Portfolio Pitch

Before Firebrand, Chris Marks founded his own firm Blue Note Ventures that invested early stage in technology startups with authentic founders. After meeting his partner John Fein at Techstars, the two merged funds and are operating as Firebrand Ventures, John's first fund. In today's episode, Chris and Emily discuss what it’s been like merging VC firms, how a Techstars connection brought them together, and why Austin, Texas is the next big place for venture.

Caroline Casson is a partner at Vitalize Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on making capital more accessible. Before working in venture, Caroline studied math and psychology and participated in marketing and insurance internships where she learned what she didn't want to do. After discovering venture, Caroline found her true passion by investing in the future of work and learning all while building her personal brand outside of venture.

Mike Freeman is CEO and General Partner at Innosphere Ventures, a venture capital firm located in Fort Collins, CO. In this episode, Emily and Mike chat about red flags in founders, university involvement in venture, what region is the most exciting, and advice for up-and-coming investors.

Jim Franklin is an angel investor based in Boulder, CO and ex-CEO who attributes his personal success to connecting Colorado success stories via collecting people, stories, and capital. Today Emily talked to Jim about his law degree, his philanthropic investment thesis, and why you should invest in what you know.