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High Stakes

Join seasoned investors and successful start-up founders as they weigh in on topics and trends currently dominating the venture capital space. Each episode brings together a founder and an investor to provoke a deepened understanding of the topic at hand. If you want to learn about how early-stage venture capital investing works, this show is for you.

Latest Episodes:

Tools for C-Suites: Getting a Handle on Employee Sentiment in Real Time Oct 06, 2023

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In this episode of High Stakes, seasoned investors Ed Ingle and Jonah Seiger join Selena Strandberg, founder of "The Know", to delve deep into the realm of real-time employee sentiment analysis. As they weave through the intricate tapestry of venture capital, they shed light on the pivotal role such tools play for C-Suites, VCs, and startups. The discussion offers invaluable insights for both budding founders and astute investors. A must-listen for those eager to grasp the pulse of modern VC trends and the tech shaping them.

Are Startups Dying? Sep 22, 2023

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This episode addresses a question that we’ve seen come up in popular media lately: Are startups dying and VCs backing away? To help answer this question are two members of the K Street Capital team, Nick Duafala, Principal, and James Culver, Associate. In their conversation, Paige, Nick, and James reflect on K Street Capital's unique investment philosophies and share insights from their firsthand experiences. Listeners will gain insights into whether startups are in fact facing challenges and if VC firms are becoming more cautious in their investments.

Future Technologies for Capturing Attention & Building Relationships Sep 08, 2023

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This episode focuses on future technologies for capturing attention and building relationships, with insights from two industry leaders from the K Street ecosystem: Sara Fagen, founder and CEO at Tunnl and K Street Capital investor; and Michael Barnett, CEO at InGo, a K Street Capital portfolio company. The conversation emphasizes the essential role of technology in capturing attention and creating authentic connections in today's digital world. This episode offers a comprehensive look at the event tech domain, bridging innovation and VC.

Prop Tech Solutions for Decarbonization Aug 25, 2023

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This episode explores property technology (proptech) solutions for decarbonization in commercial real estate. Featured in this episode are three industry experts from the K Street ecosystem: Aaron Block, Founder and CEO of Allumia, a K Street Capitalportfolio company; Alan Cohn, a K Street Capital investor, and Rich Thometz, also a K Street Capital investor. Join us as we delve into the latest technology advancements and practices that can help reduce carbon emissions in the real estate sector.

NFTs, Blockchain, and Web3: Key Insights for Founders and Investors Aug 11, 2023

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This episode explores the groundbreaking technologies of NFTs, Blockchain, and Web3. Featured in this episode are our expert guests Chris Brummer, law professor at Georgetown University; Robby Greenfield, CEO at Umoja Labs, a K Street portfolio company; and Amanda Wick, CEO at the Association for Women In Cryptocurrency and KSC member. Listen in as Chris, Robby, Amanda, and host Paige Soya demystify complex concepts; highlight how NFTs, Blockchain, and Web3 are shaping investment avenues and pivoting business strategies; and provide key insights forboth newcomers and enthusiasts.

Tech Policy - AI Regulation Jul 28, 2023

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This episode dives into the topic of generative AI regulation. Featured in this episode are guests Jason Oxman, President and CEO of the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) and K Street Capital investor; and AdamBoskovich, founder and CEO of WowYow, a K Street Capital portfolio company. Jason, Adam, and host Paige Soya discuss the impact of generative AI on VCs and startups, then go over the current landscape of generative AI policy initiatives, and also get into what investors and founders need to know when it comes to AI regulation.

The Rise of Climate Fintech Jul 14, 2023

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This episode brings together founders and investors in climate fintech, a rising star in the venture capital ecosystem which operates at the intersection of climate, finance, and technology. Featured in this episode are guests Zach Axelrod, a K Street investorand founder/CEO at Redball Energy; and Ravi Mikkelsen, co-founder at Atmos, a K Street portfolio company. Zach and Ravi share their founder stories, explain the missions and visions that drive their ventures and investments, discuss exactly what climate fintech encompasses, get into some of the tailwinds of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and discuss why the financial services sector cares about climate now, in 2023.

The EDA's Newly Launched Tech Hubs Program Jun 30, 2023

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This episode is about the US Economic Development Administration’s
recent release of the new $10B regional tech hubs program, an initiative born out of the CHIPS and Science Act, to create 10 tech hubs in US cities over the next 5 years. We talk about what the program is, how it works, what this means for the existing US tech industry and venture capital, and how cities and companies can benefit from the program. The discussion will include Blake Hall, the CEO/Founder of our portfolio company, ID.me, and his take on a potential cybersecurity hub; George Hornedo, one of our investors, who has been heavily involved in educating states and cities across the country about the program; and David Yarkin, the CEO/founder of our portfolio company, Procurated.

The Impacts of AI on EdTech & Behavioral Science Jun 16, 2023

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The vast capabilities of AI have changed the landscape of how technology is developed in behavioral science and edtech. We’ll discuss AI's influence on chatbots, and how this technology can improve outcomes for students. We’ll talk about how founders and investors in the edtech world are navigating this, how AI has changed in the recent past, and where it may be headed. Hear from 2 founder/CEOs with VC backed growth stage tech experience in behavioral science and edtech, one of whom has sat on both sides of the table as an investor and a founder.

VC Term Sheet Trends and AI Impacts on Travel Jun 02, 2023

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This episode is about AI’s impacts on the travel industry as well as VC term sheet trends and how recent events/economic events (SVB, inflation, interest rates, public markets, etc.) have impacted terms. We’ll do some education on term sheets and various deal structures (SAFEs, convertible notes, and priced rounds), focusing on control terms, economic terms, and the expected future direction of valuation multiples. You’ll hear from one recently exited founder/CEO and one investor in the travel industry.

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