The Syndicate

Clay Collins (@claycollins) is one of the top internet marketers in the world. After leaving home at age 15 to start his first software company, Clay has gone on to co-found Leadpages which raised $38M and was later acquired for a sizable exit. In addition, Clay has presented on some of the largest internet marketing conferences and stages in the world and was recently featured in the documentary “Add To Cart” which follows the history of internet marketing pioneers such as Christian Lander (Stuff White People Like), Gary Vaynerchuk (Wine Library TV), Andy Jenkins (Kajabi), Tucker Max, and Frank Kern. More recently Clay has been focusing extensively on the blockchain & cryptocurrency space where he is the co-founder of Nomics, which produces a free crypto market data API for enterprise level crypto investors and runs Flippening, a top 3 crypto podcast.   Listen and Learn: * How blockchain and cryptocurrency threatens current political order * The big problem with government fiat money * Where Clay sees us headed in terms of the internet * How your privacy is bought and sold, well beyond what you already know * Why Clay would bet it all on Bitcoin The future of governance and governments * How IoT will affect all of us * Why building a venture funded tech startup is harder than almost anything else * How libertarians want to recreate the internet * Why blockchain is still a long ways off from mass market success * What futures Clay is most worried about * Why AI won’t be replacing all jobs soon Clay Collins (@claycollins) is one of the top internet marketers in the world. After leaving home at age 15 to start his first software company, Clay has gone on to co-found Leadpages which raised $38M and was later acquired for a sizable exit. In addition, Clay has presented on some of the largest internet marketing conferences and stages in the world and was recently featured in the documentary “Add To Cart” which follows the history of internet marketing pioneers such as Christian Lander (Stuff White People Like), Gary Vaynerchuk (Wine Library TV), Andy Jenkins (Kajabi), Tucker Max, and Frank Kern. More recently Clay has been focusing extensively on the blockchain & cryptocurrency space where he is the co-founder of Nomics, which produces a free crypto market data API for enterprise level crypto investors and runs Flippening, a top 3 crypto podcast.   Listen and Learn: * How blockchain and cryptocurrency threatens current political order * The big problem with government fiat money * Where Clay sees us headed in terms of the internet * How your privacy is bought and sold, well beyond what you already know * Why Clay would bet it all on Bitcoin The future of governance and governments * How IoT will affect all of us * Why building a venture funded tech startup is harder than almost anything else * How libertarians want to recreate the internet * Why blockchain is still a long ways off from mass market success

Geoff Ralston is the founder of Imagine K12, an education focused vertical within the super successful startup accelerator YCombinator. Collectively, Y Combinator and Imagine K12 have backed over 100 education technology startups. In addition to his work with YC, Geoff’s a prolific angel investor, with over 80 portfolio companies and 18 exits to date. Prior to joining YC as a Partner, Geoff was the CEO of Lala Media, a music startup which was acquired by Apple for $80M in 2009. He also spent 9 years at Yahoo and was the Former Chief Product Officer a decade before the company became irrelevant.     Listen and Learn: * The major problems with America’s education system * How startups and YC are working to redesign education * Is college still necessary? * How venture capitalists can make outsized differences in the world * Why education and healthcare as so expensive and slow to adapt * What angel investors need to know to avoid losing money * How Geoff thinks about industries and investment philosophies * Why Geoff started an edtech accelerator and merged with YCombinator * The reason Geoff is incredibly optimistic about biotech and AI * The ethical issues of education and access and how we can fix them * Why education NEEDS to be personalized * How to hone your craft and becoming worldclass * Which industries Geoff is most excited about Geoff’s Projects: ImagineK12 YCombinator Geoff’s Angellist Twitter: @gralston Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like to access our deal flow. Like this? You will love our new podcast: FringeFM which explores edges of human understanding and sci-fi tech: Subscribe on iTunes and Stitcher. Geoff Ralston is the founder of Imagine K12, an education focused vertical within the super successful startup accelerator YCombinator. Collectively, Y Combinator and Imagine K12 have backed over 100 education technology startups. In addition to his work with YC, Geoff’s a prolific angel investor, with over 80 portfolio companies and 18 exits to date. Prior to joining YC as a Partner, Geoff was the CEO of Lala Media, a music startup which was acquired by Apple for $80M in 2009. He also spent 9 years at Yahoo and was the Former Chief Product Officer a decade before the company became irrelevant.     Listen and Learn: * The major problems with America’s education system * How startups and YC are working to redesign education * Is college still necessary? * How venture capitalists can make outsized differences in the world * Why education and healthcare as so expensive and slow to adapt * What angel investors need to know to avoid losing money * How Geoff thinks about industries and investment philosophies * Why Geoff started an edtech accelerator and merged with YCombinator * The reason Geoff is incredibly optimistic about biotech and AI * The ethical issues of education and access and how we can fix them * Why education NEEDS to be personalized * How to hone your craft and becoming worldclass * Which industries Geoff is most excited about Geoff’s Projects: ImagineK12

