Ashwin reflects on lessons from pitching investors, handling rejection, and trusting his instincts. Finally, he dives into his work at Eclipse, explaining how the firm incubates and invests in companies that innovate across the physical industries, emphasizing how experience, networks, and structured early validation can accelerate founder success.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Ashwin’s early entrepreneurial experiences and his fascination with medical devices
• Founding and scaling a company focused on non-invasive glucose monitoring technology
• The challenges and strategies of raising venture capital without traditional revenue milestones
• Lessons learned from pitching investors — including best and worst pitch moments
• Transition to investing with Eclipse Ventures and their thesis-driven, industry-focused approach
• How Eclipse's incubation process helps founders build faster with stronger validation and networks

Connect with Ashwin Pushpala: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashwinpushpala/

Connect with host Neil Devani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neildevani/

For more information on Necessary Ventures, visit the website at:

https://www.necessary.vc/

Tara and Minnie share insights on having strong partnerships, how they assess potential investments, and what they look for in founders while discussing the importance of lifting underrepresented voices and supporting women-led ventures. They address the misconceptions women often face in venture capital and leadership roles, offering invaluable advice to those entering these spaces. From debunking myths about startup culture to emphasizing the long-term benefits of transparent communication, Minnie and Tara reveal how women are reshaping the VC landscape with their distinct approaches to investment, teamwork, and leadership and offer invaluable advice to founders and aspiring investors alike. 

Whether you're in the early stages of building a company or interested in how VCs make decisions, this episode is packed with lessons on growth, risk, and the true value of trust in business.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• The role of transparency and direct communication in successful investing.
• Addressing double standards and breaking stereotypes in venture capital.
• The importance of values alignment in venture capital and partnerships.
• How early experiences and mistakes shape professional growth.
• Navigating difficult business moments, including hiring, firing, and scaling.
• Balancing passion and pragmatism in high-stakes investment decisions.

Connect with Tara Roth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-roth-26a3a4/

Connect with Minnie Ingersoll: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mingersoll/

Connect with host Neil Devani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neildevani/

For more information on Necessary Ventures, visit the website at: https://www.necessary.vc/ 

Ben shares his unique approach to identifying and investing in groundbreaking startups that aim to improve cancer care and research, offering invaluable advice for founders and first-time fund managers.

This episode also highlights the mechanics of fundraising, including Ben’s experience closing an oversubscribed $30 million fund, strategies for building a compelling pitch, and navigating the complexities of the healthcare industry. This episode offers an inspiring and educational deep dive into the world of oncology-focused innovation.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• Ben’s journey from cancer survivor to founding Oncology Ventures.
• Strategies for pitching to VCs and understanding what investors want.
• The nuances of fundraising as a solo GP in a specialized sector.
• The importance of building a strong network in the venture capital ecosystem.
• Tips for founders on preparing for commercialization and market entry.

Connect with Ben Freeberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-freeberg/

Connect with host Neil Devani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neildevani/

For more information on Necessary Ventures, visit the website at: https://www.necessary.vc/

Mike shares insights into the evolution of their investment strategy, particularly in the crypto space, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining conviction during market cycles. 

The conversation also delves into the differences between Compound’s first two funds, their thoughts on portfolio construction, and the importance of challenging traditional venture capital practices to optimize returns. The episode offers a deep dive into how Compound identifies and evaluates emerging investment opportunities and the importance of aligning investments with the firm’s long-term vision.

Key topics discussed in the episode:

• Compound’s Investment Philosophy: Research-centric, thesis-driven approach focusing on emerging, high-risk sectors like AI, robotics, biotech, and crypto.
• Evolution of Crypto Investments: The journey from early speculative investments to a more structured strategy in the crypto space and managing through market cycles.
• Fund Management and Portfolio Strategy: Differences between Compound’s first and second funds, including portfolio construction, check sizes, and the strategic focus on capital concentration.
• Challenging Traditional Venture Capital Practices: Critique of common VC practices such as pattern matching and the emphasis on larger fund sizes, advocating for a more thoughtful, customized approach.
• Identifying Emerging Opportunities: The process of researching and identifying new investment opportunities through deep academic research and market immersion, with examples like their investment in AI startup Runway.

Connect with Mike Dempsey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhdempsey/. 

Connect with Kesar Varma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kesar-varma-278a0b1aa/.

Connect with host Neil Devani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neildevani/.

For more information on Necessary Ventures, visit the website at: https://www.necessary.vc/.

