VC Unfiltered

New VC Unfiltered Episode  — Live from Lightning Round VIIIThis episode of VC Unfiltered was recorded live at Lightning Round VIII, where four high-potential startups pitched technologies pushing the edge of AI and applied innovation.Featured companies include:a2a cloud: A governed runtime for autonomous agents that adds identity, scoped permissions, and signed receipts so every agent action in production can be audited and replayed.Contrax AI: An AI platform purpose-built for federal DLA/DIBBS contracting that surfaces winnable solicitations, auto-compiles bids, and prices them to win.Prilog: Self-healing software that turns production incidents into ready-to-review fix PRs automatically, cutting hours of debugging down to minutes.KINDRED: Agentic regulatory intelligence that turns medical-device data into defensible, citation-backed regulatory filings using a reasoning engine built on a lawyer-encoded regulatory graph.The episode also includes perspectives from experienced investors and operators:Kunal Phalak — Vice President, WestBridge Capital.Invests in early- to growth-stage AI. A founder-turned-investor since 2018, focused on vertical AI, Voice AI, and enterprise automation. Wharton MBA; IIT Bombay EE.Zachary Betts — General Partner, Zandia Ventures.SF Bay Area family-office investor-operator. 25+ years advising seed-to-growth startups across healthcare, medical devices, and AI, all built for measurable human and planetary impact.Keith Yoder — Director of BD and Senior Associate, Innovent Capital.Director of Business Development and Senior Investment Associate at Innovent Capital, the family office of serial entrepreneur Brett Markinson, backing early-stage technology companies.Stay through the final pitch showdown to see which startup takes the top prize.If you're building, investing, or tracking where early-stage innovation is heading, this episode offers a front-row view of what founders are working on right now.Listen to VC Unfiltered on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your pods!04:16 - Investor insights on founder qualities and market understanding08:31 - Evaluating pitch decks and realistic market sizing (TAM SAM SOM)12:35 - Assessing AI-native platforms and technology moats18:32 - Importance of distribution, team, and strategic partnerships20:53 - Networking tips for founders and persistence advice28:21 - Current AI adoption curve and enterprise use cases34:00 - AI usage in startups and human-AI collaboration42:01 - AI market potential and emerging specialization trends45:50 - What investors look for in founders before writing a check52:26 - Finalist pitch: a2a Cloud - multi-agent orchestration and governance01:02:21 - Finalist pitch: Contrax AI - federal defense bidding automation01:13:57 - Finalist pitch: Prilog - AI remediation platform for software bugs01:22:48 - Finalist pitch: Kindred - regulatory filings automation for medical devices01:35:57 - Announcement of winner and closing remarks from judges and hosts#startup #venturecapital

New VC Unfiltered Episode  — Live from Lightning Round VIIThis episode of VC Unfiltered was recorded live at Lightning Round VII, where four high-potential startups pitched technologies pushing the edge of AI and applied innovation.Featured companies include:TeroAI — The first AI geospatial data terminal that makes any location query instantly actionable for anyone.Allocraft AI — An automated fund-diligence copilot for allocators evaluating alternative investment managers.Wise AI — Remote camera-based vitals that turn any telehealth visit or homecare check-in into a full medical exam.UBiosis Health — An autonomous AI nurse that turns the time between doctor visits into proactive, revenue-generating chronic care.The episode also includes perspectives from experienced investors and operators:Erik Jefferson, Chief Investment Officer at Flagship Harbor AdvisorsAmy Harmon, Investor at Innovent Capital GroupRa'ad Siraj, technology and data executivePearl Collings, tech CEO and advisorStay through the final pitch showdown to see which startup takes the top prize.If you're building, investing, or tracking where early-stage innovation is heading, this episode offers a front-row view of what founders are working on right now.Listen to VC Unfiltered on Youtube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your pods!00:34 - Welcome to 1752 VC Lightning Round Pitch Competition01:35 - Judges Introduction04:10 - Panel Discussion: AI and SaaS Landscape07:34 - Business Models and Market Trends in AI11:28 - Risks of Unauthorized AI Usage in Enterprise (Shadow AI)13:21 - AI Impact on Labor and Automation Potential17:50 - Debate on AI-native vs Integrated SaaS Models19:23 - Shift from Seat-based to Value-based SaaS Approach21:00 - Investor Expectations and Startup Validation Trends26:44 - Sponsor Presentation: Ramp Finance Automation Platform32:03 - Pitch Competition Introduction and Format32:38 - Startup Pitch: Wise AI39:12 - Q&A for Wise AI41:30 - Startup Pitch: Allocraft AI47:07 - Q&A for Allocraft AI51:37 - Startup Pitch: Tero AI58:58 - Q&A for Tero AI01:02:20 - Startup Pitch: UBiosis Health01:10:22 - Q&A for UBiosis Health01:13:56 - Competition Results and Closing Remarks#startup #venturecapital 

New VC Unfiltered Episode  — Live from Lightning Round VIIn this exciting episode of VC Unfiltered, recorded live at Lightning Round VI, we bring five standout consumer founders redefining their categories.Shiki Wrap is bringing sustainability to gifting with reusable wraps and bags designed for a circular economy. Dirty Virgin is shaking up beverage culture with unapologetically bold nonalcoholic cocktails crafted for those who want purity with personality. Painless Picasso delivers comforting creams and soothing solutions built around simple self-care. Sugar Wood, a dessert brand from New York City, blends playful identity with premium treats. And PerDiem is reimagining jewelry for the twenty-first century with a modern approach to craft, design, and everyday wear.Whether you're a founder, investor, or just curious about the future of innovation, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.Listen to VC Unfiltered on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your pods!0:30 - Panel46:50 - Shiki Wrap58:20 - Dirty Virgin1:07:13 - PerDiem1:15:28 - Painless Picasso1:22:00 - Sugar Wood#DTC #CPG #vc 

In this exciting episode of VC Unfiltered, recorded live at Lightning Round V, we bring you the forefront of innovation with five elite startups showcasing their groundbreaking technologies.From the transformative potential of aluminum batteries by Zenthos Energy to the promise of level five autonomous driving by Niebla AI, these visionary founders are redefining the future.Dive into the world of legal tech with Aparti's operational system for family law, explore the compact quantum and photonic AI systems by Phaseshift, and discover Avocado Health's mission to revolutionize parenting support.Featuring expert insights from industry leaders like Howard Wright of NVIDIA, Howard Ko of Morpheus Ventures, and Lucas J. Pols of Pegasus, this episode delivers both inspiration and cutting-edge ideas. Stick around for the high-stakes pitch showdown to see which startup claims the top prize!0:00 - VC Panel57:09 - Zenthos Energy Pitch1:07:36 - Aparti Pitch1:17:14 - Phaseshift1:28:18 - Avocado Health1:41:00 - Niebla AI1:53:56 - Winner Announcement Subscribe on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/342uGXBr031LgcubfOxYsu?si=bd5705c527c448dc&nd=1&dlsi=52cd6ce2bec14970Subscribe on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc-unfiltered/id1756379899Follow us on X: https://x.com/paa_vcFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pegasusacceleratorFollow us on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@pegasusacceleratorVisit our Website:https://www.pegasusangelaccelerator.com/Subscribe to our Newsletter:https://vcunfiltered.beehiiv.com/subscribe#ai #startup #venturecapital

