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In this episode of the Build Tech Stack Equity Podcast, we sit with Claudio Barahona, a venture capitalist with Alaya Capital, to explore his journey from an eSports entrepreneur to a prominent VC in Latin America. Claudio shares his background, including growing up in Germany and Chile, building a successful eSports company, and transitioning to the venture capital scene. He reflects on the unique challenges and opportunities in the Latin American startup ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of having an upside in one's career. Claudio discusses Alaya Capital’s investment thesis, focusing on digital startups with proven market fit in Latin America. The episode also highlights trends and success factors for startups in the region, the importance of U.S. education and connections, as well as practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.   If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.   Founder Bio:   Claudio founded his first startup at 18 years old, which he sold six years later. He is a Civil Industrial Engineer from the Universidad de Chile and has devoted a large part of his career to promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in Chile. In addition, he was director of the Chilean Venture Capital Association from 2018 to 2019. Diario Financiero, one of the main business media in his country, recognized him as one of the "Young Influencers 2017" for his outstanding career in the national innovation ecosystem. From 2011 to 2019 he was the Open Innovation Manager of Movistar Chile and leader of Wayra, the initiative of Telefónica that connects the company with startups and innovation ecosystems and invests as corporate venture capital in innovative technology companies with global scalability. In 2019 he founded the initiative Corporate Venturing Latam, which seeks to map and incentivize CVC in LatAm. In 2021 he founded ComoLevantarCapital.com to teach founders how to fundraise VC. He is currently a Managing Partner of Alaya Capital, a Latin American Venture Capital fund, and dedicates some of his time to promoting and teaching Venture Capital in LatAm and making angel investments in startups.   Time Stamps:   00:25 Claudio's Early Life and Career  06:06 Transition to Angel Investing and Corporate Venture Capital  08:38 Corporate Venture Capital Journey  13:53 Difference between the two types of VCs  15:58 Joining Alaya Capital  20:45 Alaya Investment Philosophy and Criteria  24:49 Fund Sizes and Investment Strategies  27:15 Advantages of Delaware C Corps for Latin American Startups  30:00 Opportunities in the Latin American Market  33:36 Successful Business Models in Latin America  39:14 Challenges and Success Profiles of Latin American Founders  46:09 Challenges and Opportunities for New Founders  49:31 Encouragement and Final Thoughts    Resources    Follow Darius Gant  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/m-darius-gant-cpa-44650aa/  Company Website - www.tesoroai.com    Subscribe on Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/4uDVNgsK3iNeu7yU4Inu2n    Subscribe on Apple Podcast:  https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-darius-gant-show/id1527996104    Company website: https://alaya-capital.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alaya-capital/  Twitter (X): https://x.com/AlayaCapital

In this episode of the Build Tech Stack Equity Podcast, Eduardo Kupper, the founder of Airborne Ventures, shares his unique professional journey from an Air Force pilot in Brazil to a Wharton MBA graduate and successful venture capitalist. The conversation delves into his diverse experiences in management consulting at McKinsey, tech entrepreneurship through Rocket Internet, and leading a venture capital arm in one of Brazil's biggest banks. Eduardo outlines the challenges and strategies in raising a $5 million fund in Brazil, emphasizing the importance of adding value to others. He discusses the focus of his first fund and plans for raising a $10 million second fund, highlighting the importance of investing in FinTech, healthcare, and B2B companies in Brazil. Eduardo also elaborates on the VC landscape in Brazil, the significance of productivity and efficiency, and the potential for Brazilian startups to compete on a global scale. Finally, Eduardo provides valuable insights for potential LPs and founders on navigating the Brasilian venture capital market.   If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com [http://www.tesoroai.com]). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.     Founder Bio:   Eduardo is a seasoned VC with 17+ years of experience across various industries and sectors, including entrepreneurship, venture capital, management consulting, private equity, and investment banking. Previously, he served as the Head of VC at Bradesco Venture Capital arm, where he successfully managed two funds totaling R$ 800mm of invested capital and R$ 1.7 billion AUM. As an experienced VC investor, he has made 70+ deals across several stages and industries over the last decade, with successful exits, including a +1bi BRL sale and a Nasdaq IPO, and sat on the boards of several companies in different sectors and stages. As an entrepreneur, he founded and co-founded a few companies, including Remessa Online, Finpass, MAR Ventures, and the Wharton Alumni Angels. As an investor with a track record of successful deals, he has made marquee investments in companies including Beep Saúde, D1, Conexa, Jeitto, Asaas, and Skyone. Highly connected and well-networked within the venture capital industry, with close relationships and co-investments with several VC funds, angel investors, and internet & tech startups. He brings a wealth of expertise and strategic guidance and an eye for promising opportunities, helping to identify and invest in promising startups and drive returns for our investors on ESG-compliant/target companies, reflecting his commitment to responsible and sustainable investing.   