What do venture capitalists ACTUALLY look for in the founders they take on?

For Nisha Dua, co-founder of BBG Ventures, it’s all about great storytelling. What problem are you trying to solve? Why is your team best positioned to solve it? Also: why now?

BBG Ventures’ superpower is in supporting “overlooked” founders, particularly women and diverse groups who are targeting untapped markets. In this episode, Nisha sheds light on how demographic shifts post-COVID are presenting new opportunities for innovation and investment.

Nisha has a fascinating story, too: she’s the daughter of immigrants and grew up in a small Australian town. She worked in corporate law, consulting, and even lead strategy at AOL before co-founding BBG Ventures, launching their first institutional fund of $50 million in 2019!

Today, she shares deep insights into the venture capital world and reveals the evolving priorities within venture capital, the key considerations for investments, and how to create the perfect VC pitch, no matter what stage you’re in.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Nisha Dua's journey from corporate law, to consulting at Bain, managing strategy at AOL, and co-founding BBG Ventures
• The value of storytelling and 3 key questions founders should ask themselves in a VC pitch: Why now? Why this product? Why this team?
• Why non-linear career paths are OK (and sometimes better!) – allowing for serendipity and surprise
• VC pitching advice for pre-seed and seed founders, including common mistakes and red flags
• Drawing in overlooked founders and the importance of understanding the shifting identities, values, and behaviors of the American people

LINKS/RESOURCES MENTIONED

Learn more about BBG Ventures including their investments in the Polycultural Future of America.

Sarina is a consultant who works with startup leaders and entrepreneurs. Connect with her on her website, on Instagram, and on LinkedIn, and check out more episodes of the Career Memos podcast.