Welcome back to "Venture Declassified," the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of venture capital and private equity. Today we're diving deep into the ever-evolving world of venture capital and the fascinating yet perilous terrain of life science investing. We'll dissect whether venture capital always aims for a "home run" or if it can be content with "singles or doubles," as Jacob suggests, might be more in the wheelhouse of private equity. We'll also evaluate the asset class's shifting landscape, becoming more conservative amidst a rocky journey.Our discussion takes a critical turn as we tackle the complexities of life science deals. Why does it take more than money to succeed in this area? What role do intellectual curiosity and honesty play in the pattern matching necessary for investment success? Life sciences are a focal point today, not just because they've been the most lucrative for us, but due to the sheer excitement that palpable, tangible progress—like the potential to cure cancer—brings to the table.We analyze Carta's recent faux pas—opening secondary investments without proper communication—sparking a debate on the ethical considerations in our industry and Carta's significance despite this mishap. We delve into our own experiences with portfolio management, the tools we trust, and the importance of extracting meaningful data to spot trends and monitor growth.As we venture on this episode's journey, we don't forget to look through the "windshield" to anticipate what disruptive events might mean for industries like life science and SaaS, even as we understand the need to glance in the "rearview mirror" at times. So buckle up, as we navigate the challenging but potentially rewarding world of life science venture capital.Key TopicsDefinition and purpose of venture capital as a disruptive forceComparison with private equity for various investment outcomesSector-specific investment challenges: need for curiosity, honesty, pattern recognitionPortfolio successes and the tangible excitement of life science opportunitiesAnalysis of Carta's missteps in opening secondary investmentsUse of software tools for portfolio management activitiesEmphasis on extracting valuable insights and tracking macro-level trendsSpecific challenges associated with early-stage life science companiesLiquidity in Life Science InvestmentsHear more interviews and stories like this one at www.VentureDeclassified.com The information provided on the show is not intended to be investment advice and should not be relied upon as such. The investors on today’s episode are providing their opinions based on their own assessment of the businesses or topics presented. Those opinions should not be considered professional investment advice. If they start up pitched as a part of this episode, it is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell, subscribe for or buy any securities.

Episode SummaryWelcome to another episode of Venture Declassified. We are excited to welcome a very special guest, Rory Billing, a savvy entrepreneur disrupting the sports app industry. The idea for The Fan's Place was born out of a desire to find a way for everyone to win from their love of sports. The brothers, Rory and Connor, had been playing fantasy sports for years and realized that the casual fan needed something different.They designed a Beta gameplay that was tested in the fall of 2020, and even though it went well, it still didn't feel right. They knew that building a B2B business was a better fit for their skillset and the big players in fantasy sports weren't in that market. Having spent many hours watching sports in bars, and never having participated in a single loyalty program, they knew that there was a market for a more engaging customer loyalty experience.They took the consumer approved gameplay and pivoted The Fan's Place into a platform that helps businesses win and keep customers through gamification and loyalty tracks.Guest BioRory Billing is the founder of The Fans Place and a seasoned sports analytics expert. With over 26 years as a sports enthusiast and nearly two decades of experience in fantasy sports, Rory's lifelong passion for athletics has been the driving force behind his professional pursuits. He started his journey into fantasy leagues at the age of eleven and has since developed a sophisticated understanding of statistical analysis in sports.A graduate of Miami University with a degree in math and statistics, Rory has merged his academic background with his sports acumen. His research validated the Moneyball theory, highlighting his expertise in data-driven sports strategy. His professional endeavors now encapsulate this blend of sports fanaticism and statistical proficiency, as he continues to impact the sports community through The Fans Place, offering a platform for fans who value insights grounded in quantitative analysis.LinkedInThe Fan’s PlaceKey TopicsPitch for The Fan’s PlaceRory's strategy for raising funds and expanding the business model for The Fan’s PlaceApp's gamification techniques and engagement with usersDiscussing the strategy of an initial close with follow-up fundraisingRory's plan to focus on building a user base in Indianapolis before expandingTeam Building and Operational Strategy: Method of attracting talent and assembling a team in IndianapolisUse of WeFunder and other sources to secure additional funds.Hear more interviews and stories like this one at www.VentureDeclassified.com The information provided on the show is not intended to be investment advice and should not be relied upon as such. The investors on today’s episode are providing their opinions based on their own assessment of the businesses or topics presented. Those opinions should not be considered professional investment advice. If they start up pitched as a part of this episode, it is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell, subscribe for or buy any securities.

Show ZeroVenture Declassified is here to provide you with practical insights, expert advice, and a deeper understanding of the investment landscape for first-time investors.Hosted by a team of seasoned investors and financial experts, this podcast is tailor-made for newcomers who are eager to learn about the fundamentals of investing and want to make informed decisions. We understand that starting your investment journey can be intimidating, but our goal is to demystify the process and equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed.Welcome to the show, episode zero, where we are going to tell you a little bit about why the three of us are sitting here together talking about venture investing. We appreciate you guys listening in. We’ve got our first episode coming up soon and look forward to carrying on the conversation. Meet the Hosts: Jacob SchpokJacob Schpok, a partner at Elevate Ventures, highlights the unique aspects of their venture capital firm. Elevate Ventures has a diverse portfolio of over 500 companies and has had over 130 successful exits. They currently manage over $200 million in assets under management (AUM). Elevate Ventures is highly active in the Great Lakes region and has been recognized as the most active VC firm since 2017. They invest in companies at various stages, starting from pre-seed to early-stage, including A and B rounds. They are willing to invest up to $4 million in a single company, with no single round exceeding $2 million.Ben PidgeonBen Pidgeon, an Executive Director at Vision Tech, highlights his experience in the investment space. Founded in 2006, Vision Tech is an investment firm that is geographically agnostic, meaning they invest in deals across various locations in the United States, from Seattle to San Francisco, New York or Philadelphia, to Indiana. They have a high deal flow with approximately 400 deals per year. Vision Tech primarily targets B2B SaaS, hard tech, and life science opportunities. Roughly half are conducted within the state of Indiana, while the other half is outside the state. This emphasis on both local and broader investments allows Vision Tech to leverage opportunities from various regions and sectors.Mike KellyMike Kelly, a partner at Start Something Ventures, shares his experience in the investment space. SSV is an angel investor group that focused on pre-seed to seed stage companies focus on tech or tech-enabled services. Occassionally (but not often) they go off script and also invest in everything from whiskey to real estate. Mike's the newest investor of the three, so he's the one normally asking the questions and listening to Jacob's and Ben's answers. Hear more interviews and stories like this one at www.VentureDeclassified.com The information provided on the show is not intended to be investment advice and should not be relied upon as such. The investors on today’s episode are providing their opinions based on their own assessment of the businesses or topics presented. Those opinions should not be considered professional investment advice. If they start up pitched as a part of this episode, it is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell, subscribe for or buy any securities.