Ruderman's path to leading the Alliance is anything but straight: she moved to Seattle from New York in the early 90s to stage manager at the Rep, ended up at a small multimedia startup owned by Bill Gates, got swept into Microsoft through an acquisition, and then spent years in the state legislature before landing at the Alliance. The conversation covers a lot of ground – AI-driven workforce disruption, Washington's persistent gaps in postsecondary attainment, and what the state is missing: despite strong GDP growth, Washington has never had a real economic development plan.

There's also a pointed discussion about companies quietly shifting jobs out of state – and what that means for the health of the broader ecosystem. Rudermann makes the case that Seattle's startup scene is genuinely underrated: faster to unicorn status than San Francisco or New York, with smaller median rounds and one of the highest unicorn retention rates in the country. The problem isn't the ecosystem. It's that nobody's shouting about it.

00:00 Sound Investments

00:59 Introduction & Welcome

03:39 Laura's Career Journey

09:16 From Microsoft to Politics

13:50 Technology Alliance's Mission

18:08 AI, Workforce & Education

21:57 Washington State's Economic Future

38:36 Startup Ecosystem

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has founded three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently as a VC. Sound Investments shines a small light on the fantastic work being done in the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial community.

Studio 1878

Ed is Founder of Studio 1878, a podcast strategy and production studio focused on helping brands tell smarter, more human stories. We work with founders, operators, and marketing leaders to design shows that serve clear strategic goals. Studio 1878 handles the full process - from concept and positioning through recording, editing, and distribution. Our work blends editorial thinking with production craft, prioritizing substance over noise. The result is podcasts that build trust, credibility, and long-term brand value.

Laura Rudermann, Technology Alliance

As Chief Executive Officer of the Technology Alliance, Laura leads efforts to strengthen Washington’s innovation economy through cross-sector collaboration, workforce development, and research capacity building. Before joining the Technology Alliance in 2019, Laura served as Interim PAC Director for the Children’s Campaign Fund and represented the 45th District in the Washington State House of Representatives. During her legislative tenure, she was elected Vice Chair of her party’s caucus and served as Vice Chair of the Technology, Telecommunications, and Energy Committee. Her professional experience also includes leadership roles at Microsoft and extensive work as a fundraising professional for a wide range of nonprofit organizations.

Connect with Laura:

* Technology Alliance: technology-alliance.com

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00:00 Introduction

02:00 Nicole's Background & Journey

04:47 What Is the Founders Institute?

08:48 FI's Business Model & Warrant Structure

15:26 Sell Before You Pitch Investors

17:51 The End of Free Money & Startup Attrition

28:09 Seattle's Startup Ecosystem: Strengths & Gaps

36:47 Aspire: Nicole's Startup Vision

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has founded three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently as a VC. Sound Investments shines a small light on the fantastic work being done in the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial community.

Studio 1878

Ed is Founder of Studio 1878, a podcast strategy and production studio focused on helping brands tell smarter, more human stories. We work with founders, operators, and marketing leaders to design shows that serve clear strategic goals. Studio 1878 handles the full process - from concept and positioning through recording, editing, and distribution. Our work blends editorial thinking with production craft, prioritizing substance over noise. The result is podcasts that build trust, credibility, and long-term brand value.

Nicole Doyle, Founders Institute

Nicole Doyle is the Seattle Director of the Founder Institute and founder of Aspir, an AI platform designed to help founders execute and launch startups faster. She spent more than a decade building teams and operations across major tech companies including Amazon Web Services, Meta Platforms, and Uber before moving into early-stage startups. 

Connect with Nicole:

* Founders Institute: fi.co

* Aspir: aspir.ai

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Ed Barker sits down with Arif Gürsel, partner at Uncap Ventures, to discuss his journey from the world of Big Tech to VC. Arif shares his initial hesitance and subsequent embrace of the venture world, and the founding of Uncap Ventures and its mission to support startups with black founders. They dive into the importance of media and storytelling in entrepreneurship, the role of AI in the creative industries, and the challenges of driving investment into underserved communities.

00:00 Introduction 

00:22 Meet Arif Gursel: Background and Career Journey

05:44 The Role of Uncap Ventures in Supporting Black Founders

10:26 The Union: A Space for Innovation and Development

15:05 The Importance of Storytelling in Entrepreneurship

20:51 Navigating the Investment Landscape

25:45 The Art of Raising Capital

29:44 AI in the Creative Industry

33:46 The Future of Work and AI

43:02 Finding and Supporting Founders

51:46 Final Thoughts

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has founded three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently as a VC. Sound Investments shines a small light on the fantastic work being done in the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial community.

Studio 1878

Ed is Founder of Studio 1878, a podcast strategy and production studio focused on helping brands tell smarter, more human stories. We work with founders, operators, and marketing leaders to design shows that serve clear strategic goals. Studio 1878 handles the full process - from concept and positioning through recording, editing, and distribution. Our work blends editorial thinking with production craft, prioritizing substance over noise. The result is podcasts that build trust, credibility, and long-term brand value.

Arif Gürsel, UnCap Ventures

Arif is a Seattle-based founder, investor, and ecosystem builder. He is a General Partner at UnCap Ventures, where he backs early-stage founders with a focus on access, conviction, and long-term company building. Arif previously worked across product, partnerships, and strategy at companies including Microsoft, Google, Netflix, and Salesforce. He is also the founder of The Union, a community space designed to bring founders, creatives, and operators together. Across investing and community work, Arif is known for his emphasis on founder support, ecosystem building, and expanding pathways to capital.

Connect with Arif:

* UnCap: uncap.vc

* The Union: www.theunion.io

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00:00 Introduction

05:17 Anthony's Journey

08:31 Why Corporates Invest in Startups

18:12 Working with CVCs: What Founders Need to Know

23:57 CVC Market Trends

29:41 Beyond Corporate: Government & Family Offices

31:30 The Future of Corporate Innovation

36:09 The Future of Snowball

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has founded three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently as a VC. He's now building a podcast production company, Studio 1878. Sound Investments is a modest attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial community.

Anthony Herman, Snowball Innovation Advisory

Anthony is Senior Advisor and Managing Partner at Snowball Innovation Advisory, where he helps organizations build and execute corporate innovation and venture strategies. He brings more than 15 years of experience as a startup founder, corporate executive, and venture capital investor - including early investments in companies like Oculus, Palantir, Addepar, and RelateIQ. Before Snowball, Anthony founded and exited his own tech startup and led startup & venture partnerships for Amazon Web Services in Northern Europe. His work bridges the gap between founders and large organizations looking to leverage corporate venture capital and strategic innovation.

Connect with Anthony:

* Snowball Innovation Advisory: www.snowballinnov.com

* Anthony's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anthonyherman

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In this episode, Ed Barker is joined by Dana Sather Robinson, founder of Pitch4Impact, to discuss common mistakes founders make in their pitches and how to improve them. Dana emphasizes the importance of understanding what investors really want to hear and how to craft a compelling narrative. She highlights the significance of good communication skills in pitching and broader founder communication, including customer interactions, team building, and relationship management. Dana shares her journey and provides practical tips on structuring and refining pitches to captivate investors, emphasizing the value of practice, storyboarding, and preparation for Q&A sessions.

To receive the download, “What Investors Really Want”, click here.

00:00 Introducing Dana Sather Robinson

02:42 Dana's Journey to Pitch Coaching

05:35 Common Pitching Mistakes

11:15 What Investors Really Want

16:13 Storyboarding Your Pitch

25:46 Communication as a Leadership Signal

29:14 Mastering Q&A

40:50 Building Investor Relationships

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has founded three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently as a VC. He's now building a podcast production company, Studio 1878. Sound Investments is a modest attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial community.

Dana Sather Robinson, Pitch4Impact

As an angel investor, Dana has evaluated hundreds of investor pitches and decks over the years. She knows what investors need to get from a pitch in order to want to go further. As a professional trainer with decades of experience in presentation skills training, she works with founders to improve their skills to create and deliver impactful pitches. The Pitch 4 Impact training program helps improve startup pitches and be able to adapt to different situations and investors.

Connect with Dana:

* Pitch4Impact: pitch4impact.com

* Dana's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dana-sather-robinson/

* What Investors Really Want: preview.mailerlite.io/forms/804767/176514105053545618/share

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Ed Barker sits down with Jeff Canin, an active member of E8 Angels, board member at Virtue Lab, and co-chair of the Clean Energy Institute Advisory Council at the University of Washington. Jeff shares his journey from engineering and business to becoming a leading figure in climate tech and clean tech investing.

00:00 Introduction

05:13 Mission in Climate Investing

09:56 Cycles, Trends, and Opportunities

14:20 Inside E8 Angels

19:46 Investment Sectors

26:32 The Local Ecosystem & Community

31:17 Challenges, Policy, and the Future

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has founded three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently as a VC. He's now building a podcast production company, Studio 1878. Sound Investments is a modest attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial community.

Jeff Canin, E8 Angels

Jeff is an active investment member at E8 Angels, one of North America’s most active cleantech angel networks, and a long-time leader in climate and clean energy investing. He began his career in engineering, economics, and technology markets before moving into sell-side equity research and venture capital, including time at US Venture Partners. Jeff later focused on university technology commercialization, working closely with the University of Washington and Oregon State University. He is a former board member of VertueLab and serves as co-chair of the Clean Energy Institute Advisory Council. Across investing, advisory roles, and nonprofit work, Jeff is driven by a double bottom line approach, backing companies that combine strong commercial potential with meaningful climate impact. 

