The Job Podcast

"What Venture Capitalists Want”

October 28, 2022 Nigel Job Season 3 Episode 2
The Job Podcast
"What Venture Capitalists Want”
Show Notes

In this current podcast series entitled ‘Business Masterclass’ Nigel is talking with leading experts across a number of different sectors on how to succeed in business.

This week's podcast takes Nigel into the world of early-stage investment, and he had the pleasure of talking with two expert guests, Rainer Christine and Joey Mason. Both these two leaders in early-stage investment have the perspective of being both venture capitalists and Founder CEOs

Rainer describes himself as a “Life-science entrepreneur turned life-science investor“ with a “Focus on helping to build disruptive life-science companies that deliver strong benefits to patients and customers in a scalable fashion, leading to superior returns for shareholders. I am a strong believer in helping to create and support outstanding teams.”  These are not just words for a LinkedIn profile; rather, his knowledge of and enthusiasm for this industry are evident throughout the entire episode.

Joey Mason has invested in, directed and advised entrepreneurial businesses in all sectors of life sciences and healthcare from medical devices to health IT to biotechnology in Ireland, the EU and the US. He also brings multi-sector experience in a consumer health start-up, biotech corporate development and investment banking. Joey is clear in his thinking, straight talking, giving concise actionable advice.

The advice and knowledge that they share would be beneficial to any founder or start-up looking into the idea of early-stage investment.

During the podcast Nigel asks insightful questions including:

• As a founder of a company, how do I get the attention of a VC investor?
• What do I need to understand about the market I plan to launch a product in?
• What are the main focus areas for my business to successfully gain investment? 
• In simple terms how do investment rounds work? 
• What due-diligence do VCs do when considering an investment opportunity?

Nigel asks Rainer and Joey to summarise any advice they would give to anyone embarking on seeking venture capital investment. 

You’ll have to listen to hear their full advice but “kissing a lot of frogs” and “if you don’t love it, don’t do it” made it to their top tips!

Hope you enjoy listening.