Random VC cover art

Random VC

Random VC

Written by: Maria Halasz
Listen for free

About this listen

 At random VC we tell the untold stories of start-ups, technologists, investors and founders. We discuss technology, innovation, winners and losers and ask our five random questions.

Thank you for listening.

Please follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn.StrideCorp Equity Partners Pty Ltd Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Personal Finance
Episodes
  • The rebuilding of a fortune - the Rodney Adler story

    The rebuilding of a fortune - the Rodney Adler story
    Sep 24 2024
    Welcome back to the Random VC, where we discuss random topics connected to venture capital, innovation, technology, entrepreneurship, community, and investors. Each episode features unique stories and random questions.

    In this episode, Maria Halasz chats with Rodney Adler, a prolific venture investor and entrepreneur who had experienced a dramatic downfall from a highflying career following what was the biggest corporate collapse in Australia at the time. Rodney discusses his privileged upbringing, his father's impressive business career, and his own corporate journey. He recounts his early years of working for his father's company and the need to pursue his own path.

    Rodney details his rise to the top job in FAI, one of the largest Australian insurance companies in the 1990s. He talks about the stresses of the HIH acquisition of FAI, and speaks candidly about his time in prison and the challenges of rebuilding his life after his release.

    Key timestamps:
    00:25 - Introduction to Rodney Adler
    02:05 - Rodney's upbringing and his father's entrepreneurial journey
    06:34 - Early career and the decision to work outside the family business
    12:20 - Transitioning from consulting to becoming the managing director of FAI
    16:50 - The controversial takeover of FAI by HIH Insurance
    21:00 - Rodney's concerns about HIH's management and financial health
    24:50 - The Royal Commission investigation and Rodney's defense
    33:00 - Rodney's perspective on philanthropy and his appreciation for Australia
    36:00 - Conviction and time in jail
    40:00 - The hardest thing about being in jail
    42:55 - Learnings from being in jail
    46:40 - The concept of luck
    47:15 - Life after jail, 17 years and counting
    56:40 - Rodney Adler the Investor
    1:00:00 - The definition of an entrepreneur
    1:04:00 - Advice to aspiring venture capitalists
    1:11:00 - Best investment
    1:16:32 - Finale note

    Stay tuned for more insightful conversations on Random VC. Don't forget to subscribe for regular episodes!

    Want to stay ahead of the curve and never miss an update? Sign up for our newsletter today: https://stride-equity.beehiiv.com/
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 19 mins
  • Startmate’s CEO Michael Batko on the Power of Serendipity and Startup Success

    Startmate’s CEO Michael Batko on the Power of Serendipity and Startup Success
    Aug 15 2024
    Welcome back to the Random VC podcast, where we discuss random topics connected to venture capital, innovation, technology, entrepreneurs, community, and investors. Each episode features five random questions to surprise our guests.

    In this episode, Maria Halasz sits down with Michael Batko, the CEO of Startmate, to discuss his journey from Austria to Australia, his experiences in the startup world, and his leadership at one of Australia’s most prominent startup accelerators.

    Michael shares how a chance encounter with bedbugs in Sweden led him to meet his now-wife, bringing him eventually to Australia. He talks about his early career, starting with a serendipitous job at Mad Paws through a soccer game connection, and how that sparked his passion for the startup ecosystem.

    Michael explains Startmate’s approach to selecting and nurturing startups, focusing on people, problems, and the exciting growth of AI and hardware companies in their cohorts. He also talks about the importance of community and the unique initiatives Startmate has created to support women in startups, including the Ladymates Collective.

    Towards the end, Michael discusses his personal productivity platform, Puddle Pod, where he shares tips on efficiency and maximising output—skills he clearly puts to good use in his busy life. Timestamps:

    00:19 - Introduction to Michael Batko and Startmate
    02:05 - Michael's journey from Austria to Australia
    06:34 - Early career and the serendipity of startups
    10:10 - Transitioning from consulting to startups
    15:40 - Startmate’s selection process and philosophy
    20:00 - The rise of AI and hardware startups
    26:20 - Startmate’s efforts to support women in startups
    32:05 - The importance of productivity and the Puddle Pod platform
    40:15 - Future plans for Startmate and personal goals

    Stay tuned for more random yet insightful conversations on Random VC. Don’t forget to subscribe for regular episodes!

    Want to stay ahead of the curve and never miss an update? Sign up for our newsletter today: https://stride-equity.beehiiv.com/
    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
  • From Research to Venture Capital – Tara Speranza’s journey

    From Research to Venture Capital – Tara Speranza’s journey
    Jul 24 2024
    Welcome back to the Random VC podcast, where we discuss random topics connected to venture capital, innovation, technology, entrepreneurs, community, and investors. Each episode features five random questions to surprise our guests.In this episode, Maria Halasz chats with Tara Speranza, a trailblazing female VC in Australia, about her diverse journey from academia to venture capital.Tara recounts her early career as a molecular biologist researching endocrine-controlled disorders like osteoporosis. She shares her transition from academia to investment banking, becoming an equity analyst focused on biotech companies. Tara highlights her move to venture capital, discussing the collaborative nature of the field and the importance of detailed financial projections for startups.They explore the growth of the biotech industry, the impact of COVID-19, and the challenges Australian biotech startups face in securing funding. Tara's optimism about the sector's future is evident as she emphasises the importance of understanding expenses for startup success.Maria and Tara also dive into Tara's personal background, including fond childhood memories and her pivot from academia to venture capital. Tara envisions a future blending consulting and venture capital, reflecting her passion for mentoring startups.The episode concludes with Tara answering five random questions, sharing her dinner party guest choices, thoughts on societal kindness, and reflections on her upbringing and values. Tara’s insights offer a comprehensive view of the intersection between science, finance, and investment in the biotech sector.Timestamps:00:19 - Welcome and Tara Speranza's introduction 00:47 - Tara's early career as a molecular biologist01:27 - Researching endocrine-controlled disorders03:16 - Transition to investment banking and becoming an equity analyst06:05 - Move to venture capital and the collaborative nature of the field09:29 - Growth of the biotech industry post-COVID-1913:09 - Challenges for Australian biotech startups in securing funding17:22 - Importance of understanding expenses for startup success20:15 - Tara's childhood memories and family road trips22:11 - Pivot from academia to venture capital25:34 - Vision for the future blending consulting and venture capital29:15 - Five random questions: dinner party guests and societal kindness33:23 - Reflections on upbringing and personal values35:54 - Closing thoughts and future discussionsStay tuned for more insightful conversations on Random VC. Don't forget to subscribe for regular episodes.Want to stay ahead of the curve and never miss an update? Sign up for our newsletter today: https://stride-equity.beehiiv.com/
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
No reviews yet