upside

Interview begins: 6:36
Debrief: 48:89

Today we're talking with Will Price the Founder and General Partner of Next Frontier Capital. 

Will founded Next Frontier Capital to partner with mission-driven, talented entrepreneurs to build Montana technology companies of impact, utility, value. Will’s career spans venture capital investing as well as operational, transactional, and advisory roles at both public and private companies. 

They focus on leading seed to early-stage Series A financings in the Rocky Mountains, with a preference to invest in rounds of $2-4m.

With a Montana family history dating to the 1850s, Will is passionate about investing in the state’s promising future.

Key points: 

• Getting into tech - 8:29
• Venture side versus Operating side - 9:47
• Importance of intimacy - 16:54
• Taking risks for fund - 22:27
• VC's not syndicating anymore - 28:27
• Regional Venture Capital - 39:50

Learn more about Next Frontier Capital: https://www.nextfrontiercapital.com/
Follow Will Price: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pricew/

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This episode of upside is sponsored by Ethos Wealth Management. Managing wealth with an eye toward the future demands vigilance and skill in today’s global economy. Over the years, Ethos Wealth Management has worked with clients and their other professional advisors – including attorneys and accountants – to create comprehensive wealth management plans designed to make the best use of their wealth today and help ensure its endurance for future generations.

They can do the same for you. 

Visit upside.fm/ethos to learn more.

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This episode of upside is also sponsored by Tresta. Tresta is a mobile app that lets you do business calling and texting from anywhere. With Tresta, you can set up your business phone number, download the app, and start calling and texting UNLIMITED right away.

Tresta is the best business phone app on the market, whether you’re a founder or freelancer / just starting your business, or you’re already established. Growing your network and your business is all about communication. You’ve got to be available, no matter where you are. Tresta offers the call management features that empower you to communicate smarter and more efficiently, like auto attendants, call recording, user groups, and more. And you don’t need any special equipment – just the smartphone you’re already using. Tresta is easy to configure, so you can set everything up yourself – all online.

It’s just $15 per user per month, with no contract, so start your free 30-day trial today at https://tresta.com/upside

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Want to share information about your company, or an opportunity with the upside audience?

Book a classified advertisement and your advertisement will be read in an upcoming episode of the show.

Classified ads are priced at $100, and are:

• read by Jay and/or Eric on upside
• linked from the show notes
• linked from this website, upside.fm

Interview begins: 5:16
Debrief: 43:55

Unpopular Ventures is led by Peter Livingston, whose experience is almost entirely in startups - as both an operator and investor. He was the first engineer at iRhythm (IPO 2016) and was the founder/CEO at Lifesquare (backed by Kleiner Perkins).

He has been angel investing since 2013, made >150 investments to date, and has produced investment returns well within the top decile of VC industry performance.

Peter founded Unpopular Ventures to keep investing in startups - but with a bigger family, bigger checks, and bigger impact.

Key points: 

• Disagreeing about corporate VCs (9:11)
• Syndicate Model (13:37)
• Investors and the syndicate (16:13)
• Not following the traditional fund (26:35)
• Building trust (31:25)
• Edification (39:23)

Learn more about Jump Capital: https://unpopular.vc/

Follow Peter’s Syndicate: https://angel.co/unpopularvc/syndicate

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Want to share information about your company, or an opportunity with the upside audience?

Book a classified advertisement and your advertisement will be read in an upcoming episode of the show.

Classified ads are priced at $100, and are:

• Read by Jay and/or Eric on upside
• Linked from the show notes
• Linked from this website, upside.fm

Interview begins: 6:08

Debrief begins: 37:58

Today we are talking with Saurabh Sharma He is a partner at Jump Capital, a thesis led sector-focused and operating centric venture capital firm specializing in series A and B in growth-stage investments, Jump Capital invest in data-driven technology companies within the FinTech, B2B SaaS, IT data infrastructure and media sectors.

Saurabh has a diverse background in investing, operations & product management and leads Jump's efforts in Enterprise Software and IT Infrastructure, his career as a High-Performance Computing researcher at French National Institute for Scientific Research where he focused on Compiler Optimization for mission-critical computing.

Key points: 

• Private equity style in India. (10:19)
• Working for Groupon (12:18)
• Limitations when it comes to data science (14:56)
• What makes Jump Capital different? (18:47)

Learn more about Jump Capital: https://jumpcap.com

Follow Saurabh Sharma on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saurabh-sharma-6ba69a1/

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This episode of upside is also sponsored by Tresta. Tresta is a mobile app that lets you do business calling and texting from anywhere. With Tresta, you can set up your business phone number, download the app, and start calling and texting UNLIMITED right away.

Tresta is the best business phone app on the market, whether you’re a founder or freelancer / just starting your business, or you’re already established. Growing your network and your business is all about communication. You’ve got to be available, no matter where you are. Tresta offers the call management features that empower you to communicate smarter and more efficiently, like auto attendants, call recording, user groups, and more. And you don’t need any special equipment – just the smartphone you’re already using. Tresta is easy to configure, so you can set everything up yourself – all online.

It’s just $15 per user per month, with no contract, so start your free 30-day trial today at https://tresta.com/upside

–

Want to share information about your company, or an opportunity with the upside audience?

Book a classified advertisement and your advertisement will be read in an upcoming episode of the show.

Classified ads are priced at $100, and are:

• Read by Jay and/or Eric on upside
• Linked from the show notes
• Linked from this website, upside.fm

Interview begins: 6:08

Debrief begins: 42:55

Today our guest is Chetan Parekh. Chetan is the Senior Brand Director & Innovation Portfolio Leader at P&G Ventures. He leads a multi-disciplinary team in charge of creating new businesses and building partnerships to serve the aging consumer and their caregiving ecosystem. His portfolio focuses on building brands behind innovative technologies and business models to shape the rapidly emerging at-home aging space. 

In this episode, we’re talking about the Startup Studio within Procter & Gamble Ventures. Chetan has been on the leadership team at P&G Ventures for years now, charged with building new verticals in the next billion-dollar brands for Procter & Gamble.

Procter & Gamble Ventures focuses on creating these new brands and businesses that improve how people care for their families, clean their homes, and elevate their well being. They put out some of their focus areas for new consumer brands. And they’re focused on chronic conditions, sleep, nontoxic home and garden, women’s wellness, personal performance, active aging, male wellness, and menopause.

Key points: 

• Working for a large CPG company (7:52)
• What is means to be a sustainable brand? (14:00)
• P&G Ventures studio model (15:15)
• Caregiving ecosystem (21:55)
• Consume Products context (24:56)
• How they measure progress? (34:15)
• Keeping up with fast-paced consumers (38:19)

Learn more about Procter & Gamble Ventures Startup Studio: https://pgventuresstudio.com/

Follow Chetan Parekh on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chetan-parekh/

Follow upside on Twitter: https://twitter.com/upsidefm

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Upside classifieds

Want to share information about your company, or an opportunity with the upside audience?

Book a classified advertisement and your advertisement will be read in an upcoming episode of the show.

Classified ads are priced at $100, and are:

• read by Jay and/or Eric on upside
• linked from the show notes
• linked from this website, upside.fm

Interview begins: 8:38

Debrief begins: 51:03

Today we’re talking with Eric Martell, the founder of Pear Commerce. Pear Commerce enables CPG companies to drive real transactions from existing national ads and retailers to build their online channel with new customers and repeat purchases. 

Pear Commerce is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Eric is a venture partner at Generator. He was the managing director of Generator Minnesota until September 2018. 

Eric’s foray into startups happened in 2009 when he co-founded EatStreet with Alex Wyler. Eric collaborated with Alex to build early iterations of EatStreet’s product and various tech-enabled marketing tools and strategies. Eric eventually transitioned to lead the company’s data-driven efforts to make EatStreet’s marketing, sales, and operations as efficient as possible.

Key points: 

• Deciding to become an entrepreneur (12:26)
• Balance Proclivity (17:00)
• Consumer perspective and workflow (25:37)
• Dealing with non-normal demand cycles (30:02)
• CPC type campaign (38:24)

Learn more about Pear Commerce: https://pearcommerce.com/company/

Follow upside on Twitter: https://twitter.com/upsidefm

This episode is sponsored by Integrity Power Search, the #1 full-stack high growth startup recruiting firm between the coasts. They partner with venture capitalists, private equity groups, and CEOs to build amazing teams for the world’s most disrupting companies.

Learn more about or get in touch with Integrity Power Search: https://upside.fm/integrity

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This episode is also sponsored by RIMS.

RIMS is a global organization dedicated to the profession of risk management. For nearly 60 years, RIMS has delivered the latest strategies and resources that allow risk professionals to grow, innovate, and succeed—in any business.

RIMS works with industry leaders to produce content and online training that business professionals turn to. Topics include business continuity, cyber risk, risk management techniques, the fundamentals of insurance, and more. There is also a private, members-only site where people can discuss sensitive issues and get honest answers. Members have been leaning on each other as we all navigate the global pandemic. 

If you're concerned about the safety of your employees and the sustainability of your organization, you need the resources and connections RIMS provides. Learn more at https://go.rims.org/upside. You can save 25% off a year-long membership.

--

This episode of upside is also sponsored by Tresta. Tresta is a mobile app that lets you do business calling and texting from anywhere. With Tresta, you can set up your business phone number, download the app, and start calling and texting UNLIMITED right away.

Tresta is the best business phone app on the market, whether you're a founder or freelancer / just starting your business, or you're already established. Growing your network and your business is all about communication. You've got to be available, no matter where you are. Tresta offers the call management features that empower you to communicate smarter and more efficiently, like auto attendants, call recording, user groups, and more. And you don't need any special equipment – just the smartphone you're already using. Tresta is easy to configure, so you can set everything up yourself – all online.

It's just $15 per user per month, with no contract, so start your free 30-day trial today at https://tresta.com/upside

Interview begins: 8:46

Debrief begins: 44:36

This week we're speaking with Jason Illian, Managing Director of Koch Disruptive Technologies.

Jason was the founder and CEO of BookShout, the world's leading B2B e-book company. He has presented at the Goldman Sachs Technology & Internet Conference, the Credit Suisse Global Media and Communications Convergence Conference, and hundreds of other organizations. He has been featured on ABC, in The New York Times, and numerous radio interviews.

As the mid-to-late stage venture arm of Koch Industries, KDT invests in technology companies that disrupt and transform Koch’s core businesses and expand into new platforms and capabilities. Segments being explored include artificial intelligence, blockchain and crypto, bio IT and genomics, and industrial robotics.

Key Points:

• Commerce and Technology (8:56)
• Koch: what and who is it for? (10:49)
• In measuring progress (16:43)
• Frontlines (28:02)
• KDT's reputation in the marketplace (31:19)
• The Inspiration (39:11)
• Fundamental Shift (41:53)

Learn more about Koch Disruptive Technologies: https://kochdisruptivetechnologies.com/

Follow upside on Twitter: https://twitter.com/upsidefm

Connect with Jason: https://twitter.com/jasonillian

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This episode is sponsored by Integrity Power Search, the #1 full stack high growth startup recruiting firm between the coasts. They partner with venture capitalists, private equity groups and CEOs to build amazing teams for the world’s most disrupting companies.

Learn more about or get in touch with Integrity Power Search: https://upside.fm/integrity

–

This episode is also sponsored by RIMS.

RIMS is a global organization dedicated to the profession of risk management. For nearly 60 years, RIMS has delivered the latest strategies and resources that allow risk professionals to grow, innovate, and succeed—in any business.

RIMS works with industry leaders to produce content and online training that business professionals turn to. Topics include business continuity, cyber risk, risk management techniques, the fundamentals of insurance and more. There is also a private, members-only site where people can discuss sensitive issues and get honest answers. Members have been leaning on each other as we all navigate the global pandemic. 

If you're concerned about the safety of your employees and the sustainability of your organization, you need the resources and connections RIMS provides. Learn more at https://go.rims.org/upside. You can save 25% off a year-long membership.

Interview begins: 7:40

Debrief begins: 45:20

In this episode, we are discussing the challenges and opportunities of economic growth outside Silicon Valley with Patrick Mckenna, Managing Partner and founder of One America Works; a non-profit focused on addressing the geographic, economic divide across the country. 

