Alexa Binns, a seasoned investor and marketer, takes us through her remarkable journey from non-profit roots to establishing herself as a venture capital investor, overseeing her family office alongside her three sisters. Drawing from her dual roles as an angel investor and limited partner, Alexa provides invaluable insights for founders and venture capitalists alike, enriching the conversation with her wealth of experience and perspective.

In this episode:

[2:03] Alexa’s path to venture capital: Discover how Alexa transitioned from her role in a non-profit organization to making her mark in the competitive world of venture capital.

[8:26] Three critical aspects that every founder should understand about angel investors to optimize their interactions and avoid common pitfalls.

[12:38] The significant impact of new emerging managers on the venture capital landscape and what this means for the industry.

[16:40] The "Three S’s" – sourcing, selecting, and stewardship – essential criteria for assessing and choosing the best emerging fund managers.

[22:33] The current state of investment in female founders: are they receiving the funding they rightfully deserve?

[28:11] Swimming with Allocators podcast, where limited partners share their decision-making processes in VC investments.

The non-profit organization that Alexa is passionate about: Norman Lear Center USC

About Alexa Binns

Alexa Binns is a seasoned investor and marketer, known for her acute ability to identify emerging trends and technologies. Over her career, she has risen from associate to partner in venture capital, making significant investments at firms such as Maven, Halogen, and Spacecadet. Some of her notable angel investments include Chipper Cash, Sana Benefits, and The Flex Co.

In addition to her investing prowess, Alexa brings a decade of operational experience, having developed both digital and physical products for high-profile clients including Planned Parenthood, MTV, Disney, and Target. She excels in innovative marketing strategies; her accomplishments range from writing a master’s thesis on building a brand on YouTube to helping sell the Twitch influencer marketing platform NoScope. She was also nominated for a Mashable Award for her work with Foursquare and pioneered some of the first advertising campaigns on Twitter.

Alexa also co-hosts Swimming with Allocators, a venture podcast that offers insights from the limited partner (LP) perspective. Alongside Earnest Sweat, she interviews top allocators and industry leaders weekly, exploring their strategies and perspectives on the next decade of venture capital.

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Vijay Reddy, partner at Mayfield, talks about the latest innovations and trends shaping the artificial intelligence (AI) landscape. He shares his venture capital journey and describes Mayfield's unique focus on cognitive plumbing and Cognition-as-a-Service (CaaS), unraveling what these concepts entail. Vijay also offers practical advice for startup founders keen on tapping into the myriad opportunities within the realm of AI.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

[1:24] From a 10th grade circuits and chips enthusiast to technology executive and founder

[5:50] Vijay’s evolution as a venture capital investor fueled by technology curiosity

[13:41] Debate about AI being a good or bad thing - it’s not worthy!

[15:04] Get these 3 things right for success with an AI-first startup.

The non-profit organization that Vijay is passionate about: Upward

About Vijay Reddy

Vijay Reddy is a partner at Mayfield with over a decade of AI and deeptech investing experience. Prior, Vijay was an investor at Clear Ventures and Intel Capital. He witnessed AI's rise from its inception, and with a founder-first approach, he has invested across the AI stack, backing companies like SambaNova, DataRobot, and BabbleLabs. He began his career as an entrepreneur, co-founding a startup after leaving his PhD program, and has held senior roles at Broadcom and Intel.

About Mayfield

Mayfield is a Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm that invests in AI-first companies

at the Seed, Series A and Series B stages. The firm has raised 20 U.S. funds since 1969, and currently has $3 billion under management. Mayfield takes pride in an investment team that has a founder DNA and operates from a shared set of beliefs and partners for the long term with entrepreneurs pursuing big ideas. Companies in Mayfield’s portfolio include: Outreach, seekout, alchemy, auradine, chemix, crunchbase, Gutsy, LexCheck, OwnID, Qwiet, Vijil, VERSA Networks among others.

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Philip Edmundson, founder of Corvus Insurance (recently acquired by Travelers), shares the captivating journey of Corvus, from its inception to its recent acquisition. He discusses the company's unique approach to cyber risk and its mission to revolutionize commercial insurance with advanced data science and an AI-driven approach. Philip also discusses opportunities for innovation in insurance, and gives insights into crucial startup matters such as early team building and selecting the right investors.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

[2:45] From ‘78 to 2024: How has the insurance industry evolved?

[5:03] The genesis of Corvus, and reasons for focusing on cyber insurance

[13:25] Hiring the first set of team members: lessons and tips for founders

[19:20] Notable achievements and challenges faced while building Corvus

[26:31] Advice on choosing the right investors for your startup.

[33:51] Areas of opportunity for insurtech entrepreneurs to innovate.