Kristina also candidly recalls her best and worst deals, illustrating the importance of attention to detail, and outlines the ways she and her firm raise money, diversify risk, and plan exits. Finally, she offers insights into structuring personal portfolios, stressing that real estate can provide valuable yield alongside other alternative assets.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• Transitioning to Real Estate: Kristina recounts her early exposure to her family’s real estate business and subsequent experience at institutional firms, highlighting how this background shaped her investment style.
  
  
• Finding Alpha in Different Sub-Asset Classes: She discusses how she looks for alpha in areas like self-storage and industrial outdoor storage and the importance of monitoring where institutions are starting to place their capital.
  
  
• Importance of Operational Excellence: Beyond just buying properties at the right price, Kristina underscores effective asset management and execution as vital to realizing strong returns.
  
  
• Best and Worst Deals: She shares the story of a self-storage project in Sacramento that surpassed expectations after initial struggles, as well as a street-retail property in San Mateo where a critical miscalculation led to a lackluster outcome.
  
  
• Fundraising and Alignment: Kristina reflects on raising outside capital for the first time, the value of having her own “skin in the game,” and how appropriate GP/LP alignment is essential for successful partnerships.                

• Portfolio Strategy and Tax Efficiency: She advises entrepreneurial investors on allocating across real estate and other alternatives, noting how depreciation, 1031 exchanges, and real estate professional tax status can be powerful levers for optimizing returns.                                                                        

Connect with Kristina Chang: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-chang-044b639/.

Connect with host Neil Devani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neildevani/.

For more information on Necessary Ventures, visit the website at: https://www.necessary.vc/.

In this episode of Money Moves, Neil Devani interviews Amol Deshpande, an entrepreneur and venture capitalist who co-founded Farmer's Business Network (FBN) and was the first investor in Beyond Meat. They discuss Amol's experiences raising $900 million for FBN, his early involvement with Beyond Meat, and insights on investing and scaling companies.

Highlighted Topics:

- Investing in Breakthrough Ideas: Amol discusses his investment in Beyond Meat when it was just an idea in a lab. He emphasizes the importance of betting on breakthrough technologies and the flexibility required in investment strategies.

- Shifting Venture Capital Models: The episode explores how venture capital has evolved, with a shift from risk-taking on early-stage, high-potential ideas to a more conservative, "venture analyst" model.

- Disrupting Traditional Industries: Amol shares his experience disrupting agriculture through FBN, discussing the challenges of breaking into an industry dominated by monopolies and entrenched players.

- Challenges in AgTech and Beyond Meat: Amol reflects on the promise of plant-based and cellular meats, expressing skepticism about their long-term impact and viability despite Beyond Meat's initial success.

- Advice for Entrepreneurs: Practical tips on raising funds, emphasizing the importance of waiting until you have customers and metrics before pitching to investors.

Connect with Amol on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amol-deshpande-2364b81/

Connect with host Neil Devani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neildevani/

For more information on Necessary Ventures, visit the website at: https://www.necessary.vc/

Want to support this podcast? Leave us a review on iTunes and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Topics Discussed in this Episode:

- Early Fundraising and the Clinkle Experience: Mitch and Rob share their first experiences raising capital during their time at Clinkle, emphasizing the importance of social proof and storytelling in convincing investors like Peter Thiel to invest. 

- Penny: A Product-First Approach and Learning Curve: Mitch discusses his time at Penny, a personal finance app, where they focused on creating a product-driven company. He acknowledges the difficulties of monetizing and scaling Penny, which ultimately led to an acquisition by Credit Karma. 

- Execution-Driven Fundraising at Arc Boats: At Arc Boats, Mitch and his Co-Founder Ryan shifted their approach, focusing on aggressive execution and speed. Their background in hardware engineering, particularly from SpaceX, allowed them to build electric boats quickly, which impressed investors. 

- Challenges of Raising Capital in Different Market Environments: Mitch reflects on how the venture capital environment has changed from 2015 to 2021, especially as the market peaked and then hit a downturn. 

- Staying Focused Amid Hype Cycles: Mitch emphasizes the importance of focusing on execution rather than getting distracted by hype cycles like crypto and NFTs. 

Connect with Mitch Lee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchjlee

Connect with Rob Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robtheryan/

Connect with host Neil Devani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neildevani/

For more information on Necessary Ventures, visit the website at: https://www.necessary.vc/

Gene discusses what it took to raise Deepwater’s first fund, how his reputation and network helped—and sometimes hurt—during fundraising, and why turning a career into a calling has been the most rewarding part of his professional life. He also dives into the qualities he looks for in what he calls “alien founders,” the small percentage of founders who combine extraordinary vision, resilience, and communication skills to create venture-scale outcomes.

