The Syndicate

Daniel Gulati is partner at Comcast Ventures, a corporate venture firm focused on early stage consumer internet companies. Prior to becoming a VC, Daniel founded FashionStake an indie online designer marketplace which was later acquired by Fab.com. He also an author, prior consultant and blockchain enthusiast. Listen and Learn: * How ecommerce has evolved and continues to change * Why Daniel focuses on consumer investing * How Harvard Business School helped Daniel * The EIR route into venture * How fund size affects investment thesis * Is indexing as effective as traditional venture capital? * How much of a role does luck play in investing * Why network is never overrated * What Daniel thinks about crypto and blockchain Daniel’s Projects: Comcast Ventures Daniel’s LinkedIn Daniel’s Angellist profile Daniel’s Twitter: @danielgulati Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like to access our deal flow. Recently joined Corl – we’re funding startups and SMBs with no equity dilution – find out more! Daniel Gulati is partner at Comcast Ventures, a corporate venture firm focused on early stage consumer internet companies. Prior to becoming a VC, Daniel founded FashionStake an indie online designer marketplace which was later acquired by Fab.com. He also an author, prior consultant and blockchain enthusiast. Listen and Learn: * How ecommerce has evolved and continues to change * Why Daniel focuses on consumer investing * How Harvard Business School helped Daniel * The EIR route into venture * How fund size affects investment thesis * Is indexing as effective as traditional venture capital? * How much of a role does luck play in investing * Why network is never overrated * What Daniel thinks about crypto and blockchain Daniel’s Projects: Comcast Ventures Daniel’s LinkedIn Daniel’s Angellist profile Daniel’s Twitter: @danielgulati Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like to access our deal flow. Recently joined Corl – we’re funding startups and SMBs with no equity dilution – find out more!

Gabriel Jarrosson is a business angel, cryptocurrency investor and accomplished entrepreneur. He co-founded French e-learning platform albert academie and is an angel investor in Storj, Shapr, BitStamp and Seedrs among many other others. He is also deeply involved in blockchain and advises a handful of companies. Listen and Learn: * The challenges of angel investing without being an accredited investor * How to use equity crowdfunding platforms to invest in startups * Why it’s weird being the youngest angel in the room * The problem with many conventional angel groups * How Gabriel views crypto * Why he hasn’t sold his Ethereum or Bitcoin * Why liquidity is a bad thing for blockchain * How ICOs will transform startup funding Gabriel’s Projects: Gabriel-Jarrasson.com Gabriel’s LinkedIn Gabriel’s Angellist profile Gabriel’s Twitter: @gjarrosson Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like to access our deal flow. Recently joined Corl – we’re funding startups and SMBs with no equity dilution – find out more! Gabriel Jarrosson is a business angel, cryptocurrency investor and accomplished entrepreneur. He co-founded French e-learning platform albert academie and is an angel investor in Storj, Shapr, BitStamp and Seedrs among many other others. He is also deeply involved in blockchain and advises a handful of companies. Listen and Learn: * The challenges of angel investing without being an accredited investor * How to use equity crowdfunding platforms to invest in startups * Why it’s weird being the youngest angel in the room * The problem with many conventional angel groups * How Gabriel views crypto * Why he hasn’t sold his Ethereum or Bitcoin * Why liquidity is a bad thing for blockchain * How ICOs will transform startup funding Gabriel’s Projects: Gabriel-Jarrasson.com Gabriel’s LinkedIn Gabriel’s Angellist profile Gabriel’s Twitter: @gjarrosson Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like to access our deal flow. Recently joined Corl – we’re funding startups and SMBs with no equity dilution – find out more!

David Weekly is a product manager at Google (also previously at Facebook), a syndicate lead for Drone.vc on Angellist and the founder of HackerDojo, the world’s largest non-profit hackerspace. David is intimately involved with the startup ecosystem, a serial founder and facilitator and an active angel investor with over 40 investments to date. Listen and Learn: * How David hit 350x returns investing in Mexico * The importance of opportunity arbitrage in investing * How to build local networks to fuel out of country deal flow * Why David is excited about Bangladesh startups * How to zig when other investors zag * The difference in culture of Facebook and Google * How to think about unconventional investing * Why David is excited about metals investing * The reason David is interested in drones * How to spot upcoming tech trends David’s Projects: Drone.vc syndicate David Weekly’s Angellist syndicate David’s blog David’s Twitter: @dweekly David Weekly is a product manager at Google (also previously at Facebook), a syndicate lead for Drone.vc on Angellist and the founder of HackerDojo, the world’s largest non-profit hackerspace. David is intimately involved with the startup ecosystem, a serial founder and facilitator and an active angel investor with over 40 investments to date. Listen and Learn: * How David hit 350x returns investing in Mexico * The importance of opportunity arbitrage in investing * How to build local networks to fuel out of country deal flow * Why David is excited about Bangladesh startups * How to zig when other investors zag * The difference in culture of Facebook and Google * How to think about unconventional investing * Why David is excited about metals investing * The reason David is interested in drones * How to spot upcoming tech trends David’s Projects: Drone.vc syndicate David Weekly’s Angellist syndicate David’s blog David’s Twitter: @dweekly

Jenny Rooke is the founder and managing partner or Genoa Ventures (formerly 5 Prime Ventures) where she funds & builds companies that change the way science gets done with new tools and technologies. She has a PhD in Genetics, a Bachelors in physics, and a background in computer science and works closely with early-stage life science start-ups on issues of fundraising, market & product strategy, and business development. Listen and Learn: * The evolution genome sequencing and synthetic biology * Why life sciences investors should probably have longer time horizons * How theurapetics differs from life sciences when it comes to investin * Why technical risk is different depending on the industry * How CRISPR and genetic engineering will affect the coming decades * The reason staying up to date is irrelevant * What the Kaufmann Fellows got right about venture investing * Why scientists make smart investors * Predictions about synthetic biology and the future of humanity * How to spot upcoming tech trends Jenny’s Projects: Jenny’s LinkedIn Jenny’s Angellist syndicate Genoa Ventures Jenny’s Twitter: @drjennyrooke Jenny Rooke is the founder and managing partner or Genoa Ventures (formerly 5 Prime Ventures) where she funds & builds companies that change the way science gets done with new tools and technologies. She has a PhD in Genetics, a Bachelors in physics, and a background in computer science and works closely with early-stage life science start-ups on issues of fundraising, market & product strategy, and business development. Listen and Learn: * The evolution genome sequencing and synthetic biology * Why life sciences investors should probably have longer time horizons * How theurapetics differs from life sciences when it comes to investin * Why technical risk is different depending on the industry * How CRISPR and genetic engineering will affect the coming decades * The reason staying up to date is irrelevant * What the Kaufmann Fellows got right about venture investing * Why scientists make smart investors * Predictions about synthetic biology and the future of humanity * How to spot upcoming tech trends Jenny’s Projects: Jenny’s LinkedIn Jenny’s Angellist syndicate Genoa Ventures Jenny’s Twitter: @drjennyrooke

Today’s an interesting episode where Matthew Le Merle interviews The Syndicate podcast host Matt Ward, sharing his story, lessons learned and controversial/contrarian opinions to make the podcast more interesting and informative overall. Previously, Matt built and sold #1 crowdfunding podcast, artofthekickstart.com and transitioned into own products business. Here he turned $8k investment into a 7 figure exit in 12 months with home and garden ecommerce brand primarily using Amazon and other channels. In parallel Matt started the FBA ALLSTARS podcast and community of 6-8k Amazon sellers, helping ecommerce companies follow in my footsteps (monetized via consulting and affiliate and/sponsored recommendations). Matt has done all this while traveling the world, living in Thailand, Vietnam, Colombia, South Africa, Switzerland, Spain and the USA on boot string budgets to build and scale his businesses. Listen and Learn: * How Matt initially got involved with startups * The purpose of The Syndicate podcast and what to expect * Why Matt moved to Southeast Asia * Which companies and startups are in the best position for a paradigm shift * The benefits of syndicates over angel groups or VCs * The top tech trends to observe and invest in * Problems with politics and immigration * Why Matt is bullish and wary of blockchain Matt’s Projects: The Syndicate investment group Matt’s Linkedin Matt’s Twitter: @itsmattward Matt’s Medium Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like to access our deal flow. Today’s an interesting episode where Matthew Le Merle interviews The Syndicate podcast host Matt Ward, sharing his story, lessons learned and controversial/contrarian opinions to make the podcast more interesting and informative overall. Previously, Matt built and sold #1 crowdfunding podcast, artofthekickstart.com and transitioned into own products business. Here he turned $8k investment into a 7 figure exit in 12 months with home and garden ecommerce brand primarily using Amazon and other channels. In parallel Matt started the FBA ALLSTARS podcast and community of 6-8k Amazon sellers, helping ecommerce companies follow in my footsteps (monetized via consulting and affiliate and/sponsored recommendations). Matt has done all this while traveling the world, living in Thailand, Vietnam, Colombia, South Africa, Switzerland, Spain and the USA on boot string budgets to build and scale his businesses. Listen and Learn: * How Matt initially got involved with startups * The purpose of The Syndicate podcast and what to expect * Why Matt moved to Southeast Asia * Which companies and startups are in the best position for a paradigm shift * The benefits of syndicates over angel groups or VCs * The top tech trends to observe and invest in * Problems with politics and immigration * Why Matt is bullish and wary of blockchain Matt’s Projects: The Syndicate investment group Matt’s Linkedin Matt’s Twitter: 

