For Founders - Alumni Ventures

All blogs tagged For Founders

July 28, 2025
What Does a VC Look for in a Great Founder?
Great founders don’t just spot problems — they’re driven to solve them. In this video, we look at what sets standout entrepreneurs apart: a deep passion for fixing what’s broken and turning that solution into a real business opportunity. Learn what investors look for in founders who create meaningful, market-ready change.
by Alumni Ventures
October 31, 20242 min read
Inc. Magazine Honors Alumni Ventures as a Leading Founder-Friendly Investor for 2024
MANCHESTER, NH, Oct. 31, 2025 — Alumni Ventures (AV), one of the world’s most active VC firms, is thrilled to be recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the Most Founder-Friendly Investors of 2024. This annual distinction by Inc. honors investment firms that prioritize providing the necessary capital and resources to help their portfolio companies thrive.
by Alumni Ventures
September 1, 20244 min read
How AV’s Blockchain & Fintech Team Helps Web3 Startups Thrive
Alumni Ventures’ Blockchain & Fintech Fund team has developed strong relationships with innovative companies delivering cutting-edge AI and blockchain infrastructure and services for banking, insurance, supply chains, healthtech, retail, and more. We strive to go beyond providing capital and serve as a trusted partner to entrepreneurs as they navigate their startup journey. AV and our Blockchain & Fintech Fund team bring an extensive ecosystem network, our 750K+ community members, and our experience and expertise to help entrepreneurs and our portfolio companies grow faster. Below are quotes from Blockchain & Fintech Fund portfolio companies discussing the benefits of their relationship with AV and our team.*
by Alumni Ventures
August 24, 20242 min read
Ask A Founder: What did you learn from your mother?
Discover how three successful leaders draw on the powerful lessons they learned from their mothers, shaping their approaches to leadership and life. Hear about the values that continue to guide them in their personal and professional journeys. Tune in for inspiring insights on optimism, compassion, and relentless dedication.
by Alumni Ventures
June 15, 20242 min read
Episode #15: Developing the Circular Economy for People, Planet, and Profit
In this episode of the Tech Optimist podcast, join Managing Partner Ron Levin as he talks with Sherif Barakat, Co-Founder and CEO of Swaplanet, about transforming the way we handle children’s clothing and toys. Based in Athens, Greece, Swaplanet is pioneering a sustainable approach to consumer goods by facilitating easy swaps of outgrown items among parents. Discover how this innovative model not only reduces waste but also offers families a practical solution to manage clutter and save money. Tune in to learn how Swaplanet is making sustainability accessible and appealing, one swap at a time.
by Alumni Ventures
June 14, 20242 min read
Episode #14: Our Children Can't Read
Join host Mike Collins on the Tech Optimist podcast as he interviews Andrea Reisman Johnson, CEO and Co-founder of Rally Reader. Discover how her platform addresses literacy challenges by combining technology with engaging content to enhance reading skills for K-12 students. Learn about Andrea’s personal journey in literacy and how Rally Reader is making reading accessible and enjoyable for children, helping them succeed academically.
by Alumni Ventures
June 4, 20242 min read
Episode #8: One Startup to Know: UserHub
In this episode of the Tech Optimist podcast, host Mike Collins interviews Patrick Rafferty, who’s the CEO and founder of UserHub, a company that provides subscription management for small and medium sized businesses, discussing their journey and milestones in the tech industry.
by Alumni Ventures
May 28, 20242 min read
Episode #7: Future You is Begging for a Financial Plan
In this episode, Steve Chen, Founder & CEO of NewRetirement, shares how his company uses AI to create comprehensive financial planning models, making retirement planning more accessible.
by Alumni Ventures
May 21, 20242 min read
Episode #6: You’re The Weak Link
In the sixth episode of The Tech Optimist podcast, the AV team delves into the dynamic intersection of technology, venture capital, and entrepreneurship. Mike Collins interviews David DellaPelle, Co-founder and CEO of Dune Security, a groundbreaking company leveraging AI to enhance cybersecurity by addressing human error. AV Partner Pete Mathias explores Multitude Insights with its co-founder Matthew White. Finally, Mike and AV Senior Associate Drew Wandzilak discuss all things space: what’s interesting, what’s investable, and where we are headed.
by Alumni Ventures
May 14, 20242 min read
Episode #5: Net Zero Heroes: CarbonCapture Insights
In this captivating episode of the Tech Optimist, host Mike Collins engages in insightful discussions with pioneers who are not just thinking about the future but actively shaping it. This week, host Mike Collins interviews Adam Oliner, co-founder and CEO of Graft, Adrian Corless, CEO of CarbonCapture, and Sophia Zhao, a principal at Alumni Ventures.
by Alumni Ventures
May 7, 20242 min read
Episode #4: Dad Died, Now The Work Starts
In this episode of Tech Optimist, Mike Collins explores cutting-edge technologies with experts. He discusses silicon photonics in home medical testing with Michael Dubrovsky, estate settlement innovations with Alexandra Mysoor, and the broader industry impacts of technology with Naren Ramaswamy.
by Alumni Ventures
April 30, 20242 min read
Episode #3: Divorcing Divorce Lawyers
In this episode of Tech Optimist, we explore transformative technology and entrepreneurship. First, AV Partner Pete Mathias discusses the future of AI infrastructure with Brian Mengwasser, CEO of Edgescale AI. Next, AV CEO Mike Collins and Principal Naren Ramaswamy dive into pressing topics for entrepreneurs and VCs. Finally, Erin Levine, CEO of Hello Divorce, shares innovative approaches to improving and simplifying the divorce process.
by Alumni Ventures

1 of 7