Thank you to Sydecar for sponsoring today’s episode! Read more about the SPV product that both Harry and Colin use for their investments below.
In this episode Harry and Colin speak with Chris Nakutis-Taylor. Chris is the Founder and Managing Partner of Nomad Ventures, an early-stage venture fund investing in high-network-effect businesses with marketplace dynamics. Before founding Nomad Ventures, Chris was one of the first 250 employees at Uber, where he played a pivotal role as a Regional General Manager and later as a founding team member of Uber Eats.
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Chris's diverse background includes private equity at HIG Capital and founding his own e-commerce startup, which he successfully exited within 18 months. He holds an MBA in Entrepreneurial Management from the Wharton School of Business, where he led the Private Equity and Venture Capital Association.
Throughout the discussion, Chris shares his deep expertise in marketplace investments, the transition from operator to investor, and the strategies that have driven his success. He provides valuable insights on identifying high-potential startups, the importance of having a focused investment thesis, and navigating the evolving landscape of both consumer and B2B marketplaces. Chris also offers advice for aspiring venture capitalists and angel investors, drawing from his extensive experience in building and scaling innovative companies.
Where to Listen and Watch:
Apple -
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Segments:
0:00 Intros
2:30 Chris’ Background
7:40 Difference between an Angel investor and VC
8:00 Chris’ Angel investing career
10:15 Challenges in investing with LPs
13:00 Importance of thesis
18:40 Marketplace investments
20:45 Evolution of Marketplaces
23:40 Role of AI for Marketplaces
29:50 B2B side of Marketplaces
31:20 Future of Marketplaces and Investment Strategies
Links to Additional Info:
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About Harry: Harry Campbell runs The Rideshare Guy, a popular community for drivers and gig workers. He’s an active angel investor having invested over $500k of personal funds in 30+ companies and funds over the past few years, still trying to figure it all out though! Harry also has a $500k mini-fund that invests in early stage mobility, logistics, marketplaces and his network.
Interested in learning about some of the companies Harry is angel investing in and read his deal memos, for FREE - just fill out this form - https://forms.gle/eYwtDE7p9K2bepnF8\
Harry LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/harrygcampbell/
Harry Twitter - https://twitter.com/TheRideshareGuy
About Colin: Colin Gardiner has spent over a decade building startups focusing on online marketplaces. Most recently, he worked for Outdoorsy as Chief Revenue Officer. He advises marketplace/platform startups on growth, analytics, monetization, fundraising, and strategy. He also runs the rapidly growing syndicate Yonder Ventures, which invests in marketplaces and platforms and the SaaS, Fintech, Insurtech, and the technology enabling them.
Colin LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/colingardiner/
Colin Twitter - https://twitter.com/ColinGardiner
Chris Nakutis-Taylor: Mastering Marketplaces with Nomad Ventures [Ep 37]