Charlie O’Donnell has been an active member of the NYC startup community for over a decade. He is the sole Partner and Founder at Brooklyn Bridge Ventures that invested in the first rounds of Canary, The Wing, Ample Hills, Hungryroot, Clubhouse, Petal, and goTenna. Prior to Brooklyn Bridge, Charlie worked at Union Square Ventures and First Round Capital where he sourced GroupMe (acq. by Skype), SinglePlatform (acq. by Constant Contact), and Backupify (acq. by Datto), as well as Refinery29 and chloe+isabel investments. Listen and Learn: * Why Charlie doesn’t do follow on funding * How Brooklyn Bridge built a fund of mostly angel LPs * Why Charlie focuses on pre-seed startups * Ways to prioritize time to prevent burnout * How to Charlie uses dinners to design interesting encounters and build his network * Why Series A isn’t that must safer than pre-seed * How being a solo-VC affects a fund * Ways to build awesome deal flow * What Charlie learned from Fred Wilson and Union Square Ventures Charlie’s Projects: Charlie’s Angellist profile Brooklyn Bridge VC thisisgoingtobebig.com Charlie’s Twitter: @ceonyc Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like to access our deal flow. Charlie O’Donnell has been an active member of the NYC startup community for over a decade. He is the sole Partner and Founder at Brooklyn Bridge Ventures that invested in the first rounds of Canary, The Wing, Ample Hills, Hungryroot, Clubhouse, Petal, and goTenna. Prior to Brooklyn Bridge, Charlie worked at Union Square Ventures and First Round Capital where he sourced GroupMe (acq. by Skype), SinglePlatform (acq. by Constant Contact), and Backupify (acq. by Datto), as well as Refinery29 and chloe+isabel investments. Listen and Learn: * Why Charlie doesn’t do follow on funding * How Brooklyn Bridge built a fund of mostly angel LPs * Why Charlie focuses on pre-seed startups * Ways to prioritize time to prevent burnout * How to Charlie uses dinners to design interesting encounters and build his network * Why Series A isn’t that must safer than pre-seed * How being a solo-VC affects a fund * Ways to build awesome deal flow * What Charlie learned from Fred Wilson and Union Square Ventures Charlie’s Projects: Charlie’s Angellist profile Brooklyn Bridge VC thisisgoingtobebig.com Charlie’s Twitter: @ceonyc Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like to access our deal flow.