 Travis Scher (@travisscher) leads venture capital and new cryptoasset investing at Digital Currency Group(DCG), a blockchain investment firm with a mission is to accelerate the development of a better financial system. DCG is world’s the most prolific investor in blockchain startups. They have invested in over 100 companies in 30 different countries, including market leaders like Coinbase, Blockchain, Ledger, and Ripple and they have also invested directly in crypto-assets, including Bitcoin, Decentraland, Ethereum Classic, and Zcash. Digital Currency Group is not a traditional venture capital fund, instead they also build and buy companies. DCG has three wholly owned subsidiaries: CoinDesk, the leading independent source of blockchain news, research, and events, Genesis Trading, a full-service institutional trading firm focused on digital currencies, and Grayscale Investments, the world’s largest digital currency asset manager.     In our wide-ranging conversation, we cover many things, including: * The future of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies * Why blockchain builds perfectly upon VR * How non-governmental money will impact society * The big problem with custody and control of money * Why we’re still a few years off from widespread crypto adoption * The importance of AI in cryptocurrency * How Travis thinks we can rewrite democracy * The effects of utility tokens on internet monopolies * Travis’ thoughts on user experience and product adoption * The reason Travis is still bullish on Bitcoin * The effects of ICOs on venture capital ecosystem * Why our banking system is totally broken Like this? Be sure to jump over to FringeFM or subscribe via iTunes or Stitcher   Travis Scher (@travisscher) leads venture capital and new cryptoasset investing at Digital Currency Group(DCG), a blockchain investment firm with a mission is to accelerate the development of a better financial system. DCG is world’s the most prolific investor in blockchain startups. They have invested in over 100 companies in 30 different countries, including market leaders like Coinbase, Blockchain, Ledger, and Ripple and they have also invested directly in crypto-assets, including Bitcoin, Decentraland, Ethereum Classic, and Zcash. Digital Currency Group is not a traditional venture capital fund, instead they also build and buy companies. DCG has three wholly owned subsidiaries: CoinDesk, the leading independent source of blockchain news, research, and events, Genesis Trading, a full-service institutional trading firm focused on digital currencies, and Grayscale Investments, the world’s largest digital currency asset manager.     In our wide-ranging conversation, we cover many things, including: * The future of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies * Why blockchain builds perfectly upon VR * How non-governmental money will impact society * The big problem with custody and control of money * Why we’re still a few years off from widespread crypto adoption * The importance of AI in cryptocurrency * How Travis thinks we can rewrite democracy * The effects of utility tokens on internet monopolies * Travis’ thoughts on user experience and product adoption * The reason Travis is still bullish on Bitcoin * The effects of ICOs on venture capital ecosystem * Why our banking system is totally broken Like this?

David Weekly is back on The Syndicate podcast. If you missed David’s previous appearance on the show, it was a great one, especially for angel investors and VCs interested in driving returns by investing out of market. If you haven’t already, go listen to that episode before continuing here, or don’t, either way it is incredibly valuable. Enjoy. Listen and Learn: * How Warren Buffett influences David’s approach to investing * The two best times to invest and get a great deal * How to evaluate companies based on fundamentals * Why Angellist isn’t as great for syndicates as it once was * How and when to start your own fund * The reason David is incredibly contrarian as an investor * Why David is excited ocean investing * 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 back on The Syndicate podcast. If you missed David’s previous appearance on the show, it was a great one, especially for angel investors and VCs interested in driving returns by investing out of market. If you haven’t already, go listen to that episode before continuing here, or don’t, either way it is incredibly valuable. Enjoy. Listen and Learn: * How Warren Buffett influences David’s approach to investing * The two best times to invest and get a great deal * How to evaluate companies based on fundamentals * Why Angellist isn’t as great for syndicates as it once was * How and when to start your own fund * The reason David is incredibly contrarian as an investor * Why David is excited ocean investing * How to spot upcoming tech trends David’s Projects: Drone.vc syndicate David Weekly’s Angellist syndicate David’s blog David’s Twitter: @dweekly

