Venture Declassified

Hosted by Mike Kelly, Ben Pidgeon, and Jacob Schpok

Business Investing

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Venture Declassified is here to provide you with practical insights, expert advice, and a deeper understanding of the investment landscape for first-time investors. Hosted by a team of seasoned investors and financial experts, this podcast is tailor-made for newcomers who are eager to learn about the fundamentals of investing and want to make informed decisions. We understand that starting your investment journey can be intimidating, but our goal is to demystify the process and equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed.

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39 recent

August 17, 2026Episode 4026 min

Investment Thesis

Angel investors love to say they have an investment thesis—but do most people actually have one before they start writing checks? In this episode, the guys unpack what an investment thesis really is, why it matters, and how it can keep investors from chasing shiny objects (or the latest AI hype train). Along the way, they compare their own approaches to investing, debate whether founder quality outweighs market timing, and admit that sometimes the best investment isn't just about returns—it's about satisfying your own curiosity. The conversation wanders through everything from power law returns to coachability, and why patience is one of the most underrated advantages an investor can have. With plenty of real-world examples, and a few self-deprecating jokes, the hosts explore how experienced investors develop conviction without becoming dogmatic—and why a good thesis should evolve as you gain experience. They close with a challenge for listeners: write down your own investment thesis and send it in for a future episode, because nothing tests your thinking quite like putting it on paper. Key Topics • Building guardrails to avoid FOMO and emotionally driven investments • Why founder grit and coachability often outweigh industry expertise • Investing in industries you know versus industries you want to learn about • Timing, discipline, and avoiding overhyped markets • Concentrated versus diversified investing within the same market • Creating a follow-on investment strategy for winning companies Connect Mike Kelly • LinkedIn • Website • Developer Town Ben Pidgeon • LinkedIn • VisionTech Jacob Schpok • LinkedIn • Elevate Ventures Hear more interviews and stories like this one at www.VentureDeclassified.com The information provided on the show is not intended to be investment advice and should not be relied upon as such. The investors on today’s episode are providing their opinions based on their own assessment of the businesses or topics presented. Those opinions should not be considered professional investment advice. If they start up pitched as a part of this episode, it is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell, subscribe for or buy any securities.

July 13, 2026Episode 385 min

Quick Tip: The Problem with Pipeline Numbers

In this Venture Declassified Quick Tip, the hosts tackle one of the most common—and most misleading—metrics in startup updates: pipeline. Mike, Ben, and Jacob explain why experienced investors are skeptical of massive pipeline numbers at the pre-seed and seed stages, and what founders can do to present a more credible picture of future revenue. It's a quick lesson in separating real traction from wishful thinking. Connect Mike Kelly • LinkedIn • Website • Developer Town Ben Pidgeon • LinkedIn • VisionTech Jacob Schpok • LinkedIn • Elevate Ventures Hear more interviews and stories like this one at www.VentureDeclassified.com The information provided on the show is not intended to be investment advice and should not be relied upon as such. The investors on today’s episode are providing their opinions based on their own assessment of the businesses or topics presented. Those opinions should not be considered professional investment advice. If they start up pitched as a part of this episode, it is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell, subscribe for or buy any securities.

June 29, 2026Episode 371 hr 5 min

From Prototype to Production: The Hard Tech Investor's Guide

In this special crossover episode of Venture Declassified, Mike Kelly, Ben Pidgeon, and Jacob Schpok join Grant Chapman on the Hard Tech Podcast to tackle a question many angel investors wrestle with: how should you evaluate hard tech opportunities differently from software companies? The discussion explores how investors should think about technical expertise, scalability, and the transition from a promising prototype to a manufacturable product. Along the way, the hosts compare the unique risks of software and hardware, debating whether hard tech is truly less nimble—or simply misunderstood by investors who are more familiar with SaaS. The episode ultimately turns into a broader conversation about investor psychology, founder quality, and the tradeoffs between risk and reward. While hardware companies often require more capital and patience upfront, the group discusses why they can benefit from deeper competitive moats, stronger acquisition dynamics, and more defensible technology. For investors looking beyond software, this episode offers a candid look at what makes hard tech both challenging and compelling. To hear more from Grant Chapman and explore additional conversations on hardware innovation, startups, and product development, visit the Hard Tech Podcast at thehardtechpodcast.com Key Topics • How hard tech differs from software at the pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages • The transition from proving a concept to scaling manufacturing • Technical risk versus execution risk in hardware and software companies • The role of customer discovery before significant capital is committed • Acquisition dynamics and the strategic value of hardware intellectual property • Capital efficiency, power-law investing, and portfolio construction considerations Connect Mike Kelly • LinkedIn • Website • Developer Town Ben Pidgeon • LinkedIn • VisionTech Jacob Schpok • LinkedIn • Elevate Ventures Hear more interviews and stories like this one at www.VentureDeclassified.com The information provided on the show is not intended to be investment advice and should not be relied upon as such. The investors on today’s episode are providing their opinions based on their own assessment of the businesses or topics presented. Those opinions should not be considered professional investment advice. If they start up pitched as a part of this episode, it is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell, subscribe for or buy any securities.

