Billion Dollar Moves™ with Sarah Chen-Spellings | Global Venture Capital

In this replay episode, we’re thrilled to spotlight Jyri Engeström, a serial entrepreneur whose early ventures led to successful exits to Google and Groupon. Now a General Partner at Yes VC, the fund he co-founded with Caterina Fake of Flickr, Jyri continues to shape the future of startups. He's also investing in bold new ventures alongside Petteri Koponen at Lifeline Ventures, one of Finland’s leading VC firms. Join us as we explore the cutting-edge opportunities shaping tomorrow, insights from Jyri’s time in Silicon Valley, and why Finland could soon be a global startup hub! Watch the full video here. TIMESTAMP / KEY TAKEAWAYS 0:00 - Intro 02:41 - The Innovator’s Dilemma, Sociology, & bi-continental life in Finland & the US 06:20 - Working in Nokia to founding Jaiku 08:56 - Google’s acquisition of Jaiku 12:52 - Selling Ditto to Groupon; “I knew to kill the app immediately after the acquisition,” 16:09 - Lessons learned as a serial entrepreneur; leadership 19:01 - New chapters with True Ventures and Yes VC; patterns of success in portfolio 25:04 - Yes VC’s super early stage approach; thoughts on legacy 32:06 - Identifying the potential unicorns; how to be curiosity-driven, continuously 37:00 - Minting the unicorns & the anti-portfolios 39:37 - The founder product fit; Petteri Koponen’s pattern of success 44:48 - Raising children; parallel entrepreneurship 49:58 - The liquidity & exit landscape and deal flow in Finland today 54:11 - Jyri's trajectory for the next five years; messages to global investors 56:29 - Billion Dollar Questions - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

In this episode, we're diving into an engaging, power-packed conversation with Jack Selby, an investment leader of "PayPal Mafia" fame. Joining us from Beyond The Billion family office event in Singapore earlier this year, Jack brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective on venture capital and film production alike. Join us as we discuss everything from strategic investing to the intersections of art and finance, exploring the bold moves that define Jack’s career. Timestamps / Key Takeaways 0:00 - Intro 1:49 - Wealth & Legacy: Investing in Art and Film 4:48 - The Significance of Purposeful Investing 6:08 - The Rising Wave of AI Technologies and Women in Tech 8:15 - The Catalytic Impact of Capital: Work with Thiel Capital About Jack Selby Jack Selby is a prominent venture capitalist and independent film producer known for his early work with PayPal and ongoing leadership roles in tech and investment. He gained fame as one of the original “PayPal Mafia” members, having helped scale PayPal before its sale to eBay in 2002. After the acquisition, Selby co-founded the macro hedge fund Clarion Capital Management with Peter Thiel. Selby now leads Thiel Capital, Thiel's Los Angeles-based family office, from Arizona, and he also heads AZ-VC, a venture capital firm he launched in 2021 to invest in high-potential tech startups in Arizona. In addition to his investment career, Selby has a passion for film production, with credits as an independent producer on movies like Memory starring Jessica Chastain and His Three Daughters starring Elizabeth Olsen, showcasing his interests beyond the tech world. His diversified work across venture capital, finance, and film illustrates his adaptability and broad industry interests, influencing both business and media landscapes. FOLLOW JACK: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackselby/ - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

Get ready for a story that redefines resilience. This week, we're sitting down with Mary Seats, aka Mz Skittlez, the unstoppable entrepreneur who transformed a $300 hustle into the multimillion-dollar fashion brand, Cupcake Mafia. Mary's story defies the conventional startup path, and that’s exactly what makes it worth hearing. From building a multimillion-dollar brand to being fired from her own company, Mary has seen it all. After losing control of Cupcake Mafia, she bounced back stronger than ever, reclaiming her brand and launching The Icing Agency, a marketing powerhouse that has since grossed over $16 million. Her journey isn’t just about personal triumph—it's about inspiring all of us to invest in women-led businesses and redefine what’s possible. Buckle up for an episode that will challenge your patterns of success and leave you fired up to make your own #BillionDollarMoves! TIMESTAMPS / KEY TAKEAWAYS 0:00 - Intro 02:07 - Billion Dollar Questions with Mz Skittlez 07:46 - The $50K order that led to “you have to find a distribution company” 09:50 - From a dream-come-true to “you no longer own this company” 15:54 - 3 lessons learned: Involve your lawyer, understand your value, and plan your exits 20:39 - Mz Skittlez on pivoting: what moves the cash register and my customers’ experience? 24:14 - The Icing Agency: the upward spiral to $16 million in revenue 27:23 - Tips on building an effective brand and separating from personality: ‘Value over Price’ 30:53 - The Bakery CoWork: creating a space for all women regardless of background 34:15 - Strategies that allows The Bakery CoWork to strive: #1 building a community 36:22 - The Bakery CoWork: #2 Create multiple revenue streams from a single space 38:02 - People-centered businesses: is it truly scalable? 41:18 - Mz Skittlez’s Billion Dollar Move and legacy About Mary Seats 'Mz Skittlez' Meet Mary Seats, aka Mz Skittlez, a dynamic force in the business world. From marketing genius to resilient founder, she's made her mark. Despite facing challenges with her multimillion-dollar brand, Cupcake Mafia, Mary's resilience shone through. After setbacks and even dismissal from her own company, she didn't give up. Instead, she bounced back stronger. Fuelled by determination, Mary orchestrated a remarkable comeback. She not only regained control of her company but also launched The Icing Agency, a marketing powerhouse that grossed over $16 million. But Mary's impact goes beyond business success. Passionate about empowering women, she founded The Bakery Cowork, the largest female-focused co-working space in the U.S. Mary Seats's story is one of resilience, ambition, and lifting others up. She continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs, proving setbacks are just stepping stones to success. Mz Skittlez is shaping the business landscape with her fearless approach, leaving an indelible mark on entrepreneurship. FOLLOW MZ SKITTLEZ https://www.instagram.com/mzskittlez/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-seats-aa38419a https://www.youtube.com/@thesecretrecipetv - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

In this episode, we’re thrilled to bring you an inspiring panel discussion from The Billion Dollar Series by Beyond The Billion, in partnership with Dell Technologies. On this global tour to fuel women-led innovation, we dive into Australia’s rapidly evolving venture landscape with some of the country’s top industry leaders. Featuring Carol Schwartz, Director of Trawalla Group; Alex Schuman, CEO of Carla Zampatti; Kristy Chong, Founder of Modibodi; and Rick Baker, Co-Founder of Blackbird VC — this powerhouse panel explores why the coming decade could be a game-changer for venture in Australia. We discussed why investing in women-led businesses is both smart and strategic, and how Australia’s unique mix of patience and passion is powering some of the most exciting opportunities in venture capital today. Tune in for insights that could inspire your own #BillionDollarMoves! TIMESTAMPS/KEY TAKEAWAYS 00:00 - Intro 02:59 - Rick Baker: Growth of the Australian venture industry over the last 12-13 years; the ongoing challenges in funding women entrepreneurs 07:00 - Carol Schwartz: Opportunities for female entrepreneurs within family offices 11:00 - Kristy Chong: Evolution from founder to investor 15:11 - Challenges face by female founders in scaling businesses 18:22 - Alex Schuman: Reestablishing the business based on their mother’s legacy with her sisters 21:29 - Challenges in scaling a vertically integrated business in Australia 23:39 - Diversity criticism against Blackbird and the VC ecosystem; The “Kiki incident” and commitment to improved diversity 32:56 - Shift from personal direct investments to seeking women-managed funds 39:39 - Track record issues for women leaving large VC firms; achieving significant portfolio support for female founders 43:15 - Gender bias in the venture ecosystem; maintain perseverance admidst the hardship. 48:41 - Government’s role in supporting diversity and entrepreneurship 54:09 - Industry bias and potential within aged care 57:12 - Gender investment gaps and how female founders could persevere; industry-wide programs: Giants, Foundry, and positive trends in female-led companies 1:01:15 - Key takeaways Full event recap: The Billion Dollar Brunch™ (Sydney 2024 Edition) About Our Guests Carol Schwartz AO Founder, Female Led Ventures Kristy Chong OAM Founder, Modibodi Alex Schuman CEO, Carla Zampatti Rick Baker Co-Founder, Blackbird VC - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

This CEO leads the world’s largest ticketing platform, powering millions of events globally and driving substantial revenue—$326.1 million in 2023 alone. Julia Hartz, as the co-founder and CEO of Eventbrite, she took Eventbrite public, only to face a near-collapse when the pandemic brought in-person events to a sudden halt. Despite the unforeseen challenge, Julia steered Eventbrite through turbulent times, and the company continues to thrive today as a publicly listed entity. This resilience and leadership are why she’s our next feature in the Billion Dollar Moves CEO Series! TIMESTAMPS/KEY TAKEAWAYS 0:00 - Intro 01:47 - Key Takeaway #1: Sometimes you need to just trust the flow of life 09:24 - Key Takeaway #2: Stay focused through the abundance of opportunities. 11:55 - Key Takeaway #3: Know your nutrients 13:22 - Nutrient 1 - Your First Customers 15:25 - Nutrient 2 - Capital but not using it 16:46 - Nutrient 3 – Talent as fuel 19:15 - Key Takeaway #4: Find the Right Habitat 20:51 - Key Takeaway #5: Cultivate Healthy Paranoia 26:14 - Some actionable questions for you About Julia Julia Hartz is an American entrepreneur, investor, and the co-founder and CEO of Eventbrite, a global ticketing and event technology platform. She is known for her leadership of Eventbrite during the COVID-19 pandemic and empowering women in the technology industry. Sources: Eventbrite ft. Julia Hartz - A thriving events company took 14 years to build and nearly disappeared in 14 days | Crucible Moments How I Built This with Guy Raz: Eventbrite - Julia Hartz Julia Hartz: Crucial Startup Nutrients Stanford Seminar - Entrepreneurial Thought Leaders: Kevin and Julia Hartz of Eventbrite What Eventbrite Did Early to Create ‘Sustainable’ Success | Review First Round - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

Last month at INBOUND 2024 in Boston, we took the main stage with Glenda McNeal, Chief Partner Officer at American Express, to explore how partnerships are transforming innovation and driving sustained business growth. In this episode, we dive into how American Express builds and leverages its global strategic partnerships to enhance customer value and stay competitive. Tune in to discover key insights into successful partnership strategies and learn how to create relationships that lead to extraordinary results. TIMESTAMPS/KEY TAKEAWAYS 0:00 - Intro 03:20 - Quick rapid fire with Glenda 04:13 - Skill sets learned since childhood: communication, resilience & values 07:57 - The power of influence 09:37 - Deep focus on Gen Z and millennials as consumer targets; Formula One 13:44 - Strategy to understand Gen Z and millennials as consumers: AI tools and data analysis 15:28 - Lessons learned building a strategic partnership across the world 18:02 - Advice to smaller brands to build business relationships 20:42 - The next trend to watch out for 22:59 - The art of partnership: It takes a long time to build it. It takes seconds to actually lose it. 25:16 - Call to action for growth leaders; being centered as who I am 28:53 - One final takeaway: THE Billion Dollar Move About Glenda McNeal Glenda McNeal is the company’s first Chief Partner Officer. She defines American Express’ partnership strategy and leads key strategic initiatives and negotiations for the company across travel, technology, retail, media, sports, and entertainment. She leverages partnerships to bring innovation and additional value to American Express’ suite of products, services, capabilities, and experiences that engage customers and drive generational relevance of American Express Membership. Glenda has a track record of success in managing complex global relationships, negotiating critical partner agreements, and leading business development initiatives that drive growth and innovation. She previously served as President of Strategic Partnerships. Prior to this role, she was Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Global Client Group, where she drove transformative outcomes for both direct-to-consumer and B2B companies. She is a member of the American Express Executive Committee and is an Officer of the company. She serves on the boards of Nordstrom, Inc. and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and is on the Board of Councilors for the USC Marshall School of Business. FOLLOW GLENDA: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glendamcneal - Original Video: Inbound - Building Bridges: The Power of Partnership - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal

In this episode, we sit down with Tom Henriksson, General Partner at OpenOcean, to dive into the world of venture capital and scaling groundbreaking software companies. From his pivotal role in growing MySQL into a billion-dollar exit to leading Nokia’s mobile ad business, Tom shares invaluable insights on what it takes to navigate the competitive VC landscape and drive success for data-driven software companies reshaping industries today. We also explore the unique challenges of venture investing, the critical importance of scaling early, and even how fatherhood has influenced his approach to leadership. If you're curious about building category-defining startups in Europe or just craving an inspiring conversation with one of the best in the game, this episode is for you! TIMESTAMPS / KEY TAKEAWAYS 0:00 - Intro 01:49 - Parenting: risk taking and philosophy as a VC 05:17 - “Entrepreneurship is the worst thing that you can do”; the evolution of entrepreneurship in Finland 09:10 - How to go on after failing first four investments 12:38 - Investing in software; MySQL 15:44 - Joining Nokia back in 2002; what made Nokia ahead of the others? 20:38 - Jyri Engerstrom & the innovator’s dilemma; Podia, the now Twitter 25:01 - From Nokia to OpenOcean 30:20 - Venture is tough business - how do we win in venture? 33:12 - Why invest out of Finland and operate out of Finland? 35:10 - Outlook for data software; the AI craze 38:03 - An anti-portfolio 39:52 - Billion Dollar Questions About Tom Henriksson Tom is a General Partner at OpenOcean and passionate about data-intensive software that is quick to love and built on strong technology. He is a big believer in accurate consumer profiling, marketing technologies, and intelligent automation of the enterprise. After recently driving strongly profitable exits for OpenOcean in Truecaller, LoopMe, Passfort, and TapDaq, Tom now holds board seats in Cambri, Leadoo Marketing Technologies, Operations1, and Workfellow. Tom’s previous experience includes investing in MySQL Ab, running Nokia’s Corporate BD, and launching and leading Nokia Interactive Advertising – the leading first-generation premium mobile ad-network. Tom scaled the business from scratch to $50 million in revenues in less than three years, including the acquisition of Boston-based Enpocket Inc. FOLLOW TOM: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-henriksson-63532/ - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

In today’s episode, we are amplifying the story of a resilient and visionary entrepreneur, Julie Wainwright. Known for her dramatic turnaround from overseeing the epic failure of Pets.com during the dot-com bust to creating the billion-dollar luxury consignment powerhouse, The RealReal, Julie’s journey is an inspiring tale of innovation, resilience, and strategic brilliance. And while we'll also talk about her departure from the reveal and the challenges reported today – it is unquestionable that her journey from absolute failure to growing and scaling is a testament to her resilience and innovation. This is why she's next in the Billion Dollar Moves CEO series. This conversation explores the valuable lessons from Julie’s storied career, her fearless approach to failure, and her bold steps in founding Ahara, her latest venture in personalized nutrition at age 67. Get ready to uncover actionable insights on turning setbacks into comebacks, understanding untapped markets, and always putting the customer first. Let’s get started! Timestamps / Key Takeaways 00:00 - Intro 02:30 - Key Takeaway 1: Failure is just the cost of success— be one with it 07:27 - Key Takeaway 2: Just because it’s never been done before, doesn’t mean it can’t be done 11:56 - Key Takeaway 3: Just get started. Do the damn thing, expand and stay focused. 14:50 - Key Takeaway 4: “Your customers vote everyday with their purchases. Pay attention”. Customer-Centric Approach 18:35 - Key Takeaway 5: “Your business is an opportunity for you to make an impact.” 23:06 - Post-note: Initially successful, The RealReal's market cap dropped significantly - why? About Julie Wainwright Julie Wainwright began her illustrious career at Clorox as one of their first undergraduate hires in brand management, providing her with a solid foundation in profit and loss management and data analysis. Transitioning to the tech industry at the young age of 25, she joined Software Publishing amid the competitive landscape of Microsoft and Visicalc. Demonstrating remarkable initiative, Julie volunteered to handle international operations, leading efforts to establish international distribution from London by the age of 27. Her early experiences laid the groundwork for a dynamic career characterized by innovation and leadership. Sources: #80 - Julie Wainwright - Founder & CEO of The RealReal and Former Founder of Pets.com How Julie Wainwright Built The RealReal To Be A Billion-Dollar Business | Forbes Greycroft Co-Founder Ian Sigalow on Investing $1 Billion Right Now | StrictlyVC Download - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

This week, we’re bringing you an exclusive panel discussion from the Arctic15 LP Summit 2024. Moderated by Sarah Chen-Spellings, this conversation dives deep into the evolving venture capital landscape, driven by the influx of private wealth. Joining Sarah are Tor-Oskar Karlberg, Investment Director at Stephen Industries; Ville Solja, Owner & Investor at Kiilto Ventures; and Nydia Zhang, Investment Director at Ferretto Capital. Together, the panel explores how family offices and high-net-worth individuals are transforming the venture space, the driving factors behind this shift, and the unique opportunities it presents for both investors and entrepreneurs. Tune in now for insights into the strategies family offices are using to shape the future of venture capital! TIMESTAMPS / KEY TAKEAWAYS 0:00 - Intro 04:02 - Where do venture stands in family offices’ portfolio? 07:53 - Building the portfolio; using funds as an entry point to deal flow 09:55 - The investment landscape of family offices in Asia; “we need to know who we are before we start to look for what we like” 14:01 - Involvement in direct investments as a next-gen in family offices; “we need to be more active; not only because we find strong purpose, we actually need to do in order to survive.” 16:42 - Purposeful investing and making impact as family offices 21:54 - Outlook for the current and the next cycle; how is Asia faring as a region 27:16 - Audience questions Full Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKnKGKd_4WI Panelists: Tor-Oskar Karlberg- Investment Director, Stephen Industries Ville Solja – Owner & Investor, Kiilto Ventures Nydia Zhang – Investment Director, Ferretto Capital Moderator: Sarah Chen-Spellings – Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Beyond The Billion - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

This week, our host Sarah Chen-Spellings, venture capitalist, strategist, and co-founder of Beyond the Billion, takes the hot seat on the iDigress podcast, hosted by Troy Sandige! Sarah shares her insights on what it truly takes to build billion-dollar unicorns—from mastering the pitch to overcoming rejection and navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Tune in to learn how she’s helping entrepreneurs thrive in today’s fast-paced market, and discover the critical strategies that turn setbacks into success. Original aired on iDigress Podcast with Troy Sandige: Building Billion Dollar Unicorns: How To Pitch, Overcome Rejection, & Succeed As A Modern Entrepreneur With Sarah Chen-Spellings [Masterclass] - Struggling to land that big pitch? Wondering why your path to success is filled with setbacks? Join us as we uncover what it really takes to build billion-dollar unicorns! Learn how to navigate failure, overcome rejection, stay resilient, and empower yourself—and others—in today’s competitive market with insights from venture capitalist and strategist Sarah Chen-Spellings in this masterclass episode. In this episode, we delve into the high-stakes world of entrepreneurship with Sarah Chen-Spellings, a venture capitalist, strategist, and co-founder of Beyond the Billion. Join us as we explore the journey of building billion-dollar unicorns, where success is not just about having a great idea, but mastering the art of pitching, navigating the inevitable rejections, and persisting through the toughest challenges. Sarah shares her unique insights on what it truly takes to succeed in today’s fast-paced entrepreneurial landscape. From her experience leading a global consortium investing over $1 Billion in women-founded companies to her work as a seasoned strategist and host of the "Billion Dollar Moves" podcast, Sarah offers invaluable advice for entrepreneurs aiming to make their mark. Whether you’re an emerging entrepreneur or a seasoned founder, this episode is your masterclass on how to pitch, overcome rejection, and ultimately succeed in the billion-dollar game. Learn the critical strategies that differentiate those who thrive from those who fall short, and discover the mindset needed to turn risk into reward. Key Takeaways: The art of pitching: How to craft a compelling pitch that stands out in a crowded market. Overcoming rejection: Proven strategies for turning setbacks into opportunities and building resilience. Navigating risk: Insights on how to manage and mitigate the risks inherent in scaling a business to unicorn status. The modern entrepreneur's mindset: What it takes to succeed in today’s competitive and rapidly evolving business environment. Entrepreneurial diversity: Strategies for bringing more diverse entrepreneurs—women, Black, Latina, Asian, and others—to the table and ensuring they have the resources and support needed to succeed in the billion-dollar game. Sarah's personal journey: Lessons from her experience co-founding Beyond the Billion and her role in shaping the future of venture capital. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain actionable insights from one of the leading voices in venture capital and entrepreneurship. Connect With Troy: Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews Follow Troy's LinkedIn @FindTroy Get Strategy Solutions & Services: GrowWithTroy.com Follow Troy's Instagram @FindTroy - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

This week, we are resurfacing our conversation with Johanna Småros, co-founder of RELEX Solutions, one of Finland's leading unicorns. In our conversation, we delve into the unique path of RELEX Solutions, which was bootstrapped for more than 10 years and built “The Finnish Way” - practical and transparent. From bootstrapping for over a decade to transforming the company into a global leader, her story is a testament to innovation, resilience, and strategic vision. This is why, Johanna is next on the list of #BillionDollarMoves we should all learn from. TIMESTAMPS / KEY TAKEAWAYS 0:00 - Intro 02:29 - Lesson #1: Don't Underestimate Academic Foundations 05:16 - Lesson #2: Do It Your Way: The Finnish Way of Building 07:03 - Lesson #3: Find Your Unique Approach in a Saturated Space 10:56 - Lesson #4: Leverage Existing Champions to Drive Global Ambition 15:11 - 3 Actionable Questions for You If you enjoyed this, tune in to full episode with Johanna! From Bootstrapped Startup to Finnish Tech Unicorn: RELEX Solutions' Rise w/ Johanna Småros, RELEX Solutions 🎙️Podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/bdm-johanna 🎞️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3moRBN0M5r0 🌐 Website: https://www.billiondollarmoves.com/from-bootstrap-to-finnish-tech-unicorn-relex-solutions-johanna-smaros/ - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

This week’s episode features Nick Washburn, Senior Managing Director at Intel Capital. If you're an investor—or aspire to be—this conversation is a masterclass you won't want to miss. For those who might not be familiar, Intel Capital is the venture capital arm of Intel Corporation, and it's long been considered the gold standard in the industry. They've backed legendary companies like Red Hat, VMware, and DocuSign, among others. Over the past three decades, they've seen more than 250 of their portfolio companies go public and have had another 500 successful exits. And since 2018 alone, Intel Capital has seen approximately $12 billion in market cap companies hit the public markets. From the intricacies of reserve strategies to the common pitfalls that even seasoned VCs can stumble into, we’ve covered it all. This insider look at the art and science of venture investing, especially from someone with Nick's experience, is packed with valuable insights. So, trust me, this is one conversation you don't want to miss! TIMESTAMPS / KEY TAKEAWAYS 0:00 - Intro 01:32 - Lessons from ice hockey: “Go to where the puck was going” 02:39 - Shaping founders to be less output-focused; “All of the biggest outcomes are extreme outliers and there is no path.” 04:26 - Pattern matching; “Try to not focus necessarily on the background, but more of their understanding of the problem statement and why they feel best position to solve it.” 06:45 - The two sins in venture: sins of omission and commission 10:06 - The hyped AI field and what matters more to the devs and customers? 13:43 - Cybersecurity; singular platform versus best tools 16:10 - Core competency of Intel Capital in investment; “I invest both in developer tools and infrastructure software; if I don't look at them in the right aperture, I get it wildly wrong.” 19:49 - Inside Intel Capital: north of 250 IPOs and 500 exits in the past 30 years 24:19 - What has Intel Capital done right in structuring?; “You should lead with the goal and then reverse it in the process.” 27:48 - Nick’s personal journey from law school to investments; the imposter syndrome 31:44 - The anti-portfolio; FreshPaint: “They have not pivoted. They just reposition because that's where the market demand was coming.” 35:06 - On guiding founders; Charles Hudson’s “When to Intervene” 38:43 - The dynamics of Intel’s investment committee and strategy framework 42:17 - Takes on current market conditions 43:38 - Billion Dollar Questions About Nick Washburn Nick Washburn is a Senior Managing Director of Intel Capital located in Denver, CO. He joined Intel Capital in 2014. Nick is a voting member of Intel Capital’s investment committee and co-manages Intel Capital’s cloud investment domain. He focuses on early-stage investments in cloud-native infrastructure, developer tools, artificial intelligence/machine learning, and data platforms. Nick currently serves as a director or observer on the boards of Augtera Networks, Fly.io, Freshpaint, Moderne, OtterTune, and Tetrate. He also works closely on Intel Capital’s investments in Anyscale and Upbound. In addition, Nick currently serves as a director on the board of the National Venture Capital Association, and he is a member of the Kauffman Fellows, Class 25. He is a proud father to amazing twin boys, he loves playing ice hockey, and he is an avid lover of all things outdoors, including skiing, mountain biking and rock climbing. FOLLOW NICK: LinkedIn | X/Twitter - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

