Nothing Ventured

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah sits down with Roger Wade, the visionary founder behind Boxfresh and Boxpark, two iconic British brands. Roger shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings on a South London council estate to building successful companies, including scaling Boxpark into a cultural landmark in East London. He discusses the importance of having a clear destination when starting a business, emphasising that entrepreneurship is not just about quick wins but enjoying the journey. Roger highlights the significance of migrant stories in the UK and advocates for a 'less is more' approach in venture capital. He also sheds light on the philosophy of transparency in investment terms and the importance of innovative thinking in business. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about purpose-driven entrepreneurship and the power of community.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction to Roger Wade

00:00:10 - Roger Wade's Background and Achievements

00:00:32 - Founding BoxFund and Views on Venture Capital

00:00:42 - Journey from Rags to Riches

00:01:39 - Importance of Knowing Your Destination in Business

00:01:54 - Host Introduction and Podcast Purpose

00:02:36 - Starting the Conversation with Roger Wade

00:02:49 - Roger Wade's Early Life and Challenges

00:03:12 - Moving from Malaysia to the UK

00:04:06 - Experiencing Racism in 1970s Britain

00:04:39 - Struggles with Identity and Education

00:06:00 - University Life and Early Career

00:06:34 - Transition to Entrepreneurship

00:06:54 - Building BoxFresh from a Market Stall

00:07:48 - Selling BoxFresh to Pentland

00:08:09 - Early Motivations and Drive

00:09:02 - Challenges of University and Entrepreneurial Traits

00:09:23 - Shifting Motivations with Age and Success

00:10:14 - Ego and Purpose in Business

00:10:31 - Financial Stability and Legacy

00:11:04 - Building BoxPark and Achieving Financial Freedom

00:12:19 - Eastern Philosophy and Life Stages

00:13:30 - Learning from Business Exits

00:14:33 - Planning for an Exit

00:15:20 - Importance of Knowing Your Business Destination

00:16:02 - Building a Team for Exit

00:17:01 - Rapid Growth of BoxPark

00:18:03 - Differences Between BoxFresh and BoxPark

00:18:28 - Connecting the Dots of Life Experiences

00:19:18 - Belief in Physical Retail

00:20:00 - Evolution and Adaptation in Business

00:21:02 - Pivoting BoxPark to Street Food

00:22:23 - Taking Over Alcohol Licenses at BoxPark

00:23:06 - Launching BoxHall Concept

00:23:30 - Relationship with Enough

00:24:09 - Period of Reflection and Therapy

00:25:08 - Controlling the Monkey Mind

00:26:01 - Working Three Days a Week

00:27:06 - Importance of Calmness and Experience

00:28:01 - Time as the Most Precious Commodity

00:29:20 - Life as a Dance Floor

00:30:40 - Realizing Money Doesn't Define Happiness

00:31:11 - Practicing Stoicism and Simple Living

00:32:05 - Focusing on Health, Relationships, and Legacy

00:33:00 - Celebrating Migrant Contributions

00:34:02 - Multicultural Britain

00:35:06 - Migrants and Entrepreneurship

00:36:00 - Personal Reflections on Being a Londoner

00:37:05 - Potential Political Shifts and Immigration

00:38:03 - Positive Impact of Immigrants

00:39:02 - Personal and Family Contributions to the Economy

00:40:11 - Migrant Necessity for Entrepreneurship

00:41:14 - Critique of Traditional Venture Capital

00:42:07 - Broken VC Model and BoxFund's Approach

00:43:11 - Hands-On Investment Approach

00:44:49 - Rejecting the Herd Mentality in Investments

00:45:10 - Issues with Liquidity Preference Shares

Find Roger Wade online at:

LinkedIn:https: //www.linkedin.com/in/rogerwade1/

BoxFund VC: https://www.boxfund.co.uk/

This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B.

Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/

Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Alex Theuma, founder and CEO of SaaStock, and Kenneth Thomas, Principal at BackFuture Ventures. They delve into the importance of building a strong network over a decade to successfully launch a venture capital firm like BackFuture. The conversation touches on the qualitative aspects of venture capital, emphasizing the significance of interpersonal relationships and honest communication. The trio also explores the challenges of raising a fund amid the recent SVB collapse and discusses the current state of the SaaS industry. Alex and Ken reveal how they are evolving the BackFuture brand while maintaining its unique selling proposition. Tune in for insights on navigating the dynamic world of B2B SaaS investment and innovation.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction to Guests and Podcast Overview

00:00:55 - Importance of Building a Network for VC Firms

00:01:24 - Decoupling SaaStock and BackFuture Ventures

00:02:09 - Evolution from SaaStock to BackFuture Ventures

00:02:45 - Transitioning from Community Builder to Investor

00:03:06 - Timing and Network in Launching a VC Firm

00:03:49 - Learning by Doing and Providing Capital

00:05:14 - Conviction in Early-Stage Investments

00:06:30 - Art of Picking Investments and Network Leverage

00:09:16 - Ken Thomas on Community-Driven VC Models

00:10:34 - Channels and Process for Deal Flow

00:11:32 - Portfolio Support and Promotion

00:13:11 - Community as a Distribution Channel and Testing Ground

00:14:37 - Challenges of Raising a Fund During Market Downturn

00:15:05 - Initial Fundraising Experience and Market Impact

00:16:07 - Difficulties in Raising from LPs

00:17:59 - Continued Challenges in Fundraising

00:18:20 - Evolution of BackFuture Ventures' Thesis

00:19:22 - Decoupling SaaStock and BackFuture Ventures Brands

00:20:25 - Is SaaS Dead? The Impact of AI and No-Code Tools

00:21:24 - AI as a Technology and SaaS as a Business Model

00:22:18 - Evolution and Future of SaaS

00:23:52 - AI-Powered SaaS and Legacy SaaS Companies

00:25:03 - Differentiating AI Companies from SaaS Companies

00:26:00 - Founders' Perspective on AI and SaaS

00:27:22 - Enterprise Sales and SaaS Stickiness

00:28:25 - Market Focus: Enterprise vs. SMEs

00:29:49 - Capital Efficiency and Non-Dilutive Funding in SaaS

00:30:47 - Shift Towards Bootstrap Companies

00:32:07 - Competition Among VCs and Fewer VC-Backed Companies

00:32:36 - Impact of COVID on SaaStock and Human Connection

00:34:15 - Transition to Virtual Events During COVID

00:35:55 - Success and Fatigue of Virtual Events

00:37:54 - Importance of Face-to-Face Interaction

00:38:51 - Ken Thomas' Introduction to SaaStock

00:39:46 - Virtual vs. In-Person Events Post-COVID

00:41:09 - Value of In-Person Events and Meaningful Conversations

00:42:34 - Contrarian Convictions and Risk Appetite

00:43:34 - Human Interaction and Emotional Connection

Find Alex Theuma online at:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alextheuma/ /

Twitter: https://x.com/alextheuma /

SaaStock: https://saastock.com

Find Kenneth Thomas online at:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennethkashifthomas/

Backfuture VC: https://backfuture.vc

This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B.

Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/

Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

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In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes back repeat founder, angel investor, and blockchain expert Jay Gujral

for the second part of their insightful conversation. Jay shares his entrepreneurial background, discussing how both of his parents were involved in business, including his father's art shop, Athena. The discussion delves into the current state of the market, particularly in the UK, and explores the intersection of emerging technology, data integrity, and startup ecosystems. Tune in for valuable insights and a deep dive into the evolving landscape of venture capital and entrepreneurship. Don't forget to check out part one for more context!