Patrick started as a technology officer for the Army, then continued his career as a mergers and acquisitions banker on Wall Street. After he started his own company, he began his journey, trying to create a unique vision of the world and the ways companies access their talents nowadays.

Today, Patrick is going to talk about the importance of analyzing and understanding the conditions in which today's talents are being formed and how this knowledge can set significant leverage for people who are starting their companies outside Silicon Valley and other technological matrices in America.

Key Points:

• Why the valley as the headquarters? (10:50)
• Working in and out of the valley (14:53)
• Getting started in terms of location (18:10)
• Talent Resourcing (22:05)
• Four Elements in investing (26:00)
• Regional Investing (27:35)
• One America Works (29:17)
• High rating cities (39:31)

Learn more about One America Works: https://oneamericaworks.org/
Follow upside on Twitter: https://twitter.com/upsidefm

Connect with Patrick: https://twitter.com/patrick_mckenna
–

This episode is sponsored by Integrity Power Search, the #1 full stack high growth startup recruiting firm between the coasts. They partner with venture capitalists, private equity groups and CEOs to build amazing teams for the world’s most disrupting companies.

Learn more about or get in touch with Integrity Power Search: https://upside.fm/integrity
–

This episode of upside is sponsored by Tresta. Tresta is a mobile app that lets you do business calling and texting from anywhere. With Tresta, you can set up your business phone number, download the app, and start calling and texting UNLIMITED right away.

Tresta is the best business phone app on the market, whether you’re a founder or freelancer / just starting your business, or you’re already established. Growing your network and your business is all about communication. You’ve got to be available, no matter where you are. Tresta offers the call management features that empower you to communicate smarter and more efficiently, like auto attendants, call recording, user groups, and more. And you don’t need any special equipment – just the smartphone you’re already using. Tresta is easy to configure, so you can set everything up yourself – all online.

It’s just $15 per user per month, with no contract, so start your free 30-day trial today at https://tresta.com/upside

-

This episode is also sponsored by RIMS.

RIMS is a global organization dedicated to the profession of risk management. For nearly 60 years, RIMS has delivered the latest strategies and resources that allow risk professionals to grow, innovate, and succeed—in any business.

RIMS works with industry leaders to produce content and online training that business professionals turn to. Topics include business continuity, cyber risk, risk management techniques, the fundamentals of insurance and more. There is also a private, members-only site where people can discuss sensitive issues and get honest answers. Members have been leaning on each other as we all navigate the global pandemic. 

If you're concerned about the safety of your employees and the sustainability of your organization, you need the resources and connections RIMS provides. Learn more at https://go.rims.org/upside. You can save 25% off a year-long membership.

Interview Begins: 7:11
Debrief Begins: 42:31

In this episode, we'll be talking with Andrew D'Souza, the co-founder and CEO of Clearbanc. 

Along with his partners, he has raised hundreds of millions of dollars in venture capital. At the same time, they help entrepreneurs to grow their businesses exponentially. He started as a management consultant for a couple of years and then spent the last ten years building a few tech companies leading their sales marketing efforts and leading their fundraising efforts.   

Clearbanc defines itself as a revenue share agreement, and it’s a company dedicated to providing new businesses the funds they need today in exchange for a portion of future revenue. Today, Andrew is going to address some of the challenges that a large part of startups face today and how companies like his improve their chances to grow reasonably. 

Key Points:

• Ad: Hear about how Integrity Power Search make quality hiring for you. (5:15)
• Ad: RIMS sustains your organization and the employees even during this global pandemic (6:35)
• D'Souza's framework on venture capital led in founding Clearbanc. (7:26)
• Engineering, Sales and Marketing goes well together (9:57)
• On validating on which paradigm works on a business (11:50)
• Geographical Challenges in handling American investors (16:03)
• Clearbanc's revenue share agreement (17:19)
• Who's Eligible for Clearbanc? (19:44)
• A Venture Capital firm relying on Data and Technology (22:41)
• E-commerce emerges during COVID (33:18)
• Investors connecting globally through OmniValley (41:03)

Learn more about Clearbanc: https://clearbanc.com/
Follow upside on Twitter: https://twitter.com/upsidefm
–

This episode is sponsored by Integrity Power Search, the #1 full stack high growth startup recruiting firm between the coasts. They partner with venture capitalists, private equity groups and CEOs to build amazing teams for the world’s most disrupting companies.

Learn more about or get in touch with Integrity Power Search: https://upside.fm/integrity

–

This episode is also sponsored by OmniValley. OmniValley is a platform specifically and exclusively designed for investors. It provides transparency and access into entrepreneurial ecosystems – regardless of geography and market size.

OmniValley wants to help you make meaningful connections faster. Today OmniValley's platform connects over 600 investors spanning over 200 global ecosystems.

Claim your profile: https://omnivalley.co
Advertise with an upside classified: https://upside.fm/classifieds

Interview begins: 5:50
Debrief begins: 39:35

Nick Cooney is the Founder and Managing Director of Lever VC.

Lever VC is a new fund focused in alternative animal products, including alternative proteins, meats, and plant-based dairy products. Their portfolio includes some of the biggest brands in alternative animal products, including Beyond Meat and Impossible Burgers.

Nick Cooney has been heavily involved in the alternative animal product industry over the past fifteen years. Today, he teaches us the three common ways alternative proteins are created, his opinions on the ethical questions relevant to this industry, and the future of alternative meat products.

We discuss:

• Ad: Finding experienced employees for your new business with Integrity Power Search (4:22)
• Nick's initial interest in alternative meat products (6:48)
• Three methods to creating alternative meats (8:42)
• Industry acceptance of animal product alternatives (12:57)
• Consumer want (17:58)
• How healthy is alternative protein? (20:46)
• Ease of making 'novel species' meats (22:46)
• Regulation and moral questions (26:03)
• Market balance (29:06)
• Taste (30:22)
• Future of alternative meat (32:42)
• Ad: Connecting investors online through the Omni Valley network (38:08)

Learn more about Lever VC: https://www.levervc.com/
Follow upside on Twitter: https://twitter.com/upsidefm
–

This episode is sponsored by Integrity Power Search, the #1 full stack high growth startup recruiting firm between the coasts. They partner with venture capitalists, private equity groups and CEOs to build amazing teams for the world’s most disrupting companies.

Learn more about or get in touch with Integrity Power Search: https://upside.fm/integrity
–

This episode is also sponsored by OmniValley. OmniValley is a platform specifically and exclusively designed for investors. It provides transparency and access into entrepreneurial ecosystems – regardless of geography and market size.

OmniValley wants to help you make meaningful connections faster. Today OmniValley's platform connects over 600 investors spanning over 200 global ecosystems.

Claim your profile: https://omnivalley.co
Advertise with an upside classified: https://upside.fm/classifieds

Interview begins: 6:11
Debrief begins: 43:23

Grady Buchanan is the founder and CEO of OmniValley.

OmniValley is an exclusive online investor network focused on helping you create connections anywhere in the world.

They work to showcase and foster under-ventured and emerging entrepreneurial ecosystems by connecting, matching, and introducing all relevant and participatory investor organizations. That includes institutional investors, venture capital firms, accelerators, and ecosystem supporters.

Interview begins: 6:16
Debrief begins: 43:27

We discuss:

• Ad: Finding experienced employees for your new business with Integrity Power Search (5:08)
• Grady's background in finance (6:32)
• Role of LPs in allocating capital (14:22)
• Considerations for allocating capital (17:04)
• Jump from finance analytics to investment (19:44)
• Why start Omni Valley (24:28)
• Grady's other projet, Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained (26:34)
• Omni Valley's future (28:54)
• Current Omni Valley members (33:34)
• Differences from AngelList (35:28)
• Free membership (37:03)
• Becoming a member (39:01)

OmniValley was founded in 2018 and based in Madison, Wisconsin.

Learn more and join OmniValley: https://www.omnivalley.co/
Follow upside on Twitter: https://twitter.com/upsidefm
–

This episode is sponsored by Integrity Power Search, the #1 full stack high growth startup recruiting firm between the coasts. They partner with venture capitalists, private equity groups and CEOs to build amazing teams for the world’s most disrupting companies.

Learn more about or get in touch with Integrity Power Search: https://upside.fm/integrity
Advertise with an upside classified: https://upside.fm/classifieds