Throughout the conversation, Gene shares lessons from both his biggest wins—like Masterworks and Invisible—and the painful investments where things didn’t go as planned. Whether you’re a founder raising capital, an investor refining your approach, or someone curious about how venture capital really works, Gene’s insights and candid reflections offer an inside look at the realities of building a venture firm and backing world-changing companies.

Topics Discussed in the Episode

• Gene’s journey from Wall Street analyst to venture capital founder.
• What it took to raise Deepwater’s first fund and lessons from fund 2.
• How Deepwater identifies and invests in “alien founders.”
• Hard lessons from investments that went wrong, including cases of fraud.
• The importance of culture, transparency, and excellence in building a firm.

Connect with Gene Munster: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gene-munster-0710439/

Connect with host Neil Devani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neildevani/

For more information on Necessary Ventures, visit the website at: https://www.necessary.vc/

Want to support this podcast? Leave us a review on iTunes and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Topics Discussed:

- Transition from CEO to Chief Scientific Officer: Charles's decision to focus on his passion for science and the timing of this move.

- Origins and Evolution of Unlearn: The company's shift from general AI research to specializing in clinical trials using generative models.

- Challenges in Raising Venture Capital: Difficulties faced during seed funding and the importance of building relationships with investors.

- Emphasis on Ambitious Innovation: Critique of incremental technologies and a call for solutions that fundamentally change the world.

- Hiring Practices and Team Building: Lessons learned in hiring, the importance of attitude over credentials, and views on minimizing management layers.

- Personal Insights in Lightning Round: Charles discusses his favorite food (Soylent), his decision to stay out of politics this election cycle, the best moment of his career (publishing his first scientific paper), and acknowledges his academic advisors as the most influential people in his career.

Connect with Charles:

Charles Fisher - Unlearn.AI | LinkedIn

The conversation dives into the challenges of raising capital in deep tech, the importance of resilience in fundraising, and how identifying world-class talent is the key to successful investing. Mike provides practical advice on pitching investors, navigating early-stage funding, and building strong founder-investor relationships. Whether you’re an aspiring founder, an investor, or someone interested in the future of deep-tech innovation, this episode offers invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of venture capital and entrepreneurship.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• Mike’s transition from institutional investing to entrepreneurship and venture capital
• The challenges of raising capital in deep-tech startups
• Key lessons on pitching investors and building resilience in fundraising
• How to identify and support top-tier engineering talent in hard-tech industries
• The future of deep-tech investing and how Also Capital is shaping the space

Connect with Mike Annunziata:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-annunziata-12853bb/

Ariana shares the highs and lows of raising her first fund, her relentless hustle to secure investors, and the lessons she learned from hundreds of rejections. She also provides insights into her investment selection process, the common mistakes she’s seen founders make, and how she pivoted from venture capital to launching a mission-driven company.

Ariana’s transition to MoldCo was deeply personal—born from her own health struggles caused by toxic mold exposure. She details the extensive research that led her to understand the market opportunity, the scientific gaps in mold illness treatment, and the challenges of building a healthcare company from the ground up. From navigating funding rounds to assembling a top-tier team, Ariana’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and deep conviction in solving an overlooked health crisis.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• The relentless process of raising a first-time VC fund and overcoming investor rejections.
• How to refine and iterate on a pitch for better success rates.
• The personal health crisis that led Ariana to found MoldCo.
• The challenges of diagnosing and treating mold-related illnesses.
• The transition from venture capitalist to healthcare entrepreneur and lessons learned.

Connect with Ariana Thacker:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/arianadthacker/

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• Malcolm’s early experiences and how he got into investing
• The evolution of his career across private credit, hedge funds, and venture capital
• Key fundraising lessons, including how he secured a $200M institutional LP
• The differences between venture capital, private equity, and private credit investment strategies
• The importance of mentorship and training the next generation of investors

Connect with Malcolm Robinson:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/malcolm-robinson-81a225156/

The discussion highlights game-changing biotech innovations, integral lessons in fundraising, and the importance of maintaining humility and gratitude in high-stakes industries.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• Shahram's journey from law and banking to biotech entrepreneurship and venture capital.
• The story behind his first fund and how it evolved into Civilization Ventures.
• Key lessons in fundraising, including the importance of iteration and storytelling.
• Transformative innovations in biotech and the convergence of AI and biology.
• Advice for founders on building investor relationships and crafting compelling pitches.

