More Equity
By Harlem Capital
Harlem Capital is a New York-founded early-stage venture capital firm on a mission to change the face of entrepreneurship by investing in 1,000 diverse founders over the next 20 years. We are focused on investing in minority and women founders in the United States, LatAm, and Africa.
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More EquityOct 18, 2021
72. More Equity: Media Masterminds - Andrew Gazdecki
In this episode, Nicole DeTommaso speaks with Andrew Gazdecki, founder and CEO of Acquire.
Having built multiple startups, including one he bootstrapped to $10M in annual recurring revenue, Andrew founded Acquire to make acquisitions easier for startups across the globe.
Tune in as Nicole and Andrew discuss bootstrapping versus venture capital funding, building a brand through content and media, getting acquisition offers, and more.
71. More Equity: Media Masterminds - Beezer Clarkson
In this episode, Nicole DeTommaso connects with Beezer Clarkson, Managing Director at Sapphire Partners.
With over 15 years of experience in venture capital, predominantly on the LP side, Beezer provides insights into what institutional LPs look for when evaluating emerging managers.
They discuss Sapphire's new $2 billion program focused on emerging VC managers in partnership with CalSTRS, as well as the importance of having an authentic investing strategy and portfolio construction.
Tune in for tangible advice for early-stage funds on positioning for success in a tougher fundraising environment.
70. More Equity: Media Masterminds - Ruben Harris
In this episode, Nicole DeTommaso speaks with Ruben Harris, Founder and CEO of Career Karma.
Ruben started Career Karma in 2018 to provide career navigation technology to help people explore growth opportunities, and has now raised $52 million in funding and serves over 1 million people per month looking for career advice.
Tune in as Nicole and Ruben discuss how he utilized media like Twitter and podcasting to jumpstart his entrepreneurial career, build Career Karma's audience, and fundraise. They also talk about Ruben's approach to developing strong convictions as a founder and get his take on AI.
69. More Equity: Media Masterminds - Elizabeth Yin
In this episode, Nicole DeTommaso chats with Elizabeth Yin, co-founder and General Partner at Hustle Fund, a venture capital firm aimed at democratizing wealth through startups.
They delve into the importance of having a niche in VC, Hustle Fund's unique approach to investment promotion, and their focus on post-pre-seed startups with proven product-market fit.
Discover how grassroots methods like cold emailing play a role in product testing and feedback, and learn about Hustle Fund's support for non-serial entrepreneurs and their global funding opportunities.
68. More Equity: Media Masterminds - Peter Walker
In this episode, Nicole DeTommaso talks with Peter Walker, Head of Insights at Carta. Carta manages over two trillion dollars in equity for nearly two million people globally. The company is trusted by more than 30,000 companies, over 5,000 investment funds, and half a million employees for cap table management, compensation management, liquidity venture capital solutions, and more.
Together, Nicole and Peter explore the dynamics shaping the VC market, startup valuations, and the impact of equity on employee tenure.
From dissecting the intricacies of data visualization and compensation trends to discussing the potential downturn in diversity due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this episode offers a deep dive into the current state of the venture capital industry.
Join us as we uncover critical insights and expert perspectives on the evolving landscape of equity, funding, and diversity in the startup ecosystem.
67. More Equity: Media Masterminds - Nichole Wischoff
In this episode, Nicole DeTommaso chats with Nichole Wischoff, founder of Wischoff Ventures, which invests in early-stage, high-growth tech companies transitioning massive offline industries to online platforms.
Join us as they explore Nichole’s journey of building her brand on social media platforms like Twitter and TikTok, her unique strategies for standing out in a landscape of limited capital and fewer firms, and her insights on engaging with potential investors and partners. They'll also explore the challenges of fund-raising and the role of social media in storytelling and building professional relationships.
Tune in to discover how Nichole Wischoff navigates the competitive world of tech venture capital, balances online presence, and harnesses curiosity and research to drive her investment interests.
66. More Equity — Henri Pierre-Jacques and Gabby Cazeau
In this episode, our Henri and Gabby discuss Harlem Capital's unique approach to taking breaks and time off, highlighting the the value of collective downtime. Building startups can contribute to burnout, but trusting founders and encouraging teams to practice self care goes a long way.
65. More Equity — Henri Pierre-Jacques and Jarrid Tingle
Welcome to More Equity, brought to you by Harlem Capital.
