Building a Badass Firm: Samara Hernandez on Her Journey with Chingona Ventures | Alone Together | S1E2

This episode of Alone Together is special—because when LPs ask me, Who do you look up to as a solo GP?, my answer is immediate: Chingona Ventures.Samara Hernandez isn’t just one of the most impressive investors in the game—she’s been an inspiration, a blueprint, and, I’ll be honest, a bit of a North Star for me as I build Sidecut Ventures. From the moment I started my journey, I’ve admired how she’s blazed a trail for solo GPs, building something unmistakably her own. And let’s be real: she literally puts badass woman right on her front door. That’s no accident—that’s a statement.I’m also honored to co-invest alongside her in Viva and Papaya, two incredible companies that further prove what I’ve always believed: when Samara backs a founder, it means something.In this conversation, we get real about:-How she fearlessly built Chingona Ventures from scratch- The discipline and structure that make her a machine (and why I’m straight-up stealing her systems)- How she wins over LPs who hesitate on solo GPs (and whether she’s ever changed someone’s mind)- What it felt like fundraising while literally having a baby (and how her processes held up under the ultimate stress test)- The hard moments—because, yes, even Chingonas have low points- The mental game of solo GP life (including therapy, scheduled downtime, and saying no to the right things)- How she sees the market evolving—and what she’s eyeing nextSamara is proof that this game isn’t just about capital—it’s about conviction, clarity, and sheer force of will. And in this episode, she brings it all. If you’re a solo GP, an aspiring investor, or just someone trying to figure out how to carve your own path, you do not want to miss this.Go to https://www.chingona.ventures/ to find out more about Chingona Ventures.Chapters00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest01:52 - Samara's Journey into Venture Capital05:49 - Personal Background and Its Influence10:08 - Overcoming Challenges and Low Points17:31 - Navigating the Solo GP Landscape23:08 - Changing Perceptions of Solo GPs26:22 - Efficiency in Solo GP Operations27:53 - The Importance of Process and Transparency29:59 - Evolving Investment Processes33:45 - Continuous Improvement in Decision Making36:12 - Incorporating Team Perspectives43:06 - Balancing Parenthood and Professionalism50:57 - New Chapter