VNTR Podcast

In this VNTR Podcast episode, we sit down with Russell Deakin, Chief Investment Officer and Managing Partner at Aceana Group. With over 25 years of global experience in alternative assets — from private equity and venture capital to real estate, infrastructure, and renewable energy — Russell shares his journey of building a family office and investing worldwide.We talk about:The origins of Aceana Group and the transition from angel investing to a structured family office.Venture capital strategies: seed, Series A, and co-investments with top managers.How to evaluate GPs, emerging managers, and the importance of trust and character.Insights into investing across the US, Europe, India, Latin America, and Singapore.Why co-investments and diversification are key for family offices.Work–life balance while constantly traveling the globe.If you’re interested in family offices, venture capital, or international investing strategies — this episode is packed with practical insights.VNTR is building the world’s largest investor community by sharing lessons, hosting events, and offering opportunities. Active VC investors can join by claiming a free investor account at https://app.vntr.vc/Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:15 Welcome Russell Deakin00:57 How a Family Office Evolved Across Generations02:44 Single vs Multi-Family Office Explained: Structure, Team & Global Reach04:16 Why a Family Office Beats Going Solo in Investing07:20 Co-Investing With Fund Managers: A Smarter Family Office Approach11:15 The Key Traits LPs Look for in Emerging GPs15:25 Evaluating Early-Stage VC: NAV Growth, IRR and DPI20:03 Avoiding Direct Risk: How Funds Simplify Co-Investments22:26 Are VC Management Fees Fair?24:46 When LPs Should Use Fund of Funds: Diversification & Learning26:41 Balancing Alpha & Safety: Fund of Funds in a Family Office Portfolio31:22 The Minimum Portfolio Size for Venture Capital Success36:26 Best Geographies for VC: US, Europe, India, and Beyond39:48 Balancing Impact and Returns: Investing in Renewable Energy & Green Tech43:37 Why Some Family Businesses Stay Local Instead of Going Global45:24 Best Practices for Managing Family Office Connections Globally49:10 Work-Life Balance Tips from a Traveling Family Office CIO🔹 VNTR Website: https://app.vntr.vc/🔹 VNTR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vntrcapital/🔹 VNTR Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vntrcap/Host:Yuri G. Rabinovichhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/byuric/Guest:Russell DeakinManaging Partner at Aceana Group

In this episode of the VNTR Podcast, we sit down with Michael Kosic and Kamal Hassan, Managing Partners at Loyal VC, to unpack how they’re transforming venture capital with a unique model that combines global reach, open-ended structure, and a data-driven approach.💡 What you’ll learn in this episode:- The origin story of Loyal VC and why they wanted to build a VC fund “that sucks less”- How their open-ended structure provides LPs with liquidity and long-term returns- Why their stage-based investment process (from $10K to $12M+) beats traditional VC decision-making- How they leverage a network of 1,300+ advisors across 70+ countries to support founders- Insights into deploying capital weekly across 400+ startups worldwide- The future of venture capital in the age of AI and blockchainVNTR is building the world’s largest investor community by sharing lessons, hosting events, and offering opportunities. Active VC investors can join by claiming a free investor account at https://app.vntr.vc/Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:50 Welcome Michael Kosic01:55 Welcome Kamal Hassan02:41 The Origin Story: Why Michael & Kamal Launched Loyal VC08:38 Building a Venture Fund Like Entrepreneurs14:03 The First Investors in Loyal VC — Trust, Networks and Early Believers18:17 Loyal VC’s 4-Stage Investment Model23:20 What It Takes to Get the First $10K from Loyal VC25:49 Data-Driven Venture Capital33:44 Why Entrepreneurs Choose Loyal VC Over Traditional VCs38:01 The Community Flywheel: Why Treating People Well Builds Venture Networks41:28 Matching Expertise with Startup Needs at Scale45:56 Founder Collaboration: Slack, Peer Groups & Real Support49:51 Balancing Growth and Liquidity53:14 Smart Money Signal: 98% Follow-On Acceptance at Loyal VC56:50 Carry Only After LPs Profit57:57 Designing a VC Fund to Last 30+ Years1:00:11 Making Venture Accessible Beyond Accredited Investors1:01:29 Is Seed Dead? How AI Reshapes Early-Stage Investing-----------------------------------------------------------------------------🔹 VNTR Website: https://app.vntr.vc/🔹 VNTR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vntrcapital/🔹 VNTR Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vntrcap/------------------------------------------------------------------------------Host:Yuri G. Rabinovich https://www.linkedin.com/in/byuric/------------------------------------------------------------------------------Guests:Michael Kosic https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelkosic/Kamal Hassanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kamalhassan/Loyal VChttps://www.loyal.vc/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/loyal-vc/

In this episode of the VNTR Podcast, we sit down with Bill Inman, CEO & Founder of Decentralized Technologies Inc., serial entrepreneur, AI & blockchain pioneer and digital twin visionaryBill shares his journey from building multi-billion dollar companies to creating Twin Protocol — a platform empowering individuals to own their data, monetize their knowledge and thrive in the AI economy. We dive deep into:The convergence of AI and blockchain and why it mattersHow digital twins will transform business, content, and even relationshipsThe future of AI ethics, data ownership, and human legacyWhy embracing AI today is as crucial as adopting electricity or the internet🚀 If you want to understand where the world is heading with AI, digital twins and the blockchain economy — this conversation is a must-watchVNTR is building the world’s largest investor community by sharing lessons, hosting events, and offering opportunities. Active VC investors can join by claiming a free investor account at https://app.vntr.vc/Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:53 Welcome Bill Inman01:28 The Future of Tech: AI and Blockchain at the Core of the Twin Ecosystem02:38 How Early Bets in Tech Stocks Led to a Multi-Billion Dollar Business05:30 The First AI System for Matching Jobs and Talent06:43 Twin Protocol: Giving Users Ownership in the $15 Trillion AI Economy09:44 Content at Scale and New Human Connections15:04 How to Keep Your AI Twin Ethical and Truly Representing You19:00 Evolving Your Digital Twin21:35 The Four Pillars of AI: Compute, Algorithms, Training Data, Interfaces23:20 Humanoid Robots, Digital Twins, and the Next Wave of AI Interaction26:08 AI + Blockchain: Why Your Data Belongs on the Chain30:00 Powering Digital Twins with Blockchain Tokens34:58 Building a Career With Your AI Twin: How to Start Today36:39 Why Now Is the Best Time to Invest in AI’s Next Wave40:15 How Vertical AI Is Transforming Real Estate and Healthcare41:36 AI and Wellbeing: Reconnecting With Loved Ones Through Digital Twins44:12 AI, Legacy Twins, and the Race Toward Artificial Superintelligence51:00 Why Health Habits Today Matter in an AI-Driven Future🔹 VNTR Website: https://app.vntr.vc/🔹 VNTR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vntrcapital/🔹 VNTR Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/74523146/admin/dashboard/Host:Yuri G. Rabinovichhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/byuric/Guest:Bill Inmanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/billinman/

What does it take to build one of Europe’s leading VC firms from the ground up? 🙌🏼In this episode of the VNTR Podcast – Oliver Holle, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Speedinvest, shares the full story about bootstrapping his first startup to managing €1.4B AUM and 400+ investments across Europe, the Middle East, and AfricaWe talk exits, team building, LP dynamics, secondary markets, and what makes a winning founder in 2025.🎧 Key Topics Covered in This Episode:– How to raise your first fund (when no one believes in you)– Why early exits matter– What’s broken in traditional VC– How Speedinvest wins competitive rounds– The vertical fund model (and why they shut it down)– His advice on M&A, continuation vehicles, and building trust with founders👇 Watch the full episode now and subscribe for more candid stories from top investors and founders.VNTR is building the world’s largest investor community by sharing lessons, hosting events, and offering opportunities. Active VC investors can join by claiming a free investor account at https://app.vntr.vc/Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:55 Welcome Oliver Holle02:10 Why Oliver Holle Dropped Out of His PhD to Launch a Startup in Vienna04:38 Building a Startup in Vienna and the Hard Lessons of Choosing Co-Founders05:59 Lessons from Raising $5M Before the Crash07:57 How We Turned 8 Years of Struggle into a $60M Exit09:13 Why Optionality and Timing Define a Successful M&A13:05 How a Public Company Wasted $1B on Mobile14:27 Europe vs. Silicon Valley15:58 Speedinvest Wasn’t Meant to Be a Traditional VC21:22 Early Liquidity, Small Market Advantage, and the Rise of Speedinvest’s Second Fund25:10 The Power of Vertical Funds: FinTech, Marketplaces, and Industrial Tech at Speedinvest27:54 The Internal Economics Behind Speedinvest’s Fund Architecture30:59 Why the Traditional 10-Year VC Fund Model Is Broken32:36 The Hidden Value of Community and Trust in Venture34:02 How Speedinvest Builds Community Across 400+ Startups37:23 The Most Dramatic Shift Since Mobile: How AI Is Reshaping VC38:52 Speed, Trust, and Vertical Knowledge: Secrets to Leading Early Rounds43:09 The Power of Signaling in Early-Stage Fundraising45:23 Why Founders Still Have a Say47:08 Speedinvest’s Follow-On Strategy Explained: From Seed to Series B47:56 The Exit Strategy Playbook49:43 A Full Infrastructure for Investor Liquidity52:49 Work-Life Balance in Venture Capital🔹 VNTR Website: https://app.vntr.vc/🔹 VNTR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vntrcapital/🔹 VNTR Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/74523146/admin/dashboard/Host:Yuri G. Rabinovichhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/byuric/Guest:Oliver Hollehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/oholle/

What if companies reinvested 10% of their profits into startups to strengthen their ecosystem?In this episode of the VNTR Podcast, we talk to Yat Siu, co-founder and executive chairman of Animoca Brands — the company behind 570+ Web3 investments, from The Sandbox to Polygon and OpenSea. Animoca is a mission-driven operator investing off its own balance sheet to accelerate digital property rights and the open metaverse.🚀 Topics we explore:Why Web3 is an economic resetWhat makes Animoca radically different from classic VCThe rise of crypto-native M&A, token liquidity, and venture studiosHow AI agents will use crypto, earn tokens — and maybe create their ownWhy investing should be part of every company’s core DNA🎧 Tune in for an unfiltered take on what it takes to survive and scale in the age of AI — from someone who’s seen hundreds tryVNTR is building the world’s largest investor community by sharing lessons, hosting events, and offering opportunities. Active VC investors can join by claiming a free investor account at https://app.vntr.vcTimestamps:00:00 Intro01:04 Welcome Yat Siu05:08 How Yat Siu’s Early Life Shaped His Web3 Vision15:31 Why Web3 Fails Without Permissionless Networks21:04 Every Company Should Reinvest 10% of Profits Into the Ecosystem27:23 Inside Animoca’s Investment Process: AI, Thesis-Driven Bets & Speed29:04 Bear Markets Filter Out the Noise30:05 Portfolio Power Over Prestige32:08 Early Acquisitions, Long-Term Vision34:55 Betting on Education and Identity39:14 What the Metaverse Really Means42:28 AI Agents, Tokens & the New Power Economy46:46 Discipline Over Balance: Yat Siu on Health, Focus, and Writing51:16 No Afterlife, No Forever — Just Purpose That Keeps You Alive🔹 VNTR Website: https://app.vntr.vc/🔹 VNTR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vntrcapital/🔹 VNTR Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/74523146/admin/dashboard/Host:Yuri G. Rabinovichhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/byuric/Guest:Yat Suihttps://x.com/ysiuhttps://www.animocabrands.com/

