Video

Venture capital thrives on a few big wins. In this short explainer, learn why successful VC strategies focus on large, diversified portfolios—typically 50 to 200 companies—to manage risk and increase the odds of capturing breakthrough returns.

What makes venture capital so exciting? In this video, Ron Levin shares how running a VC fund is about more than just returns — it’s about backing visionary founders tackling the world’s biggest challenges. From global health to technology, discover how venture investing can drive large-scale impact while creating powerful opportunities for growth.

In venture capital, financing rounds rarely involve just one firm. In this video, learn how AV plays a key role as a co-investor alongside other established venture firms like Sequoia, Andreessen Horowitz, and Benchmark. Michael Collins explains how AV adds value beyond capital — through board support, strategic introductions, and a powerful network that helps secure access to the most competitive deals.

Missed the Defying Darwin event? Don’t worry! Mike Collins and Drew Wandzilak break down the most compelling insights from this groundbreaking gathering focused on biotech, human potential, and national resilience. The event, themed around “Defying Darwin,” explored how biotechnology is evolving beyond traditional applications like medicine. Today, biology is being reprogrammed for national security, from the weaponization of biology to enhancing human performance. The conversation highlighted emerging innovations and the urgent need for the United States to strengthen its biotech infrastructure to stay competitive globally, particularly against nations like China.

What makes early-stage venture investing so powerful — and risky? In this short video, Michael Collins breaks down why investing in startups at their earliest stages, often before they have a product or customers, can lead to transformative impact and returns. Learn how high risk can bring high reward — for both investors and society.

At Alumni Ventures, our network is our strength. In this video, we share how we leverage our incredible community of investors to support the growth of our portfolio companies. From strategic introductions to sharing industry expertise, our network helps founders thrive. Hear why being part of the Alumni Ventures community means more than just capital — it’s about connections, ideas, and real support.

In venture capital, patience is key. In this video, we break down how long it typically takes to see returns from venture investments. From early down rounds to big exits that can take years, we share insights on why this is a long-term asset class and what to expect when investing in a VC fund. Join us as we explore the journey from investment to potential payoff and why successful exits often come later in the process.

Ever wonder how a venture capital fund is structured? In this quick explainer, we walk you through the simple yet powerful structure behind VC funds — how money is pooled, invested, and returned. Learn what it means to write one check in and receive multiple checks out, and why most returns are classified as capital gains, not income.

In this video, Michael Collins of Alumni Ventures talks with Bozhena Kulchyckyj about key insights from their Bytes and Brews event held alongside RSA Conference 2024. They discuss the growing role of AI in cybersecurity, both for attackers and defenders, and the emerging need to manage identity for non-human actors like bots and agents. Bozhena highlights companies such as Octo and Promptfoo that are working on API security and prompt evaluation. The conversation offers a grounded look at current trends, startup activity, and practical considerations for those working in or investing in cybersecurity.

What exactly is venture capital—and why does it matter? In this quick video, we explain the vital role VC plays in fueling innovation. Venture capital provides early-stage funding to bold, high-ambition startups that aim to change the world. Learn how this unique part of the economy helps visionary entrepreneurs turn big ideas into reality.

Are you an investor in venture capital and wondering what tax documents to expect? In this quick video, we break down what a Schedule K-1 is, how it’s different from W-2s or 1099s, and what it means for your annual tax filing. Learn why K-1s are the standard for reporting your share of taxable activity in a venture fund—and how Alumni Ventures ensures timely delivery of thousands of K-1s each year so you can meet IRS deadlines.

Meet Gökçe Güven, the trailblazing CEO of Kalder, a cutting-edge platform redefining how brands and consumers connect through decentralized loyalty and engagement. As an exciting portfolio company of Alumni Ventures’ Women’s Fund 1, Kalder is pioneering a new era of customer experiences powered by blockchain technology. In this video, we’ll dive into Gökçe’s visionary leadership, the innovative solutions Kalder brings to the market, and its potential to reshape the future of brand-consumer relationships. Discover how this investment highlights the importance of supporting women-led ventures driving transformative change.