In this episode, our hosts Henri Pierre-Jacques and Jarrid Tingle delve into the pivotal role of feedback in our personal and professional lives. They unpack their distinctive methodology for feedback sessions, emphasizing the need for fostering a conducive atmosphere for transparent conversations within teams.
Henri and Jarrid also discuss the present macro landscape, fluctuations in interest rates, and the employment landscape. They explore the implications of these dynamics on investment strategies and aggressive market maneuvers.
64. More Equity — Henri Pierre-Jacques, Gabby Cazeau, and Brandon Bryant
Welcome to More Equity, brought to you by Harlem Capital.
In this episode, our hosts Henri Pierre-Jacques, Brandon Bryant, and Gabby Cazeau discuss investing incentives, the influence of Elon Musk's Twitter following, the societal impact of movies like Black Panther and Barbie, and the need for term limits in the Supreme Court.
The discussion also encompasses the role of unifying marketing campaigns, the disconnect between politicians and constituents, equal access to education, and the complex issue of legacy admissions.
63. More Equity — Henri Pierre-Jacques, Gabby Cazeau, and Nicole DeTommaso
Welcome to More Equity, brought to you by Harlem Capital.
In this episode, Henri Pierre-Jacques, Gabby Cazeau, and Nicole DeTommaso explore the rise of Threads as an alternative to Twitter and discuss how unique features can propel the success of platforms, using TikTok as an example.
They share insights on the market shift towards pre-seed deals and the challenges in the seed stage investment space. The discussion also highlights their internship program at Harlem Capital, emphasizing the autonomy and hands-on experience it offers in the venture industry.
They round up the episode discussing the Essence Festival, its cultural significance, and the importance of finding representative spaces.
62. More Equity — Henri Pierre-Jacques, Brandon Bryant, and Nicole DeTommaso
Welcome to More Equity, brought to you by Harlem Capital.
Today, Henri Pierre-Jacques, Brandon Bryant, and Nicole DeTommaso discuss the evolution of venture capital, and how their venture strategy has become more network-driven, providing better accessibility to entrepreneurs.
They dive deep into the rising popularity of AI and consumer fintech as industries of interest. Furthermore, they reflect on the delicate balance between supporting extraordinary founders and spotting favorable market conditions for maximum success.
61. More Equity: Latina Luminaries — Daniela Corrente
Welcome to the latest episode of More Equity's Latina Luminaries series, brought to you by Harlem Capital and hosted by Melody Hahm. We're privileged to chat with Daniela Corrente, founder of Reel, a financial platform recently acquired by Suma Wealth.
Daniela shares insights into the top financial concerns troubling the Latinx community and walks us through her unique journey of raising capital for Reel.
She talks about the importance of mental support structures for entrepreneurs and urges investors to consider the implications of their decisions on the personal and familial lives of founders. Daniela also highlights the challenges faced by Latina entrepreneurs, particularly within the tech sector.
60. More Equity: Latina Luminaries — Mariana Costa
Welcome to the latest episode of More Equity's Latina Luminaries series, hosted by Harlem Capital's Melody Hahm. In this episode, we sit down with Mariana Costa, Co-Founder of Laboratoria, Latin America's revolutionary boot camp program empowering women in tech.
Mariana shares her perspective on the disappointing trajectory of venture capital funding for Latina businesses since its peak in 2018, with only 2% going to Latin American founders and a mere four tenths of a percent going to Latina women. Join Melody and Mariana as they discuss Mariana's passion for empowering others, stemming from her upbringing in Peru, a country and region faced with multiple challenges such as inequality, discrimination, and political turmoil.
Mariana's social enterprise boasts 3200 graduates, with over 80% securing roles as developers. She emphasizes the importance of investing in the growing and powerful Latina community to pave the way for future generations.
59. More Equity: Latina Luminaries — Noelle Acosta
Welcome to the latest episode of More Equity's Latina Luminaries series, hosted by Harlem Capital's Melody Hahm. In this episode, we sit down with with Noelle Acosta, Co-Founder & CEO of Noula, which provides tailored, hormone based virtual care to patiences. Noelle shares her experiences with imposter syndrome and explores her mission of creating a path for founders and CEOs of color, especially women of color, who don't often have the same advantages as those from more advantageous backgrounds. Join Melody and Noelle as they discuss Noelle's path from the sales to becoming a tech founder, as well as her experience growing up in the central valley and developing her identity and much more.