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Overview

00:00:31 - Host and Podcast Introduction

00:01:04 - Jay's Entrepreneurial Family Background

00:02:06 - Impact of Entrepreneurial Family on Jay

00:03:08 - Early Business Ventures

00:05:10 - Cultural Influence on Entrepreneurship

00:07:09 - State of the Market and Venture Capital

00:08:33 - Challenges for Emerging Fund Managers

00:10:39 - Shift Towards R&D Intensive Businesses

00:12:52 - Community-Led Funds and Web3

00:16:01 - Venture Ecosystem Reset

00:18:18 - European Venture Capital Opportunities

00:19:03 - Project Europe and Emerging Funds

00:21:50 - Age and Success in Entrepreneurship

00:22:28 - Education and Financial Literacy

00:25:10 - UK Entrepreneurship Environment

00:26:39 - Final Thoughts and Reflections

00:27:01 - Contrarian Opinion: Consistency

00:29:19 - Emotional Motivations and Giving Back

00:31:24 - Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Find Jay Gujral online at:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaygujral/

Twitter: https://x.com/JayGujral

Rekord:https: //rekord.io/

This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B.

Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/

Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah sits down with Jay Gujral, a seasoned entrepreneur and angel investor with a deep understanding of blockchain technology. Jay shares his journey from founding Gradlancer, a student freelance marketplace, to his current venture, Record, which aims to provide robust data integrity solutions for businesses. The conversation explores the challenges of blockchain adoption, the role of AI in validating information, and the importance of establishing a reliable system of record. Jay emphasises that the future of digital trust should be accessible without requiring extensive technical knowledge. Tune in to hear insights on the early missteps founders often make and how Record aspires to set a new data standard in the industry.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction to Jay Gujral

Welcome to the episode featuring Jay Gujral, a repeat founder and blockchain expert.

00:01:02 - Web3 and Blockchain Adoption

Discussion on the challenges of Web3 and the need for broader adoption beyond tech circles.

00:04:04 - Understanding Blockchain's Value

Exploring why blockchain matters and its potential beyond cryptocurrency.

00:06:18 - Complexity of Blockchain Solutions

The need for simplicity in blockchain applications for mass market adoption.

00:09:02 - The Current State of Blockchain

Reflections on the hype around blockchain, NFTs, and the impact of recent scandals.

00:10:11 - Marketing Challenges in Crypto

The crypto community's echo chamber and the need for external engagement.

00:11:32 - AI and Blockchain Intersection

How AI's growth necessitates a reliable system of record, potentially fulfilled by blockchain.

00:14:15 - Proof of Data Integrity

The importance of tamper-proof records in the age of AI and misinformation.

00:17:04 - Real-World Applications of Blockchain

Examples of how blockchain can solve real-world problems, such as land title disputes.

00:19:12 - Blockdojo's Approach to Founders

Insights into the support provided to early-stage blockchain founders at Blockdojo.

00:22:57 - The Importance of Focus for Founders

Advice on the necessity for founders to solve specific problems rather than overreach.

00:25:13 - Record's Vision for Data Standards

Discussion on the potential for Record to become a data standard in compliance and risk management.

00:27:44 - Lessons from Gradlancer

Jay reflects on his experience building and selling Gradlancer and what he learned.

00:30:01 - The Evolution of Founding a Startup

Comparing the startup landscape from Gradlancer to current ventures and the changes in approach.

00:35:11 - Decision to Return to Founding

Jay discusses his thought process and motivations for starting again with Record.

Find Jay Gujral online at:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaygujral/

Twitter: https://x.com/JayGujral

Rekord:https: //rekord.io/

This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B.

Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/

Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah is joined by Ed Ebbern and Will McManners, founding partners of MD1 Ventures, Europe's first dedicated national security VC fund. With backgrounds in special forces and defense innovation, they explore the evolving adversarial landscape and the importance of asking better questions in an age of overwhelming data. The discussion highlights the necessity of viewing defense through a preventative lens to avoid conflict, the role of capital access in fostering success, and the vital contributions of small to medium enterprises in developing technological solutions. Tune in for insights on geopolitical narratives and the collective endeavor of security and vigilance in today’s world.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction to MD1 Ventures

