DrinksWithAVC (DWAVC)

What do tiddlywinks, a quarter trick, and a failed Palantir deal have in common? They all show up in Andrew Ackerman's one-of-a-kind path from founder to family office director, accelerator operator, and venture capitalist to now SPV syndicate lead and author.  Andrew pulls no punches on what most startups get wrong — from pitch decks that waste space to market slides that make investors roll their eyes. He shares lessons learned from backing 70+ startups on how to actually stand out in a noisy fundraising environment, why EdTech broke his heart, and how day drinking helped him write The Entrepreneur's Odyssey — a startup guide founders might actually finish.Also in this episode:- His “accidental” real estate empire- EdTech's big COVID moment (and what came after)- The one thing every founder should know about market sizing- And yes, Andrew answers the Fidelity Five Questions.If you've ever wondered what VCs really think when they see your deck — this one's for you!Episode links: www.AndrewBAckerman.comEntrepreneur's OdysseyEpisode timestamps:00:00 DWAVC Episode: Andrew Ackerman03:28 Guest Introduction and Background05:25 March Madness Predictions07:42 Andrew's Origin Story16:18 Parenting in the Digital Age30:27 Andrew's Unique Skills31:01 Discussing the New Book31:52 Inspiration Behind the Book32:15 Writing Process and Challenges37:23 Character Development40:37 Market Sizing and Go-to-Market Strategies44:14 Importance of Value Proposition01:13:52 Fundraising Insights01:15:27 Navigating VC Funding Strategies01:17:19 Challenges for Non-Ivy League Founders01:20:09 Importance of Warm Intros01:22:33 Accessing Capital Outside Major Hubs01:24:37 The Role of Location in Startup Success01:27:09 Influence of Science Fiction on Entrepreneurship01:29:56 The Rise of PropTech01:41:28 Fidelity Five Questions

In this episode of Drinks With a VC, co-hosts Vik Lakhwara and Bree Hanson are joined by Arun Mittal, co-founder of MBM Capital. Arun discusses his journey from receiving an electrical engineering degree from Stanford and co-founding Chutney Technologies to leading turnarounds and investing in distressed startups. He speaks candidly about the lessons learned from his failures and shares insights into the unique investment thesis of MBM Capital, which focuses on revitalizing startups that have hit roadblocks. The conversation covers the challenges of revamping companies, the importance of recognizing executional flaws, and providing strategic guidance to unlock hidden value. Arun also touches on his involvement with LedgerX, the state of venture capital, and the importance of knowing oneself and asking for help. Don't miss this enlightening and refreshingly transparent discussion on the realities of turning around struggling ventures.Links https://www.fidelityprivateshares.com/https://www.mbmcapital.co/

Get ready for a rollercoaster of an episode! This week on DrinksWithAVC, Bree and Vik are joined by the multi-talented founder and GP of Oncology Ventures, Ben Freeberg. Ben shares his inspiring journey from active 24-year old pursuing a career in finance and dabbling in comedy in NYC, to an unexpected cancer diagnosis in Israel, overcoming adversity, mixing humor with resilience, and turning challenges into triumphs. Laugh, cry, and learn alongside us as Ben shows how to juggle Chinese Devil Sticks, pitch your healthcare startup like a pro, and gives his hot takes on everything from the intersection of AI & healthcare to the similarities between comedy and venture capital.Links:www.oncology.venturesBen's SubstackChaos Isn't An Excuse TED Talkwww.dwavc.comwww.fidelity.comwww.ravixgroup.comwww.greencow.vc

From growing up as a quiet kid in New Jersey and biking across the US in support of affordable housing, to moving west to join Salesforce and eventually becoming a partner at Scale Venture Partners, Jeremy Kaufmann shares his compassion-filled adventure with Bree and Vik while sipping The Dude's drink of choice: A White Russian. If you are building or investing in AI, grab some of your favorite vodka, add cream and Kahula, shake with ice, and settle in for his perspective on where everything is headed. Be sure to stay for his hot takes on introverts, decision making, teamwork in venture capital, and of course, his answers to the Fidelity Five Questions.www.scalevp.comwww.dwavc.comwww.fidelity.comwww.ravixgroup.comwww.greencow.vc

Join us for an exciting episode featuring Amy Cheetham, partner at Costanoa Ventures. From mucking stalls in rural Maine to making the Forbes 2023 Brink List, Amy's journey is both inspiring and insightful. Bree & Vik dive into her favorite Italian dishes, the challenges of startup life, and her passion for mental health advocacy. Amy shares valuable advice on the importance of curiosity, her thoughts on the impact of AI in fintech and healthcare, and gives her unfiltered opinion on the significance of diversity on boards. Be sure to stay to the very end when Amy pours out some wine for the one startup that got away!Links:www.costanoa.vcwww.dwavc.comwww.fidelity.comwww.ravixgroup.comwww.greencow.vcwww.crisistextline.org

Pour a mint julep and join us on DrinksWithAVC as we dive into the dynamic world of Leshika Samarasinghe, founder and GP at Twine Ventures. In this episode, Leshika recounts her beginnings at Google, where she was instrumental in developing core platforms like mobile search and Blogger. She also shares insights from her time at ARPA-E, where under President Obama's administration, she worked on pioneering energy projects. Now at Twine Ventures, she's dedicated to investing in startups that leverage AI, data, and software to revolutionize healthcare, climate tech, and financial services.Be sure to listen/watch until the very end as Leshika does not hold back in our Fidelity Five Questions segment, sharing answers that are as refreshing as her drink of choice!Links:www.twineventures.comwww.dwavc.comwww.fidelity.comwww.ravixgroup.comwww.greencow.vc

Pour your favorite champagne and join us in toasting Touring Capital's co-founder and GP, Priya Saiprasad! Learn how Priya's nomadic childhood created her superpower, how she took the leap from established firms like M12 and Softbank Vision to start her own fund, and how she weighs team dynamics when evaluating growth-stage startups. The former Forbes 30 under 30 venture capitalist gives us a fascinating look behind the scenes at what it's like to work for Jack Dorsey from her time at Square and doesn't hold back when answering our Fidelity Five Questions.Links:www.touringcapital.com www.dwavc.comwww.fidelity.comwww.ravixgroup.com www.greencow.vc

Settle in with a Sazerac for the latest installment of DrinksWithAVC, brought to you by Fidelity for Startups! Vik and Bree cover it all with St. Louis-based globe trotter, low-key adrenalin junkie, and venture capitalist Dan Conner. Dan relives harrowing moments on the slopes, talks about the books and quantamental approach that influenced his investment thesis, and shares his story from field engineer to building Ascend Venture Capital.Links:www.ascendstl.comDan's article on how startups can standout: Entrepreneur MagazineHow to make your own sazeracSponsors:Fidelity for Startups Cap Table ManagementRavix Group Startup Accounting & Finance Services 

Bree and Vik dive into a captivating conversation with Howie Diamond of Pure Ventures. From his early days in Chicago reminiscent of a John Hughes film to his rockstar nights drumming for Low v. Diamond on shows like Letterman and Leno, Howie's journey is anything but ordinary. Now, his focus on consumer packaged goods (CPG) investments and prioritizing founder mental health through his platform, Pilea, showcases a unique blend of life experiences shaping his approach to venture capital.Links:www.pureventuresvc.comwww.joinpilea.comLow v. Diamond on Spotify!  Ravix Wind-Down Playbook

Discover the profound depths of venture capitalism in this week's DWAVC with guest Manan Mehta of Unshackled Ventures. Vik and Bree explore Manan's adoption of 'curious acceptance,' his admiration for ancient and modern stoicism, and his insights on the pivotal role of immigrants in revolutionizing the startup arena and the VC landscape.Links:www.unshackledvc.comRyan Holiday's books on Amazon, here and here.www.creativity.org/ (Museum!)www.trefethen.com (What we're drinking!)

