The Investor With Joel Palathinkal

Joel Palathinkal and Kfir Kachlon discuss Kfir's transition from law to venture capital, emphasizing his unique legal perspective. They cover evaluating startups, successful founder traits, and sector-agnostic strategies. Topics include trends in sustainability, lab-grown food, deep tech, data, esports, and edge computing. The episode explores the Israeli VC landscape, comparing generalist and sector-focused approaches, and highlights relationship-building and strategies for declining investments. Kfir offers insights on mentoring, community involvement, and intuition in VC, concluding with future outlooks.

Joel Palathinkal and Harshad Lalit explore Harshad's transition from engineering to finance, delving into the role of machine learning and AI in the financial sector. They discuss Rockefeller Capital's shift towards quantitative strategies and provide advice for tech professionals moving into finance. Harshad shares insights on his PhD journey, impact investing, and the evolution of corporate social responsibility. They examine how ESG metrics influence investment decisions and performance, especially during COVID-19, and discuss trends in private equity for environmental and social impact. The episode concludes with an audience Q&A on algorithmic approaches and social stock exchanges, followed by closing remarks and upcoming events.

Join Joel Palathinkal and Steve Salzstein as they dive into Steve's career and the diversity of family offices. They discuss launching hedge funds, co-investment dynamics, and the pros and cons of being a generalist versus a specialist. The conversation covers capital support for founders, real estate, effective fundraising strategies, future fund management trends, generational shifts, and ESG trends. They also explore managing challenging clients, coaching pitches, and differences between family offices and pension funds. The episode wraps up with strategies for emerging managers, social media's role in investor relations, and networking in family offices.

In this episode, Buddy Foster joins to discuss his journey from early entrepreneurial experiences to venture capital. Buddy shares insights from his family background and his first business venture, leading to founding Sidetrack Coffee with a unique model. He elaborates on the challenges and expansion of the business and his transition into tech, eventually leaving Sidetrack. The conversation compares private equity with venture capital, exploring coffee brand visions and bootstrapped business examples. They discuss entrepreneurial motivations, recession-proof businesses in the Midwest, and Buddy's entry into venture capital. The episode concludes with insights on Midwest venture capital opportunities, mentorship, and advice for students.

In this episode, Meagan Crawford of Space Fund joins Joel Palathinkal to delve into the world of space entrepreneurship. Meagan shares her journey from a career shift to founding the New Space Business Plan Competition and Space Fund. The discussion covers the evolution of space startups, challenges they face, and fundraising for space ventures. They explore prospects in asteroid mining, satellite industry needs, and commercial opportunities in space. The conversation touches on lunar ventures, legal issues, and human settlements in space. Meagan highlights Elon Musk's influence, material science in microgravity, and space investment opportunities. The episode concludes with mentorship advice and insights into global investment trends in the space sector.

In this episode, Chris Aydam of Midnight Venture Partners joins Joel Palathinkal to share insights on venture capital, focusing on consumer product metrics and strategies. They discuss e-commerce advertising challenges, especially iOS updates, and ad spend strategies on social media. The conversation covers omnichannel strategies, revenue milestones, and market trends. Chris highlights regenerative agriculture, food tech investments, and alternative proteins. They also explore early-stage investment evaluation, retention, content creators, and the future of legacy CPG brands in AI and Web3. The episode wraps up with exit strategies, leveraging accelerators, and persistence in venture capital.

In this episode, Himalaya Rao of BFM Fund joins Joel Palathinkal to explore asset creation in nonwhite communities. Himalaya discusses her journey from social work to venture capital and the role of entrepreneurship in BIPOC communities. They examine race, class, and entrepreneurship, comparing entrepreneurship with corporate jobs in underserved areas. The conversation covers bootstrapped business sustainability, debunking venture capital myths, and non-dilutive funding options. They also discuss venture capital insights, thematic funds for Black founders, co-investing strategies, and the importance of fostering relationships and support for diverse funds.

In this episode, Jonathan Beda joins Joel Palathinkal to discuss the evolution of boutique fitness studios and his journey from Zumba to Zoombini. They explore venture investments, SPVs, and the launch of Connexa Capital. The conversation covers Zumba's growth, business models, and music licensing. They also discuss the creator economy, customer acquisition, and revenue models for content creators. Additionally, they touch on family offices in venture capital, allocation strategies, inflation's impact, and liquidity. Jonathan shares insights on fund administration, mentorship, and building SPVs, offering advice on adding value and assessing risk.

Join Kendall Gee-Wing from BDev Ventures as he explores his journey into private equity, sharing insights on skills needed for successful founders and investors. Discover the art of brand building, market analysis, and private equity deal sourcing. Kendall highlights B Dev Ventures' investment strategies, focusing on platform companies and understanding customer needs. Learn about essential skills for a career in private equity, Vancouver's venture capital scene, and startup trends. The episode also touches on technological innovations like generative AI, mentorship lessons, and personal growth, concluding with an audience Q&A on tech demos and fundraising.

In this episode, Rishi Patel from Plus8 Equity delves into his career journey, highlighting his transition to Morgan Stanley and the impact of the financial crisis. He shares his experience of reconnecting with music and balancing his career. The discussion explores celebrity investment trends in entertainment technology and the advantages of being a limited partner in entertainment tech funds. Rishi also discusses innovations in music tech applications and imparts life lessons from mentors. The episode concludes with valuable tips for entrepreneurs and final thoughts on navigating the venture capital landscape.

