Libsyn Directory

Empowering Underrepresented Founders in Tech | Aaron Samuels, Collide Capital

Release Date: 11/21/2023

Transforming Diabetic Retinopathy Detection with AI | Cristina Campero, PROSPERiA Health

Build Tech Stack Equity

In this episode, we interview Christina Campero, an entrepreneurial force behind Prosperia, a tech startup focused on AI in healthcare. Christina discusses her professional journey, moving from a background in bioscience and healthcare consulting to co-founding Prosperia. The startup uses AI to scan retina images for early detection of diabetic retinopathy and other eye diseases, a crucial service in Mexico due to a high prevalence of diabetes and limited access to ophthalmologists. The conversation covers the development process of their AI model, partnerships with primary healthcare...

Unlocking Venture Capital in Latin America | Claudio Barahona, Alaya Capital

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In this episode of the Build Tech Stack Equity Podcast, we sit with Claudio Barahona, a venture capitalist with Alaya Capital, to explore his journey from an eSports entrepreneur to a prominent VC in Latin America. Claudio shares his background, including growing up in Germany and Chile, building a successful eSports company, and transitioning to the venture capital scene. He reflects on the unique challenges and opportunities in the Latin American startup ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of having an upside in one's career. Claudio discusses Alaya Capital’s investment thesis, focusing...

LATAM VC: Funding the Next Brazilian Unicorn | Eduardo Kupper, Airborne Ventures

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In this episode of the Build Tech Stack Equity Podcast, Eduardo Kupper, the founder of Airborne Ventures, shares his unique professional journey from an Air Force pilot in Brazil to a Wharton MBA graduate and successful venture capitalist. The conversation delves into his diverse experiences in management consulting at McKinsey, tech entrepreneurship through Rocket Internet, and leading a venture capital arm in one of Brazil's biggest banks. Eduardo outlines the challenges and strategies in raising a $5 million fund in Brazil, emphasizing the importance of adding value to others. He discusses...

A VC View into the Future of AI, FinTech, and cybersecurity | Adrian Mendoza, Mendoza ventures

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In this episode, Adrian Mendoza, co-founder of Mendoza Ventures, shares his journey from getting started in web design in the early 90s, to founding startups, and eventually transitioning into venture capital. He details his career progression, his experiences in the tech and design intersection, and his work at companies like Disney and startups during the dot-com boom. Adrian delves into the firm's focus on AI, fintech, and cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of investing in sectors they know well. He also touches on the challenges and strategies of raising a fund, the importance of a...

Investing at the Intersection of Space Tech & Data | Theo Williams, Third Vector

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In a rapidly evolving tech landscape, securing enterprise contracts can be a game-changer for startups and tech firms alike. The journey to winning over Fortune 1000 clients requires strategic planning, tailored communication, and a deep understanding of the enterprise world. Drawing insights from venture capital experts, we explore the nuances of navigating enterprise sales and building successful relationships with top-tier clients. In this episode, we sit with Theo Williams, the founder of Third Vector and an expert in venture capital specializing in the space technology industry. Theo...

Behind the Curtain of Early Stage VC | Marlon Nichols, MaC Venture Capital

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In this episode we speak with Marlon Nichols, co-founder of MaC Venture Capital, who discusses his diverse career path from starting as an early employee at an enterprise software company, moving into consulting, and ultimately venturing into the world of venture capital. He explains the founding and growth of MaC Venture Capital, sharing insights into their investment thesis, sector focus, and the types of companies they seek to partner with. Marlon also provides invaluable advice for new fund managers and entrepreneurs, touching on the current fundraising landscape, strategies for success,...

Launching a Shared Economy for Creators via Blockchain | Brandon Thorpe, FormLess

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In this episode we speak with Brandon Thorpe, a trailblazer in technology and entrepreneurship. From his early programming days to pivotal roles at Google AI and Apple, Brandon has redefined innovation in the tech world. Beyond his technological achievements, discover how his musical collaborations with Grammy winner Dallas Austin and the launch of his groundbreaking album 'Unicorn' showcase his diverse talents. Co-founder of Formless, Brandon is revolutionizing the internet through shared technology and smart contracts. Learn about his vision for an equitable digital landscape, the...

Navigating Unique Pathways in Venture Capital | Kevin Moore, Serac Ventures

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In this episode, we sit with Kevin Moore, the fund manager at Serac Ventures. Kevin shares his unconventional journey to venture capital. Starting with a degree in civil engineering, Kevin transitioned through roles as a financial advisor, a regulatory worker at the Federal Reserve Bank, and eventually into the VC world. He emphasizes the importance of diverse experiences and a curious mindset for sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities. He discusses his methodology for investment selection and the significance of a disciplined approach across various investment mediums. Kevin...

Connecting Communities through Venture Capital | Justis Mendez, OneSixOne Ventures

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In this episode, we have a conversation with Justis Mendez, who is the Managing Partner and Co-Founder of OneSixOne Ventures. Justis shares his journey from the tough streets of Cleveland to becoming a leading figure in the venture capital world. From experiencing the harsh realities of gang violence and incarceration to founding Qu Parking, an innovative startup that revolutionizes residential parking. We also delve into Justis's transition into the venture capital sphere and his role in building a robust tech ecosystem, tracing his path from his initial introduction to VC at OneSixOne...

The Art of Storytelling for Black Founders | James Norman, Black OPS

Build Tech Stack Equity

When it comes to fundraising, storytelling is a crucial element that can make or break a founder’s success. It goes beyond presenting information and numbers; it’s about creating a narrative that captivates investors and showcases the potential of the opportunity. Black founders should leverage their unique experiences and perspectives to craft a powerful story that resonates with investors, highlighting their journey, the problem they’re solving, and the impact they can make can help differentiate them in a crowded market. In this episode we sit with James Norman, co-founder Black Ops,...

More Episodes

In this episode, we interview Aaron Samuels, the Managing Partner, and Co-Founder of Collide Capital, a venture capital fund that invests primarily in black, Latin, and female founders. He has a diverse background, having worked as a spoken word artist, strategy consultant, product manager, and co-founder of Blavity, a media company focused on black culture and news.

Aaron Samuels shares his journey from being a spoken word artist to becoming a fund manager at Collide Capital. He discusses the structural obstacles faced by underrepresented founders in the tech industry and how his experiences at Blavity led him to start a venture capital fund. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, passion, and the ability to build teams when evaluating startups. He also explains Collide Capital's investment focus on software, including enterprise, SaaS, fintech infrastructure, supply chain, and gen Z productivity. Aaron highlights the value-add services provided by Collide Capital, including their willingness to go the extra mile for their founders. He also shares insights on raising a fund, the importance of finding the right investors, and the need for a well-researched approach when pitching to LPs.

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Founder Bio:

Aaron Samuels is Founder and Managing Partner of Collide Capital. Prior to Collide Capital, Aaron began his career as a spoken word artist before working at Bain & Co. as a strategy consultant and TeleSign as a Product Manager. Combining his love for storytelling, strategy, and technology, Aaron co-founded and served as COO at Blavity, the largest global Black Media company, and AfroTech, the largest Black Tech conference in the world.

Time Stamps:

02:48 Background of Aaron and Collide Capital

04:43 Realization of structural barriers for underrepresented founders

08:44 Creating Collide Capital to invest in underrepresented founders

10:41 Blending operational and investment expertise at Collide Capital

12:28 Valuing collaboration and teamwork in founders

14:48 Founding companies out of passion, not logic or reason.

17:04 Seed stage investments focus on scaling existing solutions.

19:01 Chek size that best fit for new founders

20:57 Focusing on software, enterprise, SaaS, fintech, supply chain, and Gen Z productivity.

23:13 Value-added service is the founders' support and involvement.

25:05 Journey and comparison in raising funds to raise as a startup