Catherine Ulrich is the Managing Director of FirstMark Capital, invests in a broad range of consumer and enterprise start-ups. She has a deep passion for and expertise in health and wellness, consumer AI, and behavior change. Prior to joining FirstMark, she was the Chief Product Officer at Shutterstock (NYSE: SSTK), which she joined after serving as Chief Product Officer of Weight Watchers (NYSE: WTW). Listen and Learn: * The important skills for any Product Manager * How Catherine thinks about product roadmapping and company direction * Ways that any individual can uplevel their leadership and personal growth * Why Catherine decided to switch from operator to investor * What WeightWatchers taught Catherine about customer interactions * How misaligned markets create massive opportunities * Where there may be very interesting investment opportunities * Two key questions to ask every founder Catherine’s Projects: Catherine’s Linkedin FirstMark Capital Catherine’s Medium Twitter: @kit_ulrich Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like to access our deal flow. Catherine Ulrich is the Managing Director of FirstMark Capital, invests in a broad range of consumer and enterprise start-ups. She has a deep passion for and expertise in health and wellness, consumer AI, and behavior change. Prior to joining FirstMark, she was the Chief Product Officer at Shutterstock (NYSE: SSTK), which she joined after serving as Chief Product Officer of Weight Watchers (NYSE: WTW). Listen and Learn: * The important skills for any Product Manager * How Catherine thinks about product roadmapping and company direction * Ways that any individual can uplevel their leadership and personal growth * Why Catherine decided to switch from operator to investor * What WeightWatchers taught Catherine about customer interactions * How misaligned markets create massive opportunities * Where there may be very interesting investment opportunities * Two key questions to ask every founder Catherine’s Projects: Catherine’s Linkedin FirstMark Capital Catherine’s Medium Twitter: @kit_ulrich Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like to access our deal flow.

Kyle Ellicott is the Founder and Chief Labs Officer of ReadWrite / ReadWrite Labs (formerly known as Wearable IoT World, Inc.), a San Francisco-based Media and Ventures company dedicated to creating the social fabric for businesses around Wearables and the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. The company is focused on connecting technological experts, thought-leaders, corporate/startup executives, and investors as they build these emerging technologies through fostering dynamic relationships between brands, businesses, and bright minds. And in an exciting twist, Kyle will be joining The Syndicate as a Managing Partner to help our grow our accredited investor syndicate, bringing his powerful network and deal flow to our group of angel investors. I am super excited to have Kyle on the team as I’ve been a bit busy and unable to focus on our investors as I feel I should and look forward to the professionalization and growth of our syndicate. NOTE: If you are an accredited investor and interested in high growth investment opportunities, I recommend applying to join our investment group. Listen and Learn: * How IoT is shaping up to evolve society * Why China will dominate transportation and driverless vehicles industry * Lessons learned from investing in over 100 IoT startups * Mistakes Kyle made as an angel investor * How to think about scooter, bike and ridesharing companies * The reason the US is lagging in certain industries * How Kyle sees blockchains role in society * Implications of IoT growth in our daily lives * Why investing globally is a really good idea as an investor * How Kyle builds up better and better deal flow * Why Kyle will be joining The Syndicate to help bolster our investment group Kyle’s Projects: readwritelabs.com Kyle’s LinkedIn Kyle’s Angellist Twitter: @readwritelabs Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like to access our deal flow. Like this? You will love our new podcast: FringeFM which explores edges of human understanding and sci-fi tech: Subscribe on iTunes and Stitcher. Kyle Ellicott is the Founder and Chief Labs Officer of ReadWrite / ReadWrite Labs (formerly known as Wearable IoT World, Inc.), a San Francisco-based Media and Ventures company dedicated to creating the social fabric for businesses around Wearables and the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem. The company is focused on connecting technological experts, thought-leaders, corporate/startup executives, and investors as they build these emerging technologies through fostering dynamic relationships between brands, businesses, and bright minds. And in an exciting twist, Kyle will be joining The Syndicate as a Managing Partner to help our grow our accredited investor syndicate, bringing his powerful network and deal flow to our group of angel investors. I am super excited to have Kyle on the team as I’ve been a bit busy and unable to focus on our investors as I feel I should and look forward to the professionalization and growth of our syndicate. NOTE: If you are an accredited investor and interested in high growth investment opportunities, I recommend applying to join our investment group. Listen and Learn: * How IoT is shaping up to evolve society * Why China will dominate transportation and driverless ...