Jeff Clavier is the Founder and Managing Partner of Uncork Capital (formerly SoftTech VC), one of the original seed VC firms in Silicon Valley, having closed 200+ investments since 2004. An early angel investor in Web 2.0, Jeff and his team have backed successful startups like Mint (Intuit), Kongregate (GameStop), Brightroll (Yahoo), LiveRamp (Acxiom), Milo (eBay), Wildfire (Google), Bleacher Report (Turner), Gnip (Twitter), Fitbit (NYSE:FIT), Eventbrite, Sendgrid, Poshmark, Hired, Postmates, Shippo, Front and Molekule. The portfolio has also seen acquisitions by Groupon, Twitter, Facebook, Yahoo and AOL. The firm is currently investing out of its $100M Fund V, making on average 15 seed commitments of $1M per year in mobile/cloud saas, consumer services, connected devices, marketplaces and “frontier tech” (AI, AR/VR, autonomous vehicles, digital manufacturing and material science, space tech). Listen and Learn: * Why brand is incredibly important in venture capital * The importance of networking and diversity in investing * Why Jeff’s investment thesis had changed over the years * The reason Uncork only invests in businesses that matter * Why Jeff thinks blockchain is a just hype and manipulated markets * How to think about investing in frontier tech * What most people don’t know about venture * How Jeff efficiently manages his time * Why the best investments break your rule book Jeff’s Projects: Jeff’s LinkedIn Uncork Capital Uncork Capital’s Medium Jeff’s Twitter: @jeff Uncork Capital’s Twitter: @uncorkcap Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like to access our deal flow. Jeff Clavier is the Founder and Managing Partner of Uncork Capital (formerly SoftTech VC), one of the original seed VC firms in Silicon Valley, having closed 200+ investments since 2004. An early angel investor in Web 2.0, Jeff and his team have backed successful startups like Mint (Intuit), Kongregate (GameStop), Brightroll (Yahoo), LiveRamp (Acxiom), Milo (eBay), Wildfire (Google), Bleacher Report (Turner), Gnip (Twitter), Fitbit (NYSE:FIT), Eventbrite, Sendgrid, Poshmark, Hired, Postmates, Shippo, Front and Molekule. The portfolio has also seen acquisitions by Groupon, Twitter, Facebook, Yahoo and AOL. The firm is currently investing out of its $100M Fund V, making on average 15 seed commitments of $1M per year in mobile/cloud saas, consumer services, connected devices, marketplaces and “frontier tech” (AI, AR/VR, autonomous vehicles, digital manufacturing and material science, space tech). Listen and Learn: * Why brand is incredibly important in venture capital * The importance of networking and diversity in investing * Why Jeff’s investment thesis had changed over the years * The reason Uncork only invests in businesses that matter * Why Jeff thinks blockchain is a just hype and manipulated markets * How to think about investing in frontier tech * What most people don’t know about venture * How Jeff efficiently manages his time * Why the best investments break your rule book Jeff’s Projects: Jeff’s LinkedIn Uncork Capital Uncork Capital’s Medium Jeff’s Twitter: @jeff

Alex Norman is a serial entrepreneur and tech community builder that is working to build Canadian tech communities across the country through events, connections, advice, and investment. He built arguably the top Toronto/Canadian based tech event: TechToronto, works with Angellist and runs an early stage investment syndicate. Listen and Learn: * How Trump’s immigration policies affect the Canadian startup ecosystem * What Alex thinks about blockchain and boom/bust cycles * How startups should leverage investors * Why selling your business isn’t always what you expected * How to build a top tier tech event to generate deal flow * The reason Alex isn’t a sector focused investor * How tariffs and NAFTA could affect investment in Canadian startups * What Canada has done to promote startup innovation * Why AI is overrated Alex’s Projects: Alex’s LinkedIn Alex’s Angellist syndicate Tech Toronto Alex’s Twitter: @alexandernorman Tech Toronto’s Twitter:@techtorontoorg Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like to access our deal flow. Alex Norman is a serial entrepreneur and tech community builder that is working to build Canadian tech communities across the country through events, connections, advice, and investment. He built arguably the top Toronto/Canadian based tech event: TechToronto, works with Angellist and runs an early stage investment syndicate. Listen and Learn: * How Trump’s immigration policies affect the Canadian startup ecosystem * What Alex thinks about blockchain and boom/bust cycles * How startups should leverage investors * Why selling your business isn’t always what you expected * How to build a top tier tech event to generate deal flow * The reason Alex isn’t a sector focused investor * How tariffs and NAFTA could affect investment in Canadian startups * What Canada has done to promote startup innovation * Why AI is overrated Alex’s Projects: Alex’s LinkedIn Alex’s Angellist syndicate Tech Toronto Alex’s Twitter: @alexandernorman Tech Toronto’s Twitter:@techtorontoorg Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like to access our deal flow.

Weisman currently serves as an Executive Director at Singularity University where he oversees all the company’s large programs including the Global Summit, Industry Summits (Exponential Medicine, Exponential Manufacturing, and Exponential Finance), and International Summits. Prior to Singularity University, Will spent time as an investor, advisor, and operator working with a range of companies in the consumer tech. and non-tech. world. Will has experience raising over $100mm raised and as an investor has record of picking and influencing winners with over $6B in exits. Listen and Learn: * Why Singularity University is successfully changing the world * What entrepreneurs can learn from angels – and vice versa * How the early internet dotcom era affected non-tech startups * Why early stage tech investing is all about the individual * How to evaluate tech trends for investment opportunities * Why Will missed out on blockchain * The value of art in understanding society * What people should consider about today’s rocky political climate * Why we are living in the best time in history Will’s Projects: Will’s LinkedIn Will’s Angellist syndicate Singularity University Will’s Twitter: @wweisman Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like to access our deal flow. Weisman currently serves as an Executive Director at Singularity University where he oversees all the company’s large programs including the Global Summit, Industry Summits (Exponential Medicine, Exponential Manufacturing, and Exponential Finance), and International Summits. Prior to Singularity University, Will spent time as an investor, advisor, and operator working with a range of companies in the consumer tech. and non-tech. world. Will has experience raising over $100mm raised and as an investor has record of picking and influencing winners with over $6B in exits. Listen and Learn: * Why Singularity University is successfully changing the world * What entrepreneurs can learn from angels – and vice versa * How the early internet dotcom era affected non-tech startups * Why early stage tech investing is all about the individual * How to evaluate tech trends for investment opportunities * Why Will missed out on blockchain * The value of art in understanding society * What people should consider about today’s rocky political climate * Why we are living in the best time in history Will’s Projects: Will’s LinkedIn Will’s Angellist syndicate Singularity University Will’s Twitter: @wweisman Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like to access our deal flow.

Alex is a Partner at Relay Ventures, an early stage venture fund exclusively focused on mobile computing. Alex oversees direct investments in a broad range of mobile applications and services companies. Alex is an active board member and observer in supporting Bionym, Influitive, ClearFit, TouchBistro, Kira and teaBOT. Alex overseas the Fund’s affiliate program investments that include Highline and Next36, and Alex is an advisor to DMZ (Ryerson). Alex is a frequent speaker and panelist at corporate and venture capital events, including CIX, CTIA Wireless, IDCEE (Ukraine) and Mobile Monday. Listen and Learn: * The art of taking advantage of unexpected opportunities * Why Canada’s startup ecosystem has been changing so drastically * Alex’s thoughts on mobile and where we are in the adoption curve * Why IoT is an interesting industry for both B2B and B2C * How Toronto compares to other tech hubs in terms of talent * The challenges with investing in multiple business models * How governments can help rather than hurt innovation * Why Canada’s immigration policy is attracting a ton of talent to the country * How much US investors are investing in Canadian startups * Why cryptocurrencies are very overrated Alex’s Projects: Relay Ventures Alex’s Twitter: @alexbaker74 Relay Venture’s Twitter: @relayventures Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like to access our deal flow. Alex is a Partner at Relay Ventures, an early stage venture fund exclusively focused on mobile computing. Alex oversees direct investments in a broad range of mobile applications and services companies. Alex is an active board member and observer in supporting Bionym, Influitive, ClearFit, TouchBistro, Kira and teaBOT. Alex overseas the Fund’s affiliate program investments that include Highline and Next36, and Alex is an advisor to DMZ (Ryerson). Alex is a frequent speaker and panelist at corporate and venture capital events, including CIX, CTIA Wireless, IDCEE (Ukraine) and Mobile Monday. Listen and Learn: * The art of taking advantage of unexpected opportunities * Why Canada’s startup ecosystem has been changing so drastically * Alex’s thoughts on mobile and where we are in the adoption curve * Why IoT is an interesting industry for both B2B and B2C * How Toronto compares to other tech hubs in terms of talent * The challenges with investing in multiple business models * How governments can help rather than hurt innovation * Why Canada’s immigration policy is attracting a ton of talent to the country * How much US investors are investing in Canadian startups * Why cryptocurrencies are very overrated Alex’s Projects: Relay Ventures Alex’s Twitter: @alexbaker74 Relay Venture’s Twitter: @relayventures Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like...

