In a dynamic discussion, Yamen Al Hajjar, Issa Aghabi, Ali Karabey, Mohammed Alzubi, and Lucy Chow share insights on evaluating early-stage startups, mitigating risks, and offering valuable advice to aspiring investors, shaping the landscape of venture capital investment.

Sign up for Step events https://stepconference.com/

Subscribe now to the Step Feed newsletter for a daily roundup of the top tech & business news https://subscribe.stepfeed.com/

_____________________

HIGHLIGHTS

(0:00) Investment criteria and risk management for early-stage startups.

(2:25) Risk mitigation strategies in early-stage venture capital investing.

(8:02) Investing in overlooked founders and emerging markets.

(14:04) Diversifying investments through different teams and markets.

(20:21) Founder due diligence and risk mitigation strategies.

_____________________

QUOTES

"Fundamentally, I would say what we look at the companies we invest in, because of the stage that they're at them, that's the single most important thing, and I'm sure like everyone will say the same thing is people right?"

"We invest in people, we invest in entrepreneurs, we invest in teams that are resilient people who understand what they're doing people who really have a good head on shoulders."

"High risk, as they say, is high reward. This is what we signed up for."

"You need to limit the diversification as well. You need to show conviction at some point."

"It's tough look, you know, quitting to do this is tough."

"Don't look for entrepreneurs, but for CO investors."

"Invest in what you understand, although a lot of us do claim more opportunistic, we tend to gravitate towards sectors and themes we know very well."

"Try it before you buy it right? You will burn your fingers a few times before you do it."

"Take that first step and write that check."

"Invest, right. There are lessons you can only learn with your money."

_____________________

If you’re enjoying this podcast, please subscribe to Step Podcast and leave us a review!

Spotify → https://spoti.fi/3LIG8wj

Apple Podcasts → https://apple.co/3PxIXU5

Anghami → https://bit.ly/3lDKxG4