Podcast Summary: James Reed: All About Business – Episode 32 with Sasha Kalecky
Podcast Information:
- Title: James Reed: All About Business
- Host/Author: Reed Global
- Episode: 32. What a Venture Capitalist is REALLY Looking for When Deciding to Invest in Your Business | Sasha Kalecky
- Release Date: June 16, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 32 of "James Reed: All About Business," host James Reed engages in a dynamic conversation with Sasha Kalecky, co-founder of the venture capital firm Creative Ventures. Sasha shares his insights on what venture capitalists seek when investing in businesses, the evolving landscape of social media, and the impact of AI on entrepreneurship.
Notable Quote:
James Reed [00:00]: "What should you do if you have a brilliant business idea but don't have the funds to bring it to life? In today's episode... Sasha Kalecky reveals all."
Creative Ventures and Investments
Overview of Creative Ventures
Sasha Kalecky explains that Creative Ventures is an early-stage venture capital fund focusing primarily on consumer technology, tech-based businesses, and AI-driven products. Initially starting with a $20 million fund, they recently expanded to a $45 million fund.
Notable Quote:
Sasha Kalecky [01:38]: "We’re an early stage venture capital fund. We invest usually in the first round of companies... recently announced a fund two of $45 million."
Highlighted Investments
Bird Buddy
One of Creative Ventures' standout investments is Bird Buddy, an innovative AI-powered bird feeder that captures and identifies bird species visiting your garden.
Description: Bird Buddy integrates a hidden camera and an app that uses AI to recognize and record different bird species, allowing users to watch and collect data on their avian visitors.
Notable Quote:
James Reed [02:12]: "I want one of these because I watch the birds from afar... It's really... a really good business."
Feels
Feels is a Gen Z-focused dating app that leverages video content to create a unique user experience, reminiscent of TikTok's viral nature.
Description: Feels emphasizes exclusivity by targeting users under 30 and incorporating video elements to enhance engagement.
Notable Quote:
Sasha Kalecky [06:38]: "They've built the number one Gen Z dating app in France and Germany... their team have done an incredible job making the product fun to use."
Lottie
Lottie is a platform designed to simplify the process of selecting care homes for elderly loved ones and offers a SaaS solution for care homes to manage their operations.
Description: Lottie serves as a marketplace for finding suitable care homes and provides management software to streamline care home operations.
Notable Quote:
Sasha Kalecky [08:15]: "It's a marketplace to help you find the best one for your parents... they've raised about $35 million since."
Sasha Kalecky's Business Journey
Starting as an Investment Club
Creative Ventures began as an investment club founded by Sasha and his cousin Casper Lee in 2019. Initially, Sasha worked in private equity at Bridgepoint and engaged in angel investing alongside Casper.
Notable Quote:
Sasha Kalecky [10:11]: "We started as an investment club in 2019... a lot of people wanted to get exposure to the companies Casper and I were investing in."
Raising Funds
Creative Ventures successfully raised their initial fund in 2021 and began investing in early 2022, navigating market fluctuations to build a robust portfolio.
Notable Quote:
Sasha Kalecky [13:35]: "We raised our fund one at the end of 21... raised our fund two at $45 million."
Relocating to the US
Sasha discusses the strategic decision to move Creative Ventures from London to New York, citing the US's vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and easier access to talent and investment opportunities.
Notable Quote:
Sasha Kalecky [13:55]: "Many entrepreneurs are moving to the US because there is greater entrepreneurial energy and more talent available."
Pitching to Venture Capitalists
Key Elements of a Good Pitch
Sasha emphasizes that a successful pitch focuses on two main aspects:
- Founder Credibility: Demonstrating the founder's qualifications, determination, and unique suitability to lead the startup.
- Market Attractiveness: Highlighting the potential growth and future market size rather than just current metrics.
Notable Quotes:
Sasha Kalecky [35:58]: "Most investors want to understand how credible you are as a founder and how attractive the market you're building in is."
James Reed [34:17]: "So what makes a good pitch? The founder and the market, those are the two things."
Trust and Family Dynamics in Business
Sasha highlights the advantages of co-founding businesses with family members, particularly the trust and streamlined decision-making it fosters.
Notable Quote:
Sasha Kalecky [42:45]: "There's a certain level of trust that you can't screw each other, which makes decisions much quicker."
The Creator-CEO Path
Discussing the intersection of social media and leadership, Sasha suggests that modern CEOs increasingly embody creator roles, using platforms like podcasts to personalize their brands and engage with audiences.
Notable Quotes:
Sasha Kalecky [17:52]: "CEOs doing podcasts and talking about their business... it engages people's minds to think about a human and to personalize it."
James Reed [26:25]: "AI knows that I like watching Goldfinches and will send me more fees from birders. Is that what...".
Sasha’s Experience at Uber
Sasha shares his early career experience at Uber, where he played a pivotal role in launching Uber in Stoke-on-Trent. His strategy focused heavily on building the supply side by actively engaging and incentivizing drivers.
Notable Quotes:
James Reed [28:14]: "What did you do? What have you to do? Share this story."
Sasha Kalecky [30:24]: "The supply side is all about getting drivers. It involves a lot of hustle, like pitching drivers while riding in taxis."
AI in Business and Job Market
Sasha offers a balanced perspective on AI's role in business and its impact on employment. He believes AI will enhance productivity and create more jobs by allowing companies to scale their operations efficiently.
Notable Quotes:
Sasha Kalecky [48:20]: "I believe that this is good for employment... AI gives more leverage out of employees, allowing companies to be more competitive and hire more people."
James Reed [51:27]: "That's your concern? That's interesting."
Sasha Kalecky [51:37]: "My biggest fear is it's going to result in people working too hard, too much work."
Closing Thoughts and Future Plans
Sasha articulates his long-term commitment to Creative Ventures, aiming to continue scaling funds and supporting innovative startups over the next decade.
Notable Quotes:
Sasha Kalecky [55:26]: "In five years, we'll probably have our next fund with another 10-year life. I'm definitely doing the same thing and happy to continue."
Conclusion
James Reed wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to explore the startups backed by Creative Ventures and commending Sasha for his insightful contributions.
Notable Quote:
James Reed [56:09]: "I think it's really exciting what you're doing and I would urge our listeners to have a look at some of those businesses on your site because they're really interesting."
Final Thoughts: This episode offers a deep dive into the strategic considerations of venture capitalism, the importance of founder credibility, and the transformative potential of AI in modern businesses. Sasha Kalecky's experiences and insights provide valuable guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking investment and navigating the dynamic tech landscape.