In this episode of VC Unfiltered, Lucas Pols, GP at Pegasus Angel Accelerator, sits down with Howie Diamond from Pure Ventures. Discover unique investment strategies, the balance between consumer and frontier tech, and the importance of founder wellness.Howie shares his journey from solo GP to building Pure Ventures, offering insights and stories that are both enlightening and inspiring. Tune in for a candid conversation that uncovers the realities of venture capital and the human side of entrepreneurship.Chapters00:51 The Reality of Venture Capital04:57 Investment Strategies in Venture Capital09:43 Consumer vs. Frontier Tech Investments14:54 The Importance of Founder Wellness19:35 Building a Supportive Ecosystem for Founders24:35 The Journey from Solo GP to PartnershipSubscribe on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/342uGXBr031LgcubfOxYsu?si=bd5705c527c448dc&nd=1&dlsi=52cd6ce2bec14970Subscribe on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc-unfiltered/id1756379899Follow us on X: https://x.com/paa_vcFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pegasusacceleratorFollow us on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@pegasusacceleratorVisit our Website:https://www.pegasusangelaccelerator.com/Subscribe to our Newsletter:https://vcunfiltered.beehiiv.com/subscribe#venturecapital #startup #vc

In this episode of VC Unfiltered, Lucas Pols, GP at Pegasus Angel Accelerator, sits down with John Tabis — founder of The Bouqs Company and Partner & Head of Launchpad at M13. Together, they unpack what really makes a venture studio succeed, why founders must sometimes ignore customers, and how a flower company accidentally created a high-margin hit with... vases.John pulls back the curtain on how M13’s venture studio operates like a startup Petri dish — rapidly testing, iterating, and validating ideas. He reflects on nearly sinking Bouqs by underestimating infrastructure needs, and shares one of the hardest lessons in leadership: “If they’re neutral, they’ve gotta go.”0:25 Guest Introduction: John Tabis from M13 Venture Studio  1:09 Overview of M13's Venture Studio Model and Evolution  3:17 Ownership Structures and the Founder-Led Approach  5:21 Differentiation from Traditional Venture Studios  8:16 Lessons from Running Bouq: The Journey and Core Insights  11:01 The Importance of Tech as a Core Competency  12:00 Company Building vs. Product Building  13:42 Culture, Team Dynamics, and Leadership Lessons  15:03 Sorting Through Advice and Staying True to Vision  18:06 What M13 Looks for in Founders and Startups  20:26 The Value of Go-To-Market Strategy in Early-Stage Ventures  23:37 Building Traction and Accelerating the J-Curve  25:55 Evolving Customer Discovery: Theory vs. Real-World Practice  28:56 Case Study: Subscription Models and Real Customer Feedback  30:45 Vases Revisited: Listening to Customers vs. Trusting Instincts  31:28 Closing Remarks and Appreciation for the Guest

Is the power law dead for climate startups? Should VCs stop chasing unicorns and start funding real impact? In this thought-provoking episode, Lucas J Pols, GP at Pegasus Angel Accelerator, sits down with Gaby Darbyshire, General Partner at Dangerous Ventures, to unpack how climate venture capital is shifting — and why that’s a good thing.Gaby shares her journey from nuclear energy law to climate VC, and explains how her fund backs startups solving climate problems at the root — from precision agriculture to grid resilience. They dive deep into what defines a successful climate startup, how to balance profit with planet, and why not every company should chase the next billion-dollar valuation.0:27 Introduction to the Episode and Guest0:52 Gabby’s Background and Climate Resilience Focus1:46 Challenges and Opportunities in Climate Tech Investing2:38 Early Investment Failures and Evolution of Climate Attitudes4:16 The Growing Scope of Climate as a Category6:08 Climate-Focused Software Startups and Market Experiments7:23 The Reality of Venture Failures and Learning from Iteration7:53 Balancing Impact and Returns in Climate Startups8:49 Defining Impact Without Being Concessionary10:52 LP Expectations vs Founder Aspirations in Climate VC11:32 Rethinking the Power Law in Climate Venture Capital13:25 Fund Size, Exit Strategy, and Mid-Market Opportunities14:34 Venture Math and the Case for Emerging Managers17:06 Long-Term Value and Challenges in Regulated Industries17:19 Case Study: Verdi and Agricultural Water Conservation20:27 Valuation Challenges and Early-Stage Investment Strategy21:35 The Fallout of 2021 Valuations and Founder Misconceptions22:53 Founder Advice: Ownership, Dilution, and Sustainable Growth23:27 Nuclear Power's Resurgence and Public Perception24:20 Gabby’s Nuclear Facility Experience and Risk Perspective26:57 Investing in Nuclear-Adjacent Technologies27:25 Energy Transition and the Role of Fossil Fuels28:09 Cars, Carbon Capture, and Energy Efficiency28:58 The Promise of Clean Energy and Fusion Potential29:27 Government Regulation and Corporate Incentives29:50 Insurance Markets as Climate Risk Indicators31:14 Electrical Grid Resilience and the Future of Energy31:41 Final Thoughts and Episode Wrap-Up#venturecapital #startups #climatechange