Join DWAVC's latest episode for an intriguing mix of intellect and stamina, featuring Dan Rubin from Alloy Ventures. This episode delves into Dan's voracious reading habits, the relentless spirit he brings from the athletic world, and his keenness for engaging conversations, providing a deep dive into the life of a venture capitalist with a penchant for the micro scale.Links:Read about Dan's expansive library and see the wonderful pictures of it here.

Toast to St. Patrick's Day weekend with the latest DWAVC episode featuring Crosslink Capital's Matt Bigge, a decorated Army Ranger, Georgetown and Harvard Business School alumnus, and doting dad. Dive into our 'Shots with a VC' special as we explore Matt's journey into investing, the military tools that have sharpened his venture prowess, and the transformative impact of The Honor Foundation on the business world.Links:www.crosslinkcapital.comwww.twitter.com/biggewww.honor.org (Charity!)

Gear up for the weekend with DWAVC's latest episode featuring Rishi Tiparia from Garuda Ventures. Bree and Vik sit down with Vik's old friend and venture capital colleague to dissect the nuances of Seed investing and what Garuda Ventures looks for before taking the investment plunge. Plus, get a glimpse into the charming 'meet-cute' tale that bestowed Rishi with the playful moniker 'Sir Texts Alot'.Links:www.garuda.vcwww.twitter.com/tapsSubscribe to Rishi's Tippets newsletter.

DrinksWithAVC welcomes Kobie Fuller of Upfront Ventures, merging the worlds of athletic excellence and venture capital. Bree and producer Reyn delve into Kobie's history as a record-setting athlete and explore how the competitive spirit and discipline from sports translate into savvy investing. Stay tuned to learn about Kobie's current SaaS metric of choice and his anticipated guests at the Upfront Summit in LA.Links:www.upfront.comwww.twitter.com/upfrontvcThis year's Upfront summit is at capacity, but you can still stream from home!Join the Valence Community and help grow the black community inside of business:Support Kobie's wife and her kids clothing brand.

DrinksWithAVC swings into the new year spotlighting Anoushka Vaswani of Lightspeed Venture Partners, the 'OG of PLG'. With accolades spanning from her lauded academic journey at Columbia and Harvard to shaping strategies at McKinsey and Matrix Partners, Anoushka brings a wealth of experience to the table. Settle in with your preferred vintage as she dissects her favorite SaaS metrics, discusses the impact of her global upbringing on investment perspectives, and debates the growth vs. profit paradigm for SaaS startups in economic downturns. A toast to insights and intellect in this much-anticipated return episode.Links:www.lsvp.comwww.twitter.com/anoushkavaswani

Holiday cheers with a visionary on Drinks With A VC featuring Ben Narasin of Tenacity Venture Capital. Tracing back to his roots as an e-commerce pioneer with Fashionmall.com, Ben shares tales of early-stage triumphs, from DropCam to Kabbage. Vik and Bree tap into his love for comic books, his recent puppy adoption, and why Dungeons & Dragons aligns with venture strategy. Tune in for an episode filled with insights and Ben's philosophy: "Life is not about having what you want, it's about wanting what you have."Links:www.tenacity.vcwww.twitter.com/BNarasinFoster puppies here.www.nikubutchershop.com/ (Restaurant!)

Episode twenty of DrinksWithAVC launches with venture virtuoso Kate Shillo Beardsley. Join us as Kate shares her journey from bartending to becoming a Managing Partner at Upslope Ventures and a pivotal figure at Lerer Hippeau Ventures. Vik and Bree uncover her time with Martha Stewart and delve into her impact on Web 3 and women in VC. Tune in to hear how this master of follow-ups continues to shape the venture ecosystem.Links:www.hannahgrey.comwww.twitter.com/kshillowww.mint.women-vc.com (Women in VC NFTs!)www.filemonade.com (What we're drinking!)www.needlepointclubhouse.com (New hobbies!)

DrinksWithAVC serves up episode nineteen with a refreshing twist, featuring their inaugural Limited Partner guest, Eric Sippel. Esteemed philanthropist and Chair of Bay Area Goodwill, the former COO of Eastborn Capital Management, Eric offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the LP perspective of venture capital. Vik and Bree will guide you through Eric's formative reads and essential tools, his insights on what brews success in investment, and even his unexpected pick for the state serving up the best pizza. By the end of this enlightening hour, you'll grasp how this altruistic Wesleyan Cardinal and Stanford Law alum has climbed to remarkable heights in the world of finance.Links:https://twitter.com/ericsippelwww.sfgoodwill.org (Charity!)www.1kproject.org (Ukraine support)www.punch5libations.com (Vik's drink!)Catch The Full Ratchet Podcast episode with Eric here.

DrinksWithAVC chugs along, introducing episode eighteen with Jim Dugan, CEO & Managing Partner of OCA Ventures, harmonizing EMPATHY, PASSION, DETERMINATION, HUMANITY, and a touch of FRANK SINATRA. With 23 years of venture experience, Jim has journeyed through remarkable startups like Alembic, Ocient, The Mom Project, and Presidio. Vik and Bree get the lowdown on Jim's legendary Carbonara, recount a larger-than-life encounter with Andre the Giant, and explore how Jim champions the ethos that genius and grit aren't geographically constrained. Plus, don't miss the debut of our fresh segment: Follow, Co-invest, or Pass!Links:www.ocaventures.comwww.twitter.com/jimocaventureswww.themomproject.com (Cause!)www.interwovencircles.com (Learn about Tim's tremendous journey across the US)www.1kproject.org/ (Ukraine support)www.heimarkvineyard.com/acquire/ (Wine!)

DrinksWithAVC presents episode seventeen, featuring the trailblazing Dr. Lan Xuezhao, Founding Partner of Basis Set Ventures, a firm making waves with its women-led team. Lan's impressive background spans from spearheading the Corporate Development Strategy at Dropbox to unraveling the complexities of the human brain for her Ph.D. in Psychology and mastering statistics at the University of Michigan. She's also shaped strategies for Fortune 500 companies at McKinsey in both New York and Shanghai. Join Vik and Bree as they dive into Lan's rich family history, recount her global escapades, and unpack her expert insights on big data, AI, growth strategies, and the evolving role of women in tech.Links:www.basisset.comhttps://twitter.com/xuezhaowww.basisset.com/persistence (Basis Set's Persistence Community)www.1kproject.org/ (Ukraine support)www.birdandbearcoffee.com (Coffee!)

Episode sixteen of DrinksWithAVC features standout guest, Matt McCall of Pritzker Group, lauded as one of the top 100 VCs in the U.S. and recognized as a power player in media and Hollywood. Vik and Bree delve into Matt's political roots, discuss the philosophical influences that drive his investment strategies, and engage with his insights on the potential of an economic downturn. Matt also sheds light on the McCall Family Foundation's mission for social entrepreneurship and women's rights. Don't miss this compelling conversation that traverses past, present, and future.Links:www.pritzkergroup.com/venture-capitalwww.twitter.com/pritzkervcwww.somethingventured.com (Matt's blog)www.1kproject.org/ (Ukraine support)www.amzn.com/dp/B007XF3SD6/ (Porron wine pitcher)www.amzn.com/dp/1611808308/ (The Heroine's Journey)www.amzn.com/dp/B00R3MHWUE/ (The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership)www.linkedin.com/in/breehanson/www.tripp.comThe first 5 people to reach out to Bree on her LinkedIn will get a lifetime pass to Tripp, the Best VR Meditation/Wellness Experience

Episode fifteen of DrinksWithAVC packs a punch with guest Natalie Luu from Lightspeed Venture Partners—Muay Thai enthusiast, NFT expert, Fintech investor, and tea aficionado. Vik and Bree uncover Natalie's journey from relentless hustler to venture capital dynamo, as she shares her vision on the emerging business 'mafia' in the Bay Area, her criteria for investing in teams, and more. Tune in for an episode that's as invigorating as a sparring match and as enlightening as a steeped cup of rare tea.Links:www.lsvp.comwww.twitter.com/natluuwww.selfhelpelderly.org/ (Natalie's non-profit)www.tea-time.com/ (Gifts!)

Episode fourteen of DrinksWithAVC welcomes the prophetic insights of David Hornik from Lobby Capital, dubbed the 'Nostradamus of Numbers' and 'soothsayer of SPACs.' Vik and Bree delve into David's evolution from a dedicated lawyer to a venture capital virtuoso, his ardor for the fine arts, his advocacy within the LGBTQIA+ community, and his reputed knack for forecasting market trends. Tune in for a glimpse into the journey and genius of a VC maestro. Plus, Tuvan throat singing!Links:www.lobby.vcwww.twitter.com/davidhornik

Fresh from a summer break, Vik and Bree are back with episode thirteen of DrinksWithAVC, featuring a candid chat with Alex Niehenke from Scale Venture Partners. They explore his eclectic passions from pickling to water polo, his experiences as a German immigrant, and the pivotal role of metrics in driving a company's success. Don't miss the sizzling end where Alex predicts which Companies and Firms will extend their 'Hot Girl Summer' glory and which may brace for a chilly season ahead.Links:www.scalevp.comwww.twitter.com/aniehenke www.eatuglypickle.com (Gifts!)

Pour a mocktail and join us for episode twelve of DrinksWithAVC, where we sit down with John Frankel of ff Venture Capital — our first New York guest and pioneer of our alcohol-free edition. Vik and Bree dive into John's journey from Goldman Sachs to venture capital, discuss the intersection of education and startups, and even try on some goofy hats. Get to know this London-native who not only has a penchant for croquet but also an unexpected affection for the film 'Dude, Where's My Car?' and a passion for snowboarding.Links:www.ffvc.comwww.twitter.com/john_frankel

Tune into episode eleven of DrinksWithAVC for a trip down memory lane. Vik and Bree curate the finest moments from the first ten episodes, showcasing the wisdom, wit, and warmth that define the series. Perfect for newcomers and long-time listeners alike, this special retrospective highlights what DrinksWithAVC stands for: unwinding with a drink in hand while uncovering the human stories behind venture capital's biggest names.For our audio listeners: this is an episode that you just have to check out on YouTube to get the full effect.  Links:www.dwavc.com

Join Vik and Bree for episode ten of DrinksWithAVC as they share Manhattans with Charles Hudson of Precursor Ventures. Delve into Charles's rich tapestry of experiences, from his early days at Kroger to landscaping entrepreneurship, and from his intriguing work with the venture arm of the CIA to his role as Managing Partner at Precursor Ventures. Beyond his professional journey, discover the man himself—his passion for smoked meats and his unwavering loyalty to Chelsea Football Club.Links:www.precursorvc.comwww.twitter.com/chudson

Episode nine of DrinksWithAVC features Sheel Mohnot of Better Tomorrow Ventures, who joins Vik and Bree to talk about his whirlwind year. From becoming a social media phenomenon to launching a $75 million debut fund and earning a top-three spot on Business Insider's seed investor rankings, Sheel's pandemic experience has been anything but ordinary. The trio digs deeper than his Zoom Bachelor fame and Justin Bieber video appearances, exploring his family bonds and his dedication to understanding and improving people's lives. Listen in for Sheel's insights on Miami's burgeoning startup scene, his take on plant-based lifestyles, and a segment that psychoanalyzes him using themes from his favorite book.Links:www.btv.vcwww.twitter.com/pitdesi