Muslims are projected to constitute more than 25% of the world's total population this year. To many in the industry, this isn't just a statistic; it represents a vast array of opportunities for the markets. This week, we are revisiting our conversation with Fara Abdullah, CEO of Bitsmedia, the brains behind the immensely popular Muslim lifestyle app, Muslim Pro. With a fresh injection of $20 million from its Series A funding round, featuring participation from Gobi Partners, alongside continued backing from existing investors CMI Capital Partners and Bintang Capital Partners, Bitsmedia is poised to enhance the faith experience through cutting-edge technologies. Our discussion delves into various aspects, including the business landscape, the potential in faith-driven markets, and the interception of faith, finance, and technology. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Intro 02:52 - Market opportunities in the Muslim community; Bitsmedia’s business model 07:39 - Challenging the misconceptions and templatization of Muslims 10:49 - Thesis behind the 160 million annual downloads of Muslim Pro: faith in challenging times and the modern Muslim lifestyle 15:13 - Bitsmedia’s ideal consumer profile and the growth of user base 20:30 - Business models and the biggest revenue drive for Bitsmedia 24:11 - Decision making and resource distribution as the CEO 26:52 - The role of technology in shaping faith and vice versa 30:31 - The idea of moderation and ethical interpretations with use of technologies 32:41 - Bitsmedia’s role in the interception of faith, finance and technology 34:35 - Observed trends of religious behaviors and attitudes; the socialization of faith 37:01 - Fundraising and choosing the right partners 39:46 - Billion dollar questions 3 Key Insights: 1/ The market is HUGE and there’s something for everyone. With the global Muslim population surpassing 2 billion as we’re speaking now, the market needs continue to evolve. Beyond facilitating religious practices, there's a plethora of avenues to explore, from educational content for children to virtual community building and financial services. 2/ Infusion of technology is inevitable in today’s world; we cannot simply steer away from it. “Regardless of how afraid we are of it, how much we want to preserve certain things, this technology wave is coming,” Despite concerns, the inevitable wave of technology presents significant opportunities. According to Fara, embracing this wave requires courage while prioritizing community safety and moderation. 3/ See the market potential beyond complexity. While the complexity of faith-related businesses may deter some, more and more investors recognize the immense potential within this market. And just like any business, expertise and strategic vision are essential to harnessing these opportunities effectively. ABOUT BITSMEDIA Bitsmedia is a Singapore-based, technology company known globally as the developer and publisher of the Muslim Pro app – a highly-rated and comprehensive Muslim lifestyle app with more than 150 million downloads globally to date. The company is also the publisher of Qalbox, a global subscription video on demand (SVoD) entertainment streaming service aimed at the global Muslim community. - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

We’re thrilled to feature Jyri Engeström, a serial entrepreneur who found early success with exits to Google and Groupon. Now an investor, Jyri continues to shape the startup landscape as a General Partner at Yes VC, the fund he co-founded with his partner, Caterina Fake, co-founder of Flickr. At the same time, Jyri makes significant strides in building and investing in startups alongside Petteri Koponen at Lifeline Ventures in Finland. We delve into the opportunities and technologies shaping the future, lessons Jyri has learned from his time in Silicon Valley, and how Finland is positioning itself as a global startup hub. Jyri’s deep understanding of network theory, social dynamics, and his curiosity about emerging markets—from space colonization to geopolitical shifts—makes this an episode you won’t want to miss. TIMESTAMP / KEY TAKEAWAYS 0:00 - Intro 02:41 - The Innovator’s Dilemma, Sociology, & bi-continental life in Finland & the US 06:20 - Working in Nokia to founding Jaiku 08:56 - Google’s acquisition of Jaiku 12:52 - Selling Ditto to Groupon; “I knew to kill the app immediately after the acquisition,” 16:09 - Lessons learned as a serial entrepreneur; leadership 19:01 - New chapters with True Ventures and Yes VC; patterns of success in portfolio 25:04 - Yes VC’s super early stage approach; thoughts on legacy 32:06 - Identifying the potential unicorns; how to be curiosity-driven, continuously 37:00 - Minting the unicorns & the anti-portfolios 39:37 - The founder product fit; Petteri Koponen’s pattern of success 44:48 - Raising children; parallel entrepreneurship 49:58 - The liquidity & exit landscape and deal flow in Finland today 54:11 - Jyri's trajectory for the next five years; messages to global investors 56:29 - Billion Dollar Questions Brought to you by Helsinki Partners The third edition of Founders to Finland Program helps international scale-up founders build their business network in the Nordics. This 7-day program takes place in Helsinki in November, and its 15 selected participants get to experience the magic of the Slush startup conference and valuable side events with a free ticket. Expect hyper-relevant networking, personal introductions to local companies, and tailored info sessions to learn more about the innovative spirit of the Finnish scale-up culture. Learn more and apply by September 1! ABOUT JYRI Jyri has invested in several unicorns including Unity, Oura, Iceye and Boom Supersonic. Jyri’s entrepreneurial journey began with Jaiku, a mobile social networking service he co-founded with Petteri Koponen and sold to Google in 2007. He sold his second company Ditto, a recommendation service, to Groupon in 2012. In 2020 he founded Primary Diagnostics, a healthcare platform serving tens of millions of people across the U.S. For four years Jyri was at True Ventures, a leading Silicon Valley venture fund, where he invested in e.g. Iceye, the world’s largest radar satellite constellation, with Lifeline. Alongside Lifeline Ventures Jyri is Partner at Yes VC, a venture firm he co-founded with Caterina Fake in San Francisco. Yes VC has notable investments in carbon capture, post-fossil energy, space and AI. Jyri combines company-building with venture investing. “Entrepreneurship is a skill. It takes discipline and practice. Each company we build improves our hit rate going forward.” FOLLOW JYRI: LinkedIn | X/Twitter | Instagram | Podcast: Startup-Ministeriön - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

This week's episode is proudly brought to you by Tatler Gen.T. On July 12th, we celebrated the groundbreaking launch of Draco Evolution Corp’s AI-driven ETF, now trading on the NYSE. We had the privilege to speak with the visionary co-founders, Jack Fu and Steve Chen, about their innovative ideas and the future of finance. This week, we dive deeper into Steve Chen’s journey co-founding and leaving YouTube, and why we should all take bold leaps in life. TIMESTAMPS / KEY TAKEAWAYS 0:00 - Intro 02:42 - The ‘One-Way Ticket’: “If I have an idea, I'm just going to regret it if I don't take this opportunity now to actually try it out.” 04:16 - The real story of YouTube: “it was a dating video site”; “it was through these changes as you're pivoting around and figuring out exactly where this path is going to take you” 09:00 - Google’s acquisition of YouTube; “He said, we’re making the largest acquisition ever made by Google,” 11:48 - Behind key decisions: “The answer usually is in our heads already.”; the hardest lesson learned 14:40 - Building legacy and impact; “What brings you happiness?” About Steve Chen Steve Chen is a Taiwanese-American Internet entrepreneur who is one of the co-founders and previous chief technology officer of the video-sharing website YouTube. After he co-founded the company AVOS Systems, Inc. and built the video-sharing app MixBit, he joined Google Ventures in 2014. TUNE IN TO PART 1 Building Legacy & The Future of Finance w/ Steve Chen & Jack Fu, Draco Evolution 🎙️Podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/bdm-draco 🎞️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzjmFfRequ8 🌐 Website: https://www.billiondollarmoves.com/the-future-of-finance-steve-chen-jack-fu-draco-evolution-nyse/ READ MORE: DRACO EVOLUTION’S STEVE CHEN AND JACK FU ON BUILDING LEGACY AND THE FUTURE OF FINANCE | Tatler Gen.T - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

This week, we're diving into the remarkable journey of Adi Tatarko, Co-Founder and CEO of Houzz, a story that epitomizes resilience, innovation, and the strength of community. Adi and her husband, Alon Cohen, turned their personal frustration into a global leader in the home renovation and design industry. What began as a side project evolved into a multi-billion dollar enterprise, now serving over 3 million professionals and 70 million users worldwide. Let's unpack Adi’s #billiondollarmoves in today's CEO Series! TIMESTAMPS / KEY TAKEAWAYS 0:00 - Intro 1:44 - Lesson #1: Don’t underestimate the power of being open to opportunities 4:52 - Lesson #2: Bootstrapping in the beginning is not the worst Idea 8:50 - Lesson #3: Build for scale AND RESILIENCE by focusing on sound foundations 13:38 - Billion Dollar Questions About Adi Tatarko Adi Tatarko is the co-founder and CEO of Houzz, an online platform for home remodeling and design she and her husband, Alon Cohen, started in 2009. The couple launched the website after they had trouble finding ideas for remodeling their house. Under her leadership, the company has become an influential marketplace in the design industry, connecting millions of homeowners with home professionals globally. Alon replaced Adi as CEO of the company in January 2024. Prior to founding Houzz, Adi worked in international finance. She holds a BA in Economics from Tel Aviv University. Adi’s entrepreneurial acumen and deep understanding of the technology-driven consumer market make her a valuable addition to any venture capital portfolio. FOLLOW ADI | LinkedIn Source: How I Built This with Guy Rap | Adi Tatarko 'Maybe I'm Not A Typical Founder But So What?': How Houzz Cofounder Adi Tatarko Leads Uniquely | Forbes Women Outsider Insight: Adi Tatarko | Sequoia Capital Adi Tatarko (Houzz) at Startup Grind Silicon Valley Houzz CEO on how she took her idea to help homeowners remodel homes and turned it a global business | Yahoo Finance Houzz CEO: Empowering Users | Mad Money | CNBC - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

This week's episode is proudly presented by Tatler Gen.T. Join us for an exclusive conversation recorded live at the New York Stock Exchange with Jack and Steve, the visionary co-founders of Draco Evolution Corp. On July 12th, We were on site to celebrate the groundbreaking launch of their AI-driven ETF, now trading on the NYSE. From the electrifying atmosphere of the closing bell ceremony to their journey of building global startups across Taiwan and Asia, and the innovation behind the Draco ETF designed to shape the future of finance—we cover it all in this episode. Don’t miss this deep dive into the future of finance! TIMESTAMPS / KEY TAKEAWAYS 0:00 - Intro 02:18 - Draco Evolution at the NYSE Closing Bell Ceremony for their first ETF listing 03:16 - Jack’s new chapter; Draco ETF: technology and risks 06:47 - Steve’s moves back to Taiwan after YouTube; why Draco ETF? 11:09 - The partnership; hedge fund background versus consumer-focused strategies 15:31 - What’s next for Draco? 20:07 - Building a global company from Taiwan; “they read about all the financial news and what are the ways and the bridges that we can connect outside of our island or outside of our Asia region?” 22:54 - Lessons learned; “sometimes we focus on what we know, but we just have to leave our comfort zone,” Read more on: DRACO EVOLUTION’S STEVE CHEN AND JACK FU ON BUILDING LEGACY AND THE FUTURE OF FINANCE | Tatler Gen.T About Draco Capital Partners In 2020, Jack Fu partnered with YouTube co-founder Steve Chen to establish Draco Capital Partners. They developed low-volatility artificial intelligence investment strategies with a team of economists and engineers, shaping the fund’s operational policies. Since its founding, the team have managed over US$220 million in funds, achieving remarkable investment results. Draco Capital Partners goes public on the New York Stock Exchange in early 2024, introducing two products: AI Active Management ETF (DRAI ETF) and AI Matched Quantitative Trading Platform. The former employs AI for intelligent investment, offering unique growth opportunities and risk protection for investors through AI technology and active management strategies. The latter provides a platform for investment strategy experts and general investors to share professional knowledge and innovative investment tools, creating a unique and open quantitative investment ecosystem, bringing more opportunities and value to both parties. More on: https://www.dracocp.com/ ABOUT JACK FU Managing Director, Draco Capital Partners Prior to founding Draco Capital, Jack was the Pacific Rim Managing Director of All Sun Group, where he managed a portfolio of $1.8 billion. Previously, Jack was a Senior Financial Consultant at Linsco & Private Ledge managing family offices and institutional clients. Jack began his career as a Financial Advisor at Union Bank Investment Services. ABOUT STEVE CHEN Managing Partner & Chief Technology Officer, Draco Capital Partners Steve builds massive strategy data center for Draco, provides algorithm, and leads the programming process for investment strategies and trading. Steve was the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of YouTube. He was instrumental in building YouTube into a viral video phenomenon. He helped lead YouTube through the Google acquisition for $1.65 billion less than a year after launching the site. From 2014-2016, Steve served as an Entrepreneur in Residence at Google Ventures. - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