Connect with Shahram Seyedin-Noor:

Shahram Seyedin-Noor - Civilization Ventures | LinkedIn

Jeff takes listeners back to the sixth grade when he developed his passion for coding, how he co-founded and sold Crashlytics to Twitter for over $100 million, the valuable lessons learned from raising capital and scaling businesses to his most recently founded company, Digits. 

He reveals his approach to product development, which for Digits involved learning everything possible about accounting, the importance of long-term thinking, and the role of strategic partnerships for startup success. Jeff also offers insights into his transition into angel investing, sharing key principles he looks for in founders and startups. 

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• Jeff Seibert’s journey from childhood entrepreneurship to Stanford and Silicon Valley.
• His key ingredient for his startup ideas: solving problems he experiences.
• The founding and acquisition of Crashlytics by Twitter and lessons learned.
• The psychology behind fundraising and building investor relationships.
• Details on how he built Digits.
• His involvement in two documentaries: The Social Dilemma and Chasing Coral.
• Jeff’s angel investing strategy and key factors he looks for in startups.
• Insights into the impact of AI, social media, and ethics in tech innovation.

Connect with Jeff:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jseibert/

Shruti discusses what sets great founders apart, the nuances of decision-making, and the lessons she's learned from both successes and failures in venture capital. 

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• Shruti's journey from engineering to venture capital and starting her own fund.
• Challenges of raising a venture fund as a solo GP, especially as an immigrant.
• Key traits of successful founders and the importance of decision-making.
• Stories of investments that succeeded, including Placer.AI, and lessons from failures.
• Strategies for networking, fundraising, and building credibility in Silicon Valley.

Connect with Shruti Gandhi:

Shruti Gandhi - San Francisco, California, United States | Professional Profile | LinkedIn

Danielle shares the story and excitement behind her successful investments, including Luminar Technologies and Loom, as well as her experience with Peter Thiel’s fellowship program, which inspired 1517’s focus on dropout founders and frontier tech. 

Danielle discusses the challenges and rewards of raising venture capital funds, adapting to market shifts such as the downturn in 2008, and fostering innovation outside traditional academic and corporate systems. Danielle’s candid insights on team dynamics, founder resilience, and the importance of personal motivation make this episode a must-listen for anyone navigating the startup ecosystem.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• The origins of 1517 Fund and its mission to support dropout founders and frontier tech
• Key lessons learned from early investments in companies like Luminar Technologies and Loom
• The journey from starting a charter school, to supporting the Thiel Fellowship and then on to starting 1517
• Challenges in raising venture capital for young, unproven founders
• The importance of founder motivation, wonder, and team dynamics in building scalable businesses

Connect with Danielle Strachman:

Danielle Strachman - San Francisco Bay Area | Professional Profile | LinkedIn

They explore the dynamics of Weebly’s early days, its strategic growth amidst fierce competition, and the cultural nuances of integrating into a larger public company post-acquisition. 

David also offers insights into his transition to investing, the principles guiding his firm Leap Forward Ventures, and his approach to identifying exceptional founders and opportunities in the climate tech space. 

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• Strategies for raising capital and ensuring efficient use of funds.
• Weebly’s journey to product-market fit and capital-efficient scaling.
• Lessons learned from integrating with Square post-acquisition.
• The evolution of David’s investment thesis and his focus on climate tech.
• Insights on identifying and supporting exceptional founders.

Connect with David Rusenko:

David Rusenko - Leap Forward Ventures | LinkedIn

We also dive into Tara’s unconventional approach to fundraising, discussing her path from the early pre-seed days through Rupa’s successful Series A. Tara shares insights into managing and connecting with remote teams, the process of achieving product-market fit just before the onset of COVID-19, and how personal brand-building has been a powerful asset for recruiting top talent. 

In the final part of the episode, Tara reflects on the decision to sell Rupa Health, sharing the strategic considerations that went into making this choice for her team and the company’s future. Tara’s story is packed with actionable advice, making this episode a masterclass in navigating the highs and lows of the startup world.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• Building company culture through costumes, humor, and spontaneity
• Key fundraising strategies: from the early pre-seed days to a successful Series A
• Tara’s approach to finding product-market fit in a challenging health tech market
• The importance of personal brand-building and direct sales in recruiting top talent
• Decision-making around acquisitions and planning for the next chapter

Connect with Tara Viswanathan:

Tara Viswanathan - San Francisco, California, United States | Professional Profile | LinkedIn

He reflects on the process of raising venture capital, securing early customers, and scaling his company, ultimately leading to a successful exit. Jay also provides insights on the healthcare tech industry, his lessons learned from working with investors like Bill Gurley, and his transition into angel investing post-exit. 