The non-profit organization that Phil is passionate about: Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology

About Philip Edmundson

Philip Edmundson is the founder and CEO of the insurtech company Corvus Insurance. With a background in insurance broking and tech entrepreneurship, Philip started Corvus in 2017, aiming to enhance insurance underwriting and assist policyholders in risk reduction through data and technology. Philip emphasizes that insurance should go beyond risk transfer. Before Corvus, he co-founded William Gallagher Associates, acquired by Arthur J Gallagher, and played key roles in industry networks.

About Corvus Insurance

Corvus Insurance (now a subsidiary of Travelers Insurance) is an insurance company that focuses on cyber risk, loss prevention, and mitigating adverse events using data-driven and AI-powered tools. The Corvus mission is to make the world safer from cyber threats. The company delivers insights to broker partners, helping to make them smarter about the complex risks their clients face.

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Tommy Leep, founding partner at Jetstream, shares insights on climate tech investing and nurturing startups for a sustainable future. He delves into climate tech trends, opportunities for startups, and challenges that early-stage investors face (such as greenwashing). Tommy also advises founders on articulating their vision, avoiding the "founders' curse of knowledge" and the importance of sales skills.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

[2:05] Startups attract people who love to be part of disruptive innovation.

[4:53] Finding purpose in setbacks: the story of how Jetstream started

[9:59] Trends and opportunities in climate tech investing.

[14:03] Building a startup in the climate tech space

[19:47] Founders’ curse of knowledge - what is it? How can founders avoid the curse of knowledge?

[25:21] There’s something special about a founder who can influence an investor to make subjective decisions.

About Tommy Leep

Tommy Leep is the founder of Jetstream. He is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and business advisor with experience in startup funding and growth. He held key roles at Floodgate and Rothenberg Ventures before delving into venture capitalism. With experience at Meraki, Inc., Intuit, and Yahoo! Music, he brings a diverse skill set. Tommy advises startups like Around, Payable, and Patreon, and formerly led Rothenberg Ventures' SF office. He's also advised Orchestra Inc. (now part of Dropbox).

About Jetstream

Jetstream is a venture capital firm investing in pre-seed climate, sustainability, and biodiversity startups. Companies in Jetstream’s startup portfolio include Verdi, Pachama, Windborne Systems, Glacier, Albebo, Lightship, Pathways, Cecil, Wildgrid among others.

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Eric Sippel of Sippel Farb Family Office delves into the intricacies of investing in emerging managers. Eric outlines his meticulous emerging manager selection criteria, emphasizing his preference for specialists over generalists. He highlights key challenges of identifying good VCs as a Limited Partner (LP), and offers insights into the shifting venture capital landscape. In addition, he discusses the importance of supporting underrepresented venture capitalists for enhanced portfolio returns.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

[1:33] Venture’s main appeal is the ability to disrupt and create positive change.

[4:25] Is it hard to find a good VC to invest in as an LP? Why is that so?

[12:54] Eric Sippel’s emerging manager selection rubric; 3S (sourcing, selection, and stewardship/value add) - which is the most important S?

[26:18] What happens in the first, second meeting with an emerging manager? What questions should VCs expect from Eric?

[33:03] Investing in underrepresented VCs isn’t just ‘good’. It’s critical to having a broader aperture for outsized portfolio returns.

The non-profit organization that Eric is passionate about: Goodwill San Francisco Bay

About Eric Sippel

Eric Sippel invests in emerging managers through his family office, Sippel Farb Family Office. He’s also a philanthropist and current chair of Bay Area Goodwill.

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Aakar Vachhani, Managing Partner at Fairview Capital Partners, explores the crucial role of limited partners (LPs) in the venture capital ecosystem. He delves into the distinctive characteristics of venture capital as an asset class and sheds light on Fairview's role as a fund of funds, culture, investment strategy, areas of focus, and bullish stance on emerging managers. Additionally, he shares insights on trending topics that could influence the future of the venture capital industry.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

[6:15] Fairview employs a dual investment strategy to cover both established and niche areas in private markets.

[13:02] New, appropriately sized VC firms focusing on specific stages have the opportunity to generate significant returns.

[16:53] The venture capital landscape has undergone substantial changes in the past 30 years.

[27:00] Technology's pervasive influence creates vast opportunities for disruption across various industries.

[32:34] Advice for investors, especially emerging managers: Be a great investor and entrepreneur; value collaboration and sharing best practices with peers.

The non-profit organizations that Aakar is passionate about: San Francisco Achievers, New Breath Foundation

About Aakar Vachhani

Aakar Vachhani is a Managing Partner at Fairview Capital Partners and a key member of Fairview’s investment committee. In this role, he actively engages in research, due diligence, investment monitoring, and business development for Fairview's venture capital and private equity portfolios, as well as direct co-investment initiatives. He established and leads Fairview's San Francisco office.