Can solo founders still win?In this episode of the VNTR Podcast, we sit down with Jude Gomila — serial entrepreneur and early investor in 20+ unicorns, including Airtable, Mercury, Linear, and Gusto. From building Heyzap to backing iconic startups worldwide, Jude shares hard-earned lessons on what truly drives success in early-stage ventures.Key Topics Covered in This Episode:- Why great teams beat great ideas - The hidden cost of being a solo founder- What most people *still* get wrong about fundraising- How to do sales when SEO is dead and LinkedIn is broken- Why this decade will belong to founders who master focus, not noise🎧 Tune in for an unfiltered take on what it takes to survive and scale in the age of AI — from someone who’s seen hundreds tryVNTR is building the world’s largest investor community by sharing lessons, hosting events, and offering opportunities. Active VC investors can join by claiming a free investor account at [https://app.vntr.vc](https://app.vntr.vc/)Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:29 Welcome Jude Gomila14:45 Survived YC, the 2008 Crash, Built Hayzap, and 1st exit16:57 After the Exit: Why One Founder’s Journey Was Just The Beginning19:11 Great Founders Fire Fast20:46 The Hardest Startup Mistake? Starting Alone24:04 Lessons from Missing the AI Wave30:24 When Speed Drops and AI Rises — Exit Becomes Obvious33:38 Selling a Company Changes Your Ambition 35:46 How to Use ChatGPT and Perplexity for Research, Reasoning, and Faster Learning37:45 What Sets Unicorn Founders Apart: Talent, Obsession, and User Empathy41:44 Competing for Startup Deals Is a Red Flag for Smart Investors43:38 The Shape of a Billion-Dollar Company45:16 How Investors Waste Time47:49 Angel Checks and Global Talent: The Next Phase of Investing50:20 What Jobs Will Survive the AI Wave?52:29 Education as the Only Antidote to Automation55:29 Teaching, Learning, Surfing: The Founder Lifestyle Reimagined------------------------------------------------------------------------------Follow VNTR:🔹 VNTR Website: https://app.vntr.vc/🔹 VNTR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vntrcapital/🔹 VNTR Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vntrcap/------------------------------------------------------------------------------Host:Yuri G. Rabinovich https://www.linkedin.com/in/byuric/------------------------------------------------------------------------------Guest:Jude Gomilahttps://x.com/judegomila https://www.judegomila.comhttps://gomila.notion.site/Gomila-Capital-13a6c92e7cb342ccb9ecd5f195cc616b

Does coachability beat raw talent?⚡️In this episode, we sit down with Cristobal Alonso — serial entrepreneur, early-stage investor in over 450 startups, growth enabler, global executive, bestselling author, and sought-after speaker. With a uniquely diverse background as a chef, former professional basketball player, and passionate pianist, Cristobal shares the kind of deep insight that only a truly global entrepreneur should offer.Key Topics Covered in This Episode:Why coachability is the most critical trait in foundersWhat early-stage startups get wrong about acceleration Lessons from living in 10+ countries and how cultural context impacts businessThe power of soul in entrepreneurship and mentorshipHow Startup Wise Guys became one of Europe’s most trusted accelerators🎧 Tune in for a masterclass on building not just scalable companies, but resilient, coachable founders.VNTR is building the world’s largest investor community by sharing lessons, hosting events, and offering opportunities. Active VC investors can join by claiming a free investor account at https://app.vntr.vc/Timestamps:00:00 Welcome  El Patron - Cristobal Alonso01:40 The Early Days of the Baltic Startup Ecosystem04:50 Why Everyone Calls Him El Patrón06:22 How Startup Wise Guys Outgrew Its Roots09:28 Cracking the Accelerator Business Model13:23 The Evolution of Wise Guys’ Investment Focus15:48 Why Early-Stage VC Is a Numbers Game16:54 Are We in an Industrial or Internet Revolution?21:11 The Traits That Make (or Break) a Startup Team24:52 Why Strong Co-Founding Teams Matter Most26:04 Scaling Across Borders Means Local Scouting, Global Mindset30:07 Why Africa Requires Full Focus and Multicountry Strategy32:22 Fundraising in 2025: Why Sales and Syndicates Beat Hype36:40 Fundraising for GPs: The Long Game No One Talks About38:31 The Silent Struggle of GPs40:08 Two New Funds with Big Impact Ambitions45:01 Quality Over Quantity48:08 The VC Morning That Starts Without a Screen51:35 You Can’t Build a Balanced Startup Without a Balanced Self52:56 The Third Book: A Journey Through Crisis, Cooking, and Compassion55:37 Join us at VNTR Global Investor Summit — November 11, 2025🔹 VNTR Website: https://app.vntr.vc/🔹 VNTR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vntrcapital/🔹 VNTR Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vntrcapHost:Yuri G. Rabinovichhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/byuric/Guest:https://cristobalalonso.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristobalalonso

💡 What really separates billion-dollar founders from the rest: grit, timing or being in the right room?In this episode of the VNTR Podcast, we sit down with Zach Coelius, Managing Partner at Coelius Capital, one of Silicon Valley’s most well-connected solo GPs. With over 50 early-stage investments including Cruise (acquired by GM for $1B), HelloSign, Mercury, and others, Zach shares blunt and insightful takes on what’s actually working in venture capital market.✍🏼 This raw, tactical and refreshingly honest startup adviceKey Topics Covered in This Episode:- Why most VCs looked like geniuses from 2010–2020- The #1 trait Zach looks for in founders- What real product-market fit feels like…- AI hype VS performance: who’s actually winning- How solo GPs are outperforming traditional VC firms- The massive gap between founders who adapt to downturns and those who fold- Why Silicon Valley proximity matters more than ever in the AI eraVNTR is building the world’s largest investor community by sharing lessons, hosting events, and offering opportunities. Active VC investors can join by claiming a free investor account at https://app.vntr.vc/Timestamps:00:00 Intro00:25 Welcome Zach Coelius, one of Silicon Valley’s most well-connected solo GPs06:34 What separates the survivors from the rest?10:38 Why mature SaaS startups may win the AI race14:10 Agile Enough to Pivot, Mature Enough to Scale16:03 AI Startups Rewrite the Rules18:54 What Product-Market Fit Really Feels Like24:07 Why YC Demo Days Are No Longer the Best for Deal Flow25:33 Regular in-person gatherings are key to VC strategy27:11 No meetings without a deck and 99% get filtered out29:31 Skipping the tooling hype to focus on what works30:38 The Power of Combining Funds and Syndicates33:24 Rolling Funds Gives LPs More Flexibility35:16 The Secret to Picking Startups38:28 How Startups in the Valley Get AI Secrets First41:19 If You Don’t Access the Secret, You Don’t Win42:36 AI Reversed the Internet’s Biggest Shift43:27 Why AI Regulation Might Be a Losing Game45:17 Talent Wins Over Tech46:59 Can Solo GPs Outperform Big Funds48:38 The Case Against Committees in Venture Capital51:46 Venture Is Changing53:49 Balancing VC Life------------------------------------------------------------------------------🔹 VNTR Website: https://www.vntr.vc/🔹 VNTR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vntrcapital/🔹 VNTR Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/74523146/admin/dashboard/------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hosts:Yuri G. Rabinovich https://www.linkedin.com/in/byuric/Niko Leonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nikoleon/------------------------------------------------------------------------------Guest:Zach Coeliushttps://www.linkedin.com/in/zachcoelius/ https://coelius.vc/

🎙️In this episode of the VNTR Podcast, we sit down with David Cohen, founder of Techstars, to explore how the accelerator model evolved, what makes a great founder, and why Techstars backed nearly 5,000 companies globally with 22 unicorns in its portfolioWe dive into👨🏼‍💻- How to spot a great founder team (and what gets you rejected)- Why the “give first” philosophy powers the Techstars network- What corporates keep getting wrong about innovation- How Techstars became a sustainable investment engine- The future of accelerators, AI in startups, and what’s nextIf you’re building, investing, or scaling in tech, this is the episode to watch🔹 David Cohen is the Founder and CEO of Techstars, a pre-seed investor that provides access to capital, programming, and connections to early-stage entrepreneurs. Since founding Techstars in 2006, the company has invested in more than 4,000 startups, including notable investments in over 20 unicorns such as Alloy, Chainalysis, Classpass, DataRobot, Digital Ocean, Outreach, Pillpack, Remitly, SalesLoft, SendGrid, and ZiplineVNTR is building the world’s largest investor community by sharing lessons, hosting events, and offering opportunities. Active VC investors can join by claiming a free investor account at https://app.vntr.vc🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with top founders and VCs around the worldTimestamps:00:00 Intro00:49 Welcome David Cohen, founder of Techstars05:56 Techstars by the Numbers: Global Reach and Billion-Dollar Impact08:57 A Well-Networked Co-Founder — The Key to Success?11:40 Your Journey Doesn’t End with One Startup13:44 Only 2% Get In: Techstars’ Formula for Picking Startups15:44 Do Solo Founders Stand a Chance?19:59 When to Quit Your Startup: The Line Between Grit and Burnout22:52 Why Accelerators Must Evolve (or Disappear)25:32 The Emotional Side of Startups: How Founders Stay Sane32:09 The Secret Filter for Early-Stage Investors35:19 How Startups Should Think About Capital, Networks, and Long-Term Play46:05 Why Tech Innovation Can’t Be Stopped------------------------------------------------------------------------------🔹 VNTR Website: https://app.vntr.vc🔹 VNTR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vntrcapital🔹 VNTR Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vntrcap------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hosts:🔹 Yuri G. Rabinovich https://www.linkedin.com/in/byuric🔹 Niko Leon https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikoleon------------------------------------------------------------------------------Guest:🔹 David Cohen https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgcohen/ https://www.techstars.com/

In this episode of the VNTR Podcast, hosts Yuri Rabinovich & Niko Leo sit down with:🔹 Pavel Yurovitsky – CEO of KIT Global, a top digital marketing platform🔹 Wahid Chammas – Founder and CIO of TyreGate Capital HoldingsKey Topics Covered in This Episode:⚡️ Is AI replacing marketers? The real impact of AI on digital marketing⚡️ The rise of KOL marketing – How to use influencers to scale your startup⚡️ Organic vs. paid marketing – What’s working in 2025?⚡️ Community-driven growth – The secret to long-term brand success⚡️ New marketing channels – Discord, Telegram, and the future of ad platformsVNTR is building the world’s largest investor community by sharing lessons, hosting events, and offering opportunities. Active VC investors can join by claiming a free investor account at https://app.vntr.vc/🔹 VNTR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vntrcapital/🔹 VNTR Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/74523146/admin/dashboard/Hosts:Yuri G. Rabinovichhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/byuric/Niko Leonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/nikoleon/Guests:Wahid Chammashttps://www.linkedin.com/in/wahid-chammas-079957a9Pavel Yurovitskyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/pavel-yurovitskiy/

