In this episode, Alex Rawlings speaks with Amias Gerety, Partner at QED Investors, a leading fintech-focused VC firm managing nearly $1B in assets. Amias shares insights on venture capital strategy, staying disciplined during market hype, sourcing deals, and how lessons from his time at the U.S. Treasury shape his investment decisions today.

⏱ Episode Highlights:

00:00 – Intro & QED Overview
QED’s structure, fintech focus, and global reach.

01:20 – VC Mistakes & Market Hype
The danger of "paying ahead of growth," especially in AI.

03:12 – Staying Disciplined
Simple metrics and historical heuristics that guide better investment decisions.

04:39 – Deal Dynamics in VC vs PE
Why proprietary deal flow in VC means getting in early — before companies start raising.

07:26 – Hunting vs. Gathering
How QED targets specific companies instead of waiting for inbound deals.

08:51 – Building Relationships
Top-heavy structure means founders speak directly with partners on the first call.

14:43 – Using Senior Talent Early
Deploying high-value advisors like Capital One co-founder Nigel Morris from the start.

16:09 – Biggest Mistake in Venture
Ignoring founder misalignment — “If it’s a maybe, it’s a no.”

18:25 – CEO Ownership in Startups
Why QED avoids deals where founders don’t have control — unlike PE’s model.

20:43 – Operating Partners in VC
VC success comes from entrepreneurial operators who aim to join portfolio companies.

24:31 – Honest Career Advice
Be clear about whether you want to be an operator or an investor — ambiguity causes misalignment.

25:59 – Treasury Lessons
Decision-making under pressure during the financial crisis informs his bold, data-light approach in VC.

30:12 – What He Reads
Only old books — for timeless thinking and unexpected insights.

31:46 – Connect with Amias
Reach out via LinkedIn.

Amias offers a rare perspective bridging government, fintech, and venture capital — a must-listen for anyone navigating today’s competitive investing landscape.

Raw Selection partners with Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies to secure exceptional executive talent. We focus on de-risking executive recruitment through meticulous search and selection processes, ensuring top-tier performance and long-term success.

🔗 Connect with Alex Rawlings on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexrawlings/
🌐 Visit Raw Selection: www.raw-selection.com

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