Jonathan Nelson is the founder of Hackers/Founders, the largest global network of tech founders with over 300k members across 45 countries. He build a $600M portfolio market cap in first 5 years and runs HACK Fund, a liquid venture fund on the blockchain. Jonathan has also served on an SEC Advisory Committee on Capital Formation for Small and Emerging Business, on the Board of Wilson Center for Public Policy for Latin America and has worked with the White House and Mayor Bloomberg’s administration to promote Startup Visa, and comprehensive immigration reform. Listen and Learn: * The liquidity problem with venture and what it means * How a nurse built the largest global network of tech founders worldwide * What immigration reform and Trump mean for Silicon Valley and US startups * Why equity pooled SPVs create incredible venture capital opportunities * How to leverage connections, network and hustle to build a robust business * Why traditional venture capital isn’t all that it is hyped up to be * How blockchain affects VC * Why crypto liquidity creates a win-win for founders and investors * The question of stocks and short term thinking Jonathan’s Projects: Jonathan’s Linkedin Hackers/Founders HACK Fund Hack Fund Medium Jonathan’s Twitter: @iamelgringo Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like to access our deal flow. Jonathan Nelson is the founder of Hackers/Founders, the largest global network of tech founders with over 300k members across 45 countries. He build a $600M portfolio market cap in first 5 years and runs HACK Fund, a liquid venture fund on the blockchain. Jonathan has also served on an SEC Advisory Committee on Capital Formation for Small and Emerging Business, on the Board of Wilson Center for Public Policy for Latin America and has worked with the White House and Mayor Bloomberg’s administration to promote Startup Visa, and comprehensive immigration reform. Listen and Learn: * The liquidity problem with venture and what it means * How a nurse built the largest global network of tech founders worldwide * What immigration reform and Trump mean for Silicon Valley and US startups * Why equity pooled SPVs create incredible venture capital opportunities * How to leverage connections, network and hustle to build a robust business * Why traditional venture capital isn’t all that it is hyped up to be * How blockchain affects VC * Why crypto liquidity creates a win-win for founders and investors * The question of stocks and short term thinking Jonathan’s Projects: Jonathan’s Linkedin Hackers/Founders HACK Fund Hack Fund Medium Jonathan’s Twitter: @iamelgringo Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like to access our deal flow.

Scott MacDonald is the co-founder of McRock Capital, a Toronto based VC firm focused on the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). He is also the Director and Chairman of numerous high-growth public and private companies. Listen and Learn: * The reason Scott only invests in IoT with recurring revenue * What investors and entrepreneurs need to know about Canadian ecosystem * How IoT startups can use software and data to differentiate * Why early stage IoT investing is a loser’s game * How to evaluate enterprise level IoT deals * The reason so much money is pouring into Canadian startups Scott’s Projects: Scott’s LinkedIn McRock Capital Matthew’s Twitter: @scottmacvc McRock’s Twitter: @mcrockcapital Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like to access our deal flow. Scott MacDonald is the co-founder of McRock Capital, a Toronto based VC firm focused on the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). He is also the Director and Chairman of numerous high-growth public and private companies. Listen and Learn: * The reason Scott only invests in IoT with recurring revenue * What investors and entrepreneurs need to know about Canadian ecosystem * How IoT startups can use software and data to differentiate * Why early stage IoT investing is a loser’s game * How to evaluate enterprise level IoT deals * The reason so much money is pouring into Canadian startups Scott’s Projects: Scott’s LinkedIn McRock Capital Matthew’s Twitter: @scottmacvc McRock’s Twitter: @mcrockcapital Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like to access our deal flow.

Matt Hartman is a partner at NYC based Betaworks, an early stage accelerator/venture studio with a killer track record. Matt leads the Seed Investments team and helps the company decide which bets to make. Prior to Betaworks, Matt was serial entrepreneur and worked on a variety of early stage startups. Listen and Learn: * The evolution of user interfaces * Which companies and startups are in the best position for a paradigm shift * How voice computing will change the world * Why Betaworks runs a VC + venture studio investment model * How to avoid investor distraction * The importance of a developer centric investment model * Problems and potential solutions to advertising based business models * Why Matt is bullish and wary of blockchain * The and practical application of product centered design Matt’s Projects: Matt’s LinkedIn Betaworks Matt’s Twitter: @matthartman Betaworks Twitter: @betaworks Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like to access our deal flow. Matt Hartman is a partner at NYC based Betaworks, an early stage accelerator/venture studio with a killer track record. Matt leads the Seed Investments team and helps the company decide which bets to make. Prior to Betaworks, Matt was serial entrepreneur and worked on a variety of early stage startups. Listen and Learn: * The evolution of user interfaces * Which companies and startups are in the best position for a paradigm shift * How voice computing will change the world * Why Betaworks runs a VC + venture studio investment model * How to avoid investor distraction * The importance of a developer centric investment model * Problems and potential solutions to advertising based business models * Why Matt is bullish and wary of blockchain * The and practical application of product centered design Matt’s Projects: Matt’s LinkedIn Betaworks Matt’s Twitter: @matthartman Betaworks Twitter: @betaworks Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like to access our deal flow.

