The Full Ratchet (TFR): Venture Capital and Startup Investing Demystified

75. No Fun Allowed, Part 1 (Jonathon Triest & Brett DeMarrais)

25 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Jonathon Triest & Brett DeMarrais of Ludlow Ventures join Nick to cover No Fun Allowed, Part 1. We will address questions including: Jonathon, can you...

Investor Stories 36: Lessons Learned (Acunzo, Greathouse, Ramsinghani)

18 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following investors are featured: - Acunzo - Greathouse - Ramsinghani Each investor illustrates a c...

Investor Stories 35: Why I Invested in Tovala (Moran, Rabie, Heltzer)

16 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following investors are featured: Moran Rabie Heltzer Each investor highlights a situation where...

74. Virtual Reality Investing, Part 2 (Adam Draper)

11 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Today we cover Part 2 of Virtual Reality Investing with Adam Draper of Boost VC. In this segment we address: VR, in various phases of maturity, has be...

73. Virtual Reality Investing, Part 1 (Adam Draper)

09 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Adam Draper of Boost VC joins Nick to cover Virtual Reality Investing, Part 1. We will address questions including: Can you walk us through your backg...

Investor Stories 34: What's Next (Davis, Sanwal, Collett)

05 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following Investors are featured: -Davis -Sanwal -Collett Each investor discusses sectors, drivers an...

72. Blockchain Investing, Part 2 (William Mougayar)

03 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Today we cover Part 2 of Blockchain Investing with William Mougayar of Virtual Capital Ventures . In this segment we address: What are your thoughts o...

71. Blockchain Investing, Part 1 (William Mougayar)

02 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

William Mougayar of Virtual Capital Ventures joins Nick to cover Blockchain Investing, Part 1. We will address questions including: Can you start off ...

Investor Stories 33: Why I Invested (Heltzer, Goldberg, Parker)

25 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following investors are featured: Heltzer Goldberg Parker Each investor highlights a situation w...

70. Building an Investor Brand, Part 2 (Jay Acunzo & John Gannon)

23 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Today we cover Part 2 of Building an Investor Brand with Jay Acunzo & John Gannon of NextView Ventures. In this segment we address: Jay, how do you ap...

69. Building an Investor Brand, Part 1 (Jay Acunzo & John Gannon)

17 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Jay Acunzo of NextView Ventures & John Gannon of BEMAVEN join Nick to cover Building an Investor Brand, Part 1. We will address questions including: J...

Investor Stories 32: Exceptional Founders (Heymann, Struhl, Polovets)

09 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

68. The Bloomberg for Private Companies, Part 2 (Anand Sanwal)

08 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Today we cover Part 2 of The Bloomberg for Private Companies with Anand Sanwal of CB Insights. In this segment we address: We hear people say that the...

67. The Bloomberg for Private Companies, Part 1 (Anand Sanwal)

08 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Anand Sanwal of CB Insights joins Nick to cover The Bloomberg for Startups, Part 1. We will address questions including: Can you walk us through your ...

Investor Stories 31: My Investing Strategy (Ramsinghani, Tsai, Gasser)

29 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following investors are featured: Ramsinghani Tsai Gasser Each investor describes their inve...

66. From Angel Group to Venture Fund, Part 2 (Maia Heymann)

27 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Today we cover Part 2 of From Angel Group to Venture Fund with Maia Heymann of Converge Venture Partners. In this segment we address: What are the rea...

65. From Angel Group to Venture Fund, Part 1 (Maia Heymann)

26 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Maia Heymann of Converge Venture Partners joins Nick to cover 'From Angel Group to Venture Fund, Part 1'. We will address questions including: Can you...

Investor Stories 30: Why I Invested in Cybrary (Moran, Label, Corey)

22 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following investors are featured: Moran Label Corey Each investor highlights a situation where t...

64. The Fast No, Part 2 (Mike Collett)

20 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Today we cover Part 2 of The Fast No with Mike Collett of Promus Ventures. In this segment we address: Do you approach evaluation like a funnel proces...

63. The Fast No, Part 1 (Mike Collett)

19 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Mike Collett of Promus Ventures joins Nick to cover The Fast No, Part 1. We will address questions including: Can you start off by walking through you...

Investor Stories 29: Why I Passed (Shah, Wilkins, Parker)

15 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following investors are featured: - Shah - Wilkins - Parker Each investor highlights a situation whe...

