DrinksWithAVC (DWAVC)

Hosted by Bree Hanson & Vikram Lakhwara

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Latest episode

Sep 2025

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About the show

Grab a drink and join Vik (Green Cow Venture Capital) and Bree (Cooley) as they sit down with top venture capitalists to uncover the stories behind the spreadsheets. Each episode blends laughter, quirks, and candid conversation with practical frameworks founders can use to build, grow, and fundraise more successfully. If you’re a startup founder, VC, or LP, this show helps you get to know the people you may be partnering with for the next 7–10 years. From Tuvan throat singing and mini piano playing to our signature “Fidelity Five” lightning round, you’ll discover surprising sides of the investors shaping the startup ecosystem. We feature leaders from powerhouse firms like Bessemer, Costanoa, Scale VP, and Lightspeed, as well as emerging funds such as Touring, Better Tomorrow Ventures, Hustle Fund, and Precursor. Expect founder-tested advice, real talk about venture, and plenty of laughs along the way. New episodes drop monthly. Pour your favorite drink and dive in.

Listen to episodes

38 recent

September 18, 2025Episode 381 hr 22 min

DWAVC Episode 38 | Tae Hea Nahm (Storm Ventures)

We filmed this episode back in May, before Bree welcomed a new life into the world and before Vik lost his mother. A lot has changed since then. As we release it now, it feels more relevant than ever. Drinks With a VC has always been about more than startups and term sheets. It’s about the humans behind the headlines, the resilience it takes to build, the humility to grow, the clarity to catch the next wave, and the wisdom to know when to let one go.There’s no better guest to rejoin the conversation with than Tae Hea Nahm. He is the founding managing director of Storm Ventures, co-author of Survival to Thrival, and a deeply thoughtful investor, operator, and teacher. From St. Louis to Seoul to Sand Hill Road, Tae Hea has seen it all, and he continues to anticipate the next wave before most founders even paddle out.In this episode, we dive into his Path to Surfing Unicorn framework and why founders need to anticipate the wave before they try to surf it if they want to build category-defining companies.We also get into:🌊 How to ride, and switch, the right market wave🤖 Where AI startups should play in the stack (and what layers are getting crushed)🚨 Real talk on platform risk and why Google’s bundling may change the game📈 A founder-friendly definition of product-market fit, plus three signs your customers are truly happy🧠 Why empathy isn’t optional, and how customer discovery really works🧑‍💼 How founder-CEOs evolve, and how to know when they can’t📊 How to use advisors the right way, including what equity to grant them💸 The fundraising two-step: win a champion, then arm them with a killer one-pagerAlso: green juice, soju, seaweed soup, Civilization V, and one of our biggest unboxing gifts ever (yes, it’s a surfboard).👇 Must-have links and founder resources:🧭 Survival to Thrival (free downloads): https://www.survivaltothrival.com/📖 The Entrepreneur’s Odyssey by Andrew Ackerman: http://bit.ly/4kfrtKu📊 Cap table management done right: www.fidelityprivateshares.com🚀 The Irresistible Startup fundraising guide: https://www.taylorstreetco.com/irresistible-startup🤖 Meet Ira, the Irresistible Startup Bot: https://www.taylorstreetco.com/meet-ira🗞 Sign up for our monthly newsletter: www.dwavc.com🎧 Like, subscribe, and share if this one resonates.🏄 Keep your eyes on the wave.📺 Episode chapters:00:22 Introduction and Welcome00:44 Sponsor Message: Fidelity Private Chairs01:06 Catch-Up with Brie01:51 Introducing Today's Guest: Te04:08 Te's Early Life and Education07:51 Choosing a Career Path11:20 Immigration Experience in St. Louis20:38 Founding Venture Law Group23:11 Investing and Founding Storm Ventures27:26 The Surfing Analogy for Startups28:26 VC Unboxing Segment33:59 AI and the Future of Investment38:59 The Importance of Platform Choice42:01 Customer Discovery and Empathy44:24 Closing Thoughts and Reflections45:28 Empathy for the Customer46:06 The Decline of Customer Empathy46:37 Exercising the Empathy Muscle47:14 Teaching Customer Empathy50:16 Defining Product-Market Fit50:53 Identifying Happy Customers54:17 The Founder to Manager Transition55:06 The Role of Founder CEOs57:30 Learning from Failures01:02:47 The Importance of Mentors01:08:07 Advice on Fundraising01:13:18 Qualifying Your Inner Circle01:17:15 The Fidelity Five Questions01:20:55 Unboxing the Gifts01:21:40 Final Thoughts and Cheers📊 Cap table management needs? Check out Fidelity Private Shares🚀 Fundraising help: Download The Irresistible Startup🤖 …or meet Ira, the Irresistible Startup Bot🗞 Stay in the loop: Sign up for our monthly newsletter