Robin Hanson (@robinhanson)is associate professor of economics at George Mason University, and research associate at the Future of Humanity Institute of Oxford University with a doctorate in social science from CalTech, master’s degrees in physics and philosophy from the University of Chicago. He has spent nine years as a research programmer, at Lockheed and NASA, has 3500 citations, 60 publications, 700 media mentions, and he blogs at OvercomingBias. Robin is also the author of The Elephant in the Brain – Hidden Motives in Everyday Life and co-authored The Age of Em – Work, Love and Life when Robots Own the World. Hanson is credited with originating the concept of the Policy Analysis Market, a DARPA project to implement a market for betting on future developments in the Middle East. Hanson also created and supports a proposed system of government called futarchy, where policies would be determined by prediction markets. Hanson is a man willing to challenge conventional wisdom/norms and has lately drawn criticism for his unconventional economics positions on sex, gender dynamics and problems with today’s society. In our wide-ranging conversation, we cover many things, including: * The reasons our culture values and norms are quickly changing * Why physics forced Robins to become an atheist * How Robin sees artificial intelligence progressing * The power of prediction markets and why we haven’t seen more uptick * Why brain emulation may be the most likely future scenario * The reason Robin prefers to be more like a historian than a futurist * Why we’ll never answer the hard problem of consciousness * Why economics is a great way to forecast the future * The problem with academia and education * Why Robin isn’t worried about breakout AI * Why Robin is sceptical of blockchains * The reason Robin signed up for cryonics * What folks should know about AI boom and bust cycles Like this? Be sure to jump over to FringeFM or subscribe via iTunes or Stitcher Robin Hanson (@robinhanson)is associate professor of economics at George Mason University, and research associate at the Future of Humanity Institute of Oxford University with a doctorate in social science from CalTech, master’s degrees in physics and philosophy from the University of Chicago. He has spent nine years as a research programmer, at Lockheed and NASA, has 3500 citations, 60 publications, 700 media mentions, and he blogs at OvercomingBias. Robin is also the author of The Elephant in the Brain – Hidden Motives in Everyday Life and co-authored The Age of Em – Work, Love and Life when Robots Own the World. Hanson is credited with originating the concept of the Policy Analysis Market, a DARPA project to implement a market for betting on future developments in the Middle East. Hanson also created and supports a proposed system of government called futarchy, where policies would be determined by prediction markets. Hanson is a man willing to challenge conventional wisdom/norms and has lately drawn criticism for his unconventional economics positions on sex, gender dynamics and problems with today’s society. In our wide-ranging conversation, we cover many things, including:

Aubrey de Grey (@aubreydegrey) is Cambridge researcher and Chief Science Officer of SENS Research Foundation focused on aging and extending human longevity. He proposes that the first human beings who will live to 1,000 years old have already been born. In addition to his research, Aubrey is editor-in-chief of the academic journal Rejuvenation Research, author of The Mitochondrial Free Radical Theory of Aging (1999) and co-author of Ending Aging (2007).  De Grey’s research focuses on whether regenerative medicine can prevent the aging process. He works on the development of what he calls “Strategies for Engineered Negligible Senescence” (SENS), a collection of proposed techniques to rejuvenate the human body and stop aging. To this end, he has identified seven types of molecular and cellular damage caused by essential metabolic processes. SENS is a proposed panel of therapies designed to repair this damage. He has been interviewed by most major news sources, including CBS 60 Minutes, the BBC, The New York Times, Fortune Magazine, The Washington Post, TED, Popular Science, The Colbert Report, Time and the Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe. In our wide-ranging conversation, we cover many things, including: * Why Aubrey switched from studying AI to the science of human longevity * The causes of aging and how we can “cure” them * Why prevention is orders of magnitude more effective than intervention * The reason Aubrey believes some humans today will live to be 1000 years old * Why there isn’t enough funding or support currently for fighting aging * The reason stem cell research is progressing rapidly and proving fruitful * How caloric restriction effects metabolism and aging * Why SENS often spins out businesses to further their aims * The science of immortality * How mainstream media has reacted to prospect of increasing lifespan Like this? Be sure to jump over to FringeFM or subscribe via iTunes or Stitcher  Aubrey de Grey (@aubreydegrey) is Cambridge researcher and Chief Science Officer of SENS Research Foundation focused on aging and extending human longevity. He proposes that the first human beings who will live to 1,000 years old have already been born. In addition to his research, Aubrey is editor-in-chief of the academic journal Rejuvenation Research, author of The Mitochondrial Free Radical Theory of Aging (1999) and co-author of Ending Aging (2007).  De Grey’s research focuses on whether regenerative medicine can prevent the aging process. He works on the development of what he calls “Strategies for Engineered Negligible Senescence” (SENS), a collection of proposed techniques to rejuvenate the human body and stop aging. To this end, he has identified seven types of molecular and cellular damage caused by essential metabolic processes. SENS is a proposed panel of therapies designed to repair this damage. He has been interviewed by most major news sources, including CBS 60 Minutes, the BBC, The New York Times, Fortune Magazine, The Washington Post, TED, Popular Science, The Colbert Report, Time and the Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe. In our wide-ranging conversation, we cover many things, including: * Why Aubrey switched from studying AI to the science of human longevity * The causes of aging and how we can “cure” them

Nathan McDonald is a Managing Partner and CEO of Keiretsu Capital. Nathan brings a unique entrepreneurial business and organizational development background developed during many years of hands-on, active leadership and operational experience. As one of the Northwest’s leading organizers of entrepreneurial and investor relations-focused media and funding events, he has facilitated scores of engagements and successfully promoted hundreds of privately financed high-growth companies.     Listen and Learn: * The opportunities and advantages of investing in Northwest * How Amazon and Bezos have built and transformed Seattle * Why life sciences is especially interesting for Keiretsu * The effect of blockchain and opportunities as an investment * How the Northwest differs from the Valley in angel investing * Why healthcare is hurting America globally * How Nathan built a career as an angel * Why the life sciences area is underfunded * How to bootstrap the world’s biggest angel group Nathan’s Projects: Nathan Angellist profile Keiretsu Capital’s syndicate Keiretsu Capital Nathan’s LinkedIn Twitter: @natemcdonald Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like to access our deal flow. At Corl, we’re funding startups and SMBs with no equity dilution – find out more! Nathan McDonald is a Managing Partner and CEO of Keiretsu Capital. Nathan brings a unique entrepreneurial business and organizational development background developed during many years of hands-on, active leadership and operational experience. As one of the Northwest’s leading organizers of entrepreneurial and investor relations-focused media and funding events, he has facilitated scores of engagements and successfully promoted hundreds of privately financed high-growth companies.     Listen and Learn: * The opportunities and advantages of investing in Northwest * How Amazon and Bezos have built and transformed Seattle * Why life sciences is especially interesting for Keiretsu * The effect of blockchain and opportunities as an investment * How the Northwest differs from the Valley in angel investing * Why healthcare is hurting America globally * How Nathan built a career as an angel * Why the life sciences area is underfunded * How to bootstrap the world’s biggest angel group Nathan’s Projects: Nathan Angellist profile Keiretsu Capital’s syndicate Keiretsu Capital Nathan’s LinkedIn Twitter: @natemcdonald Are you an accredited investor?

Ankur is co-founder of Emergent Ventures. Previously, Ankur was a venture investor at Nexus Venture Partners investing in US and India. Prior to that, Ankur was venture investor at Blumberg Capital investing in US and Israel. Prior to that, Ankur did strategy consulting at Accenture across a range of verticals including healthcare, financial services and technology. Earlier, Ankur led product teams at Andiamo Systems and later Cisco which acquired Andiamo in 2004. Prior to that, Ankur held engineering roles at Softaware Networks and later at Digital Island, which acquired Softaware Networks in 2000. Ankur is also co-founder of Vama, an eco-technology company.  Ankur’s selected investments include Mertado (acquired by Groupon), Cyvera (acquired by Palo Alto Networks), Mobsmith (acquired by Rubicon Project), BringIT (acquired by International Gaming Technologies) and Arkin (acquired by VMWare).   Listen and Learn: * How to have an exit and lose money a startup guy * Why Ankur meditates and practices yoga for several hours a day * The difference between the Indian and Chinese startup ecosystems * Why meditation and mindfulness are key drivers in Ankur’s investment philosophy * How to build a top tier cross-border VC firm * The reason Ankur always asks where their competitive advantage is as a firm * How some VCs actually help and hustle for their founders * What startups and VCs should know about Indian startups * Why there are so many tech CEOs from India Ankur’s Projects: Emergent VC Ankur’s LinkedIn Ankur’s Angellist Ankur’s Syndicate Twitter: @ankur_jain_vc Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like to access our deal flow. Like this? You will love our new podcast: FringeFM which explores edges of human understanding and sci-fi tech: Subscribe on iTunes and Stitcher. Ankur is co-founder of Emergent Ventures. Previously, Ankur was a venture investor at Nexus Venture Partners investing in US and India. Prior to that, Ankur was venture investor at Blumberg Capital investing in US and Israel. Prior to that, Ankur did strategy consulting at Accenture across a range of verticals including healthcare, financial services and technology. Earlier, Ankur led product teams at Andiamo Systems and later Cisco which acquired Andiamo in 2004. Prior to that, Ankur held engineering roles at Softaware Networks and later at Digital Island, which acquired Softaware Networks in 2000. Ankur is also co-founder of Vama, an eco-technology company.  Ankur’s selected investments include Mertado (acquired by Groupon), Cyvera (acquired by Palo Alto Networks), Mobsmith (acquired by Rubicon Project), BringIT (acquired by International Gaming Technologies) and Arkin (acquired by VMWare).   Listen and Learn: * How to have an exit and lose money a startup guy * Why Ankur meditates and practices yoga for several hours a day * The difference between the Indian and Chinese startup ecosystems * Why meditation and mindfulness are key drivers in Ankur’s investment philosophy * How to build a top tier cross-border VC firm * The reason Ankur always asks where their competitive advantage is as a firm

 Ann Miura-Ko (@annimaniac) has been called “the most powerful woman in startups” by Forbes and is a lecturer in entrepreneurship at Stanford. The child of a rocket scientist at NASA, Ann is a Palo Alto native and has been steeped in technology startups from when she was a teenager. Prior to co-founding FLOODGATE, she worked at Charles River Ventures and McKinsey and Company. Some of Ann’s investments include Lyft, Ayasdi, Xamarin, Refinery29, JoyRun, TaskRabbit, and Modcloth. Given the success of her investments she was on the 2017 Midas List of top 100 venture capitalists.     In our wide-ranging conversation, we cover many things, including: * How the space race and a NASA dad lead Ann to venture capital * How the venture ecosystem has evolved, especially for women, since 2001 * The importance of living through and experiencing an economic downturn * What Ann believes needs to be changed about our education system to adapt to the coming changes * How AI will impact the job market/economy and why Ann is fundamentally optimism * Why we need more women and diversity in tech * How Ann sees developments in blockchain and cryptocurrency affect our society * Why Ann passed on investing in Airbnb * The little known truth about startup success Like this? Be sure to jump over to FringeFM or subscribe via iTunes or Stitcher   Ann Miura-Ko (@annimaniac) has been called “the most powerful woman in startups” by Forbes and is a lecturer in entrepreneurship at Stanford. The child of a rocket scientist at NASA, Ann is a Palo Alto native and has been steeped in technology startups from when she was a teenager. Prior to co-founding FLOODGATE, she worked at Charles River Ventures and McKinsey and Company. Some of Ann’s investments include Lyft, Ayasdi, Xamarin, Refinery29, JoyRun, TaskRabbit, and Modcloth. Given the success of her investments she was on the 2017 Midas List of top 100 venture capitalists.     In our wide-ranging conversation, we cover many things, including: * How the space race and a NASA dad lead Ann to venture capital * How the venture ecosystem has evolved, especially for women, since 2001 * The importance of living through and experiencing an economic downturn * What Ann believes needs to be changed about our education system to adapt to the coming changes * How AI will impact the job market/economy and why Ann is fundamentally optimism * Why we need more women and diversity in tech * How Ann sees developments in blockchain and cryptocurrency affect our society * Why Ann passed on investing in Airbnb * The little known truth about startup success Like this? Be sure to jump over to FringeFM or subscribe via iTunes or Stitcher  