00:02:55 - Early Years in Defense

00:03:34 - Shifts in Military Engagement

00:04:38 - Adversarial Environments and Innovation

00:08:09 - Understanding Terrorism Trends

00:10:00 - Founding Relationship Between Will and Ed

00:11:06 - Diversity in Defense Investment

00:12:39 - Government Collaboration Challenges

00:14:59 - Attracting Talent to Government Roles

00:17:03 - The Role of Private Sector in Defense

00:19:23 - Current Security Zeitgeist

00:22:04 - Importance of Supply Chain Security

00:25:11 - Long-Term Investment Strategies

00:27:49 - Addressing Capital Gaps in the UK

00:30:42 - The Role of SMEs in National Security

00:32:07 - Vulnerabilities in Subsea Infrastructure

00:35:12 - The Impact of Non-State Actors

00:38:01 - Conclusion and Future Considerations

Find Ed Ebbern and Will McManners online at:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-mcmanners/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edwardebbern/ /

MD One: https://md-one.com

This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B.

Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/

Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Mike Bank, founder of Underdog, a pre-accelerated syndicate that supports solo and non-traditional founders in launching revenue-generating businesses while maintaining their day jobs. Mike shares insights from his extensive experience as an investment banker, early-stage VC, and angel investor, discussing the challenges and opportunities in starting a business today. The conversation touches on key topics such as the importance of desirability, feasibility, and affordability in business ideas, the evolution of venture capital, and the inspiring story of a 13-year-old entrepreneur selling mystery seeds. Mike emphasizes the need for hard work and determination, breaking down mental barriers to diversity in entrepreneurship. Tune in to explore the journey of launching a business and the support available for aspiring founders.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction to Mike Bank and Underdog

00:01:29 - Mentoring DayZero Founders

00:01:57 - The Acceptability of Failure

00:02:17 - Podcast Promotion and Episode Structure

00:03:04 - The Role of Capital in Business

00:05:24 - Democratization of Innovation and Business Creation

00:06:09 - The Youngest Founder at Underdog

00:07:13 - The Seed Box Business Idea

00:08:17 - Real-World Skills Through Entrepreneurship

00:09:44 - Reflections on University and Failure

00:12:28 - The Importance of Effort and Experience

00:17:27 - Understanding Diversity in Entrepreneurship

00:20:15 - Personal Background and Privilege

00:25:03 - The Challenge of Funding Diverse Founders

00:27:12 - The Evolution of Underdog

00:30:31 - Learning from Failure and Mentorship

00:32:18 - The Value of Networks in Startups

00:39:00 - Open Access and Low Friction for Founders

00:42:02 - Demand Validation in Business Success

Find Mike Bank online at:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfbank/

Twitter: https://x.com/mikefb

Underdog: https://underdogx.co

This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B.

Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/

Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Mike Bank, the founder of Underdog, a pre-accelerated syndicate aimed at supporting solo and non-traditional founders in launching revenue-generating businesses while maintaining their day jobs. Mike shares insights from his extensive career in investment banking, early-stage VC, and as a prolific angel investor with around 100 early-stage bets. The conversation covers a range of topics, including the simplicity of starting a business today, the importance of viewing business ideas through desirability, feasibility, and affordability, and the challenges faced by founders. Mike also reflects on his experience mentoring over 100 DayZero founders, which led to the creation of Underdog, and discusses the significance of hard work in achieving success, irrespective of background. Tune in to learn more about the evolving landscape of venture capital and the inspiring stories of diverse entrepreneurs.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction to Mike Bank and Underdog

00:00:43 - Key Topics of Discussion

00:01:29 - Mentoring DayZero Founders

00:01:57 - Aarish Shah's Introduction and Podcast Details

00:02:49 - Mike Bank's Angel Investing Journey

00:04:07 - Diversity in Angel Investing

00:06:12 - Types of Investments in Mike's Portfolio

00:07:01 - Transition from Investment Banking to Angel Investing

00:09:40 - Mike's Early Entrepreneurial Experiences

00:11:09 - Learning from Failed Deals

00:13:00 - The Importance of Work-Life Balance

00:15:01 - The Reality of Angel Investing and Failure

00:17:35 - The Debate on Agency and Success

00:19:09 - The Role of Safety Nets in Entrepreneurship

00:22:20 - The Importance of Taking Risks

00:25:06 - Building an Ecosystem and Paying It Forward

00:27:10 - Leveraging the Internet for Opportunities

00:28:43 - The Simplicity and Difficulty of Starting a Business

00:29:02 - Tim Ferriss and the Real World MBA

00:31:01 - Learning on Someone Else's Dime

00:33:01 - The Concept of Underdog and Risk Management

00:34:06 - The Challenges of Traditional Accelerators

00:36:02 - The Startup Triangle of Success

00:37:54 - The New Way of Building Businesses

00:39:06 - Venture Capital Returning to Its Roots

00:41:26 - The Contrarian View on Venture Capital

00:42:15 - Misaligned Incentives in Venture Capital

Find Mike Bank online at:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfbank/