Why do 90% of startups fail while a select few become unicorns? Is it just luck, or is there a playbook for startup success?💡 In this episode of the VNTR Podcast, hosts Yuri Rabinovich & Niko Leon sit down with Oskar Hartmann – a serial entrepreneur, investor, and unicorn hunter who has launched & invested in 150+ ventures, lacked 14 unicorns from seed to billion-dollar valuations and survived 43 bankruptcies & learned what really makes a startup succeed🚀 Oskar shares his hard-earned insights on how founders can navigate the brutal world of startup investing, the importance of choosing the right business model, and why staying in the game is the ultimate key to successKey Topics Covered in This Episode:- The #1 mistake founders make when choosing a business model- How Oskar Hartmann built 14 unicorns & survived 43 bankruptcies- Angel investing vs. VC: where real opportunities lie- The power of networks & mentorship in startup success- Why traditional education is failing founders & what replaces it- Balancing entrepreneurship & personal life as a high-stakes investorVNTR is building the world’s largest investor community by sharing lessons, hosting events, and offering opportunities. Active VC investors can join by claiming a free investor account at ------------------------------------------------------------------------------🔹VNTR Website: https://app.vntr.vc/🔹VNTR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vntrcapital/🔹 VNTR Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vntrcap/------------------------------------------------------------------------------Oskar Hartmann:https://oskarhartmann.com/https://www.instagram.com/oskar_hartmann/https://t.me/Oskar_Hartmann------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hosts:- Yuri Rabinovich (http://linkedin.com/byuric)- Niko Leon (http://linkedin.com/nikoleon)Oskar's Bio: Oskar Hartmann is a serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, and veteran unicorn angel investor with over 100 companies, 20+ nonprofits, and 14 unicorns in his investment portfolio. He has founded five companies in Germany and CEE, achieving three successful exits, and initiated a charitable foundation focused on children’s education.Oskar holds a world record in rowing and is an avid cyclist. A family man, father of 4, and global citizen, he speaks three languages fluently. His mission is to build the world’s first community of top global angels, helping them diversify risks and expedite liquidity returns.

In this episode, we speak with Fabrice Grinda, Founding Partner of FJ Labs and a serial entrepreneur, investor, and tech pioneer with over 1,100 startup investments. Fabrice shares his incredible journey from launching startups to becoming one of the world’s most active angel investors. We go into his approach to early-stage investing, the importance of pattern recognition, and his philosophy when evaluating opportunities. Fabrice also offers insights into the evolution of global tech ecosystems, emerging trends in marketplaces and AI, and actionable advice for entrepreneurs navigating today's challenges. Subscribe to the VNTR Podcast to deepen your knowledge of investing and discovering winning opportunities.VNTR is building the world’s largest investor community by sharing lessons, hosting events, and offering opportunities. Active VC investors can join by claiming a free investor account at (https://app.vntr.vc/).Hosts:- Yuri Rabinovich (http://linkedin.com/byuric)- Niko Leon (http://linkedin.com/nikoleon) Chapters: * 00:00 Intro * 09:37 Founding OLX * 19:53 A new era for marketplaces * 30:45 Replacing yourself with AI * 41:00 The most exciting AI use case * 49:00 The best investment * 1:00:43 Parenthood Follow Fabrice: * https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabricegrinda * https://twitter.com/fabricegrinda * https://fabricegrinda.com Fabrice's Bio: Fabrice Grinda is a prominent French entrepreneur and angel investor who is recognized for his significant contributions to the tech industry.Grinda’s entrepreneurial journey began at Princeton with the creation of Princeton International Computers, which exported high-end computer equipment from the U.S. to Europe. After working as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company from 1996 to 1998, he co-founded Aucland, one of Europe’s largest auction websites. In 2000, he founded Zingy, a mobile media startup that he sold for $80 million to For-Side, a Japanese media conglomerate.In 2006, Grinda co-founded OLX with Alec Oxenford, aiming to create the world’s largest free classified advertising website. Under his leadership as CEO until 2013, OLX expanded to over 90 countries and was eventually acquired by Naspers. Grinda’s investment portfolio includes early stakes in companies like Alibaba Group, Airbnb, and Palantir Technologies. He has made over 1,100 startup investments with more than 300 exits.Grinda is also known for his role as a co-founder and managing partner at FJ Labs, a venture fund focused on marketplace businesses. Beyond his business ventures, Grinda is an active blogger for Business Insider and frequently speaks at conferences on technology trends and investing. He is involved in philanthropy through initiatives like funding education for children in the Dominican Republic.

In this episode, we speak with Sébastien Borget, co-founder and COO of The Sandbox https://www.sandbox.game, a leading decentralized gaming metaverse that empowers players and creators. Sébastien shares his journey from tech entrepreneurship to building The Sandbox, diving into how blockchain and NFTs redefine ownership in virtual worlds. We explore the platform's vision for user-generated content, the evolving creator economy, and the role of community in shaping the metaverse. He also provides insights into trends in Web3 gaming, the intersection of AI and blockchain, and practical tips for creators entering the space. Subscribe to the VNTR Podcast to deepen your knowledge of investing and discovering winning opportunities.VNTR is building the world’s largest investor community by sharing lessons, hosting events, and offering opportunities. Active VC investors can join by claiming a free investor account at (https://app.vntr.vc/).Hosts:- Yuri Rabinovich (http://linkedin.com/byuric)- Niko Leon (http://linkedin.com/nikoleon) Chapters: * Intro 00:00 * Passion for gaming 7:01 * Staying agile in the business and gaming industry 16:03 * Tokenomics in Gaming 25:20 * Investing 27:27 * Future of Gaming 35:20 * The Perfect Game and VR 45:40 Follow Sébastien: * https://www.linkedin.com/in/borgetsebastien * https://x.com/borgetsebastien * https://www.sandbox.game Sébastien's Bio: Sébastien Borget is the Co-Founder and COO of The Sandbox, a virtual metaverse where players can create, own, and monetize gaming experiences using blockchain and NFTs. He is also the President of the Blockchain Game Alliance, advocating for blockchain's adoption in gaming. With over 15 years in tech and gaming, Sébastien combines his passion for innovation and community building to drive Web3 adoption. Known for his forward-thinking approach, he speaks on topics like decentralization, creator empowerment, and the future of virtual economies, inspiring creators and innovators in the gaming and tech ecosystem.

In this episode, we talk with Peter Walker, Head of Insights at Carta, a platform that simplifies equity management for private companies and investors. Peter shares his journey from data analytics roles to building Carta's insights practice, covering trends from thousands of companies on the platform. He talks about his approach to using private market data, lessons from shaping equity and ownership stories, and gives practical tips for founders navigating the funding world. We also cover AI's role in private markets and Carta's take on equity trends. Subscribe to the VNTR Podcast to deepen your knowledge of investing and discovering winning opportunities.VNTR is building the world’s largest investor community by sharing lessons, hosting events, and offering opportunities. Active VC investors can join by claiming a free investor account at (https://app.vntr.vc/).Hosts:- Yuri Rabinovich (http://linkedin.com/byuric)- Niko Leon (http://linkedin.com/nikoleon) Chapters: * 0:00 - Introduction * 2:45 - The Current State of San Francisco and AI Trends * 10:12 - Insights Team and Content Marketing at Carta * 18:27 - Challenges and Innovations in Data Utilization * 27:30 - Fundraising Trends and Market Outlook * 39:52 - Investment Trends and IPO Market Predictions * 50:11 - The Role of Carta in VC and Equity Management Follow Peter: * https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterjameswalker * https://x.com/PeterJ_Walker * https://www.carta.com/ Peter's Bio: Peter Walker is the Head of Insights at Carta, where he leads initiatives to turn Carta's unique data into useful insights for venture capital, equity management, and startup growth. With over ten years in data analytics and marketing at startups, Peter focuses on making complex data easy to understand and act on, helping Carta strengthen its brand and refine its products. Peter shares trends on LinkedIn, covering topics like fundraising, market cycles, and AI's role in data. He also provides a clear view of venture capital, addressing valuation shifts, late-stage funding hurdles, and IPO prospects. Based in San Francisco, Peter is known for his practical, data-led storytelling, supporting founders, investors, and the tech community.

In this episode, we talk with Neville Teagarden, Managing Partner at AI Capital, a venture capital firm specializing in early growth stage, enterprise applied AI software companies. Neville shares his journey from leading in data management to becoming an advisor and investor. He discusses his experience in venture investing, lessons from raising a VC fund, and how to spot and secure great deals. We also explore early AI use cases, key trends in Colorado’s defense tech sector, and Neville's practical advice for founders on effectively approaching VCs and navigating the investment landscape. Subscribe to the VNTR Podcast to deepen your knowledge of investing and discovering winning opportunities. VNTR is building the world’s largest investor community by sharing lessons, hosting events, and offering opportunities. Active VC investors can join by claiming a free investor account at (https://app.vntr.vc/). Hosts: - Yuri Rabinovich (http://linkedin.com/byuric) - Niko Leon (http://linkedin.com/nikoleon) Chapters: * 0:00 Intro * 4:40 Transition to corporate life * 7:15 Neville’s startup * 9:00 Investing in ventures * 17:05 Successful investments * 19:50 Fundraising for VC fund * 25:40 Finding the best deals * 32:00 First AI use cases (decades ago) * 37:32 Best way to reach out to a VC * 41:00 Colorado Defense Tech Follow Neville: * https://www.linkedin.com/in/nteagarden * https://www.ai.vc/ Neville's Bio: A graduate of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Mr. Teagarden studied under Dr. Marvin Minsky in the MIT Artificial Intelligence Laboratory in Cambridge, Massachusetts and Dr. Ken Salisbury, currently at Stanford University, and was a close colleague of Dr. Doug Lenat of Cycorp. He brings an extensive background and expertise in Deep/Machine Learning, Semantics, Robotics, Analytics, and Natural Language. Neville has built and deployed artificial intelligence systems across a variety of industries and companies, including Texas Instruments, Nabisco, Goldman Sachs & Co., JP Morgan Chase, Royal Dutch Shell, and many more. He has also held CIO/CTO-type roles with Janus Capital, Navigant International, and Prologis. After his corporate tenure, he co-founded and successfully exited an AI software company based in Austin, TX. In 2016, he co-founded AI Capital to capitalize on a vision of investing in early growth stage, enterprise applied AI software companies.

In this episode, we talk with Ali Jamal, Founder and Managing Partner at First Check Ventures, an investment syndicate that invests in early-stage startups. Ali is dedicated to investing in and supporting early-stage founders, whom he joins as a first-check angel syndicate investor. He guides them with his experience in go-to-market strategy and helps connect them with follow-on investors. Before founding First Check Ventures, Ali was active in the startup ecosystem as an operator in unicorn companies like PayClip, Rappi, Agoda, and angel investor in startups. His broad experience offers unique insights into building and scaling tech companies in today's market. In our conversation, Ali shares his path into Venture Capital, how he identifies promising startups, and his vision for the future of technology and innovation. He also offers practical advice for entrepreneurs seeking funding and early-stage investors. Subscribe to the VNTR Podcast to deepen your knowledge of investing and discovering winning opportunities.VNTR is building the world’s largest investor community by sharing lessons, hosting events, and offering opportunities. Active VC investors can join by claiming a free investor account at (https://app.vntr.vc/).Hosts:- Yuri Rabinovich (http://linkedin.com/byuric)- Niko Leon (http://linkedin.com/nikoleon) Chapters: * 0:00 Intro * 4:19 Starting to Invest * 13:02 First Check Ventures * 15:00 Investing in LATAM * 18:33 AI * 25:02 Successful Investments (5 Unicorns) * 35:00 Angel Investing as a Syndicate * 43:40 Tips for Founders Reaching Out to VCs * 48:40 Moving to Puerto Rico * 52:35 Work-Life Balance Follow Ali: * https://www.linkedin.com/in/mralijamal * https://x.com/mralijamal * https://www.firstcheckventures.com* https://angel.co/s/first-check-ventures/zL3eU/ Ali's Bio: Ali Jamal is a Venture Investor, Product Leader, Growth Expert, Data Scientist, and Corporate Strategist. He is the Founder of First Check Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups worldwide. First Check Ventures has supported and invested in over 130 startups from over 30 countries, including the US, Pakistan, India, Singapore, Venezuela, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Nigeria, Turkey, Peru, and Colombia. Before starting First Check Ventures, he was the Director of Growth and Performance Marketing at PayClip, Mexico's first FinTech unicorn. Previously, Ali was the Head of Performance Marketing at Rappi, leading over 80 people across 7 teams in 8 international offices, responsible for generating over $1 billion in total transaction value per year globally. Before joining Rappi, he was the Head of Marketing Innovation at Agoda, where he led 3 teams across 3 international offices and was responsible for expansion into the Chinese market. Ali also held product and analytical leadership roles at RockYou, Zynga, and Maxim Integrated Products. He began his career as an investment banker specializing in mergers and acquisitions in the software and internet sectors. Ali has a Bachelor's in Economics and a Master's in Statistics from Stanford University.