June 19, 2025Episode 371 hr 25 min

DWAVC: Drew Glover | Ep. 37

In this episode of DrinksWithAVC, we sit down with Oakland-native Drew Glover, Co-Founder of Fiat Growth and General Partner at Fiat Ventures, for a masterclass on identity, resilience, and rewriting the rules of venture capital.Over green juice and kombucha, Drew reflects on growing up with civically minded parents, early lessons in code-switching, and the mindset shifts that carried him from Cal Football to operator roles at startups like Steady, to co-founding a growth consultancy and eventually becoming a mission-driven investor.You’ll learn how to:Nail your fundraising story by focusing on your customer—not your egoBuild trust with investors (especially if you don’t fit the “Stanford founder” mold)Spot startup opportunities that serve overlooked communitiesUse emotional intelligence as a strategic advantage in leadership and ventureMove from operator to capital allocator with clarity and intentionDevelop a go-to-market strategy and scale user acquisition using the Chime playbookDrew also offers an unflinching take on the rise and retreat of DEI in venture, why mandates miss the mark, and how his fund continues to outperform without one—because diversity is embedded in who they are.If you're building something meaningful and want to stand out in a crowded market, this is a must-listen.Episode links:www.fiat.vcwww.fiatgrowth.comEpisode timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Drinks With a VC02:34 Meet Drew Glover: The Pride of Bishop O'Dowd02:47 Choosing Green Juice Over Alcohol03:14 The Trend of Drinking Less Alcohol03:50 Drew's Drink of Choice: Vodka Martinis04:37 Digital Detox and Drinking Habits06:09 Bree's Big Reveal: Sobriety and Pregnancy07:23 Growing Up in Oakland: Drew's Background07:55 Drew's Parents: Civic-Minded and Inspirational15:24 The Importance of Code Switching18:24 Drew's Journey to Cal and Football23:56 From Football to Venture Capital25:23 Starting Fiat Growth and Fiat VC35:36 Fundraising and the Impact of DEI37:26 The Future of Venture Capital45:17 The Shift Around Race and Education45:38 Catastrophic Events and Positive Change45:57 Diversity in Venture Capital46:32 Drew's Impressive Portfolio46:55 The Importance of Representation48:46 Balancing Good and Success50:05 Future of Inclusion and Change52:03 Advice for Underrepresented Founders52:33 Building Your Own Solutions54:40 Growth Marketing Fundamentals55:15 Distribution as a Competitive Moat56:53 Fiat Growth's Unique Approach01:05:53 Understanding Customer Personas01:10:53 Diligence in Venture Capital01:15:42 Personal Insights and Reflections📊 Cap table management needs? Check out Fidelity Private Shares🚀 Fundraising help: Download The Irresistible Startup🤖 …or meet Ira, the Irresistible Startup Bot🗞 Stay in the loop: Sign up for our monthly newsletter

