In this episode, Megan Ananian from The Helm VC, discusses her career shift from policy to investment banking, her time at Yale SOM, and her role at Wells Fargo. She talks about joining Seed Invest, founding The Helm women's syndicate, and the significance of VC branding and media. The conversation covers market shifts, launching a VC community during the pandemic, and the benefits of virtual meetings. Megan also explores traditional vs. virtual investing, sector-specific funds, and trends in Web3, crypto, and NFTs. The episode wraps up with insights on tech layoffs, flexible work schedules, and networking events.
(0:00) Introduction and career pivot to grad school at Yale SOM
(1:20) Podcast introduction and welcoming Megan
(2:15) Megan's career journey from policy to investment banking
(5:25) Building out the Northeastern division at Wells Fargo and tech curiosity
(7:17) Graduate school decision-making and joining Seed Invest
(9:46) Learning sourcing strategies at Seed Invest and founding The Helm
(13:18) Creating a women's syndicate, importance of VC branding and media
(17:13) Building custom VC products and the need for a directory of VC funds
(21:32) Limited number of venture funds and Tactic discussion
(25:32) Product management feedback and iteration
(26:39) Market shifts and launching a VC community during the pandemic
(28:08) New York's resurgence and virtual meeting efficiencies
(30:37) Alex Hormozi's business strategies and acquisition.com
(33:27) Traditional VCs vs. virtual investing and emerging manager sourcing strategies
(37:05) M&A opportunities and cultural challenges in corporate acquisitions
(40:02) Sector-specific funds expertise and orphan drug manufacturers
(43:28) Trends in Web3, crypto, and NFTs
(47:06) Post-pandemic New York and the great resignation
(50:00) Tech layoffs, job market, and flexible work schedules
(52:25) Closing remarks, future meetups, and networking events
(53:21) Episode conclusion and thank yous