58. More Equity: Latina Luminaries — Suzy Ferreira
Welcome to the latest episode of More Equity's Latina Luminaries series, hosted by Harlem Capital's Melody Hahm. In this episode, we sit down with with Suzy Ferreira, Founder and CEO at Dinie, a complete infrastructure that enables businesses to offer credit to their customers.
Suzy's journey from Iturama, Brazil to co-founding Dinie required resilience, passion, and determination. While working in corporate banking she realized that her true mission was helping small businesses gain access to fair credit products.
Join Melody and Suzy as they discuss Suzy's journey, raising money in the height of the pandemic, and how she has navigated the unique challenges faced by women in male-dominated industries.
57. More Equity: Latina Luminaries — Angela Acosta
Welcome to the latest episode of More Equity's Latina Luminaries series, hosted by Harlem Capital's Melody Hahm. In this episode, we connect with Angela Acosta, the founder and CEO of Morado, a SaaS platform for the beauty salon industry in Latin America. Angela's unique upbringing and career experience has helped her create and scale Morado, which is now operating in 100 cities in Colombia and backed by investors like Tiger Global, Andreessen Horowitz, and QED.
With a background in fintech and working for Rappi, one of Latin America's biggest unicorns, Angela was well situated to find success. She talks about her initial aspirations to work in consulting, her foray into Fintech, and ultimately her passion for the beauty industry that led her to start Morado.
Angela emphasizes the importance of empowering Latina women in the workforce, particularly in the beauty industry. With 84% of the Latin American workforce in the beauty industry being women, Angela sees an opportunity to make an impact and provide more opportunities and financial control to these women. Her mission is to give Latinas access to resources and money to grow their businesses and make their own decisions.
Join Melody and Angela as they discuss Angela's journey, the challenges she has faced, and her commitment to using technology to solve problems in the beauty industry and empower Latina women.
56. More Equity: Diverse Emerging Managers — Megan Ruan
Welcome to More Equity. Today, we’re bringing you a new episode from our Diverse Emerging Managers Series: The Next Wave — hosted by Gabby Cazeau.
In this episode, Gabby speaks with Megan Ruan, General Partner at Gold House Ventures. Having studied at Yale, London School of Economics, and Stanford, Megan is a GP at Gold House Ventures, a $30 million vehicle investing in the next generation of exceptional Asian and Pacific Islander (API) founded companies.
Tune in as Gabby and Megan discuss the unique approach Gold House Ventures to the VC landscape and learn about how Megan's background has shaped her approach to investing.
55. More Equity: Diverse Emerging Managers — Brandon Hoffman
Welcome to More Equity. Today, we’re bringing you a new episode from our Diverse Emerging Managers Series: The Next Wave — hosted by Gabby Cazeau.
In this episode, Gabby speaks with Brandon Hoffman, founder of Sunset Ventures. A Wharton alum currently based in Los Angeles, Brandon invests in pre-seed and seed stage startups. Prior to his career in venture capital, Brandon was working in the music business and was inspired by the disruption Spotify brought to the industry.
Tune in as Gabby and Brandon discuss the unique approach Sunset Ventures brings to the VC landscape and learn about how Brandon's wide breadth of experience has shaped his approach to investing.
54. More Equity: Diverse Emerging Managers — Sydney Thomas
Welcome to More Equity. Today, we’re bringing you a new episode from our Diverse Emerging Managers Series: The Next Wave — hosted by Gabby Cazeau.
Today we speak with Sydney Thomas, founder of Impressionism Capital. Impressionism Capital invests in companies that reflect the real world, focusing on communities that haven't been "over-fished". Before founding Impressionism, Sydney worked in the public sector under multiple administrations and then transitioned into venture capital, joining the team at Precursor Ventures.
Tune in as Gabby and Sydney discuss the unique approach Impressionism Capital brings to the VC landscape and learn about how Sydney's public sector experience has shaped her approach to investing.
53. More Equity: Diverse Emerging Managers — Ana Carolina Mexia and Maria Gutierrez
Welcome to More Equity. Today, we’re bringing you a new episode from our Diverse Emerging Managers Series: The Next Wave — hosted by Gabby Cazeau.