May 25, 2026Episode 3625 min

When Startup Valuations Stop Making Sense

Episode Summary In this episode of Venture Declassified, Mike Kelly, Ben Pidgeon, and Jacob Schpok tackle one of the murkier concepts in startup investing: mark-to-market valuations. What starts as a conversation about portfolio reporting quickly turns into a candid debate about spreadsheets, “black magic,” and the uncomfortable reality that startup valuations are often far more subjective than investors would like to admit. The hosts break down how mark-to-market works in venture investing, why new financing rounds are typically used as valuation anchors, and how institutional investors think about portfolio appreciation before an actual exit ever occurs. Along the way, they unpack the tension between reporting optimistic numbers and staying grounded in reality—especially when insider-led rounds, soft pricing, or struggling companies muddy the picture. But the conversation goes beyond valuation math. The group also explores the role of sentiment analysis, investor psychology, and pattern recognition when evaluating portfolio health over time. From “sad face” companies with strong markups to founders who keep promising a Series A “six months away” for years, the episode offers an honest look at how experienced investors separate signal from noise when deciding where to keep deploying capital. Key Topics • What “mark-to-market” actually means in startup investing • Why venture valuations are fundamentally different from public markets • The role financing events play in startup price discovery • How insider-led rounds can distort portfolio valuations • Different approaches to handling SAFEs and convertible notes in reporting • Why some investors pair valuation tracking with sentiment analysis • The importance of portfolio construction versus evaluating a single deal • Using valuation trends as one signal—not the whole story—when making follow-on decisions Connect Mike Kelly • LinkedIn • Website • Developer Town Ben Pidgeon • LinkedIn • VisionTech Jacob Schpok • LinkedIn • Elevate Ventures Hear more interviews and stories like this one at www.VentureDeclassified.com The information provided on the show is not intended to be investment advice and should not be relied upon as such. The investors on today’s episode are providing their opinions based on their own assessment of the businesses or topics presented. Those opinions should not be considered professional investment advice. If they start up pitched as a part of this episode, it is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell, subscribe for or buy any securities.

April 20, 2026Episode 342 min

Quick Tip: Drag-Along Rights

In this quick Venture Declassified “nugget,” Mike Kelly, Ben Pidgeon, and Jacob Schpok break down the concept of drag-along rights—one of those legal terms that can have major real-world consequences for investors and founders. Using a real example involving a missed acquisition opportunity, the hosts explain why investors sometimes insist on having the power to force a sale. It’s a fast look at how governance provisions can protect investors from emotional decision-making when big offers hit the table. If you’ve ever wondered why drag-along clauses show up in deal documents, this short episode delivers the answer. Connect Mike Kelly • LinkedIn • Website • Developer Town Ben Pidgeon • LinkedIn • VisionTech Jacob Schpok • LinkedIn • Elevate Ventures Hear more interviews and stories like this one at www.VentureDeclassified.com The information provided on the show is not intended to be investment advice and should not be relied upon as such. The investors on today’s episode are providing their opinions based on their own assessment of the businesses or topics presented. Those opinions should not be considered professional investment advice. If they start up pitched as a part of this episode, it is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell, subscribe for or buy any securities.

April 13, 2026Episode 3531 min

The Reality Behind Startup Exits

In this episode of Venture Declassified, hosts Mike Kelly, Ben Pidgeon, and Jacob Schpok unpack one of the most misunderstood moments in startup investing: the exit. While headlines often highlight big acquisition numbers, the hosts explain why the reality behind those numbers is rarely as straightforward—or as lucrative—as it first appears. The conversation breaks down the different ways exits actually play out for angel investors. From acquihires to strategic acquisitions and deals structured with stock, earnouts, or buyer notes, the hosts explore how value is really distributed after a company is sold. They also walk through why the headline price doesn’t necessarily reflect what investors ultimately receive, and how deal structure can dramatically shape the outcome. Along the way, the group shares practical perspective on how angels should think about liquidity, timing, and expectations when a portfolio company exits. Whether you’re new to angel investing or have a few deals under your belt, this episode offers a candid look at what “success” can really mean when the exit finally arrives. Key Topics • The range of exit scenarios founders and investors may encounter • How earnouts and deferred payments affect investor returns • When equity in the acquiring company becomes part of the deal • Understanding acquihires and their impact on early investors • The role of post-acquisition performance targets • Why exit timelines can stretch years beyond the initial transaction • Managing expectations around liquidity events in early-stage investing Connect Mike Kelly • LinkedIn • Website • Developer Town Ben Pidgeon • LinkedIn • VisionTech Jacob Schpok • LinkedIn • Elevate Ventures Hear more interviews and stories like this one at www.VentureDeclassified.com The information provided on the show is not intended to be investment advice and should not be relied upon as such. The investors on today’s episode are providing their opinions based on their own assessment of the businesses or topics presented. Those opinions should not be considered professional investment advice. If they start up pitched as a part of this episode, it is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell, subscribe for or buy any securities.

