In this episode, Vanessa Chung explores valuation methodologies, sustainability, and cleantech trends. She shares insights into the evolving cleantech landscape and the circular economy. The discussion covers equity research fundamentals, sustainable and ESG investing, and valuation methods like multiple and discounted cash flow (DCF) approaches, using Apple as a case study. Vanessa examines forecasting Apple's free cash flows, terminal value, discount rate, and WACC. The episode also discusses enterprise and equity value calculations, model adjustments, sensitivity analysis, and comparables. Vanessa highlights using Koyfin for public company research and shares workflows for evaluating investments and exits. (0:00) Overview and Introduction to Valuation Methodologies and Guest Vanessa Chung (1:13) Vanessa Chung’s Background and Sustainability Interests (3:42) Cleantech and Circular Economy Trends (5:29) Equity Research and Valuation Fundamentals (10:06) A Day in the Life of an Equity Research Analyst (12:24) Sustainable and ESG Investing Essentials (16:06) In-Depth Valuation Methodologies: Multiple and DCF Approaches (22:41) Apple Valuation Case Study: Multiple and DCF Approaches (27:44) Forecasting Apple's Free Cash Flows and Terminal Value Calculation (32:03) Discount Rate and WACC Determination for Apple (34:03) Enterprise and Equity Value Calculation for Apple (35:23) Q&A on Model Adjustments and Sensitivity Analysis (38:37) Sponsor: Koyfin Research Tool Introduction (40:26) Utilizing Koyfin for Public Company Research (43:49) Workflow for Evaluating New Investments and Exits (46:10) Advanced Modeling and Segment Analysis (47:52) The Importance of Comparables in Valuation

In this episode, Rahul Rana from Lux Capital joins to discuss his journey into venture capital, focusing on deep tech investments. The conversation covers Lux Capital's investment thesis, emerging trends in foundational markets, and the potential of space exploration and human-technology integration. Rahul shares insights on assessing deep tech startups, founder psychology, and overcoming industry challenges. He delves into moon colonization, satellite internet, and life extension prospects. The episode also explores deep tech in ESG and energy, investment stages, and Rahul's experience writing "Making Moonshots". The discussion concludes with life advice, serendipity in investing, and future writing plans. (0:00) Introduction to The Investor podcast and technology's progress (1:09) Introducing Rahul Rana from Lux Capital (2:04) Rahul's journey into venture capital (4:37) Breaking into VC and the publishing process (7:11) Lux Capital's deep tech investment thesis (10:23) Emerging trends in foundational markets (13:35) Space exploration and future colonies (17:43) Human-technology integration (20:29) Assessing deep tech startups (21:39) Founder psychology in startups (24:48) Overcoming deep tech challenges (27:14) Insights into the space industry (29:29) Moon colonization and satellite internet prospects (32:59) Deep tech deal flow and Variant Bio case study (36:16) Life extension and longevity industry insights (42:32) Q&A on deep tech investment evaluation (45:21) Deep tech in ESG and energy (47:41) Life advice and serendipity in investing (49:26) Stages of investing in deep tech (52:01) Experience with writing "Making Moonshots" (54:56) Legalities of referencing in publications (56:50) Future writing endeavors and wrap-up

In this episode, Alison DeNardo shares her venture capital journey, highlighting confidence in deal-making and diverse work experiences. She discusses her early life, education, and parental guidance in shaping her career. Alison talks about her time at Atrium, forming Mac Venture Capital, their portfolio, and launching Alden. The conversation covers innovative job application methods, Mac Venture Capital's focus, and Charles King's role in celebrity investments. Alison provides strategies for entering hot deals, building founder relationships, overcoming gender bias, and offers insights on successful founders, networking in VC, and mindfulness. (0:00) Alison DeNardo on confidence in deal-making (0:20) Introduction to the podcast and hackathon experience (1:19) Alison DeNardo's journey into venture capital and professional background (2:16) Alison's early life, education, and internship experiences (6:28) Joining Atrium and formation of Mac Venture Capital (8:59) Overview of Mac Venture Capital's portfolio and launch of Alden (10:20) Influence of parental guidance on education and career (13:01) The value of diverse work experiences and leaving college (15:04) Evolution of education and venture capital hiring trends (18:38) Innovative job application methods and skill presentation (21:26) Mac Venture Capital's investment focus with celebrity examples (25:06) Role of Charles King in celebrity investments and success stories (28:42) Strategies for getting into hot deals and building founder relationships (32:18) Leveraging past job experiences and importance of humility in VC (36:03) Handling difficult people and overcoming gender bias in VC (47:25) Addressing discriminatory comments and challenges as a young leader (52:35) Navigating professional relationships and the importance of self-belief (56:41) Characteristics of successful founders and VC's supportive role (1:03:32) Networking and breaking into venture capital with actionable advice (1:08:50) Life nuggets from mentors and the practice of mindfulness (1:15:28) Audience questions about meditation and mindfulness (1:17:19) Experiences as a founder, co-founder, and customer charging strategies (1:25:38) Viability of zero-fee models and challenges in founding a VC firm

In this episode, Joel Palathinkal chats with Sarah Leners about her venture capital journey at Bull City Venture Partners. They explore Bull City's investment strategy, deal sourcing, and managing differing opinions in deal flow. Sarah offers advice for first-time fundraisers, discusses tools for sourcing deals, and shares insights on venture capital recruiting. They also talk about empowering female investors and translating banking skills to VC. The episode wraps up with reflections on regional valuation differences, building connections, and optimizing collaboration time, along with audience questions on startup cash flow structuring. (0:00) Introduction to Bull City Venture Partners' investment approach (0:39) Podcast introduction by Joel Palathinkal (1:23) Welcoming Sarah Lenners; Background and career journey (4:30) Paths into venture capital and transition experiences (9:08) Bull City Venture Partners: Overview, Strategy, and Deal Sourcing (17:00) Balancing opinions and conviction in deal flow management (20:27) Fundraising challenges and advice for first-timers (23:51) Tools for sourcing deals and opening up for audience questions (27:33) Venture capital recruiting and interview expectations (33:48) Empowering female investors and entrepreneurs (38:03) How banking skills translate to venture capital (41:50) Regional valuation differences and transitioning advice (51:07) Reflecting on banking experiences and final mentor advice (51:54) Building connections and optimizing collaboration time (53:11) Audience questions on cash flow structuring in startups (55:20) Closing remarks and thank yous

In this episode, Oscar Ramos shares his journey to China and his diverse background leading to his role at SOSV. He discusses his early career in R&D, challenges in China, and the evolving startup community there. The conversation compares tech ecosystems in Europe and China, touching on entrepreneurship and risk perception. Oscar explores adapting to the Chinese market, regional tech ecosystems, and UI/UX differences. He offers insights into data-driven design and customer engagement. The episode concludes with SOSV's investment strategies and thoughts on emerging fund managers and future plans. (0:00) Introduction and Speaker 1's journey to China (1:44) Speaker 1's diverse background and joining SOSV (3:21) Early career in R&D and business model innovation (6:24) Overcoming initial challenges in China (9:44) Startup community and digital payments evolution in China (12:21) Tech ecosystems comparison: Europe vs. China (15:28) Entrepreneurship and risk perception in Europe (17:58) Transition to China and SOSV experience (21:42) Adapting to Chinese market and cultural nuances (25:47) Regional tech ecosystems within China (26:56) UI/UX differences: Western vs. Chinese apps (30:11) Data-driven design in Chinese product management (33:28) Customer engagement and product development strategies (38:20) Joining SOSV and managing an early-stage fund (45:47) Relationship with LPs and fund management insights (50:27) Growth of emerging fund managers in America (51:22) East Asian fund ecosystem evolution (54:10) SOSV's structure and investment focus (57:36) Strategies for supporting companies in China (1:00:11) Closing thoughts and future engagement plans

