Nick Durham (Shadow Ventures) - Venture Capital with a Purpose: The Thematic Approach of Shadow Ventures

Nick Durham (Shadow Ventures) - Venture Capital with a Purpose: The Thematic Approach of Shadow Ventures

In this episode, Jayson Dombele sits down with Nick Durham, General Partner at Shadow Ventures, to explore the world of venture capital through a thematic focused lens. We learn why Shadow VC chose the built environment theme and the advantages and challenges of this approach. Nick shares their unique capital raising tactics and how they select startups for their portfolio. Discover the comprehensive support they offer founders beyond funding and gain insights into their evaluation process for potential investments in the built environment industry. Join us as we discuss the future of venture capital and Shadow VC's growth strategy as a thematic focused firm.

Spencer Tyson (Revere VC) - Conducting Due Diligence on VC Funds for LPs

Venture Capitalists are always conducting due diligence on startup founders-- but have you ever wondered who conducting due diligence on vc funds? Find out on today's episode!

April Oury (Prota Ventures) - On Defining the Pre-Seed Stage, Human Flourishing, & Prota Investment Process

April Oury, One of the Capital Managing Director at Prota Ventures, joins the show to discuss various topics including career switching, defining human flourishing in investing, the Prota Ventures investment process, and the pre-seed stage. Hosted by Jayson Dombele, the podcast episode begins with a discussion about April Oury's career journey. April shares her experience as a course instructor at the Institute of Physical Art and her subsequent ownership of Body Gears Physical Therapy for 16 years. She then explains how she transitioned into angel investing and venture capital with Prota Ventures. Next, the conversation shifts to the concept of human flourishing, a prominent focus at Prota Ventures. April shares her perspective on what human flourishing means to her and how it influences their investment approach. The episode then delves into the four levels of the investment process at Prota Ventures: Incubator, Labs, Capital, and Exit. April provides insights into each stage and explains how they support entrepreneurs and startups throughout their journey. One of the challenges faced by founders is determining the appropriate time to raise a pre-seed round due to market inconsistencies. April sheds light on this topic by discussing the characteristics and milestones that indicate a startup is ready for a pre-seed round. Finally, April highlights Prota Ventures' competitive edge. She explains what sets them apart from other venture capital firms and why entrepreneurs choose to work with them. The podcast episode offers valuable insights into April Oury's career path, Prota Ventures' investment philosophy, and the factors involved in raising a pre-seed round. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the Prota Ventures approach to investing and the importance of human flourishing in the startup ecosystem.

Christopher Deutsch (Lofty Ventures) - On Building Chicago’s Tech Ecosystem through angel investing & The importance of first check angels

In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Christopher Deutsch, the Founder of Lofty Ventures, as we delve into the topic of building Chicago's tech ecosystem through angel investing. Christopher shares his insights and experiences as an angel investor, shedding light on the importance of first check angels in nurturing and supporting early-stage startups. We explore the transformative power of turning founders into angels, discussing how their firsthand entrepreneurial experience can provide invaluable guidance and mentorship to founders. Additionally, we dive into the benefits of angel syndicates, examining how pooling resources and expertise can fuel the growth and success of startups. Join us for an engaging conversation as we uncover the strategies and initiatives that contribute to the development of Chicago's tech ecosystem. Whether you're an aspiring angel investor, a founder looking for investment, or simply interested in the dynamics of angel investing, this episode offers valuable insights into the world of angel investing and its impact on the tech landscape. Tune in now to gain a deeper understanding of how angel investing plays a vital role in fostering innovation, supporting startups, and driving the growth of Chicago's thriving tech ecosystem.

Michelle Rogoff (HPA Ventures) - On Being a Woman in business (VC/Founder) & Navigating the Environment

In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Michelle Rogoff, an Investor from HPA VC, as we dive into the challenges and advantages of being a woman in the venture capital industry. We explore the unique experiences and insights that Michelle brings as a Gen Z investor, shedding light on what it's like to navigate the world of venture capital from a younger perspective. Additionally, we delve into the topic of navigating the startup environment as a woman or Gen Z founder. Michelle shares her expertise and personal experiences, providing valuable insights and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Join us for an engaging discussion as we uncover the strategies and approaches to overcome obstacles and thrive in the startup ecosystem. Tune in now to gain valuable perspectives on breaking barriers, embracing opportunities, and succeeding as a woman or Gen Z founder in the ever-evolving world of startups and venture capital.