Today we speak with Ana Carolina Mexia and Maria Gutierrez, partners at Nido Ventures. Nido is a pre-seed and seed stage fund that backs companies in Spanish Speaking LatAm and companies who are targeting the latinx community in the US. Before Nido, Ana was a software engineer at LinkedIn, while Maria is a former global supply chain manager at Apple and Tesla. Both are currently completing MBAs at Stanford.
Tune in as Gabby, Ana, and Maria discuss the unique approach Nido brings to the VC landscape and learn about early stage investments in LatAm.
52. More Equity: Diverse Emerging Managers — Miguel Armaza
Welcome to More Equity. Today, we’re bringing you a new episode from our Diverse Emerging Managers Series: The Next Wave — hosted by Gabby Cazeau.
Today we speak with Miguel Armaza, founding partner of Gilgamesh Ventures. Gilgamesh is an early-stage fintech venture capital fund that invests primarily in Latin America. Before transitioning into venture capital, Miguel was a banker for Citi and MUFG across Europe, North America, and LatAm. He holds an MBA from Wharton and an MA from the Lauder Institute and has lived in several countries, including Bolivia, China, Russia, Ireland, Uruguay, Italy, and the US.
Tune in as Gabby and Miguel discuss the unique perspective Miguel brings to the VC landscape and learn about early stage fintech in the U.S. and Latin America.
51. More Equity: Limited Partners — Hunter Somerville
Welcome to More Equity. Today, we’re bringing you a new episode from our Harlem Capital Limited Partner Series — connecting with Harlem Capital LPs to share insights on navigating the VC fundraising journey.
In today’s episode, we speak with Hunter Somerville — Partner at the StepStone Group and a member of the private equity team, focusing on venture capital and growth equity investments. The StepStone Group is a global private markets investment firm focused on providing customized investment solutions and advisory services to clients. They have $134B in assets under management, and $570B in client assets allocated. Prior to StepStone, Hunter was a general partner with Greenspring Associates — a venture capital and growth equity investment firm acquired by StepStone in 2021 — where he was responsible for the sourcing and due diligence efforts on fund, direct and secondary opportunities, as well as the assessment of micro-vc managers for the Firm.
Tune in as Jarrid and Hunter discuss the unique advantages and lessons learned from investing in venture capital through fund of funds, direct, and secondary investments.
50. More Equity: Limited Partners — Josh Kopelman of First Round Capital
Welcome to More Equity. Today, we’re bringing you a new episode from our Harlem Capital Limited Partner Series — connecting with Harlem Capital LPs to share insights on navigating the VC fundraising journey.
In today’s episode, we speak with Josh Kopelman, co-founder and Partner at First Round Capital, an early stage venture capital firm. Prior to creating First Round, Josh has been an active entrepreneur and investor in the Internet industry since its commercialization — founding 3 companies all with successful acquisitions or IPOs. Josh not only serves as an LP for Harlem Capital, but also as a mentor – using his experience as a fellow GP to provide insight and clarity on the journey to building a successful fund.
Tune in as Henri and Josh discuss the logistics of being a General Partner — from the mechanics of evolving your fund strategy to managing ownership and evaluating liquidity opportunities.
49. More Equity: Limited Partners — Travis & Ryan of the State of Michigan
Welcome to More Equity. Today, we’re bringing you a new episode from our Harlem Capital Limited Partner Series — connecting with Harlem Capital LPs to share insights on navigating the VC fundraising journey.
In today’s episode, we speak with Travis Haney & Ryan Rathman from the State of Michigan Department of Treasury. The State of Michigan manages a $100 billion pension fund which invests the retirement funds for Michigan public employees. Travis & Ryan, who focus on private equity and alternative investments, share insights from managing the portfolio, which has been investing in venture capital since 1983.
Tune in as Jarrid, Travis, and Ryan discuss how the pension landscape has evolved its views on VC, the benefits of having a pension fund on your cap table, and advice for emerging managers going through their first market cycle.
48. More Equity: Limited Partners — David Gilmore of the Weinberg Foundation
Welcome to More Equity. Today, we’re bringing you a new episode from our Harlem Capital Limited Partner Series — connecting with Harlem Capital LPs to share insights on navigating the VC fundraising journey.
