In this episode, Richard Armstrong chats with Viktoriya, Founding Partner of TA Ventures, about her venture capital journey and early challenges. They discuss the rise of Eastern European tech, bootstrapping culture, and conference networking. Viktoriya shares success stories and TA Ventures' investment philosophy. The conversation highlights TA Ventures' strategic shift from Europe to Southeast Asia, exploring the region's venture capital allure. They cover the firm's partnership model, sector expertise, and team efficiency. Viktoriya also talks about angel clubs, growth plans, and emerging Southeast Asian trends. The episode wraps with quickfire questions and a teaser for future episodes.
(0:00) Introduction to Viktoriya, Founding Partner of TA Ventures
(0:14) Viktoriya's Venture Capital Journey and Early Challenges
(3:10) The Rise of Eastern European Tech and Bootstrapping Culture
(4:01) Networking and Building Connections through Conferences
(6:46) Success Stories from Eastern Europe's Tech Sector
(11:08) TA Ventures' Investment Philosophy and Founder Focus
(17:08) Evaluating Founder Expertise and TA Ventures' Notable Investments
(22:29) TA Ventures' Strategic Shift from Europe to Southeast Asia
(25:06) The Allure of Southeast Asia for Venture Capital
(31:19) TA Ventures in Southeast Asia: Strategy and Value Proposition
(36:59) TA Ventures' Partnership Model and Investment Approach
(39:03) Sector-Specific Expertise vs. Generalist Investing Debate
(43:00) Operating Efficiently with a Lean Team
(46:44) The Importance of Angel Clubs and Later-Stage Funding
(48:28) Planning for TA Ventures' Future Growth and Team Expansion
(51:17) Emerging Trends and Investment Opportunities in Southeast Asia
(53:04) Digital Enhancements for Offline Businesses in Southeast Asia
(55:02) TA Ventures' Long-Term Vision and AI Integration
(57:47) The Impact and Future of AI in Investment Strategies
(1:01:39) Quickfire Questions on Exciting Markets and Sectors
(1:04:02) Closing Remarks and Teaser for Upcoming Episodes
