LA Venture

TenOneTen

"LA Venture" is a must-listen podcast presented by TenOneTen, providing an insider's look into the pulsing heart of Los Angeles' tech and venture capital scene. Each episode dives deep into the stories of the city's most successful entrepreneurs and investors, uncovering the strategies, challenges, and triumphs that define their journeys. Hosted by prominent figures in the venture capital community, this podcast offers invaluable insights and advice tailored to both budding and seasoned entrepreneurs. Listeners can expect a dynamic mix of interviews, discussions, and expert analyses, making "LA Venture" a rich resource for anyone looking to understand the nuances of startup culture and investment in LA. The podcast not only highlights the unique ecosystem of Southern California but also serves as a bridge connecting listeners to the broader narratives of innovation and economic growth in the tech industry.

Episodes

  • Rayfe Gaspar-Asaoka -- Canaan Partners

    Rayfe Gaspar-Asaoka, partner at Canaan, joins host Minnie Ingersoll to discuss the evolving landscape of venture capital, especially in technology and healthcare sectors. With Canaan operating from its 13th fund worth $850 million, Rayfe shares insights on the competitive nature of Series A funding rounds and the strategic approaches to winning deals. The conversation covers the nuances of venture capital, including the importance of price in competitive deals, the significance of sector-specific expertise, and the evolution of Canaan in terms of personnel and focus areas. Rayfe's background as an engineer and his experiences at Canaan highlight the blend of technical knowledge and venture strategy necessary to navigate the complexities of early-stage investments, particularly in frontier technologies like AI and space.

  • Avery Rosin -- Lead Edge Capital

    In this insightful episode of the LA Venture podcast, host Minnie Ingersoll engages with Avery Rosin, a partner at Lead Edge Capital. They delve into the operations and investment philosophy of Lead Edge, which stands out due to its vast network of over 700 influential LPs who actively contribute beyond financial investment. The discussion explores the company's approach to growth-stage funding, emphasizing the significance of strategic support from LPs to portfolio companies. Rosin elaborates on Lead Edge's criteria for investment, which includes substantial revenue benchmarks, high retention rates, and capital efficiency. Key insights are shared about the current trends and challenges in the growth equity space, especially in the context of economic shifts and market dynamics. The episode not only highlights specific investment examples but also Rosin's personal journey from cold-calling beginnings to influential venture capitalist.

  • Shamin Walsh - BAM Ventures

    In this podcast episode, Shamin Walsh, a managing partner at BAM Ventures, shares her extensive knowledge on investing in consumer brands. The episode primarily revolves around the changes in consumer market trends and how BAM Ventures approaches investing in this volatile environment. Shamin highlights the stability of consumer spending despite broader market fluctuations and emphasizes the need for appropriate capital structure to realize outsized returns in consumer investments. She illustrates this with the success story of a company called Pretty Litter, which raised minimal funds but achieved substantial financial success. Furthermore, Shamin discusses the broader strategies of BAM Ventures, including their focus on smaller, manageable investments that can still yield significant returns, and the importance of being strategically supportive without being overbearing. The discussion also covers how BAM Ventures leverages its expertise to ensure profitability and success in their investments, emphasizing the critical role of understanding consumer behavior and market trends.