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EP25: First Mover Advantage, Y Combinator, Successful Founder Traits & Instacart with Ihar Mahaniok | Founder and Managing Partner of Geek Ventures
Connor takes on a solo episode!
On this episode of Next Big Thing HQ, Connor has a conversation with Ihar Mahaniok, the distinguished founder of Geek Ventures.
š A Legacy of Engineering Leadership:
Ihar Mahaniok, a seasoned immigrant engineering leader with over two decades of experience shaping code and machine learning models for industry titans and startups, unfolds his remarkable journey from tech giants like Google and Facebook to the establishment of Geek Ventures in 2021.
š¼ Geek Ventures: Pioneering Opportunities for Immigrant Tech Founders:
Uncover the strategic initiatives of Geek Ventures, a venture capital firm committed to addressing the unique challenges encountered by immigrant tech founders. With a capital commitment of $23 million, Geek Ventures focuses on pre-seed and seed stage investments, serving as a pivotal link for those navigating the intricacies of the U.S. venture-capital ecosystem.
š° Angel Investing Mastery:
Delve into Ihar's prowess as an angel investor, showcasing prescient investments in industry unicorns such as Instacart, PandaDoc, People.ai, and others. Gain insights into his investment philosophy, where foresight and risk assessment converge in the dynamic landscape of startup enterprises.
š Building Bridges, Creating Networks:
Explore how Geek Ventures transcends conventional investment paradigms. Ihar's dedication to cultivating connections within the immigrant tech community is exemplified through carefully orchestrated networking events, facilitating the expansion of founders' professional networks and facilitating market entry into the United States.
š¼ Navigating Fundraising Frontiers:
Accompany Ihar on his fundraising odyssey, beginning with an initial target of $15 million and culminating in the triumphant closure of the fund at $23 million. Learn about the resonance of Geek Ventures' immigrant-focused thesis and the support garnered from a diverse consortium of investors, including luminaries like Adam Foroughi, Mikita Mikado, and Sergey Barysiuk.
š Investing in Tomorrow:
Backed by an accomplished team, including Vadim Rogovskiy, Geek Ventures has already left an indelible mark with investments in 35 companies, among them Filmustage, NewHomesMate, ShapesXR, FoodReady, and Spice AI. Gain insights into their forward-looking strategy, with aspirations to make strategic investments, ranging from $50,000 to $1 million, one to two times per month, aiming for a total of 60 investments for Fund I.
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By Connor FataConnor takes on a solo episode!
On this episode of Next Big Thing HQ, Connor has a conversation with Ihar Mahaniok, the distinguished founder of Geek Ventures.
š A Legacy of Engineering Leadership:
Ihar Mahaniok, a seasoned immigrant engineering leader with over two decades of experience shaping code and machine learning models for industry titans and startups, unfolds his remarkable journey from tech giants like Google and Facebook to the establishment of Geek Ventures in 2021.
š¼ Geek Ventures: Pioneering Opportunities for Immigrant Tech Founders:
Uncover the strategic initiatives of Geek Ventures, a venture capital firm committed to addressing the unique challenges encountered by immigrant tech founders. With a capital commitment of $23 million, Geek Ventures focuses on pre-seed and seed stage investments, serving as a pivotal link for those navigating the intricacies of the U.S. venture-capital ecosystem.
š° Angel Investing Mastery:
Delve into Ihar's prowess as an angel investor, showcasing prescient investments in industry unicorns such as Instacart, PandaDoc, People.ai, and others. Gain insights into his investment philosophy, where foresight and risk assessment converge in the dynamic landscape of startup enterprises.
š Building Bridges, Creating Networks:
Explore how Geek Ventures transcends conventional investment paradigms. Ihar's dedication to cultivating connections within the immigrant tech community is exemplified through carefully orchestrated networking events, facilitating the expansion of founders' professional networks and facilitating market entry into the United States.
š¼ Navigating Fundraising Frontiers:
Accompany Ihar on his fundraising odyssey, beginning with an initial target of $15 million and culminating in the triumphant closure of the fund at $23 million. Learn about the resonance of Geek Ventures' immigrant-focused thesis and the support garnered from a diverse consortium of investors, including luminaries like Adam Foroughi, Mikita Mikado, and Sergey Barysiuk.
š Investing in Tomorrow:
Backed by an accomplished team, including Vadim Rogovskiy, Geek Ventures has already left an indelible mark with investments in 35 companies, among them Filmustage, NewHomesMate, ShapesXR, FoodReady, and Spice AI. Gain insights into their forward-looking strategy, with aspirations to make strategic investments, ranging from $50,000 to $1 million, one to two times per month, aiming for a total of 60 investments for Fund I.