"Secondaries are just deals with a discount?" Think again. In this episode, we explore how the secondary market has surged to a staggering $100 billion in transaction volume, driven by the pressing need for liquidity. Featuring Martin Fleischer, Principal of Coller Capital, and Ku Kay-Mok, Senior Partner at Gobi Partners, we talked about the explosive growth of continuation vehicles and the challenges general partners (GPs) face in navigating this dynamic market. Tune in now as we unravel the complexities of the secondary market, its great opportunities, and the strategic moves that can make or break investment portfolios in these volatile times. TIMESTAMPS / KEY TAKEAWAYS 0:00 - Intro 02:04 - Introduction: Martin Fleischer, Coller Capital & Ku Kay-Mok, Gobi Partners 04:20 - What really is the secondaries opportunity? The 100bn secondaries transaction volume driven by liquidity 06:18 - Structures for LPs and GPs in secondaries; the market growth of continuation vehicles 08:41 - Challenges for GPs in secondaries: pricing and carry split 10:20 - “I think we are the necessity in this market; people want liquidity for various reasons”; CV as the third exit route for GPs 12:50 - GP’s view: structuring exits; “theme is important for VC”; being strategic with co-investors and building liquidity 15:17 - “Be patient if you don't want to sell”; price drop in consumer space and outdated valuations 17:09 - Discount premium, implied valuation multiples, patient capital, and plans to drive returns 19:51 - “The secondary market will become more and more specialized”; “the biggest constraint is capital” 22:41 - Advice for LPs building base in the Nordics; re-industrialization and opportunities in global south - Arctic15 LP Summit 2024 PANEL: Secondaries & Exits for This Venture Cycle Martin Fleischer - Principal, Coller Capital Ku Kay-Mok - Senior Partner, Gobi Partners Moderator: Sarah Chen-Spellings - Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Beyond The Billion - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

This week, we have the pleasure of speaking with Johanna Småros, co-founder of RELEX Solutions, one of Finland's leading unicorns. In our conversation, we delve into the unique path of RELEX Solutions, which was bootstrapped for more than 10 years and built “The Finnish Way” - practical and transparent. Tune in to today’s episode to learn more about the intricacies of global supply chain solutions, the Finnish entrepreneurial ecosystem, and why it's important to “stop stupid things”. Brought to you by Helsinki Partners Venture Nordics Program Now in its second edition, this 7-day program is designed for international VCs and LPs. It features exclusive networking events, introductions to Finnish LPs and VCs, curated meetings with top-performing companies, and a free ticket to Slush 2024, including LP track and access to exclusive side-events. Learn more and apply by 18/8! TIMESTAMPS / KEY TAKEAWAYS 0:00 - Intro 02:53 - Johanna pursuing engineering encouraged by her family; road to becoming a researcher at Helsinki University of Technology 06:18 - The shift from academia to practical implications; starting RELEX with co-founders Mikko Kärkkäinen and Michael Falck 11:07 - The supply chain scene in 2005 and building the infrastructure with forecasting and replenishment solutions 15:13 - RELEX’s market entry in Finland: every client is an R&D project 17:05 - Scaling up with Finland as an R&D hub; “You have to generalize almost at the start, which gives you an upper hand because then you're versatile.” 20:09 - Complexities faced when starting RELEX; “it's not very helpful to have three tires in stock,” Johanna’s shift to sales, venturing into countries outside Finland 23:17 - Choosing the right partners; “we were never like friends in that sense.” 25:57 - The supply chain scene today with advancements in AI technology 28:36 - From bootstrapped to private equity: one of the only Finnish companies that has raised over €800 million 30:19 - Building and scaling a company in Finland: language and picking funders 33:13 - The Finnish entrepreneurial ecosystem 36:15 - The five elements of the RELEX culture; the future of RELEX 41:29 - Billion Dollar Questions ABOUT JOHANNA It all started when Johanna joined the Logistics Research Group at Helsinki University of Technology in the late 1990s. During her years in academia, she studied several aspects of supply chain management, including inter-company collaboration, forecasting and replenishment, e-commerce, and value-added services. Her doctoral dissertation focused on collaboration between grocery retailers and suppliers, which then led her to the practical solutions that RELEX Solutions later provided for the world. ABOUT RELEX SOLUTIONS Together with two fellow researchers, Mikko Kärkkäinen and Mikael Falck, Johanna founded RELEX in 2005. RELEX has provided a means for turning research innovations into practice and further developing them by making use of the latest developments in technology, such as in-memory computing. RELEX helps retailers and consumer brands drive profitable growth across all sales and distribution channels by maximizing customer satisfaction and minimizing operative costs. Leading brands like Ahold Delhaize USA, Stokke, Kwik Trip, and Rossmann trust RELEX to optimize their supply chain and retail planning. MORE ON: https://www.relexsolutions.com/ - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

This week’s episode comes to you from the Wharton Women in Investing Conference 2024. On January 26, Wharton Women in Investing held its third annual conference at Convene in New York City. The conference theme was growth and good governance as investors. “The Wharton Women in Investing Conference epitomizes our dedication to advancing diversity and inclusion within the investment community. Our goal at the Harris Family Alternative Investments Program is not only to facilitate a rich learning environment but also to highlight the vital role of women in shaping the future of the investment landscape. By bringing together a distinguished lineup of speakers and panelists, the conference has provided our MBA students and attendees with unparalleled insights into the complexities of investing and leadership. It presented an opportunity to engage, inspire, and empower the next generation of investment leaders.” - Burcu Esmer, Academic Co-Director of the Harris Family Alternative Investments Program The closing keynote speakers featured Global Head of Citi Private Bank Ida Liu, WG, and Sarah Chen-Spellings, Beyond The Billion Co-Founder and Managing Partner. Event Recap: https://altinvest.wharton.upenn.edu/wharton-women-in-investing-conference-2024/ About Ida Liu Ida Liu is the Global Head of Citi Private Bank and a member of the Global Wealth Management Leadership team. Ida leads the Private Banking activities in 50 offices across 18 countries and delivers wealth management solutions to ultra-high net worth families and their businesses globally. Before becoming the Global Head, she was the Head of Citi Private Bank North America and held numerous other leadership roles. Ida created Citi Private Bank’s North America Asian Clients Group, and she started her career at Citi by launching and heading the Fashion, Retail and Entertainment Group. Before joining Citi, Ida was at Vivienne Tam, a women’s wear design house, where she was Global Head of Sales, Marketing, Public Relations and Business Development. Prior to this, Ida spent seven years in investment banking with Merrill Lynch’s mergers and acquisitions and technology, media and telecommunications investment banking groups in New York and Hong Kong. She started her career in mergers and acquisitions at BT Wolfensohn (now Deutsche Bank). Ida has received many industry accolades including Barron’s 10 Most Influential Women in Wealth Management, Barron’s 100 Most Influential Women in U.S. Finance, Crain’s Notable Women on Wall Street and American Banker’s 25 Most Powerful Women in Finance. Additionally, Ida is a Young Global Leader (YGL) of the World Economic Forum, a member of The Committee of 100 (C100) and Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO). Ida serves on the UCLA Health Advisory Board as well as the Asia Society Board. Ida holds a BA with honors from Wellesley College and an MBA from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. She is fluent in Mandarin Chinese, Spanish and conversant in Russian. FOLLOW IDA | https://www.linkedin.com/in/idaliu/ - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

Dr. Raj Shah's journey comprises numerous transformative endeavors, spanning his roles at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID, to his current position as President of the Rockefeller Foundation. In his publication, "Big Bets: How Large-Scale Change Really Happens," he illuminates the power of the big bet mindset—a belief that addressing problems boldly, rather than settling for incremental improvements, attracts partners capable of achieving transformational change. In this week's episode, we had the honor of exploring the significant big bets he made throughout his career. The shared big bet mindset aims to inspire leaders at every level to reimagine possibilities on a grand scale. You won't want to miss this. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Intro 02:23 - Who is Raj Shah? From med school to volunteering at Al Gore’s presidential campaign, joining the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Obama’s administration, and then the Rockefeller Foundation 07:44 The big bet mindset: avoiding aspiration trap 10:03 Status of global philanthropy in US today 13:37 Revolutionary technologies and innovative solutions to address hunger and poverty in countries like India, Nigeria, and parts of Latin America 17:14 Risk-taking and building unlikely partnerships and alliances; overstepping authority at Gates Foundation 20:06 The 3 core ingredients of a big bet mindset 22:06 Leadership and taking a stand; working with Mitch Landrieu and the Confederate statues 25:05 Risk-taking and adopting the big bet mindset to solve global issues; e.g., the child refundable tax credit in the US 27:43 Role of charity: where do philanthropists get things wrong? 31:03 What does rejection feel like for Raj Shah? And how to keep going? 35:48 Billion Dollar Questions - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

This week’s episode is fresh out of the oven! The Family Office Alliance Stockholm Symposium took place about a week ago. In one of the panels titled "Purposeful Investing in AI," Sarah Chen-Spellings moderated a discussion on AI and impact investing with an emphasis on women's perspectives. She was joined by esteemed panelists Dorothy Chou from Google DeepMind, Sandro Gianella from OpenAI, and Nina Rawal from Trill Impact Ventures. In this discussion, we delve into the fascinating world of AI and its impact on various industries. We explore the rise of generative AI like ChatGPT, the importance of identifying AI-centered innovations that are genuinely impactful, and the potential risks associated with AI's rapid growth. We've covered it all. TIMESTAMPS / KEY TAKEAWAYS 0:00 - Intro 5:16 - Where AI is Today: Discussing generative AI such as ChatGPT and more scientific applications. 10:26 - Is This a Hype Cycle?: How are we positioning ourselves as investors? 13:21 - Identifying AI-Centered Innovations: How to spot innovations that are truly grounded in power and committed to purpose. 16:17 - The Extinction Risk with AI Growth: What guardrails and institutions are needed? Comparing OpenAI and Google. 27:12 - Accountability in Investments: Balancing financial returns with meaningful outcomes. 32:51 - API Version of AI: Is it better or worse? 35:06 - Balancing Advancement and Ethics 37:50 - Closing Remarks: Building trust between humans and the digital world, redefining what constitutes a safe or good investment in AI, and discussing the incentives created by investments. - Quotables from the event: "As a life science investor, I see the endless opportunities AI offers when it comes to understanding human disease. I would argue that it's unethical to not explore AI in making the untreatable diseases treatable." —Nina Rawal, Trill Impact "There's a lot of fear around AI, but as someone close to the work, I'm not worried. The lesson of the last decade isn't to avoid the tech platforms—it's to structure them the right way with the right people around the table, and that's a constant learning." —Sandro Gianella, OpenAI “Let’s not forget what’s important is also not what gets invested but who gets invested in.” —Dorothy Chou, Google DeepMind About Family Office Alliance The Family Office Alliance is established by Principals of Family Offices in Europe and Singapore. We believe that with resilience and common purpose, global challenges can be transformed into uncommon opportunities. It is a bridge of trust for radical collaboration between Family Offices in Europe and Asia. -- Family Office Alliance The Family Office Alliance Stockholm Symposium | Event Recap - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

What distinguishes the standout figures in the world of venture capital from those who aren’t? "𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞, 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞." Currently serving as the Partner Emeritus at Top Tier Capital Partners, Lisa describes her journey as "serendipitous" and filled with unexpected twists. Join us as we explore the realm of venture capital through Lisa Edgar's eyes. It's about nurturing relationships, establishing a solid foundation, and going beyond. Timestamps 0:00 - Intro 01:15 - Views on current global venture market, Finland & ecosystem in Europe 03:15 - Lisa's journey from hospitality to venture 06:57 - Common mistakes when starting and the importance of relationship building 09:23 - Hard & soft skills that make GP successful 10:07 - Lisa's time at Horsley Bridge Partners; access plays and transitions 11:05 - What makes an enduring franchise; Benchmark's strategy in building 14:57 - Lisa's move to build Top Tier Capital Partners 17:46 - Living up to the name "Top Tier" and the mantra "leadership, trust, transparency and Respect 22:45 - Key to building infrastructure 24:40 - Access focused strategy, portfolio diversification 27:22 - Vision in fund evaluation and checklist for portfolio 32:15 - Strategies in fund of funds; criteria for success as fund manager 35:16 - Is fund of funds worth it? 39:32 - Access play: key learning and mistakes 43:19 - Lisa's thoughts on current market and how to cope as a team 46:28 - LP's view on ensuring GP's ethics 50:41 - Opportunities for people of color in the LP's world 51:50 - Lisa' next move - ORIGINAL EPISODE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dY94C26V0Vs - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