In this special episode of VC Unfiltered, recorded live at Lightning Round IV, we kick things off with a high-powered panel discussion on the future of artificial intelligence and its growing impact on the startup ecosystem.Experts from 2045 Ventures, Steamwork Ventures, Eviden, and TCA LA dive into where AI is disrupting industries like healthcare, enterprise, and climate tech—and where its limitations still lie.Following the panel, four standout startups pitch live for a chance at a prize from Pegasus Angel Accelerator. You'll hear from Playmaker, automating sports sponsorships; Knowledge, redefining human-first sales with real-time data; Cracked Gaming, bringing high-stakes competition to everyday gamers; and Rex, a bold AI-driven alternative to traditional ad agencies.Whether you're a founder, investor, or AI enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights on what’s next in venture capital and the future of innovation.0:36 Welcome and Event Introduction by Taissa Maleh1:28 AI Wrappers and Defensibility in Startups2:40 Moving Beyond LLM Wrappers and Building Moats4:08 Vertical AI Agents and Future of SaaS6:00 High-Impact AI Opportunities Across Industries7:27 AI as Utility: From Digital Twins to Edge AI and Infrastructure9:26 Challenges with Unstructured Data and Use Case-Driven AI11:14 Data Source Diligence and Privacy Concerns in Healthcare12:33 Industries AI May Struggle to Disrupt17:10 Most Exciting Industries for AI Transformation18:59 When Will AGI and Quantum Become Real?22:41 Emerging Protocols Like MCP and A2A23:43 The Role of AI in Education and Ethical Use25:21 AI’s Role in Early Education and Customized Learning26:28 Responsible Use and the Rise of AI Literacy27:36 Human Learning vs. Machine Learning in Education28:57 Critical Thinking in the Age of AI and Misinformation29:38 Will AI Replace Human Decision-Making?30:22 Social Behavior and the Limits of Predictive AI31:25 Closing Remarks Before Pitch Competition32:51 Startup Pitch 1: Hannah Sorkin from Playmaker39:01 Startup Pitch 2: Chris Anzalone from Knowledge45:15 Startup Pitch 3: Andy Worrell from Cracked Gaming51:08 Startup Pitch 4: Sean Gilfillan from Rex57:27 Judges’ Feedback and Reflections#ai #startup

In this episode of VC Unfiltered, host Lucas J Pols, GP at Pegasus Angel Accelerator, sits down with Derek Norton, Managing Partner at Watertower Ventures, to unpack how the venture capital landscape is fundamentally shifting — again.Derek shares how his team thinks about investing at the earliest stages, what founders need to survive (and thrive) in today's capital environment, and why AI valuations at Series A may soon routinely hit $200M+.They dive into capital efficiency, founder resilience post-2021, and why real venture capital is back. Whether you're a founder, investor, or emerging VC, this episode is a masterclass in navigating the next wave of startup investing.0:38 Overview of WaterTower Ventures and Investment Philosophy1:53 Market Shifts and Founder Resilience Post-20223:07 AI Trends and Portfolio Company Progress4:14 The “Third Wave” – AI and Blockchain Synergy6:07 Trust as a Core Theme for the New Fund6:25 Sector Focus and Investment Strategy9:12 Domain Expertise and Value-Add through Networks11:57 Managing a Portfolio and Time Allocation13:17 Lessons Learned from Building Businesses15:53 Advice for Emerging Managers and New VCs17:13 The Real Challenge: Scaling Beyond Series A20:26 Capital Stack Dynamics and Early-Stage Fundraising21:00 Mission-Driven vs. Market-Driven Founders22:22 Hot Take: Series A Valuations Heading to $200M+24:54 Closing Thoughts and Farewell#venturecapital  #vc #founder

