Podcast
The Investor With Joel Palathinkal
Hosted by Dr. Joel Palathinkal · EN
The Investor with Joel Palathinkal is a global omni channel show which highlights institutional investors from all walks of life and supports the continuing education for the next generation of allocators
133episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ben Parr: General Partner, Theory Forge Ventures
Oct 1700:48:09Summary readyIn this episode, we sit down with Ben Parr, General Partner at Theory Forge Ventures and President/Co-founder of Octane AI. A former editor at Mashable and author of "Captivology," Ben brings a unique lens to the world of AI investing and entrepreneurship. We dive into his journey from journalism to founding a profitable AI platform, the future of AI in editorial and e-commerce, and his tactical advice for founders on achieving product-market fit, storytelling, and resilience. Ben shares invaluable insights from the front lines of AI venture capital, discussing why "AI founders backing AI founders" is a powerful model and how tenacity is the ultimate founder superpower. A must-listen for anyone in tech, startups, or investing.
Summary
Lynn Greenberg: Autonomy Ventures
Oct 1400:56:41Summary readyThe race to build a self-driving future is on, but who is funding the brains behind the bots? This episode, we sit down with Lynn Greenberg of Autonomy Ventures, a New York-based VC that has been betting on intelligent machines since 2016.We dive deep into the world of early-stage investing in artificial intelligence, robotics, and autonomous mobility. Lynn pulls back the curtain on what it takes for a seed or Series A startup to stand out in these complex, capital-intensive fields. How does she separate true technological breakthroughs from mere hype?From the sensors that guide a self-driving car to the AI that powers an autonomous warehouse, we explore the critical challenges and massive opportunities that define this sector. Get an insider's view on the trends shaping the next wave of automation and the foundational tech that will power our autonomous future.Key Takeaways:The Early-Stage Edge: Why Autonomy Ventures focuses on seed and Series A and how they identify foundational tech in AI and robotics.Beyond Self-Driving Cars: Exploring the vast landscape of autonomous mobility, from logistics and drones to last-mile delivery.The Founder's Playbook: The key traits Lynn looks for in teams tackling the immense technical and regulatory hurdles of autonomy.The New York Tech Scene: How a flagship NYC firm is carving out a niche in a field often associated with Silicon Valley.The Future is Now: Insights into the most promising and overlooked applications of AI and robotics that are poised for growth.
Summary
Sergey Balasanyan: Longevity Card
Oct 1300:54:44Summary readyWhat if your bank account could help you live a longer, healthier life? This episode, we sit down with Sergey Balasanyan, the CEO of Longevity Card, who is on a mission to completely redefine the purpose of banking.We dive into his vision for the world's first age-tech bank, a platform that merges financial health with physical well-being. Sergey explains how Longevity Card uses data science and AI to create financial products specifically designed for people planning to live longer, more vibrant lives. This isn't just another mobile banking app; it's a proactive system aimed at helping you maintain your financial stability and physical health for decades to come.Get ready for a fascinating conversation about the future of fintech, the intersection of health and wealth, and how Sergey's team is building a safer, easier, and more personalized banking experience for the era of human longevity.Key Takeaways:The Longevity Bank Revolution: An inside look at the first bank designed from the ground up to serve a 100-year lifespan.Health Meets Wealth: How your financial data and health habits can be integrated to create personalized products and insights for a longer, higher-functioning life.The Age-Tech Ecosystem: Exploring the convergence of AgeTech, HealthTech, and Data Science within a financial services framework.The Future of Personal Finance: A look at the new financial products being developed for a generation that expects to live and work longer than any before it.Building a Mission-Driven Fintech: The strategy and vision behind creating a banking experience that is safer, easier, and fundamentally focused on your long-term well-being.
Summary
Jack Levy: More Ventures
Oct 1200:51:37Summary readyWhat does it take to build a thriving startup ecosystem far from Silicon Valley? This episode, we sit down with Jack, a founding partner at More Ventures, who has been helping build Israel into a global tech powerhouse for over two decades.Jack brings a unique operator's perspective, having lived through the highs of a NASDAQ IPO as a VP at Register.com. He reveals how that experience shapes his approach as a VC today—not just as a source of capital, but as a trusted advisor and a dedicated recruiter for the founders he backs. We explore his investments in companies like WeissBeerger (acquired by AB InBev) and Emefcy, and learn why he considers helping young talent launch their careers one of his most rewarding jobs.From coaching little league in Israel to chairing a community school, Jack also shares how his passions outside of venture capital enrich his work and his life, creating a powerful model for a fulfilling career.Key Takeaways:The Operator-Investor Edge: How the firsthand experience of a NASDAQ IPO informs a deeply empathetic and practical approach to venture capital.Building the Israeli Tech Miracle: An insider's perspective on two decades of investing in and contributing to Israel's vibrant startup ecosystem.The Talent Scout: Why Jack considers recruiting and mentoring young talent for portfolio companies a core part of his VC strategy and a personal passion.The Trusted Advisor Role: What it means to be a true partner to founders, going beyond the boardroom to support teams through the entire journey.Life Beyond the Deal: How community involvement, like coaching and education, creates a more balanced and impactful life and career.