Michael Cardamone was one of the first 30 employees at Box and went on to lead partnerships at AcademixDirect. After 6 years in operating roles, he started and is now the Managing Director of Accelerise in San Francisco (www.acceleprise.vc), an enterprise software focused accelerator backed by leading operators. In addition to Acceleprise, he is a Venture Partner for the SaaStr fund, a $70M fund led by Jason Lemkin and also an angel investor in the seed rounds of Flexport, Naturebox and TalentIQ; among others. Listen and Learn: * The evolution of SaaS as a business model * Typical targets for seed and Series A SaaS fundraising * How to build and scale a successful accelerator * What are most important KPIs for all SaaS founders to track * How running an accelerator and making investments occassionally create problems * The purpose and power of venture partners * How to think about index investing * Why SaaS is still a relevant industry * The problem and promise of AI Mike’s Projects: Mike’s Angellist Acceleprise.vc SaaStr Fund Mike’s Twitter: @mgcardamone Acceleprise’s Twitter: @acceleprise Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like to access our deal flow. Michael Cardamone was one of the first 30 employees at Box and went on to lead partnerships at AcademixDirect. After 6 years in operating roles, he started and is now the Managing Director of Accelerise in San Francisco (www.acceleprise.vc), an enterprise software focused accelerator backed by leading operators. In addition to Acceleprise, he is a Venture Partner for the SaaStr fund, a $70M fund led by Jason Lemkin and also an angel investor in the seed rounds of Flexport, Naturebox and TalentIQ; among others. Listen and Learn: * The evolution of SaaS as a business model * Typical targets for seed and Series A SaaS fundraising * How to build and scale a successful accelerator * What are most important KPIs for all SaaS founders to track * How running an accelerator and making investments occassionally create problems * The purpose and power of venture partners * How to think about index investing * Why SaaS is still a relevant industry * The problem and promise of AI Mike’s Projects: Mike’s Angellist Acceleprise.vc SaaStr Fund Mike’s Twitter: @mgcardamone Acceleprise’s Twitter: @acceleprise Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like to access our deal flow.

Matthew Le Merle is co-founder and Managing Partner of Fifth Era and of Keiretsu Capital – the most active early stage venture investors backing more than 175 companies a year. Matthew is an expert on corporate growth, innovation and business transformations having advised leading companies including Amazon, Cisco, eBay, Google, HP, Microsoft, PayPal and many others on growth and innovation-related issues. He is also an adjunct professor at Singularity University, bestselling author and a sought after keynote speaker.  Listen and Learn: * The evolution and expectations of blockchain tech * What individual angels can learn from angel networks * How investors leverage skill sets to succeed * Why early stage tech investing is the highest performing asset class * How to build a husband-wife investor team * The reason Keiretsu Forum outgrew all other angel networks * How to think about fund of funds * Why multiple projects means more rewards in investing * The one thing every investor and entrepreneur must understand about themselves * How to spot upcoming tech trends Matthew’s Projects: Matthew’s LinkedIn Keiretsu Capital Fifth Era matthewlemerle.com Matthew’s Twitter: @mlemerle Matthew’s Books Build your Fortune in the Fifth Era Corporate Innovation in the Fifth Era Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like to access our deal flow. Matthew Le Merle is co-founder and Managing Partner of Fifth Era and of Keiretsu Capital – the most active early stage venture investors backing more than 175 companies a year. Matthew is an expert on corporate growth, innovation and business transformations having advised leading companies including Amazon, Cisco, eBay, Google, HP, Microsoft, PayPal and many others on growth and innovation-related issues. He is also an adjunct professor at Singularity University, bestselling author and a sought after keynote speaker.  Listen and Learn: * The evolution and expectations of blockchain tech * What individual angels can learn from angel networks * How investors leverage skill sets to succeed * Why early stage tech investing is the highest performing asset class * How to build a husband-wife investor team * The reason Keiretsu Forum outgrew all other angel networks * How to think about fund of funds * Why multiple projects means more rewards in investing * The one thing every investor and entrepreneur must understand about themselves * How to spot upcoming tech trends Matthew’s Projects: Matthew’s LinkedIn Keiretsu Capital Fifth Era matthewlemerle.com Matthew’s Twitter: @mlemerle Matthew’s Books