In this special episode of VC Unfiltered, Taissa Maleh, Venture Partner at Pegasus, introduces an insightful webinar featuring Peter Walker, Head of Insights at Carta.Peter dives deep into data trends shaping the venture capital and startup landscape as we approach 2025.From the rise of AI in startups to shifts in funding strategies and market dynamics, this episode is a must-watch for anyone looking to stay ahead in the evolving venture ecosystem.Listen to VC Unfiltered on all major platforms!00:32 – Webinar Overview: Insights from Peter Walker of Carta02:03 – State of Venture Funding: Comparing 2021 Peaks to 2024 Trends04:00 – New Fundraising Norms: The End of 18-Month Cycles04:50 – Bridge Rounds Explained: A Growing Trend in Tough Markets08:00 – Pre-Seed Trends: The Dominance of SAFEs in Early-Stage Funding11:28 – AI Valuations: How AI Startups Are Setting Higher Benchmarks15:48 –Priced Rounds Explored20:36 – Geographic Insights: How Valuations Vary Across Ecosystems25:00 – Startup Headcount Trends: Shrinking Teams, Growing Efficiency27:03 – Compensation Shifts: Decline in Equity Packages for Employees34:40 – Regional Spotlight: Miami’s Rise in the Venture Ecosystem40:17 – Market Predictions: Why 2025 Could Be Better for FoundersListen here:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc-unfiltered/id1756379899Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/342uGXBr031LgcubfOxYsu?si=1b553ad155964c94Substack: pegasusunfiltered.substack.comOur website: pegasusangelaccelerator.comLearn More: Venture Fellow ProgramDesigned for aspiring venture capitalists and startup leaders, our Venture Fellow Program offers deep insights into venture operations, fund management, and growth strategies, all guided by seasoned industry experts.https://www.pegasusangelaccelerator.com/learn-ventureEmerging Angel ProgramBreak the mold and dive into angel investing with a fresh perspective. Our Emerging Angel Program provides a comprehensive curriculum on innovative investment strategies, unique deal sourcing, and hands-on, real-world experiences, all guided by industry experts.https://www.pegasusangelaccelerator.com/emerging-angelsFollow Us:pegasusunfiltered.substack.comlinkedin.com/company/pegasus-angel-acceleratorx.com/paa_vcwww.instagram.com/pegasusacceleratorwww.tiktok.com/@pegasusaccelerator#venturecapital #startup #founder 

In this episode of VC Unfiltered, Len Lanzi of The Preccelerator interviews Petra Griffith of Wedbush Ventures, Andrew Darcovich of Alpha Edison, and Brandon Maier of LvlUp Ventures.The panel discusses the current state of venture capital, emphasizing the challenges of fundraising in today's environment. They explore the benefits of bootstrapping, the importance of defining the problem a startup is solving, and the evolving landscape of investment strategies. The conversation highlights Los Angeles as a burgeoning tech ecosystem and the significance of building strong relationships in venture capital. The panelists share insights from their journeys into venture capital and the lessons learned from early-stage investments.Listen to VC Unfiltered on all major platforms!Chapters: 1:03 - Intro7:29 - How much time do you spend fundraising from LPs?9:13 - Evolution of LPs12:52 How to de-risk your portfolio?15:59 Lessons from bad investments20:19 - Why LA is a great place to start a company22:08 - How has LA changed over the years?26:35 - Future of VC30:06 - VCs pitch their firm to foundersListen here:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc-unfiltered/id1756379899Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/342uGXBr031LgcubfOxYsu?si=1b553ad155964c94Substack: pegasusunfiltered.substack.comOur website: pegasusangelaccelerator.comLearn More: Venture Fellow ProgramDesigned for aspiring venture capitalists and startup leaders, our Venture Fellow Program offers deep insights into venture operations, fund management, and growth strategies, all guided by seasoned industry experts.https://www.pegasusangelaccelerator.com/learn-ventureEmerging Angel ProgramBreak the mold and dive into angel investing with a fresh perspective. Our Emerging Angel Program provides a comprehensive curriculum on innovative investment strategies, unique deal sourcing, and hands-on, real-world experiences, all guided by industry experts.https://www.pegasusangelaccelerator.com/emerging-angelsFollow Us:pegasusunfiltered.substack.comlinkedin.com/company/pegasus-angel-acceleratorx.com/paa_vcwww.instagram.com/pegasusacceleratorwww.tiktok.com/@pegasusaccelerator

