Episode Description

Mark Suster is the Managing Partner of Upfront Ventures, the LA-based VC fund with homerun success stories such as Bird, Ring (acquired by Amazon), and Maker Studios (acquired by Disney). Prior to Upfront, Mark co-founded BuildOnline (merged with Citadon) and Koral (acquired by Salesforce).

In this episode, we speak with Mark Suster, a prominent voice in venture capital, about the distinct advantages and opportunities that make Los Angeles a thriving hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. From its diverse talent pool to its creative industries and growing tech ecosystem, Mark shares insights into how the city’s unique characteristics contribute to building successful startups.

The conversation highlights the importance of regional strengths in shaping entrepreneurial ecosystems, lessons learned from investing in LA-based companies, and the broader trends impacting the startup world. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or curious about LA’s rise as a tech powerhouse, this episode provides valuable takeaways and fresh perspectives.

What’s in this episode?

1) LA’s unique position and its surge as a tech hub over the past decade

2) Mark’s entrepreneurial experience and how it shaped him as an investor

3) Upfront’s conviction focused investment strategy and portfolio management

4) Success of immigrant entrepreneurs and what sets them apart

5) Opportunities to invest in European tech