Libsyn Directory

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

Release Date: 06/11/2024

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

MaC Venture Capital is a seed-stage venture firm that invests primarily in North America, with a focus on California. While the firm does not have a specific sector focus, it considers itself a generalist firm run by sector experts. Marlon explains that the common thread among their investments is a focus on popular culture and future trends. The firm seeks to identify emerging behaviors and trends early on and invest in companies that align with these shifts. This approach allows MaC Venture Capital to invest in a wide range of sectors, including fintech, B2B SaaS, digital health, and space and defense.

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Founder Bio:

Marlon Nichols is the co-founder and managing general partner at MaC Venture Capital, a seed-stage venture capital firm that invests in visionary founders building the future that the world wants to see. Marlon has an extensive background in technology, private equity, media and entertainment. His unique eye for global and cultural trends, along with shifts in consumer behavior, has helped him uplift and accelerate entrepreneurs and companies that are on the verge of their breakthrough moment. Some of his current and previous portfolio companies include Blavity, Faze Clan, FINESSE, Gimlet Media, LIT Videobooks, Mansa, MongoDB, Pipe, PureStream, Ryff, Solo Funds, Spill, Thrive Market, Wonderschool and others.

Thanks to his background as a professional athlete, Marlon utilizes sports leadership philosophy when working closely with CEOs to build the Venture of tomorrow. His diverse network of media and entertainment industry leaders, tech entrepreneurs, Fortune 500 executives and sports professionals helps him develop strategic partnerships and promote brand expansions for his portfolio companies.Marlon serves on the board of directors for the Kauffman Fellows program, where he has been instrumental in growing the representation of underrepresented minorities. He also serves on the advisory board for Los Angeles Mayor’s office’s PledgeLA.

Marlon has been honored on the LA500 in 2022, 2023 and 2024, and ranked among top early stage investors on Business Insider’s Seed 100 for three consecutive years. He was also named Pitchbook’s 25 Black Founders and VCs to Watch for the last six years. Marlon has been featured in Axios, CNBC, Cheddar, The Information, Crunchbase News, Fortune, Yahoo! Finance and more.

Prior to MaC Venture Capital, Marlon was co-founder of Cross Culture Venture. He eventually enacted the merger with Adrian Fenty’s M Venture that resulted in MaC Venture Capital as it stands today. Prior to Cross Culture Venture, he served as an Investment Director at Intel Capital and earned hands-on experience as an operator himself. Marlon earned his Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from Northeastern University and an MBA from the SC Johnson College of Business at Cornell University, where he was also adjunct faculty in entrepreneurship and venture capital.

Time Stamps:

02:57 Marlon's journey from early operator to VC founder

08:55 Venture capital as a path to diversity and strategic engagement

12:14 MaC Venture Capital investment thesis and strategies

16:25 Fundraising challenges and advice for new founders

21:04 Strategies for first-time fund managers targeting LPs

23:25 Fundraising realities for new VC managers

26:18 The multifaceted role of a founding general partner

28:56 Strategies for startups targeting successful exits

31:42 Evaluating seed stage investments

34:03 Venture capital’s shift to sustainable investment strategies

38:25 The impact of AI on business