This conversation offers invaluable advice for entrepreneurs at any stage, from building a product to achieving market dominance and facing the realities of startup exits. Whether you're a founder, investor, or curious about healthcare innovation, Jay’s experiences provide actionable takeaways and inspiration.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• The creation of a "user guide" to working with Jay as a CEO
• Building and scaling PatientPing, a healthcare coordination platform
• Key lessons from raising venture capital and pitching investors
• Navigating competition and market leadership in health tech
• Transitioning to angel investing and the future of health tech

Connect with Jay Desai: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdesai01/

Connect with Kesar Varma: Kesar Varma - Upfront Ventures | LinkedIn

Ben shares his unique approach to identifying and investing in groundbreaking startups that aim to improve cancer care and research, offering invaluable advice for founders and first-time fund managers.

This episode also highlights the mechanics of fundraising, including Ben’s experience closing an oversubscribed $30 million fund, strategies for building a compelling pitch, and navigating the complexities of the healthcare industry. This episode offers an inspiring and educational deep dive into the world of oncology-focused innovation.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• Ben’s journey from cancer survivor to founding Oncology Ventures.
• Strategies for pitching to VCs and understanding what investors want.
• The nuances of fundraising as a solo GP in a specialized sector.
• The importance of building a strong network in the venture capital ecosystem.
• Tips for founders on preparing for commercialization and market entry.

Connect with Ben Freeberg:

Ben Freeberg - Oncology Ventures | LinkedIn

Jenny delves into what makes a great pitch, emphasizing the importance of conciseness, human connection, and storytelling to stand out. She discusses the critical skills founders need for successful fundraising and offers actionable advice on building top-of-funnel strategies, targeting the right investors, and running fundraising like a sales process.

The conversation highlights her insights into venture capital trends, lessons learned from great and missed investments, and the significance of building strong LP relationships. 

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• Jenny’s journey from founder to venture capitalist, raising her first funds.
• What makes a standout pitch and why conciseness and storytelling matter.
• Tactical advice for first-time founders raising pre-seed funding.
• Lessons learned from successful and missed investments.
• Building scalable systems for founder communities and venture investments.

The discussion highlights game-changing biotech innovations, integral lessons in fundraising, and the importance of maintaining humility and gratitude in high-stakes industries.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• Shahram's journey from law and banking to biotech entrepreneurship and venture capital.
• The story behind his first fund and how it evolved into Civilization Ventures.
• Key lessons in fundraising, including the importance of iteration and storytelling.
• Transformative innovations in biotech and the convergence of AI and biology.
• Advice for founders on building investor relationships and crafting compelling pitches.

Connect with Shahram Seyedin-Noor:

Shahram Seyedin-Noor - Civilization Ventures | LinkedIn

We also tackle themes of alignment versus integrity, the role of venture capital in empowering founders, and what it means to take a thoughtful, research-driven approach to investing. Dan's unique perspective on fundraising offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs and aspiring VCs alike, emphasizing the importance of alignment, fairness, and the weight of responsibility in making impactful investments.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• The journey from founding Standard Treasury to selling it to Silicon Valley Bank.
• Lessons from raising three venture capital funds and managing LP relationships.
• The philosophy of concentrated venture investing and its advantages.
• Integrity, alignment, and fairness in VC-founder relationships.
• The role of venture capital in supporting entrepreneurs beyond capital.

Connect with Dan Kimerling and Deciens:

Daniel Kimerling - Deciens Capital | LinkedIn

With a unique philosophy on capital efficiency and an impressive investing track record, Marty offers actionable advice for founders, whether they’re just starting out or ready to take their ventures to the next level. He stresses the importance of embracing failure as a path to improvement, building strong relationships in the VC world, and mastering the art of storytelling to effectively pitch ideas.

Marty also shares about his latest venture, Agree.com, where he aims to disrupt traditional e-signature and payment processes by creating a unified platform focused on automating revenue recognition and contract management. Marty explains why this all-in-one approach could be revolutionary for B2B SaaS companies, providing a more holistic view of contract and payment processes and setting the stage for future growth areas like escrow and invoice factoring.

