Patriotism isn't exactly a comfortable topic in venture. Faith often feels equally off-limits. But Andy Will—managing partner at Willpower VC—is unafraid to embrace both openly, believing deeply that venture capital can indeed be a fundamentally patriotic act.

In this candid, thoughtful, and at times provocative conversation, Andy unpacks what patriotism means to him: not flag-waving or chest-thumping, but actively building the world you want to see through meaningful, economically empowering ventures. His conviction comes from a deeply personal place—growing up as the son of military parents, witnessing his father's profound impact on wounded soldiers at Walter Reed, and carrying forward their legacy of service into a career defined by conviction and vulnerability.

Andy doesn't shy away from controversy here. We discuss openly why he believes venture done right can be an inherently patriotic act—because it enables societal change, economic empowerment, and the opportunity to shape the country we love. Equally compelling is his willingness to discuss faith and authenticity in an industry often dominated by data-driven personas.

We also explore:

• Andy’s deeply personal motivations for leaving traditional finance and launching Willpower VC.

• His thoughtful reflections on growing up in a military family and how that shaped his worldview.

• The practical ways patriotism and faith manifest in his fund's thesis and interactions with founders.

• The tension and synthesis between being an "artisan" GP versus an "algorithmic" investor.

• Real stories from the trenches of fundraising, including why saying "no" to tempting shortcuts helped preserve his fund’s integrity.

This conversation isn't just about patriotism and faith—it's about how we show up fully as investors, entrepreneurs, and human beings, with all the complexities and contradictions that entails.

I hope you listen with openness and curiosity. It’s rare to hear such vulnerability and nuance about topics too often simplified or sidestepped entirely.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Andy Will

04:18 The Journey to Starting Willpower Venture Capital

07:11 Childhood Influences and Values

10:09 The Impact of Military Family Background

13:00 Patriotism and the Role of Venture Capital

16:20 Connecting Personal Values to Business

19:01 The Art of Fundraising and Building Relationships

22:03 Navigating Challenges as a Solo GP

25:03 The Importance of Support Systems

27:57 Artisan vs. Algorithm in Venture Capital

31:05 Identifying Ideal Founders for Investment

34:03 The Role of Personal Interactions in Diligence

34:43 Navigating Personal Interactions in Investment Decisions

37:55 The Journey of a Solo GP

40:20 Building Trust and Partnerships

42:38 The Challenge of Investor Expectations

44:55 The Nuances of Risk in Solo GP Dynamics

48:42 The Importance of Support Networks

52:45 Advice for Aspiring Solo GPs

55:14 Influential Figures in the Journey

56:51 Reflections on Low and High Points

59:13 Legacy and Values for Future Generations