Twitter: https://x.com/mikefb

Underdog: https://underdogx.co

This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B.

Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/

Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah sits down with Sam Kaplan, a partner at Five Seasons Ventures, a pan-European venture capital fund focused on investing in iconic and sustainable consumer brands. With an extensive background that includes roles at Citi and Birch Creative Capital, Sam shares invaluable insights into the venture capital landscape. They discuss the intricacies of investing, ranging from small checks of $25,000 to larger sums of $25 million, and delve into the importance of emotional connections to brands in early-stage consumer investing. Sam emphasises that customer acquisition costs reflect brand strength, while retention hinges on product quality, and highlights the unique challenges in consumer sectors compared to tech. The conversation also explores the critical concept of being first-purchase profitable and the significance of careful portfolio construction in venture capital. Tune in for a deep dive into the dynamics of consumer investing and the pivotal role of founders in business success.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

00:00:42 - Overview of Sam Kaplan's Career

00:01:32 - The Importance of Emotional Reaction in Consumer Brands

00:02:03 - Aarish Shah's Background and Podcast Purpose

00:02:51 - Sam Kaplan's Experience at Birch Creative Capital

00:03:30 - Open Door Policy and Learning from All Conversations

00:05:02 - Overcuration and Homogeneity in Venture Capital

00:06:15 - Diversity in Venture Capital and Outliers

00:08:03 - Evaluating Early-Stage Consumer Brands

00:09:03 - Customer Acquisition Cost vs. Retention

00:10:14 - The Role of Brand in All Businesses

00:12:13 - Brand vs. Product in Consumer Goods

00:14:24 - Personal Experience with Brand Loyalty

00:15:05 - The Power of Brand in Commodity Products

00:16:24 - Trust and Brand in Consumer Products

00:17:07 - The Limitations of LTV in Consumer Businesses

00:18:20 - Critical Success Metrics in Consumer Ventures

00:19:03 - Switching Costs in Consumer vs. B2B SaaS

00:20:01 - The Role of ARR in Subscription-Based Consumer Products

00:21:09 - CAC Payback and First Purchase Profitability

00:23:00 - The Challenge of Scaling Consumer Brands

00:24:06 - Identifying Early-Stage Indicators for Success

00:25:06 - The Myth of Economies of Scale in Consumer Ventures

00:26:05 - The Reality of Increasing CAC Over Time

00:27:09 - Strategies for Diversifying Growth Channels

00:28:03 - The Importance of Diversification in Consumer Brands

00:30:16 - The Risks of Diversifying Too Soon

00:31:25 - Supporting New Channels and Geographies

00:32:01 - The Importance of TAM in Consumer Ventures

00:33:06 - Investing in Premium vs. Luxury Brands

00:34:31 - The Challenges of Investing in Luxury Brands

00:36:00 - The End Goal of Venture Funds

00:37:10 - Portfolio Construction in Consumer Ventures

00:38:00 - The Difference Between Tech and Consumer Venture Outcomes

00:39:27 - The Importance of Protecting Downside Risk

00:40:46 - The Role of Entry Valuation

00:42:09 - The Scope of Investment at Five Seasons

00:43:12 - The Risk Profile of Consumer vs. Tech Ventures

00:45:03 - The Importance of Avoiding Zeros in Consumer Portfolios

00:46:07 - The Complexity of Consumer Venture Capital

00:47:51 - The Concept of Value-Add VC

00:49:17 - The Role of Founders vs. VCs in Business Success

Find Sam Kaplan online at:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelmkaplan/

Twitter:https: //x.com/FiveSeasonsVC

Five Seasons Ventures: https://fiveseasons.vc

This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B.

Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/

Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Maya Ghayad, a partner at ID4 Ventures, to discuss the evolving landscape of the venture capital industry. With nearly a decade of experience, Maya shares her insights on the significant changes happening within VC, including the phenomenon known as "the death of the middle." They explore the challenges early-stage founders face when navigating valuations, the importance of thorough diligence, and the necessity of an entrepreneur-friendly approach. Maya emphasises the value of understanding a founder's perspective and highlights how investors should support rather than overshadow them. Tune in for a deep dive into the future of European tech investment and the essential dynamics between founders and their investors.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction to Maya Ghayad and ID4 Ventures

00:01:00 - The Changing Landscape of VC: The Death of the Middle

00:03:00 - Current State of Fundraising for VC Funds

00:04:30 - Emerging Managers and Their Challenges

00:07:00 - The Importance of Due Diligence in VC

00:10:00 - Valuation Challenges for Founders

00:12:00 - The Role of Entrepreneur-Friendly Investing

00:14:00 - Metrics That Matter for Startups

00:16:30 - Navigating the Fundraising Process

00:18:00 - The Value of Accelerators in Today's Market

00:20:00 - Sector-Specific Insights: Space Tech and Beyond

00:22:00 - The Balance Between Founder Autonomy and Investor Guidance

00:24:00 - The Importance of Community and Talent in Startups

00:26:00 - The Impact of Dilution on Founders

00:28:00 - The Future of Accelerators and Their Relevance

00:30:00 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts on VC Dynamics]

Find Maya Ghayad online at:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-gayad-37b69033/

Twitter: https://x.com/Maya_Ghayad

Id4 Ventures: http://www.id4.vc/

This episode is sponsored by EmergeOne, fractional CFOs for venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B.

Get in touch at https://emergeone.co.uk/contact-us/ or join the CFO team at https://emergeone.co.uk/join-the-cfo-team/

Sign up for EmergeOne’s weekly newsletter, Off Balance at https://off-balance.beehiiv.com/subscribe Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com

for information about our collection and use of personal data for

advertising.

In this episode of Nothing Ventured, host Aarish Shah welcomes Simon Kohl, founder of Latent Labs, a startup at the forefront of generative models for computational protein design. Simon shares his journey from studying physics at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology to his pivotal role in DeepMind's AlphaFold projects, where he developed key uncertainty metrics for protein structure predictions. He discusses the recent $50 million Series A funding raised for Latent Labs and its mission to advance AI-driven biotech. The conversation delves into the transformative potential of generative modelling in drug discovery, the significance of presenting ideas effectively, and the importance of agility and decisiveness in fundraising. Tune in to explore the intersection of biology and machine learning, and how it’s shaping the future of scientific innovation.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Introduction to Nothing Ventured and Guest Background

00:01:25 - Overview of Generative Modeling and Protein Design

00:02:00 - Host Introduction and Podcast Purpose

00:02:49 - Simon Cole's Experience at DeepMind

00:03:40 - AlphaFold's Impact on Computational Biology

00:10:11 - Real-World Implications of AlphaFold

00:13:03 - The Future of Computational Biology

00:16:38 - Transitioning from DeepMind to Latent Labs

00:17:24 - Building a Strong Team Across Locations

00:20:00 - Support from DeepMind and Community Response

00:21:12 - Europe's Role in Scientific Innovation

00:24:37 - Latent Labs' Approach to Drug Discovery

00:29:01 - Fundraising Insights and Challenges

00:31:43 - Nimbleness in Fundraising and Decision Making

00:35:47 - Balancing Conviction and Market Feedback

00:41:05 - Geographic Flexibility and Talent Access

00:45:23 - Cultural Integration Across Locations

00:48:40 - Importance of In-Person Offsites for Team Cohesion

Find Simon Kohl online at:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-kohl-4840a7124/

Twitter: https: //x.com/saakohl

Latent Labs: https://www.latentlabs.com/

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