Topics Discussed in This Episode:

• The importance of pitching practice and how to learn from failed pitches
• Understanding and controlling how your startup fits into investor theses
• The vision behind Agree.com and why e-signatures alone are outdated
• Building long-term relationships in the investment world and leveraging them for future growth
• Lessons from past entrepreneurial ventures, including early acquisition opportunities and capital efficiency

Connect with Marty Ringlein, Marty.com and Agree.com:

Marty Ringlein - Agree.com | LinkedIn

Marty.com 

Agree.com

Tara and Minnie share insights on having strong partnerships, how they assess potential investments, and what they look for in founders while discussing the importance of lifting underrepresented voices and supporting women-led ventures. They address the misconceptions women often face in venture capital and leadership roles, offering invaluable advice to those entering these spaces. From debunking myths about startup culture to emphasizing the long-term benefits of transparent communication, Minnie and Tara reveal how women are reshaping the VC landscape with their distinct approaches to investment, teamwork, and leadership and offer invaluable advice to founders and aspiring investors alike. 

Whether you're in the early stages of building a company or interested in how VCs make decisions, this episode is packed with lessons on growth, risk, and the true value of trust in business.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• The role of transparency and direct communication in successful investing.
• Addressing double standards and breaking stereotypes in venture capital.
• The importance of values alignment in venture capital and partnerships.
• How early experiences and mistakes shape professional growth.
• Navigating difficult business moments, including hiring, firing, and scaling.
• Balancing passion and pragmatism in high-stakes investment decisions.

Connect with Tara Roth:

Tara Roth - Goldhirsh Foundation | LinkedIn

Connect with Minnie Ingersoll:

Minnie Ingersoll - TenOneTen Ventures | LinkedIn

We also dive into Tara’s unconventional approach to fundraising, discussing her path from the early pre-seed days through Rupa’s successful Series A. Tara shares insights into managing and connecting with remote teams, the process of achieving product-market fit just before the onset of COVID-19, and how personal brand-building has been a powerful asset for recruiting top talent. 

In the final part of the episode, Tara reflects on the decision to sell Rupa Health, sharing the strategic considerations that went into making this choice for her team and the company’s future. Tara’s story is packed with actionable advice, making this episode a masterclass in navigating the highs and lows of the startup world.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• Building company culture through costumes, humor, and spontaneity
• Key fundraising strategies: from the early pre-seed days to a successful Series A
• Tara’s approach to finding product-market fit in a challenging health tech market
• The importance of personal brand-building and direct sales in recruiting top talent
• Decision-making around acquisitions and planning for the next chapter

Connect with Tara Viswanathan:

Tara Viswanathan - San Francisco, California, United States | Professional Profile | LinkedIn

He reflects on the process of raising venture capital, securing early customers, and scaling his company, ultimately leading to a successful exit. Jay also provides insights on the healthcare tech industry, his lessons learned from working with investors like Bill Gurley, and his transition into angel investing post-exit. 

This conversation offers invaluable advice for entrepreneurs at any stage, from building a product to achieving market dominance and facing the realities of startup exits. Whether you're a founder, investor, or curious about healthcare innovation, Jay’s experiences provide actionable takeaways and inspiration.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• The creation of a "user guide" to working with Jay as a CEO
• Building and scaling PatientPing, a healthcare coordination platform
• Key lessons from raising venture capital and pitching investors
• Navigating competition and market leadership in health tech
• Transitioning to angel investing and the future of health tech

Connect with Jay Desai:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdesai01/

Connect with Kesar Varma:

Kesar Varma - Upfront Ventures | LinkedIn

In this episode of Money Moves, Neil is joined by Micah Green, a founder who dropped out of college at 19 to launch his startup, raising his first $220,000 in funding. Micah shares his journey from pitching angel investors with nothing more than a prototype to now having raised over $30 million. We explore the challenges and triumphs of startup life, including navigating investor rejections, the importance of perseverance, and how one strategic partnership saved his company during the early stages of COVID-19. 

Micah's candid story highlights the value of building relationships with investors, the importance of refining your pitch, and the tactical ways to prepare for every stage of raising capital. From balancing team growth to overcoming skepticism from potential backers, you'll hear about the realities of entrepreneurship and how determination and vision can lead to success—even when the odds are stacked against you. Learn how Micah's early lessons, like leveraging family exposure to entrepreneurship, shaped his approach, and how a clear focus on product-market fit propelled his business forward.