In this episode, we sit down with Stephan Moraes, Founder and Managing General Partner at Indico Capital Partners, Portugal’s leading tech-focused VC firm. With a rich private equity and entrepreneurship background, Stephan has played a pivotal role in shaping Southern Europe’s venture scene. Under his leadership, Indico Capital has backed innovative, high-growth companies across AI, fintech, SaaS, and cybersecurity sectors. Notable portfolio companies include Unbabel, a groundbreaking machine translation platform; Tier, a popular ride-sharing service; and Anchorage Digital, a crypto custodian with global backing. Before founding Indico, Stephan held senior positions at Caixa Capital and launched multiple successful ventures. His expertise lies in scaling businesses and identifying high-potential opportunities in emerging technologies. In this conversation, Stephan shares his journey into venture capital, insights on investing in cutting-edge tech startups, and his vision for the future of the European startup ecosystem. He also provides actionable advice for entrepreneurs seeking growth and investment opportunities. Subscribe to the VNTR Podcast to deepen your knowledge of investing and discovering winning opportunities. VNTR is building the world’s largest investor community by sharing lessons, hosting events, and offering opportunities. Active VC investors can join by claiming a free investor account at (https://app.vntr.vc/). Hosts: - Yuri Rabinovich (http://linkedin.com/byuric) - Niko Leon (http://linkedin.com/nikoleon) Chapters: * 0:00 Intro * 5:30 From founding a water exchange to starting aa VC firm * 11:16 Southern Europe for entrepreneurship * 13:10 How to leverage formal education * 16:30 Successful investing * 26:40 The journey of Indico Capital * 42:00 Analysing data (or not) * 45:23 Spain vs Portugal vs Italy * 50:00 Work/life balance Follow Stephan: * https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanmorais/ * https://www.indicocapital.com Stephan's Bio: Stephan de Moraes (aka Stephan Morais) is the founder and Managing General Partner of Indico Capital Partners (www.indicocapital.com), a leading venture capital tech and sustainability focused firm based in Portugal. He has invested in 5 unicorns over the last decade and is current President of APCRI - the Portuguese Private Equity and Venture Capital Association. Indico focuses on software as a service, artificial intelligence, web3, fintech, cybersecurity, digital and climate tech companies, targeting investments at Pre-Seed to Series B level. Founded in 2017, the team at Indico have backed or founded, in the last decade, the majority of the Portuguese global tech success stories, including 6 global unicorns, as investors and entrepreneurs (Farfetch - PT/UK, Talkdesk - PT/USA, Anchorage - PT/USA, Remote - PT/USA, Tier - Germany and Fever - Spain). With a diversified background as an investment banker, consultant, entrepreneur and CEO, he has lived in 8 countries and 4 continents over the last 27 years. Stephan was formerly an Executive Board Member at Caixa Capital, a Private Equity and Venture Capital fund management company. He is also a former Advisor to the European Commissioner of Science and Innovation, Past Chairman of the European Venture Finance Network and Past Council Member of Invest Europe and Board Member of the International Venture Club. He has been and is a Non-Executive Director and Board Observer in numerous companies. He is an Entrepreneurship and VC Expert with the oNetwork at the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, President of the Portuguese Private Equity Association (APCRI) and Advisory Board Member at AMROP, Executive Search. He is co-Chair of YPO Portugal (Young Presidents Organization), Advisory Council Member of Portuguese American Leadership Council (PALCUS) and Past President of the Harvard Club of Portugal.

In this episode, we sit down with Asher Siddiqui, General Partner at Sukna Ventures https://suknaventures.com. Asher is a seasoned venture capital professional with a proven history of helping companies scale and secure funding. Previously, he was a Partner at 500 Startups, one of the world’s most active VC firms, and played a key role in building the M&A and CVC departments at Etisalat, one of the largest telecom companies. During his time at Etisalat, Asher was involved in over $15 billion worth of M&A deals. With deep expertise in scaling businesses globally, particularly across the Middle East and Southeast Asia, Asher shares unique insights into growth-stage companies and venture investments. We dive into Asher’s journey in venture capital, his leadership in M&A deals, and his perspective on the evolving startup ecosystem in emerging markets. He also offers invaluable advice for entrepreneurs on scaling, securing funding, and the importance of personal relationships and warm introductions. Subscribe to the VNTR Podcast to deepen your knowledge of investing and discovering winning opportunities. VNTR is building the world’s largest investor community by sharing lessons, hosting events, and offering opportunities. Active VC investors can join by claiming a free investor account at (https://app.vntr.vc/). Hosts: - Yuri Rabinovich (http://linkedin.com/byuric) - Niko Leon (http://linkedin.com/nikoleon) Chapters: * 0:00 Intro * 6:40 Entrepreneur to Investor * 18:00 Corporate M&A * 31:00 Corporate VC * 40:30 Sukna Ventures * 53:52 Reaching VCs * 1:00:00 Work-life balance Follow Asher: * https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashersiddiqui * https://suknaventures.com * https://x.com/ashercdkey Asher's Bio: Asher Siddiqui is a seasoned investor and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in the technology and investment sectors. He is currently a General Partner at Sukna Ventures in Palo Alto, California, where he focuses on identifying and nurturing high-potential technology companies. Previously, Siddiqui served as Managing Partner at 500 Startups, where he led investments in mid-to-growth stage companies, helping to scale innovative startups globally. His extensive background also includes a decade at Etisalat Group, where he held key positions as Head of M&A and later Head of Venture Capital.

