In this episode of Lead On Purpose, I sit down with Robbie Paul from Icehouse Ventures to demystify venture capital and what it really takes to back world class founders. We unpack risk and reward, bootstrapping versus raising capital, the traits behind standout leadership, and why trust and honesty are non negotiable in a long game industry.

What we cover:

• What venture capital actually is, and why it has a different risk and return profile to KiwiSaver and index funds
• Bootstrapping versus taking capital, and how external funding can level up ambition, clarity, and accountability
• Behind the scenes stories from Kiwi success plays like Crimson and Power by Proxy, and what makes a founder worth backing
• The reality of failure in venture, why safe bets rarely create outsized outcomes, and what successful founders do differently
• How to pitch and build relationships the right way, plus why honesty beats hype when trust is the real currency

If you want a clearer understanding of how great companies are built, why people matter more than ideas, and what long term leadership really looks like, this conversation will stretch your thinking.

• You can learn more about IceHouse Ventures here - https://www.icehouseventures.co.nz/investors
• Connect with Robbie on LinkedIn here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertjpaul/?originalSubdomain=nz
• If you’re interested in having me deliver a keynote or workshop for your team contact Caroline at [email protected]

Website: https://www.jjlaughlin.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6GETJbxpgulYcYc6QAKLHA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesLaughlinOfficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameslaughlinofficial/ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/life-on-purpose-with-james-laughlin/id1547874035 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3WBElxcvhCHtJWBac3nOlF?si=hotcGzHVRACeAx4GvybVOQ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameslaughlincoaching/

James Laughlin is a High Performance Leadership Coach, Former 7-Time World Champion, Host of the Lead On Purpose Podcast and an Executive Coach to high performers and leaders. James is based in Christchurch, New Zealand.

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Join me at the 2026 Goal-setting Workshop here - jjlaughlin.com/2026goals

- If you're interested in booking me for a keynote or workshop, contact Caroline at [email protected]

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