Unscripted with @jrichlive ft. Kara Nortman (Upfront Ventures)

TL;DR

Kara, a venture capitalist, shares her journey from finance to sports team ownership, emphasizing the importance of following one's passion and creating meaningful impact.

Transcript

kara how are you good afternoon good afternoon great thanks for having me here how are you i'm doing really well it's beautiful day in l.a no complaints isn't every day beautiful in l.a isn't that part of the mystique that is what steve martin told us in l.a stories [Laughter] um yes we sometimes i i switch from you know the uh long sleeves t-shirt... Read More

Key Insights

• 😃 Passion and purpose are crucial drivers of success, as seen in Kara's journey from venture capital to owning a sports team. Following one's joy and turning it into meaningful work can lead to unexpected and fulfilling opportunities.
• 🏛️ Building partnerships and engaging a diverse community are essential for creating impact and bringing about change, as demonstrated by the collaboration among founders, investors, and influential figures in the sports industry.
• 👨‍💼 The current market challenges require founders to be adaptable and balance risk, while also maintaining a long-term vision for their business. Seeking experienced advice and staying optimistic about future opportunities can help navigate these uncertain times.

Questions & Answers

Q: What led Kara to venture capital and how did her background influence her decision?

Kara was initially considering working for a non-profit or joining an investment bank after college. However, she was intrigued by the telecom industry and eventually found her way into venture capital, thanks to the guidance of a colleague. Her diverse background and passion for learning about different industries fueled her interest in this field.

Q: How did Kara's involvement in promoting pay equity in women's soccer lead to the founding of Angel City?

Kara's affiliation with Time's Up and her friendship with actress Natalie Portman sparked their shared interest in addressing pay equity issues in women's soccer. Initially an activism-driven effort to raise awareness, their collaboration eventually led to the decision to start a professional women's soccer team in Los Angeles, filling a market gap and creating opportunities for female athletes.

Q: How does Kara balance her role as a venture capitalist with her ownership of a sports team?

Kara finds balance by surrounding herself with a strong team at Upfront Ventures and collaborating with her co-founders and partners at Angel City. She credits the support and engagement from her fellow team owners, including prominent figures from various industries, as a significant factor in maintaining this balance.

Q: What advice does Kara have for founders navigating the current market challenges?

Kara advises founders to stay focused, be consistent, and resist the urge to panic. It's important for founders to adapt to the changing landscape, evaluating their business models and capitalizing on market opportunities. She emphasizes the significance of strong partnerships, mental well-being, and a growth mindset in overcoming obstacles.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Kara discusses her background in finance and venture capital, highlighting her diverse experiences in different industries and her involvement in the tech ecosystem in LA.

• She shares the story of how she co-founded Angel City, a professional women's soccer team, driven by the desire to address pay equity issues and promote women's sports.

• Kara also touches on her current role as a venture capitalist and advises founders to stay focused and navigate the current market challenges with consistency and balance.