In this episode, we sit down with Dov Moran, the inventor of the USB flash drive and a prominent figure in the tech industry. As a Managing Partner at Grove Ventures (⁠https://www.grovevc.com⁠), Dov brings decades of experience in innovation and entrepreneurship, having founded and led several successful tech companies. His deep understanding of the intersection between hardware and software and his grit has made him a key player in the global technology landscape. We discuss Dov’s career, from inventing the USB flash drive to his current role at Grove Ventures, where he focuses on early-stage investments in deep tech. Dov shares his insights on innovation, the challenges of bringing new technologies to market, and the critical factors that contribute to startup success. He also offers his perspective on the future of technology and the evolving role of venture capital in driving innovation. Subscribe to the VNTR Podcast to deepen your knowledge of investing and discovering winning opportunities.VNTR is building the world’s largest investor community by sharing lessons, hosting events, and offering opportunities. Active VC investors can join by claiming a free investor account at (https://app.vntr.vc/).Hosts:- Yuri Rabinovich (http://linkedin.com/byuric)- Niko Leon (http://linkedin.com/nikoleon) Chapters: * 0:00 Intro * 6:20 Entrepreneurship journey * 21:05 Building companies * 27:40 Importance of focus * 33:22 Investing journey * 41:35 Deep tech investing * 50:25 Startup ecosystem in Israel Follow Dov: ⁠* https://www.linkedin.com/in/dovmoran * https://www.grovevc.com⁠ Dov's Bio: Dov Moran, Managing Partner at Grove Ventures, is one of the most influential figures in Israel’s high-tech industry. Renowned globally as the inventor of the USB flash drive, Dov is an accomplished investor, inventor, and entrepreneur. He founded M-Systems, a pioneering data storage technology company, which SanDisk acquired in 2006 for $1.6 billion.In addition to his work with M-Systems, Dov played a pivotal role as Chairman of Tower Semiconductor, a leading developer and manufacturer of semiconductors and integrated circuits. His strategic leadership was instrumental in revitalizing the company, steering it toward remarkable success. This transformation culminated in Tower Semiconductor's acquisition by Intel in 2022 for $5.4 billion.Beyond his corporate achievements, Dov is a highly respected figure in the technology sector, serving on the boards of several leading tech companies. He is also a sought-after speaker on innovation and entrepreneurship, sharing his insights and experiences at conferences worldwide. With over 40 patents to his name, Dov has received numerous prestigious awards, including Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year and the Edward Rhein Award for his groundbreaking invention of the USB flash drive.Dov earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology and served in the Israeli Navy, where he led the advanced microprocessor department. He remains deeply committed to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Israel and on the global stage.

In this episode, we sit down with William Bao Bean, General Partner at Orbit Startups https://orbitstartups.com. With over two decades of experience in the startup ecosystem, William is a leading investor in early-stage tech companies in emerging markets. His expertise in venture capital and wide knowledge of the Asian startup landscape make him a key figure in the industry. We explore William’s career journey, his approach to identifying and scaling promising startups, and his role at Orbit Startups, where he focuses on tech-driven social and impact. William also shares insights on critical success factors for early-stage companies, corporate VCs, the importance of adaptability in fast-changing markets, and the future of technology in emerging economies. Subscribe to the VNTR Podcast to deepen your knowledge of investing and discovering winning opportunities. VNTR is building the world’s largest investor community by sharing lessons, hosting events, and offering opportunities. Active VC investors can join by claiming a free investor account at (https://app.vntr.vc/). Hosts: - Yuri Rabinovich (http://linkedin.com/byuric) - Niko Leon (http://linkedin.com/nikoleon) Chapters: * 0:00 Intro * 6:00 Corporate VC * 18:30 Traditional VC * 35:18 Operations * 38:48 Networking * 42:50 Fundraising * 57:27 Work-life balance Follow William: * https://www.linkedin.com/in/williambaobean/ * https://orbitstartups.com * https://twitter.com/williambaobean William's Bio: William Bao Bean is a General Partner at Orbit Startups, where he focuses on early-stage investments in tech companies in emerging markets. He is also a Managing Director at SOSV, a global venture capital firm, where he has been involved in expanding its presence in Asia. William serves on the boards of several high-growth startups and actively mentors entrepreneurs, guiding them through the complexities of scaling businesses in diverse and challenging environments. He was earlier with SingTel Innov8 Ventures, where he was the Managing Director supporting China investments. Here, he led investments in Yodo1, GMobi, DemystData, Lekan, and Massive Impact.Prior to this, William was a partner at SoftBank China and India Holdings, the venture capital firm backed by SoftBank and Cisco, where he led investments in China and Southeast Asia. He started his career as an equity research analyst, specializing in the Internet and telecommunications sectors. A frequent speaker at industry events, William is recognized for his huge success in venture capital in emerging markets.