American Made: Thinking Outside The Box In Venture Capital With Angela Tran, General Partner At Version One Capital CIBC Innovation Banking podcast

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Originally released on October 4th 2023, this episode of The CIBC Innovation Banking Podcast is part of our renewed focus on highlighting exceptional conversations within the American Innovation Economy. Join us as we revisit these insightful discussions and shine a light on the ongoing innovation that shapes our industry. Angela Tran didn’t set out to be a venture capitalist; she wanted to be an engineer. However, she's leveraged the skills she learned as an engineer to help build Version One Ventures with partner Boris Wertz, a venture capital firm that has invested in some of today's biggest start-ups. Angela uses her background to approach problems from a unique perspective to find and invest in companies in their very earliest stages. She looks for founders who are driven by problems they themselves have experienced- and who will stop at nothing to solve them. Open to Opportunities Angela's journey toward her current role involved embracing every opportunity that came her way. She never turned down meetings, believing that each encounter could lead to valuable connections. Angela emphasizes the significance of the people she has met along the way and the pivotal role they have had in shaping her career. Know Your Mission Angela and Boris share a strong inclination toward mission-driven founders who strive to address immediate problems. d She observes that many founders tend to focus on macro trends and problems that lack the imperative for change. In the absence of reliable metrics during early-stage investments, Angela and Boris instead concentrate on assessing the potential impact a company can have on the world. They focus on “who” and “why now” principles. Think outside the box When she first met Boris, Angela created a dataset to try to uncover what startups would be successful. While it didn’t work- Boris appreciated her out-of-the-box thinking.. When approached by entrepreneurs, Angela is drawn to individuals who exhibit that same determined drive to solve problems in innovative and captivating ways. CIBC Innovation Banking is a trusted financial partner to entrepreneurs and investors. Get in touch with our team at cibc.com/innovationbanking…

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American Made: Scaling Texas’ Startup Success with Krishna Srinivasan and Jonathan Schupack 18:49

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Originally released on January 10th 2024, this episode of The CIBC Innovation Banking Podcast is part of our renewed focus on highlighting exceptional conversations within the American Innovation Economy. Join us as we revisit these insightful discussions and shine a light on the ongoing innovation that shapes our industry. In this episode, Krishna Srinivasan, the founding partner at LiveOak Venture Partners, and Jonathan Schupack, executive director and market lead for CIBC Innovation Banking in Texas, share their insights and experiences about the challenges and triumphs faced by startup entrepreneurs in the lone star state. Join us as we uncover the secrets of successful entrepreneurship. Drawing parallels between climbing mighty mountains and building ground breaking businesses, discover the resilience, innovation and collaborative spirit that define the Texan startup scene. The power of cross-pollination Krishna sees parallels between mountain climbing and entrepreneurship. Taking that first step, whether on a mountain or in a business, is crucial. The challenges faced by startup entrepreneurs to climb a virtual mountain require us to break down the journey into smaller, manageable steps, celebrating every little victory and constantly striving to improve. Reflecting on what works and what doesn't is key to not giving up before the peak. That's reflected in the startup community in Texas. It's a diverse economy and there is a supportive ecosystem. There's a combination of deep industry knowledge and technology talent that makes Texas a thriving hub for startups and innovation. Sustainability is key Krishna stresses the importance of building sustainable businesses, pointing out how excessive capital can mask underlying issues. He advises entrepreneurs to focus on product market fit before expanding into sales and marketing efforts, advocating for a sequential approach, the need for flexibility in adapting to changing market conditions and being prepared for shifting goalposts and fundraising efforts is critical for success There is a need for native later-stage capital Jonathan says that while there is a bit of a slowdown in VC funding, the Texas innovation economy remains resilient, with a diverse ecosystem and opportunities for growth. However, he notes a gap in native later stage capital, suggesting that while the state attracts attention, there's room for increased investment from within Texas. CIBC Innovation Banking is a trusted financial partner to entrepreneurs and investors. Get in touch with our team at cibc.com/innovationbanking .…

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American Made: The Key to Scaleable Investments with Morad Elhafed of Battery Ventures and CIBC Innovation Banking’s Andrew Phillips 17:52

