Podcast
Episode 58: Navigating the VC Maze
Featuring
Justis Mendez, OneSixOne VenturesAshtyn Morris, VividFront
On this episode of Marketing Moves, we interviewed Justis Mendez, managing partner at OneSixOne Ventures, about his inspiring rise from a challenging upbringing to leading the way in venture capital. Mendez shares his journey in the tech industry, his work supporting startups in enterprise software and government tech, and the key role of community and relationships in the startup ecosystem. The conversation also explores his collaboration with Jake Paul on BETR, a revolutionary micro-betting platform, and how innovation in sports tech intersects with venture capital. Discover insights on founder-market fit, fundraising, and marketing strategies for emerging companies in this compelling conversation.
Prefer to read instead of listen? Here's what we discussed:
On this episode of Marketing Moves, hosted by Ashtyn Morris, we delve into the influential journey of Justis Mendez, managing partner at OneSixOne Ventures. This pre-seed venture capital firm focuses on enterprise software and government tech startups. Justis shares his remarkable personal story, highlighting his resilience and the importance of community in achieving success.
The Birth of OneSixOne Ventures
Justis and his business partner, Pablo, founded OneSixOne Ventures to address the lack of early-stage capital for startups in their region. They started by hosting events to connect founders with investors, eventually building the largest tech community between Orlando and Atlanta. This led to the creation of an accelerator program, helping 40 companies raise over $13 million in 18 months. Recognizing the success of their efforts, they decided to launch their own venture capital fund.
Focus on Enterprise Software and Government Tech Startups
OneSixOne Ventures focuses on enterprise software and government tech startups. This specialization arose from observing trends in the market, such as the layoffs of vendors by large companies and the increasing investment in government tech due to rising geopolitical tensions. By investing in these sectors, OneSixOne Ventures positions itself to take advantage of emerging opportunities.
Building Strong Startup Communities
Justis emphasizes the importance of community in the startup ecosystem. OneSixOne Ventures has hosted over 150 events in eight cities, bringing together thousands of founders and investors. These events are carefully curated to ensure high-quality networking and knowledge-sharing, which are essential for the growth of startups.
Marketing and Branding Strategies
OneSixOne Ventures leverages events as a form of marketing, using them to build relationships and create value for their portfolio companies. They also focus on producing high-quality content, including videos and podcasts, to reach a broader audience. Justis highlights the importance of having a strong brand and being relentless on platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram.
Insights on Early-Stage Investments
In early-stage investments, Justis highlights the importance of focusing on the team and the founder's ability to execute. He looks for founders who are uniquely qualified for their domain, have a clear vision, and can adapt to changing market conditions. This approach ensures that OneSixOne Ventures invests in companies with the potential for significant growth.
Conclusion
Justis Mendez's journey from adversity to becoming a managing partner at OneSixOne Ventures is a testament to the power of resilience and community. His strategic insights into early-stage investments and the importance of building strong startup communities provide valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and investors alike. By focusing on emerging markets and leveraging their unique strengths, OneSixOne Ventures continues to make a significant impact in the venture capital ecosystem.
By sharing his story and insights, Justis Mendez inspires others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and highlights the transformative power of venture capital in driving innovation and growth.