a company revolutionizing the hair salon industry with personalized hair color technology; Airship, providing software solutions for HVAC and plumbing contractors; and Reality Defender, tackling deepfake risks in cybersecurity. Ann’s approach emphasizes bridging innovative startups with legacy industries that stand to gain from technological advancements. Beyond investing, Ann has embraced content creation, partnering with Morning Brew to develop Brew Markets. Through her media work, she highlights the interconnectedness of public and private markets, emphasizing the value of storytelling in leadership and entrepreneurship. “Storytelling is endemic in everything we touch,” Ann shared, reinforcing its importance for founders and investors alike. Looking ahead, Ann predicts a resurgence in the IPO market by 2025 and highlights the untapped potential of AI applications, particularly in industries reliant on proprietary data. However, she cautions that overhyped AI startups must prove their scalability and real-world value. This episode offers invaluable insights for founders and investors, from navigating leadership challenges to understanding the role of storytelling in building and scaling businesses. Tune in to hear Ann’s visionary take on the future of venture capital and entrepreneurship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    43 min

  3. 12/05/2024

    Joe Hogue: From Analyst to YouTube Influencer

    Joe Hogue started his career as a traditional equity analyst and venture capitalist but left the corporate world in 2013 to gain more autonomy. By 2017, he had transitioned into content creation, launching his YouTube channel, Let’s Talk Money, which now has over 650,000 followers. Joe’s mission is to make investing accessible, blending entertainment with education to empower retail investors. Beyond content creation, he’s innovated by tokenizing his YouTube ad revenue, raising over $250,000 and engaging 700 investors—pioneering blockchain use in the creator economy. In this episode of Skin in the Game VC, Joe shares insights on his journey, the future of markets, and the role of creators in finance. His story is a testament to leveraging innovation to educate, inspire, and redefine industries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34 min

  4. 10/30/2024

    Dave Sachse: Redefining Venture with Family Offices

    Dave Sachse is the founder of Family VC and a leader in the world of family office investing, where he helps family offices navigate venture capital by building networks, sharing resources, and creating opportunities for collaboration. With a background in managing his own family's single-family office in Wisconsin, Dave has a deep understanding of the unique challenges family offices face when investing in early-stage tech companies. He founded Family VC to connect like-minded family offices, fostering a community of over 200 members who share deal flow, best practices, and strategic insights in venture capital. Dave is passionate about tech innovation and values-aligned investing, favoring pre-seed to Series A stages where family offices can add real value beyond funding. His approach is hands-on and collaborative, leveraging partnerships with experienced VCs and investing in diverse tech sectors across the U.S. Family VC aims to make family offices a lasting force in the venture world, helping these investors move beyond traditional asset classes to become impactful players in early-stage tech. Tune into this episode of Skin in the Game VC to hear more of Dave’s insights on the shifting landscape of venture capital and the role family offices are playing in supporting the next generation of innovation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min

  5. 10/17/2024

    Jeff Gigante: More Than a Meal – The Rise of Experiential Dining

    In the latest episode of the Skin in the Game VC podcast, hosts Tom Wallace and Saxon Baum sit down with Jeff Gigante, co-founder of Next Level Brands and a major player in Tampa’s restaurant scene. This conversation dives deep into Jeff’s entrepreneurial journey, starting with his first pizzeria at Florida State to now running some of the hottest restaurants in Florida. Jeff shares how his passion for creating unique dining experiences has shaped his career, and he’s candid about the challenges along the way—whether it was opening his first restaurant with a phone tutorial from Italy or navigating the complexities of growing a business during the pandemic. What’s really exciting is how Jeff, Tom and Saxon explore the impact of technology on the restaurant industry. From AI answering systems to cloud-based POS systems and even robotics, it's clear that tech is revolutionizing how restaurants operate. Yet, Jeff reminds us that hospitality is still about human connection, something he believes will always be central to full-service dining. If you’re into startups, tech innovation, or just curious about what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights. Plus, it’s always inspiring to hear from someone like Jeff, who not only talks about success but also how important it is to care for your investors and build lasting relationships. This is a great listen for anyone looking to learn from someone who’s been through it all and come out stronger on the other side. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    58 min

  6. 09/16/2024

    General Tony Thomas: Beyond the Uniform

    Ever wondered how a military leader transitions to the world of venture capital? In our latest episode of Skin in the Game, we sat down with retired Four-Star General Tony Thomas to discuss his incredible journey. From leading special operations forces to investing in cutting-edge technologies, General Thomas shares his unique insights on leadership, innovation, and the intersection of the military and the private sector. Listen now to hear about his experiences, his thoughts on dual-purpose technology, and his perspective on the world stage Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    50 min

  7. 08/30/2024

    Patrick Murphy: Estimating the Future of AI & Construction

    In this podcast episode, we delve into the world of AI and its transformative potential for the construction industry. Our guest, Patrick Murphy, a former U.S. Congressman and construction industry veteran, shares insights on his company Togalai, which utilizes AI to automate the estimating process in construction. Murphy discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, emphasizing the importance of data and domain-specific expertise. He also addresses the ethical and legal implications of AI in construction, highlighting the potential for both job creation and displacement. The conversation extends to explore the applications of 3D printing and sustainable building materials like RENCO. Murphy outlines Togalai's future goals, including global expansion and the development of new AI features. Overall, this episode provides a valuable perspective on the future of AI in construction, its potential benefits, and the challenges that lie ahead. Tune in to hear the whole episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    43 min

  8. 07/08/2024

    Mayor Jane Castor: Tampa's Rise as a Tech Hub

    Join us for an insightful episode of the Skin in the Game VC Podcast with Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, discussing the city's thriving tech ecosystem, strategic growth during COVID, and the role of AI in governance. Mayor Castor highlights Tampa's appeal as a tech hub, the importance of organic growth in the tech scene, and the city's focus on talent and innovation. Tune in to learn how Tampa is positioning itself for continued success in the tech industry! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    38 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Florida Funders Managing Partner and "Skin in the Game VC" podcast host Tom Wallace believes that entrepreneurs are game changers and that the companies they envision, create and build make the world a better place. Florida Funders is a venture capital firm and angel network that invests in early stage technology companies. Traditionally, angel investors have not had equal access to the amount of proprietary, vetted deal flow and investment opportunities like a professional venture investor. This podcast was envisioned to educate, connect and activate accredited investors to get skin in the game and invest like a VC. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Florida Funders
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Florida Funders 473557
  • Show Website
    Skin in the Game VC Podcast

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