Podcast
Skin in the Game VC Podcast
Hosted by Florida Funders · EN
Florida Funders Managing Partner and "Skin in the Game VC" podcast hosts Saxon Baum & Tom Wallace believes that entrepreneurs are game changers and that the companies they envision, create and build make the world a better place. FLF is a hybrid venture capital fund and investor network that discovers, funds, and builds early-stage technology companies. We combine a $300M+ venture platform with 2,000+ accredited investors to back breakout founders in B2B software, fintech, AI, health care, and cybersecurity. Beyond capital, our team of serial entrepreneurs and investors provides operating expertise, strategic introductions, and a nationwide support network that helps founders win. By unifying venture capital with an engaged investor community, we deliver exceptional outcomes for founders and LPs alike. This podcast was envisioned to educate, connect and activate accredited investors to get skin in the game and invest like a VC.
73episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Manny Medina - Master of Reinvention
Sep 14, 202100:31:44Tap to summarizeHave you ever wondered what it takes for a young immigrant to truly achieve the American dream? Well, you might just be able to learn a thing or two from Manny Medina’s story. After emigrating to Miami as a young teen and—as he puts it—surviving high school, Medina was able to develop a unique and valuable perspective on the US-Latin American market. From his jetsetting early years as a CPA at PricewaterhouseCoopers, to his time in Kuwait helping rebuild after the liberation, to creating network access points while the internet was still in its infancy, Medina has frequently been at the center of some of the most important industry events of the last 50 years. Medina’s decision in the late 1980s to take the leap of faith from real estate to tech when he found himself at a crossroads might’ve been the most important move he ever made. He was able to reinvent himself and his company, Terremark, once again, from a highly successful developer to an early adopter of burgeoning internet tech, where he found his true calling.Medina served as Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Terremark until 2011, when the company was acquired by Verizon Communications. In 2012, he founded Medina Capital, a private equity firm with a focus on emerging cybersecurity technologies where he currently serves as managing partner. He is also the founder and chairman of eMerge Americas, a tech networking event that serves to connect the US, Latin America, and Europe. Listen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsListen on Google PodcastsSome Questions Asked: What made you decide to take the risk of leaving your job at Pricewaterhouse to become an entrepreneur? (05:13)How long did you have your first firm? (7:23)What was the turning point where you realized your company would survive the dot com bubble bursting? (14:49)How much change has there been since you started in the ability to recruit for tech positions within Florida? (20:31)What's Medina capital working on now? (23:21)In this episode, you will learn:About Medina’s experience immigrating to the US from Cuba at 13. (02:25)How the real estate crash of the late ’80s spurred Medina’s move to tech. (08:07)The origin story of Terremark Worldwide. (09:51)The one surprising thing Medina did after Terremark was sold that he had never allowed himself to do before. (16:28)Where Medina sees Miami’s tech industry going in the next 5-10 years. (26:26)Connect with Manny:in the Miami Heraldon WikipediaMedina Capital Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Claudia Duran - Taking Start-Ups to the Next Level
Sep 1, 202100:30:25Tap to summarizeThe world of entrepreneurship is more harrowing, thrilling, and rewarding as ever, but the past year and a half has been especially exciting for Florida investors. With the influx of people from New York, California, and even from Latin America, the area has experienced an incredible boom that has benefited investors and entrepreneurs alike. One such industry growing exponentially from all of this? Organizations that are designed to incubate entrepreneurs like Endeavor, where Claudia Duran serves as the managing director.Claudia works with Endeavor Miami, a global organization in over 30 markets, to identify high-impact entrepreneurs—those who have big ideas and are taking their ideas to the next step. Endeavor then works with those entrepreneurs to accelerate their growth by creating connections with mentors and investors. We talk about what Endeavor is doing to encourage and stimulate start-ups, and Claudia takes me through her personal history, from her roots in El Salvador to her time as a finance major at Penn State. Claudia also tells me what it takes for a company to be selected by Endeavor, what