April 15, 2025Episode 361 hr 48 min

DWAVC: Andrew Ackerman | Ep. 36

What do tiddlywinks, a quarter trick, and a failed Palantir deal have in common? They all show up in Andrew Ackerman’s one-of-a-kind path from founder to family office director, accelerator operator, and venture capitalist to now SPV syndicate lead and author. Andrew pulls no punches on what most startups get wrong — from pitch decks that waste space to market slides that make investors roll their eyes. He shares lessons learned from backing 70+ startups on how to actually stand out in a noisy fundraising environment, why EdTech broke his heart, and how day drinking helped him write The Entrepreneur’s Odyssey — a startup guide founders might actually finish.Also in this episode:- His “accidental” real estate empire- EdTech’s big COVID moment (and what came after)- The one thing every founder should know about market sizing- And yes, Andrew answers the Fidelity Five Questions.If you’ve ever wondered what VCs really think when they see your deck — this one’s for you!Episode links: www.AndrewBAckerman.comEntrepreneur's OdysseyEpisode timestamps:00:00 DWAVC Episode: Andrew Ackerman03:28 Guest Introduction and Background05:25 March Madness Predictions07:42 Andrew's Origin Story16:18 Parenting in the Digital Age30:27 Andrew's Unique Skills31:01 Discussing the New Book31:52 Inspiration Behind the Book32:15 Writing Process and Challenges37:23 Character Development40:37 Market Sizing and Go-to-Market Strategies44:14 Importance of Value Proposition01:13:52 Fundraising Insights01:15:27 Navigating VC Funding Strategies01:17:19 Challenges for Non-Ivy League Founders01:20:09 Importance of Warm Intros01:22:33 Accessing Capital Outside Major Hubs01:24:37 The Role of Location in Startup Success01:27:09 Influence of Science Fiction on Entrepreneurship01:29:56 The Rise of PropTech01:41:28 Fidelity Five Questions📊 Cap table management needs? Check out Fidelity Private Shares🚀 Fundraising help: Download The Irresistible Startup🤖 …or meet Ira, the Irresistible Startup Bot🗞 Stay in the loop: Sign up for our monthly newsletter

February 6, 2025Episode 352 hr 15 min

DWAVC: Arun Mittal | Ep. 35

In this episode of Drinks With a VC, co-hosts Vik Lakhwara and Bree Hanson are joined by Arun Mittal, co-founder of MBM Capital. Arun discusses his journey from receiving an electrical engineering degree from Stanford and co-founding Chutney Technologies to leading turnarounds and investing in distressed startups. He speaks candidly about the lessons learned from his failures and shares insights into the unique investment thesis of MBM Capital, which focuses on revitalizing startups that have hit roadblocks. The conversation covers the challenges of revamping companies, the importance of recognizing executional flaws, and providing strategic guidance to unlock hidden value. Arun also touches on his involvement with LedgerX, the state of venture capital, and the importance of knowing oneself and asking for help. Don't miss this enlightening and refreshingly transparent discussion on the realities of turning around struggling ventures.Links https://www.fidelityprivateshares.com/https://www.mbmcapital.co/📊 Cap table management needs? Check out Fidelity Private Shares🚀 Fundraising help: Download The Irresistible Startup🤖 …or meet Ira, the Irresistible Startup Bot🗞 Stay in the loop: Sign up for our monthly newsletter

July 25, 2024Episode 341 hr 42 min

DWAVC: Ben Freeberg | Ep. 34

Get ready for a rollercoaster of an episode! This week on DrinksWithAVC, Bree and Vik are joined by the multi-talented founder and GP of Oncology Ventures, Ben Freeberg. Ben shares his inspiring journey from active 24-year old pursuing a career in finance and dabbling in comedy in NYC, to an unexpected cancer diagnosis in Israel, overcoming adversity, mixing humor with resilience, and turning challenges into triumphs. Laugh, cry, and learn alongside us as Ben shows how to juggle Chinese Devil Sticks, pitch your healthcare startup like a pro, and gives his hot takes on everything from the intersection of AI & healthcare to the similarities between comedy and venture capital.Links:www.oncology.venturesBen's SubstackChaos Isn't An Excuse TED Talkwww.dwavc.comwww.fidelity.comwww.ravixgroup.comwww.greencow.vc📊 Cap table management needs? Check out Fidelity Private Shares🚀 Fundraising help: Download The Irresistible Startup🤖 …or meet Ira, the Irresistible Startup Bot🗞 Stay in the loop: Sign up for our monthly newsletter

June 20, 2024Episode 331 hr 20 min

DWAVC: Jeremy Kaufmann | Ep: 33

From growing up as a quiet kid in New Jersey and biking across the US in support of affordable housing, to moving west to join Salesforce and eventually becoming a partner at Scale Venture Partners, Jeremy Kaufmann shares his compassion-filled adventure with Bree and Vik while sipping The Dude's drink of choice: A White Russian. If you are building or investing in AI, grab some of your favorite vodka, add cream and Kahula, shake with ice, and settle in for his perspective on where everything is headed. Be sure to stay for his hot takes on introverts, decision making, teamwork in venture capital, and of course, his answers to the Fidelity Five Questions.www.scalevp.comwww.dwavc.comwww.fidelity.comwww.ravixgroup.comwww.greencow.vc📊 Cap table management needs? Check out Fidelity Private Shares🚀 Fundraising help: Download The Irresistible Startup🤖 …or meet Ira, the Irresistible Startup Bot🗞 Stay in the loop: Sign up for our monthly newsletter