In this episode, Danny Qiao from Connecticut Innovations shares his journey from public service to venture capital, highlighting Connecticut Innovations' impact. He discusses his MBA experience, joining Sweater Ventures during the pandemic, and the importance of skill development for career transitions. Danny explores key indicators in company analysis, building investment theses, and applying banking skills to venture capital. He also touches on Connecticut's tech ecosystem and legacy industries, embracing career pivots, and finding one's ikigai. Danny concludes with advice to focus on customers.

In this episode, Jason Carvalho form Humanus VC delves into the intersection of space-based power, climate solutions, and the significance of water in space exploration. He shares his journey from tech sales to becoming an angel investor, highlighting the challenges and strategies involved. The discussion covers the differences between software and consumer brand sales cycles, and the influence of global macro trends on venture capital. Jason reflects on his transition from angel investor to fund manager, emphasizing social enterprise and SpaceTech investments. He also discusses building niche expertise funds, the Canadian space investment landscape, and the importance of a supportive ecosystem in wealth protection and fund vision.

In this episode, Tony Olivito from Comeback Capital shares insights into the firm's investment pace and strategy. He discusses the importance of cash flow and capital efficiency, reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey. Tony outlines their pre-seed investment strategy and the risks of startup funding. The conversation covers his transition to fund management, building an angel portfolio, and the dynamics of infrastructure, rolling funds, and SPVs. Tony offers advice on starting a fund, current investment trends, and de-risking startups. He concludes with thoughts on balancing entrepreneurship with a day job and advice for founders and investors.

In this episode, Derek Brooks from Flatworld Partners discusses his transition from marketing to investing, highlighting the importance of networking and his time with Abraaj Group. He explores impact investing, structuring strategies for NGOs, and the role of concessionary investments. Derek also covers portfolio construction for dual-purpose funds and various investment strategies like venture and private equity. The conversation includes evaluating fund performance, operational efficiency, and manager risks. Derek emphasizes intangible factors in manager selection, relationship building, and the power of content marketing. The episode wraps up with insights on edutainment and future events.

In this episode, Jake Chapman from Marquee Ventures shares his journey into venture capital, emphasizing his defense-focused strategy and the founding of Marquee Ventures. He explores opportunities within defense technology sectors and the transformative role of AI in modern warfare. Jake offers insights into best practices for due diligence in defense investments and essential skills for venture fund managers. The discussion highlights managing venture funds, supporting portfolio companies, and building strong team cultures. Jake also shares effective networking and relationship-building strategies, investing strategies for hard tech companies, and concludes with valuable advice for investors and entrepreneurs.

In this episode, Peter Love from single family office shares insights from his career journey and his role in the work-from-home initiative with Flexjobs. He delves into advice from his father and the impact of family business experiences on his entrepreneurial path. Peter discusses key investment criteria, fund dynamics, and the significance of track records and diversification strategies. The conversation covers investor sentiment, market trends, and the performance indicators for emerging managers. Peter highlights the importance of soft skills for fund managers, maintaining fund strategy consistency, and sector interests. He also imparts valuable life lessons and professional advice, offering a comprehensive view of the investment landscape.

In this episode, Brendan Baker from Ridge Ventures shares his venture capital journey, shaped by his experiences in Silicon Valley and AngelList. He discusses AngelList's evolution, market dynamics, and human judgment in investing. Brendan delves into decision-making models, Naval Ravikant's wisdom, and success factors in top deals. He covers distribution strategies, startup signals, and his transition to Greylock. Learn about building Ridge Ventures with AI, systematic advantages, and balancing reputations. The episode wraps up with insights on infrastructure, future evolution, and fund management challenges in venture capital.

In this episode, Bruce Hamilton shares his journey from the music industry to venture capital, focusing on the intersection of pop culture and technology. He discusses the economics of the music industry, artist rights trends, and the rise of creator-focused brands and celebrity venture funds. Bruce emphasizes adaptability, reinvention, and AI's role in content creation, while exploring esports growth and generational wealth in entertainment. The conversation covers family office management shifts, financial literacy for celebrities, and the significance of social impact and mental health in entrepreneurship. Bruce also delves into personal growth, identity, and community building with Sutton Capital.

In this episode, Richie Carchia from IA Capital discusses his journey from acting to venture capital, focusing on investment fund dynamics and hyper-localized flood forecasting. He explores IA Capital's strategic InsurTech partnerships, InsurTech's evolution, and AI's role in the insurance sector. Richie shares strategies for VCs, best practices for analysts, and emphasizes sourcing, specialization, and integrity. The conversation highlights the importance of a long-term perspective, evolving industry roles, respect, and mentorship in venture capital, providing valuable insights into this dynamic landscape.

Join Joel Palathinkal and Rusty Ralston from Swell VC as they delve into Rusty's investment strategy and career journey. They discuss the influence of people on company outcomes, especially in early-stage investing, and the role of AI in talent evaluation. Discover the impact of company culture on startups, with case studies on attracting top talent. Rusty shares insights on transitioning from an emerging manager to institutional capital and expectations post-funding, along with the origins of Swell VC. They explore parallels between creative industries and venture capital, work-life balance, and well-being's role in productivity. The episode wraps up with audience Q&A and future plans.