In this episode, Joel Palathinkal and guest Kate Brodock of W Fund, explore venture capital with a focus on underrepresented founders. Kate discusses launching a VC fund and building a community at scale. Topics include early-stage founders' needs, accelerator structuring, and virtual vs. in-person event dynamics. They cover strategies for engaging limited partners, diligence criteria, and investment opportunities. Case studies of innovative companies are highlighted, followed by audience questions on community building, mental health in startups, and the future of marketplaces. The episode wraps up with insights on targeting LPs and challenges for first-time fund managers. (0:00) Introduction and welcoming Kate Brodoc (1:13) Kate Brodoc's background in venture capital (4:11) Launching a VC fund for underrepresented founders (5:05) Building and engaging a community at scale (8:34) Early-stage founder needs and accelerator structuring (17:55) Virtual vs. in-person events and LP involvement (22:09) Strategies for finding and engaging with LPs (27:10) Balancing LP engagement and the importance of community (29:18) Diligence and criteria for accelerator acceptance (31:20) Investment criteria and exciting sectors (34:18) Case studies of innovative companies (38:34) Audience Q&A: Community building and mental health in startups (44:08) Addressing mental health and advising founders (48:14) Audience Q&A: Future of marketplaces and LPs' expectations (56:37) Engaging family offices and institutional investors (58:00) Challenges for first-time fund managers (59:32) Blog insights on targeting LPs and setting expectations (1:00:11) Final audience questions and episode wrap-up

In this episode, Joel Palathinkal is joined by Tracy Chadwell of 1843 Ventures to explore the intersection of autonomous transportation and venture capital. Tracy shares her journey from law to finance, highlighting the significance of 1843 and Ada Lovelace. They discuss cross-border investments in Asia and the role of angel investing and venture partners. The conversation delves into aging tech, examining challenges, opportunities, and innovations in elderly care. Tracy emphasizes impact investing in mobility solutions and explores longevity finance strategies. They discuss venture capital fund strategy, the importance of relationships, and fund-raising tactics. The episode concludes with insights on SilverTech's market potential and Tracy's mentor advice. (0:00) Introduction to Autonomous Transportation and Venture Capital (1:26) Introduction of guest Tracy Chadwell and 1843 Ventures (3:25) The significance of 1843 and Ada Lovelace (5:00) Tracy's career transition from law to finance (8:24) Cross-border investments and long-term strategies in Asia (12:55) The role of angel investing and venture partners in VC (15:24) Aging tech focus: challenges and investment opportunities (20:02) Innovations in elderly care and investment in caregiving solutions (21:30) Impact investing in mobility solutions for aging tech (26:16) Exploring longevity finance and decumulation strategies (30:17) Venture capital fund strategy and investment thesis (34:21) Differentiation and relationship importance in VC (37:46) Sourcing, screening, and raising the first fund (44:13) Understanding LP interests and overcoming challenges in VC (48:29) Building early relationships and fund-raising strategies (51:47) Comparing open rolling funds and closed-end funds (53:49) Introducing SilverTech and discussing market potential (54:49) Final thoughts and mentor advice

In this episode, Joel Palathinkal welcomes Daria Abbaei from Naples Technology Ventures to discuss her background and the evolution of the Naples tech ecosystem. They explore the benefits of a lean venture fund, best practices in sourcing and screening deals, and current cybersecurity trends, including the use of honeypots. The conversation shifts to robotics, military applications, and tech trends in Florida. Daria shares insights on investor relations, raising capital, and community building strategies. They also discuss breaking into venture capital, the significance of networking, hiring for VC roles, and managing team dynamics. The episode concludes with thoughts on mentorship and maintaining humility in the industry. (0:22) Introduction to The Investor with Joel Palafinkel and guest Daria Abe (2:21) Daria's background and Naples Technology Ventures overview (6:31) Lean venture fund benefits and Naples tech ecosystem evolution (11:30) Sourcing and screening deals best practices (14:27) Cybersecurity trends and the role of honeypots (22:04) Robotics, military applications, and Florida tech trends (25:49) Investor relations and evolving LP engagement (30:25) Raising capital and community building strategies (37:13) Breaking into VC and importance of networking (43:38) Hiring for VC roles and managing team dynamics (48:36) Mentorship and staying humble in venture capital