Grab a drink and hit the treadmill with Vik and Bree in episode eight of DrinksWithAVC as they chat with Eric Bahn of Hustle Fund from his unique garage office setup. Eric, a fervent advocate for diversity and inclusion, shares the serendipitous story of meeting his life and business partner all in one day. He opens up about fatherhood, the nuances of being a 'model minority,' and unexpectedly wows everyone with a strategic plan for 'Surviving the Apocalypse.' Plus, don't miss the moment he chooses between a Toyota Previa and a Tesla Cybertruck—his answer is sure to stun his fans. Links:www.hustlefund.vcwww.twitter.com/ericbahn

In episode seven of DrinksWithAVC, Vik and Bree share a post-St. Patrick's Day glass with Bessemer Venture Partners' Tess Hatch. From childhood acting to her mission to diversify the startup universe, Tess gives us an intimate look at her stellar journey. They also put Tess's space expertise to the test with quirky challenges that blur the lines between celestial wonders and earthly oddities. Join in for laughs, learning, and a little space trivia!Links:www.bvp.comwww.instagram.com/ada_ride/

In the sixth episode of DrinksWithAVC, Vik and Bree are joined by Rick Smith of Crosscut Ventures, a trailblazer in the Los Angeles venture capital scene. Over a celebratory toast marking his 7-year cameo anniversary on 'Silicon Valley,' Rick opens up about a poignant pandemic discovery through a DNA test that led him to his birth father. The episode isn't just emotionally stirring—it's also intellectually rich, with discussions ranging from the exodus of VCs from Silicon Valley to the dynamic shifts in the LA startup landscape. Don't miss our new segment 'SPAC Smackdown' and the delightful debut of Hank, the golden retriever puppy. Tune in for tales of personal discovery, industry insight, and puppy love!Links:www.crosscut.vcwww.twitter.com/smithrick​

Join Vik, Bree, and their special guest, Mac Conwell of Rare Breed VC, for a heartwarming episode that traverses Mac's extraordinary path from his roots in Baltimore and days at a crab shack to the pinnacle of raising his own venture fund. They delve into Mac's perspectives on the latest in tech like Clubhouse and Gamestop, his love for corgis, and the quintessential qualities he seeks in founders. Tune in for an episode that's full of flavor, insight, and a touch of mayhem that even Mac's mom won't forget​!Links:www.rarebreed.vcwww.twitter.com/MacConwell​

Episode four of DrinksWithAVC serves up a Manhattan alongside a hearty discussion, as Vik and Bree welcome Sara Adler, co-founder of Wave Capital. While the Presidential inauguration sets the backdrop, the conversation delves deep into the heart of gender diversity in venture capital. Sara also shares the riveting tale of her career journey from Facebook to Dropbox to AirBnB. Tune in for this rich blend of personal stories, professional insights, and cultural reflections.Links:www.wave.capitalwww.twitter.com/saratadler​

Raise a glass to the festive spirit with Vik and Bree as they sit down with Brandon Farwell of Xfund in the third installment of DrinksWithAVC. Our hosts challenge Brandon, a Broadway aficionado ,  to a very merry version of 'name that tune'. Join us for an episode brimming with holiday cheer, laughter, and a side of venture capital insights.Links:www.xfund.com

Pour yourself a second round of DrinksWithAVC as Bree and Vik explore the interwoven narrative of technology and global living with Mohanjit Jolly. From critical repairs on the Hubble Telescope to innovating at Mattel, and now investing with the India-centric Iron Pillar Fund, Mohanjit's journey is nothing short of stellar. Tune in for a taste of inspiration and industry savvy.Links:www.ironpillarfund.com

Strap in for an eclectic journey on the first episode of DrinksWithAVC, where we're joined by Norwest Venture Partners' own Scott Beechuk. From tales of a Russian airliner and a mini piano to a nod to Hunter S. Thompson, Scott's stories are as varied as they are fascinating. Sip on this rich blend of tech insights and personal anecdotes with us!Links:www.nvp.com