In this episode of VC Unfiltered, Lucas J Pols, General Partner of Pegasus Angel Accelerator, interviews Helene Servillon from JourneyOne Ventures.Helene discusses her investment strategies in the health and wellness sector, focusing on modernizing ancient healing practices, exploring innovative solutions in mental health, and much more!The conversation delves into the challenges of consumer tech investments, the impact of FOMO in venture capital, and lessons learned from the cannabis industry. Helene emphasizes the importance of understanding consumer behavior and market viability while navigating the complexities of venture capital.Listen to VC Unfiltered on all major platforms!Chapters:0:52 - Intro1:41 - About JourneyOne Ventures2:42 - Contraception innovation4:26 -  MDMA therapy 7:50 - The beauty of working in venture capital 9:14 - What Helene has learned about her job 10:19 - Exploring CPGs11:30 Helene's "hot take"14:49 - What JourneyOne Ventures is interested in17:16 - War stories20:10 - Investor advice21:08 - FOMO in VC21:58 - Bird scooter debate23:23 - The use case of Bird25:29 - Investor tipListen here:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc-unfiltered/id1756379899Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/342uGXBr031LgcubfOxYsu?si=1b553ad155964c94Substack: pegasusunfiltered.substack.comOur website: pegasusangelaccelerator.comLearn More: Venture Fellow ProgramDesigned for aspiring venture capitalists and startup leaders, our Venture Fellow Program offers deep insights into venture operations, fund management, and growth strategies, all guided by seasoned industry experts.https://www.pegasusangelaccelerator.com/learn-ventureEmerging Angel ProgramBreak the mold and dive into angel investing with a fresh perspective. Our Emerging Angel Program provides a comprehensive curriculum on innovative investment strategies, unique deal sourcing, and hands-on, real-world experiences, all guided by industry experts.https://www.pegasusangelaccelerator.com/emerging-angelsFollow Us:pegasusunfiltered.substack.comlinkedin.com/company/pegasus-angel-acceleratorx.com/paa_vcwww.instagram.com/pegasusacceleratorwww.tiktok.com/@pegasusaccelerator#venturecapital #startup #investing

In this episode of VC Unfiltered, Griffin Hermes, Principal at Pegasus Angel Accelerator, interviews Marshall Smith of Steamwork Ventures, Maurice Maschmeyer of BAM Ventures, and Blake Caldwell of FoundersBoost. Join our expert panel as we dive deep into the nuances of venture capital and offer essential insights for founders navigating the startup ecosystem. We explore why bootstrapping can often be beneficial, how investors evaluate startups during due diligence, and the key role of traction, execution, and team dynamics in securing investment.The conversation emphasizes the importance of coachability, trusted advisors, and resilience for long-term success. Gain actionable takeaways about the evolving landscape of VC investments and how market trends are shaping the future of entrepreneurship.Chapters:1:00 - VC intros9:18 - What's important during due diligence?13:26 - Who should a founder listen to regarding advice?16:29 - What do you consider to be traction?20:05 - What makes a good team?23:12 - Has anyone invested in a team without domain expertise?26:02 - Thoughts on secondaries?29:10 - What is the future of later-stage capital in deals that don't need fundingListen here:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc-unfiltered/id1756379899Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/342uGXBr031LgcubfOxYsu?si=1b553ad155964c94Substack: pegasusunfiltered.substack.comOur website: pegasusangelaccelerator.comLearn More: Venture Fellow ProgramDesigned for aspiring venture capitalists and startup leaders, our Venture Fellow Program offers deep insights into venture operations, fund management, and growth strategies, all guided by seasoned industry experts.https://www.pegasusangelaccelerator.com/learn-ventureEmerging Angel ProgramBreak the mold and dive into angel investing with a fresh perspective. Our Emerging Angel Program provides a comprehensive curriculum on innovative investment strategies, unique deal sourcing, and hands-on, real-world experiences, all guided by industry experts.https://www.pegasusangelaccelerator.com/emerging-angelsFollow Us:pegasusunfiltered.substack.comlinkedin.com/company/pegasus-angel-acceleratorx.com/paa_vcwww.instagram.com/pegasusacceleratorwww.tiktok.com/@pegasusaccelerator#venturecapital #startup #investing