March 30, 202619 min

What Happens When It’s Time to Dissolve a Startup

In this episode of Venture Declassified, hosts Mike Kelly, Ben Pidgeon, and Jacob Schpok dive into a reality every startup investor eventually faces: what happens when a company simply doesn’t work out. The conversation kicks off with Ben stepping off a real-time investor call dealing with a struggling portfolio company, which leads the group into an honest discussion about dissolutions, asset sales, and how investors determine “who gets what” when the outcome falls short of expectations. The hosts break down how liquidation preferences, funding rounds, and cap table structures influence the waterfall when a company winds down. Along the way, they explore the practical side of navigating these situations—why transparency, documentation, and investor alignment matter when difficult decisions are being made quickly and under pressure. But the discussion isn’t just about mechanics. The group also reflects on the human side of startup failures—from the emotional toll on founders who have poured years into their companies to the responsibility investors have to approach these moments with empathy and professionalism. The episode closes with a look at how experienced investors run postmortems on failed investments and what lessons can be learned for future deals. Key Topics • Recognizing early warning signs that a startup may be struggling • How funding rounds and investor preferences affect payout order • The difference between convertible notes, SAFEs, and priced rounds in downside scenarios • Why transparency and documentation reduce investor conflict • The role angel investors can play during difficult portfolio moments • Product-market fit vs. management issues as causes of startup failure • Running post-investment debriefs to improve future investment decisions Connect Mike Kelly • LinkedIn • Website • Developer Town Ben Pidgeon • LinkedIn • VisionTech Jacob Schpok • LinkedIn • Elevate Ventures Hear more interviews and stories like this one at www.VentureDeclassified.com The information provided on the show is not intended to be investment advice and should not be relied upon as such. The investors on today’s episode are providing their opinions based on their own assessment of the businesses or topics presented. Those opinions should not be considered professional investment advice. If they start up pitched as a part of this episode, it is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell, subscribe for or buy any securities.

March 16, 2026Episode 3225 min

Startup Funding: When the Founder Becomes the Bank

Episode Summary In this episode of Venture Declassified, hosts Mike Kelly, Ben Pidgeon, and Jacob Schpok unpack a topic that occasionally pops up in startup financials but rarely gets discussed openly: founder loans. What happens when a founder puts their own money into the company—and more importantly, what happens when it’s time to raise outside capital? The group walks through common scenarios where founders fund early operations out of necessity, only for that contribution to later show up on the balance sheet as a liability. The conversation explores why these arrangements often lack proper documentation, how they’re perceived during diligence, and why investors tend to get uneasy if new capital is used to pay founders back. Along the way, the hosts discuss practical approaches for handling these situations without derailing a round—from structuring repayment expectations to converting obligations into equity. With their usual mix of candor and dry humor, the crew offers a behind-the-scenes look at how investors actually evaluate these situations—and what founders should think about before lending their own startup money. Key Topics • The risks of undocumented or informally structured founder financing • Investor reactions when repayment is tied to a new funding round • Options for restructuring or resolving founder debt before closing a round • The role of board oversight and investor communication in these situations • Early-stage cash constraints that lead founders to personally fund operations • Navigating founder incentives and fairness during financing events • How experienced investors evaluate these situations during diligence Connect Mike Kelly • LinkedIn • Website • Developer Town Ben Pidgeon • LinkedIn • VisionTech Jacob Schpok • LinkedIn • Elevate Ventures Hear more interviews and stories like this one at www.VentureDeclassified.com The information provided on the show is not intended to be investment advice and should not be relied upon as such. The investors on today’s episode are providing their opinions based on their own assessment of the businesses or topics presented. Those opinions should not be considered professional investment advice. If they start up pitched as a part of this episode, it is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell, subscribe for or buy any securities.

February 16, 202651 min

Investing in Hardware: Honest Timelines, Burn Rates, and Brutal Truths

In this episode of Venture Declassified , Mike Kelly and Jacob Schpok are joined by Grant Chapman, co-founder of Glassboard, along with GrowthX Partner Jeanette Renshaw for a candid conversation about what it really takes to build—and invest in—hard tech. Drawing from deep, hands-on experience across hardware, medtech, and physical product development, the group unpacks why hardware timelines routinely stretch, why testing and validation are chronically underestimated, and why optimism is often the most expensive line item in a founder’s budget. Jeanette brings a go-to-market and founder-coaching lens to the discussion, highlighting how early assumptions around customers, timelines, and revenue expectations often collapse once physical constraints enter the picture. Grant shares hard-earned lessons from working with founders who discover too late that physics, compliance, and manufacturing don’t bend to pitch decks, while Mike and Jacob ground the conversation in what angels should realistically expect when evaluating hard tech opportunities. Together, the group offers a clear-eyed look at how hardware startups can responsibly de-risk, raise capital without overpromising, and avoid the common traps that derail otherwise promising companies. For angel investors, this episode delivers practical insight into separating ambition from execution—and understanding when patience, not speed, is the real advantage. Guest Bio Grant Chapman is the CEO and co-founder of Glassboard, a hardware product development firm that helps startups and established companies design, prototype, and bring complex physical products to market. With over a decade of experience in hard tech and engineering, he leads development efforts that bridge early-stage validation and scalable manufacturing. Under his leadership, Glassboard has become a trusted partner for founders navigating the unique risks and execution challenges of hardware innovation. Chapman’s work emphasizes rigorous testing, practical product strategy, and connecting founders with the right capital and expertise to accelerate growth. LinkedIn Website Jeanette Renshaw is a Partner and Managing Director of Startup Growth at GrowthX, where she helps B2B founders get to market and build repeatable revenue engines. With over a decade of experience across 20+ tech industries, she has worked hands-on with hundreds of startups, coaching founders through early-stage sales, go-to-market strategy, and customer validation. LinkedIn Website Key Topics • Why hardware timelines are longer and less forgiving than software • How to spot unrealistic timelines and missing milestones in pitch decks • Ethical ways to validate hardware demand before building the product • Why early crowdfunding often backfires for hardware startups • How founders accidentally alienate early investors through optimism • What true “de-risking” looks like at each stage of hardware development • Why hard tech investing is nearly impossible without domain expertise Connect Mike Kelly • LinkedIn • Website • Developer Town Ben Pidgeon • LinkedIn • VisionTech Hear more interviews and stories like this one at www.VentureDeclassified.com The information provided on the show is not intended to be investment advice and should not be relied upon as such. The investors on today’s episode are providing their opinions based on their own assessment of the businesses or topics presented. Those opinions should not be considered professional investment advice. If they start up pitched as a part of this episode, it is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell, subscribe for or buy any securities.

January 19, 2026Episode 3151 min

Narrow First, Scale Later: A Smarter Go-To-Market Playbook

Episode Summary Recorded live from the Rally Innovation Conference, this episode of Venture Declassified features a wide-ranging and candid conversation with Jeanette Renshaw, Partner at GrowthX, on what actually drives early-stage success: understanding your ideal customer and learning how to sell—before you run out of runway. Jeanette breaks down why startup sales remains one of the least-supported (and most misunderstood) skills founders need to master, especially at the pre-seed and seed stages. The discussion digs into how investors can evaluate whether founders truly understand their market, moving past vanity metrics like the number of customer interviews and instead focusing on outcomes, clarity, and execution. Jeanette introduces GrowthX’s concept of intentional “micro-sprints,” explains why ICPs should be painfully narrow early on, and shares why founders—not hired guns, consultants, or AI—must own early sales conversations themselves. From red flags that signal poor coachability to practical guidance on avoiding the “do nothing” status quo in buyer behavior, the episode blends humor, real-world examples, and hard-earned lessons from working deep in the weeds with founders. For angel investors and early-stage operators alike, this conversation offers a grounded look at how learning velocity, focus, and disciplined go-to-market work can dramatically reduce execution risk. Key Topics • Why early-stage go-to-market success depends on focus, not scale • How investors can evaluate ICP clarity without relying on interview counts • The risks of outsourcing sales learning too early • When AI-generated feedback helps—and when it misleads • Signals investors should look for to assess founder coachability • Common red flags that indicate execution risk • How founders overcome the “do nothing” status quo in buying decisions • Why documenting learnings matters more than polished decks Guest Bio Jeanette Renshaw is a Partner and Managing Director of Startup Growth at GrowthX, where she helps B2B founders get to market and build repeatable revenue engines. With over a decade of experience across 20+ tech industries, she has worked hands-on with hundreds of startups, coaching founders through early-stage sales, go-to-market strategy, and customer validation. LinkedIn Website Connect Mike Kelly • LinkedIn • Website • Developer Town Ben Pidgeon • LinkedIn • VisionTech Jacob Schpok • LinkedIn • Elevate Ventures Hear more interviews and stories like this one at www.VentureDeclassified.com The information provided on the show is not intended to be investment advice and should not be relied upon as such. The investors on today’s episode are providing their opinions based on their own assessment of the businesses or topics presented. Those opinions should not be considered professional investment advice. If they start up pitched as a part of this episode, it is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell, subscribe for or buy any securities.