In today’s episode, we speak with David Gilmore, Deputy Chief Investment Officer at the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, one of the largest private charitable foundations in the United States, with $3.2 billion in assets and giving $130 million in grants each year. David shares with listeners how institutions think through asset allocation and manager selection, based on his current role and prior experience at the Ohio State University investment office.
Tune in as Henri and David discuss everything from the risks the foundation saw in Harlem Capital before deciding to invest to how emerging managers can best convey their firm vision to institutional LPs.
47. More Equity: Limited Partners — Amelia Gandara of Nationwide
Welcome to More Equity. Today, we’re bringing you a new episode from our Harlem Capital Limited Partner Series — connecting with Harlem Capital LPs to share insights on navigating the VC fundraising journey.
In today’s episode, we speak with Amelia Gandara, Principal at Nationwide Ventures. Amelia shares how corporations like Nationwide approach investing in the venture landscape, as well as a few tips for emerging managers looking to build relationships with corporate LPs.
Tune in as Managing Partner Henri Pierre-Jacques and Amelia discuss everything from how to support diverse managers for the long term to how Amelia’s prior life as a professional ballerina makes her a better investor.
46. More Equity: Limited Partners — Josh Evans of TPG
Welcome to More Equity. Today, we’re bringing you a new episode from our Harlem Capital Limited Partner Series — connecting with Harlem Capital LPs to share insights on navigating the VC fundraising journey.
In today’s episode, we continue along Harlem Capital’s fundraising journey and speak with Josh Evans, Head of Corporate Development at TPG. TPG served as Harlem Capital’s first anchor investor, changing the future of the fund forever.
Tune in as our hosts, Managing Partners Henri Pierre-Jacques and Jarrid Tingle reflect with Josh on when they met, what led them to working together, and the role of an anchor investor.
45. More Equity: Limited Partners — Willie Woods of ICV
Welcome to More Equity. Today, we’re bringing you a new episode from our Harlem Capital Limited Partner Series — connecting with Harlem Capital LPs to share insights on navigating the VC fundraising journey.
In this episode, we’re joined by Harlem Capital’s very first LP, Willie Woods — President & Co-Founder of ICV Partners, a black-owned private equity firm with $1.4 billion in AUM. Prior to co-founding ICV, Willie was a Vice President in investment banking at Deutsche Bank, and also worked for Levmark Capital, Lehman Brothers, and NBD Bank.
Tune in as our hosts, Managing Partners Henri Pierre-Jacques and Jarrid Tingle reflect with their former boss on the journey to starting a fund and the challenges along the way.
44. More Equity: Crypto Convos — Lisa Cuesta of Aztec
Welcome to More Equity. Today, we’re bringing you a new episode from our Harlem Capital Crypto Convos Series — talking to investors and innovators who have found great opportunity amidst the Web3, blockchain, and crypto evolution.
In this episode, we're joined by Lisa Cuesta, who leads business development at Aztec. Aztec is a privacy-focused layer two on Ethereum. Lisa is also an angel investor in crypto companies Lido, Thesis, and Goldfinch. She was formerly an early-stage venture capital investor at NextGen Ventures and helped launch products globally at Google.
Listen in to hear Harlem capital's Oartner, Brandon Bryant and Lisa discuss breaking into crypto full-time, crypto adoption, and what Aztec is building.
43. More Equity: Crypto Convos — Marty Stenson of Gemini
Welcome to More Equity. Today, we’re bringing you a new episode from our Harlem Capital Crypto Convos Series — talking to investors and innovators who have found great opportunity amidst the Web3, blockchain, and crypto evolution.
In this episode, we're joined by Marty Stenson a Strategy & Corporate Development Lead at Gemini focused on the Gemini Frontier Fund. Prior to Gemini, Marty worked in investment and strategy related roles at CoinShares and UBS.
Listen in to hear Brandon Bryant and Marty talk about the metaverse and what's next in the crypto space!
42. More Equity: Crypto Convos — Cuy Sheffield of Visa
Welcome to More Equity. Today, we’re bringing you a new episode from our Harlem Capital Crypto Convo Series — talking to investors and innovators who have found great opportunity amidst the Web3, blockchain, and crypto evolution.
In this episode, we're joined by Cuy Sheffield, Vice President and Head of Global Crypto Investment at Visa. Cuy is also a Fellow at the Visa Economic Empowerment Institute and a co-chair of the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on Cryptocurrencies.
Listen in to hear Harlem Capital Partner, Brandon Bryant and Cuy discuss Visa's move into the crypto space, the crypto punk purchase, and how to get started with NFTs.
41. More Equity: Crypto Convos — Erikan Obotetukudo of Audacity
Welcome to More Equity. Today, we’re bringing you a new episode from our Harlem Capital Crypto Convo Series — talking to investors and innovators who have found great opportunity amidst the Web3, blockchain, and crypto evolution.
In this episode, we're joined by Erikan Obotetukudo — Founder and General Partner of Audacity, a crypto venture fund investing in untapped markets globally that will shape the next hundred years. Erikan is also the co-founder and president of crypto for black economic empowerment.
Listen in to hear Erikan's journey to launching audacity and her passion for investing in African crypto startups.
40. More Equity: Crypto Convos — Anand Iyer of Pear VC
Welcome to More Equity. Today, we’re bringing you a new episode from our Harlem Capital Crypto Convo Series — talking to investors and innovators who have found great opportunity amidst the Web3, blockchain, and crypto evolution.
In this episode, we're joined by Anand Iyer, a Visiting Partner at Pear Venture Capital focused on blockchain and web3 investments.
Anand has founded multiple companies — including Trusted, ThreadFlip and HitPost — and started his career building products at companies like Microsoft and Cisco.He's also an active angel investor, advisor to startups, and limited partner in several seed stage venture capital firms.
Listen in to hear Anand’s investor perspective on the basics, benefits and risks of decentralized finance.
39. More Equity: Crypto Convos — Sarah Hammer of The Wharton School
Welcome to More Equity. Today, we’re bringing you a new episode from our Harlem Capital Crypto Convo Series — talking to investors and innovators who have found great opportunity amidst the Web3, blockchain, and crypto evolution.
In this episode, we’re joined by Sarah Hammer, Managing Director of the Stevens Center for Innovation in Finance and Senior Director of the Harris Alternative Investments Program at the Wharton School. She previously served as acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Financial Institutions and Director of the Office of Financial Institutions Policy at the United States Department of the Treasury.
Listen in to hear Sarah and I discuss blockchain, financial regulation, and the launch of Wharton’s new blockchain accelerator
38. More Equity: Harlem Capital Goes Global — Africa & LatAm Deals
Welcome to More Equity. In today’s special episode, Managing Partner Henri Pierre-Jacques and Chief of Staff & Investor Tonna Obaze talk about Harlem Capital’s growing global footprint as we announce our first deals in Africa and Latin America. Henri & Tonna led Harlem Capital to invest in Pariti — a community marketplace supporting emerging market founders with resources & capital — as well as Turbodega — a software solution offering POS and inventory management support to bodegas in Latin America.
Tune in to hear Henri & Tonna reflect on the diligence process, discuss the nuances of investing in emerging markets, and share a vision for the future of Harlem Capital’s mission internationally.
37. More Equity: Cheryl Campos of Republic
Welcome to More Equity. In the final episode of our Gamechangers series, we’re talking to Cheryl Campos, the Head of Venture Growth and Partnerships at Republic. Cheryl discusses the role of education in her life and journey to become an investor. Throughout our conversation, Cheryl offers listeners advice on asking for what you want and making the big risks pay off. Listen in to hear how Cheryl's confidence and drive to support communities led to her role at Republic, democratizing access to investing for all.
36. More Equity: Barry Givens of Collab Capital
Welcome to More Equity. In this episode of our Gamechangers series, we’re talking to Barry Givens — co-founder and Managing Partner of Collab Capital. Barry shares how his desire to get more money into the hands of black founders helped him redefine what success means for entrepreneurs. Tune in to hear how Barry’s passion for supporting black communities ultimately led to the creation of Collab Capital’s SPACE Agreement.
35. More Equity: Janine Sickmeyer of Overlooked Ventures
Welcome to More Equity. In this episode of our Gamechangers series, we’re talking to Janine Sickmeyer — founder and managing partner of Overlooked Ventures. Janine shares her story as a successful entrepreneur of a legal tech startup and how that experience inspired her to first, become an angel investor and then, start her own venture capital fund investing in overlooked founders. As Janine reflects on how she overcame her imposter syndrome as a VC, she highlights the importance of working with people who encourage your spark and energize your passions.
Tune in to hear Janine discuss putting your values and mission at the forefront of what you do and how that will shape everything that you become in the future.
34. More Equity: Mac Conwell of Rarebreed Ventures
Welcome to More Equity. In this episode of our Gamechangers series, we’re speaking with Mac Conwell, the founder and managing partner of Rarebreed Ventures, a pre-seed venture capital fund investing in underrepresented founders outside of major tech ecosystems. Mac is also a Kauffman fellow and two-time entrepreneur with one successful exit under his belt. In today's episode, Mac shares his inspiration behind Rarebreed ventures and how he successfully turned this idea into a reality. He also discusses the importance of building and maintaining a network, the power of social media, and what he looks for in companies that he wants to invest in.
33. More Equity: Katie Jacobs Stanton of Moxxie Ventures
Welcome to More Equity. Today, we’re bringing you a new episode from our Harlem Capital Angel Investor Series — uncovering the tips and tricks to angel investing from your favorite founders, operators, and venture capitalists.
Today I’ll be talking to Katie Jacobs Stanton — Founder and General Partner of Moxxie Ventures, a $25M seed-stage venture fund. In this episode, you’ll hear about Katie’s path from product manager at Yahoo, Google, and Twitter to launching #ANGELS, a collection of women angel investors backing exceptional founders building the future. Katie gives listeners insight into her decision to start her own venture capital firm, along with a behind the scenes look on how she uses her angel investor network to support startups (including introductions to the Pope and not one, but two presidential administrations!).
Tune in with our host, Tonna Obaze, to hear Katie share her journey to becoming a diverse angel investor and lessons learned along the way.
32. More Equity: Lolita Taub of the Community Fund
Welcome to More Equity. Today, we’re bringing you a new episode from our Harlem Capital Angel Investor Series — uncovering the tips and tricks to angel investing from your favorite founders, operators, and venture capitalists.
Today I’ll be talking to — Lolita Taub, Founder and General Partner at the Community Fund. In this episode, you’ll hear how Lolita used angel investing as a tool to break into venture capital, “learning by osmosis” before she was able to become an accredited angel investor. We dive into how her community-centered childhood fueled her investment thesis, but also taught Lolita how to be a good community member and industry resource provider to her ever-growing Twitter fam.
Tune in with our host, Tonna Obaze, to hear Lolita share her journey to finding her investment thesis as a diverse angel investor and lessons learned along the way.
31. More Equity: Sevetri Wilson of Resilia
Welcome to More Equity. Today, we’re bringing you a new episode from our Harlem Capital Angel Investor Series — uncovering the tips and tricks to angel investing from your favorite founders, operators, and venture capitalists.
Today I’ll be talking to — Sevetri Wilson, two time author, Founder & CEO of Resilia, a venture backed startup revolutionizing how nonprofits are maintained and how enterprises scale impact. In this episode, you’ll hear about how Sevetri’s journey starting a company at 22 led her to angel investing and realizing the importance of angel investors for diverse founders. She’ll share with listeners the different channels she uses to source investment deals and deploy capital, plus how to balance angel investing and your full time job.
Tune in with our host, Tonna Obaze, to hear Sevetri walk through her journey as a diverse angel investor and lessons learned along the way.
30. More Equity: Meka Asonye of First Round Capital
Welcome to More Equity. Today, we’re bringing you a new episode from our Harlem Capital Angel Investor Series — uncovering the tips and tricks to angel investing from your favorite founders, operators, and venture capitalists.
Today we’ll be talking to Meka Asonye, Partner at First Round Capital, a seed stage venture capital firm, and former executive at Stripe and MixPanel. In this episode, Meka walks through his journey — from breaking into tech through non-traditional backgrounds to discovering his first angel investment. Meka offers listeners guidance on how to learn angel investing, add value to founders, and think through transitions — like his decision to leave his role as an tech operator at Stripe to become a partner at First Round Capital.
Tune in with our host, Tonna Obaze, to hear Meka share his story as a diverse angel investor and lessons learned along the way.
29. More Equity: DeVaris Brown of Meroxa
Welcome to More Equity. Today, we’re bringing you a new episode from our Harlem Capital Angel Investor Series — uncovering the tips and tricks to angel investing from your favorite founders, operators, and venture capitalists.
