VC10X - Investing in Marketplaces - Colin Gardiner, Founder & GP, Yonder Ventures

Colin Gardiner is the founder & GP of Yonder Ventures where he is investing in early-traction marketplace startups. Colin is also an experienced marketplace operator and was formerly the CPO & CRO of Outdoorsy, a highly valued outdoor experience marketplace.In this episode, we talk about -- Colin's story and how he started investing- Their investment thesis at Yonder- What are marketplaces?- Why marketplaces make great business opportunities?- Use of AI in marketplaces& lots moreLinks: ⭐ Sponsored by Podcast10x - Podcasting agency for VCs - https://podcast10x.comYonder Ventures website - https://www.yonder.vc/Yonder-8ee3fa1f28f7420ca780f62f293b86cbSubscribe to Take Rate newsletter by Colin - https://www.gardinercolin.com/Colin on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colingardine🎙️ Hosted by Prashant ChoubeyFollow Prashant on X - https://x.com/ChoubeySahabFollow Prashant on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/choubeysahabTimestamps:(00:00) Introduction to Colin Gardiner and Yonder Ventures(02:11) Colin's story and how he got into investing(04:43) Founding Yonder Ventures(05:24) Investment thesis at Yonder Ventures(06:49) Definition of marketplaces(07:33) Why marketplaces make great business opportunities(08:26) Application of AI in marketplaces(10:37) Interesting examples of marketplaces(13:09) How marketplaces benefit from network effects(14:41) Evolution of marketplaces over time(16:37) Portfolio companies solving important problems(18:43) When marketplaces hit escape velocity(20:38) Investing in early-stage marketplaces(22:32) First-mover advantage in marketplaces(23:21) Common mistakes marketplace founders make(24:22) Sourcing high-quality deal flow for marketplaces(25:47) Portfolio construction strategy at Yonder(28:06) Investment return criteria(30:08) Biggest learning from investing in startups(32:00) Rapid fire round beginsFor sponsorship or guest appearance requests, write to [email protected] to VC10X on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts.