What is Venture Capital?

Episode 12 of the Build The Damn Thing with Kathryn Finney podcast, hosted by Kathryn Finney, titled "What is Venture Capital?" was published on July 29, 2025 and runs 46 minutes.

July 29, 2025 ·46m · Build The Damn Thing with Kathryn Finney

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Summary

You’ve heard the buzz about venture capital, but do you really know how it works? Or if it’s even right for your business?In this episode of Build the Damn Thing, Kathryn Finney sits down with Brian Laung Aoaeh, co-founder of Refashioned Ventures, to break down the truth about venture capital—without the jargon. From understanding how VCs actually make money to knowing what “high growth” really means, Kathryn and Brian reveal what most entrepreneurs get wrong about raising money and why VC funding is not for everybody.They also get real about:Why most businesses will never be a fit for venture capitalThe financial realities of venture funds (aka how VCs get paid)The #1 question every founder must answer before pitching investorsWhy press and popularity don’t translate into profitThe tough but necessary truth about legacy-building vs. scalingIf you’ve ever wondered when (or if) you should raise VC money, or you’re tired of the hype and want the real deal on funding, this episode is your roadmap.💡 Learn more about Kathryn Finney: kathrynfinney.com👥 Join the Build the Damn Thing community: buildthedamnthing.com🔗 Connect with Brian Aoaeh: Refashioned Ventures

Episode Description

You’ve heard the buzz about venture capital, but do you really know how it works? Or if it’s even right for your business?

In this episode of Build the Damn Thing, Kathryn Finney sits down with Brian Laung Aoaeh, co-founder of Refashioned Ventures, to break down the truth about venture capital—without the jargon. From understanding how VCs actually make money to knowing what “high growth” really means, Kathryn and Brian reveal what most entrepreneurs get wrong about raising money and why VC funding is not for everybody.

They also get real about:

Why most businesses will never be a fit for venture capital
The financial realities of venture funds (aka how VCs get paid)
The #1 question every founder must answer before pitching investors
Why press and popularity don’t translate into profit
The tough but necessary truth about legacy-building vs. scaling

If you’ve ever wondered when (or if) you should raise VC money, or you’re tired of the hype and want the real deal on funding, this episode is your roadmap.

💡 Learn more about Kathryn Finney: kathrynfinney.com

👥 Join the Build the Damn Thing community: buildthedamnthing.com

🔗 Connect with Brian Aoaeh: Refashioned Ventures