June 4, 2024Episode 321 hr 43 min

DWAVC: Amy Cheetham | Ep: 32

Join us for an exciting episode featuring Amy Cheetham, partner at Costanoa Ventures. From mucking stalls in rural Maine to making the Forbes 2023 Brink List, Amy’s journey is both inspiring and insightful. Bree & Vik dive into her favorite Italian dishes, the challenges of startup life, and her passion for mental health advocacy. Amy shares valuable advice on the importance of curiosity, her thoughts on the impact of AI in fintech and healthcare, and gives her unfiltered opinion on the significance of diversity on boards. Be sure to stay to the very end when Amy pours out some wine for the one startup that got away!Links:www.costanoa.vcwww.dwavc.comwww.fidelity.comwww.ravixgroup.comwww.greencow.vcwww.crisistextline.org📊 Cap table management needs? Check out Fidelity Private Shares🚀 Fundraising help: Download The Irresistible Startup🤖 …or meet Ira, the Irresistible Startup Bot🗞 Stay in the loop: Sign up for our monthly newsletter

May 9, 2024Episode 311 hr 51 min

DWAVC: Leshika Samarasinghe | Ep: 31

Pour a mint julep and join us on DrinksWithAVC as we dive into the dynamic world of Leshika Samarasinghe, founder and GP at Twine Ventures. In this episode, Leshika recounts her beginnings at Google, where she was instrumental in developing core platforms like mobile search and Blogger. She also shares insights from her time at ARPA-E, where under President Obama’s administration, she worked on pioneering energy projects. Now at Twine Ventures, she's dedicated to investing in startups that leverage AI, data, and software to revolutionize healthcare, climate tech, and financial services.Be sure to listen/watch until the very end as Leshika does not hold back in our Fidelity Five Questions segment, sharing answers that are as refreshing as her drink of choice!Links:www.twineventures.comwww.dwavc.comwww.fidelity.comwww.ravixgroup.comwww.greencow.vc📊 Cap table management needs? Check out Fidelity Private Shares🚀 Fundraising help: Download The Irresistible Startup🤖 …or meet Ira, the Irresistible Startup Bot🗞 Stay in the loop: Sign up for our monthly newsletter

March 29, 2024Episode 301 hr 46 min

DWAVC: Priya Saiprasad | Ep. 30

Pour your favorite champagne and join us in toasting Touring Capital's co-founder and GP, Priya Saiprasad! Learn how Priya's nomadic childhood created her superpower, how she took the leap from established firms like M12 and Softbank Vision to start her own fund, and how she weighs team dynamics when evaluating growth-stage startups. The former Forbes 30 under 30 venture capitalist gives us a fascinating look behind the scenes at what it's like to work for Jack Dorsey from her time at Square and doesn't hold back when answering our Fidelity Five Questions.Links:www.touringcapital.com www.dwavc.comwww.fidelity.comwww.ravixgroup.com www.greencow.vc📊 Cap table management needs? Check out Fidelity Private Shares🚀 Fundraising help: Download The Irresistible Startup🤖 …or meet Ira, the Irresistible Startup Bot🗞 Stay in the loop: Sign up for our monthly newsletter

February 23, 2024Episode 291 hr 39 min

DWAVC: Dan Conner | Ep. 29

Settle in with a Sazerac for the latest installment of DrinksWithAVC, brought to you by Fidelity for Startups! Vik and Bree cover it all with St. Louis-based globe trotter, low-key adrenalin junkie, and venture capitalist Dan Conner. Dan relives harrowing moments on the slopes, talks about the books and quantamental approach that influenced his investment thesis, and shares his story from field engineer to building Ascend Venture Capital.Links:www.ascendstl.comDan's article on how startups can standout: Entrepreneur MagazineHow to make your own sazeracSponsors:Fidelity for Startups Cap Table ManagementRavix Group Startup Accounting & Finance Services 📊 Cap table management needs? Check out Fidelity Private Shares🚀 Fundraising help: Download The Irresistible Startup🤖 …or meet Ira, the Irresistible Startup Bot🗞 Stay in the loop: Sign up for our monthly newsletter