𝐎𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚-𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐝𝐨 𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 $𝟐𝟎𝐌 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜 - how did this happen? This week’s episode features Mike Moradi, one of the GPs of Cortado Ventures, also the co-founder and also a portfolio company CEO, the CEO of Sensulin, where the company Sensulin is developing a glucose responsive insulin which will drastically reduce the number of injections diabetes patients will have to take. Our conversation is wide ranging from how he first got the entrepreneurial bug, which landed him a $10 million exit at 25 years old, to then leading $10 million in six weeks for Cortado’s fund one, and what's broken in America's health care system. TIMESTAMPS / KEY TAKEAWAYS 0:00 - Intro 2:17 - Growing up with diversity and the entrepreneurial bug 5:26 - The culture and diversity scene in mid-continent America; Oklahoma VS Bay Area 8:52 - From dentistry to failing first company, then landed a $10 million exit at 25 years old 11:35 - The key to successful exit and ‘superpower’ as a serial entrepreneur 13:14 - Addressing diabetes and insulin: building Sensulin 18:23 - Challenges as the CEO of Sensulin 20:52 - Where life sciences is today: innovation and it’s consequences; AI and healthcare 24:24 - Why is healthcare broken in America? 25:40 - James Rogers; incentive structures between different stakeholders 28:19 - Advice to entrepreneurs building B2B SaaS company; be the clock maker 29:34 - Cortado Ventures: raising $10 million in six weeks during pandamic 32:05 - Reason behind Cortado fund I success; the room for innovation In times of great disruption 34:29 - What makes a good fund? Common mistakes made by fund managers 39:24 - Takeaways from both sides of the table: GP for Cortado Ventures and CEO of Sensulin 41:56 - Billion Dollar Questions About Mike Moradi Mike Moradi is an American biochemist, entrepreneur and diabetes advocate. Mike is a co-founder / CEO of Sensulin, a company that strives to provide a once-a-day solution for type I/II diabetics. He has founded or helped establish more than a dozen nanotechnology and biotechnology companies. MORE ABOUT MIKE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemoradi https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Moradi - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

Let’s make things tangible - how do we challenge the status quo with actions? Beyond The Billion returned to Austin earlier this year in partnership with Dell Technologies, Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network, Dell For Startups, and Intel, to convene some of America’s leaders in both venture capital and entrepreneurship to kick off SXSW and International Women’s Day. Against the backdrop of a decline in VC funding to all-women founding teams in 2023, funders and founders convened to discuss key strategies to continue to address what needs to be done. In this episode, we feature esteemed speakers from the panel, including Dr. Molly Morse of Mango Materials, Dr. Lana Feng of Huma AI, Lisa Song Sutton of The Veteran Fund, and Lizanne Atherly of Beyond The Billion, who generously shared their journey — the highs, lows, and the lessons learned along the way. Key takeaways from the Funding Founders Forward panel: Are your investment strategies contributing to the growth of women entrepreneurs? Who are your stakeholders and their stakeholders? Are you assertive enough? Do you understand your clients' needs? Full Recap: https://beyondthebillion.com/dell-austin2024/ About Beyond The Billion Led by Co-Founders and Managing Partners Shelly Porges and Sarah Chen-Spellings, Beyond the Billion (BTB) mobilized over US $1billion in its first nine months from their original 86 Fund Partners who today number 123 including Texas-based True Wealth Ventures, Ajim Capital, and the Artemis Fund. Within the first two years, BTB’s Fund Partners around the world invested over US $638million into almost 800 women-founded companies (WFCs), with fourteen of those now having been identified as unicorns, including a notable few with Austin roots: Everly Health and Canva. As importantly, a subset of those almost 800 deals (479) went on to raise almost US $4billion, demonstrating the catalytic effect of breaking the funding barrier for so many early-stage WFCs. MORE ABOUT BTB: https://beyondthebillion.com/ - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

Munich Re Ventures is the venture capital group of Munich Re, the world's largest reinsurance company and a leading global provider of primary insurance and insurance related resolutions. Now Munich Re Ventures is a billion plus platform that is financially driven while focusing on the strategic interests of Munich Re. In this episode, Sidra Ahmed Lefort, Investment Director, Munich Re Ventures, takes us on a deep dive into the landscape of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and health care. Tune in to today’s episode to learn about everything from pricing mistakes VCs make, market trends, access, acquisitions on the ground, and how valuations and mindsets are shifting. TIMESTAMPS / KEY TAKEAWAYS 0:00 - Intro 02:15 - What makes Sidra changed the trajectory of her career 06:28 - What do investors from the East get wrong in investing in America? 08:30 - The dual mandate of EDBI; lessons learned from government’s technology investment strategy 11:08 - The structure and mandate of Munich Re Ventures; what works in the structure? 15:20 - Interest in adopting AI in cybersecurity and healthcare; market size for cyber 20:09 - Opportunities at the intersection of health tech and FinTech; Quantile Health 22:29 - The anti-portfolio: missing out on CrowdStrike 23:41 - Strategy for portfolio construction; follow-on funding 27:48 - Valuations in cyber and healthcare; how investors should be thinking about this investment cycle 31:01 - Exits landscape for cyber and healthcare 34:06 - What needs to change in venture? What is holding women from rising to the senior ranks? 36:05 - Billion Dollar Questions About Sidra Sidra focuses on cybersecurity, digital health, and insurtech opportunities globally. Previously, she was with the VC arm of Singapore Economic Development Board (EDBI). While at EDBI, she served on the board of directors of Gobalto (acquired by Oracle) and served as a board observer to Shape Security (acquired by F5), Livongo (NASDAQ: LVGO), and MetricStream. She joined EDBI from Nanostart, supporting investments in nanotechnology companies in Europe and Asia. Sidra started her technology-focused career in intellectual property at the National University of Singapore, where she played an instrumental role in identifying key technologies for the Life Science department. She received her degree in biomedical science from National University of Singapore and is based in San Francisco. FOLLOW SIDRA: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sidra-ahmed-lefort/ https://www.munichre.com/ https://edbi.com/ - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

Tubi is the most-watched free TV and movie streaming service in the U.S. to date, with the world's largest content library of over 200,000 movies and TV episodes, a growing collection of originals, and nearly 250 Fox channels. The powerhouse behind Tubi’s success is no stranger to the media industry: Anjali Sud, CEO of Tubi. Prior to Tubi, Anjali led Vimeo to become a public company following its spin-off from Barry Diller's IAC Internet Conglomerate. When Anjali took over as CEO of Vimeo, she halted all prior initiatives to reinvent Vimeo as a software company serving the B2B market. Under her leadership, Vimeo achieved around $400 million in annual recurring revenue when she left. Now, as Anjali takes on the role of CEO at Tubi, will she apply the same strategic disruption to her leadership of Tubi? In this week’s episode, we discuss her rise to leadership, the role of media and culture, and much more. TIMESTAMP / KEY TAKEAWAYS 0:00 - Intro 03:14 - Who is Anjali Sud? Crucible moments that led Anjali onto entrepreneurial journey 08:22 - Being rejected by investment banks; Anjali’s career path in her 20s and pivoting into media 10:08 - Filling the market gap as Vimeo CEO; “I was willing to bet on myself and on the idea” 12:21 - Vimeo’s transition from ad-free version of YouTube to B2B SaaS model; the challenges and how to see the “signals” 18:06 - Vimeo going public as a spinoff; the tradeoffs of IPO 21:38 - Anjali’s advice to CEOs getting ready to be listed or for an exit event; importance of revenue predictability 23:44 - Changes are the only constant; growth strategies that worked for Vimeo 25:40 - The virality opportunity and word of mouth 26:31 - Anjali’s nine years in Vimeo and her transition to Tubi; “Media is going through significant disruption.” 29:10 - The future of media and content; Tubi as the free entertainment for the cordless generation 31:29 - The product-led mindset; strategy to combat stereotypes towards media ads 33:49 - Quality content with cultural relevance amidst the competition for attention; Tubi original series: Boarders & Big Mood 35:26 - The role of media and culture; influence of AI on media and content 39:31 - Billion Dollar Questions About Anjali “I believe in the power of video. No other medium has the ability to bring stories to life in a deeply personal way, while simultaneously reaching every corner of the globe." Anjali Sud is an American businesswoman and technology and media executive. She is the CEO of Tubi, the entertainment platform and free ad-supported streaming service owned by Fox Corporation. Sud was previously CEO of Vimeo for six years, until August 2023. FOLLOW ANJALI: https://www.instagram.com/anjsud/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anjali_Sud https://www.linkedin.com/in/anjalisud - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

In the age of AI and rapid technological advances, what does it mean to leverage data for good? And in the face of the digital divide, what can we as investors do to address it? With over 20 years of experience in founding multiple start-ups and leading initiatives across diverse sectors, Danil is dedicated to exploring and innovating at the intersection of technology, culture, and society. As the Executive Director of data.org, he drives the platform’s mission to build partnerships committed to advancing the field of data science for social impact. This week's episode we had the honor to discuss topics from combating climate change to promoting equitable access to education and healthcare. Danil and his team at data.org are catalyzing positive change through data-driven solutions. You don’t want to miss this. TIMESTAMPS / KEY TAKEAWAYS 0:00 - Intro 02:51 - Who is Danil Mikhailov? Background in computer science and anthropology 03:54 - Merging impact: human centricity in data and technology; Wellcome Trust and DataDotOrg 09:41 - DataDotOrg’s mission as a collaboration between Rockefeller Foundation and MasterCard Center for Inclusive Growth. 11:23 - The Epiverse and the pandemic 16:16 - The gap in data science related investments between the private and the public sectors; partnership with universities 19:21 - The role of DataDotOrg as a consortium: philosophy of localism 23:23 - Takes on ChatGPT and large language models 26:50 - Digital divide and biases in generative AI tools 29:17 - Nurturing data science talents in emerging countries 31:25 - The next “gray rhino” obvious risk in society from the perspective of data 34:25 - Billion Dollar Questions About DataDotOrg data.org is a platform for partnerships committed to building the field of data science for social impact. https://www.linkedin.com/company/datadotorg/ https://data.org/news/from-data-for-good-to-data-for-impact/ FOLLOW DANIL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danilmikhailov/ - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

“As long as you're open to what's next, as long as you're open to the unknown, then there's an opportunity for you to improve yourself.” - Kimberly Yao, Co-Founder & CEO of CloudEats. From selling booze online and working in Philippine F&B to creating a revolutionary cloud kitchen concept, Kimberly Yao’s entrepreneurial journey has not been a walk in the park, to say the least. Fueled by her passion and interest in food and e-commerce, Kim continues to evolve and adapt as the leader of CloudEats, which, simultaneously, is on a strong growth trajectory since its establishment. How can you become the CEO that your company really needs? And what are the differences when you’re growing from 10 to 100, and then 100 to 1000? Tune in now to learn more about Kim’s leadership at each stage of her entrepreneurial journey! TIMESTAMPS / KEY TAKEAWAYS 0:00 - Intro 02:50 - Takeaway #1: Passion-fueled vision 05:45 - Takeaway #2: Each experience you have is building you up for the next 08:31 - Takeaway #3: You need to be ready to grow and evolve as a CEO. 10:56 - Takeaway #4: The power of the Time Machine theory, but don’t forget to adapt in building in other markets. 13:26 - Sub-takeaway: Be sure of your local advantages 16:56 - Takeaway #5: Not taking a risk, is the biggest risk 19:26 - Closing remarks - Full Episode | Becoming the CEO Your Company Actually Needs to Scale & The Future of Virtual Kitchens with Kim Yao, CloudEats 🌐 Website: https://www.billiondollarmoves.com/future-of-virtual-kitchens-kim-yao-cloudeats/ 🎞️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68-0ifhk3ZI About Kim Yao Co-founder and CEO, CloudEats Kim is building the leading tech-powered food service ecosystem in Southeast Asia through digitally native restaurant brands and proprietary smart kitchen technology. By revolutionizing a massive yet traditional food service industry, her mission at CloudEats is to create the largest cloud restaurant group in the region, challenging brick and mortar heavyweights in F&B. With almost $14m in funding for CloudEats to date, Kim is known to have raised the largest amount of venture capital for a female Filipina led startup. She hopes to inspire female, underrepresented founders to keep dreaming big and work together to pave the way for more women entrepreneurs. Already a veteran in the food and beverage industry, Kimberly Yao opted to “evolve and futureproof” her career by going digital. CloudEats eschews physical restaurants and focuses its 50-plus in-house brands and customised kitchens on delivery. Established in May 2019, the company was recognised by Tech in Asia as one of Southeast Asia’s top 50 rising startups. CloudEats has thrived during Covid-19, opening a new kitchen and donating 55,000 meals to first responders. FOLLOW KIM: https://ph.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyyao https://www.instagram.com/kimyaoza/ https://www.instagram.com/cloud.eats/ - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

As of January 2024, Canva’s design platform attracted around 170 million monthly global users from 190 countries. BUT it was not too long ago that now 36-year-old Canva founder Melanie Perkins was rejected by 100 VCs. Just like some of the best companies today, Canva took awhile to get to an inflection point: between the first idea in 2006, to launching 2013, that was a span of 7 good years. Today, Canva is a $26 billion design startup is ready to take on Microsoft and Google and compared to other behemoths; and people have created over 3 billion designs since. This week, we are taking a deep dive into Melanie Perkin’s story of building the online designing empire Canva. TIMESTAMPS / KEY TAKEAWAYS 0:00 - Intro 02:13 - Canva: from being rejected by over 100 VCs to a $26 billion design startup 05:00 - Lesson #1: Solve the problem you know intimately first: don’t be afraid to niche down, in the beginning 07:34 - Lesson #2: Good things take time—stay grounded, lean and persistent 11:19 - Lesson #3: Focus on what you can change, not what you can’t 15:07 - LESSON #4: Get comfortable going against the grain 17:44 - Lesson #5: You can do it all, but not all at once 21:17 - 3 Actionable Questions for You About Melanie Perkins Melanie Perkins is an Australian billionaire technology entrepreneur, who is the CEO and co-founder of Canva. Perkins is one of the youngest female CEOs of a tech start-up valued over A$1 billion. As of May 2021, Perkins was one of Australia's richest women. Credit/Source: Canva makes staff instant millionaires after $3.6b share sale https://thenightly.com.au/business/canva-makes-staff-instant-millionaires-after-36b-share-sale-c-14205704 Guy Kawasaki's Remarkable People: Melanie Perkins: CEO of Canva https://guykawasaki.com/melanie-perkins-canva-ceo/ Carmine Gallo and Canva CEO, Melanie Perkins https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xysjW_wZgxM Sunrise Australia Day 1 - Melanie Perkins Keynote https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXtGE811GCw Melanie Perkins of Canva on Dealing with Rejection https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e31uR1WhrEQ Melanie Perkins - Canva - Founder stories from The Sunrise https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1uyh2IRWWM How Canva CEO Melanie Perkins turned her small Australian college startup into global unicorn | E939 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TBSg79Gf0M - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

You may have heard the news: as of January 2nd, 2024, Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd has stepped down as chief executive after nearly a decade leading the dating app company. Despite challenges ahead - a more conservative revenue forecast highlighting the need for a dating-app revamp - let’s not overlook the journey that brought Whitney and Bumble to this point. Not to down play that Whitney Wolfe Herd is a recognizable name, at 31 years old becoming the youngest female CEO who had taken a company public in 2021. To call her career trajectory a “comeback” is an understatement and this is why, Whitney makes first on the list of Billion Dollar Moves CEO Series - enjoy! TIMESTAMPS / KEY TAKEAWAYS 0:00 - Intro 2:18 - Whitney Wolfe Herd stepped down from Bumble CEO position; her exit from Tinder and then becoming the youngest women ever to take a company public 5:40 - Lesson #1 Don’t be afraid to make radical bets, especially on yourself 9:15 - Lesson #2 Success can be built on personal setbacks and challenges 10:27 - Lesson #3 Building and upholding a purpose-driven brand identity 14:11 - 3 actionable questions you can ask yourself to think like Whitney About Whitney Wolfe Herd Whitney Wolfe Herd is the founder, executive chair, and former CEO of publicly traded Bumble, an online dating platform, launched in 2014. Co-founded with Russian billionaire Andrey Andreev, Bumble, the dating app, was known for women making the first move. Whitney who owns a 17% stake in Bumble, became the youngest self-made woman billionaire after it went public in February 2021 for ten months. Prior to Bumble, she was the co-founder of Tinder and was previously its Vice President of Marketing. Read More: Calling out inappropriate user behavior on Bumble: “An Open Letter to Conner” Whitney's journey from Tinder to Bumble, then IPO: “She sued Tinder, founded Bumble and now, at 30, is the CEO of a $3 billion dating empire” “How Whitney Wolfe Herd Turned a Vision of a Better Internet Into a Billion-Dollar Brand” Stepping down from CEO position as of January 2024: “Whitney Wolfe Herd Is Stepping Down as Bumble’s C.E.O. After a Decade” Credits: Bumble Founder's Business Lessons For Entrepreneurs | Forbes Bumble's Whitney Wolfe Herd: The Story of Bumble Former Billionaire Whitney Wolfe Herd Out As Bumble CEO Rewriting the Rules of Business and Life With Whitney Wolfe Herd - Official Trailer - MasterClass Bumble Founder: The Truth About My Explosive Tinder Exit Secrets To Dating And Making A Billion By 31 From Bumble’s Whitney Wolfe Herd | MSNBC Summit Series

Revisiting a clip from the LP Summit co-hosted by Beyond the Billion and Arctic15 in Helsinki in 2023, we have curated this brief but insightful episode for GPs, LPs, or even founders. This week’s guests are two European LP veterans - Marko Hara, formerly the director of Elo, one of Finland's largest employee pensions, and Tomi Viia, currently the head of investments at OP Financial Group, managing assets totaling €14.2 billion. Our conversation delved into the trends and opportunities in private equity and highlighted the winning strategies for LPs during uncertain times. Let’s get started! Timestamps/Key Takeaways 0:00 - Intro 03:57 - Takes on current market conditions; advice for LPs during venture slumps 07:48 - The shifts in portfolio diversity; the weighing in private equity 12:28 - Opportunities in US market for European LPs 15:14 - Advice for LPs and portfolio construction during uncertain times 17:25 - The winning factors in investment opportunities 20:22 - Huge platform shift with the explosion of AI; emerging managers are not off the table 23:02 - Q&A: Where are the best soft skills and hard skills that you are looking for in GPs in this environment? 24:53 - Key takeaway for LPs and GPs - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

"Goodwill should mean a whole lot more than accounting concept, is earned and cannot be bought; but if done correctly, can be worth a whole lot." As we step into Q2, there's no better time to pause, reflect, and realign our goals for the year ahead. This week, we revisit an episode that continues to inspire, which talks about creating real value with kindness and math, as advocated by James Rhee and his new book red helicopter. In this conversation, we talked about money, reality, true alpha and transformation -- leveraging kindness. This as he saw in his tenure as the unlikely “least qualified CEO” of Ashley Stewart, where he reinvented the company from the brink of bankruptcy. Ahead of your full read, here are some key takeaways from our conversation last year. Enjoy! TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Intro 02:30 - Takeaway #1: You don't make money with just zeros and ones. 06:07 - Takeaway #2: Kindness is one of the things you never have to hedge. It's never wrong to be kind. 10:14 - Takeaway #3: Don’t underestimate the power of appreciating the quiet leaders. 12:00 Takeaway #4: “I'm more proud of the way we did it than what the result was.” 13:44 - Takeaway #5: The scarcity mindset and why the richest aren’t always the happiest 17:23 - Closing remarks: the red helicopter Full Episode: Leading with Kindness | James Rhee 🎙️Podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/bdm-jamesrhee 🎞️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YYr6ZRQPdI red helicopter - James Rhee Imagine, a clear path forward told as a deeply felt human story. A poignant and uplifting celebration of humanity, red helicopter—a parable for our times is a tale of struggle and triumph, compelling for its honesty and relatability as much as for the instructions we can all use to balance the books of our lives. Grab your copy here! Learn more about James Rhee and red helicopter: https://www.redhelicopter.com/ - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

Muslims are projected to constitute more than 25% of the world's total population this year. To many in the industry, this isn't just a statistic; it represents a vast array of opportunities for the markets. This week, we had the pleasure of speaking with Fara Abdullah, CEO of Bitsmedia, the brains behind the immensely popular Muslim lifestyle app, Muslim Pro. With a fresh injection of $20 million from its recent Series A funding round, featuring participation from Gobi Partners, alongside continued backing from existing investors CMI Capital Partners and Bintang Capital Partners, Bitsmedia is poised to enhance the faith experience through cutting-edge technologies. Our discussion today delves into various aspects, including the business landscape, the potential in faith-driven markets, and the interception of faith, finance, and technology. TIMESTAMPS / KEY TAKEAWAYS 0:00 - Intro 02:52 - Market opportunities in the Muslim community; Bitsmedia’s business model 07:39 - Challenging the misconceptions and templatization of Muslims 10:49 - Thesis behind the 160 million annual downloads of Muslim Pro: faith in challenging times and the modern Muslim lifestyle 15:13 - Bitsmedia’s ideal consumer profile and the growth of user base 20:30 - Business models and the biggest revenue drive for Bitsmedia 24:11 - Decision making and resource distribution as the CEO 26:52 - The role of technology in shaping faith and vice versa 30:31 - The idea of moderation and ethical interpretations with use of technologies 32:41 - Bitsmedia’s role in the interception of faith, finance and technology 34:35 - Observed trends of religious behaviors and attitudes; the socialization of faith 37:01 - Fundraising and choosing the right partners 39:46 - Billion dollar questions ABOUT BITSMEDIA Bitsmedia is a Singapore-based, technology company known globally as the developer and publisher of the Muslim Pro app – a highly-rated and comprehensive Muslim lifestyle app with more than 150 million downloads globally to date. The company is also the publisher of Qalbox, a global subscription video on demand (SVoD) entertainment streaming service aimed at the global Muslim community. About Muslim Pro Muslim Pro's journey started with its inception as a utility app dedicated to fulfilling the daily spiritual and practical needs of Muslims worldwide. Under Fara's guidance, Muslim Pro has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from its original utility focus to become a pioneering platform catering to the diverse facets of the Muslim community. Fara's strategic foresight has been vital to transitioning Muslim Pro into a holistic ecosystem for Muslims. Beyond spiritual and religious guidance, the platform now encompasses educational resources, AI-driven tools, and robust partnerships with key enablers, brands, and organizations within the Muslim sector. - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

“We believe an inclusive and optimal asset management industry will be the cornerstone of an equal and equitable future.” - Illumen Capital While organizations explore ways to embody diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), authenticity and clear, measurable outcomes are essential for effectiveness. This week, we're joined by Joanna Kuang, Senior Vice President of Product Development and Impact at Illumen Capital. We delve into the significance of impact investing and strategies to ensure tangible efforts are made to drive meaningful change in venture, in our society. TIMESTAMPS / KEY TAKEAWAYS 0:00 - Intro 02:18 - Joanna’s backstory as the daughter of immigrants; living experience in Mississippi Delta that drove her to join Illumen Capital 04:02 - Genesis of Illumen Capital as a fund of funds 05:42 - Study alongside Stanford SPARQ: Race influences professional investors’ financial judgments (2019) 09:16 - Diversity efforts in venture today; DEI policies 13:10 - Quantitative data to drive accountability; best practices to remove biases in pitching and diligence processes 18:06 - Illumen Capital’s stand under the backdrop of many anti-DEI laws 21:19 - Diversity drives performance: investment strategies and performance measurements 24:41 - Established and emerging managers as the next key strategy for Illumen Capital 28:18 - Portfolio construction as a fund of funds and ticket sizes 30:42 - The winning factors versus common mistakes in diverse fund managers; impact washing 32:47 - Looking ahead 2024 private market; advice for fund managers 35:38 - Billion Dollar Questions - About Illumen Capital Illumen Capital is an impact fund of funds addressing systemic inequity by reducing racial and gender bias in investing. Working closely with the world’s leading social psychologists at Stanford SPARQ, they combine investment capital with evidence-based tools and training designed to reduce implicit racial and gender bias in order to unlock latent return and multiply impact. More about Illumen Capital: https://www.illumencapital.com - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

