Finding the Seed Investor for your Startup with with Jonathan Wu and Jim Connor
Release Date: 08/27/2019
From Honor Rolls to Racial Roles: California's Educational Transformation
Game Changers Silicon Valley
California, once renowned for its high-performing public schools, is experiencing significant changes that raise concerns about the future of academic excellence. Notably, many high schools have eliminated honors and Advanced Placement classes, while some middle schools have stopped teaching Algebra in the 8th grade. A new state law mandates that all high school students must complete an ethnic studies course to graduate, aimed at enhancing cultural awareness and respect among diverse populations. However, the lack of a standardized curriculum has allowed for the introduction of "Liberated...
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The Oppressor Class
Game Changers Silicon Valley
Eli Steele's documentary, "Killing America," emerges from a profound silence into a loud, defining statement about the currents sweeping through American education. Born deaf, Steele transcends the boundaries of sound to explore the ideological framework shaping the narratives within schools across the nation. Through his lens, Steele investigates the dilution of meritocracy, the ascent of indoctrination, and the looming shadow of censorship, crafting a narrative that questions whether we are on the verge of educational decay or the brink of an academic renaissance. "Killing America" is not...
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Breaking the cycle, Crime, Drug Addiction, Recidivism
Game Changers Silicon Valley
We share a highly visible, universal concern: the persistent cycle of crime, drug addiction, and recidivism. My interview with former San Jose Mayor and current Congressional candidate Sam Liccardo, provides a deeper insight into the pernicious nature of this cycle. Sam underscores the deep-seated connection between these elements, painting a picture of a cycle that perpetuates itself but believes it can be dismantled with strategic intervention. His insights, drawn from years in public service, propose a pivot from punitive to rehabilitative justice. At the core of Liccardo’s argument is...
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Guns, Border, and Immigration Reform
Game Changers Silicon Valley
Everyone agrees: We are witnessing unprecedented political polarization and deep divides tearing our country's fabric. Since the current leadership in Congress cannot come to terms, the voters have little option but to send a message by electing new representatives and senators to Congress. I had an opportunity to interview a newcomer in the upcoming primary elections in California. Peter Dixon has impressive international accomplishments, entrepreneurial experience, served as a marine in combat, and a common sense approach to addressing big issues. He believes in finding creative...
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The Crisis in Public Safety
Game Changers Silicon Valley
In the run-up to the 2024 elections, Anna Cheng Kramer, a candidate for California's 15th Congressional District, captures the quintessential American narrative of the underdog. The story of Anna Chang Kramer, who is vying for a congressional seat in California's 15th District, offers a unique insight into the immigrant experience. Kramer's narrative, which began in Taiwan, weaves through a background of finance, integrity, and a growing sense of public duty to the community. Kramer’s campaign, anchored in enhancing public safety, speaks directly to the growing concerns among...
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The Stigma of Mental Illness
Game Changers Silicon Valley
No one wants to admit they are being treated for depression, bi-polar disorder or having thoughts about suicide. The fact is, today's stressful lifestyles will overwhelm the coping mechanisms of many people. My guest believes it's time to remove the stigma and treat mental illness "just like any other disease." Homeless encampments in commercial districts remain a visible and complex challenge. My guest, Dr. Peter Fund, provides insights about the extent of mental illness among the homeless. Government officials appear unable to formulate a plan to address what appears to be...
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Law & Order Silicon Valley
Game Changers Silicon Valley
In today's blog, we delve into the critical role judges play in our justice system. We had the privilege of speaking with Johnene Stebbins, a seasoned deputy district attorney running for Judge in Santa Clara County. Join us as we explore the responsibilities and challenges judges face in maintaining fairness, integrity, and public safety. We discuss the correlation between the decriminalization of drugs and the rise in homelessness. Drawing insights from our conversation with Joanne Stebbins, we explore the challenges faced by local governments in addressing this complex problem.
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Quantifying Startup Risk
Game Changers Silicon Valley
In 2023, approximately 3,200 venture-backed firms in the U.S. went out of business, according to data from PitchBook. These startups had collectively raised about $27.2 billion. Since the failure of Silicon Valley Bank in March 2023, this situation has been described as the most difficult year for startups in at least a decade, with many companies quietly shutting down. So the question is: What is taking place in the early-stage investor community to navigate this re-defined landscape? Is it business as usual or is there a new investor emphasis on quantitative tools to make better...
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Unlocking the Startup Asset Class
Game Changers Silicon Valley
Three Key Steps in Constructing the Startup Asset Class One fundamental building block to startup investing is defining the sectors and technologies that will fit your organization's definition of a startup asset class. A second critical step involves creating an education program to explain the purpose, risks, diversification, time horizon, and expected returns in a portfolio of early-stage technology companies. But what can catalyze the growth of your startup investing and the ecosystem is tapping into state funding to support innovation and economic development. But as...
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Restructuring the University
Game Changers Silicon Valley
Universities face many challenges in their goal of educating students for engagement in the 21st century economy. In this podcast, we delve into this transformative shift in academia, where the traditional model of university education is being reimagined and revitalized. The University of Cincinnati is at the forefront of this educational revolution, fostering an environment where academic knowledge meets practical application and where failure is viewed not as a setback but as a critical component of learning and innovation. My guest is Kate Harmon, the Executive Director at the...
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The startup ecosystem continues to create new products and services that contribute to our productivity and quality of life. The participating parties including research and intellectual property from universities, programs for entrepreneurs, technologists and an established set of service providers from startup accelerators to a range of outsourcing services for everything a startup company needs to grow efficiently.
A key driver to allow these components to produce results is the startup investor class and within that class, the provider of seed capital. The first outside capital contribution is incredibly important giving the startup validation and working capital to continue their mission. Today, we see a range of seed capital providers from the angel investor community and specific seed funds from the venture capital community.
Finding the Right Seed Investor
As an entrepreneur, if you have a lineage coming from several years at a brand name IPO, or you are part of the founder team with a track record of successful exits, then you have the basis to shop your company’s financing needs to venture capital funds and angel investor groups.
If you are first time entrepreneurs with no track record in the startup world, then you are likely to find the most receptive investor audience within the angel investor community.
The angel investor community is not a single type of investor. There are unique aspects and preference to each angel investor and angel investor group.
The podcast is about the mind and heart of the angel investor as Jonathan Wu, Vice President of the Sand Hill Angels, sits down to give us his perspective on seed funding, how entrepreneurs gain traction with angel investors, and avoidable mistakes entrepreneurs make. Jonathan also provides insight into the type of mentorship an angel investor can make including his own experiences in helping startup companies to accelerate their growth.