The Unseen Work of Venture Capital | James Barila, Executive Director of Station, DC

There’s a lot to love about working in venture capital but there’s also a lot of hard, often overlooked work that doesn’t make the headlines. In this debut episode of High Stakes, Paige Soya, Managing Partner at K Street Capital, sits down with James Barila, Former Revolution VC investor, now Executive Director at Station DC, for a candid conversation about the realities of running a venture fund – beyond sourcing deals. They unpack the not-so-glamorous core responsibilities of a VC that don’t get the headlines they deserve but keep a firm alive.  The episode also explores why emerging managers need to be setting up a DC ground game strategy early. For founders in tech and innovation-driven sectors, engaging with the Washington ecosystem is not optional. Proximity, presence, and participation can be the difference between momentum and missed opportunities. Whether you're an emerging manager, a founder navigating policy, or an LP curious about what happens behind the scenes, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at the unglamorous – but essential – side of venture.