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Originally released on January 24th 2024, this episode of The CIBC Innovation Banking Podcast is part of our renewed focus on highlighting exceptional conversations within the American Innovation Economy. Join us as we revisit these insightful discussions and shine a light on the ongoing innovation that shapes our industry. Morad Elhafed and the rest of the team at Battery Ventures in Boston believe that it's time to get back to fundamentals and build durable and scalable businesses. He is joined by Andrew Phillips, managing director in Boston of CIBC Innovation Banking. Morad and Andrew share their insights into the current investment landscape, how investors identify high-quality companies, and why Boston has become a hub of talent and investment. Every dollar needs justification In today’s investment landscape, investors and founders need to justify every dollar. Investors are looking for scalable and durable investments, and founders need to be able to prove that they are using funding wisely. Innovation comes from everywhere Traditionally, most tech innovation was coming out of Silicon Valley, but today, it's coming from around the world. Looking for leaders in the market Morad says he and his team search for leaders in their markets, whether they are small or niche. Leaders often have strong leadership and a clear path to profitability. CIBC Innovation Banking is a trusted financial partner to entrepreneurs and investors. Get in touch with our team at cibc.com/innovationbanking .…

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Dynamic Discussions: Passionate Problem Solving with Insight Partners Managing Director Deven Parekh 28:06

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Originally released on May 4 2022, this episode of The CIBC Innovation Banking Podcast is part of our ongoing celebration of meaningful dialogues with our listeners. As we highlight some of our standout episodes featuring trailblazers and icons in the Innovation Economy, we recognize the enduring relevance and value of the insights shared. Join us as we revisit these dynamic discussions and showcase the innovation that continues to define and drive our industry. As every startup entrepreneur and enterprise CEO knows, the growth stage is all about scaling up the company, which typically requires a cash infusion. That's where investment gurus like Deven Parekh come in. As a Managing Director at Insight Partners who has been with the firm for more than 22 years, Deven has some insightful advice to share for entrepreneurs hoping to secure funding to fuel their business. Over the course of his career, the companies he’s invested in have all had major payouts—Buddy Media was acquired by Salesforce, Football Fanatics was bought by GSI Commerce, and eventually eBay, and Media Mind was sold to DG Fast Channel after the IPO. During this episode, the global investor shares the top qualities he and his team are looking for in software companies worldwide. On the lookout for large markets Deven shared a few of the main characteristics he and his team are looking for when it comes to finding businesses to invest in. First, he said they’re most interested in targeting large markets to maximize growth opportunities. In addition, they look for businesses with a technology product that’s not easy to replicate so they can keep competition at bay, and an exponential increase in momentum in terms of buyer interest. And last but not least, Deven noted they typically look for solid teams with great management leaders who truly feel passionate about the problem they’re helping to solve. In-person interactions minimize risk As the pandemic continues to subside over time, more of its long-term impacts on the business world will be revealed. Deven commented that for investors, arranging in-person meetings followed by dinner or drinks isn’t just a nicety—it can actually help to minimize risks by building trust on a personal level. Although many companies will continue to use tools like Zoom and a hybrid working environment for the sake of convenience, meeting in person will continue to play an important role in creating a foundation of trust and collaboration among teams. Invest in your passions Deven’s overall advice to entrepreneurs was to choose a problem that you’re passionate about solving and make it the main focus of your business. While it can be tempting to dive into hot new trends in the market, he recommends following your passion instead because you’ll be more likely to actually find a solution to the problem you’re trying to solve. Deven commented that people tend to complicate the road to success, but it’s really quite simple: identify a pain point, work on solving it, and convince customers to buy your product. CIBC Innovation Banking delivers strategic advice, cash management and funding to innovation companies across North America, the UK, and select European countries at each stage of their business cycle, from start up to IPO and beyond. Get in touch with our team at cibc.com/innovationbanking . This episode of The CIBC Innovation Banking Podcast was produced by Quill.…

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Dynamic Discussions: Leadership and Corporate Spirituality with Lightspeed CEO Dax Dasilva 27:28

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Originally released on November 20th 2020, this episode of The CIBC Innovation Banking Podcast is part of our ongoing celebration of meaningful dialogues with our listeners. As we highlight some of our standout episodes featuring trailblazers and icons in the Innovation Economy, we recognize the enduring relevance and value of the insights shared. Join us as we revisit these dynamic discussions and showcase the innovation that continues to define and drive our industry. The Four Pillars of Unseparation Leadership, culture, spirituality, and nature. Dax Dasilva is a Philosopher CEO, and his latest book “Age of Union: Igniting the Changemaker” and sees these four qualities as essential for corporate growth. “The idea behind that is, how do you make change in the world? What are the things that you have to think about together holistically in order for us to make impact?” he says. Leadership is more than a Type-A personality Dasilva is a quiet force to be reckoned with, and admits he’s not a Type-A personality common in the corner office. Lightspeed is home to a variety of leadership types, offering a variety of voices and perspectives. He says, “We really believe that having many kinds of different kinds of people around the table and different kinds of leaders adds a richness and a wisdom and knowledge to the solutions that we come up with.” Never Apart As Lightspeed outgrew its offices, it didn’t abandon the venue that hosted its early success. Dasilva turned it into a venue for hosting LGBTQ artists and speakers. “It's not just an art gallery. There's sort of a spiritual calling and trying to bring people together. And for the LGBTQ community, who's often by many communities been told we're not a part of spirituality, it's a kind of a vow for us to never be apart from that mission that we, I think, have as well.” Join Dax Dasliva as we explore Never Apart and Lightspeed’s corporate offices — and attitudes — with our #CIBCInnovationEconomy series, then listen to Dasilva discuss how diversity is the key to success on the CIBC Innovation Banking Podcast . CIBC Innovation Banking is a trusted financial partner to entrepreneurs and investors. Get in touch with our team at cibc.com/innovationbanking .…

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Dynamic Discussions: The Most Common Mistakes Made by Early Stage Entrepreneurs with Head of Operating Platform at Jump Capital Jason Felger 29:42

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Originally released on June 1st 2022, this episode of The CIBC Innovation Banking Podcast is part of our ongoing celebration of meaningful dialogues with our listeners. As we highlight some of our standout episodes featuring trailblazers and icons in the Innovation Economy, we recognize the enduring relevance and value of the insights shared. Join us as we revisit these dynamic discussions and showcase the innovation that continues to define and drive our industry. Often, the most valuable insights into startup strategy and execution come from early-stage investors. For burgeoning entrepreneurs, having a chance to learn the ropes from a seasoned founder can be invaluable when it comes to guiding the company towards sustainable growth and longevity. In this episode, Michael sits down with someone who knows all about this. As the Head of Operating Platform at Jump Capital, Jason and his team work closely with founders to help them build and scale effectively in their formative years. During the episode, Jason explains how the firm’s overall mission is to invest in early stage companies, partnering with the founders early on in their journey of building the company so they can be with them throughout the entire lifecycle of the business. Jason shares some of the most common mistakes made by new entrepreneurs, how to establish effective growth expectations, and more key insights about startup life. Make the most of mistakes When it comes to building a new company from the ground up, mistakes are inevitable. Instead of aiming to achieve the impossible task of avoiding mistakes altogether, Jason suggests learning to quickly pivot and learn from any missteps along the way. Having someone on your side who has been through the founder’s journey can also help you make fewer mistakes overall, while minimizing the impact of those you can’t avoid. Opt for sustainable growth In the early stages of a company’s development, focusing on growth should be a key priority. However, Jason reminds us that prioritizing growth at all costs can lead to some pretty detrimental consequences in the long run. For new founders, Jason recommends avoiding unrealistic goals and instead focusing on smart, sustainable growth to ensure the company has longevity into the future. Focus on people Jason’s number one tip for entrepreneurs and early stage CEOs is to make people your top priority. In other words, if you hope to see your company flourish and succeed in the long run, it’s important to dedicate a significant chunk of your time to hiring and retaining top talent. Spending the extra time it takes to motivate, guide and communicate with your team to help them bring your vision to life will ultimately pay dividends for years to come. CIBC Innovation Banking delivers strategic advice, cash management and funding to innovation companies across North America, the UK, and select European countries at each stage of their business cycle, from startup to IPO and beyond. Get in touch with our team at cibc.com/innovationbanking . This episode of The CIBC Innovation Banking Podcast was produced by Quill.…

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Dynamic Discussions: Scaling Start-ups: Exploring Canada's Innovation Ecosystem with Bob Nye at JMI Equity 25:19

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Originally released on June 2 2021, this episode of The CIBC Innovation Banking Podcast is part of our ongoing celebration of meaningful dialogues with our listeners. As we highlight some of our standout episodes featuring trailblazers and icons in the Innovation Economy, we recognize the enduring relevance and value of the insights shared. Join us as we revisit these dynamic discussions and showcase the innovation that continues to define and drive our industry. Bob Nye is a General Partner at JMI Equity. He joined JMI in 2005 and is based in Baltimore, Maryland. Nye’s primary areas of investment focus are internet and enterprise software companies, and he specializes in helping growth companies build value. Nye has helped many companies overcome their hurdles and grow into unicorns with a valuation over $1 billion. In this episode, we look at the unique challenges in scaling and funding Canadian start-ups. Investment strategies have evolved over three decades In the early days, you were investing in an idea. The entrepreneur would typically have experience within that industry, understand the pain points of that business, and what the customers would need. This is what investing looked like 30 years ago, but if we fast forward to today, businesses need to be much bigger if they’re looking for a sizeable investment. On average, when JMI Equity invests in a company, they have $35 million in revenue, revenue growth of 35% year over year, along with an established product market fit. Because companies have established product market fit, there is primarily “execution risk” which is very different from early stage ventures when investors are taking on all the risk. How do you get from $1M to $50M in revenue? The traits, skills and characteristics of an entrepreneur that make them successful early on are often the polar opposite of what will make them successful as their company evolves, says Nye. The key to scale is to have incredible customer centricity, and maniacally focus on your customer experience. The second factor is to ensure that you have great functional leaders. A great entrepreneur knows exactly when it’s time to step aside and let somebody else manage the day-to-day so that they can focus on the company's larger vision and strategy. CIBC Innovation Banking is a trusted financial partner to entrepreneurs and investors. Get in touch with our team at cibc.com/innovationbanking . This episode of The CIBC Innovation Banking Podcast was produced by Quill.…

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American Made: Why This CEO Tied the Company’s Profitability Directly to Student Outcomes with Tom Dretler, CEO & Co-Founder at Shorelight 29:27

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Originally released on October 19th 2022, this episode of The CIBC Innovation Banking Podcast is part of our renewed focus on highlighting exceptional conversations within the American Innovation Economy. Join us as we revisit these insightful discussions and shine a light on the ongoing innovation that shapes our industry. In this episode, Michael Hainsworth sits down with Tom Dretler, the co-founder and CEO of Shorelight. Founded nearly a decade ago, the company matches international students with universities in the United States, and helps them succeed socially and academically. During the episode, Tom shares how he had to go back to school—metaphorically speaking—when the pandemic collapsed demand for international education opportunities in 2020. He also explains why the economic downturn that followed has led Shorelight to revisit the way it plans on funding its future. Tie profitability to your mission When Tom and the team were first conceptualizing the idea for Shorelight, they knew they wanted their goal to ultimately be helping students successfully graduate and begin their careers. As a result, when they began designing their business model, they decided to walk their talk by tying their profitability directly to student outcomes. That way, they were constantly measuring themselves as a business driven equally by mission and profit. What you do is important, but who you do it with is more important Understanding the value of building the right company culture is crucial for any business leader. Tom mentioned that while he was a student at Harvard Business School, the Dean of the school took the time to have a coffee with him and he told him something he’ll never forget: what you do is important, but who you do it with is more important. With a 91% Glassdoor rating, it’s clear that Shorelight lives by this maxim on a daily basis. CIBC Innovation Banking is a trusted financial partner to entrepreneurs and investors. Get in touch with our team at cibc.com/innovationbanking .…

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Dynamic Discussions: An Accelerated Revision to Pre-Pandemic Life with Ran Ding, Partner at Norwest Venture Partners 21:54

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Originally released on November 2nd 2022, this episode of The CIBC Innovation Banking Podcast is part of our ongoing celebration of meaningful dialogues with our listeners. As we highlight some of our standout episodes featuring trailblazers and icons in the Innovation Economy, we recognize the enduring relevance and value of the insights shared. Join us as we revisit these dynamic discussions and showcase the innovation that continues to define and drive our industry. The pandemic’s impact on startups, growth-stage companies and late-stage organizations continues, and geopolitical issues have also had a dramatic impact on the private equity markets. No one knows this better than Ran Ding. Ran co-leads B2B growth equity investments at Norwest, where he focuses on partnering with founder managed or capital efficient businesses looking to scale from double digit revenues to triple digit revenues. Norwest is a multi-stage investment firm that has delivered top quartile returns over the past 60 years, and seen its fair share of economic cycles. Ran cut his teeth more than a decade ago during the last financial crisis, and shares his perspective on the similarities he sees today. COVID-19’s impact continues As a result of the worldwide societal changes brought about by the pandemic, the timeline to build a relationship has accelerated as companies become more comfortable meeting over video conferencing platforms. While this has led to a more fluid exchange, it's also led to an increased focus on finding mission-driven career paths for employees, with the pandemic creating more remote work opportunities than before. Play the offensive With a long history under its belt, Norwest has seen plenty of ups and downs in the market along the way. During times of turmoil, Ran says their team has found it’s best to remain in constant communication with clients to help them stay prepared. And in some cases, there’s also the opportunity to selectively play offense in a very disciplined way to keep an edge against the competition. Build a foundation of trust When it comes to scaling a company and encouraging leaders to delegate responsibility, Ran believes that first and foremost, it comes down to building a strong foundation of trust. At Norwest, the team spends a lot of time building relationships with people before they even make an investment—in some cases for many years—to ensure they understand each other culturally, interpersonally, and are aligned in terms of their operating philosophy. CIBC Innovation Banking is a trusted financial partner to entrepreneurs and investors. Get in touch with our team at cibc.com/innovationbanking.…

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Dynamic Discussions: Adopting the Startup Mentality with Vena Solutions COO Tina Goulbourne 28:41

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Originally released on November 24th 2021, this episode of The CIBC Innovation Banking Podcast is part of our renewed focus on highlighting exceptional conversations within the American Innovation Economy. Join us as we revisit these insightful discussions and shine a light on the ongoing innovation that shapes our industry. Financial planning startup Vena Solutions has raised more than $400 million to fuel its growth. When you've got that kind of walking around money, you need to have a plan to turn that capital into new customers, enhanced products, and recurring revenue. In this episode, we hear from Vena Solutions’ Chief Operating Officer, Tina Goulbourne, on the key priorities required for startup success. Tina has held key roles during her career at companies like Xerox, Hewlett-Packard, and Apple, and she leans on those experiences to help guide her in her current role at Vena Solutions. During our discussion, Tina shares the story of how she ended up in her current role at Vena Solutions as well as some of the key lessons she’s learned about the startup mentality over the course of her career. Turn towards, instead of away Although Tina was happy in her previous role at Apple, she was intrigued by the opportunity to join Vena Solutions for a variety of reasons. First, she knew the company’s CEO and entire leadership team would be excellent to work with given their humble, grounded, yet committed approach. In addition, Tina was interested in the opportunity to learn more about the product and build something new from scratch. Ultimately, these positive qualities stood out to her and she allowed them to serve as the guiding force in her next career move. Take notes from Apple During her time as Apple’s Sales Planning and Operations Leader, Tina learned a few tricks of the startup trade. First, she learned the importance of prioritizing data when making decisions and measuring success. She was also influenced by the company’s focus on transformational improvement rather than incremental improvement—that is, rather than making small tweaks to the existing approach, there should always be a willingness to go back to the drawing board if something isn’t working. Finally, Tina learned the value of placing a strong emphasis on improving the customer experience, every step of the way. Focus on sustainable growth Tina noted that at the beginning of the startup journey, the focus is primarily on getting as much business in the door as possible. However, once companies enter the scale-up phase, they need to be strategic about finding ways to grow sustainably. At Vena Solutions, part of the company’s approach is to determine the biggest growth accelerators and inhibitors so they can zero in on strategies for expansion while removing potential barriers to success. CIBC Innovation Banking is a trusted financial partner to entrepreneurs and investors. Get in touch with our team at cibc.com/innovationbanking . This episode of The CIBC Innovation Banking Podcast was produced by Quill.…

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Dynamic Discussions: Moving Into the C Suite with Benevity CEO Kelly Schmitt 24:42

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Originally released on October 27th 2021, this episode of The CIBC Innovation Banking Podcast is part of our ongoing celebration of meaningful dialogues with our listeners. As we highlight some of our standout episodes featuring trailblazers and icons in the Innovation Economy, we recognize the enduring relevance and value of the insights shared. Join us as we revisit these dynamic discussions and showcase the innovation that continues to define and drive our industry. Kelly Schmitt successfully guided the CSR platform for charitable donation management, Benevity, throughout her tenure as Chief Financial Officer, and later President. Today, the Canadian company is a billion-dollar organization with more than 650 employees, two million users, and $7 billion in processed donations to 300,000 global charities, and Kelly has transitioned to the role of CEO. In this episode, Kelly shares her story of assuming the coveted C Suite at Benevity, how she overcame self-doubt, and the true meaning of a growth mindset in business. People and culture trump all Kelly shared that while working as Benevity’s CFO and President, the company’s founder approached her about taking over the position of CEO. Initially, she balked at the suggestion, assuming that the role of CEO should be reserved for the best salesperson, thought leader or visionary in the room. However, she quickly realized that being a great CEO goes beyond a solid resumé — it’s about aligning well with the company’s people and culture, and embodying the organization’s overall values. Embrace change To Kelly, a growth mindset means embracing the idea of constant and never-ending improvement. She believes that to continue being a leader in the market, companies need to constantly be evolving, innovating, and disrupting. This requires a high level of self-reflection but also a willingness to grow, stay humble, and accept feedback. Kelly notes that a growth mindset is really about looking at things through a long-term lens instead of focusing solely on short-term gains. Diverse teams are more successful From the outset, Benevity’s founder made it a priority to build a diverse team, not by setting specific targets, but by building a culture of inclusive behaviours and solid values. The company’s team is now 51% women and 30% BIPOC, which Kelly says has directly translated into a higher performing business. Kelly referenced some of the built-in behaviors that help Benevity maintain this inclusive culture, such as a progressive parental leave program and gender pay equity initiatives. CIBC Innovation Banking is a trusted financial partner to entrepreneurs and investors. Get in touch with our team at cibc.com/innovationbanking . This episode of The CIBC Innovation Banking Podcast was produced by Quill .…

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American Made: Scaling Your Business by Identifying Pain Point Intersections with Marcos Torres of Huntress 20:17

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Originally released on November 15 2023, this episode of The CIBC Innovation Banking Podcast is part of our renewed focus on highlighting exceptional conversations within the American Innovation Economy. Join us as we revisit these insightful discussions and shine a light on the ongoing innovation that shapes our industry. According to Marcos Torres, investing is more serious than getting married. The CFO of Huntress, a managed security platform developed by former NSA employees, says that investing just isn't about money. He looks for partners who he can work with long-term, because he knows it can be far more difficult to get someone out of a company than of a marriage. Join him and host Micheal Hainsworth as they delve into what Marcos has learned on his journey from private equity owned business operator turned CFO, raising equity before you need it, and the nonlinear growth of organizations. You need more than just a plan B Marcos stresses the significance of having not only plan A and B, but also plan D. Too many entrepreneurs seek cash only when they are in trouble, but Marcos advocates for "digging the well before you're thirsty." By seeking partners, building relationships, and raising equity in advance, you position yourself to find the right investors and partners for your business. Find the intersection of pain points Marcos knows that every customer's pain points will be unique to their business. Companies may belong to the same category, but that doesn't mean the issues they need to address are identical. That’s why he encourages entrepreneurs to find the intersection of the pain points across the category they are targeting. Huntress focuses on small to medium businesses that live under the ‘cyber security poverty line,’ and by finding commonalities in their security pain points, has built a product that can scale and build a robust customer base. People are the most expensive part of software When tackling a problem, Marcos and his team prioritize technology. They first identify the problem and how technology can solve it, then consider the people involved. People are the costliest aspect of technology, so optimizing the process before identifying the required team members helps create a scalable business. CIBC Innovation Banking is a trusted financial partner to entrepreneurs and investors. Get in touch with our team at cibc.com/innovationbanking .…

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The Growing Impact of ESG on Stakeholder & Investor Relationships with Andrew Waitman, CEO of Assent 15:44

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In a conversation with host Michael Hainsworth, Andrew Waitman, CEO of Assent, a data management platform that informs and guides ESG strategy, delves into the evolving landscape of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), and the importance of responsible supply chain management. He underscores the growing scrutiny from stakeholders, investors, and the public, who now prioritize ESG and sustainability in their decision-making processes. Andrew warns that organizations failing to adapt will encounter repercussions both in terms of their reputation and financial standing. Best practice is no incidents When questioned about the significance of investing in ESG, Andrew draws a parallel with cybersecurity. In the realm of cybersecurity, organizations aim to prevent security breaches through investment in programs and systems. Similarly, in the context of ESG, proactive investment is imperative for uncovering and addressing issues early, and averting potential financial and reputational consequences down the road. ESG reporting will be the new financial reporting Andrew highlights the century-long evolution of strictly regulated financial reporting and foresees a similar trajectory for ESG reporting. In the near future, Andrew believes companies are likely to face similar mandates to disclose their sustainability practices. Founders are responsible for setting their values Andrew asserts that it falls upon founders to integrate ESG and sustainability into their organizations and disclose these values to stakeholders, employees, and the broader public. He underscores that this integration has become vital for attracting investment and fostering organizational growth. CIBC Innovation Banking is a trusted financial partner to entrepreneurs and investors. Get in touch with our team at cibc.com/innovationbanking .…

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Growing Companies from 5 to 50 Million with John Raeder, Vice Chairman of Bow River Capital 19:27

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Bow River Capital is an employee-owned diversified investment platform that specializes in the lower middle market. John Raeder, the Vice Chairman and Head of Software Investments, launched the Maiden Fund in 2018, a Software Growth equity fund at Bow River, which was oversubscribed by $160 million dollars. John focuses on what he sees as a capital gap in the lower middle market, helping SaaS companies grow from $5 to $50 million by strategically investing to accelerate their growth. Clearly, his strategy is working, as five of Bow River’s seven SaaS companies are growing subscription revenues at 100%, and Bow River is one of the top ten funds in the US. You can't fix bad industries John stresses that while you can fix bad companies, you can't fix bad industries. This perspective drives the efforts of John and the Bow River Capital team in rigorously evaluating and scrutinizing industries before investment. He and his team are attracted to companies in human capital management, fintech and construction tech because these technologies help solve operational efficiencies and improve cost structure monitoring. By exercising caution during periods of prosperity, investors can minimize the effects of inevitable downturns. Founders should lean on the expertise of their investors John says that founders need to trust and rely on the expertise of their investors. The Bow River team has 80 years of operational experience and puts each company they plan to invest in through a rigorous diligence process. Once they’ve decided to invest, Bow River Capital focuses on building strong relationships with its founders. This approach ensures that, in times of adversity, established relationships serve as valuable resources, offering guidance and specialized knowledge. You can’t brand your way to growth John believes that branding alone cannot grow a company from $5 to $50 million. When investing, John and his team don’t invest in TV commercials or print ads. Instead, they allocate roughly 40% of the capital to sales and marketing acceleration and roughly the same to innovation and product-led growth. CIBC Innovation Banking is a trusted financial partner to entrepreneurs and investors. Get in touch with our team at cibc.com/innovationbanking .…

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Navigating Brexit and Beyond with Malcolm Locke of Egress and CIBC Innovation Banking’s Sean Duffy 18:12

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