Main Responsibilities Of A Partner At Morado Ventures LLC
As a Partner at Morado Ventures LLC, Henry's role is multifaceted, encompassing both operational support and investment activities. Henry actively works with portfolio companies, offering assistance ranging from "healthcare, payroll, insurance things" to securing "first customer" deals and product roadmap development, while simultaneously sourcing new investment opportunities by networking with founders and other VCs.
Venture Capital, Early-Stage Investing, Operational Expertise, Business Development, Product Strategy
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Henry Sohn
Partner
Morado Ventures LLC
UC Berkeley
n/a
Anthropology, Sociology
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing), Technology
Finance
Disabled, Immigrant
Video Highlights
1. Henry's role involves actively assisting portfolio companies, not just providing funding. He helps with various aspects of their operations, from business development and product strategy to even administrative tasks like setting up payroll or insurance. This highlights the hands-on operational support venture partners provide.
2. Henry spends considerable time sourcing new investment opportunities. He networks with founders, other VCs, and operators to identify promising early-stage tech companies. This emphasizes the importance of networking and deal sourcing in venture capital.
3. He emphasizes the variability in his work. Some portfolio companies need extensive support, while others require minimal assistance. This illustrates the dynamic and unpredictable nature of a venture capitalist's work and the need for adaptability.
Transcript
What are your main responsibilities within your current role?
I have a couple of different roles at the firm. One is in an operating capacity. We invest in early-stage, seed-stage tech companies.
Usually, these companies have between two to five people when we invest. All of us at the fund try to be helpful to the founders and the founding team.
Specifically, I go out of my way to be more helpful in a more active way. I don't code, so I'm not going to build code for them, but I can help with pretty much everything else on the operational, product, or business development sides.
I typically work with two or three of our portfolio companies in whatever capacity they need. Some companies don't need help and are fine once they get funding, which is great.
Other times, we'll simply provide help as needed, perhaps through office hours or whatever works for them. Some companies ask me to come on board almost full-time.
This can involve helping them get the company started with healthcare, payroll, insurance, or securing their first lease. I also help them close their first customer, working with potential clients and negotiating contracts.
My goal is to help them secure their first proof of concept, pilot, or commercial deal. Sometimes I assist with product roadmapping and organizing their development activities, depending on the company.
That's one set of responsibilities. The other side is on the investing side. I talk to potential founders and companies looking to raise capital.
I meet with founders, other VCs, and other operators in the valley. I keep my ears and eyes open for opportunities, and if I find something interesting, I bring it to the partnership to discuss.