Topics Discussed in the Episode:

• Micah’s first fundraising experience at 19 and the challenges of building a founding team.
• Securing $220,000 in seed funding by building relationships with angel investors.
• The focal shift from hardware to software in robotics and its role in scaling the business.
• Lessons learned from early investor rejections and how persistence pays off.
• Raising $30 million through various rounds and surviving COVID-19 with strategic investments.

Connect with Micah Green: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micahgreen7/

Connect with host Neil Devani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neildevani/

For more information on Necessary Ventures, visit the website at: https://www.necessary.vc/

Want to support this podcast? Leave us a review on iTunes and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel.

In this episode of Money Moves, host Neil Devani interviews Charles Fisher, founder of Unlearn, an AI-driven company revolutionizing clinical trials. Charles discusses his recent transition from CEO to Chief Scientific Officer to focus on his passion for scientific research. He delves into the origins of Unlearn, the challenges of raising venture capital for deep tech startups, and emphasizes the need for ambitious, world-changing ideas over incremental innovations. Charles also shares candid insights on hiring practices, team building, and his critical views on traditional management structures. The episode concludes with a lightning round where Charles answers personal questions about his preferences and career highlights.

Topics Discussed:

- Transition from CEO to Chief Scientific Officer: Charles's decision to focus on his passion for science and the timing of this move.

- Origins and Evolution of Unlearn: The company's shift from general AI research to specializing in clinical trials using generative models.

- Challenges in Raising Venture Capital: Difficulties faced during seed funding and the importance of building relationships with investors.

- Emphasis on Ambitious Innovation: Critique of incremental technologies and a call for solutions that fundamentally change the world.

- Hiring Practices and Team Building: Lessons learned in hiring, the importance of attitude over credentials, and views on minimizing management layers.

- Personal Insights in Lightning Round: Charles discusses his favorite food (Soylent), his decision to stay out of politics this election cycle, the best moment of his career (publishing his first scientific paper), and acknowledges his academic advisors as the most influential people in his career.

Connect with Charles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskfisher/

Connect with host Neil Devani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neildevani/

For more information on Necessary Ventures, visit the website at: https://www.necessary.vc/

Want to support this podcast? Leave us a review on iTunes and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel.

In this episode of Money Moves, the host is joined by Mitch Lee, Co-Founder and CEO of Arc Boats, along with Rob Ryan, to discuss their experiences with startups, product development, and the challenges of raising capital. Mitch reflects on his journey from Clinkle to Penny and now Arc Boats, sharing valuable insights on executing business ideas, navigating venture capital, and the importance of solid execution over hype.

Highlighted Topics:

- Early Fundraising and the Clinkle Experience: Mitch and Rob share their first experiences raising capital during their time at Clinkle, emphasizing the importance of social proof and storytelling in convincing investors like Peter Thiel to invest. 

- Penny: A Product-First Approach and Learning Curve: Mitch discusses his time at Penny, a personal finance app, where they focused on creating a product-driven company. He acknowledges the difficulties of monetizing and scaling Penny, which ultimately led to an acquisition by Credit Karma. 

- Execution-Driven Fundraising at Arc Boats: At Arc Boats, Mitch and his Co-Founder Ryan shifted their approach, focusing on aggressive execution and speed. Their background in hardware engineering, particularly from SpaceX, allowed them to build electric boats quickly, which impressed investors. 

- Challenges of Raising Capital in Different Market Environments: Mitch reflects on how the venture capital environment has changed from 2015 to 2021, especially as the market peaked and then hit a downturn. 

- Staying Focused Amid Hype Cycles: Mitch emphasizes the importance of focusing on execution rather than getting distracted by hype cycles like crypto and NFTs. 

Connect with Mitch Lee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchjlee/

Connect with Rob Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robtheryan/

Connect with host Neil Devani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neildevani/

For more information on Necessary Ventures, visit the website at: https://www.necessary.vc/

Want to support this podcast? Leave us a review on iTunes and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel.

In this episode of Money Moves, Neil Devani interviews Amol Deshpande, an entrepreneur and venture capitalist who co-founded Farmer's Business Network (FBN) and was the first investor in Beyond Meat. They discuss Amol's experiences raising $900 million for FBN, his early involvement with Beyond Meat, and insights on investing and scaling companies.

Highlighted Topics:

- Investing in Breakthrough Ideas: Amol discusses his investment in Beyond Meat when it was just an idea in a lab. He emphasizes the importance of betting on breakthrough technologies and the flexibility required in investment strategies.

