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Welcome to the first drop of "The Download" a small intro & a peek inside my mind of how I am interpreting things in VC, Tech, & Culture.
Can't you see the private jets flying over you? Maybach bumper sticker read, "What would Hova do?" Jay is chillin' (Uh), Ye is chillin' (Uh) What more can I say? We killin' 'em Hold up before we end this campaign” - Jay Z & Kanye West, Otis (c. 2011)
Howdy!
Welcome to the first post of “The Download”, glad you are here! My name is Tanaka, but my homies call me Free World T! I’m a Baylor grad, startup founder turned early stage VC at Capital Factory based in Austin, Texas. If you would have told me four years ago that this would have been my path, I honestly would have looked at you crazy!
There is a lot of noise in the world of Tech, VC, and Culture landscape, so this blog is not going to be all about that. I using this a tool of reflection, provide my perspective, and hopefully give some keys to the upcoming/aspiring VC’s out there. I am a man all about service and giving back. This blog is targeted specifically towards my fellow Gen Z and Gen Alpha peers, but if you are in the older demo and gain value, be my guest you are welcome here too!
I’ve had my fair share of experiences in the startup world, and all I want to do is give provide some insights. I am still learning, but here it goes.
Here are some solid tools for young/aspiring VC’s to utilize when to conduct some research for their deal memos on prospective companies, deal flow, and networking! Let’s dive in!
PitchBook Data
If you are a founder or a VC, Pitchbook is your best friend! A database that is so rich with information in the private market. It includes info on private equity, M&A, VC transactions that occur. This for me is the top of the funnel to gain insight on what’s hot on the market, who backed who, and learn more about the team.
2. LinkedIn
I can already hear my peers saying “eww LinkedIn, isn’t that for old people… ugh”! Trust me I know, but you’ll be surprised when I say LinkedIn has helped me tremendously. Most of Gen Z and Gen Alpha is on Tik Tok, Instagram, Snap, and Twitter. I am, however in the professional world - LinkedIn is an amazing networking tool with founders and investors all over the world. You can see their professional resumes, have direct access to them with a message, a get a better understanding of the team running the company!
3. Crunchbase (Pro)
Crunchbase (Pro) is an amazing platform. Unless you are hip to the game of entrepreneurship or VC, you may not know what Crunchbase is a combination of LinkedIn and Pitchbook! One is able to see emails at people at a firm, see who else participated in the round, and categorize making it easier to see if the company fits your investment thesis.
4. The Founders themselves!
Ayo, don’t judge the stock photo - was trying to find something exclusive lol.
The startup founder is the DNA, bloodline, life and breath! Yes they are all the resources out there that help you with the data analytics, fundraising, and all the stuff that informs you. However, if you truly want to understand the ethos of the company - talking with the founder will be the best bet. You have an opportunity to hear their story, their passion, and why they are embracing on the journey to bring their vision to life. That is the best part of the job and being part of VC; being able to help community builders and culture shifters make a dent into the world!
That’s it for this blog! I hope it was of value for you! I had a lot of fun writing this down!
No pressure at all but subscribe below if you love me, hate me, or just want to keep up with my writing. Or just stop by and read whenever you like. Or don’t. It’s all peace, love, and light to you either way. ✌🏾…
Enjoy.