Matt Curtolo: Navigating the State of VC - Strategy, Authenticity, and the New Era of Venture Capital

In this episode, we chat with Matt Curtolo, a seasoned LP with over two decades of experience in alternative investments. Matt shares his journey from being an allocator in private markets to working as an operator in a fintech startup. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by emerging managers in the current fundraising environment, the importance of understanding the 'why' behind investment strategies, and the significance of building a diverse advisory council. Matt emphasizes the human element in investing, the need for authenticity, and the value of creating supportive networks. ––– Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 11:02 Challenges of Fundraising for Emerging Managers 16:41 Importance of Aligning Strategy, Skillset, and Market Resonance 26:50 Longer Time Horizon in Venture Capital 35:48 Manufacturing Liquidity: Strategies for Generating Exits 38:23 Clear Communication and Transparency 40:25 Maintaining Situational Awareness and Avoiding Narrow Focus 45:14 The Value of Building a Network of Diverse Perspectives 48:57 The Significance of Authenticity, Gratitude, and Human Connection 51:25 Creating a Small Council of Advisors for Decision-Making 58:50 The Opportunities and Intellectual Curiosity in the Venture Capital Industry ––– Connect with Matt Curtolo https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-curtolo-caia/ ––– Follow the Lets Actuate! Podcast• https://www.instagram.com/letsactuate https://www.youtube.com/@letsactuate https://x.com/letsactuate Reach out to Actuate Ventures https://www.letsactuate.comhttps://www.actuateventures.cohttps://www.linkedin.com/company/actuateventures ––– This episode is brought to you by Siemens Software! To find out more, email: [e-mail] Launching a deep-tech startup is not only complex, but also painful to progress through the technical milestones associated with product development. Many companies run out of cash due to lengthy product development cycles and failure to hit technical milestones. This is why we’re excited to let our listeners and ecosystem connect with our podcast sponsor, Siemens Industry Software. Specifically, Siemens Xcelerator for Startups software platform (that's Xcelerator with an “X”) helps organizations digitally transform faster. Their startup programs help companies avoid growing pains with access to scalable software. With programs and bundles to support Product Engineering and CAD, Data Management, Simulation, Test, Regulatory and Design Control, these solutions grow with you without eating into your burn rate. ––– This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. The views and information expressed are solely those of the individuals and do not constitute any endorsement or recommendation for specific investments, securities, or strategies. Always consult with a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions. ––– #VentureCapital #VCInsights #EmergingManagers #AlternativeInvesting #FundraisingChallenges #InvestmentStrategy #VCTrends #CapitalAllocation #LimitedPartners #LPAllocators #AdvisoryCouncils #InvestorNetwork #StrategicAdvisors #LPInsights #AuthenticInvesting #RelationshipDriven #HumanElementInVC #InvestingWithPurpose #AuthenticConnections #CARTAReport #VCTrends2023 #MarketInsights #InvestmentCommunity #VCNetwork #InvestorRelationships