Episode Summary

In this episode of “Venture Declassified,” hosts Mike Kelly, Jacob Schpok, and Ben Pidgeon are joined by super angel investor Ken Miller for a candid conversation on the art and reality of exercising influence as an angel investor.

The discussion kicks off with the dilemma many angels encounter: what to do when you see a portfolio company making decisions you disagree with—especially when you’re a minority on the cap table and not on the board. The group explores the most effective (and least destructive) ways to voice concerns, —asking sincere, probing questions to prompt founders to re-examine their assumptions.

Ken, Ben, and Mike unpack scenarios from disengaged boards to founders clinging to wishful thinking, debating whether tough conversations should happen one-on-one over lunch or in the boardroom. They dissect the role of data in clarifying disagreements, how to build consensus among other investors, and the importance of humility—accepting you might be wrong, even if you’re passionate and experienced.

The episode also tackles the reality of misaligned investor goals, such as the choice between holding out for a potential big exit versus taking chips off the table in a tough market. Throughout, the hosts keep it real about the ups and downs of angel investing—reminding listeners that failures are common, big wins can come unexpectedly, and open debate is often the healthiest path forward.

Whether you’re an experienced angel or just getting started, this episode is brimming with practical wisdom for navigating the emotional, interpersonal, and strategic challenges of influencing startups from the sidelines.

Ken Miller

With 30 years of experience developing teams and focusing on growth and innovation, Ken Miller has gained deep insight into the unique challenges of leadership. While technologies and industries continue to evolve, he believes the solutions to these challenges are consistently found in the same place: people. His passion lies in building empowered teams and cultivating leadership, helping individuals understand the powerful connection between personal growth, innovation, and high performance.

LinkedIn

Key Topics

• The Value Angel Investors Bring Beyond Capital

• Minority Stakeholders: Influence Without Control

• Board Dynamics and Effective Questioning

• Approaching Disengaged Founders and Boards

• Building Consensus and Escalating Concerns

• Navigating Differing Investor Philosophies

• Recognizing When Influence Isn’t Working

Connect

Mike Kelly

• LinkedIn

• Website

• Developer Town

Ben Pidgeon

• LinkedIn

• VisionTech

Jacob Schpok

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Hear more interviews and stories like this one at www.VentureDeclassified.com

The information provided on the show is not intended to be investment advice and should not be relied upon as such. The investors on today’s episode are providing their opinions based on their own assessment of the businesses or topics presented. Those opinions should not be considered professional investment advice. If they start up pitched as a part of this episode, it is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell, subscribe for or buy any securities.

In this insightful episode of "Venture Declassified," hosts Jacob Spock, Mike Kelly, and Ben Pidgeon are joined by guest Ken Miller to tackle the timely and complex topic of tariffs, and their ripple effects on startups, investors, and the broader business ecosystem. The crew dives straight into the current landscape, highlighting the divide between companies with international exposure—who are feeling the pinch—and those insulated from global trade dynamics.

The conversation kicks off with a candid exploration of how tariffs are impacting founder confidence and client spending, especially for startups selling into large, global enterprises. Ken and Mike weigh in on the trend of onshoring as companies reevaluate the risks tied to overseas manufacturing. The team dissects the purpose of tariffs, questioning whether they truly level the playing field or simply force startups to get more creative.

Jacob and Ben stress that, while entrepreneurs can’t control federal policy, they can—and should—plan for uncertainty. The hosts encourage founders and investors to be proactive about risk, advocating for scenario planning and optionality, rather than becoming paralyzed by volatility.

As the show wraps up, the hosts share practical advice: stay curious, gather data before making decisions, and always have a flexible plan B. The episode delivers a blend of practical strategies and optimism, reminding listeners that with creativity and adaptability, startups can weather almost any storm—even one involving tariffs.

Key Topics

• Historical and Philosophical Perspective on Tariffs

• Startup and Investment Planning in Response to Tariffs

• Debate on Whether Tariffs are the Only Tool to Level the Competitive Playing Field

• How Tariffs Influence Investment Thesis and Portfolio Strategy

• Practical Guidance for Navigating Tariff-Induced Uncertainty

• Investor Perspective: Finding Opportunity Amidst Danger

• The Virtue of Constraints and Ingenuity in Crisis

Connect

Mike Kelly

• LinkedIn

• Website

• Developer Town

Ben Pidgeon

• LinkedIn

• VisionTech

Jacob Schpok

• LinkedIn

• Elevate Ventures

Hear more interviews and stories like this one at www.VentureDeclassified.com

The information provided on the show is not intended to be investment advice and should not be relied upon as such. The investors on today’s episode are providing their opinions based on their own assessment of the businesses or topics presented. Those opinions should not be considered professional investment advice. If they start up pitched as a part of this episode, it is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell, subscribe for or buy any securities.

In this lively episode of "Venture Declassified," hosts Mike Kelly, Ben Pidgeon, and Jacob Spock dive deep into their screening processes, offering a backstage pass to how venture capital decisions are made. The episode is a fascinating exploration of how these experts engage with potential portfolio companies, balance efficiency with thoroughness, and deal with the challenges of high-volume deal flow.

Jacob, Mike, and Ben begin by sharing their recent experiences at South by Southwest and quickly transition to discussing their week-long schedules. This sets the stage for a detailed conversation about screening potential investments, differentiating between immediate red flags and opportunities worth pursuing. The hosts reveal how each of their organizations handles the influx of applications and inbound interest, underscoring the importance of structure and criteria in maintaining a robust pipeline.

Ben sheds light on his approach at Vision Tech, highlighting the value of maintaining a hands-on yet discerning method to assess new ventures. Meanwhile, Jacob offers insights into Elevate Ventures, where geographic requirements and innovation potential are key factors in initial screenings. Mike provides a view into their process of filtering deals and identifying champions within their team to advocate for promising startups.

The trio also discusses the variables and criteria that can make or break a deal during the screening phase. They touch upon aspects like business model viability, founder preparedness, and market potential. Additionally, they explore how external factors and dynamics can shape the landscape of investing.

The episode wraps up with a thought-provoking idea for future content: conducting live screening sessions with each host leading their respective deal discussions. This engaging episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intricate dance of VC deal screening and the mechanics behind investing smartly and successfully.

Key Topics

• Discussion about dedicating time to due diligence and screening companies

• The process of reviewing deal flow and assigning partners for screening

• Various strategies in handling screening calls and time management

• Assessing company validity and readiness during calls

• Differentiating promising startups from less credible ones

• Warning signs during screening, such as a lack of competition or sense of urgency

Connect

Mike Kelly

• LinkedIn

• Website

• Developer Town

Ben Pidgeon

• LinkedIn

• VisionTech

Jacob Schpok

• LinkedIn

• Elevate Ventures

Hear more interviews and stories like this one at www.VentureDeclassified.com

The information provided on the show is not intended to be investment advice and should not be relied upon as such. The investors on today’s episode are providing their opinions based on their own assessment of the businesses or topics presented. Those opinions should not be considered professional investment advice. If they start up pitched as a part of this episode, it is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell, subscribe for or buy any securities.