Berkshire Hathaway and the famed investor Warren Buffett himself are often the topic of discussion when it comes to achieving success in the world of venture. Nevertheless, despite the almost unassuming marketing strategies compared to today’s eye-catching everything, Berkshire Hathaway illustrated incomparable strategic marketing that yielded loyalty and reputation. This inspired today's Billion Dollar Bite, where we delve into the topic of strategic marketing and how us in the venture world can learn a thing or two. Ross Simmonds is the founder of today's leading content marketing firm, Foundation. Ross leads the team at Foundation, specializing in helping B2B and SaaS brands build content marketing engines that generate millions of visits a year, resulting in millions worth of new business. We covered a range of topics from A.I. and marketing reskilling your workforce to breaking down some amazing case studies from billion-dollar businesses like MasterClass and Berkshire Hathaway. TIMESTAMPS / KEY TAKEAWAYS 0:00 - Intro 2:47 - AI for marketer; takes on AI replacing marketer’s job 6:24 - Biggest lessons from MasterClass: building around Google search intent 10:33 - MasterClass’ marketing strategy 12:18 - Glassdoor’s content creation and SEO strategies 13:33 - Leveraging AI, the best approach to expand globally as B2B business 16:36 - Mr.Beast; Berkshire Hathaway; should all businesses be creators? 19:11 - Leaders as the voices on platform like LinkedIn 21:32 - Content creation in leadership position is a waste of time? 23:30 - How do we engage with public reaction on social media? 24:42 - Takes on nonpolitical versus political leader; common mistakes made by companies on social initiatives 28:00 - Billion dollar questions - About Ross Simmonds A marketer, keynote speaker, SaaS & B2B tech investor, writer and the CEO of Foundation. Ross is multitalented and devoted his work to help, inspire and teach the underdogs of the world how to use research, creation, distribution and optimization to unlock new levels of growth and opportunities. Ross’ content marketing agency, Foundation, offers content marketing services to a diverse clientele spanning the globe. We’ve worked some of the most successful SaaS companies in the world and work as partners for multiple publicly traded cloud companies who have redefined entire industries. More about Ross and Foundation: https://rosssimmonds.com/ - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

In venture capital, pattern recognition is a valuable skill. Investors often analyze various pieces of a puzzle, employing pattern recognition to assess whether a company might be on the path to success. This week’s Billion Dollar Bite features Leah Barto, Senior Director of Research at Endeavor Global, who leads a team to redefine pattern recognition through the lens of data journalism. Endeavor has dedicated its mission to uncover unicorns worldwide, employing a data-driven approach and producing a comprehensive study titled “Where Do Unicorns Come From?” We’ve discussed the intriguing findings of this robust research, unveiling the factors that drive entrepreneurial ecosystems to thrive, and challenging stereotypes about what success should look like. You won't want to miss this! Timestamps/ Key Takeaways 0:00 - Intro 2:15 - Endeavor’s mission, data journalism, “Where Do Unicorns Come From?” & the multiplier effect in startup ecosystems 5:37 - Takeaway #1: Educational backgrounds & debunking the myth of the elite educational pedigree. 6:29 - Takeaway #2: Entrepreneurial experience & age 7:58 - Takeaway #3: Global citizens - mostly with a migration background & advice for funders 9:35 - Takeaway #4: Pattern recognition - backgrounds and innovation made by unicorn founders from US versus emerging markets 11:30 - Takeaway #5: Solution to underrepresentation of female founders 14:33 - Takeaway #6: Hande Cilingir’s success story 16:32 - Takeaway #7: Scaling & paying it forward About Endeavor Insight Endeavor Insight is the research division of Endeavor that provides data-driven analysis and visualizations showing what makes entrepreneurial ecosystems thrive. Our research team of economists, data scientists, and policy analysts specialize in understanding the needs of high-impact entrepreneurs and evaluating the networks that enable them to scale and pay it forward. Where Do Unicorns Come From? Link: https://endeavor.org/unicornpathways - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

This week's guest is Samir Kaji, a prolific writer and host of Venture Unlocked, a podcast and blog that dives into the inner workings of venture capital, and the CEO and co-founder of Allocate. With over 20 years of experience in VC and private equity ecosystem, Samir's work has guided many investors, entrepreneurs, and fund managers on how to navigate and succeed in the private markets. Our conversation covers everything from the scale of private wealth funding, venture capital to the explosion of emerging managers and why the track record trap is one we need to be mindful of. Whether you are a GP, LP, or founder tuning in, this episode is full of gems. TIMESTAMP / KEY TAKEAWAYS 0:00 - Intro 2:54 - Who is Samir Kaji? 04:41 - How are banks different moving forward in 2024; interest rate and the end of ZIRP era 09:49 - Allocate: to provide opportunities to private markets & to invest with more visibility and transparency 13:34 - Business model of Allocate; bridging venture gap or beyond? 17:00 - Trends in venture from 2022 onwards 21:23 - How should LPs be thinking about misinformation of performance; portfolio construction as LPs 27:45 - Generating alphas and diversifying networks 32:49 - The track record trap; Pejman, Pear VC 36:54 - Fundraising, building enduring franchise and common mistakes of emerging managers; Kirsten Green, Forerunners 40:55 - Diversity in the realm of venture 42:30 - Predictions for 2024 44:46 - Billion dollar questions - About Allocate Alternative investments have become a growing staple in investor portfolios as investors continue to seek better portfolio diversification and higher returns. However investing in and alongside the most promising venture funds is primarily limited to institutional investors and industry insiders. We are here to change that. Allocate is a digital investment platform that provides all types of investors with a programmatic and efficient way to discover and invest in high quality emerging and established venture capital funds, while providing fund managers with a streamlined way to access the fragmented private wealth market. - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

This week we had not one but two esteemed guests - a funder and his founder of choice to talk through everything from building trust and partnership to getting to that IPO. Featuring Somak Chattopadhyay, founder of Armory Square Ventures, and Vikas Mehta, COO of ACV Auctions. Their paths beautifully overlapped after their MIT days when Somak recognized ACV's potential in B2B automobile marketplaces and recruited Vikas to lead the operation. The rest is history, but in today’s episode, we delve deep into how Somak identifies potential in companies like ACV and, alongside Vikas, continues to drive value and scale to today, one of the most exciting marketplaces that investors are closely watching on the NASDAQ. TIMESTAMPS / KEY TAKEAWAYS 0:00 Intro 3:00 Where the paths crossed: Somak’s journey with Armory Square Ventures; and Vikas’s prior to ACV Auctions 7:55 Takeaway 1: How did Somak identified and surfaced ACV as a tech unicorn 11:34 Vikas saying yes to Somak’s pitch on ACV Auctions 15:31 Takeaway 2: Breaking down business model of ACV Auctions from digitalising to scaling; “it was basically to get a level of trust and transparency on the asset that was previously unimaginable,” 21:07 Takeaway 3: Bringing in mentor who guides and fits well with the team and hiring the best talent 25:10 Takeaway 4: Adding value versus overstepping your bounds as a VC 28:11 Takeaway 5: Navigating through pandemic and building infrastructure under hyper growth 30:57 Takeaway 6: “What else could we do to leapfrog everyone else“; building and maturing a system that fills the industry gap 36:24 Takeaway 7: Vikas’ reflection: be more risk taking and hiring key unlockers of acceleration at early stage 37:53 Takeaway 8: Somak’s reflection: every time frame is different and about false positives on people 39:49 Looking forward #1: the automotive industry in 2024 40:46 Looking forward #2: 2024 as the best vintage year? 42:41 Takeaway 9: Vikas to founders: "How the world is predicted to be is rarely how it ends up being" 43:49 Takeaway 10: Somak: "Don't rely on zoom and teams or whichever tool you have as a crush for everything" - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

“If you can show strong growth in this environment, that means you’re getting corporate budgets at a time when corporate budgets are tightening.” As we continue to emerge from the belt-tightening era in investment and venture, now is an opportune moment to revisit an episode featuring Momei Qu, Managing Director of PSP Growth. Momei carved her own path in leadership, having worked with one of the trailblazers, the esteemed Penny Pritzker, former United States Secretary of Commerce and American billionaire businesswoman known for family investments in Hyatt Hotels and Marmon Group. Today, Momei, who leads PSP's venture capital and growth equity initiative, shares her leadership lessons, from collaborating with a trailblazer to building a robust venture and growth practice and focusing on the future of B2B SaaS despite the valuation slashes we've witnessed. TIMESTAMPS / KEYTAKEAWAYS 0:00 Intro 0:55 Recognizing the gap in commercializing technology 2:40 Joining Merrill Lynch and stepping into venture 06:01 Skillset as both engineer and venture investor; upbringing and exposure to deals 8:10 Working with Penny Pritzker's private investment group; “If you don't ask for something, you might not get it.” 12:28 PSP’s collaborative strategies: ventures, multi-family and industrial properties, private equity, etc; “I've been pleasantly surprised, the unexpected piece of how collaborative everyone has been, and how much better it has been to unlock the power of the whole platform.” 17:07 Takes on allocation and balancing investments for family offices 19:11 Investing in adversed time and building a robust venture practice; on me too companies 21:28 Solutions that go hand in hand with the market and the focus on B2B SaaS 24:44 Notable patterns in SaaS 27:42 Takes on B2B SaaS application and AI technologies: security and responsibilities 30:50 Takes on founder’s limits and ethics in AI tech innovation 32:45 Diligence as an investor 34:24 Billion Dollar Questions 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 is THE show for the audacious next-gen leaders. Unfiltered. Personal. Inspirational. Tune in to learn from world's foremost funders and founders, and their unicorn journey in the dynamic world of venture and business. From underestimated to iconic, YOU too, can make #billiondollarmoves — in venture, in business, in life. PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

Investing in women is the smartest thing you could do right now. Erin Harkless Moore, Senior Director of Investments at Pivotal Ventures, a company founded by Melinda French Gates to promote social equity in the realm of investment, eloquently expressed this notion with her work. Whereas in numerous regions across the globe today, it's surprising to consider that such a statement could be contentious. However, we must stand firm: progress is never linear. This week, we're revisiting Erin's episode from last year, delving into discussions ranging from the mission of Pivotal Ventures and her investment strategy to understanding why Melinda French Gates continues to invest $1 billion in women. TIMESTAMPS / KEY TAKEAWAYS 0:00 Intro 02:50 Takeaway 1: on Pivotal Ventures and driving societal change 06:43 Takeaway 2: Investment in diversity initiatives under attack - what are the solutions? 11:32 Takeaway 3: Melinda French Gate’s $1B commitment, investment strategies & getting to a 'yes' as an LP Full Episode with Erin: 🎙️Podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/bdm-pivotal 🎞️ YouTube: https://youtu.be/rlnpoq9bgH8 About Pivotal Ventures Pivotal ventures engage in strategic investments in funds and early-stage companies, aiming to accelerate social progress by putting more capital in the hands of women and people of color, unlocking new market-based solutions to social problems, and demonstrating that historically under-resourced founders and investors deliver market returns. Learn more about Pivotal Ventures: Pivotal Ventures | A Melinda French Gates Company Investing | Pivotal Ventures Breaking With Tradition Melinda Gates: Here's Why I'm Committing $1 Billion to Promote Gender Equality - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

This week's episode features Allen Taylor, managing partner at Endeavor Catalyst, one of the earliest supporters at the Billion Dollar Fund for Women (now Beyong The Billion). Allen also sits on the global leadership team at Endeavor, a mission driven organization focused on supporting high growth companies in emerging and underserved markets. We discuss everything from how Reid Hoffman inspired the design of a rules-based fund that in its beta already made LPs eight times their money on an 8.5x DPI to his personal journey with Endeavor to have grown to support over 2,000 high impact entrepreneurs all over the world. Timestamps/Key Takeaways 0:00 Intro 02:47 The beginning of Allen’s journey with Endeavor 04:49 Takeaway 1: Endeavor’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit business model - top down and bottom up approaches 10:29 Takeaway 2: What it means to build a firm and a franchise 13:32 Takeaway 3: Backing talented founder in emerging markets 19:57 Takeaway 4: Endeavor's rule-based fund & selection criteria 22:48 Takeaway 5: Takes on “copycat models” 26:40 Takeaway 6: The secret formula to making a mark in underserved markets 30:54 Takeaway 7: Emerging markets landscape for 2024 33:16 Billion Dollar Questions - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

"It's probably not a good idea to overlook female CEOs or Black CEOs. Because they're driving an enormous amount of value in business. And you overlook it at your own expense." - Iman Abuzeid, Co-founder & CEO of Incredible Health This week's Billion Dollar Bite is from an event held in Austin, hosted by Beyond the Billion and Brown Advisory, among a crowd of family offices and other investors. Featuring Iman Abuzeid, who upon raising her 80 million Series B funding round, valued her healthcare career marketplace startup at $1.65 billion. Iman exists in rarified air: she is one of only a handful of Black female founders to run a company valued at more than $1 billion. And yet! Rejection, inequality, and leadership pitfalls remain a reoccurring theme in her journey. Tune in as we covered a few topics from fundraising, shifting mindsets to focusing on the fundamentals in a challenging environment. Timestamps/Key Takeaways 0:00 Intro 2:08 Takeaway 1: Rejection is the norm 2:49 Takeaway 2: Fundraising tips: be very selective about who you pursue 3:28 Takeaway 3: Fundraising tips: Focus on your vision and mission despite the stats 4:19 Takeaway 4: Financing strategies are personal decisions 5:02 Takeaway 5: Focusing on the fundamentals: market and strategy 7:23 Takeaway 6: A common mistake among leaders: the people - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

From a market that was almost nonexistent in 2015, hitting double digits with a ~25% CAGR by 2018, Femtech and women's health industry have been long underestimated until the rise of Thinx and similar brands revolutionized the industry. Today’s guest is Shama Amalean Skinner, an entrepreneur, a trailblazer in the world of feminine care, and a business leader who has broken barriers and challenged societal norms with her previous position as COO at Thinx Inc. Shama played a pivotal role in transforming Thinx into a household name, ultimately paving the way for the mass adoption of reusable products in an industry dominated by single-use disposables. For the first time, Shama reveals how she would have done things differently from an operator's standpoint and expresses real frustration about how the Femtech market is still grossly underfunded, despite its massive potential. Whether you're looking to finally crack mass retail this year for your product or working through some challenging personal questions and navigating startup life, this is another episode I think you'll love. - TIMESTAMPS & Key Takeaways 0:00 Intro 03:15 Takeaway 1: Three potential opportunities Shama saw in Thinx 04:48 Takeaway 2: Changing consumer behaviour and skepticism regarding period underwear #1: Create a movement destigmatizing periods 06:26 #2: Increase brand awareness with controversial subway ads 08:32 #3: Converting followship into purchases and revenue with product education and word of mouth effect 10:17 Takeaway 3: Changing mind and creating loyalty globally with advocacy work 13:01 Takeaway 4: Business model and revenue numbers for feminine care market 14:05 Takeaway 5: Framework for a successful brand: branding, product, and team 15:32 Takeaway 6: Shama’s take on what should COOs have in mind as priorities 17:13 Takeaway 7: Strategies against supply chain issues 19:44 Takeaway 8: Create redundancy in supply chain 20:27 Takeaway 9: What makes a good COO? 21:40 Takeaway 10: Business opportunities in Femtech and women health 24:33 Takeaway 11: What needs to change for women to progress in the capital spectrum in getting that innovation funding? 25:47 Takeaway 12: Founder’s lens: rejections at funding stage 28:39 Takeaway 13: Key to decision-making as Thinx going into retail 30:22 Takeaway 14: When is right time for founders or top performers to move on? 31:46 Takeaway 15: 3 questions you ask yourself to decide if you were to step away 32:30 Billion Dollar Questions - About Shama Amalean Skinner Shama Amalean Skinner is an entrepreneur and executive working at the intersection of sustainability and consumer markets. She is the former chief operating officer of Thinx Inc, the revolutionary period and incontinence underwear company. At Thinx, she played a key role in launching, growing, and ultimately selling the company to a publicly listed corporation — effectively catalyzing the mass adoption of a reusable product in a category dominated by single-use disposables. Shama is an engaged consultant, board member, and advisor to innovative start-ups, venture funds, and nonprofit organizations. She is deeply committed to advocating for gender equity and helping solve the climate crisis. Shama | LinkedIn - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

The global economic uncertainty and a shift in focus towards sustainable growth are widely expected to impact the fundraising prospects for new vehicles, especially those focused on emerging markets or launched by first-time managers. As Asia continues to present key growth opportunities, how are dynamics between LPs and GPs evolving? In the current environment, how should emerging managers approach LPs? Will the going be tougher for first-time fund managers raising debut vehicles? Will operating across different cycles prove to be an advantage? Key Takeaways/Timestamps 0:00 Intro 3:12 Opening: Tsubasa Suruga (Moderator) 3:46 Takeaway 1: Tendency to just go re-ups & familiarity as part of assessment for investment 6:21 Takeaway 2: Bifurcation between first-time funds 7:40 Takeaway 3: Attributes of successful first-time fundraisers 12:36 Takeaway 4: LP’s view on first- or second-time fund managers 15:05 Takeaway 5: Diversifying strategies and portfolio: 2 types of LPs 17:54 Takeaway 6: Takes on new investors venturing into Asia market 20:04 Takeaway 7: How can GPs differentiate themselves in this current environment #1: Finding your niche 24:15 Takeaway 8: How can GPs differentiate themselves in this current environment #2: Seek diversity in team 26:03 Takeaway 9: Blending private sector capital with DFI capital in emerging market to create sustainable investments 30:32 Takeaway 10: Takes on impact and sustainable investing 32:11 Takeaway 11: How can GPs differentiate themselves in this current environment #3: Relationship building and identifying strengths 33:50 Takeaway 12: Sarah's Takes on US market - This is a snippet from a panel took place at PEVC Summit 2022, titled Backing Emerging Market and First Time Managers in Adverse Time. An insightful discussion was carried out on the VC market trends in Asia, challenges and what it takes for first time managers in this ever changing environment. Speakers: Soo Yar-Ping, Partner, Primary Investments, Adams Street Partners Huai Fong Chew, Regional Lead, East Asia & the Pacific PE Funds, IFC Dave Richards, Managing Partner, Capria Ventures Sarah Chen-Spellings, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Beyond The Billion (launched as The Billion Dollar Fund for Women) Tsubasa Suruga, Staff Writer, Nikkei Asia (Moderator) FULL VIDEO: The LP View - Backing Emerging Managers in Adverse Times | PEVC Summit 2022 - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

As we step into the new year of 2024, we bring you a conversation that challenges the very essence of legacy. In this short and impromptu episode, Juan Pablo Escobar (now known as Sebastián Marroquín), the son of the notorious drug cartel leader Pablo Escobar, shares insights that will challenge preconceptions and spark hope. Join us as we explore how one man's choice to embrace a path of peace is reshaping the legacy that has defined his life. Key Takeaways: 1/ Always seek your own identity; nothing grows under a big shadow. 2/ Closing the cycle of violence by choosing peace and embracing forgiveness. 3/ Define your legacy by choosing your path. Special thanks to Datuk Nicol David, Izzana Salleh and Mariana de Reyes for recording this in an impromptu moment over dinner in Tatler Gen.T Summit 2023, Hong Kong. - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

While many professionals have in the past belittled the creator economy, according to Goldman Sachs, the creator economy was worth about 250 billion in 2023 and is set to nearly double by 2027. And that is just one of the myriad reasons why you should tune in to our conversation today with Scott Clary, who is living this very trend. An entrepreneur, investor, author and podcaster today with a combined following of about 2 million! Join us as we dove deep into Scott's journey and the importance of personal brand monetizing influence and the nuances of the creator economy. Key Takeways 1/ Focusing on things that really fit the “right now”. 2/ Be proud of your own work; and stay long enough to see it through. 3/ Building companies is more than building jobs - think about transfer of power, hiring the right person, and think beyond the face value. 4/ Always validate product market fit. 5/ Trust yourself more. About Scott Scott D. Clary is a Canadian entrepreneur, business executive, author, educator, speaker & podcaster. He is the host of the 'Success Story' Podcast where he interviews inspirational people, mentors and leaders, and the founder of a weekly business newsletter with over 100,000 subscribers. He's sold and marketed to the most iconic F500 / F100 brands throughout his career. His work has been featured in over 100+ news sites and publications. He speaks globally at industry conferences and has had articles and insights featured in Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Hackernoon, The Startup and others. - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Watch on Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/sarahchenglobal Join the community: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/billiondollarmoves FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: https://instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: https://twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

In light of the nostalgic festive period, this week, we are diving back into one of our favorite episodes this year with the one and only Vivy Yusof. Social media platforms and creator-focused startups haven’t looked too hot coming into 2023, with companies like Meta, Snapchat waging layoffs along with the rest of the tech industry. BUT the creator and influencer economy are more than just buzzwords losing interest among venture capitalists. Despite challenges on a platform level, blogger-turned-entrepreneur Vivy Yusof is a case study of just how retained attention is a currency that will continue to be important in 2023 and beyond. FashionValet.com, an online marketplace that once stocked over 400 brands across Southeast Asia, became a major regional player in the fashion industry but, by 2022, she had wound the venture down, shifting her focus to her own in-house modest fashion brands, dUCK and Lilit. The silver lining? By 2022, Yusof had built a network of 14 physical stores across Malaysia and Singapore and sold more than 3 million scarves from just one of her brands. Today, we unpack Vivy’s journey, the cost of building a brand around herself, her regret on not acting on her gut and her BILLION DOLLAR AMBITIONS for her next decade in the modest fashion industry. Key Takeaways 1/ Grow your career by embracing your passion and the support of your loved ones. 2/ Engagement and loyalty come from authentic, organic growth with your audience. 3/ Fame comes with consequences; it’s a personal choice you made, so pick your battles. 4/ Ride the waves when they hit; obsession is really needed to make something successful. 5/ Pivot when it doesn’t make business sense. 6/ When you find a co-founder, try to find someone who's the opposite of you. 7/ Know your niche; never try to be like your competitor. - Originally aired: January 27, 2023 Watch this on Youtube: https://bit.ly/3mPihUI - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Build like a CEO: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/ceoseries FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

Dr. Raj Shah's journey comprises numerous transformative endeavors, spanning his roles at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID, to his current position as President of the Rockefeller Foundation. In his recent publication, "Big Bets: How Large-Scale Change Really Happens," he illuminates the power of the big bet mindset—a belief that addressing problems boldly, rather than settling for incremental improvements, attracts partners capable of achieving transformational change. In this week's episode, we had the honor of exploring the significant big bets he made throughout his career. The shared big bet mindset aims to inspire leaders at every level to reimagine possibilities on a grand scale. You won't want to miss this. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1/ 3 key elements of big bets: innovative solutions, unlikely partnerships and alliances, and a real focus on data results, measurement, and tracking. 2/ It is realistic to be optimistic about grand-scale changes. 3/ We know we can be successful, but it takes a big bet mindset to embark on these efforts. 4/ Keep taking the risks you took in your twenties and thirties as you get a little older; so that you can give yourself a chance to earn those rewards. 5/ Crossing boundaries and taking risks to reach your goals, to make things work. - PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Build like a CEO: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/ceoseries FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: twitter.com/sarahchenglobal

Rejection has been a recurring theme on this show, serving as a powerful catalyst for success. This week's Billion Dollar Bite features Kendra Scott's appearance in Austin, hosted by Beyond The Billion and Brown Advisory. From her initial setbacks in business to the journey of building a billion-dollar jewelry empire and the challenging decisions made along the way, we invite you to catch a glimpse of Kendra's success and the hardships she faced in this brief episode. Key Takeaways 1/ Failure serves as a real-life business school: when you fail, you learn, and then you rise. 2/ Prioritize hiring based on core values rather than titles. 3/ Concentrate on building the best business; opportunities and resources will naturally follow. 4/ Pivoting and taking risks are essential for achieving breakthroughs. 5/ Select your investors as carefully as you would choose a spouse. -- PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://billiondollarmoves.com Build like a CEO: https://sarah-chen.ck.page/ceoseries FOLLOW SARAH: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/sarahchenglobal Instagram: instagram.com/sarahchenglobal Twitter: twitter.com/sarahchenglobal