Before joining Fairview, Aakar worked with Cambridge Associates, a prominent investment advisor catering to foundations, endowments, and corporate/government entities. Earlier in his career, he gained experience at MK Capital, a multi-stage venture capital firm with a specific sector focus on software and cloud services.

About Fairview Capital Partners

Fairview Capital Partners is a Connecticut-based investment management firm specializing in cutting-edge segments of the private markets. Founded nearly three decades ago, Fairview has evolved into one of the largest minority-owned investment firms in the United States, managing over $10 billion in fund capitalization. With a clientele including leading foundations, endowments, pension plans, and family offices, Fairview Capital's innovative and inclusive approach, coupled with its entrepreneurial spirit, continues to make an indelible mark on the venture capital industry.

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Lorenzo Thione, Managing Director at Gaingels, shares his journey from Italy to the U.S. and the pivotal life event inspiring his advocacy for inclusive venture capital representation. He delves into Gaingels' investment philosophy, emphasizing its focus on supporting diverse founders and investors. Lorenzo also offers insights for today's founders, spotlighting game-changing technologies like artificial intelligence.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

[3:50] Underrepresented communities of founders and investors significantly influence the growth of the venture capital ecosystem

[9:26] How Gaingels provides universal access to the wealth creation potential of venture capital

[16:59] Cloud technology revolutionized starting companies in the last decade, while artificial intelligence is the current game changer

[24:09] Principles behind Gaingels investment approach

[28:53] Why founders should establish relationships with investors before pitching

The non-profit organization that Lorenzo is passionate about: StartOut

About Lorenzo Thione

Lorenzo Thione is a Managing Director at Gaingels. He is a serial entrepreneur and investor, known for his diverse contributions at the intersection of technology, art, commerce, and social impact. A Tony Award-winning Broadway producer for "Hadestown" and co-creator/producer of the George Takei musical "Allegiance," he also directed/produced its record-breaking 2016 film. Lorenzo co-founded Social Edge and previously co-founded Powerset (acquired by Microsoft in 2008) and Artify. A prominent LGBT advocate, he co-founded and is board chair emeritus of StartOut, a leading non-profit fostering LGBT entrepreneurship. Lorenzo is an active investor, board member, and advisor to numerous startups.

About Gaingels

Gaingels is a Vermont-based LGBTQIA+/Allies private investment syndicate, dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion within the venture capital ecosystem. With over 2000 individual members, including accredited investors, Gaingels actively supports innovation economy companies committed to building diverse and inclusive leadership. Their unique approach involves members contributing beyond financial investment, providing introductions, advice, and connections to portfolio companies. Some of the companies it has backed include: Shimmer, Leap AI, Base Operations, Overplay, Abbey Cross, Zette, Magma, Cambium, kinship among others.

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Anne Dwane, a Partner at Village Global, shares her commitment to supporting amazing entrepreneurs working on big ideas. Leveraging her background as an entrepreneur-turned-investor, Anne underscores the significance of establishing networks early and explores the feasibility of launching a company during economic downturns. Moreover, she sheds light on the dynamic role of venture capitalists, particularly within a VC industry confronted by distinctive challenges.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

[2:00] Invest in your networks early.

[5:54] Starting a company during an economic downturn: is it a good idea?

[9:43] The multifaceted role of VCs as super connectors and coaches.

[16:20] The best founders identify opportunities in the current world and articulate a clear vision of how to navigate toward a better future.

[25:34] Founders deserve investors who are wholeheartedly committed and thoroughly convinced of the startup's potential for success.

The non-profit organization that Anne is passionate about: UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital's Center for Child Protection

About Anne Dwane

Anne Dwane, Co-Founder & Partner at Village Global, has a wealth of experience with a background that includes tech company founding, venture-backed CEO positions, and executive roles in public companies. Over her 20-year career, she has successfully managed P & Ls and excelled in scaling operations from startup to IPO and building effective teams. Notable achievements include leading companies to successful acquisitions by Monster and Chegg, as well as managing P&L responsibilities for Chegg before and after its IPO (valued at $1 billion). Currently, she serves on the board of Harvard Business Publishing.

About Village Global

Village Global is a Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm dedicated to supporting  amazing entrepreneurs working on big ideas. With a typical investment range of $250,000 to $1.5 million, the firm goes beyond funding, offering founders access to a vibrant community, expert guidance, and transformative introductions. Chaired by Reid Hoffman and backed by esteemed visionaries such as Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Anne Wojcicki, and more, Village Global has an impressive portfolio that includes companies like Excarta, Simply Homes, Juno, Evisort, Siena AI, Canopy, Risk Ledger, OpenCover, Boost Capital, Atmosfy, among others.

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