In this episode of Fault Lines, Augustin Sayer sits down with Cameron Porter, co-founder and General Partner at Steel Atlas, whose unconventional path runs from studying computer science at Princeton and playing professional soccer in Major League Soccer to building a career in venture capital. Cameron reflects on the highs and lows of elite sport, the injuries and turning points that reshaped his trajectory, and the lessons in resilience, risk-taking and conviction that ultimately led him into investing.

The conversation then turns to Steel Atlas and its distinctive approach to backing the next generation of industrial technologies. Cameron explains why the firm focuses on the overlooked infrastructure that “holds the world up,” from manufacturing and supply chains to energy and nuclear technologies, and why a concentrated, deeply researched portfolio can challenge traditional venture capital dogma. A wide-ranging discussion about industrial renewal, asymmetric insight, and what it takes to invest in the technologies shaping the next American industrial revolution.

[00:00:00] From Princeton to professional soccer
[00:05:41] Getting drafted into Major League Soccer
[00:11:15] The game that changed everything
[00:15:38] Scoring Montreal’s legendary 94th-minute goal
[00:17:03] Career-changing injuries and leaving professional soccer
[00:19:23] Discovering crypto and transitioning into tech
[00:20:41] Breaking into venture capital with Kevin Ryan
[00:23:51] What elite sports teaches you about investing
[00:27:02] Founding Steel Atlas
[00:29:24] The investment thesis behind industrial technology
[00:31:12] Challenging traditional venture capital dogma
[00:35:22] How Steel Atlas de-risks early-stage investments
[00:40:47] When great technologies fail to get adopted
[00:46:00] The next American industrial revolution

Fault Lines Podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Nothing in this podcast constitutes investment, financial, legal, or tax advice, nor a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security or pursue any investment strategy. Nothing here is an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security or interest in any fund. The views expressed are those of the host and guests in their personal capacity and do not represent the views of OVNI Capital LLC, OVNI Capital SAS, or any affiliated entity. Opinions expressed by guests are their own. Information is believed accurate as of the recording date but is not guaranteed. Listeners should consult their own professional advisors before making any financial decisions.

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