- Shifting Venture Capital Models: The episode explores how venture capital has evolved, with a shift from risk-taking on early-stage, high-potential ideas to a more conservative, "venture analyst" model.

- Disrupting Traditional Industries: Amol shares his experience disrupting agriculture through FBN, discussing the challenges of breaking into an industry dominated by monopolies and entrenched players.

- Challenges in AgTech and Beyond Meat: Amol reflects on the promise of plant-based and cellular meats, expressing skepticism about their long-term impact and viability despite Beyond Meat's initial success.

- Advice for Entrepreneurs: Practical tips on raising funds, emphasizing the importance of waiting until you have customers and metrics before pitching to investors.

Connect with Amol: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amol-deshpande-2364b81/

Connect with host Neil Devani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neildevani/

For more information on Necessary Ventures, visit the website at: https://www.necessary.vc/

Want to support this podcast? Leave us a review on iTunes and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel.

In this episode, Sheel Manot, founder of Better Tomorrow Ventures (BTV), and his wife, Amruta Godbole, discuss the intricacies of fundraising, both for startups and venture capital funds. Sheel emphasizes the importance of persistence, grit, and speed in navigating the challenging landscape of fundraising, sharing his personal experience of funding 500 Fintech from his own pocket before securing external capital. 

Sheel also highlights the value of strategic partnerships and team dynamics, particularly within his firm. The episode covers the evolution of the FinTech space, touching on its rise and fall in popularity, and how investors like BTV are adapting to market shifts while still focusing on businesses with long-term profit potential.

Here the main topics discussed in the episode:

• The importance of grit and persistence in fundraising: Sheel emphasized that both founders and VCs need persistence, often facing numerous rejections before success.
• The role of The Mint accelerator in helping FinTech companies: The Mint provides specialized support for early-stage FinTech startups, helping them navigate unique challenges in financial services.
• Adjusting investment strategies as FinTech trends change: With FinTech falling in and out of favor, BTV has adapted by investing in companies targeting broader markets, such as banks and e-commerce.
• The challenges and rewards of founding and funding 500 Fintech: Sheel personally funded investments before raising external capital, showing the importance of conviction and sacrifice in starting a fund.
• Team dynamics and partnerships in building a successful VC firm: Sheel highlighted how complementary partnerships, like the one with his co-founder Jake, are essential for long-term success.

Connect with Sheel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smohnot

Connect with Amruta: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amruta-godbole/

Connect with host Neil Devani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neildevani/

For more information on Necessary Ventures, visit the website at: https://www.necessary.vc/

Want to support this podcast? Leave us a review on iTunes and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel.

In this episode of "Money Moves," host Neil Devani speaks with Mike Dempsey, Managing Partner at Compound, and Kesar Varma from Upfront Ventures about the unique strategies and philosophies behind Compound’s investment approach. The discussion covers the firm's commitment to research-centric, thesis-driven investing in high-risk, high-reward sectors like AI, robotics, biotech, and crypto. 

Mike shares insights into the evolution of their investment strategy, particularly in the crypto space, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining conviction during market cycles. 

The conversation also delves into the differences between Compound’s first two funds, their thoughts on portfolio construction, and the importance of challenging traditional venture capital practices to optimize returns. The episode offers a deep dive into how Compound identifies and evaluates emerging investment opportunities and the importance of aligning investments with the firm’s long-term vision.

Here the main topics discussed in the episode:

• Compound’s Investment Philosophy: Research-centric, thesis-driven approach focusing on emerging, high-risk sectors like AI, robotics, biotech, and crypto.
• Evolution of Crypto Investments: The journey from early speculative investments to a more structured strategy in the crypto space and managing through market cycles.
• Fund Management and Portfolio Strategy: Differences between Compound’s first and second funds, including portfolio construction, check sizes, and the strategic focus on capital concentration.
• Challenging Traditional Venture Capital Practices: Critique of common VC practices such as pattern matching and the emphasis on larger fund sizes, advocating for a more thoughtful, customized approach.
• Identifying Emerging Opportunities: The process of researching and identifying new investment opportunities through deep academic research and market immersion, with examples like their investment in AI startup Runway.

Connect with Mike Dempsey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhdempsey

Connect with Kesar Varma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kesar-varma-278a0b1aa

Connect with host Neil Devani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neildevani/

For more information on Necessary Ventures, visit the website at: https://www.necessary.vc/

Want to support this podcast? Leave us a review on iTunes and be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel.