In thisVCs Off the Record episode, hostGayle Jennings-O'Byrne chats withRomeo Ortiz, founder ofProductStory Media, andChi Achebe, a venture capitalist atAchebe Capital.Romeo shares how his background in filmmaking led him to brand storytelling, helping founders craft compelling narratives that connect with investors. He opens up about a$40K mistake that reshaped his approach to content strategy and offers insights on why authentic storytelling is critical for securing funding.Chi dives into her journey from tech and social impact in Africa to launchingAchebe Capital. She discusses her investment thesis focused oncare, climate, commerce, and culture, how she bridges capital between the U.S. and Africa, and the power of culturally aligned investing.Tune in for actionable insights, real founder experiences, and an honest conversation about the role of storytelling in venture capital, navigating the fundraising landscape, and driving impact through investment.Hosted by⁠⁠⁠Gayle Jennings-O'Byrne⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Co-hosted with⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Victoria Byrd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wocstar Media⁠

In this VCs Off the Record episode, host Gayle Jennings-O'Byrne dives into the intersection of biotech, planetary health, and venture capital with Sabriya Stukes, an investor in early-stage biotech companies.Sabriya unpacks what it means to invest in human and planetary health, breaking down the deep connections between climate, healthcare, and innovation. She shares her unconventional journey from microbiologist to venture investor, detailing her work at SOSV and IndieBio, one of the world's leading deep tech accelerators.This episode is packed with insights on how investors evaluate scientific startups, why diversity in STEM is critical, and the power of saying yes to opportunities—even when self-doubt creeps in. If you're curious about biotech investing, early-stage funding, or how deep tech is shaping the future, this one's for you.Hosted by⁠⁠⁠Gayle Jennings-O'Byrne⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Co-hosted with⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Victoria Byrd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wocstar Media⁠

In this VCs Off the Record episode, host Gayle Jennings-O'Byrne chats with Justin Huebner, author of Inclusive Investing, and Megan Gray, founder & CEO of Moment AI, about the future of venture capital, AI innovation, and what it takes to build a successful, venture-backed business. Justin shares his journey from intern to published author, breaking down the power of inclusive investing and why diversity in venture capital isn’t just about equity—it’s a financial advantage. He explores the barriers that entrepreneurs of color face and how investors can unlock untapped potential. Megan takes us into the cutting-edge world of artificial intelligence, explaining how large vision models are set to revolutionize healthcare, security, and transportation. She shares her experience navigating AI fundraising, the challenges of raising capital as a woman in tech, and why selecting the right investors is critical for long-term success. Tune in for actionable insights, industry trends, and a candid conversation on the intersection of AI, venture capital, and diversity. Hosted by ⁠⁠⁠Gayle Jennings-O'Byrne⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Co-hosted with ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Victoria Byrd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Produced by ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wocstar Media⁠

In this VCs Off the Record episode, host ⁠⁠⁠Gayle Jennings-O'Byrne⁠⁠⁠ chats with Mirit Lugassi, an investor at Laconia Capital, about funding early-stage startups and what it takes to build a venture-backed business. Mirit shares her journey from operator to investor, breaking down the difference between market gaps vs. market demand, how VCs evaluate startups, and the key strategies founders need to secure funding. She also offers insights into Laconia Capital’s investment approach and how they help founders scale. Tune in for actionable advice, insider knowledge, and an honest conversation on what makes a startup truly investable. Hosted by ⁠⁠Gayle Jennings-O'Byrne⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Co-hosted with ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Victoria Byrd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Produced by ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Wocstar Media⁠

In this VCs Off the Record episode, host ⁠⁠Gayle Jennings-O'Byrne⁠⁠ chats with ⁠⁠Desiree Almodovar⁠⁠, a venture capitalist at Alley Corp VC, and advocate for underrepresented founders. Desiree shares her inspiring journey from leading advertising campaigns to investing in diverse, innovative startups through venture capital. Discover how her unique career path shaped her approach to mentorship, her dedication to empowering founders, and her strategies for fostering diversity and inclusion within the ecosystem. Desiree opens up about the evolution of mentorship in the digital age, practical tips for founders seeking funding, and the importance of resilience in navigating entrepreneurship. Tune in for actionable insights, inspiration, and an honest conversation about building authentic relationships in venture capital, supporting women of color, and driving equity in the startup world. Hosted by ⁠Gayle Jennings-O'Byrne⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Co-hosted with ⁠⁠ ⁠Victoria Byrd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Produced by ⁠ ⁠Wocstar Media⁠

In this episode of VCs Off the Record, host ⁠Gayle Jennings-O'Byrne⁠ chats with ⁠Victoria Kennedy⁠, founder of Patternist and former product leader turned venture capitalist. Victoria shares her inspiring journey from scaling startups to launching a groundbreaking venture designed to align financial returns with social impact. Discover how her background in product strategy shaped her approach to investing in diverse founders and solving societal challenges. Victoria opens up about the realities of fundraising, building a fund, and creating hybrid funding models that blend traditional venture capital with mission-driven investments. Tune in for actionable insights, inspiration, and an honest conversation about reimagining venture capital, empowering women of color, and building innovative solutions that matter. VC's Off the Record: Hosted by ⁠Gayle Jennings-O'Byrne⁠ Co-hosted with ⁠Victoria Byrd⁠ Produced by ⁠Wocstar Media⁠

In this episode of VCs Off the Record, host Gayle Jennings-O'Byrne chats with Dawn Kelly, CEO and founder of The Nourish Spot. Dawn shares her inspiring journey from corporate marketing to creating a thriving wellness brand rooted in Southeast Queens. Discover how a personal health journey and a pivotal idea sparked The Nourish Spot along with Dawn's commitment to generational wealth, and the power of leveraging community support. Dawn opens up about overcoming challenges, embracing confidence, and scaling her business with purpose. Tune in for actionable insights, inspiration, and a heartfelt conversation about resilience, community, and entrepreneurship. VC's Off the Record: Hosted by Gayle Jennings-O'Byrne Co-hosted with Victoria Bert Produced by Wocstar Media

As the year winds down, hosts Gayle Jennings-O’Byrne, CEO of Wocstar Capital, and Victoria Bert, Chief Content Officer at Wocstar Media, share actionable insights to help founders, entrepreneurs, and dreamers prepare for a powerful 2025. In this mini year-end episode, they dive into the art of reflections and road mapping to set meaningful goals for the new year. Hear Gayle's top strategies for business growth in 2025. Plus, Gayle and Victoria discuss exciting plans for a new book and journal tailored to female entrepreneurs and diverse teams. VC's Off the Record: Hosted by Gayle Jennings-O'Byrne⁠ Co-hosted with Victoria Bert Produced by Wocstar Media

On this episode of VCs Off the Record, host Gayle Jennings-O’Byrne sits down with Josh Tanenbaum, a visionary whose career bridges entrepreneurship and finance. From founding LOCAL VIBES to managing partnerships at Rebalance Capital, Josh shares how his journey shaped his approach to impact investing. Tune in to hear candid advice on balancing financial returns with social impact, avoiding common investment mistakes, and scaling impact-driven startups. Whether you’re a founder, an aspiring VC, or just curious about the world of impact investing, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss! VC's Off the Record: Hosted by Gayle Jennings-O'Byrne⁠ Co-hosted with Victoria Bert Produced by Wocstar Media

In this episode of "VCs Off the Record", Gayle sits down with Benny Lorenzo, Managing Partner of Aspira Capital Management and a pioneering force in venture capital since 1996. From his roots in the Dominican Republic to earning degrees from Cornell and Harvard Business School, Benny shares his remarkable journey and insights on securing funding in today's competitive landscape. With over four decades of experience spanning IBM, AT&T, and growing a hedge fund from $35 million to $350 million, and investing in a #unicorn company! Benny brings a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed. Don't miss this illuminating conversation with a leader who's dedicated to both business excellence and community service, as he shares practical insights for the next generation of founders and investors.