Summary
Jason A Scharf: Illumina's Life Science Accelerator
Oct 1100:45:11Summary readyThe future of healthcare is here, and it's being written at the intersection of big data and human biology. In this episode, we sit down with Jason, a strategist and angel investor who is guiding companies through this seismic shift.We dive into how the industry is evolving to consume a massive spectrum of data—from genomics to economic trends—and use AI to deliver real-time clinical interventions. Jason breaks down his rigorous process for helping companies build an executable vision, shift their business models, and create unshakeable competitive differentiation.As a co-fund manager of the San Diego Angel Conference and a mentor with the NexCubed Digital Health Accelerator, Jason also provides an insider's view of the startup ecosystem. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand how data, strategy, and investment are converging to create the next generation of healthcare breakthroughs.Key Takeaways:The Data-Driven Healthcare Revolution: How the fusion of clinical, genomic, and behavioral data is creating a new paradigm for treatment and prevention.The Strategy Playbook: Jason's framework for building fact-based strategic plans that move companies from anecdotal decision-making to data-driven execution.Cultivating Innovation: How to identify and build transformative partnerships that sit at the convergence of data and clinical action.The Angel Investor's Lens: What a seasoned angel looks for in early-stage digital health, pharma, and med tech startups.Navigating Industry Shifts: Key insights on helping companies pivot business models, accelerate product innovation, and withstand intense competitive pressure.
Summary
Jacob Mahaffey: Cowboy Technologies
Oct 1000:52:45Summary readyHow does a major university turn groundbreaking academic research into world-changing companies? This episode, we go inside the engine of innovation at Oklahoma State University with Jacob Mahaffey, Assistant Director of the Cowboy Technologies seed fund.Jacob reveals the playbook for identifying technologies buried in university labs and transforming them into viable, venture-backed startups. We explore the entire journey, from securing initial sponsored research funding and navigating non-dilutive grants to preparing for a seed round and accessing a powerful mentor network.This is a masterclass in the unique world of university venture creation. Learn how Jacob and his team validate product-market fit, mentor student and faculty founders through customer discovery, and build the scalable business models that attract serious investment. If you're curious about the future of tech transfer and academic entrepreneurship, this episode is for you.Key Takeaways:From Lab to Launchpad: The step-by-step process of identifying and commercializing university technologies with high-growth potential.The University Venture Studio: How Cowboy Technologies provides a unique blend of capital, advising, and facilities to de-risk academic startups.The Customer Validation Playbook: Jacob's framework for mentoring teams to pivot their value proposition and achieve true product-market fit.Funding the Journey: A breakdown of the capital stack for university startups, from non-dilutive grants and sponsored research to seed investment.Educating the Next Generation: How teaching and programs like the I-Corps Site are building a sustainable pipeline of student entrepreneurs.
Summary
Brian Ruszczyk: Earth First Ventures
Oct 900:57:05Summary readyHow are the world's wealthiest families using their capital to build a better, more sustainable food system? This episode, we pull back the curtain on Earth First Food Ventures (EFFV), a unique investment platform built for ultra-high-net-worth families to co-invest in and launch the most ambitious food tech companies of tomorrow.We're joined by Brian Ruszczyk, whose 25-year career at the helm of JP Morgan, Citi, and Deutsche Bank has given him a masterclass in global finance and emerging markets. He now applies that extensive experience to a singular mission: identifying and scaling companies with a sustainable, social impact edge in the food technology space.From their global headquarters in the Cayman Islands to their expanding presence in Geneva, Athens, and Brazil, we explore how this unique firm is leveraging a truly international perspective to find and fund the bold ideas that will redefine our relationship with food.Key Takeaways:The Family Office Edge: An inside look at a unique platform that allows global families to co-invest directly in groundbreaking food tech ventures.The Sustainable Food Revolution: Explore the most promising and impactful investment opportunities in the food technology sector.From Wall Street to Food Tech: How Brian's experience running complex international operations for major banks informs a disciplined, global investment strategy.The Latin American Opportunity: Insights into the unique potential of the Latin American market from an expert who has worked in the region for decades.Building a Global Network: The strategy behind EFFV's expanding physical presence and how a multi-jurisdictional team spots trends and opportunities ahead of the curve.