Carl Fritjofsson is entrepreneurial leader – +7 years experience as co-founder and early hire at multiple startup Internet ventures, in the online media and consumer Internet with management roles in business development, sales and operations. He is a trusted early stage investor and advisor – Angel and institutional investor in a broad range of startups such as Calm.com and Blockstream and advisor on topics related to fundraising, operations, sales, etc.   Listen and Learn: * How Spotify and the future of streaming music will play out * Why the Nordics are so successful as a startup ecosystem * The reason Carl believes early stage VC is overhyped and funded * Carl’s optimum work-life balance strategy * Why VCs need to spend time in SF * The truth about “value-add” VCs * While investing is all about understanding markets * Venture advantages of an ex-operator Carl’s Projects: fritjofsson.com Carl’s LinkedIn Carl’s Angellist profile Carl’s Twitter: @fritjofsson Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like to access our deal flow. Like this? You will love our new podcast: FringeFM which explores edges of human understanding and sci-fi tech: Subscribe on iTunes and Stitcher. Carl Fritjofsson is entrepreneurial leader – +7 years experience as co-founder and early hire at multiple startup Internet ventures, in the online media and consumer Internet with management roles in business development, sales and operations. He is a trusted early stage investor and advisor – Angel and institutional investor in a broad range of startups such as Calm.com and Blockstream and advisor on topics related to fundraising, operations, sales, etc.   Listen and Learn: * How Spotify and the future of streaming music will play out * Why the Nordics are so successful as a startup ecosystem * The reason Carl believes early stage VC is overhyped and funded * Carl’s optimum work-life balance strategy * Why VCs need to spend time in SF * The truth about “value-add” VCs * While investing is all about understanding markets * Venture advantages of an ex-operator Carl’s Projects: fritjofsson.com Carl’s LinkedIn Carl’s Angellist profile Carl’s Twitter: @fritjofsson Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like to access our deal flow. Like this? You will love our new podcast: FringeFM which explores edges of human understanding and sci-fi tech: Subscribe on iTunes and Stitcher.

Panelists: Roger Ver Roger Ver, often dubbed Bitcoin Jesus is one of the earliest investors in and proponents of Bitcoin. He’s made hundreds of millions, if not billions off his investments and was also an early investor in bitcoin.com, blockchain.com, Zcash, BitPay and Kraken. He led a fork of Bitcoin, known as Bitcoin Cash to address scaling problems with Bitcoin’s infrastructure and Core team which created quite a stir. Clay Collins Clay Collins is one of the top internet marketers in the world. After leaving home at age 15 to start his first software company, Clay has gone on to cofound Leadpages and raise $38M. Clay is also the co-founder of Nomics, the API/analytics software for enterprise level crypto investors and runs the popular crypto podcast Flippening. Paul Veradittakit Paul Veradittakit is a Partner at Pantera Capital and focuses on the firm’s venture capital and hedge fund investments. Pantera Capital is the earliest and largest institutional investor in digital currencies and blockchain technologies, managing over $250M. Since joining in 2014, Paul has helped to launch the firm’s second venture fund and currency funds, executing over 30 investments. Paul also holds board seats, mentors a few accelerators, and advises startups. Prior to joining Pantera, Paul worked at Strive Capital as an Associate focusing on investments in the mobile space, including an early stage investment in App Annie.   Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like to access our deal flow. Like this? You will love our new podcast: FringeFM which explores edges of human understanding and sci-fi tech: Subscribe on iTunes and Stitcher. Panelists: Roger Ver Roger Ver, often dubbed Bitcoin Jesus is one of the earliest investors in and proponents of Bitcoin. He’s made hundreds of millions, if not billions off his investments and was also an early investor in bitcoin.com, blockchain.com, Zcash, BitPay and Kraken. He led a fork of Bitcoin, known as Bitcoin Cash to address scaling problems with Bitcoin’s infrastructure and Core team which created quite a stir. Clay Collins Clay Collins is one of the top internet marketers in the world. After leaving home at age 15 to start his first software company, Clay has gone on to cofound Leadpages and raise $38M. Clay is also the co-founder of Nomics, the API/analytics software for enterprise level crypto investors and runs the popular crypto podcast Flippening. Paul Veradittakit Paul Veradittakit is a Partner at Pantera Capital and focuses on the firm’s venture capital and hedge fund investments. Pantera Capital is the earliest and largest institutional investor in digital currencies and blockchain technologies, managing over $250M. Since joining in 2014, Paul has helped to launch the firm’s second venture fund and currency funds, executing over 30 investments. Paul also holds board seats, mentors a few accelerators, and advises startups. Prior to joining Pantera, Paul worked at Strive Capital as an Associate focusing on investments in the mobile space, including an early stage investment in App Annie.   Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like to access our deal flow. Like this? You will love our new podcast: FringeFM which explores edges of human understanding and sci-fi tech: Subscribe on iTunes and Stitcher.