Time Stamps:   00:49 Eduardo's Unconventional Path to Venture Capital 05:44 Insights on Venture Building and Finding Founders 08:21 Corporate Venture Capital Experience 10:00 Launching Airborne Ventures 14:06 Investment Strategies and Fund Management 17:34 Reflections on Fund Performance 24:08 Navigating Investment Strategies 26:04 Investment Stages and Requirements 28:21 Leading vs. Following in Investments 30:07 Investment Structures in Brasil 34:18 B2B vs. B2C in Brasil 41:08 Challenges and Strategies for B2B Startups 47:15 Looking Ahead to 2025   Resources   Follow Darius Gant LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/m-darius-gant-cpa-44650aa/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/m-darius-gant-cpa-44650aa/] Company Website - www.tesoroai.com [http://www.tesoroai.com]   Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4uDVNgsK3iNeu7yU4Inu2n   Subscribe on Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-darius-gant-show/id1527996104 [https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-darius-gant-show/id1527996104]   Company website: https://airborne.ventures/ [https://airborne.ventures/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airborne-ventures [https://www.linkedin.com/company/airborne-ventures]

In this episode, Adrian Mendoza, co-founder of Mendoza Ventures, shares his journey from getting started in web design in the early 90s, to founding startups, and eventually transitioning into venture capital. He details his career progression, his experiences in the tech and design intersection, and his work at companies like Disney and startups during the dot-com boom. Adrian delves into the firm's focus on AI, fintech, and cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of investing in sectors they know well. He also touches on the challenges and strategies of raising a fund, the importance of a strong network, thematic focus, and the unique approach of supporting diverse and underrepresented founders. Additionally, they discuss the current and future landscape of AI startups, focusing on the challenges and opportunities in the sector. Adrian provides insights into how Mendoza Ventures supports both founders and LPs, fostering a community of investors and innovators.   If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com [http://www.tesoroai.com]). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.   Founder Bio:   Adrian is the founder and General Partner at Mendoza Ventures which is both Latinx and woman-owned and the first Latinx-founded VC fund on the East Coast based in Boston. With 20 years of experience in building technology products and teams, Adrian is an experienced entrepreneur, operator, and veteran of the Boston startup ecosystem. Adrian founded Mendoza Ventures to take an in-depth-focused approach to venture capital, looking for founders who demonstrate domain expertise in one of his three focus areas across fintech, AI, and cybersecurity. Adrian prides himself on being a hands-on investor by setting up companies for success beyond just writing a check, creating strong funding syndicates, making customer introductions, and assisting with partnership conversations.   His firm Mendoza Ventures focuses on investments in Fintech, AI, and Cybersecurity, with diversity playing an important role in their investment decisions—about 90% of their portfolio consists of startups led by people of color, and women. Since its founding seven years ago, Mendoza Ventures has raised two funds and had four successful exits. The firm is currently raising its third fund, a $100M fintech fund anchored by Bank of America.   Time Stamps:   00:38 Adrian's Early Career and First Ventures 06:18 Transition from Founder to Investor 10:13 Investment Strategy and Success Stories 13:31 Engaging with Founders and Investors 18:21 Raising Fund 3 and Engaging LPs 28:36 Fund Size Considerations: Building and Managing a Fund 32:45 Challenges and Lessons in Fund Management 34:59 Understanding Pro Rata Rights 36:47 Investment Strategies at Mendoza Ventures 38:37 Scaling and Institutionalizing Startups 42:34 The Role of AI in Venture Capital 50:40 Distinction between AI native Startup and not Native AI Startups 54:31 Connecting with Mendoza Ventures    Resources   Company website: https://mendoza-ventures.com/ [https://mendoza-ventures.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mendoza-ventures/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/mendoza-ventures/] Twitter: https://x.com/MendozaVentures [https://x.com/MendozaVentures]   Follow Darius Gant LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/m-darius-gant-cpa-44650aa/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/m-darius-gant-cpa-44650aa/] Company Website: www.tesoroai.com [https://www.tesoroai.com]

In a rapidly evolving tech landscape, securing enterprise contracts can be a game-changer for startups and tech firms alike. The journey to winning over Fortune 1000 clients requires strategic planning, tailored communication, and a deep understanding of the enterprise world. Drawing insights from venture capital experts, we explore the nuances of navigating enterprise sales and building successful relationships with top-tier clients. In this episode, we sit with Theo Williams, the founder of Third Vector and an expert in venture capital specializing in the space technology industry. Theo shares his journey from a finance background to diving into the tech world, highlighting the challenges and opportunities he encountered along the way. He delves into the importance of investing in the space technology industry and how it can drive significant global impact.   If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com [http://www.tesoroai.com]). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.  Founder Bio:   Theo Williams is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in venture capital, strategic partnerships, and business development. As the Founder and Managing Partner at Third Vector, he spearheads an early-stage VC firm specializing in investments at the intersection of Space Tech and Big Data. Prior to founding Third Vector, Theo served as a Senior Portfolio Development Manager at Salesforce Ventures, where he played a key role in fortifying the enterprise ecosystem through strategic partnerships and investments. Before his tenure at Salesforce Ventures, Theo held positions in sales and investor relations at Cadre and in product development at Nuveen, a TIAA company. Throughout his career, Theo has demonstrated a commitment to driving growth and innovation in various sectors, leveraging his expertise in investment strategy and relationship management.   