Today we’ll be talking to DeVaris Brown, Founder and Co-CEO of Meroxa — a technology company providing real-time data platforms to businesses — which has raised nearly $20 million in venture capital funding. In this episode, you’ll hear about how DeVaris’s journey led him to angel investing, and get insight into his cheat codes for evaluating startups before you write your first check. DeVaris gives listeners the inside scoop as he shares how to navigate the founder & angel investor relationship from both sides.
Tune in with our host, Tonna Obaze, to hear DeVaris share his journey as a diverse angel investor and lessons learned along the way.
28. More Equity: Pride Month with Amy Spurling of Compt
Welcome to More Equity. In this episode, in celebration of Pride, we have Nicole DeTommaso, a Senior Associate at Harlem Capital, interviewing Amy Spurling, Co-Founder & CEO of Compt, an HCP portfolio company. Amy is both a groundbreaker as a CEO and a voice for the LGBTQ+ community. Amy discusses her journey as both a woman and LGBTQ+ entrepreneur as well as what she does to make her company an inclusive workplace for all. Listen in to gain insight into how both Amy and Nicole have navigated their careers identifying as LGBTQ+.
27. More Equity: Demystifying VC Interviews with Gabby Cazeau and Nicole DeTommaso
Welcome to More Equity. In this episode, we have two Harlem Capital team members, Gabby Cazeau and Nicole DeTommaso, discussing early stage VC interviews. Harlem Capital has been on a mission to diversify not only the entrepreneurial ecosystem but also the investing ecosystem. In an effort to further our mission, Harlem Capital has launched the HCP Talent Platform on Hivebrite to provide access to career opportunities in the VC ecosystem to anyone we have and will interview in the first round of our internship interview process. Listen in to get insight into VC interview structures as well as an inside look into Harlem Capital’s interview process.
Also be sure to check our website for the Fall 2021 intern application, which is due June 30th.
26. More Equity: Mom's in VC
Welcome to More Equity. Today, we’re bringing you a special Moms in VC episode featuring Aileen Lee, Founder & Managing Partner, Cowboy Ventures, Anarghya Vardhana, Partner, Maveron, and Deena Shakir, Partner, Lux Capital. Harlem Capital Principal, Kelly Goldstein leads the conversation with these power house VCs to learn from their experiences, perspective, and advice on VC and motherhood.
Listen in to discover what it’s like to be a mom in vc and how the broader investing and entrepreneurial ecosystem can foster a supportive and empowering workplace culture.
25. More Equity: Yaw Aning of Malomo
Welcome to More Equity. Today, we’re bringing you a new episode from our Harlem Capital Founders Series – a snapshot on these Founders’ paths to launching their ventures, insights and learnings they developed along the way, and perspectives from overcoming the challenges they faced.
Today, I’m talking with Yaw Aning, the Co-Founder and CEO of Malomo. Malomo allows businesses to turn shipment tracking into a marketing channel to create branded customer experiences. Yaw is a serial entrepreneur, first running an ed-tech startup before launching a digital product agency, and most recently, Malomo. In this episode, you’ll hear about Yaw’s inspiration for pursuing entrepreneurship, why he sought to create Malomo, and what it’s like being a diverse founder in Indiana.
24. More Equity: Nathalie Walton of Expectful
Welcome to More Equity. Today, we’re bringing you a new episode from our Harlem Capital Founders Series – a snapshot on these Founders’ paths to launching their ventures, insights and learnings they developed along the way, and perspectives from overcoming the challenges they faced.
Today, I’m talking with Nathalie Walton, the Co-Founder and CEO of Expectful. Expectful provides the leading meditation and sleep platform for fertility, pregnancy, and motherhood. In this episode, you’ll hear about Nathalie’s path from banking to the world of tech startups, her personal journey through pregnancy, and sudden transition to CEO of Expectful.
23. More Equity: Emily Hochman of Wellory
Welcome to More Equity. Today, we’re bringing you a new episode from our Harlem Capital Founders Series – a snapshot on these Founders’ paths to launching their ventures, insights and learnings they developed along the way, and perspectives from overcoming the challenges they faced.
Today, I’m talking with Emily Hochman, the Founder and CEO of Wellory. Wellory is an anti-diet nutrition app that provides 1 on 1 personalized nutrition coaching to help customers re-define their relationship with food. In this episode, you’ll hear about what it means to be a responsible risk taker, why Wellory has found success where traditional diets have failed, and lessons learned from raising capital as a female Founder.