Fireside with a VC

Fireside with a VC

By Andrew RomansBusinessEntrepreneurship
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Fireside with a VC episodes

  • #97, The future of AI with Igor Jablokov, CEO of Pryon $159m VC funding

    Fireside with a VC episode #97 speaking with Igor Jablokov, CEO of Pryon $159m VC funding and founder and CEO of Yap, which Igor sold to Amazon which became the nucleus of Amazon’s Alexa & Fire TV. Pryon was the code name for Alexa. Discussing the evolution of humanity with AI, risks of AI, what we need or should expect with regulations, where innovation is happening, what are the OSI layers of the AI world, how the Fortune 500 will adopt or fail to adopt true AI, other relevant key industries ranging from nuclear power plants to healthcare and the military.

     

    Find the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/N0H-zb5I72A.

     

    Find this and all full episodes for Fireside with a VC on your favorite podcast platform here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/FiresideVC

     

    https://pryon.com/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/ijablokov/

     

    https://www.7bc.vc/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/romans/


    Join the conversation, leave comments, and tell us what you think about these topics and this episode.

    56 min
  • #96, Legal terms, governance & valuations for up, flat & down rounds with Fenwick’s Kristine Di Bacco

    Fireside with a VC episode #96 speaking with Kristine Di Bacco, Partner at law firm Fenwick, discussing tough terms for startups in the context of flat and down rounds as well as more punishing terms for startups. What is common and expected in today’s market for up, flat, down rounds as well as convertible notes and SAFEs? Planning today’s current round in a way to set a precedent for the next funding round balancing valuations and terms. A deep dive on the difference between pre- and post-money SAFEs vs convertible notes, QSBS, etc. What to expect for typical governance, board of directors construction, etc. across multiple financings for startups. Secondaries in the bull market leading up the peak in 2021 compared to today’s 2024 market and what to expect for funding and exits in 2024 and beyond. How she cofounded and built Fenwick’s New York City office and is now back in Silicon Valley. Understanding differences and similarities in the New York compared to Silicon Valley ecosystems.


    Find the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Q6eV6oqg2Is.

     

    Find this and all full episodes for Fireside with a VC on your favorite podcast platform here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/FiresideVC

     

    https://www.fenwick.com/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristine-di-bacco-72b35b/


    https://www.7bc.vc/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/romans/

     

    Join the conversation, leave comments, and tell us what you think about these topics and this episode.

    55 min
  • Episode #95, M12 Microsoft’s Venture Fund, Peter Berg, Managing Director

    Episode #95, Peter Berg, one of two Managing Directors leading M12 Microsoft’s Venture Fund, discusses with Andrew Romans on Fireside with a VC how Microsoft is investing in early-stage startups in B2B SaaS, AI, web3/crypto, and gaming. How the $2.776 trillion dollar conglomerate can add value to startups in a way no other VC can match.

     

    Find this and all full episodes for Fireside with a VC on your favorite podcast platform here:

     

    https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/FiresideVC.

    Find this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qZ2MIYFHEvU.

     

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterberg/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/romans/

    https://www.7bc.vc/

     

    Join the conversation, leave comments, and tell us what you think about these topics and this episode.

    54 min
  • Episode #94, Business with China now and in 2024

    Episode #94, Why is China the way it is, what’s happened, and how is China interacting with the rest of the world from a startup & VC perspective? Jonathan Bench, a China expert, practicing lawyer in the region, and active for over 20 years in the market, discusses with Andrew Romans on Fireside with a VC:

    • What led up to the decoupling with China and how North American, European and Japanese companies will continue to do business with China?

    • What led up to the current situation on a timeline of developments and ultimately Covid?

    • The 5x+ increase in shipping costs and the impact of factory shutdowns in China during Covid on western minds for the future relationship with China.

    • Supply chain establishment, management and support in China plus Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Mexico and western efforts to diversify and challenges to get out of China.

    • How China is buying land and establishing factories in Mexico and how China is everywhere globally?

    • How Chinese entrepreneurs are forced to operate within the communist party system and how to establish legitimacy with the rest of the outside world.

    • Growth of the legal system in China with US companies now winning in the Chinese legal system which points to the growing legitimacy of the evolving Chinese legal system.

    • Examples of Chinese companies trying to play by the rules and achieve legitimacy.

    • The different cultural concepts of a signed contract being a final agreement or a stepping stone to an ongoing relationship where key terms are continuously changed

    • What are the opportunities for the west to do business in China?


    Find this and all full episodes for Fireside with a VC on your favorite podcast platform here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/FiresideVC.


    Find this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZtTrik6517E.


    Pix from Andrew Romans’ trips to China: https://photos.app.goo.gl/eSxTKBLnJNpBcKvu6.


    Andrew Romans’ books published in Chinese:


    The Entrepreneurial Bible to Venture Capital (Chinese Edition): https://rb.gy/mwxp1p


    Masters of Corporate Venture Capital (Chinese Edition): https://shorturl.at/dgwBJ


    https://www.linkedin.com/in/benchjonathan/

    https://harris-sliwoski.com/our-team/jonathan-bench/


    https://www.linkedin.com/in/romans/

    https://www.7bc.vc/


    Join the conversation, leave comments, and tell us what you think about these topics and this episode.