62. Diversity in Venture Capital, Part 2 (Christine Tsai)

13 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Today we cover Part 2 of Diversity in Venture Capital with Christine Tsai of 500 Startups. In this segment we address: You've said "The best thing wom...

61. Diversity in Venture Capital, Part 1 (Christine Tsai)

12 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Christine Tsai of 500 Startups joins Nick to cover Diversity in Venture Capital, Part 1. We will address questions including: The Information recently...

Investor Stories 28: What's Next (Greathouse, Medved, Huston)

08 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following Investors are featured: -Greathouse -Medved -Huston Each investor discusses sectors, driver...

60. Algorithm-Based Investing, Part 2 (Andrew Parker)

06 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Today we cover Part 2 of Algorithms as a Competitive Advantage with Andrew Parker of Spark Capital. In this segment we address: You've written about y...

59. Algorithm-Based Investing, Part 1 (Andrew Parker)

05 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Andrew Parker of Spark Capital joins Nick to cover Algorithms as a Competitive Advantage. We will address questions including: Today we are talking da...

Investor Stories 27: Exceptional Founders (Shah, Gurrieri, Penchina)

30 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

58. Startup Boards, Part 2 (Mahendra Ramsinghani)

22 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Mahendra Ramsinghani joins Nick to cover Startup Boards, Part 2. We will address questions including: What cadence/frequency should Board meetings occ...

57. Startup Boards, Part 1 (Mahendra Ramsinghani)

21 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Mahendra Ramsinghani joins Nick to cover Startup Boards, Part 1. We will address questions including: What are the key functions of a board and why sh...

Investor Stories 26: My Investing Strategy (Davis, Carter, Struhl)

18 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following investors are featured: Davis Carter Struhl Each investor describes their investme...

56. The Hands-on Investor | High-Engagement Investing, Part 2 (John Greathouse)

16 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

John Greathouse of Rincon Venture Partners joins Nick to cover The Hands-on Investor | High-Engagement Investing, Part 2. We will address questions in...

55. The Hands-on Investor | High-Engagement Investing, Part 1 (John Greathouse)

15 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

John Greathouse of Rincon Venture Partners joins Nick to cover The Hands-on Investor | High-Engagement Investing, Part 1. We will address questions in...

Investor Stories 25: Why I Invested (Ahmad, Rose, Tunguz)

09 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following investors are featured: Ahmad Rose Tunguz Each investor highlights a situation where t...

54. The Path to Series A, Part 2 (Semil Shah)

02 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Semil Shah of Haystack joins Nick to cover The Path to Series A, Part 2. We will address questions including: We are all looking for great founders an...

53. The Path to Series A, Part 1 (Semil Shah)

25 Nov 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Semil Shah of Haystack joins Nick to cover The Path to Series A, Part 1. We will address questions including: Can you walk us through your background ...

Investor Stories 24: Why I Passed (Heltzer, Gurrieri, Hamid)

18 Nov 2015

Contributed by Lukas

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following investors are featured: - Heltzer - Guerrieri - Hamid Each investor highlights a situation...

52. The Hunt for Investors, Part 2 (Mark Peter Davis)

11 Nov 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Peter Davis of Interplay Ventures joins Nick to cover The Hunt for Investors, Part 2. We will discuss the remaining questions including: When an...

51. The Hunt for Investors, Part 1 (Mark Peter Davis)

04 Nov 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Peter Davis of Interplay Ventures joins Nick to cover The Hunt for Investors, Part 1. We will address questions including: Can you walk us throug...

Investor Stories 23: Lessons Learned (Struhl, Huston, Wilkins)

28 Oct 2015

Contributed by Lukas

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following investors are featured: - Struhl - Huston - Wilkins Each investor illustrates a critical ...

50. The 3-year Wait is Over | SEC Vote on JOBS Act Title III (David S. Rose)

23 Oct 2015

Contributed by Lukas

David S. Rose is back on the program.  He is Managing Partner of Rose Tech Ventures, Founder & Chairman Emeritus of New York Angels, Associate Fo...

Investor Stories 22: What's Next (Hamid, O'Donnell, Tunguz)

14 Oct 2015

Contributed by Lukas

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following Investors are featured: -Hamid -O'Donnell -Tunguz Each investor discusses sectors, drivers ...

49. The Value of Data, Part 2 (Leo Polovets)

07 Oct 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Leo Polovets of Susa Ventures joins Nick to cover The Value of Data, Part Two. We will address questions including: Transitioning to business models ...

48. The Value of Data, Part 1 (Leo Polovets)

30 Sep 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Leo Polovets of Susa Ventures joins Nick to cover The Value of Data, Part One. We will address questions including: As a startup investor, why did you...

Investor Stories 21: Exceptional Founders (Wheeler, Day, Rose)

23 Sep 2015

Contributed by Lukas

47. Entrepreneur-Investor Fit (Peter Wilkins)

16 Sep 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Peter Wilkins of Hyde Park Angels joins Nick to cover Entrepreneur-Investor Fit. We will address questions including: Did you consider raising a ventu...

Investor Stories 20: My Investing Strategy (Huston, Brown, Heltzer)

09 Sep 2015

Contributed by Lukas

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following investors are featured: Huston Brown Heltzer Each investor describes their investm...

46. The Must-Have Characteristics of SaaS Startups (Tomasz Tunguz)

02 Sep 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Tom Tunguz of Redpoint Ventures joins Nick to cover The Must-Have Characteristics of Successful SaaS Startups. We will address questions including: Ca...

Investor Stories 19: Why I Invested (Medved, Neumann, Gurrieri)

26 Aug 2015

Contributed by Lukas

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following investors are featured: Medved Neumann Gurrieri Each investor highlights a situation w...

45. Angel Best Practices #5 | The Deal, part 1 (Nick Moran)

19 Aug 2015

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of The Full Ratchet Nick covers part 5 of Best Practices for Seed & Angel Investing including: Overview of Seed Investing Developing a...

Investor Stories 18: Why I Passed (Mirabile, Polovets, O'Donnell)

12 Aug 2015

Contributed by Lukas

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following investors are featured: - Mirabile - Polovets - O'Donnell Each investor highlights a situa...

44. Negotiating a Term Sheet (Jason Heltzer)

05 Aug 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Jason Heltzer of Origin Ventures joins Nick to cover Negotiating a Term Sheet. We will address questions including: Can you first talk about why you c...

Investor Stories 17: What's Next (Gasser, Struhl, Day)

29 Jul 2015

Contributed by Lukas

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following Investors are featured: -Gasser -Struhl -Day Each investor discusses sectors, drivers and/o...

43. Why Angels Don't Do Drugs | Life Sciences Investing (Sergio Gurrieri)

22 Jul 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Sergio Gurrieri of Tech Coast Angels joins Nick to cover Why Angels Don't do Drugs | Life Sciences Investing. We will address questions including: Can...

Investor Stories 16: Exceptional Founders (Carter, Goldberg, Huston)

15 Jul 2015

Contributed by Lukas

42. Raising a VC Fund (Jonathan Struhl)

08 Jul 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Jonathan Struhl of Indicator Ventures joins Nick to discuss how he raised his first VC Fund. We will address questions including: What are the types ...

Investor Stories 15: My Investing Strategy (Hamid, Polovets, Medved)

01 Jul 2015

Contributed by Lukas

      On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following investors are featured: Hamid Polovets Medved Each investor describes the...

41. The Exit (John Huston)

24 Jun 2015

Contributed by Lukas

John Huston of Ohio TechAngels joins Nick to cover The Exit. We will address questions including: How should angel group leaders think about the exit ...

Investor Stories 14: Why I Invested (O'Donnell, Blank, Day)

17 Jun 2015

Contributed by Lukas

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following investors are featured: O'Donnell Blank Day Each investor highlights a situation where...

40. Crowdfunding & The Socialization of Finance (Jon Medved)

10 Jun 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Jon Medved of OurCrowd joins Nick to cover Crowdfunding & The Socialization of Finance. We will address questions including: Goldman Sachs recently pu...

Investor Stories 13: Why I Passed (Wilson, Carter, Ahmad)

03 Jun 2015

Contributed by Lukas

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following investors are featured: - Wilson - Carter - Ahmad Each investor highlights a situation whe...

39. Cleantech Investing (Rob Day)

27 May 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Rob Day of Black Coral Capital joins Nick to cover Cleantech. We will address questions including: As many in the venture space are aware the cleantec...

Investor Stories 12: What's Next? (Polovets, Goldberg, Penchina)

13 May 2015

Contributed by Lukas

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following Investors are featured: -Polovets -Goldberg -Penchina Each investor discusses sectors, driv...

38. Cross-Border Investing (Michael Goldberg)

06 May 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Michael Goldberg of The Bridge Investment Fund joins Nick to cover Cross-Border Investing. We will address questions including: Can you first touch on...

Investor Stories 11: Exceptional Founders (Hamid, Gasser, O'Donnell)

29 Apr 2015

Contributed by Lukas

37. The Algorithm for Raise Amount & Valuation (Leo Polovets)

22 Apr 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Leo Polovets of Susa Ventures joins Nick to cover The Algorithm for Raise Amount & Valuation. We will address questions including: You've outlined thr...

Investor Stories 10: My Investing Strategy (Henikoff, Penchina, Neumann)

15 Apr 2015

Contributed by Lukas

      On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following investors are featured: Henikoff Penchina Neumann Each investor describes...

36. SaaS Startup Investing (Mamoon Hamid)

08 Apr 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Mamoon Hamid of The Social+Capital Partnership joins Nick to cover SaaS Startup Investing. We will address questions including: In your words, can you...

Investor Stories 9: Why I Invested (Carter, Gasser, Go)

01 Apr 2015

Contributed by Lukas

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following investors are featured: Carter Gasser Go Each investor highlights a situation where they...

35. Developing Startup Ecosystems & High-Touch Screening (Eric Gasser)

25 Mar 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Eric Gasser joins Nick to discuss startup ecosystems and how his high-tech & high-touch screening process works at the Tech Coast Angels. We will addr...

Investor Stories 8: Why I Passed (Brown, Blank, Berkus)

18 Mar 2015

Contributed by Lukas

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following investors are featured: - Brown - Blank - Berkus Each investor highlights a situation wher...

34. Lone-Wolves vs VC's vs Angel Groups vs Syndicates (Nick Moran)

11 Mar 2015

Contributed by Lukas

As promised, today we are doing a comparison of the four major approaches by which earlier stage investors make venture investments. They include the ...

Investor Stories 7: What's Next? (Wheeler, Blank, Wilson)

04 Mar 2015

Contributed by Lukas

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following Investors are featured: -Wheeler -Blank -Wilson Each investor discusses sectors, drivers an...

33. AngelList Syndicate Investing (Gil Penchina)

25 Feb 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Gil Penchina joins Nick on The Full Ratchet to discuss Syndicate Investing, including: Can you first provide an overview of your angel portfolio pe...

Investor Stories 6: My Investing Strategy (Mirabile, Wheeler, Winblad)

18 Feb 2015

Contributed by Lukas

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following investors are featured: Mirabile Wheeler Winblad Each investor describes their inv...

32. Capital Outside of the Valley (Morris Wheeler, Mike Belsito)

11 Feb 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Morris Wheeler & Mike Belsito join Nick on The Full Ratchet to discuss raising & investing capital outside of the Valley, including: What are the ke...

Investor Stories 5: Exceptional Founders (Wilson, Brown, Mirabile)

04 Feb 2015

Contributed by Lukas

31. The Pitch (David Brown)

28 Jan 2015

Contributed by Lukas

David Brown joins Nick on The Full Ratchet to discuss The Pitch Deck, including: Who is the target audience for the Pitch? Why is it preferred to a ...

30. The Dark Side of VC | Predatory Investor Practices (Joanne Wilson)

21 Jan 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Joanne Wilson joins Nick on The Full Ratchet to discuss predatory investor practices and the dark side of venure, including: On the founder-side… ...

29. Angel Best Practices #4b | Evaluation, part 2 (Nick Moran)

14 Jan 2015

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of The Full Ratchet Nick covers part 4b of Best Practices for Angel Investing including: Overview of Seed Investing, Developing an An...

28. The Investment Readiness Level (Steve Blank)

07 Jan 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Steve Blank joins Nick on The Full Ratchet to discuss the Investment Readiness Level, IRL, including: How have incubator and accelerator investors t...

Investor Stories 4: Why I Passed (Henikoff, Neumann, Go)

31 Dec 2014

Contributed by Lukas

On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following investors are featured: - Henikoff - Neumann - Go Each investor highlights a situation whe...

27. Angel Best Practices #4a | Evaluation, part 1 (Nick Moran)

24 Dec 2014

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of The Full Ratchet Nick covers part 4a of Best Practices for Angel Investing including: Overview of Seed Investing, Developing an Ang...

26. A New Era of Startup Investing | Angel Evolution (Christopher Mirabile)

17 Dec 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Christopher Mirabile joins Nick on The Full Ratchet to discuss Angel Investing evolution and changes including: Can you briefly summarize the traditi...

25. Angel Best Practices #3 | Deal-Flow (Nick Moran)

10 Dec 2014

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of The Full Ratchet Nick covers part 3 of Best Practices for Seed & Angel Investing including: Overview of Seed Investing, Developing ...

24. Angel Best Practices #2 | Strategy (Nick Moran)

03 Dec 2014

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of The Full Ratchet Nick covers part 2 of Best Practices for Seed Investing including: Overview of Seed Investing, Developing an Angel...

Investor Stories 3: My Investing Strategy (Imran Ahmad, Dave Berkus, Rob Go)

26 Nov 2014

Contributed by Lukas

  On this special segment of The Full Ratchet, the following investors are featured: Imran Ahmad Dave Berkus Rob Go Each investor describes ...

23. Angel Best Practices #1 | Intro & Overview (Nick Moran)

19 Nov 2014

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of The Full Ratchet Nick covers the first element of Best Practices for Seed & Angel Investing.  This series will be covered in five ...

22. Lessons from 5 Years of Angel Investing (Gabriel Weinberg)

12 Nov 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Gabriel Weinberg joins Nick on The Full Ratchet to discuss his lessons learned from five years of angel investing including: Can you first highlight...

21. VC Portfolio Strategy (Rob Go)

05 Nov 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Rob Go joins Nick on The Full Ratchet to discuss VC Portfolio Strategy including: What are the five main parameters that VCs consider with regards t...

20. Non-Unicorn Investing (Jerry Neumann)

29 Oct 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Jerry Neumann joins Nick on The Full Ratchet to discuss non-Unicorn Investing including: Can you give us a brief overview of Aileen Lee's study on Un...

Investor Stories 2: Why I Invested (Dave Berkus, Troy Henikoff, Ann Winblad)

22 Oct 2014

Contributed by Lukas

On this special segment of the Full Ratchet, the question "Why I Invested in a Startup" is addressed by: Dave Berkus, Troy Henikoff, & Ann Winblad. E...

19. Due Diligence (Imran Ahmad)

15 Oct 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Imran Ahmad joins Nick on the Full Ratchet to discuss Due Diligence including: What is due diligence is and why it is performed? How is a due dilige...

18. Fundraise Types, Sources & Structures (Dave Berkus)

08 Oct 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Dave Berkus joins Nick on The Full Ratchet to talk fundraise types & structures including: Can you start us off with a history of funding structures...

17. The Accelerator (Troy Henikoff)

01 Oct 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Troy Henikoff joins Nick on The Full Ratchet to talk Startup Accelerators including: Can you start us off with an overview of what an accelerator is ...

16. Venture in the Media (Erin Griffith)

24 Sep 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Erin Griffith joins Nick on the podcast to discuss venture in the media including: If you take a 30,000 foot look at the media environment what are th...

Investor Stories 1: Why I Passed (Brad Feld, Ann Winblad, Gabriel Weinberg)

17 Sep 2014

Contributed by Lukas

On this special segment of the Full Ratchet, the question "Why I Passed on investing in a Startup" is addressed by: Brad Feld Ann Winblad & Gabriel W...

15. Cram Session Episodes 1-10 (Nick Moran)

10 Sep 2014

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Full Ratchet, the Takeaways and Tips from Episodes 1 – 10 are recapped.  Every once in a while, review episodes will be rele...

14. The Stages of Fundraising (Ann Winblad)

03 Sep 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Ann Winblad joins Nick on The Full Ratchet to discuss the stages of fundraising including: We often hear financings referred to as Seed, Series A, S...

13. The Convertible Note (Bill Payne)

28 Aug 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Bill Payne joins Nick on The Full Ratchet to discuss the Convertible Note including: What is a Convertible Note? What are it's key elements and term...

12. Advising Early-Stage Startups (Glenn Gottfried)

21 Aug 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Glenn Gottfried joins Nick on The Full Ratchet to discuss early-stage advising including: When you first engage, where are startups at in the fundra...