In The Room with Mac Conwell, the Managing Partner and founder of RareBreed Ventures.

After founding a few of his own startups, Mac’s life changed when he learned about the world of VCs and funders. This inspired him to start RareBreed Ventures, a pre-seed fund that invests in founders outside of large tech ecosystems. Mac and RareBreed provide resources, capital, and financial education to new and underrepresented founders. This episode discusses; strategies for bridging the gap between funders and marginalized founders, the unique uses of TEDCO, a state-sponsored VC that provides resources to early stage companies in Maryland, and how Mac is utilizing Rule 506(c) to publicly fund new founders.

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0:17 - Where did Mac grow up and how did that shape his view of the world?
1:21 - How did Mac’s early career start put him on a path to entrepreneurship?
3:15 - At what point did Mac decide to quit his job and become an entrepreneur?
5:06 - What resources are available now versus when Mac started his career?
5:53 - Who did Mac start his first company with?
8:59 - How did Mac’s experience as a founder lead him to venture?
12:27 - What is it like to be primarily investing in your home state?
16:19 - Is there a “top of the funnel” issue when it comes to who is receiving funding and financial education?
18:13 - What is TEDCO and how is it tying venture to state funding?
20:13 - Why did Mac start RareBreed Ventures?
21:31 - How and why does Mac have a “become an LP” button on his website?
26:46 - Who are some of Mac’s favorite companies that he works with?
30:46 - How will access to capital change for new founders in the future?
33:32 - What’s next for Mac?
34:30 - Who is a woman that has had a profound impact on Mac and his career?

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Season 5 of The Room Podcast is sponsored by our friends at Silicon Valley Bank and Cooley.

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