In this episode of VC Unfiltered, Lucas J Pols, Managing Partner of Pegasus Angel Accelerator, interviews Dan Bunting from 1AM Gaming.In this conversation, Dan discusses the unique focus of their venture capital fund on content-driven investments in the gaming industry. He elaborates on the lifecycle of game development, the challenges indie developers face in marketing their games, and the metrics that are crucial for securing Series A funding.Dan shares insights from his extensive experience in the gaming industry, emphasizing the importance of community building and the need for disruption in the traditional publishing model. He also provides a candid assessment of the current state of venture capital in gaming and offers advice for aspiring founders.Chapters:01:18 - About 1AM Gaming03:16 - The lifecycle of a video game05:52 - Challenges of marketing games 08:28 - What a typical VC-backed gaming company looks like09:50 - Metrics for Series A in Gaming12:29 - Dan's background14:56 - Career Advice15:40 - Current VC landscape18:40 - Dan's investments20:46 - Where disruption needs to happen in gaming23:17 - Hot take26:30 - Lucas's AI gaming ideaListen here:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc-unfiltered/id1756379899Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/342uGXBr031LgcubfOxYsu?si=1b553ad155964c94Substack: pegasusunfiltered.substack.comOur website: pegasusangelaccelerator.comLearn More: Venture Fellow ProgramDesigned for aspiring venture capitalists and startup leaders, our Venture Fellow Program offers deep insights into venture operations, fund management, and growth strategies, all guided by seasoned industry experts.https://www.pegasusangelaccelerator.com/learn-ventureEmerging Angel ProgramBreak the mold and dive into angel investing with a fresh perspective. Our Emerging Angel Program provides a comprehensive curriculum on innovative investment strategies, unique deal sourcing, and hands-on, real-world experiences, all guided by industry experts.https://www.pegasusangelaccelerator.com/emerging-angelsFollow Us:pegasusunfiltered.substack.comlinkedin.com/company/pegasus-angel-acceleratorx.com/paa_vcwww.instagram.com/pegasusacceleratorwww.tiktok.com/@pegasusaccelerator#venturecapital #startup #investing

In this episode of VC Unfiltered, Lucas J Pols, Managing Partner of Pegasus Angel Accelerator, interviews Winter Mead from Coolwater Capital.0:19 - Intro0:50 - What is Coolwater Capital?5:04 -  Coolwater's application process09:13 - Coolwater's Training Program13:18 - Mistakes emerging managers make when talking to LPs21:16 - Coolwater role in the ecosystem 27:33 - Winter's hot takesListen to find out more about venture capital and early-stage startup investing! Listen here:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc-unfiltered/id1756379899Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/342uGXBr031LgcubfOxYsu?si=1b553ad155964c94Substack: pegasusunfiltered.substack.comOur website: pegasusangelaccelerator.comLearn More: Venture Fellow ProgramDesigned for aspiring venture capitalists and startup leaders, our Venture Fellow Program offers deep insights into venture operations, fund management, and growth strategies, all guided by seasoned industry experts.https://www.pegasusangelaccelerator.com/learn-ventureEmerging Angel ProgramBreak the mold and dive into angel investing with a fresh perspective. Our Emerging Angel Program provides a comprehensive curriculum on innovative investment strategies, unique deal sourcing, and hands-on, real-world experiences, all guided by industry experts.https://www.pegasusangelaccelerator.com/emerging-angelsFollow Us:pegasusunfiltered.substack.comlinkedin.com/company/pegasus-angel-acceleratorx.com/paa_vcwww.instagram.com/pegasusacceleratorwww.tiktok.com/@pegasusaccelerator#venturecapital #startup #investing

In this episode of VC Unfiltered, Lucas J Pols, Managing Partner of Pegasus Angel Accelerator, interviews Carey Ransom from BankTech Ventures!Listen to find out more about venture capital and early-stage startup investing! 0:00 - Intro1:06 - What is BankTech Ventures?6:02 - How hands-on are they?8:51 - What is Operate?14:11 - Tell a war story18:05 - Does venture scale?23:42 - Carey's hot takeListen here:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vc-unfiltered/id1756379899Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/342uGXBr031LgcubfOxYsu?si=1b553ad155964c94Substack: pegasusunfiltered.substack.comOur website: pegasusangelaccelerator.comLearn More: Venture Fellow ProgramDesigned for aspiring venture capitalists and startup leaders, our Venture Fellow Program offers deep insights into venture operations, fund management, and growth strategies, all guided by seasoned industry experts.https://www.pegasusangelaccelerator.com/learn-ventureEmerging Angel ProgramBreak the mold and dive into angel investing with a fresh perspective. Our Emerging Angel Program provides a comprehensive curriculum on innovative investment strategies, unique deal sourcing, and hands-on, real-world experiences, all guided by industry experts.https://www.pegasusangelaccelerator.com/emerging-angelsFollow Us:pegasusunfiltered.substack.comlinkedin.com/company/pegasus-angel-acceleratorx.com/paa_vcwww.instagram.com/pegasusacceleratorwww.tiktok.com/@pegasusaccelerator#venturecapital #startup #investing

In this episode of VC Unfiltered, Pat Hwang, president of TCA OC, leads a panel discussion with Sanjeev Rao of River Guide Labs and Yipeng Zhao of Embark Ventures!Listen to find out more about venture capital and early-stage startup investing! Our website: pegasusangelaccelerator.comFollow Us:pegasusunfiltered.substack.comlinkedin.com/company/pegasus-angel-acceleratorx.com/paa_vcwww.instagram.com/pegasusacceleratorwww.tiktok.com/@pegasusaccelerator

In this episode of VC Unfiltered, Parisa Khosropour, president of TCA LA, leads a panel discussion with John Tabis of M13, Laurent Grill of JLL Spark Global Ventures, Howard Ko of Morpheus Ventures, and Rick Smith of Crosscut Ventures.Listen to find out more about venture capital and early-stage startup investing! Our website: pegasusangelaccelerator.comFollow Us:pegasusunfiltered.substack.comlinkedin.com/company/pegasus-angel-acceleratorx.com/paa_vcwww.instagram.com/pegasusacceleratorwww.tiktok.com/@pegasusaccelerator#venturecapital #startup #investing

Introducing "VC Unfiltered" - A New Series Hosted by Lucas J. PolsWe're thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new series, "VC Unfiltered," hosted by our founding partner, Lucas J. Pols. This exciting series promises to deliver candid conversations and invaluable insights from industry leaders and experts in venture capital and startup ecosystem.For our first episode, we are honored to feature Ilya Strebulaev, the esteemed David S. Lobel Professor of Private Equity at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Professor Strebulaev, along with co-author Alex Dang, has recently released the highly acclaimed book, "The Venture Mindset: How to Make Smarter Bets and Achieve Extraordinary Growth."Subscribe to our channel and stay tuned for new episodes!