Atlanta Startup Podcast

In this episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast, Lisa Calhoun interviews Chris Keller, a Kauffman Fellow and partner at Catalyst Partners. They discussed Chris's career journey and his work in seeding new private equity firms. Chris shared some insights from his research on emerging managers, highlighting their significant outperformance compared to established funds. He explains that first-time funds often deliver higher returns with relatively low additional risk. The conversation covers the importance of firm-building skills in new fund managers and the current investor sentiment towards emerging managers. Chris emphasizes the potential for strong returns and partnership opportunities with early-stage investment firms. Don't miss this episode!

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Join us on this episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast as we welcome the inspiring Janessa Ferrel, founder of QuestRead. Dive into our conversation about how QuestRead is dedicated to enhancing literacy by providing interactive reading experiences customized to match children's interests and learning levels. We'll also discuss Janessa's recent achievement of winning the Women’s Empowerment Award at the 25th Edition of the Startup Runway pitch showcase. Tune in to discover how QuestRead makes reading engaging and accessible for young learners everywhere.

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In today’s episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast, we sat down with Scott Lopano, newly promoted Partner at Tech Square Ventures in Atlanta. Scott opens up about his journey from Associate to Partner, sharing real reflections on his career ascension. We get into his top fundraising tips for early-stage founders navigating today's market and highlight the rise of VC platforms and how they're creating value for portfolio companies. Then, the conversation shifts gears to talk GTM strategy, as William and Scott break down how the best startups are leveraging AI tools to drive efficient GTM motions and unlock efficient growth & scale. This episode is packed with practical advice you won't want to miss.

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Explore how Dena Lewis transforms the running experience with Running Mate on this episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast. Learn about her journey to create a safer runner environment through a real-time, on-demand app that pairs them with verified, safe mates. Dena's personal experiences and dedication to runner safety drive this innovative solution, making every run safer and more enjoyable. Don't miss this insightful conversation with one of the winners of the 25th Edition of the Startup Runway Showcase.

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Software founders, as you grow to millions in ARR, are you encountering bigger tax liabilities than you anticipate? Transaction tax law is evolving fast, and if you're not prepared, rather than sell your startup at the price you agreed to in the LOI, you can find after diligence you get significantly less if you don't prepare in advance.

In this episode, join Lisa Calhoun, founder and managing partner at Valor Ventures, as she delves into the intricacies of transaction tax with Rob Piechota from Alvarez and Marsal. Rob sheds light on the often-overlooked tax implications that arise after a software startup signs an acquisition deal. From state and local tax considerations to the impact of the Wayfair decision on SaaS businesses, Rob shares invaluable insights and best practices for founders aiming for a seamless acquisition. Tune in to learn how to navigate these complexities and ensure your startup is acquisition-ready.

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This episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast is your golden ticket. ️ We're diving deep into the journeys of two successful founders at the Startup Runway's 25th Showcase, Damola Ogundipe, the mind behind the revolutionary AI platform for lobbyists - Plural, and Kristen Dunning, the creator of plant-based skincare magic - Gently Soap. Damola and Kristen shared their winning strategies, including Building trust with investors, Finding your funding soulmate, and Crafting a pitch that captivates.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain invaluable insights from these funding rockstars! This episode is packed with actionable advice that could be the key to unlocking your startup's full potential. Get ready to unlock the secrets to landing that life-changing first investment!

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Today on the Virginia startup podcast, we're joined by Gene Riechers, Venture Partner at Sands Capital Management & Seda Goff, Founder and General Partner at Flintlock Capital to unpack the momentum fueling the Virginia startup ecosystem. We broadly discuss the phases of growth the Virginia startup scene has traversed, contrary thoughts on the AI craze, tactical steps to keeping quality university talent in the state, how the federal government empowers an unfair advantage for VA startups and more.

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In this captivating newest episode of the Atlanta Startup Podcast, Lisa Calhoun, Founding Managing Partner and Co-host, collaborates with Lynne Laube, Operating Partner at Valor Ventures, for an engaging dialogue. Together, they explore Lynne's transition from Fintech post-IPO Founder to Venture Capitalist, uncovering surprising insights along the way. Lynne sheds light on the qualities she values in today's Fintech founders and offers indispensable advice for those embarking on their initial funding rounds. Tune in to gain invaluable perspectives on fintech entrepreneurship and venture capital, and learn how to connect with Lynne to share your startup journey.

Share your startup with Lynne at this link: https://valor.vc/fintech-startup-seed-rounds/

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This week on the Atlanta Startup Podcast, we welcome Jason Caplain, General Partner at Bull City Venture Partners. This conversation with Jason and William works to unpack the frameworks behind the firm's founder-centric investment strategy and their successes from following this blueprint. We learn how the Bull City team builds conviction in diligence, how they think about balancing off-thesis investment risk, supporting founders across multiple companies, distinctive traits of the most successful founders, and much more about the macro state of early-stage venture today.

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In this episode, we're joined by Riean Knight, the innovative founder of Honey to Cocoa, a groundbreaking mobile app using AI to match makeup to diverse skin tones. Riean shares her journey and insights into building a platform that champions inclusivity and confidence in the beauty industry. Discover how technology empowers people of color to feel represented and confident in their makeup choices. Whether you're a beauty lover or advocate for diversity, this episode offers a glimpse into the future of inclusive beauty tech.

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