Summary
Tess Hau: Tess Ventures
Oct 800:59:52Summary readyHow does a globally-recognized investor identify and empower the extraordinary founders who are building the future? This episode, we sit down with Tess Hau, a true force in the venture capital world and the founder of Tess Ventures.Tess brings a wealth of expertise from her diverse roles as a Venture Partner at Spike Ventures, an advisor to Stanford, and a champion for global expansion. She pulls back the curtain on her investment strategy, which has led to successful exits in frontier technologies like virtual reality, construction tech, and personalized medicine.We dive into her current focus on blockchain, IoT, and healthcare, and explore her powerful advocacy for women's leadership and diversity. This is a conversation about seeing potential where others don't, the importance of cross-cultural connections, and building a legacy that goes far beyond returns.Key Takeaways:The Global Investor's Lens: How Tess identifies high-performing startups and extraordinary founders across different markets and sectors.Frontier Tech Deep Dive: Insights into her investments in blockchain, IoT, and personalized medicine, and what makes a frontier tech company a compelling bet.The Solo & Syndicate Strategy: The rationale behind being a sole investor versus joining a syndicate, and how Tess Ventures structures its deals.Beyond Capital: Tess's passionate work as an international champion for women's leadership, diversity, and mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs.The Operator's Advantage: How her experience as a COO and Chairwoman provides a unique, operational perspective when advising founders.
Summary
Ladi Greenstreet: Accenture Ventures
Oct 700:56:56Summary readyHow do you bridge the gap between a corporate giant and the most agile startups? This episode, Joel Palathinkal sits down with Ladi Greenstreet of Accenture Ventures and other special guests to explore the art of corporate venture capital.We dive into their personal entrepreneurial journeys, uncovering how they secured their first customers and how the power of storytelling is critical in sales and fundraising. The conversation pulls back the curtain on running a corporate accelerator, building crucial internal networks, and the unique strategies for generating revenue and supporting seasoned founders.Packed with advice for aspiring VCs and founders alike, this episode tackles how to identify a winning startup, the key traits of resilient founders, and how the pandemic permanently reshaped the tech landscape. Get an insider's view on the future of tech markets and the scaling opportunities that lie ahead.Key Takeaways:The Corporate Venture Playbook: An inside look at how Accenture Ventures operates, from its accelerator program to strategic investments.The Founder's Journey: Personal stories of securing that crucial first customer and transitioning from entrepreneur to corporate innovator.The Art of the Narrative: Why storytelling is the most underrated skill in both sales and venture capital.Building from the Inside: Strategies for navigating a large organization, building internal alliances, and driving change.Future-Proofing Your Strategy: Insights on identifying successful startups, key founder traits, and the lasting impact of COVID-19 on tech.
Summary
Rob Eloff: Lateral Capital
Oct 600:50:03Summary readyWhat does it take to identify and back the next generation of world-changing companies in the world's most dynamic emerging markets? This episode, we sit down with Rob, a co-founder of Lateral Capital, whose entire career has been dedicated to living and investing in developing economies.Rob takes us from the trading floors of JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs in Johannesburg and Moscow to the front lines of venture capital in sub-Saharan Africa. He shares the lessons learned from a decade of navigating complex markets across Africa, Eastern Europe, and Latin America, and how that global perspective shapes his investment thesis today.We dive deep into the unique challenges and monumental opportunities of building a venture ecosystem in emerging markets, the philosophy behind his evergreen fund, Frontier Dawn Partners, and why a background in philosophy and economics is the ultimate foundation for a life in frontier finance.Key Takeaways:The Emerging Market Edge: An on-the-ground perspective on the unique risks, opportunities, and growth potential of investing in sub-Saharan Africa and other frontier markets.From Wall Street to Venture Capital: How experience in global capital markets and private equity provides a distinct advantage in structuring deals in emerging economies.Building an Evergreen Future: The philosophy behind Frontier Dawn Partners and the case for patient, flexible capital in early-stage tech ecosystems.The Founder's Mindset: What Rob looks for in the pioneering tech teams brave enough to build companies in complex environments.The Unlikely Toolkit: Why a degree in philosophy is a secret weapon for analyzing market dynamics and building a successful, long-term career in finance.
Summary