Jonathan Struhl is a cofounder and General Partner at Indicator Ventures, a VC fund that invests in innovative early-stage technology companies with the goal is to make business and consumer life more efficient. Jonathan is a 5th generation entrepreneur, and it’s evident each day he comes to work and interacts with founders and teams.     Listen and Learn: * What it was like working in the dying music industry * Why Jonathan got into influencer marketing and social media * How his views as an investor have shifted over time * Why Jonathan is excited about AR and VR for enterprise * The reason AI is hugely overrated * What’s up with blockchain and cryptocurrencies * How optimizing efficiency is actually an effective investing thesis * What Indicator Ventures looks for when making investments * How the firms innovative venture partner model allow them to differentiate and help startups Jonathan’s Projects: Indicator Ventures Jon’s LinkedIn Jon’s Angellist Twitter: @struhl Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like to access our deal flow. Like this? You will love our new podcast: FringeFM which explores edges of human understanding and sci-fi tech: Subscribe on iTunes and Stitcher. Jonathan Struhl is a cofounder and General Partner at Indicator Ventures, a VC fund that invests in innovative early-stage technology companies with the goal is to make business and consumer life more efficient. Jonathan is a 5th generation entrepreneur, and it’s evident each day he comes to work and interacts with founders and teams.     Listen and Learn: * What it was like working in the dying music industry * Why Jonathan got into influencer marketing and social media * How his views as an investor have shifted over time * Why Jonathan is excited about AR and VR for enterprise * The reason AI is hugely overrated * What’s up with blockchain and cryptocurrencies * How optimizing efficiency is actually an effective investing thesis * What Indicator Ventures looks for when making investments * How the firms innovative venture partner model allow them to differentiate and help startups Jonathan’s Projects: Indicator Ventures Jon’s LinkedIn Jon’s Angellist Twitter: @struhl Are you an accredited investor? Apply to join our angel syndicate if you’d like to access our deal flow. Like this? You will love our new podcast: FringeFM which explores edges of human understanding and sci-fi tech: Subscribe on iTunes and Stitcher.

Kyle Samani (@kylesamani) is cofounder and Managing Partner of Multicoin Capital, a venture capital-esque crypto hedge fund with at least $250M in assets under management (AUM). Prior to starting Multicoin Capital, Kyle ran Pristine.io (a Google Glass company for surgeons) as CEO, raising $5M and ultimately being acquired. Kyle’s writing and thought leadership has built him up as someone to follow in the ever evolving industry in addition to a strong focus on technology, entrepreneurship, sales and marketing and finance.   In our wide-ranging conversation, we cover many things, including: * How Kyle first discovered ethereum when it was only $10 * Kyle’s thoughts on the future of augmented reality and IoT * Why blockchain fundamentally disrupts so many industries * Which areas of crypto Kyle and his team are most excited about * Why Kyle believes Bitcoin will become irrelevant * What you need to know about the crypto rabbit hole * How the future of money will edged government * Why decentralization is more important than most people realize * How crypto investors can think about blockchain protocol value Like this? Be sure to jump over to FringeFM or subscribe via iTunes or Stitcher Kyle Samani (@kylesamani) is cofounder and Managing Partner of Multicoin Capital, a venture capital-esque crypto hedge fund with at least $250M in assets under management (AUM). Prior to starting Multicoin Capital, Kyle ran Pristine.io (a Google Glass company for surgeons) as CEO, raising $5M and ultimately being acquired. Kyle’s writing and thought leadership has built him up as someone to follow in the ever evolving industry in addition to a strong focus on technology, entrepreneurship, sales and marketing and finance.   In our wide-ranging conversation, we cover many things, including: * How Kyle first discovered ethereum when it was only $10 * Kyle’s thoughts on the future of augmented reality and IoT * Why blockchain fundamentally disrupts so many industries * Which areas of crypto Kyle and his team are most excited about * Why Kyle believes Bitcoin will become irrelevant * What you need to know about the crypto rabbit hole * How the future of money will edged government * Why decentralization is more important than most people realize * How crypto investors can think about blockchain protocol value Like this? Be sure to jump over to FringeFM or subscribe via iTunes or Stitcher