    26 min
  • Episode #93, VC Panel Part Questions from Audience @7BC San Francisco Event Nov. 14, 2023

    Episode #93, VC Panel Part Questions from Audience @7BC San Francisco Event Nov. 14, 2023


    VC Panel
    *Benjamin D. Black, Co-founder and Managing Director, Akkadian Ventures
    *Victoria Cheng, Partner, PruVen Capital
    *Carolin Funk, Partner, Blue Bear Capital
    *Vibhor Rastogi, Global Head of AI/ML/Data Investments, Citi Ventures
    *Ben Levy, Cofounder, BootstrapLabs
    *Andrew Romans, General Partner, 7BC Venture Capital, Moderator
    Confidential videos available for 7BC Portfolio Company 7-Minute Presentations
    Ryan Welsh, cofounder & CEO, Kyndi - generative AI answer engine for enterprises ($42.8m funding to date)
    Delivering immediate, accurate, and trusted answers to enterprise users with the power of large language models.
    John Green, cofounder & CEO, Nada - Unlocking wealth with real-estate. Real estate FinTech ($11.4m funding to date)
    Nada's platform makes it possible for investors to own a piece of a top city’s home equity market with as little as $100 ("Cityfunds") and for homeowners to cash out home equity without the burden of taking on debt ("Homeshares"). Their platform brings this two-sided market together - delivering access to investors and liquidity to homeowners.
    Matthew Speitel, CFO, Umbra - Space and Earth based datasets for your defense, intelligence and analytics solutions. ($125m funding to date)
    We design, build, launch, and operate satellites for high resolution Earth observation, new communications capabilities, and exquisite signal monitoring for low cost distribution via an integrated web platform.
    Eric Menees, cofounder & CEO, Fynn Credit, Solving America's skilled labor shortage ($11m equity & $25m debt raised to date)
    Fynn offers loan services for school students. Their loans are private loans, and they do not have the same terms, repayment options, or rates as those offered through federal loan programs, other private lenders, or school based financing options.
    https://www.7bc.vc/https://www.linkedin.com/in/romans/
    Join the conversation, leave comments, and tell us what you think about these topics and this episode.

    17 min
  • Episode #92, VC Panel Part I @7BC San Francisco event Nov 14, 2023

    Episode #92, Part I of the VC Panel at the 7BC Venture Capital San Francisco event Nov 14, 2023

    *Benjamin D. Black, Co-founder and Managing Director, Akkadian Ventures
    *Victoria Cheng, Partner, PruVen Capital
    *Carolin Funk, Partner, Blue Bear Capital
    *Vibhor Rastogi, Global Head of AI/ML/Data Investments, Citi Ventures
    *Ben Levy, Cofounder, BootstrapLabs
    *Andrew Romans, General Partner, 7BC Venture Capital, Moderator
    Confidential videos available for 7BC Portfolio Company 7-Minute Presentations
    Ryan Welsh, cofounder & CEO, Kyndi - generative AI answer engine for enterprises ($42.8m funding to date)
    Delivering immediate, accurate, and trusted answers to enterprise users with the power of large language models.
    John Green, cofounder & CEO, Nada - Unlocking wealth with real-estate. Real estate FinTech ($11.4m funding to date)
    Nada's platform makes it possible for investors to own a piece of a top city’s home equity market with as little as $100 ("Cityfunds") and for homeowners to cash out home equity without the burden of taking on debt ("Homeshares"). Their platform brings this two-sided market together - delivering access to investors and liquidity to homeowners.
    Matthew Speitel, CFO, Umbra - Space and Earth based datasets for your defense, intelligence and analytics solutions. ($125m funding to date)
    We design, build, launch, and operate satellites for high resolution Earth observation, new communications capabilities, and exquisite signal monitoring for low cost distribution via an integrated web platform.
    Eric Menees, cofounder & CEO, Fynn Credit, Solving America's skilled labor shortage ($11m equity & $25m debt raised to date)
    Fynn offers loan services for school students. Their loans are private loans, and they do not have the same terms, repayment options, or rates as those offered through federal loan programs, other private lenders, or school based financing options.
    https://www.7bc.vc/https://www.linkedin.com/in/romans/
    Join the conversation, leave comments, and tell us what you think about these topics and this episode.

    21 min
  • Episode #91, VC Panel Part II @7BC San Francisco event Nov 14, 2023

    Episode #91, Part II of the VC Panel at the 7BC Venture Capital San Francisco event Nov 14, 2023

