More Equity

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Welcome to More Equity, brought to you by Harlem Capital. 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.

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.

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.

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.