In this episode, Joel Palathinkal is joined by Anna Raptis of Amplifica Capital, to discuss her purposeful strategy targeting women investors and her journey into venture capital. Anna shares her early career influences, including her family's business and roles at the UN and World Bank, which shaped her focus on impact investing and financial inclusion. They explore the establishment of Amplifica Capital and its gender lens approach, along with the challenges Anna faces as a sole GP in the US. The conversation touches on mission alignment, advice for emerging fund managers, and educational content for LPs. They also cover investment strategies in Latin America, support for female fund managers, and audience interaction, concluding with networking insights and acknowledgments. (0:00) Introduction and purposeful strategy targeting women investors (1:03) Welcoming Anna Raptis and her background journey (2:40) Early career influences: Family business, UN, and World Bank (6:16) Venture capital, impact investing, and financial inclusion (10:00) Establishment of Amplifica Capital and its gender lens approach (13:02) Challenges and connections as a sole GP in the US (15:35) Mission, long-term goals, and authenticity with LPs (24:29) Advice and toolkit for emerging fund managers (31:20) Educational content for LPs and trends in alternative energy (37:22) Investment focus and portfolio construction in Latin America (44:23) Balancing support between LPs and portfolio companies (46:16) Building a team and support networks for female fund managers (52:31) Open Q&A session with emerging managers (57:33) Decision-making and final questions on fund domicile (1:00:19) Audience interaction and the importance of networking (1:02:13) Closing remarks and acknowledgments

In this episode, Joel Palathinkal chats with Steven Melia about his career shift to True Search and OpenView Ventures. They explore hiring in venture funds, strategies for joining top VCs, and OpenView's diverse team approach. Steve highlights the value of sales skills, personal branding, and a unique perspective in venture capital. They discuss crafting a career narrative, transitioning into venture, and essential skills for different VC stages. Topics include financial models, product-led growth (PLG) strategies, effective networking, blogging for differentiation, evaluating PLG companies, and SEO. The episode concludes with a nod to the OpenView podcast. (0:00) Introduction to the podcast and guest Steve Malia (1:50) Steve Malia's career and transition to True Search and OpenView Ventures (6:29) Venture fund hiring processes and getting into tier one VCs (9:08) OpenView’s team structure and the value of diverse hiring (13:20) Sales skills and personal branding in venture capital (20:56) Sector passion, innovative self-presentation, and having a perspective (24:02) General managers' role and the importance of resumes (27:11) Crafting your career narrative and discussing live deals (31:29) Transitioning to venture and skill sets for different VC stages (36:15) Financial models and product-led growth (PLG) strategies (45:23) Challenges and effective approaches in PLG implementation (48:01) Networking and cold outreach strategies for VC roles (51:16) Blogging as a differentiation tool in venture capital (54:52) Evaluating product-led growth companies (58:12) SEO and marketing for VC content promotion (1:00:02) Promoting the OpenView podcast and closing remarks

In this episode, Joel Palathinkal engages with Brynne Kennedy from Impact VC to discuss her career journey and the significance of connection points in professional growth. They delve into strategies for new fund managers on fundraising and building relationships with limited partners (LPs), addressing the importance of fund materials, follow-up, and scheduling etiquette. Brynne shares insights on constructing a sales team, utilizing LinkedIn for hiring, and defining the characteristics of early-stage salespeople. The conversation explores marketing's supportive role in sales, effective communication, and nurturing. They also cover demand generation, growth marketing, and offer life advice, including incentives for pipeline and deal generators. (0:00) Introduction and Guest Introduction: Brynn Kennedy (2:19) Brynn's Career Journey and the Importance of Connection Points (6:40) Fundraising and Building LP Relationships for New Fund Managers (12:53) Fund Materials, Follow-Up, and Scheduling Etiquette with LPs (23:37) Building a Sales Team and Using LinkedIn for Hiring (27:06) Characteristics and Role of Early-Stage Salespeople (30:49) Marketing's Support Role in Sales and Hiring Process for Sales Talent (38:32) Communication, Nurturing, and Marketing Roles in Sales (44:00) Demand Generation, Growth Marketing, and Final Life Advice (48:46) Incentivizing Pipeline and Deal Generators