their mentorship program looks like, and how once you’re an Endeavor entrepreneur, you’re part of that global network for life. Listen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsListen on Google PodcastsSome Questions Asked: Can you tell us a little about Endeavor Miami’s mission? (02:47)How did you get from El Salvador to the United States? (04:46)What are you looking for in these companies you choose to take into a cohort? And what does that process look like? (07:21)How many companies will apply for you to get to your 10? And what are you looking for in those 10 companies that you end up choosing? (12:02) How many companies have you seen go through your program since you’ve been in Miami? Are there any portfolio companies you want to highlight? That you're very excited about? (20:42)In this episode, you will learn:A bit about Claudia’s personal background (03:51)What the cohort experience looks like for companies that are selected by Endeavor (09:41)How some companies end up pivoting their business model as a result of their time with Endeavor (13:44)What happens with the entrepreneurs after Endeavor’s mentorship is over (16:54)Why Florida is the site of the next big tech ecosystem (26:54)Connect with Claudia:LinkedInEndeavor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Rennick Palley - Crypto Crash Course
Jun 16, 202100:40:13Tap to summarizeTo the traditional investor, the world of cryptocurrency can be intimidating. Luckily, my guest today is an expert in the field and helps us break it all down. If you’ve found yourself wondering about crypto, DeFi, and the blockchain economy, listen in—you may discover this brave new world of finance isn’t quite as complicated as you might think.Join me today as I welcome Rennick Palley, founder and CIO at Stratos Technologies. Rennick is an MIT graduate who started his career on Wall Street before turning his interest toward financial technology. He is also a co-founder of Goldfinch Finance, a decentralized global bank that aims to change the face of investing in businesses. We unravel the differences between Bitcoin and Ethereum, the relevancy of blockchain supply and demand, and how we may be looking at a not-so-distant future in which only a few of these new currencies remain relevant. Rennick also expands on the implications of blockchain in regards to global finance, and what that could mean for business finance over the world.Find out how Rennick went from Wall Street to venture capital projects, and how the professional mentoring he gained at a global equity fund helped him get there. Learn why Rennick believes that productivity is driven by technological advances, his view on the pitfalls of consumer banking in the US, and what led him to the world of blockchain and crypto. Listen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsListen on Google PodcastsSome Questions Asked: How did you end up at MIT? (4:08)What took you from Wall Street to the world of crypto? (5:56)How would you compare Bitcoin to Ethereum? (10:09)Do you think that we’ll eventually only have a few different cryptocurrencies? (14:06)What is China’s place in all of this? (25:14)What can you tell us about Goldfinch Finance? (29:09)In this episode, you will learn:A bit about Rennick’s professional background (2:14)How Rennick’s beliefs about investment strategy changed over time (4:44)About Rennick’s professional mentor (6:01)The difference between crypto, DeFi, and blockchain (16:20)The implications of a liquid form of currency on the global economy (25:13)The key differences between angel investing and the Goldfinch blockchain system (33:33)Connect with Rennick:Stratos TechnologiesemailLinkedInTwitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Brian Butler - From Army Officer to CEO
Mar 16, 202100:29:53Tap to summarizeCurious as to how military training prepares you for the world of entrepreneurship? If you’ve ever found yourself at a crossroads in your career and felt that you just aren’t being offered anything to your liking, have you ever thought of striking out on your own? Entrepreneurship is a complicated and humbling experience, but it also allows you to be your own boss and create the business you’ve always wanted to work for. What happens when a former Army officer and member of the White House Homeland Security board retires from the military and decides to make his own luck? You get Brian Butler, founder and CEO of Vistra Communications. From college ROTC to working at the Pentagon to founding his own startup, Brain has experienced firsthand a remarkable professional career. Vistra Communications handles PR, marketing, and consulting for a number of government and corporate contracts, including AT&T and Coca-Cola. Founded in 2007, they now employ over 100 people and have offices in both Florida and Northern Virginia. As a 22 year veteran of the US