S1:E07 - Clarence Bethea

Episode 7 of the The Pitch Black Podcast podcast, hosted by Pitch Black, titled "S1:E07 - Clarence Bethea" was published on April 11, 2025 and runs 37 minutes.

April 11, 2025 ·37m · The Pitch Black Podcast

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Summary

In this episode, Stephen Green sits down with Clarence Bethea, former founder of Upsie and now a partner at True Ventures, one of the largest seed funds in the country. Clarence shares real talk about what it means to go from founder to VC, the art of the pitch, why storytelling is everything, and how founders can navigate the often confusing and high-pressure world of venture capital—without losing themselves in the process.Clarence doesn’t hold back. Plus, he gives a behind-the-scenes look at True Ventures’ approach to backing great people and building real community, from Founder Camp to True Talks and weekly office hours.Whether you're raising your first round, thinking about becoming an investor, or just trying to find your voice in this industry—this episode is solid gold.True Ventures – trueventures.comClarence on LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/clarencebetheaClarence on Instagram – @clarence_betheaJoin his Friday Office Hours – Email Clarence at [email protected]:00 – Welcome to the Pitch Black PodcastStephen sets the stage for a powerful conversation on community, authenticity, and VC.01:40 – Meet Clarence BetheaFrom Upsie founder to Partner at True Ventures—Clarence shares what brought him to Portland.04:18 – The Founder Mindset: Chip on Your ShoulderClarence reflects on how the “us vs. them” mentality shaped—and sometimes limited—his early founder journey.07:02 – Storytelling is Your SuperpowerWhy a founder’s ability to craft a clear, compelling narrative is non-negotiable.09:30 – The Art of the Pitch (and Getting Reps)Practice doesn’t make perfect—it makes progress. How to pitch smarter, not just more.13:20 – What Seed-Stage Investors Actually Care AboutClarence outlines what VCs like True are really looking for in that first 30-minute meeting.17:40 – Anatomy of a First MeetingHow to structure your pitch for maximum impact—and a second meeting.21:30 – Deck Do’s and Don’tsFrom poor design to too many slides—what your deck says about you before you even speak.25:40 – What Makes a Great VC-Founder RelationshipWhy the best investors show up after the check, especially when things fall apart.30:18 – Being a Black VC in a Tier One FirmClarence on DEI, authenticity, and showing up in an industry that still resists change.33:50 – Creating Space for Truth and VulnerabilityWhat founders need to hear vs. what they're told—and how we can do better.36:42 – Why You Should Be the Red Dot in a Yellow RoomClarence shares the value of standing out by showing up as your full self.38:25 – What Founders Should Expect From InvestorsBeyond capital—how True Ventures builds real community and founder support.41:20 – The AI Gold Rush (and the Game Behind the Game)Clarence talks about what’s real in AI, what’s noise, and how True Ventures is investing.44:50 – Closing Thoughts: Be Yourself, So the Right People Can Find YouClarence drops his final gem on why the long game starts with self-belief and clarity.

Episode Description

In this episode, Stephen Green sits down with Clarence Bethea, former founder of Upsie and now a partner at True Ventures, one of the largest seed funds in the country. Clarence shares real talk about what it means to go from founder to VC, the art of the pitch, why storytelling is everything, and how founders can navigate the often confusing and high-pressure world of venture capital—without losing themselves in the process.

Clarence doesn’t hold back.

Plus, he gives a behind-the-scenes look at True Ventures’ approach to backing great people and building real community, from Founder Camp to True Talks and weekly office hours.

Whether you're raising your first round, thinking about becoming an investor, or just trying to find your voice in this industry—this episode is solid gold.

True Ventures – trueventures.com
Clarence on LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/clarencebethea
Clarence on Instagram – @clarence_bethea
Join his Friday Office Hours – Email Clarence at [email protected]

00:00 – Welcome to the Pitch Black Podcast
Stephen sets the stage for a powerful conversation on community, authenticity, and VC.
01:40 – Meet Clarence Bethea
From Upsie founder to Partner at True Ventures—Clarence shares what brought him to Portland.
04:18 – The Founder Mindset: Chip on Your Shoulder
Clarence reflects on how the “us vs. them” mentality shaped—and sometimes limited—his early founder journey.
07:02 – Storytelling is Your Superpower
Why a founder’s ability to craft a clear, compelling narrative is non-negotiable.
09:30 – The Art of the Pitch (and Getting Reps)
Practice doesn’t make perfect—it makes progress. How to pitch smarter, not just more.
13:20 – What Seed-Stage Investors Actually Care About
Clarence outlines what VCs like True are really looking for in that first 30-minute meeting.
17:40 – Anatomy of a First Meeting
How to structure your pitch for maximum impact—and a second meeting.
21:30 – Deck Do’s and Don’ts
From poor design to too many slides—what your deck says about you before you even speak.
25:40 – What Makes a Great VC-Founder Relationship
Why the best investors show up after the check, especially when things fall apart.
30:18 – Being a Black VC in a Tier One Firm
Clarence on DEI, authenticity, and showing up in an industry that still resists change.
33:50 – Creating Space for Truth and Vulnerability
What founders need to hear vs. what they're told—and how we can do better.
36:42 – Why You Should Be the Red Dot in a Yellow Room
Clarence shares the value of standing out by showing up as your full self.
38:25 – What Founders Should Expect From Investors
Beyond capital—how True Ventures builds real community and founder support.
41:20 – The AI Gold Rush (and the Game Behind the Game)
Clarence talks about what’s real in AI, what’s noise, and how True Ventures is investing.
44:50 – Closing Thoughts: Be Yourself, So the Right People Can Find You
Clarence drops his final gem on why the long game starts with self-belief and clarity.