Connect with Jeff Canin:

* E8 Angels: https://www.e8angels.com/

* Virtue Lab: https://www.virtuelab.org/

* Clean Energy Institute: https://www.cei.washington.edu/

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In this episode, Emer Dooley, site lead for the Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) at the Foster School of Business, University of Washington, discusses the CDL's mission to commercialize deep tech startups for the benefit of humankind. She elaborates on CDL’s mentoring program, which pairs high-caliber mentors with promising startups in the fields of computational health and advanced manufacturing, to guide them through critical objectives over a nine-month period. Emer also explains the program's unique funding model, the process of selecting and nurturing startups, and CDL’s significant impact on the Seattle innovation ecosystem and beyond. She highlights the challenges and successes of maintaining a nonprofit organization focused on deep tech innovation.

00:00 Introduction to CDL

03:48 What is CDL? Structure and Differentiation

06:54 Types of Companies and CDL's Two Tracks

13:28 CDL's Place in the Seattle Innovation Ecosystem

15:12 How CDL is Funded

16:46 What Mentors Get Out of CDL

18:19 Success Stories from CDL Companies

18:19 Success Stories and Measuring Impact

26:49 Seattle Ecosystem Challenges and Future Growth

34:33 CDL's Vision and Long-term Strategy

37:13 Closing Reflections

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has founded three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently as a VC. He's now building a podcast production company, Studio 1878. Sound Investments is a modest attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial community.

Emer Dooley, Site Lead, Creative Destruction Lab, Seattle

Emer is the Site Lead for Creative Destruction Lab–Seattle, where she works with founders building science- and technology-driven companies at the earliest stages. She is also adjunct faculty at the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business, teaching entrepreneurship and innovation. Emer brings a rare blend of academic rigor, technical background, and ecosystem leadership to her work with founders. She has held leadership roles across investing, university innovation, and nonprofit boards, including Alliance of Angels and the Washington Research Foundation. At CDL, she focuses on helping deep-tech teams translate research into scalable companies. Emer is a key builder of Seattle’s startup and innovation community.

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In this episode of Sound Investments, Jonathan Azoff, co-founder and General Partner at SNØCAP, traces his nonlinear path from software and gaming through logistics, real estate, and eventually into climate and deep tech. That shift began at Sweet Farm, a nonprofit agricultural and science incubator where Jonathan met researchers whose breakthroughs had no route to commercial funding. The experience led to the viral Goat 2 Meeting initiative, kept the nonprofit alive during COVID, and revealed a pattern that would define his career: scientists don’t lack ideas - they lack capital pathways.

Jonathan breaks down the gaps in today’s venture system, why deep tech founders often struggle to raise, and how SNØCAP evaluates scientific companies through supply chains, cost curves, and real economic outcomes rather than hype cycles. We dig into why supporting scientists early creates durable returns, how SNØCAP structures hands-on partnerships with founders, and what it takes to build a new asset class for science-based innovation.

The conversation also explores Jonathan’s work in ecosystem building, from university fellows to incubators to convening investors and founders across multiple cities. He closes with the long-term vision: a world where commercializing scientific breakthroughs is systematic, fundable, and scalable.

00:00 – Sound Investments | Jonathan Azoff, SNØCAP

01:56 – Jonathan’s path from software and gaming into climate and deep tech

11:06 – The Goat 2 Meeting story and why it mattered

13:59 – SNØCAP’s thesis: commercializing real science through supply chains

22:28 – Deep tech, incentives, and the limits of traditional venture

30:30 – Impact, returns, and rational economic adoption

33:59 – Building ecosystems: universities, incubators, and community

43:40 – Long-term motivation and SNØCAP’s vision for the future

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has founded three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently as a VC. He's now building a podcast production company, Studio 1878. Sound Investments is a modest attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial community.

Jonathan Azoff, Managing Partner, SNØCAP

Jonathan is the co-founder and General Partner of SNØCAP, a venture firm focused on commercializing scientific breakthroughs in climate, food, materials, and supply-chain innovation. His career spans software engineering, gaming, real estate, and logistics, with multiple acquisitions across those sectors. Jonathan’s shift into deep tech began at Sweet Farm, a nonprofit agricultural and science incubator where he worked closely with researchers lacking traditional venture pathways. He now leads SNØCAP's thesis of backing science that is already economically superior to incumbent technologies. Jonathan is also an ecosystem builder, supporting founders through university programs, incubators, and community initiatives across the U.S.

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This week, Ed Barker sits down with Luni Libes, one of Seattle’s most quietly influential entrepreneurs and investors. Luni built and ran multiple software companies before launching Fledge, the accelerator network that helped more than 120 founders around the world. His current focus is Africa Eats, an investment company backing a portfolio of food-focused African businesses that are growing far faster - and surviving at rates far higher - than the typical American tech startup.

Luni explains why the standard venture playbook misses the realities of most global markets and walks through the alternatives he has built: hands-on company building, growth financing instead of burn financing, and a long-term model that aims for durability rather than quick exits. We dig into the structural advantages of food and agriculture ventures in Africa, how Africa Eats has navigated scaling in fragmented markets, and what he has learned during a year living and working from Mauritius.

If you’re interested in alternative venture models, operator-led investing, or the next wave of African market growth, this conversation offers a set of insights you won’t hear in typical VC discussions.

00:00 Introducing Luni Libes

02:13 How Africa Eats began

02:57 Building Fledge and its global network

04:48 How Fledge expanded internationally

06:44 Lessons from decades of entrepreneurship

12:32 Africa Eats and the model behind its success

19:45 The value and timing of early stage capital

20:06 How living abroad reshaped his perspective

20:58 The plan for public listing and market participation in Africa

21:56 Breaking down the realities of African venture capital

23:15 Scaling the Africa Eats portfolio

25:36 What comes next

33:12 Personal reflections on the sabbatical

39:51 Closing thoughts

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has founded three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently as a VC. He's now building a podcast production company, Studio 1878. Sound Investments is a modest attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial community.

Luni Libes, Managing Partner, Africa Eats

Luni is a serial entrepreneur and investor with more than three decades of experience founding and scaling companies in software, social enterprise, and impact investing. He founded the global accelerator network Fledge and is the CEO of Africa Eats, an investment holding company building resilient food and agriculture businesses across the African continent. He also co-founded Realize Impact, a public charity that channels philanthropic capital into mission-driven ventures. Luni previously served as Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the University of Washington’s CoMotion centre and has taught entrepreneurship at multiple institutions. He is the author of The Next Step series and creator of the Pinchot Impact Index, a framework for measuring aggregated impact across portfolios.

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Navigating Tech Optimism and AI Innovation with TA McCann of Pioneer Square Labs

In this episode, Ed Barker sits down with TA McCann, Managing Partner at Pioneer Square Labs, to explore what it takes to build ambitious companies in an era defined by artificial intelligence. TA’s background spans founding and scaling startups, leading high-performing teams, and backing the next generation of founders across the Pacific Northwest. That range gives him a clear view of where the opportunity is – and where the hype sits.

We dig into the PSL model and how its combination of startup studio, venture fund, and corporate innovation practice creates a uniquely high-leverage environment for company building. TA walks through how the team uses AI to accelerate ideation and validation, why their scoring framework matters for founders, and what he’s seeing in the application layer where real value is emerging.

Throughout the conversation, TA comes back to a theme that feels core to the region: optimism as a discipline. We talk about how to build with AI without losing sight of the human problem, why geography remains a strategic advantage, and why the Pacific Northwest continues to punch above its weight in frontier technologies. He also shares the areas he’s personally watching next, from agent-driven workflows to quantified health.

Chapters

00:00 Introductions


01:22 TA’s path into entrepreneurship and PSL


08:31 How the PSL model works across Studio, VC, and corporate innovation


13:57 Equity structures and building aligned founder partnerships


18:13 The PSL scoring rubric for evaluating new companies


24:56 Focus areas and where the AI application layer is maturing


33:36 Practicing optimism and keeping a long horizon in AI


39:44 Why geography still matters in tech and the PNW advantage


45:33 What’s next: Lev, quantified health, and emerging frontier themes

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has founded three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently as a VC. He's now building a podcast production company, Studio 1878. Sound Investments is a modest attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial community.

T.A McCann, Managing Partner, Pioneer Square Labs

T.A is a Seattle-based entrepreneur, investor, and Managing Partner at Pioneer Square Labs. Before entering tech he competed in two America’s Cup campaigns and the Whitbread Round the World Race, then went on to found and lead companies including Gist (acquired by BlackBerry), Rival IQ, and Senosis (acquired by Google). At PSL he helps build and fund new startups through the studio and venture model, with a focus on AI, emerging technologies, and company creation. TA also teaches entrepreneurship at UW and is a long-time mentor across the Pacific Northwest startup community.

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In this episode of Sound Investments, we talk with François Baneyx, Vice Provost for Innovation and Director of CoMotion at the University of Washington. François shares his journey from growing up in southwestern France to leading one of the nation’s most forward-thinking university innovation hubs.

We explore how CoMotion helps UW researchers, faculty, and students transform world-class research into real-world startups - from early-stage IP protection to innovation training, gap funding, and incubation through CoMotion Labs.

François discusses how CoMotion bridges academia, industry, and venture capital to strengthen the Pacific Northwest innovation ecosystem. He explains why interdisciplinary collaboration is the real driver of innovation, and how corporate partnerships amplify the social and economic impact of university-led research.

This conversation offers a rare look inside the machinery of university innovation - and how UW’s model is helping shape the future of the region’s startup landscape.

00:00 Meet François Baneyx: From France to UW innovation leader

01:42 Universities as startup catalysts

02:27 Academic path and leadership roles

05:39 Inside CoMotion’s model and services

09:06 IP, commercialization, and translating research

11:53 Supporting startups from idea to market

18:23 UW’s role in the Pacific Northwest innovation ecosystem

24:29 Corporate partnerships and future direction

34:13 Challenges and opportunities in university innovation

37:40 Looking ahead: perspective on the future

39:26 Closing reflections

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has founded three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently as a VC. He's now building a podcast production company, Studio 1878. Sound Investments is a modest attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial community.

François Baneyx, Director, CoMotion, Vice Provost for Innovation, University of Washington

François leads many of the university’s collaborative innovation initiatives and a professor of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering. His research spans protein engineering, nanotechnology, and synthetic biology. Over three decades at UW, he has led the Department of Chemical Engineering and directed the Center for Nanotechnology. A former founder himself, François bridges academic research and entrepreneurship, helping transform breakthrough science into startups with real-world impact.

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Seattle might not shout the loudest, but it’s quietly becoming one of the most important cities in the space tech revolution. In this episode, Chris Le - Managing Partner at Actuate Ventures - joins Ed Barker to explore how deep-tech founders are reshaping aerospace, why Seattle has the world’s highest concentration of satellite talent, and how “accidental discoveries” from orbit could change everything from communications to earthquake prediction.

Key takeaways

• Space tech is no longer distant or theoretical - it’s commercial and happening now.
• Seattle’s ecosystem rivals LA and San Francisco but lacks visibility and local capital.
• Actuate Ventures backs practical deep-tech startups with near-term paths to market.
• The next breakthroughs may come from unexpected discoveries in orbit.
• Local investors hold the key to turning Seattle’s engineering strength into momentum.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:57 Meet Chris Le

03:07 Chris’s journey from founder to Blue Origin to VC

07:23 Inside Actuate Ventures - mission and model

15:01 Mapping the growing space tech market

20:47 Why Seattle matters for the future of space

23:22 Seattle vs San Francisco - two ecosystem cultures

24:07 The satellite capital of the world

31:08 What makes a great space tech founder

35:07 The future - global connectivity and new discoveries

43:48 Closing thoughts

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has founded three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently as a VC. He's now building a podcast production company, Studio 1878. Sound Investments is a modest attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial community.

Chris Le, Managing Partner, Actuate Ventures

Chris was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, he previously founded three startups and then worked at Blue Origin where he immersed himself in aerospace product design and engineering. At Actuate, he positions the firm as “co-founders in a box,” combining capital and operational support for early-stage founders in novel hardware, software, and frontier tech domains. His investment sweet spot is pre-seed and seed deep tech startups - typically checks around $500K, focused on commercializable space-adjacent opportunities rather than billion-dollar moonshots. 

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In this episode of Sound Investments, Ed Barker talks with John Sechrest, Managing Director of the Seattle Angel Conference, about the mechanics of early-stage investing and what it takes to create a thriving investor community.

John breaks down the difference between funding a project and funding a business, why accountability matters more than hype, and how the Seattle Angel Conference trains new investors while connecting them to founders ready to grow. They also discuss how the model is expanding beyond Seattle and what it would take to design the ideal angel investment system for the next generation of startups.

Takeaways:

• The fundamentals of angel investing - what new investors get wrong and how to start smart
• How the Seattle Angel Conference works: training, syndication, and investor collaboration
• The difference between investing in a business vs. a project
• What makes a strong lead investor and how to run effective due diligence
• How angel investing builds startup ecosystems beyond the check itself
• The future of angel networks and how policy could accelerate local investment

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

02:21 John’s Journey to Angel Investing

04:16 How Seattle Angel Conference Works

07:22 Building Angel Investment Infrastructure

11:06 The State of Angel Investing in Seattle

13:27 Expanding Beyond Seattle

16:57 What Makes a Good Lead Angel

18:08 What Companies Succeed Through the Program

22:53 Advice for Aspiring Angel Investors

31:19 Designing the Ideal Investment System

37:18 Government Funding and Tax Incentives

40:31 Future Vision for Seattle Angel Conference

43:00 Busting Angel Investing Myths

44:59 Close

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has founded three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently as a VC. He's now building a podcast production company, Studio 1878. Sound Investments is a modest attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial community.

John Sechrest, Managing Partner, Seattle Angel Conference

Sierra leads strategy, investment, and commercialization for frontier technologies including quantum computing, AI, and next-generation infrastructure. Her career spans Microsoft, EY, and global blockchain startups, where she built programs in ecosystem development, go-to-market strategy, and emerging tech adoption. A graduate of Columbia University, Sierra combines corporate experience with startup execution to bridge the gap between research breakthroughs and real-world revenue. She is also an active mentor and speaker on critical technology, innovation ecosystems, and the future of deep tech in the Pacific Northwest.

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Ed Barker sits down with Sierra Clouse to unpack Barclo Venture Studio’s model for moving deep tech from research to market in the Pacific Northwest. They cover why “research → roadmap → revenue” beats slideware, how to score opportunities across the future tech stack, and where sovereign security, post-quantum cryptography and data-center realities collide. Sierra traces her path from Microsoft to global ecosystem building, and lays out what it will take for Cascadia to become a true hub for critical technologies.

Key Takeaways:

• Critical tech > category labels – Governments think in mandates, not “SaaS vs deep tech.” Funding and competition follow that lens.
• Research → Roadmap → Revenue – Barclo venture studio creates proof with design partners, pilots and testbeds, not coursework.
• The future tech stack – Compute and infrastructure set the ceiling for intelligence (AI) and apps; you can’t outrun your compute.
• Readiness matters – Use TRL-style scoring to separate science projects from products, features, and true companies.
• Near-term quantum wins – Security and simulations are already commercial, with post-quantum resilience moving fast.
• Cascadia’s opening - Untapped university pipelines + under-served founders + venture studio flywheel = PNW advantage - if we act.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

01:39 Sierra’s path to Barclo

05:40 Barclo Venture Studio - elevator pitch

08:59 Partnering with Qubits Ventures

11:31 The 4 Cs: Cohort, Content, Community, Coaching

16:05 Mapping the future tech stack (compute → intelligence → apps)

22:15 Scoring opportunities: TRLs and “product vs science project”

25:47 Universities, tech transfer and founder sourcing

29:13 Why hard tech founders struggle with traditional VC

32:04 AI bubble vs infrastructure reality

36:35 Near-term quantum use cases (security, simulations, data)

39:40 Why the Pacific Northwest - and what’s missing

43:48 Sovereign security, geopolitics and “you can’t SaaS your way to sovereignty”

49:19 Barclo’s 2030 vision

51:41 Wrap

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has founded three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently as a VC. He's now building a podcast production company, Studio 1878. Sound Investments is a modest attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial community.

Sierra Clouse, Managing Partner, Barclo Venture Studio

Sierra leads strategy, investment, and commercialization for frontier technologies including quantum computing, AI, and next-generation infrastructure. Her career spans Microsoft, EY, and global blockchain startups, where she built programs in ecosystem development, go-to-market strategy, and emerging tech adoption. A graduate of Columbia University, Sierra combines corporate experience with startup execution to bridge the gap between research breakthroughs and real-world revenue. She is also an active mentor and speaker on critical technology, innovation ecosystems, and the future of deep tech in the Pacific Northwest.

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What happens when one of the world’s biggest tech companies leans into the AI boom - while staying connected to the scrappy, risk-taking energy of startups?

In this episode of Sound Investments, Ed Barker sits down with Taylor Black, Director of AI and Venture Ecosystems at Microsoft, to explore the shifting landscape of artificial intelligence, corporate innovation, and venture creation.

Taylor shares his journey from developer in Seattle to a key figure shaping Microsoft’s approach to AI and startups. Along the way, he offers a candid look at the challenges of driving innovation inside a global enterprise, the opportunities for founders building alongside tech giants, and how AI is rewriting the rules of work and strategy.

From portfolio theory to vertical AI plays, design choices in model evolution to the unique strengths of the Pacific Northwest ecosystem, this conversation maps where the next wave of AI-powered companies might emerge. Whether you’re a founder, investor, or technologist, you’ll come away with new perspectives on the bets worth making - and the future being built right now.

Chapters

00:00 - Cold Open | Taylor Black, Microsoft

01:32 - Introduction & Background

02:05 - From Developer to AI Venture Leader

04:36 - Inside Microsoft’s Venture Studio & the AI Shift

06:55 - Innovation Challenges in Large Enterprises

11:41 - AI as a Fundamental Shift in Computing

13:16 - Startups in Microsoft’s Ecosystem

16:36 - Strategic Bet-Making & Portfolio Theory

20:08 - Competing with Platform Giants

24:55 - Vertical AI Solutions & Market Opportunities

27:49 - AI Thought Partners & Cognitive Collaboration

30:56 - Design Choices & Model Evolution

34:53 - New Startup Categories & Bootstrap Models

36:33 - The Pacific Northwest Tech Ecosystem

40:55 - The Future of AI: Optimism & Challenges

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has founded three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently as a VC. He's now building a podcast production company, Studio 1878. Sound Investments is a modest attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial community.

