What does it take to build a startup from the ground up, and how does that experience change your approach to venture capital? We're sitting down with Zach Firestone, who runs the NYC office for Shadow Ventures, to get a operator's perspective on investing.

Zach has been on both sides of the table—as a co-founder struggling to get a startup off the ground and as an investor at Green Egg Ventures evaluating early-stage deals. He now uses that unique blend of experience to source the next wave of innovation, build powerful networks, and host the community events that connect founders and funders in New York City.

We dive into the gritty reality of startup building, the art of building meaningful investor relationships, and why community is the secret weapon for a successful venture firm. Get ready for a conversation filled with hard-earned wisdom from the front lines of the startup world.

Key Takeaways:

• The Operator's Advantage: How the scars and lessons from being a founder provide a critical lens for evaluating early-stage startups.
• Building a VC Hub: What it takes to build and grow a venture capital office and community in a competitive ecosystem like NYC.
• The Art of the Deal: How Zach sources unique deal flow and what makes a startup stand out in a crowded market.
• Bridging the Gap: The strategy behind managing relationships between ambitious founders, investors, and corporate partners.
• The Founder's Journey: Candid stories and lessons from the trenches of building companies like Welzoo and working in real estate finance.