High Stakes

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Podcast by Paige Soya

High Stakes

Join seasoned investors and successful start-up founders as they weigh in on topics and trends currently dominating the venture capital space. Each episode brings together a founder and an investor to provoke a deepened understanding of the topic at hand. If you want to learn about how early-stage venture capital investing works, this show is for you.

Latest episodes

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18 July 2024

Industry Dive's Expansion Strategy and Exit with Founder Sean Griffey

In Episode 11 of High Stakes, Paige Soya interviews Sean Griffey, CEO of Industry Dive. Griffey discusses Industry Dive's journey from bootstrap beginnings to a company with $100 million in revenue and over 400 employees, culminating in its acquisition by Falfurrias Capital. He emphasizes the importance of preparation and cultural fit in acquisitions. Griffey also shares insights into Industry Dive's subsequent acquisition by Informa in 2022, navigating the transition from private equity ownership to being part of a large public corporation, and the opportunities and challenges it brought.

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24:34

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05 July 2024

Building Impactful Companies: Insights for Founders, Featuring Joe Fluet

In episode 10 of High Stakes, Paige Soya, Managing Partner at K Street Capital, and Joe Fluet, Founder of Fluet Law Firm and MAG Aerospace, discuss Fluet’s journey from founding MAG to navigating significant exits and recaps. He emphasizes a values-driven approach to business, discussing how aligning with investors who share these values is crucial for long-term success. Tune in to hear Fluet’s insights underscoring the complexity and critical decisions involved in building lasting, impactful companies.

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29:40

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20 June 2024

Insights on IPOs and acquisitions from both sides of the table, featuring Martin Tobias

Join us as we dive into the world of multiple exits with Martin Tobias, Managing Partner of Incisive Ventures. Martin brings a wealth of experience and perspective as a GP and a three-time venture-funded CEO who has navigated IPOs and strategic acquisitions, sharing insights from his journey with Loud Eye Technologies, among others. He discusses the nuances of laddering and IPO pricing, the challenges of lock-up periods, and strategies for managing concentrated positions post-exit. Tune in to Martin and Paige’s discussion on the dynamics of modern exit strategies and valuable perspectives for both founders and investors.

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29:44

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06 June 2024

From Campaigns to Companies: Navigating Exits and Venture Capital, featuring Sara Fagen

Political operative turned tech entrepreneur, Sara Fagen, shares a wealth of knowledge in this episode of High Stakes. Join us as Sarah and host Paige Soya discuss lessons from raising venture capital, timing an exit, the dynamics of venture-backed versus self-funded businesses, and strategic reasons behind acquisitions in the tech industry. Throughout the conversation, Sarah reflects on the realities of building and exiting successful tech companies.

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29:08

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24 May 2024

Timing a Pandemic Exit: Airside's Exit to Onfido, featuring founder/CEO Hans Miller

Join us as we sit down with Hans Miller, founder of Airside, a pioneering company in the digital identity and travel space, to explore his strategic exit during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hans shares how the pandemic reshaped Airside's trajectory, and offers lessons learned for startup founders and his perspectives on the future landscape of digital identity in travel. Hans's candid reflections provide valuable insights for founders and investors alike.

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23:41

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09 May 2024

A Founder's Ultimate Dilemma: Exploring M&As vs. IPOs, featuring Rob Schwartzberg and Darren Womer

Step into the boardroom with host Paige Soya, seasoned public investor and former investment banker specializing in IPOs Rob Schwartzberg, and investment banker specializing in mergers and acquisitions Darren Womer as they discuss two paths that founders may ultimately find themselves deciding between: M&A or IPO. Drawing from their extensive experience and expertise, Rob and Darren offer listeners a behind-the-scenes look at both processes, sharing insider tips and practical advice for founders taking their businesses to the next level. 

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28:43