Taylor Black, Director of AI & Venture Ecosystems, Microsoft

Taylor works in Microsoft’s Office of the CTO, where he leads cross-company innovation, internal venture studio efforts, and strategic startup partnerships. He earned a BA in philosophy & classics at Gonzaga University, and both an MA in philosophy and a JD from Boston College. Early in graduate school, he co-founded a web development and product business and never practiced law. Since joining Microsoft in 2021, he has focused on scaling internal incubation models and mentoring founders. Taylor is also the founding director of a new interdisciplinary AI institute at The Catholic University of America, and serves as a deacon candidate and foster/adoptive parent. 

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In this episode, serial entrepreneur and investor Bob Crimmins, the force behind Startup Haven, shares his journey from growing up in an entrepreneurial family to creating a unique networking platform where poker and startups meet. Bob discusses the importance of curiosity and discipline in founders, the decision-making parallels between poker and startups, and the origins and future of Startup Haven Ventures. He also touches on the challenges of running a fund and his optimistic outlook for the startup ecosystem. Bob's insightful examples and experiences make this episode a valuable listen for founders, investors, and anyone interested in the dynamics of startup success.

00:00 Introduction

02:14 Bob's Early Entrepreneurial Journey

07:07 The Accidental Birth of Startup Haven

10:35 Why Poker Works for Startup Networking

31:01 Decision Making in Poker and Startups

37:47 The Seattle Investment Landscape

46:12 Challenges of Running a Venture Fund

48:48 Market Outlook and Future of Startup Haven

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has founded three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently as a VC. He's now building a podcast production company, Studio 1878. Sound Investments is a modest attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial community.

Bob Crimmins, General Partner, Startup Haven Venture

Bob is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and the founder of Startup Haven — a unique community that began around a poker table in Seattle and has since grown into a national network supporting thousands of founders and investors. Over the past two decades, Bob has built and led startups in multiple industries, launched a venture fund, and created an accelerator program to help early-stage founders. At the heart of his work is a belief that real relationships drive the startup ecosystem — and that the skills of risk, resilience, and decision-making apply as much at the poker table as they do in building companies.

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Brett Greene has worn a lot of hats - music industry insider, executive coach, community builder - but around Seattle, he’s best known as the founder of New Tech Seattle. For more than a decade, Brett’s been at the heart of the region’s startup community, creating spaces where people can connect, share ideas, and spark new ventures. In this conversation, Brett talks about his path from music into tech, why community events matter, and how Seattle’s startup scene has changed over the years. He also digs into the role of ADHD and neurodiversity in tech — how it shows up, how teams can better support it, and why it’s often a hidden strength for entrepreneurs.

00:00 Introduction

02:01 From Music to Community Building

08:33 COVID’s Impact on Seattle’s Tech Gatherings

14:21 The Philosophy Behind Building Community

16:04 ADHD in the Tech World

21:08 Coaching Neurodivergent Teams

26:07 Why Neurodiverse Founders Thrive in Startups

30:22 The State of Seattle’s Startup Scene

40:51 What’s Next for NewTech

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has founded three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently as a VC. He's now building a podcast production company, Studio 1878. Sound Investments is a modest attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial community.

Brett Greene, Founder, New Tech Northwest

Brett is a community builder, executive coach, and founder of New Tech Northwest - a 60,000-strong community connecting technologists and entrepreneurs across the region. He launched New Tech Seattle in 2013 after earlier work in marketing and the music industry, and has been a central organizer of monthly meetups and ecosystem events ever since. As a coach, Brett specializes in ADHD and neurodiversity, drawing on a master’s in counseling psychology to help founders and teams improve focus, communication, and outcomes. His work has been featured by GeekWire and in national ecosystem spotlights, and he continues to advise leaders on creating inclusive, high-performance cultures.

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In this episode Ed Barker talks to Elizabeth Scallon, Director of Incubation at HP. Elizabeth discusses the current state of AI adoption, the potential for robots in various settings, and the challenges and opportunities of corporate innovation. She shares her journey from biotech startups to major tech companies like Amazon and HP, emphasizing the importance of iterative development, cross-functional collaboration, and customer validation. Elizabeth also highlights the vibrant startup ecosystem in Seattle and the role of the University of Washington in fostering innovation.

00:00 Introduction

01:02 Introduction to Elizabeth Scallon

02:29 Career Journey from Biotech to Corp Innovation

07:05 Corporate Innovation and Incubation at HP

16:00 Strategic Framework for Innovation

22:59 Seattle's Tech and Startup Ecosystem

27:00 University of Washington's Role in Innovation

31:04 AI Applications 

39:38 Closing Thoughts

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has founded three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently as a VC. He's now building a podcast production company, Studio 1878. Sound Investments is a modest attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial community.

Elizabeth Scallon, Director of Incubation Enablement at HP

Elizabeth is responsible for helping internal founders and teams launch innovative ventures and bringing new business ideas to life within the company. Her background spans founding and scaling incubation programs, venture ecosystems, and academia. She co-founded Find Ventures, a nonprofit focused on non-dilutive funding and support for under-represented entrepreneurs in Washington State. Prior to HP, Elizabeth held leadership roles at Amazon (working with Alexa Startups, the Alexa Fund, and its Grand Challenge / startups team), directed WeWork Labs for the US West & LATAM region, and ran CoMotion Labs at the University of Washington. She teaches entrepreneurship at the University of Washington Foster School of Business. Her academic background includes a Global Executive MBA in Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Emerging Markets.

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In this episode of Sound Investments, the host, Ed Barker, dives into Washington's tech ecosystem with Nick Ellingson, the startup ambassador at the WTIA. Nick has spent a decade helping founders navigate the startup landscape, and he shares insights into the unique characteristics of Seattle's founders, the role of WTIA, and the challenges facing the local tech ecosystem. They discuss the importance of solving big problems, the need for better marketing of the local ecosystem, and the dynamics of funding within the region. Nick also highlights WTIA's accelerator programs, support services, and the organization's goals for driving economic development and fostering industry connections in Washington.

00:00 Introduction 

00:39 Meet Nick Ellingson

02:07 The Role and Evolution of WTIA

06:51 WTIA's Support for Startups

09:31 Accelerator Programs and Their Impact

14:13 Challenges and Success Metrics

17:31 Global Comparisons 

19:28 Seattle's Evolving Tech Focus

20:09 Enterprise SaaS and AI 

21:21 AI Ecosystem 

22:47 Intersections of AI with Other Industries

25:27 Challenges in Marketing and Funding

28:22 Angel Investing 

35:33 Future Growth and Economic Development

39:10 WTIA's Roadmap 

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has founded three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently as a VC. He's now building a podcast production company, Studio 1878. Sound Investments is a modest attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial community.

Nick Ellingson, Startup Ambassador, WTIA

Nick is Director of Products and Startup Ambassador at the Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA). He oversees WTIA’s core programs while championing early-stage ventures across Washington, helping founders access funding, mentorship, and community. With a background in product leadership and sales at OpenText, Nick brings nearly a decade of experience supporting tech growth in the region. He holds an Executive MBA from Seattle University and studied at the University of Redlands and Lakeside School. Known as a connector and advocate for startups, Nick is deeply embedded in Seattle’s innovation ecosystem.

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In this episode, Chris DeVore, managing partner at Founders Co-op, shares his journey from an operator to an influential venture capitalist in Seattle, shaping the city’s startup ecosystem. He discusses the evolution of his investment philosophy, the challenges of venture capital outside Silicon Valley, and his commitment to community-driven legacy projects like the waterfront park. Chris also highlights the promising companies in his portfolio, including vertical payments in construction and innovative applications in healthcare. The conversation provides deep insights into the interplay between founders, venture capital, and regional technology growth.

00:00 Introduction

00:58 Hello, Chris

02:18 Chris's Journey to Venture Capital

08:56 Founder-Friendly Investment Philosophy

13:49 Founders Co-op Overview

29:28 Views on Technology Trends

43:02 Portfolio Highlights

51:01 Missed Opportunities

53:44 Legacy and Impact on Seattle

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has founded three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently as a VC. He's now building a podcast production company, Studio 1878. Sound Investments is a modest attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial community.

Chris DeVore, Managing Partner

Chris is the Founding Managing Partner of Founders’ Co-op, the Pacific Northwest's leading seed-stage venture fund. In that role, Chris led the seed rounds for Seattle's most recent successful IPO Remitly and $4B+ Outreach, was an early backer of Auth0, and led or participated in the first round financings of over 100 additional startups in the region. Chris also co-founded and led the Seattle branch of the global Techstars startup accelerator from 2010 to 2019, supporting an additional 100+ founding teams from inception through their first fundraise. Previously a co-founder of Adjacency, Chris also created outdoor retailer Patagonia's first online retailing channel and led product and business strategy teams at AT&T and McCaw Cellular. As a community volunteer, Chris co-chaired the City of Seattle’s Economic Development Commission, partnered with the University of Washington to create Startup Hall, and is a current Board member of Friends of Waterfront Seattle, a non-profit helping to revitalize Seattle’s downtown waterfront.

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In this episode of Sound Investments, host Ed Barker interviews Jason Stoffer, general partner at Maveron, a Pacific Northwest-based consumer VC fund. Jason shares his unconventional journey into venture capital, Maveron's focus on consumer brands, and insights into building a consumer VC fund in Seattle. The discussion also covers current and emerging opportunities in sectors like EdTech, AI, wellness, and retail. Jason shares what he looks for in founders and how the changing media landscape affects consumer product reach. The episode concludes with Jason's thoughts on the trends in the VC market and the future of job markets in light of technological advancements.

00:00 Sound Investments - Jason Stoffer

00:30 Jason's Journey into Venture Capital

01:13 Maveron's Investment Focus

22:02 Consumer VC in Seattle

28:16 EdTech and AI

31:28 The Future of Consumer Marketing

37:23 Portfolio Companies and Market Outlook

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has founded three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently as a VC. He's now building a podcast production company, Studio 1878. Sound Investments is a modest attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial community.

Jason Stoffer, Chief Investment Officer, General Partner

As a kid, Jason aspired to be the world’s greatest veterinarian. Now he herds cats of a different sort as a father to three young boys. Jason joined Maveron in 2007 after a pioneering role in online education and has become our resident expert in consumer education, e-commerce and marketplace businesses. He likes to dig in and stay involved, and our companies are better for it. Jason is a diehard U of Michigan football fan and a voracious reader—historical fiction, science fiction, the classics. Jason’s love of animals never quite went away; he serves on the board of the Seattle Humane Society.

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In this episode of Sound Investments, host Ed Barker interviews Elisa Lava, Principal at Trilogy Equity Partners in Seattle. They discuss Elisa's journey in venture capital, the distinct qualities of the Pacific Northwest's startup ecosystem, and emerging trends in AI and early-stage investing. Elisa shares her insights on investment strategies, the importance of community building in tech, and the evolving market dynamics affecting early-stage companies. The episode also highlights the challenges and opportunities present in the current investment climate for startups.

00:00 Introduction

00:30 Elisa La Cava from Trilogy Equity Partners

01:31 The Seattle Startup Ecosystem

02:48 Elisa's Journey into Venture Capital

04:46 Transition to Consulting

05:54 Entering the Venture Capital World

10:57 Joining Madrona and Trilogy Equity Partners

11:54 Trilogy's Investment Strategy

16:38 Community Building

20:36 AI Trends and Investment Opportunities

26:47 Challenges in Seed Stage Investing

28:14 Funding Milestones and Investor Expectations

34:04 Portfolio Companies

41:30 The Impact of AI Tools on Venture Capital

46:35 Future of AI in Media

51:11 Conclusion

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has founded three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently as a VC. He's now building a podcast production company, Studio 1878. Sound Investments is a modest attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial community.

Elisa La Cava, Principal, Trilogy Equity Partners

Prior to joining Trilogy, Elisa spent five years as an investor at Madrona Venture Group where she focused on funding early-stage startups building enterprise software applications. She also held positions at MATH Venture Partners and AT&T Corporate Development / M&A. Before receiving her MBA, Elisa worked at Deloitte Consulting, where she held roles as U.S. West Region chief of staff and consultant. Earlier in her career, Elisa gained early-stage company building experience at a biofuel startup where she wore several hats, including business development, project management, and HR.

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In this episode of Sound Investments, host Ed Barker talks with Pablo Casilimas, co-founder and managing partner of OneSixOne. Pablo shares his journey from a student entrepreneur to venture capitalist, emphasizing the significance of community in venture capital. They discuss how OneSixOne was created, the innovative approach they take to building their fund, and the critical role of community. Pablo also shares insights on the types of sectors they invest in, the importance of founder-market fit, and the future vision for OneSixOne. Throughout the conversation, Pablo highlights some of their portfolio companies and the unique strategies they employ to support their founders.

00:00 Introduction

01:21 Pablo's Journey to VC

04:26 Building Community & Fund Strategy

05:52 Investment Focus & Sectors

07:47 Founder Criteria & Portfolio

11:25 Fundraising & LPs

15:06 Geography & Ecosystems

20:04 Trends & Founder Stories

23:54 Working with Founders

28:19 Portfolio Highlights

33:24 The Future of OneSixOne

41:54 Personal Insights & Closing

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has founded three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently as a VC. He's now building a podcast production company, Studio 1878. Sound Investments is a modest attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial community.

Pablo Casilimas, Managing Partner, OneSixOne Ventures

Pablo is the Co-Founder OneSixOne, a pre-seed venture firm investing in Cloud and AI infrastructure, GovTech, and enterprise software. With roots in Miami and a background in Industrial Engineering from the University of Florida, Pablo built his reputation by fostering startup ecosystems in underserved markets—starting with Gainesville, then expanding to Miami and Seattle. He launched OneSixOne to back overlooked technical founders at the earliest stages.

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Sound Investments host Ed Barker chats with Amish Patel, Managing Director of Conduit Venture Labs, about his dynamic career transitioning from Microsoft to launching startups in the hard tech space. They explore Patel's vision for Conduit Venture Labs, its innovative venture studio model, and its emphasis on the synergy between hardware, software, and entrepreneurship. The discussion covers various sectors Patel is passionate about, including health and human performance, physical industries like agriculture and energy, and dual-use technologies. Notable projects include medical devices, AI-powered wearables, and environmental tech solutions. Patel highlights the studio's strategy of leveraging a network of experts to address the 'valleys of death' in hardware development and shares how Conduit is contributing to the Pacific Northwest's innovation landscape.

00:00 Introduction

01:53 Guest Background

02:12 Career Journey at Microsoft

06:00 Entrepreneurial Path and Hardware Experience

08:30 Founding Conduit Venture Labs

11.25 Venture Studio Model

15.56 Corporate Studios

17.22 Sector Focus

24.19 Making the Model Work

30.10 Cap Table Strategy

34.00 Working in the PNW

42:06 Current Portfolio and Projects

47:10 Closing Thoughts

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has founded three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently as a VC. He's now building a podcast production company, Studio 1878. Sound Investments is a modest attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial community.

Amish Patel, Managing Director, Conduit Venture Labs

Amish Patel is the Founder and Managing Director of Conduit Venture Labs, a venture studio based in Seattle, Washington, that focuses on developing innovative solutions at the intersection of physical and digital technologies. He has a strong background in product design and technology strategy, having previously held leadership roles in various startups and at Microsoft, where he was involved in the development of wearable devices and consumer health platforms.

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In this episode of Sound Investments, Ed Barker interviews Sarah Applebaum, partner at Pangaea Ventures. They discuss Sarah's journey into venture capital and her work at Pangaea, an investment firm focused on hard tech and sustainability. The conversation covers the startup ecosystem in Vancouver, the importance of hard tech for addressing global challenges, and specific investment sectors like industrial decarbonization, green chemistry, and semiconductor manufacturing. They also dive into the dynamics between Pangaea and its corporate partners and explore current trends and challenges in the venture capital landscape.

Pangaea Ventures Hard Tech report can be found here.

00:00 Introduction to Sound Investments

00:17 Meet Sarah Applebaum: Partner at Pangaea Ventures

02:37 Sarah's Journey into Venture Capital

09:47 Understanding Hard Tech and Planetary Health

13:03 Strategies and Challenges

23:02 Investment Opportunities

34:57 Corporate Partnerships and Future Outlook

37:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has founded three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently as a VC. He's now building a podcast production company, Studio 1878. Sound Investments is a modest attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial community.

Sarah Applebaum, Partner, Pangea Ventures

Sarah brings more than a decade of venture capital and company building experience to the team. Sarah has cultivated expertise in building entrepreneurial teams, scaling early stage ventures, and venture financing. Sarah is an active mentor to early stage entrepreneurs and a startup community activator and advocate. Sarah led Pangaea’s investments into PolySpectra, Correlia Biosystems, and pH7. Sarah holds a BSc. From Dalhousie University and an MBA from the Schulich School of Business. Outside of work, you can find Sarah on the local trails with her dog, Indie, out on her road bike, or spending time with friends and family.

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In this episode of Sound Investments Ed Barker talks to Jennifer Savage, Partner at Illuminate Ventures, a venture capital firm specializing in seed-stage investments in enterprise software. Jennifer discusses her journey into venture capital, the unique operating model of Illuminate Ventures, and their focus on impactful enterprise solutions. She highlights the firm's extensive advisory council, consisting of industry leaders who provide hands-on support and strategic guidance to portfolio companies. Jennifer also touches on the growth and challenges of the tech and venture capital ecosystem in the Pacific Northwest, the evolving landscape of AI investments, and the current economic climate. The episode provides valuable insights into Illuminate's strategic approach and the broader venture capital scene.

00:00 Introduction to Sound Investments

01:04 Meet Jennifer Savage of Illuminate Ventures

03:31 Illuminate Ventures' Investment Focus

04:57 The Role of the Advisory Board

09:07 Diversity and Inclusion in Venture Capital

11:52 Finding and Supporting Portfolio Companies

16:31 The Seattle Tech Scene and Venture Capital

21:17 Current Trends

29:04 Portfolio Highlights

38:49 Closing Remarks

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has founded three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently as a VC. He's now building a podcast production company, Studio 1878. Sound Investments is a modest attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial community.

Jennifer Savage, Partner, Illuminate Ventures

In this role, Jennifer identifies and leads new investments (with a particular interest in companies in the Pacific Northwest), assists with due diligence efforts, and provides strategic and operational advice to Illuminate portfolio companies. In addition, Jennifer creatively fosters strategic relations with Illuminate’s extended B2B Enterprise network - including our Advisory Council and business school interns. She currently plays a board role for Illuminate portfolio companies Hoopla Software and Pyze and as a board observer with several other companies.

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In this episode of Sound Investments, host Ed Barker engages in a comprehensive discussion with Anne Kennedy, general partner at The Mastersfund. The conversation delves into the fund's mission to address the underfunding of female founders by leveraging a unique structured exit model that mitigates risk for investors and promotes financial stability for startups. Anne shares her journey from serial entrepreneurship to venture capital, highlights significant growth in portfolio companies, and explains the importance of diversity and profitability in investment strategies. The episode encompasses insights into scaling business operations, the importance of AI in various sectors, and reflections on fostering a supportive environment for women-led startups.

00:00 Introduction to Sound Investments

01:42 Meet Anne Kennedy

03:34 Challenges in Female Entrepreneurship

05:30 The Mastersfund: Mission and Model

10:30 Structured Exits: A New Investment Approach

23:44 Global Business Perspectives

25:51 Diversity in Leadership

28:08 Tech Investment Focus

31:40 Service-Based Business Models

34:38 Diligence and Investment Strategy

40:23 Portfolio Companies

47:22 Future Plans and Scaling Up

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has founded three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently as a VC. He's now building a podcast production company, Studio 1878. Sound Investments is a modest attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial community.

Anne Kennedy, Managing Director, Mastersfund Partner

Branding, marketing & global networking. Founder, entrepreneur, board director and advisor worldwide. Founding director of Helium.com, acquired by RR Donnelley and now the RRD Content Network. One of the earliest and most respected names in global digital marketing. Pioneer SEO, launched Zillow, Philips Lifeline, and other household names onto the web, building the world’s largest consortium of digital marketing agencies. Author of Global Search Marketing. Co-host & producer of CEOcoach podcast.

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In this episode of Sound Investments, host Ed Barker interviews Evan Poncelet, co-managing partner of Dreamwood VC. Evan shares his journey from a career in software engineering to founding a venture capital fund focused on closing the funding gap for underrepresented founders, particularly within the black community. He discusses his family's legacy of economic empowerment through the establishment of the Liberty Bank in Seattle and how this inspired him to Africatown Community Land Trust and, later, Dreamwood Ventures. The conversation covers the challenges and rewards of building a new VC fund, the importance of economic equity, and the role of innovative sectors like med tech and FinTech in Dreamwood's investment strategy. Evan also highlights his efforts to educate and onboard more black angel investors and his broader mission to create generational wealth within underrepresented communities.

00:00 Introduction to Sound Investments

00:59 Meet Evan Poncelet

03:52 Building Africatown

08:23 Founding Dreamwood Ventures

14:27 Investment Focus and Community Building

21:59 Exploring Regional Strengths

23:37 Building Deal Flow and Community Engagement

25:58 Challenges and Opportunities for Black Founders

30:19 The Role of Corporates

34:05 Inspiring Investments and Future Plans

36:47 Addressing Economic Disparities

39:49 Closing Thoughts

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has founded three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently as a VC. He's now building a podcast production company, Studio 1878. Sound Investments is a modest attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pacific Northwest entrepreneurial community.

Evan Poncelet — Founding Managing Partner of Dreamward Ventures

Evan founded Dreamward to back underrepresented founders, especially Black entrepreneurs, building high-growth startups. A former engineer and program manager at Fluke Networks and Cisco, Evan brings over a decade of tech industry experience to his investing. He’s also the Executive Director of Venture Black, co-founder of the Washington Black Angel Network, and a driving force behind the Black Founder Launchpad Expo. Evan’s work is rooted in a legacy of economic justice—his grandfather co-founded Liberty Bank in Seattle to fight redlining in the 1960s.

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In this episode of Sound Investments, host Ed Barker is joined by Andrew Peterson, founding partner of Aviso Ventures. They discuss Andrew's journey into venture capital, which is rooted in his experiences as a startup founder and operator. Aviso Ventures specializes in investing in cybersecurity and enterprise infrastructure companies, primarily in pre-seed and seed stages. The conversation dives into the challenges startups face in entering the enterprise market, the importance of offering actionable advice, and the practical aspects of cyber investments. They also explore how the venture capital landscape has evolved, the significance of content in building deal flow, and the impact of AI on tech investment.

00:00 Introduction to Sound Investments

00:19 Meet Andrew Peterson of Aviso Ventures

05:20 The Role of Advice in Venture Capital

06:50 Aviso Ventures' Investment Focus

09:25 Challenges in Enterprise Sales Cycles

13:05 Building a Content-Driven VC Strategy

17:57 Trends and Challenges in Venture Capital

22:55 The Missing Element in Seattle's Tech Ecosystem

25:28 The Reality of Transitioning from Big Tech to Startups

28:05 Challenges in Cybersecurity

34:34 AI's Impact on Enterprise

39:43 Staying Updated in a Fast-Moving Tech World

42:38 Personal Reflections and Inspirations

44:55 Conclusion

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has started three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently was a VC. He's now building a podcast production company. Sound Investments is a small attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pac NW entrepreneurial community.

Andrew Peterson — Founding Partner, Aviso Ventures

Andrew Peterson is the Founding Partner of Aviso Ventures, where he backs the next generation of software infrastructure startups. After more than two decades as an operator and founder, Andrew launched Aviso to invest in companies building foundational technologies for the modern enterprise. Since inception, Aviso’s Fund I has become a top performer in its class, with a strong track record of follow-on investments across the portfolio. Andrew is currently raising and deploying Fund II. Before founding Aviso, Andrew was the CEO and Co-Founder of Signal Sciences, where he led the creation of a category-defining platform that secured web applications, mobile apps, and APIs. Under his leadership, Signal Sciences grew into an industry leader and was acquired by Fastly for $825 million in 2020.

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In this episode of Sound Investments, host Ed Barker sits down with Dennis Joyce, Director of Investments at the Tacoma Venture Fund (TVF). They explore Dennis' fascinating journey from a young dreamer in New York to leading a venture fund in Tacoma. The conversation covers Dennis' experiences, from his early inspirations in venture capital to the formation and mission of the Tacoma Venture Fund. They discuss the Pacific Northwest's startup ecosystem, the importance of local connections and deep due diligence, and the challenges of early-stage investing. Dennis also shares insights into promising sectors, particularly AI and SaaS, and highlights the importance of a robust investment ecosystem in the region. The episode looks at the intricacies of scaling startups, the evolving market dynamics, and the personal side of life as a venture capitalist. The discussion is rich with anecdotal wisdom and practical advice for navigating the world of early-stage investments.

00:00 Introduction to Sound Investments

01:06 Meet Dennis Joyce

07:06 The Birth of Tacoma Venture Fund

11:41 Investing in the Pacific Northwest

16:06 Challenges and Opportunities

24:11 Current Market Dynamics

29:51 Scaling Sales

30:59 The Importance of OKRs

32:38 Investing in Agentic AI

37:55 Spotlight on Flavor Cloud

39:30 Lessons Learned

40:12 The Need for More Capital and Collaboration

43:11 Balancing Work and Life

47:45 Finding Inspiration

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has started three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently was a VC. He's now building a podcast production company. Sound Investments is a small attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pac NW entrepreneurial community.

Dennis Joyce, Director of Investments

Dennis oversees dealflow, due diligence, and operational functions on behalf of TVF. He has led investments in Vega Cloud, Workflow Labs, and Flavorcloud, among others. Before TVF, Dennis spent 17 years as an independent angel investor and real estate developer. Dennis is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs and seeing great ideas come to life. He believes a vibrant venture ecosystem needs talent, expertise, and access to capital to thrive. Out of twenty-one pre-TVF angel investments, seventeen have been in female or minority-lead ventures. Dennis is intentional about providing greater access and opportunity to underrepresented founders. Dennis is an active member of Seattle’s Alliance of Angels and Puget Sound Venture Club. He is also a Board member of the William Factory Business Incubator, which provides training and support for entrepreneurs in Pierce County. He has an MBA from the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business and a bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Notre Dame. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family and trying new things.

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In this episode of Sound Investments, host Ed Barker delves into the Pacific Northwest venture capital scene with Andy Liu, co-founding partner of Unlock Venture Partners. Andy shares his journey from being an entrepreneur to an active early-stage investor, with over 90 investments under his belt. The conversation covers his experiences in launching startups, the investment focus of Unlock VC, tech trends, the challenges and opportunities in the Seattle and LA markets, and the characteristics of successful founders. Liu also talks about the importance of mission-driven entrepreneurs, the role of AI and data in venture capital, and his approach to hands-on investing. Additionally, Liu highlights some of the standout companies in Unlock VC's portfolio and shares his perspectives on future tech opportunities and trends.

00:00 Introduction to Sound Investments

00:21 Meet Andy Liu

03:20 Building Unlock Venture Partners

05:04 Investment Strategies and Focus Areas

16:55 Challenges and Opportunities in Seattle and LA

20:33 Comparing Investment Landscapes: Pacific Northwest vs. LA

21:46 The AI Revolution

22:31 Evaluating AI Startups

28:17 Success Stories

31:24 The Importance of Founder Focus in VC

34:10 Balancing Innovation and Practicality 

38:25 Leveraging Data and Technology in VC

40:39 Close

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has started three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently was a VC. He's now building a podcast production company. Sound Investments is a small attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pac NW entrepreneurial community.

Andy Liu, Co-founding Partner of Unlock Venture Partners

Andy Liu is a co-founding partner of Unlock Venture Partners. He is a serial entrepreneur, most recently as a co-founder and CEO of BuddyTV. Prior to BuddyTV, Andy was the co-founder and CEO of NetConversions which was acquired by aQuantive, where he then served as VP & GM, Atlas NetConversions. Andy had previously worked in a variety of roles at Active Voice, Safeware, Boeing, and AT&T. He also serves on the non-profit board of Future Hope, which provides technology and leadership education to the impoverished and marginalized.

Andy has been a very active early stage investor in technology companies, mostly in the Pacific Northwest, with over 90 investments in companies such as Cheezburger Network, SoFi, Redfin, Buuteeq, Minted, Remitly, Amperity, Rover, Skilljar, and Sparq. He has been named 40 under 40 by PSBJ in 2003, Seattle Angel of the Year in 2010, and Innovator of the Year by Asian NW Weekly in 2016. 

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In this episode of Sound Investments, host Ed Parker chats with Martin Tobias, Managing Partner at Incisive VC. Tobias, a seasoned angel investor and startup founder, discusses his unique investing philosophy focused on B2B software that reduces friction at scale. Tobias recounts his journey from his early days at Microsoft to running his own VC firm and creating a successful angel syndicate. Key topics include the importance of founder-market fit, innovative distribution strategies, and identifying previously intractable problems now solvable through technology, particularly AI. Tobias also shares insights into several high-growth investments, the impact of AI on venture capital, and how the market is evolving post-2022 downturn. The discussion highlights emerging opportunities and the future of investing in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

00:00 Introduction to Sound Investments

01:02 Meet Martin Tobias

03:58 The Birth of Incisive VC

06:30 Investing Philosophy and Principles

13:45 The Power of AI in Solving Old Problems

21:32 Investment Process

24:58 Building Moats

29:50 Data-Driven VC Market

34:53 Notable Investments and Success Stories

39:26 Future Outlook

42:21 Staying Informed

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has started three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently was a VC. He's now building a podcast production company. Sound Investments is a small attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pac NW entrepreneurial community.

Martin Tobias, Incisive Ventures

Martin is the Managing Partner and Founder of Incisive, an early-stage venture capital firm focused on investing in the first institutional round of technology companies that reduce friction at scale. Previously Martin was a Venture Partner at Ignition Partners and an early investor in Google, Docusign, OpenSea, and over a dozen Unicorns. He's also a father to three daughters, a cyclist, surfer, poker player, life hacker and motorcycle tinkerer.

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In this episode of Sound Investments, host Ed Barker interviews Peter Muller, founding partner of Breakwater Ventures, to explore his unique journey from Merrill Lynch to the launch of his venture capital firm in Seattle. They discuss Peter's career transitions, the Seattle startup ecosystem, and delve into key areas of interest like AI, fintech, and marketplaces. The conversation covers the challenges and opportunities in Seattle's venture capital scene, the firm's investment philosophy, and promising sectors. Peter also shares insights into raising capital in a tough environment and the necessary characteristics of successful founders.

00:00 Introduction

01:05 Meet Peter Mueller

05:59 Investment Philosophy and Strategy

07:23 Challenges in the Seattle Angel Market

11:57 AI, Fintech and Marketplaces

26:45 Fundraising Environment

38:37 Closing Thoughts

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has started three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently was a VC. He's now building a podcast production company. Sound Investments is a small attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pac NW entrepreneurial community.

Peter Mueller, General Partner, Breakwater Ventures

Peter is a Co-Founder & serves as a General Partner at Breakwater Ventures. Previously, he served as a Managing Partner at SeaChange Fund. He serves as a Board Member at KredosAi. He serves as a Board Member at Vouched, KredosAI, and CreatorCo. He serves as a Board Observer at OSYTE. Previously, he worked in equity research at Bank of America Merrill Lynch covering TMT markets. He then moved on to become an early employee at Carta (formerly known as eShares) building their business valuations product. Before SeaChange, he worked as a Senior Analyst at Concert Golf Partners, a private equity real estate fund, and Trek Partners, a middle-market leveraged buyout firm.

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In this episode of Sound Investments, host Ed Barker interviews Brendan Wales, founding partner of Fuse, a venture capital firm in Seattle. Brendan shares his pathway from a tech-obsessed teenager to co-founding Fuse, including his early career and nine years at Headline. He details the founding of Fuse alongside partners Kellan and Cameron, highlighting their focus on early-stage companies in the Pacific Northwest, particularly in enterprise software, cloud, and space tech. The discussion covers key investments, differentiating in the VC landscape, and insights into the burgeoning space tech sector. Brendan also delves into the challenges and strategies of fundraising, the value of an extensive LP network, and the future of Fuse's investments.

00:00 Introduction to Sound Investments

00:16 Founding Fuse

01:53 Brendan's Career Journey

05:58 Building Fuse

09:21 Differentiating in the VC Landscape

11:45 Seattle vs. Bay Area

15:22 The Fuse Space Program

24:06 Highlighting Successful Investments

33:40 AI's Impact on Business

41:24 Conclusion

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has started three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently was a VC. He's now building a podcast production company. Sound Investments is a small attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pac NW entrepreneurial community.

Brendan Wales, Founding Partner

Brendan is a founding General Partner of FUSE where he focuses on early-stage investments in vertical SaaS, B2B marketplaces, open-source software, and developer tools. At FUSE, Brendan has led the firm's investments in bttn., VisualPing.io, and Dendron. He serves as a Board Member at Oporto. He served as a Board Member at Layer. Before FUSE, Brendan spent nine years at e.ventures, where he partnered with companies such as Shopmonkey, Fetch Rewards, Shipt, Grin, BitWarden, Secured, Carewell, plus many others. Before joining e.ventures, Brendan was an early employee at ZOZI, a venture-backed marketplace in the tourism and local experiences market. His first role out of college was working in the Atlanta, GA office of Sun Life Financial, a $29B publicly traded financial services business. Brendan holds a BS degree in Finance from the University of Georgia. He served as a Board Member at Secured

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In this episode of 'Sound Investments,' we sit down with Minda Bruce, founding partner at First Row Partners. With over 25 years in the startup ecosystem, Minda shares her journey from early startup roles to teaching investment and entrepreneurship at the University of Washington. She discusses First Row's unique investment strategies and principles, emphasizing support for pre-seed companies across the U.S. Minda elaborates on their role as investors in building strong founder relationships and the value of tech in media, commerce, and ed-tech. The episode also touches on their focus areas for 2025 and their commitment to education through workshops and university courses.

00:00 Introduction

01:16 Minda's Journey into Venture Capital

01:42 Founding First Row Partners

06:57 Investment Strategy and Focus

09:07 Building Relationships with Founders

18:03 Engaging with the Seattle Ecosystem

26:34 Current Market Dynamics and Tech Interests

37:41 Supporting Small Brands and Human Connection

44:08 Teaching and Mentorship at UW

47:20 Final Thoughts

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has started three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently was a VC. He's now building a podcast production company. Sound Investments is a small attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pac NW entrepreneurial community.

Minda Brusse, Founding Partner

Minda Brusse has been in the startup ecosystem for over 25 years. In her early career, she was a lynchpin employee at a $39M venture-backed company acquired by Accenture. She continued to find her way into co-founder and leadership roles during early applications of new technology in SaaS software distribution, user generated content, consumer payments, and blockchain. Minda found that a key lever in enabling innovation came from the capital that fuels it; and she dug deep -- honing her skills as an investor and fund manager. She now contributes her time and talent at the University of Washington teaching hands-on investing and entrepreneurship courses in the Foster School MBA program.  During the pandemic, she co-founded The 1K Project to help families in need, raising $3.3M for 1,100 families to receive cash grants. She is a sustaining member of Seattle organizations Seattle Art Museum Supporters (SAMS) and the Junior League of Seattle. 

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In this episode of Sound Investments, Ed Barker speaks with Will Poole, co-founder and managing partner at Capria VC, about his journey from a tech executive at Microsoft to a global venture capitalist. Focusing on emerging markets in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, Will discusses the unique opportunities and challenges of investing in these regions. The conversation explores Capria's network-driven approach, the impact of generative AI on venture capital, and the promising sectors like healthcare, education, and fintech. Will also shares insights into managing risk and the importance of founder selection.

00:00 Introduction

00:21 Meet Will Poole: From Tech Executive to Global Investor

06:07 The Genesis of Capria VC

07:52 Capria's Investment Philosophy and Strategy

10:41 Managing Risks and Selecting Founders

17:50 Generative AI in Emerging Markets

21:51 Impact of DeepSeek on AI Costs

25:41 AI's Role in Various Sectors

28:27 Regulatory Challenges and Opportunities

32:21 FinTech and AI

34:47 Exciting Startups and Success Stories

38:11 Focus Areas and Future Plans

41:04 Conclusion

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has started three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently was a VC. He's now building a podcast production company. Sound Investments is a small attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pac NW entrepreneurial community.

Will Poole, Managing Partner at Capria VC

He is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Capria Ventures where he also serves as the firm’s Chief AI Evangelist. He has been directly investing in startups since 1997. His first institutional venture fund was raised for Capria’s predecessor Unitus Ventures, in 2012. He and his partners together manage over $180M AUM in companies spanning the Global South, from São Paulo to Nairobi to Bangalore to Jakarta. In his big tech career, Will was a Corporate Vice President at Microsoft, leading several business lines, including the $13 billion Windows client business. After that he led the company’s efforts to tailor products to the needs of mass-market customers in emerging markets. Will serves as a strategic advisor to African health systems transformer Village Reach, and as a board member of blended-finance leader Convergence Finance. He is also a Managing Director of The W Fund, a Seattle-based tech and life-sciences fund affiliated with the University of Washington.

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In this episode of Sound Investments, host Ed Barker delves into the Pacific Northwest venture capital ecosystem with Ken Horenstein, Founder and Managing Partner at Pack Ventures. Ken shares his personal journey in venture capital, from his educational roots at the University of Washington to his role in supporting Seattle-based startups. The discussion covers the founding and principles behind Pack Ventures, the fund's focus on UW-affiliated ventures, and the broader Seattle startup scene. Key topics include the diversification of investment sectors, the evolution of the venture space in Seattle, and the future potential driven by AI, biotechnology, and robotics. Ken also emphasizes the importance of building a community and sharing insights to foster innovation. The episode offers perspectives for anyone interested in venture capital, startups, and the dynamic technologies shaping the future.

00:00 Introduction to Sound Investments

00:13 Meet Ken Horenstein: Founder at Pack Ventures

01:35 Ken's Entrepreneurial Journey

04:23 The Birth of Pack Ventures

05:54 Fund 1: Proof of Concept

10:00 Fund 2: Doubling Down on UW Ecosystem

12:45 Investment Strategy and Focus Areas

20:08 The Role of LPs and Fund Structure

25:31 Seattle's Unique Venture Ecosystem

26:58 AI and Local Capital Dynamics

29:47 Challenges and Opportunities in Life Sciences

32:05 Future of AI and Data in Healthcare

39:08 Exciting Projects and Investments

41:02 Staying Informed and Connected

44:50 Final Thoughts

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has started three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently was a VC. He's now building a podcast production company. Sound Investments is a small attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pac NW entrepreneurial community.

Ken Horenstein

A founder at heart, Ken has supported dozens of entrepreneurs in their fundraising over the last 5+ years. An alum of M12 - Microsoft's Venture Fund, Ken cofounded the Venture Out community and accelerator. He has also angel invested in multiple companies in the Seattle area. Ken is a Double Dawg with both a BA and MBA from the University of Washington.

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In this episode of Sound Investments, host Ed Barker interviews Jessica Kamada, the managing partner of Swizzle Ventures, a venture capital fund based in Bellevue that focuses on empowering female founders addressing women's challenges at pivotal life stages. Jessica shares her journey from a competitive figure skater to a growth marketer and eventually to founding Swizzle Ventures. She discusses the inspiration behind the fund, its vision, and the sectors they are investing in, including women's healthcare and financial health. Jessica also delves into her personal experiences, the fund's investment strategy, and the broader mission to shift the investment dynamics towards female founders. The conversation highlights the importance of addressing systemic issues and the potential for long-term impact in empowering women through targeted investment.

00:00 Introduction to Sound Investments

00:13 Meet Jessica Kamada of Swizzle Ventures

00:39 Jessica's Journey from Figure Skater to VC

01:29 The Origin and Mission of Swizzle Ventures

02:12 Early Career and Growth Marketing

05:52 Transition to Venture Capital

06:53 Personal Motivations and Challenges

08:46 Investment Focus and Strategy

12:30 Building a Network and Community

31:25 Future Vision and Inspiration

37:39 Farewell

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has started three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently was a VC. He's now building a podcast production company. Sound Investments is a small attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pac NW entrepreneurial community.

Jessica Kamada, Managing Partner, Swizzle Ventures

Jessica spent eight years building Bamboo, a growth marketing agency where she was vice president of growth marketing, before becoming COO and joining the board of directors. During her tenure, she led growth programs for consumer tech businesses such as Headspace, Peloton, the New York Times and Rover. Previously, she worked at RedDrop, which provides menstrual education to tweens, as a growth adviser.

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In this episode of Sound Investments, host Ed Barker interviews Ron Weiner, CEO and chairman of the Bellevue-based startup launchpad, Venture Mechanics. They discuss Ron's extensive experience as a tech startup CEO and investor, and the innovative business model of Venture Mechanics, which aims to provide a unique, asynchronous approach to mentoring and supporting startups. They delve into the intricacies of raising venture capital, the challenges of building a successful team, and the importance of early customer discovery. Ron also shares insights into the specificity of the Seattle startup ecosystem and the emergent focus on diverse founder groups and sectors like consumer CPG and hardware. With a focus on meticulous preparation and a deep understanding of exit strategies, Venture Mechanics positions itself as a unique player in the startup incubation landscape.

00:00 Introduction to Sound Investments Podcast

00:13 Meet Ron Weiner: A Journey in Venture Capital

00:37 The Venture Mechanics Business Model

01:39 Ron Weiner's Personal Journey

02:30 Challenges and Lessons in Fundraising

03:37 The Importance of Customer Discovery

08:02 The Role of Mentors in Startups

18:00 The Mentor Conclave Process

23:33 Economic Model of Venture Mechanics

25:39 The Seattle Venture Capital Scene

29:37 Diversity in Founders

32:20 Mentorship and Micro VCs

34:55 Diversity in Seattle's Investment Scene

37:47 Consumer Packaged Goods

41:30 Military and Dual-Use Technologies

43:29 Trends in AI and Startup Launches

50:48 Success Stories and Inspirational Founders

54:30 Staying Informed and Continuous Learning

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has started three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently was a VC. He's now building a podcast production company. Sound Investments is a small attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pac NW entrepreneurial community.

Ron Wiener, CEO, Venture Mechanics

Ron brings four decades of experience as a tech startup CEO and 25 years as an investor. This is his fourth incubator operation during those 25 years. Venture Mechanics is a startup incubator, event space and conference center, and coworking facility for rapidly-scaling startups. It is Seattle's largest hub not just for the hundreds of events for startup founders and early stage investors held there, but also domiciles numerous diversity "founder & funder groups" and the venture studios of a number of emerging VC fund managers.

For the prior decade Ron was CEO of ThermoGenesis Group. which was best known for its iMovR brand of standing desks, treadmill desks and other office ergonomics products. Prior to Thermogenesis, Ron served as Chairman and CEO of EquaShip. Previously he served as CEO and Postmaster General of Earth Class Mail Corporation. Prior to that Ron was founder and CEO of four other investor-backed high-technology companies; two in aviation, two in dot-com: Azure Technology, Distribution Sciences Corp / JetStream, PrintBid, and SnapNames.

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In this episode of Sound Investments, host Ed Barker interviews James Newell, Managing Director at Voyager Capital. They discuss the unique investment landscape of the Pacific Northwest, Voyager Capital's focus on early-stage local companies, and the strengths and challenges of the Seattle startup ecosystem. James shares his journey from M&A banking to venture capital, his thoughts on the role of major tech companies like Amazon and Microsoft in shaping the local talent pool, and how Voyager supports founders in bringing their products to market. They also delve into the impact of AI on B2B solutions and the current state of the venture capital industry amid economic shifts. Notable insights include the importance of local investment and collaboration, and the exciting potential of portfolio companies like Carbon Robotics in the agtech sector.

00:00 Introduction to Sound Investments

01:17 Meet James Newell: Managing Director at Voyager Capital

01:40 James Newell's Journey into Venture Capital

04:05 Voyager Capital: Focus and Evolution

08:21 Seattle's Unique Startup Ecosystem

11:20 Supporting Founders: Challenges and Strategies

19:21 The Role of Universities in the Startup Ecosystem

21:13 Engagement with UW and Business School

22:33 Challenges and Tensions in University Spinouts

24:38 AI Hype and Practical Applications

29:35 VC Market Outlook and Challenges

33:35 Spotlight on Carbon Robotics

35:32 Sources of Inspiration and Learning

37:14 Conclusion and Farewell

About Your Host

Ed Barker has enjoyed a weird and varied career. Ed is a Brit now resident in Seattle and has started three startups, enjoyed a long career in corporate strategy, and most recently was a VC. He's now building a podcast production company. Sound Investments is a small attempt to shine some light on the fantastic work being done in the Pac NW entrepreneurial community.

James Newell, Managing Partner, Voyager Capital

James has been working with high-growth technology companies as an adviser and investor since 2005 and focuses on early-stage and seed investments in the Pacific Northwest. He currently serves on the boards of Voyager portfolio companies Sofy. and WellSaid Labs. He previously served as a board member or observer at Casper, DoubleVerify, General Assembly, Sauce Labs, and Zerto, among others.

Prior to joining Voyager, James worked for Institutional Venture Partners, a later-stage VC based in Menlo Park. While with IVP, James worked on investments in AlienVault, Carbonite, Casper, Checkr, DoubleVerify, General Assembly, Kayak, LegalZoom, Prosper, Sauce Labs, SoFi and Zerto. 

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