Drive Capital's Columbus gamble is paying off

This week on StrictlyVC Download, TechCrunch EIC Connie Loizos is joined by Drive Capital co-founder Chris Olsen. Chris explains how Drive's contrarian approach to fund size, ownership stakes, and geographic focus is generating returns where others firms are right now struggling. Plus: why Silicon Valley billionaires are choosing Columbus, and what the "venture reckoning" means for the industry. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 01:28 - The $500M Distribution Week Strategy 03:08 - Why Venture Math is Broken for Mega Funds 05:00 - Thoughtful Automation Exit and Portfolio Returns 10:00 - Fund Strategy and Family Office Trends 12:00 - Secondary Sales and Series B Liquidity 15:00 - Post-Mark Kwame Evolution and Geographic Expansion 17:30 - Building Infrastructure Across Six Cities 18:30 - Beyond Pure Tech: AI in Traditional Industries 20:00 - Syndicate Strategy and Solo VC Approach 22:46 - 30% Ownership Stakes and Pricing Philosophy 25:00 - Silicon Valley Exodus to Columbus Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices