Episodes

March 18, 2024

Tackling Founder Conflicts with Will Klippgen

In the latest episode of the Understanding VC podcast with Will Klippgen, the discussion delves into the intricacies of founder conflicts and their impact on startups. Will, an entrepreneur and venture capitalist, draws from his extensive experience to shed light …

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March 12, 2024

Inside Venture Studios with Sam Hall

In the latest episode of the Understanding VC podcast, Sam Hall, an entrepreneur, venture builder, and investor, shares insights on venture studio and their impact on startup success. Sam delves into the origins of venture studios and their differentiation from …

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Feb. 20, 2024

Photonic Computing: Breakthroughs, Challenges and Insights with Denis…

In the latest episode of the Understanding VC podcast featuring Denis Kalinin, the discussion delves into Optical Computing. Denis covers various aspects, including the potential of optical processors compared to current technology, the distinct features of photonic computing, challenges faced …

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Jan. 16, 2024

Talent Investing in Building Successful Startups | Rahul from Entrepr…

In the latest episode of the Understanding VC podcast, Rahul Samat, Partner & India Head at Entrepreneur First discussing the essential traits Talent Investors seek and shares insights on identifying the right founders. Rahul discusses pivotal qualities of a great …

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Dec. 13, 2023

Understanding the Shifting Landscape of Fundraising Negotiations in I…

In the latest episode of Understanding VC, Mehak Khanna, a seasoned corporate lawyer with extensive experience, delves into critical aspects of the startup ecosystem. She explores topics ranging from startup convertible notes and challenges in Indian startup regulations to foreign …

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Dec. 4, 2023

Building a VC Firm to Last | Hussein Kanji from Hoxton Ventures

In the latest episode of Understanding VC, Hussein Kanji, Partner at Hoxton Ventures, shares invaluable insights on building an enduring VC firm. From navigating the challenges of transitioning from a boutique to an enduring institution to the nuances of partnership …

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Nov. 30, 2023

Understanding Voluntary Carbon Markets with Maryanna Saenko from Futu…

In this episode of the Understanding VC podcast, I engage in an enlightening conversation with Maryanna Saenko, the Co-founder and Partner at Future Ventures, about the voluntary carbon markets. We examine the importance and potential of voluntary carbon markets, differentiating …

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Nov. 28, 2023

Transforming Indian Agriculture: Navigating Challenges and Seizing Op…

In the latest episode of Understanding VC, we explore the intricacies of Indian agriculture with Mark Kahn. We uncover historical insights and contemporary challenges, delving into the impact of COVID and unique opportunities for tech investment. Kahn highlights life sciences' …

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Nov. 14, 2023

Accelerate to Success: Decoding Startup Accelerators with Michael Car…

In this episode of the Understanding VC podcast, I discuss startup accelerators, and their role in supporting startups, with Michael Cardamone, CEO and Managing Partner at Forum Ventures. We discuss the pros and cons of joining an accelerator, including the …

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Nov. 7, 2023

Why solo capitalists are winning with Itamar Novick from Recursive Ve…

In the latest episode of the Understanding VC podcast, Itamar Novick, founder of Recursive Ventures, discusses the world of solo capitalists, exploring their benefits for founders, challenges they face, and the evolving landscape of venture capital. The conversation delves into …

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Oct. 12, 2023

7 Strategies to Build a Powerful Board to Drive Startup Success with …

Dive into the world of startup boards with Joe Leech in this illuminating discussion. Learn the key distinctions between board governance and decision-making, discover the core responsibilities of directors, and identify the ideal timing for forming a board. Uncover the …

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Oct. 4, 2023

Understanding Due Diligence for Early Stage Startups with Caroline Ca…

In the latest episode of the Understanding VC podcast with Caroline Casson, Partner at VITALIZE Venture Capital, Caroline shares her insights on the critical aspects of due diligence for early stage startups in venture capital. She emphasizes its importance for …

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Sept. 26, 2023

Why founders should also be investors with Jyri Engeström from Yes VC

In this episode of the Understanding VC podcast, Jyri Engeström, Partner at Yes VC, makes the argument that startup founders should also be startup investors and he has created a deck on how to do it. You can find the …

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Aug. 15, 2023

Investing in Quantum Computing: VC's Perspective with Ion Hauer from …

In this episode, Ion Hauer, Principal at APEX Ventures, discusses quantum computing's core concepts and challenges. Covering quantum basics, hardware architectures, and progress, Ion highlights the significance of quantum cryptography and its impact on industries. The conversation includes insights on …

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Aug. 8, 2023

UVC: Brian Nichols from Angel Squad on What Angel Investing Is, How t…

In this episode of the Understanding VC podcast, Brian Nichols, founder of Angel Squad, provides a concise yet enlightening overview of angel investing. He covers key questions about angel investors' roles, investment sizes, differences from venture capital, and its historical …

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Aug. 3, 2023

UVC: Nitin Sharma from Antler on the Evolution of His Definition of I…

In this episode of the Understanding VC podcast, Nitin Sharma, General Partner and Co-Founder of Antler India, discusses how his definition of "impact" has evolved over time. He shares his journey into the venture capital (VC) industry, and the differences …

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Aug. 1, 2023

UVC: Melody Koh from NextView Ventures on navigating early stage vent…

In this episode of the Understanding VC podcast, Melody Koh, Partner at NextView Ventures, shares her journey as an entrepreneur, operator, and investor. Melody discusses the values she upholds as a VC, emphasizing honesty and transparency with startup founders. She …

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July 17, 2023

UVC: John Zeratsky from Character on the role of design in venture ca…

In this episode the Understanding VC podcast, John Zeratsky, Co-Founder & General Partner at Character, discusses the significance of design in VC and the distinction between visionary and hypothesis-driven founders. Strategy is emphasized as crucial for success in the competitive …

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July 12, 2023

UVC: Rex Salisbury from Cambrian on the evolution of Cambrian communi…

In this episode, I interview Rex Salisbury, Founder and General Partner of Cambrian, a fintech-focused VC fund. Rex discusses his choice of venture capital over starting a company, the evolution of the Cambrian community, and the role of product counsel …

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July 5, 2023

PitchMeNot: Joseph Mocanu from Verge HealthTech Fund featuring BrainS…

PitchMeNot: Exploring startup pitch meetings and insightful debriefs. In this episode of PitchMeNot, we dive into the world of startup pitches as Joseph Mocanu, Managing Partner at Verge HealthTech Fund, joins me in conversation with Laina Emmanuel, Founder and CEO …

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June 20, 2023

UVC: Vlad Tropko from Digital Horizon on the importance of team psych…

Join Vlad Tropko, Partner at Digital Horizon, as he shares valuable insights on venture capital and startup success in the latest episode of the Understanding VC podcast. Learn about Vlad's personal risk-taking experiences, the importance of a founding team's psychology, …

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June 12, 2023

UVC: Vinod Shankar from Java Capital on navigating controllable black…

In this episode of Understanding VC, I talk to Vinod Shankar, Partner and Co-founder at Java Capital, an early stage venture capital firm in India. With more than 18 years of experience in the industry, Vinod shares his valuable insights …

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June 9, 2023

PitchMeNot: Saurabh Gunwant from 8X Ventures featuring Atmax

PitchMeNot: Exploring startup pitch meetings and insightful debriefs. In this episode, Saurabh Gunwant, a senior associate at 8X Ventures, a deep tech VC firm based in Dubai, and I will evaluate the innovative SaaS solution called Atmax. We will be …

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June 6, 2023

UVC: Chandan Deep from B Capital Group on key areas of focus for B Ca…

In this episode of the Understanding VC, we delve into the career journey of Chandan Deep, the Vice President of Strategy and Operations on B Capital Group's Platform team for India and South East Asia. Chandan has a strong passion …

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