Army, Brian has learned invaluable lessons through his service. Listen and learn what Brian attributes his success to and what we can do to help diversify the growing field of Florida entrepreneurs. Listen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsListen on Google PodcastsSome Questions Asked: How did you transition from the army to entrepreneurship? (4:33)How did the military prepare you for the rollercoaster of business ownership? (7:22)What did the army teach you about leadership? (8:50)How can we fix the disparity in diversity amongst entrepreneurs? (14:58)What impact does technology have on your business? (19:16)Where does the military stand on adopting and developing technology? (21:22)In this episode, you will learn:How Brian got started as an entrepreneur. (2:27)Why Brian believes that veterans make excellent employees. (6:05)The type of attitude that makes a successful business leader. (11:15)About the emerging start-up scene out of South Florida. (18:24)Advice Brian has for founders. (25:13)Connect with Brian:LinkedInVistra CommunicationsVistra on FacebookVistra on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Steve Raymund - The Keys to Longevity
Mar 2, 202100:32:25Tap to summarizeHave you ever wondered what it takes to develop true staying power in an industry as quick and variable as tech?If you’re serious about making it in the tech world, there are certain attributes that will set you apart from the pack. Curiosity, humility, and the ability to see patterns are invaluable for anyone, but are absolute prerequisites for successful entrepreneurs. Couple these with a shrewd eye for team building and a knack for playing to your own strengths, and you may be well on your way to success. When you hear names like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, the first thing that comes to mind will, of course, be that they’re titans in the tech industry. What might not immediately strike you is that they both built their empires from the ground up. Steve Raymund is one of the few others who also own that claim to fame. From his beginnings at the dawn of the 1980s tech boom to his diverse stable of investments today, Steve has managed to remain at the top of his game throughout the last 40 years. Steve Raymund is the former CEO, co-founder, and board member of Tech Data, an IT products and services company headquartered in Clearwater, Florida. Steve led the company through early turmoil and self-described “rock bottom” during a nearly complete employee turnover, to going public a mere six years later, with $1 billion in annual sales by 1993. Steve also serves as a board member for Jabil Inc, a $19 billion technology manufacturing company that provides parts to Apple and Microsoft. As a 20-year CEO, Steve has learned some invaluable lessons. Find out why Paul touts Steve as a different kind of tech executive and the traits and personality type that Steve attributes much of his success to. Listen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsListen on Google PodcastsSome Questions Asked: To what do you attribute Tech Data’s longevity? (12:57)What have you learned about managing people and creating a team? (17:30)Is there one accomplishment in your career that stands out, that you're most proud of? (19:29)In this episode, you will learn:Steve’s experience as an early player in tech. (00:56)What the rapidly growing tech marketplace, starting in the early '80s, looked like. (02:26)The unique qualities that make up a different kind of tech leader. (7:11)What to really look for in an angel investment opportunity. (25:48)The key to making it all look so easy (and why the pain along the way is worth it!) (30:09)Connect with Steve:LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Tom Wallace - The 5 Ds of Angel Investing
Feb 16, 202100:16:49Tap to summarizeBeing a successful angel investor requires a lot of work and commitment. At Florida Funders, our goal is to make it easier for people and increase their chances of finding the right opportunities for them. Being in this arena for over 25 years, we’ve learned valuable lessons on how to maximize the probability of great returns, and we’ve compiled these best practices into what we call “The 5 Ds of Angel Investing.” In this episode, Tom Wallace talks in detail about these five important elements that every investor should pay attention to and rigorously follow whenever the opportunity to invest comes their way. Tune in, and learn more about the 5 Ds of Angel Investing, and how Florida Funders can help both investors and founders to reach higher grounds in their ventures. Listen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsListen on Google Podcasts In this episode, you will learn:The 5 Ds of Angel Investing and why they are crucial for a successful angel investor. (00:45)The importance of being selective about the companies you’re investing in (01:45)The two parts of the due diligence process required for a great investment. (02:46)The role played by domain expertise in having successful investments. (08:32)The reason we encourage our investors to build a diversified portfolio. (09:52)Why discipline plays a crucial part in angel investing. (11:14)Why Florida Funders is making angel investing easy. (12:46) Connect with Tom Wallace:LinkedInFlorida Funders website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Tom Wallace - The Journey to Florida Funders
Feb 2, 202100:11:30Tap to summarizeAt Florida Funders, we are helping early-stage companies get access to capital from investors through an online process and crowdfunding. We’re all about learning best practices and getting better at angel investing, and the purpose of this podcast is to interview some of the best and brightest and most successful investors and entrepreneurs to learn from them and get better in the process. After interviewing a handful of people on the show and finding out what makes them tick, what motivates them, how they’ve built successful companies, and how they help others do the same, we thought it’s time to give you some background on Florida Funders – what sparked the idea and why it’s a great network for founders and funders. Our host and Managing Partner, Tom Wallace, shares his journey in the angel investing world, as well as what drove him and his partners to start Florida Funders. Tom has learned the hard way how challenging angel and early-stage investing can be, and he has dedicated his life to making this process easier. Tune in to learn more! Listen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsListen on Google Podcasts In this episode, you will learn:What brought Tom to Florida almost 30 years ago. (00:45)The current Florida tech ecosystem. (02:28)The venture that inspired Tom to dedicate full-time to angel investing. (04:01)What Florida Funders offers to investors. (08:15)The benefits of Florida Funders’ angel network. (09:58) Connect with Tom and Florida Funders: Florida Funders websiteLinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Ashley Jarocki & Stephanie Markese - The Future of Hiring
Jan 19, 202100:27:38Tap to summarizeWhat started as a friendship between two women cheerleading for the Buccaneers ended up in Next Path: a growing company providing hiring solutions for companies that see people as their competitive advantage. In today's episode, Ashley Jarocki and Stephanie Markese share with us how they went from cheering on the same line together to making a leap of faith and starting their own company in the staffing world. Stephanie Markese always wanted to be a dentist until she realized that she wanted something more than work for a salary for the rest or her life, where she could evolve and make her earnings grow. After a taste of staffing and sales, there was no coming back into dentistry. Ashley Jarocki was looking for a change after five years in the corporate world. One day, she received a call from Stephanie proposing a leap of faith: bring your knowledge of the corporate world and let's start a company together. Listen to the full episode, learn about the best way of dealing with the hiring process, how our guests think the staffing world will look like in the coming years, and how AI will deal with culture fit when filtering candidates for hire. Listen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsListen on Google PodcastsQuestions I ask:Did you guys go into staffing together? (4:11)Your industry changed a lot in the last year. How did COVID affect your business? (7:30 )Any advice for entrepreneurs buildings their team? Should they do it themselves or hire a staffing firm? (10:13)Is it possible to evaluate a candidate in a one-hour interview? (14:28)How do you see things like 5G, AI, augmented reality, and other new technologies affecting your industry? (17:51) In this episode, you will learn:How Next Path was born (4:18)Recruiting and staffing evolving with technology (7:30)The reason why companies should look for culture fit when hiring (11:06)AI or a person, who is better for culture fit? (20:56)Are resumes still relevant in the LinkedIn era? (22:29)Connect with Ashley Jarocki:LinkedinInstagramFacebookConnect with Stephanie Markese:LinkedinInstagramFacebookNext Path Resources:Website LinkedinFacebookTwitterInstagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Paul Holland - The Precursors of Success
Jan 5, 202100:38:27Tap to summarizeWhen you hear about a new idea, how can you be sure it’s good or bad? As an investor, you have to be a calculated risk-taker. Of course, there’s the due diligence that can help you decide whether the business that’s presented to you is worth funding, but you still need a dose of courage to financially support an idea Netflix is one of those successful businesses that weren’t short of ups and downs – and in this episode, you will hear the story of Netflix seen through the lens of one of the early investors: Paul Holland. Why did he choose to invest? What’s the background between Paul and Reed Hastings? And how did Netflix become one of the clear winners of the streaming wars? Tom and Paul also discuss the important role Paul’s new firm, Mach49 plays in helping global businesses drive meaningful growth to beat the startups at their own game. Paul Holland is Managing Director and VC-in-Residence at Mach49, where he leads the company’s Corporate Venture Investing Practice. Paul works with global businesses to design, launch, and manage corporate venture funds that leverage the experience, deal flow, global network, and success of his top-tier Silicon Valley VCs. Prior to joining Mach49, he was a General Partner for 18 years at leading venture capital fund Foundation Capital, helping take startup companies from zero to $100M, to IPO, or acquisition. His amazing background also includes partnering with Reed Hastings at Pure Software and joining Mark Gainey at Kana Communications. Paul enjoys being on the front lines, working side by side with entrepreneurs developing fast-growing, dynamic new ventures. His investing stories are diverse and interesting, so tune in and find out how he met Reed Hastings and invested in Netflix, how he supported Chegg, as well as what Mach49 is all about.Listen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsListen on Google Podcasts Some questions asked:How did the investing in Netflix come about? (02:47)When did you realize Netflix is really something special? (14:17)What do you look for in founders? (18:03) In this episode, you will learn:Paul’s journey to where he is today. (00:54)The landscape of venture capital in the late ‘90s. (06:02)The challenges faced by Netflix in its early beginnings. (08:36)How Chegg became a decacorn. (20:23)Linda Yates’ journey to founding Mach49. (24:41)The five preconditions for success. (27:04)The reason more and more people are migrating away from Silicon Valley. (30:33) Connect with Paul:LinkedInMach49 Website Resources:Something Ventured – the movie Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Adam Struck - New Lands of Opportunity
Dec 22, 202000:29:42Tap to summarizeJust like Florida is known for strawberries and tourism, LA is currently most famous for Hollywood – but things are gradually changing. The technology landscape is constantly growing and although LA has become a huge market, it still feels young. This means there are, yet, a lot of opportunities for angel investors to practice the art of venture capital in the right way, and grab their share of the market. Adam Struck is a Floridian but he is currently living in LA with his family. Through his company, Struck Capital, he supports young founders providing core technology innovation to tackle the world’s largest problems. Adam and his team of investors focus on seed investments into companies led by visionary technologists. Adam is a very successful young man who was named the Forbes 30 Under 30 Most Influential People – and in today’s episode, he is going to share his journey from being a lawyer to dedicating himself to transform LA into a place known for technology. We dive deep into his mindset and Struck Capital’s mission, as well as some successful deals he’s had over the years. Tune in, to learn more about the changing landscape of LA and the investment opportunities you can find there. Some Questions I Ask:After you left the law firm, did you go right on to start your own firm? (03:57)Tell us more about the journey at Struck Capital. What was your vision from the beginning? (07:31)How did you get to move to LA? (08:42)What is the main way you’re able to help founders grow their business? (15:08)How did you find out about the Postmates deal? Are you still in it today? (17:35)Have there been any investments that you passed on that you look back on and they really took off? (19:43)What stage are you typically investing in? (21:46)What do you see as the innovation and the opportunities in your area that you tend to look at? (25:00) In This Episode, You Will Learn:Adam’s journey from lawyer to being a venture capitalist. (01:20)The entrepreneurial history of Adam’s family. (02:54)The advantages of doing SPVs – Special Purpose Vehicle. (10:12)The landscape in LA, in terms of tech companies. (11:07)The reason Struck Capital was able to capture a lot of market share in a short time. (12:39)The typical Struck Capital cheque size for investments. (22:28)The partnership between Adam’s company and Leonardo DiCaprio’s platform. (23:33)Adam’s advice for investors. (27:00)Connect with Adam Struck:Struck Capital WebsiteLinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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