The Company We Keep

Episode DescriptionIn this episode of the Company We Keep, host Constance Thurmond, Founder and Principal of Kora Insights, sits down with Tahira Dosani, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Resilience VC. Together, they dive deep into the intersection of venture capital, financial resilience, and building impact-driven companies that empower American consumers and small businesses.Listeners will gain unique perspectives on how technology and finance can drive positive social change when paired with thoughtful ecosystem engagement, the realities of building financial products for underserved markets, and why addressing financial resilience is a massive untapped opportunity in the U.S. market.This episode features: Constance Thurmond, Founder & Principal of Kora InsightsTahira Dosani, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Resilience VCTopics CoveredThe launch of Resilience VC and its thesis: Focusing on income, asset-building, and risk mitigation as true drivers of financial healthCreativity in structuring LP participation and lowering barriers for new and underrepresented LPs, especially first-time women investorsMeasuring true impact alongside financial performance (“resilience dollars” operational metric)Community building at the founder, company, LP, and ecosystem levels, including coaching support and intentional eventsThe emotional weight of personal finance challenges and venture’s role in reducing isolation and creating economic opportunityEpisode Time Stamps:[00:00:00 – 00:00:36] | Introduction to Episode & Guests[00:00:59 – 00:02:38] | Tahira’s Professional Background [00:15:20 – 00:20:46] | The role of net income, asset building, and risk mitigation in building financial resilience[00:31:11 – 00:38:08] | LP selection & cultivation, lowering minimums to increase accessibility, educating first-time LPs[00:41:03 – 00:54:29] | Events (AGMs, happy hours, etc.) and their role in building meaningful community]Notable Moments“Ultimately, a financially resilient customer is a better customer. Creating real value for your user means more loyalty, higher revenues, and more growth for your business.”– Tahira Dosani“For us, there’s no tradeoff between returns and impact. The companies driving resilience are building the returns the venture model demands.”– Tahira DosaniWe're intentional about supporting community at every level—from our portfolio companies to our LPs."– Tahira DosaniShow Resources & LinksFollow Tahira Dosani on https://www.linkedin.com/in/tahiradosani/Resilience VC https://www.resilience.vc/Book Recommendations:Financial Diaries — In-depth look at how American families manage day-to-day financial livesScarcity — On the mental and behavioral impacts of operating with limited resourcesShoutouts & Ecosystem Mentions:Heartwood Collective — Entrepreneur coaching partnerAccelerate by Recast CapitalImpact Capital ManagersHow Women InvestPortfolio Company: Chaiz | Comparison site for vehicle protectionPortfolio Company: Mirza | Platform that makes government benefits accessible, equitable, and efficient.Connect & Get InvolvedInterested in Resilience VC, whether as a founder, future LP, or community builder?  Founders looking for financial resilience solutions: Tahira and her team want to hear from you! Reach out to Tahira Dosani via Linkedin or through the ResilienceVC website  This episode was edited by Hridi Roy.  At Kora Insights, we provide year-round programmatic solutions that enable emerging managers to consistently unlock capital from both their LPs and portfolio companies throughout the duration of their fund.For LPs, we provide a trusted pipeline of differentiated managers and events they can’t find anywhere else.Learn more at www.korainsights.com 

In this premiere episode of The Company We Keep, host Constance Thurmond, founder and principal of Kora Insights, sits down with Sergio Marrero, Managing Director of Blue Ridge Labs at Robin Hood, to dive deep into the evolving landscape of venture capital, emerging managers, and intentional community-building in entrepreneurship.Discover how Sergio Marrero supports founders who are solving the world’s most pressing social challenges, and hear actionable insights on what it takes for emerging managers and investors to succeed today.Episode Time Stamps:[00:00:00 – 00:01:39] | Introduction to the Episode & Guests[00:01:39 – 00:04:49] | Sergio’s Professional Journey [00:06:01 – 00:08:25] | Training Emerging Managers & Investors[00:09:01 – 00:11:31] | Barriers, Bottlenecks, and LP Challenges[00:14:41 – 00:18:19] | Innovative Investment Models[00:19:41 – 00:23:07] | Community Building for Emerging Managers[00:26:24 – 00:28:15] | Founder Support and Accelerators at Blue Ridge Labs[00:32:04 – 00:34:01] | The importance of gathering in-person[00:43:07 – 00:45:56] | Advice for Investors [00:51:37 – 00:56:74] | How to Get Involved, Recommended Books, Podcasts & Further ReadingTopics CoveredTransitioning from founder to investor- Sergio Marrero’s career evolutionThe biggest bottlenecks for emerging managers when raising capitalWhy LPs should rethink their measures of excellenceBuilding innovative investment models beyond the two-and-twenty venture capital normOperations behind Blue Ridge Labs’ community programming, and the role of physical spacesNotable Moments from Sergio"Launching scalable, impactful ventures starts by equipping founders and building communities that last beyond the program.""You serve who pays you: LPs may fund the model, but it’s founders and community impact that drive real venture returns."“The venture model has to change: revenue-based financing and creative deal structures are the future for LPs and emerging managers."Show Resources and LinksFollow and connect with Sergio Marrero on LinkedinBlue Ridge Labs: labs.robinhood.orgBook Recommendation: Loonshots” by Safi Bahcall.  Ecosystem Shoutouts:  Aaron Walker, Camelback Ventures & the Ruthless for Good Connect & Get InvolvedInterested in Blue Ridge Labs? Visit the website to apply, mentor, or invest.For collaborations or funding related to Blue Ridge Labs, contact Sergio Marrero directly.Thank you for listening to The Company We Keep by Constance Thurmond of Kora Insights. At Kora Insights, we provide year-round programmatic solutions that enable emerging managers to consistently unlock capital from both their LPs and portfolio companies throughout the duration of their fund.For LPs, we provide a trusted pipeline of differentiated managers and events they can’t find anywhere else.Learn more at www.korainsights.com