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