Theo holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Rice Business - Jones Graduate School of Business, where he was recognized as a Robert Toigo Foundation Fellow. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from Louisiana State University, where he demonstrated leadership as part of the Tiger Twelve Senior Recognition Class of 2012 and in various student government roles.   Time Stamps:   02:49: Theo’s journey from finance to tech 06:33 Understanding alternative investments 09:08 Transitioning to tech and angel investing 14:15 The birth of a space tech VC firm 21:37 Investment focus: Space data and infrastructure 24:22 Navigating the fundraising process 26:34 Aligning with founders and managing risk 31:43 Enterprise sales strategies for founders 37:49 Building for Enterprise vs. SMB 42:22 What’s coming new in 2024, and how to get in contact with the team   Resources   Email: Theo@thirdvector.ventures [Theo@thirdvector.ventures] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/third-vector/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/third-vector/] Theo’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theowilliams3/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/theowilliams3/]

In this episode we speak with Marlon Nichols, co-founder of MaC Venture Capital, who discusses his diverse career path from starting as an early employee at an enterprise software company, moving into consulting, and ultimately venturing into the world of venture capital. He explains the founding and growth of MaC Venture Capital, sharing insights into their investment thesis, sector focus, and the types of companies they seek to partner with. Marlon also provides invaluable advice for new fund managers and entrepreneurs, touching on the current fundraising landscape, strategies for success, and the importance of aligning with a firm's culture and team dynamics   MaC Venture Capital is a seed-stage venture firm that invests primarily in North America, with a focus on California. While the firm does not have a specific sector focus, it considers itself a generalist firm run by sector experts. Marlon explains that the common thread among their investments is a focus on popular culture and future trends. The firm seeks to identify emerging behaviors and trends early on and invest in companies that align with these shifts. This approach allows MaC Venture Capital to invest in a wide range of sectors, including fintech, B2B SaaS, digital health, and space and defense.   If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com [http://www.tesoroai.com]). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.  Founder Bio: Marlon Nichols is the co-founder and managing general partner at MaC Venture Capital, a seed-stage venture capital firm that invests in visionary founders building the future that the world wants to see. Marlon has an extensive background in technology, private equity, media and entertainment. His unique eye for global and cultural trends, along with shifts in consumer behavior, has helped him uplift and accelerate entrepreneurs and companies that are on the verge of their breakthrough moment. Some of his current and previous portfolio companies include Blavity, Faze Clan, FINESSE, Gimlet Media, LIT Videobooks, Mansa, MongoDB, Pipe, PureStream, Ryff, Solo Funds, Spill, Thrive Market, Wonderschool and others. Thanks to his background as a professional athlete, Marlon utilizes sports leadership philosophy when working closely with CEOs to build the Venture of tomorrow. His diverse network of media and entertainment industry leaders, tech entrepreneurs, Fortune 500 executives and sports professionals helps him develop strategic partnerships and promote brand expansions for his portfolio companies.Marlon serves on the board of directors for the Kauffman Fellows program, where he has been instrumental in growing the representation of underrepresented minorities. He also serves on the advisory board for Los Angeles Mayor’s office’s PledgeLA. Marlon has been honored on the LA500 in 2022, 2023 and 2024, and ranked among top early stage investors on Business Insider’s Seed 100 for three consecutive years. He was also named Pitchbook’s 25 Black Founders and VCs to Watch for the last six years. Marlon has been featured in Axios, CNBC, Cheddar, The Information, Crunchbase News, Fortune, Yahoo! Finance and more. Prior to MaC Venture Capital, Marlon was co-founder of Cross Culture Venture. He eventually enacted the merger with Adrian Fenty’s M Venture that resulted in MaC Venture Capital as it stands today. Prior to Cross Culture Venture, he served as an Investment Director at Intel Capital and earned hands-on experience as an operator himself. Marlon earned his Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from Northeastern University and an MBA from the SC Johnson College of Business at Cornell University, where he was also adjunct faculty in entrepreneurship and venture capital.   Time Stamps:   02:57 Marlon's journey from early operator to VC founder 08:55 Venture capital as a path to diversity and strategic engagement 12:14 MaC Venture Capital investment thesis and strategies 16:25 Fundraising challenges and advice for new founders 21:04 Strategies for first-time fund managers targeting LPs 23:25 Fundraising realities for new VC managers 26:18 The multifaceted role of a founding general partner 28:56 Strategies for startups targeting successful exits 31:42 Evaluating seed stage investments 34:03 Venture capital’s shift to sustainable investment strategies 38:25 The impact of AI on business 41:40 What is coming up in 2024 and how to get in contact with MaC Venture Capital team   Resources   Company website: https://MaCventurecapital.com/ [https://macventurecapital.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MaCventurecap/ [https://www.instagram.com/macventurecap/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/MaC-venture-capital/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/mac-venture-capital/] Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaCVentureCap [https://twitter.com/MaCVentureCap] https://twitter.com/MaCVentureCap