    *Benjamin D. Black, Co-founder and Managing Director, Akkadian Ventures
    *Victoria Cheng, Partner, PruVen Capital
    *Carolin Funk, Partner, Blue Bear Capital
    *Vibhor Rastogi, Global Head of AI/ML/Data Investments, Citi Ventures
    *Ben Levy, Cofounder, BootstrapLabs
    *Andrew Romans, General Partner, 7BC Venture Capital, Moderator
    Confidential videos available for 7BC Portfolio Company 7-Minute Presentations
    Ryan Welsh, cofounder & CEO, Kyndi - generative AI answer engine for enterprises ($42.8m funding to date)
    Delivering immediate, accurate, and trusted answers to enterprise users with the power of large language models.
    John Green, cofounder & CEO, Nada - Unlocking wealth with real-estate. Real estate FinTech ($11.4m funding to date)
    Nada's platform makes it possible for investors to own a piece of a top city’s home equity market with as little as $100 ("Cityfunds") and for homeowners to cash out home equity without the burden of taking on debt ("Homeshares"). Their platform brings this two-sided market together - delivering access to investors and liquidity to homeowners.
    Matthew Speitel, CFO, Umbra - Space and Earth based datasets for your defense, intelligence and analytics solutions. ($125m funding to date)
    We design, build, launch, and operate satellites for high resolution Earth observation, new communications capabilities, and exquisite signal monitoring for low cost distribution via an integrated web platform.
    Eric Menees, cofounder & CEO, Fynn Credit, Solving America's skilled labor shortage ($11m equity & $25m debt raised to date)
    Fynn offers loan services for school students. Their loans are private loans, and they do not have the same terms, repayment options, or rates as those offered through federal loan programs, other private lenders, or school based financing options.
    https://www.7bc.vc/https://www.linkedin.com/in/romans/
    Join the conversation, leave comments, and tell us what you think about these topics and this episode.

    21 min
  • Episode #90, Down rounds & pay-to-pay provisions, raising at a lower valuation

    Episode #90, Down rounds & pay-to-pay provisions, raising at a lower valuation on Fireside with a VC

     

    Ben Kern, Partner at Winston & Strawn LLP, corporate securities veteran, discusses the details of how startups raise funding in down rounds at lower valuations than the last funding round as well as more punitive financings that cram down or wipe out existing investors that do not Pay-to-Play wiring capital into the

    new financing. We discuss the different tools in the tool kit of how these financings are legally structured and what it means to all parties and how to sail through these very choppy waters.


    Find the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0RqBNqLGckQ.

     

    Find this and all full episodes for Fireside with a VC on your favorite podcast platform here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/FiresideVC

     

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamindkern/

     

     

    https://www.7bc.vc/

     

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/romans/

     

    Join the conversation, leave comments, and tell us what you think about these topics and this episode.

     

    Join us in person for the next 7BC San Francisco VC Insight Panel & networking reception November 14th .

    https://7BCinSF.eventbrite.com

    44 min
  • Episode #89, Jarred Kessler, CEO, EasyKnock fintech, real-estate tech

    Episode #89, Jarred Kessler, CEO, EasyKnock fintech, real-estate tech, 15th largest home owner in the US

    • Discussing the dynamics of inflation, interest rates and the volatile US residential real-estate market;
    • Running a New York fintech / real-estate startup before, during, and after Covid;
    • Raising over $120m of equity funding and $600m of debt financing;
    • How they became the 15th largest owner of single residential homes in the US in less than 7 years;
    • The Operating Company/Property Company (Opco/Propco) company structure;
    • Overseeing high-velocity growth in headcount, acquiring and integrating other companies successfully;
    • Managing growth between funding rounds; continuing to innovate product development and service offerings;
    • The interesting interplay between credit card debt, interest rates, inflation, the housing market;
    • The changing percentage of Americans that qualify for a home mortgage;
    • Advice on how to raise VC funding;
    • The difference between raising VC vs debt financing;
    • Managing growth vs profitability, pushing back on investors, and preparing for fundraising in the next economic cycle;
    • Various paths to an exit for a company like EasyKnock


      • Find the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qJttkx2KJRA.

       

      Find this and all full episodes for Fireside with a VC on your favorite podcast platform here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/FiresideVC

       

      https://www.easyknock.com/

       

      https://www.7bc.vc/

       

      https://www.linkedin.com/in/romans/

       

      Join the conversation, leave comments, and tell us what you think about these topics and this episode.

       

      Join us in person for the next 7BC San Francisco VC Insight Panel & networking reception November 14th .

      https://7BCinSF.eventbrite.com

      38 min
    • #88, QSBS not paying tax on capital gains

      Episode #88, Everything you need to know about Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS), the exemption that allows investors in startups or investors in VC funds that invest in startups to NOT pay capital gains tax on the greater of the first $10m of capital gains or 10x the cost basis (what you paid for the stock). A discussion of what qualifies and what does not, how this plays with the amount of funding, the value of the balance sheet at the time of the investment, holding period, how to tack or rollover, SAFEs compared to priced rounds and convertible notes to get the tax exemption, how it applies to founders and not only investors, how to document it and when it does not apply.

      Roger Royse is a Silicon Valley career corporate and tax partner at law firm Haynes and Boone.

      https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerroyse/

       

      Find this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/j18ziU2fWg0.

       

      Find this and all episodes for Fireside with a VC here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/FiresideVC

       

      https://www.linkedin.com/in/romans/

      22 min

    About Fireside with a VC

    From the publisher's feed

    Andrew Romans, General Partner of 7BC Venture Capital, 3x author, and university professor, talks to VCs, founders and other VC-startup ecosystem players about all things venture capital, startups,…

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